TITLE I – OBLIGATIONS

CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS

1156. An obligation is a juridical necessity to give, to do, or not to do.

JURIDICAL NECESSITY – juridical tie; connotes that in case of noncompliance, there will be legal sanctions.

• An obligation is nothing more than the duty of a person (obligor) to satisfy a specific demandable claim of
another person (obligee) which, if breached, is enforceable in court.

• A contract necessarily gives rise to an obligation but an obligation does not always need to have a contract.

KINDS OF OBLIGATION
A. From the viewpoint of “sanction” -
(a)CIVIL OBLIGATION – that defined in Article 1156; an obligation, if not fulfilled when it
becomes due and demandable, may be enforced in court through action; based on law; the
sanction is judicial due process
(b)NATURAL OBLIGATION – defined in Article 1423; a special kind of obligation which cannot be
enforced in court but which authorizes the retention of the voluntary payment or performance made
by the debtor; based on equity and natural law. (i.e. when there is prescription of duty to pay, still,
the obligor paid his dues to the obligee – the obligor cannot recover his payment even there is
prescription) the sanction is the law, but only conscience had originally motivated the payment.
(c) MORAL OBLIGATION – the sanction is conscience or morality, or the law of the church.
(Note: If a Catholic promises to hear mass for 10 consecutive Sundays in order to receive
P1,000, this obligation becomes a civil one.)
B. From the viewpoint of subject matter -
(a) REAL OBLIGATION – the obligation to give
(b) PERSONAL OBLIGATION – the obligation to do or not to do (e.g. the duty to paint a house,
or to refrain from committing a nuisance)
C. From the affirmativeness and negativeness of the obligation -
(a) POSITIVE OR AFFIRMATIVE OBLIGATION – the obligation to give or to do
(b) NEGATIVE OBLIGATION – the obligation not to do (which naturally inludes not to give)
D. From the viewpoint of persons obliged - “sanction” -
(a) UNILATERAL – where only one of the parties is bound (e.g. Plato owes Socrates
P1,000. Plato must pay Socrates.)
(b) BILATERAL – where both parties are bound (e.g. In a contract of sale, the buyer is obliged to
deliver)
- may be:
(b.1) reciprocal
(b.2) non-reciprocal – where performance by one is non-dependent upon performance by the other

ELEMENTS OF OBLIGATION
a) ACTIVE SUBJECT – (Creditor / Obligee) the person who is demanding the performance of the obligation;
b) PASSIVE SUBJECT – (Debtor / Obligor) the one bound to perform the prestation or to fulfill the obligation or
duty;
c) PRESTATION – (to give, to do, or not to do) object; subject matter of the obligation; conduct required to be
observed by the debtor;
d) EFFICIENT CAUSE – the JURIDICAL TIE which binds the parties to the obligation; source of the obligation.

PRESTATION (Object)
1. TO GIVE – delivery of a thing to the creditor (in sale, deposit, pledge, donation);
2. TO DO – covers all kinds of works or services (contract for professional services);
3. NOT TO DO – consists of refraining from doing some acts (in following rules and regulations).
Requisites of Prestation / Object:
1) licit (if illicit, it is void)
2) possible (if impossible, it is void)
3) determinate or determinable (or else, void)
4) pecuniary value

• INJURY – wrongful act or omission which causes loss or harm to another

• DAMAGE – result of injury (loss, hurt, harm)

1157. Obligation arises from – (1) law; (2) contracts; (3) quasi-contracts; (4) acts or omissions punished by
law; (5) quasi-delicts.

(1) LAW (Obligation ex lege) – imposed by law itself; must be expressly or impliedly set forth and
cannot be presumed - [See Article 1158]

(2) CONTRACTS (Obligation ex contractu) – arise from stipulations of the parties: meeting of the minds / formal
agreement
- must be complied with in good faith because 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

Note:
Parties may freely enter into any stipulations, provided they are not contrary to law, morals, good customs, public
order or public policy
- [See Article 1159]

(3) QUASI-CONTRACTS (Obligation ex quasi-contractu) – arise from lawful, voluntary and unilateral
acts and which are enforceable to the end that no one shall be unjustly enriched or benefited at the expense
of another
- 2 kinds:
a. Negotiorum gestio - unauthorized management; This takes place when a person voluntarily takes
charge of another’s abandoned business or property without the owner’s authority
b. Solutio indebiti - undue payment; This takes place when something is received when there is no right
to demand it,
and it was unduly delivered thru mistake
- [See Article 1160]

(4) DELICTS (Obligation ex maleficio or ex delicto) – arise from civil liability which is the consequence of
a criminal offense - Governing rules:
1. Pertinent provisions of the RPC and other penal laws subject to Art 2177 Civil Code
[Art 100, RPC – Every person criminally liable for a felony is also civilly liable]
2. Chapter 2, Preliminary title, on Human Relations ( Civil Code )
3. Title 18 of Book IV of the Civil Code – on damages
- [See Article 1161]

(5) QUASI-DELICTS / TORTS (Obligation ex quasi-delicto or ex quasi-maleficio) – arise from damage

caused to another through an act or omission, there being no fault or negligence, but no contractual relation
exists between the parties
- [See Article 1162]

1158. Obligations from law are not presumed. Only those (1) expressly determined in this code or (2) in
special laws are demandable, and shall be regulated by the precepts of the law which establishes them; and as
to what has not been foreseen, by the provisions of this code.
 • Unless such obligations are EXPRESSLY provided by law, they are not demandable and
enforceable, and cannot be presumed to exist.
• The Civil Code can be applicable suppletorily to obligations arising from laws other than the Civil Code
itself.
• Special laws – refer to all other laws not contained in the Civil Code.

1159. Obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the contracting parties and
should be complied with in good faith.

CONTRACT – meeting of minds between two persons whereby one binds himself, with respect to the other, to give,
to do something or to render some service; governed primarily by the agreement of the contracting parties.

VALID CONTRACT – it should not be against the law, contrary to morals, good customs, public order, and public
policy.

• In the eyes of law, a void contract does not exist and no obligation will arise from it.

OBLIGATIONS ARISING FROM CONTRACTS – primarily governed by the stipulations, clauses, terms
and conditions of their agreements.

• If a contract’s prestation is unconscionable (unfair) or unreasonable, even if it does not violate morals,
law, etc., it may not be enforced totally.

• Interpretation of contract involves a question of law.

COMPLIANCE IN GOOD FAITH – compliance or performance in accordance with the stipulations or

terms of the contract or agreement.

FALSIFICATION OF A VALID CONTRACT – only the unauthorized insertions will be disregarded; the original
terms and stipulations should be considered valid and subsisting for the partied to fulfill.

1160. Obligations derived from quasi-contracts shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 1, title 17 of this
book.

QUASI-CONTRACT – juridical relation resulting from lawful, voluntary and unilateral acts by virtue of which,
both parties become bound to each other, to the end that no one will be unjustly enriched or benefited at the
expense of the other. (See Article 2142)

(1) NEGOTIORUM GESTIO – juridical relation which takes place when somebody voluntarily
manages the property affairs of another without the knowledge or consent of the latter; owner
shall reimburse the gestor for necessary and useful expenses incurred by the latter for the
performance of his function as gestor.
(2) SOLUTIO INDEBITI – something is received when there is no right to demand it and it was
unduly delivered through mistake; obligation to return the thing arises on the part of the
recipient. (e.g. If I let a storekeeper change my P500 bill and by error he gives me P560, I
have the duty to return the extra P60)

1161. Civil obligations arising from criminal offenses shall be governed by the penal laws, subject to the
provisions of Article 2177, and of the pertinent provisions of Chapter 2, Preliminary in Human Relations,
and of Title 18 of this book, regulating damages.

Governing rules:
1. Pertinent provisions of the RPC and other penal laws subject to Art
2177 Civil Code [Art 100, RPC – Every person criminally liable for a felony
is also civilly liable]
2. Chapter 2, Preliminary title, on Human Relations ( Civil Code )
3. Title 18 of Book IV of the Civil Code – on damages
 • Every person criminally liable for a felony is also criminally liable (art. 100, RPC)

CRIMINAL LIABILITY INCLUDES:

(a) RESTITUTION – restoration of property previously taken away; the thing itself shall be
restored, even though it be found in the possession of a third person who has acquired it by
lawful means, saving to the latter his action against the proper person who may be liable to him.
(b) REPARATION OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED – court determines the amount of damage: price
of a thing, sentimental value, etc.
(c) INDEMNIFICATION FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES – includes damages suffered by
the family of the injured party or by a third person by reason of the crime.

Effect of acquittal in criminal case:

a. when acquittal is due to reasonable doubt – no civil liability
b. when acquittal is due to exempting circumstances – there is civil liability
when there is preponderance of evidence – there is civil liability

1162. Obligations derived from quasi-delicts shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 2, title 17 of
this book, and by special laws.

QUASI-DELICT (culpa aquiliana) – an act or omission by a person which causes damage to another giving rise to
an obligation to pay for the damage done, there being fault or negligence but there is no pre-existing contractual
relation between parties. (See Article 2176)

REQUISITES:
a. omission
b. negligence
c. damage caused to the plaintiff
d. direct relation of omission, being the cause, and the damage, being the effect
e. no pre-existing contractual relations between parties

Fault or Negligence – consists in the omission of that diligence which is required by the nature of the obligation
and corresponds with the circumstances of the person, time, and of the place.

BASIS DELICTS QUASI-DELICTS

1. INTENT Criminal / malicious Negligence
2. INTEREST Affects PUBLIC interest Affects PRIVATE interest
3. LIABILITY Criminal and civil liabilities Civil liability
4. PURPOSE Purpose – punishment Indemnification
5.COMPROMISE Cannot be compromised Can be compromised
6. GUILT Proved beyond reasonable doubt Preponderance of evidence

CHAPTER 2
NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS

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.

• Speaks of an obligation to care of a DETERMINATE thing (that is one which is specific; a

thing identified by its individuality) which an obligor is supposed to deliver to another.
• Reason: the obligor cannot take care of the whole class/genus

DUTIES OF DEBTOR:

• Preserve or take care of the things due.

 DILIGENCE OF A GOOD FATHER – a good father does not abandon his family, he is always
ready to provide and protect his family; ordinary care which an average and reasonably prudent
man would do.
- Defined in the negative in Article 1173
ANOTHER STANDARD OF CARE – extraordinary diligence provided in the stipulation of parties.
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED – diligence depends on the nature of obligation and
corresponds with the circumstances of the person, time, and place.

* Debtor is not liable if his failure to deliver the thing is due to fortuitous events or force majeure… without
negligence or fault in his part.

• Deliver the fruits of a thing

• Deliver the accessions/accessories
• Deliver the thing itself
• Answer for damages in case of non-fulfillment or breach

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.

REAL RIGHT (jus in re) – right pertaining to person over a specific thing, without a passive subject
individually determined against whom such right may be personally enforced.
− a right enforceable against the whole world

PERSONAL RIGHT (jus ad rem) – a right pertaining to a person to demand from another, as a definite
passive subject, the fulfillment of a prestation to give, to do or not to do.
− a right enforceable only against a definite person or group of persons.

• Before the delivery, the creditor, in obligations to give, has merely a personal right against the debtor – a
right to ask for delivery of the thing and the fruits thereof.
• Once the thing and the fruits are delivered, then he acquires a real right over them.
• Ownership is transferred by delivery which could be either actual or constructive. (Art. 1477)
• The remedy of the buyer when there is no delivery despite demand is to file a complaint for “SPECIFIC
PERFORMANCE AND DELIVERY” because he is not yet the owner of the property before the
delivery.

� ACTUAL DELIVERY – actual delivery of a thing from the hand of the grantor to the hand of the
grantee (presonally), or manifested by certain possessory acts executed by the grantee with the consent of
the grantor (realty).

FRUITS:
1. NATURAL – spontaneous products of the soil, the young and other products of animals;
2. INDUSTRIAL – produced by lands of any cultivation or labor;
3. CIVIL – those derived by virtue of juridical relation.

* SEE Article 1164 (retroactivity of the effects of conditional obligation to give once the condition has been
fulfilled)

1165. When what is to be delivered is a determinate thing, the creditor … may compel the debtor to make
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 ting 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.

*This provision applies to an obligation to give.

DETERMINATE THING
 something which is susceptible of particular designation
or specification; obligation is extinguished if the thing is
lost due to fortuitous events.
Article 1460: a thing is determinate when it is particularly designated and physically segregated from all others
of the
same class.
INDETERMINATE THING
something that has reference only to a class or genus;
obligation to deliver is not so extinguished by fortuitous events.

REMEDIES FOR FAILURE OF DELIVERY (determinate thing)

1. Complaint for specific performance – an action to compel the fulfillment of the obligation.
2. Complaint for rescission of the obligation – action to rescind
3. Complaint for damages – action to claim for compensation of damages suffered

• As a general rule, “no person shall be responsible for those events which could not be foreseen, or
which, though foreseen, are inevitable, except:
1. in cases expressly specified by the law
2. when it is stipulated by the parties
3. when the nature of the obligation requires assumption of risk
An indeterminate thing cannot be object of destruction by a fortuitous event because genus never perishes.

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.

ACCESSIONS – fruits of the thing or additions to or improvements upon the principal

− those which are naturally or artificially attached to the thing

ACCESSORIES – things included with the principal for the latter’s embellishment, better use, or completion

When does right to fruits arise? – from the time the obligation to deliver arises
Conditional – from the moment the condition happens
With a term/period – upon the expiration of
the term/period Simple – from the perfection
of the contract

1167. If a person obliged to do something fails to do it, the same shall be executed at his cost. This same rule
shall be observed if he does it in contravention of the tenor of the obligation … it may be decreed that what
has been poorly done be undone.

* This provision applies to an obligation to do.

THREE SITUATIONS:
a) Debtor’s failure to perform an obligation
creditor may do the obligation, or by another, at the expense
of the debtor; recover damages
b) Performance was contrary to the terms agreed upon
order of the court to undo the same at the expense of the debtor
c) Performance in a poor manner
order of the court to undo the same at the expense of the debtor

1168. When the obligation consists in NOT DOING and the obligor does what has been forbidden him, it
shall also be undone at his expense.

* This provision applies to an obligation not to do.

1169. 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 obligation.
However, the demand by the creditor shall not be necessary in order that delay may exists:

• When the law or obligation so expressly declares;

• When from the nature of the contract, time us the essence and motivating factor for its establishment;
• When demand would be useless (prestation is impossible);
• In reciprocal obligations, from the moment one of the parties fulfills his obligation;
• When the debtor admits he is in default

ORDINARY DELAY – mere failure to perform an obligation at the appointed time.

LEGAL DELAY (DEFAULT) – tantamount to non-fulfillment of the obligation and arises after an extrajudicial or
judicial demand was made upon the debtor.

KINDS OF DEFAULT:
a) MORA SOLVENDI – delay on the part of the debtor to fulfill his obligation;
REQUISITES:
1. failure of the obligor to perform obligation on the DATE agreed upon;
2. demand (judicial/extrajudicial) by the creditor;
3. failure to comply with such demand

EFFECTS:

1) debtor – liable for damages and interests

2) debtor – liable for the loss of a thing due to a fortuitous event

KINDS:
1) mora solvendi ex re – default in real obligations (to give)
2) mora solvendi ex persona – default in personal obligations (to do)

b) MORA ACCIPIENDI – delay on the part of the creditor to accept the performance of the
obligation;
Effects:
1. creditor – liable for damages
2. creditor – bears the risk of loss of the thing
3. debtor – not liable for interest from the time of creditor’s delay
4. debtor – release himself from the obligation

c) COMPENSATIO MORAE – delay of the obligors in reciprocal obligation.

Effect: the default of one compensates the default of the other; their respective liabilities shall be offset
equitable.

Default / Delay in negative obligation is not possible. (In negative obligation, only fulfillment and violation are
possible)

1170. Those who in the performance of their obligations are guilty of fraud, negligence, or delay, and those
who in any manner contravene the tenor thereof, are liable for damages.

FRAUD (dolo) – deliberate intentional evasion of the faithful fulfillment of an obligation;

NEGLIGENCE (culpa or fault) – voluntary act or omission of diligence, there being no malice, which prevents the
normal fulfillment of an obligation;
DELAY (mora) – default or tardiness in the performance of an obligation after it has been due and demandable;
CONTRAVENTION OF TERMS OF OBLIGATION (violation)– violation of terms and conditions stipulated in
the obligation; this must not be due to a fortuitous event.
1171. Responsibility arising from fraud is demandable in all obligations. Any waiver of an action for future
fraud is void.

• To allow such waiver will necessarily render the obligatory force of contracts illusory.
• The law does not prohibit waiver of an action for damages based on fraud already committed.
• Any deliberate deviation from the normal way of fulfilling the obligation may be a proper basis for
claim for damages against the guilty party.

INCIDENTAL FRAUD (applicable provisions are Arts. 1170 & 1344) – committed in the performance of an
obligation already existing because of a contract; incidental fraud obliges the person employing it to pay
damages.
CAUSAL FRAUD – (Art. 1338) employed in the execution of contract in order to secure consent; remedy is
annulment because of vitiation of consent.

1172. Responsibility arising from negligence in the performance of every kind of obligation is also
demandable, but such liability may be regulated by the courts, according to circumstances.

Court’s discretion because:

(a) negligence depends upon the circumstances of a case – good or bad faith of the obligor may
be considered as well as the conduct or misconduct of the obligee;
(b) it is not as serious as fraud.

Negligence – lack of foresight or knowledge

Imprudence – lack of skill or precaution

TEST OF NEGLIGENCE
Did the defendant, in doing the alleged negligent act, use the reasonable care and caution which an ordinary
prudent man would have used in the same situation?

TWO TYPES OF NEGLIGENCE:

Basis 1. Culpa Aquiliana 2. Culpa Contractual

(Quasi-delict) (Breach of contract)
DEFINITION Negligence between parties not so Negligence in the performance of contractual
related by pre-existing contract obligation
NATURE OF NEGLIGENCE Direct, substantive and independent Incidental to the performance of the obligation.
GOOD FATHER OF THE Complete and proper defense (parents, Not complete and proper defense in the selection
FAMILY DEFENSE guardian, employers) of employees.
PRESUMPTION OF No presumption – injured party must There is presumption – defendant must prove
NEGLIGENCE prove negligence of the defendant. that there was no negligence in the carrying out
of the terms of the contract.

1173. The fault or negligence of the obligor consists in the omission of that diligence which is required by
the nature of the obligation and corresponds with the circumstances of the persons, of he time and of the
place… If the law or contract does not state the diligence which is to be observed in the performance, that
which is expected if a good father of a family shall be required.
- This provision provides for a negative definition of “proper diligence of a good father of a family”

FRAUD distinguished from NEGLIGENCE

FRAUD NEGLIGENCE
There is deliberate intention to cause damage. There is no deliberate intention to cause damage.
Liability cannot be mitigated. Liability may be mitigated.
Waiver for future fraud is void. Waiver for future negligence may be allowed in certain cases:

DILIGENCE – the attention and care required of a person in a given situation and is opposite of negligence.
 NEGLIGENCE – consists in the omission of that diligence which is required by the nature of the
particular obligation and corresponds with the circumstances of the persons, of the time, and of the
place.

KINDS of DILIGENCE:
1. DILIGENCE OF A GOOD FATHER – a good father does not abandon his family, he is always
ready to provide and protect his family; ordinary care which an average and reasonably prudent
man would do.
2. Diligence required by the law governing the particular obligation
3. Diligence stipulated by the parties

1174. Except in cases expressly specified by the law, or when it is otherwise declared by stipulation, or when
the nature of the obligation requires the assumption of risk, no person shall be responsible for those events
which could not be foreseen, or which, though foreseen, were inevitable.

FORTUITOUS EVENT – an occurrence or happening which could not be foreseen or even if foreseen, is
inevitable; absolutely independent of human intervention; act of God.

FORCE MAJEURE - an event caused by the legitimate or illegitimate acts of persons other than the
obligor; there is human intervention.

REQUISITES OF FORTUITOUS EVENT: [IU-IF]

1. Independent of the human will (or at least of the obligor’s)
2. Unforeseen or unavoidable
3. Of such character as to render it impossible for the obligor to comply with his obligation in a normal
manner
4. Obligor – free from any participation/aggravation of the injury to the obligee (no negligence or
imprudence)

EXCEPTIONS:
1. When it is expressly stipulated that he shall be liable even if non-performance of the obligation is
due to fortuitous events;
2. When the nature of the obligation requires the assumption of risk;
3. When the obligor is in delay;
4. When the obligor has promised the same thing to two or more persons who do not have the same interest;
5. When the possessor is in bad faith and the thing lost or deteriorated due to fortuitous event;
6. When the obligor contributed to the loss of the thing.

1175. Usurious transactions shall be governed by special laws.

* see Article 1413

USURY – contracting for or receiving interest in excess of the amount allowed by law for the loan or use of money,
goods, etc.

USURY LAW – makes the usurers criminally liable if the interest charged on loans are more that the limit
prescribed by law.
• This law is repealed – Circular No. 905 of the Central Bank has expressly removed the interest ceilings
prescribed by the
USURY LAW.

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 paid.
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.
 • These are mere presumptions.
• To be sure – write the interest and the dates covered by such payment in the receipt.

1177. The creditors, after having pursued the property in possession of the debtor to satisfy their claims,
may exercise all the 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 defraud them.

REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO CREDITORS FOR THE SATISFACTION OF THEIR CLAIMS:

1. Exact fulfillment with right to damages
2. Exhaustion of the debtor’s properties still in his possession – writ of attachment (before judgment) or
writ of execution (for final judgment not yet executed)
3. ACCION SUBROGATORIA – an action where the creditor whose claims had not been fully
satisfied, may go after the debtors (3rd person) of the defendant debtor.
4. ACCION PAULIANA – an action where the creditor files an action in court for the RESCISSION of acts
or contracts entered into by the debtor designed to defraud the former.

1178. Subject to the laws, all rights acquired in virtue of an obligation are transmissible, if there has
been no stipulation to the contrary.

EXCEPTIONS:
a) Those not transmissible by their nature like purely personal rights;
b) Those not transmissible by provision of law;
c) Those not transmissible by stipulation of parties.

CHAPTER 3
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OBLIGATIONS

Section 1 – Pure and Conditional Obligations

1179. Every obligation whose performance does not depend upon a future or uncertain event, or upon a
past event unknown to the parties, is demandable at once.
Every obligation which contains a resolutory condition shall also be demandable, without prejudice to the
effects of the happening of the event.

PURE OBLIGATION – an obligation which does not contain any condition or term upon which the fulfillment is
made to depend; immediately demandable by the creditors and the debtor cannot be excused from not complying
with his prestation.

CONDITIONAL OBLIGATION – an obligation which depends upon a future or uncertain event, or upon a past
event unknown to the contracting parties.
– an obligation subject to a condition.
a) Suspensive Obligation – its fulfillment gives rise to an obligation; the demandability of the
obligation or the effectivity of the contract can take place only after the condition has been
fulfilled.
b) Resolutory Obligation – its happening extinguishes the obligation which is already existing;

1180. 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 Article 1197.

PERIOD – a future and certain event upon the arrival of which, the obligation subject to it either arises or is
extinguished.

INDICATIONS OF A TERM OR PERIOD:

When the debtor binds himself to pay –
• when his means permit him to do so
• little by little
• as soon as possible
• from time to time
• as soon as I have the money
• in partial payment
• when in the position to pay

1181. In conditional obligations, the acquisition of rights, as well as the extinguishment or loss of those
already acquired, shall depend upon the happening of the event which constitutes the condition.

Suspensive Condition – the acquisition of rights by the creditor depends upon the happening of the event which
constitutes the condition; if such condition does not take place, it would be as of the conditional obligation had
never existed. (e.g. promise to give a car after graduating from law school as cum laude)

Resolutory Condition – the rights and obligations already existing are under threat of extinction upon the
happening or fulfillment of such condition.
(e.g. donation by reason of marriage – the celebration of marriage is a resolutory condition; if the marriage did not
push through, the donation may be revoked)

1182. When the fulfillment of the condition depends upon the sole will of the debtor, the conditional
obligation shall be void. If it depends upon chance or upon the will of a third person, the obligation shall
take effect in conformity with the provisions of this Code.

• Applies only to suspensive conditions.

3 KINDS OF CONDITIONS UNDER THIS ARTICLE:

1. POTESTATIVE – a suspensive condition which depends upon the will of one of the contracting
parties = if at the sole will of the debtor, it is void; if at the creditor’s, still valid. this is to prevent
the establishment of illusory obligations.
2. CASUAL – the condition depends upon chance or the will of a third person;(e.g. cellphone warranty)
3. MIXED – the condition depends partly upon the will of the parties and partly upon chance or
the will of a third person; (example ni Atty. De Chavez: passing the bar)

1183. Impossible conditions, those contrary to good customs or public policy and those prohibited by law
shall annul the obligation which depends upon them. If the obligation is divisible, that part thereof which is
not affected by the impossible or unlawful condition shall be valid.
The condition not to do an impossible thing shall be considered as not having been agreed upon.

POSSIBLE CONDITION – if it is capable of realization or actualization according to nature, law, public policy or
good customs.

2 KINDS OF IMPOSSIBLE CONDITIONS:

1. Physically Impossible – cannot exist or cannot be done in its nature;
2. Legally Impossible – contrary to law, good customs, or public policy.

Only the affected obligation is void, if the obligation is divisible, and the part thereof not affected by the
impossible condition is valid.

Only the condition is void if there is already a pre-existing obligation and it does not depend upon the fulfillment
of the condition which is impossible.

1184. The condition that some event happen at a determinate time shall extinguish the obligation as
soon as the time expires or if it has become indubitable that the event will not take place.

Positive condition – refers to the fulfillment of an event or performance of an act

Negative condition – refers to the non-fulfillment or non-performance of an act.

 POSITIVE SUSPENSIVE CONDITION
The obligation is extinguished:
1. As soon as the TIME EXPIRES without the event taking place;
2. As soon as it has become certain that the EVENT WILL NOT TAKE PLACE although the time specified
has not yet expired.

1185. The condition that some event will not happen at a determinate time shall render the obligation
effective from the moment the time indicated has elapsed, or if it has become evident that the event cannot
occur.
If no time has been fixed, the condition shall be deemed fulfilled at such time as may have
probably been contemplated, bearing in mind the nature of the obligation.

** This is a condition of non-happening of a future event.

The obligation shall become effective and binding:

a) From the moment the time indicated has elapsed without the event taking place;
b) From the moment it has become evident that the event cannot occur, although the time indicated has not
yet elapsed.

1184 -vs- 1185

1184 1185
(POSITIVE SUSPENSIVE) (NEGATIVE SUSPENSIVE)
Jose obliges himself to give the pregnant woman Maria P5000 Jose obliges himself to give the pregnant woman Maria
if she would give birth on or before December 30. P5000 if she would NOT give birth on December 30.
a. Jose is LIABLE if Maria gives birth on or before December a. Jose is NOT LIABLE if Maria gives birth on December 30.
30.
b. Jose is NOT LIABLE if Maria gives birth after December 30. b. Jose is LIABLE if Maria DID NOT give birth on December
30 – if Maria gives birth BEFORE or AFTER December 30.
c. If Maria would have a miscarriage before December 30, the c. If Maria would have a miscarriage before December 30,
obligation is EXTINGUISHED. the obligation is deemed FULFILLED.

1186. The condition shall be deemed fulfilled when the obligor voluntarily prevents its fulfillment.
− This provision speaks of the DOCTRINE OF CONSTRUCTIVE FULFILLMENT
− Compare with Art. 1203

- REQUISITES:
1. The condition is SUSPENSIVE;
2. The obligor ACTUALLY PREVENTS the fulfillment of the condition;
3. He acts VOLUNTARILY.

• Malice or fraud is not required, as long as his purpose is to prevent the fulfillment of the condition.
• No person shall profit by his own wrong.

1187. The effects of a conditional obligation to give, once the condition has been fulfilled, shall retroact to the
day of the constitution of the obligation. Nevertheless, when the obligation imposes reciprocal prestations
upon the parties, the fruits and interests during the pendency of the condition shall be deemed to have been
mutually compensated. If the obligation is unilateral, the debtor shall appropriate the fruits and interests
received, unless from the nature and circumstances of the obligation it should be inferred that the intention of
the person constituting the same was different.
In obligations to do and not to do, the courts shall determine, in each case, the retroactive effect of the
condition that has been complied with.

• Applies only to fulfilled suspensive conditions.

• Retroactive statute
 • The effects of the obligation is deemed to commence not from the fulfillment of the obligation but
from the day of its constitution (similar to the legitimation of a natural child)
• When the obligation is unilateral, the debtor shall appropriate the fruits and interests received
because he does not receive any equivalent or valuable consideration from the obligee.

• The article does not require the delivery of fruits or payment of interests accruing (accumulating) before
the fulfillment of the suspensive condition.

• Obligations to do or not to do – the retroactive effect shall be determined by the court using its sound
discretion without disregarding the intentions of the parties.

1188. The creditor may, before the fulfillment of the condition, bring the appropriate actions for the
preservation of his right.
The debtor may recover what during the same time he has paid by mistake in case of a suspensive condition.

Actions available to the creditor:

Action for prohibition restraining the alienation of the thing pending the happening of the
suspensive condition; Action to demand security if the debtor has become insolvent;
Action to set aside alienations made by the debtor in fraud of creditors;
Actions against adverse possessors to interrupt the running
prescriptive period. To have his rights annotated in the registry.

Rights of the DEBTOR – entitled to recover what has been paid by mistake prior to the happening of the suspensive
condition.

1189. When the conditions have been imposed with the intention of suspending the efficacy of an obligation
to give, the following rules shall be observed in case of the improvement, loss or deterioration of the thing
during the pendency of the condition:

LOSS
(1) debtor without fault – obligation is extinguished
(2) debtor with fault – obligation to pay damages

DETERIORATION
(1) debtor without fault – impairment is to be borne by the creditor
(2) debtor with fault – creditor chooses: rescission of obligation, fulfillment, indemnity

IMPROVEMENT
(1) by nature or time – improvement: inure to the benefit of the creditor
(2) at the expense of the debtor – granted to the usufructuary

1190. When the conditions have for their purpose the extinguishment of an obligation to give, the parties,
upon the fulfillment of said conditions, shall return to each other what they have received.
In case of the loss, deterioration or improvement of the thing, the provisions which, with respect to the
debtor, are laid down in the preceding article shall be applied to the party who is bound to return.
As for the obligations to do and not to do, the provisions of the second paragraph of Article 1187 shall be
observed as regards the effect of the extinguishment of the obligation.

• Refers to the fulfillment of a resolutory condition.

• When the resolutory condition happened, the obligation is considered as if it did not exist.
• The parties are bound to return or restore whatever they have received from each other – “reciprocal
restitution”
• Donation by reason of marriage – if the marriage does not happen, such donation should be returned to the
donor.
• Loss, deterioration and improvement – governed by 1189.
• In obligations to do and not to do, the courts shall determine, in each case, the retroactive effect of the
condition that has been complied with.
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 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.

* This remedy should be termed as “resolution,” not rescission (Paras).

* This provision is not applicable to contracts of partnership (governed by Arts. 1786 & 1788), and sales of
real and personal properties by installments (governed by Maceda and Recto laws)

RECIPROCAL – each is a debtor and creditor of the other

RESCISSION – resolution or cancellation of the contract

• Applies only to reciprocal obligations where two parties are mutually debtor and creditor of each
other in the same transaction. The cause must be identical ad the obligations must arise
simultaneously.
• The party who can demand rescission should be the party who is ready, willing, and able to
comply with his own obligations while the other is not capable to perform his own.

REMEDIES:
1. Specific performance or fulfillment of obligation with damages;
2. Rescission of contract with damages.

Effect of rescission: the parties must surrender whatever they have received from the other, and the
obligation to pay is extinguished.

If there is an express stipulation of automatic rescission between parties – such resolution shall take place only
after the creditor has notified the debtor of his choice of rescission subject to judicial scrutiny.

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.

FIRST INFRACTOR KNOWN

The liability of the first infractor should be equitably reduced. – equitably offset each other’s damages.

FIRST INFRACTOR CANNOT BE DETERMINED

The court shall declare the extinguishment of the obligation and each shall bear his own damages.

Section 2 – Obligations with a Period

1193. Obligations for whose fulfillment a day certain has been fixed, shall be demandable only when that day
comes.
Obligations with a resolutory period take effect at once, but terminate upon arrival of the day certain. A day
certain is understood to be that which must necessarily come, although it may not be known when.
If the uncertainty consists in whether the day will come or not, the obligation is conditional, and it shall be
regulated by the rules of the preceding Section.

PERIOD / TERM – consists in a space or length of time upon the arrival of which, the demandability or the
extinguishment of an obligation is determined; it may be definite (exact date or time is known) or indefinite
(arrival of date is unknown but sure to come).
- Future + Certain event

GENERAL CLASSIFICATIONS:
 a) EX DIE / SUSPENSIVE PERIOD – from a day certain give rise to the obligation; suspensive effect.
b) IN DIEM / RESOLUTORY PERIOD – arrival of a term certain terminated the obligation; resolutory
effect.

Term – length of time sure to come

Condition – fact or event uncertain to come

Basis Period/Term Condition

1. TIME Always refers to FUTURE Can refer to past events unknown to the
parties
2. FULFILLMENT Sure to happen at an exact date or May or may not happen.
indefinite time but sure to come.
3. INFLUENCE Merely fixes the time for the May cause the arising or cessation of the
demandability or performance of obligation.
obligation.

1194. In case of loss, deterioration or improvement of the thing before the arrival of the day certain, the
rules in Article 1189 shall be observed.

1195. Anything paid or delivered before the arrival of the period, the obligor being unaware of the
period or believing that the obligation has become due and demandable, may be recovered, with the
fruits and interests.

If he was not aware of the period or he believes that the obligation has become due and
demandable – he can recover what he paid or delivered including fruits and interests;
If he was aware and he paid voluntarily – he cannot recover the delivery made; it is deemed a
waiver of the benefit of the term and the obligation is considered already matured.

• The presumption is that the debtor knew that the debt was not yet due. He has the burden of proving
that he was unaware of the period.

1196. Whenever in an obligation a period is designated, it is presumed to have been established for the
benefit of both the creditor and the debtor, unless from the tenor of the same or other circumstances it
should appear that the period has been established in favor of one or of the other.

• PRESUMPTION: Obligation with a period is for the benefit of both the creditor and debtor.
• EXCEPTION: when it appears that the period is for the benefit of one or the other

• The benefit of the term may be the subject of stipulation of the parties.
1. Term is for the benefit of the debtor alone – he cannot be compelled to pay prematurely,
but he can if he desires to do so.
- Example: A obliges himself to pay B within 5 years. A cannot be compelled to pay prematurely, but he can pay
anytime within 5 years (A will benefit because he can pay anytime he wants as long as it is within 5 years; B will
not benefit from the interests if A decides to pay early).
2. Term is for the benefit of the creditor – He may demand fulfillment even before the arrival of
the term but the debtor cannot require him to accept payment before the expiration of the
stipulated period.
- Example: A borrows money from B and is obliged to make the payment on December 5. B may compel A to
make the payment before December 5, but A may not compel B to receive the payment before December 5 (B will
benefit from the interests that will accrue before December 5).

• The creditor may have reasons other than the maturity of interest, that’s why, unless the creditor
consents, the debtor has no right to accelerate the time of payment even if the premature tender includes
an offer to pay the principal and interest in full.
1197. If the obligation does not fix a period, but from its nature and the circumstances it can be
inferred that a period was intended, the courts may fix the duration thereof.
The courts shall also fix the duration of the period when it depends upon the will of the debtor.
In every case, the courts shall determine such period as may under the circumstances have been
probably contemplated by the parties. Once fixed by the courts, the period cannot be changed by
them.

JUDICIAL PERIOD – period designated by the court.

CONTRACTUAL PERIOD – period fixed by the parties in their contract.

Court will fix a period:

1. When no period is mentioned, but it is inferable from the nature and circumstances of the obligation
that a period was intended by the parties.
2. When the period is dependent upon the will of the debtor.

• If the obligation does not state and intend a period, the court is not authorized to fix a period.
• The court must fix the duration of the period to prevent the possibility that the obligation may never be
fulfilled or to cure a defect in a contract whereby it is made to depend solely upon the will of one of the
parties.

Court cannot fix the period:

1. If there is a period agreed upon by the parties and it has already lapsed or expired.
2. From the very moment the parties give their acceptance and consent to the period fixed
by the court, it becomes a law governing their contract.

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.

The period is disregarded and the obligation becomes pure and immediately demandable: [IGIVA]

• [I] When debtor becomes insolvent;

• The insolvency need not be judicially declared. It is sufficient that debtor could not pay his debts
due to lack of money or funds.
• [G] When the debtor does not furnish guaranties or securities;
• [I] When guaranties or securities given have been impaired or have
disappeared; If security was lost through debtor’s fault -
impairment
If security was lost through fortuitous event - disappearance
• [V] When debtor violates an undertaking;
If such undertaking is the reason for the creditor to agree with such period.
• [A] When debtor attempts to abscond (escape).
Mere attempt to abscond is sufficient. It is an indication of bad faith.

Section 3 – Alternative Obligations

1199. A person alternatively bound by different prestations shall completely perform one of them.
The creditor cannot be compelled to receive part of one and part of the other undertaking.

OBLIGATIONS WITH PLURAL PRESTATIONS:

 1. CONJUNCTIVE/COMPOUND OBLIGATION - an obligation where the debtor has to perform ALL the
several prestations in the contract to extinguish the obligation.
2. ALTERNATIVE OBLIGATION – an obligation where the debtor is required to fulfill ONLY ONE of
the several prestations to extinguish the obligation.
3. FACULTATIVE OBLIGATION – an obligation where the debtor is bound to perform ONLY ONE
prestation, with a reserved right to choose another prestation as SUBSTITUTE for the principal.

1200. The right of choice belongs to the debtor, unless it has been expressly granted to the creditor.
The debtor shall have no right to choose those prestations which are impossible, unlawful or which could
not have been the object of the obligation.

Implied grant to the creditor is not allowed. If it does not appear on the agreement as to whom among them has
the right to choose, it is the debtor who can choose.

1201. The choice shall produce no effect except from the time it has been communicated.

The choice shall not produce any legal effect until it has been duly communicated to
the other party. It can be done in writing, verbally, impliedly, or any unequivocal
means.
Once the choice has been communicated to the other party:
1. The obligation is now LIMITED only to the PRESTATION CHOSEN, with all the natural consequences
flowing therefrom;
2. The choice is IRREVOCABLE.

• The performance of prestation without announcing the choice to the creditor is NOT BINDING.
• The consent of the other party is NOT REQUIRED in making the choice – that will in effect frustrate the
clear intention of the law and the nature of the alternative obligation.
• If there is delay in the making of choice – punish the one who is supposed to exercise the right of choice
for the delay he caused – court may order the debtor to make a choice, or creditor to make the choice
within certain period, or court makes the choice.

1202. The debtor shall lose the right of choice when among the prestations whereby he is alternatively
bound, only one is practicable.

There being but one prestation available, this prestation becomes a simple obligation.

1203. If through the creditor's acts the debtor cannot make a choice according to the terms of the
obligation, the latter may rescind the contract with damages.

(1) If the debtor could not make a choice due to the creditor’s act of making the prestations
impossible, debtor may RESCIND the contract with damages - rescission takes place at the
initiative of the debtor.
(2) If the debtor is being prevented to choose only a particular prestation, and there are others
available, he is free to choose from them, after notifying the creditor of his decision.

1204. The creditor shall have a right to indemnity for damages when, through the fault of the debtor, all
the things which are alternatively the object of the obligation have been lost, or the compliance of the
obligation has become impossible.
The indemnity shall be fixed taking as a basis the value of the last thing which disappeared, or that of the
service which last became impossible.
Damages other than the value of the last thing or service may also be awarded.

If the impossibility of all the objects of the alternative obligation is caused by the debtor, the
creditor is entitled to damages.
If such impossibility is caused by a fortuitous event, the obligation is extinguished and the debtor is
released from responsibility, unless the contrary is stipulated by the parties.
The creditor cannot claim for damages if the debtor can still perform the remaining prestations.
The damages that may be recovered is based on the last thing which disappeared or the service
which became impossible. This last one is converted into a simple obligation.

1205. When the choice has been expressly given to the creditor, the obligation shall cease to be alternative
from the day when the selection has been communicated to the debtor.
Until then the responsibility of the debtor shall be governed by the following rules:

A. only one thing lost – fortuitous event – creditor chooses from the remainder – debtor delivers the choice to
creditor;
B. only one remains – debtor delivers the same to the creditor;
C. only one thing lost – fault of the debtor
1. creditor may choose any one of the remainders;
2. creditor may choose the price or value of the one which was lost;
3. may choose 1 or 2 plus damages
D. all things lost – fault of the debtor – creditor may choose the price of ANYONE of the things, with
damages if warranted.

The same rules shall be applied to obligations to do or not to do in case one, some or all of the prestations
should become impossible.

This article applies only when the right of choice has been expressly granted to the creditor.

1206. When only one prestation has been agreed upon, but the obligor may render another in
substitution, the obligation is called facultative.
The loss or deterioration of the thing intended as a substitute, through the negligence of the obligor, does not
render him liable. But once the substitution has been made, the obligor is liable for the loss of the substitute
on account of his delay, negligence or fraud.

If loss or deterioration happened before substitution is made, obligor is not liable; after substitution is
communicated, he is liable for loss (through delay, negligence or fraud)

Section 4 – Joint and Solidary Obligations

1207. The concurrence of two or more creditors or of two or more debtors in one and the same obligation
does not imply that each one of the former has a right to demand, or that each one of the latter is bound to
render, entire compliance with the prestation. There is a solidary liability only when the obligation expressly
so states, or when the law or the nature of the obligation requires solidarity.

* In case of concurrence of two or more creditors or two or more debtors in one obligation, the presumption is that
the obligation is joint, and not solidary.

INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATION – one debtor and one creditor

COLLECTIVE OBLIGATION – two or more debtors and two or more creditors

1. JOINT – entire obligation is to be paid or performed proportionately by the debtors;

2. SOLIDARY – each one of the debtors are obliged to pay the entire obligation, each one of the
creditors has the right to demand from any of the debtors, the fulfillment of the entire
obligation;
A. Passive Solidarity – solidarity on the part of the DEBTORS
B. Active Solidarity – solidarity on the part of the CREDITORS.
SOLIDARITY SHOULD BE EXPRESSED – law,
stipulation, nature of obligation. When the obligation is
ambiguous, it must be considered as joint obligation.
CONSEQUENCES OF SOLIDARITY:
1. Passive Solidarity – full payment made by anyone of the solidary debtors extinguishes the obligation. The
one who paid can claim reimbursement from his co-debtors as regards their corresponding shares in the
obligation.

2. Active Solidarity – full payment to any of the creditors extinguishes the obligation. The creditor who
received the entire amount will be liable to pay the corresponding shares of his co-creditors in
accordance with their internal agreement.

MIXED SOLIDARITY

a. Solidary Debtors, Joint Creditors

P9,000.00 – total debt

b. Joint Debtors, Solidary Creditors

P 9,000.00 – total debt

1208. If from the law, or the nature or the wording of the obligations to which the preceding article
refers the contrary does not appear, the credit or debt shall be presumed to be divided into as many
shares as there are creditors or debtors, the credits or debts being considered distinct from one
another, subject to the Rules of Court governing the multiplicity of suits.

This provision speaks of JOINT DIVISIBLE OBLIGATION.

When there is a concurrence of several creditors or of several debtors in one and in the same
obligation, there is a presumption that the obligation is joint.
Each of the creditors shall be entitled to demand only the payment of his proportionate
share of the credit. Each of the debtors may be compelled to pay only his proportionate
share of the debt.
The credits or debts shall be considered distinct from one another.
1209. If the division is impossible, the right of the creditors may be prejudiced only by their collective acts,
and the debt can be enforced only by proceeding against all the debtors. If one of the latter should be
insolvent, the others shall not be liable for his share.

JOINT INDIVISIBLE OBLIGATION – an obligation where solidarity is not provided and the prestation or object
is not susceptible of division; its fulfillment requires the concurrence of all debtors, while doing each one’s parts.

1210. The indivisibility of an obligation does not necessarily give rise to solidarity. Nor does solidarity of
itself imply indivisibility.

Solidarity is expressed in the stipulations of the party, law governing the obligation, or the nature of the
obligation.

INDIVISIBLE OBLIGATION – an obligation where the prestation or object to be delivered cannot be

performed by parts without altering its essence or substance.

Basis Indivisibility Solidarity

1. Nature Refers to the prestation of the contract Refers to the tie existing between parties
of the obligation (who is liable)
2. Number of Does not require plurality of parties Requires plurality of parties
subjects / parties
3. Effect of breach Obligation is converted into monetary The liability, even if converted into
of obligation obligation for indemnity for damages – indemnity for damages, remains solidary.
each debtor is liable only for his part in
the indemnity.

1211. Solidarity may exist although the creditors and the debtors may not be bound in the same manner and
by the same periods and conditions.

The solidarity of the debtors is not affected even if different terms and conditions are made applicable to them.
Enforcement of the terms and conditions may be made at different times. The obligations which have
matured can be enforced while those still undue will have to be awaited. Enforcement can be made
against any one of the solidary debtors although it can happen that a particular obligation chargeable to
a particular debtor is not yet due. He will be answerable for all the prestations which fall due although
chargeable to the other co-debtors.

1212. Each one of the solidary creditors may do whatever may be useful to the others, but not anything
which may be prejudicial to the latter.

Every solidary creditor is benefited by the useful acts of any one of them.
 If a solidary creditor performs an act which is not fair to his co-creditors, the act may have valid legal
effects or the obligation of the debtor due to them may be extinguished, but the performing creditor shall
be liable to his co-creditors.

Question: May solidary creditors perform an act that is beneficial to others?

1213. A solidary creditor cannot assign his rights without the consent of the others.

Assign – transfer of right

The assignee does not become a solidary creditor, and any payment made upon him by the debtor does
not extinguish the obligation. He is considered a STRANGER, and his acts are not binding to the
solidarity.

DOCTRINE OF MUTUAL AGENCY - In solidary obligations, the act of

one is act of the others. Exceptions to the doctrine:
1. Art. 1212 – a creditor may not perform an act prejudicial to other creditors
2. Art. 1213 – a creditor cannot transfer his right without consent

1214. The debtor may pay any one of the solidary creditors; but if any demand, judicial or extrajudicial,
has been made by one of them, payment should be made to him.

The debtor can pay any one of the solidary creditors. Such payment when accepted by any of the
solidary creditors will extinguish the obligation.
To avoid confusion on the payment of the obligation, the debtor is required to ay only to the demanding
creditor and that payment is sufficient to effect the extinguishment of the obligation.
In case two or more demands made by the other creditors, the first demand must be given priority.

1215. Novation, compensation, confusion or remission of the debt, made by any of the solidary creditors or
with any of the solidary debtors, shall extinguish the obligation, without prejudice to the provisions of
Article 1219.
The creditor who may have executed any of these acts, as well as he who collects the debt, shall be liable
to the others for the share in the obligation corresponding to them.

NOVATION – obligations are modified by:

1. Changing their object or principal conditions;
2. Substituting the person of the debtor; and
3. Subrogating (placing) a third person in the rights of the creditor. [Art. 1291]

COMPENSATION – takes place when two persons, in their own right, become creditors and debtors of each other
− the amount of one is covered by the amount of the other

These 4 modes of extinguishing obligations are acts prejudicial to the other solidary co-creditors because
these have the effect of extinguishing the debt or obligation which is due to all of them.
The only recourse of the co-creditors is to let the one who executed any of those acts be liable
for the shares corresponding to all his co-creditors (in their internal agreement).
1216. The creditor may proceed against any one of the solidary debtors or some or all of them
simultaneously. The demand made against one of them shall not be an obstacle to those which may
subsequently be directed against the others, so long as the debt has not been fully collected.

When there is passive solidarity, the creditor can

proceed against: Any of the solidary
debtors;
Some of the solidary debtors;
All of the solidary debtors, simultaneously.

Extrajudicial demands - first demand shall not prevent subsequent demands on the other co-debtors, if co-debtor
first to have been required to fulfill obligation did not act on it.

1217. Payment made by one of the solidary debtors extinguishes the obligation. If two or more solidary
debtors offer to pay, the creditor may choose which offer to accept.
He who made the payment may claim from his co-debtors only the share which corresponds to each, with the
interest for the payment already made. If the payment is made before the debt is due, no interest for the
intervening period may be demanded.
When one of the solidary debtors cannot, because of his insolvency, reimburse his share to the debtor
paying the obligation, such share shall be borne by all his co-debtors, in proportion to the debt of each.

Payment – consists in the delivery of the thing or the rendition (rendering) of the service whish is the object of the
obligation.

Interest – compensation for the use of borrowed money

Partial payment – the solidary debtor who made the partial payment is entitles to be reimbursed only for such
amount of money which he had paid and which exceeds his own share in the obligation.

If one of the debtors is insolvent and could not pay his share in the obligation, all solidary debtors including the
paying debtor shall share proportionately in the settlement of the corresponding share of the insolvent debtor. [In
short, his co-debtors will save his ass.]

1218. Payment by a solidary debtor shall not entitle him to reimbursement from his co-debtors if such
payment is made after the obligation has prescribed or become illegal.

No reimbursement if:

1. Obligation PRESCRIBES
The creditor did not make any demand for more than 10 years.
2. Obligation becomes ILLEGAL
Law has been passed, making such prestation illegal.

1219. The remission made by the creditor of the share which affects one of the solidary debtors does not
release the latter from his responsibility towards the co-debtors, in case the debt had been totally paid by
anyone of them before the remission was effected.

Atty De Chavez: Ito ay provision sa tanga... (siyempre, 'pag nagbayad na, wala nang obligation,
wala na ding ire-remit...)

Any belated (delayed) remission by the creditor of the share of any of the debtor has no effect
on the internal relationship of the co-debtors.
 After the prior payment of the entire obligation, there is nothing to remit because the obligation had been
extinguished.

1220. The remission of the whole obligation, obtained by one of the solidary debtors, does not entitle
him to reimbursement from his co-debtors.

There is nothing to be reimbursed because he did not spend any money, the remission being a gratuitous act.

1221. If the thing has been lost or if the prestation has become impossible without the fault of the solidary
debtors, the obligation shall be extinguished.
If there was fault on the part of any one of them, all shall be responsible to the creditor, for the price
and the payment of damages and interest, without prejudice to their action against the guilty or
negligent debtor.
If through a fortuitous event, the thing is lost or the performance has become impossible after one of the
solidary debtors has incurred in delay through the judicial or extrajudicial demand upon him by the creditor,
the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall apply.

Loss of the thing or impossibility of prestation –

1. NO FAULT – solidary debtors – obligation is extinguished
2. FAULT of any one of them – all are liable because of their mutual agency
3. FORTUITOUS EVENT – delay on the part of the debtors – all will be liable

If the thing due was not lost, but there is merely a delay, fraud or negligence on the part of one of the
solidary debtors, all (including the innocent) debtors will share in the payment of the PRINCIPAL
prestation. The damages and interest imposed will be borne by the guilty debtor.
Obligation to deliver is converted into an obligation to pay indemnity when there us loss or impossibility of
performance.

1222. A solidary debtor may, in actions filed by the creditor, avail himself of all defenses which are derived
from the nature of the obligation and of those which are personal to him, or pertain to his own share. With
respect to those which personally belong to the others, he may avail himself thereof only as regards that part
of the debt for which the latter are responsible.

DEFENSES OF A SOLIDARY DEBTOR:

1. Defense arising from the nature of the obligation – such as payment, prescription, remission, statute of
frauds, presence of vices of consent, etc.
2. Defenses which are personal to him or which pertains to his own share alone – such as minority,
insanity and others purely personal to him.
3. Defenses personal to the other solidary creditors but only as regards that part of the debt for which the
other creditors are liable.

Section 5 – Divisible and Indivisible Obligations

1223. The divisibility or indivisibility of the things that are the object of obligations in which there is only one
debtor and only one creditor does not alter or modify the provisions of Chapter 2 of this Title.

DIVISIBILITY – refers to the susceptibility of an obligation to be performed partially.

Obligation to deliver 100 sacks of rice or a particular type
INDIVISIBILITY – refers to the non-susceptibility of an obligation to partial performance.
Obligation to deliver a particular computer set
If a thing could be divided into parts and as divided, its value is impaired disproportionately, that thing is
INDIVISIBLE.

1224. A joint indivisible obligation gives rise to indemnity for damages from the time anyone of the debtors
does not comply with his undertaking. The debtors who may have been ready to fulfill their promises shall
not contribute to the indemnity beyond the corresponding portion of the price of the thing or of the value of
the service in which the obligation consists.

* Relate this provision to Articles 1165, 1208 and 1209.

JOINT INDIVISIBLE OBLIGATION – the object is indivisible but the liability of the parties is joint.

The unfulfilled undertaking (duty) is converted into a monetary obligation which

is not divisible. The guilty debtor is liable for damages.

1225. For the purposes of the preceding articles, obligations to give definite things and those which
are not susceptible of partial performance shall be deemed to be indivisible.
When the obligation has for its object the execution of a certain number of days of work, the
accomplishment of work by metrical units, or analogous things which by their nature are susceptible of
partial performance, it shall be divisible.
However, even though the object or service may be physically divisible, an obligation is indivisible if so
provided by law or intended by the parties.
In obligations not to do, divisibility or indivisibility shall be determined by the character of the prestation
in each particular case.

The following are considered INDIVISIBLE obligations:

1. Obligation to give definite things
2. Obligations which are not susceptible of partial performance
3. Even though the object or service may be physically divisible, it is indivisible if:
a. the law so provides
b. when the parties intended it to be indivisible

The following obligations are deemed DIVISIBLE:

1. When the object of the obligation is the execution of a certain number of days of work
2. When the object of the obligation is the accomplishment of work measured in units
3. When the object of the obligation is susceptible of partial compliance
4. When the object of the obligation is such that the debtor is required to pay in installments

If the contract is divisible, and a part of it is illegal, the illegal part is void, and the rest shall be valid
and enforceable. If the contract is indivisible, and a part of it is illegal, the entire contract is void.
Partial performance of an indivisible obligation is tantamount to non-performance.

Section 6 – Obligations with a Penal Clause

1226. In obligations with a penal clause, the penalty shall substitute the indemnity for damages and the
payment of interests in case of noncompliance, if there is no stipulation to the contrary. Nevertheless,
damages shall be paid if the obligor refuses to pay the penalty or is guilty of fraud in the fulfillment of the
obligation.
The penalty may be enforced only when it is demandable in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

* An obligation with a penal clause may be defined as 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.

Purposes:
 1. Funcion coercitiva o de garantia – to insure the performance of the obligation
2. Funcion liquidatoria – to liquidate the amount of damages to be awarded to the injured party in
case of breach of the principal obligation; and
Funcion estrictamente penal – in certain exceptional cases, to punish the obligor in case of breach
of the principal obligation.

This is an accessory obligation attached to the principal obligation, which imposes an additional liability
in case of breach of the principal obligation.
It pushes the debtor to perform his obligation faithfully and without delay – within the period agreed
upon, or else, he suffers a fixed civil penalty without need of proving the damages of the other party.

The penalty imposable is a substitute for the indemnity for:

a. damages
b. payment of interest in case of
breach of obligation -unless
the contrary is stipulated!

EXCEPTIONS – additional damages may be recovered from the following acts:

If the debtor refuses to pay the penalty
If the debtor is guilty of fraud in the fulfillment of the obligation
If there is express stipulation that the other damages or interests are demandable to the penalty
in the penal clause

1227. The debtor cannot exempt himself from the performance of the obligation by paying the penalty,
save in the case where this right has been expressly reserved for him. Neither can the creditor demand the
fulfillment of the obligation and the satisfaction of the penalty at the same time, unless this right has been
clearly granted him.
However, if after the creditor has decided to require the fulfillment of the obligation, the performance thereof
should become impossible without his fault, the penalty may be enforced.

A debtor cannot evade from payment of his principal obligation by choosing to pay the penalty stipulated,
except when the debtor is EXPRESSLY granted with the right to substitute the penalty for the principal
obligation. – an obligation with penalty clause cannot be turned to facultative obligation unless expressly
stipulated in the contract.
The creditor cannot demand the stipulated fulfillment of the principal obligation and the penalty at the same
time, except
a. when the creditor was clearly given the right to enforce both the principal obligation and penalty;
b. when the creditor has demanded fulfillment of the obligation but cannot be fulfilled due to the
1. debtor’s fault – creditor may demand for penalty
2. creditor’s fault – he cannot claim the penalty
3. fortuitous event – principal obligation and penalty are extinguished

1228. Proof of actual damages suffered by the creditor is not necessary in order that the penalty may be
demanded.

• As long as the agreement or contract is breached.

• The mere non-fulfillment of the principal obligation entitles the creditor to the penalty stipulated.
• The purpose of the penalty clause is precisely to avoid proving damages.

1229. The judge shall equitably reduce the penalty when the principal obligation has been partly or
irregularly complied with by the debtor. Even if there has been no performance, the penalty may also be
reduced by the courts if it is iniquitous or unconscionable.

JUDICIAL REDUCTION OF PENALTY

Principal obligation – partly complied with by the debtor (but not in indivisible obligation, because it
is tantamount to non-compliance)
 Principal obligation – complied not in accordance with the tenor of the agreement (refers to irregular
performance) Penalty – iniquitous or unconscionable

Judge’s power to reduce penalties are limited to private contracts.

INIQUITOUS OR UNCONSCIONABLE – when it is revolting to the conscience or common sense; grossly

disproportionate to the damages suffered.

PENALTY NOT ENFORCEABLE:

2. Impossible performance of principal obligation due to fortuitous events
3. Creditor prevented the debtor from fulfilling the obligation
4. Penalty is contrary to good morals or good customs
5. Both parties are guilty of breach of contract
6. Breach of contract by the creditor
7. None of the parties committed any willful or culpable violation of the agreement

1230. The nullity of the penal clause does not carry with it that of the principal obligation.
The nullity of the principal obligation carries with it that of the penal clause.

Because the penal clause is only an accessory to the principal obligation, it cannot exist alone.
If the penal clause is void, the principal obligation remains enforceable.

The nullity of penal clause does not mean the nullity of the principal.
For example:
In case of non-payment of P10,000, P1,000 per day as penalty shall be imposed. It is a void contract but it is not an
excuse that you don't have to pay the principal which is P10,000.