What are nominal damages under Philippine law?

Answer

Nominal damages are awarded to vindicate or recognize a right of the plaintiff that has been violated or invaded by the defendant — not to indemnify any loss suffered (Civil Code Article 2221). Their purpose is recognition of the right rather than compensation.

Because of that purpose, nominal damages presuppose a violated right but no proven measurable loss, and they are not awarded together with actual or compensatory damages for the same act. No proof of pecuniary loss is required (Article 2216), and the amount rests in the court's sound discretion. They are commonly awarded where a legal right was clearly breached but the loss was not proved or is not capable of proof.

Sources & further reading

• Civil Code Art. 2221 — nominal damages
• Full report: recovering moral, exemplary & nominal damages