Attorney's Fees

As regards the award of attorney’s fees, the Court upholds De Guzman’s entitlement to reasonable attorney’s fees, although it recognizes that it is a sound policy not to set a premium on the right to litigate. It must be recalled that De Guzman’s repeated demands for the repair of the fence or the payment of damages by way of compensation, were not heeded by the Contractor. The latter’s unjust refusal to satisfy De Guzman’s valid, just and demandable claim constrained her to litigate and incur expenses to protect her interest (Emerita M. De Guzman Vs. Antonio M. Tumolva, G.R. No. 188072. October 19, 2011).