I – Sanchez Roman

July 7, 2019

Crisologo vs. People of the Philippines

G.R. No. 199481, December 3, 2012

In addressing main issue whether Crisologo is civilly liable under the subject letters of
credit, the Supreme Court implored both rule-based and narrative reasoning. Under the first mode,
the Court cited Section 13 of the Trust Receipts Law which explicitly states the rule that “if the
violation or offense is committed by a corporation, the penalty provided for under the law shall be
imposed upon the directors, officers, employees, or other officials or person responsible for the
offense, without prejudice to the civil liabilities arising from the criminal offense.” Then, using
the second mode, it also went in detail with the corresponding facts on how Crisologo, in relation
to the said law, is only liable for only one trust receipt that he signed his personal capacity in as
much as the guarantee clauses therein is concerned. Therefore, in this case, the petitioner was
acquitted of the charge for violation of the Trust Receipts Law in relation to Article 315 1(b) of
the Revised Penal Code. As such, he is relieved of the corporate criminal liability as well as the
corresponding civil liability arising therefrom.

Catungal vs. Rodriguez

G.R. No. 146839 March 03, 2011

The Court used rule-based reasoning in explaining its ruling towards whether Rodriguez,
the defendant, has the right to rescind the contract. Catungal’s act, which was in contrast with
what was agreed upon in a conditional deed of sale, enables Rodriguez to exercise his right to
rescind the contract. From the moment the contract is perfected, the parties are bound not only to
the fulfillment of what has been expressly stipulated but also the consequence which, according
to their nature, may be in keeping with good faith, usage, and law. A contract is a law governing
the conduct of the agreeing parties and may establish such stipulation, clauses, terms, and
conditions as they may deem convenient provided that they are not contrary to law, morals, good
customs, public order, and public policy. Thus, the conclusion of the Court is reached by
analyzing and applying the terms and conditions of the contract entered into by both Catungal
and Rodriguez as the basis of its decision.