Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TITLE I — OBLIGATIONS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
law, and which gives to the obligee or creditor the right of enforcing it
against the obligor or debtor in a court of justice. This is the obligation
which is defined in Art. 1156 of the Code. A natural obligation, on
the other hand, is one which cannot be enforced by action, but which
is binding on the party who makes it in conscience and according to
1
New provision.
2
4 Sanchez Roman 53.
3
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 21.
4
Art. 1423, Civil Code.
1
Art. 1156 OBLIGATIONS
with the stat ute of limitations, a nat ural obligation still subsists,
although the civil obligation is extinguished. This may be illustrated
by the following example: If A has a right of action, evidenced by
a promissory note, to collect one thousand pesos from B, and such
promissory note prescribes after the expiration of ten years from
the time it accrues, although the latter is no longer bound to pay
6
5
3 Bouvier’s Law Dictionary, 2394-2395.
6
Art. 1144, Civil Code.
7
Agoncillo vs. Javier, 38 Phil. 424; Villaroel vs. Estrada, 71 Phil. 40.
8
Art. 1423, Civil Code.
9
Giorgi, Teoria de las Obligaciones, Vol. 1, p. 13; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 20.
2
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1156
or real rights are contributed to the common fund, the law requires
t h a t the contract shall be in a public instrument to which a n inven-
tory of the property or real rights, signed by the partners, must be
attached; in a contract of chattel mortgage, the law requires that
15
the sale or transfer of large cattle, the law requires t h a t the sale or
transfer shall be registered. Non-compliance with such formalities
17
10
Art. 748, Civil Code.
11
Art. 1874, Civil Code.
12
Art. 1956, Civil Code.
13
Art. 2134, Civil Code.
14
Art. 749, Civil Code.
15
Arts. 1771, 1773,
Civil Code.
16
Art. 2140, Civil Code.
17
Sec. 22, Act No. 1147;
Art. 1581, Civil Code.
3
Art. 1156 OBLIGATIONS
18
Arts. 1158-1162, Civil Code.
19
Arts. 1163-1168, Civil Code.
20
Arts. 1163-1166, Civil Code.
21
Arts. 1167-1168, Civil Code.
22
Arts. 1169-1191, Civil Code.
23
Arts. 1207, 1223, Civil Code.
24
Arts. 1166, 1226, et seq.,
Civil Code.
25
8 Sanchez Roman 20-40.
4
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Art. 1156
2. As to parties:
(a)Unilateral and bilateral — unilateral, where only
one party is bound, and bilateral, where both parties are mu-
tually or reciprocally bound.
(b)Individual and collective — individual, where there is
only one obligor, and collective, where there are several ob-
ligors. The latter may be joint, when each obligor is liable only
for his proportionate share of the obligation, or solidary, when
each obligor may be held liable for the entire obligation.
3. As to object:
(a)Determinate and generic — determinate, when the
object is specific; generic, when the object is designated by its
class or genus.
(b)Simple and multiple — simple, when there is only
one undertaking; multiple, when there are several undertak-
ings. Multiple obligations may be conjunctive, when all of the
undertakings are demandable a t the same time, or distribu-
tive, when only one undertaking out of several is demandable.
Distributive obligations, on the other hand, may be alterna-
tive, when the obligor is allowed to choose one out of several
obligations which may be due and demandable, or facultative,
when the obligor is allowed to substitute another obligation for
one which is due and demandable.
(c)Positive and negative — positive, when the obligor is
obliged to give or do something; negative, when the obligor
must refrain from giving or doing something.
(d)Real and personal — real, when the obligation con-
sists in giving something; personal, when the obligation con-
sists in doing or not doing something.
(e)Possible and impossible — possible, when the ob-
ligation is capable of fulfillment in nat ure as well as in law;
impossible, when the obligation is not capable of fulfillment
either in nat ure or in law.
(f)Divisible and indivisible — divisible, when the obli-
gation is susceptible of partial performance; indivisible, when
the obligation is not susceptible of partial performance.
5
Art. 1157 OBLIGATIONS
26
Art. 1089, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
27
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 35.
28
Art. 1157, Civil Code.
6
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1158
29
Leung Ben vs. O’Brien, 38 Phil. 182.
30
Art. 1090, Spanish Civil Code.
31
Art. 1158, Civil Code.
7
Art. 1159 OBLIGATIONS
itself is the source of the obligation; however, when the law merely
recognizes or acknowledges the existence of a n obligation generated
by a n act which may constitute a contract, quasi-contract, criminal
offense or quasi-delict and its only purpose is to regulate such
obligation, then the act itself is the source of the obligation and not
the law. Thus, if A loses a certain amount to B in a game of chance,
32
according to Art. 2014 of the Civil Code, the former may recover his
loss from the latter, with legal interest from the time he paid the
amount lost. It is evident t h a t in this particular case the source of
the obligation of B to refund to A the amount which he had won from
the latter is not a contract, quasi-contract, criminal offense or quasi-
delict, but the law itself. The same can also be said with regard to
33
contracts. Once the contract is perfected, the valid contract has the
force of law binding the parties to comply therewith in good faith,
where neither one may renege therefrom without the consent of the
other. (Tiu Peck vs. CA 221 SCRA 618 [1993]) There are certain
34
Art. 291, Civil Code; Pelayo vs. Lauron, 12 Phil. 453.
35
Bautista vs. Borromeo, 35 SCRA 119.
36
Arts. 634, 687, Civil Code.
37
Art. 1091, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
38
Art. 1305, Civil Code.
39
Art. 1315, Civil Code.
8
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1160
prevent one party from taking unfair advantage over the other
party. In the case of Royal Lines, Inc. vs. Court of Appeals, 143
SCRA 608 (1986), it was ruled t h a t evasion by a party of legitimate
obligations after receiving the benefits under the contract would
constitute unjust enrichment on his part. However, in default of a n
agreement, the rules found in the Civil Code regulating such
obligations are applicable. 42
40
Art. 1316, Civil Code.
41
Art. 1306, Civil Code.
42
Art. 1305, et seq., Civil Code.
43
New provision.
9
Art. 1161 OBLIGATIONS
delivery has been made, the person to whom the delivery is unduly
made shall have the obligation to r et urn the property delivered or
the money paid. 51
44
Art. 2142, Civil Code.
45
Art. 2144, Civil Code.
46
Art. 2154, Civil Code.
47
Art. 2144, Civil Code.
48
Ibid.
49
Arts. 2144-2152, Civil
Code.
50
51 Art. 2154, Civil Code.
Ibid.
10
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1161
is based on the fact that, generally, a crime has a dual aspect — the
criminal aspect and the civil aspect. Although these two aspects are
separate and distinct from each other in the sense t h a t one affects
the social order and the other, private rights, so t h a t the purpose of
the first is to punish or correct the offender, while the purpose of the
second is to repair the damages suffered by the aggrieved party, it
is evident t h a t the basis of the civil liability is the criminal liability
itself.
Please note, however, t h a t there are offenses and special crimes
without civil liability. Examples are crimes of treason, rebellion,
illegal possession of firearm and gambling. But a person who is not
criminally liable may still be civilly liable.
Idem; Enforcement of civil liability. — In general and
prior to the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure 2000, the following
rules are observed in the enforcement or prosecution of civil liability
arising from criminal offenses:
(1) Institution of criminal and civil actions. — When a
criminal action is instituted, the civil action for recovery of civil
liability arising from the offense charged is impliedly instituted with
the criminal action, unless the offended party (i) expressly waives
the civil action, or (ii) reserves his right to institute it separately, or
(iii) institutes the civil action prior to the criminal action.
(2) Independent civil action. — In the cases provided in
Articles 31, 32, 33, 34 and 2177 of the Civil Code of the Philippines,
a n independent civil action entirely separate and distinct from the
criminal action, may be brought by the injured party during the
pendency of the criminal case, provided the right is reserved. Such
civil action shall proceed independently of the criminal prosecution,
and shall require only a preponderance of evidence.
52
Art. 1092, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
53
Art. 100, Revised Penal Code. This rule, however, is subject to the rules stated
in Arts. 101, 102 and 103, Revised Penal Code.
11
Art. 1161 OBLIGATIONS
12
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1161
13
Art. 1161 OBLIGATIONS
14
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1161
exceptional cases or instances under the Civil Code where the civil
action to recover damages is entirely separate and independent from
the criminal action, although the act or omission which is the basis
thereof may be a criminal offense. They are: first, where the civil
action is based on a n obligation not arising from the act or omission
complained of as a criminal offense or felony; and second, where the
58
law grants to the injured party the right to institute a civil action
which is entirely separate and distinct from the criminal action. As 59
54
Art. 29, Civil Code.
55
Ibid.
56
Sec. 3(c), Rule 111, New Rules of Court.
57
Sec. 3(b), Rule 111, New Rules of Court.
58
Arts. 31, 177, Civil Code.
59
Arts. 32, 33, 34, Civil Code.
15
Art. 1161 OBLIGATIONS
in such case is not the obligation arising from the criminal offense
of malversation, but the obligation arising from the law. Similarly,
if a passenger in a certain bus institutes a civil action to recover
damages from the operator of the bus line for injuries sustained in
a n accident, such action is separate and distinct from the criminal
prosecution of the driver for criminal negligence and may, therefore,
be continued regardless of the result of the latter. Consequently,
he can still recover damages even if the driver is acquitted in the
criminal action, because it is clear t h a t the action in such case is
based on culpa contractual and not on the act or omission of the
driver complained of as felony. The same principle is also applicable
62
60
Art. 31, Civil Code.
61
Tolentino vs. Carlos, 39 Off. Gaz., No. 6, p. 121.
62
San Pedro Bus Line vs. Navarro, 94 Phil. 840; Bernaldes vs. Bohol Land Trans.
Co., 7 SCRA 276.
63
Art. 2176, et seq., Civil Code.
64
Art. 2177, Civil Code; Barredo vs. Garcia and Almario, 73 Phil. 607; Dyogi vs.
Yatco, 100 Phil. 1095; Calo vs. Peggy, 103 Phil. 1112; Stanvac vs. Tan, 107 Phil. 109.
16
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1161
65
Art. 32, Civil Code.
66
Art. 33, Civil Code.
67
Ibid.
68
Ibid.
69
Art. 34, Civil Code.
70
Arts. 32, 33, 34,
Civil Code.
SCRA7152 SCRA 420. This
113.
case was also cited
and quoted in
17
Mendoza vs. Arrieta,
91
Art. 1161 OBLIGATIONS
declared:
18
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
19
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
77
Report of the Code Commission, p. 161.
78
See Elcano and Elcano vs. Hill and Hill, 77 SCRA 98.
79
Art. 2176, Civil Code.
80
Art. 2180, Civil Code.
20
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
Ibid.
81
83
Barredo vs. Garcia and Almario, 73 Phil. 607.
21
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
22
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
84
66 SCRA 485.
85
77 SCRA 98.
23
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
86
91 SCRA 113.
24
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
26
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
27
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
28
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
Elcano
vs. Hill 77
SCRA 98
29
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
30
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
which was enacted after the Garcia doctrine, no longer uses the
term, “not punishable by law,’’ thereby making it clear t h at the
concept of culpa aquiliana includes acts which are criminal in
character or in violation of the penal law, whether voluntary or
negligent. Thus, the corresponding provision to said Article 1093
in the new code, which is Article 1162, simply says, “Obligations
derived from quasi-delicts shall be governed by the provisions
of Chapter 2, Title XVII of this Book (on quasi-delicts), and by
special laws.’’ More precisely, a new provision, Article 2177 of
the new code provides:
31
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
congruent with the spirit of law, equity and justice, and more
in harmony with modern progress,’’ to borrow the felicitous
relevant language in Rakes vs. Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Co., 7
Phil. 359, to hold, as We do hold, t hat Article 2176, where it refers
to “fault or negligence,’’ covers not only acts “not punishable by
law’’ but also acts criminal in character, whether intentional
and voluntary or negligent. Consequently, a separate civil action
lies against the offender in a criminal act, whether or not he is
criminally prosecuted and found guilty or acquitted, provided
th at the offended party is not allowed, if he is actually charged
also criminally, to recover damages on both scores, and would
be entitled in such eventuality only to the bigger award of the
two, assuming the awards made in the two cases vary. In other
words, the extinction of civil liability referred to in Par. (e) of
Section 3, Rule III, refers exclusively to civil liability founded on
Article 100 of the Revised Penal Code, whereas the civil liability
for the same act considered as a quasi-delict only and not as a
crime is not extinguished even by a declaration in the criminal
case th at the criminal act charged h as not happened or has not
been committed, by the accused. Briefly stated, We here hold, in
reiteration of Garcia, th at culpa aquiliana includes voluntary
and negligent acts which may be punishable by law.
32
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
33
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
34
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
35
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
36
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
37
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
there was no need for petitioner to have reserved his right to file
a separate civil action as his action for civil liability was deemed
impliedly instituted in Criminal Case No. SM-228.
“Neither would an independent civil action lie. Noteworthy
is the basis of the acquittal of jeep-owner-driver Salazar in the
criminal case, expounded by the Trial Court in this wise:
38
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1162
39
Art. 1162 OBLIGATIONS
only to the civil liability arising from the offense charged. The
employer may no longer be held civilly liable for quasi-delict in
the criminal action as ruled in Maniago (infra.); San Ildefonso
Lines (infra.) and the pro hac vice decision in Rafael Reyes
Trucking Corporation (infra.), and all other similar cases, since
quasi delict is not deemed instituted with the criminal. If at
all, the only civil liability of the employer in the criminal action
would be his subsidiary liability under the Revised Penal Code.
The rule has also done away with third-party complaints and
counterclaims in criminal actions. These claims must have to be
ventilated in a separate civil action.’’
The Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure 2000 “is similar
to the original rule in Rule 107 of the Rules of Court.’’
civil liability referred to in par. (c), Sec. 2 of Rule 111, refers ex-
clusively to civil liability arising from crime; whereas, the civil
liability for the same act considered as a quasi-delict only and
not as a crime is not extinguished even by a declaration in the
criminal case th at the criminal act charged has not happened or
has not been committed by the accused. Both actions may pro-
ceed separately; the only limitation is the prohibition to recover
damages twice based on the same act or omission.’’
41
OBLIGATIONS
CHAPTER 2
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS
1
Art. 1094, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
2
Art. 1095, Spanish Civil Code.
3
Art. 1096, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
4
Art. 1097, par. 1, Civil Code.
42
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1163-1166
5
Art. 1460, par. 1, Civil Code.
6
Soriano vs. De Leon, 48 Off. Gaz. 2245; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p.
102.
8
Art. 1246,
7
Art. Civil
1244, Code.
Civil Code.
43
Arts. 1163-1166 OBLIGATIONS
the condition in which they were upon the perfection of the contract.
According to Manresa, the principle declared in Art. 1164 is merely
a n extension of t h a t declared in Art. 1537 considering the fact that
a n obligation arising from a contract of sale is the prototype of all
contractual obligations. 9 Generalizing the provision of the latter
article, we can, therefore, say t h a t the obligor or debtor is bound to
deliver the thing which is the object of the obligation as well as the
fruits thereof from the moment the contract is perfected. In other
words, with respect to the thing itself, the obligation to deliver arises
from the time of perfection of the contract; with respect to the fruits,
the obligation to deliver also arises from the time of the perfection
of the contract. It must be noted, however, t h a t these rules are not
absolute in character. In case there is a contrary stipulation of the
parties with respect to the time when the thing or fruits shall be
delivered, such stipulation shall govern. Hence, if the obligation
is subject to a suspensive condition, the obligation to deliver the
thing as well as the fruits shall arise only from the moment of the
fulfillment of the condition, and if it is subject to a suspensive term
or period, the obligation to deliver arises only upon the expiration of
the designated term or period.
If the creditor has a right to the thing as well as to the fruits
thereof from the time the obligation to deliver it arises, what is the
nature of such right? Before answering this question, we must first
know the meaning of personal and real right. According to an eminent
Spanish commentator, a personal right is “a right pertaining to a
person to demand from another, as a definite passive subject, the
fulfillment of a prestation to give, to do or not to do.’’ It is a jus ad
rem, a right enforceable only against a definite person or group of
persons, such as the right of a creditor to demand from the debtor
the delivery of the object of the obligation after the perfection of the
contract. A real right, on the other hand, is a “right pertaining to a
person over a specific thing, without a passive subject individually
determined against whom such right may be personally enforced.’’10
It is a jus in re, a right enforceable against the whole world, such
as the right of ownership, possession, usufruct or easement. It is
clear from these definitions t h a t before delivery, the creditor, in
obligations to give, has merely a personal right against the debtor
9
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 97-98.
10
3 Sanchez 6-8.
44
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1163-1166
—a right to ask for delivery of the thing and the fruits thereof. Once
the thing and the fruits are delivered, then he acquires a real right
over them, a right which is enforceable against the whole world.
This explains why according to Art. 1164 of the Code, although the
creditor acquires a right to the fruits of the thing from the time the
obligation to deliver it arises, he does not acquire any real right over
it until the same has been delivered to him. Thus, if A and B enter
into a written agreement whereby the former promises to deliver a
parcel of land to the latter for a price of P100,000, the obligations
to deliver the land on the par t of the former and the purchase price
of P100,000 on the par t of the latter arise only from the moment of
the perfection of the contract. As far as B is concerned, although
he is entitled to all of the fruits of the land from the moment of the
perfection of the contract, a t most, he h as only a personal right to
compel A to deliver the land and such fruits in case he, himself, is
also ready to comply with what is incumbent upon him. 1 1 In other
words, he does not acquire a real right or right of ownership over the
land and over the fruits thereof, until the same have been delivered
to him. That is why, according to Art. 1477 of the Civil Code, the
ownership of the thing sold shall be transferred to the vendee only
upon the actual or constructive delivery thereof.
Idem; Rights of creditor in determinate obligations. — If
the obligation to give is determinate, the rights of the creditor are as
follows:
(1)To compel specific performance. This right is expressly
recognized by the first paragraph of Art. 1165 of the Code which
states t h a t the creditor may compel the debtor to make the delivery.
It is complemented by the first paragraph of Art. 1244 which states
t h a t the debtor of a thing cannot compel the creditor to receive a
different one, although the latter may be of the same value as, or more
valuable t ha n t h a t which is due. Consequently, if the debtor does not
comply with his obligation a t the time when the obligation to deliver
arises or if he insists on delivering a different one, the remedy of
the creditor is to file a n action against the debtor to compel specific
performance. In such case, the debtor cannot even plead pecuniary
impossibility of performance. It is a n undisputed principle of equity
11
Cruzado vs. Bustos and Escaler, 34 Phil. 17; see also Fidelity and Deposit Co.
vs. Wilson, 8 Phil. 51; Garchitorena vs. Almeda, CA, 48 Off. Gaz. 3432; Lundberg vs.
Gancayco, CA, 50 Off. Gaz. 172.
45
Arts. 1163-1166 OBLIGATIONS
12
Gutierrez Repide vs. Afzelius, 39 Phil. 190.
13
Arts. 1165, par. 1, and 1170, Civil Code.
14
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 103.
15Art. 1165, par. 2, Civil Code.
16
Art. 1246, Civil Code.
46
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1163-1166
17
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 104.
18
Art. 1244, Civil Code.
19
2 De Diego 65.
47
Arts. 1163-1166 OBLIGATIONS
20
Art. 1163, Civil Code; see Bishop of Jaro vs. De la Peña, 26 Phil. 144.
21
Art. 440, Civil Code.
22
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 109-110.
48
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1163-1166
23
Capistrano, Civil Code, 1950 Ed., Vol. 3, p. 2.
24
Art. 1174, Civil Code.
49
Arts. 1163-1166 OBLIGATIONS
destroyed before the date of the delivery, the obligor or debtor shall
be liable to the creditor.
Idem; Obligations of debtor in generic obligations. — If
the obligation to give is innominate or generic, the obligations of the
debtor are as follows:
(1)To deliver a thing which is neither of superior nor inferior
quality. 2 5 Consequently, the creditor cannot demand a thing of
superior quality; neither can the debtor deliver a thing of inferior
quality. However, in the determination of the quality of the thing
which is to be delivered, the purpose of the obligation and other
circumstances shall have to be taken into consideration. 2 6
(2)To be liable for damages in case of breach of the obligation by
reason of delay, fraud, negligence or contravention of the tenor
thereof. 2 7 This liability includes the obligation to reimburse all
expenses incurred by the creditor in those cases where the latter
avails himself of the right to ask a third person to perform the
obligation a t the expense of the debtor. 2 8 It must be noted, however,
t h a t the doctrine enunciated in Art. 1174 of the Code, by virtue of
which the obligation is extinguished in case the object thereof is lost
or destroyed through a fortuitous event, is not applicable to this
type of obligation. This is clearly deducible from the provision of Art.
1263 of the Civil Code which states t h a t in a n obligation to deliver
a generic thing, the loss or destruction of anything of the same
class or genus as t h a t which constitutes the object thereof shall not
extinguish the obligation. This precept is based on the maxim that
the genus of a thing can never perish (genus nunquam peruit). Thus,
if a certain company agreed to pay a pension to any of its employees
who may have completed 20 years of service and who may have
attained the age of 50, the fact t ha t heavy losses were incurred by
said company during the war does not exempt it from liability on the
ground t h a t such obligation to pay is generic and, consequently, is
not extinguished. 2 9 Similarly, if a certain person promised to deliver
25
Art. 1246, Civil Code.
26
Ibid.
27
Art. 1170, Civil Code.
28
Art. 1165, par. 2, Civil Code.
29
Philippine Long Distance Co. vs. Jeturian, 97 Phil. 78; see also Reyes vs. Cal-
tex, 47 Off. Gaz. 1193.
50
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1163-1166
30
Soriano vs. De Leon, 48 Off. Gaz. 2245.
51
Art. 1167 OBLIGATIONS
31
Art. 1098, Spanish Civil
Code. 32
Art. 1167, par. 2, Civil
Code. 33
Art. 1170, Civil Code.
34
Woodhouse vs. Halili, 93
8 Manresa,
Phil.
35
5th Ed.,
526, quoting 19 Bk. 2, pp. 116-117.
Scaevola
428, 431-432.
52
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1167
36
Ibid.
37
Art. 1167, par. 1, Civil Code.
38
Art. 1167, par. 2, Civil Code.
39
Art. 1170, Civil Code.
53
Art. 1168 OBLIGATIONS
40
Art. 1099, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
54
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1169
41
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 121-122.
42
Ibid., p. 123.
55
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
43
Art. 1100, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
44
Art. 1101, Spanish Civil Code.
45
Art. 1102, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
46
Art. 1103, Spanish Civil Code.
56
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1170-1173
47
Art. 1104, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
48
Art. 1170, Civil Code.
49
Art. 1174, Civil Code.
50
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 125.
57
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
Bayala vs. Silang Traffic Co., 73 Phil. 557; Adiarte vs. Court of Appeals, 49 Off.
54
59
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
promised to contribute but also for interest and damages from the
time he should have complied with his obligation.
(2)When from the n at ure and the circumstances of the
obligation it appears t h a t the designation of the time when the
thing is to be delivered or the service is to be rendered was a
controlling motive for the establishment of the contract. 5 5 The basis
of this exception is the fact t h a t the designation of the time is of
such fundamental importance in the fulfillment of the obligation
t h a t it would be logical to assume t h a t the intention of the parties
was to make fulfillment of the obligation upon the arrival of such
designated time a n essential part of the contract. In other words, the
time element for the fulfillment of the obligation is of the essence of
the contract. Therefore, it must be established t h a t the designation
of the time when the obligation shall be fulfilled was a controlling
motive for the execution of the contract. This can be inferred from
the nat ure and circumstances of the obligation. 5 6 Thus, where in
the contract of sale entered into between plaintiff and defendant
there is a stipulation t h a t the machinery which is the object of the
sale was already on the way from the United States to Manila, but
it is established t h a t it was actually shipped several days after
the execution of the contract and, as a consequence, plaintiff was
unable to deliver it within a reasonably short time to the defendant,
it was held t h a t the plaintiff has already incurred in delay since,
undoubtedly, the representation t h a t such machinery was already
on the way was one of the determining elements of the contract.
Consequently, the subsequent refusal of the defendant to accept the
delivery is justified.57
(3)When demand would be useless, as when the obligor has
rendered it beyond his power to perform. 5 8 Thus, if A, for instance,
has promised to deliver his automobile to B on the 15th day of
November, 1980, but a few days before such date, the automobile
was completely destroyed through his fault, and the fact of its
destruction was known to B, demand by the latter would be useless.
55
Art. 1169, par. 2, No. 2, Civil Code.
56
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 127-128.
57
Soler vs. Chesley, 43 Phil. 529. To the same effect: Hanlon vs. Ha usserma n and
Beam, 40 Phil. 795.
58
Art. 1169, par. 2, No. 3, Civil Code.
60
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1170-1173
In such case, A will incur in delay without the need of any demand
from B.
Idem; Default in negative obligations. — The obligor can
not possibly incur in delay in negative obligations (not to do). Ac-
cording to Manresa, these obligations have a peculiarity of their own
which the law does not show but which is evident from their spe-
cial nature. Fulfillment and violation are possible, but not default or
mora. This peculiarity is what differentiates this class of obligations
from positive obligations (to give and to do).59
Idem; Default in reciprocal obligations. — Reciprocal obli-
gations are those which are created or established a t the same time,
out of the same cause, and which result in mutual relationships of
creditor and debtor between the parties. These obligations are con-
ditional in the sense t ha t fulfillment of a n obligation by one party
depends upon the fulfillment of the obligation by the other. Thus, in
a contract of sale of a n automobile for P54,000, the vendor is obliged
to deliver the automobile to the vendee, while the vendee is obliged
to pay the price of P54,000 to the vendor. It is clear t h a t the vendor
will not deliver the automobile to the vendee unless the latter will
pay the price, while the vendee will not pay the price to the vendor
unless the latter will deliver the automobile. Hence, in reciprocal ob-
ligations, the general rule is t h a t fulfillment by both parties should
be simultaneous or a t the same time. There are, however, cases in
which different dates for performance or fulfillment of the recipro-
cal obligations may be fixed by the parties, in which case, the rule
stated in the first paragraph in Art. 1169 shall apply. 6 0
The rule then is t h a t in reciprocal obligations, one party incurs
in delay from the moment the other party fulfills his obligation,
while he himself does not comply or is not ready to comply in a
proper ma nner with what is incumbent upon him. 6 1 If neither party
complies or is ready to comply with what is incumbent upon him,
the default of one compensates for the default of the other. In such
case, there can be no legal delay. These rules may be illlustrated
by the following example: A sold his automobile to B for P30,000.
They agreed t h a t delivery and payment shall be made on the 15th
59
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 127.
60
Ibid., pp. 133-134.
61
Art. 1169, par. 3, Civil Code.
61
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
62
For illustrative cases — see Martinez vs. Cavives, 25 Phil. 581; Causing vs.
Bencer, 37 Phil. 417.
63
Art. 1170, Civil Code.
64
Art. 1165, par. 3, Civil Code.
65
Art. 2209, Civil Code, see Reforma vs. Tomol, 139 SCRA 260, with regard to the
meaning of legal interest.
66
Art. 2212, Civil Code.
62
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1170-1173
67
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 168.
68
Arts. 1170, 1171, Civil Code.
69
Arts. 1338-1344, Civil Code.
70
Guzman vs. Behn, Meyer & Co., 9 Phil. 112.
63
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
insurance company which will entitle the latter to ask for annulment
of the contract. 7 1
Idem; Effect of fraud. — If there is a breach or non-fulfill-
ment of the obligation by reason of fraud or dolo on the part of the
obligor or debtor, he can be held liable for damages. As a ground
for damages, malice or dishonesty is implied. It cannot cover cas-
es of mistake and errors of judgment made in good faith. F rau d or
dolo is synonymous to bad faith. (O’leary Macondray & Co., 45 Phil.
812 [1924].) The liability is expressly recognized by the provisions
of Arts. 1170 and 1171 of the Code. It is also a rule t h a t the liabil-
ity cannot be waived or renounced. It must be noted, however, that
wh at is prohibited is the waiver or renunciation which is made in
advance or in anticipation of the fraud, and not t h a t which is made
after the fraud h as already been committed. In other words, under
Art. 1171, what is prohibited is the renunciation of the action for a
fraud which has not yet been committed. 7 2
Thus, waiver for future fraud is contrary to law and public
policy. As such, said waiver is void. But waiver for a past fraud is
valid since such waiver can be deemed a n act of generosity. Further,
wh at is renounced is the effect of fraud, more particularly the right
of the party to indemnity.
What is the extent of damages which the obligee or creditor can
recover from the obligor or debtor in case of breach or nonfulfillment
of the obligation by reason of fraud or dolo? According to the law on
damages in the Civil Code, it shall comprehend all damages which
may be reasonably attributed to the breach or nonfulfillment of the
obligation, regardless of whether such consequences are natural or
unnatural, probable or improbable, foreseeable or unforeseeable. 7 3
In addition to such damages, the obligee or creditor can also recover
moral and exemplary damages. 7 4 Moral damages may be recovered
in addition to other damages. (Far East Bank & Trust Co. vs. Court
of Appeals, 59 SCAD 253, 241 SCRA 671 [1995].)
Voluntary Breach Through Negligence or Culpa. — The
third kind of voluntary breach of a n obligation regulated by the Civil
71
Eguaras vs. Great Eastern Life Ass. Co., 33 Phil. 263.
72
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 176.
73
Art. 2201, par. 2, Civil Code.
74
Arts. 2220 a nd 2232, Civil Code.
64
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1170-1173
75
Art. 1173, Civil Code.
76
Picart vs. Smith, 37 Phil. 809.
77
U.S. vs. Juanillo, 23 Phil. 212.
78
Picart vs. Smith, 37 Phil. 809.
79
Ibid.
65
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
66
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1170-1173
67
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
80
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 180.
81
Art. 1173, par. 1, Civil Code.
82
Picart vs. Smith, 37 Phil. 809; Cangco vs. Manila Railroad Co., 38 Phil. 768.
68
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1170-1173
69
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
83
Art. 1170, Civil Code; Baer, Senior & Co. vs. Compania Maritima, 6 Phil. 215;
Guzman vs. Behn, Meyer & Co., 9 Phil. 112.
84
San Pedro Bus Lines vs. Navarro, 94 Phil. 846; see Art. 31, Civil Code.
85
Art. 1733, Civil Code; see also Arts. 1745, 1749, 1750, Civil Code.
86
42 Phil. 205. This excerpts from Heacock vs. Macondray is now modified by the
provisions of Arts. 1749 to 1750 of the New Civil Code.
70
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1170-1173
87
Art. 2201, par. 1, Civil Code; De Guia vs. Manila Electric Co., 40 Phil.
706.
71
Arts. 1170-1173 OBLIGATIONS
88
Art. 2201, par. 2, Civil Code.
89
Art. 1171, Civil Code.
90
Rakes vs. Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Co., 7 Phil. 359; Cangco vs. Manila Rail-
road Co., 36 Phil. 766; Borromeo vs. Manila Railroad Co., 44 Phil. 165; Del Prado vs.
Manila Electric Co., 52 Phil. 900.
72
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1170-1173
broke, the car canted, the rails slid off and caught the plaintiff,
breaking his leg, which was afterwards amputated a t about the
knee. The cause of the sagging of the track is admitted to be the
dislodging of the crosspiece under the stringer by the water of
the bay raised by a recent typhoon. The superintendent of the
company attributed it to the giving way of the block laid in the
sand. No effort was made to repair the injury a t the time of the
occurrence. According to the plaintiff’s witnesses, a depression
of the track was apparent to the eye, and a fellow workman of
the plaintiff swears th at the day before the accident he called the
attention of the foreman to it and asked him to have it repaired.
It is also admitted th at there was a prohibition imposed by the
defendant company against walking by the side of the car and
th at the plaintiff was walking by the side of the car when the
rails slid off. The question now is — what effect is to be given to
such act of contributory negligence?
Held: “Difficulty seems to be apprehended in deciding
which acts of the injured party shall be considered immediate
causes of the accident. The test is simple. Distinction must be
made between the accident and the injury, between the event
itself, without which there could have been no accident, and
those acts of the victim not entering into it, but contributing
to his own proper hurt. For instance, the cause of the accident
under review was the displacement of the crosspiece or the
failure to replace it. This produced the event giving occasion for
damages th at is the sinking of the track and the sliding of the
iron rails. To this event, the act of the plaintiff in walking by
the side of the car did not contribute although it was a n element
of the damage which came to himself. Had the crosspiece been
out of place wholly or partly through his act or omission of duty,
th at would have been one of the determining causes of the
event or accident, for which he would have been responsible.
Where he contributes to the principal occurrence, as one of its
determining factors, he cannot recover. Where, in conjunction
with the occurrence, he contributes only to his own injury, he
may recover the amount th at the defendant responsible for the
event should pay for such injury, less a sum deemed a suitable
equivalent for his own imprudence.
“Accepting, though with some hesitation, the judgment
of the trial court, fixing the damage incurred by the plaintiff
at 5,000 pesos, the equivalent of 2,500 dollars, United States
money, we deduct therefrom 2,500 pesos, the amount fairly
attributed to his negligence, and direct judgment to be entered
in favor of the plaintiff for the resulting sum of 2,500 pesos, with
73
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
costs to both instances and ten days thereafter let the case be
remanded to the court below for proper action.”
91
Art. 2215, Civil Code.
92
Arrieta vs. National Rice and Corn Corp., 10 SCRA 79.
93
Art. 106, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
74
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
94
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 205.
95
University of Santo Tomas vs. Descals, 38 Phil. 267.
75
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
happen and which could not have been reasonably foreseen, such as
fire, war, pestilence, unusual flood, locust, earthquake, and others of
a similar nature. 9 6
Effect upon Obligation. — If the obligor is unable to comply
with his obligation by reason of a fortuitous event, the general rule
is t h a t he is exempted from any liability whatsoever. 9 7 In other
words, his obligation is extinguished. 9 8
Thus, where the obligor is unable to surrender his revolver to
the government upon demand because it was lost during a storm, 9 9
or to return some photographic negatives t h a t were entrusted to him
by the obligee because of a fire of accidental origin which destroyed
his place of business, 1 0 0 or to deliver certain animals which he had
contracted to give to the obligee a t a specified date because they dies
of natura l causes or were killed during a n epidemic before he could
deliver them to such obligee,101 it was held t h a t since the breach of
the obligation is due to a fortuitous event, it is thereby extinguished;
consequently, he cannot be held liable for damages.
The application of this rule is even more evident in motor ve-
hicle accidents. Thus, where it was established t h a t the defendant’s
bus was bumped by another bus which caused the driver to swerve it
to the left so as to prevent it from falling into a canal and as a result
it struck a tree, which led the bus to skid and capsize, it was held
t h a t since the injury can be attributed or imputed only to a n inevi-
table accident and not the misconduct or negligence of the operator
or of the driver, there can be no possible recovery of damages. 1 0 2 But
where the accident is due to a defect of a n equipment or of a n appli-
ance purchased from a manufacturer, it is clear t h a t such a defect
cannot be considered a fortuitous event within the meaning of the
law. This doctrine is very well illustrated in the case of Necesito vs.
Paras.103 In this case, it was proved t h a t the bus, where one of the
96
Art. 1680, Civil Code.
97
Art. 1174, Civil Code.
98
See Arts. 1262, 1266, Civil Code.
99
Government vs. Bingham, 13 Phil. 185 but see Government vs. Amechazurra,
10 Phil. 637.
100
Brown vs. Robert, 40 Phil. 990; Lizares vs. Hernaez, 40 Phil. 981.
101
Palacio vs. Sudario, 7 Phil. 275; Crame vs. Gonzaga, 10 Phil. 646.
102
Ampang vs. Guinco Trans. Co., 92 Phil. 1085.
103
104 Phil. 75.
76
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
plaintiffs and his mother were riding as passengers, was on its regu-
lar r un when all of a sudden the steering knuckle broke, as a result
of which the driver lost control of the wheel, causing the bus to fall
into a ditch. The aforesaid plaintiff was injured, while his mother
was killed. Subsequently, a n action to recover damages was brought
directly against the operator of the bus. Defendant now claims that
the cause of the accident is a fortuitous event. Refusing to accept
this defense, the Supreme Court declared:
77
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
17 SCRA 23.
104
Rodriguez vs. Red Line Trans. Co., CA, 51 Off. Gaz. 3006.
105
106
La Mallorca vs. De Jesus, 17 SCRA 23.
78
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
79
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
107
The cases follow: People vs. Hatton, CA-GR No. 8310-R, Feb. 11, 1953; Peo-
ple vs. Oligan, CA-G.R. No. 05583-CR, Aug. 17, 1967; People vs. Palapal, CA-G.R.
No. 18480-Cr., J un e 27, 1958; People vs. Bandonil, CA-G.R. No. 25513-R, May 25,
1959; People vs. Aralar, CA-GR No. 01451-Cr., November 29, 1963; and People vs.
Buenaventura, CA-G.R. No. 00626-Cr., April 30, 1964.
108
L-31589, July 31, 1970, 34 SCRA 98.
109
Ibid., 107. The opinion of Justice Laurel in People vs. Vera, 65 Phil. 56 (1937)
was cited.
80
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
Juntilla vs.
Fontanar 136 SCRA
625
This is a petition for review, on questions of law, of the
decision of the Court of First Instance of Cebu which reversed
the decision of the City Court of Cebu and exonerated the
respondents from any liability arising from a vehicular accident.
The background facts which led to the filing of a complaint
for breach of contract and damages against the respondents are
summarized by the Court of First Instance of Cebu as follows:
110
Ibid., Justice J.B.L. Reyes spoke thus in Albert vs. Court of First Instance of
Manila (Br. VI), L-26364, May 29, 1968, 23 SCRA 948, 961.
111
45 Phil. 657.
112
Ibid., 661-662.
113
94 Phil. 892 (1954).
114
104 Phil. 75 (1958).
81
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
82
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
83
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
84
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
85
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
86
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
87
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
See supra.
115
Reyes vs. Caltex, 47 Off. Gaz. 1193; Philippine Long Distance Co. vs. Jeturian,
116
97 Phil. 781.
117
Soriano vs. De Leon, 48 Off. Gaz. 2245.
118
Yu Tek Co. vs. Gonzales, 29 Phil. 384; Lacson vs. Diaz, 47 Off. Gaz. 337.
119
Bunje Corp. vs. Elena Camenforte & Co., 48 Off. Gaz. 3377.
120
5 Encyclopedia Juridica Española, 309 cited in L asam vs. Smith, 45 Phil.
990.
88
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
121
32 Phil. 152.
122
34 Phil. 597.
89
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
Co., 43 Mo., 421, Wagner, J., said: ‘The act of God which excuses
the carrier must not only be the proximate cause of the loss; the
better opinion is t hat it must be the sole cause. And where the
carrier mingles with it as an active and cooperative cause, he is
still responsible.’ (Ames vs. Stevens, 1 Stra., 128.)”
91
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
92
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
In the language of the law, the event must have been impossible
to foresee, or if it could be foreseen, must have been impossible
to avoid.124 There must be an entire exclusion of h u m a n agency
from the cause of injury or loss.125
Turning to this case, before they sailed from the port of
Manila, the officers and crew were aware of typhoon “Klaring’’
th at was reported building up at 260 kms. east of Surigao. In
fact, they had lashed all the cargo in the hold before sailing in
anticipation of strong winds and rough waters. 1 2 6 They proceeded
on their way, as did other vessels th at day. Upon reaching
Romblon, they received the weather report t h at the typhoon
was 154 kms. east southeast of Tacloban and was moving west
northwest. 1 2 7 Since they were still not within the radius of
the typhoon and the weather was clear, they deliberated and
decided to proceed with the course. At Jintotolo Island, the
typhoon was already reported to be reaching the mainland of
Samar. 1 2 8 They still decided to proceed noting t ha t the weather
was still “good’’ although, according to the Chief Forecaster of
the Weather Bureau, they were already within the typhoon
zone.129 At Tanguingui Island, about 2:00 A.M. of May 16, 1966,
the typhoon was in a n area quite close to Catbalogan, placing
Tanguingui also within the typhoon zone. Despite knowledge of
th at fact, they again decided to proceed relying on the forecast
th at the typhoon would weaken upon crossing the mainland
of Samar. 1 3 0 After about half a n hour of navigation towards
Chocolate Island, there was a sudden fall of the barometer
accompanied by heavy downpour, big waves, and zero visibility.
The Captain of the vessel decided to reverse course and face the
waves in the open sea but because the visibility did not improve
they were in total darkness and, as a consequence, the vessel
ra n aground a reef and san k on May 16, 1966 around 12:45 P.M.
near Malapascua island somewhere north of the island of Cebu.
Under the circumstances, while, indeed, the typhoon was
a n inevitable occurrence, yet, having been kept posted on the
course of the typhoon by weather bulletins a t intervals of six
hours, the captain and crew were well aware of the risk they
p. 252. 126
T.s.n, August 8, 1967, p. 22.
127
Domestic Bulletin No. 16 of the Weather Bureau.
128
Domestic Bulletin, No. 17.
129
T.s.n., December 15, 1967, p. 21.
130
Domestic Bulletin, No. 18.
94
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
131
Arts. 1755, 1756, Civil Code.
132
Art. 1733, Ibid.
133
Art. 1756, Ibid.
134
“Art. 587. The ship agent shall also be civilly liable for the indemnities in fa-
vor of third persons which may arise from the conduct of the captain in the vigilance
over the goods which the vessel carried; but he may exempt himself therefrom by
abandoning the vessel with all he r equipments and the freight he may have earned
during the voyage.’’
95
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
135
Art. 1174, Civil Code.
136
Prosser on Torts, pp. 377-378.
137
Art. 1733, et seq., Civil Code.
138
4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 123.
96
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
97
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
98
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1174
99
Art. 1174 OBLIGATIONS
100
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1175
139
New Provision.
140
Tolentino vs. Gonzales, 50 Phil. 558.
141
See comments unde r Art. 1413, infra.
101
Art. 1176 OBLIGATIONS
Note: Prior to Jan uar y 1, 1983 and under the Treasury Laws,
no person shall receive a rate of interest, including commissions,
premiums, fines and penalties, higher th an 12% per a nnu m or the
maximum r at e prescribed by the Monetary Board for a loan secured
by a mortgage upon real estate the title to which is duly registered.
Under Central Bank (CB) Circular No. 905, which became effective
on Jan. 1, 1983, whereby the Monetary Board is authorized to fix
interest rates, the ceiling rates under the Usury law [Act No. 2655,
as amended by P.D. No. 116] have been abolished.
It should be noted t h a t Circular No. 905 did not repeal nor
in any way amend the Usury Law but simply suspended the
latter’s effectivity. The legislation of usury is wholly the creature of
legislation. A CB Circular cannot repeal a law. Only a law can repeal
another law. Thus, retroactive application of a CB Circular cannot,
and should not, be presumed. (Development Bank of the Philippines
vs. Perez, G.R. No. 148541, Nov. 11, 2004.)
Art. 1253, Civil Code; Hill vs. Veloso, 31 Phil. 160; Vda. de Ongsiaco vs. Cabat-
143
102
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1177
144
Art. 1111, Spanish Civil Code.
103
Art. 1177 OBLIGATIONS
145
Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 173-174; 2 De Diego 35.
146
2 De Diego, 35-36; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 175-176.
147
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 174; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 272.
104
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1178
er, subject to one very important exception. Rights which are purely
personal in the sense t ha t they are inherent in the person of the
debtor, such as rights arising from purely personal or family rela-
tions or those which are public or honorary in character, cannot be
included within the scope of this remedy. 1 4 8
Idem; Accion pauliana. — Another method by which the
debtor may defeat the right of the creditor is by means of a positive act
whereby the latter is defrauded or prejudiced. This may be illustrated
by alienations or conveyances of property made by the debtor to
third persons in fraud of creditors. According to Art. 1177, such acts
can be impugned or attacked directly by means of a rescissory action
a t the instance of the creditors who are prejudiced. 1 4 9 This action is
sometimes known as accion pauliana in Spanish law. As in the case
of accion subrogatoria, it is based on the principle t h a t the property
of the debtor, whether present or future, stands as a guaranty for
the payment of the obligation or credit. Accion pauliana, therefore,
refers to the right available to the creditor by virtue of which he can
secure the rescission of any act of the debtor which is in fraud and
to the prejudice of his rights as a creditor. By its very nature, it is
subsidiary in character. 1 5 0 In other words, it can only be availed of
in the absence of any other legal remedy to obtain reparation for the
injury. 1 5 1
148
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 267.
149
This rescissory action is regulated by Arts. 1380-1389, Civil Code.
150
Art. 1383, Civil Code.
151
2 Diego, 37-38.
152
Art. 1112, Spanish Civil Code.
105
Art. 1178 OBLIGATIONS
153
Arts. 1178, 1311, Civil Code.
154
Estate of Hernandez vs. Luzon Surety Co., 100 Phil. 388.
106
CHAPTER 3
1
Art. 1113, Spanish Civil Code.
2
New provision.
3
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 104.
107
Arts. 1179-1180 OBLIGATIONS
4
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk 1, pp. 305-306.
5
Floriano vs. Delgado, 11 Phil. 154; for other cases — see People’s
Bank vs.
Odom, 64 Phil. 128; Galar vs. Isasi; Aberri vs. Galar, CA, 47 Off. Gaz. 6241.
7 8 Manresa,
Ibid., 6pp. 309-310. 5th Ed., Bk 1, p. 309.
108
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1179-1180
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
This is not, however, accurate. The event itself can never constitute
a condition because in order t h a t it can be classified as such, the
requisites of futurity and uncertainty must be present. But the proof
or ascertainment of the fact or event, as distinguished from the fact
or event itself, may constitute either a condition or a term depending
upon the circumstances of each case.
Thus, if the proof or ascertainment of the fact or event will
surely come to pass, although it may not be known when, it is clear
t h a t it constitutes a term or period, such as when A promises to pay
B a certain sum of money if the latter can prove by proper authorities
t h a t the Civil Code of the Philippines took effect on Aug. 30, 1950. In
such case, the requisites of futurity and certainty in order t h a t a fact
or event shall constitute a term or period are certainly present. On
the other hand, if the past event is unknown to the parties as well as
to the whole world, so t ha t the proof or ascertainment thereof may or
may not happen or come to pass, it is also clear t h a t it constitutes a
condition, such as when A promises to pay B a certain sum of money
if the latter can prove by proper evidence t h a t Rizal did not retract
Freemasonry, or t h a t a priest broke the seal of the confessional in
order to reveal the secret of the Katipunan.
However, when the debtor binds himself to pay when his
means permit him to do so, the obligation shall be deemed to be
one with a period, subject to the provisions of Art. 1197.8
Consequently, the courts shall determine such period as may under
the circumstances have been probably contemplated by the parties.
Once fixed by the courts, the period cannot be changed by them. 9
Thus, it has been held t h a t if it is stipulated by the contracting
parties t h a t the debtor shall pay “as soon as he has the money,”
the creditor’s remedy is to resort to the courts for the
determination of the duration of the period in accordance with the
provisions of Art. 1197 of the Code.10
Idem; Classification of conditions. — Conditions are
traditionally classified as follows:
(1) a. Suspensive — when the fulfillment of the condition results
in the acquisition of rights arising out of the obligation.
8
Art. 1197, Civil Code.
9
Art. 1180, Civil Code.
10
Patente vs. Omega, 49 Off. Gaz. 4846.
109
Arts. 1179-1180 OBLIGATIONS
11
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 323-324.
110
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1181
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
12
Art. 1114, Spanish Code.
111
Art. 1181 OBLIGATIONS
13
Art. 1181, Civil Code; for illustrative cases, see Wise & Co. vs. Kelly, 37 Phil.
696; Santiago vs. Millar, 68 Phil. 39; Phil. Nat. Bank vs. Phil. Trust Co., 68 Phil. 48;
Panganiban vs. Batangas Trans. Co., CA, 46 Off. Gaz. 3167.
14
Art. 1188, Civil Code; Phil. Long Distance Co. vs. Jeturian, 97 Phil. 981.
15
Art. 1181, Civil Code.
112
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1181
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
16
Art. 1601, et seq., Civil Code.
113
Art. 1181 OBLIGATIONS
17
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 311.
114
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1182
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
18
For a similar case, see Prieto vs. Quezon City, 99 Phil. 1059.
19
Art. 1115, Spanish Civil Code.
115
Art. 1182 OBLIGATIONS
20
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 327.
21
Art. 1182, Civil Code.
22
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 324.
23
Trillana vs. Quezon Colleges, 93 Phil. 383.
24
Art. 1190, Civil Code.
116
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1182
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
25
43 Phil. 873.
117
Art. 1182 OBLIGATIONS
26
In Hermosa vs. Longara (93 Phil. 971), a much more recent case, the Supreme
Court declared t ha t the above ruling was merely a n assumption and the same was
not the actual ruling of the case.
27
Art. 1182, Civil Code.
118
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1182
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
28
Jacinto vs. Chua Leng, CA, 45 Off. Gaz. 2919.
29
Hermosa vs. Longara, 93 Phil. 971.
30
Ibid.
119
Art. 1182 OBLIGATIONS
120
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1182
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
because its fulfillment depends not only upon the will of the
debtor but also upon the concurrence of other factors, such as
the acceptability of the price and other conditions of the sale,
as well as the presence of a buyer, ready, able and willing to
purchase the property.
Problem — Suppose t hat in the above problem, the debtor
promised to pay his obligation if a house belonging to him is
sold, will th at make a difference in your answer?
Answer — It will not make a difference in my answer.
The condition is still mixed because its fulfillment depends not
only upon the will of the debtor but also upon the concurrence
of other factors, such as the acceptability of the price and other
conditions of the sale, as well as the presence of a buyer, ready,
able and willing to purchase the property.
True, apparently, in Osmeña vs. Rama (14 Phil. 99), the
Supreme Court declared t hat the above condition is potestative
with respect to the debtor, but a closer perusal of the case
will show th at the declaration or statement was merely an
assumption and the same was not the actual ruling. (Hermosa
vs. Longara.)
Hence, the condition is valid. And it cannot be said t ha t if
the debtor so desires, he can always prevent the sale. According
to the NCC (Art. 1186.), if he prevents the consummation of the
sale voluntarily, the condition would be deemed or considered
complied with. (Ibid.)
Problem — Suppose t hat in the above problem, the debtor
promised to pay his obligation as soon as he ha s received the
funds derived from the sale of the property if he finally decides
to sell it, will th at make a difference in your answer?
Answer — Yes. In such case, it is evident t h at the condition
is potestative with respect to the debtor because its fulfillment
would then depend exclusively upon his will. Consequently, the
condition is void. (Hermosa vs. Longara.) The validity of the
obligation is, of course, not affected, because the rule stated
in Art. 1182 of the NCC to the effect th at when the fulfillment
of the condition depends upon the sole will of the debtor, the
conditional obligation itself shall be void, is applicable only
when the obligation shall depend for its perfection upon the
fulfillment of the condition and not when the obligation is a pre-
existing one. (See Trillana vs. Quezon Colleges, 93 Phil. 383.)
Problem — Art. 1182 of the New Civil Code declares
when that
the fulfillment of the condition depends upon the sole will
121
Art. 1183 OBLIGATIONS
31
Art. 1116, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
122
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1183
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
32
Luneta Motor Co. vs. Abad, 67 Phil. 23; Reyes vs. Gonzales, CA, 45 Off. Gaz.
831; Theater’s Supply Corp. vs. Malolos, CA, 48 Off. Gaz. 1803; Santos vs. Sec.
of Agriculture, 48 Off. Gaz. 3367.
33
Art. 1183, Civil Code.
34
Ibid.
123
Arts. 1184-1185 OBLIGATIONS
35
Ibid.
36
Art. 727, Civil Code.
37
Art. 873, Civil Code.
38
Art. 1117, Spanish Civil Code.
39
Art. 1118, Spanish Civil Code.
40
Art. 1184, Civil Code.
124
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1186
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
41
Art. 1185, Civil Code.
42
Art. 1119, Civil Code.
43
Phil. Long Distance Co. vs. Jeturian, 97 Phil. 981.
125
Arts. 1187-1188 OBLIGATIONS
44
Taylor vs. Uy Tieng, 43 Phil. 760.
45
Art. 1120, Spanish Civil Code.
46
Art. 1121, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
126
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1187-1188
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
47
Art. 1188, par. 2, Civil Code.
127
Arts. 1187-1188 OBLIGATIONS
128
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1187-1188
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
48
Art. 1187, Civil Code, pp. 334-335.
49
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 33.
50
7 Planiol and Ripert 353-354.
129
Art. 1189 OBLIGATIONS
51
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 334-335.
52
Ibid., p. 335.
53
Ibid.
130
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1189
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
54
Art. 1122, Spanish Civil Code.
55
Art. 1189, No. 2, Civil Code.
131
Art. 1189 OBLIGATIONS
56
Art. 579, Civil
Code. 57Art. 546, Civil
Code. 58Art. 579, Civil
Art. 580, Civil Code.
Code.
59
132
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1190
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
60
Art. 1123, Spanish Civil Code.
133
Art. 1190 OBLIGATIONS
61
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 346.
62
Ibid.
134
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1190
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
63
Ibid., pp. 345-346.
64
Ibid., p. 346.
135
Art. 1191 OBLIGATIONS
136
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1191
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
66
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk 1, pp. 348-349.
67
Mateos vs. Lopez, 6 Phil. 206; Bosque vs. Yu Chipeco, 14 Phil. 95.
68
Guevara vs. Pascual, 12 Phil. 311; Escueta vs. Pando, 76 Phil. 256; Republic of
the Phil. vs. Hospital San J u a n de Dios a nd Burt, 47 Off. Gaz. 1833.
69
Escueta vs. Pando, 76 Phil. 256.
70
Ocejo, Perez & Co. vs. International Banking Corp., 37 Phil. 631.
71
Ibid.
137
Art. 1191 OBLIGATIONS
72
Hanlon vs. Ha u se r ma n n and Beam, 40 Phil. 796; De la Rama Steamship Co.
vs. Tan, 99 Phil. 1034.
73
De la R ama Steamship Co. vs. Tan, 99 Phil. 1034.
74
See also Froilan vs. P a n Oriental Shipping Co., 12 SCRA 276.
75
Sancho vs. Lizarraga, 55 Phil. 601.
138
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1191
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
Code), while the second is governed by the Maceda Law (Rep. Act
No. 6552).
Idem; Nature of Breach. — What must be the natu re of
the breach which will entitle the injured party to file an action
for the rescission of the obligation? This question was answered
by the Supreme Court in the case of Song Fo & Co. vs. Hawaiian-
Philippine Co.76 The facts of this case are as follows: Plaintiff and
defendant had entered into a contract whereby the latter bound
itself to deliver to the former 300,000 gallons of molasses within a
certain period, payment to be made upon presentation of accounts
a t the end of each month. It appears t h a t a request for payment of
accounts for molasses delivered was sent to the plaintiff in January,
1923. Instead of paying a t the end of said month, plaintiff defaulted
and paid only on February 20, 1923. Thereupon, defendant gave
notice to the plaintiff rescinding the contract for failure to pay a t the
stipulated date. Subsequently, the plaintiff commenced this action
to recover damages from the defendant for breach of contract. The
question, therefore, which must be resolved is whether the defendant
company had the right to rescind the contract or not. The Supreme
Court held:
76
47 Phil. 821. See also Villanueva vs. Yulo, G.R. No. L-12985, Dec. 29, 1959;
Universal Food Corp. vs. Court of Appeals, 33 SCRA 1.
139
Art. 1191 OBLIGATIONS
with the contract. Thereafter, Song Fo & Co. was not in default
in payment so th at the Hawaiian-Philippine Co. had in reality
no excuse for writing its letter of April 2, 1923, cancelling the
contract.
“We rule th at the appellant has no legal right to rescind
the contract of sale because of the failure of Song Fo & Co. to pay
for the molasses within the time agreed upon by the parties.”
In Delta Motor Corp. vs. Gentino (170 SCRA 29), the Supreme
Court reiterated the rule t h a t rescission will be ordered only where
the breach complained of is substantial as to defeat the object of
the parties in entering into the agreement. It will not be granted
where the breach is slight or casual. Thus, in a subsequent case of
Ang vs. CA (170 SCRA 2863) it was held t h a t while it is true t h a t in
reciprocal obligation, such as the contract of purchase and sale, the
power to rescind is implied and any of contracting parties may, upon
non-fulfillment by other party of his p ar t of the obligation, resolve
the contract, rescission will not be permitted for a slight casual
breach of the contract.
Idem; Alternative remedies of injured party. — In case
one of the parties should not comply with what is incumbent upon
him, the injured party may choose between the fulfillment and the
rescission of the obligation, with the payment of damages in either
case. These remedies are alternative, not cumulative; in other
words, the injured party cannot seek both. 7 7 Thus, in a case where
the lessee was unable to pay rentals for two months, holding that
the lessor has the right to rescind the contract of lease, the Supreme
Court declared:
77
San J u a n vs. Cotay, 26 Phil. 328; Rios vs. Jacinto, 49 Phil. 9; Heacock vs. Butal
Manufacturing Co., 66 Phil. 245; Magdalena Estate, Inc. vs. Myrick, 71 Phil. 344;
Ramirez vs. Court of Appeals, 52 Off. Gaz. 779; Castro vs. Lim, CA, 52 Off. Gaz. 2056;
Albert vs. Univ. Publishing Co., 104 Phil. 1054.
140
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1191
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
with the rights and obligations of lessors and lessees. In the first
paragraph of Article 1555 (now Art. 1657), it is declared to be
the duty of the lessee to pay the price of the lease in the manner
agreed upon. In Article 1556 (now Art. 1659), the failure of the
lessee to comply with this obligation is declared to be a found for
the rescission of the contract and the recovery of damages, or
the latter only, leaving the contract in force. It will t hus be seen
th at the lessor is permitted to elect between the two remedies
of (1) rescission, or resolution, with damages and (2) specific
performance, with damages.’’78
78
Rios vs. Jacinto, et al., 49 Phil. 1.
79
Art. 1191, par. 2, Civil Code.
80
4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 172.
81
Mindanao Prospecting Ass. Inc. vs. Golden Gate Mining Co., CA, 48 Off. Gaz.
3955.
82
Art. 1191, par. 2, Civil Code.
83
Rios vs. Jacinto, et al., 49 Phil. 7.
141
Art. 1191 OBLIGATIONS
the price agreed upon for the resolution or rescission of the contract
has the effect of destroying the obligation to pay the price. Similarly,
in case of the rescission of a contract of lease, the lessor is entitled
to be restored to the possession of the leased premises but he cannot
have both the possession of the leased premises and the rent which
the other party had contracted to pay. The termination of the lease
has the effect of destroying the obligation to pay rent for the future. 8 4
Idem; Judicial discretion to decree rescission. — Accord-
ing to the third paragraph of Art. 1191, the court shall decree the
rescission claimed, unless there is a just cause authorizing the fix-
ing of a period. It is clear from this provision t h a t the right of the
injured party in reciprocal obligations to rescind in case of failure of
the other to comply with what is incumbent upon him is not absolute
in character. This is so because the court is given the discretionary
power to fix a period within which the obligor in default may be
permitted to comply with what is incumbent upon him. 8 5 It m ust be
noted, however, t h a t this rule cannot be applied to reciprocal obliga-
tions arising from a contract of lease. This is so because such obliga-
tions are governed by the provisions of Art. 1659 of the Code and not
by those of Art. 1191, and although Art. 1659 is practically a restate-
ment of Art. 1191, and there is, however, a difference, for whereas
under Art. 1191 courts have the discretionary power to refuse the
rescission of contracts if in their judgment the circumstances of the
case wa rr ant the fixing of a term within which the obligor or debtor
may fulfill his obligation, under Art. 1659 there is no such discre-
tionary power granted to courts. 8 6
Idem; Effect of rescission. — When a n obligation has been
rescinded or resolved, it is the duty of the court to require the parties
to surrender whatever they may have received from the other; in
other words, the parties must be placed as far as practicable in
their original situation. 8 7 This should, however, be understood to
be without prejudice to the liability of the party who was unable
to comply with what was incumbent upon him for damages.
Thus, where a contract of sale of a certain lot was rescinded by
Ibid.
84
85
Ocejo, Perez & Co. vs. International Banking Corp., 37 Phil. 361; Kapisanan
Banahaw vs. Dejarme, 55 Phil. 338; Puerto vs. Go Ye Pin, 47 Off. Gaz. 264.
86
Mina and Bacalla vs. Rodriguez, CA, 40 Off. Gaz. 65.
87
Po Pauco vs. Singuenza, 49 Phil. 404.
142
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1191
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
the vendor because of the failure of the vendee to pay for several
monthly installments, it was held t ha t since the contract contains
no provision authorizing the vendor, in the event of the failure of
the vendee to continue in the payment of the stipulated monthly
installments, to retain the amounts already paid to him, the parties
should be restored as far as practicable to their original situation
which can be approximated only by ordering the r eturn of the things
which are the object of the contract with their fruits and of the price
with its interests computed from the date of the institution of the
action. 8 8 The rescission, however, may be partial in character. 8 9
Idem; id. — Effect upon third persons. — According to
the fourth paragraph of Art. 1191, the decree of rescission shall be
understood to be without prejudice to the rights of third persons who
have acquired the thing in accordance with Arts. 1385 and 1388 and
the Mortgage Law. Consequently, the rescission of a contract can
no longer be demanded when he who demands it is no longer in a
position to r eturn whatever he may be obliged to restore; neither can
it be demanded when the thing which is the object of the contract is
already legally in the possession of a third person who did not act in
bad faith. 9 0 In such case, the only remedy of the injured party is to
proceed against the party responsible for the transfer or conveyance
for damages. 9 1 However, if the third person had acquired the thing
in bad faith, the injured party can still go after the property. If for
any cause the thing can no longer be recovered, the only remedy of
the injured party is to proceed against the third person who had
acted in bad faith for damages. 9 2
88
Magdalena Estate, Inc. vs. Myrick, 71
Phil. 344. 8 9 Tan Guat vs. Pamintua n, CA, 37 Off.
Gaz. 2494. 90Art. 1385, Civil Code.
91
Ibid.
92
Art. 1388, Civil Code.
143
Art. 1191 OBLIGATIONS
144
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1191
Pu re and Conditional Obligations
145
Arts. 1192-1193 OBLIGATIONS
93
New provision.
94
Report of the Code Commission, p. 130.
95
Art. 1125, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
96
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 370.
146
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1192-1193
Obligations with a Period
97
Ibid., p. 370.
98
Ibid., p. 371.
99
Arts. 1197, 1182, Civil Code.
147
Arts. 1192-1193 OBLIGATIONS
100
Art. 1193, par. 3, Civil Code.
101
Art. 1193, par. 4, Civil Code.
148
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1192-1193
Obligations with a Period
the date of the termination of the war may be uncertain yet there
is no question t ha t the termination of the war must necessarily
come.102 However, if the obligor or debtor binds himself to perform
his obligation as soon as he has obtained a loan of P400,000 from a
certain bank, it is clear t h a t the granting of such loan is not definite.
Consequently, it cannot be considered a day certain, for it may or it
may not happen, the obligation is conditional.103
Effects of Term or Period. — If the term or period is sus-
pensive, the fulfillment or performance of the obligation is demand-
able only upon the arrival of the day certain or the expiration of the
term. 1 0 4 What is therefore suspended by the term is not the acquisi-
tion of the right or the effectivity of the obligation but merely its de-
mandability. In other words, the obligation itself becomes effective
upon its constitution or establishment, but once the term or period
expires it becomes demandable. However, if the term or period is
resolutory, the fulfillment or performance of the obligation is de-
mandable a t once, but it is extinguished or terminated upon the ar-
rival of the day certain or the expiration of the term. 1 0 5
102
Nepomuceno vs. Narciso, 84 Phil. 542.
103
Berg vs. Magdalena Estate, 92 Phil. 110; see also Smith, Bell & Co. vs. Sotelo
Matti, 44 Phil. 874.
104
Art. 1193, par. 1, Civil Code.
105
Art. 1193, par. 2, Civil Code.
149
Arts. 1192-1193 OBLIGATIONS
106
Victoria Planters vs. Victorias Milling Co., 97 Phil. 318.
150
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1194-1195
Obligations with a Period
107
New Provision.
108
Art. 1126, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
151
Art. 1196 OBLIGATIONS
109
Report of the Code Commission, pp. 130-131.
110
Art. 1227, Spanish Civil Code.
152
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1196
Obligations with a Period
111
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 381; Sarmiento vs. Javellana, 38 Phil. 880.
112
Nicolas vs. Matias, 89 Phil. 126; De Leon vs. Syjuco, 90 Phil. 311; Osorio vs.
Salutillo, 48 Off. Gaz. 103; Garcia vs. De los Santos, 49 Off. Gaz. 4830; Ochoa vs.
Lopez, CA, 50 Off. Gaz. 5890.
113
90 Phil. 311.
114
Ponce de Leon vs. Syjuco, 90 Phil. 311.
115
Nicolas vs. Matias, 89 Phil. 126.
153
Art. 1197 OBLIGATIONS
Art. 1197. If the obligation does not fix a period, but from
its nature and the circumstances, it can be inferred that a
period was intended, the courts may fix the duration thereof.
The courts shall also fix the duration of the period when
it depends upon the will of the debtor.
In every case, the courts will determine such period as
may under the circumstances have been probably contem-
plated by the parties. Once fixed by the courts, the period
cannot be changed by them.119
116
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 381-382.
117
Sia vs. Court of Appeals, 48 Off. Gaz. 5259.
11 8
Garcia vs. De los Santos, 49 Off. Gaz. 4830.
119
Art. 1128, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
154
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1197
Obligations with a Period
120
Art. 1197, Civil Code.
121
Art. 1180, Civil Code.
122
Art. 1197, par. 1, Civil Code.
124
Concepcion
123 vs. People
Barretto of of
vs. City theManila,
Phil. 74 Phil. 416.
7 Phil. 163.
155
Art. 1197 OBLIGATIONS
125
Barretto vs. S a nt a Marina, 26 Phil. 440.
126
People’s Bank vs. Odom, 64 Phil. 126.
127
8 Manresa 158, quoted in Patente vs. Omega, 49 Off. Gaz. 4846.
128
Art. 1197, par. 2, Civil Code.
129
Levy Hermanos vs. Paterno, 18 Phil. 353.
130
Seone vs. Franco, 24 Phil. 309.
131
Gonzales vs. Jose, 66 Phil. 369.
132
Patente vs. Omega, 49 Off. Gaz. 4846.
156
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1197
Obligations with a Period
depend exclusively upon the will of the lessee. 1 3 3 And where there is
a n agreement between the employer and the union representatives
representing its employees and laborer regarding the payment
of salary differentials which had remained unpaid because of the
exhaustion of the funds appropriated for the purpose, the obligation
to pay said salary differentials may be considered as one with a
term whose duration has been left to the will of the debtor, so that
pursuant to Art. 1197 of the Code, the remedy of the employees
and laborers is to ask the courts to fix the duration of the term, it
being admitted t h a t in a going concern the availability of funds for
a particular purpose is a matt er t h a t does not necessarily depend
upon the cash position of the company but r at her upon the judgment
of its board of directors. 1 3 4
(Sgd.) “FLORENTINO DE
JOSE”
134
Tiglao133Eleizegui
vs. Manilavs. Railroad
Manila Co.,
LawnOff. Gaz. Club,
Tennis 179. 2 Phil. 309.
157
Art. 1197 OBLIGATIONS
158
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1197
Obligations with a Period
159
Art. 1197 OBLIGATIONS
be left to the will of the debtor because its influence does not go as
far as to determine the existence of the obligation, since wh at is
delegated to the debtor is merely the power to determine when the
obligation shall be fulfilled, but in order to prevent the obligation
contracted from becoming ineffective by nonfulfillment the courts
must fix the duration of the term or period. 135
135
8 Manresa 158, quoted in Patente vs. Omega, 49 Off. Gaz. 4846.
136
Eleizegui vs. Manila Lawn Tennis Club, 2 Phil. 309; Seone vs. Franco, 24 Phil.
309; Gonzales vs. Jose, 66 Phil. 369.
137
Ungson vs. Lopez, CA, 50 Off. Gaz. 4297, citing Gonzales vs. Jose, 66 Phil. 369,
and Concepcion vs. People of the Phil., 74 Phil. 62.
138
Pages vs. Basilan Lumber Co., 104 Phil. 882.
160
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1197
Obligations with a Period
139
Schenker vs. Gemperle, 5 SCRA 1042.
140
Gonzales vs. Jose, 66 Phil. 369.
141
Art. 1197, par. 3, Civil Code.
142
Barretto vs. City of Manila, 11 Phil. 624.
161
Art. 1197 OBLIGATIONS
Problem — “M’’ and “N’’ were very good friends. “N’’ bor-
rowed P10,000.00 from “M.” Because of their close relationship,
the promissory note executed by “N’’ provided t h at he would pay
the loan “whenever his means permit.” Subsequently, “M’’ and
“N’’ quarelled. “M” now asks you to collect the loan because he is
in dire need of money.
What legal action, if any, would you take in behalf of “M”?
(1980 Bar Problem)
Answer — “M” must bring an action against “N’’ for the
purpose of asking the court to fix the duration of the term or
period for payment. According to the Civil Code, when the
debtor binds himself to pay when his means permit him to do so,
the obligation shall be deemed to be one with a period, subject
to the provisions of Art. 1197. In other words, it shall be subject
to those provisions of the Code with respect to obligations with a
term or period which must be judiciary fixed. Thus, in the instant
case, the court shall determine such period as may under the
circumstances have been probably contemplated by the parties.
Once determined or fixed, it becomes a part of the covenant
of the two contracting parties. It can no longer be changed by
them. If the debtor defaults in the payment of the obligation
after the expiration of the period fixed by the court, the creditor
can then bring an action against him for collection. Any action
for collection brought before t hat would be premature. This is
well-settled.
(Note: The above answer is based on Arts. 1180 and
1197 of the Civil Code and on Gonzales vs. Jose, 66 Phil. 369;
Concepcion vs. People of the Phil. 74 Phil. 62; Pages vs. Basilan,
104 Phil. 882, and others.)
Alternative Answer — Normally, before a n action for
collection may be maintained by “M” against “N,’’ the former
must first bring an action against the latter asking the court to
fix the duration of the term or period of payment. However, an
action combining such action with th at of a n action for collection
may be allowed if it can be shown t hat a separate action for
collection would be a mere formality because no additional proofs
other t han the admitted facts will be presented and would serve
no purpose other th an to delay. Here, there is no legal obstacle
to such course of action.
(Note: The above alternative answer is based on Borromeo
vs. Court of Appeals, 47 SCRA 65.
Probably, if we combine the two answers given
result above,
would the
be a much more impressive answer.)
162
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1198
Obligations with a Period
Art. 1198. The debtor shall lose every right to make use
of the period:
(1) When after the obligation has been
contracted, he becomes insolvent, unless he give a guaranty
the debt; for
or security
163
Art. 1198 OBLIGATIONS
143
Art. 1129, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
144
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 388.
145
Daguhoy Enterprises, Inc. vs. Ponce, 50 Off. Gaz. 5267. To the same effect
Laplana vs. Garchitorena, 48 Phil. 163.
164
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1198
Obligations with a Period
The fourth and fifth cases are new provisions. Whether the
debtor violates any undertaking, in consideration of which the credi-
tor agreed to the period, or he attempts to abscond, the rule t h a t he
shall lose his right to the benefits of the period is proper.
165
Art. 1198 OBLIGATIONS
166
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1198
Alternative a nd Facultative Obligations
146
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 393; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 75-76.
147
Ibid.
148
Art. 1206, Civil Code.
167
Arts. 1199-1200 OBLIGATIONS
149
Art. 1131, Spanish Civil
Code. 150
Art. 1132, Spanish Civil
Code. 151
Art. 1200, Civil Code.
152
Agoncillo and Marino
vs.Art.
153
1200,38par.
Javier, 1, 244.
Phil. Civil Code.
168
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1201
Alternative a nd Facultative Obligations
have been the object of the obligation. “Prestations which could not
have been the object of the obligation” refer to those undertakings
which are not included among those from which the obligor may
select, or to those which are not yet due and demandable a t the
time the selection is made, or to those which, by reason of accident
or some other cause, have acquired a new character distinct or
different from t h a t contemplated by the parties when the obligation
was constituted. 1 5 4 It must be noted t h a t what is contemplated by
the provision of the second paragraph of Art. 1200 is a case in which
the right to choose or select is not lost or extinguished altogether,
because there are still other objects or prestations from which the
debtor can choose or select.
154
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 398.
155
Art. 1133, Spanish Civil Code.
156
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 399.
169
Art. 1202 OBLIGATIONS
impugn the election made by the debtor and only after said notice
shall the election take legal effect when consented to by the creditor,
or if impugned by the latter, when declared proper by a competent
court.’’157 It is, however, submitted t h a t this doctrine is not sound.
Consent or concurrence of the creditor to the choice or selection
made by the debtor is not necessary before the choice or selection
can produce effect. To hold otherwise would destroy the very nature
of the right to select and the alternative character of the obligation
for t ha t matter. Thus, according to Dean Capistrano: “The law does
not require the creditor’s concurrence to the choice; if it did, it would
have destroyed the very nat ure of alternative obligations, which
empowers the debtor to perform completely one of them.’’158
Idem; Effect upon obligation. — Once the choice is made
by the debtor (or by the creditor or by a third person as the case
may be), the obligation ceases to be alternative from the moment
the selection has been communicated to the other party. From
t h a t moment, both debtor and creditor are bound by the selection.
In other words, the debtor can only comply with his obligation
by performing the prestation which has been selected, while the
creditor can only demand compliance in accordance there with. “An
election once made is binding on the person who makes it, and he
will not therefore be permitted to renounce his choice and take an
alternative which was a t first opened to him.”159
Art. 1202. The debtor shall lose the right of choice when
among the prestations whereby he is alternatively bound,
only one is practicable.160
When Only One Prestation Is Practicable. — According
to the above article, when among several prestations whereby the
debtor is alternatively bound, only one prestation can be performed
because all of the others are impracticable, the debtor loses his right of
choice altogether. In other words, the obligation loses its alternative
character; it becomes a simple obligation. The provision of the above
article, however, must be distinguished from the provision of the
157
Ong Guan Can vs. Century Insurance Co., 46 Phil. 592.
158
3 Capistrano, Civil Code, 1950 Ed., p. 131. To the same effect — 4 Tolentino
Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 196.
159
Reyes vs. Martinez, 55 Phil. 492.
160
Art. 1134, Spanish Civil Code.
170
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1203-1205
Alternative a nd Facultative Obligations
second paragraph of Art. 1200. Under the first, there is only one
prestation which can be performed; under the second, there are still
two or more which can be performed. Under the first, the obligation
is converted into a simple one because the debtor loses his right of
election; under the second, the obligation is still alternative because
the debtor can still exercise his right of election.
171
Arts. 1203-1205 OBLIGATIONS
163
Art. 1136, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
172
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1206
Alternative a nd Facultative Obligations
t h a t which remains; and if all of the things are lost or all of the
prestations cannot be performed by reason of a fortuitous event, the
debtor is released from the obligation.
But if the loss or impossibility is due to the fault of the debtor,
then the provisions of Art. 1204 are applicable. Consequently, if all
of the things are lost or all of the prestations cannot be performed
due to the fault of the debtor, the creditor shall have a right to
indemnity for damages. Such indemnity shall be fixed taking as a
basis the value of the last thing to be lost or t h a t of the service which
last became impossible. However, if one, or more, but not all, of the
things are lost or one or some, but not all, of the prestations cannot
be performed due to the fault of the debtor, the creditor cannot hold
the debtor liable for damages. This is so because the debtor can still
comply with his obligation.
Idem; If right of choice belongs to creditor. — If the right
of choice belongs to the creditor and the loss or impossibility is due to
a fortuitous event, then the provisions of Arts. 1174, 1262 and 1266,
which are reiterated in No. 1 of the second paragraph of Art. 1205,
are applicable. The debtor cannot be held liable. Consequently, what
had been stated in the preceding section can also be applied here.
But if the loss or impossibility is due to the fault of the debtor,
then the provisions of Nos. 2 and 3 of the second paragraph of Art.
1205 are applicable. Consequently, if all of the things are lost or all
of the prestations cannot be performed due to the fault of the debtor,
the creditor may claim the price or value of any one of them with
indemnity for damages. However, if one or some, but not all, of the
things are lost, or one or some, but not all, of the prestations cannot
be performed due to the fault of the debtor, the creditor may claim
any of those subsisting without any liability on the part of the debtor
for damages or the price or value of that, which through the fault of
the former, was lost or could not be performed, with indemnity, for
damages.
173
Art. 1206 OBLIGATIONS
render him liable. But once the substitution has been made,
the obligor is liable for the loss of the substitute on account
of his delay, negligence or fraud.164
Nature of Facultative Obligations. — According to the
above article, a facultative obligation is defined as a n obligation
wherein only one object or prestation has been agreed upon by the
parties to the obligation, but which may be complied with by the
delivery of another object or the performance of another prestation
in substitution. It is evident t h a t the characteristic feature of this
type of obligation is t h a t only one object or prestation is due, but if
the obligor fails to deliver such object or to perform such prestation,
he can still comply with his obligation by delivering another object
or performing another prestation in substitution. Thus, where the
debtor executed a promissory note promising to pay his indebtedness
to the creditor a t a specified date and in case of failure to do so, he
shall execute a deed of mortgage over a certain property belonging
to him in favor of the creditor, it was held t h a t the obligation is
facultative. 1 6 5 Consequently, the provisions of Art. 1206 of the Civil
Code may be applied.
Idem; Distinguished from alternative obligations. —
Facultative obligations may be distinguished from alternative obli-
gations in the following ways:
(1)As to objects due: In facultative obligations only one object is
due, while in alternative obligations several objects are due.
(2)As to compliance: Facultative obligations may be complied
with by the delivery of another object or by the performance of
another prestation in substitution of t h a t which is due, while
alternative obligations may be complied with by the delivery of one
of the objects or by the performance of one of the prestations which
are alternatively due.
(3)As to choice: In the first, the right of choice pertains only to
the debtor, while in the second, the right of choice may pertain
even to the creditor or to a third person.
(4)As to the effect of fortuitous loss: In the first, the loss or
impossibility of the object or prestation which is due without any
164
New provision.
165
Quizana vs. Redugerio, 50 Off. Gaz. 2444.
174
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1206
Alternative a nd Facultative Obligations
166
Art. 1206, par. 2, Civil Code.
167
3 Capistrano, Civil Code, 1950, Ed., p. 135.
175
Art. 1206 OBLIGATIONS
Once the substitution has been made, however, the debtor shall
be liable for the loss or deterioration of the substitute on account of
his delay, negligence or fraud. 1 6 8 This rule is logical because once
the substitution is made, the obligation is converted into a simple
one with the substituted thing or prestation as the object of the
obligation.
168
Art. 1206, par. 2, Civil Code.
169
Art. 1207, Civil Code; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 65-66.
170
38 Phil. 707.
176
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1206
Joint and Solidary Obligations
177
Art. 1207 OBLIGATIONS
171
Art. 1137, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
178
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1207
Joint and Solidary Obligations
172
Pimentel vs. Gutierrez, 14 Phil. 49; White vs. Enriquez, 15 Phil. 113; Agoncillo
vs. Javier, 38 Phil. 424; Ramos vs. Gibbon, 67 Phil. 371; Inciong, Jr. vs. Court of Ap-
peals, Ju n e 26, 1996, 257 SCRA 580.
173
Art. 1297, Civil
Code. 174Art. 1208, Civil
Code. 175Art. 1207, Civil
Code. 176Art. 1216, Civil
Gonzales vs. La Previsora Filipina, 74 Phil. 165.
Code.
177
179
Art. 1207 OBLIGATIONS
179
Parot vs. Gemora, 7 Phil. 24.
180
Oriental Commercial Co. vs. La Fuente, CA, 38 Off. Gaz. 947.
180
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1208
Joint and Solidary Obligations
181
Worcester vs. Ocampo, 22 Phil. 42. To the same effect: Verzosa vs. Lim, 45
Phil. 416; Torebillas vs. Soques, CA, 46 Off. Gaz. 5618; Padilla vs. Hipomia, CA, G.R.
No. 4272-R, Feb. 17, 1951.
182
Art. 1138, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
183
Art. 1207, Civil Code.
184
Art. 1208, Civil Code.
181
Art. 1208 OBLIGATIONS
185
Moller’s Ltd. vs. Sarile, 97 Phil. 985.
186
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 425.
187
Agoncillo vs. Javier, 38 Phil. 424.
188
8 M anresa 182, cited in Agoncillo vs. Javier, 38 Phil. 424.
182
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1208
Joint and Solidary Obligations
183
Art. 1209 OBLIGATIONS
are the parties in each obligation and for how much? Why?
(1971 Bar Problem)
Answer — There are six obligations in the above case. The
parties and the amount of each obligation are:
(1) X as debtor for P2,000 in favor of A as creditor;
(2) X as debtor for P2,000 in favor of B as creditor;
(3) Y as debtor for P2,000 in favor of A as creditor;
(4) Y as debtor for P2,000 in favor of B as creditor;
(5) Z as debtor for P2,000 in favor of A as creditor;
(6) Z as debtor for P2,000 in favor of B as creditor.
The above answers are clearly deducible from Art. 1208
of the Civil Code which declares t hat if the obligation is joint,
the credit or debt shall be presumed to be divided into as many
equal shares as there are creditors or debtors, the credits or
debts being considered as distinct from one another, subject
to the Rules of Court governing the multiplicity of suits. Take
the credit of P12,000 for instance. Since there are two creditors
there will also be two credits of P6,000 for each creditor. In the
case of the debt of P12,000, since there are three debtors there
will also be three debts of P4,000 against each debtor. Now, as
far as A, the first creditor, is concerned, if he wants to collect his
credit of P6,000, he must proceed against all the debtors. Thus
he will be able to collect P2,000 from X, P2,000 from Y, another
P2,000 from Z. The same is true in the case of B, the second
creditor.
189
Art. 1139, Spanish Civil Code.
184
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1209
Joint and Solidary Obligations
190
Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 422, 466.
191
Art. 1209, Civil Code.
192
Art. 1224, Civil Code.
185
Art. 1209 OBLIGATIONS
193
Art. 1209, Civil Code.
194
Ibid.
195
Art. 1224, Civil Code.
196
Ibid.
197
Art. 1209, Civil Code.
198
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 446-467.
199
4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956, pp. 213-214, citing De Buen and others.
186
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1210-1211
Joint and Solidary Obligations
200
New provision.
201
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 469.
202
Art. 1140, Spanish Code.
203
4 Sanchez Roman 50; Giorgi, Teoria de las Obligaciones, Vol. 1, p. 89.
187
Arts. 1210-1211 OBLIGATIONS
204
Giorgi, Teoria de las Obligaciones, Vol. 1, pp. 90, 115.
205
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 431-432.
206
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 73.
188
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1210-1211
Joint and Solidary Obligations
207
Inchausti & Co. vs. Yulo, 34 Phil. 978.
208
Villa vs. Garcia Bosque, 49 Phil. 126; Stevenson vs. Climaco, CA 36
Off. Gaz.
1571.
189
Arts. 1210-1211 OBLIGATIONS
209
4 Sanchez Roman 50.
210
Inchausti & Co. vs. Yulo, 34 Phil. 978.
190
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1210-1211
Joint and Solidary Obligations
191
Arts. 1210-1211 OBLIGATIONS
192
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1210-1211
Joint and Solidary Obligations
“It h as been said also by the trial judge in his decision that
if a judgment be entered against Gregorio Yulo for the whole
debt of P253,445.42 he cannot recover from Francisco, Manuel
and Carmen Yulo th at part of the amount which is owed by
them because they are obliged to pay only P225,000 and this
193
Arts. 1210-1211 OBLIGATIONS
194
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1212
Joint and Solidary Obligations
211
Art. 1141, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
212
Art. 1212, Civil Code.
213
rts. 1214, 1216, Civil Code.
214
Art. 1215, par. 2, Civil Code.
215
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 72.
216
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 432-433.
195
Arts. 1213-1214 OBLIGATIONS
Art. 1214. The debtor may pay any one of the solidary
creditors; but if any demand, judicial or extrajudicial, has
been made by one of them, payment should be made to him.218
Effect of Demand by a Creditor. — Any solidary creditor
may demand the payment or performance of the obligation from one,
some or all of the debtors. This is, of course, a logical consequence
217
New provision.
218
Art. 1142, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
196
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1215
Joint and Solidary Obligations
219
Art. 1214, Civil Code.
220
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 437.
221
Art. 1143, Spanish Civil Code.
222
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 751.
197
Art. 1215 OBLIGATIONS
223
Ibid., pp. 444-445.
224
Art. 1222, Civil Code; Inchausti & Co. vs. Yulo, 34 Phil. 978.
225
Art. 2079, Civil Code; Asiatic Petroleum Co. vs. Hizon, 45 Phil. 532;
BankNational
vs. Veraguth, 50 Phil. 253.
198
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1215
Joint and Solidary Obligations
226
Villa vs. Garcia Bosque, 49 Phil. 126.
227
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 713.
228
4 Sanchez Roman 421.
229
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 443-444.
230
Ibid., p. 673.
199
Art. 1215 OBLIGATIONS
231
Ibid., pp. 440-443.
232
Ibid.
233
Art. 1222, Civil Code; Inchausti & Co. vs. Yulo, 34 Phil. 978.
200
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1216
Joint and Solidary Obligations
234
Art. 1219, Civil Code.
235
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 442-443.
236
Art. 1215, par. 2, Civil Code.
237
Art. 1444, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
238
Art. 1216, Civil Code.
239
Ibid.
201
Art. 1216 OBLIGATIONS
240
La Yebana vs. Valenzuela, 67 Phil. 482.
241
Phil. Nat. Bank vs. Confesor, CA, 37 Off. Gaz. 3295.
202
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1216
Joint and Solidary Obligations
203
Art. 1217 OBLIGATIONS
obligee’s action or suit filed before the court, which is not then acting
as a probate court.
As provided in the case of Stronghold Insurance Company
Inc vs. Republic-Asahi Glass Corporation, whatever monetary
liabilities or obligations the deceased Jose Santos (the proprietor
of JDS Construction which executed a performance bond jointly
and severally with petitioner-surety) had under his contracts
with respondent Republic-Asahi were not intransmissible by their
nature, by stipulation or by provision of law. Hence,death did not
result in the extinguishment of those obligations or liabilities, which
merely passed on to the estate of Santos. Death is not a defense that
he or his estate can set up to wipe out the obligations under the
performance bond. Consequently, the petitioner as surety cannot use
his death to escape its monetary obligation under its performance
bond. As a surety, petitioner is solidarily liable with Santos in
accordance with Art. 2017, in relation to Art. 1216 of the New Civil
Code. The surety’s obligation is not a n original and direct one for the
performance of his own act, but merely accessory or collateral to the
obligation contracted by the principal. Nevertheless, although the
contract of a surety is in essence secondary only to a valid principal
obligation, his liability to the creditor or promisee of the principal is
said to be direct, primary and absolute; In other words, he is directly
and equally bound with the principal.
The death of the principal debtor will not work to convert,
decrease or nullify the substantive right of the solidary creditor.
Despite the death of the principal debtor, respondent may still
sue petitioner alone, in accordance with the solidary nature of the
latter’s liability under the performance bond. Under the law and
jurisprudence, respondent may sue, separately or together, the
principal debtor and the petitioner , in view of the solidary nature
of their liability (Stronghold Insurance Company Inc. vs. Republic-
Asahi Glass Corporation, supra).
204
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1218
Joint and Solidary Obligations
242
Art. 1145, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
243
New provision.
244
Art. 1217, par. 2, Civil Code.
245
Art. 1218, Civil Code.
246
Art. 1217, par. 2, Civil Code.
205
Art. 1218 OBLIGATIONS
247
Wilson vs. Berkenkotter, 49 Off. Gaz. 1410.
206
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1218
Joint and Solidary Obligations
248
This doctrine seems to be in direct conflict with the doctrine enunciated in
the case of Wilson vs. Berkenkotter t h a t in a case of this sort there is no real case
of subrogation. It is submitted, however, t ha t when the Court held t ha t “the
executrix was subrogated to the rights of the original plaintiff,’’ it was only referring,
rogation
not to sub-in its technical sense, but to substitution of parties in its procedural sense.
207
Arts. 1219-1220 OBLIGATIONS
249
Art. 1146, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
250
New provision.
208
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1221
Joint and Solidary Obligations
251
Art. 1147, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
209
Art. 1222 OBLIGATIONS
only for the price or value of the thirty cavans of rice, but even for
damages. However, once A h as settled his obligation to X, he can
then proceed against the guilty debtor, C, for reimbursement of the
entire amount which he has paid to X, plus interest.
(3) If the loss or impossibility is due to a fortuitous event
after one of the debtors had already incurred in delay, again the
obligation is converted into a n obligation of indemnity for damages,
but the solidary character of the obligation remains. Anyone, or
some, or all of the debtors can be held responsible for the price, plus
damages but without prejudice to the right of action of the debtor or
debtors who paid to proceed against the debtor responsible for the
delay.
252
Art. 1148, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
253
Art. 1222, Civil Code; Narvaez vs. De Leon, CA, 47 Off. Gaz. 160.
254
Chinese Chamber of Commerce vs. P u a Te Ching, 16 Phil. 405.
210
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1222
Joint and Solidary Obligations
255
Braganza vs. Villa Abrille, 105 Phil. 456.
256
Inchausti & Co. vs. Yulo, 34 Phil. 978; Narvaez vs. De Leon, CA,
160. 47 Off. Gaz.
211
Art. 1222 OBLIGATIONS
257
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 92.
258
Art. 1225, Civil Code.
212
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Arts 1223-1224
Divisible and Indivisible Obligations
into parts, its essence is not changed or its value is not decreased
disproportionately, because each of the parts into which it is divided
are homogenous and analogous to each other as well as to the thing
itself. Hence, it is a n essential condition, in order t h a t a thing shall
be considered divisible, t h a t it must be possible to reconstruct the
thing itself into its condition prior to the division by uniting the dif-
ferent parts into which it had been divided. There are three kinds of
division. They are quantitative, qualitative and ideal or intellectual.
The division is quantitative when the thing can be materially di-
vided into parts and such parts are homogenous to each other, such
as when the parts are actually separated from each other as in the
case of movables, or when the limits of the parts are fixed by metes
and bounds as in the case of immovables. The division is qualita-
tive when the thing can be materially divided, but the parts are not
exactly homogenous, such as in the partition of a n inheritance. The
division is ideal or intellectual when the thing can only be separated
into ideal or undivided parts, not material parts, as in the case of
co-ownership.259
259
4 Sanchez Roman 93-94.
260
Art. 1149, Spanish Civil Code.
261
Art. 1150, Spanish Civil Code.
213
Art. 1225 OBLIGATIONS
262
Art. 1248, Civil Code.
263
Ibid., 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 363-365.
264
See Art. 1209, Civil Code.
265
Art. 1224, Civil Code.
266
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 469; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 92.
214
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art 1225
Divisible and Indivisible Obligations
215
Art. 1225 OBLIGATIONS
270
Art. 1225, par. 1, Civil Code.
271
Art. 1225, par. 3, Civil Code.
273
Art. 1225,
272 par. 1, Civil
8 Manresa, Code.Bk. 1, pp. 472-473.
5th Ed.,
216
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art 1225
Obligations with a Penal Clause
274
Art. 1225, par. 3, Civil Code.
275
Art. 1225, par. 4, Civil Code.
276
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 97; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 477-478.
217
Art. 1226 OBLIGATIONS
277
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 100-101.
278
Art. 1152, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
218
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art 1226
Obligations with a Penal Clause
279
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 480-481.
280
Manila Racing Club vs. Manila Jockey Club, 69 Phil. 55. For other cases il-
lustrating the general rule — see Palacios vs. Mun. of Cavite, 12 Phil. 140;
Navarro vs. Mallari, 45 Phil. 242; Araneta vs. Paterno, 49 Off. Gaz. 45.
219
Art. 1226 OBLIGATIONS
220
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art 1226
Obligations with a Penal Clause
281
Art. 1226, par. 1, Civil Code.
282
Bachrach Motor Co. vs. Espiritu, 52 Phil. 346; Government vs. Lim, 61 Phil.
737; L uneta Motor Co. vs. Moral 73 Phil. 80; Cabarroguis vs. Vicente, 107 Phil. 340;
De Venecia vs. del Rosario, 18 SCRA 792.
221
Art. 1226 OBLIGATIONS
222
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art 1226
Obligations with a Penal Clause
223
Art. 1227 OBLIGATIONS
283
Yu Tek & Co. vs. Gonzales, 29 Phil. 384; Ibarra vs. Aveyro, 37 Phil. 273;
Bachrach vs. Golingco, 39 Phil. 138; Manila Racing Club vs. Manila Jockey Club,
69 Phil. 55.
284
Reyes vs. Formoso, CA, 46 Off. Gaz. 5621.
285
Art. 1153, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
286
Art. 1227, Civil Code.
287
Ibid.
224
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art 1228
Obligations with a Penal Clause
288
Ibid.
289
Art. 1226, 2nd sentence, Civil Code.
290
New provision.
225
Art. 1229 OBLIGATIONS
291
To the same effect: Palacios vs. Mun. of Cavite, 12 Phil. 140; Manila Racing
Club vs. Manila Jockey Club, 69 Phil. 55. See Arts. 2226, et seq., for “liquidated dam-
ages.’’
292
Art. 1154, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
226
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art 1229
Obligations with a Penal Clause
293
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 491; see Laureano vs. Kilayco, 32 Phil. 850; Chua
729.
Gui Seng vs. Gen. Sales Supply Co., 91 Phil. 153; Ramos vs. Salcedo, CA, 48 Off. Gaz.
227
Art. 1229 OBLIGATIONS
Umali vs.
Miclat 105 Phil.
1007
294
Manila Trading Co. vs. Tamarao Plantation Co., 47 Phil. 513;
Bachrach vs. Golingco, 39 Phil. 138.
295
Tan Tua Sia vs.
Yu Biao, 56 Phil. 707; Turne r vs. Casabar, 65 Phil. 490.
228
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS Art 1230
Obligations with a Penal Clause
Art. 1230. The nullity of the penal clause does not carry
with it that of the principal obligation.
The nullity of the principal obligation carries with it
that of the penal clause.296
296
Art. 1155, Spanish Civil Code.
297
Art. 1230, Civil Code.
298
Ibid.
229
OBLIGATIONS
CHAPTER 4
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS
General Provisions
1
Art. 1156, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
2
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 501-503; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 235-236.
230
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 232-1235
Payment or Performance
3
New provision.
4
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 236.
5
Art. 1232, Civil Code.
6
Art. 1157, Spanish Civil Code.
7
New provision.
8
New provision.
231
Art. 1236 OBLIGATIONS
9
Art. 1234, Civil Code.
10
Ibid.
11
Report of the Code Commission, p. 131.
12
Art. 1235, Civil Code; Joe’s Radio & Electrical Supply vs. Alto Electronics
Corp., 104 Phil. 333.
13
3 Capistrano, Civil Code, 1950 Ed., p. 167.
232
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1237-1238
Payment or Performance
14
Art. 1158, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
15
Art. 1159, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
16
New provision.
17
15 Gonzaga vs. Garcia, 27 Phil. 7.
233
Arts. 1237-1238 OBLIGATIONS
18
Report of the Code Commission, p. 132.
234
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1237-1238
Payment or Performance
the creditor is deemed to have waived his right to refuse to deal with
strangers to the obligation.
Idem; id. — Rights of third person. — If a third person
pays the obligation with the knowledge and consent of the debtor,
there are two rights which are available to him. In the first place, he
can recover from the debtor the entire amount which he h as paid; 22
or against the will of the debtor, there is only one right which is
available to him; he can recover only insofar as the payment has
been beneficial to the said debtor. 24
19
Art. 1236, par. 1, Civil Code.
20
Monte de Piedad vs. Rodrigo, 63 Phil. 312.
21
Art. 1236, par. 1, Civil Code.
22
Art. 1236, par. 2, Civil Code.
23
Art. 1302, No. 2, Civil Code.
24
Art. 1236, par. 2, Civil Code.
25
Ibid.
235
Arts. 1237-1238 OBLIGATIONS
26
See De Guzman vs. Santos, 68 Phil. 371.
27
Art. 1236, Civil Code.
28
Art. 2154, Civil Code.
29
RFC vs. Court of Appeals, 50 Off. Gaz. 2467.
236
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1237-1238
Payment or Performance
30
Art. 1237, Civil Code.
31
Arts. 1302, No. 2, 1303, 1304, Civil Code.
237
Arts. 1237-1238 OBLIGATIONS
32
Art. 1236, par. 1, Civil Code.
33
Arts. 1302, No. 2, 1303, Civil Code.
34
Art. 1236, par. 2, Civil Code.
35
Art. 1237, Civil Code.
36
Art. 2154, Civil Code.
37
Art. 1238, Civil Code.
38
Arts. 734, 745, Civil Code.
39
Art. 1238, Civil Code.
238
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1237-1238
Payment or Performance
40
Art. 1160, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
41
Art. 1239, Civil Code.
42
Art. 1162, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
239
Arts. 1237-1238 OBLIGATIONS
In order to resolve all doubts with respect to this point, the Code
Commission h as added the second (successor-in-interest) to the
original provision of the Spanish Civil Code. The third, on the other
hand, refers to any person expressly or impliedly authorized by the
creditor himself or by law. 44
43
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk 1, p. 536; Tuazon and San Pedro vs. Zamora & Sons,
2 Phil. 305.
44
Haw Pia vs. China Banking Corp., 80 Phil. 604.
45
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 537.
46
80 Phil. 604.
240
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1237-1238
Payment or Performance
47
To the same effect: Everett Steamship Corp. vs. Bank of P.I., 47 Off. Gaz. 165;
Hodges vs. Gay, 48 Off. Gaz. 136; Winship vs. Phil. Trust Co., 90 Phil. 744; Bay Boul-
evard vs. Sycip, 92 Phil. 508.
48
Keleer Electric Co. vs. Rodriguez, 44 Phil. 19.
49
Ormachea vs. Triliana, 13 Phil. 194.
50
Crisol vs. Claveron, CA, 3 Off. Gaz. 3734.
241
Art. 1241 OBLIGATIONS
the name of the vendor when he could not locate the latter because
of the conditions then existing in January, 1945, when the payment
became due. Although the payment is not valid because it is not
51
51
Arcache vs. Lizares & Co., 91 Phil. 348.
52
Ibid.
53
Art. 1241, par. 2, Civil Code.
54
Art. 1242, Civil Code.
55
Art. 1163, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
242
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1241
Payment or Performance
56
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 540.
57
Art. 1241, par. 2, Civil Code.
58
Panganiban vs. Cuevas, 7 Phil. 477.
243
Art. 1243 OBLIGATIONS
59
Ibid.
60
Art. 1164, Spanish Civil Code.
61
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 545-546.
62
Art. 1165, Spanish Civil Code.
244
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1244-1246
Payment or Performance
63
Sec. 8, Rule 57, New Rules of Court.
64
Art. 1166, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
65
New provision.
66
Art. 1167, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
245
Arts. 1244-1246 OBLIGATIONS
67
Art. 1245, Civil Code.
68
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 610.
69
Ibid., pp. 610-611.
246
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1247-1248
Payment or Performance
70
Ibid., pp. 552-553.
71
Art. 1168, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
73
Arts. 721244, 1245, 1246, 1249, Civil Code.
Art. 1169, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
247
Art. 1249 OBLIGATIONS
74
Arts. 1233, 1234, 1235, Civil Code.
75
Art. 1248, Civil Code.
76
Arts. 1207, et seq., Civil Code.
77
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 563-564.
78
Art. 1170, Spanish Civil Code.
248
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1249
Payment or Performance
which the payment shall be made, the payment shall still be made
in legal tender of the Philippines.
Thus, the Supreme Court in the case of Zagala vs. Jimenez, it
held t h a t “a judgment awarding a n amount in U.S. dollar may be
paid with its equivalent amount in local currency in the conversion
rate prevailing a t the time of payment. If the parties cannot agree
on the same, the trial court should determine such conversion rate.
Needless to say, the judgment debtor may simply satisfy said award
by paying in full the amount in U.S. dollars. Therefore, when the
petitioners, in this case, filed their motion to fix the peso value
of the judgment in dollars, they only intended to exercise a right
granted to them by the present jurisprudence — t h a t the trial court
shall determine or fix the conversion r ate prevailing a t the time of
payment.’’
Idem; Effect of Rep. Act Nos. 529 and 4100. — However, in
order to assure the stability of the Philippine currency the Congress
passed a law entitled “An Act To Assure the Uniform Value of
Philippine Coins and Currency” (Rep. Act No. 529) which took effect
on J u n e 16, 1949. Under this Act, the rule in the Civil Code that
payment of debts in money shall be made in the currency stipulated
was completely abrogated. Thus, Sec. 1 of this Act provides:
79
See Eastboard Navigation Co. vs. Ysmael Co., 102 Phil. 1; Arrieta
vs. Nat.
and Corn Rice10 SCRA 79.
Corp.,
249
Art. 1249 OBLIGATIONS
80
Sec. 1, Rep. Act No. 4100.
250
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1249
Payment or Performance
until the purchase price has been paid by “B,” the end result
will still be the same. Since, evidently, the purpose is to secure
performance by the buyer of his obligation to pay the purchase
price, by express mandate of the law, the fortuitous loss of the
car shall be assumed by “B.’’
(Note: The above answer is based on Art. 1504 of the Civil
Code.)
Question No. 2 — May seller “S’’ demand payment in U.S.
dollar? Why? (1981 Bar Problem)
Answer — The seller “S’’ cannot demand payment in U.S.
dollars. According to the law, an agreement t h at payment shall
be made in currency other th an Philippine currency is void
because it is contrary to public policy. T hat does not mean,
however, th at “S” cannot demand payment from “B.” He can
demand payment, but not in American dollars. Otherwise,
there would be unjust enrichment at the expense of another.
Payment, therefore, should be made in Philippine currency.
(Note: The above answer is based on R.A. No. 529
and on
Ponce vs. Court of Appeals, 90 SCRA 533.)
Under our law, the legal tender of the Philippines would be all notes
and coins issued by the Central Bank. 82
82
Ibid. 81Sec. 54, Rep. Act No. 265; Sec. 1, Rep. Act No. 529.
251
Art. 1249 OBLIGATIONS
83
Legarda vs. Carrascoso, 81 Phil. 450.
Hillado vs. De la Costa, 46 Off. Gaz. 5472. To the same effect: Haw Pia vs.
84
China Banking Corp., 80 Phil. 604; Del Rosario vs. Sandico, 47 Off. Gaz. 2866; Sori-
ano vs. Abalos, 47 Off. Gaz. 2894.
85
Hernaez vs. McGrath, 48 Off. Gaz. 2868.
86
Phil. Trust Co. vs. Araneta, 46 Off. Gaz. 4254; L arraga vs. Bañez, 47 Off.
Gaz.
696; Compania General de Tabacos vs. Araneta, 96 Phil. 971.
87
Haw Pia vs. China Banking Corp., 80 Phil. 604.
88
Valdeabella vs. Marquez, 48 Off.
252Gaz. 719.
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1249
Payment or Performance
89
Aurreocoecha vs. Kabankalan Sugar Co., 81 Phil. 476.
90
Rep. Act Nos. 22 and 368, applied in Donasco vs. Serra, CA, G.R. No. 7046-R,
Sept. 30, 1953.
91
Phil. National Bank vs. Teves, 100 Phil. 491.
92
Belisario vs. Natividad, 60 Phil. 156; Phil. National Bank vs. Relativo, 92
Phil.
203.
93
Villanueva vs. Santos, 67 Phil. 648; Cuaycong vs. Ruiz, 47 Off. Gaz. 6125; CFI
of Tarlac vs. Court of Appeals, 91 Phil. 912; Hidalgo vs. Heirs of Tuason, 104 Phil.
336.
253
Art. 1249 OBLIGATIONS
254
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1249
Payment or Performance
255
Art. 1249 OBLIGATIONS
256
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1249
Payment or Performance
257
Art. 1249 OBLIGATIONS
258
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1249
Payment or Performance
259
Art. 1249 OBLIGATIONS
94
Compania General vs. Molina, 5 Phil. 142.
260
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1250
Payment or Performance
95
Golez vs. Camara, 101 Phil. 363.
96
Compania General vs. Molina, 5 Phil. 142.
97
Quiros vs. Tan Guinlay, 5 Phil. 675.
98
New provision.
99
3 Capistrano, Civil Code, 1950 Ed., p. 189; Report of the Code Commission,
pp. 132-133.
100
Art. 1250, Civil Code.
261
Art. 1250 OBLIGATIONS
262
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1250
Payment or Performance
263
Art. 1250 OBLIGATIONS
101
Estrada vs. Noble, CA, 49 Off. Gaz. 139.
264
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1250
Payment or Performance
1941 1944
December P1.00 January P4.00
1942 P1.00 February 5.00
1943 March 6.00
January 1.05 April 9.00
February 1.10 May 12.00
March 1.15 June 15.00
April 1.20 July 20.00
May 1.25 August 25.00
June 1.30 September 30.00
July 1.40 October 40.00
August 1.50 November 60.00
September 1.60 December 90.00
October 1.70 1945
November 1.80 January 120.00
December 2.50 February None
102
Barcelon vs. Arambulo, CA, 48 Off. Gaz. 3976.
265
Art. 1250 OBLIGATIONS
to pay the amount “one year after Oct. 5, 1944,” or “within 30 days
after the expiration of one year from Jun e 24,1944,” or “four years
after date,” or within “five years from Jan. 1, 1946,” or within “one
year from Aug. 7, 1944,” the Ballantyne Schedule is not applicable;
hence, the debtor can be compelled to pay in Philippine currency,
peso for peso. 105
103
See Jimenez vs. Bucoy, 103 Phil. 40; Valero vs. Sycip, 103 Phil. 1150; Fernan-
dez, et al. vs. Nat. Ins. Co. of the Phil., 105 Phil. 59.
104
Ang L am vs. Peregrina, 92 Phil. 506. To the same effect: Hilado vs. De la
Costa, 46 Off. Gaz. 5472; Soriano vs. Abalos, 47 Off. Gaz. 168; De Asis vs. Agdamag,
90 Phil. 249; Samson vs. Andal, 94 Phil. 402; Aguilar vs. Miranda, 113 Phil. 515;
Server vs. Car, 18 SCRA 728.
105
Roño vs. Gomez, 46 Off. Gaz. 339; Gomez vs. Tabia, 47 Off. Gaz. 339; Garcia
vs. De los Santos, 49 Off. Gaz. 4830; Yay vs. Boltron, 100 Phil. 47; Stemberg vs. Solo-
mon, 102 Phil. 995; Dizon vs. Arrastia, 113 Phil. 476; Quiogue vs. Bautista, Generosa
vs. Court of Appeals, 12 SCRA 619; Server vs. Car, 18 SCRA 728.
266
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1251
Payment or Performance
(Sec. 91-A, Insurance Law.) Here, the policy matured upon the
death of the insured in 1944, and the obligation of the insurer
to pay arose as of th at date. The sixty-day period fixed by law
within which to pay is merely procedural in nature. It is the
happening of the suspensive condition of death t h at matures
a life insurance policy and not the filing of the proof of death.
Since the insured died during the Japanese occupation, the
proceeds of his policy should, therefore, be adjusted accordingly,
for ‘the rule is already settled th at where the debtor could have
paid his obligation at any time during the Japanese occupation,
payment after liberation must be adjusted in accordance with
the Ballantyne Schedule.’ ’’
106
Art. 1171, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
107
Art. 1251, Civil Code.
267
Art. 1252 OBLIGATIONS
108
Ibid.
109
Art. 1172, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
11 0
Under the Civil Code, there are actually four special forms of payment. They
are: (1) application of payment (Arts. 1252-1254); (2) dation in payment (Art. 1245);
(3) payment by cession (Art. 1255); and (4) tender of payment and consignation
(Arts. 1256-1261). Strictly speaking, however, application of payment, by its very
nature, is not a special form of payment.
111
8 Manresa, 6th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 598.
268
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1252
Application of Payment
the solidary debtor who paid may have obligations other tha n the
solidary obligation in favor of the creditor to whom payment is
made. Neither does the requirement t h a t there must be only one
creditor militate against extending the rules on application of
payment to a case in which a person is indebted a t the same time in
separate and demandable sums to a partnership and to the
managing partner of the partnership. As a m atter of fact, Art. 1792
provides:
112
Socony Vacuum Corp. vs. Miraflores, 67 Phil. 304.
269
Art. 1252 OBLIGATIONS
114
Art. 1252,
113 par. 1, Civil
8 Manresa, Code.Bk. 1, pp. 598-599.
5th Ed.,
270
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1252
Application of Payment
is taken away from him and such application may then be made by
the creditor who may exercise the right even after the delivery of
the receipt acknowledging payment, provided, of course, t h a t such
115
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 599-600.
116
Art. 1252, par. 2, Civil Code.
11 7
Garcia vs. Enriguez, 71 Phil. 423.
118
Bachrach vs. Golingco, 39 Phil. 912; Powell vs. Phil. National Bank, 54 Phil.
34.
271
Arts. 1253-1254 OBLIGATIONS
119
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 600.
120
Art. 1173, Spanish Civil Code.
121
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 601.
122
Baltazar vs. Lingayen Gulf Elec. Power Co.; Rose vs. Lingayen Elec. Power
Co., Baltazar vs. Acena, 14 SCRA 522; Magdalena Estate, Inc. vs. Rodriguez, 18
SCRA 967.
123
Art. 1174, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
272
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1253-1254
Application of Payment
one of the debts has been demanded or if different places for payment
have been designated in the contract and payment has been made in
one of those places, it is evident t h a t a n application can be deduced
or inferred, in which case, the article is not applicable. 124
(2)Where one debt bears interest and the other does not,
even if the latter was incurred a t a n earlier date, the first is more
onerous to the debtor. As between two debts which bear interest,
127
the debt with a higher rate of interest is more onerous to the debtor.
(3)Where one debt is secured and the other is not, the first is
more onerous to the debtor. However, “where in a bond the debtor
128
124
3 Capistrano, Civil Code, 1950 Ed., p. 193.
125
Art. 1254, par. 1, Civil Code.
126
Philippine National Bank vs. Veraguth, 50 Phil. 353.
127
Menzi & Co. vs. Quing Chuan, 69 Phil. 46.
128
Sanz vs. Lavin, 6 Phil. 299; Traders Insurance & Surety Co. vs. Dy Eng Giok,
104 Phil. 806.
129
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank vs. Aldanese, 48 Phil. 390.
273
Arts. 1253-1254 OBLIGATIONS
130
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 602-604; 4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956
Art. 1254; par. 2, Civil Code.
131
Ed., pp.
293-294.
274
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1255
Payment by Cession
132
Art. 1175, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
133
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 606.
134
Ibid., pp. 605-606.
135
Act No. 1956, a s amended.
275
Art. 1256 OBLIGATIONS
136
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 611-612; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 257.
137
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 255.
276
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1257-1258
Tender of Payment and Consignation
138
Art. 1176, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
139
Art. 1177, Spanish Civil Code.
140
Art. 1178, Spanish Civil Code.
141
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 252.
277
Arts. 1257-1258 OBLIGATIONS
the principal act which will produce the effects of payment of the
obligation. Thus, according to the Supreme Court:
142
142
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 620.
143
Phil. National Bank vs. Relativo, 92 Phil. 203.
144
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 620.
145
Ibid., pp. 628-630.
278
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1257-1258
Tender of Payment and Consignation
person who pays, the person to whom payment is made, the object
of the obligation which must be paid or performed, and the time
when payment or performance becomes demandable; the second, on
the other hand, refers to the five requirements which are prescribed
by Art. 1256 to Art. 1258 of the Civil Code. Since consignation is a
special form of payment, it is but logical, in order t h a t it will produce
all the effects of payment, t h a t it must conform not only with all
of the special requirements prescribed by law, but also with all of
the requisites of a valid payment. Hence, according to the second
paragraph of Art. 1258: “The consignation shall be ineffectual if
it is not made in consonance with the provisions which regulate
payment.” Thus, where the amount remitted to the Clerk of Court
is in the form of a cashier’s check, the consignation must be deemed
invalid, since the law requires t h a t in order t ha t consignation shall
produce the effect of a valid payment, it must conform to the rules
regulating payment, and one such rule is t h a t payment should be
made in legal tender. 146
146
Villanueva vs. Santos, 67 Phil. 648; Arambulo vs. Court of Appeals, 97 Phil.
965.
147
Art. 1256, Civil Code.
148
Art. 1257, Civil Code.
149
Art. 1258, par. 1, Civil Code.
279
Arts. 1257-1258 OBLIGATIONS
contract whereby the latter was given the right to cancel the contract
upon payment of a certain sum, and subsequently, the latter tried
to avail himself of such right by making a formal tender of the
amount, it was held t h a t it was not necessary for him to deposit the
amount with the Clerk of Court, since there is no debt which is due.
Consequently, the tender made by the defendant in good faith was
sufficient to cancel the contract. 152
150
Art. 1258, par. 2, Civil Code.
151
Ponce de Leon vs. Syjuco, 90 Phil. 311.
152
Asturias Suga r Central vs. Pure Cane Molasses Co., 60 Phil. 255.
153
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 620-621.
154
Phil. National Bank vs. Relativo, 92 Phil. 203.
155
Sy vs. Eufemio, 104 Phil. 1056.
280
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1257-1258
Tender of Payment and Consignation
Sy vs. Eufemio
104 Phil. 1056 (unrep.)
156
Araneta vs. Uy Tek, CA, 40 Off. Gaz. 28.
157
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 620-621.
281
Arts. 1257-1258 OBLIGATIONS
158
For application of these exceptions — see Panganiban vs. Cuevas, 7 Phil. 477;
Banahaw vs. Dejarme, 55 Phil. 338; Salvante vs. Ubi Cruz, 88 Phil. 236.
159
Art. 1256, par. 2, Civil Code.
160
Phil. Nat. Bank vs. Relativo, 92 Phil. 203.
282
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1257-1258
Tender of Payment and Consignation
form. Good faith of the debtor should in simple justice excuse him
from paying interest after the offer was rejected. 161
161
Araneta vs. Tuason de Paterno, 49 Off. Gaz. 45. But see Llamas vs. Abaya, 60
Phil. 502.
162
Art. 1256, par. 1, Civil Code; Bellis vs. Imperial, 52 Phil. 530.
163
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 627-628.
164
Art. 1258, par. 1, Civil Code.
165
Art. 1258, par. 2, Civil Code.
283
Arts. 1257-1258 OBLIGATIONS
166
G.R. No. L-10927, Oct. 30, 1958.
167
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 253-254; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 635-636.
284
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1257-1258
Tender of Payment and Consignation
168
See also Limkako vs. Teodoro, 74 Phil. 313.
285
Arts. 1259-1261 OBLIGATIONS
169
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 252; see Arts. 538, 2005, et seq., Civil Code.
170
Art. 1179, Spanish Civil Code.
171
Art. 1180, Spanish Civil Code.
286
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1259-1261
Loss of the Thing Due
second, the creditor loses every preference which he may have over
the thing. Solidary co-debtors, guarantors and sureties, however,
shall be released. 176
172
Art. 1181, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
173
Art. 1260, par. 2, Civil Code.
174
Art. 1261, Civil Code.
175
Art. 1260, par. 2, Civil Code.
176
Art. 1261, Civil Code.
177
Art. 1189, No. 2, Civil Code.
287
Art. 1262 OBLIGATIONS
178
4 Sanchez Roman 442.
179
Ibid. For extended discussion — see 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 650-652.
180
Art. 1182, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
181
For illustrative cases — see Crame vs. Gonzaga, 10 Phil. 646; Insular Govern-
ment vs. Bingham, 13 Phil. 558; Bishop of Jaro vs. De la Peña, 26 Phil. 144; Lizares
vs. Hernaez, 40 Phil. 98; Obejera vs. Iga Sy, CA, 43 Off. Gaz. 121; Cruz vs. Valero, 89
Phil. 260; Bachrach Motor Co. vs. Lee Tay and Lee Chay, 90 Phil. 540; Ramcar vs.
Dizon, CA, 51 Off. Gaz. 3507.
182
See Lawyers Coop. Pub. Co. vs. Tabora, 13 SCRA 762; Rep. of the
Phil. vs.
Grijaldo,
183
Art. 1170,15 Civil
SCRACode.
681.
288
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1262
Loss of the Thing Due
the rule is t h a t such debtor can still be held liable for indemnity for
damages. 184
the plaintiff before the outbreak of the last war, payable in monthly
installments, and was commandeered by the USAFFE during the
war, the defendant’s obligation is not extinguished, because in the
first place, the truck became the property of the defendant when
it was delivered to him, and consequently, he must bear the loss;
in the second place, he could have filed a war damage claim with
the United States government and he would have been paid. His
negligent omission cannot, therefore, be imputed to the plaintiff who
was no longer the owner of the vehicle. 189
184
Arts. 1170, 1165, par. 3, Civil Code.
185
Art. 1174, Civil Code.
186
Art. 1262, Civil Code.
187
Cruz vs. Valero, 89 Phil. 260.
188
Ramcar vs. Dizon, CA, 51 Off. Gaz. 3507.
189
Bachrach Motor Co. vs. Lee Tay and Lee Chay, 90 Phil. 540.
190
Arts. 1174, 1262, par. 2, Civil Code.
289
Art. 1263 OBLIGATIONS
(5) When the loss of the thing occurs after the debtor has
incurred in delay; 194
Ibid.
191
192
Art. 1262, par. 1, Civil Code.
193
Ibid. See Tan Chiong Sian vs. Inchauti & Co., 22 Phil. 152; Limpangco vs.
Yangco Steamship Co., 34 Phil. 597.
194
Arts. 1262, par. 1, 1165, par. 3, Civil Code.
195
Art. 1165, par. 3, Civil Code.
196
Art. 1268, Civil Code.
197
Art. 1263, Civil Code.
198
New provision.
199
Art 1263; see discussion under Arts. 1163, et seq., Civil Code.
290
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1264-1265
Loss of the Thing Due
200
Art. 1246, Civil Code.
201
Reyes vs. Caltex, 47 Off. Gaz 1193; Phil. Long Distance Co. vs. Jeturian, 97
Phil. 781.
202
Soriano vs. De Leon, 48 Off. Gaz. 2245.
203
Yu Tek Co. vs. Gonzalez, 29 Phil. 384; Lacson vs. Diaz, 47 Off. Gaz. 337.
204
Bunje Corp. vs. Elena Camenforte & Co., 48 Off. Gaz. 3377.
205
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 653.
206
New provision.
207
Art. 1183, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
291
Art. 1266 OBLIGATIONS
208
Art. 1184, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
292
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1266
Loss of the Thing Due
209
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 661.
210
Ibid., pp. 661-663.
211
House vs. De la Costa, 63 Phil. 74.
293
Art. 1266 OBLIGATIONS
with the prestation which constitutes the object of the obligation will
prove dangerous to life or property. The application of this rule is
213
212
Tabora vs. Lazatin, G.R. No. L-5245, May 29, 1953. To the same effect: Thea-
tres Supply Corp. vs. Malolos, CA, 48 Off. Gaz. 1803.
213
Labayen vs. Talisay-Silay Milling Co., 52 Phil. 440.
214
Castro vs. Longa, 89 Phil. 581. To the same effect: Santos vs. Sec. of
ture, Agricul-
48 Off. Gaz. 3368.
294
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1267
Loss of the Thing Due
215
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 664.
216
New provision.
295
Art. 1268 OBLIGATIONS
217
Report of the Code Commission, p. 133. It seems t ha t the doctrine enunciated
by the Supreme Court in the cases of Labayen vs. Talisay-Silay Milling Co., 52 Phil.
440, and Castro vs. Longa, 89 Phil. 581 (supra), can be justified by a n application
of the principle now enunciated in this article.
218
Art. 1185, Spanish Civil Code.
296
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1269
Loss of the Thing Due
Furthermore, the rule is applicable not only to the persons who are
principally liable, but also to those who are subsidiarily liable. In all
of these cases, if the thing is lost, the debtor shall not be exempted
from the payment of the price of the thing, whatever may be the
cause for the loss. The only case where he is relieved of the severity
of the precept is when he had offered the thing to the obligee and the
latter had refused to accept it without justification.
219
When the offer is made by the debtor and the creditor refuses to
accept it without justification, he may choose either of two courses:
(1) he may make a consignation of the thing and thereby
completely relieve himself of further liability, or (2) he may keep
the thing in his possession, in which case, the obligation shall still
subsist but with this difference — t h a t if the thing is lost through
a fortuitous event, Arts. 1262 and 1265, and not Art. 1268, shall
govern. It must, of course, be noted t h a t this Article (1268) can
have no application to those cases where a n offer is not possible,
since such offer by the debtor is a n essential requisite.221
219
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 666-668.
220
Ibid.
221
Ibid.
222
Art. 1186, Spanish Civil Code.
297
Art. 1269 OBLIGATIONS
223
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 670-672.
224
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 673.
225
4 Sanchez Roman 422.
226
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 675-676.
298
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1270
Condonation or Remission of the Debt
227
See Arts. 734, 745, 746, Civil Code.
228
See Arts. 935, 936, 937, Civil Code.
229
Art. 1270, par. 1, Civil Code.
2
30
Ibid.
232 2
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 265.
31
Ibid.
299
Art. 1270 OBLIGATIONS
This is not only deducible from the very nat ure of remission as an
act of pure liberality, it is also expressly declared by the second
paragraph of Art. 1270.
Idem; Extent of remission. — Whether express or implied,
the extent of the remission or condonation shall be governed by the
rules regarding inofficious donations. Hence, the following rules
239
are applicable:
233
Ibid., pp. 265-266.
234
Dalupan vs. Harden, 90 Phil. 417.
235
Arts. 734, 745, 746, Civil Code.
236
Arts. 748, 749, Civil Code.
237
Arts. 750, 751, 752, Civil Code.
238
Arts. 760-773, Civil Code.
239
Art. 1270, par. 2, Civil Code.
300
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1270
Condonation or Remission of the Debt
240
8 Manresa, 6th Ed., Bk 1, pp. 679-680.
301
Art. 1270 OBLIGATIONS
241
Ibid.
242
Ibid.
302
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1271-1272
Condonation or Remission of the Debt
243
Ibid.
244
Ibid.
245
Ibid. As a ma tter of fact because of the provision of the last sentence of Art.
1270, we believe th a t the only possible cases implied would be those contemplated
in Arts. 1271, 1272 and 1274 of the Civil Code.
246
Art. 1188, Spanish Civil Code.
303
Arts. 1271-1272 OBLIGATIONS
247
Art. 1189, Spanish Civil Code.
248
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 684.
249
Veloso vs. Masa, 10 Phil. 279; Lopez vs. Tambunting, 33 Phil. 236.
304
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1273-1274
Condonation or Remission of the Debt
250
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 268. Under Sec. 5(h) and (k), Rule 131 of the New Rules
of Court, the rule is th a t if the private document evidencing the credit is in the pos-
session of the debtor, there arises a disputable presumption to the effect t h a t the debt
ha s already been paid.
251
Art. 1190, Spanish Civil Code.
252
Art. 1191, Spanish Civil Code, in amended form.
253
Art. 1208, Civil Code.
305
Art. 1275 OBLIGATIONS
254
See Art. 2110, Civil Code.
255
Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 697. Sanchez Roman, however, maintains th a t it
is conclusive (Vol. 4, p. 462).
256
Art. 1273, Civil Code.
257
Art. 1192, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
258
Art. 1192, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
259
4 Sanchez Roman 461.
306
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1276
Confusion or Merger of Rights
creditor and debtor must be complete and definite does not mean
t h a t the extinguishment of the obligation should be complete or
total in character; it merely means t h a t whether the merger refers
to the entire obligation or only a part thereof, it must be of such a
character t h a t there will be a complete and definite meeting of all of
the qualities of creditor and debtor in the obligation or in the par t or
aspect thereof which is affected by the merger. 263
260
Art. 1278, Civil Code.
261
Art. 1276, Civil Code.
262
Testate Estate of Mota vs. Serra, 40 Phil. 464.
263
For illustrative cases of partial confusion or merger — see Sochayseng vs.
Trujillo, 31 Phil. 153; Yek Ton Lin Fire & Marine Insurance Co. vs. Yusingco, 46
Phil. 473.
264
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 269.
265
Art. 1193, Spanish Civil Code.
307
Art. 1277 OBLIGATIONS
266
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 269.
267
Art. 2176, Civil Code.
268
Ibid.
269
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 707.
270
Art. 1194, Spanish Civil Code.
271
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 709-710.
308
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1278
Compensation
Section 5. — Compensation
272
Ibid., pp. 700-701.
273
Art. 1195, Spanish Civil Code.
274
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 270.
275
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 713.
309
Art. 1278 OBLIGATIONS
276
Ibid., pp. 713-714.
277
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 271.
278
2 Giorgi, Teoria de las Obligaciones, pp. 24-25.
279
Bocobo, Outlines of the Law on Obligations, p. 34.
310
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1278
Compensation
280
“A counterclaim is any claim for money or other relief which a defending party
may have against a n opposing party. A counterclaim need not diminish or defeat the
recovery sought by the opposing party, but many claim relief exceeding in amount
or different in kind from t ha t sought by the opposing party’s claim.’’ (Sec. 6, Rule 6,
New Rules of Court) “A counter-claim not set up shall be barred if it arises out of or is
necessarily connected with the transaction or occurrence th a t is the subject matte r of
the opposing party’s claim.’’ (Sec. 6, Rule 6, New Rules of Court) “A counter-claim not
set up shall be barred if it arises out of or is necessarily connected with the transac-
tion or occurrence th a t is the subject mat ter of the opposing party’s claim and does
not require for its adjudication the presence of third parties of whom the court can not
acquire jurisdiction.’’ (Sec. 4, Rule 9, New Rules of Court)
281
Art. 1179, No. 1, Civil Code; Sec. 6, Rule 6, New Rules of Court.
282
Art. 1179, No. 4, Civil Code; Yap Unki vs. C hua Japco, 14 Phil. 602.
283
Yap Unki vs. Chua Japco, 14 Phil. 602.
284
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 272-273; Art. 1282, Civil Code.
311
Art. 1279 OBLIGATIONS
285
Art. 1283, Civil Code.
286
Art. 1281, Civil Code.
287
Ibid.
288
Art. 1196, Spanish
Civil Code.
289
Arts. 1278, 1279, No.
1, Civil Code.
290
Art. 1279, No. 2, Civil 312
Code.
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS
Art. 1279
Compensation
291
Art. 1279, No. 3, Civil Code.
292
Art. 1279, No. 4, Civil Code.
293
Art. 1279, No. 5, Civil Code.
294
Arts. 1287, 1288, Civil Code; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 274-275.
295
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 717-718.
296
Escano vs. Heirs of Escano, 28 Phil. 73.
313
Art. 1279 OBLIGATIONS
314
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1279
Compensation
When both parties are not only mutually creditors and debtors
in their own right, but are also principally bound as creditors and
debtors, compensation shall then take place, provided, of course, that
all of the other requisites are present. Thus, where the defendant
is indebted to the estate of the decedent for a certain amount
and the decedent, in turn, had, during his lifetime, contracted an
indebtedness from the defendant, the plaintiff-administrator of the
decedent’s estate cannot contend t h a t compensation in this case is
not proper considering the fact t h a t the decedent’s indebtedness is
chargeable against his estate. Similarly, where a corporation is
299
same is also true where the estate of a deceased person has a claim
297
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 718.
298
Art. 1280, Civil Code.
299
De la Peña vs. Hidalgo, 20 Phil. 323.
300
Brimo vs. Goldemberg, 69 Phil. 502.
315
Art. 1279 OBLIGATIONS
against the government and such claim has already been recognized
by the enactment of a corresponding law appropriating funds for
t h a t purpose. Under the circumstances, since both the claim of the
intestate against the government and the claim of the government
for taxes against the estate of said intestate have already become
overdue and demandable as well as fully liquidated, compensation
has already taken place by operation of law in accordance with the
provisions of Arts. 1279 and 1290 of the Civil Code, and both debts
are therefore extinguished to the extent t h a t the amount of one is
covered by the amount of the other. 301
301
Domingo vs. Carlitos, 8 SCRA 443.
316
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1279
Compensation
one of the debts or both of them are still unliquidated, there can be
no compensation. If both are partially liquidated compensation may
take place with respect to the parts which are liquidated, but not
with respect to those which are unliquidated, applying by analogy
the rule stated in Art. 1248, since compensation is merely a sort of
simplified payment. 305
Thus, the Supreme Court, in the case of Silahis Mktg. Corp. vs.
IAC (180 SCRA 217), held t h a t compensation is not proper where
the claim of the person asserting the set-off against the other is not
clear nor liquidated: compensation cannot extend to unliquidated,
disputed claim existing from breach of contract.
Reading No. 4 of Art. 1279 with No. 3, it is evident t h a t in order
t h a t the debts to be compensated may be considered demandable,
302
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 723.
303
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 275; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 724-725.
304
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 725.
305
Ibid., pp. 725-726.
317
Art. 1280 OBLIGATIONS
306
Luengco vs. Herrero, 17 Phil. 29; Compania General de Tobacos vs. French
and Unson, 39 Phil. 34.
307
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 720-722.
308
Art. 1197, Spanish Civil Code.
318
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1281-1283
Compensation
309
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 719-720.
310
New provision.
311
New provision.
312
New provision.
313
Yap Unki vs.
Cha
314 Japco,
Sec. 6, Rule 6,14New Rules of Court.
Phil. 602.
319
Arts. 1284-1285 OBLIGATIONS
315
New provision.
316
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 725.
317
Art. 1198, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
320
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1284-1285
Compensation
the fact t h a t the law cannot protect a person who has acted
fraudulently in giving his consent. Besides, such consent is
deemed to be a waiver or a renunciation of the compensation t h a t
had already taken place. 319
318
Art. 1285, par. 1, Civil Code.
319
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 736.
321
Arts. 1284-1285 OBLIGATIONS
fraud.
It is clear t h a t the assignment cannot take effect as far as the
debtor is concerned unless he is properly notified thereof. Hence, the
different rules may be restated as follows:
(1)If the notification preceded the assignment, the effects of
the assignment are produced from the time it is made and not
from the time the notification is given; consequently, the debtor can
set up the defense of compensation of debts contracted prior to the
assignment.
(2)If the notification and the assignment are made simul-
taneously, then there can be no question about the time when the
effects of the assignment are produced. In such case, the debtor can
set up the defense of compensation of debts contracted prior to the
assignment.
(3)If the notification is given after the assignment had
already been made, it is evident th a t the assignment must have been
effected without the knowledge and consent of the debtor, in which
case the provision of the last paragraph of Art. 1285 is applicable.
Idem; id. — Without knowledge of debtor. — If the as-
signment is made without the knowledge of the debtor, and subse-
quently, the assignee demands the payment of the credit which was
assigned, the debtor may set up the defense of compensation of all
credits which he may have against the assignor and which may have
become demandable, before he was notified of the assignment. In
322
other words, if the debtor is not aware of the assignment and the as-
320
Art. 1285, par. 1, Civil Code.
321
Art. 1285, par. 2, Civil Code.
322
Art. 1285, par. 3, Civil Code.
322
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1286-1288
Compensation
323
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 738.
324
Art. 1199, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
325
Art. 1200, Spanish Civil Code.
326
New provision.
327
Art. 1287, Civil Code.
328
Ibid.
329
Ibid.
330
Art. 1288, Civil Code.
331
4 Tolentino, Civil Code 1956. Ed., p. 349.
323
Arts. 1289-1290 OBLIGATIONS
332
Gullas vs. Phil. Nat. Bank, 62 Phil. 519.
333
Arts. 1287, 301, Civil Code.
334
Art. 1201, Spanish Civil Code.
335
Art. 1202, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
336
Art. 1290, Civil Code; Acuna vs. Dievas, 12 Phil. 250.
337
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 747.
324
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1291
Novation
Section 6. — Novation
338
Ibid.
339
Art. 1290, Civil Code. Legal compensation operates even against the will of the
interested parties even without their consent. Since this compensation takes place
ipso jure, its effects arise on the very day on which all its requisites concur. When
used as a defense, it retroacts to the date when its requisites are fulfilled. (BPI vs.
CA, et al., 255 SCRA 571.)
340
See 4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 351.
341
Art. 1203, Spanish Civil Code.
342
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 751.
325
Art. 1291 OBLIGATIONS
343
4 Sanchez Roman 242; quoted by Court of Appeals in Government vs. Bautis-
ta, CA, 37 Off. Gaz. 1880.
344
Tiu Siuco vs. Habana, 45 Phil. 707.
345
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 751.
346
Tiu Siuco vs. Habana, 45 Phil. 707.
326
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1291
Novation
347
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 284.
348
Art. 1291, No. 1, Civil Code.
350
349 3 Castan,
Art. 1291, 7th Ed.,
Nos. p. 284.
2 and 3, Civil Code.
327
Art. 1291 OBLIGATIONS
351
Ibid., p. 285.
352
Art. 1292, Civil Code.
353
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 285.
354
Ibid., pp. 289-920.
355
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 772.
357
Ibid.,356p. 290.
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 289.
328
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1291
Novation
358
Ibid., p. 291.
359
Ramos vs. Gibbon, 67 Phil. 371; Padilla vs. Levy Hermanos, Inc., 69 Phil. 681;
Asiatic Petroleum Co. vs. Sim Poo, CA, 49 Off. Gaz. 44.
360
Ramos vs. Gibbon, 67 Phil. 371.
361
Asiatic Petroleum Co. vs. Sim Poo, CA, 40 Off. Gaz. 44; Yellow Ball Freight
Lines, Inc. vs. Western Export Co., CA, G.R. No. 10422-R, Sept. 3, 1954.
362
Padilla vs. Levy Hermanos, Inc., 69 Phil. 681.
363
Tiu Siuco vs. Habana, 45 Phil. 707.
364
Ibid.
365
Zapanta vs. De Rotaeche, 21 Phil. 154.
366
Bank of the P.I. vs. Herridge, 47 Phil. 57.
329
Art. 1292 OBLIGATIONS
not provide for any specific form. However, under Art. 1292, it may
be either express or implied. It is express when there is a declaration
in unequivocal terms t h a t the old obligation is extinguished by the
new which substitutes it; it is tacit or implied when the old and
the new obligations are incompatible on every point. Novation 369
intent to substitute a new obligation for the old one must be clearly
established before we can say t h a t there is a novation resulting in
the extinguishment of the old obligation and in the creation of a
new one. Novation is never presumed, and the animus novandi,
371
367
Art. 1204, Spanish Civil Code.
368
Tiu Siuco vs. Habana, 45 Phil. 707.
369
Art. 1292, Civil Code.
370
Dungo vs. Lopena, 116 Phil. 1305; Magdalena Estate, Inc. vs. Rodriguez, 18
SCRA 967.
371
Martinez vs. Cavives, 25 Phil. 581; Tiu Siuco vs. Habana, 45 Phil. 707; Young
vs. Villa, 49 Off. Gaz. 1818; Joe’s Radio & Electrical Supply vs. Alto Electronics Corp.,
104 Phil. 333.
330
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1292
Novation
In People’s Bank and Trust Co. vs. Syvel’s, Inc. (164 SCRA
247), Syvel’s had a loan with People’s Bank and Trust Co. in the
amount of P900,000.00 secured by a chattel mortgage. Syvel’s
failed to pay the loan and People’s Bank and Trust Co. foreclosed
the chattel mortgage. Syvel’s opposed the foreclosure of the chattel
mortgage on the ground t h a t the obligation secured by the chattel
mortgage sought to be foreclosed was novated by the subsequent
execution of a real estate mortgage as additional collateral to the
obligation secured by said chattel mortgage. The Supreme Court
held: “Novation takes place when the object or principal condition of
372
Martinez vs. Cavives, 25 Phil. 581.
331
Art. 1292 OBLIGATIONS
332
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1292
Novation
373
Phil. Nat. Bank vs. Granada, CA, 51 Off. Gaz. 62.
374
Borja vs. Mariano, 66 Phil. 93.
333
Art. 1292 OBLIGATIONS
375
Tiu Siuco vs. Habana, 45 Phil. 707; Ramos vs. Gibbon, 67 Phil. 371; Padilla vs.
Levy Hermanos, Inc., 69 Phil. 681; Pablo vs. Sapungan, 71 Phil. 145; Asiatic Petrole-
u m Co. vs. Sim Poo, CA, 40 Off. Gaz. 44; Yellow Ball, Inc. vs. Western Export Co., CA-
G.R. No. 10422-R, Sept. 3, 1954; Magdalena Estate, Inc. vs. Rodriguez, 18 SCRA
967.
376
Zapanta vs. De Rotaeche, 21 Phil. 154.
377
Bank of the P.I. vs. Herridge, 47 Phil. 57.
378
Ynchausti & Co. vs. Yulo, 34 Phil. 978; Pascual vs. Lacsamana, 100 Phil. 381;
La Tondeña, Inc. vs. Alto Surety & Ins. Co., 101 Phil. 879.
SCRA 967.3 7 9 Magdalena Estate, Inc. vs. Rodriguez, 18 SCRA 967.
380
Dungo vs. Lopena, 116 Phil. 1305; Magdalena Estate, Inc. vs.
Rodriguez, 18 334
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1292
Novation
335
Art. 1292 OBLIGATIONS
381
Macondray & Co. vs. Ruiz, 66 Phil. 562. To the same effect: Paterson vs. Aza-
da, 8 Phil. 432; F u a vs. Yap, 74 Phil. 287.
382
Borja vs. Mariano, 66 Phil. 393.
383
Phil. Nat. Bank vs. Mallari, 104 Phil. 437.
336
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1292
Novation
In the case of Cruz vs. Court of Appeals (July 27, 1998, 293
SCRA 239), the Court ruled t h a t the Memorandum of Agreement
falls short of producing a novation because it does not express a
clear intent to dissolve the old obligation as a consideration for the
emergence of the new one. Likewise, petitioner failed to show that
the two contracts were materially and substantially incompatible
with each other.
Further, in the case of Quinto vs. People (April 14, 1999, 305
SCRA 708), the Court stated t h a t “the extinguishment of the old
obligation by the new one is a necessary element of novation which
may be effected either expressly or impliedly. The term “expressly’’
means t h a t the contracting parties incontrovertibly disclose that
their object in executing the new contract is to extinguish the
old one. Upon the other hand, no specific form is required for an
384
Pascual vs. Lacsamana, 100 Phil. 381.
385
Ynchausti & Co. vs. Yulo, 34 Phil. 978; La Tondeña, Inc. vs. Alto Surety & Ins.
Co., 101 Phil. 879.
386
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 291.
387
Ibid., pp. 291-292.
388
Kabankalan Sugar Co. vs. Pacheco, 55 Phil. 555.
337
Art. 1293 OBLIGATIONS
389
Art. 1205, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
338
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1293
Novation
first, the initiative for the substitution must em anate from the old
debtor; second, consent of the new debtor; and third, acceptance by
the creditor.
Manresa explains the concepts of expromisión and
delegación
as follows:
The case of Quinto vs. People, (April 14, 1999, 305 SCRA 709)
explain the concepts of expromisión and delegación as follows:
There are two forms of novation by substituting the person
of the debtor, depending on whose initiative it comes from, to
wit: expromisión and delegación. In the former, the initiative for
the change does not come from the debtor and may even be made
without his knowledge. Since a third person would substitute for the
original debtor and assume the obligation, his consent and t h a t of
the creditor would be required. In the latter, the debtor offers, and
the creditor accepts, a third person who consents to the substitution
and assumes the obligation, thereby releasing the original debtor
from the obligation; here, the intervention and the consent of all
parties thereto would perforce be necessary. In either of these two
modes of substitution, the consent of the creditor, such as can be
seen, is a n indispensable requirement.
392
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 777-778, quoted in Testate
Serra,Estate
47 Phil. 464. vs.
of Mota
340
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1293
Novation
Rio Grande Oil Co. vs. CA, 39 Off. Gaz. 986; Santissimo Rosario de
394
Gemperle,
Molo CA,
vs. 39 Off. Gaz. 1410.
341
Art. 1293 OBLIGATIONS
The law does not prescribe when such consent may be given;
neither does it require any specific form. Consequently, it may be
given simultaneously with the substitution or even afterwards.
And since consent may as well be expressed by deeds as by words,
it may be express or implied. Thus, where a stockholder in a
395
Arts. 1236 and 1237 of the Civil Code, and not Art. 1293, shall
govern.
Idem; Effect of payment by new debtor. — With regard to
the relation between the original debtor and the new debtor, since
donation cannot be presumed in such case, justice demands t h a t the
original debtor shall reimburse to the new debtor whatever benefits
395
Asia Banking Corp. vs. Elser, 54 Phil. 994; Elmac, Inc. vs. Gustilo, CA, 37 Off.
Gaz. 189; Rio Grande Oil Co. vs. Coleman, CA, 39 Off. Gaz. 986.
396
Asia Banking Corp. vs. Elser, 54 Phil. 994.
397
Pacific Commercial Co. vs. Sotto, 34 Phil. 237; McCullough vs. Veloso, 46 Phil.
1; Gov’t. of the Philippine Islands vs. Bautista, CA, 37 Off. Gaz. 1880; Rio Grande Oil
Co. vs. Coleman, CA, 39 Off. Gaz. 986.
398
McCullough vs. Veloso, 46 Phil. 1.
342
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1293
Novation
Consequently, in expromision —
(1)If the substitution was effected with the knowledge and
consent of the original debtor, and subsequently payment is made by
the new debtor with or without the knowledge and consent of such
original debtor, the new debtor can demand reimbursement from
the original debtor of the entire amount which he h as paid, and, at
400
399
Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 778-779.
400
Art. 1236, Civil Code.
401
Arts. 1300, 1302, 1303, Civil Code.
402
Art. 1237, Civil Code.
403
Ibid.
343
Arts. 1294-1295 OBLIGATIONS
404
Art. 1236, Civil Code.
405
Arts. 1300, 1302, 1303, Civil Code.
406
Art. 1236, Civil Code.
407
Arts. 1300, 1302, 1303, Civil Code.
408
New provision.
409
Art. 1206, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
410
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 779.
344
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1296
Novation
411
Ibid., pp. 779-780.
412
Ibid., p. 780.
345
Arts. 1297-1298 OBLIGATIONS
413
Art. 1207, Spanish Civil Code.
414
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 792.
415
Ibid., p. 793.
416
New provision.
417
Art. 1208, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
418
New Provision; Tiu Siuco vs. Habana, 45 Phil. 707.
419
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 289.
420
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 796-797.
346
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1297-1298
Novation
421
Art. 1297, Civil Code.
422
Art. 1390, Civil Code.
423
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 798. These so-called exceptions found in Art.
1298 of the Code are not really exceptions because they refer to voidable contracts
(Art. 1390), while the general rule refers to void contracts (Art. 1409).
424
New provision.
425
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 289, quoted in Gov’t. of the Phil. vs. Bautista, CA,
Gaz. 37
1880.Off.
347
Art. 1299 OBLIGATIONS
426
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 797-798.
427
Ibid., p. 798.
428
Art. 1209, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
348
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1300-1301
Novation
429
Art. 1300, Civil Code.
430
New provision.
431
Art. 1300, Civil Code.
432
See Art. 1624, et seq., Civil Code.
433
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 890.
349
Art. 1302 OBLIGATIONS
434
Art. 1210, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
435
Art. 1300, Civil Code.
350
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Art. 1302
Novation
436
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 804-805.
437
Ibid., pp. 805-806.
438
Arts. 1236, 1302, No. 2, Civil Code.
439
Art. 1236, Civil Code.
440
Art. 1237, Civil Code.
351
Arts. 1303-1304 OBLIGATIONS
441
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 806-807.
442
Wilson vs. Berkenkotter, 49 Off. Gaz. 1401; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 807.
443
Art. 1212, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
444
Art. 1213, Spanish Civil Code.
445
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, pp. 814-815. For illustrative case, see Somes vs.
Molina, 15 Phil. 133.
446
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 1, p. 815.
352
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1303-1304
Novation
353
CONTRACTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1
Art. 1254, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
2
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 298-300.
3
4 Sanchez Roman 146.
354
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1305
4
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 268-270.
5
Ibid., p. 277.
6
Ibid., pp. 277-278.
355
Art. 1305 CONTRACTS
356
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1305
7
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 322-324.
8
Ibid., p. 324.
9
Arts. 1547, 1548, Civil Code.
10
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 324.
357
Art. 1305 CONTRACTS
11
Tolentino, 1956 Ed., Civil Code, pp. 376-378; but see No. 2 of Art. 1491, Civil
Code.
12
See Arts. 1159, 1308, 1315, 1356, Civil Code.
13
See Art. 1308, Civil Code.
358
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1305
14
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 399.
15
Ibid., pp. 279-280.
359
Art. 1305 CONTRACTS
360
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Art. 1306
16
4 Sanchez Roman 381-387; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 310-314.
17
Art. 1255, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
18
Art. IV, Sec. 11, Constitution of the Philippines.
19
Gabriel vs. Monte de Piedad, 71 Phil. 497. To the same effect: Ferrazzini vs.
Gsell, 34 Phil. 697; People vs. Pomar, 46 Phil. 440.
361
Art. 1306 CONTRACTS
20
Ferrazzini vs. Gsell, 34 Phil. 697; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 12, p. 288; 20 Scae-
vola 505.
21
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 287-288.
22
Molina vs. De la Riva, 6 Phil. 12.
23
Puig vs. Sellner, 45 Phil. 286; Reyes vs. Nebrija, G.R. No. L-8720, March 21,
1956. To the same effect: Warner, Barnes & Co. vs. Jaucian, 13 Phil. 4; Aguilar vs.
Rubiato, 40 Phil. 570; Pamintu an vs. Tiglao, 53 Phil. 1; Hodges vs. Regalado, 69 Phil.
588. There are other pacts, besides pactum commissorium which are
prohibited by law, such as pactum leonina under Art. 1799 of the Civil Code and
pactum de
alienado non Art. 2130 of the same Code.
under
362
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1306
Rosel argue t h a t contracts have the force of law between the con-
tracting parties and must be complied with in good faith, there are,
however, certain exceptions to the rule, specifically Article 1306 of
the Civil Code, which provides: “Article 1306. The contracting par-
ties may establish such stipulations, clauses, terms and conditions
as they may deem convenient, provided they are not contrary to law,
morals, good customs, public order, or public policy.’’ A scrutiny of
the stipulation of the parties reveals a subtle intention of the credi-
tor to acquire the property given as security for the loan. This is em-
braced in the concept of pactum commissorium where the elements
are as follows: (1) there should be a property mortgaged by way of
security for the payment of the principal obligation, and (2) there
should be a stipulation for automatic appropriation by the creditor
of the thing mortgaged in case of non-payment of the principal ob-
ligation within the stipulated period.’’ Said concept of pactum com-
missorium is proscribed by law.
Idem; id. — Second limitation. — The second limitation is
the most difficult to ascertain, because in subjecting obligations to
moral precepts we m u s t be careful not to erase the distinction
between the moral and the juridical order. It is evident, however,
t h a t the morals referred to are those principles which are
incontrovertible and are universally admitted and which have
received social and practical recognition. Thus, where the
24
24
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 288.
26
Ibarra25De
vs.los
Aveyro,
Reyes37vs.Phil. 273. 16 Phil. 499.
Alojado,
363
Art. 1306 CONTRACTS
27
Report of the Code Commission, p. 134.
28
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 288.
29
Report of the Code Commission, p. 134.
30
Ferrazzini vs. Gsell, 34 Phil. 697; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 288; 20 Scaevola
505.
31
Ferrazzini vs. Gsell, 34 Phil. 697.
364
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1306
Thus, where the owner of stolen goods and the person respon-
sible for the theft entered into a n agreement by which the former
agreed to stifle the criminal prosecution of the latter for a pecuni-
ary consideration, it is clear t h a t such a n agreement is manifestly
contrary to public policy and the due administration of justice; con-
sequently, it is void. The same can also be said with regard to an
33
locations shall pay ten or fifteen or twenty per cent of the amount
to be approved by the Central Bank as fee for the services of the
“influence peddler” or “ten percenter” in securing the approval of the
foreign exchange application. 36
32
Gabriel vs. Mateo, 71 Phil. 497.
33
Arroyo vs. Berwin, 36 Phil. 386; Velez vs. Ramas, 40 Phil. 787; Monterey vs.
Gomez, 104 Phil. 1059.
34
Heacock vs. Macondray & Co., 42 Phil. 205. See Arts. 1745, et seq., Civil Code.
35
Ferrazzini vs. Gsell, 34 Phil. 697.
36
Tee vs. Tacloban Electric and Ice Plant Co., 105 Phil. 168.
365
Art. 1306 CONTRACTS
all liability for loss or damage occasioned by its own negligence; the
second is one providing for a n unqualified limitation of such liability
to a n agreed valuation; and the third is one limiting the liability
of the carrier to a n agreed valuation unless the shipper declares a
higher value and pays a higher r ate of freight. According to Art. 1745
of the Civil Code, the first is contrary to public policy, and therefore,
void. As a rule, the second is also contrary to public policy, and
therefore, also void. However, according to Art. 1750 of the Civil
37
37
Heacock vs. Macondray & Co., 42 Phil. 205; Ysmael & Co. vs.
Barretto, 51 Phil.
90. See Arts. 1745 to 1754, Civil Code.
38
Del Castillo vs. Richmond, 45 Phil. 679. To the same effect: Ollendorf vs. Ab-
rahamson, 88 Phil. 585. 366
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1306
367
Art. 1306 CONTRACTS
368
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1306
Sy Suan vs.
Regala 105 Phil.
1024
Sy Suan, president and general manager of Price, Inc.,
executed in favor of plaintiff Regala a special power of attorney
authorizing the latter to prosecute a n application for a license
with the Import Control Office for the importation of industrial
starch for candy manufacture. It was agreed verbally t h at as
compensation for plaintiff’s service, he would be paid 10% of the
total value of the amount t h at would be approved by the Import
Control Office. As it turned out, plaintiff was able to prosecute the
approval of the application successfully. Subsequently, because
of the refusal of the defendant to pay the balance of the 10%
commission agreed upon, plaintiff brought this action against
him to recover the amount. The latter, however, contends that
the agreement is contrary to public policy, and therefore, void ab
initio. The former, on the other hand, maintains t h at there is no
evidence showing t hat the contract in question ha s violated any
public policy.
Held: “The contract is contrary to good customs, public
order and public policy. Judicial notice may be taken of the fact
th at this kind of contract sprouted as a result of the controls
imposed by the government on imports and dollars allocations,
despite the enunciated government policy t h a t applications for
imports and foreign exchange should be considered and acted
upon strictly on the basis of merit, without intervention of
intermediaries, which policy is revealed by Secs. 15 and 18 of
Rep. Act 650. If the granting of import licenses depends solely
upon the merits of each application, certainly the intervention
of intermediaries, such as herein respondent, would be
unwarranted and uncalled for, as such intervention would
serve no other purpose th an to influence, or possibly corrupt
the judgment of the public officials performing a n act or service
connected with the issuance of import licenses. Respondent,
however, claims th at there is no evidence showing t ha t the
contract in question has violated any public policy. But the
question whether a contract is against public policy depends
upon its purpose and tendency, and not upon the fact t h a t no
h a rm results from it. In other words, all agreements the purpose
369
Art. 1306 CONTRACTS
370
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1307
39
New provision.
371
Art. 1307 CONTRACTS
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 297-298; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 313-314.
40
For a more recent case stating the same doctrine — see Dizon vs. Gaborro, 83
41
SCRA 688.
372
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1308
42
Art. 1256, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
373
Arts. 1309-1310 CONTRACTS
43
New provision.
44
New provision.
45
Arts. 1309, 1310, Civil Code. See also Arts. 1182, 1720, and 1798, Civil Code,
for similar provisions.
46
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 304.
374
GENERAL PROVISIONS Arts. 1309-1310
47
Encarnacion vs. Baldemar, 77 Phil. 470. See also General Enterprises, Inc. vs.
Lianga Bay Logging Co., 11 SCRA 733; Garcia vs. Rita Legarda, Inc., 21 SCRA 555.
48
Liebenow vs. Phil. Vegetable Oil Co., 39 Phil. 60.
375
Arts. 1309-1310 CONTRACTS
49
Taylor vs. Uy Tieng Piao, 43 Phil. 873; Melencio vs. Dy Liao Lay, 55 Phil. 99;
Phil. Banking Corp. vs. Lui She, 21 SCRA 52.
50
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 304. See Phil. Banking Corp. vs. Lui
SCRAShe, 52. 21
376
GENERAL PROVISIONS Arts. 1309-1310
377
Art. 1311 CONTRACTS
51
Art. 1257, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
378
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1311
52
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 399; see also Salonga vs. Warner, Barnes & Co., 88 Phil.
125.
53
Tuazon & San Pedro vs. Zamora, 2 Phil. 305; Blossom & Co. vs. Manila Gas
Corp., 48 Phil. 848.
54
De la Riva vs. Escobar, 51 Phil. 243.
55
9 Phil. 403.
379
Art. 1311 CONTRACTS
obligations are still chargeable against the heirs, but only to the
extent of the value of the property which they may have received
from the decedent. 61
56
To the same effect: De Guzman vs. Salak, 91 Phil. 265; Galasinao vs. Austria,
97 Phil. 82.
57
Sec. 5, Rule 86, New Rules of Court.
58
Suiliong & Co. vs. Chio-Taysan, 12 Phil. 13; Limjoco vs. Intestate E state of
Pedro Fragante, 80 Phil. 776. See also Pavia vs. De la Rosa, 8 Phil. 70; Ledesma vs.
McLaughlin, 66 Phil. 547; Tranez vs. Vail, CA, 37 Off. Gaz. 1253.
59
Limjoco vs. Intestate Esta te of Pedro Fragante, 80 Phil. 776.
60
Mojica vs. Fernandez, 9 Phil. 403; De Guzman vs. Salak, 91 Phil. 265.
61
Art. 1311, par. 1, Civil Code.
380
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1311
the rule is not applicable if the rights and obligations arising from
the contract are not transmissible:
(1)By their nature, as when the special or personal qualifi-
cation of the obligor constitutes one of the principal motives for the
establishment of the contract; or 62
preme Court:
62
Art. 1726, Civil Code. For illustrative case, see Javier Security Special Watch-
ma n Agency vs. Shell-Craft & Button Corp., 117 Phil. 218.
63
Arts. 1830, No. 5, 1919, No. 3, Civil Code.
64
Wolfson vs. E state of Martinez vs. Ramos, 28 Phil. 589; Ayson vs. Court of Ap-
peals, 97 Phil. 965.
65
Wolfson vs. Estate of Martinez, 20 Phil. 340.
66
Ibañez vs. Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, 22 Phil. 572.
381
Art. 1311 CONTRACTS
67
Art. 1311, par. 2, Civil Code.
68
Art. 1312, Civil
Code. 69Art. 1313, Civil
Code. 70Art. 1314, Civil
Code.
71
Kauffman vs. Phil. National Bank, 42 Phil. 182; Bank of the P.I. vs. Concep-
UyPhil.
cion, 7253 Tam 806.
vs. Leonard, 30 Phil. 471.
382
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1311
73
Ibid.
74
Art. 1311, par. 2, Civil Code.
75
Young vs. CA, G.R. No. 79518, Jan. 13, 1989.
383
Art. 1311 CONTRACTS
76
Uy Tam vs. Leonard, 30 Phil. 471. To the same effect: Kauffman vs. Phil. Nat.
Air Lines,
Bank, 90 Phil.
42 Phil. 182;836.
Bank of the P.I. vs. Concepcion, 53 Phil. 806; Mendoza vs. Phil.
384
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1311
385
Art. 1311 CONTRACTS
386
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1311
387
Art. 1312 CONTRACTS
whole world. Consequently, a third person who might come into the
77
New provision.
78
3 Sanchez Roman 6-8.
388
GENERAL PROVISIONS Arts. 1313-1314
gages his house and lot to the PNB in order to secure a n obligation
of P20,000, and such mortgage is registered in the Registry of Prop-
erty, the effect of such registration is to create a real right which
will be binding against the whole world. Hence, if the property is
80
79
Art. 1312, Civil Code.
80
Art. 2125, Civil Code.
81
Art. 1676, Civil Code.
82
New provision.
83
Art. 1313, Civil Code.
84
New provision.
389
Arts. 1313-1314 CONTRACTS
85
30 Am. Jur., Sec. 19, pp. 71-72.
86
Ibid., Secs. 21-23, pp. 73-75.
87
Ibid., Sec. 23, pp. 75-76.
88
Daywalt vs. Agustinos Recoletos, 39 Phil. 587.
390
GENERAL PROVISIONS Arts. 1313-1314
391
Art. 1316 CONTRACTS
89
Art. 1258, Spanish Civil Code.
90
New provision.
91
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 321.
92
Art. 1315, Civil Code.
93
Art. 1316, Civil Code. The four traditional real contracts, in the Roman jus
civile are commodatum, mutuum, depositum and pledge.
392
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1317
94
Art. 1317, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
95
See Arts. 1403, et seq., Civil Code.
393
Art. 1317 CONTRACTS
96
Report of the Code Commission, p. 139.
97
Art. 1317, Civil Code; see also Art. 1910, Civil Code.
394
GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 1317
395
CONTRACTS
CHAPTER 2
General Provisions
1
Art. 1261, Spanish Civil Code.
2
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 322-324; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 350-351.
396
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1319
Consent
Section 1. — Consent
3
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, 351.
4
Art. 1262, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
5
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 326-327; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 365; 4 Sanchez
Roman 191.
397
Art. 1319 CONTRACTS
1330-1346). The first is expressly stated in the Code, the second and
6
6
According to Castan, consent presupposes the following elements or conditions:
(1) plurality of subjects; (2) legal capacity; (3) intelligent and voluntary; (4)
express or implied manifestation; and (5) concurrence of the internal and the
declared will. (3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 327)
7
Art. 1318, par. 1, Civil Code.
8
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 368.
398
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1319
Consent
399
Art. 1319 CONTRACTS
Thus, where the defendant offered to the plaintiff a n option for three
months to buy a certain land for the price of its assessed government
valuation and the latter answered by accepting the offer, but subject
to certain modifications with regard to the terms of payment speci-
fied in the proposal, it is clear t h a t there is no perfected contract be-
9
3 Bouvier’s Law Dictionary, 2399.
10
Rosenstock vs. Burke, 46 Phil. 217.
11
Meads vs. Lasedeco, 52 Off. Gaz. 208.
12
Art. 1319, par. 1, Civil Code.
13
Ibid. See Beaumont vs. Prieto, 41 Phil. 670; Zayco vs. Serra, 44 Phil. 326; Ba-
tanga n vs. Cojuangco, 78 Phil. 481. See also Logan vs. Philippine Acetylene Co., 33
Phil. 782; Datoc vs. Mendoza, CA, 47 Off. Gaz. 2427.
400
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1319
Consent
The same can also be said with regard to a case where the defendant
gave a n option to the plaintiff to buy a certain sugar central for
P1,000,000, payable within three years and properly secured, and
the latter accepted the offer, placing a t the defendant’s disposal the
sum of P100,000 as par t payment, and a t the same time, notifying
him t h a t the Philippine National Bank had agreed to transfer the
defendant’s long term loan of P600,000 to the account of the plaintiff
who will thus assume the defendant’s liability to the said Bank for
the said amount. 15
14
Beaumont vs. Prieto, 41 Phil. 670, 249 U.S. 554.
15
Zayco vs. Serra, 44 Phil. 326.
16
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 372-373.
401
Art. 1319 CONTRACTS
They are:
(1)The manifestation theory (manifestación) — According to
this theory, the contract is perfected from the moment the acceptance
is declared or made. This is the theory which is followed by the Code
of Commerce. 18
17
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 385-386; 2 De Diego 102-103.
18
Art. 54, Code of Commerce.
402
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1319
Consent
19
Report of the Code Commission, p. 135.
20
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 385; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 373.
21
Art. 1322, Civil Code.
22
41 Phil. 269.
403
Art. 1319 CONTRACTS
22
41 Phil. 269.
404
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1319
Consent
24
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 387.
25
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 373.
26
43 Phil. 270.
405
Art. 1319 CONTRACTS
406
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1319
Consent
G.R. No. L-47088, July 10, 1981). Article 1318 of the Civil Code
provides th at there can be no contract unless the following
requisites concur : (1) consent of the parties; (2) object certain
which is the subject matter of the contract; and (3) cause of the
obligation.
Gigi will not be liable to pay Chito any damages for
withdrawing the offer before the lapse of the period granted.
In this case, no consideration was given by Chito for the option
given. Thus, there is no perfected contract of option for lack of
cause of obligation. Gigi cannot be held to have breached the
contract. Thus, he cannot be held liable for damages (Suggested
Answers to the 2005 Bar Examination Questions, Philippine
Association of Law Schools).
27
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 373.
407
Art. 1320 CONTRACTS
such case there is still no meeting of the minds, since the revocation
has cancelled or nullified the acceptance which thereby ceased to
have any legal effect. We believe t h a t this opinion is more logical.
28
After all, as far as the law is concerned, there is only one decisive
moment to consider and t h a t is the moment when the offeror has
knowledge of the acceptance made by the offeree. At any time before
t h a t moment, the offeror is not bound by his offer; neither should
the offeree be bound by his acceptance. Otherwise, it would then
be possible to say t h a t there are two moments when a consensual
contract is perfected — first, when the offeree transmits his
acceptance to the offeror, and second, when the offeror has knowledge
of the acceptance. Legally, this is not possible.
article, the
acceptance may be express or implied. Thus, in the case of
Perez vs. Pomar, where the defendant contended t h a t there was no
30
408
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1320
Consent
409
Arts. 1321-1323 CONTRACTS
Art. 1321. The person making the offer may fix the
time, place, and manner of acceptance, all of which must be
complied with. 31
31
New provision.
32
New provision.
33
New provision.
410
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1321-1323
Consent
411
Art. 1324 CONTRACTS
34
New provision.
35
41 Phil. 670.
412
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1324
Consent
414
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1324
Consent
415
Arts. 1325-1326 CONTRACTS
37
New provision.
38
New provision.
416
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1327
Consent
39
Art. 1263, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
40
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 352.
417
Art. 1327 CONTRACTS
where the minors who entered into the contract have already passed
41
Art. 1390, No. 1, Civil Code.
42
Art. 1403, No. 3, Civil Code.
43
For legal effect of contracts entered into by unemancipated minors, see Gan
Tingco vs. Pabanguit, 35 Phil. 31; Ibañez vs. Rodriguez, 47 Phil. 554; Velayo vs. Al-
cantara, 47 Off. Gaz.
44
Mercado and Mercado vs. Espiritu, 37 Phil. 215; Sia S ua n vs. Alcantara, 47
Off. Gaz. 4561.
45
Art. 1489, Civil Code.
46
Arts. 1425, 1426, 1427, Civil Code.
47
Arts. 120, 128, Civil Code.
48
Act No. 3424, as amended, Insurance Law.
49
37 Phil. 215.
418
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1327
Consent
50
47 Off. Gaz. 4561.
51
104 Phil. 769.
52
This was true under the Spanish Civil Code. However, the New Civil Code
(Art. 1431) now provides th a t through estoppel, a n admission or representation is
rendered conclusive upon the person making it and it cannot be denied or disproved
as against the person relying thereon.
53
The case of Young vs. Tecson was a case decided by the Court of Appeals hold-
ing that: “The theory advanced by the appellants th a t misrepresentation made by the
defendant as to his age estops him from denying t h at he was of age, or from assert-
419
Art. 1327 CONTRACTS
ing t h a t he was under age, a t the time he entered into the contract, for the breach
of which this action is brought is untenable, because under the principle of estoppel
the liability resulting from the misrepresentation ha s its juridical source in the
capacity of the person making the misrepresentation to bind himself. If the person
making the misrepresentation cannot bind himself by a contract, he cannot also be
bound by any misrepresentation he may have made in connection therewith.’’
54
Braganza vs. Villa Abrille, 106 Phil. 456.
420
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1327
Consent
of legal age, when in fact they were not, they will not later on
be permitted to excuse themselves from the fulfillment of the
obligation contracted by them, or to have it annulled.’ (Mercado,
et al. vs. Espiritu, 37 Phil. 15.) However, the Mercado case is dif-
ferent because the document signed therein by the minors spe-
cifically stated th at they were of age, here, the promissory note
contained no such statement. In other words, in the Mercado
case, the minors were guilty of active misrepresentation; where-
as in this case, the minors are guilty of passive or constructive
misrepresentation. From the minor’s failure to disclose their mi-
nority, it does not follow, as a legal proposition, t h at they will
not be permitted there after to assert it. According to Corpus
Juris Secundum (43, p. 206), ‘mere silence when making a con-
tract as to his age does not constitute a fraud which can be made
the basis of an action for deceit. In order to hold the infant li-
able, the fraud must be actual and not constructive.’ Therefore,
the minors in the case at bar cannot be legally bound by their
signatures in the promissory note.
“They cannot, however, be absolved entirely from mon-
etary responsibility. Under the Civil Code, even if their written
contract is voidable because of non-age, they shall make resti-
tution to the extent t hat they may have profited by the money
they received. (Art. 1304, now Art. 1399, Civil Code.) There is
testimony th at the funds were used for their support during the
Japanese occupation. Such being the case, it is but fair to hold
t hat they had profited to the extent of the value of such money,
which value h as been established in the Ballantyne Schedule. In
October, 1944, P40 Japanese military notes were equivalent to
P1.00 of current Philippine money. Hence, they shall pay jointly
P1,666.67, plus 6% interest beginning March 7, 1949, when the
complaint was filed.”
421
Art. 1327 CONTRACTS
55
Dumaguin vs. Reynolds, 48 Off. Gaz. 3887.
56
Cui vs. Cui, 100 Phil. 913, citing Page on Contracts, Vol. 3, Sec. 2810.
422
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1327
Consent
57
Standard Oil Co. vs. Arenas, 19 Phil. 363.
58
Standard Oil Co. vs. Arenas, 19 Phil. 363; Dumaguin vs. Reynolds, 48
Off. Gaz.
59
Standard Oil Co. vs. Arenas, 19 Phil. 363.
3887.
423
Art. 1327 CONTRACTS
t h a t there are still cases, although much more limited in extent than
under the old Code, where married women cannot give their consent
to a contract without first securing their husband’s consent. The
most evident example of this is t h a t contemplated by Art. 114 of the
Code regarding acquisition by a wife of property by gratuitous title.
According to this article, the husband’s consent is necessary, unless
the property is acquired from her ascendants, descendants, parents-
in-law and relatives within the fourth degree. 63
are under guardianship. The same is also true with regard to those
64
and those who by reason of age, weak mind, and other similar
causes, cannot take care of themselves and manage their property,
before they are placed under judicial guardianship, are disputably
presumed to possess contractual capacity. Consequently, whether
or not they can give their consent to a contract becomes a m atter of
proof. Hospitalized lepers, before they are placed under guardianship,
are, of course, not incapacitated. But once a n incompetent is placed
upon guardianship, such incompetent can enter into a contract only
through his guardian; otherwise, the contract is voidable.
64
Art. 1327, Civil Code.
65
Art. 34, Revised Penal Code.
67
Art. 1264,
66
NewSpanish
provision.Civil Code.
425
Arts. 1328-1329 CONTRACTS
under Rep. Act No. 3872, although the sale is subject to the approval
of the Chairman of the Commission on National Integration. Any
contract executed in violation of this rule is void. Similarly, under
69
68
Act No. 2798 has extended the application of this rule to the non-Christians of
Mountain Province and Nueva Vizcaya.
69
Rep. Act No. 3872. See Porkan vs. Yatco, 70 Phil. 161; Porkan vs. Navarro, 73
Phil. 698; Madale vs. Raya, 49 Off. Gaz. 536; Miguel vs. Catalino, 26 SCRA 234; Heirs
of Lacamen vs. Heirs of Laruan, 65 SCRA 605.
70
Act No. 1956.
426
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1328-1329
Consent
427
Art. 1330 CONTRACTS
71
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 525.
72
Art. 1265, Spanish Civil Code.
73
Arts. 1345-1346, Civil Code. See also 3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 330; 8 Manresa, 5th
Ed., Bk. 2, p. 393.
74
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 330.
75
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 392-393.
428
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1331
Consent
76
Arts. 1330, 1345, Civil Code.
77
Art. 1266, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
78
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 395.
79
Luna vs. Linatoc, 74 Phil. 15, citing Art. 3, Civil Code, 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp.
330-331.
429
Art. 1331 CONTRACTS
80
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 331-335; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 397-405.
81
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 331-332.
82
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 332-333; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 397-398.
430
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1331
Consent
of 10 hectares shall be sold for P1,000 per hectare, and they thought
t h a t the total price is only P5,000, there is a mistake of account; the
mistake in this case can only be corrected. 83
83
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 403-404. For cases illustrating mistakes account,
see Pastor vs. Nicasio, 6 Phil. 152; Aldecoa & Co. vs. Warner, Barnes & Co., 16 Phil.
23; Gutierrez Hermanos vs. Oria Hermanos,30 Phil. 491; Oquinena & Co. vs. Muer-
tegui, 32 Phil. 261.
431
Art. 1332 CONTRACTS
84
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 334-335; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 402.
85
New provision.
86
Report of the Code Commission, p. 136, cited in Ayola vs. Valderama Lumber
Co., CA, 49 Off. Gaz. 980.
432
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1332
Consent
read and write, signed with a cross a document which she thought
was merely a promise to pay certain expenses which defendant had
advanced to her in a certain law suit, but which turned out to be
a n absolute deed of sale of two parcels of land and a carabao, said
document is voidable, for had she truly understood the contents
thereof, she would neither have accepted nor authenticated it by
her mark. Similarly, where the plaintiffs, both of whom are blind,
87
affixed their th umbm arks to a deed which they thought was a deed
of mortgage, but which turned out to be a deed of sale of certain
properties in favor of the defendant who is a son-in-law of one of
them, although the deed is a public document and the notary public
testified as to their due execution, since courts are given a wide
latitude in weighing the facts or circumstances in a given case and
since there exists a fiduciary relationship between the parties to the
contract, it was held t h a t such contract is voidable. The same is also
88
87
Dumasug vs. Modelo, 34 Phil. 252.
88
Trasporte vs. Beltran, CA, 51 Off. Gaz. 1434.
89
Ayola vs. Valderama Lumber Co., CA, 49 Off. Gaz. 980.
433
Arts. 1333-1334 CONTRACTS
t ha t such mistake will vitiate consent. In the first place, the mistake
must be with respect to the legal effect of a n agreement; in the
second place, the mistake must be mutual; and in the third place,
the real purpose of the parties must have been frustrated.
Explaining the reason for the insertion of Art. 1334 in the Civil
Code, the Code Commissioners stated in their report:
“Mistake of law does not generally vitiate consent. But when
there is mistake on a doubtful question of law, or on the construction
or application of law, this is analogous to a mistake of fact, and the
maxim of ignorantia legis neminem excusat should have no proper
application. When even the highest courts are sometimes divided
upon difficult legal questions, and when one-half of the lawyers in all
90
New provision.
91
New provision.
92
The mistake referred to in this article seems to be the equivalent of what
Castan terms a mistake as to the na t u re of the contract (error in negocio) giving as
a n example a contract in which one of the parties believes th a t he is selling the
thing,
while the other thinks t ha t he is merely leasing it. (3 Castan, 7th Ed., 335.)
434
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1335-1336
Consent
93
Report of the Code Commission, p. 136.
94
Art. 1267, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
95
Art. 1268, Spanish Civil Code.
96
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 408.
97
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 336.
435
Arts. 1335-1336 CONTRACTS
98
Ibid., pp. 337-338.
99
Ibid.
100
This rule, which is taken from Manresa (Vol. 8, Bk. 2, 5th Ed., p. 411), is enun-
ciated in the cases of Alarcon vs. Kasilag, CA, 40 Off. Gaz. 11th S, p. 203; De Asis vs.
Buenviaje, CA, 45 Off. Gaz. 317; Mirano vs. Mossessgeld Santiago, CA, 45 Off. Gaz.
343; Derequito vs. Dolutan, CA, 45 Off. Gaz. 1351; Valdeabella vs. Marquez, CA, 48
Off. Gaz. 719.
101
Rodriguez vs. De Leon, CA, 47 Off. Gaz. 6296.
436
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1335-1336
Consent
102
Valdeabella vs. Marquez, CA, 48 Off. Gaz. 719. To the same effect: Mirano vs.
Mossessgeld Santiago, CA, 45 Off. Gaz. 343; Phil. Trust Co. vs. Araneta, 46 Off. Gaz.
4254; Laraga vs. Bañez, 47 Off. Gaz. 696; Fernandez vs. Brownell, 51 Off. Gaz. 713.
103
Vales vs. Villa, 35 Phil. 769; Reyes vs. Zaballero, G.R. No. L-3561, May 23,
1951.
437
Arts. 1335-1336 CONTRACTS
438
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1335-1336
Consent
104
Vales vs. Villa, 35 Phil. 769. To a certain extent the doctrine of absolute judi-
cial objectivity a s applied to contractual relations has been humanized by the provi-
sion of Art. 24 of the New Civil Code.
439
Arts. 1335-1336 CONTRACTS
440
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1335-1336
Consent
105
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 418; Rodriguez vs. De Leon, CA, 47
Off. Gaz.
6296. 441
Art. 1337 CONTRACTS
Doronilla vs. Lopez, 3 Phil. 360; Martinez vs. Hongkong and Shanghai
107
Bank, 5 Phil. 252; Jalbuena vs. Ledesma, 8 Phil. 601; Berg vs. Nat. City Bank of
New York, 102 Phil. 309.
108
Berg vs. Nat. City Bank of New York, G.R. No. L-9312, Oct. 31, 1957.
442
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1337
Consent
111
Martinez vs. Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, 15 Phil. 252.
443
Art. 1338 CONTRACTS
distinguished from fraud or dolo under the Revised Penal Code, may,
therefore, be classified as either fraud in the perfection of a contract
(Art. 1338) or fraud in the performance of a n obligation (Art. 1170).
The first is the fraud which is employed by a party to the contract in
securing the consent of the other party, while the second is the fraud
which is employed by the obligor in the performance of a pre-existing
obligation. Fra ud or dolo which is present or employed a t the time
of the birth or perfection of a contract, on the other hand, may be
subdivided into dolo causante and dolo incidente. Dolo causante or
causal fraud refers to those deceptions or misrepresentations of a
serious character employed by one party and without which the
other party would not have entered into the contract. This is the
fraud which is defined in Art. 1338. Dolo incidente or incidental
112
Coso vs. Fernandez Deza, 42 Phil. 595.
113
Art. 1337, Civil Code.
114
Art. 1269, Spanish Civil Code.
115
Art. 1338, Civil Code.
116
See distinctions under Art. 1171, Civil Code.
444
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1338
Consent
117
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 240-241; Hill vs. Veloso, 31 Phil. 160; Wood-
house vs. Halili, 49 Off. Gaz. 3374.
445
Art. 1338 CONTRACTS
118
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 423; Eguaras vs. Great E astern Life Ass. Co., 33
Phil. 263.
119
Ramos vs. Valencia, 47 Off. Gaz. 1978.
120
Eguaras vs. Great E astern Life Ass. Co., 33 Phil. 263.
121
To the same effect: Musngi vs. West Coast Ins. Co., 61 Phil. 864.
446
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1339-1340
Consent
Supreme Court:
122
New provision.
123
Art. 1339, Civil Code.
124
Strong vs. Gutierrez Repide, 213 U.S. 419; 41 Phil. 947.
125
Tuazon vs. Marquez, 45 Phil. 481. To the same effect: Escudero vs. Flores, 51
Off. Gaz. 3444.
126
New provision.
127
Art. 1340, Civil Code.
447
Arts. 1339-1340 CONTRACTS
Songco vs.
Sellner 37 Phil.
254
The principal defense in this action for specific perfor-
mance relates to the false representation which, it is claimed,
was made by the plaintiff Songco with respect to the quantity
of uncut cane standing in the fields at the time the defendant
Sellner became the purchaser thereof. It is proved t h at Songco
estimated th at the crop would yield 3,000 piculs of sugar. As
the crop turned out, it produced only 2,017 piculs of sugar. The
question now is whether such representation of the plaintiff-
vendor is fraudulent, which, under Art. 1338, would invalidate
the contract. Holding th at such representation can only be con-
sidered as a mere expression of a n opinion, the Supreme Court
ruled:
“It is of course elementary th at a misrepresentation upon
a mere matter of opinion is not a n actionable deceit, nor is it a
sufficient ground for avoiding a contract as fraudulent. We are
aware t hat statements may be found in the books to the effect
t hat there is a difference between giving a n honest opinion and
making a false representation as to what one’s real opinion is.
We do not think, however, th at this is a case where any such
distinction should be drawn.
128
Azarraga vs. Gay, 52 Phil. 599. To the same effect: Songco vs. Sellner, 37 Phil.
254; Puato vs. Mendoza, 64 Phil. 457.
129
New provision.
130
Art. 1341, Civil Code.
448
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1342
Consent
New provision.
131
133
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 427; Hill vs. Veloso, 31 Phil. 160.
449
Arts. 1343-1344 CONTRACTS
promissory note and the mortgage covering the loan, she also
signed several documents. One of these documents signed by
her was promissory note of V for a loan of P3,000.00 also secured
by a mortgage on her house and lot. Several years later, she
received advice from the sheriff t hat her property shall be sold
at public auction to satisfy the two obligations. Immediately she
filed suit for annulment of her participation as co-maker in the
obligation contracted by V as well as of the mortgage in relation
to said obligation of V on the ground of fraud and mistake. Upon
filing of the complaint, she deposited P3,383.00 in court as
payment of her personal obligation including interests.
(a) Can be held liable for the obligation of V? Why?
(b)Was there a valid and effective consignation consid-
ering th at there was no previous tender of payment made by C
to the Bank? Why?
Answer — (a) C cannot be held liable for the obligation
of V. It is crystal clear th at C’s participation in V’s obligation
both as co-maker and as mortgagor is voidable not on the
ground of fraud because the Bank was not a participant in the
fraud committed by V, but on the ground of mistake. There was
substantial mistake on the p art of both C and the Bank mutually
committed by them as a consequence of the fraud employed by
V. (See Rural Bank of Caloocan City vs. CA, 104 SCRA
151.)
(b) Despite the fact th at there was no previous tender
of payment made directly to the Bank, nevertheless, the
consignation was valid and effective. The deposit was attached
to the record of the case and the Bank had not made any claim
thereto. Therefore, C was right in thinking t ha t it was useless
and futile for her to make a previous offer and tender of payment
directly to the Bank. Under the foregoing circumstances, the
consignation was valid, if not under the strict provisions of the
law, under the more liberal consideration of equity. (Ibid.)
134
New provision.
450
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1343-1344
Consent
135
Art. 1270, Spanish Civil Code.
136
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 426.
451
Arts. 1343-1344 CONTRACTS
452
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1343-1344
Consent
dicative of the fact t hat the defendant was led to the belief that
plaintiff had the exclusive franchise, but t h a t the same was to
be secured for or transferred to the partnership. The plaintiff
no longer had the exclusive franchise, or the option thereto, at
the time the contract was perfected. But while he h ad already
lost his option thereto (when the contract was entered into), the
principal obligation th at he assumed or undertook was to secure
said franchise for the partnership, as the bottler and distributor
for the Mission Dry Corporation. We declare, therefore, t h at if
he was guilty of a false representation, this was not the causal
consideration, or the principal inducement, t ha t led defendant
to enter into the partnership agreement. But, on the other hand,
this supposed ownership of an exclusive franchise was actual-
ly the consideration or price plaintiff gave in exchange for the
share of 30% granted him in the net profits of the partnership
business. Defendant agreed to give plaintiff 30% share in the
net profits because he was transferring his exclusive franchise
to the partnership.
453
Arts. 1345-1346 CONTRACTS
137
New provision.
138
Art. 1270, Spanish Civil Code.
139
Rodriguez vs. Rodriguez, 28 SCRA 229; Carrantes vs. Court of Appeals, 76
SCRA 514.
454
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1345-1346
Consent
455
Arts. 1347-1348 CONTRACTS
Art. 1347. All things which are not outside the commerce
of men, including future things, may be the object of a
contract. All rights which are not intransmissible may also
be the object of contracts.
No contract may be entered into upon future inheritance
except authorized by law.
All services which are not contrary to law, morals, good
customs, public order or public policy may likewise be the
object of a contract. 142
140
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 430-431.
141
Adopted from the definition given by Castan (Vol. 3, 7th Ed., p. 243).
142
Art. 1271, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
143
Art. 1272, Spanish Civil Code.
456
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1349
Object of Contract
144
Art. 1273, Spanish Civil Code.
145
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 342-343; 8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 431-432.
146
Art. 1347, par. 1, Civil Code.
147
Ibid.
148
Ibid.
149
Art.
1348,
par.
151
Art.3,1349, Civil Code.
Civil
Code.
457
150
Ibid.
Art. 1349 CONTRACTS
two conditions must concur. In the first place, the thing, right or
service should be susceptible of appropriation; and in the second
place, it should be transmissible from one person to another. Those 152
152
6 Sanchez Roman 1281.
153
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 441-443.
154
Mun. of Cavite vs. Rojas, 30 Phil. 602; Muyot vs. de la Fuente, CA, 48 Off.
Gaz. 4866.
155
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 432.
458
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1349
Object of Contract
several reasons for this exception. If the rule were otherwise, there
would always be the possibility t h a t one of the contracting parties
may be tempted to instigate the death of the other in order t h a t the
inheritance will become his. There would also be the possibility, and
this is more probable, t h a t fraud and prejudice may be committed or
occasioned thereby. Besides, the right to make a will would then be
subordinated to the right to enter into a contract. 159
has also been held t ha t where the vendor undertook to convey to the
vendee his participation in the property left by his deceased father,
the part of the property belonging to his mother, who is still living,
cannot a t all be affected by the conveyance, since his interest in the
property of his mother a t the time of the execution of the deed of sale
was a future inheritance and could not be the subject ma tter of a
valid contract, pursuant to the second paragraph of Art. 1347. But 161
156
See also Arts. 1461 and 1462, Civil Code.
157
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 433. See Art. 1461, Civil Code.
158
This rule is complemented by Arts. 905 and 2035, No. 6, Civil Code.
159
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 437.
160
Arroyo vs. Gerona, 58 Phil. 226. To the same effect: Tinsay vs. Yusay,
47 Phil.
161
RiveroTordilla
639; vs. Serrano, 48 Off.
vs. Tordilla, 60 Gaz.
Phil.642.
162; Reyes vs. Reyes, CA, 45 Off. Gaz. 1836.
459
Art. 1349 CONTRACTS
after the death of the decedent, anyone of the co-heirs may enter into
a contract with respect to the inheritance even before partition has
been effected. This is so because of the principle announced in Art.
777 of the Code t h a t the rights to the succession are transmitted at
the moment of the death of the decedent. 162
Blas vs.
Santos 1 SCRA
899
162
Osorio vs. Osorio, 41 Phil. 53; Ibarle vs. Po, 49 Off. Gaz. 1836.
460
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Art. 1349
Object of Contract
163
Art. 1409, Nos. 3 and 5, Civil Code.
461
Art. 1349 CONTRACTS
164
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 433-434.
165
For a detailed discussion of Art. 1349, see Manresa, Vol. 8, Bk. 2,
pp. 444-448.
5th Ed.,
462
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1350-1351
Cause of Contracts
166
Liebenow vs. Phil. Vegetable Co., 39 Phil. 63.
167
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 445-446.
168
Art. 1274, Spanish Civil Code.
169
New provision.
463
Arts. 1350-1351 CONTRACTS
170
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 445-446.
171
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 347, citing 2 Planiol, 1949 Ed., Sec. 279. These definitions
have been cited with approval in General Enterprises, Inc. vs. Lianga Bay Logging
Co., 11 SCRA 733.
172
Art. 1350, Civil Code.
173
5 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 486.
174
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 346.
464
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1350-1351
Cause of Contracts
the obligation of the vendee, while the cause of the obligation of the
vendee is the obligation of the vendor. The objects of the contract,
175
on the other hand, are the thing which is sold and the price which
is paid. This view, which is upheld by Manresa and Castan, may
176
175
Dualde, “Concepto de la causa de los contratos,’’ cited by Castan, Vol. 3, 7th
Ed., p. 450.
176
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 450.
177
4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 485.
178
Padilla, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 553.
179
Art. 1351, Civil Code.
465
Arts. 1350-1351 CONTRACTS
passed. As Castan says: “In the case of a contract of sale, the cause
180
180
De Jesus vs. Urrut ia & Co., 33 Phil. 171.
181
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 346-347.
182
Ibid.
466
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1350-1351
Cause of Contracts
now Art. 1412 of the New Civil Code, there can be no recovery of
wh at has already been delivered. (Liguez vs. CA, 102 Phil. 577.)
(2)Where a mother sold two fishponds to a daughter
and the latter, in turn, resold the same fishponds to her and her
stepfather, as a consequence of which said fishponds were converted
into conjugal properties, it is clear t h a t the motive or purpose is
to circumvent the law against donations between spouses (Art.
133, CC). This motive or purpose is the illegal causa rendering
the contract void. Consequently, the rule of in pari delicto non
oritur actio, now enunciated in Art. 1412 of the New Civil Code, is
applicable. (Rodriguez vs. Rodriguez, 20 SCRA 908.)
(3)Where a Filipino leased a parcel of land to a n alien for 99
years with a n option to buy the property within 50 years, provided
t h a t the latter shall become a Filipino citizen, it is clear t h a t the
motive or purpose of the arrangement, which has resulted in the
virtual transfer of ownership to the lessee, is to circumvent the
Constitutional prohibition of transfer of lands to aliens. This motive
or purpose is the illegal causa rendering the contract void. However,
it will be the provision of Art. 1416 and not of Art. 1412, of the New
Civil Code th a t will apply. Because of public policy, the lessor will be
allowed to recover the property. (Phil. Banking Corp. vs. Lui She, 21
SCRA 52.)
467
Arts. 1350-1351 CONTRACTS
183
Enriguez de Cavada vs. Diaz, 37 Phil. 982; Phil. Banking Corp. vs.
102 Phil. 577.
Lui She,
468
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1350-1351
Cause of Contracts
export logs to Korea and Europe a t the best market price obtainable
on condition t h a t it would pay the latter a commission of 13% of the
gross value of the logs, it was held t h a t for the former the cause of
the agreement is the distribution of its logs in the areas agreed upon
which the latter undertook to accomplish, whereas for the latter
the cause is its commitment to sell or export the logs for onerous
consideration. 184
184
General Enterprises, Inc. vs. Lianga Bay Co., 11 SCRA 733.
185
China Banking Corp. vs. Lichauco, 46 Phil. 460.
186
National Bank vs. Maza, 48 Phil. 207; Acuna vs. Veloso, 50 Phil. 241. But see
Sta ndard
187
Fisher vs. Robb,
Oil Co. 69 Phil.
vs. Arenas, 101. 363.
19 Phil.
469
Arts. 1350-1351 CONTRACTS
188
Villaroel vs. Estrada, 71 Phil. 14. Strictly speaking, the moral obligation in
this case is a na tural obligation (Arts. 1423, et seq., Civil Code), as distinguished from
a purely moral obligation, such as th a t referred to in the case of Fisher vs. Robb.
470
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1350-1351
Cause of Contracts
189
See Art. 726, Civil Code.
471
Arts. 1352-1355 CONTRACTS
190
Art. 1275, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
191
Art. 1276, Spanish Civil
Code. 192Art. 1277, Spanish Civil
Code. 193New provision.
194
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 348-351.
472
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1352-1355
Cause of Contracts
195
Arts. 1352, 1409, Nos. 1, 2, 3, Civil Code.
196
Art. 1353, Civil Code.
197
Ocejo, Perez & Co. vs. Flores, 40 Phil. 921; Onejera vs. Iga Sy, 76 Phil. 580.
198
De Belen vs. Coll. of Customs, 46 Phil. 241; Gallon vs. Gayares, 53 Phil. 43;
Escutin vs. Escutin, 60 Phil. 922; Gonzales vs. Trinidad, 67 Phil. 682; Navarro vs.
Diego, CA, 40 Off. Gaz. 2106.
199
Puato vs. Mendoza, 64 Phil. 457.
200
76 SCRA 514.
473
Arts. 1352-1355 CONTRACTS
even where the contract falls within the purview of the Statu te of
Frauds. 202
201
Azarraga vs. Rodriguez, 9 Phil. 637; Eliot vs. Montemayor, 9 Phil. 960; Stand-
ard Oil Co. vs. Arenas, 19 Phil. 211; Dumaguin vs. Reynolds, 48 Off. Gaz. 3887.
202
Bhen, Meyer & Co. vs. Davis, 37 Phil. 431. See Art. 1403, No. 2, Civil Code.
474
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1352-1355
Cause of Contracts
from the provision of Art. 1355, which states that lesion or inadequacy
of cause, except in cases specified by law, shall not invalidate a
contract, unless there has been fraud, mistake or undue influence.
This provision (which is new) reiterates the doctrine enunciated by
the Supreme Court in several notable cases. However, if it can be
203
the words of the Supreme Court, “in the interest of the public it is
of the utmost importance t ha t criminals should be prosecuted and
t h a t all criminal proceedings should be instituted and maintained
in the form and m anner prescribed by law. To permit a n offender to
203
Asky vs. Cosalan, 46 Phil. 179; Gabriel vs. Mateo, 71 Phil. 497; Garcia vs.
Manas, 45 Off. Gaz. 1815.
204
See Arts. 1330, et seq., Civil Code; see also Alsua-Betts vs. Court of Appeals,
92 SCRA 332, 368.
205
See Art. 1409, No. 1, Civil Code.
206
Mulet vs. People of the Phil., 73 Phil. 63. But see Briones vs. Cammayo, 41
SCRA, 404; see also comments under Art. 1420.
207
Arroyo vs. Berwin, 36 Phil. 386; Velez vs. Ramas, 40 Phil. 787; Navarro vs.
Yuan, CA, 40 Off. Gaz. 1675; Reyes vs. Gonzales, 45 Off. Gaz. 381; Monteney vs.
Gomez, 104 Phil. 1059.
475
Arts. 1352-1355 CONTRACTS
the past, is very aptly illustrated in the case of Velez vs. Ramas. 209
208
Arroyo vs. Berwin, 36 Phil. 386.
209
40 Phil. 787.
476
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1352-1355
Cause of Contracts
210
Gonzales vs. Trinidad, 67 Phil. 862; Navarro vs. Diego, CA, 40 Off. Gaz. 2106.
477
Arts. 1352-1355 CONTRACTS
while the second binds the parties to their true agreement, provided
t h a t it does not prejudice third persons and is not contrary to law,
morals, good customs, public order or public policy. It is, therefore,
213
211
Liguez vs. Court of Appeals, 102 Phil. 577; Rodriguez vs. Rodriguez, 20 SCRA
908; Philippine Banking Corp. vs. Lui She, 21 SCRA 52.
212
Art. 1345, Civil Code.
213
Art. 1346, Civil Code.
478
CHAPTER 3
FORMS OF CONTRACTS
1
Art. 1278, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
2
Fernandez vs. De la Rosa, 1 Phil. 671; Thunga Chiu vs. Que Bentec, 2 Phil. 561.
3
Gutierrez Hnos. vs. Orense, 28 Phil. 571; Del Castillo vs. Robinson, CA, 44 Off.
Gaz. 4981.
4
Arroyo vs. Azur, 76 Phil. 493.
5
Duran vs. Cecilio, CA, 43 Off. Gaz. 2237; Hernandez vs. Andal, 44 Off. Gaz.
2672.
479
Art. 1356 CONTRACTS
6
Ibid.
7
Report of the Code Commission, pp. 137-138.
480
FORMS OF CONTRACTS Art. 1356
481
Art. 1357 CONTRACTS
8
Sec. 22, Act No. 1147; Art. 1581; Civil Code.
9
Arts. 1403, et seq., Civil Code.
482
FORMS OF CONTRACTS Art. 1358
each other to observe that form, once the contract has been
perfected. This right may be exercised simultaneously with
the action upon the contract. 10
10
Art. 1279, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
11
Art. 1280, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
483
Art. 1358 CONTRACTS
simultaneously. 18
12
Thunga Chiu vs. Que Bentec, 2 Phil. 261; Bian Hing vs. Tan Bomping, 48 Phil.
253; Escueta vs. Pando, 76 Phil. 256; Dauden-Hernaez vs. De los Angeles, 27 SCRA
1276.
13
Doliendo vs. Depino, 12 Phil. 758; Dievas vs. Acuña, 16 Phil. 447; Hawaiian-
Philippine Co. vs. Hernaez, 45 Phil. 760.
14
Thunga Chiu vs. Que Bentec, 2 Phil. 251; Soriano vs. Cortez, 8 Phil. 459; Conlu
vs. Araneta, 15 Phil. 387; Osorio vs. Cortez, 24 Phil. 653.
15
Solis vs. Barroso, 53 Phil. 913.
16
Peyer vs. Peyer, 77 Phil. 366.
17
Rodriguez vs. Pamintua n, 37 Phil. 876.
18
Art. 1357, Civil Code.
484
FORMS OF CONTRACTS Art. 1358
der them the execution of the required document m ust precede the
determination of the other obligations derived from the contract. 19
19
Manalo vs. De Mesa, 25 Phil. 495.
485
Art. 1358 CONTRACTS
486
CHAPTER 4
REFORMATION OF INSTRUMENTS
1
New provision.
2
Art. 1359, par. 1, Civil Code.
487
Art. 1359 CONTRACTS
3
Ibid.
4
Garcia vs. Bisaya, 97 Phil. 609. To the same effect: Ongsiaco vs. Ongsiaco, 101
Phil. 1196.
5
Report of the Code Commission, p. 56.
488
REFORMATION OF INSTRUMENTS Arts. 1360-1365
Thus, where the vendee has been led to enter into a contract of sale
through fraud or mispresentation on the part of the vendor or in
the mistaken belief, that, as stated in the deed, the property he was
buying was unregistered land, it is evident t h a t the proper remedy
is not reformation of the deed of sale but annulment of the contract. 7
Art. 1362. If one party was mistaken and the other acted
fraudulently or inequitably in such a way that the instrument
does not show their true intention, the former may ask for
the reformation of the instrument. 10
Art. 1363. When one party was mistaken and the other
knew or believed that the instrument did not state their
real agreement, but concealed that fact from the former, the
instrument may be reformed. 11
6
Art. 1359, par. 2, Civil Code.
7
Garcia vs. Bisaya, 97 Phil. 609.
8
New provision.
9
New provision. For illustrative cases see Philippine Sugar Estate Development
Co. vs. Gov’t. of P.I., 247 U.S. 385; Bank of the P.I. vs. Fidelity and Surety Co., 51
Phil. 57; Jardenil vs. Solas, 73 Phil. 626; De la Cruz vs. Del Pilar, 95 Phil. 444.
10
New provision. See Ong Chua vs. Carr, 53 Phil. 975.
11
New provision.
12
New provision.
489
Arts. 1366-1369 CONTRACTS
13
New provision. See Aquino vs. Deala, 63 Phil. 582; Marquez vs. Valencia, 77
Phil. 782.
14
New provision.
15
New provision.
16
New provision.
490
REFORMATION OF INSTRUMENTS Arts. 1366-1369
491
Arts. 1366-1369 CONTRACTS
492
REFORMATION OF INSTRUMENTS Arts. 1366-1369
493
Arts. 1366-1369 CONTRACTS
494
CHAPTER 5
INTERPRETATION OF CONTRACTS
1
Art. 1281, Spanish Civil Code.
2
Art. 1282, Spanish Civil Code.
3
Kasilag vs. Rodriguez, 69 Phil. 317. To the same effect: Manila Engineering Co.
vs. Cranston, 45 Phil. 842; Roman vs. Asia Banking Corp., 46 Phil. 705; Valdez vs.
Sibal, 46 Phil. 930; National Bank vs. Paez, 54 Phil. 393; Abella vs. Gonzaga, 56
Phil. 132; Acosta vs. Llacuna, 59 Phil. 540; H.E. Heacock Co. vs. Buntal
Manufacturing Co., 66 Phil. 245; Jose vs. Veloso, 67 Phil. 191; Marquez vs. Valencia,
44 Off. Gaz. 895.
495
Arts. 1370-1371 CONTRACTS
6
Nielsen & Co. vs. Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co., 18 SCRA 1040.
496
INTERPRETATION OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1370-1371
of its stipulation shall control. The contract is the law between the
parties and when the words of the contract are clear and can easily
be understood, there is no room for contruction (Olivares and Robles
vs. Sarmiento, G.R. 158384, Ju n e 12, 2008).
Idem; How to judge intention. — In order to judge the in-
tention of the contracting parties, their contemporaneous and subse-
quent acts shall be principally considered. This is, of course, without
prejudice to the consideration of other factors as fixed or determined
by the other rules of interpretation mentioned in the Civil Code and
in the Rules of Courts. Hence, as a general rule, documents are in-
terpreted in the precise terms in which they are expressed, but the
courts, in the exercise of their sound discretion, are called upon to
admit direct and simultaneous circumstantial evidence necessary
for their interpretation with the purpose of making the true inten-
tion of the parties prevail. One pattern is to ascertain the contempo-
5
5
Aves vs. Orillenedo, 70 Phil. 262, citing Arts. 1370 and 1371 of the Civil Code.
To the same effect: Atlantic Gulf Co. vs. Insular Government, 10 Phil. 166; Figueras
vs. Rocha, 13 Phil. 504; Tanido vs. Jumaoan, 17 Phil. 335; Soler vs. Chesley, 43 Phil.
529; Kidney vs. Carter, 43 Phil. 953; Rivero vs. Rabe, 54 Phil. 982; Gonzales
vs. La
Previsora,
6
Nielsen &74Co.Phil. 165.
vs. Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co., 18 SCRA 1040.
497
Arts. 1372-1377 CONTRACTS
7
Art. 1283, Spanish Civil Code.
8
Art. 1284, Spanish Civil Code.
9
Art. 1285, Spanish Civil Code.
10
Art. 1286, Spanish Civil Code.
11
Art. 1287, Spanish Civil Code.
12
Art. 1288, Spanish Civil Code.
498
INTERPRETATION OF CONTRACTS Arts. 1378-1379
13
Art. 1289, Spanish Civil Code.
14
New provision. The provisions of Rule 123 of the Rules of Court referred to are
Secs. 58-67, now Secs. 8-17, Rule 130, New Rules of Court.
499
CONTRACTS
CHAPTER 6
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS
1
Report of the Code Commission, pp. 138-140.
500
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS
501
Art. 1380 CONTRACTS
4. As to susceptibility of ratification:
(a) The first are not susceptible of ratification;
(b) The second are susceptible of ratification;
(c) The third are susceptible of ratification;
(d) The fourth are not susceptible of ratification.
5. As to who may assail contracts:
(a)The first maybe assailed not only by a contracting
party but even by a third person who is prejudiced or damaged
by the contract;
(b) The second may be assailed only by a contracting
party;
(c) The third may be assailed only by a contracting
party;
(
The fourth may be assailed not only by a contracting
partyd)but even by a third person whose interest is directly
affected.
6. As to how contracts may be assailed:
(a)The first may be assailed directly only, and not
collaterally;
(b) The second may be assailed directly or collaterally;
(c) The third may be assailed directly or collaterally;
(d) The fourth may be assailed directly or collaterally.
2
Art. 1290, Spanish Civil Code.
3
Report of the Code Commission, p. 139.
502
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Art. 1380
4
Borja vs. Addison, 44 Phil. 895.
5
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 545.
503
Art. 1380 CONTRACTS
Aquino vs.
Tañedo 31 Phil.
517
The records show th at plaintiff purchased some lands
from the defendant and, as a consequence, took possession of the
same and collected their products. Subsequently, they dissolved
the contract of sale, and, as a result thereof, plaintiff returned
the lands, while defendant bound himself to ret urn the pa rt of
the purchase price which plaintiff has paid. The question now is
whether or not the plaintiff is obliged to return to the defendant
the products of the lands which he had collected during his
possession. The defendant contends t hat he is obliged, invoking
the provisions of Art. 1295 (now Art. 1385) of the Civil Code. The
Supreme Court, however, ruled:
“The rescission mentioned in the contract is not the
rescission referred to in Article 1295 (now Art. 1385). Although
the plaintiff and the defendant employed the word rescind,
or has
it the not,
meaning
in theofcontract
the word rescission
executed to which
by them, Article
either 1295
the scope
504
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Art. 1381
(now Art. 1385) refers and which takes place only in the cases
mentioned in the preceding Articles, 1291 and 1292 (now Arts.
1381 and 1382). Rescission, in the light of these provisions, is
a relief which the law grants, on the premise t ha t the contract
is valid, for the protection of one of the contracting parties and
third persons from all injury and damage t ha t the contract may
cause, or to protect some incompatible and preferential right
created by the contract. Article 1295 (now Art. 1385) refers to
contracts th at are rescissible in accordance with law in the cases
expressly fixed thereby, but it does not refer to contracts that
are rescinded by mutual consent and for the mutual convenience
of the contracting parties. The rescission in question was not
originated by any of the causes specified in Articles 1291 and
1292 (now Arts. 1381 and 1382), nor is it any relief for the
purposes sought by these articles. It is simply another contract
for the dissolution of a previous one, and its effects, in relation
to the contract so dissolved, should be determined by the
agreement made by the parties, or by the application of other
legal provisions, but not by Article 1295 (now Art. 1385), which
is not applicable.’’6
6
To the same effect: Luneta Motor Co. vs. Richey, CA, 39 Off. Gaz. 1101.
7
Art. 1291, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
505
Art. 1382 CONTRACTS
1386 which states t h a t rescission shall not take place with respect
to contracts approved by the courts.
It must be noted t h a t under the Rules of Court, a judicial
guardian entering into a contract with respect to the property of
his ward must ordinarily secure the approval of a competent court. 10
which case the contract is rescissible if the latter suffers the lesion
or damage mentioned in No. 1 of Art. 1381 of the Code.
Contracts in Behalf of Absentees. — The second of the
rescissible contracts are those entered into in behalf of absentees,
if the latter suffer the lesion or damage stated in the preceding
8
Art. 1292, Spanish Civil Code.
9
Art. 1281, No. 1, Civil Code.
10
See Rules 95-96, New Rules of Court.
11
Art. 326, Civil Code.
12
Sec. 1, Rule 95, New Rules of Court.
13
Arts. 1403, No. 1, and 1317, Civil Code.
14
Sec. 1, et seq., Rule 96, New Rules of Court. See 2 Moran, 1957 Ed., p. 506.
506
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Art. 1382
15
Art. 1381, No. 2, Civil Code.
16
Art. 1386, Civil Code.
17
Art. 382, Civil Code.
18
Art. 1381, Nos. 1 and 2, Civil Code.
19
Ibid.
20
Art. 1386, Civil Code.
21
Art. 1383, Civil Code.
22
Art. 1385, par. 1, Civil Code.
23
Art. 1385, par. 2, Civil Code.
24
Art. 1385, par. 3, Civil Code.
507
Art. 1382 CONTRACTS
25
Art. 1381, No. 3, Civil Code.
26
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 422.
27
Art. 1385, par. 2, Civil Code.
28
Art. 1385, par. 3, Civil Code.
508
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Art. 1382
31
Ibid., p. 561.
32
Under Sec. 70 of the Insolvency Law (Act No. 1956), any payment, pledge,
mortgage, conveyance, sale, assignment or transfer of property made by a n insolvent
within one month before the filing of the petition in insolvency by or against him, is
void, except when made for a valuable consideration and in good faith.
33
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 562.
34
Ibid., p. 536. This is, of course, without prejudice to the provisions of the Civil
35
Art. 1381, No.
Code regarding 5, Civilof Code.
preference credits. See Arts. 2241, et seq., Civil Code.
510
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Art. 1383
Thus, even where the fraud charged which is the ground for a n
action for rescission actually did exist, where there is no allegation
or evidence t ha t the creditor has already exhausted all of legal
remedies to obtain reparation from the debtor, the action to
rescind the sale in question made by said debtor is not
maintainable. 39
Nevertheless, if it can be established t h a t the
property which is alienated or transferred by the debtor to
another was his only property a t the time of the transaction, an
action for rescission can certainly be maintained because it is clear
t h a t in such case the creditor can have no other remedy. 40
36
Art. 1294, Spanish Civil Code.
37
Art. 1383, Civil Code.
38
Art. 1177, Civil Code.
41
39
Goquiolay
3 Castan, vs.p.Sycip,
7th Ed., 433. 9 SCRA 663.
40
Regalado vs. Luchsinger & Co., 5 Phil. 625; Guash vs. Espiritu, 11 Phil. 184;
Honrado vs. Mercayda, CA, 49 Off. Gaz. 1492.
511
Art. 1384 CONTRACTS
42
Concepcion vs. Sta. Ana, 87 Phil. 787. The opinion of Manresa quoted here is
found in Vol. 8, Bk. 2, 5th Ed., pp. 555-556. See Art. 221, No. 4, Civil Code.
43
New provision.
512
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Art. 1385
was not found in the old Code, is in accordance with the doctrine
enunciated by the Supreme Tribunal of Spain on December 10, 1904,
to the effect t h a t a contract in fraud of creditors may be partially
rescinded to a n extent which is sufficient to satisfy the damage
caused to the creditor. 44
44
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 572.
45
Art. 1295. Spanish Civil Code.
46
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 578.
513
Art. 1385 CONTRACTS
The “fruits of the thing” stated in Art. 1385 refer not only
to natural, industrial and civil fruits but also to other accessions
obtained by the thing, while interest refers to legal interest. It
must be observed, however, t h a t as far as the obligation to restore
the fruits is concerned, the rules on possession shall be applied. 48
47
Uy Soo Lim vs. Tan Unchuan, 38 Phil. 522.
48
Arts. 543, et seq., Civil Code.
49
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk 2, pp. 577-578.
50
Gov’t. of the P.I. vs. Wagner, 54 Phil. 132.
51
Art. 559, Civil Code.
514
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Art. 1385
registered his right over the realty under the Land Registration Act
(Act No. 496), there would then be no legal obstacle to the transfer
of the title of the said property, and for this special reason the said
transfer cannot be rescinded. This doctrine was enunciated by the
Supreme Court in the following case:
Sikatuna vs.
Guevara 45 Phil. 371
52
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk 2, pp. 379-380, quoted by the Supreme Court in Cord-
evero vs. Villaruz, 46 Phil. 473, a nd in Gatchalian vs. Manalo, 68 Phil. 608.
53
Cordevero vs. Villaruz, 46 Phil. 473.
515
Art. 1385 CONTRACTS
54
From this case, it is clear t h a t when the law speaks of “third persons,” it refers
not only to subsequent transferees who are strangers to the contract which is
sought to be rescinded, but even to the immediate transferees who are not
strange rs to the contract.
55
Art. 1385, par. 3, Civil Code.
516
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Arts. 1386-1388
person who, in bad faith, had previously acquired the thing and,
subsequently, had alienated it to a n innocent purchaser for value. 57
56
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 582.
57
Art. 1388, par. 1, Civil Code.
58
Art. 1296, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
59
Art. 1297, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
60
Art. 1298, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
517
Arts. 1386-1388 CONTRACTS
where the debtor alienated a certain property, which was his only
attachable property, to his son after judgment had been rendered
against him and a writ of execution had been issued, there is a
presumption t h a t such alienation is fraudulent in accordance
with the rule stated in the second paragraph of Art. 1387. This 63
61
Art. 1387, par. 1, Civil Code.
62
Art. 1387, par. 2, Civil Code.
63
Regalado vs. Luchsinger & Co., 5 Phil. 25. To the same effect: see Cabaliw vs.
Sadorra, 64 SCRA 310.
64
Bachrach vs. Peterson, 7 Phil. 571. To the same effect: Panlileo vs. Victorio, 36
Phil. 706; Saavedra vs. Martinez, 68 Phil. 676; Contreras vs. China Banking Corp.,
76 Phil. 709.
65
Manila Mercantile Co. vs. Flores, 50 Phil. 759.
518
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Arts. 1386-1388
519
Arts. 1386-1388 CONTRACTS
520
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Arts. 1386-1388
521
Arts. 1386-1388 CONTRACTS
522
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Arts. 1386-1388
523
Arts. 1386-1388 CONTRACTS
66
Peña vs. Mitchell, 9 Phil. 587 & Streiff vs. Coll. of Customs, 31 Phil. 643; Na-
tional Exchange Co. vs. Katigbak, 54 Phil. 599; Buencamino vs. Bantug, 58 Phil. 521;
Gatchalian vs. Manalo, 68 Phil. 708.
67
Buencamino vs. Bantug, 58 Phil. 521. To the same effect: Peña vs. Mitchell, 9
Phil. 587; Gatchalian vs. Manalo, 68 Phil. 706.
524
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Arts. 1386-1388
525
Arts. 1386-1388 CONTRACTS
68
Ayles vs. Reyes, 18 Phil. 243.
69
Oria vs. McMicking, 21 Phil. 243.
70
Ibid.
526
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Arts. 1386-1388
71
Asia Banking Corp. vs. Nable Jose, 51 Phil. 763.
72
Onglengco vs. Ozaeta, 70 Phil. 43.
73
Gaston vs. Hernaez, 58 Phil. 823.
74
Ayles vs. Reyes, 18 Phil. 243; Alpuerto vs. Perez, 38 Phil. 785.
75
Standard Oil Co. vs. Castro, 64 Phil. 716.
527
Arts. 1386-1388 CONTRACTS
76
Oria vs. McMicking, 21 Phil. 243.
77
See Honrado vs. Marcayda, supra, for definition of “purchaser in good faith and
for value” and also for authorities
528
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS Art. 1389
78
Art. 1388, Civil Code.
79
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 549.
80
Art. 1299, Spanish Civil Code.
529
Art. 1389 CONTRACTS
counted from the time the domicile of the absentee is known; under
Nos. 3 and 4 and also under Art. 1382, it must be counted from the
time of the discovery of the fraud. In certain cases of contracts of
sale which are specially declared by law to be rescissible, however,
the prescriptive period for the commencement of the action is six
months or even forty days, counted from the day of delivery.
81
81
Arts. 1543, 1571, 1577, Civil Code.
530
CHAPTER 7
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS
1
See Art. 1390, Civil Code, and Art. 1300, Spanish Civil Code.
2
Castan calls the defect of voidable contracts (contratas anulables) “anulabi-
lidado nulidad relativa’’ in order to distinguish it from the defect of void contracts
(contratos inexistentes) which he calls “nulidad absoluta.’’ Derecho Civil, Vol. 3, 7th
Ed., pp. 409-415.
531
CONTRACTS
(7)The causes for annulment are different from the causes for
rescission. 9
3
Art. 1390, Civil Code.
4
Arts. 1390, 1391, 1392-1396, Civil Code.
5
Art. 1397, Civil Code.
6
Arts. 1381, 1390, Civil Code.
7
Ibid.
8
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 544-545.
9
Arts. 1381, 1390, Civil Code.
10
Ibid.
11
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 545.
532
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1390
12
New provision superseding Art. 1300, Spanish Civil Code.
13
See comments on Arts. 1327-1329, with respect to legal incapacity, and on
Arts. 1330-1344, with respect to mistake, violence, intimidation, undue influence,
and fraud.
14
Arts. 1345, 1409, No. 2, Civil Code.
533
Art. 1390 CONTRACTS
534
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1390
535
Art. 1390 CONTRACTS
536
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1390
537
Art. 1390 CONTRACTS
538
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1391
15
Art. 1301, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
16
Naval vs. Enriquez, 3 Phil. 699; Ullman vs. Hernaez, 30 Phil. 69;
vs. Villanueva,
Villanueva 91 Phil. 43.
539
Art. 1391 CONTRACTS
540
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1391
th at the said lots, “by agreement of all the direct heirs and heirs
by representation of the deceased Mateo Carantes as expressed
and conveyed verbally by him during his lifetime, rightly and
exclusively belong to the particular heir, Maximino Carantes,
now and in the past in the exclusive, continuous, peaceful and
notorious possession of the same for more t h an ten years.”
On the same date Maximino Carantes sold to the
Government Lots Nos. 44-B and 44-C and divided the proceeds
of the sale among himself and the other heirs of Mateo.
541
Art. 1391 CONTRACTS
542
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1391
543
Art. 1391 CONTRACTS
17
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 415-416, citing Manresa, De Buen a nd Ramos.
544
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1391
18
105 Phil. 456.
545
Arts. 1392-1395 CONTRACTS
19
Art. 1309, Spanish Civil Code, in
modified form. 20Art. 1311, Spanish Civil Code, in
modified form. 21New provision.
22
Art. 1312, Spanish Civil Code.
546
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1396
23
Art. 1313, Spanish Civil Code.
24
Art. 1392, Civil Code. For a third mode of extinguishing the action,
see Art.
1401, Civil Code.
25
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 665.
27
8 Manresa,
26 5th Ed.,
3 Castan, 7th Bk.
Ed., 2,p. pp.
419;668-670.
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., 2, pp. 668-671.
547
Art. 1396 CONTRACTS
33
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 671.
34
Art. 1393, Civil Code.
35
Uy Soo Lim vs. Tan Unchuan, 38 Phil. 552.
36
Tacalinar vs. Corro, 34 Phil. 8898.
37
Arts. 1392, 1396, Civil Code; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 420.
38
Art. 1302, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
549
Art. 1397 CONTRACTS
39
8 Manresa, 6th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 639; Wolfson vs. E state of Martinez, 20 Phil. 340.
40
Ibañez vs. Hongkong & Shanghai Bank, 22 Phil. 572. To the same effect: Com-
pania General vs. Topino, 4 Phil. 33; Martell Ong vs. Jariol, 17 Phil. 244; Dy Sun vs.
Brilliantes, 93 Phil. 175.
41
Teves vs. People’s Homesite & Housing Corp., 23 SCRA 1141; De
Santos vs.
City of Manila, 45 SCRA 409; Singsong vs. Isabela Sawmill, 88 SCRA 623.
42
Singsong vs. Isabela Sawmill, 88 SCRA 623. But would this not be confusing
the concept
sible contracts?of annulment of voidable contracts with the concept of rescission of rescis-
550
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1397
43
Bastida vs. Dy Buncio & Co., 93 Phil. 195.
44
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 641.
551
Arts. 1398-1399 CONTRACTS
dead, and it is his heirs who are now assailing the validity of
the sale. However, under the principle of relativity of contracts
recognized in Art. 1311 of the Civil Code, the contract takes
effect not only between the contracting parties, but also between
their assigns and heirs.
(Note: Another way of answering the above problem would
be to state the two requisites which must concur in order that
a voidable contract may be annulled. These requisites are: (a)
th at the plaintiff must have an interest in the contract; and (b)
th at the victim or the incapacitated party must be the person
who must assert the same. The second requisite is lacking in the
instant case.)
45
Art. 1303, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
46
Art. 1304, Spanish Civil Code.
47
3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 416-417.
552
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Arts. 1398-1399
48
Art. 1398 Civil Code; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., pp. 416-417.
49
Cadwallader & Co. vs. Smith, Bell & Co., 7 Phil. 461. To the same effect: Du-
masug vs. Modelo, 34 Phil. 252; Oliveros vs. Porciongcola, 69 Phil. 305; Talag vs.
Tankengco, 92 Phil. 1066.
50
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 646.
51
See Art. 1426, Civil Code.
52
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 647.
553
Arts. 1400-1401 CONTRACTS
53
Ibid., pp. 648-649.
54
Braganza vs. Villa Abrille, 105 Phil. 456.
55
Uy Soo Lim vs. Tan Unchuan, 38 Phil. 552. See also Young vs. Tecson, CA, 39
Off. Gaz. 953.
56
Art. 1307, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
554
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1402
lost through the fraud or fault of the person who has a right
to institute the proceedings.
If the right of action is based upon the incapacity of any
one of the contracting parties, the loss of the thing shall not
be an obstacle to the success of the action, unless said loss
took place through the fraud or fault of the plaintiff. 57
party who has a right to institute the action, the provision of Art.
1401 shall apply. The loss of the thing which constitutes the object of
the contract through the fault of the party against whom the action
for annulment may be instituted shall not, therefore, extinguish the
action for annulment. The only difference from a n ordinary action
for annulment is that, instead of being compelled to restore the
thing, the defendant can only be compelled to pay the value thereof
a t the time of the loss.
57
Art. 1314, Spanish Civil Code, in modified form.
58
Art. 1308, Spanish Civil Code.
59
8 Manresa, 6th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 658.
555
Art. 1402 CONTRACTS
Hence, under the old law, if the loss of the thing was due to the fraud
or fault of the plaintiff after he h ad acquired capacity, the general
rule was applicable; in other words, the action was extinguished.
But if the loss was due to the fraud or fault of the plaintiff during
his incapacity, the exception was applicable; in other words, the loss
would not be a n obstacle to the success of the action. However, with
the deletion of the phrase “after having acquired capacity” from the
provision of the second paragraph of Art. 1401 of the present Code,
the result is a n absolute redundancy. Whether the loss occurred
during the plaintiff’s incapacity or after he had acquired capacity,
the action for annulment would still be extinguished in accordance
with the rule stated in the first paragraph.
Idem; Where loss is due to fortuitous event. — Unfortu-
nately, the Code in Arts. 1400 and 1401 does not provide for the ef-
fect of the loss of the object of the contract through a fortuitous event
upon the right to ask for the annulment of the contract. In spite of
this omission, it is, however, possible to apply the general principles
regarding the effects of fortuitous events to any problem t h a t may
arise.
If the person obliged by the decree of annulment to ret ur n the
thing cannot do so because it has been lost through a fortuitous
event, the contract can still be annulled, but with this difference —
60
Art. 1314, Spanish Civil Code.
556
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1402
the defendant can be held liable only for the value of the thing at
the time of the loss, but without interest thereon. The defendant,
and not the plaintiff, must suffer the loss because he was still the
owner of the thing a t the time of the loss; he should, therefore, pay
the value of the thing, but not the interest thereon because the loss
was not due to his fault. 61
61
4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., pp. 558-559.
62
Ibid., pp. 557-558.
557
CONTRACTS
CHAPTER 8
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS
1
Art. 1403, Civil Code.
2
Report of the Code Commission, p. 139.
3
While the classification in the other defective contracts is based on the defect
from which the contracts suffer, here it is based on the consequence. As a result,
the classification found in Art. 1403 has been criticized on the ground t h a t it places
contracts which are tainted with a vice or defect which affects not only their enforce-
ability but also their validity in the same category as contracts which are tainted with
a mere formal defect which affect only their enforcement.
558
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS
4
Art. 1403, Civil Code.
5
Arts. 1403, 1405, 1407, 1371, Civil Code.
6
Art. 1408, Civil Code.
559
Art. 1403 CONTRACTS
560
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1403
on agency. 11
7
New provision.
8
Tipton vs. Velasco, 6 Phil. 67; Gutierrez Hnos. vs. Orense, 28 Phil. 517; Tacali-
n a r vs. Corro, 34 Phil. 898; Ibañez vs. Rodriguez, 47 Phil. 554; Zamboanga Trans. Co.
vs. Bachrach Motor Co., 62 Phil. 244; Gana vs. Archbishop of Manila, 43 Off. Gaz.
3224.
9
Arts. 1317, 1881, Civil Code.
10
Arts. 1403, No. 1, 1317, Civil Code.
11
Art. 1898, Civil Code. “If the agent contracts in the n ame of the principal, ex-
ceeding the scope of his authority, and the principal does not ratify the contract, it
shall be void if the party with whom the agent contracted is aware of the limits of the
powers granted by the principal. In this case, however, the agent is liable if he un-
dertook to secure the principal’s ratification.” It must be noted th a t this article says
th a t the contract is void, whereas Art. 1403, No. 1, says th a t it is unenforceable. Now,
which is which? The mistake is in Art. 1898. The correct term is “unenforceable.”
12
Art. 1317, Civil Code.
561
Art. 1403 CONTRACTS
74 Phil. 15.
13
Phil. National Bank vs. Phil. Vegetable Oil Co., 49 Phil. 857; Shoemaker vs. La
14
562
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1403
15
Jimenez vs. Rabot, 38 Phil. 378.
16
Basa vs. Raquel, 45 Phil. 655.
17
Gallemit vs. Tabilaran, 20 Phil. 241.
18
Domalagan vs. Bolifer, 33 Phil. 471.
19
Phil. National Bank vs. Phil. Vegetable Oil Co., 49 Phil. 857.
563
Art. 1403 CONTRACTS
20
Shoemaker vs. La Tondeña, 68 Phil. 24.
21
15 Phil. 350.
564
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1403
22
For illustrative cases, see Atienza vs. Castillo, 72 Phil. 589; Cabague vs. Aux-
ilio, 48 Off. Gaz. 4823.
23
Arts. 122, 127, Civil Code.
24
For illustrative case, see Robles vs. Lizarraga Hnos, 50 Phil. 387.
25
For illustrative cases, see Gorospe vs. Ilayat, 29 Phil. 21; Fernandez vs. Bayan,
62 Phil. 909; Pascual vs. Realty Investment, Inc., 91 Phil. 257; Valino vs. Medina,
CA, 49 Off. Gaz. 592.
565
Art. 1403 CONTRACTS
566
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1403
567
Art. 1403 CONTRACTS
568
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1403
26
Arroyo vs. Azur, 76 Phil. 493. To the same effect: Almirol vs. Monserrat, 48
Phil. 67; Asturias Sugar Central, Inc. vs. Montinola, 69 Phil. 725; Diana vs. Macalibo,
74 Phil. 70; Fac turan vs. Sabanal, 46 Off. Gaz. 310; Carbonnel vs. Poncio, 103
Phil.
655.
569
Art. 1403 CONTRACTS
570
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1403
571
Arts. 1404-1407 CONTRACTS
contract is voidable. 28
27
Art. 1403, No. 3, Civil Code.
28
Art. 1390, No. 1, Civil Code.
29
Art. 1407, Civil Code.
30
New provision.
31
New provision.
32
New provision.
572
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS Art. 1408
33
New provision.
34
New provision.
573
CONTRACTS
CHAPTER 9
1
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, p. 608.
2
Liguez vs. Court of Appeals, 102 Phil. 577; Motion for Reconsideration, Feb.
13, 1958.
574
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS
not inexistent but merely void or illegal, specific articles of the Civil
Code command t h a t neither party thereto may be heard to invoke
its unlawful character as a ground for relief. Consequently, the two
3
3
Ibid.
4
Art. 1380, 1409, Civil Code.
5
Ibid.
6
8 Manresa, 5th Ed., Bk. 2, pp. 544-545.
7
Arts. 1389, 1410, Civil Code.
575
CONTRACTS
8
Arts. 1381, 1382, 1409, Civil Code.
9
Arts. 1390, 1409, Civil Code.
10
Ibid.
11
Ibid.
12
Arts.
1391,
1410,
Ibid.
Civil
15
Code.
13
Arts. 576
1397,
1421,
Civil
Code.
14
Arts.
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1409
16
Arts. 1404, 1405, 1407, 1409, Civil Code.
17
Arts. 1408, 1421, Civil Code.
18
New provision.
19
For comments, cases and related provisions on No. 1, see those under Arts.
1306, 1346, 1347, 1352; on No. 2, see those under Arts. 1345, 1346, on No. 3, see those
under Arts. 1347, 1352; on No. 4, see those unde r Art. 1347; on No. 5, see those under
Art. 1348; on No. 6, see those under Art. 1378.
577
Art. 1409 CONTRACTS
20
Art. 1422, Civil Code.
21
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 409.
578
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1409
22
Ibid., p. 410.
23
Art. 1409, Civil Code.
24
Ibid.
25
Art. 1410, Civil Code.
26
Art. 1421, Civil Code; 3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 410.
27
3 Castan, 7th Ed., p. 409.
579
Art. 1409 CONTRACTS
(and not merely executory), will produce the effect of barring any
action by a guilty to recover what he has already given under the
contract.
The above principle is very well illustrated in the case of
Liguez vs. Court of Appeals. Here, the deceased, Salvador Lopez,
28
under the law, liberality per se can never be illegal. This contention
is untenable. The contract is onerous in character. Here the facts
clearly demonstrate t h a t in making the donation, the donor was
not moved exclusively by the desire to benefit the donee, but also to
gratify his sexual impulse. While it is true t ha t we must not confuse
the causa of a contract with the motives of the contracting parties, 30
28
102 Phil. 577.
29
Art. 1350, Civil Code.
30
Art. 1351, Civil Code.
580
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1409
why a guilty party may not ask the courts for a restoration to the
status quo ante.” The same reasons can also be applied to the case
of the successors or heirs of the guilty party. They cannot attack the
validity of the donation in their quality as successors or heirs of the
donor, since it is undeniable t h a t they cannot be placed in a better
position t ha n their predecessor.
It must be observed, however, t h a t the property donated is
conjugal. Does t h a t mean t h a t the donation made by Lopez to the
plaintiff shall not be given any effect with respect to the share of
the widow? The answer is simple. Since the donation was made
under the old law, the Civil Code of 1889 shall apply. The second
paragraph of Art. 1419 of the old Code considers the donation as
merely fraudulent, subject to collation upon liquidation of the
conjugal partnership and deduction of its value from the donor’s
share in the conjugal profits. 31
31
The law which is now applicable is found in Arts. 173 and 174 of the New Civil
Code.
582
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1409
from the transaction questioned, ask the courts for the annulment
of any contract of the husband entered into without her consent,
when such consent is required, or any act or contract of the husband
which tends to defraud her or impair her interest in the conjugal
partnership property. Should the wife fail to exercise this right,
she or her heirs, after the dissolution of the marriage, may demand
the value of the property fraudulently alienated by the husband.”
Does this provision, which was not found in the Spanish Civil Code,
spell the remedy of the wife in Liguez? I do not think so; it only
indicates it. It must be observed t h a t the article presupposes either
a voidable (or unenforceable) contract executed by the husband, and
not a void contract. Therefore, the remedy of the wife is to bring
a n action for the declaration of absolute nullity of the contract of
donation, a remedy which will have all of the effects of a n action for
reconveyance. The action would be imprescriptible because it would
be based on a void contract. If she dies without bringing the action,
her heirs in their capacity as heirs, would be able to institute the
action. The principle of pari delicto in such a case cannot be applied
because the wife or her heirs were not parties to the illegal contract.
The case of Francisco J. Chavez vs. PCGG (May 19, 1999,
307 SCRA 394) states, among others t h a t where the Agreements
undeniably contain terms and conditions t h a t are clearly contrary
to the Constitution and the laws and are not subject to compromise,
such terms and conditions cannot be granted by the PCGG to
anyone. Being so, no argument of the contractors will make such
illegal and unconstitutional stipulations pass the test of validity.
The void agreement will not be rendered operative by the parties’
alleged performance (partial or full) of their respective prestations.
A contract t h a t violates the Constitution and the law is null and void
ab initio and vests no rights and creates no obligations. It produces
no legal effect a t all.
A void contract cannot be ratified. — In the case of
Guiang vs. Court of Appeals (June 26, 1998, 291 SCRA 372), the
Supreme Court ruled t h a t the trial court correctly held: “By the
specific provision of the law (Art. 1390, Civil Code) therefore, the
Deed of Transfer of Rights cannot be ratified, even by a n ‘amicable
settlement.’ The participation by some barangay authorities in
the ‘amicable settlement’ cannot otherwise validate a n invalid act.
Moreover, it cannot be denied t h a t the ‘amicable settlement’ entered
into by plaintiff Gilda Corpuz and defendant spouses Guiang is a
583
Art. 1410 CONTRACTS
Castillo vs.
Galvan 85 SCRA
526
Appeal from the order of the Court of First Instance of
Pangasinan dismissing the complaint filed in Civil Case No.
D-1227 and the order denying the motion for the reconsideration
of said order.
The complaint, filed on August 1, 1961, is for the annulment
of a document, denominated “DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE,’’
executed on August 3, 1965, by and between Paulino Galvan,
professedly the predecessor-in-interest of herein plaintiffs, and
defendants Josefa Galvan and Natividad S. Galvan, and for
damages and attorney’s fees. The plaintiffs therein alleged that
Paulino Galvan, during his lifetime, was the registered owner
32
New provision.
(laches) — has
33 not this
Eugenio doctrine eroded
vs. Perdido, 97 Phil.entirely
41. Butthe provision
how of Art.
about the 1410?of
doctrine
stale demands
584
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1410
585
Art. 1410 CONTRACTS
586
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1410
587
Art. 1410 CONTRACTS
588
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1410
589
Art. 1410 CONTRACTS
590
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1411-1412
34
Art. 1410 in relation to Art. 1409(3) of the Civil Code.
591
Arts. 1411-1412 CONTRACTS
silver into this country, and both of the contracting parties are in
37
35
Art. 1306, Spanish Civil Code.
36
Perez vs. Herranz, 7 Phil. 693.
37
Iribar vs. Millat, 5 Phil. 362. For cases illustrating Art. 1411, see Go Chioco vs.
Martinez, 45 Phil. 256; Harden vs. Benguet Consolidated Mining Co., 58 Phil. 141.
38
Bough vs. Cantiveros, 40 Phil. 209.
592
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS
Arts. 1411-1412
593
Arts. 1411-1412 CONTRACTS
594
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1411-1412
595
Arts. 1411-1412 CONTRACTS
39
Article 1301 of the Civil Code of 1889, in force when the assailed
executed (1934).were
contracts
596
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1411-1412
597
Arts. 1411-1412 CONTRACTS
598
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1411-1412
599
Arts. 1411-1412 CONTRACTS
Phil. 695. 40See also Liguez vs. Court of Appeals, 102 Phil. 581-582; Perez
vs. Herranz, 7
600
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1411-1412
must be with respect to the cause or the object of the contract and
not with respect to the motives of the contracting parties. Thus, if
the plaintiff transfers to the defendant a parcel of land by means of
a fictitious deed of sale for the purpose of averting its attachment by
his creditors, it is clear t h a t the principle, enunciated in Art. 1412 of
the Civil Code is not applicable, since what is illegal is the motive of
the transferor and not the object or the cause of the contract. 43
41
Vasquez vs. Porta, 98 Phil. 490.
42
Liguez vs. Court of Appeals, supra.
43
Gonzales vs. Trinidad, 67 Phil. 682.
601
Arts. 1411-1412 CONTRACTS
demand for the return of what he has given. On the other hand, if
45
44
Liguez vs. Court of Appeals, supra.
45
Arts. 1411, 1412, Civil Code.
46
Ibid.
47
Art. 1413, Civil Code.
48
Art. 1414, Civil Code.
49
Art. 1415, Civil Code.
50
Art. 1416, Civil Code.
602
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
51
Art. 1417, Civil Code.
52
Art. 1418, Civil Code.
53
Art. 1419, Civil Code.
54
New provision.
603
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
55
23 SCRA 119.
56
58 Off. Gaz. 3146. See also People vs. Masangkay, 58 Off. Gaz. 3565.
604
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
one is to pay the debt; the accessory is to pay interest thereon. These
two stipulations are divisible. According to Art. 1420 of the New
Civil Code, “in case of a divisible contract, if the illegal terms can
be separated from the legal ones, the latter may be enforced.” In a
simple contract of loan with usurious interest, the prestation of the
debtor to pay the principal debt is not illegal; what is illegal is to
pay the stipulated interest. Hence, being separable, the latter only
should be deemed void.
Plaintiff is therefore entitled to the recovery of the principal of
the loan plus legal interest of 6% per ann um from the filing of the
complaint pursuant to Art. 2209 of the New Civil Code. Attorney’s
fees, however, cannot be recovered since there is no showing that
the case falls under any of the exceptions provided for in Art. 2208
of the New Civil Code. Besides, defendants had reasons to resist
the claim since there was yet no definite ruling on the point of law
involved herein in the light of the New Civil Code. 57
Briones vs.
Cammayo 41 SCRA
404
DIZON, J.:
On February 22, 1962, Aurelio G. Briones filed a n action
in the Municipal Court of Manila against Primitivo, Nicasio,
Pedro, Hilario and Artemio, all surnamed Cammayo, to recover
from them, jointly and severally, the amount of P1,500.00,
plus damages, attorney’s fees and costs of suit. The defendants
answered the complaint with specific denials and the following
special defenses and compulsory counterclaim:
“x x x;
By way of —
57
Angel Jose Warehousing Co. vs. Chelda Enterprises, supra.
605
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
SPECIAL DEFENSES
Defendants Allege:
4.Defendants executed the real estate mortgage, Annex ‘A’
of the complaint, as security for the loan of P1,200.00 given to
defendant Primitivo O. Cammayo upon the usurious agreement
th at defendant pays to the plaintiff and t ha t the plaintiff reserve
and secure, as in fact plaintiff reserved and secured himself, out
of the alleged loan of P1,500.00 as interest the sum of P300.00
for one year;
5.That although the mortgage contract, Annex ‘A’ was
executed for securing the payment of P1,500 for a period of
one year, without interest, the tru th and the real fact is that
plaintiff delivered to the defendant Primitivo P. Cammayo only
the su m of P1,200.00 and withheld the sum of P300.00 which
was intended as advance interest for one year;
6.That on account of said loan of P1,200.00, defendant
Primitivo P. Cammayo paid to the plaintiff during the period
from October, 1955 to July, 1956 the total sum of P330.00 which
plaintiff, illegally and unlawfully refuse to acknowledge as part
payment of the account but as in interest of said loan for an
extension of another term of one year;
7.That said contract of loan entered into between
plaintiff and defendant Primitivo P. Cammayo is a usurious
contract and is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public
order or public policy and is, therefore, inexistent and void from
the beginning (Art. 1407, Civil Code);
And as —
COMPULSORY COUNTERCLAIM
606
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
docketed in this court as Civil Case No. 75845 (Branch VII) and
the same was dismissed by the Court of First Instance (Branch
of Manila) on July 13, 1961 in Civil Case No. 43121 (Branch
XVII) and for repeatedly bringing this case to the court,
harassing and persecuting defendants in the manner,
defendants have suffered mental anguish and anxiety for
which they should be compensated for moral damages.’’
On September 7, 1962, Briones filed a n unverified reply
in which he merely denied the allegations of the counterclaim.
Thereupon, the defendants moved for the rendition of a
summary judgment on the ground that, upon the record, there
was no genuine issue of fact between the parties. The Municipal
Court granted the motion and rendered judgment sentencing
the defendants to pay the plaintiff the sum of P1,500.00, with
interests thereon at the legal rate from February 22, 1962, plus
the su m P150.00 as attorney’s fees. From this judgment, the
defendants appealed to the Court of First Instance of Manila
where, according to the appealed decision, “defendant has
asked for summary judgment and plaintiff has agreed to the
same.” (Record on Appeal, p. 21.) Having found the motion for
summary judgment to be in order, the court then proceeded to
render judgment as follows:
“Judgment is, therefore, rendered, ordering defen-
dant to pay plaintiff the sum of P1,180.00 with interest
thereon at the legal rate from October 16, 1962 until
fully paid. This judgment represents defendant’s debts of
P1,500.00 less usurious interest of P120.00 and the addi-
tional sum of P200.00 as attorney’s fees or a total deduc-
tion of P320.00. Plaintiff shall pay the costs.”
In the present appeal defendants claim t h at the trial
court erred in sentencing them to pay the principal of the loan
notwithstanding its finding th at the same was tainted with
usury, and erred likewise in not dismissing the case.
It is now disputed t hat the contract of loan in question was
tainted with usury. The only questions to be resolved, therefore,
are firstly, whether the creditor is entitled to collect from the
debtor the amount representing the principal obligation;
secondly, in the affirmative, if he is entitled to collect interests
thereon, and if so, at what rate.
The Usury Law penalizes any person or corporation who,
for any loan or renewal thereof or forbearance, shall collect or
receive a higher rate or greater su m or value t ha n is allowed
by law, and provides further that, in such case, the debtor may
607
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
608
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
609
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
610
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
611
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
612
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
613
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
58
See Articles 1933, 1950 and 1957, New Civil Code.
614
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
59
De Jesus vs. Urrutia & Company, 32 Phil. 171.
60
Lopez a nd Javelona vs. El Hogar Pilipino, 47 Phil. 249.
615
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
61
73 Phil. 60.
62
L-17895, promulgated Sept. 30, 1963, 9 SCRA 131.
616
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
617
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
618
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1413
619
Art. 1413 CONTRACTS
recover only all the interests, including, of course, the legal part
thereof, with legal interest from the date of judicial demand,
without maintaining th at he can also recover the principal he
has already paid to the lender.
As first discussed under Art. 1175, there is now no longer
any ceiling in interest rates on loans pursuant to Central Bank
Circular No. 224 issued last Dec. 1, 1982.
Problem — On Jan. 15, 1958, D borrowed P10,000
from
C. as evidence of the indebtedness, D executed a
promissory note promising to pay the entire obligation on Jan.
15, 1959, at 24% interest per annum. As security for the
payment of the obligation, he also executed a real estate
mortgage on a house and lot registered in his name in favor
of C. This mortgage was duly registered. When the note
matured, D paid the entire obligation plus interest amounting
to P2,400. Considering that the contract is usurious, if D
institutes a n action against C for the recovery of the usurious
interest which he has paid, how much can he recover? Reason.
Answer — D can recover the entire interest of P2,400
which he has paid plus 6% interest thereon from the date of
payment. This is in accordance with Sec. 6 of the Usury Law
and Art. 1413 of the New Civil Code. It must be observed that
under Sec. 6 of the Usury Law, the debtor may recover the whole
interest paid. Under the New Civil Code , in Art. 1413, “interest
paid in excess of the interest allowed by the usury laws may be
recovered by the debtor, with interest thereon from the date of
payment.” When the Code speaks of “interest paid in excess of
the interest allowed by usury laws,” it means the whole usurious
interest. The two provisions, therefore, are almost identical. The
only change effected by Art. 1413, NCC, is not to provide for the
recovery of the interest paid in excess of t h at allowed by law,
which the Usury Law already provided for, but to add t h at the
same can be recovered “with interest thereon from the date of
payment.” (Angel Jose Warehousing Co. vs. Chelda Enterprises,
23 SCRA 119.)
620
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1414-1416
Philippines vs. Perez, G.R. No. 148541, Nov. 11, 2004.] Under
Central Bank (CB) Circular No. 905, which became effective on
Jan. 1, 1983, whereby the Monetary Board is authorized to fix
interest rates, the ceiling rates under the Usury law [Act No.
2655, as amended by P.D. No. 116] have been abolished.
It should be noted th at Circular No. 905 did not repeal
nor in any way amend the Usury Law but simply suspended
the latter’s effectivity. The legislation of usury is wholly the
creature of legislation. A CB Circular cannot repeal a law. Only
a law can repeal another law. Thus, retroactive application of a
CB Circular cannot, and should not, be presumed. (Development
Bank of the Philippines vs. Perez, G.R. No. 148541, Nov. 11,
2004.)
In declaring void the stipulations authorizing excessive
interest and charges, the SC declared th at although the Usury
Law was suspended by CB Circular No. 905 and consequently
the parties are given wide latitude to agree on any interest
rate, nothing in the said Circular grants lenders carte blanche
authority to raise interest rates to levels which will either
enslave their borrowers or lead to a hemorrhaging of their
assets. (Heirs of Zoilo Espiritu and Primitiva Espiritu vs. Sps.
Maximo Landrito and Paz Landrito, etc., G.R. No. 169617, April
3, 2007)
63
New provision.
64
New provision.
621
Arts. 1414-1416 CONTRACTS
65
New provision.
622
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1414-1416
66
To the same effect: Santande r vs. Villanueva, 103 Phil. 1; Feliceo vs. Iriola 103
Phil. 125; Ras vs. Sua, 25 SCRA 153.
623
Arts. 1414-1416 CONTRACTS
624
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1414-1416
67
Rodriguez vs. Rodriguez, 20 SCRA 908.
68
29 Phil. 480-481 (1947).
625
Arts. 1414-1416 CONTRACTS
69
Cf. Concurring opinion of Justice Bengzon in Rellosa vs. Gaw Chee Hun, 93
Phil. 827, 836 (1953).
70
Const., Art. XIII, Sec. 5.
71
93 Phil. 827 (1953).
626
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1414-1416
71
93 Phil. 827 (1953).
627
Arts. 1414-1416 CONTRACTS
73
93 Phil. 827.
74
93 Phil. 843.
75
93 Phil. 855.
76
93 Phil. 861. See also Arambulo vs. Cua So, 95 Phil. 749 (1954); Dinglasan vs.
Lee Bun Ting, 99 Phil. 427 (1955).
77
Bough vs. Cantiveros, 40 Phil. 210 (1919) and Perez vs. Herranz, 7 Phil. 693
(1902).
628
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1414-1416
78
79 Phil. 461, 480 (1947).
630
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Arts. 1417-1419
79
New provision.
80
New provision.
631
Art. 1420 CONTRACTS
81
New provision.
82
New provision.
632
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Art. 1420
633
Arts. 1421-1422 CONTRACTS
83
New provision.
84
New provision.
634
TITLE III. — NATURAL
OBLIGATIONS 1
are based on equity and natural law, while civil obligations are based
on positive law; and second, natural obligations are not enforceable
by court action, while civil obligations are enforceable by court
action. 4
1
All provisions in this Title are new.
2
4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 588, citing Colin & Capitant.
3
See comments under Art. 1156, Civil Code.
4
Art. 1423, Civil Code.
635
Art. 1423 CONTRACTS
natu ral obligations by the obligor produces legal effects which the
courts will recognize and protect, while voluntary fulfillment of
moral obligations, on the other hand, does not produce any legal
effect which courts will recognize and protect. 6
5
See 4 Tolentino, Civil Code, 1956 Ed., p. 589.
6
See Villaroel vs. Estrada, 71 Phil. 140, a nd Fisher vs. Robb, 69 Phil. 101. See
also Art. 1350, Civil Code. Strictly speaking, the obligation referred to the first case
is a natura l obligation, while t h a t referred to the second case is a moral obligation.
636
NATURAL OBLIGATIONS Arts. 1424-1425
7
Report of the Code Commission, pp. 58-59.
637
Arts. 1426-1430 CONTRACTS
638
TITLE IV. — ESTOPPEL 1
1
All provisions in this Title are new.
2
Report of the Code Commission, p. 59.
639
Arts. 1431-1433 CONTRACTS
3
Tijam vs. Sibonghanoy, 23 SCRA 29.
4
31 C.J.S. 237.
5
Ibid.
6
Ibid.
640
ESTOPPEL Arts. 1431-1433
Ibid.
7
9
Ibid.
10
Phil. National Bank vs. Barretto, 52 Phil. 818; Namarco vs. Macadaeg, 52 Off.
Gaz. 182.
11
Tijam vs. Sibonghanoy, supra.
641
Arts. 1431-1433 CONTRACTS
12
Ibid.
13
Miguel vs. Catalino, 26 SCRA 234, and cases cited therein.
14
24 SCRA 908.
15
Supra.
642
ESTOPPEL Arts. 1431-1433
suit now barred by laches? According to the Supreme Court, the suit
is now barred by laches. Even granting plaintiff’s proposition t ha t no
prescription lies against their father’s recorded title, their passivity
and inaction for more th an thirty-four years justifies the defendant
in setting up the equitable defense of laches. All of the four elements
of laches are present. As a result, the action of plaintiffs must be
considered barred. 16
16
To the same effect — Lucas vs. Compania, 100 Phil. 277; Lotho vs. Ice and Cold
Storage of the Phil., 113 Phil. 713; Heirs of Lacamen vs. Heirs of L aruan, 65 SCRA
605.
643
Arts. 1431-1433 CONTRACTS
I
“. . . IN DECLARING THE SALE BETWEEN
LACAMEN AND LARUAN TO BE NULL AND VOID.
II
“. . . IN APPLYING STRICTLY THE
PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 118 AND 122 OF ACT
NO. 2874 AND SECTIONS 145 AND 146 OF THE
MINDANAO AND SULU.
644
ESTOPPEL
Arts. 1431-1433
III
“. . . IN AFFIRMING THE DECISION OF THE COURT
OF FIRST INSTANCE OF BAGUIO CITY.’’
646
ESTOPPEL Arts. 1431-1433
17
De Lucas vs. Gamponia, 100 Phil. 277; Wright, Jr. vs. Lepanto Consolidated
Mining Co., L-18904, July 11, 1964, 11 SCRA 508.
18
Miguel vs. Catalino, L-23072, November 29, 1968, 26 SCRA 234.
647
Arts. 1431-1433 CONTRACTS
father, they too kept si1ent, never claiming t ha t the lot is their
own until in 1957 or after almost 30 years they took “advantage
of the [non-approval of the sale] as their lever to deprive
[petitioners-appellants] of this land’’ with a motive t ha t was “out
and out greed.’’ Even granting, therefore, t ha t no prescription
lies against their father’s recorded title, their quiescence and
inaction for almost 30 years now commands the imposition of
laches against their adverse claim. (Miguel, footnote 27)
“It results th at as against Laruan and his heirs,
respondents-appellants herein, the late Batiog Lacamen and his
heirs, petitioners-appellants herein, have superior right and,
hence, have validly acquired ownership of the litigated land.
Vigilantibus non dormientibus sequitas subvenit.
“IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, the judgment of the
Court of Appeals affirming t hat of the trial court is hereby
reversed and set aside.
“The petitioners-appellants are hereby declared the lawful
owners of the land in question. Accordingly, Transfer Certificate
of Title No. T-775 in the name of respondents-appellants is
hereby cancelled and in lieu thereof the Register of Deeds of
Benguet is ordered to issue a new transfer certificate of title in
the n ame of petitioners-appellants.’’
19
Fabian vs. Fabian, 22 SCRA 231.
648
ESTOPPEL Art. 1434
Bucton vs.
Gabar 55 SCRA
499
649
Art. 1434 CONTRACTS
650
ESTOPPEL Art. 1434
652
ESTOPPEL Art. 1434
21
Couto vs. Cortes, 8 Phil. 459, 460 (1907); Guerrero vs. Miguel, 10 Phil. 52, 53
(1908).
22
Llacer vs. Muñoz de Bustillo, et al., 12 Phil. 328, 334; Inquimboy vs. Paez Vda.
de Cruz, 108 Phil. 1054, 1057; Castrillo, et al. vs. Court of Appeals, et al., March 31,
1964, 10 SCRA 549, 553; Estoque vs. Pajimula, L-24419, July 15, 1968, 24 SCRA 59,
62.
654
ESTOPPEL Art. 1434
23
103 Phil. 683, 686-687.
655
Arts. 1435-1439 CONTRACTS
656
TITLE V. — TRUST 1
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
The object of the trust, on the other hand, is known as the trust
res. The tr ust res must consist of property, actually in existence, in
which the trustor has a transferable interest or title, although as a
rule, it consists of any kind of transferable property, either realty
or personalty, including undivided, future, or contingent interest
therein. 4
1
All provisions in this Title are new.
2
54 Am. Jur., Sec. 4, p. 21.
3
Art. 1440, Civil Code.
4
54 Am. Jur., Sec. 32, p. 44.
657
Art. 1441 CONTRACTS
5
Art. 1441, Civil Code.
658
TRUST Art. 1442
6
See Cuaycong vs. Cuaycong, 21 SCRA 1192; Fabian vs. Fabian, 22 SCRA 231.
See also Arts. 1443, 1457, Civil Code.
659
CONTRACTS
CHAPTER 2
EXPRESS TRUSTS
660
CHAPTER 3
IMPLIED TRUSTS
661
Arts. 1451-1453 CONTRACTS
662
IMPLIED TRUSTS Arts. 1454-1456
1
See Fabian vs. Fabian, 22 SCRA 231, and cases cited therein.
2
Jacinto vs. Jacinto, 115 Phil. 363. To the same effect: J u a n vs. Zuñiga,
1163;114
Villaluz
Phil. vs. Neme, 117 Phil. 25, and cases cited therein.
663
Arts. 1454-1456 CONTRACTS
3
11 SCRA 153.
664
IMPLIED TRUSTS Arts. 1454-1456
This finds codal support in No. (2) of Art. 1144 of the Civil Code,
which declares t h a t a n action based upon a n obligation created by
law must be brought within ten years from the time the right of
action accrues. It also finds support in the cases of Bueno vs. Reyes
(27 SCRA 1179), Varsity Hills, Inc. vs. Navarro (43 SCRA 503), Escay
vs. Court of Appeals (61 SCRA 369), Jaramil vs. Court of Appeals (78
SCRA 420), Vda. de Nacalaban vs. Court of Appeals (80 SCRA 428),
Duque vs. Domingo (80 SCRA 654), and cases.
4. If the legitimate owner of the subject property which was
fraudulently registered in the nam e of another h ad always been in
possession thereof so that, as a consequence, the constructive notice
rule cannot be applied, in reality the action for reconveyance is an
action to quiet title; therefore, the action is imprescriptible. This
finds support in the case of Caragay Layno vs. Court of Appeals (133
SCRA 718).
Idem; Laches may bar action. — In Fabian vs. Fabian, the 4
Supreme Court reiterated the rule laid down in Diaz vs. Goricho 5
4
22 SCRA 231.
5
103 Phil. 264-265.
665
Arts. 1454-1456 CONTRACTS
6
Fabian vs. Fabian, supra.
7
See L agura vs. Levantino, 71 Phil. 566; Salinas vs. Tunson, 55 Phil. 729; Ramos
vs. Ramos, 61 SCRA 284.
666
IMPLIED TRUSTS Arts. 1454-1456
Fabian vs.
Fabian 22 SCRA
231
668
IMPLIED TRUSTS Arts. 1454-1456
Reyes to file was not adverse to them; and neither he nor the
appellees may invoke the constructive notice rule on the basis of
their own breach of the authority thus given. On top of all these,
it was the appellants and not the appellees who were in posses-
sion of the property as owners, continuously up to 1962, when
for the first time the latter appeared upon the scene and tried
to get such possession, thereby revealing to them the fact of the
fraudulent registration.
It would be more in keeping with justice, therefore, to
afford the plaintiffs as well as the defendants the opportunity
to lay their respective claims and defenses before the court in a
full-blown litigation. Wherefore, the order appealed from is set
aside and the case is remanded for further proceedings.
669
Arts. 1454-1456 CONTRACTS
670
IMPLIED TRUSTS Arts. 1454-1456
671
Arts. 1454-1456 CONTRACTS
672
IMPLIED TRUSTS Arts. 1454-1456
673
Arts. 1454-1456 CONTRACTS
674
IMPLIED TRUSTS Arts. 1454-1456
675
Arts. 1454-1456 CONTRACTS
— oOo —
677
COMMENTS and JURISPRUDENCE
on
OBLIGATIONS and CONTRACTS
By
DESIDERIO P. JURADO†
Associate Justice, Court of Appeals
Pre-Bar Reviewer, Civil Law, San Beda College, UP Law Center,
Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University,
University of Santo Tomas, University of Manila,
Manila Review Center; Professor, Civil Law Review,
San Beda College, Far Eastern University,
University of Santo Tomas,
Lyceum; Lecturer, UP Law Center
DESIDERIO P.
JURADO†
ISBN 978-971-23-5330-7
ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED BY THE
AUTHOR
No.
ISBN 978-971-23-5330-7
9 789712 35330
7
Printed by
rexprintingcompany,inc.
typography
84 &Quezon
P. Florentino St., creative lithography
City Tel. Nos. 712-41-01
ii • 712-
41-08
To my beloved wife
NENA
this work is affectionately dedicated.
iii
iv
PREFACE TO THE 2010 EDITION
QUEZON CITY ,
Philippines August 23, 2008
v
JUSTICE ROLAND B. JURADO
Associate Justice, Sandiganbayan, Chairman, 5th Division;
Former RTC Judge Branch 76, Malolos, Bulacan;
Former MTC Judge, Branch 2, Malolos, Bulacan;
Former Fourth Assistant City Prosecutor,
Caloocan City; Former Professor of Law – FEU, UE, MLQU and
SSC; BSC; Ll.B. (FEU)
vii
JUDGE ROLAND B. JURADO
Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 76, Malolos, Bulacan;
Former Judge, Municipal Trial Court, Branch 2, Malolos, Bulacan;
Former Fourth Assistant City Prosecutor, Caloocan
City; Former Legal Consultant, Metro Manila
Commission Former Professor, San Sebastian College of
Law;
U.E. College of Law and
M.L.Q.U. College of Law; — B.S.C., Ll.B. (F.E.U.)
and
viii
PREFACE TO THE 1993 EDITION
Quezon City,
Philippines December,
1992
ix
Former Professor, F.E.U. School of Business;
A.B, Ll.B., U.P.)
and
x
PREFACE
D. P. JURADO
Manila
July 20, 1987
xi
xii
FOREWORD
xiii
t h a t it cannot be inert but t h a t it must thrive and flourish, since his-
tory has shown t h a t law assumes stability only when it has not lost
its capacity for growth.
The book of Professor Desiderio P. Jurado is now involved in
this debate, and it is well t h a t it h as made its appearance. The sub-
ject of Obligations and Contracts pervades the entire social struc-
ture. It h as been recognized t h a t no society can long endure without
a workable, realistic system of liabilities. The field of contracts alone
illustrates the vital function of law in a free society, where respect
for the worth and dignity of the h um a n demands t h a t individual
volition be afforded a wide area of latitude consistent with the de-
mands of the social order. There is therefore more th an enough room
for works such as this, and in particular, Professor Jurado’s book
supplies a n acute need for a manual t h a t is well-grounded, compre-
hensive, and balanced in treatment. It does not belong to the “easy’’
school.
Professor Jurado has brought to this book the wealth of expe-
rience he has gained as a respected scholar and teacher of law; his
years of courtroom practice are also visible all throughout. Undoubt-
edly many of his former students, now practicising lawyers in vari-
ous places of the country, will find in these pages rich opportunities
for looking back to those hours of earnest discussion in the class-
room, where honest disagreement is honored and debate on tenuous
points of law skilfully handled by the master.
We who study and teach law may not agree with all the con-
clusions set forth in this book; Professor Jurado does not expect un-
questioning assent from us on all points. But before we register our
dissent it may be well for us to consider the validity and weight of
his premises, for, indeed, this book deserves more th an just a re-
reading. It is the product of a hard discipline — the discipline of fine,
unselfish scholarship.
JOVITO R. SALONGA
Dean, Institute of Law, Far Eastern
University
xiv
CONTENTS
BOOK IV
OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS
Title I. — OBLIGATIONS
Chapter 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Page
Chapter 2
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS
Art.1163 ................................................................................... 42
Art.1164 ................................................................................... 42
Art.1165 ................................................................................... 42
Art.1166 ................................................................................... 42
Obligations to Give ............................................................ 43
Idem; Natur e of right of creditor.............................. 43
Idem; Rights of creditor in determinate
obligations ........................................................ 45
Idem; Rights of creditor in generic obligations ....... 46
Idem; Obligations of debtor in determinate
obligations ........................................................ 47
Idem; Obligations of debtor in generic
obligations ........................................................ 50
Art. 1167 ................................................................................... 52
Obligations to Do; Effects of Breach................................. 52
Art. 1168 ................................................................................... 54
Obligations Not to Do; Effects of Breach.......................... 54
Art. 1169 ................................................................................... 55
Art. 56
1170 ................................................................................... 56
Art. 56
1171 ................................................................................... 56
Art. 57
1172 ................................................................................... 57
Art. 1173 ................................................................................... 58
Breach of Obligations ........................................................ 59
Voluntary Breach Through Default or Mora ................... 61
Idem; Default in positive obligations....................... 61
Idem; id. When demand is not necessary ................ 62
Idem; Default in negative obligations ..................... 62
Idem; Default in reciprocal obligations ................... Idem; 64
id. Effect of default ......................................... 64
Voluntary Breach Through Fra ud or Dolo....................... 65
Idem; Effect of fraud ................................................. 67
Voluntary Breach Through Negligence or Culpa ............
Idem; Kinds of negligence ........................................
xvi
Idem; Negligence distinguished from fraud ............
Idem; Test or negligence........................................... 68
Idem; Effects of negligence....................................... 70
Idem; id. Regulatory power of the courts ................ 71
Idem; id.; id. Effect of good faith .............................. 71
Idem; id.; id. Effect of bad faith................................ 72
Idem; id.; id. Effect of contributory negligence ....... 72
Idem; id.; id. Other circumstances........................... 74
Voluntary Breach Through Contravention of Tenor
of Obligation..............................................................
74
Art. 1174 ................................................................................... 74
Concept of Fortuitous Event ............................................. 74
Classification ..................................................................... 75
Effect Upon Obligation...................................................... 76
Idem; Essential conditions ....................................... 88
Idem; Exceptions....................................................... 96
Art. 1175 ................................................................................... 101
Usurious Transactions ...................................................... 101
Art. 1176 ...................................................................................
102
Extinguishment of Interests and Prior Installments ...... 102
Art. 1177 ................................................................................... 103
Remedies of Creditor to Protect Credit ............................ 103
Idem; Exhaustion of debtor’s property ....................
115
Potestative, Casual and Mixed Conditions ......................
xvii
115
Idem; Effect of potestative conditions...................... 115
Idem; Effect of casual conditions ............................. 118
Idem; Effect of mixed conditions.............................. 118
Art. 1183 ................................................................................... 122
Possible and Impossible Conditions .................................
122 Idem; Effects .............................................................
123
Art. 1184 ...................................................................................
124
Art. 1185 ...................................................................................
124
Positive and Negative Conditions ....................................
124 Idem; Effects .............................................................
124
Art. 1186 ...................................................................................
125
Constructive Fulfillment of Suspensive Conditions ........ 125
Art. 1187 ................................................................................... 126
Art. 1188 ................................................................................... 126
Effect of Suspensive Conditions Before Fulfillment........
126
Effect of Suspensive Conditions After Fulfillment .......... 128
Idem; Retroactivity of effect ..................................... 128
Idem; id. In obligations to give.................................
130
Art.
1189 ...................................................................................
130
Effect of Loss, Deterioration or Improvement .................
131 Idem; Losses..............................................................
131
Idem; Deteriorations................................................. 132
Idem; Improvements................................................. 132
Art. 1190 ...................................................................................
133
Effect of Resolutory Conditions Before Fulfillment.........
134
Effect of Resolutory Conditions After Fulfillment...........
xviii 134
Idem; Retroactivity of effect ..................................... 134
Idem; Effect of loss, deterioration
or improvement ................................................ 135
Art. 1191 ................................................................................... 136
Section 2. — Obligations With a Period
Art. 1193 ................................................................................... 146
Concept of Term or Period ................................................ 146
Idem; Distinguished from condition ........................ 147
Classification of Term or Period ....................................... 147
Effects of Term or Period .................................................. 149
Idem; Effect of fortuitous event ............................... 150
Art. 1194 ................................................................................... 151
Art. 1195 ...................................................................................
151
Effect of Advanced Payment or Delivery .........................
152 Art. 1196 ...................................................................................
152 Benefit of Term or
Period.................................................. 152
Idem; Exception ........................................................
154 Art. 1197 ...................................................................................
154 Judicial Term or
Period .................................................... 155
Idem; When court may fix
term ...............................
160
Idem; Effect of judicial period .................................. 160
Art. 1198 ................................................................................... 163
Extinguishment of Debtor’s Right to Period....................
164
168
Art.
1200 ...................................................................................
168
Right of Choice in Alternative
Obligations ......................
xix
168
Idem; Limitations upon right of choice....................
168 Art. 1201 ...................................................................................
169 When Choice Takes
Idem; Distinguished from alternative obligations .. 174
Idem; When substitution takes effect ...................... 175
Idem; Effect of loss of substitute.............................. 175
Concept ...........................................................................
176
Idem; Comparative jurisprudence ........................... 176
Art. 1207 ................................................................................... 178
Nature of Collective Obligations in General....................
178 Idem; Exceptions.......................................................
179
Art. 1208 ................................................................................... 181
Joint Divisible Obligations ............................................... 181
Art. 1209 ...................................................................................
184
Joint Indivisible Obligations ............................................ 184
Idem; Effect of breach............................................... 185
Idem; Effect of insolvency of a debtor ......................
186
Art. 1210 ...................................................................................
187
Indivisibility and Solidarity.............................................. 187
Art. 1211 ................................................................................... 187
Kinds of Solidarity............................................................. 187
Idem; Effect of active solidarity in general .............
188 Idem; Effect of passive solidarity in general ...........
188 Idem; id. Distinguished from suretyship.................
188 Idem; Effect of varied conditions or periods ............
190
Art.
1212 ...................................................................................
195
Effect of Beneficial and Prejudicial Acts .......................... 195
Art. 1213 ................................................................................... 196
Effect of Assignment of Rights ......................................... 196
Art. 1214 ................................................................................... 196
Effect of Demand By a Creditor........................................ 196
Art. 1215 ...................................................................................
xx 197
Effect of Novation .............................................................. 197
Effect of Compensation and Confusion ............................
Concept
........................................................................... 212
Relation to Divisibility or Indivisibility of Things........... 212
Art. 1223 ................................................................................... 213
Art. 1224 ................................................................................... 213
Effect of Divisible or Indivisible Obligations ...................
213 Idem; Breach of joint indivisible obligations...........
214
Art. 1225 ...................................................................................
214
Determination of Divisibility or Indivisibility .................
215 Idem; In obligations to give ......................................
215
Idem; In obligations to do......................................... 216
Idem; In obligations not to do .................................. 217
Concept ...........................................................................
217
Purpose of Penalty.............................................................
217
Kinds of Penalty ................................................................
218
Art. 1226 ...................................................................................
218
Effect of Penalty, General Rule ........................................
219
Idem; Exceptions....................................................... 221
Idem; Enforceability of penalty................................ 223
Art. 1227 ................................................................................... 224
Limitation Upon xxi Right of Debtor .....................................
224
Limitation Upon Right of Creditor ...................................
224 Art. 1228 ...................................................................................
225 Proof of Actual
Chapter 4
EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS
General Provisions
Art.
1231 ...................................................................................
230
Modes of Extinguishing
Obligations ................................
230
Art.
1232 ...................................................................................
231
Concept of Payment or Performance ................................ 231
Art. 1233 ................................................................................... 231
Art. 1234 ................................................................................... 231
Art. 1235 ................................................................................... 231
When Obligation is Understood Paid or Performed ........ 231
Art. 1236 ................................................................................... 232
Art. 1237 ................................................................................... 233
Art. 1238 ................................................................................... 233
Persons Who May Pay Obligation .................................... 233
Idem; Payment by a third person ............................
234
Idem; id. Rights of third person ............................... 235
Idem; id.; id. Right of reimbursement .....................
235
Idem; id.; id. Right of subrogation ........................... 237
Idem; id.; Gratuitous payments ...............................
238 Art. 1239 ...................................................................................
238 Capacity to Make
Payment............................................... 239
Art. 1240 ................................................................................... 239 To
Whom Payment Must Be Made................................... 239
Idem; Persons authorized to receive payment ........ 240
xxii
Idem; id. Payment to unauthorized persons ........... 241
Idem; id. Exceptions ................................................. 242
Art. 1241 ...................................................................................
What Must Be Paid ........................................................... 245
Idem; Effect of dation in payment ........................... 246
Idem; Effect if object is generic ................................
246 Art. 1247 ...................................................................................
247 Expenses of
Payment ........................................................ 247
Art. 1248 ................................................................................... 247
Character of Payment ....................................................... 247
Art. 1249 ...................................................................................
248
Rule in Monetary Obligations........................................... 248
Idem; Effect of Rep. Act Nos. 529 and 4100 ............ 249
Idem; Meaning of legal tender ................................. 251
Idem; Payments with Japanese military notes....... 251
Idem; Payments with emergency notes ................... 253
Idem; Payments with negotiable paper ................... 253
Idem; id. Exceptions ................................................. 260
Art. 1250 ................................................................................... 261
Effect of Extraordinary Inflation or Deflation ................. 261
Idem; War-time obligations...................................... 263
Idem; id. The Ballantyne Schedule.......................... 264
Idem; id.; id. Application .......................................... 265
Art. 1251 ...................................................................................
267
Place of Payment ...............................................................
267
268
Concept ...........................................................................
268
Requisites .......................................................................... 268 Idem;
First requisite................................................. 268
Idem; Second requisite ............................................. 269
Idem; Third requisite................................................ 270
Idem; Fourth requisite ............................................. 270
Right of Debtor to Make Application................................ 270 Idem;
Exception ........................................................ 271
Idem; Time when right is exercised......................... 271
Art. 1253 ...................................................................................
xxiii 272
Limitation Upon Right to Apply Payment ....................... 272
Art. 1254 ................................................................................... 272
Legal Application of Payment........................................... 272 Idem;
When debts are not of same burden.............. 273
Subsection 2. — Payment of Cession
283
Idem; Fourth requisite ............................................. 283
Idem; Fifth requisite................................................. 283
Subject m atter of Consignation ........................................
286 Art. 1259 ...................................................................................
286 Expenses of
Consignation ................................................. 286
Art. 1260 ................................................................................... 286
Art. 1261 ................................................................................... 286
Effects of Consignation ..................................................... 287
Idem; Effect of withdrawal....................................... 287
288
Effect of Loss in Determinate Obligations to Give .......... 288
Idem; Effect of fortuitous xxiv event ............................... 289
Idem; id. Exceptions ................................................. 289
Art. 1263 ...................................................................................
290
Art. 1265 ................................................................................... 291
Rule If Thing is in Debtor’s Possession ............................ 291
Art. 1266 ................................................................................... 292
Effect of Impossibility of Performance
in Obligations to do................................................... 292
Idem; Effect ............................................................... 293
Idem; Effect in obligations not to do ........................ 295
Art. 1267 ................................................................................... 295
Effect of Relative Impossibility......................................... 295
Art. 1268 ................................................................................... 296
Rule If Obligation Arises from Criminal Offense ............ 296
Art. 1269 ................................................................................... 297
Effect of Extinguishment of Obligation............................ 297
xxv
Effect Upon Collective Obligations...................................
308
Effect of Revocation of Confusion .....................................
309
Section 5. — Compensation
312
Requisites of Compensation.............................................. 312
Idem; As to parties.................................................... 313
Idem; id. Bound as principals ..................................
316
Idem; As to maturity ................................................ 317
Idem; As to liquidation and demandability.............
318
Art.
1280 ...................................................................................
318
Right of Guarantor to Set Up Compensation................... 318
Art. 1281 ................................................................................... 319
Art. 1282 ................................................................................... 319
Voluntary Compensation .................................................. 319
Art. 1283 ...................................................................................
319
Judicial Compensation...................................................... 319
Art. 1284 ...................................................................................
xxvi 320
Rules in Case of Rescissible or Voidable Debts ............... 320
Art. 1285 ................................................................................... 320
Effect of Assignment of Rights ......................................... 320
Idem; When compensation has taken place ............ 321
Section 6. — Novation
xxvii
Title II. — CONTRACTS
Chapter 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
356
The duty of the Courts in Interpreting Contracts ...........
357
Idem; Parties to a contract .......................................
357
Characteristics of Contracts .............................................
358
Life of Contracts ................................................................
359
Classification of Contracts ................................................ 359
Art. 1306 ................................................................................... 361
Right to Contract ............................................................... 361
Idem; Limitations ..................................................... 362
Idem; id. First limitation.......................................... 362
Idem; id. Second limitation ...................................... 363
Idem; id. Third limitation......................................... 363
Idem; id. Fourth limitation ...................................... 364
Idem; id. Fifth limitation.......................................... 364
Compromise; Compromise Agreements; Effects..............
370 Art. 1307 ...................................................................................
371 Nominate
Contracts .......................................................... 372
Innominate Contracts ....................................................... 372
Art. 1308 ................................................................................... 373
Art. 1309 ................................................................................... 374
Art. 1310 ................................................................................... 374
Mutuality of Contracts ...................................................... 374
Art. 1311 ................................................................................... 378
Relativity of Contractsxxviii ...................................................... 379
Idem; Persons bound by contract.............................
391
Art. 1316 ................................................................................... 392
Perfection of Contracts...................................................... 392
Art. 1317 ...................................................................................
393
Contracts in Name of Another.......................................... 393
Chapter 2
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF CONTRACTS
General Provisions
396
Requisites of Contracts in General................................... 396
Section 1. — Consent
397
Concept of Consent............................................................ 397
Requisites of Consent ........................................................ 397
When Conracts are Perfected ........................................... 398
Manifestation of Consent .................................................. 398
Idem; Character of offer and acceptance ................. 400
Idem; id. Acceptance of complex offers .................... 401
Idem; id. Acceptance by letter or telegram.............. 402
Idem; id. Effect of constructive knowledge.............. 405
Idem; id. Withdrawal of offer ................................... 405
Idem; id. Withdrawal of acceptance......................... 407
Art. 1320 ................................................................................... 408
Form of Acceptance ........................................................... 408
Art. 1321 ...................................................................................
Legal Capacity of Contracting Parties ............................. 417
410
Art. 1322 ...................................................................................
xxix 410
Art. 1323 ...................................................................................
410
Effect of Death, Civil Interdiction, Insanity,
or Insolvency .............................................................
Idem; Incapacitated persons .................................... 417
Idem; id. Unemancipated minors............................. 418
Idem; id. Effect of misrepresentation ...................... 418
Idem; id. Insane or demented persons.....................
423
Idem; id. Other incapacitated persons..................... 423
Art. 1328 ................................................................................... 425
Art. 1329 ...................................................................................
425
Disqualifications to Contract ............................................
425 Idem; Distinguished from incapacity to contract....
425
Art. 1330 ...................................................................................
428
Vices of Consent ................................................................
428
Art. 1331 ...................................................................................
429
Mistake ...........................................................................
429
Idem; Mistakes which vitiate consent .....................
430
Art. 1332 ...................................................................................
432
Rule Where a Party is Illiterate ....................................... 432
Art. 1333
Fraud ...................................................................................
........................................................................... 434
Art. 1334 ...................................................................................
Idem; Kinds of fraud................................................. 434
MistakeRequisites
Idem; of Law ..................................................................
....................................................... 434
Art. 1335
Idem; ...................................................................................
id. Na ture of fraud.......................................... 435
Art. 1339
Art. 1336 ...................................................................................
................................................................................... 436
Violence
Effect and Intimidation
of Failure to Disclose ................................................
Facts .................................... 436
Idem;
Art. 1340 Requisites of violence .....................................
................................................................................... 436
Idem;
EffectRequisites
of Exaggerations of intimidation..............................
in Trade ...................................... 436
Idem; id. Character of intimidation ......................... 436
Idem; id. Distinguished from reluctant consent ..... 437
xxx
Idem; id. Determination of degree
of intimidation.................................................. 441
Idem; id. Effect of just or legal threat...................... 442
Art. 1337 ................................................................................... 442
Art. 1341 ................................................................................... 448
Effect of Expression of Opinion ........................................ 448
Art. 1342 ................................................................................... 449
Effect of Misrepresentation By Third Persons ................ 449
Art. 1343 ................................................................................... 450
Art. 1344 ................................................................................... 450
Magnitude of Fraud........................................................... 451
Relation Between F rau d and Consent ............................. 451
Art. 1345 ................................................................................... 454
Art. 1346 ................................................................................... 454
Simulation of Contracts .................................................... 454
Idem; Effects ............................................................. 454
Contracts of Adhesion ....................................................... 455
Concept of Object...............................................................
456
Art. 1347 ...................................................................................
456
Art. 1348 ...................................................................................
456
Art. 1349 ...................................................................................
457
What May Be the Object of Contracts.............................. 457
Idem; Appropriability and transmissibility ............ 457
Idem; Existence of object .......................................... 457
Idem; id. Things which have perished..................... 457
Idem; id. Fu tu re things ............................................ 457
Idem; id. Rule with respect to future inheritance... 457
Idem; id. Exceptions ................................................. 461
Idem; id. Impossible things or services ................... 461
Idem; Licitness of object ........................................... 462
Idem; Determinability of object ............................... 462
463
Art. 1351 ...................................................................................
xxxi
463
Concept of Cause ...............................................................
463
Art. 1352 ................................................................................... 472
Art. 1353 ................................................................................... 472
Art. 1354 ................................................................................... 472
Art. 1355 ................................................................................... 472
Essential Requisites of Cause........................................... 472
Idem; Effect of lack of cause..................................... 472
Idem; Effect of unlawful cause................................. 475
Idem; Effect of false cause ........................................ 478
Chapter 3
FORMS OF CONTRACTS
Art.
1356 ................................................................................
...
479
Form of Contracts; General Rule...................................... 479 Idem;
Exceptions....................................................... 480
Idem; id. Formalities for validity .............................
480 Idem; id. Formalities for enforceability ................... 481
Form of Contracts Required By Law................................
481
Art. 1357 ...................................................................................
482
Art. 1358 ................................................................................... 483
Formalities for Efficacy ..................................................... 483
Chapter 4
REFORMATION OF INSTRUMENTS
Art.
1359 ...................................................................................
487
Doctrine of Reformation of Instruments .......................... 487
Idem; Rationale of doctrine ...................................... 488
Idem; Distinguished from annulment
of contracts ....................................................... 488
Art. 1360 ................................................................................... 489
Art.
1361 ................................................................................... 489
Art.
1362 ................................................................................... 489
xxxii Art.
1363 ................................................................................... 489
Art.
1364 ................................................................................... 489
Art.
Chapter 5
INTERPRETATION OF CONTRACTS
Art.
1370 ...................................................................................
495
Art.
1371 ...................................................................................
495
Primacy of Intention of
Parties ........................................
495
Idem; How to judge intention................................... 497
Art. 1372 ................................................................................... 498
Art. 1373 ...................................................................................
498
Art. 1374 ...................................................................................
498
Art. 1375 ...................................................................................
498
Art. 1376 ...................................................................................
498
Art. 1377 ...................................................................................
498
Art. 1378 ...................................................................................
499
Art. 1379 ...................................................................................
499
Chapter 6
RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS
Classes of Defective
Contracts..........................................
500
Idem; Essential features .......................................... 501
Art. 1380 ................................................................................... 502
Rescissible Contracts in General...................................... 502
Idem; Characteristics ............................................... 503
Idem; Concept of
rescission ......................................
xxxiii 503 Idem; id.
Distinguished from resolution.................. 503 Idem; id.
Distinguished from rescission
by mutual consent ............................................ 503
Art. 1381 ................................................................................... 505
Effect of Rescission Upon Third Persons ......................... 513
Art. 1386 ................................................................................... 517
Art. 1387 ................................................................................... 517
Art. 1388 ................................................................................... 517
Proof of Fra ud .................................................................... 517
Idem; Presumptions of fraud.................................... 518
Idem; Badges of fraud............................................... 526
Idem; id. Acquisition by third person
in good faith......................................................
528
Idem; id. Acquisition by third person in
bad faith............................................................ 529
Art.
1389 ...................................................................................
529
Prescriptive Period ............................................................
529
Chapter 7
VOIDABLE CONTRACTS
Voidable Contracts in
General .........................................
531
Idem;
Characteristics ...............................................
531
Idem; Distinguished from rescissible contracts ...... 532
Art. 1390 ................................................................................... 533
Contracts Which Are Voidable ......................................... 533
Art. 1391 ................................................................................... 539
Prescriptive Period ............................................................ 539
Art. 1392 ................................................................................... 546
Art. 1393 ................................................................................... 546
Art. 1394 ................................................................................... 546
Art. 1395 ................................................................................... 546
Art. 1396 ................................................................................... 547
Concept of Ratification ...................................................... 547
Requisites of Ratification .................................................. 547
Forms of Ratification.........................................................
xxxiv
548
Effects of Ratification ........................................................
548 Art. 1397 ...................................................................................
548 Who May Institute
Action................................................. 548
Effect of Failure to Make Restitution............................... 555
Idem; Where loss is due to fault of defendant......... 555
Idem; Where loss is due to fault of plaintiff ............ 556
Idem; Where loss is due to fortuitous event ............ 556
Chapter 8
UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS
559
Art. 1403 ...................................................................................
560
Contracts Without or in Excess of Authority...................
561
Contracts Infringing Sta tute of Frauds ...........................
562 Idem; Purpose of Statute..........................................
562
Idem; Form required by Statute .............................. 562
Idem; Effect of noncompliance with Statute ........... 563
Idem; Contracts Covered by Stat ute ....................... 563
Idem; Effect of Performance of Contract ................. 569
Idem; Ratification ..................................................... 570
Contracts Where Both Parties Are Incapacitated ........... 572
Art. 1404 ................................................................................... 572
Art. 1405 ................................................................................... 572
Art. 1406 ................................................................................... 572
Art. 1407 ................................................................................... 572
Art. 1408 ................................................................................... 573
Chapter 9
VOID OR INEXISTENT CONTRACTS
602
Art. 1413 ...................................................................................
603
Recovery By Debtor of Usurious Interest ........................ 603
Art. 1414 ................................................................................... 621
Art. 1415 ................................................................................... 621
Art. 1416 ................................................................................... 621
Article Applied................................................................... 622
Art. 1417 ................................................................................... 631
Art. 1418 ................................................................................... 631
Art. 1419 ................................................................................... 631
Art. 1420 ................................................................................... 632
Article Applied................................................................... 632
Art. 1421 ................................................................................... 634
Art. 1422 ................................................................................... 634
637
Article Applied................................................................... 637
Art. 1425 ...................................................................................
637
Art. 1426 ...................................................................................
638
Art. 1427 ...................................................................................
xxxvi
638
Art. 1428 ...................................................................................
638
Idem; Estoppel in pais .............................................. 640
Idem; id. Estoppel by silence.................................... 640
Idem; id. Estoppel by acceptance of benefits ........... 640
Idem; Estoppel by deed or by record........................ 640
Idem; id. Estoppel by judgment ............................... 640
Idem; Estoppel by laches .......................................... 641
Idem; id. Basis .......................................................... 641
Idem; id. Elements.................................................... 642
Idem; id. Application ................................................ 642
Idem; id. Laches distinguished from
prescription....................................................... 648
Art. 1434 ...................................................................................
649
Article Applied...................................................................
649
Art. 1435 ...................................................................................
656
Art. 1436 ...................................................................................
656
Art. 1437 ...................................................................................
656
Art. 1438 ...................................................................................
656
Art. 1439 ...................................................................................
656
Title V. — TRUSTS
Art. 1443 ...................................................................................
Chapter 1 660
Art. 1444 ................................................................................... 660
Art. 1445 GENERAL PROVISIONS
................................................................................... 660
Art. 1446 ................................................................................... 660
Art.
1440 ...............................................................................
Chapter 3
....
IMPLIED TRUSTS
657
Art. Concept of
1447 ............................
Trusts...............................................................
........................................
xxxvii
............... 657
Art.
661
1441 ...............................................................................
....
Art. 1448 ................................................................................... 661
Art. 1449 ................................................................................... 661
Art. 1450 ................................................................................... 661
Article Applied................................................................... 661
Art. 1451 ................................................................................... 662
Art. 1452 ................................................................................... 662
Art. 1453 ................................................................................... 662
Art. 1454 ................................................................................... 663
Art. 1455 ................................................................................... 663
Art. 1456 ................................................................................... 663
Article Applied................................................................... 663
Idem; Prescriptibility of actions to enforce trust ....
664
Idem; Laches may bar action ...................................
xxxviii