EXECUTIVEORDERNO.

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.