The debtor cannot exempt himself from the performance of the obligation by paying the penalty, save in the case where this right has been expressly reserved for him. Neither can the creditor demand the fulfillment of the obligation and the satisfaction of the penalty at the same time, unless this right has been clearly granted him. However, if after the creditor has decided to require the fulfillment of the obligation, the performance thereof should become impossible without his fault, the penalty may be enforced. (1153a)
Ang nangutang ay hindi mapapalaya ang kanyang sarili sa tungkulin nya sa kanyang obligasyon sa pamamagitan ng pagbabayad ng multa, na kung saan ang karapatan na ito ay malinaw na nakasaad para sa kanya. Kahit ang nagpautang ang nag demand ng pagpuno sa obligasyon at ang satisfaction para sa multa sa parehong panahon, maliban na lang kung ang karapatan na ito ay malinaw na pinagkakaloob sa kanya. Ngunit kung pagkatapos ng obligasyon, ang pagganap dito ay maging imposible na hindi nagmula sa kanyang kapabayaan, ang multa ay maaring maipatupad.
Discussion:
Exception to the Rule
- When the creditor was clearly given the right to enforce both the principal obligation and the penalty.
- When the creditor has demanded fulfillment of the obligation, but the same could no longer be fulfilled due to the debtor’s fault, he may demand the penalty agreed upon.
*If fault due to the creditors act – he cannot claim the penalty.
*If impossibility of fulfillment is due to fortuitous events – both principal obligation and the penalty shall be extinguished.
Case Illustration: Santiago Navarro, Et. Al., vs. Felix Mallari, Et. Al.
Obligations and Contracts 