An obligation is defined as a juridical necessity to:
give
do or
not to do.
In case of non-compliance:
Courts may be called upon by the aggrieved party to enforce fulfillment.
Economic value may be claimed if obligation is not fulfilled.
Passive Subject (Debtor or Obligor)
The person bound to fulfill the obligation.
Active Subject (Creditor or Obligee)
The person entitled to demand fulfillment of the obligation.
Object or Prestation
The specific conduct required of the debtor (giving, doing, not doing).
Juridical Tie (Efficient Cause)
The connection that binds parties to the obligation.
Example: In a building contract, X binds himself to build a house for Y for P1M.
General Rule: No specific form is required for obligations arising from contracts for their validity.
Obligations arising from other sources do not require any form.
Real Obligation
Involves a subject matter that is a thing to be delivered.
Example: X binds himself to deliver a car to Y.
Personal Obligation
Involves an act to be done or not to be done:
a. Positive - obligation to do
b. Negative - obligation not to do.
Law
Contracts
Quasi-Contracts
Acts or omissions punished by law
Quasi-delicts (Torts)
Law
Obligations imposed by law (e.g., taxes, support).
Contracts
Obligations arising from agreements between parties (e.g., obligation to pay loan).
Quasi Contracts
Arise from lawful, voluntary acts to prevent unjust enrichment.
Crimes (Delict)
Obligations from civil liability resulting from criminal offenses (e.g., stolen car must be returned or compensated).
Quasi-Delict (Torts)
Damages caused to another without contractual relations (e.g., responsibility for damages caused by falling objects).
Obligations from law must be clearly defined to be enforceable.
Only those specifically mentioned in law or code are demandable.
Must be clearly stated in law to be demandable.
Example: Employers are not obliged to provide legal assistance to employees.
Obligations from contracts have the force of law and must be performed in good faith.
Valid and enforceable contracts are required.
A contract is defined as the meeting of minds between two parties where one binds to provide something or perform a service.
Obligations from contracts are binding as if imposed by law.
Contracts must:
Not be contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order, or public policy.
Refers to performance according to contract terms.
Non-compliance after benefiting from a contract may result in unjust enrichment.
Example: If S sells his house to B, both must adhere to the contract.
A contract where S agrees with B to kill X for P100,000.
Obligations from quasi-contracts are subject to specific provisions.
Legal relations arising from unilateral actions to prevent unjust enrichment.
Negotiorum Gestio
Voluntary management of another's property without consent.
Example: Neighbor saves X’s house from fire while X is away.
Solutio Indebiti
Relation created by undue payment through mistake.
Example: D mistakenly pays T, who is not authorized to receive payment.
Governed by penal laws and specific provisions on human relations and damages.
Crimes often cause both moral and material damage.
Every criminally liable person is also civilly liable for damages.
Includes:
Restitution
Reparation for damages
Indemnification for consequential damages.
If X steals Y's car:
X must return the car or pay its value.
X must pay for damages caused to the car and any other damages suffered by Y.
Obligations from quasi-delicts are regulated by the applicable provisions.
An act/omission causing damage without a contractual relationship.
There must be an act or omission.
There must be fault or negligence.
Damage must be caused.
There must be a direct cause-effect relationship to the damage.
No pre-existing contractual relationship between parties.