Sales Reviewer
Sales Reviewer
Sales Reviewer
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
I. Definition of Sales
Note: The condition should only refer to the obligation to pay the price and NOT:
a. The obligation concerning the subject matter (a&b above)—which is the essence
of a K of sale. (Gaite)
b. The whole contract—in which the case it is K to sell (Villanueva believes that a K
to sell and the K of sale are of the same genus and both covered by Art. 1458.
However, recent rulings in the SC hold that they are different.)
II. Elements
1. Consent or meeting of the minds (to transfer of ownership in exchange for price)
2. Determinate subject matter
3. Price certain in money or its equivalent (Coronel)
III. Stages
1. Negotiation
2. Perfection
3. Consummation
Note: Technically, only 2 and 3 are the only lives of a K, since in negotiation there is no K
yet.
Note: It is important to know that a sale is the obligation to give because being such, a
breach of it can have the remedy of (a) specific performance and (b) rescission. An
obligation “to do” cannot be subject to specific performance, ONLY rescission. Because
specific performance in “to do” may amount to involuntary servitude, which is prohibited in
the Constitution.
the said sale may be annulled, but such annulment is not for inadequacy of
price, but rather for vitiated consent. Art. 14.
1. Donation
Sale Donation
Consideration Onerous—consideration is price Gratuitous—consideration is
which is valuable liberality
Type Consensual—perfected by mere Solemn—must comply with the
consent formalities by law for perfection
2. Barter
One of the parties binds himself to give one thing in consideration of the
other’s promise to give another thing.
Rules to determine whether it’s a K of sale or a barter:
i. It is a barter where the value of the thing given as part of
consideration exceeds the amount of money given or its equivalent.
ii. It is a sale, where the value of the thing given as part of the
consideration equals or is less than the amount of the money given.
For practical legal purposes, the distinction between a sale or barter are
practically academic since aside from the two separate rules applicable to
barter (Arts. 1639-1640), as to all matter specifically provided for, barter
shall be governed by the provision on sales.
Instance when knowing the differences is important:
i. Statute of Frauds does not apply to barter
ii. Right to legal redemption to an adjoining owner covers only “resale”
iii. Tax purpose
Sale POW
Parties Buyer and seller Principal client and contractor
Subject Matter Service
Obligations a) to pay (buyer) a) to pay (principal)
b) to deliver possession (seller) b) to perform service
c) to transfer ownership (seller) (contractor)
Kind of Obligation To give To do
Breach Can be subject to specific Cannot be subject to specific
performance performance
How will you differentiate a sale from a K of POW? (Here you will see the genius of
Villanueva, makes you proud to be a brother…EXCELLENCE)
i. Art. 1467 gives us two sets of distinction:
Habituality test – manufacturing in ordinary course of
business makes it a sale. When the manufacturer engages in
the same activity in the ordinary course of business and does
not need to apply extra ordinary skills and equipment that
would classify the underlying transaction as a K of sale.
Timing test – manufacturing upon special order of customers
makes it a K of POW.
ii. In Celestino, the habituality test was upheld. BUT the SC interpreted that
the test in 1467 is not one of timing or habit but a nature of work to be
performed test. It must be of the nature that the products are not
ordinary products of the manufacturer, and they would require the use of
extraordinary skills or equipment to make it a K of POW.
iii. In EEL, the SC held that the habituality test is not controlling. The business
of EEI was a staple undertaking, one that was considered ordinary and
usual in their operations, and yet what they did was a POW. Then they held
that the timing test in 1467 is actually a nature of the object test,
meaning could the company manufacture the product in mass, would it
make business sense to do so.
iv. In CIR, Tolentino talked about the intent test (more important test). If the
parties intend that an object will be delivered without considering the work
or labor of the part bound, it is a sale. But if the basis is the work that will
be employed, it is a POW.
v. With all the tests enumerated, what should be used?
vi. The habituality and timing tests seem to have been abandoned. What is
controlling then is the nature of the object test and the intent test. Both
must be applied.
vii. HOWEVER, what if a seller offers 10,000 inclined erasers to a buyer who
buys them because of the seller’s reputation, and upon agreement, the
seller reaches under the table and offer the erasers, would that be a sale or
a POW? (The tests seems to answer that it is the POW, because it does not
make business sense to manufacture 10,000 erasers and obviously the
intent here is for the seller’s skills.)
viii. Genius: The answer is a Sale. Why? Because a breach of a K of POW looks
at the service, obviously, you cannot pay for service which has already been
done as in this case. So that means that we are back to the timing test in
1467 (only if it is manufactured upon special order, will it become a POW).
We have come into a full circle.
4. Agency to Sell
Characteristics of an Agency
1. Prepatory – meaning it is entered into in order to achieve other ends and other
relationships
a. Types of Prepatory Ks
1. Agency to sell and agency to buy – give rise to a K of sale
2. Distributorship agreement or an agreement to enter into a series of
Ks of sale – in this case, there is no price yet so it is NOT a K of sale
2. Involves a personal obligation – therefore, it is not subject to specific
performance (like distributorship agreement)
3. Fiduciary – based on confidence and trust, so it is not transmissible. (Death
extinguishes the K, except in agency coupled with an interest.)
4. Revocable – because of its fiduciary nature. Any attempt to make it irrevocable is
void. Except in an agency coupled with an interest (when an agency is constituted as
part of the mechanism for mortgage).
Principal in a K of Agency
These are “essential clauses” contemplated by law, such as if these are present the
name of the K is not controlling.
The acts of the agent bind the principal, the agent acts beyond his commission.
Agent has no legal basis to receive anything on his own. Everything an agent
receives must be accounted for and returned to the principal. Agent is never liable
for the price.
An agent cannot two principals, for this would violate the agency relationship.
Genius: To determine whether it is a sale or one of agency, look at 2 things: delivery
and transfer of ownership. If these are made to be assumed in whole or in part by
the agent, meaning if he bears the risk with regard to it, he cannot be an agent. An
agent is never liable in whole or in part of the subject matter.
The price of any stipulation makes the price the liability of the supposed agent or
makes him exposed to the risk of the price (e.g. an increase), then he could not
have been an agent since an agent is not liable for any portion of the price.
5. Dacion en Pago
A genus of sale and is governed by the law on sales.
Shows us that a sale is both perfected and consummated. Dacion en pago
represents a perfected and consummated contract of sale.
Differences
6. Lease
Sale Lease
Dominion is absolutely disposed by the seller Temporary disposition in favor of the lessee
in favor of the buyer upon the payment of with the payment of rentals, but after the
the price. period of lease, the things revert back to the
owner.
CHAPTER II
PARTIES TO A CONTRACT OF SALE
General Rule: Any person who is authorized under the law to oblige himself, may enter
into a contract of sale.
Exceptions:
1. Minors and incapacitated persons
They do not have capacity to obligate themselves
Effect of sale: Voidable
Consequences:
o Capacitated person cannot seek annulment on the basis of the other
party’s incapacity
o The incapacitated person, when properly represented is one who has
legal standing to annul the contract.
Remedies for a voidable contract:
o Specific performance
o Ratification
o Rescission – can be availed of by both parties; but minors need only to
restitute up to the extent he has been benefited
Exceptions: necessaries (everything that is indispensable for sustenance and
refers only to things)
To be a valid contract, it is required that:
o The K was perfected
o There was delivery of the necessaries
o The minor must be the buyer
o Social standing must be considered
2. Sale by Married Couple
Sale to third party
Void if done without the consent of the other spouse.
Sale between spouses
o Void (this applies even in legal redemption, compromises and
renunciation)
o Exception
When a separation of property was agreed upon in marriage
settlement
are buying just the “right”, its like buying the property already. You
must not be allowed to do indirectly, what you can’t do directly. The
SC based its decision that a hereditary right is technically not property
itself.
With regard to lawyer-client relationship, the requisites are:
o Lawyer-client relationship
o Object is property under litigation
o Any kind of litigation whether adversarial or not
o Does not necessarily mean actual litigation
o During the pendency of the case
o This also applies to the case of judges
o The period is from the filing of the complaint until there is absolutely
no judicial proceeding of whatever nature pending with respect to the
property. Even if it is final, executory and unappealable but there is
something pending before the courts even a motion for execution, the
period has not ended.
Note: Contingency fee arrangements (always subject to the supervision of the
courts):
o Payment based on a certain percentage of the property in litigation—
valid. No property is being assigned here.
o Payment is a portion of the value of the properties—valid. Held to be
so by the SC because the greater good it advances is greater than the
public policy sought to be protected by Art. 1491. This contingency
arrangement is in the nature of a dacion en pago, and is therefore
under the law on sales.
CHAPTER III
SUBJECT MATTER OF THE SALE
b. Absence of this requisite makes the K void under Art. 1409 (1).
3. It must be determinate or at least determinable
a. Determinate—specific or that which has been:
i. physically segregated
ii. Particularly designated
b. Determinable—a generic thing which has:
i. The capacity of being made determinate
ii. Without need of further/new agreement between the parties
In accordance with the principle of the obligatory force of K’s,
that it is free from the whims and caprices, imagination or lack
of it on the part of the parties
When both parties can imagine the same type of SM in their
minds, almost the same in all other descriptions even as to a
3rd party, then it satisfies this requirement.
Quantity is NOT important, ONLY when it is still possible to determine the quantity
without the need of a new K between the parties (National Grains which was fucked
up by Johannes Schuback)
Seller may NOT be the owner of the thing at the time of perfection. It is only at the
time of delivery that it is essential that the owner owns the thing.
If a seller is NOT the owner of the thing he sold, the buyer cannot ask for specific
performance because obviously, the seller here cannot perform. The only remedy left
is rescission. BUT when at the time of perfection, the seller sells a subject matter
over which he is not the owner, the subsequent acquisition of title by a seller
validates the sale and title passes to the buyer by operation of law, provided there
has been previous delivery of the subject matter by the seller to the buyer.
Yu Tek doctrine: Justice Trent ruled that there was no K of sale, even though the thing
was obviously determinable. BUT he was speaking in the point of view of the SM (To
understand this, imagine yourself to be a SM, and not one of the parties in the sale). Such
that there can be no K of sale as to any genus of the thing until it is physically segregated
from the rest. In short, there was no sale as to the SM, but there was a sale between the
parties.
Legality of Sale:
1. As to subject matter:
a. Various special laws declare certain sales of things illegal and therefore VOID
(e.g. drugs)
2. Simulation of SM makes the K of sale VOID (when there is no intention whatsoever
to give or receive the SM)
When motive nullifies the sale: Consideration is, as a rule, different from the motive of
the parties, and when the primary motive is illegal, such as when the sale was executed
over a parcel of land to illegally frustrate a person’s right to inheritance and to avoid
payment of estate tax, the sale is void because illegal motive predetermines the purpose of
the K. (Olegario)
CHAPTER IV
PRICE
Requisites:
a. It must be real
a. When at the time the minds of the parties met, the seller expected
and intended to receive the price and the buyer intended to pay for
it
b. Must be with valuable consideration (NOT NOMINAL)
If this is not present, it might be another K (e.g. donation)
There is a presumption that every K of sale entered into is with
valuable consideration. BUT if the party who’s saying there s no
true consideration, the burden of proof SHIFTS. (Ong and
Bagnas)
When price is simulated/fictitious, or there is the absence of
an expectation to receive payment by the seller and an
intention to pay on the buyer, the K of sale is VOID, but it
might be another kind of K.
When there is a false price, or there is a price but it is not the
one agreed to by the parties but another price, the K of sale is
VALID, but subject to reformation.
b. Must be in money or its equivalent
a. “or its equivalent” must mean having the same characteristics as
money
b. If not in money, it’s a VOID K of sale, but it may be another K like
barter or dacion, which is still governed by the law on sales, so it is
as if there is a valid K of sale (this shows that price merely plays a
secondary role).
c. In Republic vs. Phil. Resources Development, the buyer was allowed
to pay in GI sheets. Did the SC do away with requirement no. 2? NO.
The payment of the thing other than money was done at the
consummation of the K of sale. At the time of perfection, it was only
in money.
c. Must be certain or ascertainable
a. Certain—when the amount is designated in pesos and centavos
b. Ascertainable—to be ascertainable, the price must be:
i. Fixed in reference to other things.
ii. Can be mathematically computed using a formula.
iii. Must have been designated to be fixed by a 3 rd party (this is a
suspensive condition, so if the 3rd party refuses to fix the price,
the K is inefficacious).
a. If the 3rd person:
i. Acted in bad faith
ii. Acted by mistake
….the courts can fix the price (this is the only time the
courts can fix the price).
Note: Absence of 1 & 2 makes the K a no contract situation and the absence of 3
makes it inefficacious or it cannot be given effect, unless the party mutually agree on
a new price. But if the other party has already sued the other party, the court cannot
compel the parties to agree to a price.
Note: Also, even if the price has NOT been agreed upon, but the SM has already
been delivered and appropriated, the buyer has to pay a reasonable price, depending
on the circumstances of each case.
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School of Law
Est. 1964
d. Manner of payment
a. Applies only when it is clearly implied in perfection that the money is
NOT present value. The general rule is that it is presumed that the
manner of payment is the present value.
b. Because if you do not agree upon the terms of payment, your minds
have not met because you have not agreed upon the same value.
CHAPTER V
FORMATION OF CONTRACT OF SALE
1. Invitations
An advertisement is an invitation to make an offer “unless it appears
otherwise,” which would make it an offer.
2. Offer/Acceptance
It creates no relationship until it is accepted.
Kinds:
a. General – an offer to sell or an offer to buy direct ed to
everybody
b. Specific – an offer made to a particular person and cannot be
taken advantage of or availed of by any other person other
than the offeree
Characteristics (it is important to remember this shit!)
a. It is within complete control of the offeror
b. It cannot exist indefinitely
c. An offer with a period expires after the period
d. An offer with a condition ceases to exist when the condition
happens
e. An offer can ONLY be accepted absolutely and is indivisible
f. A modification is a counter-offer and destroys the first offer
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Ateneo de Manila University
School of Law
Est. 1964
NOTE: Paranaque further held that a buyer cannot be in good faith when
there is a right of first refusal in a property because everybody who buys the
property must examine it first.
4. Option Contracts
A unilateral promise that grants to the optionee the privilege or right
to purchase the SM at a certain price within a period, for a separate
consideration.
An option is not a Contract to Sell. It is only half a K to sell because it
is either a unilateral obligation to sell or a unilateral obligation to
purchase.
The consideration in an option contract must be separate and distinct
from the purchase price. It can be anything of value.
Nietes Doctrine: An option contract is exercised by mere notice3 to the
seller. Tender and consignation by the optionee is not needed.
2 Kinds of Option Contracts (the SM and price must have all the
requisites):
a. Valid option contract
i. Supported by a consideration separate and distinct from
the price
ii. If it is accepted prior to the time it was withdrawn, it will
give rise to a valid K of sale
b. Void option contract
i. There is lack of separate consideration
ii. Although it is void as an option contract, it is valid as an
offer (Sanchez doctrine)
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School of Law
Est. 1964
Perfection of a K of Sale
Upon the meeting of the minds as to a valid SM and price which has all the requisites
The offer must be certain and the acceptance absolute:
1. Certain offer – Price and SM with all the requisites
2. Absolute acceptance:
a. Absolute “absolute” – offer is accepted without any qualification or
counter-offers
b. Non-absolute (Villonco doctrine):
i. Do minimis – the change in acceptance is so insignificant that
there is substantial absolute acceptance (e.g. Offer is pay in
2,000 days but acceptance is 1,999 days); or
ii. Nature of change - the change does NOT go into the SM or
consideration (e.g. Offer is that payment should be done with
the buyer in long pants but the acceptance is that buyer will
pay in shorts)
NOTE: However, if the offer was pay and then cut your hair, and the acceptance did not
include cutting the fair, this already goes into consideration and constitutes a counter-offer
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Est. 1964
condition and ask for specific performance or sue for rescission and refuse to
proceed if the condition is imposed on the performance of an obligation.
In sale by auction, only when the auctioneer announces by the fall of the hammer
or in customary manner is the sale perfected.
Earnest Money
1. Part if the purchase price which is proof of the perfection of the contract
2. However, in Spouses Doromal, the SC held that the proof is rebuttable and evidence
can be shown that the parties intended to treat “earnest money” differently.
Genius Villanueva: This is because under Roman Law, earnest money served as liquidated
damages such that withdrawing from the sale means forfeiture of the earnest money now is
still acceptable. This is why Doromal provides that earnest money is not a conclusive proof
of the perfection of the contract, because the parties might intend it to be earnest money
under the concept of Roman Law.
Exceptions:
1. Power to sell a piece of land or interest therein must be in writing, otherwise the sale
thereof by the agent (even if the sale itself is written) is void
2. Sale of large cattle must be in writing
3. Sale of land by non-Christians is void if not approved by the Provincial governor
Statute of Frauds
Coverage:
1. A sale agreement which by its terms is not to be performed within a year from the
making thereof
2. An agreement for the sale of foods, chattels, or things in action, at a price not less
than P500
3. The sale of real property or of an interest therein
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Est. 1964
CHAPTER VI
PERFORMANCE OR CONSUMMATION OF THE CONTRACT OF SALE
Consummation: the state where either parties begin to perform their respective
obligations. On the part of the seller, to deliver the thing and transfer ownership. On the
part of the buyer, to pay the price.
NOTE: Always remember that in this stage, it is necessary that there is already a VALID
contract of sale. In other words, if you have not mustered what constitutes a valid contract
of sale, you’ll get lost.
1. To take care of the SM with proper diligence of a good father of the family
Unless another standard of care is required
Applied only when the SM is determinate
2. To deliver the fruits and accessories
But until actual delivery, the buyer only has a personal right to the fruits
(meaning the seller can sell the fruits and the one buying the fruits has a
better right)
Applied only when the SM is determinate
3. Deliver the SM (Tradicion)
Twin effects of tradition:
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Est. 1964
a. transfer of ownership
b. seller is deemed to have fulfilled his obligations
Note: tradicion is a mode only when there is an underlying valid K of sale
a. actual or physical - thing sold is placed in the control and possession of the buyer
b. constructive - seller transfers ownership without transferring physical possession
(achieved by mere consent of the parties)
i. execution of public instrument
ii. symbolic delivery - delivery of a thing which is a representation of the SM
(both parties must agree that the thing is a representation of the SM)
iii. constitutum possesorium - when at the time of perfection, the seller had
possession of the SM in the concept of an owner and pursuant to the sale,
hold physical possession thereof no longer in the concept of an owner
iv. tradition brevi manu - before the K of sale, the would-be buyer was already in
the possession of the would be SM, and pursuant to the sale, he would not
hold possession in the concept of an owner
v. tradition longa manu – delivery by agreement such as when the seller points
the property
vi. delivery by negotiable documents of title
vii. seller allows buyer to exercise rights on the property
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a. majority school of thought – the carrier is an agent of the buyer (like FOB
shipping point)
b. minority school of thought – the seller covers all the insurance and freight
making the carrier his agent (like FOB destination)
NOTE: These classifications are bullshit. Let me explain. They provide for very weak
presumptions. The moment there is anything to the contrary to indicate the real intention of
the parties, be it oral or written, then that intention governs regardless of the classification
they placed on the transaction (General Foods Doctrine)
1. Sale per unit of measure – sale of real estate made with a statement of its area,
at the rate of a certain price for a unit measure (e.g. P3000 per square meter)
a. Effect: If it turns out that the area delivered is less, there is substantial
breach. Remedies would be specific performance or rescission (But lack of
area must not be less than 1/10 or else it would be considered substantial
compliance
2. Lump sum sale – not at a rate of a certain sum for a unit of measure (e.g. P20M for
that lot)
a. Effect: If it turns out that the area is less, there is not a ground for rescission
since the only obligation is to delivery everything within the boundary
Sta. Ana Doctrine: Just because a statement of the measurement of the area is given,
with the corresponding price, does NOT mean that it is a sale per unit of measure. The
default rule is that it is a lump sum sale ONLY when it is expressly provided that the sale is
at a certain price per unit of measure is it such kind of a sale.
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A. Movables
Ownership shall be confirmed to the person who takes 1 st possession in good
faith
B. Immovables
Ownership shall be confirmed in accordance with the following hierarchy:
NOTE: The rules on Double Sales do not apply if one of the contracts is a contract to sell. In
a contract to sell, the condition goes into the essence of the contract, such that if it doesn’t
happen, the contract is extinguished. In a contract of conditional sale, to which the rule on
double sales apply, the condition attaches to the obligations, and the non-happening of
which constitutes a breach which may be a ground for recession.
Genius of Villanueva: Theoretically, recession is the only remedy in case there is a breach
of the conditions of a conditional contract of sale. This is because specific performance
cannot be availed of since the obligation has been extinguished. However, if the non-
happening of the condition is due to the seller’s fault, then the condition is deemed fulfilled
and specific performance can be a remedy.
CHAPTER VII
DOCUMENTS OF TITLE
Documents of Title: includes any bill of lading, dock warrant, quedan or warehouse
receipt or order for the delivery of goods, or any other document used in the ordinary
course of business in the sale of transfer of goods, as proof of the possession or control of
the goods, or authorizing or purporting to authorize the possessor of the document to
transfer or receive, either b endorsement or by delivery, goods represented by such
document.
A type of constructive delivery
It must always be in writing
The SM is always fungible
Two Functions
a. the document itself is a representation of possession and description which are
covered thereby
b. it is the medium by which the goods described therein are delivered
Two Types
1. Negotiable – containing the words of negotiability and written words like non-
negotiable does not destroy its being negotiable
2. Non-negotiable
Basic Rule: Protect the purchaser in good faith for value. Even if the negotiation is a
violation of the ownership of the principal owner, a purchaser in good faith is always
protected.
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NEGOTIABLE NON-NEGOTIABLE
Judgment creditors of the original Judgment creditors of the original owner can levy or
owner cannot actually levy or execute execute upon the goods since possession and
upon the goods since ownership and ownership of the DT does NOT necessarily bring
possession of the document itself is title over the goods. It is the notification of the
equivalent to the holder having actual bailee of the assignment that it is the operative act
ownership and possession. that will transfer the goods, not allowing the levy.
CHAPTER VIII
SALE BY A NON-OWNER OR BY OEN HAVING A VOIDABLE TITLE
WARNING: In the following discussion, note the difference between the time of perfection
(where the seller may not be the owner) and consummation.
General Rule: 1505, which states that where the goods are sold by a person who is not the
owner thereof, the buyer acquires no better title to the goods than the seller had. In other
words, NO title, NO transfer. (The SC even held that a transfer by someone who does not
own the SM is void.
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Exceptions:
1. When the owner is estopped by his conduct from denying the seller’s authority to
sell.
2. When the contrary is provided for in recording laws (PD 1529)
This applies only to registered lands
Chain of Title Theory: there must be 2 links in order for this exception to
apply. The 1st link is the 1st sale, where the buyer still has the opportunity to
look behind the title of the seller. The 2 nd link is the 2nd sale, where no
amount of looking behind the title will a defect be seen since the name of the
title corresponds to the person selling.
3. 1434: When the person who is not the owner of a thing sells or alienates or delivers
it, and later the seller or grantor acquires title thereto, such title passes by the
operation of law to the buyer or grantee
4. When the sale is made under statutory power of sale or under the order of a court of
competent jurisdiction
Because the seller in these cases is NOT the owner.
5. When the sale is made in a merchant’s store
Requisites to be a merchant store:
a. there must be goods stored therein and in display
b. the store is actually engaged in buying and selling
6. 1506: Requirements in order that the sale is valid as to the buyer
a. seller must have voidable title at the time of execution
b. title has not been avoided
c. buyer in good faith and for value
d. there must have been tradition
7. Special right of resale
Even when the title to the goods has already been transferred to the buyer,
the unpaid seller can enter into another sale and deliver the goods to a 3 rd
person even if the former already lost ownership
This will be elaborated under remedies
Article 559: Possession of movable property acquired in good faith is equivalent to title.
But one who has lost or been unlawfully deprived of a movable may recover it from the
person in possession of the same.
This rule is in accordance with the general rule in 1505 that when there is no title,
there is no title.
But if the possessor acquired the movable in a public sale, the owner cannot obtain
its return without reimbursing the price.
If the buyer acquired the movable from a merchant’s store, the owner cannot
recover anymore even if he was unlawfully deprived or it was lost.
Unlawfully deprived – does NOT apply if the owner voluntarily participates in a sale
and was the victim of fraud (EDCA Doctrine). What it means is the taking without the
owner’s consent or participation (e.g. theft and robbery)
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2. when the sale of a particular portion of a thing owned in common is with the consent
of the co-owners (Pamplona Doctrine)
3. A co-owner who sells one of the 2 lands owned in common with another and how
does not turn ½ of the proceeds of the sale to the other co-owner, the latter may by
law and equity lay exclusive claim to the remaining parcel of land (Imperial Doctrine)
CHAPTER IX
LOSS, DETERIORATION, FRUITS AND OTHER BENEFITS
Application
1. applies only when the SM is determinate
2. applies to both movables and immovables
History
The Bocobo Commission adopted the Res Perit Domino rule and at the same time, retained
the civil law concept that ownership is transferred by tradition. The result is a fuck-up.
Effects
1. before perfection – risk of loss shall be borne by the would-be seller since he owns
the thing
2. at the time of perfection – if the thing is lost, the contract shall be “without any
effect” and therefore the seller bears the risk of loss
3. after perfection but before delivery –
a. Loss
NOTE: Just remember this simple formula by the Genius Villanueva: the risk of loss,
deterioration and improvement shall always be for the account of the person who has both
title and beneficial interest over the SM. When the title and beneficial interest do not merge
in the same party, the risk of loss, deterioration and improvement will be for the account of
the person who has beneficial interest.
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4. after delivery – risk is borne by the buyer who owns the thing
Except:
a. when the delivery of the goods has been made to the buyer and the
ownership has been retained by the seller merely to secure the performance
by the buyer of his obligations in the contract (even if the buyer does not own
the thing, the risk of loss is still hers)
b. actual delivery had been delayed through either party’s fault (risk of loss is
with the party at fault)
CHAPTER X
REMEDIES OF PARTIES FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT OF SALE
I. In case of Movables
a. applies even if the seller has lost ownership (there has been constructive delivery)
b. applies even if the buyer has entered into a 2 nd sale
c. the first 2 remedies must be first availed of before the next 2 remedies can apply:
i. possessory lien
Requisites:
1. where the goods have been sold without any stipulation as to
credit
2. where the goods have been sold on credit, but the term of
credit has expired
3. where the buyer has become insolvent
Instances when unpaid loses his possessory lien
1. he delivers the goods to a carrier or other bailee for the
purpose of transmission to the buyer without reserving the
ownership in the goods or the right to the possession thereof
2. the buyer or his agent lawfully obtains possession of the goods
3. by waiver thereof
Note: there is no need to notify the buyer and the right may be
exercised even if the unpaid seller is an agent or bailee
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ii. stoppage in transitu – allowed only if the buyer becomes insolvent which
must be proved (insolvent - buyer is unable to pay his debts as they fall due)
When are goods “in transit”?
1. from the time they are delivered to a carrier or other bailee for
the purpose of transmission to the buyer, until the buyer or his
agent in that behalf, takes delivery of them from such carrier or
bailee
2. if the goods are rejected by the buyer, the carrier or other
bailee continues in possession of them, even if the seller has
refused to receive them back
When are goods not “in transit”?
1. if the buyer or his agent obtains delivery of the goods before
their arrival at the destination
2. if after arrival of the goods, the carrier or other bailee
acknowledges to the buyer or his agent that he holds the goods
on his behalf and continues in possession of them as bailee of
the buyer or his agent; and it is immaterial that further
destination for the goods may have been indicated by the buyer
3. if the carrier of other bailee wrongfully refuses to deliver the
goods to the buyer or his agent
How is the right exercised?
1. by obtaining actual possession of the goods
2. by giving notice of his claim to the carrier or other bailee in
whose possession the goods are:
a. at the point of notice, the carrier has no choice but to
hold the goods for the disposition of the seller
b. if the notice was given to the carrier’s principal, enough
time must be given for the principal to inform the carrier
When are the rights inapplicable?
1. when the goods are NOT in transit
2. when there is a waiver of the right
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a. Specific performance
When deemed chosen: Filing of an action for specific performance in
court
Horizontal barring effect: NONE. You can recover the whole unpaid
balance. (This is true even if the action instituted has the same effect
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b. Rescission
When deemed chosen
1. filing an action for rescission in court
2. taking actual possession or filing replevin coupled with a
manifest intention of rescission.
Horizontal barring effect
1. Seller cannot seek further action on the purchase price (since
he already has possession of the SM and rescission by its
nature involves mutual restitution returning any amount
previously paid, unless there is a stipulation that the
installments paid shall not be returned which is valid insofar as
it is not unconscionable under the circumstances.
2. Furthermore, damages may be awarded to the extent of the
loss
c. Foreclosure
When deemed chosen: upon actual sale; before that, the seller can
still collect the installments due (specific performance)
Horizontal barring effect: once foreclosure is chosen, the seller
cannot anymore recover any unpaid balance of the price (that is the
essence of the Recto Law)
“Unpaid balance of the price”: is all encompassing and includes not
only the purchase price but stipulations in the contract for damages,
interests and attorney’s fees (Eustaquio Doctrine)
Eustaquio Doctrine: does not apply to a perverse buyer-mortgagor
or one who refuses to surrender the chattel to the seller to allow the
latter to foreclose. In such a case, the seller is allowed to recover
expenses and attorney’s fees incurred in trying to obtain possession.
(Ridad Doctrine).
Cruz Doctrine: It is not true that after foreclosure, Art. 1484
prohibits further action only ‘against the purchaser.’ It applies also
against recovering the deficiency (e.g. by foreclosing on the other
mortgages made by the buyer) from 3rd parties.
Borbon Doctrine: This is a situation which is the reverse in Cruz. To
circumvent Cruz, what if foreclosing on the other mortgages is
instituted? This CANNOT be done. The reason is not because of the
barring effect in 1484, but because of the principal in credit
transactions that seeking specific performance is deemed a wavier of
the foreclosure of the chattel mortgage.
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3. Failure of the buyer to pay the purchase price entitles the seller to rescind the
contract of sale upon judicial or notarial demand (1529). But the SC in some cases
refused to allow rescission even if proper on equity grounds.
C. Maceda Law
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CHAPTER XI
RESCISSION: CONTRACT OF SALE VS. CONTRACT TO SELL
WARNING: The following discussion is a poor attempt to synthesize the sales on rescission.
Proceed at your own risk.
Rescission
A remedy by the party in reciprocal obligations where there is a breach on the part of
the other party
This does not cover the rescission which pertains to rescissible contracts where lesion
is the main consideration
The breach of contract which falls under rescission must be “substantial breach”
because of the doctrine that substantial compliance is deemed to be full compliance
The effect of rescission is mutual restitution (but stipulations which say that
installments paid shall not be returned is valid insofar as they may not be
unconscionable under the circumstances)
Only the injured party (which may be a 3 rd person) may demand for rescission
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Under the law and jurisprudence, a contract which contains a stipulation that
ownership is reserved in the seller and not to pass to the buyer until full payment of
the purchase price is a contract to sell.
Also, the SC in Dignos, held that in a contract to sell, there must be a right granted
to the seller to extra-judicially rescind or cancel the contract in case of default.
Absence of such a stipulation makes the contract one of sale.
Note: However, in some cases, the SC held that the contract is a contract to sell even in the
absence of such stipulation.
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principles to contracts to sell. This is because the Maceda Law promotes a higher
value. (So take not of the coverage of the Maceda Law.)
4. We can conclude therefore that only those contracts to sell which fall under the
Maceda Law may be rescinded and where substantial compliance principles are
applicable.
Note: The rationale why notice is required even in contracts to sell may be seen in 1545,
since the law grants the seller the option to waive the breach, and still accept payments,
then notice must be given to the buyer that the seller is not waiving.
Note: What complicated matters is that the SC used the principles of justice and equity to
make rescission applicable to contracts to sell, even though by their nature, rescission is not
a remedy in those types of contracts. Also, the Maceda Law was made applicable to both
contracts of sale and to sell, which produced a number of mix-up principles.
CHAPTER XII
CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES
Distinguish:
Conditions Warranties
When a condition is imposed in the Non-fulfillment of a warranty constitutes a
perfection of the contracts, failure to comply breach and damages may be awarded
means a failure of the contract to
materialize. When the condition is imposed
on the performance of the contract, the
injured party may either refuse to proceed
with the sale or waive the condition. Non-
happening of the condition is not a breach,
so there can be no damages.
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Applies to a buyer and seller Applies only to the seller because it pertains
to the SM
Goes into the root of the existence of the Goes into the performance of the obligation
obligation
Must be stipulated May form part of the contract by express
provision of the law
Applicable to other contracts Applies only to sales contracts
The only time a condition amounts to a breach is when there is an express promise
that the condition will happen. The condition becomes a warranty and damages may
be awarded in case of breach.
It is important to discuss warranties because rescission on the part of the buyer can
ONLY happen if there is a breach of the seller’s warranties.
Kinds of Warranties
1. EXPRESS (it is essential to look at the wordings to determine the extent of the
warranty)
a. It must be an affirmation of fact or any promise by the seller relating to the
thing, SM of the sale
b. The natural tendency of such affirmation or promise is to induce the buyer to
purchase the same; and
c. The buyer purchases the thing relying thereon
Note: A statement of opinion (seller’s talk) is not a warranty, UNLESS The seller is an
expert and such was relied upon by the buyer.
2. IMPLIED
Every contract has these warranties and the 3 requisites in express
warranties need not be present
By express stipulation, an agent of the seller may bind himself to such
warranties
a. Warranty that the seller has a right to sell and transfer ownership
Applies only in the consummation stage
It is an essential warranty and CANNOT be waived
It goes into the obligation to transfer ownership
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CHAPTER XIII
EXTINGUISHMENT OF SALE
Preliminaries
The same grounds for extinguishment of obligations apply to sale. However,
payment or performance does not extinguish a contract of sale itself since the
relationship between the buyer and seller remains
Redemption is a mode of extinguishment to a contract of sale
Kinds of Redemption
1. Conventional
2. Legal
Conventional Redemption
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Definition: When the seller reserved for himself the right to repurchase the thing sold with
the obligation to return the price of the sale, the expenses of the contract, any other
legitimate payments made by reason of the sale, and the necessary and useful expenses
made on the thing sold. In short, a right of repurchase or a sale a retro.
Period of Redemption
1. no period agreed upon – 4 years from the date of the contract
2. if there is a period agreed upon – that period, but it must not exceed 10 years
3. if the period is void for exceeding 10 years – period is 10 years
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b. Art. 1606, which grants a 30-day redemption period after judgment in a case
where the issue is: whether a contract is a sale a retro or an equitable
mortgage
Note: if the issue is whether a contract is a sale a retro or an absolute sale, then
there is no 30-day redemption period
Why is this in sales? The practice nowadays is that instead of equitable mortgage, the
parties enter into a sale a retro (which in fact is an equitable mortgage in disguise), such
that upon failure to pay the loan, foreclosure proceedings need not be instituted. In
mortgages, there is a public policy that failure to pay the loan does not automatically
transfer ownership to the mortgagee (pactum commisorium). To circumvent this, lenders
enter into an equitable mortgage disguised as a sale a retro. That is why a sale a retro is
construed to be a true equitable mortgage, the expiration of the purported period of
redemption does NOT ipso jure transfer ownership to the purported buyer. There must be a
foreclosure proceeding. Furthermore, if there is a subsequent sale to an innocent 3 rd person,
the latter will not be protected since there was voidable title on the person who sold to him
(But take note of the Chain of Title theory). In case of doubt, a sale a retro is treated as an
equitable mortgage.
Legal Redemption
Definition: The right to be subrogate upon the same terms and conditions stipulated in the
contract, in the place of one who acquires a thing by purchase or dation in payment, or by
any other transaction whereby ownership is transmitted by onerous title.
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Exceptions (that the running of the period is only upon written notice by the seller):
1. when there is laches (Alonzo and Pilapil Doctrine)
2. if the co-owner himself was the agent to effect the sale to a 3 rd party thereby having
knowledge thereof (Distrito Doctrine)
Note: The exceptions do not reverse the strict requirements of written notice by the seller.
Its just that under the special circumstances in those cases, they were exempted (Alonzo
Doctrine).
CHAPTER XIV
ASSIGNMENT
Assignment
the sale of credits and other incorporeal rights
Distinguished from sale because of the SM. In sale, the SM is tangible. In assignment
it is intangible. Otherwise both are the same.
Like sale, assignment includes all accession and accessories.
It needs constructive delivery to transfer ownership.
Binding Effect
To bind 3rd persons, an assignment must be in a public instrument. Furthermore, if it
covers real rights, there must be registration in the Registry of Deeds.
Without public instrument, the assignment would still be valid but enforceable only
as between the assignor and assignee and their successors-in-interest.
An assignment of a document of title does NOT bind the bailee unless specific notice
of transfer is given.
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Warranties
Warranty against hidden defects is NOT applicable
There is a warranty of the existence of the credit at the time of the sale EXCEPT if it
has been expressly sold as a doubtful account
There is NO warranty regarding the solvency of the debtor except:
o There is a stipulation to that effect
o The insolvency of the debtor was prior to the assignment and of common
knowledge
Note: Either way, the warranty shall cease 1 year after the maturity of the credit.
CHAPTER XV
THE BULK SALES LAW
Rationale: To prevent a situation where merchants would cheat their creditors by hurriedly
selling their business and vanish into thin air, with the creditors left holding the bag while
the buyer in good faith and for value is protected
Note: As long as the transcription fails within any of the 3 transactions, it is a Bulk Sale.
Intention of the seller, and good or bad faith is irrelevant.
Exceptions
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1. if the STMAer delivers a written waiver of the provisions of the law from creditors as
shown by verified statements
2. doesn’t apply to executors, administrators, receivers, assignees in insolvency, or
public officers, acting under process
Effect of failure of doing the obligations (in accordance with the order above)]
1. no criminal and civil consequences
2. void transaction and criminal sanction
a. The transaction is void here not because of the Bulk Sales Law but of
Common Law Principle that if the price of a sale is nominal, it is not real,
making the contract void.
CHAPTER XVI
RETAIL TRADE LIBERALIZATION ACT OF 2000
Note: Absent one of the elements takes the sale out of the Retail Trade Law.
Exempted Transaction
1. sales by a manufacturer, processor, laborer, or worker to the general public of the
products manufactured, processed or produced by him is his capital does not exceed
P100,000
2. sales by a farmer or agriculturist selling the products of his farm regardless of capital
3. sales in restaurant operations by a hotel owner or inn-keeper irrespective of the
amount of capital, provided that the restaurant is incidental to the hotel business
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Grandfather Rule
Since the old RTL, prohibited non-100% owned corporations or partnership from
engaging in retail trade, how would you determine citizenship of shares of the selling
corporation when they are held by another entity?
The rule is that shares belonging to corporations or parties at least 60% of the
capital is owned by Filipinos, is Filipino. But if it is less, then only the number of
shares corresponding to such percentage shall be Filipino.
Note: Later PD 175 allowed the election of aliens as members of the Board of Directors, in
partially nationalized activities in proportion to their allowable participation in the capital of
such activities.
- Mina
[For Titania]
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