04/02/2020
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The heirs are also entitled to damages for the loss of earning capacity of the
deceased Leandro Adawan.
The fact that the prosecution did not present
documentary evidence to support its claim for damages for loss of earning capacity
of the deceased does not preclude recovery of the damages.[46] Testimonial
evidence is sufficient to establish a basis for which the court can make a fair and
reasonable estimate of the damages for the loss of earning capacity.[47] Moreover,
in fixing the damages for loss of earning capacity of a deceased victim, the Court can
consider the nature of its occupation, his educational attainment and the state of his
health at the time of his death.[48] The testimony of Adawan's father sufficiently
established the basis for making such an award. It was shown that Adawan was
thirty-seven (37) years old at the time of his death in 1993 and earned P4,000.00 a
month as a mechanic.
Hence, in accordance with the American Expectancy Table of Mortality adopted by
this Court in several cases,[49] the loss of his earning capacity is to be calculated as
follows:
Net Earning Capacity (x) = Life Expectancy x Gross annual income living expenses (50% of gross annual income)
where life expectancy = 2/3 x (80 - age of deceased [37 years])
x
=
2/3 x (80 - 37) x [(P4000.00 x 12) - (P4000.00 x 12)50%]
x
=
2/3 x 43 x [P48,000.00 - P24,000.00]
x
=
[2/3 x 43] x P24,000.00
x
=
28.67 x P24,000.00
x
=
P688,080.00
Since Leandro Adawan was thirty-seven (37) years old at the time of his death, his
life expectancy was 28.67 years. Considering that his average monthly income was
P4,000.00, his gross annual income would be P48,000.00. Using the above formula,
the victim's unearned income would thus be P688,080.00.
On the other hand, the Court has no basis to award damages for Richard Lino loss of
earning capacity because the prosecution failed to introduce any evidence on this
matter.
Civil indemnity in the amount of P50,000.00 (consistent with prevailing
jurisprudence) is automatically granted to the offended party, or his/her heirs in
case of the former's death, without need of further evidence other than the fact of
the commission of any of the aforementioned crimes (murder, homicide, parricide
and rape). Moral and exemplary damages may be separately granted in addition to
indemnity. Moral damages can be awarded only upon sufficient proof that the
complainant is entitled thereto in accordance with Art. 2217 of the Civil Code, while
exemplary damages can be awarded if the crime is committed with one or more
aggravating circumstances duly proved. The amounts thereof shall be at the
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/37955
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