1.

Civil Obligations: Civil obligations are legal obligations that are recognized and
enforceable by law. These obligations are backed by the legal system, and failure
to fulfill them can lead to legal consequences such as fines, penalties, or even
imprisonment. Civil obligations are typically outlined in statutes, contracts, or other
legal documents.

Example: A person enters into a contract with a construction company to build a house.
The contract specifies the terms, conditions, and payment details for the construction
work. Both parties have a civil obligation to fulfill their respective roles as stated in the
contract. If either party breaches the contract, the other party can seek legal remedies
through the court system.

2. Natural Obligations: Natural obligations, also known as moral obligations, are

obligations that are not enforceable by law but are based on moral or ethical
considerations. While they do not have legal backing, they involve a sense of
moral duty or a debt of honor. Natural obligations may arise from past
transactions, gratitude, or a sense of fairness.

Example: Imagine a scenario where a person borrows money from a friend during a time
of need. Later on, due to unforeseen circumstances, the borrower becomes unable to
repay the loan. Legally, the lender cannot enforce repayment since there is no written
agreement or formal contract. However, the borrower may still feel a moral obligation to
repay the debt out of a sense of gratitude and personal integrity.

In summary, the main difference between civil obligations and natural obligations lies in
their enforceability by law. Civil obligations are legally binding and enforceable through
the legal system, while natural obligations are not legally enforceable but are based on
moral considerations or personal integrity.

Sources of Obligations Article 1157

1. Law: Legal obligations can arise directly from laws and regulations established by
governments and legislative bodies. These laws outline rights, duties, and
responsibilities that individuals and entities must adhere to. Legal obligations
derived from laws can cover a wide range of areas, including civil, criminal, and
administrative matters.

2. Contracts: Contracts are voluntary agreements between parties that establish

specific obligations and rights for each party involved. When parties enter into a
contract, they agree to perform certain actions or refrain from certain actions as
stipulated in the contract terms. Breaching a contract can result in legal
consequences.
 3. Quasi-Contracts (Restitution): Quasi-contracts are legal obligations that arise to
prevent unjust enrichment when there is no formal contract between parties. In
cases where one party benefits from another's actions without a contractual
relationship, the law may impose an obligation on the beneficiary to provide
restitution to the party that provided the benefit.

4. Acts or Omissions Punished by Law (Criminal Obligations): Legal obligations can

arise from criminal law, where certain acts or omissions are prohibited by law and
subject to criminal penalties. Individuals have an obligation to refrain from
engaging in criminal behavior. Criminal obligations are enforced by the state
through the criminal justice system.

5. Quasi-Delicts (Torts or Civil Wrongs): Quasi-delicts, also known as torts or civil

wrongs, involve obligations that arise from causing harm or injury to another person
or their property. Unlike contractual obligations, quasi-delicts do not require a pre-
existing agreement. Common examples include negligence, defamation, and
trespass.

Example quasi delict: Car Accident

Suppose that Alice is driving her car and, due to her negligence, she runs a red light and
collides with Bob's car. As a result of the collision, Bob's car is damaged, and he sustains
injuries. In this scenario, Alice's negligent actions have caused harm to Bob and his
property.

In a legal context, this situation could be considered a quasi-delict. Even though Alice
and Bob didn't have a direct contractual relationship, Alice's careless driving and
resulting collision have led to harm suffered by Bob. Quasi-delicts, also known as torts or
civil wrongs, encompass situations where one party's actions (or lack of action) result in
harm or injury to another party, creating legal obligations to provide compensation or
remedy the harm caused.

In this example, Bob may have a legal basis to seek compensation from Alice for the
damages to his car and his injuries, even though they didn't have a contract between
them. The principles of negligence and quasi-delict would be relevant in determining
whether Alice's actions breached her duty of care and whether she is liable for the harm
caused to Bob.

ARTICLE 1158:

Art. 1158. Obligations derived from law are not presumed. Only those expressly
determined in this Code or in special laws are demandable, and shall be regulated by
the precepts of the law which establishes them; and as to what has not been foreseen,
by the provisions of this Book. (1090)
presumption. n. a rule of law which permits a court to assume a fact is true until such time
as there is a preponderance (greater weight) of evidence which disproves or outweighs
(rebuts) the presumption.

In summary, Article 1158 of the Civil Code of the Philippines underscores that legal
obligations arising from law are not automatically assumed. They must be expressly
determined in the Civil Code or special laws in order to be enforceable. Such obligations
are regulated by the law that establishes them, and if a situation arises that is not covered
by the establishing law, the provisions of the Civil Code's Book IV (which deals with
obligations and contracts) will apply. This article provides guidance on how legal
obligations derived from law are recognized and enforced within the legal framework of
the Philippines.

1. Obligations Derived from Law Are Not Presumed: This part of the article emphasizes
that legal obligations, which arise from laws rather than contractual agreements, cannot
be assumed or presumed without explicit legal foundation. In other words, individuals or
parties cannot automatically be held responsible for certain actions or duties solely
based on general assumptions; there must be a clear legal basis.

2. Express Determination in the Civil Code or Special Laws: For obligations derived from
law to be enforceable, they must be explicitly determined either in the Civil Code (the
main legal statute governing civil relationships in the Philippines) or in special laws that
address specific matters. This requirement ensures clarity and specificity in the legal
obligations.

3. Regulation by the Law That Establishes Them: When obligations are established by law,
they are governed by the legal principles and rules set forth in the specific law that
created those obligations. This means that the legal framework and guidelines provided
by that law will dictate the nature, scope, and enforcement of those obligations.

4. Unforeseen Matters Governed by the Provisions of the Civil Code: If there are aspects
of the obligations that the specific law did not anticipate or address, those aspects are
regulated by the provisions of the Civil Code itself. The Civil Code serves as a
comprehensive legal framework for various obligations, and its provisions fill in any gaps
or unforeseen situations not covered by the law that established the obligation.

ARTICLE 1159

"Obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the contracting parties
and should be complied with in good faith."

1. Obligations Arising from Contracts: This part of the article focuses on obligations that
arise from contracts. A contract is a legally binding agreement between parties where
they mutually agree to certain rights and duties. Obligations in a contract refer to the
specific responsibilities and commitments that each party agrees to fulfill as part of the
contract.

2. Have the Force of Law: The article states that obligations arising from contracts are
equivalent to the force of law between the parties involved. In other words, once parties
have entered into a valid contract, the obligations outlined in the contract are legally
binding and enforceable, just like laws enacted by the state.

3. Should Be Complied With in Good Faith: Parties to a contract are expected to adhere
to the terms and fulfill their obligations in good faith. "Good faith" refers to an honest
intention to fulfill the contractual obligations and a commitment to act fairly and
reasonably in the performance of those obligations. Parties should not intentionally
deceive, manipulate, or act in a way that undermines the purpose of the contract.

In essence, Article 1159 emphasizes the following points:

• Obligations arising from contracts are as legally binding as laws between the
parties involved.

• Parties must comply with their contractual obligations in good faith, ensuring
honest and fair performance.

• Contractual obligations are enforceable through legal remedies if either party fails
to fulfill their obligations as agreed.

In summary, Article 1159 establishes that obligations resulting from contracts carry legal
weight and are treated as if they were laws between the parties who entered into the
contract. These obligations are binding and enforceable, and the parties are required to
fulfill them in good faith. The article underscores the importance of upholding the
commitments made in contracts and maintaining trust and fairness in contractual
relationships.

ARTICLE 1160

Art. 1160. Obligations derived from quasi-contracts shall be subject to the provisions of
Chapter 1, Title XVII, of this Book. (n

1. Obligations Derived from Quasi-Contracts: Quasi-contracts are legal obligations that

arise in situations where there is no formal contractual agreement between parties, but
one party has benefited at the expense of another. These situations may involve unjust
enrichment, where it would be unfair for a party to retain the benefit received without
compensating the other party. Quasi-contracts provide a legal remedy to address
situations where no actual contract exists, but an obligation to provide restitution arises.

2. Provisions of Chapter 1, Title XVII: Article 1160 states that obligations arising from quasi-
contracts are subject to the provisions outlined in Chapter 1 of Title XVII of the Civil Code.
Title XVII of the Civil Code addresses "Quasi-Contracts and Quasi-Delicts," which are
situations involving obligations that are not based on actual contracts or deliberate
wrongdoing but are nevertheless subject to legal remedies.

3. Title XVII, Chapter 1: Chapter 1 of Title XVII contains the specific rules and principles
related to quasi-contracts. It provides the legal framework for situations where parties
have obligations to one another in the absence of a formal contract. This chapter defines
the circumstances under which quasi-contracts arise, the rights and obligations of the
parties, and the remedies available to address unjust enrichment or situations where one
party has benefited at the expense of another.

In essence, Article 1160 states that obligations arising from quasi-contracts, which involve
situations where legal obligations are imposed to prevent unjust enrichment, are to be
governed by the provisions of Chapter 1, Title XVII, of the Civil Code. This chapter provides
the legal framework for understanding and addressing quasi-contractual obligations,
ensuring that parties are treated fairly and equitably in situations where there is no formal
contractual agreement.

Kinds of quasi-contracts

Negotiorum gestio, also known as "voluntary agency," is a quasi-contractual situation that

arises when a person (the "gestor") voluntarily manages or intervenes in the affairs of
another person's property or business without the owner's express authorization. The
gestor takes actions that benefit the owner's interests, even though the owner did not
request or authorize those actions. In such cases, the gestor may be entitled to
reimbursement for reasonable expenses and compensation for services rendered.

Elaboration:

Suppose that Alice owns a piece of land, and Bob, her neighbor, notices that the land is
at risk of flooding due to a nearby river. Without Alice's knowledge or consent, Bob hires
workers to build a protective barrier to prevent flooding on Alice's property. The flood
prevention measures are successful, but Bob incurs expenses for materials and labor.

In this situation, Bob has engaged in negotiorum gestio by taking actions to protect Alice's
property without her authorization. If the actions are reasonable and beneficial to Alice,
she may be obliged to reimburse Bob for the expenses he incurred. The idea behind
negotiorum gestio is to ensure that individuals who act in the best interests of others are
not unfairly burdened by the costs they incur.

Solutio indebiti, often referred to as "payment by mistake" or "undue payment," is a quasi-

contractual situation that arises when a person mistakenly pays money to another person
who is not entitled to receive it.

magine that Alice owes Bob $100, but due to a clerical error, Alice mistakenly pays Bob
$200. Bob receives the overpayment without realizing the mistake. Once the error is
identified, Bob becomes aware that he was not entitled to receive the extra $100. In this
case, Bob is unjustly enriched because he received money to which he had no legal
right.

Solutio indebiti allows Alice to claim the return of the $100 overpayment from Bob. The
principle behind solutio indebiti is to prevent one party from unfairly benefiting at the
expense of another due to an honest mistake. While there was no actual contract
between Alice and Bob, the law intervenes to ensure fairness and restitution.

ARTICLE 1161

Art. 1161. Civil obligations arising from criminal offenses shall be governed by the penal
laws, subject to the provisions of Article 2177, and of the pertinent provisions of Chapter
2, Preliminary Title, on Human Relations, and of Title XVIII of this Book, regulating damages.
(1092a)

1. Civil Obligations Arising from Criminal Offenses: This part of the article refers to situations
where a criminal offense results in harm or injury to another person or their property,
leading to civil liability in addition to any criminal penalties. In such cases, the person who
committed the criminal offense may be held civilly liable for the damages or harm
caused to the victim.

2. Governed by the Penal Laws: Civil obligations arising from criminal offenses are primarily
governed by the penal laws of the Philippines. Penal laws define criminal offenses, specify
the elements of each offense, and prescribe the corresponding penalties for those found
guilty of committing the offenses.

3. Subject to the Provisions of Article 2177: Article 2177 of the Civil Code is a crucial
provision that states that individuals are liable for damages they cause when they act
with fault or negligence. This means that even if a person's actions result in a criminal
offense, they may also be held civilly liable for any harm or damages caused if they were
negligent or at fault.

4. Pertinent Provisions of Chapter 2, Preliminary Title, on Human Relations: The reference

to Chapter 2 of the Preliminary Title on Human Relations implies that principles related to
human relations and interactions, including standards of conduct and responsibilities
towards others, may apply in cases involving civil obligations arising from criminal
offenses.

5. Title XVIII of this Book, Regulating Damages: Title XVIII of the Civil Code focuses on
regulating damages. It outlines the principles, types, and assessment of damages that
can be awarded in civil cases, including those arising from criminal offenses.
In summary, Article 1161 specifies that civil obligations stemming from criminal offenses
are primarily governed by the penal laws, but they are also subject to principles of fault
or negligence, human relations, and damages as outlined in the Civil Code. This article
ensures that individuals who suffer harm or damages as a result of criminal acts have
avenues for seeking compensation and that the principles of fairness and accountability
are upheld in these situations.

ARTICLE 1162

"Obligations derived from quasi-delicts shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 2,

Title XVII of this Book, and by special laws. (1093a)"

1. Obligations Derived from Quasi-Delicts: Quasi-delicts, also known as torts or civil

wrongs, are situations where one party causes harm or injury to another person or their
property through negligent or wrongful actions but without the presence of a formal
contract or intentional harm. These situations give rise to legal obligations to compensate
the injured party for the harm suffered.

2. Governed by the Provisions of Chapter 2, Title XVII: Article 1162 specifies that
obligations arising from quasi-delicts are primarily governed by the provisions found in
Chapter 2 of Title XVII of the Civil Code. Title XVII of the Civil Code focuses on "Quasi-
Contracts and Quasi-Delicts" and contains the legal framework for addressing situations
where legal obligations arise even in the absence of a formal contract.

3. Special Laws: In addition to the provisions in the Civil Code, obligations arising from
quasi-delicts may also be governed by special laws. Special laws are specific statutes or
regulations that address particular situations or areas of law in more detail. These laws
can provide additional rules, standards, or remedies for cases involving quasi-delicts,
depending on the nature of the harm or wrongdoing.

In summary, Article 1162 clarifies that obligations stemming from quasi-delicts, which are
civil wrongs or torts, are primarily regulated by the provisions found in Chapter 2 of Title
XVII of the Civil Code. This chapter outlines the legal principles and remedies related to
quasi-contracts and quasi-delicts. However, special laws may also come into play
depending on the specific circumstances of the quasi-delict, providing additional legal
guidance and remedies. This ensures that the injured party has a legal basis for seeking
compensation and remedies for harm caused by another party's negligence or wrongful
actions.