In the Philippines, parental liability for the actions of their children is a topic that encompasses legal responsibilities and implications under the Civil Code, particularly in cases involving minors and damage caused by their actions.

Overview of Parental Liability

Under Philippine law, parents are primarily responsible for the damages caused by their minor children who live in their company. This legal obligation stems from the concept of "parental authority," which includes not only the duty to care for and raise one's children but also to answer for the damages they may cause.

Legal Basis

The Civil Code of the Philippines explicitly states that parents are liable for the actions of their minor children under their parental authority and living in their company. This provision is rooted in the family law principle that parents should supervise and control the actions of their children to prevent harm to others.

Case Scenario: Injury Caused by a Minor

In the scenario where a four-year-old child pushes a seven-year-old child, resulting in injury, several legal considerations apply:

Age of the Child: The age of the minor is crucial in determining liability. Children under nine years old are generally not considered capable of negligence under Philippine law. Therefore, they are not personally liable for the damages they cause.
Parental Responsibility: Despite the child’s exemption from personal liability, the parents or guardians are liable for the injury caused by the child due to their obligation to supervise and control their minor children.
Extent of Liability: Parents may be held liable for all resultant damages unless they can prove that they exercised the required level of supervision and diligence in their parental duties at the time of the incident.