Heirs of Purisima Nala v. Artemio Cabansag

Summary

This case involved a property ownership dispute where Artemio Cabansag sued for damages after receiving demand letters from Purisima Nala's counsel claiming she owned property Cabansag had purchased. The RTC and CA initially awarded damages to Cabansag, finding abuse of rights. However, the Supreme Court reversed, ruling that Nala acted in good faith to protect legitimate property interests without malice or bad faith. The Court applied Article 19 of the Civil Code's abuse of rights principle, emphasizing that good faith is presumed and bad faith must be proven. Key legal significance lies in clarifying that property owners may legitimately assert their rights without liability for damages absent proof of bad faith or malice, applying the damnum absque injuria doctrine where damage occurs without legal injury.