This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2013-04-10 |
BERSAMIN, J. |
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| It is notable that the confusion on the amounts of compensation arose from the parties' inability to agree on the fees that respondents should receive. Considering the absence of an agreement, and in view of respondents' constructive fulfillment of their obligation, the Court has to apply the principle of quantum meruit in determining how much was still due and owing to respondents. Under the principle of quantum meruit, a contractor is allowed to recover the reasonable value of the services rendered despite the lack of a written contract.[51] The measure of recovery under the principle should relate to the reasonable value of the services performed.[52] The principle prevents undue enrichment based on the equitable postulate that it is unjust for a person to retain any benefit without paying for it. Being predicated on equity, the principle should only be applied if no express contract was entered into, and no specific statutory provision was applicable.[53] | |||||