This document discusses the various sources of obligations under Philippine law, including law, contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts, and quasi-delicts. It provides examples of cases that illustrate how these different sources can give rise to obligations both separately and simultaneously. Specifically, it examines a case where a school was held liable for breach of contract as well as quasi-delict obligations stemming from the same incident involving a shooting of a student. The document also explores obligations arising from unilateral promises, pre-contractual agreements, and quasi-contracts like negotiorum gestio (officious management) and solutio indebiti (payment of a thing not due).
This document discusses the various sources of obligations under Philippine law, including law, contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts, and quasi-delicts. It provides examples of cases that illustrate how these different sources can give rise to obligations both separately and simultaneously. Specifically, it examines a case where a school was held liable for breach of contract as well as quasi-delict obligations stemming from the same incident involving a shooting of a student. The document also explores obligations arising from unilateral promises, pre-contractual agreements, and quasi-contracts like negotiorum gestio (officious management) and solutio indebiti (payment of a thing not due).
This document discusses the various sources of obligations under Philippine law, including law, contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts, and quasi-delicts. It provides examples of cases that illustrate how these different sources can give rise to obligations both separately and simultaneously. Specifically, it examines a case where a school was held liable for breach of contract as well as quasi-delict obligations stemming from the same incident involving a shooting of a student. The document also explores obligations arising from unilateral promises, pre-contractual agreements, and quasi-contracts like negotiorum gestio (officious management) and solutio indebiti (payment of a thing not due).
This document discusses the various sources of obligations under Philippine law, including law, contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts, and quasi-delicts. It provides examples of cases that illustrate how these different sources can give rise to obligations both separately and simultaneously. Specifically, it examines a case where a school was held liable for breach of contract as well as quasi-delict obligations stemming from the same incident involving a shooting of a student. The document also explores obligations arising from unilateral promises, pre-contractual agreements, and quasi-contracts like negotiorum gestio (officious management) and solutio indebiti (payment of a thing not due).
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QUESTION:
What are the SOURCES OF
OBLIGATIONS which binds the parties? ANSWER: 1. Law 2. Contracts 3. Quasi-Contracts 4. Delicts 5. Quasi Delicts (Art. 1157)
UNILATERAL PROMISES; a source of obligation GENERALLY a unilateral promise before acceptance is not binding, EXCEPT by a unilateral declaration of the will with intent to be bound to a particular person.
QUESTION: Is the enumeration exclusive? ANSWER: YES. The enumeration is exclusive as provided in the case of Sagrada Orden vs. Nacoco where the SC rationalized that (not in the express manner).
QUESTION: Give an instance where 2 or more sources of obligation exist at the same time? ANSWER: In the case Saludaga v. FEU, April 30, 2008 the court ruled that the school shall be held liable for damages for breach of contract in the schools obligation to provide students with a safe and secure learning atmosphere. FEU breached the school-student contract for negligence on its obligation to ensure and take adequate steps to maintain peace and order within the campus. It found that FEU had failed to undertake measures to ascertain and confirm that the security guards assigned in the campus possess the qualifications required in the Security Service Agreement between FEU and Galaxy (Security agency). The Court also ordered Galaxy and its president, Mariano D. Imperial, to jointly and severally pay FEU damages equivalent to the amount awarded to Saludaga for acts of negligence that resulted to FEUs breach of obligation to its student. Galaxy was found negligent in the selection and supervision of its employees, as supported by the lack of administrative sanction against Alejandro Rosete, the security guard who shot Saludaga. Rosete, who was instead allowed to go on leave after the shooting incident, eventually disappeared. Hence, contract and quasi delict was applied at the same incident to hold the above named parties liable.
<<ANOTHER CASE>> CU: The security guard shot a movie goer because the latter tried to hack the former with a bolo. Because of this incident the heirs of the deceased filed a criminal case against the security guard. The case was dismissed, as a result of which the guard incurred expenses for the payment of his attorney and demands reimbursement from his employer. In this case, the employer is not liable to reimburse his employee to reimburse the expenses incurred by the employee in defending himself primarily because there is no law requiring such employer to reimburse. The fact that the direct and proximate cause of the expenses incurred in defending himself was derived from the performance of his function does not make the employer liable because there is an efficient intervening causewhich is the filing of the cases based on malicious prosecution.
1. LAW Art. 1158. Obligations derived from law are not presumed. Only those expressly determined in this Code or in special laws are demandable, and shall be regulated by the precepts of law which establishes them; and as to what has not been foreseen, by the provisions of this book.
E.g. The giving of legal assistance to the employee is not a legal obligation. While it might and possibly be regarded as a moral obligation, it does not at present count with the legal sanction of any man made law. If the employer is not legally obliged to give legal assistance to its employee to provide him with a lawyer, said employee cannot recover from the employer the amount he paid a lawyer hired by him.
QUESTION: In obligations arising from law, who has the burden of proving the same? ANSWER: Generally, the person who alleges a fact has the burden of proving the same. However, there are certain facts which need not be proven. There is no need to allege such facts because the law presumes the existence of a right and presumes the existence of a fact.
QUESTION: Who has the burden of proof in obligations arising from contracts? ANSWER: The obligee has the burden of proof. Because in Art.1158, as expressly provided, obligations arising from law are not presumed. This is one instance where there is no presumption not to allege facts.
***The princess of stars: One of the deceased caused by the sinking of the ship was buried by a third person and asking later on for reimbursement from the decedents aunt on the expenses for the burial. Here there is an obligation arising from such act base on quasi contract under Art. 2164 (other quasi contracts) and under such provision only persons obliged to give support can be compelled to reimburse. In this case, since the aunt is not one of those persons obliged to give support, she cannot be compelled to reimburse the expenses for burial.
2. CONTRACTS Art. 1159. Obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the contracting parties and should be complied with in good faith. Note: This provision presupposes that the contract is valid and enforceable. The same should not be contrary to law, morals, good customs, public policy or public order.
E.g. A contract stipulating that non payment of the loan considers the house and lot sold. This is a case of contract of loan and a promise of sale of a house and lot. Such contracts are perfectly legal, the agreement is the law between them, and must be enforced.
E.g. The validity of restraints upon trade or employment is to be determined by the intrinsic reasonableness of the restriction in each case, rather than by any fixed rule, and such restriction may be upheld when not contrary to public welfare and not greater than is necessary to afford a fair and reasonable protection to the party in whose favor it is imposed. The contract in question is not obnoxious to the rule of reasonableness. While such restraint, if imposed as a condition of the employment of a day laborer, would at once be rejected as merely arbitrary and wholly unnecessary to the protection of the employer, it does not seem so with respect to an employee whose duties are such of necessity to give him an insight into the general scope and details of his employers business. The contract in this case, considering the circumstances, is not unreasonable. It must therefore be enforced. The rule in this jurisdiction have the force of law between the contracting parties.
PRE-CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS; when binding; gives rise to liability If the offer by one party is clear and definite, leading the offeree in good faith to incur expenses in the expectation of entering into the contract; and the withdrawal of the offer is without any legitimate cause.
3. QUASI CONTRACTS
Kinds of Quasi Contracts
1. Solution Indebiti 2. Negotorium Gestio 3. Other Quasi Contracts
1. Negotiorum gestio (officious management) Art 214. Whoever voluntarily takes charge of the agency or management of the business or property of another, without any power from the latter, is obliged to continue the same until the termination of the affair and its incidents, or to require the person concerned to substitute him, if the owner is in a position to do so. This juridical relation DOES NOT ARISE in either of these instances: 1) When the property or business is not neglected or abandoned 2) If in fact the manager has been tacitly authorized by the owner
2. Solutio Indebiti (payment not due) Art 2154. If something is received when there is no right to demand it, and it was unduly delivered through mistake, the obligation to return it arises.
3. Other quasi-contracts (support given by strangers and other Good Samaritans)
Art 216 4 When, without the knowledge of the person obliged to give support, it is given by a stranger, the latter shall have a right to claim the same from the former, UNLESS it appears that he gave it out of piety and without intention of being repaid. Art 216 5 When funeral expenses are borne by a third person, without the knowledge of those relatives who were obliged to give support to the deceased, said relatives shall reimburse the third person, should the latter claim reimbursement. Art 216 6 When the person obliged to support an orphan, or an insane or other indigent person unjustly refuses to give support to the latter, any third person may furnish support to the needy individual, with right of reimbursement from the person obliged to give support. The provisions of this article apply when the father or mother of a child under eighteen years of age unjustly refuses to support him. Art 216 7 When through an accident or other cause a person is injured or becomes seriously ill, and he is treated or helped while he is not in a condition to give consent to a contract, he shall be liable to pay for the services of the physician or other person aiding him, UNLESS the service has been rendered out of pure generosity. Art 216 8 When during a fire, flood, storm, or other calamity, property is saved from destruction by another person without the knowledge of the owner, the latter is bound to pay the former just compensation. Art 216 9 When the government, upon the failure of any person to comply with health or safety regulations concerning property, undertakes to do the necessary work, even over his objection, he shall be liable to pay the expenses. Art 217 0 When by accident or other fortuitous event, movables separately pertaining to two or more persons are commingled or confused, the rules on co-ownership shall be applicable Art 217 1 The rights and obligations of the finder of lost personal property shall be governed by Articles 719 and 720. Art 217 2 The right of every possessor in good faith to reimbursement for necessary and useful expenses is governed by Article 546. Art 217 3 When a third person, without the knowledge of the debtor, pays the debt, the rights of the former are governed by Articles 1236 (recover what has been beneficial to debtor) and 1237 (cannot compel creditor to subrogate payor in his rights). Art 217 4 When in a small community a nationality of the inhabitants of age decide upon a measure for protection against lawlessness, fire, flood, storm or other calamity, any one who objects to the plan and refuses to contribute to the expenses but is benefited by the project as executed shall be liable to pay his share of said expenses Art 217 5 Any person who is constrained to pay the taxes of another shall be entitled to reimbursement from the latter.
Basis of Quasi Contracts: Art. 2142. Certain lawful, voluntary and unilateral acts give rise to the juridical relation of quasi contract to the end that no one shall be unjustly enriched at the expense of another. The enumeration of the provisions for quasi contracts, not exclusive: Art. 2143. The provisions for quasi contracts in this Chapter do not exclude other quasi contracts which may come within the purview of the preceding article. Note: Even if not so provided by law it may be considered as falling within the purview of quasi contract when it is lawful, unilateral and voluntary, and the underlying principle is that no one shall be unjustly enriched at the expense of another.
QUESTION: Will there be any liability even if no one has been unjustly enriched? ANSWER: In case of negotorium gestio, the owner has the obligation to reimburse the gestor even if the latter has not been unjustly enriched. Therefore it would appear that the principles behind quasi contracts does not really fall under the principle of unjust enrichment. The principle behind this obligation is implied contracts, which is the consent given by the obligor.
QUESTION: The owner left his house for a short vacation, the very night they lefts, their house was burned, the neighbors saved some of their appliances. Is there negotorium gestio in this case? ANSWER: The appliances are not under the management of the gestor and that there must be abandonment and neglect of the property. This case therefore falls under other quasi contracts.
4. ACTS OR OMISSIONS PUNISHED BY LAW (DELI CTS) Under Art. 100 of the RPC provides that every person criminally liable is also civilly liable. This however is not absolutely true because there are certain felonies where no civil liability will arise even if convicted of a crime. This is because there is no private offended party in some crimes.
Under Art. 104 of the RPC in addition to civil liability, restitution, reparation of damage caused, indemnification of consequential damages.
Note: It is not correct to say that every time a person is held criminally liable under this source of obligation all these kinds of liability (restitution, reparation of damage caused, and indemnification of consequential damages) would arise.
Note: In J USTI FYI NG AND EXEMPTI NG circumstances though a person is not held criminally liable does not necessarily mean that he is not civilly liable.
In justifying circumstances, GENERALLY there would be no civil liability, EXCEPT in paragraph 4 where it provides that: Any person who, in order to avoid an evil or injury, does not act which causes damage to another, PROVIDED THAT THE FOLLOWING REQUISITES ARE PRESENT: First. That the evil sought to be avoided actually exists; Second. That the injury feared be greater than that done to avoid it; Third. That there be no other practical and less harmful means of preventing it.
In EXEMPTI NG CI RCUMSTANCES, GENERALLY there is civil liability EXCEPt paragraph 4 where it provides that: Any person who, while performing a lawful act with due care, causes an injury by mere accident without fault or intention of causing it.
Note: If there is no criminal conviction, this source of obligation will not arise but may arise from other source of obligation or quasi delict.
4. CULPA AQUILIANA (QUASI DELI CT)
QUESTION: Is culpa extra contractual an appropriate name for quasi delict? NO.
In the case of Gangco vs. MRR (38 Phil 768) obligations can be classified either from contractual obligations and extra contractual obligations. As to obligations where the source is not a contract, it can be called extra contractual obligations.
Therefore culpa extra contractual means negligence outside of a contract.
QUESTION: If there is negligence outside of a contract does it mean that it would fall under quasi delict? ANSWER: Not necessarily because there are 4 other sources of obligations outside of a contract like negligence arising from law, but the source would be the law.
In quasi contracts, under negotorium gestio, the negligence of the gestor does not necessarily mean that it would fall under quasi delict because it would fall under quasi contracts.
Note: The use of the word culpa extra-contractual nowadays are no longer used by the Supreme Court. Commonly what is used is the word torts.
QUESTION: Is torts an appropriate term for quasi delict? ANSWER: Torts as a name is not appropriate because it is more encompassing as it would include acts which could not be the basis of an action under quasi delict. Torts would include malicious act, intentional act, wrongful acts punished by law. In these names, it cannot be the basis of an action for quasi delict. An action for quasi delict can only arise based on a negligent act or omission. But the Supreme Court is of the view that malicious acts, intentional acts, acts punished by law can be the basis of an action for quasi delict. It is well supported by the history of the law and the present provisions of the law. Particularly Under Art. 2176 where it provides that whoever by act or omission causes damage to another, there being fault or negligence, is obliged to pay for the damage done. Such fault or negligence, if there is no pre-existing contractual relation between the parties, is called quasi delict and is governed by the provisions of this chapter (chapter on quasi-delicts). Under the old civil code, in order for one to be held liable under quasi delict, the act must not be punished by law. This phrase no longer appear under the new civil code, therefore even if the act is not punished by law it cannot be the basis of an action for quasi delict.
QUESTION: Is Fault the same as negligence? ANSWER: NO. Because fault would cover intentional and unintentional acts.
COMPLIANCE WITH OBLIGATIONS:
QUESTION: How should these sources of obligations be complied with? ANSWER: The manner of complying with these sources of obligations.
Art. 19. Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith.
Art. 1163. Every person obliged to give something is also obliged to take care of it with the proper diligence of a good father of a family, unless the law or the stipulation of the parties requires another standard of care. (1094a) Art. 1164. The creditor has a right to the fruits of the thing from the time the obligation to deliver it arises. However, he shall acquire no real right over it until the same has been delivered to him. (1095)
Art. 1165. When what is to be delivered is a determinate thing, the creditor, in addition to the right granted him by Article 1170, may compel the debtor to make the delivery. If the thing is indeterminate or generic, he may ask that the obligation be complied with at the expense of the debtor. If the obligor delays, or has promised to deliver the same thing to two or more persons who do not have the same interest, he shall be responsible for any fortuitous event until he has effected the delivery. (1096)
Art. 1166. The obligation to give a determinate thing includes that of delivering all its accessions and accessories, even though they may not have been mentioned. (1097a)
Art. 1244. 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 than that which is due. In obligations to do or not to do, an act or forbearance cannot be substituted by another act or forbearance against the obligee's will. (1166a)
Art. 1246. When the obligation consists in the delivery of an indeterminate or generic thing, whose quality and circumstances have not been stated, the creditor cannot demand a thing of superior quality. Neither can the debtor deliver a thing of inferior quality. The purpose of the obligation and other circumstances shall be taken into consideration. (1167a)
Art. 1460. A thing is determinate when it is particularly designated or physical segregated from all other of the same class.
The requisite that a thing be determinate is satisfied if at the time the contract is entered into, the thing is capable of being made determinate without the necessity of a new or further agreement between the parties. (n)
Art. 442. Natural fruits are the spontaneous products of the soil, and the young and other products of animals. Industrial fruits are those produced by lands of any kind through cultivation or labor. Civil fruits are the rents of buildings, the price of leases of lands and other property and the amount of perpetual or life annuities or other similar income. (355a)
Art. 443. He who receives the fruits has the obligation to pay the expenses made by a third person in their production, gathering, and preservation. (356) If the sources of the obligations is the law, then the provisions of the law would provide how this source of obligation can be complied with. If it is a contract then the stipulation provide how the contract shall be complied with. If it is an obligation to give, what is the manner of compliance? It depends on what is to be given, whether it is a determinate thing or an indeterminate thing.
QUESTION: Can there be a valid obligation to deliver a generic thing? ANSWER: YES. This may arise from law and not from a contract of sale. Sale of a car or of a horse cannot be considered a valid sale. But a testamentary provision in a will which is a generic thing is valid disposition. The law expressly allows this.
QUESTION: A testamentary provision giving an heir a car, is the testamentary provision allow the heir to reject the disposition? ANSWER: He may validly reject or wrongfully reject the disposition. For obligations to deliver a generic thing, the debtor cannot deliver a thing which is of inferior kind, but neither can the creditor demand a thing which is of superior quality. However, what is superior or inferior is a very subjective determination. What may be superior to me may be inferior to most of you. Therefore if the purpose of the testator is to give his car is to allow the grandson to use the car in competitions, then a car insufficient to perform in race tracks is improper. Moreover, aside from the purpose is the value of the estate which should not impair the legitime of the estate.
QUESTION: In obligations to give a determinate thing, what is the manner of compliance? ANSWER: The primary obligation of a debtor is to give the very same thing which he promised to deliver.
QUESTION: In an obligation to deliver a Kia Pride, the debtor offered to deliver a BMW, can the obligation be validly extinguished? ANSWER: YES, though the creditor cannot be compelled to accept, he may however want to accept. Thus, the obligation will be extinguished.
QUESTION: Is there an exception where a debtor is obliged to deliver a thing requires a different kind of diligence in taking care of the thing other than a good father of a family? ANSWER: YES, if the law requires a higher degree of diligence such as what is required of common carriers. Other than the law, is the stipulation of the parties would require a higher degree of diligence. In the absence of a law or a stipulation to that effect, the diligence of a good father of a family should be observed.
KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS:
QUESTION: When would an obligation become due? ANSWER: It depends on what kind of obligation is involved. It is wrong to say that an obligation becomes due upon demand. Since there can be no valid demand when the obligation is not yet due. Therefor demand has got nothing to with an obligation becoming due.
QUESTION: What kind of obligations become due and demandable at once? ANSWER: 1. In pure obligations 2. In conditional obligations if the condition is resolutory but will be extinguished at the happening of the event. 3. In obligation with a term or period if resolutory in character but it will be extinguished at the happening of the term.
QUESTION: Is there such a thing as suspensive obligation? ANSWER: None. It only exists in suspensive term or condition.
QUESTION: Is there such a thing as void condition? ANSWER: There is no such thing as void condition. A condition is merely an event which may or may not happen. There is nothing valid or void about conditions.
***Void and Valid = pertain to obligations. ***Suspensive, potestative, etc = pertains to conditions.
QUESTION: A pure obligation whose performance does not depend upon a future and uncertain event or upon a past event unknown to the parties. Is this statement valid? ANSWER: This is not valid. To be pure it must not be conditional and not with a term. In the above statement both the future and uncertain must both concur and this would only exclude a condition. A term can never be uncertain. It is just a space of time. An event is certain to happen. Therefore it should be or. If and is used, it would only exclude a condition with a condition and not those with a term. If or is used it would exclude obligations with a conditions and also those with a term. If in a promissory note, on its face it does not say or it cannot be determined whether it is conditional or pure obligation. But there is a provision in the note that upon receipt from the estate there is no assurance that the creditor will receive in the estate, which presupposes a conditional obligation. Note however, the court treated it as a pure obligation because...... (Pay vs. Palanca)
QUESTION: What is the consequence of a pure obligation or a conditional obligation but resolutory in character? ANSWER: I t is demandable at once, and necessarily the prescriptive period starts to run from the time the cause of action accrues. It is wrong to say that a cause of action accrues from the time the demand was made. If such be the case no action shall prescribe.
QUESTION: What are the kinds of conditions? ANSWER: 1. Suspensive 2. Resolutory 3. Potestative 4. Causal 5. Mixed 6. Possible 7. Impossible 8. Negative - requires the omission of an act. 9. Positive - requires the performance of an act. QUESTION: What is the effect of an impossible condition? ANSWER: If the obligation is with an impossible condition, it shall annul the obligation. The phraseology is defective, instead of annulled it should have been void. Annullable presupposes a valid obligation which is valid until annulled. This instance is an impossible condition with a suspensive condition.
QUESTION: May there be a valid obligation with an impossible condition? ANSWER: Yes. If the condition though impossible is in the negative, like i will give you 1 million if you dont kill my wife. Negative impossible conditions are deemed not written, as such it is considered as a pure obligation UNLESS there are other words and phrases which would not make it a pure obligation.
QUESTION: What are the kinds of impossible conditions? ANSWER: Legal impossibility and physical impossibility.
QUESTION: Is it proper to say unlawful conditions? ANSWER: Yes. What is improper is void conditions.
QUESTION: In unlawful or impossible conditions in testamentary dispositions, what is the effect?
ANSWER: It does not result in a void testamentary disposition. Under the law in succession, such unlawful or impossible condition is deemed not written.
QUESTION: The debtor promises to pay if his son does not die of cancer within 1 year. State the status of the obligation whether it is valid or not, and if valid state whether the obligation is due and demandable? ANSWER: The condition is suspensive negative possible (mixed) condition. This is a valid obligation. It is due and demandable depending on what happened to the son. If the son dies of cancer within 1 year, the obligation does not arise. But even if the son did not die of cancer within 1 year the debtor can be compelled to pay, because in that moment it is already certain that the son will not die of cancer within 1 year such as when the son died of a car accident.
QUESTION: In a condition that B should marry C within 1 year but after 2 weeks he entered the seminary? Is it certain that the condition is no longer possible? ANSWER: No. B may go out of the seminary before the 1 year period lapsed.
QUESTION: However, if C married D is it possible that the condition mentioned above is no longer possible? ANSWER: No. because D may die and B can marry C within the time mentioned in the condition.
QUESTION: What is a potestative conditon? ANSWER: Under 1182, it is a condition that is dependent upon the sole will of the debtor.
QUESTION: When the condition depends upon the sole will of the debtor and it is a suspensive condition? Will such be valid? ANSWER: It is void. This is because a debtor who can impose a condition upon his sole will, he will make sure that the suspensive condition will not happen so that the obligation will not arise.
QUESTION: A promise to give B his car if A will go to Baguio within 5 days? Is it potestative? ANSWER: Yes, such is potestative that is dependent upon the sole will of the debtor. It is because whether or not A will go to Baguio solely depend upon his will.
QUESTION: Is passing the Bar exam a potestative condition? Causal or dependent upon chance? ANSWER: It is neither a potestative nor a casual condition.
QUESTION: The grandfather promises to give his grandson a car upon the latters passing the bar exam. The grandson passed the bar and demanded the delivery of the car. But the grandfather refused to deliver the car and argued that he cannot be compelled to deliver the same because it is a potestative condition. ANSWER: It is not a potestative condition but rather a suspensive condition. Therefore the grandfather can be compelled to deliver.
QUESTION: Assuming for the sake of argument that such condition is a potestative condition, can the grandfather be compelled to deliver because the condition is void? ANSWER: The grandfather still can be compelled because under 1182, it provides that a condition is made by the sole will of the debtor. In this case it is not the grandson who is the debtor but rather the grandfather. It is not dependent upon the sole will of the grandfather. Hence not a potesative condition. Therefore the obligation is a valid one.
QUESTION: A obliged herself in 2001 to sell to B a house and lot upon his passing the bar exam. B passed the bar exam in 2005. However in 2003 A sold the house and lot to C and this house from 2001 was being rented by D. B upon passing the bar exam demanded upon A to deliver to him the house and lot pursuant to the 2001 obligation made by A. Who has a better right over this house and lot? B or C? ANSWER: AS A RULE, it is B who has a better right because under Art. 1187 the effect of the happening of the condition retroacts to the time of the constitution of the obligation as if the condition already happened as early as 2001. However, as an EXCEPTION, C may have a better right if C can prove that he is a buyer in good faith and for value, he would have a better right. But it must be noted that in order to be a purchaser in good faith and for value, such should be registered. As such, C would not be bound by the agreement made by A and B.
QUESTION: Assuming that B has a better right, B demanded all the proceeds of the rentals from 2001 until 2005, is he entitled to the rentals? ANSWER: Since, under Art. 1187 the effect of the happening of the condition retroacts to the constitution of the obligation, would presuppose that B may be entitled to the proceeds of the rents as if he was the owner of the property from 2001. However, it is submitted that B is not entitled to the rentals because fruits received in reciprocal obligation (since this is a contract of sale) it is deemed mutually compensated. B is obliged to pay the price and A has the obligation to transfer ownership. Under the law it is deemed mutually compensated because, A is entitled to interests on the price while B is entitled to the rentals, under the law fruits received are deemed mutually compensated.
QUESTION: Is the view that the retroactive effect of Art. 1187 does not cover fruits? ANSWER: No. That is why there is a provision that in reciprocal obligations, the fruits received are deemed mutually compensated. There is therefore a retroactive effect. In the above case, B is entitled to the fruits but due to the provision on mutual compensation, he shall no longer receive the fruits.
QUESTION: In conditional obligations, if the condition is suspensive in character, the happening of the condition shall give rise to the obligation. Ordinarily if the condition did not happen, the obligation will not arise. When shall the obligation even if the condition did not happen, it shall give rise to the obligation? ANSWER: When it was the debtor who voluntarily prevented the happening of the condition.
QUESTION: However, is there an instance where the debtor who voluntarily prevented the happening of the condition in order to give rise to the obligation, still not be compelled to perform? ANSWER: Yes, when though he prevented the happening of the condition, such prevention was made when he was exercising his right.
???In obligation is an obligation with a suspensive term , the obligation arise because the term is certain to arrive, it will only give rise to the demandability of the obligation.
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QUESTION: In suspensive condition, the creditor filed an action, will the action prosper? ANSWER: It may prosper for as long as it is not an action for specific performance because the condition being suspensive, there is yet no obligation that arise. But, the creditor may file an action for the preservation of his rights, (example) like if the action is to compel the other party to have the agreement registered with the appropriate registry of property.
QUESTION: In suspensive conditions imposed on an obligation, what is the effect of any improvement or deterioration on the thing to be delivered? ANSWER: In improvements, if the cause of the improvement is through nature, such improvements shall pertain to the creditor.
If in improving the property the debtor spent a sum of money, the creditor is entitled to the improvements. Under the law the creditor in this case only has the rights of a usufructuary. The debtors rights is limited to the removal of the improvement as long as it will not cause damage to the thing to be delivered.
In obligations with a term or period, may be definite if there is a day certain. In definite periods will arrive, but dependent on certain events which is certain to happen but the specific date is not certain.
Another classifications of periods is the source of the period on whether it is by conventional or voluntary period (by agreement of the parties), fixed by law, or fixed by the court.
QUESTION: Is a 1 year period of redemption, a period in relation to obligations? ANSWER: No. It is a period in the exercise of a right, because who has a right is not compelled to redeem.
QUESTION: Give examples of period fixed by law? ANSWER: 1. Payment of taxes 2. In a lease contract, even when the parties did not fix a period but it provides that the payment of rents be paid annually, it is presumed that the period of rent is for 1 year.
QUESTION: Under Art. 1197 it was provided that 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. What is the guidelines wherein the court in this instance may fix the period? ANSWER: The court having power to fix the period presupposes that there is a perfected contract. If there is no perfected contract, the court has no power to fix the period.
QUESTION: What is the procedure for the court to fix a period? ANSWER: To determine whether there is a period or no period stated in the contract. If there is, the fixing of the period is not proper under Art. 1197.
Secondly, to determine whether the parties intended that there be a period, if none, such as when the parties intended that it be a pure obligation, then the fixing of a period is not proper under Art. 1197.
Thirdly, even if there is a period intended by the parties, the court must also determine whether such period had already prescribed or not. Such that an action for specific performance on an obligation which does not yet arise, the action cannot prosper because the action is premature. Or if a period had already lapsed and the obligation involves an obligation to do, an action for specific performance can no longer prosper, but the action for damages shall prosper.
QUESTION: In a contract between the parties it was provided, that debtor must remit the proceeds upon the sale of the tobacco. Is a period contemplated by the parties? ANSWER: The argument by the debtor that the estafa case is premature because the remedy of the creditor if to go to court for the latter to fix the period is not proper because the agreement by the parties is one with a period. The argument by the debtor that there was no period fixed by the parties, which would render the provisions of Art. 1197 not to apply, will not prosper. The provisions of the agreement clearly provides for a period which is upon the sale of the tobacco. Therefore, upon the sale the debtor can be compelled to remit. There is no need for the court to fix the period (Lim vs. People).
QUESTION: Under Art. 1180 which provides that 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, and as such the court shall fix the period. In this case, when will the obligation become due, so that an action for the court to fix the period may prosper? ANSWER: The creditor should only go to the court if he knew that the debtor already has the means to pay. If the debtor already has the means to pay, go to court to fix the period and upon the lapse of the period, the obligation become due and demandable. When the period is solely dependent upon the will of the debtor, such is also a judicial period.
Under Art. 1191 The power to rescind obligations is implied in reciprocal ones, in case one of the obligors should not comply with what is incumbent upon him. 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 the 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.
QUESTION: Can the debtor be compelled to perform the obligation before the arrival of the period, or can the creditor be compelled to accept the obligation even before the arrival of the period? ANSWER: In the second scenario the creditor cannot be compelled to accept the obligation even before the arrival of the period because the creditor may not want to accept because he had not place to store the goods which is the subject of the obligation.
QUESTION: Is a period for the benefit of both the creditor and the debtor? ANSWER: No. It is merely a disputable presumption that the period is both for the benefit of the creditor and the debtor.
QUESTION: If the phrase provided for in the obligation is payable on or before December 31, and no other factor has been provided for, is it both for the benefit of the creditor and the debtor? ANSWER: No such phrase is clearly for the benefit of the debtor. This is because the debtor cannot be compelled to perform the obligation before the arrival of the period. On the other hand, however, the debtor can compel the creditor to accept the performance of the obligation even before the expiration of the period.
QUESTION: Are there contracts solely for the benefit solely of the creditor? ANSWER: Yes, when there are stipulations that the debtor cannot pay within 3 months or 2 years. This could be said to be for the benefit of the creditor because of a scenario where the creditor has the right to the fruits of the thing subject of the obligation. This is probably because the creditor would want to harvest first before he returns the thing. However, the creditor may return it at any time because the provision is solely for the benefit of the creditor.
QUESTION: A borrowed money from B in January payable at the end of the year. To secure the fulfillment of the obligation A delivered his car to B and it was stipulated that B can use the car. After a few months, come August of the same year, the debtor offered to pay the entire amount to the creditor and also demanded for the return of his car. Can the creditor be compelled to accept the payment? Can he be compelled to return the car? ANSWER: While the debtor cannot be compelled to pay before the arrival of the period, the creditor cannot also be compelled to accept the performance of the obligation because of the principle that a period is both for the benefit of both the debtor and the creditor. Base on the facts the above principle finds application in the present case because the debtor cannot be compelled pay before the arrival of the period which is the end of the year. However, the creditor has an interest in the period because it was stipulated that he can use the car before the arrival of the period. Therefore under the facts, the period is both for the benefit of the debtor and the creditor.
QUESTION: Even assuming that the period is solely for the benefit of the debtor, before the arrival of the term, is it possible that the creditor validly demand for the performance of the obligation? ANSWER: Yes. That can happen if the debtor lost his right to make use of the period. Under Art. 1198, a debtor may lose his right to make use of the 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 gives a guaranty or security for the debt;
(2) When he does not furnish to the creditor the guaranties or securities which he has promised;
(3) When by his own acts he has impaired said guaranties or securities after their establishment, and when through a fortuitous event they disappear, unless he immediately gives new ones equally satisfactory;
(4) When the debtor violates any undertaking, in consideration of which the creditor agreed to the period;
(5) When the debtor attempts to abscond.
QUESTION: A borrowed a sum of money from B. To secure the fulfillment of his obligation he mortgaged his house and lot. Before the arrival of the period (before the obligation became due), the house was burned due to a fortuitous event. The day after the creditor demanded the payment of the debt. Was there a valid demand? ANSWER: Yes.
QUESTION: Can the debtor be compelled to pay? ANSWER: He lost his right to make use of the period even if the lost was due to a fortuitous event, UNLESS of course he gives another security for the debt.
QUESTION: Why would the debtor lost his right to make use of the period when the lost was due to a fortuitous event and the same is not imputable to the fault of the debtor? ANSWER: This is because the creditor would not have left him money if not for the security.
QUESTION: In number _____ of Art. 1198, how can the debtor give another security if the debtor is already insolvent?
ANSWER: If the debtor still has other properties even if he is still insolvent. Or he may not have any properties, but he can provide for a guarantor or a secure a mortgage to secure the fulfillment of the obligation.