CESAR L. VILLANUEVA, B.S.C., C.P.A., LL.B., LL.M., FAICD, D.J.S.
ATENEO DE MANILA LAW SCHOOL Rockwell Center, Makati City LAW on SALES REVIEW DEFINITION (Art. 1458) PARTIES OBLIGATIONS SELLER BUYER (1) TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP (2) TO DELIVER POSSESION (3) TO PAY SUBJECT MATTER PRICE GENERAL PRINCIPLES CONSENT Meeting of Minds Real Obligation Real Obligations SALE 2 ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SALE: NOMINATE PRINCIPAL CONSENSUAL BILATERAL/ RECIPROCAL ONEROUS COMMUTATIVE vs. TITLE vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. Innominate Solemn Real Unilateral vs. Gratuitious Mode Accessory Aleatory vs. Prefaratory 3 SALES versus DONATION CONSENSUAL SOLEMN ONEROUS/ COMMUTATIVE GRATUITOUS ESSENCE: BOTH INVOLVE THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP/POSSESSION OF SUBJECT MATTER (i.e., 4 th Requisite of Form for validity) (i.e., Pure Liberality as consideration) 4 SALES versus BARTER: BARTER IS SALE, BUT WITH THE PRICE BEING REPLACED WITH AN OBLIGATION TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP/POSSESSION OF ANOTHER SUBJECT MATTER THEREFORE: BARTER GOVERNED BY LAW ON SALES BUT: NOT COVERED BY STATUTE OF FRAUDS 5 SALES versus DACION EN PAGO: DACION IS PROCESS OF EXTINGUISHMENT OF PRE- EXISTING OBLIGATION (CONTRACTS) ESSENTIALLY: DACION GOVERNED BY LAW ON SALES DACION NOVATES THE ORIGINAL CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS INTO A FULLY EXECUTED SALE (a) There must be delivery of subject matter in lieu of an pre-existing obligation; (b) There must be difference between prestation due and what is give in substitute; (c) There must be a clear meeting of minds that the pre-existing obligation is extinguished by reason of the prestation substituted. Lo v KJ S Eco. Formwork System Phil., I nc., 413 SCRA 182 (2003) 6 SALES vs. CONTRACT FOR PIECE-OF-WORK: Ineluctably, whether the contract be one of sale or one for a Piece of Work, a transfer of ownership is involved and a party necessarily walks away with an object. Commission of I nternal Revenue v. Court of Appeals, 271 SCRA 605 (1997) K for Piece-of-Work: Service is the Subject Matter Although there is the primary obligation to pay fee (or price), the main motivation is the reputation, skill, mastery of contractor. Engineering & Machinery Corp. v. Court of Appeals, 252 SCRA 156 (1996) BUT: THERE CAN BE NO CONTRACT FOR PIECE-OF-WORK FOR PAST SERVICE RESULTING IN THE CREATION OF THE OBJECT (ALWAYS A SALE) 7 SALES vs. AGENCY TO SELL/BUY AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE FIDUCIARY Essentially revocable Fruits and of principal AGENT NOT PERSONNALY LIABLE FOR THE OBLIGATION CREATED BY THE SALE CONTRACT NOT OBLIGED TO PAY THE PRICE DOES NOT ASSUME THE RISKS OF OWNERSHIP TO THE OBJECT OF SALE 8 SALES vs. AGENCY TO SELL/BUY Contd THEREFORE: AGENT is deemed to be Seller/Buyer when contracted to assume Risks and Obligations contrary to his representative/ fiduciary role: (a) HE ASSUMES OBLIGATION TO PAY THE PRICE (b) SUBJECT MATTER RISKS OF LOSS INSURABLE INTEREST MAINTENANCE 9 SALE versus LEASE: LEASE ESSENTIALLY INVOLVES THE TEMPORARY ENJOYMENT OF POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT MATTER TREATED AS SALE ON INSTALLMENTS WHEN LEASE STRUCTURED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO AVOID APPLICATION OF THE RECTO LAW 10 FEW INSTANCES: PARTIES TO A SALE (The Essential Element of CONSENT) GENERAL RULE: All Parties Having Capacity to Contract Can Be Valid Parties To a Sale EXCEPTIONS: (a) Minors, Demented, Deaf-Mutes Sale is Voidable - Purchase of Necessaries - Emancipation (b) Spouses (Art. 1490) - Sales to Third Parties Sale by One Spouse Void - Sales to Each Other Void Except: When marriage governed by Complete Separation of Property Regime By Pre-nuptials By Judicial decree 11 OTHER RELATIVE DISQUALIFICATIONS (Art. 1491) Guardian Wards Agent Principal Except: When granted express power to buy principals property Administrator/ Executor Estate under administration Public Officers Government property under their jurisdiction Judges/Justices/ Court Officers Property falling in their jurisdiction Lawyers Clients property in litigation Except: Contingency fee arrangement BUT NOT: Purchase of Inheritance Rights 12 SUBJECT MATTER (OBLIGATION to Transfer Ownership and Deliver Possession) 1. POSSIBLE THING 2. LICIT 3. DETERMINATE DETERMINABLE vs. vs. vs. Impossible things Illicit Non-Determinable GENERICS RATIONALE: Transfer of Ownership/Possession of the Subject Matter is the ESSENCE of SALE Obligation should therefore not be illusory To comply with the Obligatory Force principle in Contract Law 13 PRICE & OTHER CONSIDERATION (The Obligation to Pay) 1. REAL/TRUE vs. FALSE (Reformation) vs. SIMULATED (Void) 2. Money or its Equivalent vs. PURE vs. NOMINAL VALUABLE CONSIDERATION LIBERALITY CONSIDERATION 4. MANNER OF PAYMENT vs. UNASCERTAINABLE ASCERTAINABLE 3. CERTAIN RATIONALE: Must comply with Obligatory Force principle in Contract Law Must meet Onerous and Commutative characteristics of SALE 14 UNASCERTAINABLE vs. STAGES IN LIFE OF SALE NEGOTIATION Covers the period from the time the prospective contracting parties indicate interest in the contract up to the time immediate before the contract is perfected. PERFECTION Takes place upon the concurrence of the essential elements of the Sale which are: the meeting of the minds of the parties as to the object of the contract upon the price. CONSUMMATION It begins when the parties perform their respective undertaking under the perfected contract of sale, culminating in the extinguishments thereof. J ovan Land, I nc. v. CA, 268 SCRA 160 (1997) San Miguel Properties Philippines, I nc. v. Huang, 336 SCRA 737 (2000) 15 POLICITACION STAGE Invitations to make Offers (Proposals) OFFERS ACCEPTANCES AGENCY TO SELL/TO BUY OPTION CONTRACTS RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL AGREEMENTS TO ENTER INTO SERIES OF SALES MUTUAL PROMISES TO BUY AND SELL (Contracts to Sell of the First Type) 16 RULES ON OFFERS: 1. Offer is at the complete will of Offeror, who may destroy it at will prior to acceptance 2. Will disappear or lapse upon the happening of the condition or period placed upon it 3. When floated unconditionally, will be extinguished through the passage of reasonable time 4. Cannot be accepted partially or even substantially Counter-offer extinguishes original Offer 5. Legal effect of acceptance is taken only from point of view of Offeror Offeror may still extinguish Offer at any time before he has knowledge of Acceptance 6. Only a certain Offer when met by an Absolute Acceptance will give rise to a valid SALE. 17 CERTAIN OFFER (a) CONTAINS A CLEAR PROMISE TO SELL/TO BUY
(b) COVERS A SUBJECT MATTER THAT IS: Possible thing Licit Determinate or Determinable
(c) COVERS A PRICE OR CONSIDERATION Real Valuable Certain or Ascertainable With Manner of Payment/Performance agreed upon 18 ABSOLUTE ACCEPTANCE (a) NO CONDITION OR AMENDMENT OF THE TERMS OF THE OFFER (b) MAY CLARIFY (c) BUT NEVER TOUCH ON THE TERMS/COVERAGE OF SUBJECT MATTER AND TERMS/COVERAGE OF PRICE 19 OPTION CONTRACT: ACCEPTANCE of OFFER to give on Option to Buy/to Sell CONSIDERATION: Anything separate and distinct from Price SUBJECT MATTER: Option or Privilege to Sell/ Purchase: AN OBJECT: AT A PRICE: - Possible - Real - Licit - Valuable - Determinate/ - Certain/ Determinable Ascertainable 20 1. If no separate consideration, Option Contract void, but may constitute certain Offer which can be withdrawn by Offeror, but if accepted before withdrawal would give rise to a valid Sale (Sanchez v. Rigos doctrine) 2. If withdrawal of option/offer whimsical or arbitrary, could give rise to damage claim under Art. 19 of Civil Code 3. When there is separate consideration, an Option Contract deemed perfected: Ang Yu Asuncion v. Court of Appeals 238 SCRA 602 (1994) 21 (a) If exercised within option period, gives rise to Sale, which can be enforced by specific performance (b) Would be a breach of the Option Contract, for Offeror to withdraw the offer during the agreed period, but withdrawal destroys nevertheless the Option Ang Yu Asuncion v. Court of Appeals contd 22 Optionee-Offeree may not sue for specific performance on the Sale since it has failed to reach its own perfection stage Optioner-Offeror, however, renders himself liable for damages for breach of option (c) But if, however, Optioner-Offeror withdraws Offer even during option period before its acceptance (i.e., exercise): RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OFFEROR BOUNDS HIMSELF TO FIRST OFFER SUBJECT MATTER TO OFFEREE FOR SALE IN THE EVENT OFFEROR EVER DECIDES TO SELL IT SUBJECT MATTER Possible thing Licit Determinate/Determinable PRICE: THAT WILL THEN (HAPPENING OF CONDITION) BE AGREED UPON 23 ESSENCE: CONDITION: DOCTRINES ON RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL Ang Yu Asuncion v. Court of Appeals Generally, RFRs would be none contracts, for lack of cause or consideration, or failure to agree the valid Price for the expectant contract Merely innovative juridical relation RFR Cannot be enforced by specific performance Not being a Contract, it lacks essence of consensuality, obligatory force or mutuality Breach allows recovery of damage based on Art. 19 principle of Abuse of right 24 Equatorial Realty Dev., I nc. v. Mayfair Theater 264 SCRA 483 (1996) DOCTRINES ON RFR contd When RFR attached to a valid principal contract (e.g. Lease), its enforcement takes its vitality from the obligatory force of the principal contract Such RFR, when breached may be enforced, at the Price at which Subject Matter sold to Third Party The Third-Party Buyers purchase may be rescinded under accion pauliana, i.e., entered into in breach and in fraud of Optionees contractual right 25 Paraaque Kings Enterprises v. CA 268 SCRA 727 (1997) DOCTRINES ON RFR contd RFR is complied with by first offering the Subject Matter to the Optionee and negotiating for a Sale There is no obligation to reach a sale, obligation is to negotiate in good faith Only when negotiations do not ripen into a Sale, can Subject Matter be offered to Third-Party Buyer, but at same price and terms asked of the Optionee Otherwise, must re-offer under new terms to Optionee 26 AGREEMENTS TO ENTER INTO FUTURE SALE OR SERIES OF SALES: - National Grains Authority v. I AC, 171 SCRA 131 (1989) - J ohannes Schuback v. Court of Appeals, 227 SCRA 719 (1993) (1) DISTRIBUTION/ SUPPLY AGREEMENT 27 ESSENCE: An Agreement to enter into a series of Contracts of Sale Obligations to do To enter into a Contract of Sale (2) MUTUAL PROMISES TO BUY AND TO SELL (CONTRACTS TO SELL) MUTUAL PROMISES TO BUY AND SELL (CONTRACTS TO SELL) 1. AGREEMENTS TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT OF SALE UPON HAPPENING OF THE CONDITIONS Essentially, contains Obligations to do: to enter into a Sale 2. CONDITIONAL CONTRACT OF SALE WHERE THE BILATERAL OBLIGATIONS TO BUY AND SELL HAVE BEEN AGREED UPON, BUT SUBJECT TO SUSPENSIVE CONDITION Condition usually is the full payment of the price 28 PERFECTION STAGE PERFECTION HAPPENS WHEN A CERTAIN OFFER HAS BEEN MET BY AN ABSOLUTE ACCEPTANCE THE ONLY POINT IN TIME TO DETERMINE THE VALIDITY OR INVALIDITY OF A CONTRACT OF SALE ESTABLISHES THE CONTRACTUAL PRINCIPLES OF: CONSENSUALITY MUTUALITY OR OBLIGATORY FORCE RELATIVITY 29 Birth sets the essence of the Sale FORM OF SALE GENERALLY: None, because Sale is consensual contract FOR ENFORCEABILITY: STATUTE OF FRAUDS 1. Sale which by its terms is not to be performed within one (1) year. 2. Sale of Movables, at least P500 3. Sale of Immovables, at any price Must be in writing signed by the party sought to be bound 30 FORM OF SALE contd Memo must contain Description of: (a) SUBJECT MATTER Possible thing Licit Determinate/ Determinable (b) PRICE real valuable certain/ascertainable manner of payment provided OR PARTIALLY EXECUTED (Estoppel) OR WAIVER OF ADDUCEMENT OF ORAL EVIDENCE AT TRIAL 31 (c) SIGNED BY THE PARTY SOUGHT TO BE CHARGED Exception: Electronic Document FORM OF SALE contd What Constitutes Partial Execution? (a) Performance Must Touch Upon Subject Matter Price Cannot Cover Other Consideration (b) Must Involve/Compromise Party Sought to be Charged 32 FORMS THAT VOID CONTRACT OF SALE: 1. SALE OF REALTY THROUGH AGENT: AGENTS AUTHORITY MUST BE IN WRITING SALE VOID: - EVEN IF DEED OF SALE IN WRITING and/or NOTARIZED - EVEN IF THERE HAS BEEN PARTIAL/ FULL PAYMENT - EVEN IF THERE HAS BEEN DELIVERY OF SUBJECT MATTER - EVEN IF SALE REGISTERED 33 OTHERWISE: SALES OF IMMOVABLES 1. PRIVATE DOCUMENT NEEDED TO BE ENFORCEABLE BETWEEN PARTIES EXCEPT: PARTIAL EXECUTION/WAIVER 2. MUST BE IN A PUBLIC INSTRUMENT -TO BIND THE PUBLIC -TO BE REGISTRABLE WITH REGISTRY OF DEEDS 3. FOR REAL ESTATE, MUST BE REGISTERED TO BE VALID AND BINDING AGAINST THE WORD 34 - Authority of Agent must be in writing VOID - Bound by actual possession situation, otherwise not in good faith CONSUMMATION STAGE EFFECTS OF CONDITIONS EXPRESS WARRANTIES IMPLIED WARRANTIES (3) REMEDIES (1) PERFORMANCE DELIVERY OF SUBJECT MATTER PAYMENT OF PRICE (5) EXTINGUISHMENT CONVENTIONAL REDEMPTION (SALE A RETRO) EQUITABLE MORTGAGES LEGAL REDEMPTION (2) RISK OF LOSS (4) CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE RESCISSION DOUBLE SALES RULE SUBDIVISION LOTS & CONDO UNITS RULES RECTO LAW MACEDA LAW 35 OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER 1. TO PRESERVE THE THING WITH DILIGENCE OF A GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY 2. TO DELIVER THE SUBJECT MATTER 3. To DELIVER FRUITS, ACCESSORIES AND ACCESSIONS 4. To COMPLY WITH WARRANTIES OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER 1. TO PAY THE PRICE 2. TO ACCEPT DELIVERY OF SUBJECT MATTER 36 DELIVERY OF SUBJECT MATTER TRADITION AS THE MODE TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP - Actual or Physical Delivery - Constructive Delivery 37 MAGIC OF TRADITION Fulfillment of the Primary Obligation of the Seller Transfer Ownership/ Possession to the Buyer EXECUTION OF PUBLIC INSTRUMENT - No Contrary Stipulation/ Intention - Seller Must Have Control - Passage of Reasonable Time EXCEPTION: WHEN BUYER TAKES THE RISK DOCTRINES ON CONSTRUCTIVE DELIVERY Produces the Same Magic of Actual Delivery CONSTRUCTIVE DELIVERY CONSTITUTUM POSSESORIUM TRADITIO BREVI MANU TRADITIO LONGA MANU OR SYMBOLIC DELVERY 39 DELIVERY THROUGH CARRIER - FAS - FOB - CIF DOCUMENTS TO TITLE DELIVERY FOR INTANGIBLES Public Instrument Transfer/Negotiation of the Title Evidences the Intangible Enjoyment of Rights and Privileges with the consent of the Seller RULES ON DOUBLE SALES UNDER ART. 1544 1. FOR MOVABLES: First to Possess, in good faith Oldest Title, in good faith Then: First in time, priority in rights 2. FOR IMMOVABLES: First to Register, in good faith First to Possess, in good faith Oldest Title, in good faith Then: First in time, priority in rights 40 REQUISITES FOR ART. 1544 TO APPLY Cheng v. Genato, 300 SCRA 722 (1998) (a) The two (or more) sales transactions must constitute valid Sales; (b) The two (or more) sales transactions must pertain to exactly the same Subject Matter; (c) The two (or more) Buyers at odds over the rightful ownership of the Subject Matter must each represent conflicting interests; and (d) The two (or more) Buyers at odds over the rightful ownership of the Subject Matter must each have bought from the very same Seller Consolidated Rural Bank (Cagayan Valley), I nc. v. CA, 448 SCRA 347 (2005) 41 EFFECTS OF ART. 1544 REQUISITES Not applicable where one of the Sales is Void Not applicable to Contracts to Sell Not applicable if first sale is the Subject Matter and the second sale is the redemption right to the Subject Matter 42 DOCTRINES ON ART. 1544 DOUBLE SALES RULES (a) Rules under Art. 1544 are addressed to the Second Buyer, who is mandated to do positive things if he hopes to win at all Carbonell v. CA, 69 SCRA 99 (1976) Uraca v. CA, 278 SCRA 702 (1997) Consolidated Rural Bank (Cagayan Valley), I nc. v. CA, 448 SCRA 347 (2005) First Buyer wins by being first (first in time) and does not need the benefits of Art. 1544 43 DOCTRINES ON ART. 1544 contd (b) First Buyer wins by virtue of greater doctrine of first in time, priority in rights (c) Second Buyer must register his purchase while in good faith if he hopes to win: (d) First Buyer, who is always in good faith, when he registers ahead, wins became second buyer in hopeless (e) Even if Second Buyer was first to possess in good faith, the subsequent registration by First Buyer prevails Taedo v. CA, 252 SCRA 80 (1996) 44 (f) Knowledge of the First Buyer of the second sale does not adversely affect First Buyer, nor does it constitute registration in favor of the Second Buyer (g) However, knowledge of the Second Buyer of the first sale, would place him not only in bad faith, but would constitute registration in favor of the First Buyer Cruz v. Cabana, 129 SCRA 656 (1984) 45 DOCTRINES ON ART. 1544 contd (h) It seems that Second Buyer must have paid in full the Price to gain the benefit under Art. 1544, as the Court defines the meaning of good faith to include having paid full value Heirs of Aguilar-Reyes v. Spouses Mijares, 410 SCRA 97 (2003) Tanongon v. Samson, 382 SCRA 130 (2002) Balatbat v. CA, 261 SCRA 128 (1996) Agricultural and Home Extension Dev. v. CA, 213 SCRA 536 (1992) 46 DOCTRINES ON ART. 1544 contd GLOBAL RULES ON DOUBLE SALE FOR REAL ESTATE I. First to Register, in Good Faith and for Value, his Purchase of Land registered under the Torrens System wins, for registration is the Operative Act (Does not matter whether he is First or Second Buyer) II. For Unregistered Land, as between a conventional prior purchase, and a second purchase at public auction, the first Conventional Buyer wins, since the Buyer at public sale is bound by the provisions of the Rules of Court that says he only takes whatever is the remaining title of the judgment debtor. 47 III. The Rules of Double Sale under Art. 1544 shall apply, only when the requisites under Cheng v. Genato are present, as follows: 1. First to Register in good faith But this can only apply to unregistered land, because Rule I applies to registered land. 2. First to Possess in good faith, or 3. Oldest Title, in good faith IV. First in time, priority in rights applies last 48 GLOBAL RULES ON DOUBLE SALE contd SALE AND DELIVERY BY NON-OWNER GENERAL RULE: Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet SPECIAL RULES: 1. Sale and Delivery, with subsequent acquisition of title by owner (Art. 1434), ipso jure transfers title to Buyer 2. Sale by Co-Owner - particular portion - whole property 3. Estoppel on the Part of the True Owner (Art. 1426) 49 3. Chain of Title Theory under the Torrens System 4. Sales by Court Authority 5. Sales in Merchant Stores 6. Sales by One Having Voidable Title Prior to Annulment 7. Sale under Documents of Title SALE AND DELIVERY BY NON-OWNER contd 50 RULES FOR DETERIORATION, FRUITS AND IMPROVEMENTS RULES HAVE NO APPLICATION IS SUBJECT MATTER IS MERELY DETERMINABLE (Art. 1263) ROMAN LAW DOCTRINE: Buyer bears the consequences of Deterioration, but benefits from the Fruits and Improvements Arts. 1480, 1163-1262 Arts. 1189, 1537 and 1538 51 RULES WHEN SUBJECT MATTER LOST: 1. BEFORE PERFECTION: Res Perit Domino Roman v. Grimalt, 6 Phil. 96 (1906)
2. AT TIME OF PERFECTION: Seller (Arts. 1493 and 1494)
Sale is rendered inefficacious 52 General Rule: For Goods, risk borne by Seller under Res perit domino rule Chrysler Phil. v. CA, 133 SCRA 567 (1984) Union Motor Corp v. CA, 361 SCRA 506 (2001) Loss by Fault of a Party (Arts. 1480, 1504, 1538) LOSS BY FORTUITOUS EVENT: Two Schools of Thought
Arts. 1480, 1163, 1164, 1165 Arts. 1504, 1538, and 1189 SUBJECT MATTER LOST: contd 53 3. AFTER PERFECTION BUT BEFORE DELIVERY Arts. 1164, 1189, and 1262( SUBJECT MATTER LOST: contd 4. AFTER DELIVERY: BUYER BEARS RISK, UNDER Res Perit Domino Art. 1504 Song Fo & Co. v. Oria, 33 Phil. 3 (1915) Lawyer's Coop v. Tabora, 13 SCRA 762 (1965) Lawyer's Coop v. Narciso, 55 O.G. 3313) EXCEPT: When retention of Possession by Seller for purpose of securing payment of the Purchase Price 54 REMEDIES FOR CONTRACTS OF SALE 1. REMEDIES OF UNPAID SELLER OF GOODS Possessory lien (Arts. 1526-1529, 1503, 1535) Stoppage in transitu (Arts. 1530-1532, 1535, 1636[2])
Special Right of Resale (Art. 1533) Special Right to Rescind (Art. 1534) 55 2. RECTO LAW: SALES OF MOVABLES ON INSTALLMENTS (a) Meaning of Installment Sale Levy v. Gervacio, 69 Phil. 52 (1939) (b) Contracts to Sell Movables Not Covered Visayan Sawmill Co., I nc. v. CA, 219 SCRA 378 (1993) (c) Nature of Remedies of Unpaid Seller Remedies under Art. 1484 are not cumulative, but alternative and exclusive. Borbon I I v. Servicewide Specialists, I nc., 258 SCRA 634 (1996) Seeking a writ of replevin consistent with all three remedies Universal Motors Corp. v. Dy Hian Tat, 28 SCRA 161 (1969) 56 (d) REMEDY OF SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE: No bar to full recovery Tajanglangit v. Southern Motors, 101 Phil. 606 (1957) RECTO LAW: contd Even when it is mortgaged property that is sold on execution. Southern Motors v. Moscoso, 2 SCRA 168 (1961) Even with replevin and recovery of the subject property, the action may still be for specific performance. I ndustrial Finance Corp. v. Ramirez, 77 SCRA 152 (1977) 57 (e) NATURE OF REMEDY OF RESCISSION RECTO LAW: contd Inherent Barring Effect of Rescission Surrender of mortgaged property not equivalent to rescission. Vda. de Quiambao v. Manila Motors Co., I nc., 3 SCRA 444 (1961) Stipulation on non-return of payments is valid provided not unconscionable. Delta Motor Sales Corp. v. Niu Kim Duan, 213 SCRA 259 (1992) 58 (f) REMEDY OF FORECLOSURE RECTO LAW: contd (i) Third Party Mortgage Ridad v. Filipinas I nvestment, 120 SCRA 246 (1983) (ii) Assignor-Assignee; Financing Transactions Zayas v. Luneta Motors, 117 SCRA 726 (1982) When seller assigns his credit to another, the assignee is likewise bound by the terms of the Recto Law. Borbon I I v. Servicewide Specialists, I nc., 258 SCRA 634 (1996). 59 (iii) H-V Barring Effects of Foreclosure Foreclosure on the chattel mortgage prevents further action on the supporting real estate mortgage. Cruz v. Filipinas I nvestment & Finance Corp.,23 SCRA 791 (1968) Borbon I I v. Servicewide Specialists, I nc., 258 SCRA 634 (1996) RECTO LAW: contd (iv) Amounts Barred from Recovery Macondray & Co. v. Eustaquio, 64 Phil. 446 (1937) (v) Perverse Buyer Filipinas I nvestment & Finance Corp. v. Ridad, 30 SCRA 564 (1969) 60 (g) PURPORTED LEASE WITH OPTION TO BUY: Contracts purporting to be leases of personal property with option to buy, when the lessor has deprived the lessee of the possession or enjoyment of the thing. (Art. 1485) RECTO LAW: contd When purported Lessor takes possession of subject movable, it is treated legally as a foreclosure and the barring effects applicable to foreclosure remedy, not rescission, are given application. Vda. de J ose v. Barrueco, 67 Phil. 191 (1939) Filinvest Credit Corp. v. CA, 178 SCRA 188 (1989) U.S. Commercial v. Halili, 93 Phil. 271 (1953) H.E. Heacock v. Bantal Manufacturing, 66 Phil. 245 (1938) Manila Gas Corp. v. Calupita, 66 Phil. 747 (19 38) Vda. de J ose v. Barrueco, 67 Phil. 191 (1939) 61 3. MACEDA LAW: SALES OF RESIDENTIAL REALTY ON INSTALLMENTS (R.A. 6552) (a) Role of Maceda Law Lagandaon v. CA, 290 SCRA 463 (1998) BUT SEE: Peoples Indl and Comm. Corp. v. CA, 281 SCRA 206 (1997) (b) Transactions Covered The formal requirements of rescission under the Maceda Law apply even to contracts entered into prior to its effectivity. Siska Dev. Corp. v. Office of the President, 231 SCRA 674 (1994) 62 The Maceda Law makes no distinctions between option and sale which under P.D. 957 also includes an exchange or attempt to sell, an option of sale or purchase, a solicitation of a sale or an offer to sell directly. Realty Exchange Venture Corp. v. Sendino, 233 SCRA 665 (1994) MACEDA LAW contd 63 Curiously: No application to Contract to Sell because said law presupposes the existence of a valid and effective contract to sell a condominium. Mortel v. KASSCO, I nc., 348 SCRA 391, 398 (2000) MACEDA LAW contd Pursuant to Art. 1253 of Civil Code, in a contract involving installments with interest chargeable against the remaining balance of the obligation, it is the duty of the creditor-seller to inform the debtor-buyer of the interest that falls due and that is applying the installment payments to cover said interest. Otherwise, the creditor cannot apply the payments to the interest and then hold the debtor in default for non-payment of installments on the principal. Rapanut v. CA, 246 SCRA 323 (1995) (c) How Cancellation of Contract Can Be Effected: Active Realty & Dev. Corp. v. Daroya, 382 SCRA 152 (2002) 64 MACEDA LAW contd (a) To sell/assign his rights to another person (b) To reinstate contract by updating account during grace period, before actual cancellation of contract (c) To pay in advance installments or in full unpaid balance of Price any time without interest and have same annotated in title Any stipulation in any contract entered into contrary to the provisions of the Law, shall be null and void. (Art. 7) 65 OTHER RIGHTS GRANTED TO BUYER 4. OTHER REMEDIES ON SALE OF REAL ESTATE (a) ANTICIPATORY BREACH (ART. 1591) (b) RESCISSION ON SALE ON NON- RESIDENTIAL REALTY ON INSTALLMENTS (Arts. 1191 and 1592) (c) SEC. 23 AND 24, PRES. DECREE 957 66 CONTRACTS TO SELL Versus CONDITIONAL CONTRACTS OF SALE Art. 1458 Defines a Sale to covered both Absolute and Conditional Both Contracts are usually bound by same condition: Full payment of the Price Both Contracts are consensual, onerous, commutative, and cover bilateral obligations 67 K TO SELL VS. K OF SALE contd Power to Rescind is inherently Judicial Non-fulfillment of Condition ipso jure destroys contract Substantial Breach Relevant to Contract of Sale, Irrelevant to Contracts to Sell Rescission requires a positive act 68 K TO SELL VS. K OF SALE contd 1. In Contract to Sell Ownership if Reserved by Seller, while in a Contract to Sell ownership transfers to Buyer upon delivery. Ergo: K to Sell must have express reservation of ownership To execute a formal Deed of Sale Only receipt of payment evidences sale Seller retained original titles 69 K TO SELL VS. K OF SALE contd 2. Rescission of Contract to Sell is a matter of right upon non-happening of the condition Ergo: K to Sell must have express right to rescind the contract upon default of the Buyer A written notice of cancellation must be served upon Buyer even when Contract to Sell UP v. Delos Angeles, 35 SCRA 103 (1970) 70 CONDITIONS versus WARRANTIES Power Commercial and I ndustrial Corp. v. CA 274 SCRA 597 (1997) (a) Condition goes into root of existence of obligation, whereas warranty goes into performance of such obligation, and in fact may constitute an obligation itself; (b) Condition must be expressly stipulated by parties, while warranty may form part of the obligation or contract by provision of law, without previous agreement; and (c) Condition may attach itself either to the Obligations of Seller, while warranty, express or implied, relates to the Subject Matter itself or to the obligations of Seller as to Subject Matter of the sale. 71 CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES contd I n a Sale with Assumption of Mortgage, the assumption of mortgage is a condition to the sellers consent so that without approval by the mortgagee, no sale is perfected. I n such case, the seller remains the owner and mortgagor of the property and retains the right to redeem the foreclosed property. Ramos v. CA, 279 SCRA 118 (1997) Failure to comply with condition imposed upon perfection of the contract results in failure of a contract, while the failure to comply with a condition imposed on the performance of an obligation only gives the other party the option either to refuse to proceed with sale or waive the condition. Laforteza v. Machuca, 333 SCRA 643 (2000) 72 A. EXPRESS WARRANTIES (Art. 1546) The law allows considerable latitude to sellers statements, or dealers talk; and experience teaches that it is exceedingly risky to accept it at its face value. Ramos v. CA, 279 SCRA 118 (1997) CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES contd (a) Must be an affirmation of fact or any promise by the seller relating to Subject Matter of the sale; (b) The natural tendency of such affirmation or promise is to induce Buyer to purchase the thing; and (c) Buyer purchases the thing relying on such affirmation or promise thereon. 73 B. IMPLIED WARRANTIES (Art. 1547) 1. SELLER HAS RIGHT TO SELL 2. WARRANTY AGAINST EVICTION Seller must be summoned in the suit for eviction at the instance of the buyer (Art. 1558), and be made a co- defendant (Art. 1559); or made a third-party defendant. Escaler v. CA, 138 SCRA 1 (1985) Canizares Tiana v. Torrejos, 21 Phil. 127 (1911) J .M. Tuazon v. CA, 94 SCRA 413 (1979) CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES contd 74 3. WARRANTY AGAINST NON-APPARENT SERVITUDES CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES contd 4. WARRANTY AGAINST HIDDEN DEFECTS The stipulation in a contract of lease with option to purchase (which it treated as a sale of movable on installments) that the buyer-lessee "absolutely releases the lessor from any liability whatsoever as to any and all matters in relation to warranty in accordance with the provisions hereinafter stipulated," was held as an express waiver of warranty against hidden defect. Filinvest Credit Corp. v. CA, 178 SCRA 188 (1989) 75 A hidden defect is one which is unknown or could not have been known to the buyer. Under the law, the requisites to recover on account of hidden defects are as follows: CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES contd a. Defect must be hidden; b. Must exist at the time the sale was made; c. Must ordinarily have been excluded from the contract; d. Defect, must be important (render the thing unfit or considerably decreases fitness); e. Action must be instituted within statute of limitations. I nvestments & Dev., I nc. v. CA, 162 SCRA 636 [1988] 76 Nutrimix Feeds Corp. v. CA 441 SCRA 357 (2004) The remedy against violation of warranty against hidden defects is either to withdraw from the contract (accion redhibitoria) or to demand a proportionate reduction of the price (accion quanti minoris), with damages in either case. CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES contd 6. IMPLIED WARRANTIES IN THE SALE OF GOODS a. Warranty as to Fitness or Quality b. Sale of Goods by Sample 7. ADDITIONAL WARRANTIES FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS (Arts. 68, Consumer Act of the Philippines, R.A. 7394). 5. REDHIBITORY DEFECTS OF ANIMALS a. Sale of a Team b. Animals Sold at Fairs or Public Auction c. Sale of Animals with Contagious Diseases d. Sale of Unfit Animals 77 CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES contd C. EFFECTS OF WARRANTIES D. EFFECTS OF WAIVERS G. BUYER'S OPTIONS IN CASE OF BREACH OF WARRANTY 78 EXTINGUISHMENT OF SALE SALE EXTINGUISHED BY SAME MODES APPLICABLE TO ALL CONTRACTS Arts. 1231, 1600 REDEMPTION IS A MODE OF EXTINGUISHMENT UNIQUE TO SALES: CONVENTIONAL REDEMPTION: SALE WITH RIGHT TO REPURCHASE LEGAL REDEMPTION 79 NATURE OF RIGHT TO REPURCHASE: CONVENTIONAL REDEMPTION (SALE WI TH A RI GHT TO REPURCHASE) Reserved by Seller at the point of Perfection. Art. 1601 Villarica v. CA, 26 SCRA 189 (1968) Even though found in a separate instrument Torres v. CA, 216 SCRA 287 (1992) Claravall v. CA, 190 SCRA 439 (1990) 80 Its Validity is Tied to the Validity of the Contract of Sale to which appended. Nool v. Court of Appeals, 276 SCRA 149 (1997)
When Sale Covered by Deed, Right a retro may be proved by parol evidence. Mactan Cebu Intl Airport Authority v. Court of Appeals, 263 SCRA 736 (1996) CONVENTIONAL REDEMPTION contd 81 RIGHT A RETRO versus OPTION CONTRACT (A) RIGHT TO REDEEM NOT A SEPARATE CONTRACT, BUT MERELY PART OF A MAIN CONTRACT OF SALE, AND IN FACT CANNOT EXIST UNLESS RESERVED AT THE TIME OF THE PERFECTION OF THE MAIN CONTRACT OF SALE (AA) AN OPTION TO PURCHASE IS GENERALLY A PRINCIPAL CONTRACT AND MAY BE CREATED INDEPENDENT OF ANOTHER CONTRACT
(A) Not separate contract, but must be part of main Contract of Sale (A) Generally principal contract, but may be appended in another contract valid (B) Right to Redeem does not need separate consideration (B) Option requires consider-ation separate and distinct of the Price in order to be valid (C) Period of Option may be beyond 10 years (C) Maximum Period for exercise of Right of redemption cannot exceed 10 years (D) Option may be exercised by mere notice to Offeror (D) Right of repurchase requires in addition the tender of the amount mandated, including consignation when tender not possible 82 SALIENT MATTERS ON RIGHT OF REDEMPTION (a) PERIOD OF REDEMPTION: When no Period agreed upon: 4 years When Period agreed upon: cannot exceed 10 years When Period of Non-Redemption Stipulated Anchuel v. I AC, 147 SCRA 434 (1987) Tayao v. Dulay, 13 SCRA 758 (1965) 83 SALIENT MATTERS ON RIGHT OF REDEMPTION contd Pendency of Action Tolls Redemption Period Ong Chua v. Carr, 53 Phil. 975 (1929) Non-Payment of Price Does Not Affect Running of Redemption Period Catangcatang v. Legayada, 84 SCRA 51 (1978) 84 SALIENT MATTERS contd Only tender of payment is sufficient. Legaspi v. CA, 142 SCRA 82 (1986) Consignation is not required after tender is refused. Mariano v. CA, 222 SCRA 736 (1993) But when tender not possible, consignation should be made. Catangcatang v. Legayada, 84 SCRA 51 (1978) (b) HOW REDEMPTION EFFECTED: 85 Simply by Filing Judicial Action Lee Chuy Realty Corp. v. CA, 250 SCRA 596 (1995) Seller returning to Buyer: Price of the sale Expenses of contract, and any other legitimate payments made by reason of the sale Necessary and useful expenses made on the thing sold ART. 1616 SALIENT MATTERS contd 86 SALIENT MATTERS contd When Redemption Not Made, Buyer a retro automatically acquires full ownership. Oviedo v. Garcia, 40 SCRA 17 (1971) HOWEVER: In real property, consolidation shall not be recorded in the Registry of Property without a judicial order, after the seller has been duly heard. Article 1607 87 If Seller proves the transaction a sale a retro, he is given a period of 30 days from finality of judgment to repurchase. Solid Homes v. CA, 275 SCRA 267 (1997). EQUITABLE MORTGAGE DEFINITION AND ELEMENTS (a) The contract entered into is denominated as a Sale (absolute or a retro); and
(b) Real intention was to secure an existing debt by way mortgage
Molina v. CA, 398 SCRA 97 (2003) 88 RATIONALE OF EQUITABLE MORTGAGE PRINCIPLE EQUITABLE MORTGAGE contd Prevent circumvention of law on usury and rule against pactum commissorium, i.e. against a creditor appropriating the mortgage property. To end unjust or oppressive transactions or violations in connection with a sale or property. Spouses Misea v. Rongavilla, 303 SCRA 749 (1999). Matanguihan v. CA, 275 SCRA 380 (1997) Lao v. CA, 275 SCRA 237 (1997) 89 90 RULINGS ON EQUITABLE MORTGAGE Badges of Equitable Mortgage in Art. 1602 Apply both to sale a retro and to a contract purporting to be an absolute sale. Tuazon v. CA, 341 SCRA 707 (2000) Zamora v.CA, 260 SCRA 10 (1996) Parol evidence is competent and admissible in support of allegation of equitable mortgage arrangement. Mariano v. CA, 220 SCRA 716 (1993) Pactum Commissorium principle does not apply: 91 (a) When security for a debt is also money in form of time deposit Consing v. CA, 177 SCRA 14 (1989) (b) To an agreement between Lender and Borrower which provides that in the event Borrower fails to comply with the new terms of payment, the agreement shall automatically operate to be an instrument of dacion en pago without need of executing any document to such an effect. Solid Homes, I nc. v. CA, 275 SCRA 267 (1997) RULINGS ON EM contd CONTRA: P/N stipulation that upon makers failure to pay interests, ownership of property would automatically be transferred to Payee and the covering deed of sale would be registered, is in substance a pactum commissorium in violation of Art. 2088. A. Francisco Realty v. CA, 298 SCRA 349 (1998) A pactum commisorium sale is void, registration and obtaining of new title by apparent buyer would also be void. A. Francisco Realty v. CA, 298 SCRA 349 (1998) 92 REMEDIES UNDER EQUITABLE MORTGAGE SITUATIONS Apparent seller can seek reformation of instrument (Art. 1605). An action for consolidation of ownership (in case presented as sale a retro) would be void, and proper remedy of mortgagee-buyer is to file appropriate foreclosure of the mortgage in equity. Briones-Vasquez vs. CA, 450 SCRA 644 (2005). 93 Additional 30-day Period of Redemption is allowed under Art. 1606, in event courts should find the sale was not equitable mortgage, provided: (a) Honest belief that it was equitable mortgage supported by convincing evidence, such as badges under Art. 1602, or consignation during trial of the amount of the alleged loan Abilla v. Gobonseng, 374 SCRA 51 (2002) Vda. de Macoy v. CA, 206 SCRA 244 (1992) 94 REMEDIES IN EM contd LEGAL REDEMPTION DEFINITION AND RATIONALE: Privilege created by law for reasons of public policy. For benefit and convenience of the redemptioner, to afford him a way out of what might be a disagreeable or inconvenient association into which he has been thrust. I ntended to minimize co-ownership. Fernandez v. Tarun, 391 SCRA 653 (2002) Basa v. Aguilar, 117 SCRA 128 (1982) 95 Written notice must cover perfected sale Art. 1623 Spouses Doromal v. CA, 66 SCRA 575 (1975) Notice must be given by seller; and that notice given by buyer or even by the Register of Deeds are not sufficient. Francisco v. Boiser, 332 SCRA 305 (2000) Butte v. Manuel Uy and Sons, I nc., 4 SCRA 526 (1962) Salatandol v. Retes, 162 SCRA 568 (1988) LEGAL REDEMPTION contd PERIOD OF LEGAL REDEMPTION BEGINS: 30 DAYS FROM WRITTEN NOTICE 96 Seller furnishing of the copies of deeds of sale to co-owner would be sufficient. Distrito v. CA, 197 SCRA 606 (1991) Conejero v. CA, 16 SCRA 775 (1966) Badillo v. Ferrer, 152 SCRA 407 (1987)
Notice to minors may validly be served upon parents even when not judicially appointed since beneficial to the children. Badillo v. Ferrer, 152 SCRA 407 (1987). LEGAL REDEMPTION contd 97 Deemed complied when co-owners signed Deed of Extrajudicial Partition embodying disposition of part of the property owned in common. Fernandez v. Tarun, 391 SCRA 653 (2002) Filing of ejectment suit or collection of rentals against a co-owner dispenses with need for written notice. Alonzo v. I AC, 150 SCRA 259 (1987) LEGAL REDEMPTION contd 98 INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION (a) Among Co-heirs (Art. 1088) A co-heir cannot exercise the right of redemption alone. De Guzman v. CA, 148 SCRA 75 (1987) No legal redemption for sale of the property of the estate. Plan v. I AC, 135 SCRA 270 (1985) Written notice to other co-owners deemed inutile by fact that ebuyers took possession of property in full view of other co-owners. Pilapil v. CA, 250 SCRA 560 (1995) Notice given by city treasurer will not suffice. Verdad v. CA, 256 SCRA 593 (1996) 99 (b) Among Co-owners (Art. 1620) INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd Right of legal redemption arises only when shares of other owners are sold to a third person, and not to another co-owner Fernandez v. Tarun, 391 SCRA 653 (2002) Registration of the sale does not estop a co-owner Cabrera v. Villanueva, 160 SCRA 627 (1988) Notice required to be given to co-owners must be in writing; and redemption by co-owner redounds to the benefit of all other co-owners. Mariano v. CA, 222 SCRA 736 (1993) 100 INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd No written notice required to co-owner who acted as active intermediary in the consummation of the sale. Distrito v. CA, 197 SCRA 606 (1991) Redemption by co-owner, even when he uses his own fund, inures to the benefit of all the other co-owners. Annie Tan v. CA, 172 SCRA 660 (1989) 101 INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd Redemption covers only resale and does not cover exchanges or barter of properties De Santos v. City of Manila, 45 SCRA 409 (1972) Requisite of speculation dropped. Legaspi v. CA, 69 SCRA 360 (1976) Does not apply if one adjacent lot is not also rural land Primary Structures Corp. v. Valencia, 409 SCRA 371 (2003) (c) Among Adjoining Owners (Art. 1621-1622) 102 INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd (d) Sale of Credit in Litigation (Art. 1634) - 30 days
(e) Redemption of Homesteads (Sec. 119, C.A. 141) The right to repurchase is granted by law and need not be provided for in the deed of sale. Berin v. CA, 194 SCRA 508 (1991). 103 Under the free patent or homestead provisions of the Public Land Act a period of five (5) years from the date of conveyance is provided, the five-year period to be reckoned from the date of the sale and not from the date of registration in the office of the Register of Deeds. Lee Chuy Realty Corp. v. CA, 250 SCRA 596 (1995)
For purposes of reckoning the 5-year period to exercise right of repurchase, the date of conveyance is construed to refer to date of execution of the deed transferring the ownership of the land to the buyer. Mata v. CA, 318 SCRA 416 (1999). INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd 104 INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd (f) Redemption in Tax Sales (Sec. 215, NIRC of 1997)
(g) Redemption by judgment debtor (Sec. 27, Rule 39, Rules of Civil Procedure) Period of redemption shall be at any time within one (1) year from the date of registration of the certificate of sale, so that the period is now to be understood as composed of 365 days, unlike the 360 days under the old provisions of the Rules of Court which referred to 12-month redemption period. Ysmael v. CA, 318 SCRA 215 (1999) 105 (h) Redemption in Extrajudicial Foreclosure A stipulation to render the right to redeem defeasible by an option to buy on the part of the creditor Soriano v. Bautista, 6 SCRA 946 (1962) One (1) year from registration in the Registry of Deeds on Mortgage (Sec. 6, Act 3135). (i) Redemption in judicial foreclosure of mortgage (Sec. 47, General Banking Law of 2000, R.A. 8791). INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd 106 No right to redeem from a judicial foreclosure sale, except those granted by banks or banking institutions GSI S v. CFI , 175 SCRA 19 (1989). INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd The one-year redemption period in case of foreclosure of real estate mortgage is not interrupted by filing of action assailing validity of mortgage, so that at the expiration thereof, mortgagee who acquires property at the foreclosure sale can proceed to have title consolidated in his name and a writ of possession issued in his favor. Union Bank of the Philippines v. CA, 359 SCRA 480 (2001) Vaca v. CA, 234 SCRA 146 (1994) 107 INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd (j) Redemption in Foreclosure by Rural Banks Land mortgaged to rural bank under R.A. 720, may be redeemed within two (2) years from date of foreclosure or from registration of sheriff's certificate of sale. I f mortgagor fails to exercise such right, heirs may still repurchase within 5 years from expiration of 2-year redemption period pursuant to Sec. 119 of Public Land Act (C.A. 141). Rural Bank of Davao City v. CA, 217 SCRA 554 (1993) Heirs of Felicidad Canque v. CA, 275 SCRA 741 (1997) 108 INSTANCES OF LEGAL REDEMPTION contd (k) Legal Right to Redeem under Agrarian Reform Code Sec. 12 of R.A. 3844, grants agricultural lessee right to redeem within 180 days from notice in writing and at a reasonable price and consideration Quio v. CA, 291 SCRA 249 (1998) Redemption right of tenant does not begin to run without written notice Springsun Management Systems Corp. v. Camerino, 449 SCRA 65 (2005) 109 END