[G.R. No. 132344. February 17, 2000.

]
UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST, petitioner, vs. ROMEO A. JADER, respondent.
FACTS:
Romeo Jader graduated at UE College of law from 1984-88. During his last year, 1st semester, he failed
to take the regular final examination in Practical Court 1where he was given an incomplete grade remarks. He
filed an application for removal of the incomplete grade given by Prof. Carlos Ortega on February 1, 1988
which was approved by Dean Celedonio Tiongson after the payment of required fees. He took the exam on
March 28 and on May 30, the professor gave him a grade of 5.
The commencement exercise of UE College of law was held April 16, 1988, 3PM. In the invitation, his
name appeared. In preparation for the bar exam, he took a leave of absence from work from April 20- Sept 30,
1988. He had his pre-bar class review in FEU. Upon learning of such deficiency, he dropped his review classes
and was not able to take the bar exam.
Jader sued UE for damages resulting to moral shock, mental anguish, serious anxiety, besmirched
reputation, wounded feelings, sleepless nights due to UEs negligence.

ISSUE:
Whether UE should be held liable for misleading a student into believing JADER satisfied all the
requirements for graduation when such is not the case. Can he claim moral damages?

HELD:
SC held that petitioner was guilty of negligence and this liable to respondent for the latters actual
damages. Educational institutions are duty-bound to inform the students of their academic status and not wait
for the latter to inquire from the former. However, respondent should not have been awarded moral damages
though JADER suffered shock, trauma, and pain when he was informed that he could not graduate and will not
be allowed to take the bar examinations as what CA held because its also respondents duty to verify for
himself whether he has completed all necessary requirements to be eligible for the bar examinations. As a
senior law student, he should have been responsible in ensuring that all his affairs specifically those in relation
with his academic achievement are in order. Before taking the bar examinations, it doesnt only entail a mental
preparation on the subjects but there are other prerequisites such as documentation and submission of
requirements which prospective examinee must meet.
WHEREFORE, the assailed decision of the Court of Appeals is AFFIRMED with MODIFICATION.
Petitioner is ORDERED to PAY respondent the sum of Thirty-five Thousand Four Hundred Seventy Pesos
(P35,470.00), with legal interest of 6% per annum computed from the date of filing of the complaint until fully
paid; the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) as attorney's fees; and the costs of the suit. The award of
moral damages is DELETED