Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PALS Civil Law (Persons, Property & Oblicon)
PALS Civil Law (Persons, Property & Oblicon)
Art. 2 NCC; Art.5 Labor Code; Sec. 3(1) & 4, Ch. 2, Book VII,
Administrative Code of 1987; BSP Circular 799
Effects and application of law
Tanada vs Tuvera, 136 SCRA 27 (1985)
Article 2 of the NCC does not preclude the requirement of publication in
the Official Gazette even if the law itself provides for the date of its
effectivity.
Tanada vs Tuvera,146 SCRA 446 (1986)
If the law provides for its own effectivity date, then it takes effect on the
said date, subject to the requirement of publication. The clause unless
otherwise provided refers to the date of effectivity and not the to the
requirement of publication itself, which cannot in any event be omitted.
Basa vs Mercado, 61 Phil 632
To be a newspaper of general circulation, it is enough that it is published
for the dissemination of local news and general information, that it has
bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers, and that it is published
at regular intervals.
PASEI vs. Torres, G.R. NO. 101279,Aug. 06, 1992 212 SCRA 298
Although the questioned circulars are a valid exercise of the police power
as delegated to the executive branch of Government, they are legally
invalid, defective and unenforceable for lack of proper publication and
filing in the Office of the National Administrative Register as required in
Article 2 of the Civil Code, Article 5 of the Labor Code and Sections 3(1)
and 4, Chapter 2, Book VII of the Administrative Code of 1987
Rep. vs. Extelcom, G.R. NO. 147096,Jan. 15, 2002 373 SCRA 316
Thus, publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general
circulation is a condition sine qua non before statutes, rules or
regulations can take effect. There is nothing in the Administrative Code
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of 1987 which implies that the filing of the rules with the UP Law Center
is the operative act that gives the rules force and effect.
Cojuangco, Jr. vs. Rep., G.R. NO. 180705, Nov. 27,2012 686 SCRA
472
In this case, while it incorporated the PCA-Cojuangco AG.R.eement by
reference, Section 1 of P.D. 755 did not in any way reproduce the exact
terms of the contract in the decree. Neither was acopy thereof attached to
the decree when published. We cannot, therefore, extend to the said
AG.R.eement the status of a law.
NMSMI vs. DND,G.R. NO. 187587,June 5, 2013 697 SCRA 359
The Court cannot rely on a handwritten note that was not part of
Proclamation No. 2476 as published. Without publication, the note never
had any legal force and effect.
Roy vs CA, G.R. NO 80718 Jan. 29, 1988
The term laws do not include decisions of the Supreme Court because
lawyers in the active practice must keep abreast of decisions, particularly
where issues have been clarified, consistently reiterated and published in
advanced reports and the SCRA.
Article 8. Stare Decisis; Case Law; See also Article 36, FC; article 9,
10, 11, 12 , 13, 14 NCC
Ting v. Velez-Ting, G.R. NO. 166562, Mar. 31, 2009 582 SCRA 694
The rule of stare decisis is not inflexible, whether it shall be followed or
departed from, is a question entirely within the discretion of the court,
which is again called upon to consider a question once decided. It is only
when a prior ruling of this Court is overruled, and a different view is
adopted, that the new doctrine may have to be applied prospectively in
favor of parties who have relied on the old doctrine and have acted in
good faith, in accordance therewith under the familiar rule of "lex
prospicit, non respicit
Floresca vs Philex Mining Corp.,G.R. 30642, April 30, 1985
The application or interpretation placed by the Supreme Court upon a
law is part of the law as of the date of its enactment since the courts
application or interpretation merely establishes the contemporaneous
legislative intent that the construed law purports to carry into effect.
Mendiola vs CA, 258 SCRA 492
Equity, which has been described as justice outside legality is applied
only in the absence of, and never against statutory law or judicial rules
of procedure.
Articles 15, 16, 17, 50, 51 (New Civil Code); Article 26, Family Code
Van Dorn vs. Romillo G.R. NO.L-68470 October 8, 1985 139 SCRA
139
It is true that owing to the nationality principle embodied in Article 15 of
the Civil Code, only Philippine nationals are covered by the policy against
absolute divorces the same being considered contrary to our concept of
public policy and morality. However, aliens may obtain divorces abroad,
Corpuz v. Sto. Tomas, G.R.NO. 186571, Aug. 11, 2010 628 SCRA
266
In Gerberts case, since both the foreign divorce decree and the national
law of the alien, recognizing his or her capacity to obtain a divorce,
purport to be official acts of a sovereign authority, Section 24, Rule 132
of the Rules of Court comes into play. This Section requires proof, either
by (1) official publications or (2) copies attested by the officer having legal
custody of the documents. If the copies of official records are not kept in
the Philippines, these must be (a) accompanied by a certificate issued by
the proper diplomatic or consular officer in the Philippine foreign service
stationed in the foreign country in which the record is kept and (b)
authenticated by the seal of his office.
Human Relations; Abuse of Rights, Unjust Enrichment; Malicious
Prosecution; Independent Civil Action; Arts. 1724; 2142; 2154;
2164; 2176, NCC
UP v. Philab, G.R. NO. 152411, Sept. 29, 2004 439 SCRA 467
Whether or not UP is liable to pay PHILAB considering that it is only a
donee of FEMF, FEMF being the one which funded the project, and
despite being a donee, unjust enrichment still applies to UP. In order
that accion in rem verso may prosper, the essential elements must be
present: (1) that the defendant has been enriched, (2) that the plaintiff
has suffered a loss, (3) that the enrichment of the defendant is without
just or legal ground, and (4) that the plaintiff has no other action
based on contract, quasi-contract, crime or quasi-delict.
Beumer vs. Amores, G.R. NO. 195670, Dec. 03, 2012 686 SCRA 770
An action for recovery of what has been paid without just cause has been
designated as an accion in rem verso. This provision does not apply if, as
in this case, the action is proscribed by the Constitution or by the
application of the pari delicto doctrine.
Padalhin vs. Lavia, G.R. NO. 183026,Nov. 14, 2012 685 SCRA 549
Nestor himself admitted that he caused the taking of the pictures of
Lavina's residence without the latter's knowledge and consent. Nestor
violated the New Civil Code prescriptions concerning the privacy of one's
residence and he cannot hide behind the cloak of his supposed
benevolent intentions to justify the invasion.
Civil Personality; Birth; Death; Arts 37, 38, 39 40, 41, 42; 390, 391,
712, 777 NCC; Art. 41, 96 &124, 99 & 126, 142 FC
Marriage
Definition, Marriage as contract and social institution, Presumption
of Marriage, Proof of Marriage,Offer of Marriage
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Marriage Ceremony
Morigo vs People, 422 SCRA 376 (2004)
Petitioner and Lucia Barrette merely signed the marriage contract on
their own. The mere act of signing a marriage contract by the contracting
parties without the presence of the solemnizing officer will not result to
marriage.
Infante vs Arenas, June 29, 1951
The failure of the solemnizing officer to ask the parties whether they take
each other as husband and wife cannot be regarded as a fatal omission if
the parties nonetheless signed the marriage contract in the presence of
the solemnizing officer. A declaration of word of mouth of what the
parties and already stated in writing would be a mere repetition, so that
its omission should not be regarded as fatal.
People v. Opea, L-34954, Feb. 20, 1981
If a man and a woman deport themselves as if they were husband and
wife, they are presumed to be validly and legally married to each other
and this presumption is not rebutted by a mere denial by the man (or
woman) of the fact of marriage.
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the law and the submission of the decree by themselves do not ipso facto
authorize the decrees registration.
Classification of Marriages, Relationships. Parties In Interest;
NCC;FC;AM 02-11-10 SC
Valid
Voidable
Void
Terminable
Others Classifications
Legal Separation
Separation in Fact
Common Law Relationship
Void Marriages vs Voidable Marriages
Suntay vs. Conjuangco-Suntay, 300 SCRA 760, 770 (1998)
The fundamental distinction between void and voidable marriages is that
a void marriage is deemed never to have taken place at all and cannot be
the source of rights. On the other hand, a voidable marriage, is
considered valid and produces all its civil effects, until it is set aside by
final judgment of a competent court in an action for annulment
Declaration of Nullity; NCC v. FC, AM 02-11-10 SC; Civil Code and
Muslim Code [PD 1083]
Proper party to petition for nullity of marriage; AM 02-11-10 SC
Ablaza v. Republic, G.R. NO. 158298 , Aug. 11, 2010 628 SCRA 27
Indeed, a brother like the petitioner, albeit not a compulsory heir under
the laws of succession, has the right to succeed to the estate of a
deceased brother under the conditions stated in Article 1001 and Article
1003 of the Civil Code Necessarily, therefore, the right of the petitioner to
bring the action hinges upon a prior determination of whether
Cresenciano had any descendants, ascendants, or children (legitimate or
illegitimate), and of whether the petitioner was the late Cresencianos
surviving heir. Such prior determination must be made by the trial court,
for the inquiry thereon involves questions of fact.
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The appellate court correctly ruled that the report of Dr. Tayag failed to
explain the root cause of petitioners alleged psychological incapacity.
The evaluation of Dr. Tayag merely made a general conclusion that
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Ochosa v. Alano, G.R. NO. 167459 , Jan. 26, 2011 640 SCRA 517
In this case the court proved that respondent was the sex partner of
many military officials. In view of the foregoing, the badges of Bonas
alleged psychological incapacity, i.e., her sexual infidelity and
abandonment, can only be convincingly traced to the period of time after
her marriage to Jose and not to the inception of the said marriage.
Yambao v. REP., G.R. NO. 184063 , Jan. 24, 2011 640 SCRA 355
Article 36 contemplates incapacity or inability to take cognizance of
and to assume basic marital obligations and not merely difficulty,
refusal, or neglect in the performance of marital obligations or ill will.
Rep. v. Galang G.R. NO. 168335 , Jun. 6, 2011 650 SCRA 524
In like manner, Juvys acts of falsifying the respondents signature to
encash a check, of stealing the respondents ATM, and of squandering a
huge portion of the P15,000.00 that the respondent entrusted to her,
while no doubt reprehensible, cannot automatically be equated with a
psychological disorder, especially when the evidence shows that these
were mere isolated incidents and not recurring acts.
Aurelio v. Aurelio, G.R. NO. 175367 , Jun. 6, 2011 650 SCRA 561
Whether or not a petition for nullity of marriage on the ground of
psychological incapacity may be dismiss for failure to comply with the
guidelines set forth in the Molina Ruling. Let it be remembered that each
case involving the application of Article 36 must be treated distinctly and
judged not on the basis of a priori assumptions, predilections or
generalizations but according to its own attendant facts.
Kalaw v. Fernandez, G.R. NO. 166357 , Sept 19, 2011 657 SCRA 822
He presented the testimonies of two supposed expert witnesses who
concluded that respondent is psychologically incapacitated, but the
conclusions of these witnesses were premised on the alleged acts or
behavior of respondent which had not been sufficiently proven. Sexual
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Republic v. Encelan, G.R. NO. 170022 , Jan. 9, 2013 688 SCRA 215
In any event, sexual infidelity and abandonment of the conjugal dwelling,
even if true, do not necessarily constitute psychological incapacity; these
are simply grounds for legal separation. To constitute psychological
incapacity, it must be shown that the unfaithfulness and abandonment
are manifestations of a disordered personality that completely prevented
the erring spouse from discharging the essential marital obligations.
Evidentiary requirement
Marcos vs Marcos, 343 SCRA 755 (2000)
If the totality of evidence presented is enough to sustain a finding of
psychological incapacity, then actual medical examination of the person
concerned need not be resorted to.
Award of Moral Damages
Buenaventura vs CA, 454 SCRA 261 (2005)
By declaring the petitioner as psychologically incapacitated, the
possibility of awarding moral damages on the same set of facts was
negated.
The award of moral damages should be predicated, not on the mere act
of entering into the marriage, but on specific evidence that it was done
deliberately and with malice by a party who had knowledge of his or her
disability and yet willfully concealed the same.
Prescription
Nial v. Bayadog G.R. NO. 133778=, Mar. 14, 2000 328 SCRA 122
The action or defense for nullity is imprescriptible, unlike voidable
marriages where the action prescribes. Only the parties to a voidable
marriage can assail it but any proper interested party may attack a void
marriage.
Declaration of Nullity; Art.40; Prejudicial Question- Section 7, Rule
117, 2000 Rules of Criminal Procedure; Arts.35 (4) & 41, FC; Art.349
RPC; Civil & Criminal Bigamy; Art. 83, NCC
Judicial Declaration of nullity of marriages
Ablaza v. Republic, G.R. NO. 158298 , Aug. 11, 2010 628 SCRA 27
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When the trial court issued its order dated November 8, 2006, it held
that although the Decision dated October 10, 2005 has become final and
executory, it may still consider the Motion for Clarification because the
petitioner simply wanted to clarify the meaning of "net profit earned."
Title III. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS BETWEEN HUSBAND & WIFE
(Arts 68-73)
Ilusorio v. Bildner, G.R. NO. 139789 , May 12, 200 332 SCRA 169
Marital rights including coverture and living in conjugal dwelling may not
be enforced by the extra-ordinary writ of habeas corpus. With his full
mental capacity coupled with the right of choice, Potenciano Ilusorio may
not be the subject of visitation rights against his free choice. Otherwise,
we will deprive him of his right to privacy.
Go vs. CA G.R. NO.114791, May 29, 1997 272 SCRA 752
Under Article 117 of the Civil Code (now Article 73 of the Family Code),
the wife may exercise any profession, occupation or engage in business
without the consent of the husband. In the instant case, we are
convinced that it was only petitioner Nancy Go who entered into the
contract with private respondent.
Family expenses and management of the household
TITLE IV. PROPERTY RELATIONS BET. HUSBAND & WIFE (Articles
74- 148)
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS;
(Articles 74-81, FC; Art. 119, NCC)
Pre-nuptial
Agreement;
Concept
Property regime by default
Marriage settlement
Parties to Marriage settlement
Laws governing Property Relations
CHAPTER 2. DONATIONS BY REASON OF MARRIAGE (Articles 8287)
Donation Propter Nuptias
Serrano vs. Solomon, G.R. NO. L-12093, June 29, 1959
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The following donations are not donations propter nuptias: (1) those made
in favor of the spouses after the celebration of marriage; (2) those
executed in favor of the future spouses but not in consideration of the
marriage; and (3) those Ggranted to persons other than the spouses even
though they may be founded on the marriage
Rules governing Donation propter nuptias
Heirs of Segunda Maningding vs. CA, 276 SCRA 601 (1997)
Even if the donation proper nuptias is void for failure to comply with
formal requisites, it could still constitute as legal basis for adverse
possession.
Valencia v. Locquiao, G.R. NO. 122134, Oct. 3, 200 412 SCRA 600
Under the Old Civil Code, donations propter nuptias must be made in a
public instrument in which the property donated must be specifically
described. However, Article 1330 of the same Code provides that
"acceptance is not necessary to the validity of such gifts". In
other words, the celebration of the marriage between the beneficiary
couple, in tandem with compliance with the prescribed form, was enough
to effectuate the donation propter nuptias under the Old Civil Code.
Donation between the parties
Donation of future properties
Revocation of Donation Propter Nuptias
Donation between Spouses
Agapay vs. Palang, G.R. NO. 116668 , Jul. 28, 1997 276 SCRA 340
Article 87 of the Family Code expressly provides that the prohibition
against donations between spouses now applies to donations between
persons living together as husband and wife without a valid marriage, for
otherwise, the condition of those who incurred guilt would turn out to be
better than those in legal union.
Arcaba vs. Batocael, G.R. NO.146683 , Nov.22, 2001 370 SCRA 414
Respondents having proven by a preponderance of evidence that Cirila
and Francisco lived together as husband and wife without a valid
marriage, the inescapable conclusion is that the donation made by
Francisco in favor of Cirila is void under Art. 87 of the Family Code.
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General Provisions
Dewara v. Lamela G.R. NO. 179010, Apr. 11, 2011 647 SCRA 483
All property of the marriage is presumed to belong to the conjugal
partnership, unless it be proved that it pertains exclusively to the
husband or to the wife. Registration in the name of the husband or the
wife alone does not destroy this presumption.
De Leon v. De Leon G.R. NO. 185063 , Jul. 23, 2009 593 SCRA 768
In the case at bar, ownership over what was once a PHHC lot and
covered by the PHHC-Bonifacio Conditional Contract to Sell was only
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The barefaced fact that the shares of stocks were registered in the
corporate books of Citycorp Investment Philippines solely in the name of
the petitioner-husband does not constitute proof that the petitionerhusband, not the conjugal partnership, owned the same.
Carlos vs. Abelardo, G.R. NO. 146504 , Apr. 09, 2002 380 SCRA 361
On the same principle, acknowledgment of the loan made by the
defendant-wife binds the conjugal partnership since its proceeds
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SBTC v. Mar Tierra Corp., G.R. NO. 143382 , Nov. 29, 2006 508
SCRA 419
To hold the conjugal partnership liable for an obligation pertaining to the
husband alone defeats the objective of the Civil Code to protect the
solidarity and well being of the family as a unit. The underlying concern
of the law is the conservation of the conjugal partnership. Hence, it limits
the liability of the conjugal partnership only to debts and obligations
contracted by the husband for the benefit of the conjugal partnership.
Ros v. PNB Laoag Br., G.R. NO.170166, Apr. 06, 2011 647 SCRA 334
It is enough that the benefit to the family is apparent at the signing of
the contract. From the very nature of the contract of loan or services, the
family stands to benefit from the loan facility or services to be rendered
to the business or profession of the husband.
Pana v. Heirs of Jose Juanite G.R. NO. 164201,Dec. 10, 2012 687
SCRA 414
Contrary to Efrens contention, Article 121 above allows payment of the
criminal indemnities imposed on his wife, Melecia, out of the partnership
assets even before these are liquidated. Indeed, it states that such
indemnities "may be enforced against the partnership assets after the
responsibilities enumerated in the preceding article have been covered."
No prior liquidation of those assets is required.
This is one instance where the wifes consent is not required and,
impliedly, no judicial intervention is necessary.
Spouses Guiang vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 125172. June 26,
1998,
Under the Civil Code, the encumbrance or alienation of a conjugal real
property by the husband absent the wifes consent, is voidable and not
void.
Roxas vs. CA G.R. NO. 92245, Jun. 26, 1991 198 SCRA 541
The joinder of the wife, although unnecessary for an oral lease of
conjugal realty which does not exceed one year in duration, is required in
a lease of conjugal realty for a period of more than one year, such a lease
being considered a conveyance and encumbrance within the provisions
of the Civil Code requiring the joinder of the wife in the instrument by
which real property is conveyed or encumbered
Guiang vs. CA, G.R. NO. 125172, Jun. 26, 1998 291 SCRA 372
The sale of a conjugal property requires the consent of both the husband
and the wife. The absence of the consent of one renders the sale null and
void, while the vitiation thereof makes it merely voidable. Only in the
latter case can ratification cure the defect.
Jader-Manalo vs. Camaisa, G.R. NO. 147978, Jan. 23, 2002 374
SCRA 498
Respondent Norma Camaisa admittedly did not give her written consent
to the sale. Even G.R.anting that respondent Norma actively participated
in negotiating for the sale of the subject properties, which she denied,
her written consent to the sale is required by law for its validity.
Significantly, petitioner herself admits that Norma refused to sign the
contracts to sell.
has no basis because Section 19(1) of the Rule does not apply to cases
governed under Articles 147 and 148 of the Family Code.
Espinosa v. Omaa, AC. 9081, Oct 12, 2011 659 SCRA 1
Extrajudicial dissolution of the conjugal partnership without judicial
approval is void. The Court has also ruled that a notary public should
not facilitate the disintegration of a marriage and the family by
encouraging the separation of the spouses and extrajudicially dissolving
the conjugal partnership, which is exactly what Omaa did in this case.
The "Kasunduan Ng Paghihiwalay" has no legal effect and is against
public policy.
Section 7. Liquidation of the Conjugal Partnership Assets &
Liabilities (Articles 129-133);
Agtarap v. Agtarap, G.R. NO. 177099, Jun. 8, 2011 651 SCRA 455
We hold that the general rule does not apply to the instant case
considering that the parties are all heirs of Joaquin and that no rights of
third parties will be impaired by the resolution of the ownership issue.
More importantly, the determination of whether the subject properties
are conjugal is but collateral to the probate courts jurisdiction to settle
the estate of Joaquin.
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are the rules on co-ownership. In Valdes, the Court ruled that the
property relations of parties in a void marriage during the period of
cohabitation is governed either by Article 147 or Article 148 of the Family
Code. The rules on co-ownership apply and the properties of the spouses
should be liquidated in accordance with the Civil Code provisions on coownership. Under Article 496 of the Civil Code, partition may be made by
aG.R.eement between the parties or by judicial proceedings. It is not
necessary to liquidate the properties of the spouses in the same
proceeding for declaration of nullity of marriage.
Lacbayan v. Samoy, G.R. NO. 165427, Mar. 21, 2011 645 SCRA 677
A careful perusal of the contents of the so-called Partition AG.R.eement
indicates that the document involves matters which necessitate prior
settlement of questions of law, basic of which is a determination as to
whether the parties have the right to freely divide among themselves the
subject properties. Moreover, to follow petitioners argument would be to
allow respondent not only to admit against his own interest but that of
his legal spouse as well, who may also be lawfully entitled co-ownership
over the said properties.
Cario v. Cario, G.R. NO. 132529, Feb. 02, 2001 351 SCRA 127
As to the property regime of petitioner Susan Nicdao and the deceased,
Article 147 of the Family Code governs. This article applies to unions of
parties who are legally capacitated and not barred by any impediment to
contract marriage, but whose marriage is nonetheless void for other
reasons, like the absence of a marriage license
San Luis v. San Luis G.R. NO. 133743, Feb. 06, 2007 514 SCRA 294
In the instant case, respondent would qualify as an interested person
who has a direct interest in the estate of Felicisimo by virtue of their
cohabitation, the existence of which was not denied by petitioners. If she
proves the validity of the divorce and Felicisimos capacity to remarry,
but fails to prove that her marriage with him was validly performed
under the laws of the U.S.A., then she may be considered as a co-owner
under Article 144 76 of the Civil Code
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Arriola v. Arriola, G.R. NO. 177703, Jan. 28, 2008 542 SCRA 666
Furthermore, Articles 152 and 153 specifically extend the scope of the
family home not just to the dwelling structure in which the family resides
but also to the lot on which it stands. Thus, applying these concepts, the
subject house as well as the specific portion of the subject land on which
it stands are deemed constituted as a family home by the deceased and
petitioner Vilma from the moment they began occupying the same as a
family residence 20 years back
Modequillo vs. Breva, G.R. No. 86355, May 31, 1990.
There is no need to constitute the same judicially or extrajudicially as
required in the Civil Code. If the family actually resides in the premises,
it is, therefore, a family home as contemplated by law
Patricio vs. Dario, G.R. NO. 170829, November 20, 2006.
Three requisites must concur before a minor beneficiary is entitled to the
benefits of Art. 159: (1) the relationship enumerated in Art. 154 of the
Family Code; (2) they live in the family home, and (3) they are dependent
for legal support upon the head of the family.
Cabang v. Basay, G.R. NO. 180587, Mar. 20, 2009 582 SCRA 172
The family home must be established on the properties of (a) the absolute
community, or (b) the conjugal partnership, or (c) the exclusive property
of either spouse with the consent of the other. It cannot be established
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Benitez-Badua vs. CA G.R. NO. 105625, Jan. 24, 1994 229 SCRA 468
Article 170 of the Family Code is inapplicable to this case because this is
not an action to impugn the legitimacy of a child, but an action of the
private respondents to claim their inheritance as legal heirs of their
childless deceased aunt. They do not claim that petitioner Violeta
Cabatbat Lim is an illegitimate child of the deceased, but that she is not
the decedent's child at all.
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Liyao vs. Tanhoti-Liyao,G.R. NO. 138961, Mar. 07, 2002 378 SCRA
563
The grounds for impugning the legitimacy of the child mentioned in
Article 255 of the Civil Code may only be invoked by the husband, or in
proper cases, his heirs under the conditions set forth under Article 262
of the Civil Code.
Labagla vs. Santiago, G.R. NO. 132305, Dec. 04, 2001 371 SCRA 360
A baptismal certificate, a private document, is not conclusive proof of
filiation. More so are the entries made in an income tax return, which
only shows that income tax has been paid and the amount thereof.
Macadangdang vs. Court of Appeals, 100 SCRA 73
In this case the husband and the wife continued to live in the same
province after their alleged separation, the Court did not discount the
possibility of physical access to each other considering their proximity to
each other and considering further that the wife still visited and
recuperated in her mothers house where her spouse resided with their
children.
Andal vs. Macaraig, 89 Phil 165
The court held that just because tuberculosis is advanced in a man does
not necessarily mean that he is incapable of sexual intercourse. There
are cases where persons suffering from tuberculosis can do the carnal
act even in the most crucial stage of health because then they seemed to
be more inclined to sexual intercourse.
Tison vs CA, 276 SCRA 582 (1997)
The issue of legitimacy cannot be attacked collaterally.
CHAPTER 2. PROOF OF FILIATION (Articles 172-174)
Solinap vs. Locsin Jr. G.R. NO. 146737 , Dec. 10, 2001 371 SCRA
711
Whether or not the certificate of live birth (Exhibit D) as presented by the
respondent, including the photograph showing that he and his mother
attended the deceased funeral, is sufficient to proof filiation of the
42
Heirs of Cabais vs. CA, G.R. NO. 106314-15,Oct. 08, 1999 316 SCRA
338
A baptismal certificate, a private document, which, being hearsay, is not
a conclusive proof of filiation.
Cenido vs. Apacionado, G.R .NO. 132474, Nov. 19, 1999 318 SCRA
688
Under the law, this statement must be made personally by the parent
himself or herself, not by any brother, sister or relative; after all, the
concept of recognition speaks of a voluntary declaration by the parent, or
if the parent refuses, by judicial authority, to establish the paternity or
maternity of children born outside wedlock.
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Tayag v. Tayag-Gallor, G.R. NO. 174680, Mar. 24, 2008 549 SCRA 68
Petitioner, however, overlooks the fact that respondents successional
rights may be established not just by a judicial action to compel
recognition but also by proof that she had been voluntarily acknowledged
and recognized as an illegitimate child. Respondent in this case had not
been given the opportunity to present evidence to show whether she had
been voluntarily recognized and acknowledged by her deceased father
because of petitioners opposition to her petition and motion for hearing
on affirmative defenses.
Puno v. Puno Ent. Inc., G.R. NO. 177066, Sept. 11, 2009 599 SCRA
585
A certificate of live birth purportedly identifying the putative father is not
competent evidence of paternity when there is no showing that the
putative father had a hand in the preparation of the certificate. The local
civil registrar has no authority to record the paternity of an illegitimate
child on the information of a third person.
Gotardo v. Buling, G.R. NO. 165166, Aug. 15, 2012 678 SCRA 436
We have held that such other proof of one's filiation may be a "baptismal
certificate, a judicial admission, a family bible in which [his] name has
been entered, common reputation respecting his pediG.R.ee, admission
by silence, the testimonies of witnesses, and other kinds of proof
admissible under Rule 130 of the Rules of Court." In this case, the
respondent established a prima facie case that the petitioner is the
putative father of Gliffze through testimony that she had been sexually
involved only with one man, the petitioner, at the time of her conception.
Rodulfo corroborated her testimony that the petitioner and the
respondent had intimate relationship.
Lucas v. Lucas, G.R . NO. 190710, Jun. 6, 2011 650 SCRA 667
Although a paternity action is civil, not criminal, the constitutional
prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures is still
applicable, and a proper showing of sufficient justification under the
particular factual circumstances of the case must be made before a court
may order a compulsory blood test.
44
Guy v. CA, G.R. NO. 163707, Sept. 15, 2006 502 SCRA 151
It is clear therefore that the resolution of the issue of prescription
depends on the type of evidence to be adduced by private respondents in
proving their filiation. However, it would be impossible to determine the
same in this case as there has been no reception of evidence yet.
De La Cruz v. Gracia G.R. NO. 177728, Jul. 31, 2009 594 SCRA 648
Where the private handwritten instrument is the lone piece of evidence
submitted to prove filiation, there should be strict compliance with the
requirement that the same must be signed by the acknowledging parent.
Where the private handwritten instrument is accompanied by other
relevant and competent evidence, it suffices that the claim of filiation
therein be shown to have been made and handwritten by the
acknowledging parent as it is merely corroborative of such other
evidence.
Uy v. Chu, G.R. NO. 183965, Sept. 18, 2009 600 SCRA 806
It is settled, then, in law and jurisprudence, that the status and filiation
of a child cannot be compromised. Public policy demands that there be
no compromise on the status and filiation of a child. Paternity and
filiation or the lack of the same, is a relationship that must be judicially
established, and it is for the Court to declare its existence or absence. It
cannot be left to the will or aG.R.eement of the parties.
See RA 9858
Legitimation
Concept and Definition
Who can be Legitimated
Procedure and effects of Legitimation
Abadilla vs. Tabiliran, Jr. A.M NO. MTJ-92-716, Oct. 25, 1995 249
SCRA 447
Whether or not, a child born out of wedlock, by parents who have a legal
impediment to marry each other, can be legitimated. As a lawyer and a
judge, respondent ought to know that, despite his subsequent marriage
to Priscilla, these three children cannot be legitimated nor in any way be
considered legitimate since at the time they were born, there was an
existing valid marriage between respondent and his first wife, Teresita B.
Tabiliran.
TITLE VII. ADOPTION
Domestic Adoption Act of 1988 (RA 8552)
as amended by RA 9523 (March 2009)
A.M. NO. 02-6-02-SC - Re: Proposed Rule on Domestic Adoption
Inter country Adoption Act of 1995 (RA 8043)
Amended IRR on Inter-Country Adoption (January 8, 2004)
Definition and concept of Adoption
Domestic Adoption and Inter country Adoption
Law governing Domestic Adoption
Who are qualified to adopt and to be adopted
Effects of Adoption
Rescission of Adoption
Procedure under ICA and DAA
Republic vs. Vergara, G.R. NO. 95551, Mar. 20, 1997 270 SCRA 206
The law here does not provide for an alien who is married to a former
Filipino citizen seeking to adopt jointly with his or her spouse a relative
46
Republic vs. Miller, G.R. NO.125932, Apr. 21, 1999 306 5CRA 183
An alien qualified to adopt under the Child and Youth Welfare Code,
which was in force at the time of the filing of the petition, acquired a
vested right which could not be affected by the subsequent enactment of
a new law disqualifying him.
Republic vs. Toledano, G.R. NO.94147, Jun. 08, 1994 233 SCRA 9
The Family Code reiterated the rule by requiring that husband and wife
"must" jointly adopt, except in the cases mentioned before. Under the
said new law, joint adoption by husband and wife is mandatory
Cang vs. CA, G.R. NO.105308, Sept. 25, 1998 296 SCRA 128
Physical estrangement alone, without financial and moral desertion, is
not tantamount to abandonment. While admittedly, petitioner was
physically absent as he was then in the United States, he was not remiss
in his natural and legal obligations of love, care and support for his
children.
In re: Adoption of Michelle & Michael Lim G.R. NO.168992-93, May
21, 2009 588 SCRA 98
The filing of a case for dissolution of the marriage between petitioner and
Olario is of no moment. It is not equivalent to a decree of dissolution of
marriage. Until and unless there is a judicial decree for the dissolution of
the marriage between petitioner and Olario, the marriage still subsists.
That being the case, joint adoption by the husband and the wife is
required.
Republic vs. CA & Bobiles, G.R. NO.92326, Jan. 24, 1992 205 SCRA
356
Under the Child and Youth Welfare Code, private respondent had the
right to file a petition for adoption by herself, without joining her
47
husband therein. When Mrs. Bobiles filed her petition, she was
exercising her explicit and unconditional right under said law.
Lahom vs. Sibulo, G.R. NO. 143989, July 14, 2003
R.A. NO. 8552 has unqualifiedly withdrawn from an adopter a
consequential right to rescind the adoption decree even in cases where
the adoption might clearly turn out to be undesirable.
TITLE VIII. SUPPORT
Concept of Support
G.R.ounds for Action for Support
Right to support
Order of liability for support
Contractual support vs Legal Support
Mangonon v. CA, G.R. NO. 125041 , June.30, 2006 494 SCRA 1
The grandparents are liable to support their grandchildren if the parent
cannot give support or sufficient support.
Lim v. Lim, G.R. NO. 163209, Oct. 30, 2009 604 SCRA 691
The inability of the parents to sufficiently provide for their children shifts
a portion of their obligation to the ascendants in the nearest degree, both
in the paternal (petitioners) and maternal lines, following the ordering in
Article 199.
Gan vs. Reyes, G.R. NO.145527, May.28, 2002 382 SCRA 357
A judgment ordering for support is immediately executory despite
pendency of appeal.
De Asis vs. CA, G.R. NO.127578, Feb. 15, 1999 303 SCRA 176
Whether or not, a renunciation of the existence of filiation of the child
and the putative father, made by the mother, is valid. It is true that in
order to claim support, filiation and,or paternity must first be shown
between the claimant and the parent, however, paternity and filiation or
the lack of the same is a relationship that must be judicially established
and it is for the court to declare its existence or absence.
Concept
Effects of Parental Authority
Santos Sr. v. CA, G.R. NO. 113054, Mar. 16, 1995 242 SCRA 407
When a parent entrusts the custody of a minor to another, such as a
friend or godfather, even in a document, what is given is merely
temporary custody and it does not constitute a renunciation of parental
authority. Even if a definite renunciation is manifest, the law still
disallows the same.
Parents who exercises Parental Authority
Joint Parental Authority
Rule in case of Separation of Parents
Perez v. CA, G.R. NO. 118870, Mar. 29, 1996 255 SCRA 661
Only the most compelling of reasons shall justify the court's awarding
the custody of such a child to someone other than his mother, such as
her unfitness to exercise sole parental authority. In the past the following
grounds have been considered ample justification to deprive a mother of
custody and parental authority: neglect, abandonment, unemployment
and immorality, habitual drunkenness, drug addiction, maltreatment of
the child, insanity and being sick with a communicable disease.
Laxamana v. Laxamana, G.R. NO. 144763, Sept. 3, 2002 388 SCRA
296
It is clear that every child [has] rights which are not and should not be
dependent solely on the wishes, much less the whims and caprices, of
his parents. His welfare should not be subject to the parents' say-so or
mutual agreement alone. Where, as in this case, the parents are already
separated in fact, the courts must step in to determine in whose custody
the child can better be assured the rights granted to him by law. The
need, therefore, to present evidence regarding this matter, becomes
imperative.
49
shall be separated from the mother, unless the court finds compelling
reasons to order otherwise.
CHAPTER 2. SUBSTITUTE & SPECIAL PARENTAL AUTHORITY (Arts
216-219)
Parental Preference Rule
Concept
Who may exercise Substitute Parental Authority
Liability of persons exercising special Parental Authority
St. Marys Academy v. Carpitanos, G.R. NO. 143363, Feb. 6, 2002
376 SCRA 473
The liability for the accident, whether caused by the negligence of the
minor driver or mechanical detachment of the steering wheel guide of the
jeep, must be pinned on the minors parents primarily. The negligence of
petitioner St. Marys Academy was only a remote cause of the accident.
CHAPTER 3. EFFECT OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY UPON THE
PERSONS OF THE CHILDREN
Right to Childs Custody
Sagala-Eslao vs. CA, 266 SCRA 317, 323 (1997).
It is a rule long accepted by the courts that the right of parents to the
custody of their minor children is one of the natural rights incident to
parenthood, a right supported by law and sound public policy.
Cang vs. CA, 296 SCRA 128 (1998).
Parental authority cannot be entrusted to a person simply because he
could give the child a larger measure of material comfort than his natural
parent.
Duty to Provide Support
Duty of Representation
Obedencio vs. Murillo, A.M. NO. RTJ-03-1753. Feb. 5, 2004 422
SCRA 21
50
Licel was only 14 years old, definitely a minor, on May 22, 2001, when
she was presented before respondents sala to affirm the execution of her
affidavit of desistance. This being the case, said affidavit should have
been executed with the concurrence of her parents. Licel could not
validly give consent to an affidavit of desistance, for a minor is
incompetent to execute such an instrument.
Lindain v. CA, G.R. NO. 95305 , Aug. 20, 199 212 SCRA 725
Under the law, a parent, acting merely as the legal (as distinguished
from judicial) administrator of the property of his/her minor children,
does not have the power to dispose of, or alienate, the property of said
children without judicial approval.
Neri v. Heirs of Hadji Yusop, G.R. No 194366, Oct. 10, 2012 683
SCRA 253
Administration includes all acts for the preservation of the property and
the receipt of fruits according to the natural purpose of the thing. Any
act of disposition or alienation, or any reduction in the substance of the
patrimony of child, exceeds the limits of administration. Thus, a father or
mother, as the natural guardian of the minor under parental authority,
does not have the power to dispose or encumber the property of the latter
CHAPTER 5. SUSPENSION
AUTHORITY (Arts 228-233)
OR
TERMINATION
OF
PARENTAL
INVOLVING
PARENTAL
AUTHORITY
See RA 9262 (Anti Violence against Women and Children [VAWC]) &
IRR
A.M. NO. 02-11-12-SC- Re: Proposed Rule on Provisional Orders
(March 4, 2003)
A.M. NO. 03-02-05-SC- Re: Proposed Rule on Guardianship of Minors
(April 1, 2003)
A.M. NO. 03-04-SC- Re: Proposed Rule on Custody of Minors and
Writ of
Habeas Corpus in Relation to Custody of Minors (April 30, 2003)
CHAPTER 4. OTHER MATTERS
PROCEEDINGS (Article 253)
SUBJECT
TO
SUMMARY
52
Uy (Jardeleza) vs. CA, G.R. NO. 109557, Nov. 29, 2000 346 SCRA
246
Rule 95 of the ROC, not the Rule on Summary Proceedings in the Family
Code, shall apply in a sale of a conjugal property where one spouse is is
an incompetent. A comatose spouse is incompetent.
Republic v. Tango, G.R. NO.161062, Jul. 31, 2009 594 SCRA 560
By express provision of law, the judgment of the court in a summary
proceeding shall be immediately final and executory. As a matter of
course, it follows that no appeal can be had of the trial courts judgment
in a summary proceeding for the declaration of presumptive death of an
absent spouse under Article 41 of the Family Code.
Rep. v. Bermudez-Lorino G.R. NO. 160258 , Jan. 19, 2005 449 SCRA
5
In Summary Judicial Proceedings under the Family Code, there is no
reglementary period within which to perfect an appeal, precisely because
judgments rendered thereunder, by express provision of Section 247,
Family Code, supra, are "immediately final and executory". It was
erroneous, therefore, on the part of the RTC to give due course to the
Republics appeal and order the transmittal of the entire records of the
case to the Court of Appeals.
176 of the Family Code); IRR of 9255; Passport Law (RA 8239)
Title XIV. ABSENCE (Articles 381-396, NCC);
See Article 41 FC; Rules (Section 4) 73, 74,107, Revised Rules of
Court;
Arts.774 & 777; Art. 1456; Arts 22, 2142-2175; Wills & Succession
PROPERTY
Concept of Property
Classification of Property
Immovable vs Movable Properties
Laurel vs. Abrogar,
Jan.
13,
2009
The words "Personal property" under the Revised Penal Code must be
considered in tandem with the word "take" in the law. The statutory
definition of "taking" and movable property indicates that, clearly, not all
personal properties may be the proper subjects of theft. The general rule
is that, only movable properties which have physical or material
existence and susceptible of occupation by another are proper objects of
theft.
Kinds of Immovable Properties
Bicerra vs. Teneza, 6 SCRA 649, 651 (1962).
A house (or a building) is classified as immovable property by reason of
its adherence to the soil on which it is built. Thus, a building which is
merely superimposed on the soil is not a real property.
Punzalan, Jr. v. Vda. De Lacsamana, 121 SCRA 331 (1983)
A building treated separately from the land on which it stood is
immovable property and the mere fact that the parties to a contract seem
to have dealt with it separate and apart from the land on which it stood
in no wise changed its character as immovable property.
Tsai vs. CA, 366 SCRA 324
In the instant case, the parties: (1) executed a contract styled as Real
Estate Mortgage and Chattel Mortgage, instead of just Real Estate
Mortgage if indeed their intention is to treat all properties included
therein as immovable, and (2) attached to the said contract a separate
LIST OF MACHINERIES & EQUIPMENT. These facts, taken together,
evince the conclusion that the parties intention is to treat these units of
machinery as chattels.
Caltex Phils.,
Inc.,
vs.
CBAA, May
31,
1982
CBAA,
May
31,
1982
55
While the two storage tanks are not embedded in the land, they may,
nevertheless, be considered as improvements on the land, enhancing its
utility and rendering it useful to the oil industry. It is undeniable that the
two tanks have been installed with some deG.R.ee of permanence as
receptacles for the considerable quantities of oil needed by Meralco for its
operations.
Rights as property
MBTC v. Alejo, 364 SCRA 812, 819 (2001)
A real estate mortgage is a real right and a real property by itself.
Chapter 2 Movable Property
Concept
Kinds of Movable Property
Chapter 3 Property in Relation to the Person to whom it belongs
Public Dominion vs Private Ownership
Classification of Property depending on ownership
Constitutional basis of State Ownership Jura Regalia
Chavez v. Public Estates Authority, 415 SCRA 403 (2003)
Submerged lands are part of the States inalienable natural resources
and classified as property of public dominion.
Republic v.
144
Jura Regalia simply means that the State is the original proprietor of all
lands and, as such, is the general source of all private titles. Thus,
pursuant to this principle, all claims of private title to land, save those
acquired from native title, must be traced from some grant, whether
express or implied, from the State. Absent a clear showing that land had
been let into private ownership through the States imprimatur, such
land is presumed to belong to the State
Public ownership vs State Ownership
56
20,
2010
To qualify as foreshore land, it must be shown that the land lies between
the high and low water marks and is alternately wet and dry according to
the flow of the tide. The land's proximity to the waters alone does not
automatically make it a foreshore land.
Binalay v. Manalo, 195 SCRA 374, 384 (1991)
The buyer did not acquire private ownership of the bed of the eastern
branch of the Cagayan River even if it was included in the deeds of
absolute sale executed by the sellers since the sellers could not have
validly sold land that constituted property of public dominion.
Hilario vs City of Manila, G.R. No. L-19570, April 27, 1967
The phrase banks of a river is understood to be those lateral strips
orzones of its beds which are washed by the stream only during such
highfloods as do not cause inundations. In other words, the banks refer
to the lateral lines or strips reached by the waters when the river is at
high tide.
Manila International Airport Authority vs. CA, 495 SCRA 591
No one can dispute that properties of public dominion mentioned in
Article 420 of the Civil Code, like roads, canals, rivers, torrents, ports
and bridges constructed by the State, are owned by the State. The term
ports includes seaports and airports. The MIAA Airport Lands and
Buildings constitute a port constructed by the State.
Reclaimed Properties
Republic vs.
Paraaque, G.R. NO. 191109,July 18, 2012
677 SCRA 246
The subject reclaimed lands are still part of the public domain,
owned by the State and, therefore, exempt from payment of real
estate taxes.
Here, the subject lands are reclaimed lands,
58
claims that he has a better right to the property must first fix the identity
of the land he is claiming by describing the location, area and boundaries
thereof. Anent the second requisite, i.e., the claimant's title over the
disputed area, the rule is that a party can claim a right of ownership only
over the parcel of land that was the object of the deed.
Del
Rosario
NO. 170575,June
8,
v. Roxas
2011
Foundation,
G.R.
In forcible entry, the possession is illegal from the beginning and the only
issue is who has the prior possession de facto. In unlawful detainer,
possession was originally lawful but became unlawful by the expiration
or termination of the right to possess and the issue of rightful possession
is the one decisive, for in such action, the defendant is the party in
actual possession and the plaintiff's cause of action is the termination of
the defendant's right to continue in possession.
Jose v. Alfuerto, G.R. No 169380, Nov. 26, 2012
Acts merely tolerated are "those which by reason of neighborliness or
familiarity, the owner of property allows his neighbor or another person
to do on the property; they are generally those particular services or
benefits which ones property can give to another without material injury
or prejudice to the owner, who permits them out of friendship or
courtesy.
Barrientos v.Rapal, G.R. NO. 169594,July
20,
2011
Kinds of Fruits
Right of Accession with respect to immovable property
Accession Continua
Fundamental rules
Industrial Accession
Building, Planting, and Sowing (BPS)
Rules in BPS in the presence of good faith and bad faith
Concept of Good Faith
Rules governing BPS
Floreza v. Evangelista, 96 SCRA 130
The rule under article 448 of the NCC applies only when the builder,
planter or sower believes he had the right so to build, plant or sow
because he thinks he owns the land or believes himself to have a claim of
title.
Mercado v. CA, 162 SCRA 75, 85 1988
To be deemed a builder in good faith, it is essential that a person asserts
title to the land on which he builds, i.e., it is essential that he be a
possessor in concept of owner and that he be unaware that there exists
in his title or mode of acquisition any flaw which invalidates it.
Bulacanag v. Francisco, 122 SCRA 498, 502 (1983)
Article 448 applies only to a case where one builds on land in the belief
that he is the owner thereof and it does not apply where ones only
interest in the land is that of a lessee under a rental contract.
PNB vs De Jesus, 411 SCRA 557
The landowner cannot refuse to exercise either option and compel
instead the owner of the building or improvement to remove it from the
land.
Javier v. Concepcion, Jr 94 SCRA 212 (1979)
62
The right of the owners of the bank adjacent to rivers to the accretion
which they receive by virtue of the action of the waters of the river is ipso
jure and there is no need of an action of the owner of the bank to possess
the new addition since it belongs to him by the very fact of the addition.
Cureg v. IAC, 177 SCRA 313 (1989)
The accretion to registered land does not preclude acquisition of the
additional area by another person through prescription.
Avulsion
Definition
Avulsion vs Alluvion
Rules Governing Avulsion
Change of course of River
Agne v. Director of Lands, 181 SCRA 793, 805 (1990)
There need be no act on their part to subject the old river bed to their
ownership, as it is subject thereto ipso jure from the moment the mode of
acquisition becomes evident, without need of any formal act of
acquisition. Such abandoned riverbed had fallen to the private ownership
of the owner of the land through which the new river bed passes even
without any formal act of his will and any unauthorized occupant thereof
will be considered as a trespasser.
Formation of Island
Right of Accession with respect to Movable Property
Adjunction or Conjunction
Rules governing Adjunction or Conjunction
Presence and absence of badfaith
Commixtion or Confusion
Specification
64
21,
2012
The issues in a case for quieting of title are fairly simple; the plaintiff
need to prove only two things, namely: "(1) the plaintiff or complainant
has a legal or an equitable title to or interest in the real property subject
of the action; and (2) that the deed, claim, encumbrance or proceeding
claimed to be casting a cloud on his title must be shown to be in fact
invalid or inoperative despite its prima facie appearance of validity or
legal efficacy. Stated differently, the plaintiff must show that he has a
legal or at least an equitable title over the real property in dispute, and
that some deed or proceeding beclouds its validity or efficacy."
Bahais v.
11,
2012
Under Articles 476 and 477 of the Civil Code, the two (2) indispensable
requisites in an action to quiet title are: (1) that the plaintiff or
complainant has a legal or an equitable title to or interest in the real
property subject of the action; and (2) that a deed, claim, encumbrance
or proceeding is claimed to be casting cloud on his title.
In this case, an action to quiet title is not the proper remedy because
petitioner no longer had any legal or equitable title to or interest in the
lots. The petitioners status as possessor and owner of the lots had been
settled in the final and executory December 4, 1985 decision of the
Bureau of Lands that the DENR Secretary and the OP affirmed on
appeal. Thus, the petitioner is not entitled to the possession and
ownership of the lots.
65
Sanchez v. Court of Appeals, 404 SCRA 541, 548, June 20, 2003
Co-ownership is a form of trust and every co-owner is a trustee for the
others, hence, the relationship of such co-owner to the other co-owners
is fiduciary in character and attribute.
Pangan v. Court of Appeals, 166 SCRA 375, 382, Oct. 17, 1988
If the co-owner actually holding the property asserts exclusive dominion
over it against the other co-owners, the corollary of the rule is that he
can acquire sole title to it after the lapse of the prescribed prescriptive
period.
Heirs of Flores Restar v. Heirs of Dolores R. Cichon 475 SCRA 731,
Nov. 22, 2005
While the action to demand partition of a co-owned property does not
prescribe, a co-owner may acquire ownership thereof by prescription
where there exists a clear repudiation of the co-ownership, and the coowners are apprised of the claim of adverse and exclusive ownership.
Delima v. Court of Appeals, 201 SCRA 641, Sept. 24, 1991
From the moment one of the co-owners claims that he is the absolute
and exclusive owner of the properties and denies the others any share
therein, the question involved is no longer one of partition but of
ownership
Maritegui v. Court of Appeals 205 SCRA 337,
When a co-owner or co-heir registered the properties in his name in
fraud of other co-owners or co-heirs, prescription can only be deemed to
have commenced from the time the latter discovered the formers act of
defraudation.
Lacbayan v.
Mar.
21,
2011
The first phase of a partition and,or accounting suit is taken up with the
determination of whether or not a co-ownership in fact exists, and a
partition is proper (i.e., not otherwise legally proscribed) and may be
made by voluntary aG.R.eement of all the parties interested in the
property. This phase may end with a declaration that plaintiff is not
entitled to have a partition either because a co-ownership does not exist,
or partition is legally prohibited.
67
Cruz v.
Feb.
12,
2008
Title V Possession
Concept of Possession
Elements of Possession
Kinds of Possession
Possession in Good Faith and Bad Faith
PNB v. De Jesus, G.R. NO. 149295, September 23, 2003 - One is
considered in good faith if he is not aware that there exists in his title or
mode of acquisition any flaw which invalidates it.
Parilla v. Pilar, G.R. NO. 167680, Nov. 30, 2006 - One whose interest
is merely that of a holder, such as a mere tenant, agent or usufructuary,
is not qualified to become a possessor builder in good faith.
Abalos
v.
Heirs
of
Torio,
G.R.
NO. 175444,
Dec.
14,
2011 - Acts of possessory character
executed due to license or by mere tolerance of the owner are inadequate
for purposes of acquisitive prescription. Possession, to constitute the
foundation of a prescriptive right, must be en concepto de dueo, or, to
use the common law equivalent of the term, that possession should be
adverse, if not, such possessory acts, no matter how long, do not start
the running of the period of prescription.
Chapter 2 Acquisition of Possession
68
Bunyi v.
Factor, G.R. NO.
591 SCRA 350
172547,
Jun.
30,
2009
175604,
Apr.
10,
2008
Chua--Bruce
v.
109595,
Apr.
27,
2000
V.
614
80298,
Apr.
26,
1990
Actual delivery of the books having been made, Cruz acquired ownership
over the books which he could then validly transfer to the private
respondents. The fact that he had not yet paid for them to EDCA was a
69
matter between him and EDCA and did not impair the title acquired by
the private respondents to the books.
BPI Family
v.
123498,
Nov.
23,
2007
Bad faith does not simply connote bad judgment or negligence; it imports
a dishonest purpose or some moral obliquity and conscious doing of
wrong; it partakes of the nature of fraud. We have held that it is a breach
of a known duty through some motive of interest or ill will.
Title VI Usufruct
Characteristics and Nature
Rights and Obligations of the Parties
Title VII. Easements or Servitude
Different kind of Easement
Restrictive Covenant
Fajardo v. Freedom
70
112331,
May
29,
1996
v.
173252,
Jul.
17,
2009
182567,
Jul.
13,
2009
Quezon
11,
2011
The wing walls do not per se immediately and adversely affect the safety
of persons and property. The fact that an ordinance may declare a
structure illegal does not necessarily make that structure a nuisance.
71
Perez v.
Madrona G.R. NO. 184478,
Mar.
21,
2012 Respondents fence is not a nuisance per se. By its nature, it is not
injurious to the health or comfort of the community. It was built
primarily to secure the property of respondents and prevent intruders
from entering it.
Donation
Nature of Donations
Classification of Donations
Persons who may giver or receive a Donation
Formalities of Donation
Effects and limitation of Donation
Insular
Life
v.
44059,
Oct.
28,
1977
72
v.
Sept.
30,
2008
126444,
Dec.
4,
1998.
Since no period was imposed by the donor on when must the donee
comply with the condition, the latter remains the owner so long as he
has tried to comply with the condition within a reasonable period. Only
then - when the non-fulfillment of the resolutory condition was brought
to the donor's knowledge - that ownership of the donated property
reverted to the donor as provided in the automatic reversion clause of the
deed of donation.
PRESCRIPTION
OBLIGATIONS
I. DEFINITION
MAKATI STOCK EXCHANGE vs. CAMPOS, G.R. NO. 138814, April 16,
2009
73
Respondent used the terms "right and obligation" in his Petition from
which he concluded that that such Petition sufficiently states a cause of
action. Right and obligation are legal terms with specific legal meaning;
A right is a claim or title to an interest in anything whatsoever that is
enforceable by law, while an obligation is defined in the Civil Code as a
juridical necessity to give, to do or not to do and in the words of Arias
Ramos "An obligation is a juridical relation whereby a person (called the
creditor) may demand from another (called the debtor) the observance of
a determinative conduct (the giving, doing or not doing), and in case of
breach, may demand satisfaction from the assets of the latter."
II. ELEMENTS OF AN OBLIGATION
DEGAOS vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, G.R. NO. 162826,
October 14, 2013
Degaos claims that his partial payments to the complainants novated
his contract with them from agency to loan, thereby converting his
liability from criminal to civil. The incompatibility in novation must take
place in any of the essential elements of the obligation, such as its object,
cause or principal conditions thereof; otherwise, the change would be
merely modificatory in nature and insufficient to extinguish the original
obligation.
ASUNCION vs. CA, G.R. NO. 109125, December 2, 1994
An obligation is a juridical necessity to give, to do or not to do (Art. 1156,
Civil Code) and is constituted upon the concurrence of the essential
elements thereof, viz: (a) The vinculum juris or juridical tie which is the
efficient cause established by the various sources of obligations (law,
contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts and quasi-delicts); (b) the object which
is the prestation or conduct; required to be observed (to give, to do or not
to do); and (c) the subject-persons who, viewed from the demandability of
the obligation, are the active (obligee) and the passive (obligor) subjects.
III. DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRESTATIONS
SSS vs MOONWALK DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING CORPORATION,
G.R. NO. 73345. April 7, 1993.
For failure to pay on time the amortization, SSS imposed the 12%
penalty contained in the penal clause of the contract entered into
between the parties. Inpositive obligations, (to give and to do), the
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not take place, the parties would stand as if the conditional obligation
had never existed.
HEIRS OF PAULINO ATIENZA vs. ESPIDOL, G.R. NO. 180665
First, since Espidol failed to pay the installment on a day certain
fixed in their agreement, the Atienzas can afterwards validly cancel and
ignore the contract to sell because their obligation to sell under it did not
arise. Since the suspensive condition did not arise, the parties stood as
if the conditional obligation had never existed.
Second, it was not a pure suspensive condition in the sense that
the Atienzas made no undertaking while the installments were not yet
due. Mr. Justice Edgardo L. Paras gave a fitting example of suspensive
condition: Ill buy your land for P1,000.00 if you pass the last bar
examinations. This he said was suspensive for the bar examinations
results will be awaited. Meantime the buyer is placed under no
immediate obligation to the person who took the examinations.
Here, however, although the Atienzas had no obligation as yet to
turn over title pending the occurrence of the suspensive condition, it was
implicit that they were under immediate obligation not to sell the land to
another in the meantime. When Espidol failed to pay within the period
provided in their agreement, the Atienzas were relieved of any obligation
to hold the property in reserve for him.
not a mere breach, casual or serious, but a situation that prevents the
obligation of the vendor to convey title from acquiring an obligatory force.
CONDITION PRECEDENT
PARKS vs. PROVINCE OF TARLAC, G.R. NO. L-24190, July 13, 1926
Appellant contends that a condition precedent having been imposed in
the donation and the same not having been complied with, the donation
never became effective. The characteristic of a condition precedent is
that the acquisition of the right is not effected while said condition is not
complied with or is not deemed complied with, consequently, when a
condition is imposed, the compliance of which cannot be effected except
when the right is deemed acquired, such condition cannot be a condition
precedent but a condition subsequent.
RESOLUTORY CONDITION
ART 1181
CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY vs. CA, G.R. NO. 112230. July
17, 1995
Petitioner failed to comply to build a school on the donated land given by
the private respondent, which prompted the private respondent to
rescind the donation. On conditional obligations, the acquisition of rights
as well the extinguishment or loss of those already acquired shall depend
upon the happening of the event which constitutes the condition, thus,
when a person donates land to another on the condition that the latter
would build upon the land a school is such a resolutory one and if there
was no fulfillment with the condition such as what obtains in the instant
case, the donation may be revoked & all rights which the donee may
have acquired shall be deemed lost & extinguished.
C. OBLIGATIONS WITH A PERIOD
RADIOWEALTH FINANCE COMPANY vs. Spouses DEL ROSARIO, G.R.
NO. 138739. July 6, 2000
87
Petitioner claimed that respondents are liable for the whole amount of
their debt and the interest thereon, after they defaulted on the monthly
installments, due to acceleration clause therein. Respondents, on the
other hand, countered that the installments were not yet due and
demandable, evidenced by the blank space left for the date on which the
installments should have commenced and theorized that fulfillment of
the obligation is dependent on the sole will of the debtor, hence proper
court should first fix a period for payment. The act of leaving blank the
due date of the first installment did not necessarily mean that the
debtors were allowed to pay as and when they could, since the presence
of an acceleration clause and a late payment penalty, showed the
intention of the parties that the installments should be paid at a definite
date, this is an obligation with a period.
LIM vs.PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, G.R. NO. L-34338 November
21, 1984
Petitioner seeks the reversal of the decision of the lower court which
convicted her of the crime of Estafa when she failed to give the proceeds
of the sale of the tobacco in accordance with their agreement which says
that ''...payment should be given as soon as the tobaccos are sold...'' and
contended that the court should first fix the period. It is clear in the
aG.R.eement, that the obligation was immediately demandable as soon
as the tobacco was disposed of hence, Article 1197 of the New Civil Code,
which provides that the courts may fix the duration of the obligation if it
does not fix a period, does not apply.
ART 1197
ARANETA, INC., vs.PHILIPPINE SUGAR ESTATES, G.R. NO. L-22558
May 31, 1967
Araneta, who was not able to comply with his obligation to create side
streets on the sides of the land which were sold to the PSE due to the
presence of squatters, questions the decision of the lower court ordering
him to comply with his obligation within 2 years from the finality of the
decision. It must be recalled that Article 1197 of the Civil Code involves a
two-step process, the Court must first determine that "the obligation
does not fix a period", or from the nature and the circumstances it can be
inferred that a period was intended, because courts can not fix a period
merely because in its opinion it is or should be reasonable and the
complaint not having sought that the court should set a period, but must
set the time that the parties are shown to have intended.
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The promissory note in question provided on its face for payment of the
obligation in Philippine currency, but the aG.R.eement between the
parties originally involved a dollar transaction.
If there is any agreement to pay an obligation in a currency other than
Philippine legal tender, the same is null and void as contrary to public
policy, pursuant to Republic Act No. 529, and the most that could be
demanded is to pay said obligation in Philippine currency, hence, a
creditor herein cannot oblige the debtor to pay him in dollars, even if the
loan were given in said currency.
KALALO vs. LUZ, G.R. NO. L-27782, July 31, 1970
Appellant claims that lower court erred in declaring and holding that the
balance owing from defendant-appellant to plaintiff-appellee on the IRRI
Project should be paid on the basis of the rate of exchange of the U.S.
dollar to the Philippine peso at the time of payment of judgment. Even if
the obligation assumed by the defendant was to pay the plaintiff a sum of
money expressed in American currency, the indemnity to be allowed
should be expressed in Philippine currency at the rate of exchange at the
time of judgment rather than at the rate of exchange prevailing on the
date of defendant's breach.
LEGAL TENDER
TIBAJIA vs. CA, G.R. NO. 100290, June 4, 1993
Checks representing deposit money do not have legal tender power and
their acceptance in the payment of debts, both public and private, is at
the option of the creditor.
ROMAN CATHOLIC vs. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT, G.R.
NO. 72110. November 16, 1990.
Since a negotiable instrument is only a substitute for money and not
money, the delivery of such an instrument does not, by itself, operate as
payment. A check, whether a managers check or ordinary check, is not
legal tender, and an offer of a check in payment of a debt is not a valid
tender of payment and may be refused receipt by the obligee or creditor.
PAPA vs. VALENCIA, G.R. NO. 105188, January 23, 1998
Petitioner received the payment partly in cash and partly in check but
was not able to encash the check, and now questions the said payment
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If the creditor to whom tender of payment has been made refuses without
just cause to accept it, the debtor shall be released from responsibility by
consignation which is the act of depositing the thing due with the court
or judicial authorities but it generally requires a prior tender of payment.
ART 1259
SOCO vs. MILITANTE, G.R. NO. L-58961 June 28, 1983
Defendant contended that payments of rental thru checks were made to
the plaintiff but the latter refused to accept them, hence defendant
authorized the bank to make consignation with the Clerk of Court. In
order to be valid, the tender of payment must be made in lawful
currency, but payment in check by the debtor may be acceptable as
valid, if no prompt objection to said payment is made.
SOCO vs. MILITANTE, G.R. NO. L-58961 June 28, 1983
The decision subject of the present petition for review holds the view that
there was substantial compliance with the requisites of consignation and
so ruled in favor of private respondent. Substantial compliance is not
enough and the essential requisites of a valid consignation, under
Articles 1256 to 1261 of the New Civil Code must be complied with fully
and strictly in accordance with the law and must be accorded a
mandatory construction.
Immaculata vs. Navarro, G.R. NO.L-42230, April 15, 1988
Respondents alleged that the offer to redeem was not sincere, because
there was no consignation. The right to redeem is a RIGHT, not an
obligation, therefore, there is no consignation required to preserve the
right to redeem.
TENDER OF PAYMENT
SPOUSES CACAYORIN vs. ARMED FORCES AND POLICE MUTUAL
BENEFIT ASSOCIATION, INC., G.R. NO.171298, April 15, 2013
Petitioner alleged that the lack of prior tender of payment to their
consignation case is because they were at a loss as to which between the
two the Rural Bank or AFPMBAI was entitled to such a tender of
payment. Article 1256 authorizes consignation alone, without need of
prior tender of payment, where the ground for consignation is that the
creditor is unknown, or does not appear at the place of payment; or is
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ART 1980
BPI vs CA, G.R. NO. 136202, January 25, 2007
Petitioner, as a collecting agent, debited Salazar's account. The account
was different from the original account to which the proceeds of the
check were credited but both accounts belonged to Salazar. The debited
account was the account of the sole proprietorship she owns. The other
account was her personal account.
A bank generally has a right of set-off over the deposits therein for the
payment of any withdrawals on the part of a depositor, because fixed,
savings, and current deposits of money in banks and similar institutions
are governed by the provisions concerning simple loan, hence, the
relationship between banks and depositors is that of creditor and debtor.
Legal compensation under Article 1278 of the Civil Code may take place
when all the requisites mentioned in Article 1279 are present.
GAN TION vs. HON. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. L-22490, May 21,
1969
The award for attorney's fees is made in favor of the litigant, not of his
counsel, hence, it is the litigant, not his counsel, who is the judgment
creditor and who may enforce the judgment by execution, such credit,
therefore, may properly be the subject of legal compensation.
ART 1278
PNB vs VDA. DE ONG ACERO, G.R. NO. L-69255, February 27, 1987
PNB's main thesis is that when it opened a savings account for ISABELA,
it (PNB) became indebted to ISABELA, so that when ISABELA itself
subsequently came to be indebted to it on account of ISABELA's breach
of the terms of the Credit Agreement, ISABELA and PNB became at the
same time creditors and debtors of each other, thus compensation
automatically took place between them, in accordance with Article 1278
of the Civil Code.
Compensation shall take when two persons, in their own right, are
creditors and debtors of each other and that compensation may transpire
by operation of law, as when all the requisites therefor, set out in Article
1279, are present. Nonetheless these legal provisions can not apply if it
has not proven by competent evidence that PNB is a creditor of ISABELA.
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F. RESCISSION
UNIVERSAL FOOD CORPORATION vs. CA, G.R. NO. L-29155, May 13,
1970
Respondent patentee was dismissed as the permanent chief chemist of
the corporation without any fault or negligence on his part after the
execution of the Bill of Assignment, prompting him to rescind the
contract. The general rule is that rescission of a contract will not be
permitted for a slight or casual breach, but only for such substantial and
fundamental breach as would defeat the very object of the parties in
making the agreement.
ART 1191
DEL CASTILLO Vda. DE MISTICA vs. SPOUSES NAGUIAT, G.R. NO.
137909, December 11, 2003
In the present case, the failure of respondents to pay the balance of the
purchase price within ten years from the execution of the Deed did not
amount to a substantial breach. Under Article 1191 of the Civil Code,
the right to rescind an obligation is predicated on the violation of the
reciprocity between parties, brought about by a breach of faith by one of
them however, rescission is allowed only where the breach is substantial
and fundamental to the fulfillment of the obligation.
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CARTON
The CA added that even assuming that the agreement was for
respondent to deliver the boxes, respondent would not be liable for
breach of contract as petitioner had not yet demanded from it the
delivery of the boxes. Without a previous demand for the fulfillment of
the obligation, petitioner would not have a cause of action for rescission
against respondent as the latter would not yet be considered in breach of
its contractual obligation, since the right to rescind a contract arises
once the other party defaults in the performance of his obligation.
OSMEA III vs SSS, September 13, 2007
The Letter-Agreement, the SPA, the SSC resolutions assailed in this
recourse, and the Invitation to Bid sent out to implement said
resolutions, all have a common subject: the Shares the 187.84 Million
EPCIB common shares, which, as a necessary consequence of the BDOEPCIB merger which saw EPCIB being absorbed by the surviving BDO,
have been transferred to BDO and converted into BDO common shares
under the exchange ratio set forth in the BDO-EPCIB Plan of Merger. As
thus converted, the subject Shares are no longer equity security
issuances of the now defunct EPCIB, but those of BDO-EPCI, which,
needless to stress, is a totally separate and distinct entity from what
used to be EPCIB.
Under the law on obligations and contracts, the obligation to give a
determinate thing is extinguished if the object is lost without the fault of
the debtor, and per Art. 1192 (2) of the Civil Code, a thing is considered
lost when it perishes or disappears in such a way that it cannot be
recovered.
VILLAMAR vs. MANGAOIL, G.R. NO. 188661 : April 11, 2012
Petitioner alleged that the absence of stipulations in the aG.R.eement
and absolute deed of sale entered into by Petitioner and Respondent
expressly indicating the consequences of the former's failure to deliver
the physical possession of the subject property and the certificate of title
covering the same, the Respondent is not entitled to demand for the
rescission of their contract pursuant to Article 1191 of the NCC.
The power to rescind obligations is implied in reciprocal ones, in case one
of the obligors should not comply with what is incumbent upon him",
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I. A. DEFINITION
SPOUSES BALILA vs. IAC, G.R. NO. L-68477 October 29, 1987
A contract is a meeting of minds between two persons whereby one binds
himself with respect to the other to give something or render some
service, the Central Bank of the Philippines in the exercise of its
Administrative power did not create any contractual obligations.
B. CONTRACTS AS A SOURCE OF OBLIGATIONS
BATCHELDER vs. THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, G.R.
NO. L-25071, July 29, 1972
Obligations arise from 1) law; 2) contracts; 3) quasi-contracts; 4) acts or
omissions punished by law and 5) quasi-delicts, the circular issued by
the Central Bank has the force and effect of the law. Obligations arising
from law, however, is never presumed.
II. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A CONTRACT
SPOUSES TONGSON
vs. EMERGENCY PAWNSHOP BULA, G.R.
167874.
January 15, 2010
A valid contract requires the concurrence of the following essential
elements: (1) consent or meeting of the minds, that is, consent to transfer
ownership in exchange for the price; (2) determinate subject matter; and
(3) price certain in money or its equivalent.
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In the present case, there is no question that the subject matter of the
sale is the 364-square meter Davao lot owned by the Spouses Tongson
and the selling price agreed upon by the parties is P3,000,000, but the
existence of the remaining element, which is consent of the contracting
parties, to sell the property, claiming that their consent was vitiated by
fraud, renders the contract of sale void.
A. CONSENT
LAND BANK vs. HEIRS OF SPOUSES SORIANO, G.R. NO. 178312.
January 30, 2012
Pending resolution of the case, both parties freely and voluntarily entered
into an agreement for the purpose of finally settling their dispute in this
case. As a contract, a compromise is perfected by mutual consent,
however, a judicial compromise, while immediately binding between the
parties upon its execution, is not executory until it is approved by the
court and reduced to a judgment.
LAGUNZAD vs. VDA. DE GONZALES, G.R. NO. L-32066 August 6,
1979
Petitioner takes the position that he was pressured into signing the
Agreement because of private respondent's demand, for payment for the
"exploitation" of the life story of Moises Padilla, otherwise, she would "call
a press conference declaring the whole picture as a fake, fraud and a
hoax and would denounce the whole thing in the press, radio, television
and that they were going to Court to stop the picture." It is necessary to
distinguish between real duress and the motive which is present when
one gives his consent reluctantly because a contract is valid even though
one of the parties entered into it against his own wish and desires, or
even against his better judgment.
VELASCO vs. HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. L-31018
June 29, 1973
The material averments of petitioners' complaint disclose lack of
complete "agreement in regard to the manner of payment" of the lot in
question. A definite agreement on the manner of payment of the
purchase price is an essential element in the formation of a binding and
enforceable contract of sale.
PALATTAO vs. CA, G.R. NO. 131726, May 7, 2002
107
essential requisites for their validity are present, except when the law so
requires requiring a contract to be in some form for validity or
enforceability.
IV. STAGES , PERFECTION
Bugatti v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 138113. October 17, 2000
A contract undergoes three distinct stages preparation or negotiation,
its perfection, and finally, its consummation. Negotiation begins from
the time the prospective contracting parties manifest their interest in the
contract and ends at the moment of agreement of the parties. The
perfection or birth of the contract takes place when the parties agree
upon the essential elements of the contract. The last stage is the
consummation of the contract wherein the parties fulfill or perform the
terms agreed upon in the contract, culminating in the extinguishment
thereof.
ART 1315 , 1319
TONG BROTHERS CO., vs. IAC, G.R. NO. 73918 December 21, 1987
From the exchange of telegrams between the two parties, there was not
yet a meeting of the minds as to the cause of the contract. The cause of a
contract has been defined "as the essential reason which moves the
contracting parties to enter into it (8 Manresa, 5th Edition, p. 450). In
other words, the cause is the immediate, direct and proximate reason
which justifies the creation of an obligation thru the will of the
contracting parties (3 Castan, 4th Edition, p. 347)." (General Enterprises,
Inc. v. Lianga Bay Logging Co., Inc., 11 SCRA 733, 739). For the private
respondent, the cause of the contract was the repair of its vessel
Zamboanga-J while for the petitioner the cause would be its commitment
to repair the vessel and make it seaworthy. The telegrams dated January
17, January 20, and January 28, 1975 sent by the petitioner to the
private respondent, however, indicate that the former had not accepted
the repair of Zamboanga-J, the reason being that the extent of the repair
to be made necessitated a major expense so that the petitioner insisted
on the presence of the private respondent for evaluation before it
accepted the repair of the wooden vessel. That the petitioner had not yet
consented to the contract is evident when on January 28, 1975, it sent a
telegram stating: "... NO AGREEMENT AS TO THE EX TENT OF REPAIRS
AND PAYMENT WILL UNDOCK VESSEL." The fact that the private
respondent who received this telegram ignored it, confirms that there
was no perfected contract to repair Zamboanga-J.
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V. INTERPRETATION OF CONTRACTS
CITIZENS SURETY and INSURANCE COMPANY, INC., vs.
COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. L-48958 June 28, 1988
It is a basic and fundamental rule in the interpretation of contract that if
the terms thereof are clear and leave no doubt as to the intention of the
contracting parties, then the literal meaning of the stipulations shall
control but when the words appear contrary to the evident intention of
the parties, the latter shall prevail over the former and in order to judge
the intention of the parties, their contemporaneous and subsequent acts
shall be principally considered.
ART 1375 , 1377
LIM YHI LUYA vs. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. L-40258 September
11, 1980
Words which may have different significations shall be understood in
that which is most in keeping with the nature and object of the contract
and in the interpretation of obscure words or stipulations in a contract
shall not favor the party who caused the obscurity.
VI. DEFECTIVE CONTRACTS
A. VOID CONTRACTS
ART 1411, 1420
BRIONES vs. CAMMAYO, ET AL., G.R. NO. L-23559, October 4, 1971
Stipulations authorizing the imposition of iniquitous or unconscionable
interest are contrary to morals, if not against the law for these contracts
are inexistent and void from the beginning.
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TIU vs. PLATINUM PLANS PHIL., INC., G.R. NO. 163512 February 28,
2007
Respondent contends that the inclusion of the two-year non-involvement
clause in petitioners contract of employment was reasonable and needed
since her job gave her access to the companys confidential marketing
strategies. A non-involvement clause is not necessarily void for being in
restraint of trade as long as there are reasonable limitations as to time,
trade, and place.
CARIO vs. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. L-47661, July 31, 1987
Contracts of sale are void and produce no effect whatsoever where the
price, which appears therein as paid, has in fact never been paid by the
vendee to the vendor.
TOPIC: SIMULATED CONTRACTS
URETA vs. URETA, G.R. No. 165748, September 14, 2011 -Lacking in
an absolutely simulated contract is consent which is essential to a valid
and enforceable contract. Thus, where a person, in order to place his
property beyond the reach of his creditors, simulates a transfer of it to
another, he does not really intend to divest himself of his title and control
of the property; hence, the deed of transfer is but a sham. Similarly, in
this case, Alfonso simulated a transfer to Policronio purely for taxation
purposes, without intending to transfer ownership over the subject
lands.
RUBIAS vs. BATILLER, G.R. NO. L-35702 May 29, 1973
The lower court held that the purchase by a lawyer of the property in
litigation from his client is categorically prohibited by Article 1491,
paragraph (5) of the Philippine Civil Code, and that consequently,
plaintiff's purchase of the property in litigation from his client was void
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and could produce no legal effect, by virtue of Article 1409, paragraph (7)
of our Civil Code. Contracts "expressly prohibited or declared void by
law' are "inexistent and that "(T)hese contracts cannot be ratified, neither
can the right to set up the defense of illegality be waived."
ART 1410
TONGOY vs. THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. L45645 June 28, 1983
The issue in this case is whether or not the rights of herein respondents
over subject properties, which were the subjects of simulated or fictitious
transactions, have already prescribed. A void or inexistent contract is one
which has no force and effect from the very beginning, as if it had never
been entered into, and which cannot be validated either by time or by
ratification.
LITA ENTERPRISES, INC.,vs. IAC, G.R. NO. L-64693 April 27, 1984
Unquestionably, the parties herein operated under an arrangement,
commonly known as the "kabit system", whereby a person who has been
granted a certificate of convenience allows another person who owns
motors vehicles to operate under such franchise for a fee, and the
petitioner prays that private respondents be declared liable to petitioner
for whatever amount the latter has paid. It is a fundamental principle of
in pari delicto that the court will not aid either party to enforce an illegal
contract, but will leave them both where it finds them.
ARSENAL vs. IAC, G.R. NO. L-66696 July 14, 1986
Petitioner questions the validity of the sale between the respondent and
Suralta but the lower court held that the benefit of said prohibition in the
Public Land Act against the disposal of any land granted to a citizen
under that law does not inure to any third party. The right to set up the
nullity of a void or non-existent contract is not limited to the parties as in
the case of annulable or voidable contracts. The right to set up the
nullity of a void or non-existent contract is extended to third persons
who are directly affected by the contract.
MANOTOK REALTY, INC., vs. THE HON. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R.
NO. L-45038 April 30, 1987
Don Legarda sold the paraphernal property of Dona Clara to the
respondent. It was sold three months after he was appointed as
administrator of the estate of Dona Clara Tambunting. The sale between
Don Vicente Legarda and the private respondent is void ab initio, the
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or demented person does enter into a contract, the legal effect is that the
contract is voidable or annullable.
CORONEL vs. CONSTANTINO, G.R. NO. 121069, February 7, 2003
Applying Articles 1317 and 1403 of the Civil Code, the Court of Appeals
ruled that through their inaction and silence, the three sons of Emilia are
considered to have ratified the aforesaid sale of the subject property by
their mother. Ratification means that one under no disability voluntarily
adopts and gives sanction to some unauthorized act or defective
proceeding, which without his sanction would not be binding on him ,
hence, an alleged silence and inaction may not be interpreted as an act
of ratification on their part.
C. UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS
YUVIENCO vs. DACUYCUY, G.R. NO. L-55048 May 27, 1981
Respondent judge assumed that as long as the requirements of
perfection of a contract are present in a contract which involves payment
in installments, the Statute of Frauds would no longer apply as long as
the total price or consideration is mentioned in some note or
memorandum and there is no need of any indication of the manner in
which such total price is to be paid. In any sale of real property on
installments, the Statute of Frauds read together with the perfection
requirements of Article 1475 of the Civil Code must be understood and
applied in the sense that the idea of payment on installments must be in
the requisite of a note or memorandum therein contemplated.
BISAYA LAND TRANSPORTATION CO., INC., vs. SANCHEZ, G.R. NO.
74623 August 31, 1987
In the case at bar, it is undisputed that Atty. Adolfo Amor was entrusted,
as receiver, with the administration of BISTRANCO and it business, but
the act of entering into a contract is one which requires the authorization
of the court which appointed him receiver. The questioned contracts can
rightfully be classified as unenforceable for having been entered into by
one who had acted beyond his powers, due to Receiver Amor's failure to
secure the court's approval of said Contracts.
STATUTE OF FRAUDS
AINZA vs. SPOUSES PADUA, G.R. NO. 165420, June 30, 2005
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against him in and without paying any part of that judgment, Sadorra
sold the only two parcels of land belonging to the conjugal partnership to
his son-in-law. Contracts by virtue of which the debtor alienates
property by gratuitous title or alienations by onerous title when made by
persons against whom some judgment has been rendered in any
instance or some writ of attachment has been issued, are presumed to be
made in fraud of creditors, and the decision or attachment need not refer
to the property alienated and need not have been obtained by the party
seeking rescission.
AIR FRANCE vs. HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. 104234
June 30, 1995
Petitioner moved for the issuance of an alias writ of execution on the
ground of unsatisfied judgment against respondents and It likewise
moved to declare the sale to a third party of a parcel of land in the name
of the private respondent as one in fraud of creditors which was granted
by the lower court. Rescissible contracts, not being void, they remain
legally effective until set aside in a rescissory action and may convey title,
and an action for rescission may not be raised or set up in a summary
proceeding through a motion, but in an independent civil action and only
after a full-blown trial.
VII. EFFECT OF CONTRACTS
DOCTRINES , PRINCIPLES
1. CONSENSUALITY OF CONTRACTS
ART 1306 , 1336 , 1337
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES vs. PLDT G.R. NO. L-18841
January 27, 1969
,
The Republic commenced suit against the PLDT commanding the PLDT
to execute a contract with it for the use of the facilities of latter's
telephone system throughout the Philippines. Parties can not be coerced
to enter into a contract where no agreement is had between them as to
the principal terms and conditions of the contract since freedom to
stipulate such terms and conditions is of the essence of our contractual
system, and by express provision of the statute, a contract may be
annulled if tainted by violence, intimidation, or undue influence (Articles
1306, 1336, 1337).
2. AUTONOMY OF CONTRACTS
ART 1306
WILLIAM GOLANGCO CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION vs.
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A contract is the law between the contracting parties, and when there is
nothing in it which is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public
policy or public order, the validity of the contract must be sustained.
ART 1159
OCCENA vs. HON. JABSON, G.R. NO. L-44349, October 29, 1976
Respondent's complaint seeks that the court "render judgment modifying
the terms and Conditions of the Contract by fixing the proper shares that
should pertain to the herein parties out of the gross proceeds from the
sales of subdivided lots of subject subdivision", citing ART 1267 of the
New Civil Code. The cited article does not grant the courts this authority
to remake, modify or revise the contract between the parties as
contractually stipulated with the force of law between the parties, so as
to substitute its own terms for those covenanted by the parties
themselves.
CABAHUG vs NAPOCOR, G.R. NO. 186069, January 30, 2013
Disregarding the stipulations in the contract allowing additional
compensation for easement fee, the CA ruled that Cabahug's attempt to
collect further sums by way of additional easement fee and,or just
compensation is violative of said contract. It is settled that a contract
constitutes the law between the parties who are bound by its stipulations
which, when couched in clear and plain language, should be applied
according to their literal tenor and the courts cannot supply material
stipulations, which contradict the intent of the parties.
3. MUTUALITY OF CONTRACTS
BANCO FILIPINO SAVINGS vs. NAVARRO, G.R. NO. L-46591, July 28,
1987
Escalation clauses to be valid should specifically provide: (1) that there
can be an increase in interest if increased by law or by the Monetary
Board; and (2) in order for such stipulation to be valid, it must include a
provision for reduction of the stipulated interest "in the event that the
applicable maximum rate of interest is reduced by law or by the
Monetary Board" in order to be valid which is known as deescalation
clause.
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"contracts can only bind the parties who entered into it, and it cannot
favor or prejudice a third person, even if he is aware of such contract and
has acted with knowledge thereof."
PRUDENTIAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY vs. ABASOLO, G.R. NO.
186738, September 27, 2010
Contracts take effect only between the parties, their assigns and heirs,
and if a contract should contain some stipulation in favor of a third
person, the contracting parties must have clearly and deliberately
conferred a favor upon the third person.
VIII. KINDS OF CONTRACTS
A. INNOMINATE CONTRACTS
ART 1307
CORPUS vs. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. L-40424 June 30, 1980
There was no express contract between the parties for the payment of
attorney's fees, but the respondent rendered legal services to petitioner.
The payment of attorney's fees to respondent may be justified by virtue of
the innominate contract of facio ut des (I do and you give which is based
on the principle that "no one shall unjustly enrich himself at the expense
of another" and under Article 1307 such contracts shall be regulated by
the stipulations of the parties, by the general provisions or principles of
obligations and contracts, by the rules governing the most analogous
nominate contracts, and by the customs of the people.
B. DIVISIBLE CONTRACTS
BRIONES vs. CAMMAYO, ET AL., G.R. NO. L-23559, October 4, 1971
According to the appellants, a usurious loan is void due to illegality of
cause or object, the rule of pari delicto applies, so that neither party can
bring action against each other. A contract of loan with usurious
interest consists of two stipulations which are divisible in the sense that
the former can still stand without the latter, the principal and the
accessory stipulations; the principal one is to pay the debt; the accessory
stipulation is to pay interest thereon, and in case of a divisible contract,
if the illegal terms can be separated from the legal ones, the latter may be
enforced."
C. CONTRACT OF ADHESION
ART 1750
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IX.
BONIFACIO BROS., INC., ET AL., vs. MORA, ET AL., G.R. NO. L20853
May 29, 1967
The appellants seek to recover the insurance proceeds, relying upon the
insurance contract executed by and between the State Bonding &
Insurance Company, Inc. and Mora. Contracts take effect only between
the parties thereto, except where the contract contains some
stipulations, known as stipulations por atrui, in favor of a third person,
who is allowed to avail himself of a benefit granted to him by the terms of
the contract, provided that the contracting parties have clearly and
deliberately conferred a favor upon such person, however such third
person not a party to the contract has no action zagainst the parties
thereto, and cannot generally demand the enforcement of the same, if he
did not communicate his acceptance thereto to the obligor before the
revocation.
FLORENTINO vs. ENCARNACION, SR., G.R. NO. L-27696 September
30, 1977
To constitute a valid stipulation pour autrui it must be the purpose and
intent of the stipulating parties to benefit the third. It is not sufficient
that the third person may be incidentally benefited by the stipulation.
G.R. NO. 120554 September 21, 1999
SO PING BUN vs. COURT OF APPEALS
Petitioner prevailed upon DCCSI to lease the warehouse to his enterprise
at the expense of respondent corporation. Although petitioner took
interest in the property of respondent corporation and benefited from it,
nothing on record imputes deliberate wrongful motives or malice on him.
Any third person who induces another to violate his contract shall be
liable for damages to the other contracting party, lack of malice, however,
precludes damages.
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