Statute
Civil Code
Article
Art. 1911
Topic
Obligations of the Principal
Status
In force
Book
BOOK IV Obligations and Contracts
Title
TITLE X AGENCY
Chapter
CHAPTER 3 Obligations of the Principal
Year
1949
Cited by
Multiple Supreme Court decisions

The provision

Even when the agent has exceeded his authority, the principal is solidarily liable with the agent if the former allowed the latter to act as though he had full powers. (n)

Intellegal Wiki · In plain terms

Where a principal has let an agent appear to have full powers, the principal is held solidarily liable together with the agent even for acts that actually exceeded the agent's authority. This protects third parties who reasonably relied on the appearance of authority the principal allowed.

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

Intellegal Wiki · How the courts apply it

In Citystate Savings Bank v. Teresita Tobias, the Supreme Court held: A bank is solidarily liable under the doctrine of apparent authority (Article 1911) where it allows an employee to act as though clothed with full powers; banks owe the highest degree of diligence and a fiduciary duty to clients.

One leading Supreme Court case applying this provision.

Cases applying this article

Related provisions in this Chapter

Civil Code, Art. 1911 is found in CHAPTER 3 Obligations of the Principal of TITLE X AGENCY of BOOK IV Obligations and Contracts of the Civil Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 386).

Browse the Civil Code

Search Philippine statutes on Intellegal →

Continue your research on Intellegal

Search Philippine statutes on Intellegal →

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 Provisions may have been amended or repealed.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.