Question

II. HUMAN RELATIONS - B. Unjust Enrichment (Civil Code, arts. 22-23 and 2142-2143)

Scenario:

Anna, a wealthy art collector, hires Mark, a renowned art appraiser, to evaluate her vast collection of paintings. Mark spends several weeks meticulously examining each piece and provides Anna with a comprehensive appraisal report. Impressed with his expertise, Anna rewards Mark with a generous payment for his services.

Months later, Anna discovers that Mark had undervalued several valuable paintings in the appraisal report. These paintings were subsequently sold at auctions for significantly lower prices than their true market value. Feeling cheated and believing that Mark unjustly enriched himself at her expense, Anna intends to pursue legal action against him.

Questions:

1. Discuss the concept of unjust enrichment as provided under the Civil Code of the Philippines.
2. Would Anna's case for unjust enrichment be successful? Explain.