Professional Documents
Culture Documents
E FFECT
A PPLICATION
L AWS
AND
OF
E FFECTIVITY
OF
L AWS (A RT .2)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
IAN MICHEL GEONANGA overall
chairperson, JOSE ANGELO DAVID
chairperson for academics, RUTH
ABIGAIL ACERO chairperson for
hotel
operations,
ALBERTO
RECALDE, JR. vice-chairperson for
operations,
MARIA
CARMELA
HAUTEA
vice-chairperson
for
secretariat, MARK EMMANUEL
ABILO
vice-chairperson
for
finance, RYAN LIGGAYU vicechairperson for electronic data
processing,
JOMARC
PHILIP
DIMAPILIS vice-chairperson for
logistics
Coverage (PLAC3E)
1. Presidential Decrees;
2. Laws which refer to all statutes, including local and
private laws;
3. Administrative Rules and Regulations where purpose
is to enforce/implement existing law pursuant to a valid
delegation;
4. Charter of a City;
5. Circulars issued by the Monetary Board where
purpose is not merely to interpret but to fill in the
details of the Central Bank Act;
6. Circulars and Regulations which prescribe a penalty
for its violation (People vs. Que Po Lay, G.R. No. L6791, March 29, 1954);
7. Executive Orders (Taada vs. Tuvera G.R. No. L63915, December 29, 1986).
Publication not Required (I L)
1. Interpretative regulations and those internal in nature,
regulating only the personnel of the administrative
agency.
2. Letters of Instructions issued by administrative
superiors on rules/guidelines to be followed by
subordinates in the performance of their duties
(Taada vs. Tuvera, ibid).
Date of effectivity of Municipal Ordinances is NOT
covered by this rule but by the Local Government Code
(Taada vs. Tuvera, supra).
I GNORANCE OF THE L AW
E XCUSES NO ONE (A RT .3)
Conclusive Presumption
Every person is presumed to know the law even if they
have no actual knowledge of the law. It applies only to
mandatory and prohibitory laws.
Does not apply to foreign laws because there is no
judicial notice of such foreign laws; it must be proved like
any other matter of fact (Ching Huat vs. Co Heong L1211, January 30, 1947).
SUBJECT COMMITTEE
JHOY PALLONES subject chair, MICAELA
KRISTINA GALVEZ assistant subject chair,
PIA ISABEL CO edp, FRANCIA ROMLINA
RODRIGUEZ persons and family relations,
JENNETH CAE CAINDAY property, IRENE
ALCOBILLA wills and succession, JOSE
AMELITO BELARMINO II and ROWNEYLIN
SIA obligations and contracts, SAMANTHA
GRACE MANALO sales and lease, LAUREN
GAIL DIVINO partnership, agency and
trusts, MABEL BUTED credit transactions,
JULIUS CEASAR BALBUENA torts and
damages, KATHLEEN VALERIO land titles
and deeds, ILLAC BOHOL conflict of laws
MEMBERS
Phoebe
Alhambra,
Diana
Bartolome,
Jesus
Paolo
Borlagdan, Darniel Bustamante,
Jamela
Jane
Caringal,
Ma.
Criselda
Correa,
Reynaldo
Dalisay, Kristine Lara Defensor,
Carel Brendth Dela Cruz, Regine
Estillore, Anne Clarisse Guzman,
Aziel Guzman, Martin Michael
Hatol,
Maria
Emma
Gille
Mercado,
Richmond
Montevirgen, Astrid Ong, Ruth
Ann Ong, Rodel James Pulma,
Dan Bernard Sabilala, Jeth
Lester Tan, Maria Anne Cyra Uy
N ON R ETROACTIVITY
(A RT .4)
OF
L AWS
A CTS C ONTRARY
(A RT .5)
TO
L AW
CIVIL LAW
W AIVER
OF
R IGHTS (A RT .6)
CIVIL LAW
3. Will bind all future cases with identical facts, until
reversed by SC.
Judicial decisions, although in themselves not laws,
assume the same authority as the statute itself (People
vs. Licera G.R. No. L-39990, July 2, 1975).
No publication required, binding on parties after the lapse
of appeal period, and will bind all future cases with
identical facts, until reversed by SC.
The application or interpretation placed by the Court
upon a law is part of the law as of the date of enactment
of said law because the Supreme Courts interpretation
merely establishes the contemporaneous legislative
intent that the construed law purports to carry into effect
(People v. Licera G.R. No. L-39990, July 2, 1975).
HOWEVER, when a doctrine is overruled and a different
view is adopted, the new doctrine should be applied
prospectively and should not prejudice parties who relied
on the old doctrine (People v. Jabinal G.R. No. L-30061,
February 27, 1974).
AND
12)
Customs
Rules of conduct formed by repetition of acts uniformly
observed as a social rule. They are legally binding and
obligatory.
General Rule: Customs must be proved as a fact
according to the rules of evidence.
Exception: A court may take judicial notice of a custom if
there is already a decision rendered by the same court
recognizing the custom.
Requisites to Make a Custom an Obligatory Rule:
(P2OT)
1. Plurality or repetition of acts;
2. Practiced by the great mass of the social group;
3. The community accepts it as a proper way of acting,
such that it is considered as obligatory upon all;
4. Continued practice for a long period of time.
R ULE
ON
P ERIODS (A RT .13)
Rule on Periods
1. Years - 365 days, unless year is identified;
2. Months - 30 days, unless month identified;
3. Days 24 hours;
4. Nights Sunset to sunrise;
P ROVISION ON C ONFLICT
L AW (A RTS .14-17)
OF
CIVIL LAW
Art. 15, CC
Citizenship is the
basis
for
determining the
personal
law
applicable
Lex Loci
Celebrationis
Art. 17, CC
Law of the place
where
the
contract
was
executed is the
basis
for
determining law
applicable
Covers only the
forms
and
solemnities
(extrinsic validity)
Art. 16, CC
Law of the place
where
the
property
is
situated is the
basis
for
determining law
applicable
Covers
family Covers both real
rights and duties, and
personal
status, condition property
and
legal
capacity
of
persons.
Exception:
Exceptions:
Exceptions:
Art. 26, par. 2 of (CIAO)
1.
Art. 26,
Family Code
a.
Capacit
par. 1 of
Family Code
y to succeed;
Intrinsic
b.
Intrinsic 2.
validity
of
validity of the
contracts
will;
c.
Amount
of
successional
rights;
d.
Order of
succession.
H UM AN R ELATIONS
ABUSE OF RIGHT (Art. 19)
Elements: (LEP)
1. Existence of a legal right or duty;
2. Which is exercised in bad faith;
3. For the sole intent of prejudicing or injuring another.
Doctrine of Violenti Non Fit Injuria (to which a person
assents is not esteemed in law as injury)
Refers to self-inflicted injuries or to the consent to injury
which precludes the recovery of damages by one who
has knowingly and voluntarily exposed himself to danger,
even if he is not negligent in doing so (Nikko Hotel
Manila Garden, et all vs. Roberto Reyes (Amay Bisaya)
G.R. No. 154259, Feb. 28, 2005).
CIVIL LAW
Damnum Absque Injuria (damage without injury)
A person who exercises his legal right does no injury.
HOWEVER, it cannot be said that a person exercises a
right when he unnecessarily prejudices another or
offends morals or good customs.
When damages result from a persons exercise of rights,
it is damnum absque injuria (ABS-CBN v. Republic
Broadcasting Corp. G.R. No. 128690, January 21, 1999).
ACTS CONTRARY TO LAW (Art. 20)
Every person who, contrary to law, willfully or negligently
causes damage to another, shall indemnify the latter for
the same.
ACTS CONTRA BONUS MORES (Art. 21)
Elements: (L-C-I)
1. There is a legal act;
2. But which is contrary to morals, good customs, public
order or public policy; and,
3. It is done with intent to injure.
Articles 19, 20 and 21 are related to one another and
under these articles, an act which causes injury to
another may be made the basis for an award of damages
(Albenson Enterprises Corp. v. CA, G.R. No. 88694,
January 11, 1993).
Articles 19 and 21 refer to INTENTIONAL acts while
Article 20 pertains either to WILLFUL or NEGLIGENT
acts, which must be contrary to law. (Ibid.)
P RINCIPLE OF U NJUST
E NRICHM ENT (A RT .22)
Accion in Rem Verso
It is an action for recovery of what has been paid without
just cause.
Application:
1. When someone acquires or comes into possession of
something, which means delivery or acquisition of
things; AND
2. Acquisition is undue and at the expense of another,
which means without just or legal ground.
Requisites: (JELA)
1. Enrichment is without just or legal ground
2. Defendant has been enriched;
3. Plaintiff has suffered a loss; and
4. He has no other action based on contract, quasi
contract, crime or quasidelict.
For a more comprehensive discussion of Articles 19-35,
please see discussion thereof under Torts.
P REJUDICIAL Q UESTION
(A RT .36)
General Rule: If both criminal and civil cases are filed in
court, the criminal case takes precedence.
Exceptions:
1. In case of prejudicial questions, the criminal case is
suspended because the issues in the civil case are
determinative of the outcome of the criminal case.
A prejudicial question is that which arises in a case, the
resolution of which is a logical antecedent of the issue
involved therein, and the cognizance of which pertains
to another tribunal (Yap v. Paras, G.R. No. 101236,
January 30, 1992).
Requisites: (Section 7, Rule 111, Rules of Court)
a. Previously instituted civil action involves an issue
similar or intimately related to the issue raised in the
subsequent criminal action; an
b. The resolution of such issue determines whether or
not the criminal action may proceed.
2. Independent civil action granted by law (CD-RQ)
Active
Merely acquired
Lost through death and
Lost only through death
other causes
Can exist without capacity Cannot exist without
to act
juridical capacity
Cannot be limited or Can be restricted, modified
restricted
or limited
A person is presumed to have capacity to act. (Standard
Oil Co. v. Arenas, et al., 14 Phil. 363)
Theories on Capacity to Act
Theory of General
Theory of Special
Capacities
Capacities
Applies to natural persons Applies to juridical persons
This limits the power of
juridical persons only to
effects except only in those those that are expressly
specific
circumstances conferred upon them or
where the capacity to act is those which can be implied
restrained
therefrom or incidental
thereto
Restrictions on capacity to act
The same do not exempt the incapacitated person from
certain obligations as when the latter arise from his acts
or from property relations such as easements (Art. 38):
(MID-PC)
1. Minority
Minority does not exempt the minor from certain
obligations, as when the latter arise from his acts or
from property relations. (Art. 38) Thus, he may acquire
property using the capital of his parents, said property
to belong to the latter in ownership and usufruct.
CIVIL LAW
2. Insanity or imbecility
3. State of being deaf mute
Deaf mute may either be sane or insane.
4. Prodigality The state of squandering money or
property with a morbid desire to prejudice the heirs of a
person (Martinez v. Martinez, 1 Phil. 182).
5. Civil interdiction
Modifications/ limitations on capacity to act (Art. 39):
(FI3T P2A3D)
1. Family Relations;
2. Insanity;
3. Imbecility;
4. Insolvency;
5. Trusteeship;
6. Penalty;
7. Prodigality;
8. Age;
9. Alienage;
1. Absence; and
2. State of being deaf-mute.
Note: The consequences of the restrictions and
modifications on a persons capacity to act are provided
by the Civil Code, other codes, special laws and the
Rules of Court.
N ATURAL P ERSONS
Beginning of personality
General rule: Birth determines personality (actual
personality) (Art. 40).
Exception: The law considers the conceived child as
born for all purposes favorable to it if born alive.
Therefore, the child has a presumptive personality, which
has two characteristics:
1. Limited and
2.
Provisional or conditional (Quimiguing vs. Icao,
G.R. No. L-26795, July 31, 1970)
Note: The concept of provisional personality CANNOT
be invoked to obtain damages for and in behalf of an
aborted child (Geluz vs. CA, G.R. No. L-16439, July 20,
1961).
A conceived child is already entitled to support from its
progenitors (Quimiguing vs. Icao, G.R. No. L-26795, July
31, 1970) and can be acknowledged even before it is
born (De Jesus v. Syquia, 58 Phil. 866).
CIVIL LAW
When is a child considered born: (Art. 41)
General Rule: For civil purposes, the fetus is considered
born if it is alive at the time it is completely delivered from
the mothers womb.
Exception: If the fetus had an intra-uterine life of less
than 7 months, it is NOT deemed born if it dies within 24
hours after its complete delivery from the maternal womb
(Article 41).
Illustration:
Intra-uterine life
7 months or more
C ITIZENSHIP
AND
D OMICILE
Citizenship
It is the membership in a political community which is
more or less permanent in nature. Article IV of 1987
Philippine Constitution now governs the rule on
citizenship.
Domicile
For the exercise of civil rights and the fulfillment of civil
obligations, the domicile of natural persons is the place of
their habitual residence (Art. 50 NCC).
Residence
Domicile
Denotes a fixed permanent
Indicates a place of abode,
residence, which when
whether permanent or
absent, one has the
temporary
intention of returning
There can be several There can only be one
places of residence
place of domicile
No length of residence
It is residence coupled with
without
intention
of
intention to remain for an
remaining will constitute
unlimited time
domicile
Elements of domicile
1. Physical presence in a fixed place
2. Intention to remain permanently in said place (animus
manendi) (Romualdez-Marcos vs. COMELEC, G.R.
No. 119976 September 18, 1995).
Kinds of domicile (Romualdez-Marcos vs. COMELEC,
G.R. No. 119976 September 18, 1995)
1. Domicile of origin Given by law to a person at birth
2. Domicile of choice That which is voluntarily chosen
by a sui juris as his more or less permanent home;
that to which, whenever he is absent, he intends to
return. (Uytengsu v. Republic, 50 O.G. 4781, Oct.
1954)
Note: Three basic rules on domicile of choice:
(Ugdoracion vs. COMELEC G.R. No. 179851, April 18,
2008):
a. A man must have a residence or domicile
somewhere;
b. Domicile, once established, remains until a new one
is validly acquired; and
c. A man can have but one residence or domicile at
any given time.
d. Every sui generis may change his domicile.
3. Domicile by operation of law attributes to a person a
domicile independent of his own intention or actual
residence, ordinarily resulting from legal domestic
CIVIL LAW
F AM ILY C ODE
The Family Code of the Philippines took effect on August
3, 1988.
M ARRIAGE
Marriage
A special contract of permanent union between a man
and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the
establishment of conjugal and family life.
The Family Code emphasizes the permanent nature of
marriage, hailing it as the foundation of the family. It is
this inviolability which is central to our traditional and
religious concepts of morality and provides the very
bedrock on which our society finds stability (MalcampoSin vs. Sin, G.R. No. 137590 March 26, 2001).
In Republic v. Nolasco (G.R. No. 94053 March 17, 1993),
the Supreme Court stressed the strong need to protect
the basic social institutions of marriage and the family
in the preservation of which the State has the strongest
interest; the public policy here involved is of the most
fundamental kind. In Article II, Section 12 of the
Constitution, there is set forth the following basic state
policy: 'The State recognizes the sanctity of family life
and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic
CIVIL LAW
autonomous social institution. The same sentiment has
been expressed in the Family Code of the Philippines in
Article 149: 'The family, being the foundation of the
nation, is a basic social institution which public policy
cherishes and protects. Consequently, family relations
are governed by law and no custom, practice or
agreement destructive of the family shall be recognized
or given effect.
Marriage and ordinary contract distinguished
Marriage
Ordinary Contract
Special contract
Merely a contract
Social institution
Merely a contract
Governed by law on Governed by law on
marriage
contracts
Not subject to stipulations
Generally subject to
except
in
property
stipulations
relations
Minors may contract
through their parents or
Legal capacity is required
guardians or in some
cases by themselves
Contracting parties must
only be two persons one Two or more parties
is a female and the other regardless of gender
is a male
Parties can fix a period for
its
efficacy
to
be
Permanent union
ineffective after a few
years
Breach of obligations of
husband and wife does
not give rise to an action
for damages. The law Breach
of
ordinary
provides penal and civil contracts gives rise to an
sanctions
such
as action for damages
prosecution for adultery or
concubinage
and
proceedings for legal
separation.
Can be dissolved only by Can be dissolved by
death or annulment, not mutual agreement and by
other legal causes
by mutual agreement
Breach of promise to marry
General Rule: It is not by itself an actionable wrong
(Hermosisima vs. CA L-14628, September 30, 1960).
One cannot seek specific performance to compel
marriage.
Exceptions: To be actionable, there must be another act
independent of the breach of promise to marry which
Except:
when
parties over 18
but below 21
failed to obtain
parental consent,
in which case the
marriage
is
voidable (Art. 14)
Irregularity
(example
of
irregularity:
no
witnesses of legal
age, or only one
witness of legal
age, or witnesses
but not of legal
age during the
marriage
ceremony (Sta.
Maria,
M.,
Persons
and
Family Relations,
2010, p. 127);
issuance
of
marriage license
despite absence
of publication prior
to the completion
of the 10-day
period
for
publication
(Alcantara
vs.
Alcantara
G.R.
No.
167746
August 28, 2007)
CIVIL LAW
Marriages by proxy
1.
If it was solemnized in the Philippines, the
marriage is VOID because physical appearance is
required under Art. 6.
2. If performed abroad, whether between Filipinos or
foreigners or mixed, the controlling article is Art. 26 of
the Family Code. (Paras, p. 377-378)
Authority of solemnizing officer
It is not the presence or absence of the solemnizing
officer which constitutes the formal requirement but the
absence or presence of the solemnizing officers
authority at the time of the solemnization of the marriage
(Araes vs. Occiano A.M. No. MTJ-02-1390 April 11,
2002; Navarro vs. Domagtoy A.M. No. MTJ-961088. July 19, 1996).
General Rule: The solemnizing officer is not duty bound
to investigate whether the marriage license was regularly
issued.
Must only determine if it was issued by a competent
official (Alcantara vs. Alcantara G.R. No. 167746 August
28, 2007)
If so, it may be presumed that the said official fulfilled the
duty to ascertain whether the contracting parties fulfilled
the requirements of law (People vs. Janssen G.R. No. L31763 December 27, 1929).
Exception: In cases of marriage in articulo mortis, in
remote places, and between a man and a woman living
together as husband and wife for at least 5 years without
legal impediment to marry each other
Solemnizing officer must take steps to ascertain the
ages, relationship, and qualifications of contracting
parties (Art. 29)
Persons authorized to
Requisites for the
solemnize marriages
exercise of their
(Art. 7) (PMJ-C)
authority
Priest, rabbi, imam or a. Duly authorized by his
ministers of any church
church or religious
or religious sect
sect;
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CIVIL LAW
Incumbent members of
the judiciary within the
courts jurisdiction
Consul
generals,
consuls or viceconsuls
of the Republic of the
Philippines abroad (Art.
10)
The
contracting
parties,
whether
members of the
armed forces or
civilians, must be
within the zone of
military operation.
a. Marriage must only be
between
Filipino
citizens;
b. Has authority to
solemnize marriage
only abroad;
c. Acts not only as
solemnizer
of
a
marriage but also
perform the duties of
a local civil registrar
such as the issuance
of a marriage license;
b. The
solemnities
established
by
Philippine laws shall
be observed in their
execution (Art. 17,
NCC).
b. He or she must be a
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Requisites:
a. The man and woman must have been living as
husband and wife for at least five years before the
marriage;
b. The parties must have no legal impediment to marry
each other;
c. The fact of absence of legal impediment between
the parties must be present at the time of marriage;
d. The parties must execute an affidavit before any
person authorized by law to administer oaths stating
that they have lived together for at least five years
(and are without legal impediment to marry each
other); and
e. The solemnizing officer must execute a sworn
statement that he had ascertained the qualifications
of the parties and that he had found no legal
impediment to their marriage (Manzano v. Sanchez
G.R. No. MTJ001329, March 08, 2001).
The 5year period should be computed on the basis
of cohabitation as husband and wife where the only
missing factor is the marriage contract to validate the
union (ex: if both cohabited at the age of 17,
counting starts when parties reach 18 years).
This 5year period should be the years immediately
before the day of the marriage and it should be a
period
of
cohabitation
characterized
by
EXCLUSIVITY meaning no legal impediment was
present at any time within the 5 years and
CONTINUITY that is unbroken (Republic v. Dayot,
G.R. No. 175581, March 8, 2008).
5. Solemnized outside the Phil. where no marriage
license is required by the country where they were
solemnized (Art. 26 par. 1)
Solemnizing of a marriage involving a foreign
contracting party in the Philippines (Art. 21)
When either or both parties are foreign citizens, they
must first submit a CERTIFICATE OF LEGAL CAPACITY
TO MARRY issued by their diplomatic/consular officials
before marriage license can be obtained.
Ratio: A certificate of legal capacity is necessary because
the Philippines, insofar as marriage is concerned,
adheres to the national law of the contracting parties with
respect to their legal capacity to contract marriage.
Without this certification of legal capacity, the local civil
registrar will not issue the marriage license (Sta. Maria,
M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p. 151).
CIVIL LAW
Exception: Marriage of both foreign citizens will be
solemnized by their countrys consul-general assigned in
the Philippines, if their countrys law allows the same
Stateless persons or refugees from other countries shall
submit an affidavit stating circumstances to show
capacity to contract marriage before a marriage license
can be obtained (Art. 21 par. 2).
Marriage certificate (Art. 22)
Best documentary evidence of the existence of a
marriage (Tenebro vs. CA G.R. No. 150758 February 18,
2004).
A mere photostat copy of a marriage certificate is a
worthless piece of paper (Vda. De Chua vs. CA, G.R.
No. 116835, March 5, 1998) but if such photostat copy
emanated from the Office of the Local Civil Registrar and
duly certified by the local civil registrar as an authentic
copy of the records in his office, such certified photostat
copy is admissible as evidence (Sta. Maria, M., Persons
and Family Relations, 2010, p. 154).
Testimony of one of the parties to the marriage,
witnesses or solemnizing officer is admissible to prove
the fact of marriage (Balogbog v. CA, G.R. No. 83598,
March 7, 1997).
It may also be proved by parol evidence (Sta. Maria, M.,
Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p.156).
Mere cohabitation is not direct proof of marriage, and it
must be proved by proper documents or by oral
testimony in case they have been lost (Sta. Maria, M.,
Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p.158).
Once the presumption of marriage arises, other evidence
may be presented in support thereof. The evidence need
not necessarily or directly establish the marriage but
must at least be enough to strengthen the presumption of
marriage. Every intendment of law leans toward
legitimizing marriage (Delgado vda de De la Rosa v.
Heirs of Marciana vda de Damian, GR No 155733,
January 27, 2006).
The Supreme Court rules in (Trinidad vs. CA, G.R. No.
118904. April 20, 1998) that when the question of
whether a marriage has been contracted arises in
litigation, said marriage may be proven by
relevant
evidence. To prove the fact of marriage, the following
would constitute competent evidence: the testimony of a
witness to the matrimony, the couples public and open
cohabitation as husband and wife after the alleged
wedlock, the birth and the baptismal certificates of
M ARRIAGE C ELEBRATED
O UTSIDE THE P HILIPPINES
(A RT .26)
VALIDITY OF MARRIAGE
General Rule: Where one or both parties in the marriage
are citizens of the Philippines, the foreign marriage is
valid in this country if solemnized in accordance with the
laws of the country of celebration (Art. 26).
In case a Filipino contracts a foreign marriage which is
null and void in the place where it was solemnized, the
same shall also be null and void in the Philippines even if
such was valid if celebrated under Philippine laws.
If both are foreigners, lex loci celebrationis applies.
Exceptions: Foreign marriages shall not be recognized
in the Philippines if: (B2MA-PIP)
1. Contracted by a national who is below 18 years of age
(Art. 35(1))
Note: This exception should be construed as referring
to a situation where the marriage abroad is between a
Filipino and a Filipina and not between a Filipino or
Filipina and an alien married in the aliens state where
he or she (the alien), though below 18 years of age, is
capacitated to marry (Sta. Maria, M., Persons and
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CIVIL LAW
Exceptions:
1.
Art. 35 (2): either of the contracting parties is in
good faith in believing that the solemnizing officer has
authority although he has none in fact
2. Art. 41: person whose spouse disappears for four
consecutive years, or two years where there was
danger of death, the present spouse may validly marry
again after he or she:
a. Has a well-founded belief that his or her spouse is
dead;
b. Procures a judicial declaration of presumptive death;
c. At the time of subsequent marriage ceremony, is in
good faith with the subsequent spouse; otherwise,
the subsequent marriage shall be
considered
void.
Exceptions:
a. Art. 40: a person in a void marriage who wants to
remarry must first file a civil case to obtain a judicial
declaration of nullity of the first marriage
b. Obtaining a judicial declaration of nullity for purposes
other than remarriage (legitimacy, settlement of estate,
criminal case) when the validity of the marriage is an
issue
c. If a donor desires to revoke a donation propter nuptias
(in consideration of the marriage) given to one or both
the spouses on the ground that the marriage is void
(Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010,
p. 196-198).
ACTION
FOR
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made by one in favor of the other are revoked by
operation of law (Art. 44).
Effect of reappearance of absent spouse:
General rule: The subsequent bigamous marriage
under Article 41 remains valid despite reappearance
of the absentee spouse.
Exception: Subsequent marriage is automatically
terminated if the reappearance was recorded in a
sworn statement in the civil registry of the residence
of the parties to the subsequent marriage at the
instance of any interested person with due notice to
said spouses, without prejudice to the fact of
reappearance being judicially determined in case
such fact is disputed.
Exception to the exception: If there was a previous
judgment annulling or declaring the first marriage a
nullity, the subsequent bigamous marriage remains
valid.
Notes: If the absentee reappears, but no step is
taken to terminate the subsequent marriage either
by affidavit or by court action, the absentees mere
reappearance even if made known to the spouses in
the subsequent marriage will not terminate such
marriage (SSS v. Bailon, G.R. No 165545, March
24, 2006).
By express provision of law (Art. 247, FC), the
judgment of the court in a summary proceeding shall
be immediately final and executory. As a matter of
course, it follows that no appeal can be had of the
trial courts judgment in a summary proceeding for
the declaration of presumptive death of an absent
spouse under Article 41 of the Family Code. It goes
without saying, however, that an aggrieved party
may file a petition for certiorari to question abuse of
discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction. Such
petition should be filed in the Court of Appeals in
accordance with the Doctrine of Hierarchy of Courts
(Republic vs. Tango G.R. No. 161062 July 31,
2009).
Note: Enumeration in Art 35 is NOT exclusive. Other
VOID marriages include:
1. Marriages in a play, drama, or movie
2. Marriages between two boys and two girls
3. Marriages in jest
4. Common law marriages
II. PSYCHOLOGICAL INCAPACITY (Art. 36)
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In Marcos v. Marcos (GR. NO. 136490, October 19,
2000), the SC held that psychological incapacity may be
established by the totality of the evidence presented. The
facts alleged in the petition and the evidence presented,
considered in totality, should be sufficient to convince the
court of the psychological incapacity of the party
concerned (Bernardino S. Zamora vs. CA, G.R. No.
141917, February 7, 2007).
There is NO REQUIREMENT that the person sought to
be declared psychologically incapacitated should be
personally examined by a physician or psychologist as a
condition sine qua non to arrive at such declaration. It
can be proven by independent means that one is
psychologically incapacitated; there is no reason why the
same should not be credited (Republic of the Philippines
vs. Laila Tanyag-San Jose and Manolito San Jose, G.R.
No. 168328, February 28, 2007).
Psychological incapacity is not meant to comprehend all
possible cases of psychoses. The fourth guideline in
Molina requires that the psychological incapacity as
understood under Art. 36 (FC) must be relevant to the
assumption of marriage obligations, not necessarily to
those not related to marriage, like the exercise of a
profession or employment in a job (Tongol vs. Tongol,
G.R. No. 157610, October 19, 2007).
Final judgment denying a petition for nullity on the ground
of psychological incapacity bars a subsequent petition for
declaration of nullity on the ground of lack of marriage
license. There is res judicata (Mallion vs. Alcantara, G.R.
No. 141528, October 31, 2006).
In petitions for the declaration of nullity of marriage, the
burden of proof to show the nullity of marriage lies with
the plaintiff. Unless the evidence presented clearly
reveals a situation where the parties, or one of them,
could not have validly entered into a marriage by reason
of a grave and serious psychological illness existing at
the time it was celebrated, we are compelled to uphold
the indissolubility of the marital tie (Republic v. Galang,
G.R. No. 168335, June 6, 2011).
III. INCESTUOUS MARRIAGES, WHETHER THE
RELATIONSHIP IS LEGITIMATE OR ILLEGITIMATE,
BETWEEN (Art. 37):
1. Ascendants & Descendants of any degree;
2. Brothers & Sisters whether full or half blood
IV. THOSE CONTRARY TO PUBLIC POLICY
CONTRACTED BETWEEN (Art. 38): (CS-PASS-AKA)
1. Collateral blood relatives whether legitimate or
illegitimate up to the 4th civil degree
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V OIDABLE M ARRIAGE S
(A RT .45)
Unlike void marriages which is invalid from the beginning,
voidable marriages are considered valid until annulled.
The grounds for annulment of marriage are exclusive
(Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p.
291).
Grounds: (AUF-VPS) must exist AT THE TIME of
marriage
1. Absence of consent to contract marriage from the
parents, guardian or person exercising substitute
parental authority (in that order) over one or both of the
parties, where one or both of the parties is over 18 but
below 21
2. Unsound mind of either party
The true test is whether the party concerned could
intelligently consent; that is, that he knew what contract
he was entering into (Hoadley v. Hoadley, 244 N.Y.
424).
Intoxication which results in lack of mental capacity to
give consent is equivalent to unsoundness of mind
(McKnee v. McKnee, 49 Nev. 90).
So is somnambulism at the time of wedding (15
Sanchez Roman 528).
3. Consent of either party obtained by fraudulent means
as enumerated in Art. 46: (NPSD)
a. Nondisclosure of a previous conviction by final
judgment of the other party of a crime involving
moral turpitude;
b. Concealment by the wife of the fact that at the time
of the marriage, she was pregnant by a man other
than her husband;
Must have been done in bad faith. If the woman did
not expressly inform the man of her pregnancy but
such physical condition was readily apparent to the
man, he cannot claim lack of knowledge thereof
(Buccat vs. Buccat, G.R. No. 47101, April 25, 1941).
c. Concealment of a sexually transmissible disease,
regardless of its nature, existing at the time of the
marriage; and
Nature or gravity of disease is irrelevant; it is enough
that there was concealment at the time of the
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ceremony.
d. Concealment of drug addiction, habitual alcoholism,
homosexuality or lesbianism existing at the time of
the marriage
Note: There is fraud when, through insidious words
or machinations of one of the contracting parties, the
other is induced to enter into a contract which,
without them, he would not have agreed to (Art.
1338, NCC).
The enumeration in Article 46 is exclusive. Hence,
misrepresentation as to character, health, rank,
fortune or chastity is NOT a ground for annulment
(Anaya vs. Palaroan, GR. No. L27930, November
26, 1970)
4. Vitiated consent of either party through force,
intimidation or undue influence
Criminal liability attaches to anyone who uses violence,
intimidation and fraud in contracting a marriage (Art.
350 RPC)
Violence
When in order to wrest consent, serious or irresistible
force is employed (Art. 1335 par. 1, NCC).
Intimidation
When one of the contracting parties is compelled by a
reasonable and well-grounded fear of an imminent and
grave evil upon his person or property, or upon the
person or property of his spouse, descendants or
ascendants, to give his consent (Art. 1335 par. 2,
NCC)
Factors to consider in violence and intimidation: the
age, sex and condition of the person. A threat to
enforce ones claim through competent authority, if the
claim is just or legal, does not vitiate consent (Art.
1335 par. 3 and 4, NCC)
Undue influence
It is when a person takes improper advantage of
another, depriving the latter of reasonable freedom of
choice.
Factors to consider: the confidential, family, spiritual
and other relations between the parties or the fact that
the person alleged to have been unduly influenced was
suffering from mental weakness or was ignorant or in
financial distress (Art 1337, NCC).
Relative
guardian
or persons
having
legal
charge of
the insane
Insane
spouse
Anytime
before the
death
of Free
either party cohabitation after
insane
regains
During
sanity
lucid
interval or
after
regaining
sanity
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Grounds
(F2I2NS)
Non
consent
Persons
Who May
Sue
Parent/
legal
guardian
having
charge of
the no
consent
party
No
consent
party
STD
Injured
party
Prescriptive
Period
Ratification
Anytime
before the
no
consent
Free
party
cohabitareaches 21 tion after
reaching
age of 21
Within
5
years after
reaching
21
Within
5
No ratificayears after
tion since
the
defect is
celebration
permaof
the
nent.
marriage
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Effects of nullity
1. Either of the former spouses may marry again after
complying with the requirements of Art. 52 (Art. 53).
2. On Children (Art. 54)
a. Those conceived or born before the judgment or
annulment or absolute nullity of the marriage under
Art. 36 has become final and executory, shall be
considered legitimate.
b. Those conceived or born of the subsequent
marriage under Art. 53 shall likewise be legitimate.
In both instances under Articles 40 and 45, the marriages
are governed either by absolute community of property or
conjugal partnership of gains unless the parties agree to
a complete separation of property in a marriage
settlement entered into before the marriage. Since the
property relations of the parties is governed by absolute
community of property or conjugal partnership of gains,
there is a need to liquidate, partition and distribute the
properties (Dino v. Dino, G.R. No. 178044, January 19,
2011).
L EGAL S EPARATION
A decree of legal separation or relative divorce does not
affect the marital status, there being no severance of the
vinculum (Laperal v. Republic G.R. No. L-18008 October
30, 1962).
A legal separation involves nothing more than bed-andboard separation of the spouses (Lapuz v. Eufemio G.R.
No. L-30977 January 31, 1972).
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8. Engaging in purposeful, knowing, or reckless conduct,
personally or through another that alarms or causes
substantial emotional or psychological distress to the
woman or her child. This shall include, but not be
limited to, the following acts:
a. Stalking or following the woman or her child in public
or private places;
b. Peering in the window or lingering outside the
residence of the woman or her child;
c. Entering or remaining in the dwelling or on the
property of the woman or her child against her/his
will;
d. Destroying the property and personal belongings or
inflicting harm to animals or pets of the woman or
her child; and
e. Engaging in any form of harassment or violence;
9. Causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or
humiliation to the woman or her child, including, but not
limited to, repeated verbal and emotional abuse, and
denial of financial support or custody of minor children
of access to the woman's child/children (Sec. 5, RA
9262).
In cases of legal separation, where violence as
specified in RA 9262 is alleged, Article 58 of the
Family Code on the 6 months cooling-off period shall
NOT apply. The court shall proceed on the main case
and other incidents of the case as soon as possible.
The hearing on any application for a protection order
filed by the petitioner must be conducted within the
mandatory period specified (Sec. 19, RA 9262).
The woman victim of violence shall be entitled to the
custody and support of her child/children. Children
below seven (7) years old older but with mental or
physical disabilities shall automatically be given to the
mother, with right to support, unless the court finds
compelling reasons to order otherwise. A victim who is
suffering from battered woman syndrome shall not be
disqualified from having custody of her children. In no
case shall custody of minor children be given to the
perpetrator of a woman who is suffering from battered
woman syndrome (Sec. 28, RA 9262).
GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OF PETITION (Art. 56):
(C4MPDR)
1. Condonation of the offense or act complained of.
Condonation
It is the act of forgiving the offense after its commission
(Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010,
p. 362).
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Declaration of Nullity
Annulment
Legal Separation
(Art. 40)
(Art. 45)
(Art. 55)
Rendering judgment on the petition
No motion to dismiss shall be allowed except if the ground is lack of jurisdiction.
The grounds alleged must be proved. No judgment on the pleadings, summary judgment or
confession of judgment shall be allowed.
Summary proceeding;
judgment
may
be
rendered based on
affidavits, documentary
evidence
or
oral
testimonies at the sound
discretion of the court
(Art. 246)
Notes:
Stipulation of facts- an admission by both parties made in court agreeing to the existence of
the act constituting the ground for annulment or for the declaration of nullity.
Confession of judgment- the admission made in court by the respondent admitting fault as
invoked by the plaintiff to sever the marriage ties (Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family
Relations, 2010, p. 319).
In legal separation cases, no decree shall be issued unless the Court has take steps toward
reconciliation of the spouses and is fully satisfied, despite such efforts, that reconciliation is
highly improbable (Art. 59).
Declaration of Nullity
(Art. 40)
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Annulment
(Art. 45)
Child Support
Legal Separation
(Art. 55)
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Termination
(Art.41)
operation of law
Declaration of Nullity
Annulment
Legal Separation
(Art. 40)
(Art. 45)
(Art. 55)
pursuant to Art. 86(1)
from time he had
4. If marriage not celebrated:
knowledge of lack of
a. Those stipulated in
consent;
cannot
revoke if there was
marriage settlement
knowledge
before
are void (Art. 81)
the marriage
b. Those excluded from
marriage settlement 4. Conflict with Art.
86(3) but Art. 43(3)
or if no such contract,
prevails more in
may be revoked by
harmony
with
donor (Art. 86[]))
general
purpose/intent of act
(Ibid.)
Insurance Policy
Innocent spouse may revoke designation of spouse in bad faith as beneficiary even if Innocent spouse may revoke
stipulated as irrevocable (Art. 43(4))
donations made by him or her in
favor of offending spouse as well
as designation of latter as
beneficiary even if stipulated as
irrevocable (Art. 64). Action to
revoke donation must be brought
within 5 years from finality of
decree.
Succession
1. Spouse in bad faith disqualified to inherit from innocent spouse by testate or 1. Offending
spouse
intestate succession
disqualified from inheriting
2. If both spouses of subsequent marriage acted in bad faith, testamentary
from innocent spouse by
intestate succession
dispositions made by one in favor of the other are revoked by operation of law
2. Provisions in favor of
(Art. 44)
offending spouse made in
the will of innocent spouse
are revoked by operation of
law (Art. 63(4))
AND O BLIGATIONS
BETWEEN THE H USBAND AND
THE W IFE (LORF-JM)
1. Live together
Act of living together is a voluntary act of the spouses
which cannot be compelled by any proceeding in court.
Only the moral obligation of the spouses constitutes the
motivating factor for making them observe the said
duties and obligations which are highly personal
(Ramirez-Cuaderno v Cuaderno, 12 SCRA 505).
If the wife refuses unjustifiably to live with her husband,
the court will admonish but not order her return; and
even if an order is made, contempt proceeding against
the wife will not prosper. The only remedy here for the
husband is to refuse to grant support (Mariano B.
Arroyo v. Dolores C. Vasquez de Arroyo, 42 Phil. 54).
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aggrieved party may apply to the court for relief. (Art 72.)
The relief may take on many forms: filing a case for legal
separation if there are grounds for the same; filing an
action for declaration of nullity based on Art 36 if the
neglect is such that it does not create a functional marital
life; petitioning the court for receivership, for judicial
separation of property, or for authority to be the sole
administrator of community property or conjugal
partnership.(Sta Maria, Melencio Jr. S., Persons and
Family Relations Law,page 408 ex., 3-4 [2010])
EXERCISE OF PROFESSION
General Rule: Both can engage in any lawful enterprise
or profession WITHOUT the consent of the other.
Exception: The other spouse may object only on valid,
serious and moral grounds.
In case of disagreement, court shall decide whether (1)
the objection is proper; and (2) the benefit accrued to the
family prior to the objection or thereafter [Art. 73 (2)].
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if benefits actually accrued in favor of the family. For
said exception to apply, the innocent spouse must have
no knowledge of the other spouses engagement in an
immoral activity such that he could not have interposed
any objection (Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family
Relations, 2010, p. 411).
Exception to exception: When spouse has knowledge
of other spouses engagement in an immoral activity, it
is as if there was actually no disagreement (Paras, p.
507; Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations,
2010, p. 411).
2. Benefit accrued after objection
After objection by the innocent spouse, any obligation
incurred by the erring spouse that redounded to the
benefit of the family shall be borne by the absolute
community of property or conjugal property.
Ratio: It would be unfair if the spouse, after obtaining
knowledge of the immoral profession, thereafter,
interposed his objection but at the same time made use
of the immoral money to benefit the family (Sta. Maria,
M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p. 412).
3. Creditors who acted in good faith are protected if
spouse transacted with creditor without the consent of
the other but creditor had no knowledge thereof, the
absolute community of property (ACP) or conjugal
partnership of gains (CPG) shall be liable.
P ROPERTY R ELATIONS
BETWEEN THE H USBAND AND
THE W IFE
Governed By:
1. Marriage settlements (MS) executed before the
marriage or ante nuptial agreements.
2. Provisions of the Family Code.
3. Local customs when spouses repudiate ACP.
When parties stipulate in their MS that local custom
shall apply or that ACP regime shall not govern but fail
to stipulate what property regime will be applied.
4. In the absence of local custom, rules on coownership
will apply (Art. 74).
Commencement
It commences at the precise moment of the celebration of
the marriage. Any stipulations to the contrary shall be
void. (Art. 88 for ACP and 107 for CPG)
Marriage settlement (MS)
It is a contract entered into by the future spouses fixing
the matrimonial property regime that should govern during
the existence of the marriage.
In the absence of MS or when regime agreed upon is
void, ACP shall govern. (Art. 75)
Requisites: (BW-SPF-NA)
1. Made before celebration of marriage
2. In writing (even modifications)
Oral MS is void and cannot be ratified by any claim of
partial execution or absence of objection
Exception: If marriage is terminated by death of one of
spouses and surviving spouse marries again without
initiating settlement of properties of previous marriage
within 1 year from death of deceased spouse, mandatory
regime of complete separation of property shall govern
property relations of subsequent marriage (Arts. 103 &
130)
3. Signed by the parties
4. Will not prejudice third persons unless registered in the
civil registry and proper registries of property (Sta.
Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p. 418420)
5. Shall fix terms and conditions of their property relations
6. Must NOT contain provisions contrary to law, good
morals, good customs, public order, and public policy, or
against the dignity of either spouse.
7. Additional signatories/ parties
Civil interdictees & disabled: It is indispensable for the
guardian appointed by court to be made a party to the
MS.
Note: It is argued by some law practitioners and authors
that while no person below 18 can enter into a valid
marriage and since the MS is required to be executed
before the marriage, one below 18 may execute a MS as
long as he or she is 18 or above at the time of marriage.
Efficacy of marriage settlement (Art. 81)
1. The consideration is the marriage itself. If the marriage
does not take place, the MS is generally void.
Exception: Stipulations in the MS that do not depend
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Code on Donations.
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up to 1/5 of donors shall leave property enough
present property if the for his support
spouses agree on a
regime other than absolute
community
Future property
May be included provided Cannot be included
donation is mortis causa
Grounds for revocation
Art. 86, FC
Arts. 760, 764, & 765, NCC
RULE ON DONATION BETWEEN SPOUSES DURING
MARRIAGE
General rule: VOID, either direct or indirect donation
Rationale:
1. To protect unsecured creditors from being defrauded;
2. To prevent stronger spouse from imposing upon the
weaker one the transfer of the latters property to the
former;
3. To prevent indirect modification of the marriage
settlement (Paras, p. 520).
Exceptions:
1. Moderate gifts on occasions of family celebrations
2. Donations mortis causa
Note: This rule also applies to persons living together as
husband and wife without a valid marriage (Art.87).
The prohibition does not include a spouse being the
beneficiary of an insurance contract over the life of the
other spouse. (Gercio vs. Sunlife Assurance Co. of
Canada, G.R. No. 23703, September 28, 1925)
Grounds for revocation (VoCALRI)
1. Marriage not celebrated or declared Void ab initio
except those made in MS that do not depend on
celebration of marriage
If made by a stranger, action for revocation may be
brought under ordinary rules on prescription: if in
writing, brought within 10 years and if oral, within 6
years (Albano, Ed Vincent S., Persons and Family
Relations, 2006).
2. Marriage without parental consent
3. Marriage is annulled and donee is in bad faith
4. Upon legal separation, the donee being the guilty
spouse
5. Complied with resolutory condition
6. Donee commits acts of ingratitude as specified by Art.
765 of NCC (Art. 86).
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Ownership still belongs to person who has right of
redemption, even if conjugal funds are used to redeem,
subject to reimbursement
If separate property in addition to conjugal funds were
used as part of purchase price of a new property, the
new property shall be considered conjugal
4. Purchased with exclusive money of either spouse
5. Principal amount of credit belonging to one spouse
payable in partial payments/ installments, which will be
fully paid during the marriage (Art. 119).
Use of Exclusive Properties: (PISI)
1. Payment of personal debts
2. Fines and indemnities
3. Support of illegitimate children of the owner-spouse
4. In case of insufficiency of the CPG
(Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p.
504)
The spouses retain the ownership, possession,
administration and enjoyment of their exclusive properties
(Art. 110).
A spouse may mortgage, encumber, alienate or otherwise
dispose of his or her exclusive property, without the
consent of the other spouse, and appear alone in court to
litigate with regard to the same (Art. 111).
Transfer of administration of the exclusive property of
either spouse does not confer ownership of the same
(Rodriguez v. De la Cruz, G.R. No. L-3629, September
28, 1907).
Property bought on installment (Art. 118)
Property bought on installments paid partly from exclusive
funds of the spouses and partly from conjugal funds:
1. If full ownership was vested before the marriage it
shall belong to the buyer-spouse (ex: contract to sell,
full payment made during marriage using CP)
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Exception: In ACP, either spouse may dispose by will of
his or her interest in the ACP (Art. 97)
B. Remedies of present spouse in case of
abandonment by the other spouse or failure to
comply with obligations (marital, parental or
property relations)
1.
Receivership
1.
Judicial separation of property
2.
Authority to be the sole administrator of the
absolute community (ACP: Art. 101; CPG: Art. 128)
A spouse is deemed to have abandoned the other when
he or she has left the conjugal dwelling without any
intention of returning. Three (3) months disappearance or
failure to give within the same period any information as to
a spouses whereabouts prima facie raises a presumption
that the absent spouse has no intention of returning
(ACP: Art. 101 par. 3; CPG: Art. 108 par. 3).
1.
2.
Exceptions:
1. The spouse who leaves the conjugal home or refuses
to live therein, without just cause, shall not have the
right to be supported;
2. When the consent of one spouse to any transaction of
the other is required by law, judicial authorization shall
be obtained in a summary proceeding;
5.
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V. PROPERTY REGIME OF UNIONS WITHOUT
MARRIAGE
Art. 147
Art. 148
Applicability
In cases of cohabitation not
The following must concur:
falling under Art. 147.
1. Parties
who
are
Parties do not have the
capacitated to marry
capacity to marry due to
each other
some legal impediments
2. Live exclusively with
(i.e.
adulterous
each other as husband
relationships and marriages
and wife
which
are
bigamous,
3. Without benefit of
incestuous, or void by
marriage or under void
reason of public policy
marriage
under Art. 38)
Salaries and Wages
Separately owned by the
parties. If any of them is
Owned in equal shares
married, his/her salary is
the property of the CPG of
the legitimate marriage
Property acquired by either exclusively by own funds
Belongs to such party
subject to proof of
Belongs to such party
acquisition by exclusive
funds
Property acquired by both through their work /
industry
Owned by them in common
Governed by rules on coin proportion to respective
ownership
contributions
Property acquired while living together
Presumed to be obtained
by their joint efforts, work,
or industry and shall be
owned by them in equal
shares. Efforts in care and
maintenance of family and
household
considered No presumption of joint
contribution in acquisition.
acquisition. When there is
evidence of joint acquisition
Note: Neither party can but none as to the extent of
encumber or dispose by actual contribution, there is
acts inter vivos of his or her a presumption of equal
share in the property sharing
acquired
during
cohabitation and owned in
common
without
the
consent of the other until
after the termination of their
cohabitation.
Forfeiture
T HE F AM ILY
The family is a basic social institution which public policy
cherishes and protects (Art. 149); hence, no suit between
members of the family shall prosper unless a compromise
between the parties has failed (Art. 151). Family relations
are governed by law and no custom, practice or
agreement destructive of the family shall be recognized or
given effect (Art. 149).
Family relations include:
1. Between husband and wife
2. Between parents and children
3. Among other ascendants and descendants
4. Among brothers and sisters whether full or halfblood
(Art. 150)
Mandatory Prior Recourse to Compromise
No suit between members of the same family shall
prosper UNLESS it appears from the verified complaint or
petition that earnest efforts toward a compromise have
been made, and that the same have failed. If it is shown
that no such efforts were, in fact, made, the case must be
dismissed (Art. 151).
Exceptions:
1. When a stranger is involved in the suit
Ratio: The interest of such stranger may differ from the
interest of members of the same family. (Sta. Maria, M.,
Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p. 588)
2. In cases where compromise is invalid under the Civil
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Appeals, G.R. No. 166333, November 25, 2005).
As a rule, the family home is exempt from execution,
forced sale or attachment. However, Article 155(3) of
the Family Code explicitly allows the forced sale of a
family home for debts secured by mortgages on the
premises before or after such constitution. In this case,
there is no doubt that spouses Fortaleza voluntarily
executed on January 28, 1998 a deed of Real Estate
Mortgage over the subject property which was even
notarized by their original counsel of record. And
assuming that the property is exempt from forced sale,
spouses Fortaleza did not set up and prove to the
Sheriff such exemption from forced sale before it was
sold at the public auction (Sps. Fortaleza and Ofelia
Fortaleza v. Sps. Lapitan, G.R. No. 178288, August 15,
2012).
Outline of provisions regarding the family home:
1. It is constituted on the dwelling house of the family and
the land on which house is situated
2. Deemed constituted from time of actual occupation as a
family residence (Art. 153)
3. Continues to be such as long as any of its beneficiaries
actually resides therein (Art. 153)
4. Must be part of the properties of the absolute
community or the conjugal partnership or owned by
person constituting it (may be either or both spouses
or the single head of a family) (Art. 156)
Property that is the subject of a conditional sale on
installments where ownership is reserved by the vendor
only to guarantee payment of the purchase price may
be constituted as a family home. (Art. 156 par. 2)
5. Must be permanent (Sta. Maria, M., Persons and
Family Relations, 2010, p. 590).
6. Rule applies to valid and voidable and even to commonlaw spouses under Articles 147 and 148
7. Continues despite death of one or both spouses or
unmarried head of the family for 10 years, or as long as
a minor beneficiary lives therein. Heirs cannot partition
the same unless the court finds compelling reasons
therefor. (Art. 159).
After 10 years and a minor beneficiary still lives therein,
the family home shall be preserved only until that minor
beneficiary reaches the age of majority. The intention of
the law is to safeguard and protect the interests of the
minor beneficiary until he reaches the age of majority
(Perla G. Patricio vs. Marcelino G. Dario III, G.R. No.
170829, November 20, 2006).
The family home is shielded from immediate partition
under Article 159 regardless of its ownership. This
P ATERNITY
AND
F ILIATION
LEGITIMATE
AND
DISTINGUISHED
Legitimate
ILLEGITIMATE
CHILDREN
Illegitimate
Conceived and born
outside a valid marriage or
inside a void ab initio
marriage such as bigamous
and incestuous marriages
and marriage declared void
for being contrary to law
and public policy (Art. 165)
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Legitimate
Illegitimate
the father through the
record of birth appearing in
the civil register, or when
an admission in a public
document or private
handwritten instrument is
made by the father. (Sec.1,
RA 9255)
Parental Authority
Sole parental authority of
Joint authority of parents
mother
Support
Entitled to receive support
from any of his or her direct
ascendants and
Entitled to receive support
descendants in accordance only up t his or her
with the priority set by law
grandparents or
in Art. 195 and 199 (Sta.
grandchildren as provided
Maria, M., Persons and
for in Art. 195(2) and (3)
Family Relations, 2010, p.
(Sta. Maria, M., Persons
650).
and Family Relations,
2010, p. 650).
Preferential right to support
over mother if father has no No such preference
sufficient means to meet
both claims
Successional Right
Entitled to of legitimate
Entitled to inheritance
childs inheritance
Beneficiary Right Under the SSS (RA 8282) and GSIS
(RA 8291)
Primary beneficiary
Not primary beneficiaries
Paternity Leave under RA 8187 (Paternity Leave Act of
1996)
Father is entitled to
No such benefit
paternity leave of 7 days
with full pay
RULE ON CHILDREN CONCEIVED AS A RESULT OF
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
The status of the child is legitimate if all the requirements
under Art. 164 are complied with namely:
1. Both spouses authorize or ratify such insemination
2. The authorization or ratification is in a written instrument
signed by them before the birth of the child
3. The instrument is recorded in the civil registry together
with the birth certificate of the child.
Note: Even if the above requirements are not complied
with and the husband does not impugn the legitimacy of
the child on grounds provided by Art. 166 within the
prescriptive period, the child shall still be considered
legitimate because the child has been conceived or born
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during the valid marriage of the parents pursuant to Article
164 par. 1.
RULES ON IMPUGNING LEGITIMACY (Art. 166 and
167)
Necessarily applies only to a situation where the child has
been delivered by a woman who is the childs natural
mother (Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations,
2010, p. 609).
In the event that any of the grounds enumerated in Art.
166 is proven, the child will neither be legitimate nor
illegitimate in so far as the husband is concerned. Simply,
the husband and the child will not be related to each other
in any manner considering that the husband did not
participate in any way as to the childs precreation. In so
far as the mother is concerned, the child will be
considered illegitimate (Sta. Maria, M., Persons and
Family Relations, 2010, p. 609).
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Child born at any time after June 28, 2012 (even if before
July 26, 2012) is presumed to be filiated with the second
husband.
Note: The legitimacy or illegitimacy of a child born after
three hundred days following the termination of the
marriage shall be proved by whoever alleges such
illegitimacy or illegitimacy (Art. 169).
Note: Art. 169 negates any presumption of filiation for a
child born after 300 days from the termination of a
marriage, in the absence of a subsequent marriage (Sta.
Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p. 627).
PROOF OF FILIATION
General Rule: Filiation of legitimate (or illegitimate)
children is established by any of the following: (RA)
1. The record of birth appearing in the civil registry or a
final judgment
2. An admission of legitimate (or illegitimate) filiation in a
public document or a private handwritten instrument
and signed by the parent concerned.
Exceptions: In the absence of any of the foregoing
evidence, such legitimate or illegitimate filiation shall be
proved by: (OA)
1. Open and continuous possession of the status of a
legitimate or illegitimate child;
2. Any other means allowed by the Rules of Court and
special laws (Art. 172).
a. An act or declaration concerning pedigree (Sec. 33,
Rule 130, Rules of Court)
b. Family reputation or tradition concerning pedigree
(Sec. 34, Rule 130, Rules of Court)
c. Common reputation respecting pedigree (Sec. 35,
Rule 130, Rules of Court)
d. Judicial admission (Sec. 2, Rule 129, Rules of Court)
e. Admission of a party (Sec. 22, Rule 130, Rules of
Court)
f. Admission by silence (Sec. 23, Rule 130, Rules of
Court)
Baptismal certificate, judicial admission, family bible,
evidence of pedigree, admission by silence,
testimonies of witnesses and other pieces of
evidence under Rule 130, Rules of Court may be
proofs of filiation (Cruz vs. Cristobal, G.R. No.
148247,August 7, 2006).
In Dela Cruz vs. Garcia (G.R. No. 177728, July 31,
2009), a handwritten autobiography of the father was
recognized as evidence of filiation although not
signed. The Court ruled that where the private
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handwritten instrument is accompanied by other
relevant and competent evidence, it suffices that the
claim of filiation therein be shown to have been made
and handwritten by the acknowledging parent as it is
merely corroborative of such other evidence.
Action to Claim Legitimacy (Art. 173)
Who may claim:
1. Child exclusive and personal right of child which may
be brought anytime during his lifetime, regardless of the
proof presented to support his claim
2. Transmitted to heirs of the child within a period of 5
years in case
a. Child dies during minority
b. Child dies in a state of insanity
c. Child dies after action has already been instituted
Action to Claim Illegitimacy
Illegitimate children may establish their illegitimate filiation
in the same way and on the same evidence as legitimate
children (Art. 175).
1. If illegitimate filiation is established by a record of birth
in the civil register or a final judgment, or an admission
of filiation in a public document or a private handwritten
instrument signed by the parent concerned, the action
for recognition may be brought by the child during his
lifetime (Guy, vs. CA, G.R. No. 163707, September 15,
2006).
2. If the action is based upon open and continuous
possession of the status of an illegitimate child, or any
other means allowed by the rules or special laws, it may
be only brought during the lifetime of the alleged parent
(Guy vs. CA, ibid).
3. Unlike an action for legitimacy, the right to claim for
status is NOT transmissible to the heirs.
Continuous does not mean that the concession of
status shall continue forever but only that it shall not be
of an intermittent character while it is continuous. The
possession of such status means that, the father has
treated the child as his own, directly and not through
others, spontaneously, and without concealment,
though without publicity. There must be a showing of
permanent intention of the supposed father to consider
the child as his own by continuous and clear
manifestation of paternal affection and care (Mendoza
vs. CA, G.R. No. 86302 September 24, 1991).
The paternal affection and care must not be attributed
to pure charity. Such acts must be of such a nature that
they reveal not only the conviction of paternity, but also
Illegitimate
Use of mothers surname
Note: However, R.A.
9255 amended Art. 176,
FC
Legitime is of the
legitime of a legitimate
child
Right to inherit ab
intestato from legitimate
children and relatives of
his father and mother
No right to inherit as
such
Requisites: (NIM)
1. The child is illegitimate.
2. The parents at the time of the childs conception are not
disqualified by any impediment from marrying each
other or were so disqualified only because either or both
of them were below eighteen (18) years of age (Art.
177, as amended by R.A. 9858).
3. There is a valid marriage subsequent to the childs birth
(Art. 178).
Note: Children born out of wedlock to parents who were
not allowed by law to marry for being minors are now
qualified for legitimation. This has been made possible by
RA 9858, approved on December 20, 2009 and has
amended Article 177 of the Family Code of the
Philippines. Before RA 9858, Article 177 stated that only
children born out of wedlock to parents who were not
disqualified from getting married at the time of conception
could be legitimized.Under the present law, legitimation
would automatically take place upon marriage of the
parents. Moreover, couples who had children when they
were below the marrying age would not need to go
through the process of having to adopt their own offspring
just so their kids could enjoy the rights of legitimate
children.
Notes: Laws providing for the process of legitimation are
remedial in character intended for the benefit and
protection of the innocent offspring and, therefore, may be
applied retrospectively (Lunds Estate, 162 ALR 606) and
must be liberally construed (Cardenas vs. Cardenas, 12
Ill. App 2d 497, 63 Alr2rd 1001 as cited in Sta. Maria, p.
659).
Effects of legitimation:
1. Legitimated children shall enjoy the same rights as
legitimate children (Art. 179)
Note: Legitimation creates for the legitimated child the
total and full extent of the blood-relationship existing
within the family to include all descendants, ascendants
and collateral relative, unlike in adoption where only a
parent-child relationship is created. (Sta. Maria, M.,
Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p. 661)
2. The effects of legitimation shall retroact to the time of
the childs birth (Art. 180)
3. The legitimation of children who died before the
celebration of the marriage shall benefit their
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A DOPTION
The process of making a child, whether related or not to
the adopter, possess in general, rights accorded to a
legitimate child (Paras, E. Civil Code of the Philippines
Annotated, 2002 ed., p. 685).
Adoption statutes, being humane and salutary, hold the
interest and welfare of the child to be of paramount
consideration and are designed to provide homes,
parental care and education for unfortunate, needy or
orphaned children and give them the protection of society
and family in the person of the adopter as well as to allow
childless couples to experience the joys of parenthood
and give them legally a child in the person of the adopted
for the manifestation of their natural parental instincts.
Every reasonable intendment should be sustained to
promote and fulfill these noble and compassionate
objectives of the law (In re: Petition for adoption of
Michelle P. Lim, G.R. No. 168992-93 May 21, 2009).
Nature of adoption proceedings
1. Adoption is a juridical act. Only an adoption made
through the court, or in pursuance with the procedure
laid down under Rule 99 of the Rules of Court is valid in
this jurisdiction. It is not of natural law at all, but is
wholly and entirely artificial. To establish the relation,
the statutory requirements must be strictly carried out,
otherwise, the adoption is an absolute nullity (Lazatin
vs. Hon. Judge Campos, G.R. No. L-42955-56 July 30,
1979).
2. Adoption proceedings are IN REM and publication
serves as constructive notice to the whole world
(Santos vs. Aranzanso, L-23828, February 28, 1966).
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direct proceeding frontally addressing the issue (Sayson
vs. CA, G.R. Nos. 89224-25 January 23, 1992).
Rescission of adoption (Sec. 19) - by ADOPTEE ONLY
Grounds: (ASAR)
1. Attempt on the life of the adoptee
2. Sexual assault or violence
3. Abandonment and failure to comply with parental
obligations
4. Repeated physical or verbal maltreatment by the
adopter despite having undergone counseling
Note: Adoption shall not be subject to rescission by the
adopters. However, the adopters may disinherit the
adoptee for causes provided under Art 919 of the Civil
Code (Sec. 19).
An adoptee refused to use the surname of the adopter
though already adopted. The adopter sought to
rescind/revoke the Decree of Adoption (DOA), but the
Domestic Adoption Act (R.A. 8552) which removes the
right of adopter to challenge the validity of the DOA
became effective. SC held that the adopter may disinherit
the adoptee, and that the latter has the sole right to
challenge the DOA (Lahom v. Sibulo, G.R. No 143989,
July 14, 2003).
Disinheritance of adoptee by adopter
Grounds: (Art. 919, NCC) (GAMM-CARD)
1. Groundless accusation against the testator of a crime
punishable by six (6) years or more imprisonment
2. Found guilty of an attempt against the life of the
testator, his/her spouse, descendants or ascendants
3. Causes the testator to make or changes a testators will
through violence, intimidation, fraud or undue influence
4. Maltreatment of the testator by word or deed
5. Conviction of a crime which carries the penalty of civil
interdiction
6. Adultery or concubinage with testators spouse
7. Refusal without justifiable cause to support the parent
or ascendant
8. Leads a dishonorable or disgraceful life.
Effects of rescission: (Sec. 20) (PRAS)
1. Parental authority of adoptees biological parents or
legal custody of DSWD shall be restored if adoptee is
still a minor or incapacitated.
2. Reciprocal rights and obligations of the adopter(s) and
the adoptee to each other shall be extinguished.
3. Amended certificate of birth of the adoptee shall be
cancelled and its original shall be restored.
4. Succession rights shall revert to their status prior to the
adoption, but vested rights shall be respected.
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S UPPORT
Support
It comprises everything indispensable for sustenance,
dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and
transportation in keeping with the financial capacity of the
family (Art. 194).
Kinds: (LJC)
1. Legal one required or given by law;
2. Judicial required by the court to be given whether
pendente lite or in a final judgment;
3. Conventional given by agreement.
Characteristics: (MR P2INE)
1. Mandatory
2. Reciprocal on the part of those who are by law bound to
support each other
3. Personal
4. Provisional character of support judgment
5. Intransmissible
6. Not subject to waiver or compensation
7. Exempt from attachment or execution
(A. Tolentino, Commentaries and Jurisprudence on the
Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. I, 1990 ed. p. 575)
Persons obliged to support each other: (Art. 195)
1. Spouses
2. Legitimate ascendants and descendants
3. Parents and their legitimate children, and the legitimate
and illegitimate children of the latter
4. Parents and their illegitimate children, and the legitimate
and illegitimate children of the latter
5. Legitimate brothers and sisters whether full or halfblood provided:
Brothers and sisters NOT legitimately related whether
full or half-blood are likewise entitled to support to the
full extent under Art. 194 except when the need for
support of the brother or sister, being of age, is due to a
cause imputable to claimants fault or negligence (Art.
196)
Note: Art. 197 providing for the source from where the
support should be taken out highlights the fact that the
people enumerated in Art. 195 have a personal obligation
to support each other (Sta. Maria, M., Persons and Family
Relations, 2010, p. 763).
For support of legitimate ascendants, descendants
(legitimate/illegitimate),
brothers
and
sisters
(legitimate/illegitimate), only separate property of person
obliged to give support shall be answerable. In the
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1979).
Amount of support
It shall be in proportion to the resources or means of the
giver and to the necessities of the recipient (Art. 201, See
Lam vs. Chua, G.R. No.131286. March 18, 2004). It shall
be increased or reduced proportionately, according to the
increase or reduction of necessities of the recipient and
the resources or means of the person obliged (Art. 202).
Support is rooted on the fact that the right and duty to
support, especially the right to education, subsists even
beyond the age of majority (Estate of Hilario M. Ruiz vs.
CA, G.R. No. 118671, January 29, 1996).
Demand for support (Art. 203)
The obligation to give support shall be demandable from
the time the person who has a right to receive the same
needs it for maintenance, but it shall not be paid except
from the date of judicial or extrajudicial demand.
Support must be demanded and the right to it established
before it becomes payable. For the right to support does
not arise from the mere fact of relationship, even from
relationship of parents and children, but from imperative
necessity without which it cannot be demanded, and the
law presumes that such necessity does not exist unless
support is demanded. (Sy vs. CA, G.R. No. 124518, Dec.
17, 2007)
Payment of the amount for support starts only from the
time support has been judicially or extra-judicially
demanded for the right to support does not arise from the
mere fact of relationship but from imperative necessity
without which it cannot be demanded, and the law
presumes that such necessity does not exist, unless
support is demanded (Jocson vs. Empire Insurance Co.,
G.R. No. L-10792, April 30, 1958).
Performance of obligation to support (Art. 204)
1. Paying the allowance fixed; or
2. Receiving and maintaining in the family dwelling the
person who has a right to receive support provided that
there is no moral or legal obstacle to do so.
Note: The law provides that the husband, who is obliged
to support the wife, may fulfill the obligation either by
paying her a fixed pension or by maintaining her in his
own home at his option. However, this option given by
law is not absolute. The law will not permit the husband to
evade or terminate his obligation to support his wife if the
wife is driven away from the conjugal home because of his
wrongful acts. In the case at bar, the wife was forced to
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Legal separation
parents
Exception
to
the
exception:
Unless the court finds
compelling reasons to
order otherwise.
Death, absence or Substitute
parental
unsuitability of both authority
shall
be
parents
exercised
by
the
surviving grandparent.
In case several survive,
the court shall consider
the best interests of the
child in the designation.
Doctrines regarding the maternal preference granted
by Art. 213 par. 2 as decided in Dacasin vs. Dacasin
(G.R. No. 168785 February 5, 2010)
Maternal preference cannot be subject to an
agreement between the separated spouses: Indeed,
the separated parents cannot contract away the provision
in the Family Code on the maternal custody of children
below seven years anymore than they can privately agree
that a mother who is unemployed, immoral, habitually
drunk, drug addict, insane or afflicted with a
communicable disease will have sole custody of a child
under seven as these are reasons deemed compelling
to preclude the application of the exclusive maternal
custody regime under the second paragraph of Article
213.
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Neglected child
One whose basic needs have been deliberately
unattended or inadequately attended and may be done
through physical or emotional neglect [Art. 141 (3), PD
603]
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Abused child
Can come within the emotionally-neglected child (Sta.
Maria, M., Persons and Family Relations, 2010, p. 804)
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As held in the case of Palisoc vs. Brillantes (G.R. No. L29025 October 4, 1971), the phrase "so long as (the
students) remain in their custody" means the protective
and supervisory custody that the school and its heads and
teachers exercise over the pupils and students for as long
as they are at attendance in the school, including recess
time. There is nothing in the law that requires that for such
liability to attach, the pupil or student who commits the
tortious act must live and board in the school. In the view
of the Court, the student is in the custody of the school
authorities as long as he is under the control and influence
of the school and within its premises, whether the
semester has not yet begun or has already ended.
Note: In no case shall the persons exercising special
parental authority inflict corporal punishment upon the
child (Art. 233).
SPECIAL PARENTAL AUTHORITY AND SUBSTITUTE
PARENTAL AUTHORITY DISTINGUISHED
Special PA
Substitute PA
Rests on the theory that Exercised in case of
while the child is in the death, absence, or
care and custody of the unsuitability of parents
person/s
exercising
special
parental
authority, the parents
temporarily relinquish
parental authority
Concurrent with parental NOT
exercised
authority
concurrently with the
exercise of parents
Liability is principal and Liability
is
only
solidary with the minor subsidiary, that is, only if
under their custody
the persons with special
parental
authority
cannot satisfy their
liability.
Defense of exercise the No such defense is
proper
diligence available in case of acts
required under the or omissions committed
particular circumstances while the child is in the
may extinguish liability
custody of the person
exercising
special
parental authority.
In acts and omissions
committed outside the
custody of the school,
entity or institution, for
the primary liability of
the parents to attach
under Art. 221, the
unemancipated
child
Liability
Vicarious Liability or Imputed Negligence: Parents and
other persons exercising PA shall be civilly liable for
injuries and damages caused by acts or omissions of their
unemancipated children living in their company and under
their PA subject to appropriate defenses provided by law.
(Art. 221)
Persons Exercising Special PA shall be principally and
solidarily liable for damages caused by acts or omissions
of the unemancipated minor.
The parents, judicial guardians or Persons Exercising
Substitute PA shall be subsidiarily liable.
Note: Liability will not attach if it is proved they exercised
the proper diligence required under the particular
circumstances (Art. 219)
EFFECTS OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY
I. Upon the Person of the Children
Rights and duties of parents and those exercising
parental authority (Art. 220)
1. To keep them in their company, to support, educate
and instruct them by right precept and good example,
and to provide for their upbringing in keeping with their
means;
2. To give them love and affection, advice and counsel,
companionship and understanding;
3. To provide them with moral and spiritual guidance,
inculcate in them honesty, integrity, self-discipline, selfreliance, industry and thrift, stimulate their interest in
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Child
is
also
the
usufructuary, but the childs
Parents
are
use of the property shall be
usufructuary
secondary to the collective
daily needs of the family
the
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Appointment of a general
guardian
Judicial declaration
abandonment
of
E M ANCIPATION
Emancipation takes place by the attainment of the age of
majority. Unless otherwise provided, majority commences
at the age of eighteen years. (Art 234 as amended by RA
6809)
Effect of Emancipation
Emancipation for any cause shall terminate parental
authority over the person and property of the child who
shall then be qualified and responsible for all acts of civil
life, save the exceptions established by existing laws in
special cases (Art 236 as amended by RA 6809).
Upon the effectivity of this Act (December 13, 1989),
existing wills, bequests, donations, grants, insurance
policies and similar instruments containing references and
provisions favorable to minors will not retroact to their
prejudice (Sec, 4, RA 6809).
F INAL P ROVISIONS
Retroactive Effect
The Family Code shall have retroactive effect insofar as it
does not prejudice or impair vested or acquired rights in
accordance with the Civil Code or other laws (Art 256).
F UNERALS
60 SAN BEDA COLLEGE
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General Guidelines:
1. Duty and right to make arrangement for funerals is in
accordance with right and duty to support under Article
199, FC. In case of descendants of the same degree, or
brothers and sisters, the eldest shall be preferred (Art.
305 NCC).
2. The funeral shall be in keeping with the social position
of the deceased (Art. 306 NCC)
3. The funeral shall be in accordance with the expressed
wishes of the deceased
a.
In the absence of the expressed wishes, his
religious beliefs or affiliation shall determine funeral
rites
a.
In case of doubt, the persons in Art. 199, FC
shall decide, after consulting other members of the
family (Art. 307 NCC)
4. No human remains shall be retained, interred, disposed
of or exhumed without the consent of the persons in Art.
199, FC (Art. 308 NCC)
5. Any person who disrespects the dead or allows the
same or wrongfully interferes with a funeral shall be
liable for damages (Art. 309 NCC)
6. If the deceased is married, the tombstone or
mausoleum is deemed a part of the funeral expense
and chargeable against ACP or CPG (Art. 310 NCC)
U SE
OF
S URNAM ES
Child
Surname
Legitimate
Surname of father
Legitimated
Surname of father
Conceived before the
decree annulling a voidable Surname of father
marriage
Generally, surname of
mother. May use surname
of father if filiation has been
expressly recognized by the
father through the record of
Illegitimate
birth appearing in the civil
register, or when an
admission in a public
document
or
private
handwritten instrument is
made by the father.
Adopted
Surname of adopter
Rules on the surname of a married woman (Art. 307)
1. A married woman may use:
a. Her maiden first name and surname and add her
husband's surname (ex: Maria Aquino-dela Cruz) or
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b. Her maiden first name and her husband's surname
(ex: Maria dela Cruz) or
c. Her husband's full name, but prefixing a word
indicating that she is his wife, such as "Mrs. (ex:
Mrs. Juan dela Cruz)
2. In case of annulment of marriage (Art. 371):
a. If the wife is the guilty party, she shall resume her
maiden name and surname.
b. If she is the innocent spouse, she may resume her
maiden name and surname. However, she may
choose to continue employing her former husband's
surname, unless:
i. The court decrees otherwise, or
ii. She or the former husband is married again to
another person.
3. When legal separation has been granted, the wife shall
continue using her name and surname employed before
the legal separation. (Art. 372)
Note: The language of the statute is mandatory that the
wife, even after the legal separation has been decreed,
shall continue using her name and surname employed
before the legal separation. This is so because her
married status is unaffected by the separation, there
being no severance of the vinculum. It seems to be the
policy of the law that the wife should continue to use the
name indicative of her unchanged status for the benefit
of all concerned ( Laperal vs. Republic, G.R. No. L18008 October 30, 1962).
4. A widow may use the deceased husband's surname as
though he were still living, in accordance with Article
370. (Art. 373)
Identity of names and surnames
1. The younger person shall be obliged to use such
additional name or surname as will avoid confusion
(Art. 374)
2. Between ascendants and descendants, the word
"Junior" can be used only by a son. Grandsons and
other direct male descendants shall either:
a. Add a middle name or the mother's surname, or
b. Add the Roman Numerals II, III, and so on (Art 375)
Article 375 restricts the use of Junior but social usage
allows the use of Junior also for daughters.
General Rule: No person shall use different names and
surnames (Art. 380).
A BSENCE
The legal status of a person who has absented himself
from his domicile and whose whereabouts and fate are
unknown, it not being known with certainty whether he is
still living or not (Jurado, Civil Law Reviewer, 19th Ed.
(1999), p. 260).
Different stages of absence [Paras, 15th ed. (2002), p.
857]: (PDP)
1. Provisional absence (Art. 381)- When a person
disappears from his domicile, his whereabouts being
unknown, without leaving an agent to administer his
property.
a. There is no declaration of absence yet but legal
representative may be appointed only when urgent
representation is necessary and applies only if no
agent has been appointed to represent the absentee
or agents authority has expired.
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Exception:
For purposes of opening
succession
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10 years
4 years
Exception:
If at the time of
disappearance person was
already 75 years old, 5
years of absence is
sufficient
for
this
presumption to apply.
Presumed
dead
for
purposes of remarriage of
the spouse present
2 years
Presumed
dead
for
purposes of remarriage
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