Topic: Civil Law > I. Preliminary Title > B. Human Relations

Under the Philippine Civil Code, the provisions concerning "Human Relations" are found in Chapter 2 of the Preliminary Title (Articles 19-36). This segment deals with the basic principles that govern the interaction and conduct of individuals in society. These articles are fundamental as they outline the general duties and obligations of individuals within society and are integral to maintaining social harmony, addressing rights, and preventing abuses. Below is a breakdown of each article and an explanation of the doctrine it encapsulates.

1. Article 19 – Principle of Human Dignity, Honesty, and Good Faith

"Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith."

Interpretation: Article 19 lays down the general principle of abuse of rights. This rule implies that while individuals have rights, they must exercise them reasonably and in good faith. If one uses their rights in a manner that harms others or is contrary to the basic ethical standards of justice, honesty, and fairness, they may be liable for damages.
Applications: This article is often invoked when actions technically within one’s legal rights result in harm to another or are done maliciously or unreasonably. It prevents people from using their rights in a manner that injures others.

2. Article 20 – Liability for Damages due to Acts Contrary to Law

"Every person who, contrary to law, willfully or negligently causes damage to another, shall indemnify the latter for the same."

Interpretation: Article 20 establishes general liability for damages resulting from actions that are contrary to law. It is intended to apply to any unlawful act that does not fall under a specific category.
Requirements: For liability to exist under Article 20, there must be an act that (1) is against the law, (2) causes damage, and (3) is willful or negligent.
Applications: This article addresses any act that causes harm, including breaches of the law or regulations. It serves as a catch-all provision for acts that do not fall under specific civil or criminal laws.

3. Article 21 – Liability for Acts Contrary to Morals, Good Customs, Public Order, or Public Policy

"Any person who willfully causes loss or injury to another in a manner that is contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy shall compensate the latter for the damage."

Interpretation: Article 21 covers acts that may not be explicitly unlawful but are contrary to morals or public policy. It intends to uphold ethical standards in society.
Applications: Known as the "moral damages" provision, this article has been invoked in cases of seduction, breach of promise to marry, and other acts where no specific legal provision exists, but where harm or injury is caused in a morally reprehensible manner.
Examples: Defamation, malicious acts, and certain breaches of trust fall under Article 21 if they harm another’s interests or dignity.

4. Article 22 – Prohibition Against Unjust Enrichment

"Every person who through an act of performance by another, or any other means, acquires or comes into possession of something at the expense of the latter without just or legal ground, shall return the same to him."

Interpretation: Article 22 embodies the principle of unjust enrichment, which prevents individuals from benefiting at the expense of others without a legitimate reason.
Applications: This principle is used to ensure fairness when someone gains something improperly or unjustly. It is often applied in cases involving restitution or the return of property that was wrongfully acquired.

5. Article 23 – Restitution in Case of Undue Payment

"Even when an act or event causing damage to another’s property was not due to the fault or negligence of the defendant, the latter shall be liable for indemnity if, by reason thereof, he was benefited without just or legal ground."

Interpretation: Article 23 mandates restitution in cases of undue payment, even without fault or negligence. This principle ensures equitable handling in cases where one party benefits at another’s expense without legal justification.
Applications: This provision has been used in situations where payments were made by mistake, and the recipient has an obligation to return the money or property unjustly received.

6. Article 24 – Protection of Weaker Party in Human Relations

"In all contractual, property or other relations, when one of the parties is at a disadvantage on account of his moral dependence, ignorance, indigence, mental weakness, tender age or other handicap, the courts must be vigilant for his protection."

Interpretation: Article 24 obligates courts to protect weaker parties in relationships or transactions. This is particularly relevant in cases of contracts, where there may be inequality in bargaining power.
Applications: This article is often invoked in situations involving minors, elderly persons, or those with mental incapacity, ensuring they are not unfairly exploited in legal agreements or transactions.

7. Articles 25-36 – Other Provisions Governing Human Relations

These articles cover various specific aspects of human relations, including, but not limited to:

Article 25: Condemnation of excessive or wasteful display of wealth during times of economic hardship, highlighting social responsibility.
Article 26: Respect for human dignity and privacy, prohibiting unwarranted publicity and defamation.
Article 27: Compensation for damages arising from a public officer's refusal or neglect to perform official duties without just cause.
Article 28: Prohibition of unfair competition and prevention of monopolistic or oppressive practices in commerce and trade.
Article 29: Liability for damages when a criminal act is committed and the criminal case fails due to technicality, thus allowing a separate civil action.
Article 30: Authorizes civil action in cases where a criminal act has been committed but no criminal prosecution is pursued.
Article 31: Civil liability in cases where a criminal act results in injury to another person.
Article 32: Grants a civil action for violations of constitutional rights, allowing for damages to be awarded if any constitutional right is violated by a public officer.
Article 33: Allows for civil action in cases of defamation, fraud, and physical injuries, even if a criminal case is also filed.
Article 34: Holds police officers and law enforcement officials liable for damages if a crime occurs in their presence and they fail to prevent it.
Article 35: Provides that civil actions are unaffected by criminal proceedings, meaning one can still pursue civil damages even if no criminal liability is established.
Article 36: Allows for the application of the rules of human relations to other analogous cases.

Summary

The articles on Human Relations in the Civil Code are foundational principles that guide how individuals in the Philippines are expected to interact, placing importance on ethical behavior, fairness, honesty, and respect for others’ rights. These provisions aim to prevent abuse of rights, promote social responsibility, and provide remedies for unjust or harmful conduct that may not fall squarely under other specific laws. They emphasize the social responsibility that accompanies the exercise of rights and the importance of maintaining equity and justice in interpersonal relations.