- Petitioner
- Ramon Arenas
- Respondent
- The Court of Appeals
- Citation
- G.R. No. 56524
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Second Division
- Ponente
- Regalado, J.
- Decided
- January 24, 1989
Summary
Architect Guido Cruz sued homeowners Ramon and Rosemarie Arenas for P90,000 balance of professional fees for architectural services rendered from 1970-1971. Cruz prepared multiple sets of plans incorporating client changes, supervised construction, and obtained permits for their Makati residence. Defendants paid only P10,000 of claimed P100,000 fees calculated under National Code of Architects Services (20% of project cost exceeding P500,000). Trial court and Court of Appeals found Cruz rendered complete professional services as evidenced by comprehensive documentation. Supreme Court affirmed P90,000 judgment with interest but eliminated attorney's fees award, establishing that professional service contracts are governed by industry standards and that the right to litigate should not be penalized through automatic attorney's fees awards.