THE family of a tricycle driver who died after being hit by a trailer truck in April has brought the matter to court, filing a civil complaint for damages against the truck driver and the logistics company allegedly behind him after an earlier settlement agreement reportedly fell through.
The complaint, filed by Josefa Arcilla Estigoy, sister of the late Jerry Zantua Arcilla, seeks to hold Kernel Hector E. Macapagal and Aim High Philippines Logistics Inc. jointly liable for actual, moral, and litigation damages arising from the fatal road accident.
Court records showed that Arcilla was driving his tricycle in Olongapo City on April 23, 2026, when it was allegedly struck by a trailer truck with license plate NLF 6023, which was reportedly being driven by Macapagal.
Arcilla was rushed to James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment but later died from a traumatic brain injury he sustained in the collision.
According to the complaint, Macapagal executed an Affidavit of Undertaking on April 24, 2026, a day after the crash, in which he allegedly promised to cover the expenses related to the victim’s death.
Relying on that commitment, Estigoy signed an Affidavit of Settlement, stating that she would no longer pursue legal action against the driver.
However, the family alleged that Macapagal failed to honor the terms of the undertaking, leaving them with no choice but to seek compensation through the courts.
The complaint also seeks to hold Aim High Philippines Logistics Inc. liable, identifying the company as Macapagal’s employer and the owner or lessee of the truck involved in the crash. It argues that the firm should be held accountable under the doctrine of vicarious liability, or respondeat superior, since the driver was allegedly acting within the scope of his employment when the incident occurred.
Estigoy is asking the court to award P221,000 in actual damages to cover hospital bills, funeral and burial expenses, and other costs incurred by the family.
She is also seeking at least P200,000 in moral damages, saying the sudden loss of her brother caused deep grief, emotional distress, anxiety, and sleepless nights.
In addition, the complaint asks for P50,000 in attorney’s fees, P3,000 in appearance fees for every court hearing, and reimbursement of other litigation-related expenses.
Before filing the case, the family said it sent a formal demand letter to both Macapagal and Aim High Philippines Logistics Inc., but allegedly received no response.
As of this writing, neither Kernel Hector E. Macapagal nor Aim High Philippines Logistics Inc., which has been reported to be owned by the Maningding family, has issued a public statement addressing the allegations in the civil complaint.
About the Author
