ANSAY VS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY G.R No.

L-13667 April 29, 1960

Facts:
1. On July 25, 1956, Primitivo Ansay et al filed against the Board of Directors of the
National Development Company in the Court of First Instance of Manila a complaint
praying for a 20% Christmas bonus for the years 1954 and 1955.
2. Appellants contend that there exists a cause of action in their complaint because their
claim rests on moral grounds or what in brief is defined by law as a natural obligation.
Issue: Whether or not the Christmas bonus is demandable.
Held: No, it is not demandable. Appellants admit that appellees are not under legal obligation to
give such claimed bonus and such grant only arises from a moral obligation or natural obligation.
However, natural obligation is only enforceable with the presence of the element of voluntary
fulfillment by the obligor. In the case at bar, there has been no voluntary performance on the part
of the appellees. Hence, the bonus is not demandable.