BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations MODULE 2 NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS Module Author: KHERVY B. REYES College of Business Administration and Accountancy De La Salle University – Dasmarinas 1|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Gospel Reflection CHAPTER 2. – Introduction and Chapter Outcomes CHAPTER 2. - Nature and Effect of Obligations Articles 1163- 1169 ENABLING ASSESSMENT 4: Nature and Effect of Obligations CHAPTER 2. - Nature and Effect of Obligations Articles 1170- 1173 Page 3 4- 6 7- 15 15- 22 23- 27 ENABLING ASSESSMENT 5: Nature and Effect of Obligations 27- 35 CHAPTER 2. - Nature and Effect of Obligations Articles 1174- 1178 36- 40 ENABLING ASSESSMENT 5: Nature and Effect of Obligations 40- 49 2|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations GOSPEL REFLECTION Psalm 37:24 “Though he may stumble, he will not fail, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Instruction: Using the space below, write a reflection essay. Share your personal reflection based on the images and the bible verse above. How do you relate the images and bible verse into your personal life? How do you think this bible verse connect to this module? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations CHAPTER 2 - NATURE AND EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS See Arts. 1163 – 1178 In this chapter we need to explore or discuss in a wide-ranging manner the nature and effect of obligations. KNOW THE CONCEPTS DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS? Art. 1163 (1) Discuss the nature of obligations: personal obligations and real obligations. (2) What is the meaning of specific or determinate thing? Define generic or indeterminate thing. (3) Distinguish between specific and generic thing. (4) Explain the effects of obligations. What are the duties of debtor in obligation to give a determinate thing? (5) Cite the duties of a debtor in obligation to deliver a generic thing? Art. 1164 (6) What are the different kinds of fruits? (7) Discuss the right of creditor to the fruits. (8) When does the obligation to deliver the fruits arise? (9) Distinguish personal right from real right. (10) Explain how ownership and other real rights are acquired and transmitted. Art. 1165. (11) What are the remedies available to creditor in real obligation? (12) Cite the rule where debtor delays or has promised delivery to separate creditors. Art. 1166. (13) Give the meaning of accessions and accessories. (14) Explain the right of creditor to accessions and accessories. Art. 1167. (15) What are the situations contemplated in Art. 1167? (16) What are the remedies of creditor in positive personal obligation? (17) Give the rule when there is performance of an obligation by a third person. Art. 1168. (18) Discuss the remedies o creditor in negative personal obligation. Art. 1169. (19) What is the legal meaning of delay? (20) Give the different kinds of delay or default. (21) Explain the rule, “No delay in negative personal obligation.” (22) What are the requisites of delay or default on the part of the debtor? (23) What are the effects of delay? (24) When is demand not necessary to put debtor in delay? Art. 1170. (25) What are the four (4) grounds for liability which may entitle the injured party to damages for all kinds of obligations mentioned in Article 1157? (26) Explain the differences between fraud and negligence. 4|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations Art. 1171. (27) When can responsibility arising from fraud be demanded? (28) Explain why a waiver of an action for future fraud is void. (29) Discuss why a past fraud can be the subject of a valid waiver? Art. 1172. (28) Is the debtor liable for damages resulting from his negligence? (29) Can an action for future negligence be renounced? Is this rule absolute? (30) When can negligence be considered equivalent to fraud? What is its implications? (31) Discuss the kinds of negligence according to source. (32) Suppose the creditor is also guilty of negligence, can he recover for damages? Explain the effect of negligence on the part of the injured party. Art. 1173. (33) What is the meaning of fault or negligence? (34) Cite the factors to be considered in determining the issue of negligence. (35) What is “damages?” What is the purpose of awarding damages? In case of fraud, bad faith, malice, or wanton attitude, what shall be the responsibility of the obligor as a consequence of his non-performance of the obligation? (36) Discuss the kinds of diligence required under Article 1173. Art. 1174. (37) What is fortuitous event? (38) Distinguish fortuitous event from force majeure? (39) Discuss the different kinds of fortuitous events and cite examples. (40) What are the four (4) requisites of a fortuitous event? What would be the effect of absence of any of the said requisites? (41) Cite the rules as to the liability of a person for loss or damage in case of fortuitous event and give an example. Art. 1175. (42) What is the meaning of simple loan or “mutuum?” (43) What is usury? (44) What are the requisites for recovery of interest? Art. 1176. (45) What is the meaning of presumption? (46) What are the two (2) kinds of presumption? (47) When is presumption under Art. 1176 not applicable? Art. 1177. (48) In case the debtor fails to comply with his obligation, what are the remedies available to the creditor for the satisfaction of his claim? Art. 1178. (49) What is the general rule under Art. 1178 regarding transmissibility of rights? (50 What are the exceptions to this rule? 5|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations CHAPTER OUTCOMES Course Learning Outcomes Module Learning Outcomes CLO1. Explain what the Explore or discuss in a widePhilippine law on obligations ranging manner the nature and and contracts is and the effect of obligations. prevailing jurisprudence relating thereto, specifically on the nature and effect of obligations, different kinds of obligations, extinguishment of obligations, nature of contracts and its essential requisites, form of contracts, interpretation of contracts and the various kinds of defective contracts under the Philippine law. Chapter Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the nature of obligations: a) personal obligations and b) real obligations. 2. Explain the effect of obligationsa) Duties of debtor in obligation to give a determinate thing b) Duties of a debtor in obligation to deliver a generic thing c) Remedies of the creditor in case of non-performance 3. Discuss breach of obligations: voluntary or involuntary; its effects. 4. Explain the concepts and rules on fraud, negligence, delay, and contravention of tenor. 4. Explain the general rule and exception on fortuitous events; effects 6|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations Art. 1163. Every person obliged to give something is also obliged to take care of it with the proper diligence of a good father of a family, unless the law or the stipulation of the parties requires another standard of care. NATURE OF OBLIGATIONS Personal Obligations ✓ obligations to do or not to do; ✓ where the subject matter is an act to be done or not to be done ✓ Positive – obligation to do ✓ Negative – obligation not to do Specific or Determinate Thing Real Obligations ✓ obligations to give; ✓ where the subject matter is a thing which the obligor must deliver to the obligee Generic or an Indeterminate Thing - when it is particularly designated or physically - It refers only to a class or genus wherein segregated from all others of the same class. it cannot be pointed out with particularity. - cannot be substituted with another although it is - A generic thing is defined by its specie. of the same kind or quality unless the creditor The debtor can give anything of the same consents (See Art 1244: Payment: debtor cannot compel class if it is of the same kind. creditor to receive a different one, although it is more valuable/as valuable as the thing due) Example: laptop sold by A; the money your Example: a Patek Philippe watch; parents gave you; your fish named Nemo) sum of Php1,000 Duties of the debtor in an obligation to give a specific thing (TAFDA- take care, accessories, fruits, deliver, answer for damages) ✓ Preserve or take care of the thing due (according to standard of care stipulated). ✓ Deliver its accessions or accessories. ✓ Deliver the fruits of the thing. ➢ Right to the fruits of the thing from the time the obligation to deliver it arises ✓ The deliver the thing itself. ✓ To answer for damages in case of breach of the obligation by reason of delay, fraud, negligence, or contravention of the tenor of the obligation. Duties of the debtor in an obligation to deliver an indeterminate or generic thing ✓ To deliver a thing which is of the quality intended by the parties* (See Art 1246: if quality/circumstances not stated, creditor cannot demand a thing of superior quality and debtor cannot give a thing of inferior quality); which is neither of superior nor of inferior quality* ✓ To be liable for damages in case of fraud, negligence, delay in the performance of the obligation or in contravention of the tenor of the obligation 7|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations DILIGENCE OF A GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY ✓ ordinary care or that diligence which an average or reasonably prudent person would exercise over his own property ✓ This is in connection with real obligations (to give). The obligor has the duty to take care of the thing due with ordinary diligence (average/reasonably prudent person) PENDING delivery Rule on Standard of Care • That which the law requires; or • That stipulated by the parties; or • In the absence of the two, diligence of a good father of a family Art. 1164. The creditor has a right to the fruits of the thing from the time the obligation to deliver it arises. However, he shall acquire no real right over it until the same has been delivered it. Different kinds of fruits Natural fruits Industrial fruits Civil fruits - are the spontaneous products of the soil, and the young and other products of animals. - are those produced by lands of any kind through cultivation or labor, brought about by reason of human labor. - are those derived by virtue of juridical relation. Example: grass; all trees and plants on lands produced without the intervention of human labor Example: rice; and all products of land Example: rents of buildings, price of leases of lands and other property, and the amount of perpetual or life annuities or other similar income. (Art. 442) Right of creditor to the fruits. ✓ By law, the creditor is entitled to the fruits of the thing to be delivered from the time the obligation to make delivery of the thing arises. ✓ The intention of the law is to protect the interest of the obligee should the obligor commit delay, purposely or otherwise, in the fulfillment of his obligation. When does the obligation to deliver arise? 1. Generally, the obligation to deliver the thing due and its fruits arises from the time the contract is perfected (meeting of the minds). 8|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 2. If the obligation is subject to a suspensive period/condition, the obligation to deliver arises upon the fulfillment of the condition or the arrival of the period. However, this notwithstanding, the parties may make a stipulation to the contrary as regards the right of the creditor to the fruits of the thing. 3. In a contract of sale, the obligation arises from the perfection of the contract even if the obligation is subject to a suspensive condition or period where the price has been paid (when paid, it has to be delivered). Distinguish personal right from real right. Personal right Real right Jus ad rem, a right enforceable only Jus in re, a right enforceable against against a definite person or group of persons Right pertaining to a person to demand from another, as a definite passive subject, the fulfillment of the prestation to give, to do or not to do. the whole world Right pertaining to a person over a specific thing, without a definite passive subject against whom the right may be personally enforced. Explain how ownership and other real rights are acquired and transmitted. Ownership and other real rights are acquired by delivery. Delivery may be actual or real, constructive, or legal, or in any manner signifying an agreement that the possession of the thing sold is transferred from the vendor to the vendee. ✓ The meaning then of “he shall acquire no real right over it until the same has been delivered to him,” is that the creditor does not become the owner until the specific thing has been delivered to him. So, what happens when there is no delivery yet? When there is no delivery yet, the action to be filed by the creditor is one of specific performance of the obligation (See Art 1165) What is the importance of delivery? The delivery of a thing constitutes a necessary and indispensable requisite for the purpose of acquiring ownership of the same by virtue of a contract. Art 1165. When what is to be delivered is a determinate thing, the creditor, in addition to the right granted to him by 1170, may compel the debtor to make delivery. If the thing is generic, he may ask that the obligation be complied with at the expense of the debtor. If the debtor delays or has promised to deliver the same thing to two or more persons who do not have the same interest, he shall be responsible for any fortuitous event until he has effected delivery. Remedies available to creditor in real obligation Obligation to Deliver a Specific Thing Obligation to Deliver a Generic Thing 9|P age BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 1. Demand SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE (if it is still possible) of the obligation with a right to indemnity for damages; or NOTE: The obligation can be performed by a third person since the object is expressed only according to its family or genus. 2. Demand RESCISSION or CANCELLATION (in certain cases) of the obligation also with a right to recover damages (Art. 1170.); or It is thus not necessary for the creditor to compel the debtor to make the delivery although he may ask for performance of the obligation. 3. Demand PAYMENT of DAMAGES only (see Art. 1170.) where it is the only feasible remedy. In case of breach of the obligation, the remedy of the creditor is to recover damages (Article 1170). THINK LIKE THE BOARD EXAMINER! Question: Who can comply with the obligation to deliver a specific thing? Answer: In an obligation to deliver a determinate thing, the very thing itself must be delivered. (Art. 1244.) Consequently, only the debtor can comply with the obligation. • This is the reason why the creditor is granted the right to compel the debtor to make the delivery. (Art. 1165, par. 1.) !!!VERY IMPORTANT PROVISION (VIP) under par. 3 of Art. 1165 “If the obligor delays or has promised to deliver the same thing to two or more persons who do not have the same interest, he shall be responsible for any fortuitous event until he has effected the delivery.” Two (2) instances when a fortuitous event does not exempt the debtor from responsibility (Note: The general rule is that no person shall be responsible for those events which could not be foreseen, or which, though foreseen, were inevitable. (Art. 1174) 1. Where debtor delays, or 2. Where debtor has promised delivery to separate creditors. Take note that this provision refers particularly to obligation to deliver a determinate thing. ➢ A generic thing cannot be the object of destruction by a fortuitous event. ➢ WHY? “genus nunquam perit” (genus never perishes). (see Arts. 1174, 1263.) ✓ So, do not worry about losing your boyfriend who cheats on you!!! You deserve someone better!!! Art 1166. The obligation to give a determinate thing includes that of delivering all its accessions or accessories even though they may not have been mentioned. not have the same interest, he shall be responsible for any fortuitous event until he has effected delivery. What are accessions and accessories? Accessions (A-F-I) Accessories 10 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations are the additions/fruits/improvements upon a thing (the principal) are thing joined to or included with the principal thing for the latter’s embellishment, better use, or completion Example: house on land, rents of a building, etc. Example: bow of a violin, key of a house ✓ This is not necessary to the principal thing. The accessory must go together with the principal (accessory always follows principal) Explain the right of creditor to accessions and accessories. General Rule: All accessions and accessories are considered included in the obligation to deliver a determinate thing although they may not have been mentioned. COMMIT TO MEMORY!!! Principle of Law: “The accessory follows the principal.” Exception: In order that they will be excluded, there must be a stipulation to that effect. Case in Point: Caleon vs. Agus Development Corp., 207 SCRA 748 [1992] The lease of a building or house naturally includes the lease of the lot, and the rentals include those of the lot for the occupancy of a building or house not only suggests but also implies the tenancy or possession in fact of the land on which it is constructed. ➢ Unless otherwise stipulated, an obligation to deliver the accessions or accessories of a thing does not include the latter. Case in Point: Pornellosa vs. Land Tenure Administration, 1 SCRA 375 [1961]. Thus, a sale of the improvements (e.g., house) upon a thing (e.g., land) is not sufficient to convey title or any right to the thing. Accession as a right. It is also used in the sense of a right. It may be defined as the right pertaining to the owner of a thing over its products and whatever is incorporated or attached thereto. It therefore includes the right to the fruits and the right to the accessory. However, it is not a mode of acquiring ownership. Art 1167. If the person obliged to do something fails to do it, the same shall be executed at his cost. The same rule shall be observed if he does it in contravention of the tenor of the obligation. Furthermore, it may be decreed that what has been poorly done be undone. What are the situations contemplated in Art. 1167? Remedies of creditor in positive personal obligation. 11 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 1. Debtor fails to perform an obligation to do ✓ The creditor can perform the obligation himself (at debtor’s cost) ✓ The creditor can have another perform the obligation unless personal considerations are involved (at debtor’s expense) 2. Debtor performs an obligation to do but contrary to the terms thereof 3. The debtor performs an obligation but in a poor manner ✓ In both situations #2 & #3, it may be ordered (by the court) to be undone if it is still possible. Can a personal obligation to do be performed by another person? Yes. However, while the debtor can be compelled to make the delivery of a specific thing under Art. 1165, specific performance cannot be ordered in a personal obligation to do because this may amount to involuntary servitude. In cases where personal qualifications of the debtor are the determining motives for the obligation contracted, the only feasible remedy for the creditor is one for indemnification for damages. Art 1168. When the obligation consists in not doing, and the obligor does what has been forbidden him, it shall also be undone at his expense. What are the remedies of a creditor in a personal obligation not to do? Here, the very obligation is fulfilled in not doing what is forbidden. The debtor cannot be guilty of delay in this situation. Hence, the remedy of the obligee is the undoing of the forbidden thing plus damages (or damages only when it is impossible to undo what was done) Remedy: Action for damages caused by the debtor’s violation of his obligation. Illustrative Example: S sold a land to B. It was stipulated that S would not construct a fence on a certain portion of his land adjoining that sold to B. Should S construct a fence in violation of the agreement, B can have the fence removed at the expense of S. Art 1169. Those obliged to deliver or to do something incur in delay from the time the creditor/obligee judicially or extra-judicially demands from them their obligation. However, the demand by the creditor shall not be necessary in order that delay may exist: 12 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 1. 2. 3. When the obligation or law expressly so declares When from the nature and the circumstances of the obligation it appears that the designation of the time when thing is to be delivered or the service to be rendered was a controlling motive for the establishment of the contract When demand would be useless as when the obligor has rendered it beyond his power to perform In reciprocal obligations, neither party incurs in delay if the other does not comply or is not ready to comply in a proper manner with what is incumbent upon him. From the moment one of the parties fulfills his obligation, delay by the other party begins. What is the ordinary & legal meaning of delay? ordinary delay legal delay - default or mora - is merely the failure to perform an obligation on time. - is the failure to perform an obligation on time which failure, constitutes a breach of the obligation. When is there delay by the debtor/obligor? General Rule: There is delay or delay begins when the creditor makes a judicial/extra-judicial demand for the fulfillment of the obligation. “No demand, no delay.” Exception: In the following cases when demand is not necessary: 1. When the law/ 2. When time is of 3. When demand 4. When there is obligation expressly the essence would be useless performance by a states party in a reciprocal obligation Example: Example: Example: — In case of a. When the reciprocal obligations The delivery of S obliged himself to obligation so (see Art. 1191.), the balloons or cake on a deliver a specific provides. performance of one is particular date when horse to B on a children’s December 5. Through conditioned upon the Donnie promised to simultaneous party/debut will be S’s negligence or pay Conch the sum of held; fulfillment on the part deliberate act, or by P20,000.00 on or reason of a fortuitous of the other. before November 30 event for which S has without the need of The making of a expressly bound (a) So, neither party any demand. wedding dress where himself responsible incurs in delay if the Therefore, if Donnie the wedding is (see Art. 1174.), the other does not fails to pay on scheduled at a certain horse died on comply or is not November 30, he is time; December 2. ready to comply in a automatically in proper manner with default. In this case, Payment of money at the parties stipulate to a particular time so 13 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations dispense with the demand. b. When the law so provides. Under the law, taxes should be paid on or before a specific date; otherwise, penalties and surcharges are imposed without the need of demand for payment by the government. that the creditor could Under this situation, pay off certain debts any demand for the due on the same date; delivery of the horse on December 5 The delivery of a car would be useless as S has made it to be used in a trip; delivery of the bridal impossible for him to perform his car at a particular obligation. time; etc. what is incumbent upon him. (b) From the moment a party in reciprocal obligations fulfills or is ready to fulfill his obligation, delay by the other begins. In all the foregoing cases, the debtor is fully aware that the performance of the obligation after the designated time would no longer benefit the creditor. Give the different kinds of delay or default and their effects. 1. Mora Solvendi – delay on the part of obligor to fulfill obligation. 2. Mora Accipiendi - delay on part of obligee to accept performance of the obligation 3. Compensatio Morae – delay of the obligors in reciprocal obligations Effects a. Debtor is guilty of BREACH a. Creditor guilty of breach a. The delay of the debtor cancels the delay of the creditor and vice versa. There is then no actionable default on part of both the parties. b. Debtor liable for INTEREST/DAMAGES b. Creditor liable for damages b. If it cannot be determined which of the parties is guilty of delay, obligation shall be deemed extinguished and both parties will bear their own losses. c. Debtor liable for fortuitous event if it is for a specific thing (Art. 1165, par. 3) c. Creditor bears the risk of loss c. If the delay of one is followed by another, then the liability will be equitably tempered. 14 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations d. Debtor will not be liable for interest if the obligation is to pay money e. Debtor may release himself from the obligation (Art. 1256: Consignation) Explain the rule, “No delay in negative personal obligation.” In an obligation not to do, non-fulfillment may take place but delay is impossible for the debtor fulfills by not doing what has been forbidden him. (see Art. 1168.) What are the requisites of delay or default on the part of the debtor? 1. Failure of debtor to perform obligation ON TIME, 2. Demand made by the creditor (burden of proof of demand falls on creditor), 3. Failure of debtor to comply with demand Note: This presupposes that the obligation is already due and liquidated. The debtor also must prove that delay was not caused by his fault. Naturally, there is no delay when the obligation is not yet due. ASSESSMENT TITLE Module 2: Nature and Effects of Obligation ASSESSMENT TYPE ENABLING OUTCOMES ASSESSED Discuss the nature and explain the effects of obligations. NUMBER 4 ESTIMATED DURATION 30 MINUTES You can fill out this part yourself and see how well you did. TOTAL POINTS 30 Points POINTS RECEIVED GRADE Name : Course : Instructor: Atty. Khervy B. Reyes, CPA Date : I. MULTIPLE CHOICE Determine the best answer for each of the following questions. Encircle the letter of the correct answer. 1. A thing is determinate when it is particularly designated or physically segregated from all other of the same class. 15 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations a. b. c. d. Indeterminate thing Generic thing Specific thing Immovable thing 2. The object thereof is designated merely by its class or genus without any particular designation or physical segregation from all others of the same class. a. Generic thing b. Determinate thing c. Specific thing d. Movable thing 3. I. If the object of obligation is a generic thing, the loss or destruction of anything of the same kind even without the debtor’s fault and before he has incurred in delay will not have the effect of extinguishing the obligation. II. An obligation to pay money is generic. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 4. Which of the following is not an obligation of the debtor in specific real obligation? a. To deliver the specific or determinate thing which he has obligation himself to give. b. To take care of the thing extraordinary diligence. c. To deliver the accessions and accessories. d. To pay damages in case of breach of the obligation. 5. Which of the following is not a right of the debtor in generic real obligation? a. To ask for performance of the obligation. b. To ask that the obligation be complied with at the expense of the debtor. c. To recover damages in case of breach of the obligation. d. To compel specific performances. 6. Extreme care that a person of unusual prudence exercise to secure rights or property. a. Extraordinary diligence b. Ordinary diligence c. Due diligence d. Diligence of a good father of a family 16 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 7. I. The highest degree of diligence is expected, and high standards of integrity and performance are required of the banking business. II. The degree of diligence required of banks is more than that of a good father of a family. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 8. The following statements explain negligence, except: a. Is the conduct that creates an undue risk of harm to others. b. It is expected from, and ordinarily exercised by, a person who seeks to satisfy a legal requirement or to discharge an obligation. c. It is the failure to observe that degree of care, precaution and vigilance that the circumstances justly demand. d. It is the omission to do something which a reasonable man, guided by considerations that ordinarily regulate the conduct of human affairs, would do, or doing something that a prudent and reasonable man would not do. 9. I. It is presumed that a person driving a motor vehicle has been negligent if at the time of the mishap, he was violating any traffic regulations. II. The Civil Code characterizes negligence as the omission of that diligence required by the nature of the obligation and corresponds with the circumstances of the persons, of the time and of the place. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 10. I. When the plaintiff’s own negligence was not the immediate and proximate cause of his injury, he cannot recover damages. II. If the plaintiff’s negligence was only contributory, the immediate and proximate cause of the injury being the defendant’s lack of due care, the plaintiff may recover damages, but the courts shall mitigate the damages to be awarded. a. Only I is true 17 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 11. I. When an employee causes damage due to his own negligence while performing his own duties, there arises the presumption that his employer is negligent, rebuttable only by proof of observance of the extraordinary diligence. II. In the selection of prospective employees, employers are required to examine their employees as t their qualifications, experience and service records. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 12. It is the power of one person to demand of another, as a definite passive subject, the fulfillment of a prestation to give, to do, or not to do. a. Personal right b. Real right c. Definite right d. Indefinite right 13. It is the power belonging to a person over a specific thing, without a passive subject individually determined, against whom such right may be personally exercised. a. Personal right b. Real right c. Definite right d. Indefinite right 14. These are the spontaneous products of the soil, and the young and other products of animal. a. Real fruits b. Natural fruits c. Industrial fruits d. Civil fruits 15. These are produced by lands of any kind through cultivation or labor. a. Real fruits 18 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations b. Natural fruits c. Industrial fruits d. Civil fruits 16. These are the rents of buildings, the price of leases of lands and other property and the amount of perpetual or life annuities or other similar income. a. Real fruits b. Natural fruits c. Industrial fruits d. Civil fruits 17. Are those which arise from the same cause, and which each party is a debtor and a creditor of the other, such that the obligations of one is dependent upon the obligation of the other? a. Reciprocal obligation b. Unilateral obligation c. Natural obligation d. Specific obligation 18. I. When what is to be delivered is a generic thing, the creditor may compel the debtor to make the delivery. II. If the thing to be delivered is a determinate thing, the creditor may ask that the obligation be complied with at the expense of the debtor. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 19. It signifies all of those things which are produced by the thing which is the object of the obligation as well as all of those which are naturally or artificially attached thereto. a. Determinate thing 19 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations b. Indeterminate thing c. Accessions d. Accessories 20. It signifies all of those things which have for their object the embellishment, use or preservation of another thing which is more important and to which they are not incorporated or attached. a. Determinate thing b. Indeterminate thing c. Accessions d. Accessories 21. I. If a person obliged to do something fails to do it, the same shall be executed at his cost. II. The same rule shall be observed if he does it in contravention of the tenor of the obligation. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 22. When does delay begins? a. Delay begins from the time the obligor actually defaulted from his obligation. b. Delay begins from the time the obligor defaulted from his obligation within a reasonable time from the maturity of his obligation. c. Delay begins from the time the obligor defaulted from his obligation within 5 days from the maturity of his obligation. d. Delay begins from the time the obligee judicially or extrajudicially demands from the obligor the performance of the obligation. 20 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 23. Which of the following is not a requisite of default? a. That the obligation be demandable and already liquidated. b. That the debtor defaulted on maturity date of the obligation. c. That the debtor delays performance. d. That the creditor requires the performance judicially and extrajudicially. 24. In the following instances, demand is not necessary, except: a. When the obligation or the law expressly so declares. b. When from the nature and the circumstances of the obligation it appears that the designation of the time when the thing is to be delivered or the service is to be rendered was a controlling motive for the establishment of the contract. c. In unilateral obligation. d. When the demand would be useless, as when the obligor has rendered it beyond his power to perform. 25. I. Mere delinquency in payment does not necessarily mean delay in the legal concept. II. Default generally begins from the moment the creditor demands the performance of the obligation. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 26. Delay in the fulfillment of an obligation by reason of a cause imputable to the debtor. a. Mora solvendi b. Mora accipiendi c. Compensatio morae 21 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations d. Creditor’s default 27. Delay of the oblige or creditor to accept the delivery of the thing which is the object of the obligation. a. Mora solvendi b. Mora accipiendi c. Compensatio morae d. Debtor’s default 28. Default on the part of both parties because neither has completed their part in their reciprocal obligation. a. Mora solvendi b. Mora accipiendi c. Compensatio morae d. Debtor’s default 29. I. In compensatio morae, the parties cancel out the effects of default, such that it is as if no one is guilty of delay. II. In reciprocal obligations, as in a contract of sale, the general rule is that the fulfillment of the parties’ respective obligations should be simultaneous. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 30. When the amount is known or is determinable by inspection of the terms and conditions of the relevant promissory notes and related documents. a. Debt is due b. Debt is demandable c. Debt is liquidated 22 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations d. Debt is unliquidable BREACH OF OBLIGATIONS (See Arts. 1170 – 1174) Breach of contract is the failure without justifiable excuse to comply with the terms of a contract. The breach may be willful or done unintentionally. 1. Voluntary – debtor in the performance of the obligation is guilty of: ✓ fraud (Dolo) ✓ negligence (culpa) ✓ delay (mora) ✓ contravention of the tenor of the obligation. NOTE: debtor is liable for damages 2. Involuntary – debtor is unable to comply with his obligation due to fortuitous event/s. NOTE: debtor is not liable for damages Case in Point: Nakpil vs. Manila Towers Dev. Corp., 502 SCRA 470 [2006] It has been defined as the failure, without legal excuse, to perform any promise which forms the whole or part of the contract. Art 1170. Those who in the performance of their obligations are guilty of fraud, negligence, or delay and those who in any manner contravene the tenor thereof, are liable for damages. What are the four (4) grounds for liability which may entitle the injured party to damages for all kinds of obligations mentioned in Article 1157? 1. Fraud (dolo)– deliberate or intentional evasion of the normal fulfillment of the obligation. 2. Negligence (fault or culpa) – voluntary act or omission without malice that prevents the fulfillment of the obligation. 3. Delay (mora)– delay in the performance of the obligation under this article must be malicious or negligent. 4. Contravention of the terms of the obligation – this is the violation of the terms and conditions stipulated in the contract. Of course, it must not be due to a fortuitous event. Explain the differences between fraud and negligence. Fraud ✓ There is deliberate intention to cause damage. Negligence ✓ There is no deliberate intention to cause 23 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations ✓ Liability cannot be mitigated by the courts. ✓ Waiver for future fraud is void (Art. 1171). ✓ Fraud must be clearly proved, mere preponderance of evidence not being sufficient. damage. ✓ Liability may be reduced according to the circumstances (Art. 1173). ✓ Waiver for future negligence may be allowed in certain cases ✓ Negligence is presumed from the breach of a contractual obligation. ➢ They are similar in that both are voluntary, that is, they are committed with volition but in fraud, a party, by his voluntary execution of a wrongful act, or a willful omission, knows and intends the effects which naturally and necessarily arise from such act or omission which deliberate intent is lacking in negligence. ➢ It being a state of the mind, fraud may be inferred from the circumstances of the case. When is negligence equivalent to fraud? Where the negligence shows bad faith or is so gross that it amounts to malice or wanton attitude on the part of the defendant, the rules on fraud shall apply. (see Art. 1173.) Gross negligence is negligence characterized by want or absence of or failure to exercise even slight care or diligence, or the entire absence of care, acting or omitting to act on a situation where there is a duty to act, not inadvertently but willfully and intentionally. Case in Point: Evangelista vs. People, 315 SCRA 525 [1999] It evinces a thoughtless disregard of or conscious indifferences to consequences insofar as other persons may be affected, without exerting any effort to avoid them. Art 1171. Responsibility arising from fraud is demandable in all obligations. Any waiver of an action for future fraud is void. This article refers to incidental fraud which is employed in the fulfillment of an obligation. (Art. 1170.) TYPES OF FRAUD Causal Fraud (Dolo Causante) Incidental Fraud (Dolo Incidente) - fraud employed in the execution of the contract - fraud in performance of obligation already existing because of a contract When can responsibility arising from fraud be demanded? Responsibility arising from fraud can be demanded with respect to all kinds of obligation and unlike in the case of responsibility arising from negligence (Art. 1172). The court is not given the power to mitigate or reduce the damages to be awarded. 24 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations ✓ This is so because fraud is deemed serious and evil that its employment to avoid the fulfillment of one’s obligation should be discouraged. Explain why a waiver of an action for future fraud is void. According to the time of commission, fraud may be past or future. A waiver of an action for future fraud is void (no effect, as if there is no waiver) as being against the law and public policy. (Art. 1409[1].) ✓ A contrary rule would encourage the perpetration of fraud because the obligor knows that even if he should commit fraud, he would not be liable for it thus making the obligation illusory. Discuss why a past fraud can be the subject of a valid waiver? A past fraud can be the subject of a valid waiver because the waiver can be considered as an act of generosity and magnanimity on the part of the party who is the victim of the fraud. ✓ Here, what is renounced is the effects of the fraud, that is, the right to indemnity of the party entitled thereto. Art 1172. Responsibility arising from negligence in the performance of every kind of obligation is also demandable, but such liability may be regulated by the courts, according to the circumstances. Is the debtor liable for damages resulting from his negligence? In the performance of every kind of obligation, the debtor is also liable for damages resulting from his negligence or culpa. Can an action for future negligence be renounced? Is this rule absolute? General Rule: An action for future negligence (not fraud) may be renounced. Exception: Where the nature of the obligation requires the exercise of extraordinary diligence as in the case of common carriers. When can negligence be considered equivalent to fraud? What is its implications? Where negligence is gross or shows bad faith, it is considered equivalent to fraud. Bad faith does not simply connote negligence or bad judgment causing damages to another. Any waiver of an action for future negligence of this kind is, therefore, void. Discuss the kinds of negligence according to source. 25 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations (1) Contractual negligence (culpa contractual) (2) Civil negligence (culpa aquiliana) (3) Criminal negligence (culpa criminal) ✓ negligence in contracts resulting into breach. ✓ It is by itself the source of an obligation. ✓ this results in the commission of a crime. ✓ This makes the debtor liable for damages. ✓ It is a tort which includes a pre-existing contractual relation between the parties. ✓ The same negligent act causing damages may produce civil liability arising from a crime under Article 100 of the Revised Penal Code (supra.), ✓ It is not a source of obligation but is an existing obligation. ✓ or create an action for quasi-delict under Article 2176 Suppose the creditor is also guilty of negligence, can he recover for damages? Explain the effect of negligence on the part of the injured party. When the plaintiff’s own negligence was the immediate and proximate cause of his injury, he cannot recover damages. But if his negligence was only contributory, the immediate and proximate cause of the injury being the defendant’s lack of due care, the plaintiff may recover damages, but the courts shall mitigate the damages to be awarded (Article 2179). ✓ There is contributory negligence on the part of the injured party where his conduct has contributed, as a legal cause to the harm he has suffered, which falls below the standard to which he is required to conform for his own protection. Art 1173. The fault or negligence of the obligor consists in the omission of that diligence which is required by the nature of the obligation and corresponds with the circumstances of the persons, of the time and of the place. When negligence shows bad faith, the provisions of 1171 and 2201 par 2, apply. If the law or contract does not state the diligence which is to be observed in the performance, that which is expected of a good father of a family shall be required. What is the meaning of fault or negligence? ✓ Consists in the omission of that diligence which is required by the nature of the obligation and corresponds with the circumstances of the persons, of the time and of the place. 26 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations ✓ is conduct that creates undue risk or harm to another. ✓ It is the failure to observe for the protection of the interests of another person, that degree of care, precaution, and vigilance which the circumstances justly demand, whereby such other person suffers injury. ✓ It is “the want of care required by the circumstances.” Cite the factors to be considered in determining the issue of negligence. (1) Nature of the obligation (2) Circumstances of the person (3) Circumstances of time. (4) Circumstances of the place. What is “damages?” What is the purpose of awarding damages? In contracts and quasi-contracts, the damages for which the obligor who acted in good faith is liable shall be those that are the natural and probable consequences of the breach of the obligation, and which the parties have foreseen or could have reasonably foreseen at the time the obligation was constituted (Art. 2201). In case of fraud, bad faith, malice, or wanton attitude, what shall be the responsibility of the obligor as a consequence of his non-performance of the obligation? The obligor shall be responsible for all damages which may be reasonably attributed to the non-performance of the obligation. ✓ Willful injury to property may be a legal ground for awarding moral damages if the court should find that, under the circumstances, such damages are justly due. The same rule applies to breaches of contract where the defendant acted fraudulently or in bad faith (Art. 2220). ✓ In contracts and quasi-contracts, the court may award exemplary damages if the defendant acted in a wanton, fraudulent, reckless, oppressive, or malevolent manner (Art. 2232). ✓ Any person who wilfully causes loss or injury to another in a manner that is contrary to morals, good customs or public policy shall compensate the latter for the damage (Art. 21). Discuss the kinds of diligence required under Article 1173. ✓ Diligence is “the attention and care required of a person in a given situation and is the opposite of negligence.’ 1. Those agreed upon by the parties, orally and in writing 2. In the absence of a stipulation, the one required by law (common carrier) 3. If none is stipulated, then the diligence expected of a good father 27 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations ASSESSMENT TITLE Module 2: Nature and Effects of Obligation ASSESSMENT TYPE ENABLING OUTCOMES ASSESSED Discuss the nature and explain the effects of obligations. NUMBER 5 ESTIMATED DURATION 30 MINUTES You can fill out this part yourself and see how well you did. TOTAL POINTS 30 Points POINTS RECEIVED GRADE Name : Course : Instructor: Atty. Khervy B. Reyes, CPA Date : I. MULTIPLE CHOICE Determine the best answer for each of the following questions. Encircle the letter of the correct answer. 1. Is the legal invasion of a legal right? a. Injury b. Grievance c. Damage d. Damages 2. Is the hurt, loss or harm which results from the injury? a. Loss b. Grievance c. Damage d. Damages 3. Are the recompense or compensation awarded for the damage suffered? a. Loss b. Grievance c. Damage d. Damages 28 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 4. Which is not a mode of voluntary breach of the obligation? a. Fraud b. Acts or omissions punished by law c. Negligence d. Delay 5. Which is a mode of involuntary breach of the obligation? a. Fraud b. Fortuitous event c. Negligence d. Delay 6. It refers to all kinds of deception, whether through insidious machination, manipulation, concealment, or misrepresentation, that would lead an ordinarily prudent person into error after taking the circumstances into account. a. Contravention of the tenor of the obligation b. Mora c. Culpa d. Fraud 7. Is basically a deception used by one party prior to or simultaneous with the contract, in order to secure the consent of the other? a. Incidental fraud b. Subsidiary fraud c. Causal fraud d. Contributory fraud 8. That which is not serious in character and without which the other party would have entered into the contract anyway. 29 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations a. Incidental fraud b. Subsidiary fraud c. Causal fraud d. Contributory fraud 9. I. Dolo incidente is a fraud which induces a party to enter into a contract. II. Dolo causante is not the reason that induced the party to enter into a contract. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 10. I. Dolo incidente is a fraud which renders the contract voidable. II. Dolo causante is a fraud which renders a party to be liable for damages. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 11. I. Fraud must be established by clear and convincing evidence; mere preponderance of evidence is not adequate. II. Bad faith is not synonymous with fraud, in that it involves a design to mislead or deceive another. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 12. I. Negligence signifies willfulness or deliberate intent to cause damage or injury to another. 30 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations II. Negligence signifies mere want of care or diligence and not the voluntaries of act or omission. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 13. I. In fraud, liability cannot be mitigated by courts. II. In negligence, liability may be mitigated by courts. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 14. I. In fraud, waiver future fraud is void. II. In negligence, waiver for future negligence may be valid. a. Only I is true b. Onlly II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 15. The omission to do something which a reasonable man, guided by those considerations which ordinarily regulate the conduct of human affairs, would do; or the doing of something which a prudent and reasonable man would not do. a. Breach of contract b. Fraud c. Negligence d. Delay 31 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 16. It is want of care required by the circumstances. a. Breach of contract b. Negligence c. Delay d. Fraud 17. Is that conduct that naturally or reasonably creates undue risk or harm to others? a. Negligence b. Breach of contract c. Fraud d. Delay 18. Negligence is direct, substantive, and independent. This pertains to: a. Culpa civil b. Culpa contractual c. Culpa aquiliana d. Contractual negligence 19. This requires proof beyond reasonable doubt. a. Culpa civil b. Culpa contractual c. Culpa aquiliana d. Culpa criminal 20. Defense of a good father od a family in the selection and supervision of employees is a proper or complete defense. a. Culpa civil b. Culpa contractual 32 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations c. Culpa aquiliana d. Culpa criminal 21. Which one of the following is not a requisite of mora solvendi? a. The obligation is demandable and liquidated. b. The obligation is no necessary demandable. c. The debtor delays performance. d. The creditor judicially or extrajudicially requires the debtor’s performance. 22. Which one of the following is not a requisite of mora accipiendi? a. An offer of performance by the creditor who has the required capacity. b. An offer of performance by the debtor who has the required capacity. c. The offer must be to comply with the prestation as it should be performed. d. The creditor refuses the performance without just cause. 23. One is entitled to an adequate compensation only for such pecuniary loss suffered by him as has duly proved. Such compensation is referred to as: a. Moral damages b. Actual damages c. Nominal damages d. Temperate damages 24. It includes physical suffering, mental anguish, fright, serious anxiety, besmirched reputation, wounded feelings, moral shock, social humiliation, similar injury. a. Moral damages b. Actual damages 33 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations c. Nominal damages d. Temperate damages 25. I. Moral damages are in the category of an award designed to compensate the claimant for actual injury suffered and to impose a penalty on the wrongdoer. II. The award of moral damages is not meant to enrich the complainant at the expense of the defendant, but to enable the injured party to obtain means, diversion, or amusements that will serve to obviate the moral suffering he has undergone. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 26. Are damages adjudicated in order that a right of the plaintiff, which has bee violated by the defendant, may be vindicated or recognized, and not for the purpose of indemnifying the plaintiff for any loss suffered by him? a. Moral damages b. Actual damages c. Nominal damages d. Temperate damages 27. Damages which may be recovered when the court finds that some pecuniary loss has been suffered but its amount cannot, from the nature of the case, be provided with certainty. a. Moral damages b. Actual damages c. Nominal damages d. Temperate damages 34 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 28. Are those agreed upon by the parties to a contract to be paid in case of breach thereof? a. Moral damages b. Actual damages c. Liquidated damages d. Nominal damages 29. Damages are imposed, by way of example or correction for the public good, in addition to the moral, temperate, liquidated or compensatory damages. a. Actual damages b. Exemplary damages c. Liquidated damages d. Nominal damages 30. The voluntary relinquishment or abandonment, express or implied a. Waiver b. Condonation c. Compensation d. Force majeure 35 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations Art 1174. Except in the cases expressly specified by the law, or when it is otherwise declared by stipulation, or when the nature of the obligation requires the assumption of risk, no person shall be responsible What is fortuitous event? It is any event which cannot be foreseen, and although foreseen, is inevitable. (one that is impossible to foresee/avoid) Its essence consists of being a happening independent of the will of the obligor. Distinguish fortuitous event from force majeure? Fortuitous event Force majeure Acts of man. - Strictly speaking, fortuitous event is an event independent of the will of the obligor but not of other human wills, e.g., war, fire, robbery, murder, insurrection, etc. Acts of God. - They are those events which are totally independent of the will of every human being, e.g., earthquake, flood, rain, shipwreck, lightning, eruption of volcano, etc. They are also called force majeure. The term generally applies to a natural accident. In our law, fortuitous events and force majeure are identical in so far as they exempt an obligor from liability. Both are independent of the will of the obligor. Discuss the different kinds of fortuitous events and cite examples. (1) Ordinary fortuitous events or those events which are common and which the contracting parties could reasonably foresee (e.g., rain); (2) Extraordinary fortuitous events or those events which are uncommon and which the contracting parties could not have reasonably foreseen (e.g., earthquake, fire, war, pestilence, unusual flood). What are the four (4) requisites of a fortuitous event? What would be the effect of absence of any of the said requisites? 1. Must be 2. Impossible to 3. Of such a independent of the foresee/avoid character to render it human will/obligor’s impossible to fulfill will the obligation 4. Obligor must be free from participation 36 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations Note: An absence of any of these requisites would result into non-exemption of the obligor for liability. Cite the rules as to the liability of a person for loss or damage in case of fortuitous event and give an example. General Rule: No person shall be responsible for those events which could not be foreseen, or which, though foreseen, were inevitable (Art. 1174). ✓ In other words, the obligation/ liability of a person for loss or damage in case of fortuitous event is extinguished. What are the exceptions to the exemption due to fortuitous event? 1. When expressly specified by law: 2. When declared by stipulation: 3. When the nature of the obligation requires assumption of risk: a. When debtor is guilty a. This exception rests of fraud, negligence, delay, or upon the freedom of contract contravention (car insurance: no force majeure exception a. b. When the debtor has promised to deliver the same thing to two or more persons b. Mere difficulty to foresee the happening of an event is different from an impossibility c. The debt of a thing certain and determinate proceeds for a criminal offense Fire insurance ✓ Here, risk of loss or damage is an essential element in the obligation. d. The thing to be delivered is generic Art 1175. Usurious transactions shall be governed by special laws. What is the meaning of simple loan or “mutuum?” It is a contract whereby one of the parties delivers to another money upon the condition that the same amount of the same kind and quality shall be paid. What is usury? It is contracting for or receiving interest in excess of the amount allowed by law. What are the kinds of interest? 37 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 1. Simple interest -stipulated by the parties 2. Compound interest -interest earned is upon interest due 3. Legal interest – when rate of interest intended by parties is presumed by law 4. Lawful interest – rate of interest allowable by law 5. Unlawful interest – rate of interest beyond the maximum What are the requisites for recovery of interest? 1. The payment of interest must be expressly stipulated. 2. The agreement must be in writing. 3. The interest must be lawful. Art 1176. Receipt of the principal by the creditor, without reservation with respect to the interest, shall give rise to the presumption that said interest had been paid. The receipt of a later installment of a debt without reservation as to prior installments, shall likewise raise the presumption that such installments have been paid. What is the meaning of presumption? By presumption is meant the inference of a fact not actually known arising from its usual connection with another which is known or proved. Example: - D borrowed P1,000.00 from C. - Later, D shows a receipt signed by C. - The fact not actually known is the payment by D. - The fact known is the possession by D of a receipt signed by C. ✓ The presumption is that the obligation has been paid unless proved otherwise by C as, for example, that D forced C to sign the receipt. What are the two (2) kinds of presumption? (1) Conclusive presumption (2) Disputable (or rebuttable) presumption. one which cannot be contradicted like the presumption that everyone is conclusively presumed to know the law (see Art. 3.); one which can be contradicted or rebutted by presenting proof to the contrary like the presumption established in Article 1176. (see Sec. 69[i], Rule 123, Rules of Court.) When is presumption under Art. 1176 not applicable? (1) With reservation as to (2) Receipt for a part of principal. (3) Receipt without indication of (4) Payment of taxes. (5) Nonpayment proven. 38 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations interest or prior installments. The reservation may be made in writing or verbally. particular installment paid. Only when the principal is fully receipted for, may failure to reserve the claim for interest give rise to the presumption that said interest has been paid. If the receipt does not recite that it was issued for a particular installment due as when the receipt is only dated. Taxes payable by the year are not installments of the same obligation. Between a proven fact and a presumption pro tanto, the former stands, and the latter falls. Art 1177. The creditors, after having pursued the property in possession of the debtor to satisfy their claims, may exercise all the rights and bring all the actions of the latter for the same purpose, save those which are inherent in his person; they may also impugn the acts which the debtor may have done to defraud them. In case the debtor fails to comply with his obligation, what are the remedies available to the creditor for the satisfaction of his claim? 1. Specific performance with right to damages 2. Pursuit of the leviable (not exempt from attachment under the law) property of the debtor 3. After pursuing the property in the possession of the debtor, he may exercise all rights and bring all the actions to the debtor except those inherent in the person of the debtor 4. Ask for rescission/impugn acts or contracts which the debtor may have done to defraud the creditor Example: On a certain due date, A could not pay B his obligation worth 500k. However, A owns a car worth 200k and C is indebted to him for 50k. Before the due date, A sold his land worth 100k to D. What are rights of B, the creditor? 1. B may bring an action for the collection of the amount of 500k 2. If judgment has been rendered and A still fails to pay the amount due, B may ask for the attachment of A’s car so that the car may be sold and be applied to the payment 3. B may ask the court to order C not to pay A in order that payment may be made to him 4. B may ask the court to rescind the sale made by A to D on the ground that the transaction is fraudulent. Art 1178. Subject to the laws, all rights acquired n virtue of an obligation are transmissible, if there has been no stipulation to the contrary. 39 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations What is the rule under Art. 1178 regarding transmissibility of rights? Exception? General Rule: All rights acquired in virtue of an obligation are generally transmissible. (see Art. 1311.) Exception: 1. When transmission is prohibited by law like rights in partnership, agency and commodatum 2. When prohibited by stipulation of parties. a. By a contract of partnership, 2 or more persons bind themselves to contribute money with the intention of dividing the profits among themselves. Example: The stipulation that upon the death of the creditor, the obligation shall be extinguished or that the creditor cannot assign his credit to another. The stipulation against transmission must not be contrary to public policy. b. By contract of agency, a person binds himself to render some service on behalf another, with his consent. c. By contract of commodatum, one of the parties delivers to another something not consumable so that the latter may use the same and return it. ASSESSMENT TITLE Module 2: Nature and Effects of Obligation ASSESSMENT TYPE ENABLING OUTCOMES ASSESSED Discuss the nature and explain the effects of obligations. NUMBER 6 ESTIMATED DURATION 30 MINUTES You can fill out this part yourself and see how well you did. TOTAL POINTS 25 Points POINTS RECEIVED GRADE Name : Course : Instructor: Atty. Khervy B. Reyes, CPA Date : I. MULTIPLE CHOICE Determine the best answer for each of the following questions. Encircle the letter of the correct answer. 1. It imports a dishonest purpose or some moral obliquity or conscious doing of a wrong. a. Fraud b. Bad faith 40 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations c. Damage d. Injury 2. Is any event which cannot be foreseen, or which, though foreseen, is inevitable? a. Accident b. Injury c. Fortuitous event d. Calamity 3. I. Fortuitous events by definition are extraordinary events not foreseeable or avoidable. II. In fortuitous event, the mere difficulty to foresee the happening is not impossibility to foresee the same. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 4. Which is not an element of a fortuitous event? a. The cause of the unforeseen and unexpected occurrence must have been dependent of human will b. The event that constituted the caso fortuito must have been impossible to foresee or, if foreseeable, impossible to avoid. c. The occurrence must have been such as to render it impossible for the debtors to fulfill their obligation in a normal manner. d. The obligor must have been free from any participation in the aggravation of the resulting injury to the creditor64 5. I. In order for a fortuitous event to exempt one from liability, it is necessary that one has committed no negligence or misconduct that may have occasioned the loss. 41 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations II. An act of God can be invoked to protect a person who has failed to take steps to forestall the possible adverse consequences of such a loss. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 6. Which is not an element of a fortuitous event? a. The cause of the breach of the obligation must be independent of the will of the debtor. b. The event must be neither unforeseeable nor unavoidable. c. The event must be such as to render it impossible for the debtor to fulfill his obligation in a normal manner. d. The debtor must be free from any participation in, or aggravation of the injury to the creditor. 7. I. In obligation to deliver a generic thing, the loss or destruction of anything of the same kind does not extinguish the obligation. II. An obligation to pay money is generic; therefore, it is not excused by fortuitous loss of any specific property of the debtor. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false67 8. I. Carnapping per se can be considered as a fortuitous event. 42 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations II. The burden of proving that the loss was due to a fortuitous event rests on him who invokes it. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 9. I. A possessor in bad faith shall not be liable for deterioration or even if caused by a fortuitous event. loss in every case, II. If the obligor delays, or has promised to deliver the same thing to two or more persons who do not have the same interest, he shall not be responsible for any fortuitous event until he has effected the delivery. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 10. In commodatum, the bailee is liable for the loss of the thing, even if it should be through a fortuitous event, except: a. If he devotes the thing to any purpose different from that for which it has been loaned. b. If he keeps it longer than the period stipulated, or after the accomplishment of the use for which the commodatum has been constitude. c. If he the thing loaned has been delivered with appraisal of itss value, unless there is a stipulation exempting the bailee from responsibility in case of a fortuitous event. d. If, being able to save either the thing borrowed or his own thing, he chose to save the former. 43 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 11. The depositary is liable for the loss of the thing thorough a fortuitous event except: a. If it is so stipulated. b. If he uses the thing with the depositor’s permission. c. If he delays its return. d. If he allows others to use it, even though he himself may have been authorized to use the same. 12. The officious manager shall be liable for any fortuitous event, except: a. If he undertakes risky operation which the owner was not accustomed to embark upon. b. If he has 1preferred his own interest to that of the owner. c. If he fails to return the property or business after demand by the owner. d. If he assumed the management in good faith. 13. I. The receipt of the principal by the creditor without reservation with respect to the interest, shall give rise to the presumption that said interest has been paid. II. The receipt of a later installment of debt without reservation as to prior installment, shall likewise raise the presumption that such installments have been paid. a. Only I is true b. Only II is true c. Both are true d. Both are false 14. A presumption which may be contradicted or overcome by other evidence. a. Conclusive presumption b. Definite presumption 44 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations c. Disputable presumption d. Questionable presumption 15. A presumption which is irrebuttable upon the presentation of the evidence and any evidence tending to rebut the presumption is not admissible. a. Conclusive presumption b. Uncertain presumption c. Disputable presumption d. Questionable presumption 16. The following are instances of disputable presumptions, except: a. That money paid by one to another was due to the latter. b. The tenant is not permitted to deny the title of his landlord at the time of commencement of the elation of landlord and tenant between them. c. That a thing delivered by one to another belonged to the latter. d. That prior rents or installments had been paid when a receipt for the late one is produced. 17. The following are instances of disputable presumptions, except: a. That there was a sufficient consideration for a contract. b. That persons acting co-partners have entered into a contract of copartnership. c. Whenever a party has, by his own declaration, act, or omission, intentionally and deliberately led another to believe a particular thing true, and to act upon such belief, he cannot, in any litigation arising out of such declaration, act or omission, be permitted to falsify it. d. That an obligation delivered up to the debtor has been paid. 18. Spouses H and W obtained from A and B a loan amounting to P6,000,000 at 3% interest per month. The loan was secured by a mortgage on a parcel of land. Thereafter, the parties executed a Contract of Sale a conveying the mortgaged property in favor of H 45 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations and W. subsequently, A and B gave H and W an exclusive option to repurchase the land for P10,000,000. This was embodied in a document denominated as an Option to Buy. On thus same document, A and B acknowledge receipt of a total sum of P10,000,000 as consideration for the purchase of the land. The Option to Buy provided that if the option is exercised after December 5, 1998, the purchase price shall increase at the rate of P300,000 or 3% of the rate of P381,000 or 3.81% of the purchase price every month, with the fifth of every month as the cut- off date for said increase. Are the 3% and 3.81% stipulated monthly interest valid? a. Yes, because the Usury Law has been suspended by certain Central bank Circular. b. Yes, because the parties are free to stipulate on the interest to be imposed on monetary obligations. c. No, because the Court will temper interest rates if they are unconscionable. d. No, because what is only required is that the interest due should be that stipulated in writing, and in the absence thereof, the rate shall be 12% per annum. 19. One of the following is a determinate thing a. A car with plate no. AB123 b. A red book c. A black cellphone d. A 10 inches laptop 20. B, Inc. contracted C, Inc., a stevedoring company, to load and stow a shipment of 146,288 cartons of fresh green bananas and 15,202 cartons of fresh pineapples into the cargo hold of a vessel. The vessel was docked at the port of Davao City and the goods were to be transported by it to the port of Inchon, Korea. B, Inc. insured the shipment with J Cp. C, Inc. loaded and stowed the cargoes aboard the vessel. The vessel set sail from the port of Davao City and arrived at the port of Inchon, Korea. It was then discovered upon discharge that some the cargo was in bad condition. In a survey report, it was stated that 16,069 cartons of the banana shipment and 2,185 cartons of the pineapple shipment were so damaged that they no longer had commercial value. 46 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations B, Inc. filed a claim for the damages. J Co. evaluated the claim and thereafter sent a check in the amount of $ 210,266.43 to B Inc., the latter then issued as subrogation receipt to J Co. Thereafter J Co. instituted an action for damages against C, Inc. Is C, Inc., under obligation to observe the extraordinary degree of diligence in the conduct of its business? a. No, because if there is no law or contract stating the degree of diligence which is to be observed in the performance of an obligation then that which is expected of a god father of a family or ordinary diligence shall be required. b. Yes, because its participation was to load the cargoes on board the vessel which requires utmost care. c. No, because its participation was to load the cargoes on board vessel which requires ordinary care. d. None of the above. 21. X, an official of TESDA, boarded the LRT to be to arrive in Caloocan in time for her 3 p.m. meeting when her handbag was slashed and the contents were stolen by an unidentified person. Among those stolen were her wallet and the government-issued cellular phone. She then reported the incident to the police authorities; however, the thief was not located, and the cellphone was not recovered. She also reported the loss to her immediate superior, and she requested that she be freed from accountability for the cellphone. The COA Auditor denied her request on government property and was ordered to pay the purchase value. Is X liable? a. Yes, X is liable because putting her cellphone in her bag is not sufficient care of a cellphone while traveling on board the LRT. b. Yes, X is liable as she should have rode a jeep or bus. c. No, X is not liable because riding the LRT is not a negligent act more so because X’s mode of transit was influenced by time considerations. d. No, X is not liable as she boarded the LRT to be able to arrive in Caloocan in time for her 3 p.m. meeting. 22. D borrowed P50,000 from C. C dies before he has collected the debt leaving S, his son as heir. Which of the statements is correct? a. S can collect from D although D and C did not agree that the right to the debt will pas on the heirs of C. 47 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations b. S cannot collect because the credit right is personal to C. c. S can collect only if D and C agreed that the right to the debt will pass on to the heirs of C. d. S cannot collect because the law prohibits the transmission of the credit right. 23. X was the disbursing officer of the Ternate Beach Project of the Philippine Tourism in Cavite. In the morning of July 1, 2018, a Friday, he went to Manila to encash a check covering the wages of the employees. However, the processing of the check was delayed and was completed at about 3 p.m. Nevertheless, he decided to encash the check because the employees would be waiting for their pay the following day; otherwise, the workers would have to wait until July 5, the earliest time, when the main office would open. At that time, he had two choices: (1) return to Ternate, Cavite that same afternoon and arrive early evening; or (2) take the money with him to his house in Marilao, Bulacan, spend the night there, and leave for Ternate the following day. He chose the second option, thinking it was the safer one. Thus, at past 3 p.m., he took a passenger jeep bound for Bulacan. While the jeep was on EDSA, the jeep was held up and the money kept by X was taken. X chased the robbers and caught up with one robber who was subsequently charged with robbery and pleaded guilty. The other robber who held the stolen money escaped. The Commission on Audit found X negligent because he had not brought the cash proceeds of the check to his office in Ternate, Cavite for safekeeping, which is the normal procedure in the handling of funds. Is X liable? a. No, because the robbers attacked X in broad daylight in the jeep while it was on a busy highway and the presence of other passengers; hence, could not be said to be a result of his negligence. b. Yes, because he should not have allowed the delayed encashment of the check. c. No, because X chased the robbers and caught up with one robber who was subsequently convicted of robbery. d. Yes, because he decided to encash the check despite knowledge of the fact that it was already late. 24. W received from X a pendant with diamonds to be sold on commission basis, but which W failed to subsequently return because of a robbery committed upon her in the evening of January 16, 2018 while walking alone in a dark alley carrying the said pendant. X filed an action against W for recovery of the pendant or its value, but W set up the defense that the robbery extinguished her obligation. Is W liable? 48 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations a. No, because the robbery took place without any concurrent fault on W’s part. b. Yes, because the conduct of W in returning alone to her house in the evening carrying jewelry of considerable value would have been negligence per se. c. No, because the incident was unforeseen. d. Yes, because W committed delay. 25. J is a usufructuary of a fishpond. J entered into a contract leasing the fishpond to Y for a period of 5 years. Paragraph 5 of the lease contract states that the lessee “cannot sublease” the fishpond. X is a businessman engaged in the operation of fishponds. Y persuade X to take over the operation of said fishpond. X acceded to the proposal. X and Y executed a written agreement whereby X would take possession of the fishpond in consideration of the amount of P100,000. X incurred expenses for the improvement of the of the fishpond. However, sometime in June 2018, J, went to the fishpond and presented X with letter showing that Y had surrendered possession of the fishpond to him. Is Y liable for subleasing the fishpond? a. No, because as a lessee he can transfer his rights over the subject matter of the contract of lease. b. Yes, because as a lessee he cannot transfer rights over the subject matter of the contract of lease. c. No, because subleasing is not prohibited by law. d. Yes, because when an obligation consists in not doing and the obligor does what has been forbidden him, it shall also be undone at his expense. In this case, Y led X to incur expenses to improve the operation of the fishpond. “Better the storm with Christ than smooth waters without HIM.” 49 | P a g e BUSINESS LAW: OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS Module 2: Nature and Effect of Obligations 50 | P a g e