What to do when someone throws a rock at your car, legal expert shares advice

Several motorists have been victimized by individuals throwing rocks and other objects at passing vehicles.

Lawyer Gaby Concepcion shared some legal advice on “Unang Hirit” to guide those who find themselves in similar situations.

As House Bill 7838, which penalizes the throwing of hard objects at vehicles has yet to pass into law, a motorist can file a complaint for malicious mischief under Article 327 of the Revised Penal Code.

"Pag sinabing malicious mischief, ito ay mga kaso ng mga deliberate damage to property," Atty. Gaby said.

"Pero sa ngayon, ang pinakamabigat na penallty ay two months hanggang six months lamang na kulong, kung ang value ng property ay higit sa P1,000. Ang pinakamahina na diyan ay isang buwan kung hanggang P200 ang value ng property ng nasira."

"Of course, theoretically, kung nahuli ka," she added.

Atty. Gaby also explained possible legal remedies should the rock-throwing incident involve minors or individuals believed to be mentally unstable.

"Palaging nandiyan naman ang Civilized Liability, na kailangan pa rin panagutan ng akusado," the lawyer said.

"Kung hindi siya mismo, then ang mga magulang niya o kung sinuman ang nagaalaga kung ang tao nga ay wala sa tamang pagiisip. In the same way, ganun din kapag menor de edad 'yung mga magulang ang magsasagot ng civi liability," she added.

But what if the "bato-kotse" incident happens on mass transportation?

According to Atty. Gaby, all common carriers like buses have a responsibility to protect their passengers but there are just some incidents that cannot be avoided.

"Kung ang injury sa pasahero ay dahil nga sa pambabato na nggaling naman sa labas habang dumadaan ang bus sa ilalim ng bridge, halimbawa, at nakabukas ang bintana, baka naman hindi na 'to dapat panagutan ng carrier dahil wala naman silang kasalanan at dahil hindi naman talaga nila mapipigilan dahil ang pangyayari ng ay nangyari sa labas." she explained.

— Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News