Court junks damage suit against private school in Carcar

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Trial Court dismissed a civil case for damages that a couple has filed against a private school in Carcar City after the complainants agreed to an amicable settlement.

RTC Branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras dismissed the case filed by spouses Raul and Floriza Montuya against the St. Catherine College because of the agreement entered into by the parties during the mediation proceedings.

Peras approved the agreement wherein the school would pay P18,000 to the complainants to cover the filing and attorney’s fees.

“After careful examination of the terms and conditions of the said  Compromise agreement, the court finds the terms and conditions stated therein to be not contrary to law, customs, public policy and traditions,” the court ruled.

The couple filed a civil case for damages against the school for allegedly posting Raul’s photo at the school campus bearing a caption “Beware of this person.” The couple demanded P500,000 damages from the school.

The school administration admitted posting the picture of Raul but claimed it was not intended to malign the reputation of the complainant. According to the school, it was done to remind the guard that the person concern is not allowed to enter the school premises.

The school claimed that it was done as a security measure for their students because the complainant is allegedly involved in two cases of theft incidents in Barangays Perrelos and Poblacion last year. — (FREEMAN)