Practice question
A lessee has already committed the very contractual breach in dispute before filing, and seeks only a declaration that it owes no damages for that breach. It invokes section 6 as though the breach occurred during the action. Is that invocation sound?
- Yes, section 6 treats every prior breach as subsequent.
- No; section 6 concerns breach after filing and before final termination, and declaratory relief ordinarily does not settle liability for an already committed breach of the instrument involved.
- Yes, the title of the complaint controls.
- Yes, damages can never be sought through an ordinary action.
- No, because contracts can never be construed through declaratory relief.
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_1-71_civil.html — Rule 63 sections 1–6: declaratory relief, similar remedies, notice and conversion.
- https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2025/apr2025/gr_207118_2025.html — Republic and City of Baguio v. Association of Barangay Councils, April 22, 2025, main opinion: breach must relate to the provision construed.
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