Spouses Erlinda Batal v. Spouses Luz San Pedro

Summary

This case involves a breach of surveying contract where spouses Batal were hired to conduct property survey and boundary determination for spouses San Pedro-Tominaga's lot in Bulacan. Frank Batal, who was not a licensed geodetic engineer, placed boundary markers without proper supervision from his wife Erlinda, the actual licensed professional. Based on these inaccurate markers, respondents constructed a P250,000.00 concrete fence that encroached on an adjacent right-of-way. When the encroachment was discovered, petitioners admitted the mistake but failed to honor their promise to share demolition costs. All three court levels found petitioners liable for contractual negligence under Civil Code Articles 1170-1173, awarding P300,000.00 actual damages, attorney's fees, and costs. The Supreme Court affirmed, emphasizing that parties cannot renege on affirmative acts that others relied upon to their detriment.