Obligations Flashcards
[Definition of Obligation]
What is an obligation?
An obligation is a juridical necessity to give, to do, or not to do. (Art. 1156, Civil Code)
[Kinds of Obligations as to Basis and Enforceability]
What are the two kinds of obligations as to basis and enforceability?
Civil obligations (enforceable) and natural obligations (not enforceable but retainable after voluntary fulfillment).
[Essential Elements of Obligation]
What are the essential elements of an obligation?
a. Active subject (creditor/obligee)
b. Passive subject (debtor/obligor)
c. Prestation (subject matter of the obligation)
d. Vinculum Juris/Efficient Cause/Juridical Tie
[Transmissibility of Obligation]
What is the general rule regarding the transmissibility of obligations?
All rights acquired in virtue of an obligation are transmissible, except when the nature of the obligation, stipulation, or law provides otherwise.
[Sources of Obligations]
What are the sources of obligations?
Law, contracts, quasi-contracts, delict, and quasi-delict.
[Obligations Ex Lege]
How are obligations derived from law regulated?
They are regulated by the law that establishes them, and if not foreseen, by the Civil Code. (Art. 1158)
[Obligations Ex Contractu]
What is a contract?
A contract is a meeting of minds where one binds himself to give or render some service. (Art. 1305)
[Force of Contracts]
What is the force of obligations arising from contracts?
They have the force of law between the parties and must be complied with in good faith. (Art. 1159)
[Obligations Ex Quasi-Contractu]
What is a quasi-contract?
A juridical relation from lawful, voluntary acts to prevent unjust enrichment.
[Negotiorum Gestio]
What is negotiorum gestio?
It is the management of another’s business without authorization, obliging the gestor to continue until the affair ends or be replaced. (Art. 2144)
[Solutio Indebiti]
What is solutio indebiti?
It is the juridical relation when something is received without right and was unduly delivered through mistake.
[Requisites for Solutio Indebiti]
What are the requisites for solutio indebiti?
- No right to receive the thing.
- The thing was delivered through mistake.
[Obligations Ex Delicto]
What is a delict?
An act or omission punishable by law, which may be governed by the Revised Penal Code or other penal laws.
[Civil Liability from Crime]
What does civil liability from a crime include?
- Restitution
- Reparation of damage
- Indemnification for consequential damages. (Art. 100, Revised Penal Code)
[Proof Required for Civil Liability]
What is required to prove civil liability?
Proof by preponderance of evidence; criminal liability requires proof beyond reasonable doubt.
[Effect of Acquittal on Civil Liability]
Can civil liability still exist if the accused is acquitted?
Yes, especially if acquitted due to reasonable doubt.
[Employer’s Liability]
When is an employer civilly liable for acts of employees?
Employers may be civilly liable for acts of employees but only subsidiarily.
[Obligations Ex Quasi-Delicto]
What is a quasi-delict?
It is damage caused by fault or negligence without a pre-existing contractual relation. (Art. 2176)
[Requisites for Quasi-Delict]
What are the requisites for a quasi-delict?
a. Act or omission
b. Fault or negligence
c. Damage caused
d. Direct relation of cause and effect between the act or omission and the damage
[Vicarious Liability for Quasi-Delict]
Who is responsible for damages caused by minor children or employees?
• Minor children: Father (or mother if the father is incapacitated)
• Employees: Owners, managers, or employers depending on the context
[Defense Against Vicarious Liability]
What is the defense available against vicarious liability?
Proof of all due diligence to prevent damage or selection/supervision of the employee. This defense is not available for subsidiary liability arising from delicts or crimes.
[Multiple Sources of Obligations]
Can a single act be the source of multiple obligations?
Yes, a single act can be the source of multiple obligations.
[Double Recovery]
Can a plaintiff recover damages twice for the same act or omission?
No, double recovery is not allowed. (Art. 2177)
[Pure Obligations]
Q: What is a pure obligation?
An obligation whose performance does not depend on a future or uncertain event and is demandable at once.
[Conditional Obligations]
What defines a conditional obligation?
The acquisition, extinguishment, or loss of rights depends on the happening of a condition. (Art. 1181)
[Potestative Condition]
What is a potestative condition?
A condition dependent solely on the will of one of the parties.
[Void Potestative Condition]
When is a potestative condition considered void?
When it is dependent solely on the will of the debtor and is suspensive in character. (Art. 1182)
[Constructive Fulfillment]
When is a condition deemed fulfilled?
When the obligor voluntarily prevents its fulfillment. (Art. 1186)
[Impossible Conditions]
What happens when an obligation depends on an impossible condition?
The obligation is annulled; if divisible, the valid part remains. (Art. 1183)
[Types of Impossibility]
What are the types of impossibility for conditions?
- Physically impossible
- Legally impossible
[Effect of Impossible Condition - Obligation to Do]
What is the effect if an impossible condition is imposed in an obligation to do?
The obligation and the condition are treated as void.
[Effect of Impossible Condition - Obligation Not to Do]
What is the effect if an impossible condition is imposed in an obligation not to do?
The impossible condition can be disregarded, and the obligation remains.
[Effect of Fulfillment of Conditions]
What is the general rule about the effect of fulfilled conditions?
Fulfillment retroacts to the day of the constitution of the obligation, except for fruits, interests, and periods of prescription.
[Fruits and Interests - Reciprocal Obligations]
How are fruits or interests treated in reciprocal obligations when a condition is fulfilled?
The fruits are deemed mutually compensated.
[Fruits and Interests - Unilateral Obligations]
How are fruits or interests treated in unilateral obligations when a condition is fulfilled?
The debtor is entitled to the fruits unless otherwise stated.
[Period of Prescription]
How is the period of prescription counted when a condition is fulfilled?
It is still counted from the time the condition was fulfilled.
[Obligation with a Period]
When is an obligation treated as one with a period?
When the debtor binds himself to pay when his means permit him to do so. (Art. 1180)
[Suspensive Conditions with a Deadline]
What happens if a suspensive condition with a deadline is not met?
The obligation is extinguished if the time expires or if it becomes clear the event will not happen.
[Rules for Loss, Deterioration, or Improvement]
What are the rules for loss, deterioration, or improvement of a specific or determinate thing subject to a suspensive condition? (Art. 1189)
• Loss:
• Without fault of the debtor: Obligation is extinguished.
• With fault of the debtor: Debtor is liable for damages.
• Deterioration:
• Without fault of the debtor: Impairment is borne by the creditor.
• With fault of the debtor: Creditor can either:
1. Exact fulfillment and ask for damages
2. Ask for rescission and damages
• Improvement:
• By nature or time: Improvement benefits the creditor.
• At the expense of the debtor: Debtor may remove the improvement if it doesn’t damage the thing.
[Obligation with a Period/Term]
What is a period/term in an obligation?
A certain length of time determining the effectivity or extinguishment of the obligation, which is certain to arrive even though it may not be known when.
[Kinds of Term]
What are the kinds of term?
- Definite - Specific date or within a fixed period.
- Indefinite - Period arrives upon the fulfillment of a certain event that is certain to happen.
- Legal - Imposed by law.
- Voluntary - Agreed upon by the parties.
- Judicial - Fixed by courts.
[Effect of Term/Period]
What are the effects of a period/term in obligations?
- Ex die: Period with a suspensive effect.
- In diem: Period with a resolutory effect.
[Benefit of the Period]
What is the general rule regarding the benefit of the period in an obligation?
The period is presumed to be established for the benefit of both the creditor and the debtor. (Art. 1196)
[Consequences of Benefit of the Period]
What are the consequences of the general rule for the benefit of the period?
- The debtor cannot be made to pay before the period.
- The creditor cannot be made to accept payment before the period.
[Loss of Benefit of the Period (Debtor)]
When does a debtor lose the right to the benefit of the period?
- When he becomes insolvent after the obligation has been contracted, unless he provides a guaranty.
- When he fails to provide the guaranties promised.
- When he impairs the guaranties after establishment or if they disappear through fortuitous events, unless new ones are provided.
- When he violates any undertaking in consideration of which the creditor agreed to the period.
- When he attempts to abscond.
[Loss of Benefit of the Period (Acronym)]
What acronym helps remember when a debtor loses the benefit of the period?
Insolvency, Guaranties, Impairment, Violation, Absconding.
[Conjunctive Obligations]
What is a conjunctive obligation?
An obligation where all prestations must be complied with to fulfill the obligation.
[Alternative Obligations]
What is an alternative obligation?
An obligation where the performance of one of the prestations fulfills the obligation.
[49: Right of Choice (Alternative Obligations)]
Who generally has the right of choice in alternative obligations?
The debtor, except when expressly granted to the creditor or a third party.
[Limitations on Debtor’s Right of Choice]
What are the limitations on the debtor’s right of choice in alternative obligations?
The debtor cannot choose any prestation that is impossible or unlawful.
[Communication of Choice]
What is required for the choice to take effect in alternative obligations?
The choice must be communicated, a process technically called “concentration.”
[Limitation on Choice]
Can the choice in an alternative obligation be part of one prestation and part of another?
No, the choice cannot be divided between prestations.
[Effect of Loss (Debtor’s Choice)]
What happens if all the choices in an alternative obligation are lost?
• Fortuitous Event: Obligation is extinguished.
• Fault of Debtor: Value of the last remaining prestation + Damages.
• Fault of Creditor: Debtor cannot make a choice; can ask for rescission + Damages or Perform + Damages.
[Effect of Loss (Creditor’s Choice)]
What happens if all the choices in an alternative obligation are lost?
• Fortuitous Event: Obligation is extinguished.
• Fault of Debtor: Value of any + Damages.
• Fault of Creditor: Demand from remaining + Damages.
[Faculative Obligations]
What is a facultative obligation?
When only one prestation is agreed upon, but the obligor may render another in substitution.
[Right to Substitute in Facultative Obligations]
Who has the right to substitute in facultative obligations?
The debtor always has the right to substitute and cannot be compelled to do so.
[Effect of Loss Before Substitution]
What is the effect if the principal is lost before substitution in facultative obligations?
The obligation is extinguished.
[Effect of Loss of Substitute Before Substitution]
What is the effect if the substitute is lost before substitution in facultative obligations?
The obligation is not extinguished.
[Effect of Loss After Substitution (Principal)]
What is the effect if the principal is lost after substitution in facultative obligations?
The obligation is not extinguished.
[Effect of Loss After Substitution (Substitute)]
What is the effect if the substitute is lost after substitution in facultative obligations?
The obligation is extinguished.
[Solidary Obligation]
What is a solidary obligation?
A solidary obligation is one where each debtor is liable for the entire obligation, or each creditor is entitled to demand the whole obligation. (Art. 1207)
[Formation of Solidary Obligation]
When does a solidary obligation arise?
- When expressly stipulated.
- When required by law.
- When the nature of the obligation requires it. (Art. 1207)
[Enforcement of Solidary Obligations]
What are the rules for enforcement of solidary obligations?
- A debtor may pay any one of the solidary creditors; payment should be made to the creditor who has made demand.
- Novation, compensation, confusion, or remission by any creditor or debtor extinguishes the obligation.
- A solidary debtor can use defenses personal to himself or his share; he can only use defenses personal to others for their share. (Arts. 1208–1211)
[Payment and Reimbursement in Solidary Obligations]
What happens if one of the solidary debtors pays the entire obligation?
- The obligation is extinguished.
- The paying debtor can claim reimbursement from co-debtors for their respective shares plus interest.
- If a debtor cannot reimburse due to insolvency, the share is borne by other co-debtors proportionally. (Arts. 1213–1215)
[Creditor’s Rights in Solidary Obligations]
What rights does a creditor have in a solidary obligation?
- The creditor may proceed against any or all solidary debtors.
- Demand against one does not prevent future demands against others until the debt is fully collected.
- Payment after prescription or illegality does not entitle reimbursement from co-debtors. (Arts. 1216–1218)
[Joint Obligation]
What is a joint obligation?
A joint obligation is one where each debtor is liable only for a proportionate part of the debt, or each creditor is entitled only to a proportionate part of the credit. (Art. 1208)
[Effects of Joint Obligations]
What are the effects of joint obligations?
- Demand by one creditor upon one debtor only affects the specific debtor and creditor involved.
- Interruption of prescription or partial payment affects only the debtor or creditor involved.
- Personal defects or insolvency of one debtor do not affect the others. (Art. 1209)
[Disjunctive Obligations]
What is the rule for disjunctive obligations?
Although not explicitly covered by the New Civil Code, disjunctive obligations should follow rules similar to solidary obligations, ensuring that debtors and creditors are not given a choice in fulfilling or collecting the obligation. (Art. 1207)
[Indivisibility and Solidarity]
Does indivisibility imply solidarity?
No, indivisibility does not necessarily connote solidarity. The rules on solidarity and joint obligations still apply to multiple parties. (Art. 1234)
[Indivisible Obligations]
What types of obligations are considered indivisible?
- Obligation to give definite things.
- Obligations not susceptible to partial performance.
- Obligations capable of partial performance but treated as indivisible by law or intention. (Art. 1234)
[Divisible Obligations]
What types of obligations are considered divisible?
- Execution of a certain number of days of work.
- Accomplishment of work by metrical units.
- Payment of a certain amount in installments.
- Accomplishment of work susceptible to partial performance. (Art. 1234)
[Joint Indivisible Obligations]
What happens if a joint indivisible obligation is impossible to divide?
- The right of the creditors may be prejudiced only by their collective acts.
- The debt can only be enforced against all the debtors.
- If one debtor is insolvent, the others are not liable for his share.
- Indemnity for damages arises from the time any debtor fails to comply, with indemnity limited to the debtor’s portion. (Art. 1235)
[Solidary Indivisible Obligations]
How does a solidary indivisible obligation differ from a joint indivisible one?
- In a solidary indivisible obligation, even an innocent debtor or one ready to comply can be liable for damages.
- The innocent debtor can seek reimbursement from the debtor at fault or who is not ready to comply. (Art. 1235)
[General Rule for Penal Clause]
What is the general rule regarding the penalty in obligations with a penal clause?
The penalty shall substitute the indemnity for damages and payment of interests in case of non-compliance.
[Exceptions to the General Rule for Penal Clause]
What are the exceptions to the general rule that the penalty substitutes indemnity for damages and payment of interests?
A:
1. If there is a stipulation to the contrary. 2. If the debtor refuses to pay the penalty. 3. If the debtor is guilty of fraud in fulfilling the obligation.
[Payment of Penalty Instead of Fulfillment]
Can the debtor exempt himself from performing the obligation by paying the penalty?
As a rule, the debtor cannot exempt himself from the performance of the obligation by paying the penalty unless this right has been expressly reserved for him.
[Fulfillment and Penalty]
Can the creditor demand both the fulfillment of the obligation and the penalty simultaneously?
The creditor cannot demand both the fulfillment of the obligation and the penalty at the same time unless this right has been clearly granted to him.
[Impossibility of Performance After Creditor’s Demand]
What happens if the creditor demands fulfillment, but performance becomes impossible without his fault?
The penalty may be enforced if the performance of the obligation becomes impossible without the creditor’s fault after he has decided to require fulfillment.
[Reduction of Penalty]
When can courts reduce the penalty in an obligation with a penal clause?
Courts can reduce the penalty whenever:
1. The principal obligation has been partly or irregularly complied with. 2. The penalty is iniquitous or unconscionable.
[Real vs. Personal Obligations]
What is the difference between real and personal obligations?
• Real obligation: The obligation to give.
• Personal obligation: The obligation to do or not to do.
[Positive vs. Negative Obligations]
What is the difference between positive and negative obligations?
• Positive obligation: The obligation to give or to do.
• Negative obligation: The obligation not to do or not to give.