Obligations and Contracts

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QUESTION: X, a dressmaker, accepted clothing materials from Karla to make two dresses B. In this jurisdiction, is a joint venture (i.e., a group of corporations contributing resources
for her. On the day X was supposed to deliver Karla's dresses, X called up Karla to say that for a specific project and sharing the profits therefrom) considered a partnership? (3%)
she had an urgent matter to attend to and will deliver them the next day. That night,
however, a robber broke into her shop and took everything including Karla's two dresses. X SUGGESTED ANSWER:
claims she is not liable to deliver Karla's dresses or to pay for the clothing materials a) No Kyla cannot demand that Y deliver the portrait. The death of X has the effect of
considering she herself was a victim of the robbery which was a fortuitous event and over dissolving the partnership. (Article 1830, Civil Code) Also, while the obligation was
which she had no control. Do you agree? Why? (3%) contracted by the partnership, it was X who was supposed to create the portrait for
Kyla. Since X died before creating the portrait, the obligation can no longer be complied
SUGGESTED ANSWER: because of impossibility of performance. (Article 1266)In obligations to do, the debtor
No, I do not agree with the contention of X. The law provides that except when it is shall be released when the prestation becomes legally or physically impossible without
otherwise declared by stipulation or when the law provides or the nature of the obligation the debtor’s fault.
requires the assumption of risk, no person shall be liable for those events which could not
be foreseen or which though foreseen were inevitable. (Article 1174, Civil Code) In the case b) Yes, under Philippine law, a joint venture is understood to mean an organization formed
presented, X cannot invoke fortuitous event as a defense because she had already incurred for some temporary purpose and is hardly distinguishable form a partnership since its
in delay at the time of the occurrence of the loss. (Article 1165, Civil Code) elements are similar which are: community of interest in business, sharing of profits,
and losses, and a mutual right of control. (Primelink Properties v. Lazatin June 27,
a) Iya and Betty owed Jun P500,000.00 for advancing their equity in a corporation they 2006 citing Blackner v. Mcdermott, 176 F. 2d 498[1949])
joined as incorporators. Iya and Betty bound themselves solidarily liable for the debt.
Later, Iya and Jun became sweethearts so Jun condoned the debt of P500,000.00. QUESTION: J.C. Construction (J.C.) bought steel bars from Matibay Steel Industries (MSI)
May lya demand from Betty ~250,000.00 as her share in the debt? Explainlegal with which is owned by Buddy Batungbacal. J.C. failed to pay the purchased materials worth
basis. (2%) P500,000.00 on due date. J.C. persuaded its client Amoroso with whom it had receivables
to pay its obligation to MSI. Amoroso agreed and paid MSI the amount of P50,000.00. After
b) Juancho, Don and Pedro borrowed ~150,000.00 from their friend Cita to put up an two (2) other payments, Amoroso stopped making further payments.
internet cafe orally promising to pay her the full amount after one year. Because of their
lack of business know-how, their business collapsed. Juancho and Don ended up Buddy filed a complaint for collection of the balance of the obligation and damages against
penniless but Pedro was able to borrow money and put up a restaurant which did well. J.C. J.C. denied any liability claiming that its obligation was extinguished by reason of
Can Cita demand that Pedro pay the entire obligation since him, together with the two novation which took place when MSI accepted partial payments from Amoroso on its behalf.
others, promised to pay the amount in full after one year? Defend your answer. (2%)
Was the obligation of J.C. Construction to MSI extinguished by novation? Why? (4%)
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
a) No, Iya may not demand the 250,000 from Betty because the entire obligation has been SUGEGSTED ANSWER:
condoned by the creditor Jun. In a solidary obligation the remission of the whole No, the obligation of JC was not extinguished by novation. Novation may either be objective
obligation obtained by one of the solidary debtors does not entitle him to reimbursement or subjective. Subjective novation takes place by the substitution of debtor or subrogation of
from his co-debtors. (Article 1220, Civil Code) a third person to the rights of the creditor. Novation by substituting a new debtor may take
place even without the knowledge or against the will of the original debtor but not without
b) No, Cita cannot demand that Pedro pay the entire obligation because the obligation in the consent of the creditor. Moreover, novation must be expressed and it cannot be implied
this case is presumed to be joint. The concurrence of two or more creditors or of two or and there must be an agreement that the old obligation is extinguished. In the case of JC, it
more debtors in one and the same obligation does not imply that each one of the former does not appear that MSI had agreed to release JC from the obligation. Hence, the
has a right to demand, or that each one of the latter is bound to render, entire obligation of JC was not extinguished.
compliance with the prestation. (Article 1207) In a joint obligation, there is no mutual
agency among the joint debtors such that if one of them is insolvent the others shall not Contract to Sell vs. Conditional Contract of Sale (2012)
be liable for his share. A contract to sell is the same as a conditional contract of sale. Do you agree? Explain your
answer. (5%)
QUESTION: A. X and Y are partners in a shop offering portrait painting. Y provided the
capital and the marketing while X was the portrait artist. They accepted the PS0,000.00 SUGGESTED ANSWER:
payment of Kyla to do her portrait but X passed away without being able to do it. Can Kyla No. A contract to sell is a species of conditional sale. The contract to sell does not sell a
demand that Y deliver the portrait she had paid for because she was dealing the with thing or property; it sells the right to buy property. A conditional sale is a sale subject to the
business establishment and not with the artist personally? Why or why not? (3%) happening or performance of a condition, such as payment of the full purchase price, or the
performance of other prestation to give, to do or not to do. Compliance with the condition
automatically gives the right to the vendee to demand the delivery of the object of the sale.
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In a contract to sell, however, the compliance with the condition does not automatically sell Extinguishment; Compensation (2009)
the property to the vendee. It merely gives the vendee the right to compel the vendor to Sarah had a deposit in a savings account with Filipino Universal Bank in the amount of five
execute the deed of absolute sale. million pesos (P5,000,000). To buy a new car, she obtained a loan from the same bank in
the amount of P1,200,000, payable in twelve monthly installments. Sarah issued in favor of
Rescission of Contract; Fortuitous Event the bank post-dated checks, each in the amount of P100,000, to cover the twelve monthly
(2008) installment payments. On the third, fourth and fifth months, the corresponding checks
AB Corp. entered into a contract with XY Corp. whereby the former agreed to construct the bounced.
research and laboratory facilities of the latter. Under the terms of the contract, AB Corp.
agreed to complete the facility in 18 months, at the total contract price of P10 million. XY The bank then declared the whole obligation due, and proceeded to deduct the amount of
Corp. paid 50% of the total contract price, the balance to be paid upon completion of the one million pesos (P1,000,000.00) from Sarah’s deposit after notice to her that this is a
work. The work stated immediately, but AB Corp. later experienced work slippage because form of compensation allowed by law. Is the bank correct? Explain. (4%)
of labor unrest in his company. AB Corp.'s employees claimed that they are not being paid
on time; hence, the work slowdown. As of the 17th month, work was only 45% completed. SUGGESTED ANSWER:
AB Corp. asked for extension of time, claiming that its labor problems is a case of fortuitous No, the bank is not correct. While the Bank is correct about the applicability of
event, but this was denied by XY Corp. When it became certain that the construction could compensation, it was not correct as to the amount compensated.
not be finished on time, XY Corp. sent written notice cancelling the contract, and requiring
AB Corp. to immediately vacate the premises. A bank deposit is a contract of loan, where the depositor is the creditor and the bank the
debtor. Since Sarah is also the debtor of the bank with respect to the loan, both are mutually
(A). Can the labor unrest be considered a fortuitous event? (1%) principal debtors and creditors of each other. Both obligation are due, demandable and
liquidated but only up to the extent of P300,000.00 (covering the unpaid third, fourth and
SUGGESTED ANSWER: fifth monthly installments). The entire one million was not yet due because the loan has no
No. The labor unrest cannot be considered a fortuitous event under Art.1174 of the Civil acceleration clause in case of default. And since there is no retention or controversy
Code. A fortuitous event should occur independent of the will of the debtor or without his commenced by third person and communicated in due time to the debtor, then all the
participation or aggravation (Paras, Civil Code Annotated, vol. IV, 2000 ed., p159). As requisites of legal compensation are present but only up to the amount of P300,000.00. The
mentioned in the facts, labor unrest of the employees was caused by AB Corp.'s failure to bank, therefore, may deduct P300,000.00 from Sarah’s bank deposit by way of
pay its employees on time. compensation.

(B). Can XY Corp. unilaterally and immediately cancel the contract? (2%) Extinguishment; Compensation (2008)
Eduardo was granted a loan by XYZ Bank for the purpose of improving a building which
SUGGESTED ANSWER: XYZ leased from him. Eduardo executed the promissory note ("PN") in favor of the bank,
No, XY Corp. cannot unilaterally and immediately cancel the contract. In the absence of any with his friend Recardo as co-signatory. In the PN, they both acknowledged that they are
stipulation for automatic rescission, rescission must be judicial (Art. 1191, Civil Code). "individually and collectively" liable and waived the need for prior demand. To secure the
PN, Recardo executed a real estate mortgage on his own property. When Eduardo
(C). Must AB Corp. return the 50% down payment? (2%) defaulted on the PN, XYZ stopped payment of rentals on the building on the ground that
SUGGESTED ANSWER: legal compensation had set in. Since there was still a balance due on the PN after applying
AB Corp. need not return the 50% down payment because 45% of the work was already the rentals, XYZ foreclosed the real estate mortgage over Recardo's property. Recardo
completed, otherwise, XY Corp. would be unjustly enriching itself at the expense of AB opposed the foreclosure on the ground that he is only a co-signatory; that no demand was
Corp. made upon him for payment, and assuming he is liable, his liability should not go beyond
half the balance of the loan. Further, Recardo said that when the bank invoked
Stipulation; Arbitration Clause (2009) compensation between the reantals and the amount of the loan, it amounted to a new
TRUE or FALSE. Answer TRUE if the statement is true or FALSE if the statement is false. contract or novation, and had the effect of extinguishing the security since he did not give
Explain your answer in not more than two (2) sentences. his consent (as owner of the property under the real estate mortgage) thereto.

(A). A clause in an arbitration contract granting one of the parties the power to choose more (A). Can XYZ Bank validly assert legal compensation? (2%)
arbitrators than the other renders the arbitration contract void. (1%)
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes, XYZ Bank can validly assert legal compensation. In the present case, all of the
True. The Civil Code provides that “Any clause giving one of the parties power to choose elements of legal compensation are present: (1) XYZ Bank is the creditor of Eduardo while
more arbitrators than the other is void and of no effect” (Art 2045, NCC). Eduardo is the lessor of XYZ Bank; (2) both debts consist in a sum of money, or if the things
due are consumable, they be of the same kind, and also of the same quality if the latter has
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been stated; (3) the two debts be due; (4) they be liquidated and demandable, and (5)
over neither of them there be any retention or controversy, commenced by third persons 1990). Mere delivery of checks does not discharge the obligation under a judgment. A check
and communicated in due time to the debtor (Art. 1279, Civil Code). shall produce the effect of payment only when they have been cashed or where through the
fault of the creditor they have been impaired (Art 1249, Civil Code).
Extinguishment; Novation (2008)
Eduardo was granted a loan by XYZ Bank for the purpose of improving a building which However, it is not necessary that the right of redemption be exercised by delivery of legal
XYZ leased from him. Eduardo executed the promissory note ("PN") in favor of the bank, tender. A check may be used for the exercise of right of redemption, the same being a right
with his friend Recardo as co-signatory. In the PN, they both acknowledged that they are and not an obligation. The tender of a check is sufficient to compel redemption but is not in
"individually and collectively" liable and waived the need for prior demand. To secure the itself a payment that relieves the redemptioner from his liability to pay the redemption price
PN, Recardo executed a real estate mortgage on his own property. When Eduardo (Biana v. Gimenez, G.R. No. 132768, Sept 9, 2005, citing Fortunado v. CA).
defaulted on the PN, XYZ stopped payment of rentals on the building on the ground that
legal compensation had set in. Since there was still a balance due on the PN after applying Redemption within the period allowed by law is not a matter of intent but a question of
the rentals, XYZ foreclosed the real estate mortgage over Recardo's property. Recardo payment or valid tender of full redemption prices within the said period. Whether redemption
opposed the foreclosure on the ground that he is only a co-signatory; that no demand was is being made under Art. 3135 or under the General Banking Law, the mortgagor or his
made upon him for payment, and assuming he is liable, his liability should not go beyond assignee is required to tender payment to make said redemption valid (Heirs of Quisumbing
half the balance of the loan. Further, Recardo said that when the bank invoked v. PNB and SLDC, G.R. No. 178242, Jan 20, 2009).
compensation between the rentals and the amount of the loan, it amounted to a new
contract or novation, and had the effect of extinguishing the security since he did not give Moreover, Ferdie’s refusal was justified on the ground that the amount tendered does not
his consent (as owner of the property under the real estate mortgage) thereto. include interest. In order to effect the redemption of the foreclosed property, the payment to
the purchaser must include the following sums: (a) the bid price; (b) the interest on the bid
(C). Does Recardo have basis under the Civil Code for claiming that the original contract price, computed at one per centum (1%) per month; and (c) the assessments and taxes, if
was novated? (2%) any, paid by the purchaser with the same rate of interest (Sec 28, 1997 Rules of Civil
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Procedure). Unless there is an express stipulation to that effect, the creditor cannot be
No. Recardo has no basis for claiming novation of the original contract when the bank compelled to receive partial payment of the prestation (Art.1248, Civil Code).
invoked compensation because there was simply partial compensation (Art. 1290, Civil
Code) and this would not bar the bank from recovering the remaining balance of the Extinguishment; Payment of Check; Legal Tender (2008)
obligation. Felipe borrowed $100 from Gustavo in 1998, when the Phil P - US$ exchange rate was P56
- US$1. On March 1, 2008, Felipe tendered to Gustavo a cashier's check in the amount of
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: P4,135 in payment of his US$ 100 debt, based on the Phil P - US$ exchange rat at that
No. In order that an obligation may be extinguished by another, it is imperative that it be so time. Gustavo accepted the check, but forgot to deposit it until Sept. 12, 2008. His bank
declared in unequivocal terms, or that the old and new obligations be on every point refused to accept the check because it had become stale. Gustavo now wants Felipe to pay
compatible with each other. Novation is never presumed (Art. 1292, Civil Code). him in cash the amount of P5,600. Claiming that the previous payment was not in legal
tender, and that there has been extraordinary deflation since 1998, and therefore, Felipe
Extinguishment; Payment of Check should pay him the value of the debt at the time it was incurred. Felipe refused to pay him
(2013) again, claiming that Gustavo is estopped from raising the issue of legal tender, having
Lito obtained a loan of P1,000,000 from Ferdie, payable within one year. To secure accepted the check in March, and that it was Gustavo's negligence in not depositing the
payment, Lito executed a chattel mortgage on a Toyota Avanza and a real estate mortgage check immediately that caused the check to become stale.
on a 200-square meter piece of property.
(A). Can Gustavo now raised the issue that the cashier's check is not legal tender? (2%)
(B) Lito's failure to pay led to the extra- judicial foreclosure of the mortgaged real property.
Within a year from foreclosure, Lito tendered a manager's check to Ferdie to redeem the SUGGESTED ANSWER:
property. Ferdie refused to accept payment on the ground that he wanted payment in cash: No. Gustavo previously accepted a check as payment. It was his fault why the check
the check does not qualify as legal tender and does not include the interest payment. Is became stale. He is now estopped from raising the issue that a cashier's check is not legal
Ferdie's refusal justified? (4%) tender.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: (B). Can Felipe validly refuse to pay Gustavo again? (2%)
A check, whether a manager’s check or an ordinary check is not legal tender, and an offer
of a check in payment of a debt is not a valid tender of payment and may be refused receipt SUGGESTED ANSWER:
by the oblige or creditors (Philippine Airlines v. CA and Amelia Tan, G.R. No. L- Yes, Felipe can refuse to pay Gustavo, who allowed the check to become stale. Although a
49188, check is not legal tender (Belisario v. Natividad. 60 Phil 156), there are instances when a
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check produces the effects of payment, for example: (a) when the creditor is in estoppel or
he had previously promised he would accept a check (Paras, Civil Code Annotated, First Example of an obligation without an agreement is a case of negotiorum gestio,
Vol IV, 2000 ed., p.394); (b) when the check has lost its value because of the fault of whereby one who voluntarily takes charge of the agency or management of the business or
the creditor (Art. 1249, 2nd par.),as when he was unreasonably delayed in presenting the property of another without any power from the latter, is obliged to continue the same until
check for payment (PNB v. Seeto, G.R. No, L-4388, 13 August 1952). (C). Can Felipe the termination of the affair and its incidents, or to require the person concerned to
compel Gustavo to receive US$100 instead? (1%) substitute him, if the owner is in a position to do so (Art.2144, NCC).

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Second example, a case of solutio indebiti may also give rise to an obligation without
Felipe cannot compel Gustavo to receive US$100 because under RA 529, payment of loans an agreement. This refers to the obligation to return which arises when something is
should be at Philippine currency at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of the received when there is no right to demand it, and it was unduly delivered through mistake
stipulated date of payment. Felipe could only compel Gustavo to receive US$ 100 if they (Art.2154, NCC).
stipulated that obligation be paid in foreign currency (R.A. 4100).
Third example, is when without the knowledge of the person obliged to give support, it is
Liability; Solidary Liability (2008) given by a stranger, the latter shall have a right to claim the same from the former,
Eduardo was granted a loan by XYZ Bank for the purpose of improving a building which unless it appears that he gave it out of piety and without intention of being repaid (Art. 2164,
XYZ leased from him. Eduardo executed the promissory note ("PN") in favor of the bank, NCC).
with his friend Recardo as co-signatory. In the PN, they both acknowledged that they are
"individually and collectively" liable and waived the need for prior demand. To secure the Fourth example, is when through accident or other causes a person is injured or becomes
PN, Recardo executed a real estate mortgage on his own property. When Eduardo seriously ill, and he is treated or helped while he is not in a condition to give consent to a
defaulted on the PN, XYZ stopped payment of rentals on the building on the ground that contract, he shall be liable to pay for the services of the physician or other person aiding
legal compensation had set in. Since there was still a balance due on the PN after applying him, unless the service has been rendered out of pure generosity (Art.2167, NCC).
the rentals, XYZ foreclosed the real estate mortgage over Recardo's property. Recardo
opposed the foreclosure on the ground that he is only a co-signatory; that no demand was Fifth instance of an obligation without an agreement is when the person obliged to support
made upon him for payment, and assuming he is liable, his liability should not go beyond an orphan or an insane or other indigent person unjustly refuses to give support to the latter,
half the balance of the loan. Further, Recardo said that when the bank invoked any third person may furnish support to the needy individual, with right of reimbursement
compensation between the reantals and the amount of the loan, it amounted to a new from the person obliged to give support. The provisions of this article apply when the father
contract or novation, and had the effect of extinguishing the security since he did not give or mother of a child under eighteen years of age unjustly refuses to support him (Art. 2166,
his consent (as owner of the property under the real estate mortgage) thereto. NCC).

(B). Can Recardo's property be foreclosed to pay the full balance of the loan? (2%) Consensual vs. Real Contracts; Kinds of Real Contracts (1998)
Distinguish consensual from real contracts and name at least four (4) kinds of real contracts
SUGGESTED ANSWER: under the present law. [3%]
Yes, Recardo’s property can be foreclosed to pay the full balance of the loan because when
he signed as co- signatory in the promissory note, he acknowledged he is solidarily liable SUGGESTED ANSWER:
with Eduardo. In solidary obligations, a creditor has the right to demand full payment of the CONSENSUAL CONTRACTS are those which are perfected by mere consent (Art.1315.
obligation from any of the solidary debtors (Art. 1207, Civil Code). Civil Code). REAL CONTRACTS are those which are perfected by the delivery of the object
of the obligation. (Art. 1316, Civil Code) Examples of real contracts are deposit, pledge,
Obligations; Without Agreement (2007) commodatum and simple loan (mutuum).
What are obligations without an agreement"? Give five examples of situations giving rise to
this type of obligations? (10%) Consideration; Validity (2000)
Lolita was employed in a finance company. Because she could not account for the funds
SUGGESTED ANSWER: entrusted to her, she was charged with estafa and ordered arrested. In order to secure her
"Obligations without an agreement" are obligations that do not arise from contract such as release from jail, her parents executed a promissory note to pay the finance company the
those arising from: 1. delicts; 2. quasi-delicts; 3. solutio indebiti; 4. negotiorum gestio; and 5. amount allegedly misappropriated by their daughter. The finance company then executed
all other obligations arising from law. an affidavit of desistance which led to the withdrawal of the information against Lolita and
her release from jail. The parents failed to comply with their promissory note and the finance
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: company sued them for specific performance. Will the action prosper or not? (3%)
"Obligations without an agreement" refer to the juridical relation of quasi-contract which
arise from certain lawful, voluntary and unilateral acts to the end that no one shall be SUGGESTED ANSWER:
unjustly enriched or benefited at the expense of another. (Art.2142, NCC)
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The action will prosper. The promissory note executed by Lolita's parents is valid and
binding, the consideration being the extinguishment of Lolita's civil liability and not the ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
stifling of the criminal prosecution. My answer will not be the same if Carlos paid Marvin P10,000.00 because an option
contract was perfected. Thus, if Marvin withdrew the offer prior to the expiration of the 10-
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: day period, he breached the option contract. (Article 1324, Civil Code)
The action will not prosper because the consideration for the promissory note was the non-
prosecution of the criminal case for estafa. This cannot be done anymore because the c) Supposing that Carlos accepted the offer before Marvin could communicate his
information has already been filed in court and to do it is illegal. That the consideration for withdrawal thereof? Discuss the legal consequences. (2%)
the promissory note is the stifling of the criminal prosecution is evident from the execution
by the finance company of the affidavit of desistance immediately after the execution by SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Lolita's parents of the promissory note. The consideration being illegal, the promissory note A contract to construct the house of Carlos is perfected. Contracts are perfected by mere
is invalid and may not be enforced by court action. consent manifested by the meeting of the offer and the acceptance upon the thing and the
cause which are to constitute the contract. (Gomez v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 120747,
Contract of Option; Elements (2005) September 21, 2000). Under Article 1315 of the Civil Code, Carlos and Marvin are bound to
Marvin offered to construct the house of Carlos for a very reasonable price of P900,000.00, fulfill what has been expressly stipulated and all consequences thereof. Under Article 1167,
giving the latter 10 days within which to accept or reject the offer. On the fifth day, before if Marvin would refuse to construct the house, Carlos is entitled to have the construction be
Carlos could make up his mind, Marvin withdrew his offer. done by a third person at the expense of Marvin. Marvin in that case will be liable for
damages under Article 1170.
a) What is the effect of the withdrawal of Marvin's offer? (2%)
Inexistent Contracts vs. Annullable Contracts (2004)
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Distinguish briefly but clearly between Inexistent contracts and annullable contracts.
The withdrawal of Marvin's offer will cause the offer to cease in law. Hence, even if
subsequently accepted, there could be no concurrence of the offer and the acceptance. In SUGGESTED ANSWER:
the absence of concurrence of offer and acceptance, there can be no consent. (Laudico v. INEXISTENT CONTRACTS are considered as not having been entered into and, therefore,
Arias Rodriguez, G.R. No. 16530, March 31, 1922) Without consent, there is no perfected void ob initio. They do not create any obligation and cannot be ratified or validated, as there
contract for the construction of the house of Carlos. (Salonga v. Farrales, G.R. No. L- is no agreement to ratify or validate. On the other hand, ANNULLABLE or VOIDABLE
47088, July 10, 1981) Article 1318 of the Civil Code provides that there can be no contract CONTRACTS are valid until invalidated by the court but may be ratified. In inexistent
unless the following requisites concur: (1) consent of the parties; (2) object certain which is contracts, one or more requisites of a valid contract are absent. In anullable contracts, all
the subject matter of the contract; and (3) cause of the obligation. the elements of a contract are present except that the consent of one of the contracting
parties was vitiated or one of them has no capacity to give consent.
Marvin will not be liable to pay Carlos any damages for withdrawing the offer before the
lapse of the period granted. In this case, no consideration was given by Carlos for the option Nature of Contracts; Obligatoriness (1991)
given, thus there is no perfected contract of option for lack of cause of obligation. Marvin Roland, a basketball star, was under contract for one year to play-for-play exclusively for
cannot be held to have breached the contract. Thus, he cannot be held liable for damages. Lady Love, Inc. However, even before the basketball season could open, he was offered a
more attractive pay plus fringes benefits by Sweet Taste, Inc. Roland accepted the offer and
b) Will your answer be the same if Carlos paid Marvin P10,000.00 as consideration for that transferred to Sweet Taste. Lady Love sues Roland and Sweet Taste for breach of contract.
option? Explain. (2%) Defendants claim that the restriction to play for Lady Love alone is void, hence,
unenforceable, as it constitutes an undue interference with the right of Roland if any
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: payment at all. Printado has also a standing contract to enter into contracts and the
My answer will be the same as to the perfection of the contract for the construction of the impairment of his freedom to play and enjoy basketball.
house of Carlos. No perfected contract arises because of lack of consent. With the
withdrawal of the offer, there could be no concurrence of offer and acceptance. Can Roland be bound by the contract he entered into with Lady Love or can he disregard
the same? Is he liable at all? How about Sweet Taste? Is it liable to Lady Love?
My answer will not be the same as to damages. Marvin will be liable for damages for breach
of contract of option. With the payment of the consideration for the option given, and with SUGGESTED ANSWER:
the consent of the parties and the object of contract being present, a perfected contract of Roland is bound by the contract he entered into with Lady Love and he cannot disregard the
option was created. (San Miguel, Inc. v. Huang, G.R. No. 137290, July 31, 2000) Under same, under the principles of obligatoriness of contracts. Obligations arising from contracts
Article 1170 of the Civil Code, those who in the performance of their obligation are guilty of have the force of law between the parties.
contravention thereof, as in this case, when Marvin did not give Carlos the agreed period of
ten days, are liable for damages. SUGGESTED ANSWER:
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Page 6
Yes, Roland is liable under the contract as far as Lady Love is concerned. He is liable for No, the contentions of Printado are untenable. Printado having failed to pay for the printing
damages under Article 1170 of the Civil Code since he contravened the tenor of his paper covered by the delivery invoices on time, Suplico has the right to cease making
obligation. Not being a contracting party, Sweet Taste is not bound by the contract but it can further delivery. And the latter did not violate the order agreement (Integrated Packaging
be held liable under Art. 1314. The basis of its liability is not prescribed by contract but is Corporation v. Court of Appeals, (333 SCRA 170, G.R. No. 115117, June 8, [2000]).
founded on quasi-delict, assuming that Sweet Taste knew of the contract. Article 1314 of the Suplico cannot be held liable for damages, for breach of contract, as it was not he who
Civil Code provides that any third person who induces another to violate his contract shall violated the order agreement, but Printado. Suplico cannot be held liable for Printado’s
be liable for damages to the other contracting party. breach of contract with Publico. He is not a party to the agreement entered into by and
between Printado and Publico. Theirs is not a stipulation pour atrui. [Aforesaid] Such
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: contracts do could not affect third persons like Suplico because of the basic civil law
It is assumed that Lady Love knew of the contract. Neither Roland nor Sweet Taste would principle of relativity of contracts which provides that contracts can only bind the parties who
be liable, because the restriction in the contract is violative of Article 1306 as being contrary entered into it, and it cannot favor or prejudice a third person, even if he is aware of such
to law morals, good customs, public order or public policy. contract and has acted with knowledge thereof. (Integrated Packaging Corporation v. CA,
supra.)
Nature of Contracts; Privity of Contract (1996)
Baldomero leased his house with a telephone to Jose. The lease contract provided that Rescission of Contracts; Proper Party (1996)
Jose shall pay for all electricity, water and telephone services in the leased premises during In December 1985, Salvador and the Star Semiconductor Company (SSC) executed a Deed
the period of the lease. Six months later. Jose surreptitiously vacated the premises. He left of Conditional Sale wherein the former agreed to sell his 2,000 square meter lot in Cainta,
behind unpaid telephone bills for overseas telephone calls amounting to over P20,000.00. Rizal, to the latter for the price of P1,000,000.00, payable P100,000.00 down, and the
Baldomero refused to pay the said bills on the ground that Jose had already substituted him balance 60 days after the squatters in the property have been removed. If the squatters are
as the customer of the telephone company. The latter maintained that Baldomero remained not removed within six months, the P100,000.00 down payment shall be returned by the
as his customer as far as their service contract was concerned, notwithstanding the lease vendor to the vendee, Salvador filed ejectment suits against the squatters, but in spite of the
contract between Baldomero and Jose. Who is correct, Baldomero or the telephone decisions in his favor, the squatters still would not leave. In August, 1986, Salvador offered
company? Explain. to return the P100,000.00 down payment to the vendee, on the ground that he is unable to
remove the squatters on the property. SSC refused to accept the money and demanded that
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Salvador execute a deed of absolute sale of the property in its favor, at which time it will pay
The telephone company is correct because as far as it is concerned, the only person it the balance of the price. Incidentally, the value of the land had doubled by that time.
contracted with was Baldomero. The telephone company has no contract with Jose. Salvador consigned the P 100,000.00 in court, and filed a property of ZY, his wife may also
Baldomero cannot substitute Jose in his stead without the consent of the telephone sue to recover it under action for rescission of the deed of conditional sale, plus damages.
company (Art. 1293, NCC). Baldomero is, therefore, liable under the contract. Will the action prosper? Explain.

Nature of Contracts; Relativity of Contracts (2002) SUGGESTED ANSWER:

Printado is engaged in the printing business. Suplico supplies printing paper to Printado No, the action will not prosper. The action for rescission may be brought only by the
pursuant to an order agreement under which Suplico binds himself to deliver the same aggrieved party to the contract. Since it was Salvador who failed to comply with his
volume of paper every month for a period of 18 months, with Printado in turn agreeing to conditional obligation, he is not the aggrieved party who may file the action for rescission but
pay within 60 days after each delivery. Suplico has been faithfully delivering under the order the Star Semiconductor Company. The company, however, is not opting to rescind the
agreement for 10 months but thereafter stopped doing so, because Printado has not made contract but has chosen to waive Salvador's compliance with the condition which it can do
with publisher Publico for the printing of 10,000 volumes of school textbooks. Suplico was under Art. 1545, NCC.
aware of said printing contract. After printing 1,000 volumes, Printado also fails to perform
under its printing contract with Publico. Suplico sues Printado for the value of the unpaid ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
deliveries under their order agreement. At the same time Publico sues Printado for damages The action for rescission will not prosper. The buyer has not committed any breach, let
for breach of contract with respect to their own printing agreement. In the suit filed by alone a substantial or serious one, to warrant the rescission/resolution sought by the
Suplico, Printado counters that: (a) Suplico cannot demand payment for deliveries made vendor. On the contrary, it is the vendor who appears to have failed to comply with the
under their order agreement until Suplico has completed performance under said contract; condition imposed by the contract the fulfilment of which would have rendered the obligation
(b) Suplico should pay damages for breach of contract; and (c) with Publico should be liable to pay the balance of the purchase price demandable. Further, far from being unable to
for Printado’s breach of his contract with Publico because the order agreement between comply with what is incumbent upon it, i.e., pay the balance of the price the buyer has
Suplico and Printado was for the benefit of Publico. Are the contentions of Printado tenable? offered to pay it even without the vendor having complied with the suspensive condition
Explain your answers as to each contention. (5%) attached to the payment of the price, thus waiving such condition as well as the 60-day term
in its favor The stipulation that the P100,000.00 down payment shall be returned by the
SUGGESTED ANSWER: vendor to the vendee if the squatters are not removed within six months, is also a covenant
for the benefit of the vendee, which the latter has validly waived by implication when it
 Obligations and Contracts
Page 7
offered to pay the balance of the purchase price upon the execution of a deed of absolute
sale by the vendor. (Art. 1545, NCC) SUGGESTED ANSWER:
(a) The obligation is valid. It is an obligation subject to an indefinite period because the
Aleatory Contracts; Gambling (2004) debtor binds himself to pay when his means permit him to do so (Article 1180, NCC). When
A. Mr. ZY lost P100,000 in a card game called Russian poker, but he had no more cash to the creditor knows that the debtor already has the means to pay, he must file an action in
pay in full the winner at the time the session ended. He promised to pay PX, the winner, court to fix the period, and when the definite period as set by the court arrives, the obligation
two weeks thereafter. But he failed to do so despite the lapse of two months, so PX filed in to pay becomes demandable 9Article 1197, NCC).
court a suit to collect the amount of P50,000 that he won but remained unpaid. Will the
collection suit against ZY prosper? Could Mrs. ZY file in turn a suit against PX to recover the SUGGESTED ANSWER:
P100,000 that her husband lost? Reason. (5%) (b) The obligation “to pay when he likes” is a suspensive condition the fulfillment of which is
subject to the sole will of the debtor and, therefore the conditional obligation is void. (Article
SUGGESTED ANSWER: 1182, NCC).
A. 1. The suit by PX to collect the balance of what he won from ZY will not prosper. Under
Article 2014 of the Civil Code, no action can be maintained by the winner for the collection SUGGESTED ANSWER:
of what he has won in a game of chance. Although poker may depend in part on ability, it is (c) The obligation is valid. It is subject to a suspensive condition, i.e. the future and
fundamentally a game of chance. uncertain event of his becoming a lawyer. The performance of this obligation does not
depend solely on the will of the debtor but also on condition of Eva passing the 1998 Bar
2) If the money paid by ZY to PX was conjugal or community property, the wife of ZY could Examinations other factors outside the debtor’s control.
sue to recover it because Article 117(7) of the Family Code provides that losses in gambling
or betting are borne exclusively by the loser-spouse. Hence, conjugal or community funds SUGGESTED ANSWER:
may not be used to pay for such losses. If the money were exclusive Article 2016 of the Civil (d) The obligation is valid. The death of the son of cancer within one year is made a
Code if she and the family needed the money for support. negative suspensive condition to his making the payment. The obligation is demandable if
the son does not die within one year (Article 1185, NCC).
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER (2):
A. (2). Mrs. ZY cannot file a suit to recover what her husband lost. Art 2014 of the Civil Code Conditional Obligations; Promise (1997)
provides that any loser in a game of chance may recover his loss from the winner, with legal In two separate documents signed by him, Juan Valentino "obligated" himself each to Maria
interest from the time he paid the amount lost. This means that only he can file the suit. Mrs. and to Perla, thus - 'To Maria, my true love, I obligate myself to give you my one and only
ZY cannot recover as a spouse who has interest in the absolute community property or horse when I feel like It." - and -'To Perla, my true sweetheart, I obligate myself to pay you
conjugal partnership of gains, because under Art. 117(7} of the Family Code, losses are the P500.00 I owe you when I feel like it." Months passed but Juan never bothered to make
borne exclusively by the loser-spouse. Therefore, these cannot be charged against absolute good his promises. Maria and Perla came to consult you on whether or not they could
community property or conjugal partnership of gains. This being so, Mrs. ZY has no interest recover on the basis of the foregoing settings. What would your legal advice be?
in law to prosecute and recover as she has no legal standing in court to do so.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Conditional Obligations (2000) I would advise Maria not to bother running after Juan for the latter to make good his
Pedro promised to give his grandson a car if the latter will pass the bar examinations. When promise. [This is because a promise is not an actionable wrong that allows a party to
his grandson passed the said examinations, Pedro refused to give the car on the ground recover especially when she has not suffered damages resulting from such promise. A
that the condition was a purely potestative one. Is he correct or not? (2%) promise does not create an obligation on the part of Juan because it is not something which
arises from a contract, law, quasi-contracts or quasi-delicts (Art, 1157)]. Under Art. 1182,
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Juan's promise to Maria is void because a conditional obligation depends upon the sole will
No, he is not correct. First of all, the condition is not purely potestative, because it does not of the obligor.
depend on the sole will of one of the parties. Secondly, even if it were, it would be valid
because it depends on the sole will of the creditor (the donee) and not of the debtor (the As regards Perla, the document is an express acknowledgment of a debt, and the promise
donor). to pay what he owes her when he feels like it is equivalent to a promise to pay when his
means permits him to do so, and is deemed to be one with an indefinite period under Art.
Conditional Obligations (2003) 1180. Hence the amount is recoverable after Perla asks the court to set the period as
Are the following obligations valid, why, and if they are valid, when is the obligation provided by Art. 1197, par. 2.
demandable in each case? a) If the debtor promises to pay as soon as he has the means to
pay; b) If the debtor promises to pay when he likes; c) If the debtor promises to pay when he Obligations; Resolutory Condition (1999)
becomes a lawyer; d) If the debtor promises to pay if his son, who is sick with cancer, does
not die within one year. 5%
 Obligations and Contracts
Page 8
In 1997, Manuel bound himself to sell Eva a house and lot which is being rented by another (Note: The question presupposes knowledge and requires the application of the provisions
person, if Eva passes the 1998 bar examinations. Luckily for Eva, she passed said of the Omnibus Investment Code, which properly belongs to Commercial law)
examinations.
(a) Suppose Manuel had sold the same house and lot to another before Eva passed the SUGGESTED ANSWER:
1998 bar examinations, is such sale valid? Why? (2%) The action will prosper not on the ground invoked but on the ground that the farmers have
not given their consent to the assignment. The milling contract imposes reciprocal
(b) Assuming that it is Eva who is entitled to buy said house and lot, is she entitled to the obligations on the parties. The sugar central has the obligation to mill the sugar cane of the
rentals collected by Manuel before she passed the 1998 bar examinations? Why? (3%) farmers while the latter have the obligation to deliver their sugar cane to the sugar central.
As to the obligation to mill the sugar cane, the sugar central is a debtor of the farmers. In
SUGGESTED ANSWER: assigning its rights under the contract, the sugar central will also transfer to the Taiwanese
(a) Yes, the sale to the other person is valid as a sale with a resolutory condition because its obligation to mill the sugar cane of the farmers. This will amount to a novation of the
what operates as a suspensive condition for Eva operates a resolutory condition for the contract by substituting the debtor with a third party. Under Article 1293 of the Civil Code,
buyer. such substitution cannot take effect without the consent of the creditor. The formers, who
FIRST ALTERNATIVE ANS WER: are creditors as far as the obligation to mill their sugar cane is concerned, may annul such
Yes, the sale to the other person is valid. However, the buyer acquired the property subject assignment for not having given Even [if] assuming that there was a perfect right of first their
to a resolutory. Hence, upon Eva's passing the Bar, the rights of the other buyer terminated consent thereto.
and Eva acquired ownership of the property.
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
SECOND ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: The assignment is valid because there is absolute freedom to transfer the credit and the
The sale to another person before Eva could buy it from Manuel is valid, as the contract creditor need not get the consent of the debtor. He only needs to notify him.
between Manuel and Eva is a mere promise to sell and Eva has not acquired a real right
over the land assuming that there is a price stipulated in the contract for the contract to be Extinguishment; Cause of Action (2004)
considered a sale and there was delivery or tradition of the thing sold. TX filed a suit for ejectment against BD for non-payment of condominium rentals amounting
to P150,000. During the pendency of the case, BD offered and TX accepted the full amount
SUGGESTED ANSWER: due as rentals from BD, who then filed a motion to dismiss the ejectment suit on the ground
(b) No, she is not entitled to the rentals collected by Manuel because at the time they that the action is already extinguished. Is BD’s contention correct? Why or why not?
accrued and were collected, Eva was not yet the owner of the property. Reason. (5%)

FIRST ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: SUGGESTED ANSWER:

Assuming that Eva is the one entitled to buy the house and lot, she is not entitled to the BD's contention is not correct. TX can still maintain the suit for ejectment. The acceptance
rentals collected by Manuel before she passed the bar examinations. Whether it is a by the lessor of the payment by the lessee of the rentals in arrears even during the
contract of sale or a contract to sell, reciprocal prestations is deemed imposed A for the pendency of the ejectment case does not constitute a waiver or abandonment of the
seller to deliver the object sold and for the buyer to pay the price. Before the happening of ejectment case. (Spouses Clutario v. CA, 216 SCRA 341 [1992]).
the condition, the fruits of the thing and the interests on the money are deemed to have
been mutually compensated under Article 1187. Extinguishment; Compensation (2002)
Stockton is a stockholder of Core Corp. He desires to sell his shares in Core Corp. In view
SECOND ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: of a court suit that Core Corp. has filed against him for damages in the amount of P 10
Under Art. 1164, there is no obligation on the part of Manuel to deliver the fruits (rentals) of million, plus attorney’s fees of P 1 million, as a result of statements published by Stockton
the thing until the obligation to deliver the thing arises. As the suspensive condition has not which are allegedly defamatory because it was calculated to injure and damage the
been fulfilled, the obligation to sell does not arise. corporation’s reputation and goodwill. The articles of incorporation of Core Corp. provide for
a right of first refusal in favor of the corporation. Accordingly, Stockton gave written notice to
Extinguishment; Assignment of Rights (2001) the corporation of his offer to sell his shares of P 10 million. The response of Core corp. was
The sugar cane planters of Batangas entered into a long-term milling contract with the an acceptance of the offer in the exercise of its rights of first refusal, offering for the purpose
Central Azucarera de Don Pedro Inc. Ten years later, the Central assigned its rights to the payment in form of compensation or set-off against the amount of damages it is claiming
said milling contract to a Taiwanese group which would take over the operations of the against him, exclusive of the claim for attorney’s fees. Stockton rejected the offer of the
sugar mill. The planters filed an action to annul the said assignment on the ground that the corporation, arguing that compensation between the value of the shares and the amount of
Taiwanese group was not registered with the Board of Investments. Will the action prosper damages demanded by the corporation cannot legally take effect. Is Stockton correct? Give
or not? Explain briefly. (5%) reason for your answer. (5%)

SUGGESTED ANSWERS:
 Obligations and Contracts
Page 9
Stockton is correct. There is no right of compensation between his price of P10 million and relation existing between a depositor and a bank is that of creditor and debtor, x x x As a
Core Corp.’s unliquidated claim for damages. In order that compensation may be proper, general rule, a bank has a right of set off of the deposits in its hands for the payment of any
the two debts must be liquidated and demandable. The case for the P 10million damages indebtedness to it on the part of a depositor." Hence, compensation took place between the
being still pending in court, the corporation has as yet no claim which is due and mutual obligations of X and Y bank.
demandable against Stockton.
Extinguishment; Condonation (2000)
ANOTHER MAIN ANSWER: Arturo borrowed P500,000.00 from his father. After he had paid P300,000.00, his father
The right of first refusal was not perfected as a right for the reason that there was a died. When the administrator of his father's estate requested payment of the balance of
conditional acceptance equivalent to a counter-offer consisting in the amount of damages as P200,000.00. Arturo replied that the same had been condoned by his father as evidenced
being credited on the purchase price. Therefore, compensation did not result since there by a notation at the back of his check payment for the P300,000.00 reading: "In full payment
was no valid right of first refusal (Art. 1475 & 1319, NCC) of the loan". Will this be a valid defense in an action for collection? (3%)

ANOTHER MAIN ANSWER: SUGGESTED ANSWER:

Refusal, compensation did not take place because the claim is unliquidated. It depends. If the notation "in full payment of the loan" was written by Arturo's father, there
was an implied condonation of the balance that discharges the obligation. In such case, the
Extinguishment; Compensation vs. Payment (1998) notation is an act of the father from which condonation may be inferred. The condonation
Define compensation as a mode of extinguishing an obligation, and distinguish it from being implied, it need not comply with the formalities of a donation to be effective. The
payment. [2%] defense of full payment will, therefore, be valid.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: When, however, the notation was written by Arturo himself. It merely proves his intention in
COMPENSATION is a mode of extinguishing to the concurrent amount, the obligations of making that payment but in no way does it bind his father (Yam v. CA, G.R No. 104726. 11
those persons who in their own right are reciprocally debtors and creditors of each other February 1999). In such case, the notation was not the act of his father from which
(Tolentino, 1991 ed., p. 365, citing 2 Castan 560 and Francia vs. IAC. 162 SCRA 753). It condonation may be inferred. There being no condonation at all the defense of full payment
involves the simultaneous balancing of two obligations in order to extinguish them to the will not be valid.
extent in which the amount of one is covered by that of the other. (De Leon, 1992 ed., p.
221, citing 8 Manresa 401). ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
If the notation was written by Arturo's father, it amounted to an express condonation of the
PAYMENT means not only delivery of money but also performance of an obligation (Article balance which must comply with the formalities of a donation to be valid under the 2nd
1232, Civil Code). In payment, capacity to dispose of the thing paid and capacity to receive paragraph of Article 1270 of the New Civil Code. Since the amount of the balance is more
payment are required for debtor and creditor, respectively: in compensation, such capacity than 5,000 pesos, the acceptance by Arturo of the condonation must also be in writing
is not necessary, because the compensation operates by law and not by the act of the under Article 748. There being no acceptance in writing by Arturo, the condonation is void
parties. In payment, the performance must be complete; while in compensation there may and the obligation to pay the balance subsists. The defense of full payment is, therefore, not
be partial extinguishment of an obligation (Tolentino, supra) valid. In case the notation was not written by Arturo's father, the answer is the same as the
answers above.
Extinguishment; Compensation/ Set-Off; Banks (1998)
X, who has a savings deposit with Y Bank in the sum of P1,000,000.00 incurs a loan Extinguishment; Extraordinary Inflation or Deflation (2001)
obligation with the said Bank in the sum of P800.000.00 which has become due. When X On July 1, 1998, Brian leased an office space in a building for a period of five years at a
tries to withdraw his deposit, Y Bank allows only P200.000.00 to be withdrawn, less service rental rate of P1,000.00 a month. The contract of lease contained the proviso that "in case
charges, claiming that compensation has extinguished its obligation under the savings of inflation or devaluation of the Philippine peso, the monthly rental will automatically be
account to the concurrent amount of X's debt. X contends that compensation is improper increased or decreased depending on the devaluation or inflation of the peso to the dollar."
when one of the debts, as here, arises from a contract of deposit. Assuming that the Starting March 1, 2001, the lessor increased the rental to P2,000 a month, on the ground of
promissory note signed by X to evidence the loan does not provide for compensation inflation proven by the fact that the exchange rate of the Philippine peso to the dollar had
between said loan and his savings deposit, who is correct? [3%] increased from P25.00=$1.00 to P50.00=$1.00. Brian refused to pay the increased rate and
an action for unlawful detainer was filed against him. Will the action prosper? Why? (5%)
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Y bank is correct. An. 1287, Civil Code, does not apply. All the requisites of Art. 1279, Civil SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Code are present. In the case of Gullas vs. PNB [62 Phil. 519), the Supreme Court held: The unlawful detainer action will not prosper. Extraordinary inflation or deflation is defined
"The Civil Code contains provisions regarding compensation (set off) and deposit. These as the sharp decrease in the purchasing power of the peso. It does not necessarily refer to
portions of Philippine law provide that compensation shall take place when two persons are the exchange rate of the peso to the dollar. Whether or not there exists an extraordinary
reciprocally creditor and debtor of each other. In this connection, it has been held that the inflation or deflation is for the courts to decide. There being no showing that the purchasing
 Obligations and Contracts
Page 10
power of the peso had been reduced tremendously, there could be no inflation that would In 1971, Able Construction, Inc. entered into a contract has been extinguished by the
justify the increase in the amount of rental to be paid. Hence, Brian could refuse to pay the novation or extinction with the Tropical Home Developers, Inc. whereby the former would
increased rate. build for the latter the houses within its subdivision. The cost of each house, labor and
materials included, was P100,000.00. Four hundred units were to be constructed within five
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: years. In 1973, Able found that it could no longer continue with the job due to the increase in
The action will not prosper. The existence of inflation or deflation requires an official the price of oil and its derivatives and the concomitant worldwide spiraling of prices of all
declaration by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. commodities, including basic raw materials required for the construction of the houses. The
cost of development had risen to unanticipated levels and to such a degree that the
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: conditions and factors which formed the original basis of the contract had been totally
The unlawful detainer action will prosper. It is a given fact in the problem, that there was changed. Able brought suit against Tropical Homes praying that the Court relieve it of its
inflation, which caused the exchange rate to double. Since the contract itself authorizes the obligation. Is Able Construction entitled to the relief sought?
increase in rental in the event of an inflation or devaluation of the Philippine peso, the
doubling of the monthly rent is reasonable and is therefore a valid act under the very terms SUGGESTED ANSWER:
of the contract. Brian's refusal to pay is thus a ground for ejectment. Yes, the Able Construction. Inc. is entitled to the relief sought under Article 1267, Civil Code.
The law provides: "When the service has become so difficult as to be manifestly beyond the
Extinguishment; Loss (1994) contemplation of the parties, the obligor may also be released therefrom, in whole or in
Dino sued Ben for damages because the latter had failed to deliver the antique Marcedes part."
Benz car Dino had purchased from Ben, which was—by agreement—due for delivery on
December 31, 1993. Ben, in his answer to Dino's complaint, said Dino's claim has no basis Extinguishment; Novation (1994)
for the suit, because as the car was being driven to be delivered to Dino on January 1, In 1978, Bobby borrowed P1,000,000.00 from Chito payable in two years. The loan, which
1994, a reckless truck driver had rammed into the Mercedes Benz. The trial court dismissed was evidenced by a promissory note, was secured by a mortgage on real property. No
Dino's complaint, saying Ben's obligation had indeed, been extinguished by force majeure. action was filed by Chito to collect the loan or to foreclose the mortgage. But in 1991,
Is the trial court correct? Bobby, without receiving any amount from Chito, executed another promissory note which
was worded exactly as the 1978 promissory note, except for the date thereof, which was the
SUGGESTED ANSWER: date of its execution. 1) Can Chito demand payment on the 1991 promissory note in 1994?
a) No. Article 1262, New Civil Code provides, "An obligation which consists in the delivery of 2) Can Chito foreclose the real estate mortgage if Bobby fails to make good his obligation
a determinate thing shall be extinguished if it should be lost or destroyed without the fault of under the 1991 promissory note?
the debtor, and before he has incurred in delay.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
b) The judgment of the trial court is incorrect. Loss of the thing due by fortuitous events or 1) Yes, Chito can demand payment on the 1991 promissory note in 1994. Although the
force majeure is a valid defense for a debtor only when the debtor has not incurred delay. 1978 promissory note for P1 million payable two years later or in 1980 became a natural
Extinguishment of liability for fortuitous event requires that the debtor has not yet incurred obligation after the lapse of ten (10) years, such natural obligation can be a valid
any delay. In the present case, the debtor was in delay when the car was destroyed on consideration of a novated promissory note dated in 1991 and payable two years later, or in
January 1, 1993 since it was due for delivery on December 31, 1993. (Art. 1262 Civil Code) 1993. All the elements of an implied real novation are present: a) an old valid obligation; b)
a new valid obligation; c) capacity of the parties; d) animus novandi or intention to novate;
c) It depends whether or not Ben the seller, was already in default at the time of the accident and e) The old and the new obligation should be incompatible with each other on all material
because a demand for him to deliver on due date was not complied with by him. That fact points (Article 1292). The two promissory notes cannot stand together; hence, the period of
not having been given in the problem, the trial court erred in dismissing Dino's complaint. prescription of ten (10) years has not yet lapsed.
Reason: There is default making him responsible for fortuitous events including the
assumption of risk or loss. SUGGESTED ANSWER:
If on the other hand Ben was not in default as no demand has been sent to him prior to the 2) No. The mortgage being an accessory contract prescribed with the loan. The novation of
accident, then we must distinguish whether the price has been paid or not. If it has been the loan, however, did not expressly include the mortgage, hence, the mortgage is
paid, the suit for damages should prosper but only to enable the buyer to recover the price extinguished under Article 1296 of the NCC. The contract principal obligation insofar as third
paid. It should be noted that Ben, the seller, must bear the loss on the principle of res perit parties are concerned.
domino. He cannot be held answerable for damages as the loss of the car was not
imputable to his fault or fraud. In any case, he can recover the value of the car from the Extinguishment; Payment (1995)
party whose negligence caused the accident. If no price has been paid at all, the trial court In 1983 PHILCREDIT extended loans to Rivett-Strom Machineries, Inc. (RIVETTT-STROM),
acted correctly in dismissing the complaint. consisting of US$10 Million for the cost of machineries imported and directly paid by
PHTLCREDIT, and 5 Million in cash payable in installments over a period of ten (10) years
Extinguishment; Loss; Impossible Service (1993)
 Obligations and Contracts
Page 11
on the basis of the value thereof computed at the rate of exchange of the U.S. dollar vis-à- his share to the debtor paying the obligation, such share shall be borne by all his co-
vis the Philippine peso at the time of payment. debtors, in proportion to the debt of each."

RIVETT-STROM made payments on both loans which if based on the rate of exchange in Since the insolvent debtor's share which Joey paid was P100,000, and there are only two
1983 would have fully settled the loans. remaining debtors - namely Joey and Jojo - these two shall share equally the burden of
reimbursement. Jojo may thus be compelled by Joey to contribute P50.000.00.
PHILCREDIT contends that the payments on both loans should be based on the rate of
exchange existing at the time of payment, which rate of exchange has been consistently Liability; Solidary Obligation (1992)
increasing, and for which reason there would still be a considerable balance on each loan. In June 1988, X obtained a loan from A and executed with Y as solidary co-maker a
Is the contention of PHILCREDIT correct? Discuss fully. promissory note in favor of A for the sum of P200,000.00. The loan was payable at
P20,000.00 with interest monthly within the first week of each month beginning July 1988
SUGGESTED ANSWER: until maturity in April 1989. To secure the payment of the loan, X put up as security a chattel
As regards the loan consisting of dollars, the contention of PHILCREDIT is correct. It has to mortgage on his car, a Toyota Corolla sedan. Because of failure of X and Y to pay the
be paid in Philippine currency computed on the basis of the exchange rate at the TIME OF principal amount of the loan, the car was extrajudicially foreclosed. A acquired the car at A's
PAYMENT of each installment, as held in Kalalo v. Luz, 34 SCRA 337. As regards the P5 highest bid of P120,000.00 during the auction sale.
Million loan in Philippine pesos, PHILCREDIT is wrong. The payment thereof cannot be
measured by the peso-dollar exchange rate. That will be violative of the Uniform Currency After several fruitless letters of demand against X and Y, A sued Y alone for the recovery of
Act (RA, 529] which prohibits the payment of an obligation which, although to be paid in P80.000.00 constituting the deficiency. Y resisted the suit raising the following defenses:
Philippine currency, is measured by a foreign currency. (Palanca v. CA, 238 SCRA 593).
a) That Y should not be liable at all because X was not sued together with Y.
Liability; Lease; Joint Liability (2001)
Four foreign medical students rented the apartment of Thelma for a period of one year. After b) That the obligation has been paid completely by A's acquisition of the car through
one semester, three of them returned to their home country and the fourth transferred to a "dacion en pago" or payment by cession.
boarding house. Thelma discovered that they left unpaid telephone bills in the total amount
of P80,000.00. The lease contract provided that the lessees shall pay for the telephone c) That Y should not be held liable for the deficiency of P80,000.00 because he was not a
services in the leased premises. Thelma demanded that the fourth student pay the entire co-mortgagor in the chattel mortgage of the car which contract was executed by X
amount of the unpaid telephone bills, but the latter is willing to pay only one fourth of it. Who alone as owner and mortgagor.
is correct? Why? (5%)
d) That assuming that Y is liable, he should only pay the proportionate sum of P40,000.00.
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Decide each defense with reasons.
The fourth student is correct. His liability is only joint, hence, pro rata. There is solidary
liability only when the obligation expressly so states or when the law or nature of the SUGGESTED ANSWER:
obligation requires solidarity (Art. 1207, CC). The contract of lease in the problem does not, (a) This first defense of Y is untenable. Y is still liable as solidary debtor. The creditor may
in any way, stipulate solidarity. proceed against any one of the solidary debtors. The demand against one does not
preclude further demand against the others so long as the debt is not fully paid.
Liability; Solidary Liability (1998)
Joey, Jovy and Jojo are solidary debtors under a loan obligation of P300,000.00 which has (b) The second defense of Y is untenable. Y is still liable. The chattel mortgage is only given
fallen due. The creditor has, however, condoned Jojo's entire share in the debt. Since Jovy as a security and not as payment for the debt in case of failure to pay. Y as a solidary co-
has become insolvent, the creditor makes a demand on Joey to pay the debt. maker is not relieved of further liability on the mortgage.

1) How much, if any, may Joey be compelled to pay promissory note as a result of the (c) The third defense of Y is untenable. Y is a surety of X and the extrajudicial demand
foreclosure of the chattel ?2%] 2) To what extent, if at all, can Jojo be compelled by Joey to against the principal debtor is not inconsistent with a judicial demand against the surety. A
contribute to such payment? [3%] suretyship may co-exist with a mortgage.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: (d) The fourth defense of Y is untenable. Y is liable for the entire prestation since Y incurred
1. Joey can be compelled to pay only the remaining balance of P200.000, in view of the a solidary obligation with X. (Arts. 1207, 1216. 1252 and 2047 Civil Code; Bicol Savings
remission of Jojo's share by the creditor. (Art. 1219, Civil Code) and Loan Associates vs. Guinhawa 188 SCRA 642)

2. Jojo can be compelled by Joey to contribute P50.000 Art. 1217. par. 3, Civil Code Liability; Solidary Obligation; Mutual Guaranty (2003)
provides. "When one of the solidary debtors cannot, because of his insolvency, reimburse
 Obligations and Contracts
Page 12
A,B,C,D, and E made themselves solidarity indebted to X for the amount of P50,000.00.
When X demanded payment from A, the latter refused to pay on the following grounds. a) Was the action of DEVLAND proper? Explain. (2%)

a) B is only 16 years old. SUGGESTED ANSWER:

b) C has already been condoned by X No, the action of DEVLAND is not proper. Under Section 23 of Presidential Decree No. 957,
c) D is insolvent. otherwise known as the Subdivision and Condominium Buyer's Protection Decree, non-
d) E was given by X an extension of 6 months without the consent of the other four co- payment of amortizations by the buyer is justified if non-payment is due to the failure of the
debtors. State the effect of each of the above defenses put up by A on his obligation to subdivision owner to develop the subdivision project according to the approved plans and
pay X, if such defenses are found to be true. within the limit for complying. (Eugenio v. Drilon, G.R. No. 109404, January 22, 1996)

SUGGESTED ANSWERS: b) Discuss the rights of Bernie under the circumstances. (2%)
(a) A may avail the minority of B as a defense, but only for B’s share of P 10,000.00. A
solidary debtor may avail himself of any defense which personally belongs to a solidary co- SUGGESTED ANSWER:
debtor, but only as to the share of that codebtor. Under P.D. No. 957, a cancellation option is available to Bernie. If Bernie opts to cancel the
contract, DEVLAND must reimburse Bernie the total amount paid and the amortizations
(b) A may avail of the condonation by X of C’s share of P 10, 000.00. A solidary debtor may, interest, excluding delinquency interest, plus interest at legal rate. (Eugenio v. Drilon, G.R.
in actions filed by the creditor, avail himself of all defenses which are derived from the No. 109404, January 22, 1996)
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 others, he may avail himself thereof only c) Supposing DEVLAND had fully developed the subdivision but Bernie failed to pay further
as regards that part of the debt for which the latter are responsible. (Article 1222, NCC). installments after 4 years due to business reverses. Discuss the rights and obligations of the
parties. (2%)
(c) A may not interpose the defense of insolvency of D as a defense. Applying the principle
of mutual guaranty among solidary debtors, A guaranteed the payment of D’s share and of SUGGESTED ANSWER:
all the other co-debtors. Hence, A cannot avail of the defense of D’s insolvency. In this case, pursuant to Section 24 of P.D. No. 957, R.A. No. 6552 otherwise known as the
(d) The extension of six (6) months given by X to E may be availed of by A as a partial Realty Installment Buyer Protection Act, shall govern. Under Section 3 thereof, Bernie is
defense but only for the share of E, there is no novation of the obligation but only an act of entitled: 1) to pay without additional interest the unpaid installments due within a grace
liberality granted to E alone. period of four (4) months or one month for every year of installment paid; 2) if the contract is
cancelled, Bernie is entitled to the refund of the cash surrender value equal to 50% of the
Loss of the thing due; Force Majeure (2000) total payments made.
Kristina brought her diamond ring to a jewelry shop for cleaning. The jewelry shop
undertook to return the ring by February 1, 1999." When the said date arrived, the jewelry DEVLAND on the other hand has the right to cancel the contract after 30 days from receipt
shop informed Kristina that the Job was not yet finished. They asked her to return five days by Bernie of notice of cancellation. DEVLAND is however obliged to refund to Appeals,
later. On February 6, 1999, Kristina went to the shop to claim the ring, but she was informed G.R. No. 125347, June 19, 1997)
that the same was stolen by a thief who entered the shop the night before. Kristina filed an
action for damages against the jewelry shop which put up the Bernie 50% of the total Period; Suspensive Period (1991)
payments made. (Rillo v. Court of defense of force majeure. Will the action prosper or not? In a deed of sale of realty, it was stipulated that the buyer would construct a commercial
(5%) building on the lot while the seller would construct a private passageway bordering the lot.
The building was eventually finished but the seller failed to complete the passageway as
SUGGESTED ANSWER: some of the squatters, who were already known to be there at the time they entered into the
The action will prosper. Since the defendant was already in default not having delivered the contract, refused to vacate the premises. In fact, prior to its execution, the seller filed
ring when delivery was demanded by plaintiff at due date, the defendant is liable for the loss ejectment cases against the squatters. The buyer now sues the seller for specific
of the thing and even when the loss was due to force majeure. performance with damages. The defense is that the obligation to construct the passageway
should be with a period which, incidentally, had not been fixed by them, hence, the need for
Non-Payment of Amortizations; Subdivision Buyer; When justified (2005) fixing a judicial period. Will the action for specific performance of the buyer against the seller
Bernie bought on installment a residential subdivision lot from DEVLAND. After having prosper?
faithfully paid the installments for 48 months, Bernie discovered that DEVLAND had failed to
develop the subdivision in accordance with the approved plans and specifications within the SUGGESTED ANSWER:
time frame in the plan. He thus wrote a letter to DEVLAND informing it that he was stopping No. the action for specific performance filed by the buyer is premature under Art. 1197 of the
payment. Consequently, DEVLAND cancelled the sale and wrote Bernie, informing him that Civil Code. If a period has not been fixed although contemplated by the parties, the parties
his payments are forfeited in its favor. themselves should fix that period, failing in which, the Court may be asked to fix it taking into
 Obligations and Contracts
Page 13
consideration the probable contemplation of the parties. Before the period is fixed, an action exercised simultaneously with the action upon the contract. (Art. 1357) Even an oral
for specific performance is premature. sale of a parcel of land is valid between the parties(Campillo vs. CA 129 SCRA 513;
Zaide v. CA 163 SCRA 71)
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
It has been held in Borromeo vs. CA (47 SCRA 69), that the Supreme Court allowed the
simultaneous filing of action to fix the probable contemplated period of the parties where
none is fixed in the agreement if this would avoid multiplicity of suits. In addition,
technicalities must be subordinated to substantial justice.

ALTERNATIVE ANSWER: The action for specific performance will not prosper. The filing of
the ejectment suit by the seller was precisely in compliance with his obligations and should
not, therefore, be faulted if no decision has yet been reached by the Court on the matter.

QUESTION. Sergio is the registered owner of a 500-square meter land. His friend, Marcelo,
who has long been interested in the property, succeeded in persuading Sergio to sell it to
him. On June 2, 2012, they agreed on the purchase price of P600,000 and that Sergio
would give Marcelo up to June30, 2012 within which to raise the amount. Marcelo, in a light
tone usual between them, said that they should seal their agreement through a case of Jack
Daniels Black and P5,000 "pulutan" money which he immediately handed to Sergio and
which the latter accepted. The friends then sat down and drank the first bottle from the case
of bourbon.

On June 15, 2013, Sergio learned of another buyer, Roberto, who was offering P800,000 in
ready cash for the land. When Roberto confirmed that he could pay in cash as soon as
Sergio could get the documentation ready, Sergio decided to withdraw his offer to Marcelo,
hoping to just explain matters to his friend. Marcelo, however, objected when the withdrawal
was communicated to him, taking the position that they have a firm and binding agreement
that Sergio cannot simply walk away from because he has an option to buy that is duly
supported by a duly accepted valuable consideration.

a) Does Marcelo have a cause of action against Sergio? (5%)

b) Can Sergio claim that whatever they might have agreed upon cannot be enforced
because any agreement relating to the sale of real property must be supported by
evidence in writing and they never reduced their agreement to writing? (3%)

SUGGESTED ANSWER:
a) Yes, Marcelo has a cause of action against Sergio. As a rule, an offer can be
withdrawn at any time before acceptance by communicating such withdrawal (Art.
1324) except when the option is founded upon a consideration as something paid or
promised. In this case, although there was no separate consideration for the option,
the offer had already been accepted and thus, it resulted into a perfected contract of
sale between Marcelo and Sergio. Sale being a consensual contract is perfected by
mere consent.

b) No, Sergio cannot claim that the agreement cannot be enforced because it was not
reduced into writing. Contracts shall be obligatory, in whatever form they may have
been entered into, provided all the essential requisites for their validity are present.
(Art. 1356) In fact when the law requires a document or other special form, as in the
acts and enumerated by law, the contracting parties may compel each other to
observe that form, once the contract has been perfected, and this right may be