Source: https://www.scribd.com/doc/203740397/Obligations-and-Contracts
Timestamp: 2018-01-18 22:38:25
Document Index: 470719732

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art. 100', 'Art 2177', 'Arts 1165', 'Art. 1170', 'Art. 1338', 'Art 1233', 'Art 1191', 'Art. 2215', 'Art 1170', 'Art. 1165', 'Art. 1176', 'Art. 1177', 'Art. 1178', 'Art. 1191', 'Art. 1192', 'Art. 1189', 'Arts 1193', 'Art. 1231', 'art 1241', 'Art. 1233', 'Art. 1234', 'Art. 1235', 'Art 1312', 'Art 1314', 'arty\n6', 'Art 1331', 'Art 1338', 'art 1381', 'art 1526', 'art 1382', 'Art. 1338', 'Art. 1344', 'Art. 313']

Obligations and Contracts | Negligence | Bankruptcy
Description: Ateneo 2007 Oblicon Reviewer
Ateneo 2007 Oblicon Reviewer
—Adviser: Dean Cynthia del Castillo Head: Joy Ponsaran, Eleanor Mateo; Understudy: J oy Tajan, J ohn Paul Lim;
Subject Head: J ennifer Sanchez; Pledgees: Maria Angela Alarilla, Gregorio Rafael Bueta, Kristi Fe Mari Lu
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompr
are needed to see this pictur
OB L I GA T I ONS A ND CONT RA CT S
T I T L E 1 - OB L I GA T I ON
ELEMENTS OF AN OBLIGATION:
1. Active subject (obligee/creditor): one in whose
favor the obligation is constituted
2. Passive subject (obligor/debtor): one who has
the duty of giving, doing or not doing
3. Object: prestation; the conduct which has to be
observed by the debtor/obligor
1. it must be licit (otherwise it is void)
2. it must be possible, physically and juridically
(otherwise it is void)
3. it must be determinate or determinable
4. it must have pecuniary value
a. Vinculum Juris: juridical/legal tie; binds the
parties to the obligation
b. Causa (causa debendi/causa obligationes):
why obligation exists
• Must be expressly or impliedly set forth and
• Must be complied with in good faith
• it is the “law” between parties;
• neither party may unilaterally evade his obligation
in the contract, unless:
a. Contract authorizes it
b. Other party assents
• Parties may freely enter into any stipulations
provided they are not contrary to law, morals,
good customs, public order or public policy
QUASI-CONTRACT (OBLIGATION EX QUASI-
• J uridical relation resulting from lawful, voluntary
and unilateral acts, which has for its purpose, the
payment of indemnity to the end that no one shall
be unjustly enriched or benefited at the expense
• Distinguished from other Sources
1. act giving rise to a quasi contract must be
LAWFUL distinguishing it from delict;
2. act must be VOLUNTARY distinguishing it from
quasi-delict which is based on fault or
3. act must be UNILATERAL distinguishing it from
contract which is based on agreement.
• Negotiorum gestio: unauthorized management;
arises whenever a person voluntarily takes
charge of the agency or management of
another’s abandoned business or property
without the latter’s authority
• Solutio indebiti: undue payment. Arises when a
person unduly delivers a thing through mistake to
another who has no right to demand it (must not
be through liberality or some other cause)
DELICTS (OBLIGATION EX MALEFICIO OR EX
DELICTO )
RPC: Art. 100 Every person criminally liable for a
1. Articles 100-113 of the RPC and other penal laws
subject to Art 2177 Civil Code (quasi-delict);
2. Chapter 2, Preliminary title, on Human Relations
( Civil Code )
3. Title 18 of Book IV of the Civil Code on damages
are needed to see this p
2. Reparation for damage caused
3. Indemnity for Consequential damages
1. When due to reasonable doubt – no civil liability
2. When due to exempting circumstances – there is
3. When there is preponderance of evidence – there
is civil liability
2. Insults to persons in authority
4. violations of traffic regulations (De Leon, 2003
ed.,p. 23)
QUASI-DELICT/TORTS (OBLIGATION EX QUASI-
DELICTO Or EX QUASI MALEFICIO )
• It is an act or omission arising from fault or
negligence which causes damage to another,
there being no pre-existing contractual relations
2. There must be fault or negligence attributable to
3. There must be damage or injury
4. There must be a direct relation of cause and
effect between the act arising from fault or
negligence and the damage or injury (proximate
cause );
5. There is no pre-existing contractual relation
• Failure to observe for the protection of the
interests of another person, that degree of care,
precaution and vigilance which the circumstances
justly demand, whereby such other person
suffers injury. (US v. Barrias, 23 Phil. 434 [1912])
CHAPTER 2. – NATURE & EFFECTS OF
1. Personal Obligations: obligations to do or not
to do; where the subject matter is an act to be
done or not to be done
a. Positive – obligation to do
b. Negative – obligation not to do
2. Real Obligations: obligations to give; where the
subject matter is a thing which the obligor must
deliver to the obligee
a. Determinate or specific – object is particularly
designated or physically segregated from all
other things of the same class
b. Generic –object is designated by its class or
c. Limited Generic – generic objects confined to
Ex: An obligation to deliver one of my horses
(Tolentino, Volume IV, p. 91; De Leon, 2003 ed.,
DUTIES OF DEBTOR IN AN OBLIGATION TO GIVE
A DETERMINATE THING (See Arts. 1163, 1164,
1166.)
DILIGENCE OF A GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY –
ordinary care or that diligence which an average or
reasonably prudent person would exercise over his
NOTE: Rule on Standard of Care
• That which the law requires; or
• That stipulated by the parties; or
• In the absence of the two, diligence of a good
2. To deliver the fruits of the thing: Right to the
fruits of the thing from the time the obligation to
deliver it arises
• GENERAL RULE: From the time of the
perfection of the contract (i.e. meeting of the
minds between the parties)
a. when the parties made a stipulation as
regards the right of the creditor to the fruits of
b. when the obligation is subject to a
suspensive condition or period; arises upon
fulfillment of the condition or arrival of the
PERSONAL V. REAL RIGHT
Jus ad rem, a right
enforceable only
Jus in re, a right
against a definite
person or group of
Right pertaining to a
person to demand
from another, as a
definite passive
prestation to give, to
person over a specific
thing, without a definite
against whom the right
may be personally
3. To deliver its accessions and accessories
• Accessions – additions to or improvements
upon a thing. Ex: air conditioner in a car.
• Accessories – things joined to, or included
with the principal thing for its better use,
embellishment or completion. Ex:key of a
house; frame of a picture (De Leon, 2003
ed., pp. 37-38)
4. To deliver the thing itself
5. To pay damages in case of breach of the
obligation by reason of delay, fraud, negligence
or contravention of the tenor of the obligation.
1. To deliver the thing which is neither of superior
nor of inferior quality
2. To pay damages in case of breach of the
REMEDIES OF THE CREDITOR IN CASE OF NON-
PERFORMANCE (See Arts 1165 – 1168)
1. Specific Performance: Performance by the
debtor of the prestation itself
2. Substitute Performance: someone else
performs or something else is performed at the
expense of debtor
3. Equivalent Performance: damages
Obligations Remedies
To do Not to
rescission/
BREACH OF OBLIGATIONS (See Arts. 1170 –
1. Voluntary – debtor in the performance of the
obligation is guilty of:
• fraud (Dolo)
• negligence (culpa)
• delay (mora)
• contravention of the tenor of the obligation
• NOTE: debtor is liable for damages
2. Involuntary – debtor is unable to comply with his
obligation due to fortuitous event/s
• NOTE: debtor is not liable for damages
• It is the deliberate or intentional evasion of the
normal fulfillment of an obligation. (8 Manresa 72)
O’leary Macondray & Co., 45 Phil. 812 [1924[– It
implies some kind of malice or dishonesty and it
cannot cover cases of mistake and errors of
judgment made in good faith. It is synonymous to
1. Causal Fraud (Dolo Causante): fraud employed
2. in the execution of the contract
3. Incidental Fraud (Dolo Incidente): fraud in
performance of obligation already existing
because of a contract
Deleted: Corliss v. Manila Railroad
– The law presumes or requires a
man to possess ordinary capacity to
avoid harming his neighbors unless a
clear and manifest incapacity is
shown and the law does not hold him
liable for unintentional injury unless,
possessing such capacity, he might
and ought to have foreseen the
danger.¶
are needed to see
(Art. 1170)
Causal Fraud
(Art. 1338)
Fraud (Art.
other party but
inducement in
breach of an
right in favor
right of an
to annul the
NOTE: Future fraud cannot be waived. However, the
law does not prohibit renunciation of the action for
damages on the ground of fraud already committed.
REMEDIES OF DEFRAUDED PARTY
• Insist on specific performance (Art 1233)
• Resolve contract (Art 1191)
• Claim damages, in either case
• Consists in the omission of that diligence which is
corresponds with the circumstances of the
persons, of the time and of the place.
1. Quasi-Delict (Culpa aquiliana/culpa extra
contractual)- source of obligation
2. Contractual Negligence (Culpa Contractual)-
negligence in the performance of a contract
• NOTE: Negligence can be waived except in
cases where the nature of the obligation or public
policy requires another standard of care.
• EXCEPTIONS: Nature of Obligation of a
FRAUD V. NEGLIGENCE
There is deliberate
intention to cause
There is no deliberate
Liability cannot be
Liability may be
Waiver for future fraud
Waiver for future
negligence may be
allowed in certain
KINDS OF NEGLIGENCE, DISTINGUISHED
Culpa Aquiliana Culpa Contractual
Negligence merely an
incident of performance
There may or may
not be a pre-existing
There is a pre-existing
obligation is the
negligence itself
Source of the obligation
is the breach of the
Negligence must be
Proof of existing of the
contract and its breach
is prima facie sufficient
to warrant recovery
Diligence in the
employees is a
employees is not
available as a defense
EFFECTS OF CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OF
• GENERAL RULE: Reduces or mitigates the
damages which he can recover
• EXCEPTION: If the negligent act or omission of
the creditor is the proximate cause of the event
which led to the damage or injury complained of,
DELAY (MORA)
1. Ordinary Delay – failure to perform an obligation
2. Legal Delay/ Default – failure to perform an
obligation on time which failure constitutes a
breach of the obligation. (De Leon, 2003 ed., p.
REQUISITES OF DELAY
1. Obligation must be due, demandable and
liquidated;
2. Debtor fails to perform his positive obligation on
the date agreed upon;
3. A demand (not merely a reminder or notice),
judicial or extra-judicial, made by the creditor
upon the debtor to fulfill, perform or comply with
his obligation otherwise, he will be in default; and
4. Failure of the debtor to comply with such
1. Mora Solvendi– default on the part of the debtor:
• Mora Solvendi Ex re – default in real
• Mora Solvendi Ex persona – default in
a. The obligation must be due, enforceable
and already liquidated or determinate in
b. There must be non-performance; and
c. There must be a demand, unless
demand is not required.
• GENERAL RULE: Those obliged to deliver
or to do something incur in delay from the
time the obligee judicially or extrajudicially
demands from them the fulfillment of their
• EXCEPTIONS (no demand necessary)
a. When the obligation or the law expressly
so declare; or
b. When from the nature and the
circumstances of the obligation it
appears that 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
c. When demand would be useless, as
when the obligor has rendered it beyond
his power to perform
a. Debtor is guilty of breach of the
b. Liability: If obligation to pay money- must
pay interest. If no extra-judicial demand,
interest runs from the filing of the
complaint. In other obligations, pay
c. Obligations to deliver a determinate
thing, liable for fortuitous events. If debtor
can prove that loss would have resulted
even if he had not been in default, the
court may equitably mitigate the
damages (Art. 2215[4])
d. Resolution (Art 1170, in proper cases)
2. Mora Accipiendi – default on part of creditor
when he unjustifiably refuses to accept the
performance of the obligation.
a. Offer of performance by the debtor
b. Offer must be to comply with the
prestation as it should be performed
c. Creditor refuses the performance without
a. Responsibility of debtor is limited to
b. Debtor is exempted from risk of loss
of thing; creditor bears risk of loss
c. Expenses by debtor for preservation
of thing after delay is chargeable to
d. If obligation bears interest, debtor does
not have to pay from time of delay
e. Creditor liable for damages
f. Debtor may relieve himself of
obligation by consigning the
3. Compensatio morae – both parties are in
default (in reciprocal obligations); there is no
actionable default on the part of both parties
• Rule in Reciprocal Obligations: In reciprocal
obligations, neither party incurs in delay if the
other does not comply or is not ready to comply
in a proper manner with what is incumbent upon
him. From the moment one of the parties fulfills
his obligation, delay by the other begins.
• Performance must be simultaneous unless
different dates for the performance of the
obligation were fixed by the parties
CESSATION OF THE EFFECTS OF MORA:
• renunciation (express or implied)
• NOTE: There is no delay in negative obligations
and natural obligations.
FORTUITOUS EVENT – An event which could not be
foreseen, or which though foreseen, was inevitable
REQUIREMENTS: (Nakpil and Sons vs. CA):
1. The cause of the breach of the obligation must be
independent of the will of the debtor
2. The event must be either unforeseeable or
3. The event must be such as to render it
impossible for the debtor to fulfill his obligation in
a normal manner
4. The debtor must be free from any participation in,
or aggravation of injury to the creditor
RULE ON FORTUITOUS EVENT:
• GENERAL RULE: No liability for fortuitous event
1. When expressly declared by law ( bad faith,
subject matter is generic, debtor is in delay )
2. When expressly declared by stipulation or
3. When nature of obligation requires assumption of
4. When the obligor is in default or has promised to
deliver the same thing to two or more persons
who do not have the same interest (Art. 1165[3])
EFFECT OF FORTUITOUS EVENT
Generic Obligation
Obligation is
extinguished based on the
rule that the genus never
perishes (genus nunquam
peruit)
Art. 1176 The receipt of the principal by the creditor,
without reservation with respect to the interest, shall
give rise to the presumption that said interest has been
The receipt of a later installment of a debt without
reservation as to prior installments, shall likewise raise
the presumption that such installments have been paid.
PRINCIPLE IN ARTICLE 1176
• Before the presumption that a prior installment
had been paid may arise, the receipt must
specify the installment for which payment is
Art. 1177 The creditors, after having pursued the
property in possession of the debtor to satisfy their
claims, may exercise all rights and bring all the
actions of the latter for the same purpose, save those
which are inherent in his person; they may also
impugn the acts which the debtor may have done to
Art. 1178 Subject to the laws, all rights acquired in
virtue of an obligation are transmissible, if there has
been no stipulation to the contrary. (1112)
Art. 1191. The power to rescind obligations is implied
in reciprocal ones, in case one of the obligors should
The injured party may choose between the fulfillment
and the rescission of the obligation, with the payment
of damages in either case. He may also seek
rescission, even after he has chosen fulfillment, if the
latter should become impossible.
The court shall decree the rescission claimed, unless
there be just cause authorizing the fixing of a period.
This is understood to be without prejudice to the
rights of third persons who have acquired the thing, in
accordance with Articles 1385 and 1388 and the
Mortgage Law. (1124)
Art. 1192. In case both parties have committed a
breach of the obligation, the liability of the first
infractor shall be equitably tempered by the courts. If
it cannot be determined which of the parties first
violated the contract, the same shall be deemed
extinguished, and each shall bear his own damages.
REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO CREDITORS FOR THE
SATISFACTION OF THEIR CLAIMS
1. Exact fulfillment of the obligation by specific or
substitute performance with a right to damages in
either case;
2. In case of reciprocal obligations, petition the court
to resolve the contract;
3. Pursue the leviable (not exempt from attachment
under the law) property of the debtor;
4. Accion directa (Arts. 1729 and 1652):Right of
the lessor to go directly to sublessee for unpaid
rents of the lessee. Right of the laborers or
persons who furnish materials for a piece of work
undertaken by a contractor to go directly to the
owner for any unpaid claims due to the contractor
5. Accion subrogatoria – to be subrogated to all
the rights and actions of the debtor save those
which are inherent in his person
a. The debtor to whom the right of action
properly pertains must be indebted to the
b. The creditor must be prejudiced by the
inaction or failure of the debtor to proceed
against the third person;
c. The creditor must have pursued first or
exhausted all the properties of the debtor
which are not exempt from execution;
d. The debtor's assets are insufficient to satisfy
his claims; and
™ and a
e. The right of account is not purely personal
6. Accion Pauliana – asking the court to rescind or
to impugn all the acts which the debtor may have
done to defraud the creditors (Arts. 1380-1389)
a. There is a credit in favor of plaintiff
b. The debtor has performed an act subsequent
to the contract, giving advantage to other
c. The creditor is prejudiced by the debtor's act
which are in favor of 3
rescission will benefit the creditor
d. The creditor has no other legal remedy
e. The debtor's acts are fraudulent
CHAPTER 3. - DIFFERENT KINDS OF
See Arts. 1179 - 1230
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION OF OBLIGATIONS
1. Demandability
a. pure,
c. with a period
2. Plurality of object
c. facultative
3. Plurality of subject
b. J oint
c. solidary
5. Sanctions for breach
a. with a penal clause
b. without a penal clause
(See Arts. 1179 – 1190)
PURE – one whose effectivity or extinguishment
does not depend upon the fulfillment or non-
fulfillment of a condition or upon the expiration of a
period and is demandable at once
CONDITIONAL – one whose effectivity is
future AND uncertain event or upon a past event
unknown to the parties
CONDITION - Future and uncertain event or a past
event unknown to the parties
1. Suspensive – happening of condition gives rise
a. Effectivity retroacts to the day of the
constitution of the obligation
b. No retroactivity with reference to fruits or
interest and prescription
c. Creditor may preserve rights
d. Debtor – recovery of payment by mistake or
even w/o mistake
RULES ON LOSS, DETERIORATION, AND
IMPROVEMENTS DURING PENDENCY OF A
SUSPENSIVE CONDITION (Art. 1189)
REQUISITES FOR THE APPLICATION OF
a. 1.The obligation must be a real obligation
b. 2.The object is a specific or determinate thing
c. The obligation is subject to a suspensive
d. The condition is fulfilled
e. There is loss, deterioration or improvement of
the thing during the pendency of the
happening of the condition
2. Resolutory – happening of condition
extinguishes obligation
a. No retroactive effect
b. Obligation extinguished
c. Restore to each other what was received
plus interest/fruits
3. Potestative – dependent on sole will of 1 party; if
on part of debtor and suspensive – void
4. Casual – dependent on chance or hazard
5. Mixed – chance, or any of parties
6. With term
With the fault of the
Loss Obligation is
Debtor obliged to pay
Creditor may choose
between rescission
or its fulfillment with
damages in either
Improvement If by nature or
inures to the
If at the expense of
the debtor debtor’s
right is only that of a
TIFF (Uncompres
Time™ and a
sed) decompressor
a. Positive – extinguished if time expires or
indubitable of condition to happen
b. Negative – effective from moment of time
elapsed or evident it can't happen
IMPOSSIBLE AND ILLEGAL CONDITIONS
• GENERAL RULE: They shall annul the
obligation which depends upon them
a. pre-existing obligation
b. if obligation is divisible
c. in simple or remuneratory donations
d. testamentary dispositions
e. conditions not to do an impossible thing
WITH A PERIOD – An obligation which depends on a
future and certain event (See Arts 1193, 1196)
WHEN STIPULATION SAYS “ PAYABLE WHEN
ABLE” – IT IS WITH A PERIOD, REMEDY:
1. Agreement among parties
2. Court shall fix period of payment when
parties unable to agree
1. Resolutory ( in diem ) – demandable at once but
terminates upon arrival of the day certain
• Day certain – that which must necessarily
come, although it may not be known when
2. Suspensi ve ( ex die ) –obligation becomes
demandable on the day stipulated
Interval of time which
is future and certain
Fact or event which is
future or uncertain or a
past event unknown to
Time w/c must
Future and uncertain fact
or event which may or
Exerts an influence
extinguishment of an
Exerts an influence upon
Has retroactive effect
exclusively to the will
of the debtor, the
obligation is affected
When it is left exclusively
to the will of the debtor,
WHEN COURTS MAY FIX PERIOD:
1. If the obligation does not fix a period, but from its
nature and circumstances it can be inferred that a
period was intended by the parties
2. If the duration of the period depends upon the will
3. In case of reciprocal obligations, when there is a
just cause for fixing a period
4. If the debtor binds himself when his means
permit him to do so
PERIOD FOR WHOSE BENEFIT
• GENERAL RULE: When a period is designated
for the performance or fulfillment of an obligation,
it is presumed to have been established for the
benefit of both creditor and debtor.
• EXCEPTION: When it appears from the tenor of
the obligation or other circumstances that the
period has been established in favor of one or the
PERIOD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CREDITOR
• Creditor may demand the fulfillment of the
obligation at any time but the debtor cannot
compel him to accept before the expiration of the
• Debtor may oppose any premature demand of
the creditor but he may renounce the benefit of
the period by performing his obligation in
advance (Manresa)
WHEN DEBTOR LOSES RIGHT TO PERIOD:
• Insolvency of debtor, unless security provided
• Did not deliver security promised
• Impaired security through his own acts or through
fortuitous event unless he gives new securities
• Violates undertaking in consideration of
• Attempts to abscond
ALTERNATIVE OBLIGATIONS (See Arts. 1199 –
FACULTATIVE - only one prestation has been
agreed upon but another may be given in substitution
EFFECT OF LOSS OR DETERIORA0TION THRU
NEGLIGENCE, DELAY OR FRAUD OF OBLIGOR:
• Of thing intended as substitute - no liability
• Of the substitute after substitution is made – with
ALTERNATIVE – bound by different prestations but
only one is due
RIGHT OF CHOICE IN ALTERNATIVE
• As a general rule the right of choice belongs to
EFFECT OF LOSS OF OBJECTS OF
1. If the right of choice belongs to the debtor
• If through a fortuitous event all were lost,
debtor cannot be held liable for damages
• If 1 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 fortuitous event
or fault of the debtor, creditor cannot hold the
debtor liable for damages because the debtor
can still comply with his obligation
• If all things, except one, were lost, the debtor
must comply by performing that which remain
• If all were lost by fault of the debtor the later
is liable for the value of the last thing or
service which became impossible
2. If right of choice belongs to the creditor
• If 1 of the things is lost through a fortuitous
event, the debtor shall perform the obligation
by delivering that which the creditor should
choose from among the remainder or that
which remains if only 1 subsists
• If the loss of 1 of the things occurs through
the fault of the debtor, the creditor may claim
any of those subsisting or the price of that
which, through the fault of the former, has
disappeared with a right to damages
• If all the things are lost through the fault of
the debtor, the choice by the creditor shall fall
upon the price of any 1 of them, also with
indemnity for damages.
REQUISITES FOR MAKING THE CHOICE:
1. Made properly so that creditor or his agent will
2. Made with full knowledge that a selection is
indeed being made
3. Made voluntarily and freely
4. Made in due time – before or upon maturity
5. Made to all proper persons
6. Made w/o conditions unless agreed by the
7. May be waived, expressly or impliedly
ALTERNATIVE vs. FACULTATIVE
A L T ERNA T I VE F A CUL T A T I V E
things are due but
the giving principally
of one is sufficient
a) Only one thing is due
but a substitute may be
given to render
payment/fulfillment easy
b) If one of
prestations is illegal,
others may be valid
but obligation
b) If principal obligations
is void and there is no
necessity of giving the
substitute; nullity of P
carries with it nullity of S
c) If it is impossible
to give all except
must still be given
to give the principal, the
substitute does not have
to be given; if it is
impossible to give the
substitute, the principal
d) Right to choose
may be given either
to debtor or creditor
d) The right of choice is
given only to the debtor
JOINT AND SOLIDARY OBLIGATIONS (See Arts.
1207 – 1222)
JOINT – presumption when two or more creditors or
two or more debtors concur in one and the same
1. when expressly stated that there is solidarity
2. when the law requires solidarity
4. when a charge or condition is imposed upon
heirs or legatees and the testament expressly
makes the charge or condition in solidum
5. when a solidary responsibility is imputed by a
final judgment upon several defendants
(Gutierrez v. Gutierrez)
1. Demand on one produces delay only with respect
2. Interruption in payment by one does not benefit
or prejudice the other
3. Vices of one debtor to creditor has no effect on
4. Insolvency of one debtor does not affect other
1. Each creditor can demand for the payment of his
proportionate share of the credit, while each
debtor can be held liable only for the payment of
his proportionate share of the debt
2. A joint creditor cannot act in representation of the
other creditors while a joint debtor cannot be
compelled to answer for the acts or liability of the
1. If there are 2 or more debtors, the fulfillment of or
compliance with the obligation requires the
concurrence of all the debtors, although each for
his own share. The obligation can be enforced
only by proceeding against all of the debtors.
2. If there are 2 or more creditors, the concurrence
or collective act of all the creditors, although each
for his own share, is also necessary for the
enforcement of the obligation
• If one of the joint debtors fails to comply with
his undertaking, the obligation can no longer
be fulfilled or performed. Consequently, it is
converted into one of indemnity for damages.
Innocent joint debtor shall not contribute to the
indemnity beyond their corresponding share of
INDIVISIBILITY SOLIDARITY
prestation which
constitutes the object
Refers to the legal tie and
consequently to the
subjects or parties of the
Plurality of subjects is
In case of breach,
into 1 of indemnity for
When there is liability on
the part of the debtors
because of the breach,
the solidarilty among the
breach, indivisibility of
debtors remains
SOLIDARY – must be expressed in stipulation or
provided by law or by nature of obligation
1. Active – on the part of creditor or oblige
• Death of 1 solidary creditor transmits share
to heirs (but collectively)
• Each creditor represents the other in the act
of recovery of payment
• Credit is divided equally between creditors as
• Debtor may pay any of the solidary creditors
2. Passive – on the part of debtors or obligors
• Each debtor may be requested to pay whole
obligation with right to recover from co-
• Interruption of prescription to one creditor
• Interest from delay on 1 debtor is borne by all
3. Mixed – on the part of the obligors and obligees,
or the part of the debtors and the creditors
4. Conventional – agreed upon by the parties
• Instances where law imposes solidary
a. Obligations arising from tort
b. Obligations arising from quasi-contracts
c. Legal provisions regarding obligation of
d. Liability of principals, accomplices, and
accessories of a felony
e. Bailees in commodatum
a. Payment made before debt is due, no
interest can be charged, otherwise – interest
b. Insolvency of one – others are liable for
share pro-rata
c. If different terms and conditions – collect only
what is due, later on collect from any
d. No reimbursement if payment is made after
prescription or became illegal
e. Remission made after payment is made – co-
debtor still entitled to reimbursement
f. Effect of insolvency or death of co-debtor –
still liable for whole amount
g. Fault of any debtor – every one is
responsible – price, damage and interest
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompresso
h. Complete/ personal defense – total or partial
( up to amount of share only ) if not personal
EFFECT OF LOSS OR IMPOSSIBILITY OF THE
1. If without fault – no liability
2. If with fault – there is liability (also for damage
3. Loss due to fortuitous event after default – there
is liability (because of default)
DIVISIBLE AND INDIVISIBLE OBLIGATIONS (See
Arts. 1223 – 1225)
DIVISIBLE - obligation that is capable of partial
• Execution of certain no of days work
• Expressed by metrical units
• Nature of obligation – susceptible of partial
INDIVISIBLE – one not capable of partial
• To give definite things
• Not susceptible of partial performance
• Provided by law
• Intention of parties
OBLIGATIONS WITH A PENAL CLAUSE (See
Arts. 1226 – 1230)
WITH PENAL CLAUSE – One to which an accessory
undertaking is attached for the purpose of insuring its
performance by virtue of which the obligor is bound to
pay a stipulated indemnity or perform a stipulated
prestation in case of breach
CHARACTERISTICS OF PENAL CLAUSES:
1. Subsidiary - As a general rule, only penalty can
be demanded, principal cannot be demanded,
except: Penalty is joint or cumulative
2. Exclusive - takes place of damage, damage can
only be demanded in the ff. cases:
a. Stipulation – granting right
b. Refusal to pay penalty
c. With dolo ( not of creditor )
CAUSES FOR REDUCTION OF PENALTY:
1. Partial/irregular performance
2. Penalty provided is iniquitous/ unconscionable
CHAPTER 4. - EXTINGUISHMENT OF
(Art. 1231):
2. Loss of the thing due
3. Condonation or remission of debt
4. Confusion or merger of rights
9. Fulfillment of resolutory condition
- delivery of money and performance, in any other
manner of the obligation
REQUISITES FOR VALID
1. With respect to prestation itself
b. Integrity or completeness
c. Indivisibility
2. With respect to parties - must be made by
proper party to proper party
a. Payor
i. Payor - the one performing, he can be
the debtor himself or his heirs or assigns
or his agent, or anyone interested in the
fulfillment of the obligation; can be
anyone as long as it is with the creditor's
person pays/performs - only the
creditor's consent; If performance is done
also with debtor's consent - he takes the
place of the debtor. There is subrogation
except if the 3
person intended it to be
person pays/performs with consent of
creditor but not with debtor's consent, the
repayment is only to the extent that the
payment has been beneficial to debtor
i. Payee - creditor or obligee or successor
in interest of transferee, or agent
person - if any of the ff. concur:
• It must have redounded to the
obligee's
• benefit and only to the extent of such
• It falls under art 1241, par 1,2,3 - the
benefit is total so, performance is
iii. Anyone in possession of the credit - but
will apply only if debt has not been
previously garnished
PAYMENT MADE TO AN INCAPACITATED
PERSON, VALID IF
1. Incapacitated person kept the thing delivered, or
2. Insofar as the payment has been beneficial to
PAYMENT TO 3
PARTY NOT AUTHORIZED,
VALID IF PROVED AND ONLY TO THE EXTENT
OF BENEFIT; PRESUMED IF
1. After payment, 3
person acquires the creditor’s
2. Creditor ratifies payment to 3
3. By creditor’s conduct, debtor has been led to
make the payment (estoppel)
PAYMENT MADE IN GOOD FAITH TO A PERSON
IN POSSESSION OF CREDIT SHALL RELEASE
DEBTOR; REQUISITES:
1. Payment by debtor must be made in good faith
2. Creditor must be in possession of the credit and
not merely the evidence of indebtedness
• NOTE: With respect to time and place of
payment - must be according to the obligation
1. In the place designated in the obligation
2. If there is no express stipulation and the
undertaking is to deliver a specific thing – at the
place where the thing might be at the moment the
obligation was constituted
3. In other case – in the place of the domicile of the
• Time of payment - time stipulated
• Effect of payment – extinguish obligation
Except: order to retain debt
Art. 1233. A debt shall not be understood to have
been paid unless the thing or service in which the
obligation consists has been completely delivered or
rendered, as the case may be. (1157)
Art. 1234. If the obligation has been substantially
performed in good faith, the obligor may recover as
though there had been a strict and complete
fulfillment, less damages suffered by the obligee. (n)
Art. 1235. When the obligee accepts the
performance, knowing its incompleteness or
irregularity, and without expressing any protest or
objection, the obligation is deemed fully complied
with. (n)
• Attempt in Good Faith to perform without willful or
• Deviation is slight
• Omission/Defect is technical or unimportant
• Must not be so material that intention of parties is
EFFECT OF SUBSTANTIAL PERFORMANCE IN
• Obligor may recover as though there has been
strict and complete fulfillment, less damages
suffered by the oblige
• Right to rescind cannot be used for slight breach
SPECIAL RULES/FORMS OF PAYMENT
1. APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS – the designation
of the debt which payment shall be made, out of
2 or more debts owing the same creditor:
stipulation or application of party given benefit of
period – OK; to be valid: must be debtor’s choice
or w/ consent of debtor
a. Various debts of the same kind
b. Same debtor
c. Same creditor
d. All debts must be due
• EXCEPTION: there may be application of
payment even if all debts are not yet due if:
a. Parties so stipulate
b. When application of payment is made by the
party for whose benefit the term has been
c. Payment is not enough to extinguish all debts
HOW APPLICATION IS MADE:
a. Debtor makes the designation
b. If not, creditor makes it by so stating in the
receipt that he issues – unless there is cause
for invalidating the contract
c. If neither the debtor nor creditor has made
the application or if the application is not
valid, then application, is made by operation
WHO MAKES APPLICATION OF DEBTS
are needed to see t
• GENERAL RULE: Debtor
• EXCEPTION: Creditor
a. Debtor without protest accepts receipt in
which creditor specified expressly and
unmistakably the obligation to which such
payment was to be applied – debtor in this
case renounced the right of choice
b. When monthly statements were made by the
bank specifying the application and the
debtor signed said statements approving the
status of her account as thus sent to her
monthly by the bank
d. In case no application is made:
• Apply payment to the most onerous
• If debts are of the same nature and
burden, application shall be made to all
2. DACION EN PAGO
DACION EN PAGO – mode of extinguishing an
obligation whereby the debtor alienates in favor of the
creditor property for the satisfaction of monetary debt;
extinguish up to amount of property unless w/
contrary stipulation; A special form of payment
because 1 element of payment is missing: IDENTITY
CONDITIONS FOR A VALID DACION:
a. If creditor consents, for a sale presupposes
the consent of both partie
b. If dacion will not prejudice the other creditors
c. If debtor is not judicially declared insolvent
• NOTE: DACION is governed by the law on sales
4. CESSION or ASSIGNMENT
CESSION/ASSIGNMENT IN FAVOR OF
CREDITORS – the process by which debtor transfer
all the properties not subject to execution in favor of
creditors is that the latter may sell them and thus,
apply the proceeds to their credits; extinguish up to
amount of net proceeds ( unless w/ contrary
stipulation )
KINDS OF ASSIGNMENT:
a. Legal – governed by the insolvency law
b. Voluntary – agreement of creditors
REQUISITES OF VOLUNTARY ASSIGNMENT:
a. More than one debt
b. More than one creditor
c. Complete or partial insolvency of debtor
d. Abandonment of all debtor’s property not
e. Acceptance or consent on the part of the
EFFECTS OF ASSIGNMENT:
a. Creditors do not become the owner; they are
merely assignees with authority to sell
b. Debtor is released up to the amount of the
net proceeds of the sale, unless there is a
stipulation to the contrary
c. Creditors will collect credits in the order of
preference agreed upon, or in default of
agreement, in the order ordinarily established
DATION IN
CESSION IN
One creditor Plurality of creditors
Debtor must b partially
or relatively insolvent
Thing delivered is
Universality of property
of debtor is what is
Payment extinguishes
obligation to the extent
thing delivered as
agreed upon, proved
or implied from the
conduct of the creditor
Merely releases debtor
for net proceeds of
things ceded of,
assigned, unless there
is a contrary intention
TENDER -the act of offering the creditor what is
due him together with a demand that the creditor
accept the same (When creditor refuses w/o just
cause to accept payment, he becomes in mora
accepiendi and debtor is released from
responsibility if he consigns the thing or sum due)
CONSIGNATION – the act of depositing the thing
due with the court or judicial authorities whenever
the creditor cannot accept or refuses to accept
payment; generally requires prior tender of
REQUISITES OF VALID CONSIGNATION:
a. Existence of valid debt
b. Consignation was made because of some
legal cause - previous valid tender was
unjustly refused or circumstances making
previous tender exempt
c. Prior Notice of Consignation had been given
to the person interested in performance of
obligation (1
d. Actual deposit/Consignation with proper
e. Subsequent notice of Consignation (2
EFFECTS: EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATION
a. Debtor may ask judge to order cancellation of
b. Running of interest is suspended
c. Before creditor accepts or before judge
declares consignation has been properly
made, obligation remains ( debtor bears risk
of loss at the meantime, after acceptance by
creditor or after judge declares that
consignation has been properly made – risk
of loss is shifted to creditor)
CONSIGNATION W/O PRIOR TENDER – allowed in:
a. Creditor absent or unknown/ does not appear
at the place of payment
b. Incapacitated to receive payment at the time
c. Refuses to issue receipt w/o just cause
d. 2 or more creditor claiming the same right to
e. Title of obligation has been lost
5. LOSS OF THE THING DUE
LOSS OF THE THING DUE – partial or total/
includes impossibility of performance
WHEN IS THERE A LOSS
a. When the object perishes (physically)
b. When it goes out of commerce
c. When it disappears in such a way that: its
existence is unknown or it cannot be
WHEN IS THERE IMPOSSIBILITY OF
a. Physical impossibility
b. Legal impossibility
i. Directly – caused as when prohibited by
ii. Indirectly – caused as when debtor is
required to enter a military draft
OBLIGATION TO DELIVER A SPECIFIC THING
• GENERAL RULE: Extinguished
a. Debtor is at fault
b. Debtor is made liable for fortuitous event
because of a provision of law, contractual
stipulation or the nature of the obligation
requires assumption of risk on part of debtor
OBLIGATION TO DELIVER A GENERIC THING
• GENERAL RULE: Not extinguished
a. If the generic thing is delimited
b. If the generic thing has already been
c. Monetary obligation
• GENERAL RULE: Debtor is released when
prestation becomes legally or physically
impossible without fault on part of debtor
EFFECT OF PARTIAL LOSS
a. When loss is significant – may be enough to
b. When loss insignificant – not enough to
NOTE: judicial determination of extent is necessary
WHEN THING IS LOST IN THE POSSESSION OF
• Presumption: Loss due to debtor’s fault
• Exception: natural calamity, earthquake, flood,
5. REBUS SIC STANTIBUS
REBUS SIC STANTIBUS - agreement is valid only if
the same conditions prevailing at time of contracting
continue to exist at the time of performance; Obligor
may be released in whole or in part based on this
a. The event or change could not have been
foreseen at the time of the execution of the
b. The performance is extremely difficult, but
not impossible (because if it is impossible, it
is extinguished by impossibility)
c. The event was not due to the act of any of
d. The contract is for a future prestation
6. CONDONATION
d) decompressor
TIFF (Uncompresse
CONDONATION/REMISSION OF THE DEBT –
gratuitous abandonment of debt; right to claim;
donation; rules of donation applies; express or
a. There must be an agreement
b. There must be a subject matter (object of the
remission, otherwise there would be nothing
to condone)
c. Cause of consideration must be liberality
(Essentially gratuitous, an act of liberality )
d. Parties must be capacitated and must
consent; requires acceptance by obligor;
implied in mortis causa and expressed inter
e. Formalities of a donation are required in the
case of an express remission
f. Revocable – subject to rule on inofficious
donation ( excessive, legitime is impaired )
and ingratitude and condition not followed
g. Obligation remitted must have been
demandable at the time of remission
h. Waivers or remission are not to be presumed
Forms: Extent: Kinds:
a. Express –
a. total a. Principal – accessory
also condoned
b. Implied –
b. partial b. accessory – principal
c. accessory obligation
of pledge – condoned;
presumption only,
REQUISITES OF IMPLIED CONDONATION
1. Voluntary delivery – presumption; when
evidence of indebtedness is w/ debtor –
presumed voluntarily delivery by creditor;
2. Effect of delivery of evidence of indebtedness
is conclusion that debt is
condoned – already conclusion; voluntary
delivery of private document
a. If in hands of joint debtor – only his share is
b. If in hands of solidary debtor - whole debt is
c. Tacit – voluntary destruction of instrument by
creditor; made to prescribe w/o demanding
6. CONFUSION OR MERGER
CONFUSION OR MERGER OF RIGHTS– character
of debtor and creditor is merged in same person with
respect to same obligation
a. It must take place between principal debtor
and principal creditor only
b. Merger must be clear and definite
c. The obligation involved must be same and
identical – one obligation only
d. Revocable, if reason for confusion ceases,
the obligation is revived
Set off; it is a mode of extinguishment to the
concurrent amount the obligation of persons who are
in their own right reciprocally debtors or creditors
a. Both parties must be mutually creditors and
debtors - in their own right and as principals
b. Both debts must consist in sum of money or
if consumable , of the same kind or quality
c. Both debts are due
d. Both debts are liquidated and demandable
e. Neither debt must be retained in a
controversy commenced by 3
communicated w/ debtor (neither debt is
garnished)
a. Legal – by operation of law; as long as 5
requisites concur- even if unknown to parties
and if payable in diff places; indemnity for
expense of exchanges; even if not equal
debts – only up to concurring amount
b. Conventional – agreement of parties is
enough, forget other requirement as long as
both consented
c. Facultative – one party has choice of
claiming/opposing one who has benefit of
period may choose to compensate:
i. Not all requisites are present
ii. Depositum; commodatum; criminal
offense; claim for future support; taxes
d. Judicial – set off; upon order of the court;
needs pleading and proof; all requirements
must concur except liquidation
e. Total – when 2 debts are of the same
f. Partial – when 2 debts are not of the same
EFFECT OF ASSIGNMENT OF CREDIT TO 3
PERSON; CAN THERE STILL BE
a. If made after compensation took place – no
effect; compensation already perfected
b. If made before compensation took place –
i. With consent of debtor – debtor is
estopped unless he reserves his right
and gave notice to assignee
ii. With knowledge but w/o consent of
debtor – compensation may be set up as
to debts maturing prior to assignment
iii. W/o knowledge – compensation may be
set-up on all debts prior to his knowledge
extinguishment of obligation by creating/ substituting
a new one in its place
• Changing object or principal conditions
• Substituting person of debtor
• Subrogating 3
person in right of creditor
b. Intent to extinguish old obligation –
expressed or implied:
completely/substantially incompatible old and
new obligation on every point
c. Capacity and consent of parties to the new
EFFECTS OF NOVATION:
a. Extinguishment of principal carries
accessory, except:
i. Stipulation to contrary
ii. Stipulation pour autrui unless beneficiary
iii. Modificatory novation only; obliged to w/c
is less onerous
iv. Old obligation is void
b. Old obligation subsists if new obligation is
void or voidable but annulled already
(except: intention of parties)
i. If Resolutory and it occurred – old
obligation already extinguished; no new
obligation since nothing to novate
ii. If Suspensive and it never occurred –as
if no obligation; also nothing to novate
d. If old obligation has condition, must be
compatible with the new obligation; if new is
w/o condition – deemed attached to new
i. If resolutory: valid
ii. If suspensive and did not materialize:
old obligation is enforced
a. REAL/OBJECTIVE – change object,
cause/consideration or principal condition
i. Substituting person of debtor
• EXPROMISION; initiative is from 3
person or new debtor; new debtor and
creditor to consent; old debtor released
from obligation; subject to full
reimbursement and subrogation if made
w/ consent of old debtor; if w/o consent
or against will , only beneficial
reimbursement; if new debtor is
insolvent, not responsible since w/o his
• DELEGACION; initiative of old debtor; all
parties to consent; full reimbursement; if
insolvent new debtor – not responsible
old debtor because obligation
extinguished by valid novation unless:
insolvency already existing and of public
knowledge or know to him at time of
1. Delegante – old debtor
2. Delegatario - creditor
3. Delegado – new debtor
ii. Subrogating 3
person to rights of
creditor ( active )
1. Conventional - agreement and
consent of all parties; clearly
2. Legal - takes place by operation of
law; no need for consent; not
presumed except as provided for in
a. Creditor pays another preferred
creditor even w/o debtor’s
person not interested in
obligation pays w/ approval of
c. Person interested in fulfillment of
obligation pays debt even w/o
knowledge of debtor
payment by 3
Change of debtor
1. debtor is not
2. can be done w/o
consent of creditor
2. needs consent of creditor
– express or implied
3. one obligation 3. two obligations; one is
extinguished and new one
person has no
obligation to pay if
4. new debtor is obliged to pay
governed by Arts.
governed by Arts. 1624 to 1627
debtor’s consent is
debtor’s consent is not required
obligation and gives
rise to a new one
transmission of right of the
creditor to third person without
modifying or extinguishing the
defects and vices in
the old obligation
defects and vices in the old
obligation and not cured
takes effect upon
moment of novation
or subrogation
as far as the debtor is
concerned, takes effect upon
TITLE II – C O N T R A C T S
See Arts. 1305 - 1317
1. Autonomy of wills – parties may stipulate
anything as long as not illegal, immoral, etc.
2. Mutuality – performance or validity binds both
parties; not left to will of one of parties
3. Obligatory Force – parties are bound from
perfection of contract:
4. Fulfill what has been expressly stipulated
5. All consequences w/c may be in keeping with
good faith, usage and law
6. Relativity – binding only between the parties,
their assigns, heirs; strangers cannot demand
EXCEPTION TO RELATIVITY:
1. Accion pauliana
2. Accion directa
3. Stipulation pour autrui
1. Parties must have clearly and deliberately
conferred a favor upon a 3
2. The stipulation in favor of a 3
a part of, not the whole contract
3. That the favorable stipulation should not be
conditioned or compensated by any kind of
4. Neither of the contracting parties bears the legal
representation or authorization of 3
5. The third person communicates his acceptance
before revocation by the original parties
6. Art 1312; Art 1314
2. Knowledge of the contract by a 3
3. Interference by the 3
1. As to perfection or formation
a. Consensual – perfected by agreement of
b. Real – perfected by delivery ( commodatum,
pledge, deposit )
c. Formal/solemn – perfected by conformity to
essential formalities (donation )
2. As to cause
a. Onerous – with valuable consideration
b. Gratuitous – founded on liberality
c. Remunerative – prestation is given for
service previously rendered not as obligation
3. As to importance or dependence of one upon
a. Principal – contract may stand alone
b. Accessory – depends on another contract
for its existence; may not exist on its own
c. Preparatory – not an end by itself; a means
through which future contracts may be made
4. As to parties obliged
a. Unilateral – only one of the parties has an
b. Bilateral – both parties are required to
render reciprocal prestations
5. As to name or designation
b. Innominate
I. Do ut des – I give that you may give
II. Do ut facias – I give that you may do
III. Facio ut des – I do that you may give
IV. Facio ut facias – I do that you may do
3. Consummation – performance
CHAPTER 2. – ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF A
See Arts. 1318 - 1355
E SS E NT I A L E L E ME NT S :
CONSENT – meeting of minds between parties on
subject matter and cause of contract; concurrence of
1. Plurality of subject
3. Intelligence and free will
4. Manifestation of intent of parties
5. Cognition by the other party
6. Conformity of manifestation and cognition
• made by a person acting in another’s name in
• will of majority binds a minority to an agreement
notwithstanding the opposition of the latter
• one party has already a prepared form of a
contract, containing the stipulations he desires,
and he simply asks the other party to agree to
them if he wants to enter into the contract
• NOTE: We follow the theory of cognition and not
the theory of manifestation. Under our Civil Law,
the offer and acceptance concur only when the
offeror comes to know, and not when the offeree
merely manifests his acceptance
ELEMENTS OF VALID OFFER / ELEMENTS OF
1. Definite--unequivocal
2. Complete--unconditional
1. Death, civil interdiction, insanity or insolvency of
either party before acceptance is conveyed
2. Express or implied revocation of the offer by the
3. Qualified or conditional acceptance of the offer,
which becomes a counter-offer
4. Subject matter becomes illegal or impossible
before acceptance is communicated
a. Offer is made to a person present –
acceptance must be made immediately
b. Offer is made to a person absent –
acceptance may be made within such time
that, under normal circumstances, an answer
can be received from him
• NOTE: Acceptance may be revoked before it
comes to the knowledge of the offerror.
AMPLIFIED ACCEPTANCE
• under certain circumstances, a mere
amplification on the offer must be understood as
an acceptance of the original offer, plus a new
offer which is contained in the amplification.
RULE ON COMPLEX OFFERS
1. Offers are interrelated – contract is perfected if
all the offers are accepted
2. Offers are not interrelated – single acceptance
of each offer results in a perfected contract
unless the offeror has made it clear that one is
dependent upon the other and acceptance of
both is necessary.
Malbarosa vs. CA 2003 G.R.12576 - Offer
inter praesentes must be accepted
IMMEDIATELY. If the parties intended that there
should be an express acceptance, the contract
will be perfected only upon knowledge by the
offeror of the express acceptance by the offeree
of the offer. An acceptance which is not made in
the manner prescribe by the offeror is NOT
EFFECTIVE, BUT A COUNTER-OFFER which
the offeror may accept or reject.
RULE ON ADVERTISEMENTS AS OFFERS
• Business advertisements – Not a definite offer,
but mere invitation to make an offer, unless it
appears otherwise
• Advertisement for Bidders – only invitation to
make proposals and advertiser is not bound to
accept the highest or lowest bidder, unless
*Ang Yu v. CA (1994) states that a unilateral
promise to buy or sell, if not supported by a distinct
consideration, may be withdrawn but may not be
done whimsically or arbitrarily; the right of the
grantee here is damages and not specific
performance; Equatorial v. Mayfair(264 SCRA 483)
held that an option clause in order to be valid and
enforceable must indicate the definite price at which
the person granting the option is willing to sell,
contract can be enforced and not only damages;
Paranaque Kings V CA (1997) states that right of
OPTION - option may be withdrawn anytime before
acceptance is communicated but not when supported
by a consideration other than purchase price: option
PERSONS WHO CANNOT GIVE CONSENT TO A
3. Illiterates/ deaf-mutes who do not know how to
5. Art 1331 - person under mistake; mistake may
deprive intelligence
6. Art 1338 - person induced by fraud (dolo
• NOTE: Dolus bonus (usual exaggerations in
trade) are not in themselves fraudulent
RULE ON CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY
• GENERAL RULE: VOIDABLE
a. Upon reaching age of majority – they ratify
b. They were entered unto by a guardian and
the court having jurisdiction had approved
c. They were contracts for necessities such as
food, but here the persons who are bound to
give them support should pay therefor
d. Minor is estopped for having misrepresented
his age and misled the other party (when age
is close to age of majority as in the Mercado
v Espiritu and Sia Suan v Alcantara cases.
*In the Sia Suan v Alcantara case, there is a
strong dissent by J.Padilla to the effect that the
minor cannot be estopped if he is too young to give
consent; one that is too young to give consent is
too young to be estopped. Subsequently, in
Braganza v Villa-Abrille, the dissent became the
ruling. Minors could not be estopped.
DISQUALIFIED TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS:
(contracts entered into are void)
5. Those who by reason of age, disease, weak mind
and other similar causes, cannot without outside
aid, take care of themselves and manage their
property, becoming an easy prey for deceit and
Incapacity Disqualification
Restrains the exercise
of the right to contract
Restrains the very right
May still enter into
parent, guardian or
legal represemtative
Based upon subjective
Based upon public policy
are merely voidable
a. Irresistible physical force
b. Such force is the determining cause for
d. Produces a well grounded fear that the
person making it will carry it over
1. Absolute – no intention to be bound at all,
fictitious only – void from beginning
2. Relative – there is intention to be bound but
concealed; concealed contract binds:
a. No prejudice to 3
b. Not contrary to law, morals, etc.
1. Within the commerce of man - either existing or
2. Licit or not contrary to law, good customs
4. Determinate as to its kind or determinable w/o
need to enter into a new contract
THINGS WHICH CANNOT BE THE OBJECT OF
1. things which are outside the commerce of men
2. intransmissible rights
3. future inheritance, except in cases expressly
4. services which are contrary to law, morals, good
customs, public order or public policy
5. impossible things or services
6. objects which are not possible of determination
as to their kind
• immediate, direct and most proximate reason
why parties enter into contract
• purely private reason; illegality does not
invalidate contract except when it predetermines
purpose of contract; when merged into one
Cause Motive
Direct and most
proximate reason of a
Indirect or remote
Objective and juridical
Psychological or purely
Cause us always same
for each contracting
The motive differs for
each contracting party
• NOTE: Legality or illegality of cause affects the
existence of validity of the contract; Legality or
illegality of motive does not affect the existence
or validity of contract
CAUSA IN SOME CONTRACTS:
1. Onerous contracts – the prestation of promise
of a thing or service by the other
2. Remuneratory contracts – the service or benefit
3. Pure Beneficence – mere liberality of the donor
4. Accessory – identical with cause of principal
contract, the loan which it derived its life and
existence (ex: mortgage or pledge)
CHAPTER 3. – FORM OF CONTRACTS
See Arts. 1356 - 1358
FORM – in some kind of contracts only as contracts
are generally consensual; form is a manner in which
a contract is executed or manifested
1. Informal – may be entered into whatever form
as long as there is consent, object and cause
2. Formal – required by law to be in certain
specified form such as: donation of real property,
stipulation to pay interest, transfer of large cattle,
sale of land thru agent, contract of antichresis,
contract of partnership, registration of chattel
Void - produce no legal effect
Voidable – party must prove that
cause is untruthful; presumption of
validity but rebuttable
Causa Not
Presumed to Exist - burden of proof is
on the person assailing its existence
Of Causa
Does not Invalidate Contract per se
• cases specified by law
mortgage, donation of personal prop in excess of
3. Real – creation of real rights over immovable
prop must be written
1. For validity (formal/solemn contracts)
2. For enforceability (statute of frauds)
• GENERAL RULE: contract is valid and binding in
whatever form provided that 3 essential
requisites concur
a. Law requires contract to be in some form
for validity - donation and acceptance of
b. Law requires contract to be in some form to
be enforceable - Statute of Frauds; contract
is valid but right to enforce cannot be
exercised; need ratification to be
c. Law requires contract to be in some form
for convenience - contract is valid and
enforceable, needed only to bind 3rd
Ex: public documents needed for the ff:
i. Contracts w/c object is creation,
transmission or reformation of real
rights over immovables
ii. Cession, repudiation, renunciation of
hereditary rights/CPG
iii. Power to administer property for
iv. Cession of action of rights proceeding
from an act appearing in a public inst.
v. All other docs where amount involved
is in excess of 500 ( must be written
even private docs )
• NOTE: RA 8792 (E-COMMERCE ACT) – formal
requirements to make contracts effective as
against third persons and to establish the
existence of acontract are deemed complied with
provided that the electronic document is
unaltered and can be authenticated as to be
useable for future reference.
CHAPTER 4. – REFORMATION OF INSTRUMENTS
See Arts. 1359 - 1369
REFORMATION OF CONTRACTS – remedy to
conform to real intention of parties due to mistake,
fraud, inequitable conduct, accident
1. Mutual: instrument includes something w/c should
not be there or omit what should be there
c. clear and convincing proof
d. causes failure of instrument to express true
a. one party was mistaken
b. other either acted fraudulently or inequitably
or knew but concealed
c. party in good faith may ask for reformation
3. Mistake by 3rd persons – due to ignorance, lack
of skill, negligence , bad faith of drafter, clerk,
4. Others specified by law – to avoid frustration of
a. There is a written instrument
b. There is meeting of minds
c. True intention not expressed in instrument
e. Facts put in issue in pleadings
• NOTE: prescribes in 10 years from date of
WHEN REFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE:
1. Simple donation inter vivos
3. When real agreement is void
4. Estoppel when party has brought suit to enforce it
CHAPTER 5. – INTERPRETATION OF
See Arts. 1370 - 1379
CHAPTER 6. - DEFECTIVE CONTRACTS
See Arts. 1370 - 1422
1. RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS – Those which
have caused a particular economic damage
either to one of the parties or to a 3
which may be set aside even if valid. It may be
set aside in whole or in part, to the extent of the
damage caused'
a. Contract must be rescissible
i. Under art 1381: Contracts entered into by
persons exercising fiduciary capacity:
1. Entered into by guardian whenever
ward suffers damage by more than
1/4 of value of object
2. Agreed upon in representation of
absentees, if absentee suffers lesion
by more than ¼ of value of property
3. Contracts where rescission is based
on fraud committed on creditor
(accion pauliana)
4. Objects of litigation; contract entered
into by defendant w/o knowledge or
approval of litigants or judicial
5. Payment by an insolvent – on debts
w/c are not yet due; prejudices claim
6. Provided for by law - art 1526, 1534,
1538, 1539, 1542, 1556, 1560, 1567
and 1659
ii. Under art 1382 - Payments made in a
1. Plaintiff has no other means to obtain
2. Plaintiff must be able to return
whatever he may be obliged to return
due to rescission
3. The things must not have been
passed to 3
parties who did not act
4. It must be made within the
prescribed period (of 4 years)
OBLIGATION CREATED BY THE RESCISSION OF
THE CONTRACT: Mutual Restitution
a. Things w/c are the objects of the contract
b. Price with interest
MUTUAL RESTITUTION NOT APPLICABLE WHEN
a. creditor did not receive anything from
b. thing already in possession of party in good
faith; subject to indemnity only; if there are 2
or more alienations – liability of 1
a. consideration of the conveyance is
inadequate or fictitious
b. transfer was made by a debtor after a suit
has been begun and while it is pending
c. sale upon credit by an insolvent debtor
d. evidence of indebtedness or complete
e. transfer of all his property by a debtor when
he is financially embarrassed or insolvent
f. transfer made between father and son where
there is present any of the above
g. failure of the vendee to take exclusive
Rescission in Art
Rescission Proper in
It is a principal action
retaliatory in character
it is a subsidiary remedy
Only ground is non-
obligation or what is
There are 5 grounds to
rescind. Non-
performance by the other
Applies to both unilateral
and reciprocal obligations
Only a party to the
contract may demand
fulfillment or seek the
rescission of the
Even a third person who
is prejudiced by the
contract may demand the
Court may fix a period
or grant extension of
time for the fulfillment
Court cannot grant
Its purpose is to cancel
Its purpose is to seek
reparation for the damage
or injury caused, thus
allowing partial rescission
2. VOIDABLE CONTRACTS – intrinsic defect; valid
until annulled; defect is due to vice of consent or
b. May be assailed or attacked only in an action
c. Can be confirmed ( NOTE: confirmation is
the proper term for curing the defect of a
voidable contract)
d. Can be assailed only by the party whose
consent was defective or his heirs or assigns
a. Minors ( below 18 )
b. Insane unless acted in lucid interval
c. Deaf mute who can’t read or write
d. Persons specially disqualified: civil
e. In state of drunkenness
f. In state of hypnotic spell
• false belief into something
a. Refers to the subject of the thing which is the
b. Refers to the nature of the contract
c. Refers to the principal conditions in an
d. Error as to person - when it is the principal
e. Error as to legal effect - when mistake is
mutual and frustrates the real purpose of
• serious or irresistible force is employed to wrest
• one party is compelled by a reasonable and well-
grounded fear of an imminent and grave danger
upon person and property of himself, spouse,
ascendants or descendants (moral coercion)
• person takes improper advantage of his power
over will of another depriving latter of reasonable
Martinez vs. Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, 12
Phil 252, The doctrine on reluctant consent
provides that a contract is still valid even if one of
the parties entered it against his wishes or even
against his better judgment. Contracts are also
valid even though they are entered into by one of
the parties without hope of advantage or profit.
• thru insidious words or machinations of
contracting parties, other is induced to enter into
contract w/o w/c he will not enter (dolo causante)
KINDS OF FRAUD IN THE PERFORMANCE OF
OBLIGATION OR CONTRACTS
a. Causal Fraud (dolo causante) – deception of
serious charcter without which the other party
would not have entered into; contract is
VOIDABLE (Art. 1338)
b. Incidental Fraud (dolo incidente) –
deception which are not serious and without
which the other party would still have entered
into the contract; holds the guilty party liable
for DAMAGES (Art. 1344)
c. Tolerated Fraud – includes minimizing the
defects of the thing, exaggeration of its god
qualities and giving it qualities it does not
have; LAWFUL misrepresentation
• Expression of an opinion – not fraud unless
made by expert and other party relied on the
former’s special knowledge
• Fraud by third person – does not vitiate
consent; only action for damages except if there
is collusion between one party and the third
person, or resulted to substantial mistake, mutual
CAUSES OF EXTINCTION OF ACTION TO ANNUL
a. PRESCRIPTION - Period to bring an action
i. Intimidation, violence, undue influence -
4 years from time defect of consent
ii. Mistake, fraud – 4 years from time of
iii. Incapacity - From time guardianship
Carantes vs. CA, 76 SCRA 514, discovery of
fraud must be reckoned to have taken place from
the time the document was registered in the
office of the register of deeds. Registration
constitutes constructive notice to the whole world
i. knowledge of reason rendering contract
ii. such reason must have ceased, except in
case of ratification effected by the guardian
to contracts entered into by an
iii. the injured party must have executed an
act which expressly or impliedly conveys
an intention to waive his right
c. LOSS OF THE THING which is the object of
the contract through fraud or fault of the
person who is entitled to annul the contract
• NOTE: Object is lost through a fortuitous
event, the contract can still be annulled, but
the person obliged to return the same can be
held liable only for the value of the thing at
the time of the loss, but without interest
• Ratification cleanses the contract of its
defects from the moment it was constituted.
3. UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACT – valid but
cannot compel its execution unless ratified;
Deleted: (9a)
extrinsic defect; produce legal effects only after
a. Unauthorized or No sufficient authority –
entered into in the name of another when:
i. No authority conferred
ii. In excess of authority conferred ( ultra
b. Curable by Ratification - Both parties
incapable of giving consent -2 minor or 2
c. Curable by Acknowledgment - Failure to
comply with Statute of Frauds
i. Agreement to be performed within a year
after making contract
ii. Special promise to answer for debt,
default or miscarriage of another
iii. Agreement made in consideration of
iv. Agreement for sale of goods, chattels or
things in action at price not less than
500; exception: auction when recorded
sale in sales book
v. Agreement for lease of property for more
than one year and sale of real property
vi. Representation as to credit of another
TWO WAYS OF CURING UNENFORCEABLE
a. Failure of defendant to object in time, to
the presentation of parole evidence in court,
the defect of unenforceability is cured
b. Acceptance of benefits under the
contract. If there is performance in either
part and there is acceptance of performance,
it takes it out of unenforceable contracts; also
estoppel sets in by accepting performance,
the defect is waived
a. It produces no effect whatsoever either
against or in favor of anyone
b. There is no action for annulment necessary
as such is ipso jure. A judicial declaration to
d. If performed, restoration is in order, except if
pari delicto will apply
e. The right to set up the defense of nullity
g. Anyone may invoke the nullity of the contract
whenever its juridical effects are asserted
a. Those lacking in essential elements: no
consent, no object, no cause (inexistent
ones) – essential formalities are not complied
with ( ex: donation propter nuptias – should
conform to formalities of a donation to be
i. Those w/c are absolutely simulated or
fictitious – no cause
ii. Those which cause or object did not exist
at the time of the transaction – no
cause/object
iii. Those whose object is outside the
commerce of man – no object
iv. Those w/c contemplate an impossible
service – no object
v. Those w/c intention of parties relative to
principal object of the contract cannot be
b. Prohibited by law
c. Those expressly prohibited or declared
void by law - Contracts w/c violate any legal
provision, whether it amounts to a crime or
d. Illegal/Illicit ones – Those whose cause,
object or purpose is contrary to law, morals,
good customs, public order or public policy ;
Ex: Contract to sell marijuana
PARI DELICTO DOCTRINE
• Both parties are guilty, no action against each
other; those who come in equity must come with
clean hands; applies only to illegal contracts and
not to inexistent contracts; does not apply when a
superior public policy intervenes
• EXCEPTION TO PARI DELICTO RULE - If
purpose has not yet been accomplished and If
damage has not been caused to any 3
a. Payment of Usurious interest
b. payment of money or delivery of property for
an illegal purpose, where the party who paid
or delivered repudiates the contract before
the purpose has been accomplished, or
before any damage has been caused to a 3
c. payment of money or delivery of property
made by an incapacitated person
d. agreement or contract which is not illegal per
se and the prohibition is esigned for the
protection of the plaintiff
e. payment of any amount in excess of the
maximum price of any article or commodity
fixed by law or regulation by competent
f. contract whereby a laborer undertakes to
work longer than the maximum number of
hours fixed by law
g. one who lost in gambling because of
fraudulent schemes practiced on him is
allowed to recover his losses (Art. 313 RPC)
even if gambling is prohibited.
REQUISITES OF ILLEGAL CONTRACTS:
a. Contract is for an illegal purpose
b. Contract must be repudiated by any of the
parties before purpose is accomplished or
damage is caused to 3
c. Court believes that public interest will be
served by allowing recovery (discretionary
upon the court ) – based on remorse;
illegality is accomplished when parties
entered into contract; before it takes effect
– party w/c is remorseful prevents it
WHERE LAWS ARE ISSUED TO PROTECT
CERTAIN SECTORS: CONSUMER PROTECTION,
LABOR, USURY LAW
a. Consumer protection – if price of
commodity is determined by statute, any
person paying an amount in excess of the
maximum price allowed may recover such
b. Labor – if law sets the minimum wage for
laborers, any laborer who agreed to receive
less may still be entitled to recover the
deficiency; if law set max working hours
and laborer who undertakes to work longer
may demand additional compensation
c. Interest paid in excess of the interest
allowed by the usury law may be
recovered by debtor with interest from date
a. If one party is incapacitated, courts may
allow recovery of money, property delivered
by incapacitated person in the interest of
justice; pari delicto cannot apply because an
but is ILLEGAL
/UNLAWFUL PER SE
a. No action for
h. No action for
restitution on
i. Both shall be
j. Thing/price to
b. No action for
either side. The
law will leave
c. No confiscation
b. Innocent party
c. Guilty party is
d. Guilty party will
e. Instrument of
crime will be
favor of gov’t.
b. Innocent party is
1. estoppel in pais (by conduct) incapacitated person does not know what he
is entering into; unable to understand the
c. estoppel by silence
d. estoppel by acceptance of benefits
2. Technical estoppel
a. Estoppel by deed
b. Estoppel by record
b. If agreement is not illegal per se but merely
prohibited and prohibition is designated for
the protection of the plaintiff – may recover
what he has paid or delivered by virtue of
c. Estoppel by judgment
d. Estoppel by laches
LACHES OR STALE DEMANDS
• GENERAL RULE: parties should return to each
other what they have given by virtue of the void
contract in case
• Failure or neglect, for an unreasonable and
unexplained length of time to do that which, by
exercising due diligence, could or should have
been done earlier; it is negligence or omission to
assert a right within reasonable time warranting a
presumption that the party entitled to assert it
either has abandoned it or declined to assert it
• Where nullity arose from defect in essential
a. return object of contract and fruits
b. return price plus interest
• EXCEPTION: No recovery can be had in cases
where nullity of contract arose from illegality of
contract where parties are in pari delicto; except:
a. incapacitated – not obliged to return what he
gave but may recover what he has given
1. conduct on part of the defendant, or of one under
which complaint is made and for which the
complaint seeks a remedy
2. delay in asserting the complainant’s rights, the
complainant having knowledge or notice, of the
defendant’s conduct and having been afforded
the opportunity to institute a suit
3. lack of knowledge or notice on the part of the
right on which he bases his suit
TITLE 3. – NATURAL OBLIGATIONS
See Arts. 1423 - 1430
• they are real obligations to which the law denies
an action, but which the debtor may perform
4. injury to the defendant in the event relief is
accorded to the complainant, or the suit in not
• It is patrimonial, and presupposes a prestation.
• The binding tie of these obligations is in the
conscience of man, for under the law, they do not
have the necessary efficacy to give rise to an
LACHES PRESCRIPTION
Concerned with fact of delay
inequity of
Question or matter of time
Not statutory Statutory
ENUMERATED UNDER THE CIVIL CODE:
1. Performance after the civil obligation has
2. reimbursement of a third person for a debt that
has prescribed
3. restitution by minor after annulment of contract
4. Delivery by minor of money or fungible thing in
fulfillment of obligation
Applies in equity Applies at law
5. Performance after action to enforce civil
obligation has failed
Not based on a
Based on a fixed time
6. payment by heir of debt exceeding value of
property inherited
7. payment of legacy after will have been declared
TITLE 4. – ESTOPPEL
See Arts. 1431 - 1439
ESTOPPEL - a condition or state by virtue of
which an admission or representation is redered
conclusive upon the person making it and
cannot be denied or disproved as against the
person relying thereon.