DLSU-LCBO LMT Civil Law
DLSU-LCBO LMT Civil Law
Civil Law
Supervised by: Atty. Teresita Cruz
Q: What is the difference between juridical capacity 3. A marriage ceremony which takes place with the
and capacity to act? appearance of the contracting parties before the
Juridical capacity, which is the fitness to be the subject solemnizing officer and their personal declaration
of legal relations, is inherent in every natural person, that they take each other as husband and wife in
and is lost only through death. Capacity to act, on the the presence of not less than two witnesses of
other hand, is the power to do acts with legal effect, legal age. [Art. 3, FC]
and is acquired and may be lost. [Art. 37, NCC]
Q: What is the rule on the absence of any of the
Q: What is provisional personality? requisites?
Provisional personality is the personality received by The absence of any of the essential or formal
the child while he/she is in the womb of the mother. requisites shall render the marriage void ab initio. [Art.
However, if it is not born alive later on, the provisional 4, FC] However, a defect in any of the essential
personality favorable to it disappears as if it had never requisites shall not affect the validity of the marriage
existed. but the party or parties responsible for the irregularity
shall be civilly, criminally and administratively liable.
Art. 40 NCC. Birth determines personality but the
conceived child shall be considered born for all Exception: Those solemnized by any person not
purposes that are favorable to it, provided it be legally authorized to perform marriages, unless such
born later with the conditions specified in the marriages were contracted with either or both parties
following article believing in good faith that the solemnizing officer had
the legal authority to do so. [Art. 35(2), FC]
Art. 41 NCC. For civil purposes, the fetus is
considered born if it is alive at the time it is Q: Who may solemnize marriage?
completely delivered from the mother’s womb. 1. Any incumbent member of the judiciary within the
However, if the fetus had an intra-uterine life of court’s jurisdiction;
less than seven months, it is not deemed born if it 2. Any priest, rabbi, imam, or minister of any church
dies within 24 hours after its complete delivery or religious sect duly authorized by his church or
from the maternal womb. religious sect and registered with the civil
registrar general, acting within the limits of the
written authority granted by his church or religious
MARITAL RELATIONS sect and provided that at least one of the
contracting parties belongs to the solemnizing
Q: What are the essential requisites of a valid officer’s church or religious sect;
marriage? 3. Any ship captain or airplane chief in marriages in
1. Legal capacity of the contracting parties who articulo mortis, between passengers or crew
must be a male and a female; and members, while the ship is at sea or the plane is
in flight and during stopovers at ports of call;
2. Consent freely given in the presence of the 4. Any military commander of a unit, who is a
solemnizing officer [Art. 2, FC] commissioned officer, in marriages in articulo
mortis between persons within the zone of
Q: What are the formal requisites of a marriage? military operation, whether members of the
1. Authority of the solemnizing officer; armed forces or civilians. There must be a
chaplain assigned to the unit who is not available
2. A valid marriage license except in the cases at the time of the marriage in articulo mortis.
provided for in Chapter 2 of this Title; and 5. Any consul-general, consul or vice-consul for
marriages between Filipino citizens abroad. [Art.
7, FC]
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Q: Can an ambassador solemnize a marriage? and without any legal impediment to marry each
A: No, an ambassador even if he is the head of a other. [Art. 34, FC]
diplomatic mission has no authority to perform a
marriage. This is because an ambassador only takes Q: What are the grounds for void marriages?
care of the relations between the Philippines and the 1. Those contracted by any party below eighteen
country to which he is assigned. Furthermore, an years of age even with the consent of parents or
ambassador is not included in Article 7 of the Family guardians;
Code which enumerated the persons allowed to 2. Those solemnized by any person not legally
solemnize a marriage. authorized to perform marriages unless such
marriages were contracted with either or both
Q: Who may initiate a foreign divorce proceeding parties believing in good faith that the
between a Filipino and an alien spouse? solemnizing officer had the legal authority to do
Both the Filipino and the alien spouse, provided that so;
the divorce decree was obtained abroad. It is not 3. Those solemnized without license, unless exempt
required that the alien spouse should be the one to from the marriage license requirement;
initiate the foreign divorce proceeding as the law does 4. Those bigamous or polygamous marriages not
not distinguish whether the Filipino spouse is the falling under Art. 41 FC;
petitioner or the respondent therein.[Republic v. 5. Those contracted through mistake of one
Manalo, G.R. No. 221029, April 24, 2018] contracting party as to the identity of the other;
6. Those subsequent marriages that are void under
Q: If either or both of the contracting parties are Article 53 [Art. 35, FC];
between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one 7. Marriages where one or both contracting parties
(21), is consent by their father, mother, or guardian are psychologically incapacitated at the time of
needed? the marriage [Art. 36, FC];
Yes. In case either or both of the contracting parties 8. Incestuous marriages [Art. 37, FC];
are between the ages of 18 and 21, they shall exhibit 9. Marriages void by reason of public policy [Art. 38,
to the local civil registrar, the consent to their marriage FC]
of their father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or
persons having legal charge of them, in the order Q: Enumerate voidable marriages.
mentioned. 1. That the party in whose behalf it is sought to have
the marriage annulled was eighteen years of age
Q: What is the exception in Article 14 of the FC with or over but below twenty-one, and the marriage
regard to the requirement of consent by either or both was solemnized without the consent of the
contracting parties between ages 18 and 21? parents, guardian or person having substitute
When the contracting parties have been emancipated parental authority over the party, in that order,
by a previous marriage. unless after attaining the age of twenty-one, such
party freely cohabited with the other and both
Q: Enumerate the marriages exempt from license lived together as husband and wife;
requirement. 2. That either party was of unsound mind, unless
1. Marriages in articulo mortis [Art. 27, FC]; such party after coming to reason, freely
2. Residence of either party is so located that there cohabited with the other as husband and wife;
is no means of transportation to enable such party 3. That the consent of either party was obtained by
to appear personally before the local civil registrar fraud, unless such party afterwards, with full
[Art. 28, FC]; knowledge of the facts constituting the fraud,
3. Marriages among Muslims or among members of freely cohabited with the other as husband and
the ethnic cultural communities [Art. 34, FC]; wife;
4. Marriage of a man and a woman who have lived 4. That the consent of either party was obtained by
together as husband and wife for at least 5 years force, intimidation or undue influence, unless the
same having disappeared or ceased, such party
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thereafter freely cohabited with the other as Q: What are the defenses for legal separation?
husband and wife; 1. Where the aggrieved party has condoned the
5. That either party was physically incapable of offense or act complained of;
consummating the marriage with the other, and 2. Where the aggrieved party has consented to the
such incapacity continues and appears to be commission of the offense or act complained of;
incurable; or 3. Where there is connivance between the parties in
6. That either party was afflicted with a sexually- the commission of the offense or act constituting
transmissible disease found to be serious and the ground for legal separation;
appears to be incurable. [Art. 45, FC]; 4. Where both parties have given ground for legal
separation;
Q: What is psychological incapacity? 5. Where there is collusion between the parties to
Psychological incapacity is not a medical but a legal obtain a decree of legal separation; or
concept. It is a personal condition that prevents a 6. Where the action is barred by prescription [Art.
spouse to comply to fundamental marital obligations in 56, FC]
relation to a specific person that may exist at the time
of marriage but may have revealed through behavior Q: What are excluded from the ACP?
subsequent to ceremonies (Tan-Andal v. Andal G.R. 1. Property acquired during the marriage by
No, 196359, May 11, 2021). gratuitous title by either spouse, and the fruits and
income thereof, if any, except where it is
Q: What are the grounds for filing a petition for legal expressly provided by the donor, testator or
separation? grantor that they shall form part of the community
1. Repeated physical violence or grossly abusive property;
conduct directed against the petitioner, a 2. Property for personal and exclusive use of either
common child, or a child of the petitioner; spouse. Jewelry shall form part of the community
2. Physical violence or moral pressure to compel the property; and
petitioner to change religious or political 3. Property acquired before the marriage by either
affiliation; spouse who has legitimate descendants by a
3. Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the former marriage, and the fruits and income
petitioner, a common child, or a child of the thereof, if any. [Art. 92, FC]
petitioner, to engage in prostitution, or
connivance in such corruption or inducement; Q: What are the exclusive properties of each spouse
4. Final judgment sentencing the respondent to under CPG?
imprisonment of more than six years, even if 1. That which is brought to the marriage as his or
pardoned; her own;
5. Drug addiction or habitual alcoholism of the 2. That which each acquired during the marriage by
respondent; gratuitous title;
6. Lesbianism or homosexuality of the respondent; 3. That which is acquired by right of redemption, by
7. Contracting by the respondent of a subsequent barter or by exchange with property belonging to
bigamous marriage, whether in the Philippines or only one of the spouses; and
abroad; 4. That which is purchased with exclusive money of
8. Sexual infidelity or perversion; the wife or of the husband. [Art. 109, FC]
9. Attempt by the respondent against the life of the
petitioner; or Q: What are the instances where a spouse can sell
10. Abandonment of petitioner by respondent without property to each other?
justifiable cause for more than one year. [Art. 55, 1. If the future spouses executed a marriage
FC] settlement consisting of a regime of separation of
property [Art. 143, FC]
2. Judicial separation of property [Art. 135, FC in
relation to Art. 1490, NCC
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Q: What are the characteristics of property of public Q: What is the doctrine of state of necessity?
dominion? The owner of a thing has no right to prohibit the
Property of public dominion are outside the commerce interference of another with the same, if the
of man. It cannot be acquired by prescription against interference is necessary to avert an imminent danger
the State nor can it be the subject matter of contracts. and the threatened damage, compared to the damage
It cannot be registered under the Torrens system. arising to the owner from the interference, is much
[Republic v. Rovency Realty and Development greater. The owner may demand from the person
Corporation, G.R. No. 190817, January 10, 2018] benefitted indemnity for the damage to him. [Art. 432,
NCC]
Meaning, it cannot be privately owned and therefore
cannot be the subject of attachment and levy in Q: What is a co-ownership?
execution. [Viuda De Tan Toco v. The Municipal There is co-ownership whenever the ownership of an
Council of Iloilo, G.R. No. L-24950, March 25, 1926] undivided thing or right belongs to different persons.
[Art. 484, NCC]
Q: What is patrimonial property?
All other property of the State not intended for public Q: What are the rights of each co-owner?
use or not intended for some public service or for the 1. To use the thing in common according to the
development of national wealth. [Art. 421, NCC] purpose intended [Art. 486, NCC];
2. To share in the benefits in proportion to his
Q: What is ownership? undivided interest, provided the charges are borne
It is the independent and general right of a person to in the same proportion [Art. 485, NCC];
the exclusive enjoyment and control of a thing in his 3. To compel the other co-owners to contribute to the
possession, enjoyment, disposition, and recovery, necessary expenses for preservation of property
subject only to the restrictions or limitations and to the payment of taxes [Art. 488, NCC];
established by law and the rights of others. [Art. 427- 4. Any of the co-owners may renounce so much of his
428, NCC] undivided interest equivalent to his share in
necessary expenses and taxes he cannot
Q: What is naked ownership? contribute to [Art. 488, NCC];
Owner has the bare title to the property without the 5. To bring an action in ejectment [Art. 487, NCC];
right to use and to the fruits. 6. To oppose any act of alteration [Art. 491, NCC];
7. To protest resolutions of financial majority which
Q: What is beneficial ownership? are seriously prejudicial to the minority in acts of
Person has the right to enjoy and use the property, as administration [Art. 492, NCC];
well as the fruits, but legal title is vested in another. 8. To ask for partition as long as the co-ownership
exists, unless:
Q: What is the doctrine of self-help? a. Indivision is imposed by stipulation among co-
The owner or lawful possessor of a thing has the right owners (10 years maximum)
to exclude any person from the enjoyment or disposal b. Imposed by donor or testator (20 years
thereof. He may use such force as may be reasonably maximum)
necessary to repel or prevent an actual or threatened c. Generally prohibited by law
unlawful physical invasion or usurpation of his d. Property is an indivisible thing
property. [Art. 429, NCC] e. If the division shall greatly reduce or diminish
the value of the property [Art. 494, NCC]
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Q: What are the grounds for extinguishment of co- Q: Difference between alluvium and avulsion.
ownership?
1. Consolidation or merger in one co-owner; Alluvium Avulsion
2. Acquisitive prescription in favor of a third person The accretion is gradual The accretion is
or a co-owner who repudiates co-ownership; sudden and abrupt
3. Loss or destruction of property co-owned; The accretion cannot be The accretion can be
4. Partition; identified identified
5. Expropriation; There is merely an There is first a
6. Termination of period agreed upon by co-owners; attachment detachment followed by
7. Sale of the entire property by co-owners. attachment
The accretion belongs to The ownership is
Q: What is accession? the owner of the land to retained by the owner of
It is the right of the owner of a property over everything which the attachment is the land from which it is
which is produced, incorporated or attached thereto made ipso jure detached, provided he
either naturally or artificially. It must be emphasized removes such land and
that accession is NOT a mode of acquiring ownership. brings it back to his own
It is simply an attribute and/or right derived from property within 2 years
ownership. from such detachment/
segregation.
Q: What are the kinds of accession? Q: What are the requisites for a property to be
1. Accession discreta - everything produced by considered hidden treasure?
the property: 1. It is hidden and unknown deposit;
a. Natural Fruits - spontaneous products of 2. It consists of money, jewelry, or other precious
the soil, and the young and other objects; and
products of animals; 3. The lawful ownership does not appear. [Art. 439,
b. Industrial Fruits - produced by lands of NCC]
any kind through cultivation or labor; and
c. Civil Fruits - rents of buildings or lands, Q: Who has a right over a hidden treasure?
and perpetual or life annuities or other Generally, it belongs to the owner of the land, building
similar income. [Art. 441-442, NCC] or other property on which it is found, EXCEPT:
2. Accession continua - right of owner of a thing 1. The finder is entitled to ½ if discovery is made
over everything which is incorporated or attached on property of another, the State, or any of its
thereto: subdivisions, AND by chance
a. For real property: 2. If the finder is a trespasser, he shall not be
i. Accession industrial entitled to any share of the treasure
ii. Accession natural 3. If the things be found of interest to science or
b. For personal property: arts, the State may acquire them at their just
i. Adjunction or conjunction price [Art. 438, NCC]
ii. Mixture or confusion
iii. Specification Q: What is easement?
An easement is a real right on another’s property,
corporeal and immovable, whereby the owner of the
latter must refrain from doing or allowing somebody
else to do or something to be done on his property, for
the benefit of another person or tenement. [Quimen v.
Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 112331, May 29, 1996]
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Q: What is a nuisance?
A nuisance is any act, omission, establishment,
business, condition or property, or anything else
which:
1. Injures or endangers the health or safety of
others;
2. Annoys or offends the senses;
3. Shocks, defies, or disregards decency or
morality;
4. Obstructs or interferes with the free passage
of any public highway, street, or any body of
water; or
5. Hinders or impairs the use of property. [Art.
694, NCC]
OBLIGATIONS
Q: What is an obligation? Q: What is the effect if one of the obligors in
An obligation is a juridical necessity to give, to do or reciprocal obligations should not comply with what is
not to do. [Art. 1156, NCC] incumbent upon him?
The power to rescind obligations is implied in
Q: What is the degree of care required from a debtor reciprocal ones, in case one of the obligors should not
obliged to give something? comply with what is incumbent upon him. The injured
Debtor is obliged to take care of the thing with the party may choose between the fulfillment and the
proper diligence of a good father of a family or rescission of the obligation, with the payment of
otherwise known as “Ordinary Diligence”, unless the damages in either case. He may also seek rescission,
law or stipulation requires another standard of care. even after he has chosen fulfillment, if the latter should
[Art. 1163, NCC] become impossible. The court shall decree the
rescission claimed, unless there be just cause
Q: What are the rights of the creditor when the authorizing the fixing of a period. This is understood to
obligation to deliver arises? be without prejudice to the rights of third persons who
1. Creditor has the right to the fruits from the time have acquired the thing, in accordance with Articles
the obligation arises [Art. 1164, NCC] 1385 and 1388 and the Mortgage Law. [Art. 1191,
2. Obligation to deliver determinate thing includes NCC]
delivering all its accessions and accessories [Art.
1166, NCC] Q: When does the obligor incur delay (mora
3. Creditor may compel the debtor to make the solvendi)?
delivery of a specific thing [Art. 1165, NCC] Those obliged to deliver or to do something incur in
4. If thing to be delivered is generic, he may ask that delay from the time the obligee judicially or
it shall be complied with at the expense of the extrajudicially demands from them the fulfillment of
debtor [Art. 1165, NCC] their obligation.……...…………………………………...
Q: In obligations to do, under what situations may the However, the demand by the creditor shall not be
obligation be executed at the cost of the debtor? necessary in order that delay may exist:
1. If obligor fails to do the obligation 1. When the obligation or the law expressly so
2. If obligor does it in a manner that contravenes the declares; or
tenor thereof; or 2. When from the nature and the circumstances
3. When it was poorly done. [Art. 1167, NCC] of the obligation it appears that the
designation of the time when the thing is to
Q: What is the consequence when the debtor does be delivered or the service is to be rendered
what he is obliged not to do? was a controlling motive for the establishment
It shall be undone at his expense. [Art. 1168, NCC] of the contract; or
3. When demand would be useless, as when
Exception: If undoing of the act which was prohibited the obligor has rendered it beyond his power
is no longer possible, claim for damages is the proper to perform. [Art. 1169, NCC]
remedy.
NOTES:
1. Those who in the performance of their
obligations are guilty of fraud, negligence or
delay, and those who in any manner
contravene the tenor thereof, are liable for
damages. [Art. 1170, NCC]
2. As a rule, demand is necessary for delay to
set-in in order to emphasize that the creditor
is not waiving his right. [Art. 1169, NCC]
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Q: What are the requisites of a fortuitous event? may also seek rescission, even after he has
To constitute a fortuitous event, the following chosen fulfillment, if the latter should become
elements must concur: impossible. [Art. 1191, NCC]
1. The cause of the unforeseen and unexpected
occurrence or of the failure of the debtor to Q: What are the effects of the fulfillment of a
comply with his obligation must be suspensive condition?
independent of the human will; The effects of a conditional obligation to give, once the
2. It must be impossible to foresee the event condition has been fulfilled shall retroact to the day of
that constitutes the caso fortuito or, even if it the constitution of the obligation. Nevertheless, when
can be foreseen, it must be impossible to the obligation imposes reciprocal prestations upon the
avoid; parties, the fruits and interests during the pendency of
3. The occurrence must be such as to render it the condition shall be deemed to have been mutually
impossible for the debtor to fulfill his compensated. If the obligation is unilateral, the debtor
obligation in a normal manner; and shall appropriate the fruits and interests received,
4. The obligor must be free from any unless from the nature and circumstances of the
participation in the aggravation of the injury or obligation it should be inferred that the intention of the
loss resulting to the creditor [Sicam v. Jorge, person constituting the same was different. [Art. 1187,
G.R. 159617, August 8, 2007] NCC]
Q: What are the principal remedies in case of breach? Q: What are the different cases or instances under the
The Principal Remedies are: NCC where the courts are empowered to fix the
1. Specific Performance - compel delivery of a duration of a term or period?
specific thing or execution of an act The court may fix the term in the following instances:
a. When what is to be delivered is a 1. If the obligation does not fix a period, but from its
determinate thing, the creditor, in addition to nature and circumstances it can be inferred that
the right granted him by Art. 1170, may a period was intended by the parties [Art. 1197
compel the debtor to make the delivery [Art. NCC];
1165, NCC] 2. If the duration of the period depends upon the will
b. If a person obliged to do something fails to of the debtor [Art. 1197, NCC]; and
do it, the same shall be executed at his cost 3. If the debtor binds himself to pay when his means
[Art. 1167, NCC] permit him to do so. [Art. 1180, NCC]; and
2. Substitute Performance - compel delivery of an 4. When specific periods are provided for in the law.
indeterminate or generic thing.
a. If the thing is indeterminate or generic, he Q: What are the different cases or instances under the
may ask that the obligation be complied with NCC when the debtor shall lose every right to make
at the expense of the debtor [Art. 1165, NCC] use of the period?
3. Damages - those who, in the performance of their The debtor shall lose every right to make use of the
obligations, are guilty of fraud, negligence, or period:
delay and those who in any manner contravene 1. When after the obligation has been contracted,
the tenor thereof, are liable for damages [Art. he becomes insolvent, unless he gives a
1170, NCC] guaranty or security for the debt;
4. Rescission - the power to rescind the obligations 2. When he does not furnish to the creditor the
is implied in reciprocal ones, in case one of the guaranties or securities which he has promised;
obligors should not comply with what is 3. When by his own acts he has impaired said
incumbent upon him. [Art. 1191 NCC] guaranties or securities after their establishment,
and when through a fortuitous event they
The injured party may choose between the disappear, unless he immediately gives new ones
fulfillment and the rescission of the obligation, equally satisfactory;
with the payment of damages in either case. He
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Q: What are the requisites of application of payments: 3. Previous notice of the consignation had been
1. Debtor has two or more debts in favor of one and given to the persons interested in the
the same creditor [Art. 1252, NCC]; performance of the obligation [Art. 1257, NCC];
2. Obligations must be either in money or any 4. The amount due was placed at the disposal of the
property of the same kind and quality; court [Art. 1258, NCC]; and
3. All obligations are due and demandable [Art. 5. After the consignation had been made the
1252, NCC]; persons interested in the fulfillment of the
4. Payment is insufficient to pay all obligations. obligation must be notified thereof [Art. 1258,
NCC].
Q: What are the special forms of payment?
The special forms of payment are the following: Q: What is the effect if the thing is lost?
1. Dation in Payment (dacion en pago): The 1. An obligation which consists in the delivery of a
transfer of ownership of a thing by the debtor to determinate thing shall be extinguished if it
the creditor as an accepted equivalent of the should be lost or destroyed without the fault of the
performance of the obligation to pay a sum of debtor, and before he has incurred in delay. [Art.
money, and which shall be governed by the law 1262, NCC]
on sales [Art. 1245, NCC; Ramos v. PNB, G.R.
No. 178218, December 14, 2011]; 2. When by law or stipulation, the obligor is liable
even for fortuitous events, the loss of the thing
2. Application of Payment: The designation of the does not extinguish the obligation, and he shall
debt to which the payment must be applied when be responsible for damages. The same rule
the debtor has several obligations of the same applies when the nature of the obligation requires
kind in favor of the same creditor and his payment the assumption of risk. [Art. 1262, NCC]
is not enough to pay all [Art. 1252, NCC];
3. In an obligation to deliver a generic thing, the loss
3. Cession or Assignment: When the debtor or destruction of anything of the same kind does
cedes or assigns all of his property for the benefit not extinguish the obligation. [Art. 1263, NCC]
of his creditors in order that from the proceeds
thereof, the latter may obtain payment of their Q: What are the requisites of legal compensation?
credits [Art. 1255, NCC]; and 1. Each one of the obligors be bound principally, and
that he be at the same time a principal creditor of
4. Consignation and Tender of Payment: The the other;
manifestation made by the debtor to the creditor 2. Both debts consist in a sum of money, or if the
of his decision to comply immediately with his things due are consumable, they be of the same
obligation, and the deposit of the object of the kind, and also of the same quality if the latter has
obligation in a competent court in accordance been stated;
with the rules prescribed by law after the 3. The two debts be due;
unjustified refusal or inability of the creditor to 4. They be liquidated and demandable;
accept the tender of payment [Art. 1256-1258, 5. Over neither of them there be any retention or
NCC]. controversy, commenced by third persons and
communicated in due time to the debtor. [Art.
Q: What are the requisites of a valid consignation? 1279, NCC]
1. The debt must be due;
2. The consignation of the obligation had been Q: What are the requisites of novation?
made because the creditor to whom tender of 1. A previous valid obligation;
payment was made refused to accept without 2. An agreement of all parties concerned to a new
just cause [Art. 1256, NCC]; obligation;
3. The extinguishment of the old obligation;
4. A valid new obligation;
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1. Debtor
a. Expromission - made not from the
initiative of the debtor or without his
knowledge or against his will [Art. 1293,
NCC] since it consists of a third person’s
assumption of the obligation.
b. Delegacion - debtor offers and creditor
consents to the substitution. [Art. 1293,
NCC]
2. Creditor
a. Conventional Subrogation - requires
consent of the original parties and the
third person
b. Legal Subrogation -
1. When a creditor pays another
creditor who is preferred
2. When a third person pays with
the express or tacit approval of
the debtor
3. When a person interested in the
fulfillment of the obligation pays.
[Art. 1301, NCC]
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Q: What are the effects of commodatum, being purely Q: Enumerate the instances wherein a contract is
personal in character? presumed to be an equitable mortgage
1. The death of either the bailor or the bailee 1. When the price of a sale with right to repurchase
extinguishes the contract; is unusually inadequate;
2. The bailee can neither lend nor lease the object 2. When the vendor remains in possession as
of the contract to a third person. However, the lessee or otherwise;
members of the bailee’s household may make 3. When upon or after the expiration of the right to
use of the thing loaned, unless there is a repurchase another instrument extending the
stipulation to the contrary, or unless there is a period of redemption or granting a new period is
stipulation to the contrary, or unless the nature of executed;
the thing forbids such use. [Art. 1939, NCC] 4. When the purchaser retains for himself a part of
the purchase price;
Q: What may be the object of a contract of mortgage? 5. When the vendor binds himself to pay the taxes
Immovable properties and alienable real rights in on the thing sold;
accordance with the laws, imposed upon immovables. 6. In any other case where it may be fairly inferred
On the other hand, movables may be the object of a that the real intention of the parties is that the
chattel mortgage. [Art. 2124, NCC] transaction shall secure the payment of a debt or
the performance of any other obligation.
Q: Can a mortgaged property still be alienated by the
mortgagor? In any of the foregoing cases, any money, fruits, or
Yes. The mortgagor may still sell the mortgaged other benefit to be received by the vendee as rent or
property, and any stipulation to the contrary is void. otherwise shall be considered as interest which shall
[Art. 2130, NCC] be subject to the usury laws. [Art. 1602, NCC]
Q: What is the principle of unjust enrichment? Q: What is the doctrine of Last Clear Chance?
The principle of unjust enrichment states that every Where both parties are negligent but the negligent act
person who, through an act or performance by of one is appreciably later in point of time than that of
another, or any other means, acquires or comes into the other, or where it is impossible to determine whose
possession of something at the expense of the latter fault or negligence brought about the occurrence of the
without just or legal ground, shall return the same to incident, the one who had the last clear opportunity to
him. [Art. 22, NCC] avoid the impending harm but failed to do so, is
chargeable with the consequences arising therefrom.
Q: What is the concept of liability without fault or [PRNC v. Vizcara, G.R. No. 190022, February 15,
strict liability? 2012]
A person may be held liable independent of fault or
negligence. Negligence or intent is immaterial in Q: What is the doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur and its
awarding damages against the defendant in strict requisites?
liability cases. Res ipsa loquitur is literally translated as "the thing or
the transaction speaks for itself." The doctrine res ipsa
Q: Explain the No Double Recovery Rule. loquitur means that "where the thing which causes
No Double Recovery Rule means that the plaintiff injury is shown to be under the management of the
cannot recover damages twice for the same act or defendant, and the accident is such that in the ordinary
omission of the defendant [Art. 2177, NCC]. A course of things does not happen if those who have
recovery by the offended party under one remedy, the management use proper care, it affords
however, necessarily bars that under the other. reasonable evidence, in the absence of an explanation
Obviously stemming from the fundamental rule against by the defendant, that the accident arose from want of
unjust enrichment, this is in essence the rationale for care." [Solidum v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No.
the proscription in our law against double recovery for 192123, March 10, 2014]
the same act or omission. [Rodriguez v. Ponferrada,
G.R. No. 155531-34, July 29, 2005] Res ipsa loquitur is a rule of necessity and it applies
where evidence is absent or not readily available,
Q: What is the Test of Negligence? provided the following requisites are present:
The test by which to determine the existence of 1. the accident was of a kind which does not
negligence in a particular case may be stated as ordinarily occur unless someone is negligent;
follows: Did the defendant, in doing the alleged 2. the instrumentality or agency which caused
negligent act, use that reasonable care and caution the injury was under the exclusive control of
which an ordinarily prudent person would have used in the person charged with negligence; and
the same situation? If not, then he is guilty of 3. the injury suffered must not have been due to
negligence. [Picart v. Smith, G.R. No. L-12219, March any voluntary action or contribution on the part
15, 1918] of the person injured. [Malayan Insurance Co.,
Inc. v. Alberto, G.R. No. 194320, February 1,
Q: Explain the Emergency Rule. 2012]
One who suddenly finds himself in a place of danger,
and is required to act without time to consider the best Q: Explain the concept of Proximate Cause?
means that may be adopted to avoid the impending It is that cause which, in the natural and continuous
danger, is not guilty of negligence, if he fails to adopt sequence, unbroken by any efficient intervening
what subsequently and upon reflection may have been cause, produces the injury, and without which the
a better method, unless the emergency in which he result would not have occurred [Bataclan v. Medina,
finds himself is brought about by his own negligence. G.R. No. L-10126, October 22, 1957]. Proximate
[Yu v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-44264, September cause is not necessarily the nearest cause, but rather
9, 1988] the procuring efficient and predominant cause.
[Pennsylvania Fire Ins. Co. v. Sikes, 1946 OK 142,
1946]
LAST MINUTE TIPS 18
Q: What is contributory negligence? When is it Q: When can an owner of a vehicle be liable for the
present? acts of his driver?
Contributory negligence is conduct on the part of the Article 2180 requires proof of two (2) things: first, an
injured party, contributing as a legal cause to the harm employment relationship between the driver and the
he has suffered, which falls below the standard which owner; and second, that the driver acted within the
he is required to conform for his own protection. scope of his or her assigned tasks. [Caravan Travel
and Tours v. Abejar, G.R. No. 170631, February 10,
There is contributory negligence when the party’s act 2016]
showed lack of ordinary care and foresight that such
an act could cause him harm or put his life in danger. Q: Explain the Registered Owner Rule.
[National Power Corporation v. Casionan, G.R. No. In case of motor vehicle mishaps, the registered owner
165969, November 27, 2008] of the motor vehicle is considered as the employer of
the tortfeasor-driver, and is made primarily liable for
Q: Explain the Doctrine of Imputed Knowledge or the tort committed by the latter. In so far as third
Vicarious Liability. persons are concerned, the registered owner of the
Article 2180 of the Civil Code provides that a person is motor vehicle is the employer of the negligent driver,
not only liable for one's own quasi-delictual acts, but and the actual employer is considered merely as an
also for those persons for whom one is responsible for. agent of the owner. [Filcar Transport Services v.
[Spouses Jayme v. Apostol, G.R. No. 163609, Espinas, G.R No. 174156, June 20, 2012] The
November 27, 2008] appropriate approach is that in cases where both the
registered-owner rule and Article 2180 apply, the
Q: Who are the persons vicariously liable for plaintiff must first establish that the employer is the
damages caused by another person? registered owner of the vehicle in question. [Caravan
1. Father and, in case of his death or incapacity, the Travel and Tours v. Abejar, G.R. No. 170631,
mother, for the damages caused by their minor February 10, 2016]
children who live in their company. [Art. 2180,
NCC] Q: What is the liability if there are two or more
2. Guardians, for damages caused by minors or persons who committed a quasi-delict?
incapacitated persons who are under their Article 2194 states that the responsibility of two or
authority and who live in their company. [Art. more persons who are liable for quasi-delict is solidary.
2180(3), NCC]
3. Owners and managers of an establishment or
enterprise for the damages caused by their
employees in the service of the branches in which
the latter are employed or on the occasion of their
functions. [Art. 2180(4), NCC]
4. Employers for damages caused by their
employees and household helpers acting within
the scope of their assigned tasks, even though
the former are not engaged in any business or
industry. [Art. 2180(5), NCC]
5. State as to the damages caused by special
agents. [Art. 2180(6), NCC]
6. Teachers or heads of establishments of arts and
trades (academic institutions are also included)
for damages caused by pupils and students or
apprentices, so long as they remain in their
custody. [Art. 2180(7), NCC]
LAST MINUTE TIPS 19
DAMAGES
NOTABLE JURISPRUDENCE
HENSON, JR. V. UCPB ARCO PULP V. LIM
G.R. No. 223134, August 14, 2019 G.R. No. 206806, June 25, 2014
Following the principles of subrogation, the insurer only Moral damages are not awarded as a matter of right but
steps into the shoes of the insured and therefore, for only after the party claiming it proved that the breach was
purposes of prescription, inherits only the remaining due to fraud or bad faith. Article 2219, therefore, is not an
period within which the insured may file an action against exhaustive list of the instances where moral damages
the wrongdoer. To be sure, the prescriptive period of the may be recovered since it only specifies, among others,
action that the insured may file against the wrongdoer Article 21. When a party reneges on his or her obligations
begins at the time that the tort was committed and the arising from contracts in bad faith, the act is not only
loss/injury occurred against the insured. The contrary to morals, good customs, and public policy; it is
indemnification of the insured by the insurer only allows it also a violation of Article 1159. Breaches of contract
to be subrogated to the former's rights, and does not become the basis of moral damages, not only under
create a new reckoning point for the cause of action that Article 2220, but also under Articles 19 and 20 in relation
the insured originally has against the wrongdoer. to Article 1159. Moral damages, however, are not
recoverable on the mere breach of the contract.
BPI V. CENTRAL BANK
G.R. No. 197593, Oct. 12, 2020 LARA’S GIFTS & DECORS V.
The test of liability depends on whether or not the MIDTOWN INDUSTRIAL SALES
employees, acting in behalf of BSP, were performing G.R. No. 225433, August 28, 2019
governmental or proprietary functions. The State in the With regard particularly to an award of interest in the
performance of its governmental functions is liable only concept of actual and compensatory damages, the rate of
for the tortuous acts of its special agents. On the other interest, as well as the accrual thereof, is imposed, as
hand, the State becomes liable as an ordinary employer follows:
when performing its proprietary functions. 1. When the obligation is breached, and it consists
in the payment of a sum of money, i.e, a loan or
ABELLA V. ABELLA forbearance of money, the interest due shall be
G.R. No. 195166, July 8, 2015 that which is stipulated by the parties in writing,
Article 1956 of the Civil Code spells out the basic rule that provided it is not excessive and unconscionable,
"[n]o interest shall be due unless it has been expressly which, in the absence of a stipulated reckoning
stipulated in writing." However, jurisprudence is clear date, shall be computed from default until full
about the applicable interest rate if a written instrument payment without compounding any interest
fails to specify a rate. Nacar v. Gallery Frames recognized unless compounded interest is expressly
that the legal rate of interest has been reduced to 6% per stipulated by the parties, by law or regulation.
annum as per BSP Monetary Board Resolution No. 796 2. In the absence of stipulated interest, consisting in
dated May 16, 2013. In the absence of an express the payment of a sum of money, the rate of
stipulation as to the rate of interest that would govern the interest on the principal amount shall be the
parties, the rate of legal interest for loans or forbearance prevailing legal interest prescribed by BSP, which
of any money, goods or credits and the rate allowed in shall be computed from default until full payment
judgments shall no longer be twelve percent (12%) per without compounding any interest unless
annum but will now be six percent (6%) per annum compounded interest is expressly stipulated by
effective July 1, 2013. law or regulation.
3. When the obligation, not constituting a loan or
forbearance of money, is breached, an interest on
the amount of damages awarded may be
imposed in the discretion of the court at the
prevailing legal interest prescribed by BSP. No
interest, however, shall be adjudged on
unliquidated claims or damages until the demand
can be established with reasonable certainty.
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