Cause of action as the act or omission by which a party violates the right of another. Its essential elements are as follows: (1) a right in favor of the plaintiff by whatever means and under whatever law it arises or is created; (2) an obligation on the part of the named defendant to respect or not to violate such right; and (3) an act or omission on the part of such defendant in violation of the right of the plaintiff or constituting a breach of the obligation of the defendant to the plaintiff, for which the latter may maintain an action for recovery of damages or other appropriate relief. (Heirs Of Dolleton vs. Fil-estate Management, G.R. No. 170750, April 07, 2009)