The statement of a false cause in contracts shall render them void, if it should not be proved that they were founded upon another cause which is true and lawful. (1276)
Ang kontrata na may paghahayag ng walang katotohanang kadahilanan ay gagawarang walang bisa, kung ito ay hindi mapapatunayan na naka-angkla sa isang kadahilanang totoo at naaayon sa batas.
Discussion:
Void contracts cannot be ratified, but based on Article 1353, as long as it can be proven that another cause that is true and lawful supports it, then the contract will still have a valid cause to sustain it.
Article 1353 can also be applied to absolutely simulated contracts that are considered as void contracts. Again, even if the contract is already void, if it can be established that there is another cause for it which is valid, then the contract is valid.
Case Illustration: Concepcion vs. Sta. Ana (87 Phil. 787)