Under Philippine law, void contracts are defined by provisions in the Civil Code, specifically Articles 1409 to 1422. Void contracts are legally inexistent and thus, unenforceable from the beginning. They produce no legal effect, create no rights or obligations, and cannot be ratified, even by mutual consent of the parties involved. Void contracts exist in a category distinct from voidable, rescissible, and unenforceable contracts, and their defects are severe, rendering them without any binding power or legal force from the start.

Key Features of Void Contracts

No Legal Effect: A void contract is inexistent and produces no legal effect whatsoever. The law treats it as if it was never formed.
No Ratification Possible: Since the contract is null from inception, it cannot be ratified or validated. Neither party can give validity to a void contract by subsequent action or agreement.
No Basis for Performance: A void contract cannot be the basis for either party to demand performance. Therefore, if either party does perform, they may demand restitution or recovery of what they have rendered under the principle of unjust enrichment.
In Pari Delicto Doctrine: When both parties are at fault (i.e., in equal wrongdoing), the law generally does not allow any remedy for either party. However, exceptions to this principle allow certain parties to recover what they have given or rendered under a void contract.

Grounds for a Contract Being Void (Article 1409 of the Civil Code)

According to Article 1409, contracts are void and inexistent in the following cases:

Contrary to Law, Morals, Good Customs, Public Order, or Public Policy: Any contract that contravenes these principles is automatically void. Examples include agreements that aim to commit crimes, contracts that go against moral standards or societal welfare, and contracts that violate prohibitive laws.
Lack of an Essential Requisite: Essential requisites of a valid contract include consent, object, and cause. If any of these essential requisites is absent, the contract is void ab initio. For example, a contract to sell a nonexistent object or a contract entered without genuine consent due to force, intimidation, or fraud.
Illegality of the Object or Cause: Contracts with an illegal object or unlawful cause are void. For instance, a contract for the sale of illegal drugs or prohibited items is void for having an illegal object. Similarly, a contract entered with an unlawful cause (e.g., bribing a government official) is void.
Contracts Expressly Declared Void by Law: Certain contracts are expressly declared void by specific legal provisions. For example:
- Contracts made under duress or undue influence are void if the coercion nullifies free will.
- Gambling and wagering contracts (except those legally authorized) are void (Article 1409(6)).
- Contracts to perform an act already prohibited by law are inherently void.
Contractual Stipulations Prohibited by Law: Provisions in a contract that violate mandatory legal requirements or prohibitions render the contract void. For instance, a contract that includes a waiver of the right to recover damages for future fraud is void under Philippine law (Article 1409).

Consequences of a Void Contract

No Legal Obligations: Since the contract is void, neither party can demand performance or enforce any obligations from the other party.
No Damages or Penalties: If a contract is void, neither party is liable to pay damages or penalties, as the agreement never had legal effect.
Unenforceability in Court: Courts will not enforce a void contract. This principle bars the aggrieved party from seeking any form of relief based on the void agreement.
Restitution: When a void contract results in one party benefiting at the expense of another, restitution may be demanded. This principle is subject to the limitations of the in pari delicto doctrine, which bars restitution if both parties are equally at fault. However, exceptions allow recovery when public policy favors protecting certain parties, such as minors or those who are incapacitated.
Statute of Limitations Not Applicable: Since void contracts are deemed inexistent from the beginning, the statute of limitations does not apply to void contracts. Therefore, a claim for restitution or recovery based on a void contract is not barred by the statute of limitations.

In Pari Delicto Doctrine

Under Article 1411, the in pari delicto doctrine prohibits recovery when both parties are at fault. However, this doctrine has exceptions designed to protect public interest and disadvantaged individuals. The following are instances where restitution is allowed, despite the in pari delicto principle:

Protection of Incapacitated Persons: Contracts entered by incapacitated individuals (minors, mentally incapacitated persons, etc.) are void. The incapacitated person may recover what they have given, regardless of the in pari delicto rule, as the law aims to protect vulnerable parties.
Public Interest: If the contract involves matters against public interest, the law may allow recovery despite the wrongdoing of the parties. For example, if the government seeks to recover proceeds from a void contract that violates public policy, it may do so.
Protection Against Illegal Exaction or Oppression: If a party was forced to enter into an illegal contract through oppression, coercion, or fraud, they may be entitled to recover what they have rendered. For example, if one party was pressured into paying illegal fees or charges, they may recover their payment.
Exceptions by Specific Provision of Law: Certain contracts, although void, allow one party to recover under specific legal provisions. For example, a deposit given under an illegal agreement may be reclaimed in some cases.

Instances of Void Contracts (Illustrative Cases)

Marriage Contracts: Any contract entered into solely for obtaining citizenship, which undermines the sanctity of marriage, is void.
Contracts Involving Immoral Activities: Any agreement to facilitate an immoral act, such as prostitution or bribery, is void.
Simulated Contracts: A contract executed as a mere façade or sham (i.e., with no intent of actual performance) is void.
Contracts Waiving Future Fraud Liability: Agreements where a party attempts to waive liability for future fraud are null.
Illegal Sale of Goods or Property: The sale or transfer of prohibited or illegal items (such as narcotics or smuggled goods) renders the contract void.
Employment of Minor in Hazardous Work: Any employment contract that engages a minor in hazardous or unhealthy work is considered void by law.

Summary of Void Contracts Provisions in the Civil Code

The following Civil Code Articles govern void contracts and related doctrines:

Article 1409: Lists grounds for a contract to be void and inexistent.
Articles 1411 and 1412: Establish the in pari delicto doctrine, its exceptions, and when restitution may be allowed.
Articles 1413 to 1422: Provide additional rules regarding certain types of void agreements and the restitution of benefits received.

These provisions ensure that contracts contravening the essential principles of law, morals, public order, and public policy are rendered legally inexistent, providing a basis for rejecting any enforceable rights or obligations under such agreements.