Obligations: An Overview / Review 2023 (Philippines)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of obligations as discussed in the video "Obligations: An Overview / Review 2023" by Atty. Javier. It is designed to help students and individuals in the Philippines understand the fundamental concepts of obligations in legal terms. This knowledge is essential for anyone studying law or interested in legal principles in the Philippines.

Step 1: Understand What Obligations Are

Obligations are legal or moral duties that bind individuals or entities to act or refrain from acting in certain ways. Key points to consider include:

• Definition: An obligation is a legal requirement to fulfill a duty.
• Types of Obligations:
  • Civil Obligations: Legally enforceable duties.
  • Moral Obligations: Duties based on ethical considerations.
• Sources of Obligations:
  • Law: Statutory obligations imposed by legislation.
  • Contracts: Duties arising from agreements between parties.
  • Delicts: Obligations arising from wrongful acts leading to harm.

Step 2: Explore the Elements of Obligations

Every obligation consists of specific elements that must be present for it to be legally binding:

1. Subject: The person or entity who is obliged to perform.
2. Object: The subject matter of the obligation, which can be a specific act, service, or payment.
3. Cause: The reason or motivation behind the obligation.

Understanding these elements helps in identifying and establishing obligations in various situations.

Step 3: Review the Types of Obligations

Obligations can be categorized based on various criteria, including:

• By Performance:

  • Positive: The obligation to do something (e.g., delivering goods).
  • Negative: The obligation to refrain from doing something (e.g., not disclosing confidential information).

• By Nature:

  • Conditional: Obligations dependent on a specific event occurring.
  • Terminated: Obligations that cease after a particular event or time frame.

Step 4: Understand Breach of Obligation

A breach occurs when an obligation is not fulfilled. Important concepts include:

• Types of Breaches:

  • Partial: Only part of the obligation is fulfilled.
  • Total: The obligation is completely unfulfilled.

• Consequences of Breach:

  • Damages: The injured party may claim compensation.
  • Specific Performance: The court may order the breaching party to fulfill the obligation.

Step 5: Learn About the Legal Framework Governing Obligations

In the Philippines, obligations are primarily governed by the Civil Code. Key points include:

• Book IV of the Civil Code: This book specifically addresses obligations and contracts.
• Relevant Articles: Familiarize yourself with significant articles that outline obligations, such as Articles 1156 to 1304.

Conclusion

Understanding obligations is crucial for navigating legal contexts in the Philippines. This guide has outlined the definition, elements, types, breaches, and the legal framework surrounding obligations. For further exploration, consider reviewing the Civil Code's relevant sections or pursuing additional academic resources. Engaging with these materials will deepen your understanding and application of legal obligations.