Monday, February 15, 2016

Actual damages; compensation; reimbursement - one is entitled to an adequate compensation only for such pecuniary loss suffered by him as he has duly proved.



FINANCIAL BUILDING CORPORATION vs. RUDLIN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, BLOOMFIELD EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC., RODOLFO J. LAGERA, MA. ERLINDA J. LAGERA AND JOSAPHAT R. BRAVANTE, G.R. No. 164186, October 4, 2010;  with accompanying case -- RUDLIN INTERNATIONAL  CORPORATION, BLOOMFIELD EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC., RODOLFO J. LAGERA, MA. ERLINDA J. LAGERA AND JOSAPHAT R. BRAVANTE vs.  FINANCIAL BUILDING CORPORATION, G.R. No. 164347, October 4, 2010.

“x x x.

As to Rudlins counterclaim for reimbursement of its expenses in repairing the defective waterproofing, not a single receipt was presented by Rudlin to prove that such expense was actually incurred by it. Under the Civil Codeone is entitled to an adequate compensation only for such pecuniary loss suffered by him as he has duly proved. The award of actual damages must be based on the evidence presented, not on the personal knowledge of the court; and certainly not on flimsy, remote, speculative and non-substantial proof.[46]

The testimony of Rodolfo J. Lagera on the total cost allegedly spent by Rudlin in repairing the waterproofing works does not suffice. A court cannot rely on speculations, conjectures or guesswork as to the fact of damage but must depend upon competent proof that they have indeed been suffered by the injured party and on the basis of the best evidence obtainable as to the actual amount thereof. It must point out specific facts that could provide the gauge for measuring whatever compensatory or actual damages were borne.[47]

X x x.”