AJ died in a vehicular accident. He was on board a taxi going to FEU $–$ Manila when suddenly the front tire of the taxi blew out and the driver lost control. They hit a concrete barrier and AJ was declared dead a few hours after he was taken to the hospital.

$1.$ Is the taxi driver liable for AJ$’$s death?

$2.$ In case the taxi driver cannot pay, is the taxi operator liable?