WHO'S LIABLE? FIRECRACKER MISHAP IN VIRAL VIDEO EXAMINED ON CIA WITH BA

Who’s liable? Firecracker mishap in viral video examined on ‘CIA with BA’

A viral video ignited discussion in the “Tanong ng Pilipino” segment of CIA with BA. The clip shows someone setting off firecrackers that struck an electric post, triggering a wire explosion and causing a power outage across the entire neighborhood.

The first question raised was who should be held liable for the incident.

“Syempre ‘yung nagsindi ng paputok,” Atty. Marian Cayetano said plainly.

“Kung sino man po kasi ‘yung tao na nakapinsala, civilly liable kasi siya sa ating batas base sa konsepto natin ng quasi-delict. So ‘yung tao na ‘to na nakaperwisyo, obligado siyang magbayad ng danyos sa mga naperwisyo niya,” she elaborated.

Boy Abunda then asked, “Ano ang pwedeng ikaso [do’n] sa nagpaputok ng fireworks?”

According to Atty. Matt Cesa, “Ang criminal law naman kasi, not necessarily lahat with intent. So meron nga tayong tinatawag na quasi-delicts.”

He clarified further: “So dito, ang tinitignan ay ‘yung negligence nung tao. In this case, pwede siyang maging liable sa reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property.”

Atty. Mark Devoma added that if someone was injured, the case could elevate to reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury, and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide if a death occurred.

“To clarify lang din, ‘pag kinasuhan siya—for example naka-damage siya ng property tapos may nasugatan pa—isang kaso lang ‘yon. Pagsasamahin mo siya, because the act of lighting a firecracker is one act resulting to multiple crimes or offenses. Otherwise, double jeopardy would apply,” Atty. Devoma explained.

The lawyers reminded viewers to observe caution and responsibility, especially during the holiday season when firecracker-related incidents tend to spike. They emphasized that even without intent, negligence can lead to both civil and criminal liability — a message underscored by the viral video that sparked the discussion.

Led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Pia Cayetano, and Abunda, CIA with BA airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 p.m.