Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 4
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
inability he knew and was aware of when of the coming of the typhoon at least 4
he entered into the contract, should be days bef. it actually struck. And even
held liable in damages for breach of though the typhoon was an act of God or
contract. what we may call force majeure, NPC
Under Art. 1170, not only debtors cannot escape liability bec. its negligence
guilty of fraud, negligence or default but was the proximate cause of the loss and
also every debtor, in general, who fails damage. As we have said in Juan Nakpil
the performance of his obligation is & Sons vs. CA, 144 SCRA 596,
bound to indemnify for the losses and Thus, if upon the happening of a
damages caused thereby. fortuitous event or an act of God, there
concurs a corresponding fraud,
Meaning of phrase "in any negligence, delay or violation or
manner contravene the tenor" of contravention in any manner of the
the obligation.-- The phrase includes tenor of the obligation as provided for in
any illicit task w/c impairs the strict and Art. 1170, w/c results in a loss or
faithful fulfillment of the obligation, or damage, the obligor cannot escape
every kind of defective performance. liability. The principle embodied in the
This phrase is a catch-all provision. act of God doctrine strictly requires that
At worst, it is a superfluity. At best, the act must be one occasioned
there is a safety net just in case there is a exclusively by the violence of nature and
culpable irregularity of performance w/c human agencies are to be excluded from
is not covered by fraud, negligence or creating or entering into the cause of the
delay. In this case, the SC was mischief. When the effect, the cause of
apparently not sure as to what category w/c is to be considered, is found to be in
the breach fell. This phrase is not really part the resulf of the participation of
an independent ground. man, whether it be from active
intervention or neglect, or failure to act,
TELEFAST VS. CASTRO [158 s the whole occurence is thereby
445] - In the case at bar, petitioner and humanized, as it was, and removed from
private respondent Sofia C. Crouch the rules applicable to the acts of God.
entered into a contract whereby, for a Thus, it has been held that when the
fee, petitioner undertook to send said negligence of a person concurs w/ an act
private respondent's message overseas of God in producing a loss, such person
by telegram. This, petitioner did not do, is not exempt from liability by showing
despite performance by said pvt. resp. of that the immediate cause of the damage
her obligation by paying the required was the act of God. To be exempt from
charges. Petitioner was therefore guilty liability for loss bec. of an act of God, he
of contravening its obligation to said must be free from any previous
private respondent and is thus liable for negligence or misconduct by w/c the loss
damages. or damage may have been occasioned.
NPC VS. CA [161 S 334] - NPC RCPI VS. RODRIGUEZ [182 S 889]
cannot escape liability bec. its negligence - Resp. Rodriguez and RCPI entered
was the proximate cause of the loss and into a contract whereby for a fee RCPI
damage even though the typhoon was an undertook to send the respondent's
act of God.-- It is clear from the message overseas. When, therefore,
appellate court's decision that based on resp. Rodriguez paid RCPI to deliver his
its findings of fact and that of the trial message overseas by telegram, RCPI
court's, petitioner NPC was undoubtedly obligated itself to transmit the messages
negligent bec. it opened the spillway to the addressee. Clearly, RCPI reneged
gates of the Angat Dam only at the on its obligation when it failed to deliver
height of typhoon "Welming" when it the messages or to inform the sender
knew very well that it was safer to have about the non-delivery, thus making it
opened the same gradually and earlier, liable for damages.
as it was also undeniable that NPC knew
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 5
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
Fraud 3. Compensation Morae -- mutual
delay
Is it correct to say that fraud in Art.
1170 means deceit or insiduous ARTICLE 1172. Responsibility
machinations? No. arising from negligence in the
performance of every kind of
LEGASPI OIL VS. CA [224 S 213] - obligation is also demandable, but
Definition of Fraud.-- In general, fraud such liability shall may be regulated
may be defined as the voluntary by the courts, according to the
execution of a wrongful act, or willful circumstances.
omission, knowing and intending the
effects w/c naturally and necessarily CASE:
arise from such act or omission; the
fraud referred to in Art. 1170 is the METROBANK VS. CA [237 S 761] -
deliberate and intentional evasion of the As borne out by the records, the
normal fulfillment of obligation; it is dishonoring of the resp.'s checks
distinguished from negligence by the committed through negligence by the
presence of deliberate intent, w/c is petitioner bank on 4/6/82 was rectified
lacking in the latter. only on 4/15/82 or nine days after
receipf of the credit memo. Clearly,
Fraud as used in Art. 1170 is different petitioner bank was remiss in its duty
from fraud as a cause for vitiation of and obligation to treat pvt. resp's
consent in contracts (more properly account w/ the highest degree of care,
called deceit w/c prevents the contract considering the fiduciary nature of the
from arising; this is found in Art. 1380) relationship. The bank is under
obligation to treat the accounts of its
Q: What is a synonym for fraud as used depositors w/ meticulous care, whether
in Art. 1170? such account consists only of a few
A: Malice. hundred pesos or of millions. It must
bear the blame for failing to discover the
Effects of Fraud: mistake of its employee despite the
1. Creditor may insist on performance, established procedure requiring bank
specific or substitute (Art. 1233.) papers to pass through bank personnel
2. Creditor may resolve/ rescind (Art. whose duty it is to check and
1191.) countercheck them for possible errors.
3. Damages in either case (Art. 1170.) Responsibility arising from negligence in
the performance of every kind of
obligation is demandable. xxx
Negligence
Article 1173. The fault or
Negligence is the absence of something negligence of the obligor consists in
that should be there-- due diligence. the omission of that diligence which
is required by the nature of the
Delay obligation and corresponds with the
circumstances of the persons, of the
Delay is the non-fulfillment of the time and of the place. When
obligation w/ respect to time. negligence shows bad faith, the
provisions of articles 1171 and 2201,
Kinds of Delay: paragraph 2, shall apply.
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 6
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
an action for future fraud is
void. JIMENEZ VS. CITY OF MANILA
[150 S 510] - City of Mla. failed to
exercise the diligence of a good father of
Art. 2201.(2) In contracts a family w/c is a defense in quasi-
and quasi-contracts, the delict.-- As a defense against liability on
damages for which the the basis of quasi-delict, one must have
obligor who acted in good exercised the diligence of a good father
faith is liable shall be those of a family. There is no argument that it
that are the natural and is the duty of the City of Mla. to exercise
probable consequences of reasonable care to keep the public
the breach of the obligation, market reasonably safe for people
and which the parties have frequenting the place for their marketing
foreseen or could have needs. While it may be conceded that
reasonably foreseen at the the fulfillment of such duties is
time the obligation was extremely difficult during storms and
constituted. floods, it must, however, be admitted
that ordinary precautions could have
In case of fraud, bad faith, been taken during good weather to
malice or wanton attitude, minimize the dangers to life and limb
the obligor shall be under those difficult circumstances. For
responsible for all damages instance, the drainage hole could have
which may be reasonably been placed under the stalls instead of
attributed to the non- on the passage ways. Even more
performance of the important is the fact, that the City
obligation. should have seen to it that the openings
were covered. Sadly, the evidence
indicates that long before petitioner fell
***Negligence is the absence of into the opening, it was already
something that should be there-- uncovered, and 5 mos. after the incident
diligence. happened, the opening was still
uncovered. Moreover, while there are
Measure of Due Diligence.-- There findings that during floods the vendors
are two guides: remove the iron grills to hasten the flow
(1) Diligence demanded by of water, there is no showing that such
circumstances of person, place and time practice has ever been prohibited, much
(2) Care required of a good father of less penalized by the City of Mla.
a family (fictional bonus pater familias Neither was it shown that any sign had
who was the embodiment of care, been placed thereabouts to warn
caution and protection in Roman law.) passers-by of the impending danger.
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 9
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
***Is there a connection bet. the right of maintained or continued, as expressly
rescission and Pure and conditional provided in Arts. 1383 and 1384. But the
obligations? operation of these 2 articles is limited to
cases of rescission for lesion enumerated in
A: Yes. In a reciprocal obligation, breach by Art. 1381 and does not apply to cases under
one party is a tacit resolutory condition. Art. 1191.
This means that the other party who is
victimized by the breach may declare the Rescission under the Civil Code.--
obligation resolved. The 2 instances of rescission are defectively
termed "rescission" w/o distinction bet. then
Note: Art. 1191 refers to reciprocal under the NCC unlike the previous OCC, that
obligations (mutual, imples some differentiated "resolution" for breach of
correspondence), e.g., a contract of sale w/c stipulations from "rescission" by reason of
is the most reciprocal of all contracts, the lesion or damage.
architype, the proto-type, the paradigm, the
distillation of all reciprocal obligations. Doctines laid down in this case:
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 13
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
Art. 1224. A joint indivisible debtors in one and the same obligation
obligation gives rise to indemnity for does not imply that each one of the
damages from the time anyone of former has a right to demand, or that
the debtors does not comply with his each one of the latter is bound to render,
entire compliance with the prestation.
undertaking. The debtors who may There is solidary liability only when the
have been ready to fulfill their obligation expressly so states, or when
promises shall not contribute to the the law or the nature of the obligation
indemnity beyond the requires solidarity.
corresponding portion of the price
of the thing or of the value of the
service in which the obligation **When is an obligation w/ several
consists. parties on either side Joint or
Solidary? The presumption is that an
obligation is joint bec. a joint obligation is
Solidary obligations less onerous that a solidary one.
There is solidary obligation only in three
A solidary obligation is one in w/c the debtor cases: (1) when the obligation expressly so
is liable for the entire obligation or each states; or (2) when the law or the (3) nature
creditor is entitled to demand the whole of the obligation requires solidarity.
obligation. There is only one obligation is a
solidary obligation. Characteristics of Active Solidarity:
There are three kinds of solidarity
according to the parties bound: (1) 1. Since it is a reciprocal agency, the death of
Active solidary where there are several a solidary creditor does not transmit the
creditors w/ one debtor in a solidary solidarity to each of his heirs but to all of
obligation; (2) Passive solidarity where them taken together. (IV Tolentino);
there is one creditor w/ several debtors
solidary bound; (3) Mixed Solidarity 2. Each creditor represents others in the act
where there are several creditors and several of requiring payment, and in all other acts
debtors in a solidary obligation. w/c tend to secure the credit or make it more
advantageous. Hence, if he receives only a
Solidary obligations may also be referred to partial payment, he must divide it among the
as mancomunada solidaria or joint and other creditors. He can interrupt the period
several or in solidum. It has also been held of prescription or render the debtor in
that the terms "juntos o separadamente" in a default, for the benefit of all other creditors;
promissory note creates a solidary
responsibility; that where there are no words 3. A credit once paid is shared equally
used to indicate the character of a liability, among the creditors unless a different
the phrase "I promise to pay," followed by intention appears;
the signatures of 2 or more persons, gives
rise to an individual or solidary 4. Debtor may pay any of the creditors but if
responsibility. The words "individually and any demand, judicial or extrajudicial is made
collectively" also create a solidary liability. on him, he must pay only to one demanding
So does an agreeement to be "individually payment (Art. 1214);
liabile" or "individually and jointly liable."
5. One creditor does not represent the
Active Solidarity others in such acts as novation (even if the
credit becomes more advantageous),
Art. 1211. Solidarity may exist compensation and remission. In these
although the creditors and the debtors cases, even if the debtor is released, the
may not be bound in the same manner other creditors can still enforce their rights
and by the same periods and conditions.
against the creditor who made the novation,
compensation or remission;
Art. 1207. The concurrence of
two or more creditors or of two or more
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 14
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
6. Each creditor may renounce his right ILLUSTRATION OF PASSIVE
even against the will of the debtor, and the SOLIDARITY:
latter need not thereafter pay the obligation
to the former. X and Y are the solidary debtors of Z
in the amount of P10,000. There is here only
ILLUSTRATION OF ACTIVE one debt of X and Y in the amount of
SOLIDARITY: X is liable to Y and Z, P10,000. Z may demand from either X or Y,
solidary creditors in the amount of P10,000. or both of them simultaneously, the whole
X may pay either Y or Z (Art. 1214). SO long obligation. (Art. 1216) Payment by X (or Y)
as the entire debt is not paid, Y and Z can extinguishes the obligation but X (or Y) may
demand payment from X (Art. 1207). If Y (or claim from Y (or X) the share which
Z) received payment, he is liable to Z (or Y) corresponds to him depending upon the
for the latter’s share of the credit. agreement between them. (Art. 1217).
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 17
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
RONQUILLO V. CA [132 S 274] - can be directly sued by a 3rd party-- this will
Clearly then, by the express term of the result in a violation of the principles
compromise agreement and the decision underlying solidary obligations and
based upon it, the defendants obligated insurance contracts.
themselves to pay their obligation
"individually and jointly." The term RCBC V. CA [178 S 739] - Where an
"individually" has the same meaning as obligation expressly states a solidary liability
"collectively," "separately," "distinctively," the concurrence of 2 or more creditors or 2
"respectively" or "severally." An agreement or more debtors in one and the same
to be "individually liable" undoubtedly obligation implies that each of of the former
creates a several obligation, and a "several has a right to demand, or that each one of
obligation" is one by w/c one individual the latter is bound to render, entire
binds himself to perform the whold compliance w/ the prestation (Art. 1207.)
obligation. The creditor may proceed against any one of
The phrase juntos or separadamente the solidary debtors or some or all of them
used in the promissory note is an express simultaneously.
statement making each of the persons who
signed it individually liable for the payment
of the full amount of the obligation QUISIMBING V. CA [189 S 325] -
contained therein. In the absence of a Joint obligation distinguished from solidary
finding of facts that the defendants made obligations; Concept of active solidarity--
themselves individually liable for the debts Distinguing it from the joint obligation,
incurred they are each liable only for 1/2 of Tolentino makes the ff. observation: A joint
said amount. The obligation in the case at obligation is one in w/c each of the debtors
bar being described as "individually and is liable only for a proportionate part of the
jointly," the same is therefore enforceable debt, and each creditor is entitled only to a
against one of the numerous obligors. proportionate part of the credit. A solidary
obligation is one in w/c each debtor is liable
for the entire obligation, and each creditor is
MALAYAN INSURANCE V. CA [165 S entitled to demand the whole obligation.
536] - The direct liability of the insurer Hence, in the former, each creditor can
under indemnity contracts against third- recover only his share of the obligation, and
party liability does not mean that the insurer each debtor can be made to pay only his
can be held solidarily liable with the insured part; whereas, in the latter, each creditor
and/ or the other parties found at fault.-- may enforce the entire obligation, and each
While it is true that where the insurance debor may be obliged to pay it in full.
contract provide for indemnity against The same work describes the
liability to 3rd persons, such 3rd persons can concept of active solidarity thus: The
directly sue the insurer, however, the direct essence of active solidarity consists in the
liability of the insurer under the indemnity authority of each creditor to claim and
contracts against third party liab. does not enforce the rights of all, w/ the resulting
mean that the insurer can be held solidarily obligation of paying every one what belongs
liable w/ the insured and/ or the other to him; there is no merger, much less a
parties found at fault. The liab. of the renunciation of rights, but only mutual
insurer is based on contract; that of the restitution.
insured is based on tort.
In the case at bar, petitioner as
insurer of Sio Choy, is liable to respondent REPUBLIC PLANTERS BANK [216 S
Vallejos, but it cannot, as incorrectly held by 738] - An instrument w/c begins w/ "I,"
the trial court, be made "solidarily" liable w/ "WE" or "Either of us" promise to pay, when
the 2 principal tortfeasors, namely signed by two or more persons, makes them
respondents Sio Choy and San Leon Rice solidarily liable. The fact that the singular
Mill, Inc. For if petitioner-insurer were pronoun is used indicates that the promise is
solidarily liable w/ said 2 respondents by individual as to each other; meaning that
reason of the indemnity contract, against each of the co-signers is deemed to have
3rd party liaibility-- under w/c an insurer
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 18
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
made an independent singular promise to
pay the notes in full.
In the case at bar, the solidary Cases:
liability of private resp. F. Canlas is made 1. Debtor upon whom demand was
clearer and certain, w/o reason for made pays to a creditor other than the one
ambiguity, by the presence of the phrase who made the demand in violation of Art.
"joint and several" as describing the 1214.-- This is considered payment to a
unconditional promise to pay to the order of third person (Art. 1241, par. 2) and the
Republic Planters Bank. xxx debtor can still be made to pay the debt. The
only concession given to the debtor is that he
CERNA V. CA [220 SCRA 517] - Only is allowed to deduct the share of the
Delgado singed the p/n and accordinly, he receiving creditor from the total amount due
was the only one bound by the contract of even if he paid the entire amount due to that
loan. Nowhere did it appear in the p/n that creditor.
petitioner was a co-debtor. The law is clear
that "(c)ontracts take effect only between the 2. Creditor A makes demand on
parties xxx" But by some stretch of the debtor Y. Does it mean that he cannot pay
imagination, petitioner was held solidarily the share pertaining to creditor B?
liable for the debt allegedly bec. he was a co- According to commentators he can. But this
mortgagor of the principal debtor, Delgado. is dangerous bec. there may already be an
This ignores the basic precept that "(t)here is agreement on the part of the creditors.
solidary liability only when the obligation
expressly so states, or when the law or the 3. There are three creditors -- A, B
nature of the obligation requires solidarity. & C and there are three debtors -- X, Y & Z.
A makes a demand on Y. X pays B. This is
Art. 1212. Each one of the not covered by Art. 1214.
solidary creditors may do
whatever may be useful to the
others, but not anything which Art. 1215. Novation,
may be prejudicial to the latter. compensation, confusion or remission of
the debt, made by any of the solidary
***There is an apparent conflict bet. Art. creditors or with any of the solidary
1212 and 1215. Art. 1212 states that the debtors, shall extinguish the obligation,
agency extends only to things w/c will without prejudice to the provisions of
benefit all co-creditors. But not anything article 1219.
w/c is prejudicical to the latter. In Art. The creditor who may have
1215, he can do an acts prejudicial to the executed any of these acts, as well as he
who collects the debt, shall be liable to
other creditors, like remission for instance. the others for the share in the obligation
corresponding to them.
Art. 1213. A solidary creditor Art. 1219. The remission made
cannot assign his rights without the by the creditor of the share which affects
consent of the others. one of the solidary debtors does not
release the latter from his responsibility
Art. 1214. The debtor may pay towards the co-debtors, in case the debt
any one of the solidary had been totally paid by anyone of them
creditors; but if any demand, before the remission was effected.
judicial or extrajudicial, has
been made by one of them, Art. 1915. If two or more
payment should be made to persons have appointed an agent for a
him. common transaction or undertaking,
they shall be solidarily liable to the agent
General Rule.-- A debtor may pay any of for all the consequences of the agency.
the solidary creditors.
Exception.-- If demand is made by one **Principals are always liable
creditor upon the debtor, in w/c case the solidarily; Agents are not liable
latter must pay the demanding creditor only.
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 19
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
solidarily unless expressly such useful improvements or expenses
stipulated. for mere pleasure as he may deem
proper, provided he does not alter its
ARTICLE 1189. When the form or substance; but he shall have no
right to be indemnified therefor. He
conditions have been imposed with may, however, remove such
the intention of suspending the improvements, should it be possible to
efficacy of an obligation to give, the do so without damage to the property.
following rules shall be observed in
case of the improvement, loss or
deterioration of the thing during the VI
pendency of the condition.
(1) If the thing is lost without the JOINT AND SOLIDARY
fault of the debtor, the obligation shall be OBLIGATIONS. Supra.
extinguished;
(2) If the thing is lost through the
fault of the debtor, he shall be VII
obliged to pay damages; it is Article 1179. Every obligation
understood that the thing is lost whose performance does not depend
when it perishes, or goes out of upon a future or uncertain event, or
commerce, or disappears in such a upon a past event unknown to the
way that its existence is unknown or parties, is demandable at once.
it cannot be recovered; Every obligation which contains a
(3) When the thing deteriorates resolutory condition shall also be
without the fault of the debtor, the demandable, without prejudice to
impairment is to be borne by the the effects of the happening of the
creditor; event.
(4) If it deteriorates through the
fault of the debtor, the creditor may
choose between the rescission of the PAY V. PALANCA [57 SCRA 618] -
obligation and its fulfillment, with From the manner in w/c the p/n was
indeminity for damages in either executed, it would appear that petitioner was
case: hopeful that the satisfaction of his credit
(5) If the thing is improved by its could be realized either through the debtor
nature, or by time, the improvement sued receiving cash payment from the estate
shall inure to the benefit of the of the late Carlos Palanca presumptively as
creditor; one of the heirs, or, as expressed therein,
(6) If it is improved at the expense "upon demand." There is nothing in the
of the debtor, he shall have no other record that would indicate whether or not
right than that granted to the the first alternative was fulfilled. What is
usufructuary. undeniable is that on 8/26/67, more than 15
yrs. after the execution of the p/n on
Requisites in order for Art. 1189 to 1/30/52, this petition was filed. The defense
apply-- interposed was prescription. Its merit is
1. There is loss, deterioration or rather obvious. Art. 1179, par. 1 says so.
delay The obligation being due and
2. There is an obligation to deliver a demandable, it would appear that the filing
determinate thing (on the part of the debtor) of the suit after 15 yrs. was much too late.
3. There is loss, deterioration or
improvement before the happening of the Article 1180. When the debtor
condition. binds himself to pay when his means
4. The condition happens. permit him to do so, the obligation
shall be deemed to be one with a
Rights of a usufructuary period, subject to the provisions of
article 1197.
Art. 579. The usufructuary may
make on the property held in usufruct CASES:
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Nil Ryan Gonzales: (0920) 536-4309, (0906) 488-5216 : nil_ryan17@yahoo.com
OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 20
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
LIM V. PEOPLE [133 SCRA 333] - It is
CHAVEZ V. GONZALES [32 SCRA clear in the agreement that the proceeds of
547] - Where obligation does not fix a the sale of the tobacco should be turned over
period; When fixing a period is mere to the complainant as soon as the same was
formality.-- Where the def. virtually sold, or, that the obligation was immediately
admitted non-performance by returning the demandable as soon as the tobacco was
typewriter he was obliged to repair in a non- disposed of. Hence, Art. 1197 of the NCC,
working condition, w/ essential parts, w/c provides that the courts may fix the
missing, he cannot invoke Art. 1197 of the duration of the obligation if it does not fix a
NCC. The time for compliance having period, does not apply.
evidently expired, and there being a breach
of contract by non-performance, it was
academic for the pltff. to have first ARANETA, INC. V. PHIL. SUGAR
petitioned the court fo fix a period for the ESTATES [20 SCRA 330] - xxx Art.
performance of the contract before filing his 1197 involves a two- step process. (1) The
complaint in this case. The fixing of a period Court must first determine that "the
would thus be a mere formality and would obligation does not fix a period." (or that the
serve no purpose than to delay. period is made to depend upon the will of
the debtor)," but from the nature and the
circumstances it can be inferred that a
ENCARNACION V. BALDOMAR [77 P period was intended." (2) This preliminary
470] - The continuance and fulfillment of point settled, the Court must then proceed to
the contract of lease cannot be made to the second step, and decide what period was
depend solely and exclusively upon the free "probably contemplated by the parties." So
and uncontrolled choice of the lessees bet. that, ultimately, the Court can not fix a
continuing paying the rentals or not, period merely bec. in its opinion it is or
completely depriving the owner of all say in should be reasonable, but must set the time
the matter. For if this were allowed, so long that the parties are shown to have intended.
as defs. elected to continue the lease by xxx
continuing the payment of the rentals the
owner would never be able to discontinue it;
conversely, although the owner should MILLARE V. HERNANDO [151 SCRA
desire the lease to continue, the lessees 484] - Par. 1 of Art. 1197 is clearly
could effectively thwart his purpose if they inapplicable, since the Contract of Lease did
should prefer to terminate the contract by in fact fix an original period of 5 yrs., w/c
the simple expedient of stopping payment of had expired. It is also clear from par. 13 of
the rentals. This, of course, is prohibited by the contract that the parties reserved to
art. 1256, NCC. themselves the faculty of agreeing upon the
period of the renewal contract. The 2nd par.
of Art. 1197 is equally inapplicable since the
duration of the renewal period was not left
ELEIZEUI V. LAWN TENNIS CLUB [2 to the will of the lessee alone, but rather to
P309] - The term of a lease whose the will of both the lessor and the lessee.
termination is expressly left to the will of the Most importantly, Art. 1197 applies only
lessee must be fixed by the courts according where a contract of lease clearly exists.
to the character and conditions of the Here, the contract was not renewed at all,
mutual undertakings, in an action brought there was in fact no contract at all the period
for that purpose xxx. of w/c could have been fixed.
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 22
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
observed as regards the effect of the partly on either chance or the will of a third
extinguishment of the obligation. person.
Art. 1187. xxx In obligations to Q: What if the condition is suspensive,
do and not to do, the courts shall
potestative and depends solely on the will of
determine, in each case, the retroactive
effect of the condition that has been the creditor, is the conditional obligation
complied with. valid?
NOTE : Art. 1190 refers to resolutory A: Yes. In fact, the obligation is not even a
conditions. This is just the opposite of condition obligation. It is a pure obligation,
Art. 1189. binding at once.
Art. 1182. When the fulfillment of SMITH BELL V. SOTELO MATTI [44 P
the condition depends upon the sole 874] - Where the fulfillment of the
will of the debtor, the conditional condition does not depend on the will of the
obligation shall be void. If it obligor, but on that of a 3rd person who can,
depends upon chance or upon the in no way be compelled to carry it out, the
will of a third person, the obligation obligor's part of the contract is complied w/,
shall take effect in conformity with if he does all that is in his power, and it then
the provisions of this Code. becomes incumbent upon the other
contracting party to comply w/ the terms of
***We are talking here of a the contract.
suspensive condition.
Paras' outline on impossible
First sentence of Art. 1182.-- The condition conditions:
must be suspensive, potestative and depends
on the sole will of the debtor. E.g., "I 1. Positive suspensive condition to do an
promise to sell you my car for P1.00 impossible/ illegal thing-- The obligation is
whenever I like." void (Art. 1183, par. 1.)
2. A negative condition (not to do an
Q: Why does it make the obligation void? impossible thing)-- Just disregard the
condition (Art. 1183, par. 2.)
A: Bec. such an obligation lacks one of the 3. A condition not to do an illegal thing
essential elements of an obligation, the (negative)-- This is not expressly provided
vinculum juris, the binding force-- the for in the provision but is implied. The
means by w/c it is enforceable in court. In obligation is valid. E.g. "I will sell you a
this case, there is no binding force. There is piece of land provided you do not plant
no obligation. marijuana on it."
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 23
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
Constructive compliance can have arises whereas the real right does not arise
application only if the condition is until actual delivery.
potestative. It can also apply to Mixed
condition as to that part w/c the obligor Article 1537. The vendor is bound
should perform.
to deliver the thing sold and its
accessions and accessories in the
condition in which they were upon
CASE:
the perfection of the contract.
All the fruits shall pertain to the
TAYAG V. CA [219 SCRA 480] -
vendee from the day on which the
Insofar as the 3rd item of the contract is
contract was perfected.
concerned, xxx resp. court applied Art. 1186,
NCC on constructive fulfillment w/c
petitioners claim should not have been
appreciated bec. they are the obligees while VIII
the proviso in point speaks of the obligor.
But, petitioners must concede that in a Article 1170. Supra.
reciprocal obligation like a contract of Article 1167. Supra.
purchase, both parties are mutually obligors
and also obligees, and any of the contracting
parties may, upon non-fulfillment by the
other privy of his part of the prestation,
rescind the contract or seek fulfillment. In
short, it is puerile for petitioners to say that
they are the only obligees under the contract
since they are also bound as obligors to IX
respect the stipulation in permitting pvt.
resp. to assume the loan w/ the Phi. Alternative Obligations
Veterans Bank w/c petitioners impeded
when they paid the balance of said loan. As Art. 1199. A person
vendors, they are supposed to execute the alternatively bound by different prestations
final deed of sale upon full payment of the shall completely perform one of them.
balance as determined hereafter. The creditor cannot be
compelled to receive part of one and part of
ARTICLE 1164. The creditor has a the other undertaking.
right to the fruits of the thing from
the time the obligation to deliver ***The characteristic of alternative
arises. However, he shall have no obligations is that, several objects being due,
real right over it until the same has the fulfillment of one is sufficient.
been delivered to him.
Art. 1200. The right of choice
belongs to the debtor, unless it
*** From the time the obligation arises, the has been expressly granted to
the creditor.
creditor has a personal right against the The debtor shall have no right
debtor as to the fruits. But he has no real to choose those prestations
right over them until actual delivery. Real which are impossible, unlawful
right is a right w/c is enforceable against the or which could not have been
whole world. He has only the personal right the object of the obligation.
against the debtor w/ regard to the
undelivered fruits. This is bec. of the Q: To whom does the right of choice belong?
principle Non nudis pactis, sed traditione, General rule: To the debtor (Art. 1200.)
dominia rerum transferentur." (It is not by Exception: When expressly granted to the
mere agreement, but by delivery, is creditor. There is a third possibility where
ownership transferred.) Personal right the choice may be made by a third person
arises from the time the obligation to deliver upon agreement of the parties.
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 24
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
Art. 1201. The choice shall Art. 1204. The creditor shall
produce no effect except from have a right to indemnity for damages
the time it has been when, through the fault of the debtor, all
communicated. the things which are alternatively the
object of the obligation have been lost,
Requirement of Communication of choice.-- or the compliance of the obligation has
If the choice belongs to the creditor, of become impossible.
course, he has to communicate his choice to
the debtor. The indemnity shall be fixed
Q: If the choice belongs to the debtor, why taking as a basis the value of the last
require communication before performance thing which disappeared, or that of
if the choice belongs to him anyway? the service which last became
A: To give the creditor an opportunity to impossible.
consent to the choice or impugn it. (Ong v. Damages other than the
Sempio-Dy, 46 P 592.) BUT how can the value of the last thing or service may also be
creditor impugn it if the choice belongs to awarded.
the debtor. The better reason would be to
give the creditor a chance to prepare for the d. If some things are lost
performance. through the debtor's fault,
the debtor can still choose
Articles 1202 to 1205 talk of the loss from those remaining.
of some of the prestations before
performance. e. If all are lost through
fortuitous event, the obligation is
1. If the choice is debtor's extinguished.
Art. 1202. The debtor shall lose g. If all but one are lost
the right of choice when among through the fault of the
the prestations whereby he is debor and the last one was
alternatively bound, only one is lost through fortuitous
practicable. event, the obligation is
extinguished.
b. If the choice is limited
through the creditor's own acts, the 2. Choice is the creditor's
debtor can ask for resolution plus
damages.-- Art. 1203 Art. 1205. When the choice has
been expressly given to the
Art. 1203. If through the creditor, the obligation shall
creditor's acts the debtor cannot make a cease to be alternative from the
choice according to the terms of the day when the selection has
obligation, the latter may rescind the been communicated to the
contract with damages. debtor.
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 26
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
Limited generic- something in between NAKPIL & SONS VS. CA [144 S
specific and generic thing. 596] - Requisites for exemption from
liability due to an "act of God."-- To
Example: "For P3,000, I promise to deliver exempt the obligor from liability under
to you one of my watches." This obligation Art. 1174, for a breach of an obligation
does not really fall under either Art. 1262 or due to an "act of God," the following
Art. 1263. But this obligation really falls must concur:
under Art. 1262. In this case, the obligation (a) the cause of the breach of the
may be extinguished by the loss of all the obligation must be independent of the
things through fortuitous event. will of the debtor;
(b) the event must be either
Art. 1262. An obligation which consists in the unforseeable or unavoidable;
delivery of a determinate thing shall be (c) the event must be such as to
extinguished if it should be lost or destroyed render it impossible for the debtor to
without the fault of the debtor, and before he has fulfill his obligation in a normal manner;
incurred in delay.
When by law or stipulation, the obligor
and
is liable even for fortuitous events, the loss of the (d) the debtor must be fee from any
thing does not extinguish the obligation, and he participation in, or aggravation of the
shall be responsible for damages. The same rule injury to the creditor.
applies when the nature of the obligation requires
the assumption of risk. **Some of the elements were present in
this case. What was absent was the last
Art. 1263. In an obligation to deliver a generic element.
thing, the loss or destruction of anything of the
same kind does not extinguish the obligation.
NAKPIL & SONS VS. CA [160 S
X 334] - "One who negligently creates a
dangerous condition cannot escape
Article 1174. Except in cases liability for the natural and probable
expressly specified by law, or when consequences thereof, although the act
it otherwise declared by stipulation, of a third person, or an act of God for
or when the nature of the obligation w/c he is not responsible, intervenes to
requires the assumption of risk, no precipitate the loss." (citing Tucker v.
person shall be responsible for those Milan, 49 OG 4379, 4380.)
events which could not be foreseen,
or which ,though foreseen, were QUISIMBING VS. CA [189 S 605] -
inevitable. PAL's failure to take certain steps that a
certain passenger in hindsight believes
General Rule: The happening of a should have been taken is not the
fortuitous event exonerates the debtor negligence or misconduct w/c mingles
from liability. w/ force majeure as an active and
Exceptions: cooperative cause.-- A careful analysis
1. When the law so specifies.-- e.g., if of the record in relation to the
the debtor is already in delay (Art. 1165, memoranda and other pleadings of the
par. 3.) parties, convinces this Court of the
2. When the parties so agree correctness of the essential conclusion of
3. When the nature of the obligation both the trial and appellate courts that
requires the assumption of risk, e.g., an the evidence does indeed fail to prove
insurance contract. any want ot diligence on the part of PAL,
or that, more specifically, it had failed to
comply with applicable regulations, or
universally accepted and observed
CASES: procedures to preclude hijacking; and
that the particular acts singled out by
the petitioners as supposedly
demonstrative of negligence were, in the
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 27
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
light of the circumstances of the case, observe extraordinary diligence in
not in truth negligent acts "sufficient to transporting safely the passengers to
overcome the force majeure nature of their destination as warranted by law.
the armed robbery." The Court quite
agrees, too, w/ the Appellate Tribunal's NPC VS. CA [222 S 415] -
wry observation that PAL's failure to Petitioners cannot be heard to invoke
take certain steps that a passenger in the act of God or force majeure to escape
hindsight believes should have been liability for the loss or damage sustained
taken is not the negligence or by the pvt. respondents since they, the
misconduct w/c mingles w/ force petitioners, were guilty of negligence.
majeure as an active and cooperative The event then was not occasioned
cause." exclusively by an act of God or force
majeure; a human factor-- negligence or
BACHELOR EXPRESS VS. CA [188 imprudence-- had intervened. The
S 216] - The running amuck of the effect then of the force majeure in
passenger was the proximate cause of question may be deemed to have, even if
the incident as it triggered off a only partly, resulted from the
commotion and panic among the participation of man. Thus, the whole
passengers such that the passengers occurence was thereby humanized, as it
started running to the sole exit shoving were, and removed from the rules
each other resulting in the falling off the applicable to acts of God.
bus by passengers Beter and Rautraut
causing them fatal injuries w/c killed SIA VS. CA [222 S 24] - SBTC's
them. The sudden act of the passenger negligence aggravated the injury or
who stabbed another passenger in the damage to the petitioner w/c resulted
bus is w/in the context of force majeure. from the loss or injury or damage to the
However, in order that a common petitioner w/c resulted from the loss or
carrier may be absolved from liability in destruction of the stamp collection.
case of force majeure, it is not enough SBTC was aware of the floods of 1985
that the accident was caused by force and 1986; it also knew that the
majeure. The common carrier must still floodwaters inundated the room where
prove that it was not negligent in Safe Deposit Box No. 54 was located. In
causing the injuries resulting from such view thereof, it should have lost no time
accident. in notifying the petitioner in order that
Considering the factual findings of the box could have been oped to retrieve
the CA-- the bus driver did not the stamps, thus saving the same from
immediately stop the bus at the height of further deterioration and loss. In this
the commotion; the bus was speeding respect, it failed to exercise th
from a full stop; the victims fell from the reasonable care and prudence expected
bus dorr when it was opened or gave of a good father of a family, thereby
way while the bus was still running; the becoming a party to the aggravation of
conductor panicked and blew his whistle the injury or loss. Accordingly, the
after people had already fallen off the aforementioned fourth characteristic
bus; and the bus was not properly (the debtor must be fee from any
equipped w/ doors in accordance w/ participation in, or aggravation of the
law-- it is clear that petitioners have injury to the creditor) of a fortuitous
failed to overcome the presumption of event is absent. xxx
fault and negligence found in the law
governing common carriers.
The petitioner's argument that the NPC VS. CA [223 S 649] -
petitioners "are not insurers of their Petitioners have raised the same issues
passengers" deserves no merit in view of and defenses as in the 2 other decided
the failure of the petitioners to prove cases therein mentioned. Predictably
that the deaths of the 2 passengers were therefore, this petition must perforce be
exclusively due to force majeure and not dismissed bec. the losses and damages
to the failure of the petitioners to sustained by the private resp.'s had been
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OBLIGATIONS & CONTRACTS 28
Zambales. Pablo. Gonzales
proximately caused by the negligence of delivery, unless there has been delay in
the petitioners, although the typhoon receiving it, or if the destruction was
w/c preceded the flooding could be caused by the poor quality of the
considered as a force majeure. material, provided this fact was
communicated in due time to the owner.
If the material is lost through a
EXCEPTIONS on non-liability for fortuitous event, the contract is
fortuitous events: extinguished.
Art. 2147. The officious manager shall Art. 1306. The contracting parties may
be liable for any fortuitous event: establish such stipulations, clauses,
(1) If he undertakes risky operations terms and conditions as they may deem
which the owner was not accustomed to embark convenient, provided they are not
upon; contrary to law, morals, good customs,
(2) If he has preferred his own interest public order, or public policy.
to that of the owner;
(3) If he fails to return the property or Aleatory Contract (ex. Insurance
business after demand by the owner; contracts)
(4) If he assumed the management in
bad faith. Art. 2010. By an aleatory contract, one
of the parties or both reciprocally bind
Solutio Indebiti themselves to give or to do something in
consideration of what the other shall
Art. 2159. Whoever in bad faith accepts give or do upon the happening of an
an undue payment, shall pay legal interest if event which is uncertain, or which is to
a sum of money is involved, or shall be liable occur at an indeterminate time.
for fruits received or which should have been
received if the thing produces fruits. Article 1170. Supra.
He shall furthermore be answerable for
any loss or impairment of the thing from any
cause, and for damages to the person who
delivered the thing, until it is recovered.
Common Carrier
Mora solvendi
Mora accipiendi