Professional Documents
Culture Documents
209
THEFAMILYCODEOFTHEPHILIPPINES
July6,1987
I,CORAZONC.AQUINO,PresidentofthePhilippines,byvirtueofthepowersvestedinmebythe
Constitution,doherebyorderandpromulgatetheFamilyCodeofthePhilippines,asfollows:
TITLEI
Marriage
CHAPTER1
RequisitesofMarriage
ARTICLE1.Marriageisaspecialcontractofpermanentunionbetweenamanandawomanenteredinto
inaccordancewithlawfortheestablishmentofconjugalandfamilylife.Itisthefoundationofthe
familyandaninviolablesocialinstitutionwhosenature,consequences,andincidentsaregovernedby
lawandnotsubjecttostipulation,exceptthatmarriagesettlementsmayfixthepropertyrelations
duringthemarriagewithinthelimitsprovidedbythisCode.(52a)
ARTICLE2.Nomarriageshallbevalid,unlesstheseessentialrequisitesarepresent:
(1)Legalcapacityofthecontractingpartieswhomustbeamaleandafemale;and
(2)Consentfreelygiveninthepresenceofthesolemnizingofficer.(53a)
ARTICLE3.Theformalrequisitesofmarriageare:
(1)Authorityofthesolemnizingofficer;
(2)AvalidmarriagelicenseexceptinthecasesprovidedforinChapter2ofthisTitle;and
(3)Amarriageceremonywhichtakesplacewiththeappearanceofthecontractingpartiesbeforethe
solemnizingofficerandtheirpersonaldeclarationthattheytakeeachotherashusbandandwifeinthe
presenceofnotlessthantwowitnessesoflegalage.(53a,55a)
ARTICLE4.Theabsenceofanyoftheessentialorformalrequisitesshallrenderthemarriagevoidab
initio,exceptasstatedinArticle35(a).
AdefectinanyoftheessentialrequisitesshallrenderthemarriagevoidableasprovidedinArticle45.
Anirregularityintheformalrequisitesshallnotaffectthevalidityofthemarriagebutthepartyor
partiesresponsiblefortheirregularityshallbecivilly,criminallyandadministrativelyliable.(n)
ARTICLE5.Anymaleorfemaleoftheageofeighteenyearsorupwardsnotunderanyofthe
impedimentsmentionedinArticles37and38,maycontractmarriage.(54a)
ARTICLE6.Noprescribedformorreligiousriteforthesolemnizationofthemarriageisrequired.Itshall
benecessary,however,forthecontractingpartiestoappearpersonallybeforethesolemnizingofficer
anddeclareinthepresenceofnotlessthantwowitnessesoflegalagethattheytakeeachotheras
husbandandwife.Thisdeclarationshallbecontainedinthemarriagecertificatewhichshallbesigned
bythecontractingpartiesandtheirwitnessesandattestedbythesolemnizingofficer.
Incaseofamarriageinarticulomortis,whenthepartyatthepointofdeathisunabletosignthe
marriagecertificate,itshallbesufficientforoneofthewitnessestothemarriagetowritethenameof
saidparty,whichfactshallbeattestedbythesolemnizingofficer.(55a)
ARTICLE7.Marriagemaybesolemnizedby:
(1)Anyincumbentmemberofthejudiciarywithinthecourtsjurisdiction;
(2)Anypriest,rabbi,imam,orministerofanychurchorreligioussectdulyauthorizedbyhischurchor
religioussectandregisteredwiththecivilregistrargeneral,actingwithinthelimitsofthewritten
authoritygrantedbyhischurchorreligioussectandprovidedthatatleastoneofthecontractingparties
belongstothesolemnizingofficerschurchorreligioussect;
(3)AnyshipcaptainorairplanechiefonlyinthecasesmentionedinArticle31;
(4)Anymilitarycommanderofaunittowhichachaplainisassigned,intheabsenceofthelatter,during
amilitaryoperation,likewiseonlyinthecasesmentionedinArticle32;
(5)Anyconsulgeneral,consulorviceconsulinthecaseprovidedinArticle10.(56a)
ARTICLE8.Themarriageshallbesolemnizedpubliclyinthechambersofthejudgeorinopencourt,in
thechurch,chapelortemple,orintheofficetheconsulgeneral,consulorviceconsul,asthecasemay
be,andnotelsewhere,exceptincasesofmarriagescontractedonthepointofdeathorinremote
placesinaccordancewithArticle29ofthisCode,orwherebothofthepartiesrequestthesolemnizing
officerinwritinginwhichcasethemarriagemaybesolemnizedatahouseorplacedesignatedbythem
inaswornstatementtothateffect.(57a)
ARTICLE9.Amarriagelicenseshallbeissuedbythelocalcivilregistrarofthecityormunicipalitywhere
eithercontractingpartyhabituallyresides,exceptinmarriageswherenolicenseisrequiredin
accordancewithChapter2ofthisTitle(58a)
ARTICLE10.MarriagesbetweenFilipinocitizensabroadmaybesolemnizedbyaconsulgeneral,consul
orviceconsuloftheRepublicofthePhilippines.Theissuanceofthemarriagelicenseandthedutiesof
thelocalcivilregistrarandofthesolemnizingofficerwithregardtothecelebrationofmarriageshallbe
performedbysaidconsularofficial.(75a)
ARTICLE11.Whereamarriagelicenseisrequired,eachofthecontractingpartiesshallfileseparatelya
swornapplicationforsuchlicensewiththeproperlocalcivilregistrarwhichshallspecifythefollowing:
(1)Fullnameofthecontractingparty;
(2)Placeofbirth;
(3)Ageanddateofbirth;
(4)Civilstatus;
(5)Ifpreviouslymarried,how,whenandwherethepreviousmarriagewasdissolvedorannulled;
(6)Presentresidenceandcitizenship;
(7)Degreeofrelationshipofthecontractingparties;
(8)Fullname,residenceandcitizenshipofthefather;
(9)Fullname,residenceandcitizenshipofthemother;and
(10)Fullname,residenceandcitizenshipoftheguardianorpersonhavingcharge,incasethe
contractingpartyhasneitherfathernormotherandisundertheageoftwentyoneyears.
Theapplicants,theirparentsorguardiansshallnotberequiredtoexhibittheirresidencecertificatesin
anyformalityinconnectionwiththesecuringofthemarriagelicense.(59a)
ARTICLE12.Thelocalcivilregistrar,uponreceivingsuchapplication,shallrequirethepresentationof
theoriginalbirthcertificatesor,indefaultthereof,thebaptismalcertificatesofthecontractingparties
orcopiesofsuchdocumentsdulyattestedbythepersonshavingcustodyoftheoriginals.These
certificatesorcertifiedcopiesofthedocumentsrequiredbythisArticleneednotbesworntoandshall
beexemptfromthedocumentarystamptax.Thesignatureandofficialtitleofthepersonissuingthe
certificateshallbesufficientproofofitsauthenticity.
Ifeitherofthecontractingpartiesisunabletoproducehisbirthorbaptismalcertificateoracertified
copyofeitherbecauseofthedestructionorlossoftheoriginal,orifitisshownbyanaffidavitofsuch
partyorofanyotherpersonthatsuchbirthorbaptismalcertificatehasnotyetbeenreceivedthough
thesamehasbeenrequiredofthepersonhavingcustodythereofatleastfifteendayspriortothedate
oftheapplication,suchpartymayfurnishinlieuthereofhiscurrentresidencecertificateoran
instrumentdrawnupandsworntobeforethelocalcivilregistrarconcernedoranypublicofficial
authorizedtoadministeroaths.Suchinstrumentshallcontainthesworndeclarationoftwowitnessesof
lawfulage,settingforththefullname,residenceandcitizenshipofsuchcontractingpartyandofhisor
herparents,ifknown,andtheplaceanddateofbirthofsuchparty.Thenearestofkinofthecontracting
partiesshallbepreferredaswitnesses,or,intheirdefault,personsofgoodreputationintheprovinceor
thelocality.
Thepresentationofbirthorbaptismalcertificateshallnotberequirediftheparentsofthecontracting
partiesappearpersonallybeforethelocalcivilregistrarconcernedandsweartothecorrectnessofthe
lawfulageofsaidparties,asstatedintheapplication,orwhenthelocalcivilregistrarshall,bymerely
lookingattheapplicantsupontheirpersonallyappearingbeforehim,beconvincedthateitherorboth
ofthemhavetherequiredage.(60a)
ARTICLE13.Incaseeitherofthecontractingpartieshasbeenpreviouslymarried,theapplicantshallbe
requiredtofurnish,insteadofthebirthorbaptismalcertificaterequiredinthelastprecedingarticle,the
deathcertificateofthedeceasedspouseorthejudicialdecreeoftheabsolutedivorce,orthejudicial
decreeofannulmentordeclarationofnullityofhisorherpreviousmarriage.Incasethedeath
certificatecannotbesecured,thepartyshallmakeanaffidavitsettingforththiscircumstanceandhisor
heractualcivilstatusandthenameanddateofdeathofthedeceasedspouse.(61a)
ARTICLE14.Incaseeitherorbothofthecontractingparties,nothavingbeenemancipatedbyaprevious
marriage,arebetweentheagesofeighteenandtwentyone,theyshall,inadditiontotherequirements
oftheprecedingarticles,exhibittothelocalcivilregistrar,theconsenttotheirmarriageoftheirfather,
mother,survivingparentorguardian,orpersonshavinglegalchargeofthem,intheordermentioned.
Suchconsentshallbemanifestedinwritingbytheinterestedparty,whopersonallyappearsbeforethe
properlocalcivilregistrar,orintheformofanaffidavitmadeinthepresenceoftwowitnessesand
attestedbeforeanyofficialauthorizedbylawtoadministeroaths.Thepersonalmanifestationshallbe
recordedinbothapplicationsformarriagelicense,andtheaffidavit,ifoneisexecutedinstead,shallbe
attachedtosaidapplications.(61a)
ARTICLE15.Anycontractingpartybetweentheageoftwentyoneandtwentyfiveshallbeobligedto
asktheirparentsorguardianforadviceupontheintendedmarriage.Iftheydonotobtainsuchadvice,
orifitbeunfavorable,themarriagelicenseshallnotbeissuedtillafterthreemonthsfollowingthe
completionofthepublicationoftheapplicationtherefor.Aswornstatementbythecontractingparties
totheeffectthatsuchadvicehasbeensought,togetherwiththewrittenadvicegiven,ifany,shallbe
attachedtotheapplicationformarriagelicense.Shouldtheparentsorguardianrefusetogiveany
advice,thisfactshallbestatedintheswornstatement.(62a)
ARTICLE16.Inthecaseswhereparentalconsentorparentaladviceisneeded,thepartyorparties
concernedshall,inadditiontotherequirementsoftheprecedingarticles,attachacertificateissuedby
apriest,imamorministerauthorizedtosolemnizemarriageunderArticle7ofthisCodeoramarriage
counsellordulyaccreditedbythepropergovernmentagencytotheeffectthatthecontractingparties
haveundergonemarriagecounselling.Failuretoattachsaidcertificateofmarriagecounsellingshall
suspendtheissuanceofthemarriagelicenseforaperiodofthreemonthsfromthecompletionofthe
publicationoftheapplication.Issuanceofthemarriagelicensewithintheprohibitedperiodshallsubject
thessuingofficertoadministrativesanctionsbutshallnotaffectthevalidityofthemarriage.
Shouldonlyoneofthecontractingpartiesneedparentalconsentorparentaladvice,theotherparty
mustbepresentatthecounsellingreferredtointheprecedingparagraph.(n)
ARTICLE17.Thelocalcivilregistrarshallprepareanoticewhichshallcontainthefullnamesand
residencesoftheapplicantsforamarriagelicenseandotherdatagivenintheapplications.Thenotice
shallbepostedfortenconsecutivedaysonabulletinboardoutsidetheofficeofthelocalcivilregistrar
locatedinaconspicuousplacewithinthebuildingandaccessibletothegeneralpublic.Thisnoticeshall
requestallpersonshavingknowledgeofanyimpedimenttothemarriagetoadvisethelocalcivil
registrarthereof.Themarriagelicenseshallbeissuedafterthecompletionoftheperiodofpublication.
(63a)
ARTICLE18.Incaseofanyimpedimentknowntothelocalcivilregistrarorbroughttohisattention,he
shallnotedowntheparticularsthereofandhisfindingsthereonintheapplicationformarriagelicense,
butshallnonethelessissuesaidlicenseafterthecompletionoftheperiodofpublication,unlessordered
otherwisebyacompetentcourtathisowninstanceorthatofanyinterestedparty.Nofilingfeeshall
bechargedforthepetitionnoracorrespondingbondrequiredfortheissuancesoftheorder.(64a)
ARTICLE19.Thelocalcivilregistrarshallrequirethepaymentofthefeesprescribedbylawor
regulationsbeforetheissuanceofthemarriagelicense.Noothersumshallbecollectedinthenatureof
afeeortaxofanykindfortheissuanceofsaidlicense.Itshall,however,beissuedfreeofchargeto
indigentparties,thatisthosewhohavenovisiblemeansofincomeorwhoseincomeisinsufficientfor
theirsubsistence,afactestablishedbytheiraffidavit,orbytheiroathbeforethelocalcivilregistrar.
(65a)
ARTICLE20.ThelicenseshallbevalidinanypartofthePhilippinesforaperiodofonehundredtwenty
daysfromthedateofissue,andshallbedeemedautomaticallycancelledattheexpirationofthesaid
periodifthecontractingpartieshavenotmadeuseofit.Theexpirydateshallbestampedinbold
charactersonthefaceofeverylicenseissued.(65a)
ARTICLE21.Wheneitherorbothofthecontractingpartiesarecitizensofaforeigncountry,itshallbe
necessaryforthembeforeamarriagelicensecanbeobtained,tosubmitacertificateoflegalcapacityto
contractmarriage,issuedbytheirrespectivediplomaticorconsularofficials.
Statelesspersonsorrefugeesfromothercountriesshall,inlieuofthecertificateoflegalcapacityherein
required,submitanaffidavitstatingthecircumstancesshowingsuchcapacitytocontractmarriage.
(66a)
ARTICLE22.Themarriagecertificate,inwhichthepartiesshalldeclarethattheytakeeachotheras
husbandandwife,shallalsostate:
(1)Thefullname,sexandageofeachcontractingparty;
(2)Theircitizenship,religionandhabitualresidence;
(3)Thedateandprecisetimeofthecelebrationofthemarriage;
(4)Thatthepropermarriagelicensehasbeenissuedaccordingtolaw,exceptinmarriageprovidedforin
Chapter2ofthisTitle;
(5)Thateitherorbothofthecontractingpartieshavesecuredtheparentalconsentinappropriate
cases;
(6)Thateitherorbothofthecontractingpartieshavecompliedwiththelegalrequirementregarding
parentaladviceinappropriatecases;and
(7)Thatthepartieshaveenteredintomarriagesettlement,ifany,attachingacopythereof.(67a)
ARTICLE23.Itshallbethedutyofthepersonsolemnizingthemarriagetofurnisheitherofthe
contractingpartiestheoriginalofthemarriagecertificatereferredtoinArticle6andtosendthe
duplicateandtriplicatecopiesofthecertificatenotlaterthanfifteendaysafterthemarriage,tothe
localcivilregistraroftheplacewherethemarriagewassolemnized.Properreceiptsshallbeissuedby
thelocalcivilregistrartothesolemnizingofficertransmittingcopiesofthemarriagecertificate.The
solemnizingofficershallretaininhisfilethequadruplicatecopyofthemarriagecertificate,theoriginal
ofthemarriagelicenseand,inpropercases,theaffidavitofthecontractingpartyregardingthe
solemnizationofthemarriageinplaceotherthanthosementionedinArticle8.(68a)
ARTICLE24.Itshallbethedutyofthelocalcivilregistrartopreparethedocumentsrequiredbythis
Title,andtoadministeroathstoallinterestedpartieswithoutanychargeinbothcases.Thedocuments
andaffidavitsfiledinconnectionwithapplicationsformarriagelicensesshallbeexemptfrom
documentarystamptax.(n)
ARTICLE25.Thelocalcivilregistrarconcernedshallenterallapplicationsformarriagelicensesfiledwith
himinaregistrybookstrictlyintheorderinwhichthesamearereceived.Heshallrecordinsaidbook
thenamesoftheapplicants,thedateonwhichthemarriagelicensewasissued,andsuchotherdataas
maybenecessary.(n)
ARTICLE26.AllmarriagessolemnizedoutsidethePhilippines,inaccordancewiththelawsinforceinthe
countrywheretheyweresolemnized,andvalidthereassuch,shallalsobevalidinthiscountry,except
thoseprohibitedunderArticles35(1),(4),(5)and(6),36,37and38.(71a)
WhereamarriagebetweenaFilipinocitizenandaforeignerisvalidlycelebratedandadivorceis
thereaftervalidlyobtainedabroadbythealienspousecapacitatinghimorhertoremarry,theFilipino
spouseshallhavecapacitytoremarryunderPhilippinelaw.(AsamendedbyExecutiveOrder227)
CHAPTER2
MarriagesExemptedfromLicenseRequirement
ARTICLE27.Incaseeitherorbothofthecontractingpartiesareatthepointofdeath,themarriagemay
besolemnizedwithoutnecessityofamarriagelicenseandshallremainvalideveniftheailingparty
subsequentlysurvives.(72a)
ARTICLE28.Iftheresidenceofeitherpartyissolocatedthatthereisnomeansoftransportationto
enablesuchpartytoappearpersonallybeforethelocalcivilregistrar,themarriagemaybesolemnized
withoutnecessityofamarriagelicense.(72a)
ARTICLE29.Inthecasesprovidedforinthetwoprecedingarticles,thesolemnizingofficershallstatein
anaffidavitexecutedbeforethelocalcivilregistraroranyotherpersonlegallyauthorizedtoadminister
oathsthatthemarriagewasperformedinarticulomortisorthattheresidenceofeitherparty,
specifyingthebarrioorbarangay,issolocatedthatthereisnomeansoftransportationtoenablesuch
partytoappearpersonallybeforethelocalcivilregistrarandthattheofficertookthenecessarystepsto
ascertaintheagesandrelationshipofthecontractingpartiesandtheabsenceoflegalimpedimentto
themarriage.(72a)
ARTICLE30.Theoriginaloftheaffidavitrequiredinthelastprecedingarticle,togetherwiththelegible
copyofthemarriagecontract,shallbesentbythepersonsolemnizingthemarriagetothelocalcivil
registrarofthemunicipalitywhereitwasperformedwithintheperiodofthirtydaysafterthe
performanceofthemarriage.(75a)
ARTICLE31.Amarriageinarticulomortisbetweenpassengersorcrewmembersmayalsobesolemnized
byashipcaptainorbyanairplanepilotnotonlywhiletheshipisatseaortheplaneisinflight,butalso
duringstopoversatportsofcall.(74a)
ARTICLE32.Amilitarycommanderofaunit,whoisacommissionedofficer,shalllikewisehaveauthority
tosolemnizemarriagesinarticulomortisbetweenpersonswithinthezoneofmilitaryoperation,
whethermembersofthearmedforcesorcivilians.(74a)
ARTICLE33.MarriagesamongMuslimsoramongmembersoftheethnicculturalcommunitiesmaybe
performedvalidlywithoutthenecessityofmarriagelicense,providedtheyaresolemnizedinaccordance
withtheircustoms,ritesorpractices.(78a)
ARTICLE34.Nolicenseshallbenecessaryforthemarriageofamanandawomanwhohavelived
togetherashusbandandwifeforatleastfiveyearsandwithoutanylegalimpedimenttomarryeach
other.Thecontractingpartiesshallstatetheforegoingfactsinanaffidavitbeforeanyperson
authorizedbylawtoadministeroaths.Thesolemnizingofficershallalsostateunderoaththathe
ascertainedthequalificationsofthecontractingpartiesandfoundnolegalimpedimenttothemarriage.
(76a)
CHAPTER3
VoidandVoidableMarriages
ARTICLE35.Thefollowingmarriagesshallbevoidfromthebeginning:
(1)Thosecontractedbyanypartybeloweighteenyearsofageevenwiththeconsentofparentsor
guardians;
(2)Thosesolemnizedbyanypersonnotlegallyauthorizedtoperformmarriagesunlesssuchmarriages
werecontractedwitheitherorbothpartiesbelievingingoodfaiththatthesolemnizingofficerhadthe
legalauthoritytodoso;
(3)Thosesolemnizedwithoutlicense,exceptthosecoveredtheprecedingChapter;
(4)ThosebigamousorpolygamousmarriagesnotfallingunderArticle41;
(5)Thosecontractedthroughmistakeofonecontractingpartyastotheidentityoftheother;and
(6)ThosesubsequentmarriagesthatarevoidunderArticle53.
ARTICLE36.Amarriagecontractedbyanypartywho,atthetimeofthecelebration,waspsychologically
incapacitatedtocomplywiththeessentialmaritalobligationsofmarriage,shalllikewisebevoidevenif
suchincapacitybecomesmanifestonlyafteritssolemnization.(AsamendedbyExecutiveOrder227)
ARTICLE37.Marriagesbetweenthefollowingareincestuousandvoidfromthebeginning,whetherthe
relationshipbetweenthepartiesbelegitimateorillegitimate:
(1)Betweenascendantsanddescendantsofanydegree;and
(2)Betweenbrothersandsisters,whetherofthefullorhalfblood.(81a)
ARTICLE38.Thefollowingmarriagesshallbevoidfromthebeginningforreasonsofpublicpolicy:
(1)Betweencollateralbloodrelativeswhetherlegitimateorillegitimate,uptothefourthcivildegree;
(2)Betweenstepparentsandstepchildren;
(3)Betweenparentsinlawandchildreninlaw;
(4)Betweentheadoptingparentandtheadoptedchild;
(5)Betweenthesurvivingspouseoftheadoptingparentandtheadoptedchild;
(6)Betweenthesurvivingspouseoftheadoptedchildandtheadopter;
(7)Betweenanadoptedchildandalegitimatechildoftheadopter;
(8)Betweenadoptedchildrenofthesameadopter;and
(9)Betweenpartieswhereone,withtheintentiontomarrytheother,killedthatotherpersonsspouse,
orhisorherownspouse.(82)
ARTICLE39.Theactionordefenseforthedeclarationofabsolutenullityshallnotprescribe.However,in
caseofmarriagescelebratedbeforetheeffectivityofthisCodeandfallingunderArticle36,suchaction
ordefenseshallprescribeintenyearsafterthisCodeshalltakeneffect.(AsamendedbyExecutiveOrder
227)(n)
ARTICLE40.Theabsolutenullityofapreviousmarriagemaybeinvokedforpurposesofremarriageon
thebasissolelyofafinaljudgmentdeclaringsuchpreviousmarriagevoid.(n).
ARTICLE41.Amarriagecontractedbyanypersonduringsubsistenceofapreviousmarriageshallbenull
andvoid,unlessbeforethecelebrationofthesubsequentmarriage,thepriorspousehadbeenabsent
forfourconsecutiveyearsandthespousepresenthasawellfoundedbeliefthattheabsentspousewas
alreadydead.Incaseofdisappearancewherethereisdangerofdeathunderthecircumstancessetforth
intheprovisionsofArticle391oftheCivilCode,anabsenceofonlytwoyearsshallbesufficient.
Forthepurposeofcontractingthesubsequentmarriageundertheprecedingparagraph,thespouse
presentmustinstituteasummaryproceedingasprovidedinthisCodeforthedeclarationof
presumptivedeathoftheabsentee,withoutprejudicetotheeffectofreappearanceoftheabsent
spouse.(83a)
ARTICLE42.ThesubsequentmarriagereferredtointheprecedingArticleshallbeautomatically
terminatedbytherecordingoftheaffidavitofreappearanceoftheabsentspouse,unlessthereisa
judgmentannullingthepreviousmarriageordeclaringitvoidabinitio.
Aswornstatementofthefactandcircumstancesofreappearanceshallberecordedinthecivilregistry
oftheresidenceofthepartiestothesubsequentmarriageattheinstanceofanyinterestedperson,with
duenoticetothespousesofthesubsequentmarriageandwithoutprejudicetothefactof
reappearancebeingjudiciallydeterminedincasesuchfactisdisputed.(n)
ARTICLE43.TheterminationofthesubsequentmarriagereferredtointheprecedingArticleshall
producethefollowingeffects:
(1)Thechildrenofthesubsequentmarriageconceivedpriortoitsterminationshallbeconsidered
legitimate,andtheircustodyandsupportincaseofdisputeshallbedecidedbythecourtinaproper
proceeding;
(2)Theabsolutecommunityofpropertyortheconjugalpartnership,asthecasemaybe,shallbe
dissolvedandliquidated,butifeitherspousecontractedsaidmarriageinbadfaith,hisorhershareof
thenetprofitsofthecommunitypropertyorconjugalpartnershippropertyshallbeforfeitedinfavorof
thecommonchildrenor,iftherearenone,thechildrenoftheguiltyspousebyapreviousmarriageorin
defaultofchildren,theinnocentspouse;
(3)Donationsbyreasonofmarriageshallremainvalid,exceptthatifthedoneecontractedthemarriage
inbadfaith,suchdonationsmadetosaiddoneearerevokedbyoperationoflaw;
(4)Theinnocentspousemayrevokethedesignationoftheotherspousewhoactedinbadfaithas
beneficiaryinanyinsurancepolicy,evenifsuchdesignationbestipulatedasirrevocable;and
(5)Thespousewhocontractedthesubsequentmarriageinbadfaithshallbedisqualifiedtoinheritfrom
theinnocentspousebytestateandintestatesuccession.(n)
ARTICLE44.Ifbothspousesofthesubsequentmarriageactedinbadfaith,saidmarriageshallbevoidab
initioandalldonationsbyreasonofmarriageandtestamentarydispositionsmadebyoneinfavorofthe
otherarerevokedbyoperationoflaw.(n)
ARTICLE45.Amarriagemaybeannulledforanyofthefollowingcauses,existingatthetimeofthe
marriage:
(1)Thatthepartyinwhosebehalfitissoughttohavethemarriageannulledwaseighteenyearsofage
oroverbutbelowtwentyone,andthemarriagewassolemnizedwithouttheconsentoftheparents,
guardianorpersonhavingsubstituteparentalauthorityovertheparty,inthatorder,unlessafter
attainingtheageoftwentyone,suchpartyfreelycohabitedwiththeotherandbothlivedtogetheras
husbandandwife;
(2)Thateitherpartywasofunsoundmind,unlesssuchpartyaftercomingtoreason,freelycohabited
withtheotherashusbandandwife;
(3)Thattheconsentofeitherpartywasobtainedbyfraud,unlesssuchpartyafterwards,withfull
knowledgeofthefactsconstitutingthefraud,freelycohabitedwiththeotherashusbandandwife;
(4)Thattheconsentofeitherpartywasobtainedbyforce,intimidationorundueinfluence,unlessthe
samehavingdisappearedorceased,suchpartythereafterfreelycohabitedwiththeotherashusband
andwife;
(5)Thateitherpartywasphysicallyincapableofconsummatingthemarriagewiththeother,andsuch
incapacitycontinuesandappearstobeincurable;or
(6)Thateitherpartywasafflictedwithasexuallytransmissiblediseasefoundtobeseriousandappears
tobeincurable.(85a)
ARTICLE46.AnyofthefollowingcircumstancesshallconstitutefraudreferredtoinNumber3ofthe
precedingArticle:
(1)Nondisclosureofapreviousconvictionbyfinaljudgmentoftheotherpartyofacrimeinvolving
moralturpitude;
(2)Concealmentbythewifeofthefactthatatthetimeofthemarriage,shewaspregnantbyaman
otherthanherhusband;
(3)Concealmentofsexuallytransmissibledisease,regardlessofitsnature,existingatthetimeofthe
marriage;or
(4)Concealmentofdrugaddiction,habitualalcoholismorhomosexualityorlesbianismexistingatthe
timeofthemarriage.
Noothermisrepresentationordeceitastocharacter,health,rank,fortuneorchastityshallconstitute
suchfraudaswillgivegroundsforactionfortheannulmentofmarriage.(86a)
ARTICLE47.Theactionforannulmentofmarriagemustbefiledbythefollowingpersonsandwithinthe
periodsindicatedherein:
(1)Forcausesmentionedinnumber1ofArticle45bythepartywhoseparentorguardiandidnotgive
hisorherconsent,withinfiveyearsafterattainingtheageoftwentyone,orbytheparentorguardian
orpersonhavinglegalchargeoftheminor,atanytimebeforesuchpartyhasreachedtheageoftwenty
one;
(2)Forcausesmentionedinnumber2ofArticle45,bythesamespouse,whohadnoknowledgeofthe
othersinsanityorbyanyrelativeorguardianorpersonhavinglegalchargeoftheinsane,atanytime
beforethedeathofeitherparty,orbytheinsanespouseduringalucidintervalorafterregainingsanity;
(3)Forcausesmentionedinnumber3ofArticles45,bytheinjuredparty,withinfiveyearsafterthe
discoveryofthefraud;
(4)Forcausesmentionedinnumber4ofArticle45,bytheinjuredparty,withinfiveyearsfromthetime
theforce,intimidationorundueinfluencedisappearedorceased;
(5)Forcausesmentionedinnumber5and6ofArticle45,bytheinjuredparty,withinfiveyearsafter
themarriage.(87a)
ARTICLE48.Inallcasesofannulmentordeclarationofabsolutenullityofmarriage,theCourtshallorder
theprosecutingattorneyorfiscalassignedtoittoappearonbehalfoftheStatetotakestepstoprevent
collusionbetweenthepartiesandtotakecarethatevidenceisnotfabricatedorsuppressed.
Inthecasesreferredtointheprecedingparagraph,nojudgmentshallbebaseduponastipulationof
factsorconfessionofjudgment.(88a)
ARTICLE49.Duringthependencyoftheactionandintheabsenceofadequateprovisionsinawritten
agreementbetweenthespouses,theCourtshallprovideforthesupportofthespousesandthe
custodyandsupportoftheircommonchildren.TheCourtshallgiveparamountconsiderationtothe
moralandmaterialwelfareofsaidchildrenandtheirchoiceoftheparentwithwhomtheywishto
remainasprovidedtoinTitleIX.Itshallalsoprovideforappropriatevisitationrightsoftheother
parent.(n)
ARTICLE50.Theeffectsprovidedforbyparagraphs(2),(3),(4)and(5)ofArticle43andbyArticle44
shallalsoapplyinthepropercasestomarriageswhicharedeclaredabinitioorannulledbyfinal
judgmentunderArticles40and45.
Thefinaljudgmentinsuchcasesshallprovidefortheliquidation,partitionanddistributionofthe
propertiesofthespouses,thecustodyandsupportofthecommonchildren,andthedeliveryofthird
presumptivelegitimes,unlesssuchmattershadbeenadjudicatedinpreviousjudicialproceedings.
Allcreditorsofthespousesaswellasoftheabsolutecommunityortheconjugalpartnershipshallbe
notifiedoftheproceedingsforliquidation.
Inthepartition,theconjugaldwellingandthelotonwhichitissituated,shallbeadjudicatedin
accordancewiththeprovisionsofArticles102and129.
ARTICLE51.Insaidpartition,thevalueofthepresumptivelegitimesofallcommonchildren,computed
asofthedateofthefinaljudgmentofthetrialcourt,shallbedeliveredincash,propertyorsound
securities,unlesstheparties,bymutualagreementjudiciallyapproved,hadalreadyprovidedforsuch
matters.
Thechildrenortheirguardianorthetrusteeoftheirpropertymayaskfortheenforcementofthe
judgment.
Thedeliveryofthepresumptivelegitimeshereinprescribedshallinnowayprejudicetheultimate
successionalrightsofthechildrenaccruinguponthedeathofeitherorbothoftheparents;butthe
valueofthepropertiesalreadyreceivedunderthedecreeofannulmentorabsolutenullityshallbe
consideredasadvancesontheirlegitime.(n)
ARTICLE52.Thejudgmentofannulmentorofabsolutenullityofthemarriage,thepartitionand
distributionofthepropertiesofthespouses,andthedeliveryofthechildrenspresumptivelegitimes
shallberecordedintheappropriatecivilregistryandregistriesofproperty;otherwise,thesameshall
notaffectthirdpersons.(n)
ARTICLE53.Eitheroftheformerspousesmaymarryagainaftercompliancewiththerequirementsof
theimmediatelyprecedingArticle;otherwise,thesubsequentmarriageshallbenullandvoid.
ARTICLE54.Childrenconceivedorbornbeforethejudgmentofannulmentorabsolutenullityofthe
marriageunderArticle36hasbecomefinalandexecutoryshallbeconsideredlegitimate.Children
conceivedorbornofthesubsequentmarriageunderArticle53shalllikewisebelegitimate.
TITLEII
LegalSeparation
ARTICLE55.Apetitionforlegalseparationmaybefiledonanyofthefollowinggrounds:
(1)Repeatedphysicalviolenceorgrosslyabusiveconductdirectedagainstthepetitioner,acommon
child,orachildofthepetitioner;
(2)Physicalviolenceormoralpressuretocompelthepetitionertochangereligiousorpolitical
affiliation;
(3)Attemptofrespondenttocorruptorinducethepetitioner,acommonchild,orachildofthe
petitioner,toengageinprostitution,orconnivanceinsuchcorruptionorinducement;
(4)Finaljudgmentsentencingtherespondenttoimprisonmentofmorethansixyears,evenifpardoned;
(5)Drugaddictionorhabitualalcoholismoftherespondent;
(6)Lesbianismorhomosexualityoftherespondent;
(7)Contractingbytherespondentofasubsequentbigamousmarriage,whetherinthePhilippinesor
abroad;
(8)Sexualinfidelityorperversion;
(9)Attemptbytherespondentagainstthelifeofthepetitioner;or
(10)Abandonmentofpetitionerbyrespondentwithoutjustifiablecauseformorethanoneyear.
ForpurposesofthisArticle,thetermchildshallincludeachildbynatureorbyadoption.(9a)
ARTICLE56.Thepetitionforlegalseparationshallbedeniedonanyofthefollowinggrounds:
(1)Wheretheaggrievedpartyhascondonedtheoffenseoractcomplainedof;
(2)Wheretheaggrievedpartyhasconsentedtothecommissionoftheoffenseoractcomplainedof;
(3)Wherethereisconnivancebetweenthepartiesinthecommissionoftheoffenseoractconstituting
thegroundforlegalseparation;
(4)Wherebothpartieshavegivengroundforlegalseparation;
(5)Wherethereiscollusionbetweenthepartiestoobtainthedecreeoflegalseparation;or
(6)Wheretheactionisbarredbyprescription.(100a)
ARTICLE57.Anactionforlegalseparationshallbefiledwithinfiveyearsfromthetimeoftheoccurrence
ofthecause.(102a)
ARTICLE58.Anactionforlegalseparationshallinnocasebetriedbeforesixmonthsshallhaveelapsed
sincethefilingofthepetition.(103)
ARTICLE59.NolegalseparationmaybedecreedunlesstheCourthastakenstepstowardthe
reconciliationofthespousesandisfullysatisfied,despitesuchefforts,thatreconciliationishighly
improbable.(n)
ARTICLE60.Nodecreeoflegalseparationshallbebaseduponastipulationoffactsoraconfessionof
judgment.
Inanycase,theCourtshallordertheprosecutingattorneyorfiscalassignedtoittotakestepsto
preventcollusionbetweenthepartiesandtotakecarethattheevidenceisnotfabricatedor
suppressed.(101a)
ARTICLE61.Afterthefilingofthepetitionforlegalseparation,thespousesshallbeentitledtolive
separatelyfromeachother.
Thecourt,intheabsenceofawrittenagreementbetweenthespouses,shalldesignateeitherofthemor
athirdpersontoadministertheabsolutecommunityorconjugalpartnershipproperty.The
administratorappointedbythecourtshallhavethesamepowersanddutiesasthoseofaguardian
undertheRulesofCourt.(104a)
ARTICLE62.Duringthependencyoftheactionforlegalseparation,theprovisionsofArticle49shall
likewiseapplytothesupportofthespousesandthecustodyandsupportofthecommonchildren.
(105a)
ARTICLE63.Thedecreeoflegalseparationshallhavethefollowingeffects:
(1)Thespousesshallbeentitledtoliveseparatelyfromeachother,butthemarriagebondsshallnotbe
severed;
(2)Theabsolutecommunityortheconjugalpartnershipshallbedissolvedandliquidatedbutthe
offendingspouseshallhavenorighttoanyshareofthenetprofitsearnedbytheabsolutecommunity
ortheconjugalpartnership,whichshallbeforfeitedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle43(2);
(3)Thecustodyoftheminorchildrenshallbeawardedtotheinnocentspouse,subjecttotheprovisions
ofArticle213ofthisCode;and
(4)Theoffendingspouseshallbedisqualifiedfrominheritingfromtheinnocentspousebyintestate
succession.Moreover,provisionsinfavoroftheoffendingspousemadeinthewilloftheinnocent
spouseshallberevokedbyoperationoflaw.(106a)
ARTICLE64.Afterthefinalityofthedecreeoflegalseparation,theinnocentspousemayrevokethe
donationsmadebyhimorbyherinfavoroftheoffendingspouse,aswellasthedesignationofthe
latterasbeneficiaryinanyinsurancepolicy,evenifsuchdesignationbestipulatedasirrevocable.The
revocationofthedonationsshallberecordedintheregistriesofpropertyintheplaceswherethe
propertiesarelocated.Alienations,liensandencumbrancesregisteredingoodfaithbeforethe
recordingofthecomplaintforrevocationintheregistriesofpropertyshallberespected.Therevocation
oforchangeinthedesignationoftheinsurancebeneficiaryshalltakeeffectuponwrittennotification
thereoftotheinsured.
TheactiontorevokethedonationunderthisArticlemustbebroughtwithinfiveyearsfromthetimethe
decreeoflegalseparationbecomefinal.(107a)
ARTICLE65.Ifthespousesshouldreconcile,acorrespondingjointmanifestationunderoathdulysigned
bythemshallbefiledwiththecourtinthesameproceedingforlegalseparation.(n)
ARTICLE66.ThereconciliationreferredtointheprecedingArticlesshallhavethefollowing
consequences:
(1)Thelegalseparationproceedings,ifstillpending,shalltherebybeterminatedatwhateverstage;and
(2)Thefinaldecreeoflegalseparationshallbesetaside,buttheseparationofpropertyandany
forfeitureoftheshareoftheguiltyspousealreadyeffectedshallsubsist,unlessthespousesagreeto
revivetheirformerpropertyregime.
Thecourtsordercontainingtheforegoingshallberecordedinthepropercivilregistries.(108a)
ARTICLE67.TheagreementtorevivetheformerpropertyregimereferredtointheprecedingArticle
shallbeexecutedunderoathandshallspecify:
(1)Thepropertiestobecontributedanewtotherestoredregime;
(2)Thosetoberetainedasseparatedpropertiesofeachspouse;and
(3)Thenamesofalltheirknowncreditors,theiraddressesandtheamountsowingtoeach.
Theagreementofrevivalandthemotionforitsapprovalshallbefiledwiththecourtinthesame
proceedingforlegalseparation,withcopiesofbothfurnishedtothecreditorsnamedtherein.Afterdue
hearing,thecourtshall,initsorder,takemeasurestoprotecttheinterestofcreditorsandsuchorder
shallberecordedintheproperregistriesofproperties.
Therecordingoftheorderingintheregistriesofpropertyshallnotprejudiceanycreditornotlistedor
notnotified,unlessthedebtorspousehassufficientseparatepropertiestosatisfythecreditorsclaim.
(195a,108a)
TITLEIII
RightsandObligationsBetweenHusbandandWife
ARTICLE68.Thehusbandandwifeareobligedtolivetogether,observemutuallove,respectand
fidelity,andrendermutualhelpandsupport.(109a)
ARTICLE69.Thehusbandandwifeshallfixthefamilydomicile.Incaseofdisagreement,thecourtshall
decide.
Thecourtmayexemptonespousefromlivingwiththeotherifthelattershouldliveabroadorthereare
othervalidandcompellingreasonsfortheexemption.However,suchexemptionshallnotapplyifthe
sameisnotcompatiblewiththesolidarityofthefamily.(110a)
ARTICLE70.Thespousesarejointlyresponsibleforthesupportofthefamily.Theexpensesforsuch
supportandotherconjugalobligationsshallbepaidfromthecommunitypropertyand,intheabsence
thereof,fromtheincomeorfruitsoftheirseparateproperties.Incaseofinsufficiencyorabsenceofsaid
incomeorfruits,suchobligationsshallbesatisfiedfromtheseparateproperties.(111a)
ARTICLE71.Themanagementofthehouseholdshallbetherightandthedutyofbothspouses.The
expensesforsuchmanagementshallbepaidinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle70.(115a)
ARTICLE72.Whenoneofthespousesneglectshisorherdutiestotheconjugalunionorcommitsacts
whichtendtobringdanger,dishonororinjurytotheotherortothefamily,theaggrievedpartymay
applytothecourtforrelief.(116a)
ARTICLE73.Eitherspousemayexerciseanylegitimateprofession,occupation,businessoractivity
withouttheconsentoftheother.Thelattermayobjectonlyonvalid,serious,andmoralgrounds.
Incaseofdisagreement,thecourtshalldecidewhetherornot:
(1)Theobjectionisproper,and
(2)Benefithasaccruedtothefamilypriortotheobjectionorthereafter.Ifthebenefitaccruedpriorto
theobjection,theresultingobligationshallbeenforcedagainsttheseparatepropertyofthespousewho
hasnotobtainedconsent.
Theforegoingprovisionsshallnotprejudicetherightsofcreditorswhoactedingoodfaith.(117a)
TITLEIV
PropertyRelationsBetweenHusbandandWife
CHAPTER1
GeneralProvisions
ARTICLE74.Thepropertyrelationshipbetweenhusbandandwifeshallbegovernedinthefollowing
order:
(1)Bymarriagesettlementsexecutedbeforethemarriage;
(2)BytheprovisionsofthisCode;and
(3)Bythelocalcustom.(118)
ARTICLE75.Thefuturespousesmay,inthemarriagesettlements,agreeupontheregimeofabsolute
community,conjugalpartnershipofgains,completeseparationofproperty,oranyotherregime.Inthe
absenceofamarriagesettlement,orwhentheregimeagreeduponisvoid,thesystemofabsolute
communityofpropertyasestablishedinthisCodeshallgovern.(119a)
ARTICLE76.Inorderthatanymodificationinthemarriagesettlementsmaybevalid,itmustbemade
beforethecelebrationofthemarriage,subjecttotheprovisionsofArticles66,67,128,135and136.
(121)
ARTICLE77.Themarriagesettlementsandanymodificationthereofshallbeinwriting,signedbythe
partiesandexecutedbeforethecelebrationofthemarriage.Theyshallnotprejudicethirdpersons
unlesstheyareregisteredinthelocalcivilregistrywherethemarriagecontractisrecordedaswellasin
theproperregistriesofproperties.(122a)
ARTICLE78.Aminorwhoaccordingtolawmaycontractmarriagemayalsoexecutehisorhermarriage
settlements,buttheyshallbevalidonlyifthepersonsdesignatedinArticle14togiveconsenttothe
marriagearemadepartiestotheagreement,subjecttotheprovisionsofTitleIXofthisCode.(120a)
ARTICLE79.Forthevalidityofanymarriagesettlementexecutedbyapersonuponwhomasentenceof
civilinterdictionhasbeenpronouncedorwhoissubjecttoanyotherdisability,itshallbeindispensable
fortheguardianappointedbyacompetentcourttobemadeapartythereto.(123a)
ARTICLE80.Intheabsenceofacontrarystipulationinamarriagesettlement,thepropertyrelationsof
thespousesshallbegovernedbyPhilippinelaws,regardlessoftheplaceofthecelebrationofthe
marriageandtheirresidence.
Thisruleshallnotapply:
(1)Wherebothspousesarealiens;
(2)WithrespecttotheextrinsicvalidityofcontractsaffectingpropertynotsituatedinthePhilippines
andexecutedinthecountrywherethepropertyislocated;and
(3)WithrespecttotheextrinsicvalidityofcontractsenteredintointhePhilippinesbutaffecting
propertysituatedinaforeigncountrywhoselawsrequiredifferentformalitiesforitsextrinsicvalidity.
(124a)
ARTICLE81.Everythingstipulatedinthesettlementsorcontractsreferredtointheprecedingarticlesin
considerationofafuturemarriage,includingdonationsbetweentheprospectivespousesmadetherein,
shallberenderedvoidifthemarriagedoesnottakeplace.However,stipulationsthatdonotdepend
uponthecelebrationofthemarriagesshallbevalid.(125a)
CHAPTER2
DonationsbyReasonofMarriage
ARTICLE82.Donationsbyreasonofmarriagearethosewhicharemadebeforeitscelebration,in
considerationofthesame,andinfavorofoneorbothofthefuturespouses.(126)
ARTICLE83.ThesedonationsaregovernedbytherulesonordinarydonationsestablishedinTitleIIIof
BookIIIoftheCivilCode,insofarastheyarenotmodifiedbythefollowingarticles.(127a)
ARTICLE84.Ifthefuturespousesagreeuponaregimeotherthantheabsolutecommunityofproperty,
theycannotdonatetoeachotherintheirmarriagesettlementsmorethanonefifthoftheirpresent
property.Anyexcessshallbeconsideredvoid.
Donationsoffuturepropertyshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsontestamentarysuccessionandthe
formalitiesofwills.(130a)
ARTICLE85.Donationsbyreasonofmarriageofpropertysubjecttoencumbrancesshallbevalid.Incase
offoreclosureoftheencumbranceandthepropertyissoldforlessthanthetotalamountofthe
obligationsecured,thedoneeshallnotbeliableforthedeficiency.Ifthepropertyissoldformorethan
thetotalamountofsaidobligation,thedoneeshallbeentitledtotheexcess.(131a)
ARTICLE86.Adonationbyreasonofmarriagemayberevokedbythedonorinthefollowingcases:
(1)Ifthemarriageisnotcelebratedorjudiciallydeclaredvoidabinitioexceptdonationsmadeinthe
marriagesettlements,whichshallbegovernedbyArticle81;
(2)Whenthemarriagetakesplacewithouttheconsentoftheparentsorguardian,asrequiredbylaw;
(3)Whenthemarriageisannulled,andthedoneeactedinbadfaith;
(4)Uponlegalseparation,thedoneebeingtheguiltyspouse;
(5)Ifitiswitharesolutoryconditionandtheconditioniscompliedwith;
(6)WhenthedoneehascommittedanactofingratitudeasspecifiedbytheprovisionsoftheCivilCode
ondonationsingeneral.(132a)
ARTICLE87.Everydonationorgrantofgratuitousadvantage,directorindirect,betweenthespouses
duringthemarriageshallbevoid,exceptmoderategiftswhichthespousesmaygiveeachotheronthe
occasionofanyfamilyrejoicing.Theprohibitionshallalsoapplytopersonslivingtogetherashusband
andwifewithoutavalidmarriage.(133a)
CHAPTER3
SystemofAbsoluteCommunity
SECTION1
GeneralProvisions
ARTICLE88.Theabsolutecommunityofpropertybetweenspousesshallcommenceattheprecise
momentthatthemarriageiscelebrated.Anystipulation,expressorimplied,forthecommencementof
thecommunityregimeatanyothertimeshallbevoid.(145a)
ARTICLE89.Nowaiverofrights,sharesandeffectsoftheabsolutecommunityofpropertyduringthe
marriagecanbemadeexceptincaseofjudicialseparationofproperty.
Whenthewaivertakesplaceuponajudicialseparationofproperty,orafterthemarriagehasbeen
dissolvedorannulled,thesameshallappearinapublicinstrumentandshallberecordedasprovidedin
Article77.Thecreditorsofthespousewhomadesuchwaivermaypetitionthecourttorescindthe
waivertotheextentoftheamountsufficienttocovertheamountoftheircredits.(146a)
ARTICLE90.Theprovisionsoncoownershipshallapplytotheabsolutecommunityofpropertybetween
thespousesinallmattersnotprovidedforinthisChapter.(n)
SECTION2
WhatConstitutesCommunityProperty
ARTICLE91.UnlessotherwiseprovidedinthisChapterorinthemarriagesettlements,thecommunity
propertyshallconsistofallthepropertyownedbythespousesatthetimeofthecelebrationofthe
marriageoracquiredthereafter.(197a)
ARTICLE92.Thefollowingshallbeexcludedfromthecommunityproperty:
(1)Propertyacquiredduringthemarriagebygratuitoustitlebyeitherspouse,andthefruitsaswellas
theincomethereof,ifany,unlessitisexpresslyprovidedbythedonor,testatororgrantorthatthey
shallformpartofthecommunityproperty;
(2)Propertyforpersonalandexclusiveuseofeitherspouse.However,jewelryshallformpartofthe
communityproperty;
(3)Propertyacquiredbeforethemarriagebyeitherspousewhohaslegitimatedescendantsbyaformer
marriage,andthefruitsaswellastheincome,ifany,ofsuchproperty.(201a)
ARTICLE93.Propertyacquiredduringthemarriageispresumedtobelongtothecommunity,unlessitis
provedthatitisoneofthoseexcludedtherefrom.(160)
SECTION3
ChargesUponandObligationsoftheAbsoluteCommunity
ARTICLE94.Theabsolutecommunityofpropertyshallbeliablefor:
(1)Thesupportofthespouses,theircommonchildren,andlegitimatechildrenofeitherspouse;
however,thesupportofillegitimatechildrenshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsofthisCodeon
Support;
(2)Alldebtsandobligationscontractedduringthemarriagebythedesignatedadministratorspousefor
thebenefitofthecommunity,orbybothspouses,orbyonespousewiththeconsentoftheother;
(3)Debtsandobligationscontractedbyeitherspousewithouttheconsentoftheothertotheextent
thatthefamilymayhavebeenbenefited;
(4)Alltaxes,liens,chargesandexpenses,includingmajororminorrepairs,uponthecommunity
property;
(5)Alltaxesandexpensesformerepreservationmadeduringmarriageupontheseparatepropertyof
eitherspouseusedbythefamily;
(6)Expensestoenableeitherspousetocommenceorcompleteaprofessionalorvocationalcourse,or
otheractivityforselfimprovement;
(7)Antenuptialdebtsofeitherspouseinsofarastheyhaveredoundedtothebenefitofthefamily;
(8)Thevalueofwhatisdonatedorpromisedbybothspousesinfavoroftheircommonlegitimate
childrenfortheexclusivepurposeofcommencingorcompletingaprofessionalorvocationalcourseor
otheractivityforselfimprovement;
(9)Antenuptialdebtsofeitherspouseotherthanthosefallingunderparagraph(7)ofthisArticle,the
supportofillegitimatechildrenofeitherspouse,andliabilitiesincurredbyeitherspousebyreasonofa
crimeoraquasidelict,incaseofabsenceorinsufficiencyoftheexclusivepropertyofthedebtor
spouse,thepaymentofwhichshallbeconsideredasadvancestobedeductedfromtheshareofthe
debtorspouseuponliquidationofthecommunity;and
(10)Expensesoflitigationbetweenthespousesunlessthesuitisfoundtobegroundless.
Ifthecommunitypropertyisinsufficienttocovertheforegoingliabilities,exceptthosefallingunder
paragraph(9),thespousesshallbesolidarilyliablefortheunpaidbalancewiththeirseparateproperties.
(161a,162a,163a,202a205a)
ARTICLE95.Whatevermaybelostduringthemarriageinanygameofchance,betting,sweepstakes,or
anyotherkindofgambling,whetherpermittedorprohibitedbylaw,shallbebornebytheloserand
shallnotbechargedtothecommunitybutanywinningstherefromshallformpartofthecommunity
property.(164a)
SECTION4
Ownership,Administrative,EnjoymentandDispositionoftheCommunityProperty
ARTICLE96.Theadministrationandenjoymentofthecommunitypropertyshallbelongtobothspouses
jointly.Incaseofdisagreement,thehusbandsdecisionshallprevail,subjecttorecoursetothecourtby
thewifeforproperremedy,whichmustbeavailedofwithinfiveyearsfromthedateofthecontract
implementingsuchdecision.
Intheeventthatonespouseisincapacitatedorotherwiseunabletoparticipateintheadministrationof
thecommonproperties,theotherspousemayassumesolepowersofadministration.Thesepowersdo
notncludedispositionorencumbrancewithoutauthorityofthecourtorthewrittenconsentofthe
otherspouse.Intheabsenceofsuchauthorityorconsent,thedispositionorencumbranceshallbevoid.
However,thetransactionshallbeconstruedasacontinuingofferonthepartoftheconsentingspouse
andthethirdperson,andmaybeperfectedasabindingcontractupontheacceptancebytheother
spouseorauthorizationbythecourtbeforetheofferiswithdrawnbyeitherorbothofferors.(206a)
ARTICLE97.Eitherspousemaydisposebywillofhisorherinterestinthecommunityproperty.(n)
ARTICLE98.Neitherspousemaydonateanycommunitypropertywithouttheconsentoftheother.
However,eitherspousemay,withouttheconsentoftheother,makemoderatedonationsfromthe
communitypropertyforcharityoronoccasionsoffamilyrejoicingorfamilydistress.(n)
SECTION5
DissolutionofAbsoluteCommunityRegime
ARTICLE99.Theabsolutecommunityterminates:
(1)Uponthedeathofeitherspouse;
(2)Whenthereisadecreeoflegalseparation;
(3)Whenthemarriageisannulledordeclaredvoid;or
(4)IncaseofjudicialseparationofpropertyduringthemarriageunderArticle134to138.(175a)
ARTICLE100.Theseparationinfactbetweenhusbandandwifeshallnotaffecttheregimeofabsolute
communityexceptthat:
(1)Thespousewholeavestheconjugalhomeorrefusestolivetherein,withoutjustcause,shallnot
havetherighttobesupported;
(2)Whentheconsentofonespousetoanytransactionoftheotherisrequiredbylaw,judicial
authorizationshallbeobtainedinasummaryproceeding;
(3)Intheabsenceofsufficientcommunityproperty,theseparatepropertyofbothspousesshallbe
solidarilyliableforthesupportofthefamily.Thespousepresentshall,uponproperpetitionina
summaryproceeding,begivenjudicialauthoritytoadministerorencumberanyspecificseparate
propertyoftheotherspouseandusethefruitsorproceedsthereoftosatisfythelattersshare.(178a)
ARTICLE101.Ifaspousewithoutjustcauseabandonstheotherorfailstocomplywithhisorher
obligationstothefamily,theaggrievedspousemaypetitionthecourtforreceivership,forjudicial
separationofpropertyorforauthoritytobethesoleadministratoroftheabsolutecommunity,subject
tosuchprecautionaryconditionsasthecourtmayimpose.
Theobligationstothefamilymentionedintheprecedingparagraphrefertomarital,parentalor
propertyrelations.
Aspouseisdeemedtohaveabandonedtheotherwhenherorshehaslefttheconjugaldwelling
withoutintentionofreturning.Thespousewhohaslefttheconjugaldwellingforaperiodofthree
monthsorhasfailedwithinthesameperiodtogiveanyinformationastohisorherwhereaboutsshall
beprimafaciepresumedtohavenointentionofreturningtotheconjugaldwelling.(178a)
SECTION6
LiquidationoftheAbsoluteCommunityAssetsandLiabilities
ARTICLE102.Upondissolutionoftheabsolutecommunityregime,thefollowingprocedureshallapply:
(1)Aninventoryshallbeprepared,listingseparatelyallthepropertiesoftheabsolutecommunityand
theexclusivepropertiesofeachspouse.
(2)Thedebtsandobligationsoftheabsolutecommunityshallbepaidoutofitsassets.Incaseof
insufficiencyofsaidassets,thespousesshallbesolidarilyliablefortheunpaidbalancewiththeir
separatepropertiesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthesecondparagraphofArticle94.
(3)Whateverremainsoftheexclusivepropertiesofthespousesshallthereafterbedeliveredtoeachof
them.
(4)Thenetremainderofthepropertiesoftheabsolutecommunityshallconstituteitsnetassets,which
shallbedividedequallybetweenhusbandandwife,unlessadifferentproportionordivisionwasagreed
uponinthemarriagesettlements,orunlesstherehasbeenavoluntarywaiverofsuchshareprovidedin
thisCode.ForpurposeofcomputingthenetprofitssubjecttoforfeitureinaccordancewithArticles43,
No.(2)and63,No.(2),thesaidprofitsshallbetheincreaseinvaluebetweenthemarketvalueofthe
communitypropertyatthetimeofthecelebrationofthemarriageandthemarketvalueatthetimeof
itsdissolution.
(5)Thepresumptivelegitimesofthecommonchildrenshallbedelivereduponpartition,inaccordance
withArticle51.
(6)Unlessotherwiseagreeduponbytheparties,inthepartitionoftheproperties,theconjugaldwelling
andthelotonwhichitissituatedshallbeadjudicatedtothespousewithwhomthemajorityofthe
commonchildrenchoosetoremain.Childrenbelowtheageofsevenyearsaredeemedtohavechosen
themother,unlessthecourthasdecidedotherwise.Incasethereinnosuchmajority,thecourtshall
decide,takingintoconsiderationthebestinterestsofsaidchildren.(n)
ARTICLE103.Upontheterminationofthemarriagebydeath,thecommunitypropertyshallbe
liquidatedinthesameproceedingforthesettlementoftheestateofthedeceased.
Ifnojudicialsettlementproceedingisinstituted,thesurvivingspouseshallliquidatethecommunity
propertyeitherjudiciallyorextrajudiciallywithinoneyearfromthedeathofthedeceasedspouse.If
uponthelapseoftheoneyearperiod,noliquidationismade,anydispositionorencumbranceinvolving
thecommunitypropertyoftheterminatedmarriageshallbevoid.
Shouldthesurvivingspousecontractasubsequentmarriagewithoutcompliancewiththeforegoing
requirements,amandatoryregimeofcompleteseparationofpropertyshallgoverntheproperty
relationsofthesubsequentmarriage.(n)
ARTICLE104.Whenevertheliquidationofthecommunitypropertiesoftwoormoremarriages
contractedbythesamepersonbeforetheeffectivityofthisCodeiscarriedoutsimultaneously,the
respectivecapital,fruitsandincomeofeachcommunityshallbedetermineduponsuchproofasmaybe
consideredaccordingtotherulesofevidence.Incaseofdoubtastowhichcommunitytheexisting
propertiesbelong,thesameshallbedividedbetweenthedifferentcommunitiesinproportiontothe
capitalanddurationofeach.(189a)
CHAPTER4
ConjugalPartnershipofGains
SECTION1
GeneralProvisions
ARTICLE105.Incasethefuturespousesagreeinthemarriagesettlementsthattheregimeofconjugal
partnershipofgainsshallgoverntheirpropertyrelationsduringmarriage,theprovisionsinthisChapter
shallbeofsupplementaryapplication.
TheprovisionsofthisChaptershallalsoapplytoconjugalpartnershipsofgainsalreadyestablished
betweenspousesbeforetheeffectivityofthisCode,withoutprejudicetovestedrightsalreadyacquired
inaccordancewiththeCivilCodeorotherlaws,asprovidedinArticle256.(n)
ARTICLE106.Undertheregimeofconjugalpartnershipofgains,thehusbandandwifeplaceina
commonfundtheproceeds,products,fruitsandincomefromtheirseparatepropertiesandthose
acquiredbyeitherorbothspousesthroughtheireffortsorbychance,and,upondissolutionofthe
marriageorofthepartnership,thenetgainsorbenefitsobtainedbyeitherorbothspousesshallbe
dividedequallybetweenthem,unlessotherwiseagreedinthemarriagesettlements.(142a)
ARTICLE107.TherulesprovidedinArticles88and89shallalsoapplytoconjugalpartnershipofgains.
(n)
ARTICLE108.Theconjugalpartnershipshallbegovernedbytherulesonthecontractofpartnershipin
allthatisnotinconflictwithwhatisexpresslydeterminedinthisChapterorbythespousesintheir
marriagesettlements.(147a)
SECTION2
ExclusivePropertyofEachSpouse
ARTICLE109.Thefollowingshallbetheexclusivepropertyofeachspouse:
(1)Thatwhichisbroughttothemarriageashisorherown;
(2)Thatwhicheachacquiresduringthemarriagebygratuitoustitle;
(3)Thatwhichisacquiredbyrightofredemption,bybarterorbyexchangewithpropertybelongingto
onlyoneofthespouses;and
(4)Thatwhichispurchasedwithexclusivemoneyofthewifeorofthehusband.(148a)
ARTICLE110.Thespousesretaintheownership,possession,administrationandenjoymentoftheir
exclusiveproperties.
Eitherspousemay,duringthemarriage,transfertheadministrationofhisorherexclusivepropertyto
theotherbymeansofapublicinstrument,whichshallberecordedintheregistryofpropertyofthe
placethepropertyislocated.(137a,168a,169a)
ARTICLE111.Aspouseofagemaymortgage,encumber,alienateorotherwisedisposeofhisorher
exclusiveproperty,withouttheconsentoftheotherspouse,andappearaloneincourttolitigatewith
regardtothesame.(n)
ARTICLE112.Thealienationofanyexclusivepropertyofaspouseadministeredbytheother
automaticallyterminatestheadministrationoversuchpropertyandtheproceedsofthealienationshall
beturnedovertotheownerspouse.(n)
ARTICLE113.Propertydonatedorleftbywilltothespouses,jointlyandwithdesignationofdeterminate
shares,shallpertaintothedoneespouseashisorherownexclusiveproperty,andintheabsenceof
designation,shareandsharealike,withoutprejudicetotherightofaccretionwhenproper.(150a)
ARTICLE114.Ifthedonationsareonerous,theamountofthechargesshallbebornebytheexclusive
propertyofthedoneespouse,whenevertheyhavebeenadvancedbytheconjugalpartnershipofgains.
(151a)
ARTICLE115.Retirementbenefits,pensions,annuities,gratuities,usufructsandsimilarbenefitsshallbe
governedbytherulesongratuitousoronerousacquisitionsasmaybeproperineachcase.(n)
SECTION3
ConjugalPartnershipProperty
ARTICLE116.Allpropertyacquiredduringthemarriage,whethertheacquisitionappearstohavebeen
made,contractedorregisteredinthenameofoneorbothspouses,ispresumedtobeconjugalunless
thecontraryisproved.(160a)
ARTICLE117.Thefollowingareconjugalpartnershipproperties:
(1)Thoseacquiredbyoneroustitleduringthemarriageattheexpenseofthecommonfund,whether
theacquisitionbeforthepartnership,orforonlyoneofthespouses;
(2)Thoseobtainedfromthelabor,industry,workorprofessionofeitherorbothofthespouses;
(3)Thefruits,natural,industrial,orcivil,dueorreceivedduringthemarriagefromthecommon
property,aswellasthenetfruitsfromtheexclusivepropertyofeachspouse;
(4)Theshareofeitherspouseinthehiddentreasurewhichthelawawardstothefinderorownerofthe
propertywherethetreasureisfound;
(5)Thoseacquiredthroughoccupationsuchasfishingorhunting;
(6)Livestockexistinguponthedissolutionofthepartnershipinexcessofthenumberofeachkind
broughttothemarriagebyeitherspouse;and
(7)Thosewhichareacquiredbychance,suchaswinningsfromgamblingorbetting.However,losses
therefromshallbeborneexclusivelybytheloserspouse.(153a,154a,155,159)
ARTICLE118.Propertyboughtoninstallmentspaidpartlyfromexclusivefundsofeitherorbothspouses
andpartlyfromconjugalfundsbelongstothebuyerorbuyersiffullownershipwasvestedbeforethe
marriageandtotheconjugalpartnershipifsuchownershipwasvestedduringthemarriage.Ineither
case,anyamountadvancedbythepartnershiporbyeitherorbothspousesshallbereimbursedbythe
ownerorownersuponliquidationofthepartnership.(n)
ARTICLE119.Wheneveranamountorcreditpayablewithinaperiodoftimebelongstooneofthe
spouses,thesumswhichmaybecollectedduringthemarriageinpartialpaymentsorbyinstallmentson
theprincipalshallbetheexclusivepropertyofthespouse.However,interestsfallingdueduringthe
marriageontheprincipalshallbelongtotheconjugalpartnership.(156a,157a)
ARTICLE120.Theownershipofimprovements,whetherforutilityoradornment,madeontheseparate
propertyofthespousesattheexpenseofthepartnershiporthroughtheactsoreffortsofeitherorboth
spousesshallpertaintotheconjugalpartnership,ortotheoriginalownerspouse,subjecttothe
followingrules:
Whenthecostoftheimprovementmadebytheconjugalpartnershipandanyresultingincreaseinvalue
aremorethanthevalueofthepropertyatthetimeoftheimprovement,theentirepropertyofoneof
thespousesshallbelongtotheconjugalpartnership,subjecttoreimbursementofthevalueofthe
propertyoftheownerspouseatthetimeoftheimprovement;otherwise,saidpropertyshallbe
retainedinownershipbytheownerspouse,likewisesubjecttoreimbursementofthecostofthe
improvement.
Ineithercase,theownershipoftheentirepropertyshallbevesteduponthereimbursement,which
shallbemadeatthetimeoftheliquidationoftheconjugalpartnership.(158a)
SECTION4
ChargesUponandObligationsoftheConjugalPartnership
ARTICLE121.Theconjugalpartnershipshallbeliablefor:
(1)Thesupportofthespouse,theircommonchildren,andthelegitimatechildrenofeitherspouse;
however,thesupportofillegitimatechildrenshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsofthisCodeon
Support;
(2)Alldebtsandobligationscontractedduringthemarriagebythedesignatedadministratorspousefor
thebenefitoftheconjugalpartnershipofgains,orbybothspousesorbyoneofthemwiththeconsent
oftheother;
(3)Debtsandobligationscontractedbyeitherspousewithouttheconsentoftheothertotheextent
thatthefamilymayhavebeenbenefited;
(4)Alltaxes,liens,charges,andexpenses,includingmajororminorrepairsupontheconjugal
partnershipproperty;
(5)Alltaxesandexpensesformerepreservationmadeduringthemarriageupontheseparateproperty
ofeitherspouse;
(6)Expensestoenableeitherspousetocommenceorcompleteaprofessional,vocational,orother
activityforselfimprovement;
(7)Antenuptialdebtsofeitherspouseinsofarastheyhaveredoundedtothebenefitofthefamily;
(8)Thevalueofwhatisdonatedorpromisedbybothspousesinfavoroftheircommonlegitimate
childrenfortheexclusivepurposeofcommencingorcompletingaprofessionalorvocationalcourseor
otheractivityforselfimprovement;and
(9)Expensesoflitigationbetweenthespousesunlessthesuitisfoundtogroundless.
Iftheconjugalpartnershipisinsufficienttocovertheforegoingliabilities,thespousesshallbesolidarily
liablefortheunpaidbalancewiththeirseparateproperties.(161a)
ARTICLE122.Thepaymentofpersonaldebtscontractedbythehusbandorthewifebeforeorduringthe
marriageshallnotbechargedtotheconjugalpartnershipexceptinsofarastheyredoundedtothe
benefitofthefamily.
Neithershallthefinesandpecuniaryindemnitiesimposeduponthembechargedtothepartnership.
However,thepaymentofpersonaldebtscontractedbyeitherspousebeforethemarriage,thatoffines
andindemnitiesimposeduponthem,aswellasthesupportofillegitimatechildrenofeitherspouse,
maybeenforcedagainstthepartnershipassetsaftertheresponsibilitiesenumeratedinthepreceding
Articlehavebeencovered,ifthespousewhoisboundshouldhavenoexclusivepropertyorifitshould
beinsufficient;butatthetimeoftheliquidationofthepartnership,suchspouseshallbechargedfor
whathasbeenpaidforthepurposeabovementioned.(163a)
ARTICLE123.Whatevermaybelostduringthemarriageinanygameofchanceorinbetting,
sweepstakes,oranyotherkindofgamblingwhetherpermittedorprohibitedbylaw,shallbeborneby
theloserandshallnotbechargedtotheconjugalpartnershipbutanywinningstherefromshallform
partoftheconjugalpartnershipproperty.(164a)
Sec.5
AdministrationoftheConjugalPartnershipProperty
ARTICLE124.Theadministrationandenjoymentoftheconjugalpartnershipshallbelongtoboth
spousesjointly.Incaseofdisagreement,thehusbandsdecisionshallprevail,subjecttorecoursetothe
courtbythewifeforproperremedy,whichmustbeavailedofwithinfiveyearsfromthedateofthe
contractimplementingsuchdecision.
Intheeventthatonespouseisincapacitatedorotherwiseunabletoparticipateintheadministrationof
theconjugalproperties,theotherspousemayassumesolepowersofadministration.Thesepowersdo
notincludedispositionorencumbrancewithoutauthorityofthecourtorthewrittenconsentofthe
otherspouse.Intheabsenceofsuchauthorityorconsent,thedispositionorencumbranceshallbe
void.However,thetransactionshallbeconstruedasacontinuingofferonthepartoftheconsenting
spouseandthethirdperson,andmaybeperfectedasabindingcontractupontheacceptancebythe
otherspouseorauthorizationbythecourtbeforetheofferiswithdrawnbyeitherorbothofferors.
(165a)
ARTICLE125.Neitherspousemaydonateanyconjugalpartnershippropertywithouttheconsentofthe
other.However,eitherspousemay,withouttheconsentoftheother,makemoderatedonationsfrom
theconjugalpartnershippropertyforcharityoronoccasionsoffamilyrejoicingorfamilydistress.(174a)
SECTION6
DissolutionofConjugalPartnershipRegime
ARTICLE126.Theconjugalpartnershipterminates:
(1)Uponthedeathofeitherspouse;
(2)Whenthereisadecreeoflegalseparation;
(3)Whenthemarriageisannulledordeclaredvoid;or
(4)IncaseofjudicialseparationofpropertyduringthemarriageunderArticles134to138(175a)
ARTICLE127.Theseparationinfactbetweenhusbandandwifeshallnotaffecttheregimeofconjugal
partnership,exceptthat:
(1)Thespousewholeavestheconjugalhomeorrefusestolivetherein,withoutjustcause,shallnot
havetherighttobesupported;
(2)Whentheconsentofonespousetoanytransactionoftheotherisrequiredbylaw,judicial
authorizationshallbeobtainedinasummaryproceeding;
(3)Intheabsenceofsufficientconjugalpartnershipproperty,theseparatepropertyofbothspouses
shallbesolidarilyliableforthesupportofthefamily.Thespousepresentshall,uponpetitionina
summaryproceeding,begivenjudicialauthoritytoadministerorencumberanyspecificseparate
propertyoftheotherspouseandusethefruitsorproceedsthereoftosatisfythelattersshare.(178a)
ARTICLE128.Ifaspousewithoutjustcauseabandonstheotherorfailstocomplywithhisorher
obligationtothefamily,theaggrievedspousemaypetitionthecourtforreceivership,forjudicial
separationofproperty,orforauthoritytobethesoleadministratoroftheconjugalpartnership
property,subjecttosuchprecautionaryconditionsasthecourtmayimpose.
Theobligationstothefamilymentionedintheprecedingparagraphrefertomarital,parentalor
propertyrelations.
Aspouseisdeemedtohaveabandonedtheotherwhenheorshehaslefttheconjugaldwellingwithout
intentionofreturning.Thespousewhohaslefttheconjugaldwellingforaperiodofthreemonthsorhas
failedwithinthesameperiodtogiveanyinformationastohisorherwhereaboutsshallbeprimafacie
presumedtohavenointentionofreturningtotheconjugaldwelling.(167a,191a)
SECTION7
LiquidationoftheConjugalPartnershipAssetsandLiabilities
ARTICLE129.Uponthedissolutionoftheconjugalpartnershipregime,thefollowingprocedureshall
apply:
(1)Aninventoryshallbeprepared,listingseparatelyallthepropertiesoftheconjugalpartnershipand
theexclusivepropertiesofeachspouse.
(2)Amountsadvancedbytheconjugalpartnershipinpaymentofpersonaldebtsandobligationsof
eitherspouseshallbecreditedtotheconjugalpartnershipasanassetthereof.
(3)Eachspouseshallbereimbursedfortheuseofhisorherexclusivefundsintheacquisitionof
propertyorforthevalueofhisorherexclusiveproperty,theownershipofwhichhasbeenvestedby
lawintheconjugalpartnership.
(4)Thedebtsandobligationsoftheconjugalpartnershipshallbepaidoutoftheconjugalassets.Incase
ofinsufficiencyofsaidassets,thespousesshallbesolidarilyliablefortheunpaidbalancewiththeir
separateproperties,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofparagraph(2)ofArticle121.
(5)Whateverremainsoftheexclusivepropertiesofthespousesshallthereafterbedeliveredtoeachof
them.
(6)Unlesstheownerhadbeenindemnifiedfromwhateversource,thelossordeteriorationofmovables
usedforthebenefitofthefamily,belongingtoeitherspouse,evenduetofortuitousevent,shallbepaid
tosaidspousefromtheconjugalfunds,ifany.
(7)Thenetremainderoftheconjugalpartnershippropertiesshallconstitutetheprofits,whichshallbe
dividedequallybetweenhusbandandwife,unlessadifferentproportionordivisionwasagreeduponin
themarriagesettlementsorunlesstherehasbeenavoluntarywaiverorforfeitureofsuchshareas
providedinthisCode.
(8)Thepresumptivelegitimesofthecommonchildrenshallbedelivereduponthepartitionin
accordancewithArticle51.
(9)Inthepartitionoftheproperties,theconjugaldwellingandthelotonwhichitissituatedshall,
unlessotherwiseagreeduponbytheparties,beadjudicatedtothespousewithwhomthemajorityof
thecommonchildrenchoosetoremain.Childrenbelowtheageofsevenyearsaredeemedtohave
chosenthemother,unlessthecourthasdecidedotherwise.Incasethereisnosuchmajority,thecourt
shalldecide,takingintoconsiderationthebestinterestsofsaidchildren.(181a,182a,183a,184a,185a)
ARTICLE130.Upontheterminationofthemarriagebydeath,theconjugalpartnershippropertyshallbe
liquidatedinthesameproceedingforthesettlementoftheestateofthedeceased.
Ifnojudicialsettlementproceedingisinstituted,thesurvivingspouseshallliquidatetheconjugal
partnershippropertyeitherjudiciallyorextrajudiciallywithinoneyearfromthedeathofthedeceased
spouse.Ifuponthelapseoftheoneyearperiodnoliquidationismade,anydispositionorencumbrance
involvingtheconjugalpartnershippropertyoftheterminatedmarriageshallbevoid.
Shouldthesurvivingspousecontractasubsequentmarriagewithoutcompliancewiththeforegoing
requirements,amandatoryregimeofcompleteseparationofpropertyshallgoverntheproperty
relationsofthesubsequentmarriage.(n)
ARTICLE131.Whenevertheliquidationoftheconjugalpartnershippropertiesoftwoormoremarriages
contractedbythesamepersonbeforetheeffectivityofthisCodeiscarriedoutsimultaneously,the
respectivecapital,fruitsandincomeofeachpartnershipshallbedetermineduponsuchproofasmaybe
consideredaccordingtotherulesofevidence.Incaseofdoubtastowhichpartnershiptheexisting
propertiesbelong,thesameshallbedividedbetweenthedifferentpartnershipsinproportiontothe
capitalanddurationofeach.(189a)
ARTICLE132.TheRulesofCourtontheadministrationofestatesofdeceasedpersonsshallbeobserved
intheappraisalandsaleofpropertyoftheconjugalpartnership,andothermatterswhicharenot
expresslydeterminedinthisChapter.(187a)
ARTICLE133.Fromthecommonmassofpropertysupportshallbegiventothesurvivingspouseandto
thechildrenduringtheliquidationoftheinventoriedpropertyanduntilwhatbelongstothemis
delivered;butfromthisshallbedeductedthatamountreceivedforsupportwhichexceedsthefruitsor
rentspertainingtothem.(188a)
CHAPTER5
SeparationofPropertyoftheSpousesandAdministrationofCommonPropertybyOneSpouseDuring
theMarriage
ARTICLE134.Intheabsenceofanexpressdeclarationinthemarriagesettlements,theseparationof
propertybetweenspousesduringthemarriageshallnottakeplaceexceptbyjudicialorder.Suchjudicial
separationofpropertymayeitherbevoluntaryorforsufficientcause.(190a)
ARTICLE135.Anyofthefollowingshallbeconsideredsufficientcauseforjudicialseparationofproperty:
(1)Thatthespouseofthepetitionerhasbeensentencedtoapenaltywhichcarrieswithitcivil
interdiction;
(2)Thatthespouseofthepetitionerhasbeenjudiciallydeclaredanabsentee;
(3)Thatlossofparentalauthorityofthespouseofpetitionerhasbeendecreedbythecourt;
(4)Thatthespouseofthepetitionerhasabandonedthelatterorfailedtocomplywithhisorher
obligationstothefamilyasprovidedforinArticle101;
(5)Thatthespousegrantedthepowerofadministrationinthemarriagesettlementshasabusedthat
power;and
(6)Thatatthetimeofthepetition,thespouseshavebeenseparatedinfactforatleastoneyearand
reconciliationishighlyimprobable.
InthecasesprovidedforinNumbers(1),(2)and(3),thepresentationofthefinaljudgmentagainstthe
guiltyorabsentspouseshallbeenoughbasisforthegrantofthedecreeofjudicialseparationof
property.(191a)
ARTICLE136.Thespousesmayjointlyfileaverifiedpetitionwiththecourtforthevoluntarydissolution
oftheabsolutecommunityortheconjugalpartnershipofgains,andfortheseparationoftheircommon
properties.
Allcreditorsoftheabsolutecommunityoroftheconjugalpartnershipofgains,aswellasthepersonal
creditorsofthespouse,shallbelistedinthepetitionandnotifiedofthefilingthereof.Thecourtshall
takemeasurestoprotectthecreditorsandotherpersonswithpecuniaryinterest.(191a)
ARTICLE137.Oncetheseparationofpropertyhasbeendecreed,theabsolutecommunityorthe
conjugalpartnershipofgainsshallbeliquidatedinconformitywiththisCode.
Duringthependencyoftheproceedingsforseparationofproperty,theabsolutecommunityorthe
conjugalpartnershipshallpayforthesupportofthespousesandtheirchildren.(192a)
ARTICLE138.Afterdissolutionoftheabsolutecommunityoroftheconjugalpartnership,theprovisions
oncompleteseparationofpropertyshallapply.(191a)
ARTICLE139.Thepetitionforseparationofpropertyandthefinaljudgmentgrantingthesameshallbe
recordedintheproperlocalcivilregistriesandregistriesofproperty.(193a)
ARTICLE140.Theseparationofpropertyshallnotprejudicetherightspreviouslyacquiredbycreditors.
(194a)
ARTICLE141.Thespousesmay,inthesameproceedingswhereseparationofpropertywasdecreed,file
amotionincourtforadecreerevivingthepropertyregimethatexistedbetweenthembeforethe
separationofpropertyinanyofthefollowinginstances:
(1)Whenthecivilinterdictionterminates;
(2)Whentheabsenteespousereappears;
(3)Whenthecourt,beingsatisfiedthatthespousegrantedthepowerofadministrationinthemarriage
settlementswillnotagainabusethatpower,authorizestheresumptionofsaidadministration;
(4)Whenthespousewhohaslefttheconjugalhomewithoutadecreeoflegalseparationresumes
commonlifewiththeother;
(5)Whenparentalauthorityisjudiciallyrestoredtothespousepreviouslydeprivedthereof;
(6)Whenthespouseswhohaveseparatedinfactforatleastoneyear,reconcileandresumecommon
life;or
(7)Whenaftervoluntarydissolutionoftheabsolutecommunityofpropertyorconjugalpartnershiphas
beenjudiciallydecreeduponthejointpetitionofthespouses,theyagreetotherevivaloftheformer
propertyregime.Novoluntaryseparationofpropertymaythereafterbegranted.
TherevivaloftheformerpropertyregimeshallbegovernedbyArticle67.(195a)
ARTICLE142.Theadministrationofallclassesofexclusivepropertyofeitherspousemaybetransferred
bythecourttotheotherspouse:
(1)Whenonespousebecomestheguardianoftheother;
(2)Whenonespouseisjudiciallydeclaredanabsentee;
(3)Whenonespouseissentencedtoapenaltywhichcarrieswithitcivilinterdiction;or
(4)Whenonespousebecomesafugitivefromjusticeorisinhidingasanaccusedinacriminalcase.
Iftheotherspouseisnotqualifiedbyreasonofincompetence,conflictofinterest,oranyotherjust
cause,thecourtshallappointasuitablepersontobetheadministrator.(n)
CHAPTER6
RegimeofSeparationofProperty
ARTICLE143.Shouldthefuturespousesagreeinthemarriagesettlementsthattheirpropertyrelations
duringmarriageshallbegovernedbytheregimeofseparationofproperty,theprovisionsofthis
Chaptershallbesuppletory.(212a)
ARTICLE144.Separationofpropertymayrefertopresentorfuturepropertyorboth.Itmaybetotalor
partial.Inthelattercase,thepropertynotagreeduponasseparateshallpertaintotheabsolute
community.(213a)
ARTICLE145.Eachspouseshallown,disposeof,possess,administerandenjoyhisorherownseparate
estate,withoutneedoftheconsentoftheother.Toeachspouseshallbelongallearningsfromhisor
herprofession,businessorindustryandallfruits,natural,industrialorcivil,dueorreceivedduringthe
marriagefromhisorherseparateproperty.(214a)
ARTICLE146.Bothspousesshallbearthefamilyexpensesinproportiontotheirincome,or,incaseof
insufficiencyordefaultthereof,tothecurrentmarketvalueoftheirseparateproperties.
Theliabilitiesofthespousestocreditorsforfamilyexpensesshall,however,besolidary.(215a)
CHAPTER7
PropertyRegimeofUnionsWithoutMarriage
ARTICLE147.Whenamanandawomanwhoarecapacitatedtomarryeachother,liveexclusivelywith
eachotherashusbandandwifewithoutthebenefitofmarriageorunderavoidmarriage,theirwages
andsalariesshallbeownedbytheminequalsharesandthepropertyacquiredbybothofthemthrough
theirworkorindustryshallbegovernedbytherulesoncoownership.
Intheabsenceofprooftothecontrary,propertiesacquiredwhiletheylivedtogethershallbepresumed
tohavebeenobtainedbytheirjointefforts,workorindustry,andshallbeownedbytheminequal
shares.ForpurposesofthisArticle,apartywhodidnotparticipateintheacquisitionbytheotherparty
ofanypropertyshallbedeemedtohavecontributedjointlyintheacquisitionthereofiftheformers
effortsconsistedinthecareandmaintenanceofthefamilyandofthehousehold.
Neitherpartycanencumberordisposebyactsintervivosofhisorhershareinthepropertyacquired
duringcohabitationandownedincommon,withouttheconsentoftheother,untilafterthetermination
oftheircohabitation.
Whenonlyoneofthepartiestoavoidmarriageisingoodfaith,theshareofthepartyinbadfaithin
thecoownershipshallbeforfeitedinfavoroftheircommonchildren.Incaseofdefaultoforwaiverby
anyorallofthecommonchildrenortheirdescendants,eachvacantshareshallbelongtotherespective
survivingdescendants.Intheabsenceofdescendants,suchshareshallbelongtotheinnocentparty.In
allcases,theforfeitureshalltakeplaceuponterminationofthecohabitation.(144a)
ARTICLE148.IncasesofcohabitationnotfallingundertheprecedingArticle,onlytheproperties
acquiredbybothofthepartiesthroughtheiractualjointcontributionofmoney,property,orindustry
shallbeownedbythemincommoninproportiontotheirrespectivecontributions.Intheabsenceof
prooftothecontrary,theircontributionsandcorrespondingsharesarepresumedtobeequal.Thesame
ruleandpresumptionshallapplytojointdepositsofmoneyandevidencesofcredit.
Ifoneofthepartiesisvalidlymarriedtoanother,hisorhershareinthecoownershipshallaccruetothe
absolutecommunityorconjugalpartnershipexistinginsuchvalidmarriage.Ifthepartywhoactedin
badfaithisnotvalidlymarriedtoanother,hisorhershallbeforfeitedinthemannerprovidedinthelast
paragraphoftheprecedingArticle.
Theforegoingrulesonforfeitureshalllikewiseapplyevenifbothpartiesareinbadfaith.(144a)
TITLEV
TheFamily
CHAPTER1
TheFamilyasanInstitution
ARTICLE149.Thefamily,beingthefoundationofthenation,isabasicsocialinstitutionwhichpublic
policycherishesandprotects.Consequently,familyrelationsaregovernedbylawandnocustom,
practiceoragreementdestructiveofthefamilyshallberecognizedorgiveneffect.(216a,218a)
ARTICLE150.Familyrelationsincludethose:
(1)Betweenhusbandandwife;
(2)Betweenparentsandchildren;
(3)Amongotherascendantsanddescendants;and
(4)Amongbrothersandsisters,whetherofthefullorhalfblood.(217a)
ARTICLE151.Nosuitbetweenmembersofthesamefamilyshallprosperunlessitshouldappearfrom
theverifiedcomplaintorpetitionthatearnesteffortstowardacompromisehavebeenmade,butthat
thesamehavefailed.Ifitisshownthatnosucheffortswereinfactmade,thesamecasemustbe
dismissed.
ThisrulesshallnotapplytocaseswhichmaynotbethesubjectofcompromiseundertheCivilCode.
(222a)
CHAPTER2
TheFamilyHome
ARTICLE152.Thefamilyhome,constitutedjointlybythehusbandandthewifeorbyanunmarriedhead
ofafamily,isthedwellinghousewheretheyandtheirfamilyreside,andthelandonwhichitis
situated.(223a)
ARTICLE153.Thefamilyhomeisdeemedconstitutedonahouseandlotfromthetimeitisoccupiedas
afamilyresidence.Fromthetimeofitsconstitutionandsolongasanyofitsbeneficiariesactually
residestherein,thefamilyhomecontinuestobesuchandisexemptfromexecution,forcedsaleor
attachmentexceptashereinafterprovidedandtotheextentofthevalueallowedbylaw.(223a)
ARTICLE154.Thebeneficiariesofafamilyhomeare:
(1)Thehusbandandwife,oranunmarriedpersonwhoistheheadofafamily;and
(2)Theirparents,ascendants,descendants,brothersandsisters,whethertherelationshipbelegitimate
orillegitimate,whoarelivinginthefamilyhomeandwhodependupontheheadofthefamilyforlegal
support.(226a)
ARTICLE155.Thefamilyhomeshallbeexemptfromexecution,forcedsaleorattachmentexcept:
(1)Fornonpaymentoftaxes;
(2)Fordebtsincurredpriortotheconstitutionofthefamilyhome;
(3)Fordebtssecuredbymortgagesonthepremisesbeforeoraftersuchconstitution;and
(4)Fordebtsduetolaborers,mechanics,architects,builders,materialmenandotherswhohave
renderedserviceorfurnishedmaterialfortheconstructionofthebuilding.(243a)
ARTICLE156.Thefamilyhomemustbepartofthepropertiesoftheabsolutecommunityortheconjugal
partnership,oroftheexclusivepropertiesofeitherspousewiththelattersconsent.Itmayalsobe
constitutedbyanunmarriedheadofafamilyonhisorherownproperty.
Nevertheless,propertythatisthesubjectofaconditionalsaleoninstallmentswhereownershipis
reservedbythevendoronlytoguaranteepaymentofthepurchasepricemaybeconstitutedasafamily
home.(227a,228a).
ARTICLE157.Theactualvalueofthefamilyhomeshallnotexceed,atthetimeofitsconstitution,the
amountofthethreehundredthousandpesosinurbanareas,andtwohundredthousandpesosinrural
areas,orsuchamountsasmayhereafterbefixedbylaw.
Inanyevent,ifthevalueofthecurrencychangesaftertheadoptionofthisCode,thevaluemost
favorablefortheconstitutionofafamilyhomeshallbethebasisofevaluation.
ForpurposesofthisArticle,urbanareasaredeemedtoincludecharteredcitiesandmunicipalities
whoseannualincomeatleastequalsthatlegallyrequiredforcharteredcities.Allothersaredeemedto
beruralareas.(231a)
ARTICLE158.Thefamilyhomemaybesold,alienated,donated,assignedorencumberedbytheowner
orownersthereofwiththewrittenconsentofthepersonconstitutingthesame,thelattersspouse,and
amajorityofthebeneficiariesoflegalage.Incaseofconflict,thecourtshalldecide.(235a)
ARTICLE159.Thefamilyhomeshallcontinuedespitethedeathofoneorbothspousesorofthe
unmarriedheadofthefamilyforaperiodoftenyearsorforaslongasthereisaminorbeneficiary,and
theheirscannotpartitionthesameunlessthecourtfindscompellingreasonstherefor.Thisruleshall
applyregardlessofwhoeverownsthepropertyorconstitutedthefamilyhome.(238a)
ARTICLE160.WhenacreditorwhoseclaimsisnotamongthosementionedinArticle155obtainsa
judgmentnhisfavor,andhehasreasonablegroundstobelievethatthefamilyhomeisactuallyworth
morethanthemaximumamountfixedinArticle157,hemayapplytothecourtwhichrenderedthe
judgmentforanorderdirectingthesaleofthepropertyunderexecution.Thecourtshallsoorderifit
findsthattheactualvalueofthefamilyhomeexceedsthemaximumamountallowedbylawasofthe
timeofitsconstitution.IftheincreasedactualvalueexceedsthemaximumallowedinArticle157and
resultsfromsubsequentvoluntaryimprovementsintroducedbythepersonorpersonsconstitutingthe
familyhome,bytheownerorownersoftheproperty,orbyanyofthebeneficiaries,thesameruleand
procedureshallapply.
Attheexecutionsale,nobidbelowthevalueallowedforafamilyhomeshallbeconsidered.The
proceedsshallbeappliedfirsttotheamountmentionedinArticle157,andthentotheliabilitiesunder
thejudgmentandthecosts.Theexcess,ifany,shallbedeliveredtothejudgmentdebtor.(247a,248a)
ARTICLE161.ForpurposesofavailingofthebenefitsofafamilyhomeasprovidedforinthisChapter,a
personmayconstitute,orbethebeneficiaryof,onlyonefamilyhome.(n)
ARTICLE162.TheprovisionsinthisChaptershallalsogovernexistingfamilyresidencesinsofarassaid
provisionsareapplicable.(n)
TITLEVI
PaternityandFiliation
CHAPTER1
LegitimateChildren
ARTICLE163.Thefiliationofchildrenmaybebynatureorbyadoption.Naturalfiliationmaybe
legitimateorillegitimate.(n)
ARTICLE164.Childrenconceivedorbornduringthemarriageoftheparentsarelegitimate.
Childrenconceivedasaresultofartificialinseminationofthewifewiththespermofthehusbandor
thatofadonororbotharelikewiselegitimatechildrenofthehusbandandhiswife,provided,thatboth
ofthemauthorizedorratifiedsuchinseminationinawritteninstrumentexecutedandsignedbythem
beforethebirthofthechild.Theinstrumentshallberecordedinthecivilregistrytogetherwiththebirth
certificateofthechild.(55a,258a)
ARTICLE165.Childrenconceivedandbornoutsideavalidmarriageareillegitimate,unlessotherwise
providedinthisCode.(n)
ARTICLE166.Legitimacyofachildmaybeimpugnedonlyonthefollowinggrounds:
(1)Thatitwasphysicallyimpossibleforthehusbandtohavesexualintercoursewithhiswifewithinthe
first120daysofthe300dayswhichimmediatelyprecededthebirthofthechildbecauseof:
(a)thephysicalincapacityofthehusbandtohavesexualintercoursewithhiswife;
(b)thefactthatthehusbandandwifewerelivingseparatelyinsuchawaythatsexualintercoursewas
notpossible;or
(c)seriousillnessofthehusband,whichabsolutelypreventedsexualintercourse;
(2)Thatitisprovedthatforbiologicalorotherscientificreasons,thechildcouldnothavebeenthatof
thehusband,exceptintheinstanceprovidedinthesecondparagraphofArticle164;or
(3)Thatincaseofchildrenconceivedthroughartificialinsemination,thewrittenauthorizationor
ratificationofeitherparentwasobtainedthroughmistake,fraud,violence,intimidation,orundue
influence.(255a)
ARTICLE167.Thechildshallbeconsideredlegitimatealthoughthemothermayhavedeclaredagainstits
legitimacyormayhavebeensentencedasanadulteress.(256a)
ARTICLE168.Ifthemarriageisterminatedandthemothercontractedanothermarriagewithinthree
hundreddaysaftersuchterminationoftheformermarriage,theserulesshallgovernintheabsenceof
prooftothecontrary:
(1)Achildbornbeforeonehundredeightydaysafterthesolemnizationofthesubsequentmarriageis
consideredtohavebeenconceivedduringtheformermarriage,provideditbebornwithinthree
hundreddaysaftertheterminationoftheformermarriage;
(2)Achildbornafteronehundredeightydaysfollowingthecelebrationofthesubsequentmarriageis
consideredtohavebeenconceivedduringsuchmarriage,eventhoughitbebornwithinthethree
hundreddaysaftertheterminationoftheformermarriage.(259a)
ARTICLE169.Thelegitimacyorillegitimacyofachildbornafterthreehundreddaysfollowingthe
terminationofthemarriageshallbeprovedbywhoeverallegessuchlegitimacyorillegitimacy.(261a)
ARTICLE170.Theactiontoimpugnthelegitimacyofthechildshallbebroughtwithinoneyearfromthe
knowledgeofthebirthoritsrecordinginthecivilregister,ifthehusbandor,inapropercase,anyofhis
heirs,shouldresideinthecityormunicipalitywherethebirthtookplaceorwasrecorded.
Ifthehusbandor,inhisdefault,allofhisheirsdonotresideattheplaceofbirthasdefinedinthefirst
paragraphorwhereitwasrecorded,theperiodshallbetwoyearsiftheyshouldresideinthe
Philippines;andthreeyearsifabroad.Ifthebirthofthechildhasbeenconcealedfromorwasunknown
tothehusbandorhisheirs,theperiodshallbecountedfromthediscoveryorknowledgeofthebirthof
thechildorofthefactofregistrationofsaidbirth,whicheverisearlier.(263a)
ARTICLE171.Theheirsofthehusbandmayimpugnthefiliationofthechildwithintheperiodprescribed
intheprecedingarticleonlyinthefollowingcases:
(1)Ifthehusbandshoulddiebeforetheexpirationoftheperiodfixedforbringinghisaction;
(2)Ifheshoulddieafterthefilingofthecomplaintwithouthavingdesistedtherefrom;or
(3)Ifthechildwasbornafterthedeathofthehusband.(262a)
CHAPTER2
ProofofFiliation
ARTICLE172.Thefiliationoflegitimatechildrenisestablishedbyanyofthefollowing:
(1)Therecordofbirthappearinginthecivilregisterorafinaljudgment;or
(2)Anadmissionoflegitimatefiliationinapublicdocumentoraprivatehandwritteninstrumentand
signedbytheparentconcerned.
Intheabsenceoftheforegoingevidence,thelegitimatefiliationshallbeprovedby:
(1)Theopenandcontinuouspossessionofthestatusofalegitimatechild;or
(2)AnyothermeansallowedbytheRulesofCourtandspeciallaws.(265a,266a,267a)
ARTICLE173.Theactiontoclaimlegitimacymaybebroughtbythechildduringhisorherlifetimeand
shallbetransmittedtotheheirsshouldthechilddieduringminorityorinastateofinsanity.Inthese
cases,theheirsshallhaveaperiodoffiveyearswithinwhichtoinstitutetheaction.
ARTICLE174.Legitimatechildrenshallhavetheright:
(1)Tobearthesurnamesofthefatherandthemother,inconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheCivil
CodeonSurnames;
(2)Toreceivesupportfromtheirparents,theirascendants,andinpropercases,theirbrothersand
sisters,inconformitywiththeprovisionsofthisCodeonSupport;and
(3)TobeentitledtothelegitimeandothersuccessionalrightsgrantedtothembytheCivilCode.(264a)
CHAPTER3
IllegitimateChildren
ARTICLE175.Illegitimatechildrenmayestablishtheirillegitimatefiliationinthesamewayandonthe
sameevidenceaslegitimatechildren.
TheactionmustbebroughtwithinthesameperiodspecifiedinArticle173,exceptwhentheactionis
basedonthesecondparagraphofArticle172,inwhichcasetheactionmaybebroughtduringthe
lifetimeoftheallegedparent.(289a)
ARTICLE176.Illegitimatechildrenshallusethesurnameandshallbeundertheparentalauthorityof
theirmother,andshallbeentitledtosupportinconformitywiththisCode.Thelegitimeofeach
illegitimatechildshallconsistofonehalfofthelegitimeofalegitimatechild.Exceptforthis
modification,allotherprovisionsintheCivilCodegoverningsuccessionalrightsshallremaininforce.
(287a)
CHAPTER4
LegitimatedChildren
ARTICLE177.Onlychildrenconceivedandbornoutsideofwedlockofparentswho,atthetimeofthe
conceptionoftheformer,werenotdisqualifiedbyanyimpedimenttomarryeachothermaybe
legitimated.(269a)
ARTICLE178.Legitimationshalltakeplacebyasubsequentvalidmarriagebetweenparents.The
annulmentofavoidablemarriageshallnotaffectthelegitimation.(270a)
ARTICLE179.Legitimatedchildrenshallenjoythesamerightsaslegitimatechildren.(272a)
ARTICLE180.Theeffectsoflegitimationshallretroacttothetimeofthechildsbirth.(273a)
ARTICLE181.Thelegitimationofchildrenwhodiedbeforethecelebrationofthemarriageshallbenefit
theirdescendants.(274)
ARTICLE182.Legitimationmaybeimpugnedonlybythosewhoareprejudicedintheirrights,withinfive
yearsfromthetimetheircauseofactionaccrues.(275a)
TITLEVII
Adoption
ARTICLE183.Apersonofageandinpossessionoffullcivilcapacityandlegalrightsmayadopt,provided
heisinapositiontosupportandcareforhischildren,legitimateorillegitimate,inkeepingwiththe
meansofthefamily.
Onlyminorsmaybeadopted,exceptinthecaseswhentheadoptionofapersonofmajorityageis
allowedinthisTitle.
Inaddition,theadoptermustbeatleastsixteenyearsolderthanthepersontobeadopted,unlessthe
adopteristheparentbynatureoftheadopted,oristhespouseofthelegitimateparentoftheperson
tobeadopted.(27a,EO91andPD603)
ARTICLE184.Thefollowingpersonsmaynotadopt:
(1)Theguardianwithrespecttothewardpriortotheapprovalofthefinalaccountsrendereduponthe
terminationoftheirguardianshiprelation;
(2)Anypersonwhohasbeenconvictedofacrimeinvolvingmoralturpitude;
(3)Analien,except:
(a)AformerFilipinocitizenwhoseekstoadoptarelativebyconsanguinity;
(b)OnewhoseekstoadoptthelegitimatechildofhisorherFilipinospouse;or
(c)OnewhoismarriedtoaFilipinocitizenandseekstoadoptjointlywithhisorherspousearelativeby
consanguinityofthelatter.
AliensnotincludedintheforegoingexceptionsmayadoptFilipinochildreninaccordancewiththerules
onintercountryadoptionasmaybeprovidedbylaw.(28a,EO91andPD603)
ARTICLE185.Husbandandwifemustjointlyadopt,exceptinthefollowingcases:
(1)Whenonespouseseekstoadopthisownillegitimatechild;or
(2)Whenonespouseseekstoadoptthelegitimatechildoftheother.(29a,EO91andPD603)
ARTICLE186.Incasehusbandandwifejointlyadoptoronespouseadoptsthelegitimatechildofthe
other,jointparentalauthorityshallbeexercisedbythespousesnaccordancewiththisCode.(29a,EO
andPD603)
ARTICLE187.Thefollowingmaynotbeadopted:
(1)Apersonoflegalage,unlessheorsheisachildbynatureoftheadopterorhisorherspouse,or,
priortotheadoption,saidpersonhasbeenconsistentlyconsideredandtreatedbytheadopterashisor
herownchildduringminority.
(2)AnalienwithwhosegovernmenttheRepublicofthePhilippineshasnodiplomaticrelations;and
(3)Apersonwhohasalreadybeenadoptedunlesssuchadoptionhasbeenpreviouslyrevokedor
rescinded.(30a,EO91andPD603)
ARTICLE188.Thewrittenconsentofthefollowingtotheadoptionshallbenecessary:
(1)Thepersontobeadopted,iftenyearsofageorover,
(2)Theparentsbynatureofthechild,thelegalguardian,orthepropergovernmentinstrumentality;
(3)Thelegitimateandadoptedchildren,tenyearsofageorover,oftheadoptingparentorparents;
(4)Theillegitimatechildren,tenyearsofageorover,oftheadoptingparent,iflivingwithsaidparent
andthelattersspouse,ifany;and
(5)Thespouse,ifany,ofthepersonadoptingortobeadopted.(31a,EO91andPD603)
ARTICLE189.Adoptionshallhavethefollowingeffects:
(1)Forcivilpurposes,theadoptedshallbedeemedtobealegitimatechildoftheadoptersandboth
shallacquirethereciprocalrightsandobligationsarisingfromtherelationshipofparentandchild,
includingtherightoftheadoptedtousethesurnameoftheadopters;
(2)Theparentalauthorityoftheparentsbynatureovertheadoptedshallterminateandbevestedin
theadopters,exceptthatiftheadopteristhespouseoftheparentbynatureoftheadopted,parental
authorityovertheadoptedshallbeexercisedjointlybybothspouses;and
(3)Theadoptedshallremainanintestateheirofhisparentsandotherbloodrelatives.(39(1)a,(3)a,PD
603)
ARTICLE190.Legalorintestatesuccessiontotheestateoftheadoptedshallbegovernedbythe
followingrules:
(1)Legitimateandillegitimatechildrenanddescendantsandthesurvivingspouseoftheadoptedshall
inheritfromtheadopted,inaccordancewiththeordinaryrulesoflegalorintestatesuccession;
(2)Whentheparents,legitimateorillegitimate,orthelegitimateascendantsoftheadoptedconcurwith
theadopters,theyshalldividetheentireestate,onehalftobeinheritedbytheparentsorascendants
andtheotherhalf,bytheadopters;
(3)Whenthesurvivingspouseortheillegitimatechildrenoftheadoptedconcurwiththeadopters,they
shalldividetheentireestateinequalshares,onehalftobeinheritedbythespouseortheillegitimate
childrenoftheadoptedandtheotherhalf,bytheadopters.
(4)Whentheadoptersconcurwiththeillegitimatechildrenandthesurvivingspouseoftheadopted,
theyshalldividetheentireestateinequalshares,onethirdtobeinheritedbytheillegitimatechildren,
onethirdbythesurvivingspouse,andonethirdbytheadopters;
(5)Whenonlytheadopterssurvive,theyshallinherittheentireestate;and
(6)Whenonlycollateralbloodrelativesoftheadoptedsurvive,thentheordinaryrulesoflegalor
intestatesuccessionshallapply.(39(4)a,PD603)
ARTICLE191.Iftheadoptedisaminororotherwiseincapacitated,theadoptionmaybejudicially
rescindeduponpetitionofanypersonauthorizedbythecourtorpropergovernmentinstrumental
actingonhisbehalf,onthesamegroundsprescribedforlossorsuspensionofparentalauthority.Ifthe
adoptedisatleasteighteenyearsofage,hemaypetitionforjudicialrescissionoftheadoptiononthe
samegroundsprescribedfordisinheritinganascendant.(40a,PD603)
ARTICLE192.Theadoptersmaypetitionthecourtforthejudicialrescissionoftheadoptioninanyofthe
followingcases:
(1)Iftheadoptedhascommittedanyactconstitutingagroundfordisinheritingadescendant;or
(2)Whentheadoptedhasabandonedthehomeoftheadoptersduringminorityforatleastoneyear,
or,bysomeotheracts,hasdefinitelyrepudiatedtheadoption.(41a,PD603)
ARTICLE193.Iftheadoptedminorhasnotreachedtheageofmajorityatthetimeofthejudicial
rescissionoftheadoption,thecourtinthesameproceedingshallreinstatetheparentalauthorityofthe
parentsbynature,unlessthelatteraredisqualifiedorincapacitated,inwhichcasethecourtshall
appointaguardianoverthepersonandpropertyoftheminor.Iftheadoptedpersonisphysicallyor
mentallyhandicapped,thecourtshallappointinthesameproceedingaguardianoverhispersonor
propertyorboth.
Judicialrescissionoftheadoptionshallextinguishallreciprocalrightsandobligationsbetweenthe
adoptersandtheadoptedarisingfromtherelationshipofparentandchild.Theadoptedshalllikewise
losetherighttousethesurnamesoftheadoptersandshallresumehissurnamepriortotheadoption.
Thecourtshallaccordinglyordertheamendmentoftherecordsintheproperregistries.(42a,PD603)
TITLEVIII
Support
ARTICLE194.Supportcompromiseseverythingindispensableforsustenance,dwelling,clothing,medical
attendance,educationandtransportation,inkeepingwiththefinancialcapacityofthefamily.
Theeducationofthepersonentitledtobesupportedreferredtointheprecedingparagraphshall
includehisschoolingortrainingforsomeprofession,tradeorvocation,evenbeyondtheageof
majority.Transportationshallincludeexpensesingoingtoandfromschool,ortoandfromplaceof
work.(290a)
ARTICLE195.Subjecttotheprovisionsofthesucceedingarticles,thefollowingareobligedtosupport
eachothertothewholeextentsetforthintheprecedingarticle:
(1)Thespouses;
(2)Legitimateascendantsanddescendants;
(3)Parentsandtheirlegitimatechildrenandthelegitimateandillegitimatechildrenofthelatter;
(4)Parentsandtheirillegitimatechildrenandthelegitimateandillegitimatechildrenofthelatter;and
(5)Legitimatebrothersandsisters,whetheroffullorhalfblood(291a)
ARTICLE196.Brothersandsistersnotlegitimatelyrelated,whetherofthefullorhalfblood,arelikewise
boundtosupporteachothertothefullextentsetforthinArticle194,exceptonlywhentheneedfor
supportofthebrotherorsister,beingofage,isduetoacauseimputabletotheclaimantsfaultor
negligence.(291a)
ARTICLE197.Incaseoflegitimateascendants;descendants,whetherlegitimateorillegitimate;and
brothersandsisters,whetherlegitimatelyorillegitimatelyrelated,onlytheseparatepropertyofthe
personobligedtogivesupportshallbeanswerableprovidedthatincasetheobligorhasnoseparate
property,theabsolutecommunityortheconjugalpartnership,iffinanciallycapable,shalladvancethe
support,whichshallbedeductedfromtheshareofthespouseobligedupontheliquidationofthe
absolutecommunityoroftheconjugalpartnership.(n)
ARTICLE198.Duringtheproceedingsforlegalseparationorforannulmentofmarriage,andfor
declarationofnullityofmarriage,thespousesandtheirchildrenshallbesupportedfromtheproperties
oftheabsolutecommunityortheconjugalpartnership.Afterthefinaljudgmentgrantingthepetition,
theobligationofmutualsupportbetweenthespousesceases.However,incaseoflegalseparation,the
courtmayorderthattheguiltyspouseshallgivesupporttotheinnocentone,specifyingthetermsof
suchorder.(292a)
ARTICLE199.Whenevertwoormorepersonsareobligedtogivesupport,theliabilityshalldevolveupon
thefollowingpersonsintheorderhereinprovided:
(1)Thespouse;
(2)Thedescendantsinthenearestdegree;
(3)Theascendantsinthenearestdegree;and
(4)Thebrothersandsisters.(294a)
ARTICLE200.Whentheobligationtogivesupportfallsupontwoormorepersons,thepaymentofthe
sameshallbedividedbetweentheminproportiontotheresourcesofeach.
However,incaseofurgentneedandbyspecialcircumstances,thejudgemayorderonlyoneofthemto
furnishthesupportprovisionally,withoutprejudicetohisrighttoclaimfromtheotherobligorsthe
shareduefromthem.
Whentwoormorerecipientsatthesametimeclaimsupportfromoneandthesamepersonlegally
obligedtogiveit,shouldthelatternothavesufficientmeanstosatisfyallclaims,theorderestablished
intheprecedingarticleshallbefollowed,unlesstheconcurrentobligeesshouldbethespouseanda
childsubjecttoparentalauthority,inwhichcasethechildshallbepreferred.(295a)
ARTICLE201.Theamountofsupport,inthecasesreferredtoinArticles195and196,shallbein
proportiontotheresourcesormeansofthegiverandtothenecessitiesoftherecipient.(296a)
ARTICLE202.Supportinthecasesreferredtointheprecedingarticleshallbereducedorincreased
proportionately,accordingtothereductionorincreaseofthenecessitiesoftherecipientandthe
resourcesormeansofthepersonobligedtofurnishthesame.(297a)
ARTICLE203.Theobligationtogivesupportshallbedemandablefromthetimethepersonwhohasa
righttoreceivethesameneedsitformaintenance,butitshallnotbepaidexceptfromthedateof
judicialorextrajudicialdemand.
SupportpendentelitemaybeclaimedinaccordancewiththeRulesofCourt.
Paymentshallbemadewithinthefirstfivedaysofeachcorrespondingmonthorwhentherecipient
dies,hisheirsshallnotbeobligedtoreturnwhathehasreceivedinadvance.(298a)
ARTICLE204.Thepersonobligedtogivesupportshallhavetheoptiontofulfilltheobligationeitherby
payingtheallowancefixed,orbyreceivingandmaintaininginthefamilydwellingthepersonwhohasa
righttoreceivesupport.Thelatteralternativecannotbeavailedofincasethereisamoralorlegal
obstaclethereto.(299a)
ARTICLE205.TherighttoreceivesupportunderthisTitleaswellasanymoneyorpropertyobtainedas
suchsupportshallnotbeleviedupononattachmentorexecution.(302a)
ARTICLE206.When,withouttheknowledgeofthepersonobligedtogivesupport,itisgivenbya
stranger,thelattershallhavearighttoclaimthesamefromtheformer,unlessitappearsthathegaveit
withoutintentionofbeingreimbursed.(2164a)
ARTICLE207.Whenthepersonobligedtosupportanotherunjustlyrefusesorfailstogivesupportwhen
urgentlyneededbythelatter,anythirdpersonmayfurnishsupporttotheneedyindividual,withright
ofreimbursementfromthepersonobligedtogivesupport.ThisArticleshallparticularlyapplywhenthe
fatherormotherofachildundertheageofmajorityunjustlyrefusestosupportorfailstogivesupport
tothechildwhenurgentlyneeded.(2166a)
ARTICLE208.Incaseofcontractualsupportorthatgivenbywill,theexcessinamountbeyondthat
requiredforlegalsupportshallbesubjecttolevyonattachmentorexecution.
Furthermore,contractualsupportshallbesubjecttoadjustmentwhenevermodificationisnecessary
duetochangesofcircumstancesmanifestlybeyondthecontemplationoftheparties.(n)
TITLEIX
ParentalAuthority
CHAPTER1
GeneralProvisions
ARTICLE209.Pursuanttothenaturalrightanddutyofparentsoverthepersonandpropertyoftheir
unemancipatedchildren,parentalauthorityandresponsibilityshallincludethecaringforandrearing
themforcivicconsciousnessandefficiencyandthedevelopmentoftheirmoral,mentalandphysical
characterandwellbeing.(n)
ARTICLE210.Parentalauthorityandresponsibilitymaynotberenouncedortransferredexceptinthe
casesauthorizedbylaw.(313a)
ARTICLE211.Thefatherandthemothershalljointlyexerciseparentalauthorityoverthepersonsof
theircommonchildren.Incaseofdisagreement,thefathersdecisionshallprevail,unlessthereisa
judicialordertothecontrary.
Childrenshallalwaysobserverespectandreverencetowardstheirparentsandareobligedtoobeythem
aslongasthechildrenareunderparentalauthority.(311a)
ARTICLE212.Incaseofabsenceordeathofeitherparent,theparentpresentshallcontinueexercising
parentalauthority.Theremarriageofthesurvivingparentshallnotaffecttheparentalauthorityover
thechildren,unlessthecourtappointsanotherpersontobetheguardianofthepersonorpropertyof
thechildren.(n)
ARTICLE213.Incaseofseparationoftheparents,parentalauthorityshallbeexercisedbytheparent
designatedbytheCourt.TheCourtshalltakeintoaccountallrelevantconsiderations,especiallythe
choiceofthechildoversevenyearsofage,unlesstheparentchosenisunfit.(n)
ARTICLE214.Incaseofdeath,absenceorunsuitabilityoftheparents,substituteparentalauthorityshall
beexercisedbythesurvivinggrandparent.Incaseseveralsurvive,theonedesignatedbythecourt,
takingintoaccountthesameconsiderationmentionedintheprecedingarticle,shallexercisethe
authority.(355a)
ARTICLE215.Nodescendantshallbecompelled,inacriminalcase,totestifyagainsthisparentsand
grandparents,exceptwhensuchtestimonyisindispensableinacrimeagainstthedescendantorbyone
parentagainsttheother.(315a)
CHAPTER2
SubstituteandSpecialParentalAuthority
ARTICLE216.Indefaultofparentsorajudiciallyappointedguardian,thefollowingpersonsshallexercise
substituteparentalauthorityoverthechildintheorderindicated:
(1)Thesurvivinggrandparent,asprovidedinArt.214;
(2)Theoldestbrotherorsister,overtwentyoneyearsofage,unlessunfitordisqualified;and
(3)Thechildsactualcustodian,overtwentyoneyearsofage,unlessunfitordisqualified.
Whenevertheappointmentorajudicialguardianoverthepropertyofthechildbecomesnecessary,the
sameorderofpreferenceshallbeobserved.(349a,351a,354a)
ARTICLE217.Incaseoffoundlings,abandonedneglectedorabusedchildrenandotherchildrensimilarly
situated,parentalauthorityshallbeentrustedinsummaryjudicialproceedingstoheadsofchildrens
homes,orphanagesandsimilarinstitutionsdulyaccreditedbythepropergovernmentagency.(314a)
ARTICLE218.Theschool,itsadministratorsandteachers,ortheindividual,entityorinstitutionengaged
inchildareshallhavespecialparentalauthorityandresponsibilityovertheminorchildwhileundertheir
supervision,instructionorcustody.
Authorityandresponsibilityshallapplytoallauthorizedactivitieswhetherinsideoroutsidethe
premisesoftheschool,entityorinstitution.(349a)
ARTICLE219.ThosegiventheauthorityandresponsibilityundertheprecedingArticleshallbeprincipally
andsolidarilyliablefordamagescausedbytheactsoromissionsoftheunemancipatedminor.The
parents,judicialguardiansorthepersonsexercisingsubstituteparentalauthorityoversaidminorshall
besubsidiarilyliable.
Therespectiveliabilitiesofthosereferredtointheprecedingparagraphshallnotapplyifitisproved
thattheyexercisedtheproperdiligencerequiredundertheparticularcircumstances.
Allothercasesnotcoveredbythisandtheprecedingarticlesshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsofthe
CivilCodeonquasidelicts.(n)
CHAPTER3
EffectofParentalAuthorityUponthePersonsoftheChildren
ARTICLE220.Theparentsandthoseexercisingparentalauthorityshallhavewiththerespecttotheir
unemancipatedchildrenorwardsthefollowingrightsandduties:
(1)Tokeepthemintheircompany,tosupport,educateandinstructthembyrightpreceptandgood
example,andtoprovidefortheirupbringinginkeepingwiththeirmeans;
(2)Togivethemloveandaffection,adviceandcounsel,companionshipandunderstanding;
(3)Toprovidethemwithmoralandspiritualguidance,inculcateinthemhonesty,integrity,self
discipline,selfreliance,industryandthrift,stimulatetheirinterestincivicaffairs,andinspireinthem
compliancewiththedutiesofcitizenship;
(4)Toenhance,protect,preserveandmaintaintheirphysicalandmentalhealthatalltimes;
(5)Tofurnishthemwithgoodandwholesomeeducationalmaterials,supervisetheiractivities,
recreationandassociationwithothers,protectthemfrombadcompany,andpreventthemfrom
acquiringhabitsdetrimentaltotheirhealth,studiesandmorals;
(6)Torepresenttheminallmattersaffectingtheirinterests;
(7)Todemandfromthemrespectandobedience;
(8)Toimposedisciplineonthemasmayberequiredunderthecircumstances;and
(9)Toperformsuchotherdutiesasareimposedbylawuponparentsandguardians.(316a)
ARTICLE221.Parentsandotherpersonsexercisingparentalauthorityshallbecivillyliableforthe
injuriesanddamagescausedbytheactsoromissionsoftheirunemancipatedchildrenlivingintheir
companyandundertheirparentalauthoritysubjecttotheappropriatedefensesprovidedbylaw.
(2180(2)aand(4)a)
ARTICLE222.Thecourtsmayappointaguardianofthechildspropertyoraguardianadlitemwhenthe
bestinterestsofthechildsorequires.(317)
ARTICLE223.Theparentsor,intheirabsenceorincapacity,theindividual,entityorinstitutionexercising
parentalauthority,maypetitionthepropercourtoftheplacewherethechildresides,foranorder
providingfordisciplinarymeasuresoverthechild.Thechildshallbeentitledtotheassistanceof
counsel,eitherofhischoiceorappointedbythecourt,andasummaryhearingshallbeconducted
whereinthepetitionerandthechildshallbeheard.
However,ifinthesameproceedingthecourtfindsthepetitioneratfault,irrespectiveofthemeritsof
thepetition,orwhenthecircumstancessowarrant,thecourtmayalsoorderthedeprivationor
suspensionofparentalauthorityoradoptsuchothermeasuresasitmaydeemjustandproper.(318a)
ARTICLE224.Themeasuresreferredtointheprecedingarticlemayincludethecommitmentofthechild
fornotmorethanthirtydaysinentitiesorinstitutionsengagedinchildcareorinchildrenshomesduly
accreditedbythepropergovernmentagency.
Theparentexercisingparentalauthorityshallnotinterferewiththecareofthechildwhenever
committedbutshallprovideforhissupport.Uponproperpetitionoratitsowninstance,thecourtmay
terminatethecommitmentofthechildwheneverjustandproper.(391a)
CHAPTER4
EffectofParentalAuthorityUponthePropertyoftheChildren
ARTICLE225.Thefatherandthemothershalljointlyexerciselegalguardianshipoverthepropertyofthe
unemancipatedcommonchildwithoutthenecessityofacourtappointment.ncaseofdisagreement,the
fathersdecisionshallprevail,unlessthereisajudicialordertothecontrary.
WherethemarketvalueofthepropertyortheannualincomeofthechildexceedsP50,000,theparent
concernedshallberequiredtofurnishabondinsuchamountasthecourtmaydetermine,butnotless
thantenpercentum(10%)ofthevalueofthepropertyorannualincome,toguaranteethe
performanceoftheobligationsprescribedforgeneralguardians.
Averifiedpetitionforapprovalofthebondshallbefiledinthepropercourtoftheplacewherethechild
resides,or,ifthechildresidesinaforeigncountry,inthepropercourtoftheplacewheretheproperty
oranypartthereofissituated.
Thepetitionshallbedocketedasasummaryspecialproceedinginwhichallincidentsandissues
regardingtheperformanceoftheobligationsreferredtointhesecondparagraphofthisArticleshallbe
heardandresolved.
Theordinaryrulesonguardianshipshallbemerelysuppletoryexceptwhenthechildisundersubstitute
parentalauthority,ortheguardianisastranger,oraparenthasremarried,inwhichcasetheordinary
rulesonguardianshipshallapply.(320a)
ARTICLE226.Thepropertyoftheunemancipatedchildearnedoracquiredwithhisworkorindustryor
byonerousorgratuitoustitleshallbelongtothechildinownershipandshallbedevotedexclusivelyto
thelatterssupportandeducation,unlessthetitleortransferprovidesotherwise.
Therightoftheparentsoverthefruitsandincomeofthechildspropertyshallbelimitedprimarilyto
thechildssupportandsecondarilytothecollectivedailyneedsofthefamily.(321a,323a)
ARTICLE227.Iftheparentsentrustthemanagementoradministrationofanyoftheirpropertiestoan
unemancipatedchild,thenetproceedsofsuchpropertyshallbelongtotheowner.Thechildshallbe
givenareasonablemonthlyallowanceinanamountnotlessthanthatwhichtheownerwouldhavepaid
iftheadministratorwereastranger,unlesstheowner,grantstheentireproceedstothechild.Inany
case,theproceedsthusgiveninwholeorinpartshallnotbechargedtothechildslegitime.(322a)
CHAPTER5
SuspensionorTerminationofParentalAuthority
ARTICLE228.Parentalauthorityterminatespermanently:
(1)Uponthedeathoftheparents;
(2)Uponthedeathofthechild;or
(3)Uponemancipationofthechild.(327a)
ARTICLE229.Unlesssubsequentlyrevivedbyafinaljudgment,parentalauthorityalsoterminates:
(1)Uponadoptionofthechild;
(2)Uponappointmentofageneralguardian;
(3)Uponjudicialdeclarationofabandonmentofthechildinacasefiledforthepurpose;
(4)Uponfinaljudgmentofacompetentcourtdivestingthepartyconcernedofparentalauthority;or
(5)Uponjudicialdeclarationofabsenceorincapacityofthepersonexercisingparentalauthority.(327a)
ARTICLE230.Parentalauthorityissuspendeduponconvictionoftheparentorthepersonexercisingthe
sameofacrimewhichcarrieswithitthepenaltyofcivilinterdiction.Theauthorityisautomatically
reinstateduponserviceofthepenaltyoruponpardonoramnestyoftheoffender.(330a)
ARTICLE231.Thecourtinanactionfiledforthepurposeinarelatedcasemayalsosuspendparental
authorityiftheparentorthepersonexercisingthesame:
(1)Treatsthechildwithexcessiveharshnessorcruelty;
(2)Givesthechildcorruptingorders,counselorexample;
(3)Compelsthechildtobeg;or
(4)Subjectsthechildorallowshimtobesubjectedtoactsoflasciviousness.
Thegroundsenumeratedabovearedeemedtoincludecaseswhichhaveresultedfromculpable
negligenceoftheparentorthepersonexercisingparentalauthority.
Ifthedegreeofseriousnesssowarrants,orthewelfareofthechildsodemands,thecourtshalldeprive
theguiltypartyofparentalauthorityoradoptsuchothermeasuresasmaybeproperunderthe
circumstances.
Thesuspensionordeprivationmayberevokedandtheparentalauthorityrevivedinacasefiledforthe
purposeorinthesameproceedingifthecourtfindsthatthecausethereforhasceasedandwillnotbe
repeated.(33a)
ARTICLE232.Ifthepersonexercisingparentalauthorityhassubjectedthechildorallowedhimtobe
subjectedtosexualabuse,suchpersonshallbepermanentlydeprivedbythecourtofsuchauthority.
(n)
ARTICLE233.Thepersonexercisingsubstituteparentalauthorityshallhavethesameauthorityoverthe
personofthechildastheparents.
Innocaseshalltheschooladministrator,teacherorindividualengagedinchildcareexercisingspecial
parentalauthorityinflictcorporalpunishmentuponthechild.(n)
TITLEX
EmancipationandAgeofMajority
ARTICLE234.Emancipationtakesplacebytheattainmentofmajority.Unlessotherwiseprovided,
majoritycommencesattheageoftwentyoneyears.
Emancipationalsotakesplace:
(1)Bythemarriageoftheminor;or
(2)BytherecordingintheCivilRegisterofanagreementinapublicinstrumentexecutedbytheparent
exercisingparentalauthorityandtheminoratleasteighteenyearsofage.Suchemancipationshallbe
irrevocable.(397a,398a,400a,401a)
ARTICLE235.Theprovisionsgoverningemancipationbyrecordedagreementshallalsoapplytoan
orphanminorandthepersonexercisingparentalauthoritybuttheagreementmustbeapprovedbythe
courtbeforeitisrecorded.(n)
ARTICLE236.Emancipationforanycauseshallterminateparentalauthorityoverthepersonand
propertyofthechildwhoshallthenbequalifiedandresponsibleforallactsofcivillife.(412a)
ARTICLE237.Theannulmentordeclarationofnullityofthemarriageofaminororoftherecorded
agreementmentionedintheforegoing.Articles234and235shallrevivetheparentalauthorityoverthe
minorbutshallnotaffectactsandtransactionsthattookplacepriortotherecordingofthefinal
judgmentintheCivilRegister.(n)
TITLEXI
SummaryJudicialProceedingsintheFamilyLaw
CHAPTER1
ScopeofApplication
ARTICLE238.UntilmodifiedbytheSupremeCourt,theproceduralrulesinthisTitleshallapplyinall
casesprovidedforinthisCoderequiringsummarycourtproceedings.Suchcasesshallbedecidedinan
expeditiousmanner,withoutregardtotechnicalrules.(n)
CHAPTER2
SeparationinFactBetweenHusbandandWife
ARTICLE239.Whenahusbandandwifeareseparatedinfact,oronehasabandonedtheotherandone
ofthemseeksjudicialauthorizationforatransactionwheretheconsentoftheotherspouseisrequired
bylawbutsuchconsentiswithheldorcannotbeobtained,averifiedpetitionmaybefiledincourt
allegingtheforegoingfacts.
Thepetitionshallattachtheproposeddeed,ifany,embodyingthetransaction,and,ifnone,shall
describeindetailthesaidtransactionandstatethereasonwhytherequiredconsenttheretocannotbe
secured.Inanycase,thefinaldeeddulyexecutedbythepartiesshallbesubmittedtoandapprovedby
thecourt.(n)
ARTICLE240.Claimsfordamagesbyeitherspouse,exceptcostsoftheproceedings,maybelitigated
onlyinaseparateaction.(n)
ARTICLE241.Jurisdictionoverthepetitionshall,uponproofofnoticetotheotherspouse,beexercised
bythepropercourtauthorizedtohearfamilycases,ifoneexists,orintheregionaltrialcourtorits
equivalentsittingntheplacewhereeitherofthespousesresides.(n)
ARTICLE242.Uponthefilingofthepetition,thecourtshallnotifytheotherspouse,whoseconsentto
thetransactionisrequired,ofsaidpetition,orderingsaidspousetoshowcausewhythepetitionshould
notbegranted,onorbeforethedatesetinsaidnoticefortheinitialconference.Thenoticeshallbe
accompaniedbyacopyofthepetitionandshallbeservedatthelastknownaddressofthespouse
concerned.(n)
ARTICLE243.Apreliminaryconferenceshallbeconductedbythejudgepersonallywithouttheparties
beingassistedbycounsel.Aftertheinitialconference,ifthecourtdeemsituseful,thepartiesmaybe
assistedbycounselatthesucceedingconferencesandhearings.(n)
ARTICLE244.Incaseofnonappearanceofthespousewhoseconsentissought,thecourtshallinquire
intothereasonsforhisfailuretoappear,andshallrequiresuchappearance,ifpossible.(n)
ARTICLE245.If,despiteallefforts,theattendanceofthenonconsentingspouseisnotsecured,the
courtmayproceedexparteandrenderjudgmentasthefactsandcircumstancesmaywarrant.Inany
case,thejudgeshallendeavortoprotecttheinterestsofthenonappearingspouse.(n)
ARTICLE246.Ifthepetitionisnotresolvedattheinitialconference,saidpetitionshallbedecidedina
summaryhearingonthebasisofaffidavits,documentaryevidenceororaltestimoniesatthesound
discretionofthecourt.Iftestimonyisneeded,thecourtshallspecifythewitnessestobeheardandthe
subjectmatteroftheirtestimonies,directingthepartiestopresentsaidwitnesses.(n)
ARTICLE247.Thejudgmentofthecourtshallbeimmediatelyfinalandexecutory.(n)
ARTICLE248.Thepetitionforjudicialauthoritytoadministerorencumberspecificseparatepropertyof
theabandoningspouseandtousethefruitsorproceedsthereofforthesupportofthefamilyshallalso
begovernedbytheserules.(n)
CHAPTER3
IncidentsInvolvingParentalAuthority
ARTICLE249.PetitionsfiledunderArticles223,225and235ofthisCodeinvolvingparentalauthority
shallbeverified.(n)
ARTICLE250.Suchpetitionsshallbeverifiedandfiledinthepropercourtoftheplacewherethechild
resides.(n)
ARTICLE251.Uponthefilingofthepetition,thecourtshallnotifytheparentsor,intheirabsenceor
incapacity,theindividuals,entitiesorinstitutionsexercisingparentalauthorityoverthechild.(n)
ARTICLE252.TherulesinChapter2hereofshallalsogovernsummaryproceedingsunderthisChapter
insofarastheyareapplicable.(n)
ARTICLE253.TheforegoingrulesinChapters2and3hereofshalllikewisegovernsummaryproceedings
filedunderArticles41,51,69,73,96,124and217,insofarastheyareapplicable.(n)
TITLEXII
FinalProvisions
ARTICLE254.TitlesIII,IV,V,VI,VIII,IX,XI,andXVofBook1ofRepublicActNo.386,otherwiseknownas
theCivilCodeofthePhilippines,asamended,andArticles17,18,19,27,28,29,30,31,39,40,41,and
42ofPresidentialDecreeNo.603,otherwiseknownastheChildandYouthWelfareCode,asamended,
andalllaws,decrees,executiveorders,proclamations,rulesandregulations,orpartsthereof,
inconsistentherewithareherebyrepealed.
ARTICLE255.IfanyprovisionofthisCodeisheldinvalid,alltheotherprovisionsnotaffectedthereby
shallremainvalid.
ARTICLE256.ThisCodeshallhaveretroactiveeffectinsofarasitdoesnotprejudiceorimpairvestedor
acquiredrightsinaccordancewiththeCivilCodeorotherlaws.
ARTICLE257.ThisCodeshalltakeeffectoneyearafterthecompletionofitspublicationinanewspaper
ofgeneralcirculation,ascertifiedbytheExecutiveSecretary,OfficeofthePresident.
DoneintheCityofManila,this6thdayofJuly,intheyearofOurLord,nineteenhundredandeighty
seven.