This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2002-09-05 |
PANGANIBAN, J. |
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| vehicle, the registered owner is the lawful operator insofar as the public and third persons are concerned; consequently, it is directly and primarily responsible for the consequences of its operation.[39] In contemplation of law, the owner/operator of record is the employer of the driver, the actual operator and employer being considered as merely its agent.[40] The same principle applies even if the registered owner of any vehicle does not use it for public service.[41] Since Equitable remained the registered owner of the tractor, it could not escape primary liability for the deaths and the injuries arising from the negligence of the driver.[42] | |||||