Amado J. Lansang v. Court of Appeals

Summary

This case involves the personal liability of a government official for damages arising from eviction of a blind organization from public park concessions. GABI operated kiosks in Rizal Park under verbal agreement since 1970. New NPDC Chairman Lansang terminated the agreement and evicted GABI in 1988, allegedly motivated by personal revenge after the blind president supported striking workers and reported corruption. The Court of Appeals awarded damages finding abuse of authority under Civil Code human relations provisions. However, the Supreme Court reversed, holding that while Lansang was sued personally for alleged improper motives, no evidence supported abuse of authority. Since Rizal Park is public property beyond commerce, GABI's occupation was mere accommodation that could be validly terminated. The Court found no basis for moral or exemplary damages, emphasizing that public property accommodations can be withdrawn without establishing vested rights.