REPUBLIC ACT NO.

386 AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES PRELIMINARY TITLE CHAPTER 1 Effect and Application of Laws Article 1. This Act shall be known as the "Civil Code of the Philippines." (n) Congress passed RA 386 on January 26, 1949 Article 2. Laws shall take effect after fifteen days following the completion of their publication in the Official Gazette, unless it is otherwise provided. This Code shall take effect one year after such publication. (1a) Civil Code took effect on August 30, 1950. Art. 2 was amended by EO No. 200, including or any newspaper of general circulation to the official medium of publication. When a statute does not explicitly provide for its effectivity, it shall have effect after the 15-day period following completion of its publication.

 Publication must be in full otherwise it is not publication at all. Covered by this rule are presidential decrees, and executive orders promulgated by the President in the exercise of legislative powers. (except issuances that are internal in nature or affecting the internal management of the Department or Office) Article 3. Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith. (2) That every person knows the law is a conclusive presumption. Necessary consequence of Article 2, for it serves as a basis for the maxim, ignorantia legis non excusat Article 4. Laws shall have no retroactive effect, unless the contrary is provided. (3) Exception: o When the law expressly provides for retroactivity o When the law is curative or remedial o When the law is procedural o When the law is penal in character and favorable to the accused (who is not a habitual criminal/delinquent: if within a period of 10 years from the date of his release or conviction of the crime of serious, less serious physical injuries, robbery (robo), theft, estafa, or

falsification, he is found guilty of any said crimes a third time or oftener. Article 5. Acts executed against the provisions of mandatory or prohibitory laws shall be void, except when the law itself authorizes their validity. (4a) Mandatory one that the omission of which renders the proceeding or acts to which it relates generally illegal or void. (Use of shall, must, ought, should, etc.) Prohibitory which contain positive prohibitions and are couched in the negative terms importing that the act required shall not be done otherwise than designated. (use of cannot, shall not, ought not, etc.) Article 6. Rights may be waived, unless the waiver is contrary to law, public order, public policy, morals, or good customs, or prejudicial to a third person with a right recognized by law. (4a) Waiver is the intentional relinquishment of a known right. It is essential that a right, in order that it may be validly waived, must be: o existent at the time of the waiver, and must be o exercised by a duly capacitated person actually possessing the right to make the waiver.

 Waivers cannot be made if they are contrary to law, public order, public policy, morals or good customs, or prejudicial to a third person with a right recognized by law. Article 7. Laws are repealed only by subsequent ones, and their violation or non-observance shall not be excused by disuse, or custom or practice to the contrary. When the courts declared a law to be inconsistent with the Constitution, the former shall be void and the latter shall govern. Administrative or executive acts, orders and regulations shall be valid only when they are not contrary to the laws or the Constitution. (5a) Repeal of a law is the legislative act of abrogating through a subsequent law the effects of a previous statute or portions thereof. Kinds of Repeal: 1. Express literally declared by a new law, either in specific terms, as where particular laws or provisions are named and identified and declared to be repealed. 2. Implied new law contains provisions contrary to or inconsistent with those of a former without expressly repealing them. Where a portion of a stature is rendered unconstitutional and the remainder valid, the parts will be separated, and the constitutional portion upheld. (Valid portion must be independent

and not connected with the constitutional otherwise the constitutional provisions shall be likewise void.) Article 8. Judicial decisions applying or interpreting the laws or the Constitution shall form a part of the legal system of the Philippines. (n) Article 9. No judge or court shall decline to render judgment by reason of the silence, obscurity or insufficiency of the laws. (6) Judicial Legislation The judiciary cannot legislate. However, in certain instances, they do and must legislate to fill in the gaps in the law. Article 10. In case of doubt in the interpretation or application of laws, it is presumed that the lawmaking body intended right and justice to prevail. (n) If there is ambiguity in the law, interpretation of the law requires fidelity to the legislative purpose. Article 11. Customs which are contrary to law, public order or public policy shall not be countenanced. (n) Article 12. A custom must be proved as a fact, according to the rules of evidence. (n)

Custom a rule of conduct formed by repetition of acts, uniformly observed (practiced) as a social rule, legally binding and obligatory. As a source of right, it (custom) should be properly established by competent evidence like any other fact. Juridical Custom can supplement statutory law or applied in the absence of such statute. It cannot prevail over a statutory rule or even a legal rule enunciated by the Supreme Court. Article 13. When the laws speak of years, months, days or nights, it shall be understood that years are of three hundred sixty-five days each; months, of thirty days; days, of twenty-four hours; and nights from sunset to sunrise. If months are designated by their name, they shall be computed by the number of days which they respectively have. In computing a period, the first day shall be excluded, and the last day included. (7a) Leap year: 366 days. In filing motions or pleadings , should the last day of the prescriptive period falls on a holiday or a weekend, the immediately following working day shall apply. Article 14. Penal laws and those of public security and safety shall be obligatory upon all who live or sojourn in the

Philippine territory, subject to the principles of public international law and to treaty stipulations. (8a) Apply the Generality and Territoriality Characteristics of Penal Laws. Article 2. Application of its provisions. - Except as provided in the treaties and laws of preferential application, the provisions of this Code shall be enforced not only within the Philippine Archipelago, including its atmosphere, its interior waters and maritime zone, but also outside of its jurisdiction, against those who: 1. Should commit an offense while on a Philippine ship or airship 2. Should forge or counterfeit any coin or currency note of the Philippine Islands or obligations and securities issued by the Government of the Philippine Islands; 3. Should be liable for acts connected with the introduction into these islands of the obligations and securities mentioned in the presiding number; 4. While being public officers or employees, should commit an offense in the exercise of their functions; or

5. Should commit any of the crimes against national security and the law of nations, defined in Title One of Book Two of this Code. Article 15. Laws relating to family rights and duties, or to the status, condition and legal capacity of persons are binding upon citizens of the Philippines, even though living abroad. (9a) Nationality Rule Regardless of where a citizen of the Philippines might be, he or she will be governed by Philippine laws with respect to his/her family rights and duties, or to his or her status, condition and legal capacity. The only absolute divorce recognized by the Philippines is one which is procured by the alien spouse. Article 16. Real property as well as personal property is subject to the law of the country where it is stipulated. However, intestate and testamentary successions, both with respect to the order of succession and to the amount of successional rights and to the intrinsic validity of testamentary provisions, shall be regulated by the national law of the person whose succession is under consideration, whatever may be the nature of the property and regardless of the country wherein said property may be found. (10a) Intestate Testamentary Successions, with regard to four items: a. Order of succession b. Amount of successional rights

c. Intrinsic validity of the provisions of the will d. Capacity to succeed (art. 1039 governed by national law of the decedent) Article 17. The forms and solemnities of contracts, wills, and other public instruments shall be governed by the laws of the country in which they are executed. When the acts referred to are executed before the diplomatic or consular officials of the Republic of the Philippines in a foreign country, the solemnities established by Philippine laws shall be observed in their execution. Prohibitive laws concerning persons, their acts or property, and those which have for their object public order, public policy and good customs shall not be rendered ineffective by laws or judgments promulgated, or by determinations or conventions agreed upon in a foreign country. (11a) Act or contract made in a foreign country before diplomatic and consular officials must conform with the solemnities under Philippine law. By rules of international law, host country where diplomatic and consular officials are assigned, waives its jurisdiction over the premises of the diplomatic office . Article 18. In matters which are governed by the Code of Commerce and special laws, their deficiency shall be supplied by the provisions of this Code. (16a)

CHAPTER 2 Human Relations (n) (Please memorize the Golden Rule Art. 19) Article 19. Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith. Elements of abuse of right under this article: 1. There is a legal right or duty 2. Which is exercised in bad faith 3. For the sole intent of prejudicing or injuring another Article 20. Every person who, contrary to law, willfully or negligently causes damage to another, shall indemnify the latter for the same. Article 21. Any person who willfully causes loss or injury to another in manner that is contrary to morals, good customs or public policy shall compensate the latter for the damage.

Art. 21 deals with acts contra bonus mores, and has the ff. elements: 1. There is an act which is legal 2. But which is contrary to morals, good customs, public order, or public policy 3. And it is done with intent to injure Articles 19, 20, and 21 are related to each other, and under these articles, an act which causes injury to another may be made the basis for an award of damages. Common element: act must be intentional. Article 22. Every person who through an act of performance by another, or any other means, acquires or comes into possession of something at the expense of the latter without just or legal ground, shall return the same to him. Article 23. Even when an act or event causing damage to another's property was not due to the fault or negligence of the defendant, the latter shall be liable for indemnity if through the act or event he was benefited. Unjust Enrichment No person can claim what is not validly and legally his or hers. Hence he or she should not unduly profit on something which does not meritoriously belong to him or her. Nemo cum alterious detriment locupletari potest (no one should be permitted to enrich himself to the damage of another)

Article 24. In all contractual, property or other relations, when one of the parties is at a disadvantage on account of his moral dependence, ignorance, indigence, mental weakness, tender age or other handicap, the courts must be vigilant for his protection. Court Vigilance the courts must be vigilant in protecting the rights of the disadvantaged. Article 25. Thoughtless extravagance in expenses for pleasure or display during a period of acute public want or emergency may be stopped by order of the courts at the instance of any government or private charitable institution. Entities given legal standing to seek injunction: 1. Government; 2. Or charitable institution Article 26. Every person shall respect the dignity, personality, privacy and peace of mind of his neighbors and other persons. The following and similar acts, though they may not constitute a criminal offense, shall produce a cause of action for damages, prevention and other relief: (1) Prying into the privacy of another's residence; (2) Meddling with or disturbing the private life or family relations of another; (3) Intriguing to cause another to be alienated from his friends;

(4) Vexing or humiliating another on account of his religious beliefs, lowly station in life, place of birth, physical defect, or other personal condition. Protection of Human Dignity can institute civil action for moral damages. Article 27. Any person suffering material or moral loss because a public servant or employee refuses or neglects, without just cause, to perform his official duty may file an action for damages and other relief against the latter, without prejudice to any disciplinary administrative action that may be taken. Relief against public officials may cause award for damages Article 28. Unfair competition in agricultural, commercial or industrial enterprises or in labor through the use of force, intimidation, deceit, machination or any other unjust, oppressive or highhanded method shall give rise to a right of action by the person who thereby suffers damage. (Unfair Competition) Article 29. When the accused in a criminal prosecution is acquitted on the ground that his guilt has not been proved beyond reasonable doubt, a civil action for damages for the same act or omission may be instituted. Such action requires only a preponderance of evidence. Upon motion of the defendant, the court may require the plaintiff to file a bond to answer for damages in case the complaint should be found to be malicious.

If in a criminal case the judgment of acquittal is based upon reasonable doubt, the court shall so declare. In the absence of any declaration to that effect, it may be inferred from the text of the decision whether or not the acquittal is due to that ground. Civil Action proof beyond reasonable doubt means that the amount of proof which forms an abiding moral certainty that the accused committed the crime charged. If the guilt of the accused is not proven beyond reasonable doubt, (and which findings amount to declaration that the defendant was acquitted on reasonable doubt), a civil action to prove the civil liability can still be filed where only preponderance of evidence is needed. Judgment of acquittal does not constitute a bar to a subsequent civil action involving the same subject matter Article 30. When a separate civil action is brought to demand civil liability arising from a criminal offense, and no criminal proceedings are instituted during the pendency of the civil case, a preponderance of evidence shall likewise be sufficient to prove the act complained of. Civil obligation arising from a Criminal Offense even if the civil obligation arose from a criminal offense, the required quantum of evidence in a civil suit to claim such civil obligation is not proof beyond reasonable doubt but merely preponderance of evidence.

Article 31. When the civil action is based on an obligation not arising from the act or omission complained of as a felony, such civil action may proceed independently of the criminal proceedings and regardless of the result of the latter. Refers to a civil action based, not on the act or omission charged as a felony in a criminal case, but to one based on an obligation arising from other sources, such as law or contract. (culpa contractual) Article 32. Any public officer or employee, or any private individual, who directly or indirectly obstructs, defeats, violates or in any manner impedes or impairs any of the following rights and liberties of another person shall be liable to the latter for damages: (1) Freedom of religion; (2) Freedom of speech; (3) Freedom to write for the press or to maintain a periodical publication; (4) Freedom from arbitrary or illegal detention; (5) Freedom of suffrage; (6) The right against deprivation of property without due process of law; (7) The right to a just compensation when private property is taken for public use; (8) The right to the equal protection of the laws; (9) The right to be secure in one's person, house, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures;

(10) The liberty of abode and of changing the same; (11) The privacy of communication and correspondence; (12) The right to become a member of associations or societies for purposes not contrary to law; (13) The right to take part in a peaceable assembly to petition the Government for redress of grievances; (14) The right to be a free from involuntary servitude in any form; (15) The right of the accused against excessive bail; (16) The right of the accused to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witness in his behalf; (17) Freedom from being compelled to be a witness against one's self, or from being forced to confess guilt, or from being induced by a promise of immunity or reward to make such confession, except when the person confessing becomes a State witness; (18) Freedom from excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishment, unless the same is imposed or inflicted in accordance with a statute which has not been judicially declared unconstitutional; and (19) Freedom of access to the courts. In any of the cases referred to in this article, whether or not the defendant's act or omission constitutes a criminal offense, the aggrieved party has a right to commence an entirely separate and distinct civil action for damages, and for other relief. Such

civil action shall proceed independently of any criminal prosecution (if the latter be instituted), and may be proved by a preponderance of evidence. The indemnity shall include moral damages. Exemplary damages may also be adjudicated. The responsibility herein set forth is not demandable from a judge unless his act or omission constitutes a violation of the Penal Code or other penal statute. Article 33. In cases of defamation, fraud, and physical injuries a civil action for damages, entirely separate and distinct from the criminal action, may be brought by the injured party. Such civil action shall proceed independently of the criminal prosecution, and shall require only a preponderance of evidence. Article 34. When a member of a city or municipal police force refuses or fails to render aid or protection to any person in case of danger to life or property, such peace officer shall be primarily liable for damages, and the city or municipality shall be subsidiarily responsible therefor. The civil action herein recognized shall be independent of any criminal proceedings, and a preponderance of evidence shall suffice to support such action. Article 35. When a person, claiming to be injured by a criminal offense, charges another with the same, for which no independent civil action is granted in this Code or any special law, but the justice of the peace finds no reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed, or the prosecuting attorney refuses or fails to institute criminal proceedings, the

complaint may bring a civil action for damages against the alleged offender. Such civil action may be supported by a preponderance of evidence. Upon the defendant's motion, the court may require the plaintiff to file a bond to indemnify the defendant in case the complaint should be found to be malicious. If during the pendency of the civil action, an information should be presented by the prosecuting attorney, the civil action shall be suspended until the termination of the criminal proceedings. Rule 111 of the Rules of Court with respect to procedure in reservations in criminal cases with respect to civil liability of the accused: Sec. 1. Institution of criminal and civil actions Reservation of the right to institute separately the civil action shall be made before the prosecution starts presenting evidence. Sec. 2. When separate civil action is suspended if criminal action has commenced, civil action shall wait until final judgment is rendered. If it is filed after civil action was instituted, the latter shall be suspended. Sec. 3. When civil action may proceed independently - in cases under Arts. 32-34 and 2176. Sec. 4. Effect of Death on civil actions death of accused after arraignment and during pendency of criminal

action shall extinguish civil liability. If it is an independent civil action independent of the criminal obligations, it shall continue against the estate or legal representatives of the accused. (for minors, guardian ad litem) Sec. 5. Judgment in civil action not a bar Final judgment absolving defendant from civil liability is not a bar to institution of criminal action. Article 36. Pre-judicial questions, which must be decided before any criminal prosecution may be instituted or may proceed, shall be governed by rules of court which the Supreme Court shall promulgate and which shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this Code. In both criminal and civil action, criminal case takes precedence. Exception to this rule is, Prejudicial Question. Prejudicial Question one that arises in a case, the resolution of which is a logical antecedent of the issue involved therein, and the cognizance of which pertains to another tribunal. Two Cases involved: Criminal and Civil Elements of Prejudicial Question: 1. Civil action involves an issue similar or intimately related to the issue raised in criminal action 2. Resolution of such issue determines whether the criminal action may proceed.

BOOK I PERSONS TITLE I CIVIL PERSONALITY CHAPTER 1 General Provisions Article 37. Juridical capacity, which is the fitness to be the subject of legal relations, is inherent in every natural person and is lost only through death. Capacity to act, which is the power to do acts with legal effect, is acquired and may be lost. (n) Juridical Capacity is acquired upon the birth of a person, and is terminated only upon death. Capacity to act is not inherent in a person; it is attained and conferred, and therefore it can likewise be lost not only by death of the person but by any valid cause provided by law. Person any being, natural or artificial, capable of possessing legal rights and obligations. Juridical Person those created by law.

Full civil capacity juridical capacity (+) capacity to act. Article 38. Minority, insanity or imbecility, the state of being a deaf-mute, prodigality and civil interdiction are mere restrictions on capacity to act, and do not exempt the incapacitated person from certain obligations, as when the latter arise from his acts or from property relations, such as easements. (32a) Article 39. The following circumstances, among others, modify or limit capacity to act: age, insanity, imbecility, the state of being a deaf-mute, penalty, prodigality, family relations, alienage, absence, insolvency and trusteeship . The consequences of these circumstances are governed in this Code, other codes, the Rules of Court, and in special laws. Capacity to act is not limited on account of religious belief or political opinion. A married woman, twenty-one years of age or over, is qualified for all acts of civil life, except in cases specified by law. (n) CHAPTER 2 Natural Persons Article 40. Birth determines personality; but the conceived child shall be considered born for all purposes that are favorable to it, provided it be born later with the conditions specified in the following article. (29a)

Article 41. For civil purposes, the foetus is considered born if it is alive at the time it is completely delivered from the mother's womb. However, if the foetus had an intrauterine life of less than seven months, it is not deemed born if it dies within twenty-four hours after its complete delivery from the maternal womb. (30a) Birth Certificate best evidence of the facts of birth Evidence of Life respiration upon the delivery of the baby Confidentiality of birth records cannot be revealed except in cases provided by law Article 42. Civil personality is extinguished by death. The effect of death upon the rights and obligations of the deceased is determined by law, by contract and by will. (32a) The rights and obligations of a dead person can still be regulated by contract, will or the law. Any person who shows disrespect to the dead, or wrongfully interferes with a funeral, shall be liable to the family of the deceased for damages, material and moral. Article 43. If there is a doubt, as between two or more persons who are called to succeed each other, as to which of them died first, whoever alleges the death of one prior to the other, shall prove the same; in the absence of proof, it is presumed that they died at the same time and there shall be no transmission of rights from one to the other. (33)

Rules of Court: 1. If both were under the age of 15 years, the older is presumed to have survived 2. If both were above the age of 60, the younger is presumed to have survived 3. If one is under 15 and the other above 60, the former is presumed to have survived 4. If both be over 15 and under 60, and the sexes be different, male is presumed to have survived; if the sexes be the same, then the older 5. If one is under 15 or over 60, and the other between those ages, the latter (under 15) is presumed to have survived. CHAPTER 3 Juridical Persons Article 44. The following are juridical persons: (1) The State and its political subdivisions; (2) Other corporations, institutions and entities for public interest or purpose, created by law; their personality

(3)

begins as soon as they have been constituted according to law; Corporations, partnerships and associations for private interest or purpose to which the law grants a juridical personality, separate and distinct from that of each shareholder, partner or member. (35a)

Article 45. Juridical persons mentioned in Nos. 1 and 2 of the preceding article are governed by the laws creating or recognizing them. Private corporations are regulated by laws of general application on the subject. Partnerships and associations for private interest or purpose are governed by the provisions of this Code concerning partnerships. (36 and 37a) Article 46. Juridical persons may acquire and possess property of all kinds, as well as incur obligations and bring civil or criminal actions, in conformity with the laws and regulations of their organization. (38a) Juridical person is a being of legal existence susceptible of rights and obligations, or of being the subject of juridical relations: State can enter into treaties and contracts; fundamental rule: the state cannot be sued without its consent. Suability depends on the consent of the state to be sued, liability on the applicable law and the established facts.

 Political Subdivisions are municipal corporations; consists of the provinces, cities, and municipalities Corporation an artificial being created by operation of law, having the right of succession and the powers, attributes, and properties expressly authorized by law or incident to its existence. Partnership two or more persons bind themselves to contribute money, property to a common fund to derive profits. Article 47. Upon the dissolution of corporations, institutions and other entities for public interest or purpose mentioned in No. 2 of article 44, their property and other assets shall be disposed of in pursuance of law or the charter creating them. If nothing has been specified on this point, the property and other assets shall be applied to similar purposes for the benefit of the region, province, city or municipality which during the existence of the institution derived the principal benefits from the same. (39a) TITLE X FUNERALS (n) Article 305. The duty and the right to make arrangements for the funeral of a relative shall be in accordance with the order established for support, under article 294. In case of descendants of the same degree, or of brothers and sisters, the oldest shall be

preferred. In case of ascendants, the paternal shall have a better right. Arrangements duty-bound to make arrangements shall be in accordance with the order established for support: 1. Spouse (in his/her absence or incapacity) 2. Descendants in the nearest degree 3. Ascendants in the nearest degree (paternal have the better right) 4. Brothers and sisters (oldest shall be preferred) Article 306. Every funeral shall be in keeping with the social position of the deceased. Article 307. The funeral shall be in accordance with the expressed wishes of the deceased. In the absence of such expression, his religious beliefs or affiliation shall determine the funeral rites. In case of doubt, the form of the funeral shall be decided upon by the person obliged to make arrangements for the same, after consulting the other members of the family. The law mandates that every funeral shall be in keeping with the social position of the deceased. Article 308. No human remains shall be retained, interred, disposed of or exhumed without the consent of the persons mentioned in articles 294 and 305.

Article 309. Any person who shows disrespect to the dead, or wrongfully interferes with a funeral shall be liable to the family of the deceased for damages, material and moral. Damages can be sought against those who allow disrespect to the dead, or wrongfully interfere with a funeral. Article 310. The construction of a tombstone or mausoleum shall be deemed a part of the funeral expenses, and shall be chargeable to the conjugal partnership property, if the deceased is one of the spouses. TITLE XIII Use of Surnames (n) Article 364. Legitimate and legitimated children shall principally use the surname of the father. Article 365. An adopted child shall bear the surname of the adopter. R.A. 8552 Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 Adoptee is considered legitimate son/daughter of the adopter for all intents and purposes and as such is entitled to all the rights and obligations provided by law to legitimate sons/daughters without discrimination of any kind

Article 366. A natural child acknowledged by both parents shall principally use the surname of the father. If recognized by only one of the parents, a natural child shall employ the surname of the recognizing parent. Article 367. Natural children by legal fiction shall principally employ the surname of the father. Article 368. Illegitimate children referred to in article 287 shall bear the surname of the mother. Two classes of children: 1. Legitimate 2. Illegitimate Amended by R.A. 9255, An act allowing illegitimate children to use the surname of their father, amending for the purpose article 176 of Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the "family code of the Philippines" Article 369. Children conceived before the decree annulling a voidable marriage shall principally use the surname of the father. Annullable marriage is valid until annulled hence a child conceived before its annulment is legitimate. Article 370. A married woman may use:

(1) Her maiden first name and surname and add her husband's surname, or (2) Her maiden first name and her husband's surname or (3) Her husband's full name, but prefixing a word indicating that she is his wife, such as "Mrs." Directory in character; A married woman can maintain her name and surname or follow any of the names in Article 370. Article 371. In case of annulment of marriage, and the wife is the guilty party, she shall resume her maiden name and surname. If she is the innocent spouse, she may resume her maiden name and surname. However, she may choose to continue employing her former husband's surname, unless: (1) The court decrees otherwise, or (2) She or the former husband is married again to another person. Article 372. When legal separation has been granted, the wife shall continue using her name and surname employed before the legal separation. Article 373. A widow may use the deceased husband's surname as though he were still living, in accordance with article 370. Article 374. In case of identity of names and surnames, the younger person shall be obliged to use such additional name or surname as will avoid confusion.

Article 375. In case of identity of names and surnames between ascendants and descendants, the word "Junior" can be used only by a son. Grandsons and other direct male descendants shall either: (1) Add a middle name or the mother's surname, or (2) Add the Roman numerals II, III, and so on. Article 376. No person can change his name or surname without judicial authority. Amended by RA 9048 An Act authorizing the City or Municipal Civil Registrar of the Consul General to Correct a Clerical Error or Typographical Error in an Entry and/or Change of First Name or Nickname in the Civil Register without the need of Judicial Order Grounds for objecting approval of decision: 1. Error is not clerical or typographical 2. Corrected entries are substantial or controversial as it affects the civil status of a person 3. Basis for changing the first name or nickname does not fall under Section 4. (valid grounds) a. Name is ridiculous, tainted with dishonor or extremely difficult to pronounce b. New name is habitually and continuously used and petitioner is publicly known by said name

Change of name is a privilege and not a right. Petitioner must show reasonable cause before he is authorized to file. Effect it does not alter family relations, rights or duties, legal capacity, civil status or citizenship. A petition for change of SURNAME is a judicial proceeding. Article 377. Usurpation of a name and surname may be the subject of an action for damages and other relief. Elements of Usurpation of Name: 1. An actual use of anothers name by defendant 2. The use is unauthorized 3. Use of anothers name is designate personality or identify a person Article 378. The unauthorized or unlawful use of another person's surname gives a right of action to the latter. Article 379. The employment of pen names or stage names is permitted, provided it is done in good faith and there is no injury to third persons. Pen names and stage names cannot be usurped. Article 380. Except as provided in the preceding article, no person shall use different names and surnames.

TITLE XIV ABSENCE CHAPTER 1 Provisional Measures in Case of Absence Article 381. When a person disappears from his domicile, his whereabouts being unknown, and without leaving an agent to administer his property, the judge, at the instance of an interested party, a relative, or a friend, may appoint a person to represent him in all that may be necessary. This same rule shall be observed when under similar circumstances the power conferred by the absentee has expired. (181a) Article 382. The appointment referred to in the preceding article having been made, the judge shall take the necessary measures to safeguard the rights and interests of the absentee and shall specify the powers, obligations and remuneration of his representative, regulating them, according to the circumstances, by the rules concerning guardians. (182) Article 383. In the appointment of a representative, the spouse present shall be preferred when there is no legal separation.

If the absentee left no spouse, or if the spouse present is a minor, any competent person may be appointed by the court. (183a) CHAPTER 2 Declaration of Absence Article 384. Two years having elapsed without any news about the absentee or since the receipt of the last news, and five years in case the absentee has left a person in charge of the administration of his property, his absence may be declared. (184) Article 385. The following may ask for the declaration of absence: (1) The spouse present; (2) The heirs instituted in a will, who may present an authentic copy of the same; (3) The relatives who may succeed by the law of intestacy; (4) Those who may have over the property of the absentee some right subordinated to the condition of his death. (185) Article 386. The judicial declaration of absence shall not take effect until six months after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. (186a) Spouse: Cause for involuntary judicial separation of property Basis for termination of absolute community or conjugal partnership Ground for transfer of exclusive properties

 Basis for termination of parental authority Testamentary Heirs: Can seek judicial declaration of absence of testator Intestate heirs: Legitimate and illegitimate relatives Spouse Collateral relatives Interested Party: Those who possess some right over the property in the case of testators death Effectivity of Judicial Declaration: Shall not effect until six months after its publication Absence shall be counted from the date of the last news of the absentee CHAPTER 4 Presumption of Death Article 390. After an absence of seven years, it being unknown whether or not the absentee still lives, he shall be presumed dead for all purposes, except for those of succession. The absentee shall not be presumed dead for the purpose of opening his succession till after an absence of ten years. If

he disappeared after the age of seventy-five years, an absence of five years shall be sufficient in order that his succession may be opened. (n) Article 391. The following shall be presumed dead for all purposes, including the division of the estate among the heirs: (1) A person on board a vessel lost during a sea voyage, or an aeroplane which is missing , who has not been heard of for four years since the loss of the vessel or aeroplane; A person in the armed forces who has taken part in war, and has been missing for four years ; A person who has been in danger of death under other circumstances and his existence has not been known for four years. (n)

(2) (3)

Article 392. If the absentee appears, or without appearing his existence is proved, he shall recover his property in the condition in which it may be found, and the price of any property that may have been alienated or the property acquired therewith; but he cannot claim either fruits or rents. (194) Absence: That the person is unheard of for seven years, not in his domicile and his actual residence is unknown, and that for this, his existence is doubtful, that after seven years, he is presumed dead.

Period: For purposes of remarriage, four years is enough.