Definition in English: A solidary obligation is one in which each solidary debtor may be required to perform the entire obligation, or each solidary creditor may be entitled to demand the entire performance, subject to the applicable relationship and rights among the parties.
Paliwanag sa Filipino: Pananagutang solidaryo — Obligasyong maaaring singilin nang buo sa alinman sa mga solidary debtor kapag itinatadhana ng batas, likas ng obligasyon o malinaw na kasunduan.
Legal basis
Civil Code Articles 1207 to 1222. The rule must be read together with applicable amendments and controlling Supreme Court decisions.
What this term means
- Solidarity is not presumed merely because several debtors or creditors exist.
- It must arise from the law, the nature of the obligation, or express terms.
- A debtor who pays the whole obligation may generally seek the proper shares from co-debtors, subject to defenses and insolvency rules.
Example
If two borrowers expressly bind themselves jointly and severally for a loan, the creditor may generally collect the entire unpaid amount from either borrower.
Related civil law terms
Default Or Delay · Novation · Quasi Delict
What to read next
Collecting a debt from multiple debtors · Guaranty vs suretyship · Browse obligations content · Return to the Civil Law Glossary
Important note
This glossary entry is an educational explanation of Philippine civil law. The English definition states the primary legal concept. The Filipino explanation is provided to make the concept easier to understand and is not an official translation of the Civil Code, Rules of Court or Supreme Court decisions. Consult the controlling legal text and qualified counsel for a specific dispute.
Jurisdiction: Philippines
Last reviewed: September 2026