Interpretation of Documents
On Evidence
Interpretation of a Writing According to its legal Meaning
The language of a writing is to be interpreted according to the legal
meaning it bears in the place of the execution unless the parties
intended otherwise.
Rules on Interpretation of Documents
1. Interpretation of a writing according to the legal meaning it
bears in the place of execution, unless parties intended otherwise.
(Rule 130, Sec.10)
2. Instrument construed so as to give effect to all provisions.
(Rule 130,Sec.11)
3. Parties intention is to be pursued in construction of instrument.
In the inconsistency between general and particular provision,
the latter prevails. Particular intent controls general one
inconsistent with it.(Rule 130, Sec.12)
4. The circumstances under which an instrument was made, including
the situation of the subject thereof and of the parties to it,
may be shown, so that the judge may be placed in the position of
those whose language he is to interpret.(Rule 130,Sec.13)
5. The terms of a writing are presumed to have been used in their
primary and general acceptation, but evidence is admissible to
show that they have a local/technical/peculiar signification and
were so used and understood in the particular instance, in which
case the agreement must be construed accordingly.(Rule 130,Sec.14)
6. When there is inconsistency between written words and printed
words, the former controls over the latter.(Rule 130,Sec.14)
7. Experts and interpreters to be used in explaining writings that
are difficult to be deciphered, or where the language is not
understood by the court.(Rule 130,Sec.16)
8. When the terms of an agreement have been intended in a different
sense by the different parties to it, that sense is to prevail
against either party in which he supposed the other understood
it. And when different constructions of a provision are otherwise
equally proper, that is to be taken which is the most favorable
to the party in whose favor the provision is made.(Rule 130,Sec.17)
9. Construction in favor of natural right.(Rule 130,Sec.18)
10.Interpretation according to usage to determine instrument’s true
character.(Rule 130,Sec.19)