Philippine Civil Code Art. 1377: Interpretation of Contracts

Statute: Philippine Civil Code
Article: Art. 1377
Topic: Interpretation of Contracts
Status: In force
Book: BOOK IV Obligations and Contracts
Title: TITLE II CONTRACTS
Chapter: CHAPTER 5 Interpretation of Contracts
Formerly: Art. 1288 of the old Civil Code
Year: 1949
Cited by: Multiple Supreme Court decisions

The provision

The interpretation of obscure words or stipulations in a contract shall not favor the party who caused the obscurity. (1288)

Intellegal Wiki · In plain terms

When words or terms in a contract are unclear, the ambiguity is read against the party who caused it. Because that party created the confusing language, they cannot benefit from the doubt—the obscure wording is construed in the other party's favor.

An editorially maintained plain-language explanation of this provision — not legal advice.

Cases applying this article

Pentacapital Realty Corporation v. Antonio M. Siojo G.R. No. 205347
Tom Tan v. Heirs of Antonio F. Yamson G.R. No. 163182
Martha R. Horrigan v. Troika Commercial G.R. No. 148411

Related provisions in this Chapter

Civil Code, Art. 1376 Interpretation of Contracts
Civil Code, Art. 1378 Interpretation of Contracts
Civil Code, Art. 1375 Interpretation of Contracts
Civil Code, Art. 1374 Interpretation of Contracts
Civil Code, Art. 1373 Interpretation of Contracts
Civil Code, Art. 1371 Interpretation of Contracts
Civil Code, Art. 1370 Interpretation of Contracts

Civil Code, Art. 1377 is found in CHAPTER 5 Interpretation of Contracts of TITLE II CONTRACTS of BOOK IV Obligations and Contracts of the Civil Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 386).

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Reviewed by the Intellegal Legal Team for currency against amending laws and Supreme Court jurisprudence.

Research aid — not legal advice. Verify the current text against the Official Gazette. Provisions may have been amended or repealed. Using this page creates no attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, consult a Philippine lawyer.