ALS Property 20124 (1) UV

ALS Property (2012) 1
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PRELIMINARYPROVISIONS
Art414Allthingswhichareormaybetheobjectofappropriationare
consideredeither:
1. Immovableorrealproperty;or
2. Movableorpersonalproperty.
Whatsathing?
anyobjectthatexistsandiscapableofsatisfyingsomehumanneeds
includesbothobjectsthatarealreadypossessedorownedandthose
thataresusceptibleofappropriation
morecomprehensiveterm(thanproperty),astherearethingswhich
arenotsusceptibleofappropriationandtheyarenotincludedinthe
conceptofproperty
Whatsproperty?
refers to any thing which is already the object of appropriation or
foundinthepossessionofman
Requisitesofproperty
1. Utility
Capacitytosatisfysomehumanwants
2. Substantivity
Qualityofhavingexistenceapartfromanyotherthing
3. Appropriability
Susceptibilityofbeingpossessedbyman
Rescommunesorcommonthingsarenotcapableofappropriationin
their entirety, although they may be appropriated under certain
conditionsinalimitedway,andtherebybecomepropertyinlaw
o Electricity,oxygen,etc
Resnulliusorathingmayhavenoownerbecauseithasnotyetbeen
appropriated, or because it has been lost or abandoned by the
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owner. it constitutes property as long as it is susceptible of being

possessedfortheuseofman
o Wildanimals,hiddentreasure
Things cannot be considered as property when they are not
susceptibleofappropriationbecauseof
o legal impossibility (you cant sell your body while youre alive,
atleastnotlegally)or
o physicalimpossibility(youcantownthemoon,atleastnotyet)
Rightsasproperty
property is sometimes used to denote the thing with respect to
which legal relations between persons exist the res over which
rights(particularlyownership)maybeexercisedandsometimesto
therightswithrespecttothething
eitherrealorproperty
Whatisarealright?
Rightorinterestbelongtoapersonoveraspecificthing
Withoutadefinitepassivesubjectagainstwhomsuchrightmaybe
personallyenforced
Jusinre
Theresofarealrightmaybe
o Personalproperty(asinpledgeandchattelmortgage)
o Realproperty(easement,realmortgage)
o Eitherpersonalorreal(asinownership,possession,usufruct)
If the res of a real right is real property, the right itself is real
property;otherwiseitispersonalproperty
Classificationofrealrightsbasedupondominion
1. Dominoplenopowerstoenjoyandtodisposeareunited
a. Dominion,civilpossession,hereditaryright
2. Dominomenosplenopowerstoenjoyanddisposeareseparated
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a. Surfaceright,usufruct
3. Domino limitado powers to enjoy and to dispose, though united,
arelimited
a. Byaguaranty(mortgage,pledge)
b. Byacharge(easement)
c. Byaprivilege(preemption,redemption)
Whatisapersonalright?
Rightorpowerofaperson
Todemandfromanotherasadefinitesubject
Thefulfillmentofthelattersobligation.
Jusinpersonamorjusadrem
Personalright,orrightofobligation,hasthefollowingelements:
1. Activesubject(personinwhomtherightresides)
2. Passivesubject(personagainstwhomtherightisavailable)
3. Objectorprestationortheconduct(togive,todo,ornottodo)
4. Juridicalorlegaltiewhichbindsthepartiestotheobligation
RealRight PersonalRight
Definiteactivesubjectwhohas Definiteactivesubjectanda
arightagainstallpersons definitepassivesubject
generallyasanindefinite
passivesubject
Objectisgenerallyacorporeal Objectalwaysanincorporeal
thing thing
Createdbymodeandtitle Createdbytitle
Extinguishedbythelossor
destructionofthethingwhichit Personalrightsurvivesthe
isexercised subjectmatter
Directedagainstthewhole
world(actioinremagainst3 Directedagainstaparticular
rd
persons) person(actioinpersonam)
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Whats the importance of the classification into movables or

immovables?
In private international law, general rule is that immovables are
governed by the law of the country in which they are located,
whereas movables are governed by the personal law of the owner
whichincasesisthelawofhisnationalityorhisdomicile
Incriminallaw,usurpationofpropertycantakeplaceonlywithreal
property. On the other hand, robbery and theft can be committed
onlyagainstpersonalproperty
In procedural law, actions concerning real property are brought in
the RTC where the property is located, whereas actions involving
personal property are brought in the court where either the
defendantorplaintiffresides.
o ForcibleentryandunlawfuldetainerforREALproperty
o ReplevinormanualdeliveryforPERSONAL
In contracts, only real property can be the subject matter of real
mortgage and antichresis, while only personal property can be the
subjectmatterofmutuum,voluntarydeposit,pledge
Inorderthatthedonationofanimmovablemaybevalid,itmustbe
madeinapublicinstrument.Formovables,maybeoralorinwriting
(ifmorethanP5000,needonlytobeinaprivateinstrument)
For prescription (4 and 8 years for movables; 10 and 30 years for
immovables)
Transactions involving real property must be recorded in the
Registryofpropertytoaffect3rdparties.Notrequiredwithpersonal
property,exceptforchattelmortgagecases.
Art415Thefollowingareimmovableproperty:
1. Land,buildings,roads,andconstructionsofallkindsadheredtothe
soil;
2. Trees, plants, and growing fruits, while they are attached to the
landorformanintegralpartofanimmovable;
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3. Everythingattachedtoanimmovableinafixedmanner,insucha
way that it cannot be separated therefrom without breaking the
materialordeteriorationoftheobject;
4. Statues, reliefs, paintings or other objects for use or
ornamentation,placedinbuildingsoronlandsbytheownerofthe
immovableinsuchamannerthatitrevealstheintentiontoattach
thempermanentlytothetenements;
5. Machinery, receptacles, instruments or implements intended by
theownerofthetenementforanindustryorworkswhichmaybe
carried on ina building or on a piece of land, and which tend
directlytomeettheneedsofsaidindustryorworks;
6. Animal houses, pigeonhouses, beehives, fish ponds or breeding
places of similar nature, in cases their owner has placed htem or
preserves them with the intention to have them permanently
attached to the land, and forming a permanent part of it; the
animalsintheseplacesareincluded;
7. Fertilizeractuallyusedonapieceofland;
8. Mines, quarries, and slag dumps, while the matter thereof forms
partofthebed,andwaterseitherrunningorstagnant;
9. Docksandstructureswhich,thoughfloating,areintendedbytheir
nature and object to remain at a fixed place on a river, lake, or
coast;
10. Contractsforpublicworks,andservitudesandotherrealrights
over immovable property.

Classesofimmovableorrealproperty(NIDA)
1. Bynature(cannotbecarriedfromplacetoplace)
2. Byincorporation(attachedtoanimmovableinafixedmannertobe
anintegralpartthereof)
3. Bydestination(placedinanimmovablefortheutilityitgives)
4. By analogy (by express provision of law because it is regarded as
unitedtotheimmovableproperty)

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Lands,buildings,roadsandconstructionsofallkinds
Mustadheretothesoil
Buildings must be more or less of a permanent structure
independent of and regardless of the ownership of the land on
whichitiserectedsincethelawmakesnodistinction(sopossibleto
mortgagebuildingevenifinthelandofanother,sinceitsseparate
fromtheland
Roads,whetherpublicorprivate,areimmovable
Realpropertytreatedbythepartiesaspersonalproperty
o A building is by itself an immovable property irrespective of
whetherornotsaidstructureandthelandonwhichitisadhere
tobelongtothesameowner
o A valid real estate mortgate can be constituted only on the
buildingerectedonthelandbelongingtoanother
o The parties to a contract of chattel mortgage may, by
agreement, treat as personal property that which by nature
would be real property (estopped! So they can be subject to a
writofreplevinbetweenparties)
However, the chattel mortgage is not binding on third
persons.
Trees,plantsandgrowingfruits
Immovablewhiletheyare:
o Attachedtotheland,or
o Formanintegralpartofanimmovable
Oncecutoruprooted,theybecomemovable
Growing crops or fruits, or ungathered products or fruits, may be
treated as personal property for the purposes of attachment,
executionandthechattelmortgagelaw(SibalvValdez)
When growing crops are sold and before they are even harvested,
the transaction is considered as sale of movables because it is a
giventhattheyaretobegatheredorharvestedfordelivery
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Everythingattachedtoanimmovableinafixedmanner
Attachmentmustbesuchthat
o Itcannotbeseparatedfromtheimmovable
o Withoutbreakingthematerial,or
o Deteriorationoftheobject
Iftemporarilyseparated,willstillberegardedasimmovableifthere
is an intent to put them back (but there are different opinions to
this)
Intenttoattachpermanentlyisessentialobjectsplacedbyhumans
with intention to permanent annexation lose their identity as
movables
Statues,reliefs,paintings,orotherobjectsforuseorornamentation
Immovablewhen:
o Placedontheimmovablebytheownerofthelatter,and
o In such a manner that it reveals the intention to attach them
permanentlytothetenements
Notnecessarilybyhimpersonally,canbebyhisagent
Ifplacedbyapersonnottheownerlikealessee,theobjectwillnot
attain the character of immovable unless such person acts as an
agentoftheowner
Machinery,receptacles,instruments,orimplementsforanindustryor
works
Immovableonlywhen:
o Placedbytheownerofthetenementorhisagent
o Industryorworksmustbecarriedoninabuildingoronapiece
ofland
o Machinery, etc must tend directly to meet the needs of the
saidindustryorworks
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Machinerywhichismovableinitsnatureonlybecomesimmobilized
whenplacedinplantbytheownerofthepropertyorplant,butnot
when so placed by a tenant, a usufructuary, or any person having
onlyatemporaryright(DavaoSawMillvCastillo)
o Exception(becomesimmovable):
1.Suchpersonactedastheagentoftheowner,or
2.Leaseagreementstatesthatthemachineswillpassoverto
the lessor after the expiration of the lease agreement (US
Valdezcase)
Mustbeessentialandbeprincipalelementsofanindustryorworks
to the business, not merely incidental to business (Mindanao Bus
CompanyvCityAssessor)
o Cashregisters,typewritersforhotels,restaurants,theatersare
merely incidental, these businesses can continue on without
them
o Machineries of breweries used in the manufacture of liquor,
though movable by nature, are immobilized because they are
essentialtosaidindustries
Forpurposesoftaxation,itdoesntmatterwhoplacedthemachines
the owner or mere lessee, as long as it is essential and principal
elementsofanindustry.Thetermrealpropertymayincludethings
which should generally as personal property. It is a familiar
phenomenontoseethingsclassifiedasrealpropertyforpurposesof
taxation which on general principle might be considered personal
property. (Meralco v Central Board of Assessment Appeals in this
case, the storage tanks were placed by Meralco, who wasnt the
owneroftheland,butitwasstillconsideredimmovable)
Attachmentorincorporationtoimmovablenotessential,sincethey
becomeimmovablebecauseofdestination,whatisessentialistheir
utility
Animalhouses,pigeonhouses,beehives,fishpondsorbreedingplaces
ofsimilarnature
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Consideredimmovable:
o Incasetheirownerhasplacedthemorpreservesthem
o Withtheintentiontohavethempermanentlyattachedtothe
land
o Andformingapermanentpartofit.
o Theanimalsintheseplacesareincluded.
Must permanently form part of the land and so intended by the
owner
Fertilizersactuallyusedonapieceofland
Immovablewhen
o Actuallyusedonapieceofland
Fertilizerskeptinabarnarenotimmovable
Mines,quarriesandslagdumps
Immovablewhen
o Whilethematterthereofformspartofthebed
o Meaning,thematterthereofremainsunseveredfromthesoil
Waters,eitherrunningorstagnant,areclassifiedasimmovables
Docksandstructures,thoughfloating
Immovableif
o Intendedbytheirnatureandobject
o Toremainatafixedplaceon
o Ariver,lakeorcoasts
Contracts for public works and servitudes and other real rights over
immovables
Where the res of a real right is real property, the right itself is real
property. So ownership is real property if the thing owned is
immovable
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o Loan is real property by analogy if secured by a real estate

mortgage
Whereitispersonalproperty,therightitselfispersonalproperty
o Exception: case of contracts for public works which are
consideredrealproperty

CHAPTERTWO:MOVABLEPROPERTY
Art416Thefollowingthingsaredeemedtobepersonalproperty:
1. Those movables susceptible of appropriation which are not
includedintheprecedingarticle;
2. Realpropertywhichbyanyspecialprovisionoflawisconsideredas
personalty;
3. Forcesofnaturewhicharebroughtundercontrolbyscience;and
4. Ingeneral,allthingswhichcanbetransportedfromplacetoplace
withoutimpairmentoftherealpropertytowhichtheyarefixed.
Art417Thefollowingarealsoconsideredaspersonalproperty:
1. Obligations and actions which have for their object movables or
demandablesums;
2.Sharesofstockofagricultural,commercialandindustrialentities,
althoughtheymayhaverealestate.
Classesofmovableorpersonalproperty
1. PropertynotincludedinArt415
2. Consideredpersonalpropertybyspecialprovisionoflaw
3. Forcesofnaturebroughtundercontrolbyscience
4. Ingeneral,allmovablethings
a. Whetherthepropertycanbetransportedorcarriedfrom
placetoplace;
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b. Whether such change of lacation can be made without

injuring the immovable to which the object may be
attached,and
c. Whether the object does not fall within any one of the
casesinArt415
5. Obligationsandactions(personalrights,theyhavingadefinite
passivesubject)
6. Sharesofstock
7. Otherincorporealpersonalproperty
a. Intellectualpropertysuchascopyrights,patents,etc
Art 418 Movable property is either consumable or nonconsumable.

To the first class belong those movables which cannot be used in a
mannerappropriatetotheirnaturewithouttheirbeingconsumed;to
thesecondclassbelongalltheothers.
Importanceofclassification:
Consumablegoodscannotbethesubjectmatterofacommodatum
(unlessformereexhibition)
In a mutuum, the subject matter is money or other consumable
thing
Consumable
Dependsonnatureofthingitself
Cantbeusedinamannerappropriatetotheirnaturewithoutbeing
consumed
Fungible
Dependsontheintentionorpurposeoftheparties
Can be substitute by another thing of the same kind, quantity and
quality

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Money, while characterized as a movable, is generic and fungible.

(BPIvFranco)
CHAPTERTHREE:PROPERTYINRELATIONTOWHOMITBELONGS
Art419Propertyiseitherofpublicdominionorofprivateownership
Propertyiseitherof
1. PublicdominionorpropertyownedbytheState(oritssubdivisions)
in its public or sovereign capacity and intended for public use and
notfortheuseoftheStateasajuridicalperson
2. Privateownershiporpropertyownedby:
a. Thestateinitsprivatecapacity;knownaspatrimonialproperty
b. Privatepersons,eitherindividuallyorcollectively
Property is presumed to be State property in the absence of any

showingtothecontrary.(RegalianDoctrine)
Whatsdominion?
1. Not owned by the State but simply under its jurisdiction and
administration for the collective enjoymentofallthe peopleofthe
State
2. Purposeistoservethecitizens,nottheStateasjuridicalperson
3. Rises from the fact that the State is the juridical representative of
thesocialgroup
Art420Thefollowingthingsarepropertyofpublicdominion:
1. Those intended for public use, such as roads, canals, rivers,
torrents, ports and bridges constructed by the States, banks
shores,roadsteadsandothersofsimilarcharacter
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2. Those which belong to the State, without being for public use,
andareintendedforsomepublicserviceorforthedevelopment
ofthenationalwealth
Threekindsofpublicdominionproperty
1. Intendedforpublicuse
Canbeusedbyeverybody
2. Notforpublicusebutintendedforsomespecificpublicservice
Only be used by duly authorized people, such as government
buildings,etc
3. Intended for the development of national wealth, even if not
employedforpublicuseorservice
Minerals,coal,oil,forests
Charging of fees to the public does not affect the public character of
theroadoritscharacteraspropertyforpublicuse.
What are other property of similar character to those intended for

publicuse?
1. Publicstreams,riverchannels,riverbeds,etc
2. Accretionstotheshoresofthesea
3. Submerged lands or lands reclaimed from the sea by the
government
Mere reclamation of certain foreshore land does not convert
these inalienable natural resources of the state into alienable or
disposablelandsofthepublicdomain.
There must be a law or proclamation officially classifying them
such.
4. Landsthatdisappearedintothesea
5. Canals constructed on private lands of private ownership but the
ownerloseshisproprietaryrightoversaidcanalthroughprescription
byallowingthepublictouseitfortransportation
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6. Foreshorelandswhentheseamovedtowardanestateandthetide
invadeit,theinvadedpropertybecomesforeshoreandpassestothe
publicrealm
- Foreshorelandisthestripoflandthatliesbetweenthehighand
lowwatermarks
7. Lot on which stairways were built for the use of the people as
passagewaytothehighway
Roadsrefertothoseconstructedbythenationalgovernment
Canals constructed by private persons over private lands are of
privateownership
Roadsteadisaplacelessshelteredorenclosedthanaharborwhere
shipsmayrideatanchor
Properties of public dominion are outside of the commerce of man.

Again,theirpurposeistoservethecitizens.
They can not be the object of appropriation either by the State or
privatepersons.
So
1. Cannotbesold,leasedorbethesubjectofcontracts
2. Cannot be acquired by prescription, not even by municipalities as
againsttheState
3. Cannotbeencumbered,attached,orbesubjecttolevyandsoldat
publicauction.
4. Cannotbeburdenedwitheasements
5. Cannot be registered under the land registration law and be the
subjectofaTorrenstitle
Inclusionofpublicdominionpropertydoesnotconfertitleonthe
registrant

PubliclandsvGovernmentlands
Publiclands
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Landsofthepublicdomain
Does not include all lands of government ownership but only so
muchofsaidlandsasarethrownopentoprivateappropriationand
settlementbyhomesteadlaw
Governmentlands
Broaderterm
Includesnotonlypubliclands,butalso
1. other lands of the government already reserved or devoted to
publicuse,
2. orsubjecttoprivaterights,
3. andpatrimoniallands
Alienationofpublicagriculturalland
Unless pubic land is shown to have been reclassified and alienated
by the State to a private person, it remains part of the inalienable
publicdomain
AllotherlandsarepresumedtobelongtotheState
Art421AllotherpropertyoftheState,whichisnotofthecharacter
statedintheprecedingarticle,ispatrimonialproperty.
Patrimonialproperty
Property of the State owned by it in its private or proprietary
character
Not for public use, service or development of the national
wealth
May be acquired by private individuals or juridical persons through
prescription;canbetheobjectofanordinarycontract
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Art 422 Property of public dominion, when no longer intended for

public use or for public service, shall form part of the patrimonial
propertyoftheState.
PropertyoftheNationalGovernment
Notselfexecuting
There must be a formal declaration by the executive (exercised by
thePresident)orpossiblylegislativedepartmentthatthepropertyis
nolongerneededforpublicuseorforpublicservicebeforethesame
canbeclassifiedaspatrimonialproperty
Apositiveactdeclaringlandasalienableanddisposableisrequired
1. Presidentialproclamationorexecutiveorder
2. Administrativeaction
3. InvestigationreportsofBureauofLandsinvestigators
4. Legislativeactorastatute(SecofDENRvYap)
Classification of public lands is the exclusive prerogative of the
Executive Department courts have no authority (Sec of DENR v
Yap)
Abandonmentcannotbeinferredfromnonuse.(Roponggicase)
Two requisites for judicial confirmation of imperfect or incomplete
title,underCA141
1. open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and
occupation of the subject land by himself or through his
predecessorsininterestunderabonafidecliamofownership
sincetimeimmemorialorfromJune12,1945
2. classificationofthelandasalienableanddisposablelandofthe
publicdomain(SecofDENRvYap)
Unclassifiedland?Consideredasforestland(SecofDENRvYap)
PropertyofPoliticalSubdivisions
For provinces, cities and municipalities, the conversion must be
authorizedbylaw
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Municipalcorporationhasdiscretionarypowertowithdrawastreet
frompublicuseandsellit.(CebuOxygenvBecilles)
Art423Thepropertyofprovinces,cities,andmunicipalitiesisdivided
intopropertyforpublicuseandpatrimonialproperty.
Art 424 Property for public use, in the provinces, cities, and
municipalities, consist of the provincial roads, city streets, municipal
streets,thesquares,fountains,publicwaters,promenades,andpublic
works for public service paid for by said provinces, cities or
municipalities.
Allotherpropertypossessedbyanyofthemispatrimonialandshall
be governed by this Code, without prejudice to the provisions of
speciallaws.
PropertyofPoliticalSubdivisions
Note that the articles speak of property for public use, indicating
thatpropertiesforpublicservicearepatrimonial.(ambulanceofthe
localgovernment)
Political subdivisions cannot register as their own any part of the
publicdomain,unlessitisfirstshownthatagrantthereofhasbeen
madeorpossessionhasbeenenjoyedduringtheperiodnecessaryto
establishapresumptionofownership.
If the property is owned by the municipality in its public and
governmental capacity, the property is public and Congress has
absolutecontroloverit.
If it is owned in its private or proprietary capacity, then it is
patrimonialandCongresshasnocontroloverit.(page63,deLeon)
Casedoctrines:
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Theuseofsubdivisionroadsbythegeneralpublicdoesnotstripitof
itsprivatecharacter.
Transferofownershipfromthesubdivisionownerdevelopertothe
local government is not automatic but requires a positive act from
the ownerdeveloper before the city or municipality can acquire
dominionoverthesubdivisionroads.Untilandunlesstheroadsare
donated,ownershipremainswiththeownerdeveloper.(Woodridge
School,IncvARBConstructionCo,Inc)
Art 425 Property of private ownership, besides the patrimonial

propertyoftheState,provinces,cities,andmunicipalities,consistsof
all property belonging to private persons, either individually or
collectively.
Privateproperty
1. Belongingtoprivatepersons,eitherindividuallyorcollectively
2. Belonging to the State and any of its subdivisions which are
patrimonialinnature
There is nothing that will prohibit churches from alienating things

classifiedintosacred,religious,andholy.
Art 426 Whenever by provision of law, or an individual declaration,

theexpressionimmovablethingsorpropertyormovablethingsor
property is used, it shall be deemed to include, respectively, the
thingsenumeratedinChapter1andChapter2.
Whenever the word muebles or furniture, is used alone, it
shallnotbedeemedtoincludemoney,credits,commercialsecurities,
stocks and bonds, jewelry, scientific or aristic collections, books,
medals, arms, clothing, horses or carriages and their accessories,
grains, liquids and merchandise, or other thing which do no have as
their principal object the furnishing or ornamenting of a building,
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except where from the context of the law, or of the individual

declaration,thecontraryclearlyappears.
TITLEIIOWNERSHIP
CHAPTERONE:OWNERSHIPINGENERAL
Art427Ownershipmaybeexerciseoverthingsorrights
Ownershipisthe
Independent right of a person to the exclusive enjoyment and
controlofathing
Including its disposition and recovery subject only to the
restrictions or limitations established by law and the rights of
others
BeneficialOwnership
Ownershiprecognizedbylawandcapableofbeingenforcedincourt
Righttoenjoymentinoneperson,legaltitleisinanother
NakedOwnership
Enjoymentofallthebenefitsandprivilegesofownership
Ownershipmaybeexercisedoverthingsorrights
1. Thingusuallyreferstocorporealproperty
2. Rightswhetherrealorpersonal,resofrightsmaybecorporealor
incorporeal
Art 428 The owner has the right to enjoy and dispose of a thing,
withoutotherlimitationsthanthoseestablishedbylaw.
Theownerhasalsoarightofactionagainsttheholderandpossessor
ofathinginordertorecoverit.

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Thesevenjuses
1. Possidendi
2. Utendi
3. Fruendi
4. Accessionis
5. Abutendi
6. Disponendi
7. Vindicandi
Righttopossessorjuspossidendi
righttoholdathingorenjoyaright(Art523)
maybeexercisedinonesownnameorinthatofanother
1. Righttousenotnecessarilyincluded
May be in the concept of an owner or a mere holder with the
ownershippertainingtoanother
Righttopossessdoesnotalwaysincludetherighttouse
2. Judgmentofownershipmaynotincludepossession
Person may be declared owner but he may not be entitled to
possessionwhichmaybeinthehandsofanothersuchasatenant
But! This doctrine may be invoked only where the actual
possessorhassomerightswhichmustberespected
3. Whereclaimtopossessionbasedonclaimofownership
Where the ownership of a property was decided in a judgment,
the delivery of possession should be considered included in the
decision where the defeated partys claim to the possession is
basedonhisclaimofownership
4. Dutyofvendortodeliverpossessionofthingsold
Contract of sale, vendor bound not only to transfer ownership,
butalsodeliver
Considered delivered only when vendee has control and
possession

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Righttouseandenjoyorjusutendi
necessarily includes the right to transform and the right to exclude
anypersonfromtheenjoymentanddisposalthereof
he may use such force as may be reasonably necessary to repel or
prevent an actual or threatened unlawful physical invasion or
usurpation(Art429)
hemayencloseorfencehisproperty(Art430)
limitedbecausehecannotmakeuseofsuchpropertyinamannerto
injuretherightsofathirdperson
Righttoreceivethefruitsandaccessoriesorjusfruendiandaccessionis
ownership gives the right by accession to everything which is
producedthereby(seeart440)
Righttoconsumeorjusabutendi
right of the owner to consume a thing by its use the use that
extinguishes
Righttodisposeoralienateorjusdisponendi
eithertotally(saleordonation)orpartially(pledge,mortgage,etc)
includesrightnottodispose
dutyofvendortotransferownership
o vendormustbetheownerorauthorizedtosellthing
o sufficient that he be the owner at the time of the delivery of
thethingsold
onlytheabsoluteownercanpledgeormortgageonesproperty
Righttorecoverpossessionand/orownershiporjusvindicandi
true owner must resort to judicial process for the recovery of the
property
hecannottakethelawintohisownhands

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Actionsavailabletorecoverpossessionand/orownership
1. Recovery of personal property: Remedy of Replevin or manual

deliveryofpersonalproperty
Requisites(Rule60,RulesofCourt):
Applicant must show by his own affidavit or that of some other
personwhopersonallyknowsthefacts:
i. Thatthe applicantistheownerofthepropertyclaimed,
particularlydescribingit,ORisentitledtothepossession
thereof
ii. That the property is wrongfully detained by the adverse
party, alleging the cause of detention thereof according
tothebestofhisknowledge,informationandbelief
Applicant has burden of proving his ownership or right of
possessionoverthepropertyinquestion
Both a principal remedy (regain possession) and a provisional
remedy (allow the plaintiff to retain the thing wrongfully
detainedbyanotherpendentelite)
2. Recoveryofrealproperty:
Forcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer(accioninterdictal)
Forcibleentry
Requisites:
i. Institutedbypersondeprivedofpossession
ii. Unlawful deprivation of the possession of any land or
building,byforce,intimidation,threat,strategyorstealth
iii. Filedwithin1yearfromdateofactualentry(butforcases
ofstealthandstrategy,fromdateofknowledgeofactual
knowledge)
iv. AttheMTCwherepropertyislocated

Unlawfuldetainer
Requisites:
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i. Instituted by landlord, vendor, vendee or other person

against who the possession of any land or building is
unlawfullywithheld
ii. Unlawfulpossessionaftertheexpirationorterminationof
therighttoholdpossession(byvirtueofcontract,etc)
iii. Filedwithin1yearfromdateoflastdemandtovacate
iv. attheMTCwherepropertyislocated
Forunlawfuldetainer,itisessentialthattheplaintiffssupposedacts
of tolerance must have been present right from the start of the
possessionwhichislatersoughttoberecovered(Valdez,jrvCA)
Only issue involved in both is mere physical or material possession
(possessiondefacto),notjuridicalorcivilpossession(possessionde
jure)
Plaintiffneedonlytoallegeandprovepriorpossessiondefactoand
unduedeprivationthereof
Itsaquietingprocess
Summaryinnature(tosolvetheproblemquicklyandtoprotectthe
rightsofthepossessor)
Difference between the two is the time when possession became
unlawful forcible entry: time of entry; unlawful detainer:
possessionatfirstwaslegal,thenbecameillegal
If complaint fails to aver facts constitutive of forcible entry or
unlawfuldetaineraswhenitdoesnotstatehowentrywaseffected
or how and when the dispossession started, the remedy should
eitherbeaccionpublicianaoranaccionreinvindicatoria(Valdez,jrv
CA)
o Mustbeapparentinthefaceofthecomplaint(Sarmientov
CA)
Jurisdictionalfactswhatdoesaplaintiffhavetoallege?
o Forunlawfuldetainer
i. Plaintiffsrightoverproperty(describingtheproperty)
ii. Priorlawfulpossession
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i. Ifbytolerance,actsoftolerancemusthavebeenpresent
rightfromthestartofthepossession
ii. Ifbylease,contractualagreementmustbeshown
iii. Became unlawful (by termination of lease contract or non
paymentofrents)
iv. Extrajudicialdemandtovacate
i. If by nonpayment, demand letter to PAY RENTS and
VACATEpremises(barquestion)
v. Withinoneyearfromlastdemand

Can the MTC rule on the issue of ownership in an ejectment case?
Yes!Butonlyprovisionally.
The primal rule is that the principal issue must be that of
possession,andthatownershipismerelyancillary,inwhichcase
theissueofownershipmayberesolvedbutonlyforthepurpose
ofdeterminingtheissueofpossession.
It must sufficiently appear from the allegations in the complaint
thatwhattheplaintiffreallyandprimarilyseeksistherestoration
ofpossession.
Inferior court cannot adjudicate on the nature of ownership
where the relationship of lessor and lessee has been sufficiently
established in the ejectment case, unless it is sufficiently
established that there has been a subsequent change in or
terminationoftherelationshipbetweentheparties.
The rule in forcible entry cases, but not in those for unlawful
detainer, is that a party who can prove prior possession can
recover such possession even against the owner himself. He has
thesecuritythatentitleshimtoremainonthepropertyuntilheis
lawfully ejected by a person having a better right through an
accionpublicianaoraccionreinvindicatoria
Where the question of how has prior possession hinges on the
question of who the real owner of the disputed portion is, the
PJG
inferior court may resolve the issue of ownership and make a

declarationastotheowner.But,itismerelyprovisional,anddoes
not bar nor prejudice an action between the same parties
involvingthetitletotheland.(AsisvAsisVdadeGuevarra,2008)
Plenaryactiontorecoverpossession(accionpubliciana)
Requisites:
i. Mustbewithinaperiodoftenyearsotherwisetherealright
ofpossessionislost
ii. Onewhoclaimstohaveabetterrightmustprovenotonly
hisrightbutalsotheidentityofthepropertyclaimed
iii. FiledintheRTCwherethepropertyislocated
Issue involved is possession de jure of realty independently of title
(ascomparedtointerdictal,possessiondefacto)
Judgment rendered here is conclusive only on the question of
possession,notthatofownership
Jurisdictionalfacts?
1. Rightofplaintiffoverproperty
2. Periodtobringinterdictalhasexpired
3. Dontknowna.
Action to recover possession based on ownership (accion

reivindicatoria)
Requisites:
i. Rightofplaintiffoverproperty
ii. FiledattheRTCwherethepropertyislocated

Seeksrecoveryofpossessionbasedonownership,withclaimoftitle
Issue involved is ownership which ordinarily includes possession,
although a person may be declared owner but he may not be
entitledtopossessionbecausethepossessorhassomerightswhich
mustberespected
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Action for reconveyance prescribes in 10 years from the point of

theregistrationofthedeedorthedateofissuanceofthecertificate
oftitle(checkbook!);4yearsincasesoffraudcountedtherefromon
dateofissuanceofthecertificateoftitleovertheproperty
o Actionforreconveyancebasedonfraudandwhereplaintiffis
in possession of the property subject of the acts does not
prescribe.(LeysonvBontuyan)
o NB:Shouldnothavepassedtoathirdperson.
Allthreeactionsareactionsinpersonam.
Injunctionasaremedyforrecoveryofpossession
Injunctionisajudicialprocesswherebyapersonisrequiredtodoor
refrainfromdoingaparticularthing.
Generalrule:Courtshouldnotbymeansofapreliminaryinjunction
transfer property in litigation from the possession of one party to
another.
In order that a preliminary injunction may be granted at any time
afterthecommencementoftheactionandbeforejudgment:
Requisites:
i. theremustexistaclearandpositiverightovertheproperty
inquestionwhichshouldbejudiciallyprotectedthroughthe
writ;and
ii. the acts against which the injunction is to be directed are
violativeofsuchright
Whatifthereissomeoneactuallypossessingthepropertysoughtto
recover?
o Personnotordinarilyallowedtoavailofremedyofpreliminary
preventive or mandatory injunction but must bring the
necessaryactionfortherecoveryofpossession.
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Injunctive relief will not be granted to take property out of the

possession or control of one party and place it in that of another
whosetitle
o Hasnotbeenclearlyestablished,or
o Who didnothave suchpossessionorcontrol at theinception
ofthecase
Properfunctionistomaintainthestatusquo
Injunction cannot be a substitute for other suits for recovery of
possession,hence,itsdenialwillnotbartheinstitutionofthemore
appropriateremedy
Why?Well,awritofinjunctionisanequitablerelief;determination
oftitleisalegalremedythatswhy
Whencaninjunctionbeallowed?
In actions for forcible entry, the dispossessed plaintiff may file,
within ten days from filing of the complaint, a motion for a writ of
preliminarymandatoryinjunctiontorestorehiminpossession.
o The court MAY grant In order to prevent the defendant from
committing further acts of dispossession during the pendency
ofthecase
o Issueofownershipmaynotbeputinissue
Ejectment cases where the appeal is taken, the lessor is given the
sameremedygrantedabove.
Where the actual possessor of the property who is admittedly the
owner,seeksprotectionfromrepeatedorfurtherintrusionsintohis
property.
o Evenifitturnsoutthatheisnttheowner,hemaystillavailof
theequitableremedyofinjunctiontoprotecthispossession.
Whenthereisaclearfindingofrightofownershipandpossessionof
a land in favor of the party who claims the subject property in
possession of another is the undisputed owner as where the
property is covered by a Torrens title pointing to the party as the
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owner. (Of course, check the issuance of the title if it was in bad
faith)
When urgency, expediency and necessity require immediate
possession as where material and irreparable injury will be done
whichcannotbecompensatedbydamages.
Writofpossessionasaremedy
Writ of possession is an order whereby a sheriff is commanded to
placeapersoninpossessionofarealorpersonalproperty,suchas
whenapropertyisextrajudiciallyforeclosed.
Improper to eject another from possession, unless sought in
connectionwitha:
1. Landregistrationproceeding
2. Foreclosure of mortgage, provided, that no third person has
intervened (PNB v CA in this case, a third person was
occupying the lot subject to the writ. The SC held that the an
exparte petition for issuance of a possessory writ is not the
judicialprocessreferredtoinArt433);
3. Executionsales
Limitationsontherightofownership
Limitedby
1. bytheStatespowertotax,policepower,andeminentdomain
2. thoseimposedbylawsuchaslegaleasement
3. those imposed by the owner himself, such as voluntary
easement
4. thoseimposedbythegrantorofthepropertyonthegrantee
5. thosearisingfromconflictsofprivaterightswhichtakeplacein
accessioncontinua
6. prohibitionagainsttheacquisitionofprivatelandsbyaliens
Art 429 The owner or lawful possessor of a thing has the right to
excludeanypersonfromtheenjoymentanddisposalthereof.Forthis
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purpose,hemayusesuchforceasaybereasonablynecessarytorepel
or prevent an actual or threatened unlawful physical invasion or
usurpationofhisproperty.
Principleofselfhelp
Requisites:
i. Persondefendingmustbetheownerorlawfulpossessor
ii. Useofreasonableforce
iii. Only be exercised at the time of an actual or threatened
dispossession(nodelay)
iv. Actual or threatened physical invasion or usurpation which is
unlawful
ReadwithArt19oftheCivilCode.
Art 430 Every owner may enclose or fence his land or tenementsby
means of walls, ditches, live or dead hedges, or by any other means
withoutdetrimenttoservitudesconstitutedthereon.
Righttoencloseorfence
Limitedbyexistingservitudesimposedonthelandortenement
Art431Theownerofathingcannotmakeusethereofinsuchmanner
astoinjuretherightsofathirdperson.
Art432Theownerofathinghasnorighttoprohibittheinterference
ofanotherwiththesame,iftheinterferenceisnecessarytoavertan
imminent danger and the threatened damage, compared to the
damagearisingtotheownerfromthefromtheinterference,ismuch
greater. The owner may demand from the person benefited
indemnityforthedamagetohim.
Stateofnecessity
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Generalrule:apersoncannotinterferewiththerightofownershipof
another
Exception:Stateofnecessity,butofcourse,civilindemnificationcanbe
askedfor
Requisites:
i. interferenceisnecessarytoavertanimminentdangerandthe
threateneddamagetoactororathirdperson(butthedamage
mustbeproportionateandreasonable)
ii. imminentdangerorthreateningdamagemustbemuchgreater
thanthedamagearisingtotheowneroftheproperty
Art 433 Actual possession under claim of ownership raises a

disputablepresumptionofownership.Thetrueownermustresortto
judicialprocessfortherecoveryoftheproperty.
Appliestobothimmovableandmovableproperty
Requisitestoraisethedisputablepresumptionofownership:
i. Actual(physicalormaterial)possessionoftheproperty
ii. Possessionmustbeunderclaimofownership
Judicialprocesscontemplated
Meansejectmentsuitorreinvidicatoryaction
Exparte petition for issuance of a possessory writ is not a judicial
process,asitisnonlitigious(PNBvCA)
Art434Inanactiontorecover,thepropertymustbeidentified,and
the plaintiff must rely on the strength of his title and not on the
weaknessofthedefendantsclaim.
Requisites:
i. Personwhoclaimsthathehasabetterrighttothepropertymust
satisfactorilyprovebothownershipandidentity
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ii. Burden of proof lies on the party who substantially asserts the
affirmativeofanissue
iii. Reliance on strength of evidence and not upon the weakness of
theopposingparty
Partywhodesirestorecovermustfixtheidentityofthelandclaimed
bydescribingthelocation,areaandboundariesthereof
o Ifapartyfailstoidentifysufficientlyandsatisfactorilytheland
whichheclaimsashisown,hisactionmustnecessarilyfail
o Whiletheidentityofthepropertymustbeestablished,itisnot
necessaryfortheplaintifftoestablishthepreciselocationand
extentofthelandsclaimedoroccupiedbythedefendant
General rule: where there is a conflict between the area and
boundariesofaland,thelatterprevails.
o Anareadelimitedbyboundariesproperlyidentifiesaparcelof
land
Exception:wheretheboundariesreliedupondonotidentifythe
landbeyonddoubt
o In such cases where there appears to be an overlapping of
boundaries,theactualsizeofthepropertygainsimportance.
Equiponderanceofevidence?Rulefordefendant.
Evidencetoproveownership
1. ATorrenstitle
2. TitlefromtheSpanishgovernment
3. PatentdulyregisteredintheRegistryofProperty
4. Deedofsale
5. Operating a business for nine years in defendants own name,
withoutprotestofplaintiff
6. Occupationofabuildingforalongtimewithoutpaymentofrent
7. Letterinwhichdefendantrecognizedtheownershipoftheproperty
bytheplaintiff(estoppel)
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8. Open, continuous, exclusive, adverse and notorious actual

possessionandoccupationofparcelsofland
Indiciaofclaimofownership
1. Tax declarations and tax receipts only prima facie evidence of
ownershiporpossession;buttheyaregoodindiciaofpossessionin
theconceptofowner

Conclusivenessofcertificatesoftitle
Indicates true and legal ownership of a private land and should be
accordedgreatweightasagainsttaxdeclarations
o but is not conclusive if the land had already been previously
registered
Art 435 No person shall be deprived of the property except by

competentauthorityandforpublicuseandalwaysuponpaymentof
justcompensation.
Should this requirement be not first complied with, the courts shall
protect,andinapropercase,restoretheownerinhispossession.
Powerofeminentdomain
Requisites:
i. Takingmustbedonebycompetentauthority
ii. Mustbeforpublicuse
iii. Ownerpaidjustcompensation
iv. Requirementofdueprocessoflawmustbeobserved
Should the requirements be not first complied with, restore the

propertytohispossession.
Butcanbelostbyestoppeloracquiescence
Art 436 When any property is condemned or seized by competent

authority in the interest of health, safety or security, the owner
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thereof shall not be entitled to compensation, unless he can show

thatsuchcondemnationorseizureisunjustified.
Condemnationorseizureofpropertyinexerciseofpolicepower
Relatestouseandenjoymentnotownershipofproperty
Notakingofpropertyinvolved
Personsaffectednotentitledtofinancialcompensation
Art437Theownerofaparceloflandistheownerofitssurfaceandof
everythingunderit,andhecanconstructthereonanyworksormake
anyplantationsandexcavationswhichhemaydeemproper,without
detriment to servitudes and subject to special laws and ordinances.
He cannot complain of the reasonable requirements of aerial
navigation.
Surfacerightsofalandowner
Rightoftheownerofaparceloflandtoconstructanyworksormake
anyplantationsandexcavationsonhislandissubjectto:(SLERRt)
1. Speciallaws
2. Localordinances
3. Existingservitudesoreasements
4. Reasonablerequirementsofaerialnavigation
5. Rightsofthirdpersons
Limitationsimposedbyspeciallaws
Includestheregaliandoctrine
Ownership of said land does not give him the right to extract or
utilizethesaidmineralswithoutthepermissionoftheStatetowhich
saidmineralsbelong
o For the loss sustained by such owner, he is entitled to just
compensationundermininglawsorexpropriationproceedings

PJG
Art438Hiddentreasurebelongstotheowneroftheland,building,or
otherpropertyonwhichitisfound.
Nevertheless, when the discovery is made on the property of
another, or of the state or any of its subdivisions, and by chance,
onehalf thereof shall be allowed to the finder. If the finder is a
trespasser,ehshallnotbeentitledtoanyshareofthetreasure.
Ifthethingsfoundbeofinteresttoscienceorthearts,theState
may acquire them at their just price, which shall be divided in
conformitywiththerulestated.
Art439Bytreasureisunderstood,forlegalpurposes,anyhiddenand
unknown deposit of money, jewelry, or other precious objects, the
lawfulownershipofwhichdoesnotappear.
Requisites:
i. Depositofmoney,jewelryorotherpreciousobjects
ii. Hiddenandunknown
iii. Lawfulownershipofwhichdoesnotappear
CHAPTERTWO:RIGHTOFACCESSION
GENERALPROVISIONS
SECTION I RIGHT OF ACCESSION WITH RESPECT TO WHAT IS
PRODUCEDBYPROPERTY
Art 440 The ownership of property gives the right by accession to

everything which is produced thereby, or which is incorporated or
attachedthereto,eithernaturallyorartificially.
Accessiondefined
Accession is the right of the owner of a thing, real or personal, to
becometheownerofeverythingwhichis:
1. producedthereby,
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2. incorporated
3. attachedthereto,
eithernaturallyorartificially.
Accession Accessory

fruitsof,additionsto, thingsjoinedto,includedwiththe
improvementsupona principalforthelatters
thing embellishment,betteruseor
includesbuilding,planting completion
andsowing necessarytoprincipalthing
alluvion,avulsion,change
ofcourseofrivers, example:keyofahouse,bowofaviolin
formationofislands
notnecessarytothe
principalthing
Accession,notamodeofacquiringownership
Merelyaconsequenceofownership
Exerciseoftherightofownership
Since the law itself gives the right, accession may, IN A SENSE, be
consideredasamodeofacquiringpropertyunderthelaw
Kindsofaccession
1. Accessiondiscreta
Extensionoftherightofownershipofapersontotheproductsof
athingwhichbelongstosuchaperson
Includesnatural,industrial,andcivilfruits(Art441)
2. Accessioncontinua
Extensionoftherightofownershiptothatwhichisincorporated
orattachedtoathingwhichbelongstosuchperson
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Maytakeplace:
Withrespecttorealproperty
Accessionindustrial(building,planting,sowing);or
Accession natural (alluvion, avulsion, change of river
course,andformationofislands)
Withrespecttopersonalproperty
Conjunction(attachment,engraftment)
Commixtionorconfusion
Specification
Art441Totheownerbelongs:
o Thenaturalfruits;
o Theindustrialfruits;
o Thecivilfruits.
Art441referstoaccessiondiscreta
Rightofownertothefruits
Generalrule:Allfruitsbelongtotheownerofathing.
Exception: A person, other than the owner of a property, owns the
fruitsthereof:
1. possessioningoodfaithbyanother(possessorentitledtothefruits
receivedbeforepossessionislegallyinterrupted)
2. usufruct (usufructuary entitled to all the fruits of the property on
usufruct)
3. leaseofrurallands(lesseegetsfruits,lessorgetsrents)
4. pledge (pledgee gets fruits, etc but with the obligation to
compensatewhathereceiveswiththosewhichareowinghim)
5. antichresis (creditor acquires the fruits of his debtors immovable,
butwiththeobligationtoapplythemfirsttotheinterestandthento
theprincipalamountofthecredit)

PJG
Art 442 Natural fruits are the spontaneous products of the soil, and
theyoungandotherproductsofanimals.
Industrialfruitsarethoseproducedbylandsofanykindthrough
cultivationorlabor.
Civilfruitsaretherentsofbuildings,thepriceofleasesoflands
and other property and the amount of perpetual or life annuities or
othersimilarincome.
Naturalfruits
Twokinds:
1. Spontaneousproductsofthesoil(notthroughhumancultivationor
labor),and
2. Youngandotherproductsofanimals(chicks,eggs,wool,milk)
The second kind is considered as natural fruits whatever care or

management, scientific or otherwise, may have been given by man
sincethelawmakesnodistinction.
Puppies, while cute, bred by a professional breeder are still
naturalfruits
Industrialfruits
Thoseproductswhicharebornethroughthecultivationorlaborof
humans
Usuallycultivatedforapurpose
Civilfruits
1. Rentsofbuildings
2. Prices of leases (rents) of lands and other property (including
movables)
3. Amountofperpetualorlifeannuitiesorothersimilarincome

PJG
Art 443 He who receives the fruits has the obligation to pay the
expenses madebya third personin theirproduction,gathering,and
preservation.
Art443applieswhen:
1. Owner of property recovers the property from a possessor and
the possessor has not yet received the fruits although they may
havealreadybeengatheredorharvested;or
2. The possessor has already received the fruits but is ordered to
returnthesametotheowner
Inbothcases,theownerisobligedtoreimbursethepreviouspossessor
fortheexpensesincurredbythelatter.

Whatifthepossessorisinbadfaith?
Theownercannotexcusehimselffromhisobligationbyallegingbad
faith on the part of the possessor because the law makes no
distinction
Whendoesgoodfaith/badfaithcomeintoplay?
Whenthegoodshaveyettobegathered.
Under 449, a BPS in bad faith has no right of reimbursement for
expenses, nor to the fruits. Only for the necessary expenses of
preservationofland.
Whatiftheexpensesexceedthefruits?
The owner must pay the expenses just the same because the law
makesnodistinction
But keep in mind that the owner only pays for the expenses for
production,gatheringandpreservationnotimprovement.

PJG
Art444Onlysuchasaremanifestorbornareconsideredasnaturalor
industrialfruits.
With respect to animals, it is sufficient that they are in the
wombofthemother,althoughunborn.
Whennaturalfruitsandindustrialfruitsdeemedtoexist
1. Plants which produce only one crop and then perish (rice, corn,
sugar):fromthetimetheseedlingsappearfromtheground
2. Plants and trees which live for years and give periodic fruits
(mangoes, oranges, epols): deemed existing until they actually
appearontheplantsortrees
3. Animals: beginning of the maximum ordinary period of gestation
(whentherecanbenodoubtthattheyarealreadyinthewombof
themum)
4. Fowls: the fact of appearance of chicks should retroact to the
beginningofincubation
SECTION II RIGHT OF ACCESSION WITH RESPECT TO IMMOVABLE

PROPERTY
Section 2 deals with one kind of accession continua, that of

immovables. It comprehends accession industrial (445456) and
accessionnatural(457465).
Certainbasicprinciplesmustbekeptinmind:
1. Accessionfollowstheprincipal
Owneroftheprincipalacquirestheownershipoftheaccession
2. Incorporationorunionmustbeintimate
Removal or separation cannot be effected without substantial
injurytoeitherorboth
3. Effectofgoodfaithandbadfaith
Good faith exonerates a person from punitive liability but bad
faithmaygiverisetodireconsequences
PJG
Generalrule:personwhoactsinbadfaithhasnorights
Exception:person who is in good faith or badfaithis entitledto
reimbursement for necessary expenses or preservation (452) as
wellasexpensesforcultivation,gatheringandpreservation(443)
4. Effectofbothpartiesinbadfaith
Badfaithofoneneutralizesbadfaithoftheother
Neitherpartymaydemandasamatterofrighttheremovalofthe
improvements against the will of the other for such right is
available only to a party in good faith where the other is in bad
faith
5. Unjustenrichment
Generalruleonaccessionindustrial
Art 445 and 446 give the general rule that the accessory follows the
principal.
Exception:Art120oftheFamilyCode
Definitions:
1. Buildinggenerictermforallarchitecturalworkwithroofbuiltfor
the purpose of being used as mans dwelling, or for offices, clubs,
theaters,etc.
2. Repairs putting of something back into the condition in which it
wasoriginallyin(notanimprovement)

Art445Whateverisbuilt,plantedorsownonthelandofanotherand
the improvements or repairs made thereon, belong to the owner of
theland,subjecttotheprovisionsofthefollowingarticles.
Owneroflandmustbeknownforthisarticletoapply
Art 446 All works, sowing, and planting are presumed made by the
ownerandathisexpense,unlessthecontraryisproved.
PJG
Disputablepresumptionsastoimprovements:
1. Theworks,sowing,andplantingweremadebytheowner.and
2. Theyweremadeattheownersexpense.
Hewhoallegesthecontraryofthesepresumptionshastheburdenof
proof.
Art 447 The owner of the land who makes thereon, personally or
throughanother,paintings,constructionsorworkswiththematerials
ofanother,shallpaytheirvalue;andifheactedinbadfaith,heshall
also be obliged to the reparation of damages. The owner of the
materialsshallhavetherighttoremovethemonlyincasehecando
so without injury to the work constructed, or without the plantings,
constructions or works being destroyed. However, if the landowner
acted in bad faith, the owner of the materials may remove them in
anyevent,witharighttobeindemnifiedfordamages.
Applieswhentheownerofthepropertyusesthematerialsofanother.
LandownerBuilder/Planter/Sower OwnerofMaterials
Goodfaith Goodfaith
LOBPScanacquirethematerials Entitledtofullpaymentforvalue
providedthereisfullpayment ofmaterials,or
Mayremovematerialsprovided
thereisnosubstantialinjuryto
workdone
Badfaith Goodfaith
Acquirethematerialsprovidedhe Entitledtofullpaymentforvalue
paysfullpaymentplusdamages ofmaterialsplusdamages,or
Removematerialsevenifthere
willbesubstantialinjurytowork
doneplusdamages
PJG
Goodfaith Badfaith
Acquirematerialswithoutpaying Losesmaterialswithoutindemnity
forthevaluethereofandentitled andwillbeliablefordamagesdue
todamagesduetodefectsor todefectsorinferiorqualityof
inferiorqualityofmaterials materials
Badfaith Badfaith
Sameaswhenbothareingood
faith.
Art448Theownerofthelandonwhichanythinghasbeenbuilt,sown
orplantedingoodfaith,shallhavetherighttoappropriateashisown
the works, sowing or planting, after payment of the indemnity
providedforinarticles546and548,ortoobligetheonewhobuiltor
planted to pay the price of the land, and the one who sowed, the
properrent.However,thebuilderorplantercannotbeobligedtobuy
thelandifitsvalueisconsiderablymorethanthatthatofthebuilding
ortrees.Insuchcase,heshallpayreasonablerent,iftheownerofthe
landdoesnotchoosetoappropriatethebuildingortreesafterproper
indemnity.Thepartiesshallagreeuponthetermsoftheleaseandin
caseofdisagreement,thecourtshallfixthetermsthereof.
Art 449 He who builds, plants or sows in bad faith on the land of
another, loses what is built, planted or sown without right to
indemnity.
Art 450 The owner of the land on which anything has been built,
plantedorsowninbadfaithmaydemandthedemolitionofthework,
orthattheplantingorsowingberemoved,inordertoreplacethings
in their former condition at the expense of the person who built,
plantedorsowed;orhemaycompelthebuilderorplantertopaythe
priceoftheland,andthesowertheproperrent.

PJG
Art451Incaseofthetwoprecedingarticles,thelandownerisentitled
todamagesfromthebuilder,planterorsower.
Art 452 The builder, planter or sower in bad faith is entitled to

reimbursement for the necessary expenses of preservation of the
land.
Art453Iftherewasbadfaith,notonlyonthepartofthepersonwho
built,plantedorsowedonthelandofanother,butalsoonthepartof
the owner of such land,the rights of one and the othershall be the
sameasthoughbothhadactedinbadfaith.
It is understood that there is bad faith on the part of the
landowner whenever the act was done with his knowledge and
withoutoppositiononhispart.
Art 454 When the landowner acted in bad faith and the builder,
planterorsowerproceededingoodfaith,theprovisionsofarticle447
shallapply.
Whatsgoodfaith?
Consistsinthe:
1. Honestbeliefthatthelandheisbuilding,planting,sowingonishis
orthatbysometitle,hehasarighttobuild,plant,sowonit;and
2. Ignoranceofanydefectorflawinhistitle
Abrenica definition: State of mind at the time he built the

improvements(Pleasantvillecase)
Usually, it applies to building, planting, sowing in the concept of

ownership.
ButtheSupremeCourthasexpandeditscoverageto
1. Cases wherein a builder had constructed improvements with the
consentoftheowner
PJG
2. Builders in good faith who relied on the consent of another whom

theyhavemistakenlybelievedtobetheowneroftheland
3. To children who built improvement on a land belonging to their
parentswiththeirparentsconsent(Macasaetcase)
Landowner Builder/planter/sower
Goodfaith Goodfaith
Option1:Purchasewhateverhas Receiveindemnityfornecessary,
beenbuilt,planted,orsownafter usefulandluxuriousexpenses
payingindemnitywhichincludes (dependsonlandowner)withright
necessary,usefulandluxurious ofretentionoverthelandwithout
expenses(ifhewishesto obligationtopayrentuntilfull
appropriatetheluxurious paymentofindemnity
expenses)
Removeusefulimprovement
Prohibitedfromoffsettingor provideditdoesnotcauseany
compensatingthenecessaryand injury(partofrightofretention)
usefulexpensewiththefruits
receivedbytheBPingoodfaith IfLOdoesnotappropriate
(Nuguidcase) luxuriousimprovements,BPScan
removethesameprovidedthereis
noinjurytotheprincipalthing
(landorbuilding)

Rightofretentiononlyapplies
whenLOchoosestoappropriate
(butdoesnotapplyifpropertyof
publicdominion)
Option2:ToobligetheBPtobuy Topurchaselandatfairmarket
thelandortheStopaytheproper valueattimeofpaymentwhen
rentunlessthevalueofthelandis valueisnotconsiderablymore
considerablymorethanthatofthe thanthatofthebuildingortrees
PJG
buildingortrees
Topayrentuntilthepurchasehas
Legalimplicationofplanterv beenmade(Technogascase)
sower:
Ownercantcompelsowertobuy, IfBPcannotpaypurchasepriceof
onlyrent. theland,LOcanrequireBPto
removewhateverhasbeenbuilt,
planted,orsown.

Ifthevalueofthelandis
considerablymorethanthatofthe
buildingortrees,BPcannotbe
compelledtobuytheland.Insuch
case,BPwillpayreasonablerentif
LOdoesnotchooseoption1.

IfBPScannotpaytherent,LOcan
ejectBPSfromtheland.

Note:Rentalperiodofsoweris
onlyuntilhegatherswhathe
sowed.Hedoesnthavethe
remedyofremoval.(Sarmiento)
Goodfaith BadFaith
Option1:Toacquirewhateverhas Loseswhateverhasbeenbuilt,
beenbuilt,plantedorsown plantedorsownwithout
withoutpayingindemnityexcept indemnityandliabletopay
necessaryexpensesfor damages
preservationoflandandluxurious
expenses(shouldLOwantto Entitledtoreimbursementfor
acquireluxuriousimprovement) necessaryexpensesfor
plusdamages preservationoflandbutnoright
toretention(andalso443)
PJG
NOTEntitledtoreimbursementfor
usefulexpensesandcannot
removeusefulimprovementseven
ifremovalwillnotcauseinjury
(MWSScase)

Notentitledtoluxuriousexpenses
exceptwhenLOwantstoacquire
(valueofwhichwillbetheoneat
thetimeLOentersinto
possession)

Entitledtoremoveluxurious
improvementsifitwillnotcause
injuryandLOdoesnotwantto
acquirethem.Ifitwillcauseinjury
andLOdoesntwanttoacquire,he
getsitforfree(DeanDel)
Option2:ToobligeBPtobuyland Obligedtopayforlandorproper
orStopayproperrentplus rentandpaydamages
damages,regardlessofvaluation
Option3:TocompelBPSto Obligedtoremoveordemolish
removeordemolishworkdone workdoneathisexpenseandpay
plusdamages damages
BadFaith GoodFaith
Acquirewhateverhasbeenbuilt, BallisinthecourtoftheBPS.
plantedorsownbypaying
indemnityplusdamages BPScanremovewhateverhas
beenbuilt,plantedorsown
regardlessofwhetherornotitwill
causeinjuryandwillbeentitledto
damages
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IfLOacquireswhateverhasbeen
built,plantedorsown,BPSmust
beindemnifiedthevaluethereof
plusdamages

IfLOdoesnotacquire,BPScannot
insistonpurchasingland

BadFaith BadFaith
Bothingoodfaith
Necessaryexpenses
Madeforthepreservationofthething,or
Thosewhichseektopreventthewaste,deterioration,orlossofthe
thing
Usefulexpenses
Expenseswhichaddvaluetoathingor
Augmentisincome
Whendoesgoodfaithcease?
From the moment defects in the title are made known to the
possessor by extraneous evidence or by suit for recovery of the
propertybythetrueowner
Whathappensifgoodfaithceases?(Rosalescase)
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LOcanacquireimprovementsbuiltPRIORtothenoticetoBPS(when
good faith ceased), and indemnify BPS of current market value at
timeofpayment
LOentitledtorentfromthetimeBPSgoodfaithceased
Whenwilltheserulesnotapply?
1. When other provisions of law govern (agency, coownership, lease,
usufruct)
2. Improvement constructed on ones own land subsequently sold
(person constructs a house on his own land and later sold land to
another)
But,theprovisiononindemnityin448maybeappliedbyanalogy
wheretheownerbuilderlaterlostownershipofthelandbyvirtue
ofacourtjudgment,consideringthattheprimaryintentof448is
to avoid a state of forced coownership especially where the
parties in the main agree that 448 and 546 are applicable and
indemnityfortheimprovementsmaybepaidalthoughtheydiffer
astobasisoftheindemnitywhut?!(PecsonvCA)
3. Builderisabelligerentoccupant
4. Constructionsnotinthenatureofbuildings
5. Propertyofpublicdomain
Art455Ifthematerials,plantsorseedsbelongtoathirdpersonwho
has not acted in bad faith, the owner of the land shall answer
subsidiarily for their value and only in the event that the one who
madeuseofthemhasnopropertywithwhichtopay.
Thisprovisionshallnotapplyiftheownermakesuseoftheright
grantedbyArticle450.Iftheownerofthematerials,plantsorseeds
hasbeenpaidbythebuilder,planterorsower,thelattermaydemand
fromthelandownerthevalueofthematerialsandlabor.
Landowner Builder/Planter/Sower Ownerofthe

Materials
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GoodFaith GoodFaith GoodFaith

Option1:Toacquire Toreceiveindemnity Toreceiveindemnity
whateverhasbeen fromLOwithrightof fromBPSwhois
built,plantedorsown retentionoverland primarilyliablefor
providedthereis untilfullpayment materials;ifBPSis
paymentofindemnity insolvent,toproceed
(whichincludesvalue againstLOwhois
ofwhathasbeen subsidiarilyliablewith
built,planterorsown norightofretention
plusvalueofmaterials
used)
Option2:ToobligeBP Tobuylandortopay Toreceiveindemnity
tobuylandorStopay properrent fromBPSonly(LOis
rentunlessvalueof notsubsidiarilyliable)
landisconsiderably withrightofretention
morethanthatof untilfullpayment;or
buildingortrees
Toremovematerialsif
therewillbenoinjury
onbuildingortrees
andwillhavematerial
lienagainstBPSfor
paymentofmaterials
GoodFaith GoodFaith BadFaith
Same Whateveristhe
choiceofLO,theOM:
1.losesthematerials
infavoroftheBPSand
2.willhavenorightto
receiveindemnity
fromBPSnorLO
GoodFaith BadFaith BadFaith
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Option1:Toacquire BPSloseswhathas (SincebothBPSand

whateverhasbeen beenbuilt,plantedorOMareinbadfaith,
built,plantedorsown sownplusliablefor treatthembothasif
withoutpaying damagesbutis theyareingoodfaith.)
indemnityexceptfor entitledtobe
necessaryexpenses indemnifiedfor Whateveristhe
forpreservationof necessaryexpenses choiceoftheLO,OM
landandluxurious andluxurious hasrighttoreceive
expenses(shouldLO expenses(shouldLO indemnityforvalueof
wanttoacquire wanttoacquire materialsfromBPS
luxurious luxurious only(LOhasno
improvements)plus improvements)and subsidiaryliabilityfor
damages hasnorightof valueofmaterials
removalevenif becauseOMis
removalwillnotcauseconsideredingood
damage faithonlyinsofaras
BPSisconcerned)

OMhasnorightto
removematerials
eveniftherewillbe
noinjuryordamage
Option2:ToobligeBP Tobuythelandorpay Getindemnification
tobuythelandorSto properrentandliable fromtheBPS
payproperrentplus topaydamagestoLO
damages
Option3:ToobligeBP Todemolishor Liabletopaydamages
todemolishorremove removewhathasbeen duetodefectsor
whathasbeenbuilt, built,plantedorsown inferiorqualityof
plantedorsownplus andliablefordamages materials
damages
BadFaith GoodFaith GoodFaith
Toacquirewhathas Toreceiveindemnity TOreceiveindemnity
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beenbuilt,plantedor fromLOplusdamages ofmaterialsprincipally

sownbypaying fromBPSandincase
indemnityplusliable BPSisinsolvent,
topaydamages subsidiarilyfromLO
BadFaith GoodFaith BadFaith
Same Same Norighttoreceive
indemnityforvalueof
materialsfromBPS
norLO(whoendsup
owningbuildingsor
trees)
IfOMinbadfaith,hedoesntgetanything(unlessBPSinbadfaithas
well)
Art 456 In the cases regulated in the preceding articles, good faith
doesnotnecessarilyexcludenegligence,whichgivesrighttodamages
underarticle2176.
Art 457 To the owners of the lands adjoining the banks of rivers
belongtheaccretionwhichtheygraduallyreceivefromtheeffectsof
thecurrentofthewaters.
Articletreatsofalluvion,aformofaccessionnatural.
Alluvionis
Accretion which the banks of rivers gradually receive from the
effectsofthecurrentofthewatersand
Whichbelongtotheownersoflandsadjoiningthesaidbanks
Riparianownersareownersoflandsadjoiningthebanksofrivers.
Littoral owners are the owners of lands bordering the shore of the
seaorlakeorothertidalwaters
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Distinguishedfromaccretion
Alluvionisappliedtothedepositofsoilortothesoilitself
Accretionistheactorprocessbywhichariparianlandgraduallyand
imperceptively receives addition made by the water to which the
landiscontiguous
Requisites
i. Deposit or accumulation of soil or sediment must be gradual and
imperceptive
ii. Accretionresultsfromtheeffectsoractionofthecurrentofwaters
oftheriver(exclusiveworkofnature)
iii. Landwhereaccretiontakesplacemustbeadjacenttothebankofa
river
InstanceswhenalluvionDOESNOTtakeplace
1. Accretionbecauseofsuddenandforcefulactionlikethatofflooding
2. Accretioncausedbyhumanintervention(wouldstillbepartofpublic
domainVdadeNazernovCA)
3. AccretioncausedbyactionofManilaBay(sinceManilaBayisnota
river,itspartofthesea)
4. Accretiononthebankofalake(likeLagunadeBay)havebeenheld
tobelongtotheownersofthelandstowhichtheyareadded
Elementsofriverandtheirownership
Ariverisacompoundconceptconsistingofthreeelements:
1. Runningwaters
2. Thebed
3. Thebanks
Sinceariverisacompoundconcept,itshouldhaveonlyonenature
it should either be totally public or completely private. And since
rivers,whethernavigableornot,areofpublicdominion(Art420),it
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isimplicitthatallthethreecomponentelementsbethesamenature
also.
Reasonsforalluvion
1. Compensate the riparian owner for the danger of loss that he
suffersbecauseofthelocationofhisland
2. Compensate him for the encumbrances and various kinds of
easementstowhichhispropertyissubject
3. Promote the interests of agriculture for the riparian owner it in
thebestpositiontoutilizetheaccretion
AccretionsaffectinglandsregisteredundertheTorrenssystem
Incaseofdiminutionofarea
Registrationdoesnotprotecttheriparianowneragainstdiminution
oftheareaofhislandthroughgradualchangesinthecourseofthe
adjoiningstream
Accretionswhichthebanksofriversmaygraduallyreceivefromthe
effect of the current become the property of the owners of the
banks
Incaseofincreaseofarea
Although alluvion is automatically owned by the riparian owner, it
doesnotautomaticallybecomeregisteredland,justbecausethelot
whichreceivessuchaccretioniscoveredbyaTorrenstitle
So,alluvialdepositacquiredbyariparianownerofregisteredlandby
accretionmaybesubjectedtoacquisitionthroughprescriptionbya
third person, by failure of such owner to register such accretion
withintheprescribedperiod
Art 458 The owners of estates adjoining ponds or lagoons do not

acquirethelandleftdrybythenaturaldecreaseofthewaters,orlost
thatinundatedbytheminextraordinaryfloods.
Refersonlytopondsandlagoons
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o Noapplicationwhentheestateadjoinsacreek,stream,riveror
lake
o For purposes of alluvion, lakes are of the same category of
creeks,streamsandrivers
Pond
o abodyofstagnantwaterwithoutanoutlet
o largerthanapuddleandsmallerthanalake
Lagoon
o smalllake,ordinarilyoffreshwater,
o andnotverydeep,fedbyfloods
o thehollowbedofwhichisboundedbyelevationsofland
Lake
o Bodyofwaterformedindepressionsoftheearth
o Ordinarilyfreshwater
o Comingfromrivers,brooksorsprings
o Connectedwiththeseabythem
o Hence,LagunadeBayisalake
Art459Wheneverthecurrentofariver,creekortorrentsegregates
fromanestateonitsbankaknownportionoflandandtransfersitto
anotherestate,theownerofthelandtowhichthesegregatedportion
belonged retains the ownership of it, provided that he removes the
samewithintwoyears.
Avulsionis
Alsoknownasforceofriver
Defined as the accretion which takes place when the current of a
river,creekortorrentsegregatesfromanestateonitsbankaknown
portionandtransfersittoanotherestate
In which case, the owner of the estate to which the segregated
portionbelonged,retainstheownershipthereof
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Alsoreferstothesegregationortransferitselfofaknownportionof
landtoanotherbytheforceofthecurrent
Alluvion Avulsion
Depositofsoilisgradual Depositissuddenorabrupt
Depositofsoilbelongstothe Theownerofthepropertyfrom
ownerofthepropertywhere whichapartwasdetached
thesamewasdeposited retainstheownershipthereof
Thesoilcannotbeidentified Detachedportioncanbe
identified
Wheretherehadbeenaccretionstothelandadjacenttothebankof
a river, the riparian owner does not lose the ownership of such
accretions even if they are separated by avulsion from the land by
thesuddenchangeofthecourseoftheriver
Requisites
i. Segregationandtransfermustbecausedbythecurrentofariver,
creekortorrent
ii. Segregationandtransfermustbesuddenorabrupt
iii. Portionoflandtransportedmustbeknownoridentifiable
Even if the detached portion be placed on top of another land

insteadofbeingadjoinedtoit,Art459stillappliesaslongasitcan
beidentifiedascomingformtheestatefromwhichitwasdetached
Ifonlysoilisremovedbywaterandspreadoveranotherslandsuch
that no known portion can be said to exist which can be removed,
thereisnoavulsion
Current
o Continuousmovementofabodyofwater,oftenhorizontal,in
acertaindirection
River
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o Naturalsurfacestreamofwaterofconsiderablevolume
o Permanentorseasonalflow
o Emptyingintoanocean,lakeorotherbodyofwater
Creek
o Smallisletextendingfurtherintoland
o Natural stream of water normally smaller than and ofter
tributarytoariver
Torrent
o Violentstreamofwater
o A flooded river or one suddenly raised by a heavy rain and
descendingasteepincline
o Ragingfloodorrushingstreamofwater
Whatifaportionoflandistransferred,butnotbyacurrentofwater,
butbyalandslide?
YoucanapplyArt459,byanalogy.
Removeitwithintwoyears
The former owner preservers his ownership of the segregated
portion provided he removes (not merely claims) the same within
theperiodof2years
It would seem that his failure to do so would have the effect of
automatically transferring ownership over it to the owner of the
otherestate
Lawdoesntmakeadistinctionbetweenprivatelandandlandofthe
publicdomain
Whytwoyears?
o Segregatedportionisusuallyverysmallanditisthususelessto
theoriginalowner
o Similartouprootedtrees(butthere,6months)
o If the owner of the separated portion retains his ownership
without any qualification, he would have a right to enter the
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otherestateatanytime,whichwouldntbeconvenienttothe
otherestate
o After a long period, the detached potion may become
permanently attached to the new land so itll be hard to
remove
Art460Treesuprootedandcarriedawaybythecurrentofthewaters
belongtotheownerofthelanduponwhichtheymaybecast,ifthe
owners do not claim them within 6 months. If such owners claim
them, they shall pay the expenses incurred in gathering them or
puttingtheminasafeplace.
Appliesonlytouprootedtrees
If a known portion of land with trees standing thereon is carried
awaybythecurrenttoanotherland,Art459governs
The original owner claiming the trees is liable to pay the expenses
incurredbytheownerofthelanduponwhichtheyhavebeencastin
gatheringthemorputtingtheminasafeplace
Claimmustbedonein6months
o Ifnot,thetreeswillbelongtotheownerofthelandwherethe
treeshavebeencastto
o Six months is a condition precedent and not a prescription
period
o After a claim is made within 6 months an action may be
brought within the period provided by law for prescription of
movables
NB: For trees, you need only CLAIM within the period. For land (Art
459),youhavetoREMOVEthemwithin2years
Art461Riverbedswhichareabandonedthroughthenaturalchange
in the course of the waters ipso facto belong to the owners whose
PJG
landsareoccupiedbythenewcourseinproportiontothearealost.
However,theownersofthelandsadjoiningtheoldbedshallhavethe
right to acquire the same by paying the value thereof, which value
shallnotexceedthevalueoftheareaoccupiedbythenewbed.
Riverbedsabandonedthroughnaturalchangeinthecourseofwaters
Theybelongtoownersoccupiedbythenewcourseoftheriver
o Inproportiontothearealost(ifonlyoneownerlostaportion
of his land, the entire old bed should belong to him. If more
thantwo,theninproportiontothearealost)
Abandoned?Thewordsmaybeconstruedtomeanthatwherethere
isabandonmentbythegovernmentovertheoldbed,theownerof
the invaded land automatically acquires ownership of the same
without any formal act on his part. (Remember that rivers are
propertyofpublicdominion)
o Thechangeinthecourseoftheriverdoesnotipsofactoresult
intheabandonmentoftheriverbutmustbethereasonforits
abandonment,inotherwords,theriverisabandonedbecause
oforthroughthenaturalchangeofthewater
Theownersoflandadjoiningtheoldbedaregiventhepreferential
righttoacquiretheoldbedbypayingthevaluethereof
o The indemnification shall not exceed the value of the area
occupied by the new bed (in case of disagreement, bring the
casetocourt.)
Requisites
i. Theremustbeanaturalchangeinthecourseofthewatersofthe
river
ii. Changemustbeabruptorsudden
NB: Lawspeaksof change of rivercourse. If ariversimply driesupor

disappears,thebedleftdrywillbelongtopublicdominion(Art502)

PJG
Art 462 Whenever a river, changing its course by natural causes,

opens a new bed through a private estate, this bed shall become of
publicdominion.
NB:Thisarticletalksofthenewriverbed.Art461talkedabouttheold
riverbed.
Thebedofapublicriverorstreamisofpublicownership(Art502)
If the river changes its course and opens a new bed, this bed
becomesofpublicdominionevenifitsonprivateproperty
Just as the old had bed had been of public dominion before the
abandonment,thenewriverbedshalllikewisebeofpublicdominion
Nodistinctionwhetherariverisnavigableorfloatableornot
Art 463 Whenever a current of a river divides itself into branches,

leavingapieceoflandorpartthereofisolated,theowneroftheland
retains his ownership. He also retains it if a portion of land is
separatedfromtheestatebythecurrent.
NB: This article does not refer to the formation of islands through
accretion(thatsinArt464and465).
This article refers to the formation of an island caused by a river

dividingitselfintobranchesresultingin:
1. Theisolationofapieceoflandorpartthereof,or
2. The separation of a portion ofland fromanestatebythecurrent
(seeArt459)
The owner preserves his ownership of the isolated or separated

property
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Art 464 Islands which may be formed on the seas within the
jurisdictionofthePhilippines,onlakes,andonnavigableorfloatable
riversbelongtotheState.

Art 465 Islands which through successive accumulation of alluvial
depositsareformedinnonnavigableandnonfloatablerivers,belong
totheownersofthemarginsorbanksnearesttoeachofthem,orto
theownersofbothmarginsiftheislandisinthemiddleoftheriver,
in which case it shall be divided longitudinally in halves. If a single
island thus formed be more distant from one margin than from the
other, the owner of the nearer margin shall be the sole owner
thereof.

Rulesofownershipofislandsformthroughalluvion
1. AnislandbelongstotheStateaspartofitspatrimonialpropertyifitis
formed:
a. OntheseaswithinthejurisdictionofthePhilippines
b. Onlakes
c. Onnavigableorfloatablerivers

2. Ifitisformedinnonnavigableandnonfloatablerivers:
a. Itbelongstothenearestriparianownerorownerofthemargin
orbanknearesttoitasheisconsideredinthebestpositionto
cultivate and develop the island (in other words, sa
pinakamalapitnamayaringlupa)
b. If it is in the middle of the river, the island is divided
longtitudinallyinhalves
c. Iftheislandformedislongerthanthepropertyoftheriparian
owner,thelatterisdeemedipsojuretobetheownerofthat
portionwhichcorrespondstothelengthofthatportionofhis
propertyalongthemarginoftheriver
PJG
d. If a new island is formed between an existing island and an

opposite bank, the owner of the older island is considered a
riparian owner together with the owner of the land adjoining
the bank for the purpose of determining ownership of the
island
o He must of course register the land, else it be subject to

adversepossessionofanother
Navigableriver
o Onewhichformsinitsordinaryconditionbyitselforbyuniting
withotherwatersacontinuoushighwayoverwhichcommerce
isormaybecarriedon
o Test:whetheritisnavigableinfact,ifitisusedorsusceptible
ofbeingusedasahighwayofcommerce,fortradeandtravelin
theusualandordinarymodes
o A navigable river is one that is floatable, that is, a river
admittingfloats
i. Hence, a floatable stream is a navigable stream
(Macatangay v Secretary of Public Works in this case,
natangaysiMacatangay.Hehehe!)
SECTIONTHREERIGHTOFACCESSIONWITHRESPECTTOMOVABLE
PROPERTY
Art466Whenevertwomovablethingsbelongingtodifferentowners
are, without bad faith, united in such a way that they form a single
object, the owner of the principal thing acquires the accessory,
indemnifyingtheformerownerthereofforitsvalue.
Adjunctionis
Theunionoftwomovablethingsbelongingtodifferentowners
Insuchawaythattheyformasingleobject
PJG
Butoneofthecomponentthingspreservesitsvalue
Characteristicsofadjunction
Inorderthatadjunctionmaytakeplace,itisnecessarythat:
1. Therearetwomovablesbelongingtodifferentowners
2. Theyareunitedinsuchawaythattheyformasingleobject;and
3. They are so inseparable that their separation would impair their
natureorresultinsubstantialinjurytoeither
In determining the right of the parties in adjunction, regard is had

onlytothethingsjoinedandnottothepersons.
Butwherethereisamerechangeofformorvaluewhichdoesnot
destroy the identity of the component parts, the original owners
maydemandtheirseparation(Art469)
Kindsofadjunction
1. inclusion or engraftment (such as when a diamond is set on a gold
ring)
2. soldering or soldadura (when led is united or fused to an object
madeoflead)
a. ferrumincaion (if both the accessory and principal are of the
samemetal)
b. plumbatura(iftheyareofdifferentmetals)
3. writing or escritua (when a person writes on paper belonging to
another)
4. paintingorpintura(whenapersonpainsoncanvasofanother)
5. weaving or tejido (when threads belonging to different owners are
usedinmakingtextile)
Art 467 The principal thing, as between two things incorporated, is
deemed to be that to which the other has been united as an
ornament,orforitsuseorperfection.

PJG
Art468Ifitcannotbedeterminedbytherulegiveninthepreceding
articlewhichofthetwothingsincorporatedistheprincipalone,the
thingofthegreatervalueshallbesoconsidered,andasbetweentwo
thingsofequalvalue,thatofgreatervolume.
In painting and sculpture, writings, printed matter, engraving
andlithographs,theboard,metal,stone,canvas,paperorparchment
shallbedeemedtheaccessorything.
Teststodeterminetheprincipalinadjunction
Intheorderofapplication,theprincipalisthat:
1. Towhichtheother(accessory)hasbeenunitedasanornamentor
foritsuseorperfection.(ruleofimportanceandpurpose)
2. Ofgreatervalue,iftheyareofunequalvalues;
3. Ofgreatervolume,iftheyareofanequalvalue;
4. That of greater merits taking into consideration all the pertinent
legal provisions (see Art 475) applicable as well as the
comparativemerits,utilityandvolumeoftheirrespectivethings
The special rule regarding paintings, etc is based on the

consideration that what is painted is of greater value that the
board or canvas inasmuch as the exceptions mentioned are
specified,itsprovisioncannotbeappliedbyanalogytocasesof
adjunctionofsimilarnaturewhicharedeemedexcluded.(SeeArt
467and468)
Art469Wheneverthethingsunitedcanbeseparatedwithoutinjury,
theirrespectiveownersmaydemandtheirseparation.
Nevertheless, in case the thing united for the use,
embellishment or perfect of the other, is much more precious than
the principal thing, the owner of the former may demand its
separation,eventhoughthethingtowhichishasbeenincorporated
maysuffersomeinjury.

PJG
Whenseparationofthingsunitedareallowed
1. Whenevertheseparationcanbedonewithoutinjury
2. When the accessory much more precious, the owner of the
accessory may demand its separation even though the principal
thingmaysuffersomeinjury
Ownerwhomadeorcausedtheunionorincorporationshallbear
theexpensesforseparation
3. Whenprincipalactedinbadfaith,ownerofaccessorymayseparate
eveniftheprincipalthingbedestroyed
Art 470 Whenever the owner of the accessory thing has made the
incorporation in bad faith, he shall lose the thing incorporated and
shallhavetheobligationtoindemnifytheowneroftheprincipalthing
forthedamageshemayhavesuffered.
If the one who has acted in bad faith is the owner of the
principalthing,theowneroftheaccessorythingshallhavearightto
choose between the former paying him its value or that the thing
belonging to him be separated, even though for this purpose it be
necessary to destroy the principal thing; and in both cases,
furthermore,thereshallbeindemnityfordamages.
Ifeitheroneoftheownershasmadetheincorporationwiththe
knowledge and without the objection of the other, their respective
rightsshallbedeterminedasthoughbothactedingoodfaith.
ADJUNCTION(accessoryfollowsprincipal)
RightsofOwnerofPrincipal RightsofOwnerofAccessory
GoodFaith GoodFaith
Acquirestheaccessory, Losestheaccessorybuthasaright
indemnifyingtheownerofthe toindemnityforthevalueofthe
valuethereof accessory

Except:Whenvalueofaccessoryis Hasarighttodemandseparation
muchmorepreciousthanthe evenifitcausesinjurytothe
PJG
principalthing(469) principalthing(469)

Except:Whenstillseparable,may Maydemandseparation(469)
demandseparation(noadjunction
anyway)
Goodfaith Badfaith
Acquirestheaccessoryandhasa Losesthethingandhasliabilityfor
righttoindemnityfordamageshe damages
mayhavesuffered
Badfaith Goodfaith
Pays for the accessory plus Option1:Demandtheownerof
damages theprincipaltopayforthevalue
oftheaccessoryplusdamages

Separatethingevenifitis Option2:Demandseparationeven
destroyedpluspaydamages ifitcausesthedestructionofthe
principalthingplusdamages
BadFaith BadFaith
Asifbothareingoodfaith
Art 471 Whenever the owner of the material employed without his
consenthasarighttoindemnity,hemaydemandthatthisconsistin
the delivery of a thing equal in kind and value, and in all other
respects,tothatemployed,orelseinthepricethereof,accordingto
expertappraisal.
Art 472 if by the will of their owners two things of the same or
differentkinds aremixed, or if the mixture occursby chance,andin
the latter case the things are not separable without injury, each
ownershallacquirearightproportionaltothepartbelongingtohim,
bearinginmindthevalueofthingsmixedorconfused.
PJG
Art473ifbythewillofonlyoneowner,butingoodfaith,twothings
ofthesameordifferentkindsaremixedorconfused,therightsofthe
ownersshallbedeterminedbytheprovisionsoftheprecedingarticle.
Ifbytheonewhocausedthemixtureorconfusionactedinbad
faith,heshalllosethethingbelongingtohimthusmixedorconfused,
besidesbeingobligedtopayindemnityforthedamagescausedtothe
ownerofthethingwithwhichhisownwasmixed
Definitionofmixture
Takesplacewhentwoormorethingsbelongingtodifferentowners
aremixedorcombined
Withtherespectiveidentitiesofthecomponentpartsdestroyedor
lost
Twokinds
o Commixtion(forsolids)
o Confusion(forliquids)
Rulesgoverningmixture(coownership)
1. If the mixture by will of owners, their rights shall be governed by
their stipulations. In the absence of any stipulation, each owner
acquiresarightorinterestinthemixtureinproportiontothevalue
ofhismaterialsasincoownership.
MIXTURE
Ownerwhocausedmixture Ownerofthethingmixedinto
Goodfaithorbychance Goodfaithorbychance

Eachowneracquiresaright Eachowneracquiresaright
proportionaltothepartbelonging proportionaltothepartbelonging
tohim,bearinginmindthevalue tohim,bearinginmindthevalue
ofthethingsmixedorconfused ofthethingsmixedorconfused
Badfaith Goodfaith
Losesthethingmixedorconfused Acquiresthethingmixedplus
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plusliabletopaydamages entitledtodamages
Art 474 One who in good faith employs the material of another in
whole or in part in order to make thing of a different kind, shall
appropriatethethingthustransformedashisown,indemnifyingthe
ownerofthematerialforitsvalue.
Ifthematerialismorepreciousthanthetransformedthingoris
of more value, its owner, may, at his option, appropriate the new
thingtohimself,afterfirstpayingindemnityforthevalueofthething,
ordemandindemnityforthematerial.
Ifinthemakingofthethingbadfaithintervened,theownerof
the material shall have the right to appropriate the work to himself
withoutpayinganythingtothemaker,ortodemandofthelatterthat
he indemnify him for the value of the material and the damages he
may have suffered. However, the owner of the material cannot
appropriate the work in case the value of the latter, for artistic or
scientificreasons,isconsiderablymorethanthatofthematerial.
Definitionofspecification
Takesplacewhenevertheworkofapersonisdoneonthematerial
ofanother
Such material, in a consequence of the work itself, undergoing a
transformation.
Imparting of a new form to the material belong to another, or
makingofthematerialofanotherintoadifferentkind
o Flourmadeintobread,grapesintowine,clayintobricks,love
intohate(joke.Putek,angboringngProperty.Ifyouvemadeit
thisfar,goodforyou!)
SPECIFICATION(accessoryfollowsprincipal)
Ownerofmaterial Builder
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Goodfaith Goodfaith
Righttoindemnificationforthe Shallappropriatethethingthus
valueofthematerial. transformedashisown,
indemnifyingtheownerofthe
materialforitsvalue.

Except:Materialmoreprecious
thantransformedthing.

Option1:Appropriatethenew Tobeindemnified.
thingtohimself,indemnifyingthe
builderforhiswork.

Option2:Demandindemnityfor Appropriatethesameafter
thematerial. indemnityformaterial.
Goodfaith Badfaith
Option1:Appropriatetheworkto Loseshiswork.Norightto
himselfwithoutpayingindemnity. indemnity.
(Damagesalso?)

Except:Whenforartisticor Payforthematerialsand
scientificreasons,thethinghasa damages.
valueconsiderablyhigherthanthe
material.Theownerofthe
materialcannotappropriatethe
work.

Option2:Demandindemnityfor Mustpayindemnityanddamages.
materialplusdamages.
Art475Intheprecedingarticles,sentimentalvalueshallbeduly
appreciated.
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Adjunction,mixtureandspecificationdistinguished
Adjunction Mixture Specification
Atleasttwothings Atleasttwothings Maybeonlyoneting
whoseformis
changed
Componentparts Thingsmixedmayor Componentparts
retainorpreserve maynotretaintheir retainorpreserve
theirnature respectiveoriginal theirnature
nature
Accessoryfollows Coownershipresults Accessoryfollows
principal principal
CHAPTERTHREE:QUIETINGOFTITLE
ART 476 Whenever there is a cloud on title to real property or any

interest therein, by reason of any instrument, record, claim,
encumbranceorproceedingwhichisapparentlyvalidoreffectivebut
itisintruthandinfactinvalid,ineffective,voidableorunenforceable,
and may be prejudicial to said title, an action may be brought to
removesuchclodortoquietthetitle.
An action may also be brought to prevent a cloud from being
castupontitletorealpropertyoranyinteresttherein.
Titletorealpropertyreferstothatuponwhichownershipisbased.
Plaintiffinactionforquiettitledies,shoulditbedismissed?No.Itsa
quasiinremsuit.
Defendantsdefenses:prescription,lackofjurisdictionofcourt
Cloudontitle
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Semblanceoftitle,eitherlegalorequitable,oraclaimorarightin
real property, appearing in some legal from, but which is in fact,
invalidorwhichwouldbeinequitabletoenforce
Requisites
i. Instrument,record,claim,encumbranceorproceedingwhichis
apparentlyvalidoreffective,
ii. Such instrument is in truth and in fact, invalid, ineffective,
voidable or unenforceable, or has been extinguished or
terminated,orhasbeenbarredbyextinctiveprescription
iii. Suchinstrumentmaybeprejudicialtosaidtitle
Actiontoquiettitle
Requisites:
i. Plaintiff or complainant has a legal or an equitable title to, or
interestintherealpropertysubjectoftheaction
ii. The deed, claimor proceeding claimed to be casting cloudon
his title must be shown to be, in fact, invalid or inoperative
despiteitsprimafacieappearanceofvalidityorlegalefficacy

Actiontoquiettitle Actiontoremoveacloudontitle
Purposetoputanendto Removalofapossible
troublesomelitigationin foundationforafuturehostile
respecttothepropertyinvolved claim
Remedialactioninvolvinga Preventiveactiontopreventa
presentadverseclaim futurecloudonthetitle
1 paragraphofArt476
st
2ndparagraphofArt476
Anactiontoquiettitleincludesanactiontoremoveacloudoftitle.
Natureofaction
Quasiinrem
Judgmentisconclusiveonlybetweentheparties
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Theres,thesubjectmatterofthecontroversy,iswithinthecourts
jurisdiction, andit is because of that circumstance that the court is
abletoadjudicate
Notessentialthatthecourtacquirejurisdictionofthepersonofthe
defendant
Benefitsfromallowingactions
Taskofcourtistodeterminetherespectiverightsofthepartiesso
thatthecomplainantandthoseclaimingunderhimmayforeverfree
fromanydangerofhostileclaim(Rumaratecase)
Affordspromptandadequatemethodtoremovecloudontitle
Promotesimprovementofproperty
Towhatkindofpropertydoesthisactionapply?
Realproperty,whichmayrefertoeitherthetitleoronlyaninterest
therein(usufruct,servitude,leaserecord,etc)
Nottopersonalproperty
o But, they may be applied to personalty under exceptional
circumstanceswithrespecttocertaintypesofpropertywhich
partake of the nature of real property (vessels, motor
vehicles,certificatesofstocks),or
treated to some extent as realty because of registration
requirements for ownership or transactions affecting
them(chattelmortgage)
Prescriptibilityofaction
1. Ifplaintiffinpossession,itdoesnotprescribe.Anactiontoquiettitle
brought by a person who is in possession of the property is
imprescriptible.
2. If plaintiff not in possession, he must invoke his remedy within the
proper prescriptive period. Ten years if in good faith, 30 years if in
badfaith.
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Art477Theplaintiffmusthavelegalorequitabletitleto,orinterestin
the real property which is the subject matter of the action. He need
notbeinpossessionofsaidproperty.
Titleandpossessionoftheplaintiff
Plaintiffmusthavealegalorequitabletitleoraninterestinthereal
propertywhichisthesubjectmatteroftheaction
o Legaltitlemayconsistinfullownershiporinnakedownership
o If plaintiff has beneficial interest in the property (such as a
beneficiaryinatrust),hehasbeneficialtitle
o Interestinpropertyisanyinterestshortofownership,likethe
interestofamortgageeorausufructuary
If plaintiff is not in possession, he may also bring one of the three
actionsmentionedinadditiontotheactiontoquiettitle
In order to afford complete relief to the parties in action to quiet
title,thecourt,withouttherebyconvertingtheactionfromquieting
oftitleintoaccionpubliciana,maydetermine,:
o Incidentallytheownership,
o Thestatsofthelegaltitletotheproperty
o Righttothepossessionthereof

Art478Theremayalsobeanactiontoquiettitleorremoveacloud
therefromwhenthecontract,instrumentorotherobligationhasbeen
extinguished or has terminated, or has been barred by extinctive
prescription.
Twocaseswhenactionallowed
Anactiontoquiettitlemaybemaintained:
1. When the contract, instrument, or other obligation has been
extinguished or terminated (right of the defendant has been
extinguishedbythehappeningofaconditionsubsequent)
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2. Whenthecontract,instrumentorotherobligationhasbeenbarred
byextinctiveprescription(aswhereplaintiffhaspossessinbadfaith
thepropertypublicly,adverselyanduninterruptedlyfor30years)
Art479Theplaintiffmustreturntothedefendantallbenefitshemay
have received from the latter, or reimburse him for expenses that
mayhaveredoundedtotheplaintiffsbenefit.
Obligationofplaintifftoreturnorreimburse
Thepurposeoftheactiontoquiettitleissolely
o toremovethecloudontheplaintiffstitleor
o to prevent a cloud from being cast upon his title, and not to
obtainanyotherbenefit
Plaintiffisboundtoreturntothedefendantallthebenefitshemay
have received form the latter or reimburse him for the expenses
incurred on the property which has redounded to the plaintiffs
benefit(lessofcourse,anydamagewhichhesufferedbyreasonof
thedefendant)
Art 480Theprinciplesof the general lawonthequietingoftitleare

herebyadoptedinsofarastheyarenotinconflictwiththisCode.
Art481Theprocedureforquietingoftitleortheremovalofacloud
therefrom shall be governed by such rules of court as the Supreme
Courtshallpromulgate.
CHAPTER FOUR: RUINOUS BUILDINGS AN TREES IN DANGER OF

FALLING
Art 482 If a building, wall, column or any other construction is in

danger of falling, the owner shall be obliged to demolish it or to
executethenecessaryworkinordertopreventitfromfalling.
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If the proprietor does not comply with this obligation, the

administrative authorities mayorder the demolitionofthestructure
attheexpenseoftheowner,ortakemeasurestoinsurepublicsafety.
If a building, wall, column or other construction is in danger of

falling,theownerhasthedutytoeither:
o Demolishit,or
o Repairit.
Incasehedoesnt,theadministrativeauthorities,intheexerciseof
police power, may order the demolition of the structure, or take
measurestoinsurepublicsafety
Recognition of the limitation of the owners rights in the use and
enjoymentofhisproperty
o Sicuteretuoutalienumnonlaedas.Useyourpropertyasnot
toinjureothers
Art 483 Whenever a large tree threatens to fall in such a way as to

causedamagetothelandortenementofanotherortotravelersover
apublicorprivateroad,theownerofthetreeshallbeobligedtofell
andremoveit;andshouldhenotdoso,itshallbedoneathisexpense
byorderoftheadministrativeauthorities.
Owner of the tree may be compelled to fell and remove a

threatening tree, and should he fail to do so, the work shall be
ordereddoneathisexpensesbytheadministrativeauthorities
TITLEIIICOOWNERSHIP
ART 484 There is coownership whenever the ownership of an

undividedthingorrightbelongstodifferentperson.
In default of contracts, or of special provisions, coownership
shallbegovernedbytheprovisionsofthisTitle.

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Whatiscoownership?
Asamanifestationofownership,itisthatformofownershipwhich
exists whenever an undivided thing or right belongs to different
persons
As a right, it has been defined as the right of common dominion
whichtwoormorepersonshaveinaspiritualoridealpartofathing
whichisnotmateriallyorphysicallydivided
Requisites
i. Pluralityofowners
ii. Objectofownershipmustbeanundividedthingorright
iii. Each coowners right must be limited only to his ideal share of
thephysicalwhole
Characteristicsofcoownership
1. Twoormorecoowners
2. Singleobjectwhichisnotmateriallyorphysicallydivided,overwhich
and his ideals share of the whole, each coowner exercises
ownership,togetherwiththecoowners
3. Nomutualrepresentationbythecoowners
4. Existsforthecommonenjoymentofthecoowners
5. Nodistinctlegalpersonality
6. Governedfirstbythecontractofparties
a. otherwise,byspeciallegalprovisions
b. indefaultofsuchprovisions,bythisTitle
Ownershipofacoowner
Ownershipofwholeandoverhisaliquotshare
Eachownerisatthesametimeabsoluteownerofhisownidealbut
definitesharewhichdetermineshisrightsandobligationsintheco
ownership
Everycoowner,jointlywiththeothercoowners,istheowner
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i. of the whole, and over the whole he exercises the right of

dominion,and
ii. heisatthesametimetheownerofanaliquotportionwhichis
trulyabstractbecauseuntildivisioniseffectedsuchportionis
notconcretelydetermined

Disputedportionsownedalreadyconcretelydetermined
No coownership when the different portions owned by different
people are already concretely determined and separately
identifiable,evenifnotyettechnicallydescribed
Example:Whennorthernhalfoflandbelongstobuyer,southern
halfbelongstoseller
Sourcesofcoownership
1. Contract(twopersonsshareinpayingpurchaseprice)
2. Law(easementinpartywalls,absolutecommunityofproperty)
3. Succession(inthecaseofheirsofundividedproperty)
4. Testamentary disposition or donation inter vivos (testator prohibits
partitionoftheproperty)
5. Fortuitouseventorbychance(commixtionorconfusionbyaccident)
6. Occupancy(twofolkscatchawildanimalinthejunglesofBorneo)

Coownership JointOwnership
Eachcoowner,togetherwith Noabstractshareownershipby
theothers,istheownerofthe thecoowners,therightofthe
wholeundividedthingorright jointtenantsbeinginseparable
butatthesametimeofhisown
idealpartthereof
Candisposeofhisshare Notpermittedtodisposeofhis
withouttheconsentofthe shareorinterestintheproperty
other withouttheconsentofothers
Ifjointtenantdies,his
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Survivorsaresubrogatedtothe ownershipdieswithhim
rightsofthedeceased
immediatelyuponthedeathof
thelatter Disabilityofajointtenant
Disabilityofacoownerdoes inurestothebenefitofthe
notinuretothebenefitofthe othersforpurposesof
others prescription
Coownership Partnership
Maybecreatedwithout Canbecreatedonlybya
formalitiesofacontract contract,expressorimplied
Nojuridicalorlegalpersonality Distinctjuridicalpersonality
Purposeiscollectiveenjoyment Purposetoobtainprofits
ofthething
Coownercandisposeofhis Unlessauthorized,apartner
sharewithouttheconsentof cannotdisposeandsubstitute
theothers,transferee anotherpartnerinhisplace
automaticallybecomingaco Partnercangenerallybindthe
owner partnership
Nomutualrepresentation Distributionofprofitsissubject
Distributionofprofitsmustbe tostipulationofthepartners
proportionaltotherespective
interestsofthecoowners Dissolvedbydeathorincapacity
Notdissolvedbydeath
Agreementtokeepthething Theremaybeagreementasto
undividedforaperiodofmore anydefinitetermwithoutlimit
thantenyearsisvoid(although setbylaw
itmaybeextendedbyanew
agreement)
Coownership Easement
Eachcoownerhasarightof Preciselyalimitationonthe
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dominionoverthewhole rightofdominion
propertyandoverhisundivided
share
Rightofownershiprestssolely Rightofdominionisinfavorof
oneachandeverycoowner oneormorepersonsandover
overasingleobject twoormoredifferentthings
Casedoctrines
Thepropertyregimeofpartiestoabigamousmarriageisgoverned
by Art 148 of the Family Code which provides that all properties
acquired by the parties out of their actual joint contribution of
money, property, or industry shall be governed by the rules on co
ownership. If there is no contribution from either or both of the
spouses, there can be no coownership. (Acre v Yuttikki aw yeah,
whataname.)
Art485Theshareofthecoowners,inthebenefitsaswellasinthe
charges, shall be proportional to their respective interests. Any
stipulationinacontracttothecontraryshallbevoid.
The portions belonging to the coowners in the coownership
shallbepresumedequal,unlessthecontraryisproved.
Presumption:Proportionaltotheirrespectiveinterests
Doesnotapplytocoownershipbasedonwillorbydonation.
Art486Eachcoownermayusethethingownedincommon,provided
he does so in accordance with the purpose for which it is intended
andinsuchawayasnottoinjuretheinterestofthecoownershipor
prevent the other coowners from using it according to their rights.
The purpose of the coownership may be changed by agreement,
expressorimplied.
Limitationsoncoownersrighttouse
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1. Mustbenaccordancewiththepurposeforwhichthecoownership
isintended
Resorttotheagreement
In absence thereof, it is to be understood that the thing is
intended for that use for which it is ordinarily adapted
accordingtoitsnature
Coownersarefreetochangethepurposeofthecoownership
byagreement,expressorimplied
o However,meretolerancedoesnotchangepurpose
2. Mustnotinjuretheinterestofthecoownership
3. Must not prevent the coowners from using it according to their
rights
Art487Anyoneofthecoownersmaybringanactioninejectment.
Actioninejectment
Any coowner can bring, in behalf of himself, and the other co
ownersanactioninejectmentaffectingthecoownership
o Forcible entry, unlawful detainer, recovery of possession,
recoveryofownership
Maybebroughtagainststrangersandevenagainstacoowner
o Only purpose of an action against a coowner who takes
exclusive possession and asserts exclusive ownership of the
propertyistoobtainrecognitionofthecoownership
Anadversedecisionintheactionisnotnecessarilyresjudicatawith
respecttotheothercoownersnotbeingpartiestotheaction
o Exception: where it appears that the action was instituted in
theirbehalfwiththeirexpressorimpliedconsent,or
o The rights in the coownership are derived from the title of
theirpredecessorsininterestfoundbythecourttobeinvalid
orinexistent

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Art 488 Each coowner shall have a right to compel the other co
ownerstocontributetotheexpensesofpreservationofthethingor
right owned in common and to the taxes. Anyone of the latter may
exempt himself from this obligation by renouncing so much of his
undividedinterestasmaybeequivalenttohisshareoftheexpenses
andtaxes.Nosuchwaivershallbemadeifitisprejudicialtotheco
ownership.
Obligationtocontributetoexpensesofpreservationandtotaxes
Theexpensesofpreservationofthethingorrightownedincommon
andtheamountoftaxesduethereonshouldbebornebyall
A coowner who advanced them has a right to demand
reimbursement from the others in proportion to their respective
interestsinthecoownership
Refersonlytonecessaryexpenses
Usefulexpensesarenotcovered,unlesssuchwereincurredwiththe
consentoftheothers
Expenses for pure luxury are not also refundable, not being for
preservation
Renunciationbyacoownerofhisshareinthecoownership
Renunciationneednotbetotal
Thecoownerneedonlyrenounceorgiveupinfavoroftheotherco
ownerssomuchofthisundividedshareasmaybeequivalenttohis
shareofexpensesandtaxes
Example?
Art 489 Repairs for preservation may be made at the will of one of
one of the coowners, but he must, if practicable, first notify his co
owners of the necessity for such repairs. Expenses to improve or
embellishthethingshallbedecideduponbyamajorityasdetermined
inArticle492.
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Necessityforagreementonexpenses
Acts or decisions affecting the ting owned in common may be
groupedinto
o Actsofpreservation(Art489)
o Actsofadministration(Art492)
o Actsofalteration(Art491)
Repairsforpreservation
o A coowner has the right to compel the other coowners to
contribute to the expenses of preservation, maintenance or
necessaryrepairsofthethingorrightownedincommon,and
tothe taxes,even ifincurredwithout the knowledgeof other
coowners or prior notice to them, in view of the nature of
expenses
o Coownermust,ifpracticable,firstnotifythecoownersofthe
necessityfortherepairs
Ifimpracticableorwheretherepairsareveryurgentand
theothercoownersareinremoteplacesandcannotbe
reached,thenoticemaybedispensedwith
o The lack of notice, even if practicable, would not exempt the
other coowners from the obligation to contribute to the
expenses. But the coowner who advanced them has the
burdenofprovingthattheywereproperlyincurred.
Art490Wheneverthedifferentstoriesofahousebelongtodifferent
owners, if the titles of ownership do not specify the terms under
which they should contribute to the necessary expenses and there
existsnoagreementonthesubject,thefollowingrules:
1. themainandpartywalls,theroofsandtheotherthingsusedin
common,shallbepreservedattheexpenseofalltheownersin
proportiontothevalueofthestorybelongingtoeach;
2. Each owner shall bear the cost of maintaining the floor of his
story; the floor of the entrance, front door, common yard and
PJG
sanitary works common to all shall be maintained at the

expenseofalltheownersprorata;
3. The stairs from the entrance to the first story shall be
maintained at the expense of all the owners pro rata, withthe
exceptionoftheownerofthegroundfloor;thestairsfromthe
firsttothesecondstoryshallbepreservedattheexpenseofall,
excepttheownerofthegroundfloorandtheownerofthefirst
story;andsoonsuccessively.
Appliesifthetitlesofownershipdonotspecifythetermsthereofor
thereexistsnoagreementonthesubject
Art 491 None of the coowners shall without the consent of the
others,makealterationsinthethingownedincommon,eventhough
benefitsforallwouldresulttherefrom.However,ifthewithholdingof
theconsentbyoneormoreotthecoownersisclearlyprejudicialto
thecommoninterest,thecourtsmayaffordadequaterelief.
Necessityofconsentofothercoownersforalterations
Alteration contemplatesachangemade byacoownerinthe thing
ownedincommonwhichinvolves:
o Change of the thing from the state or essence in which the
othersbelieveitshouldremain;or
o Withdrawalofthethingfromtheusetowhichtheywishitto
beintended;or
o Any other transformation which prejudices the condition or
substanceofthethingoritsenjoymentbytheothers.
Alterationisnotlimitedtomaterialorphysicalchanges
o Includes any act of ownership by which a real right or
encumbrance is imposed on the common property, such as
servitude,registeredlease,leaseofrealpropertyformorethan
oneyear,mortgage,pledge
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NB:Unanimousconsentofallthecoowners,notameremajority,is
necessary even if the alteration would prove beneficial because
alterationisanactofownershipandnotofmereadministration
o Consentmaybeexpressedorimplied
Liability for alteration: the coowner who makes such alteration
withouttheexpressorimpliedconsentoftheothercoownersacts
inbadfaithbecausehedoessoasifhewerethesoleowner
o Heloseswhathehasspent
o Obligedtodemolishtheimprovementsdone,and
o Liabletopayforlosesanddamagesthecommunitypropertyor
theothercoownersmayhavesuffered
Art 492 For the administration and better enjoyment of the thing
owned in common, the resolutions of the majority of the coowners
shallbebinding.
Thereshallbenomajorityunlesstheresolutionisapprovedby
thecoownerswhorepresentthecontrollinginterestintheobjectof
thecoownership.
Should there be no majority, or should the resolution of the
majority be seriously prejudicial to those interested in the property
ownedincommon,thecourt,attheinstanceofaninterestedparty,
shall order such measures as it may deem proper, including the
appointmentofanadministrator.
Whenever a part of the thing belongs exclusively to one of the
coowners, and the remainder is owned in common, the preceding
provisionsshallapplyonlytothepartownedincommon.
Rulesforactsofadministrationandbetterenjoyment
Actsofmanagementofthecommonproperty
Theycontemplateactsordecisionsforthecommonbenefitofallthe
coownersandnotforthebenefitofonlyoneorsomeofthem
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While alteration is more or less permanent, acts of administration

havetransitoryeffectsandhavefortheirpurposethepreservation,
preparation and better enjoyment of the thing and which do not
affectitsessence,natureorsubstance
NB:Majorityruleprevails.
o The majority consists of coowners who represent the
controllinginterestintheobjectofthecoownership.
o The majority likewise decides the expenses to improve or
embellish the common property. Notice must be given to the
minorityunlessitisimpracticabletodoso.
If there is no majority or the resolution of the majority is seriously
prejudicialtotheinterestsoftheothercoowners,thecourt,atthe
instance of an interested party, may take such measures as it may
deemproper
o Examplesofprejudicialacts:
Resolutioncallsforasubstantialchangeofthething
Authorizesleases,loans,andothercontractswithoutthe
necessarysecurity
Upholds the continued employment of an administrator
whoisguiltoffraudornegligenceinhismanagement
Art493Eachcoownershallhavethefullownershipofhispartandof
the fruits and benefits pertaining thereto, and he may therefore
alienate,assignormortgageit,andevensubstituteanotherpersonin
its enjoyment, except when personal rights are involved. But the
effect of the alienation or the mortgage, with respect to the co
ownersshallbelimitedtotheportionwhichmaybeallottedtohimin
thedivisionupontheterminationofthecoownership.
Rightsofeachcoowner
1. Fullownershipofhispart,thatis,hisundividedinterestorsharein
thecommonproperty
2. Fullownershipofthefruitsandbenefitspertainingthereto
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3. May alienate, assign or mortgage his ideal interest or share

independentlyoftheothercoowners
4. May even substitute another person in the enjoyment of his part,
exceptwhenpersonalrightsareinvolved
Acoownerisgiventhelegalrightofredemptionincasetheshares
ofalltheothercoownersoranyofthemaresoldtoathirdperson
(notacoowner)1
o Harry, Ron and Neville were coowners of a parcel of land.
HarrysoldhissharetoDraco.RonandNevillemayredeemthe
share from Angel. If only Ron exercises the right, he shall pay
only a reasonable price. Subject to reimbursement from
Neville,asitisapreservationexpense.
o Iftheybothwanttoexercisetheright,theymayonlydosoin
proportiontothesharetheymayrespectivelyhaveinthething
ownedincommon.
Acoownermayexempthimselffromtheobligationtocontributeto
theexpensesofpreservationofthethingorrightownedincommon
and to the taxes by renouncing so much of his interest as may be
equivalenttohisshareoftheexpensesandtaxes
Saleormortgageofcommonproperty
Undividedportion
o A coowner is free to dispose of his pro indiviso share and of
the fruits and other benefits arising from that share but the
transfereedoesnotacquireanspecificordeterminatephysical
portion of the whole, his right being limited to the portion
1
Art1620Acoownerofathingmayexercisetherightofredemptionincasethesharesofalltheothercoownersorofanyof
them,aresoldtoathirdperson.Ifthepriceofthealienationisgrosslyexcessive,theredepmtionershallpayonlyareasonable
one.
Shouldtwoormorecoownersdesiretoexercisetherightofredemptiontheymayonlydosoinproportiontothesharethey
mayrespectivelyhaveinthethingownedincommon.
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which may be allotted to him upon the partition of the

property
Definiteportion
o The fact that a deed of sale appears to convey a definite or
segregatedportionofthepropertyundercoownershipthatis
stillundivideddoesnotperserenderthesaleanullity
o Thesaleisvalidsubjectonlytotheconditionthattheinterests
acquiredbythevendeemustbelimitedtothepartthatmaybe
assigned to the coownervendor in the division upon the
terminationofthecoownership
o Thesaleaffectsonlyhisproportionateorabstractshareinthe
property owned in common, subject to the results of the
partition, but not those of the other coowners who did not
consenttothesale
o Theremaybeavalidsaleofadefiniteportionoftheproperty
coowned even before actual partition where the rule of
estoppelapples(coownersdidntobjectwhensellerpointeda
portionouttoapotentialbuyer)
Wholeproperty
o Even if a coowner sells the whole property as his own, or
without the consent of ther other coowners, the sale is valid
only insofar as his ideal quota is concerned unless the sale is
authorizedbytheothercoowners
o Asaleoftheentirepropertybyonecoownerwillonlytransfer
the rights of said coowner to the buyer, thereby making the
buyeracoowneroftheproperty
o Recourse of coowners when their consent was not secured:
actionforpartition
Wherepersonalrightsareinvolved
A coowner may substitute another in the enjoyment of his
undividedinterestinthecoownershipexceptwhenpersonalrights
areinvolved
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Personal right a right which cannot be transferred because it

affectsthepersonalrelationsofthecoownerswithoneanother
Art494Nocoownershallbeobligedtoremaininthecoownership.
Each coowner may demand at any time the partition of the thing
ownedincommon,insofarashisshareisconcerned.
Nevertheless, an agreement to keep the thing undivided for a
certain period of time, not exceeding ten years, shall be valid. This
termsmaybeextendedbyanewagreement.
A donor or testator may prohibit partition for a period which
shallnotexceedtwentyyears.
Neithershalltherebeanypartitionwhenitisprohibitedbylaw.
Noprescriptionshallruninfavorofcoownerorcoheiragainst
his coowners or coheirs so long as he expressly or impliedly
recognizesthecoownership.
Terminationofcoownership
Coownershipmaybeterminatedindifferentways,asfollows
1. Consolidation or merger in only one of the coowners of all the
interestsoftheothers;
2. Destructionorlossofthepropertycoowned
3. Acquisitive prescription infavorofa thirdperson,oracoowner
whorepudiatesthecoownership
4. Partition,judicialorextrajudicial
5. Terminationoftheperiodagreeduponorimposedbythedonor
ortestator,oroftheperiodallowedbylaw
6. Sale by the coowners of the thing to a third person and the
distributionofitsproceedsamongthem
Rightofacoownertodemandpartition
Partition is the division between two or more persons of real or
personal property which they own in common so that each may
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enjoy and possess his sole estate to the exclusion of and without
interferencefromtheothers
Coownerahstherighttodemandatanytimepartitionofthething
owner in common, insofar as his share is concerned for no co
ownershallbeobligedtoremaininthecoownership
Actiontodemandpartitionisimprescriptibleorcannotbebarredby
laches,absentaclearrepudiationofthecoownershipbyacoowner
clearlycommunicatedtotheothercoowners
The actual possession and enjoyment of several portions of the
common property by some of the coowners does not of itself
provideproofthatthepropertyhasalreadybeenpartitionedandco
ownershipterminated.
o A coowner cannot, without the conformity of the other co
ownersorjudicialdecreeofpartition,adjudicatetohimselfin
fee simple a determinate portion of the property owned in
commonashissharetheirein,totheexclusionoftheothers
Exceptionstotherighttodemandpartition
1. Whenthecoownershaveagreedtokeepthethingundividedfora
certainperiodoftime,notexceedingtenyears
o Period stipulated exceeds ten years would be void insofar as
theexcessisconcerned
2. When the partition is prohibited by donor or testator for a certain
periodnotexceedingtwentyyears
3. Whenthepartitionisprohibitedbylaw
o Conjugalproperty,etc
4. Whenpartitionwouldrenderthethingunserviceablefortheusefor
whichitisintended
5. When another coowner has possessed the property as exclusive
ownerandforaperiodsufficienttoacquireitbyprescription
Prescriptioninfavoroforagainstacoowner
Prescriptiondoesnotruninfavororagainstacoownerorcoheir
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Coownership isa form ofatrust,with each ownerbeing atrustee

foreachother.
Where, however, a coowner or coheir repudiates the co
ownership, prescription begins to run from the time of repudiation
(requisites)
i. He had performed unequivocal acts of repudiation of the co
ownership amounting to an ouster of the beneficiary or the
othercoowners
ii. Suchpositiveactsofrepudiationhavebeenmadeknowntothe
beneficiaryorothercoowners
iii. Evidencethereonisclear,completeandconclusiveinorderto
establishprescriptionwithoutanyshadowofdoubt;and
iv. Possessionisopen,continuous,exclusiveandnotorious
Examplesofspecificactswhichareconsideredasactsofrepudiation
Filing by a trustee of an action in court against the trustor to quiet
titletoproperty
Action for reconveyance of land based on implied or constructive
trust
Cancellation of title in the name of the apparent beneficiaries and
applicationforanewcertificateoftitleinhis(administrator/trustee)
name
Art 495 Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding article, the

coowners cannot demand a physical division of the thing owned in
common,whentodosowouldrenderitunserviceablefortheusefor
which it is intended. But the coownership may be terminated in
accordancewithArticle498.
Art496Partitionmaybemadebyagreementbetweenthepartiesor
by judicial proceedings. Partition shall be governed by the Rules of
CourtinsofarastheyareconsistentwiththisCode.
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Purposeandeffectofpartition
Partitionhasforitspurposetheseparation,divisionandassignment
ofthethingheldincommonamongthosetowhomitmaybelong.
After partition, the portion belonging to each coowner has been
identified and localized, so that coownership, in its real sense, no
longerexists
Actionforpartition
Twophases:
o Determinewhetherthereisindeedacoownership
o Determinehowthepropertyistobedivided
Theissueofownershiporcoownershipmustfirstbesolvedinorder
toeffectapartitionofproperties
An action for partition will not lie if the claimant has no rightful
interestoverthesubjectproperty
Howpartitioneffected
Maybeeffectedextrajudiciallypursuanttoanagreement
May be effected judicially by judicial proceedings under Rule 69 of
theRulesofCourt
o Anactionforpartitionisinthenatureofanactionquasiinrem
ApplicationoftheStatuteofFrauds
The Statute of Frauds does not apply to partition because it is not
legally deemed a conveyance or a sale of property resulting in
change of ownership but simply a segregation and designation of
thatpartofthepropertywhichbelongstoeachofthecoowners
Oral partition is valid and enforceable where no third persons are
involved
o In cases of oral partition, the actual possession of one of the
propertyisevidencethattherewasindeedoralpartition.
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o In an oral partition under which the parties went into

possession, exercises acts of ownership, or otherwise partly
performed the partition agreement, equity will confirm such
partitionandinapropercase,decreetitleinaccordancewith
thepossessioninseveralty
Art497Thecreditorsorassigneesofthecoownersmaytakepartin
the division of the thing owned in common and object to its being
effected without their concurrence. But they cannot impugn any
partitionalreadyexecuted,unlesstherehasbeenfraud,orincaseit
wasmadenotwithstandingaformaloppositionpresentedtoprevent
it,withoutprejudicetotherightofthedebtororassignortomaintain
itsvalidity.
The law does not expressly require that previous notice of the
proposed partition be given to the creditors and assignees. But as
they are granted the right to participate in the partition, they have
also the right to be notified thereof. In the absence of notice, the
partitionwillnotbebindingonthem.
Rules:
o If no notice is given, the creditors or assignees may question
thepartitionalreadymade;
o If notice is given, it is their duty to appear and make known
theirposition;theymayconcurwiththeproposedpartitionor
objecttoit;and
o They cannot impugn a partition already executed or
implementedunless:
There has been fraud, whether or not notice was given,
andwhetherornotformaloppositionwaspresented,or
The partition was made notwithstanding that formal
oppositionwaspresentedtopreventit,eveniftherehas
beennofraud.
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Debtor or assignor has always the right to show the validity of the
partition.
Art 498 Whenever the thing is essentially indivisible and the co

owners cannot agree that it be allotted to one of them who shall
indemnifytheothers,itshallbesoldanditsproceedsdistributed.
Although the thing cannot be physically divided, the coownership

may nevertheless be terminated in accordance with the above
provisionpursuanttotheruleinArt494byadjudicationofthething
tooneofthecoownerswhoshallindemnifytheothersorbyitssale
withtheproceedsthereofdividedamongthecoowners
Salemaybeprivate,public,andpurchasesmaybeacoownerora
thirdperson
Art498applieswhen:
o Thingindivisible
o Coownerscantagreethatitbeallottedtooneofthem,who
shallindemnifytheothers
o So,ibentanalang!
Art499Thepartitionofathingownedincommonshallnotprejudice
third persons who shall retain the rights of mortgage, servitude, or
anyotherrealrightsbelongingtothembeforethedivisionwasmade.
Personal rights pertaining to third persons against the coownership
shallalsoremaininforce,notwithstandingthepartition.
Third persons, refer to all those with real rights, such as mortgage
and servitude over the thing owned in common or with personal
rights against the coowners who had no participation whatever in
thepartition

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Art 500 Upon partition, there shall be a mutual accounting for

benefits received and reimbursements for expenses made. Likewise,
each coowner shall pay for damages caused by reason of his
negligenceorfraud.
Art 501 Every coowner shall, after partition, be liable for defects of
title and quality of the portion assigned to each of the other co
owners.
Whataretheobligationsofthecoownersuponpartition?(ARIW)
1. Mutualaccountingforthebenefitsreceived(becausethefruitsand
otherbenefitsofthethingbelongtoallthecoowners)
2. Mutualreimbursementforexpenses(necessaryexpenses,taxes,etc)
3. Indemnityfordamagescausedbyreasonofnegligenceorfraud
4. Reciprocal warranty for defects of title or quality of the portion
assigned to a coowner (land allotted to a coowner belongs to a
thirdparty,orthepropertyisofinferiorquality)
a. AttyAbrenicasaidthatinpractice,theremedyinthissituation
is to divide the remaining property andjust give ittotheone
prejudiced
THECONDOMINIUMACT
Acondominiumisan
o Interestinrealpropertyconsistingof
Aseparateinterestinaunitinaresidential,industrial,or
commercialbuilding,and
Anundividedinterestincommondirectlyorindirectlyin
thelandonwhichitislocatedandinothercommonareas
ofthebuilding.
Two important documents: Master Deed and Declaration of
Restrictions
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Foreigners can own up to 40% of the entire condominium

corporation (so if the condominium has 100 units, foreigners can
ownupto40units)
Project means the entire parcel of real property divided or to be
dividedincondominiums,includingallstructuresthereon
Common areas (meaning the entire project excepting all units
separately granted or held or reserved) are owned by the
condominiumcorporation
Privateunits(meaningtheapartofthecondoprojectintendedfor
any type of independent use or ownership) are owned by the unit
owners
o Unitownersareshareholdersinthecondominium
o Ifyousellyourunittosomeoneelse,youloseyourstatusasa
shareholderinthecondominiumcorporation
Condominium Certificate of Title is whats given (as opposed to a
OCTorTCT)
TITLEVPOSSESSION
CHAPTERONE
POSSESSIONANDTHEKINDSTHEREOF
Art 523 Possession is the holding of a thing or the enjoyment of a

right.
Conceptofpossession
Asadistinctlegalconcept,possessionistheholdingofathingorthe
enjoymentofarightwiththeintentiontopossessinonesownright
Ownershipandpossessiondistinguished
There is ownership when a thing pertaining to one person is
completely subjected to his will in a manner not prohibited by law
and consistent with the rights of others. It confers certain right to
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theowner(righttoenjoythethingownedandtherighttoexclude
otherpersonsfrompossessionthereof)
Ontheotherhand,possessionisdefinedastheholdingofathingor
theenjoymentofaright.Topossessmeanstoactuallyandphysically
occupyathingwithorwithoutaright.
Possessionmaybeintheconceptofanownerorintheconceptofa
holder.
A person may be declared owner but he may not be entitled to
possession.(Asinwhenthepossessionisinthehandsofatenant)
Ajudgmentforownershipdoesnotnecessarilyincludepossessionas
anecessaryincident.
Just as possession is not a definite proof of ownership, neither is
nonpossessioninconsistentwithownership.
Whataretheelementsofpossession?
1. Holdingorcontrolofathingorright
Possession always implies the element of corpus or occupation,
whether in ones own name or another (except in cases in Art
537)
Inotherwords,theremustbepossessioninfact
2. Withintentiontopossess
the intention and the will to possess are inferred from the fact
that the thing is under the control of the alleged possessor,
however,theexistenceoftheanimuspossidendiisalwayssubject
tocontradiction(wheninfactthepersondoesnotinfactexercise
suchpowerofcontrolanddoesnotintendtodoso)
Insaneanddementedpersonscannotacquirepossessionasthey
are incapable of understanding their actions, therefore, the
animuspossidendicannotbepresent
3. Inonesownright
Possession may be in ones own name or that of anothers (by
himselforbyanagent)
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Inthefirstcase,thepossessionmaybeintheconceptofowneror
intheconceptofaholderofathingwithownershippertainingto
another
In the second case, the possession is exercised by the owner or
holderthruhisagent
Inbothcases,thepossessionoftheownerorholderisbyvirtueof
hisrightassuchownerorholder
Whataretherelationscreatedbypossession?
Possessionischaracterizedbytworelations:
1. Possessorsrelationtothepropertyitselfthisassumesthatthe
possessorexercisessomedegreeofcontrolmoreorlesseffective
overtheobject.
2. Possessors relation to the world aside from the power of
control over the object, the possessor must also have the ability
toexcludeothersfromhispossession.Acustomerwhoholdsand
examinesapieceofjewelryinthepresenceofthesellermaybe
saidtohaveonlycustody,notpossession,ofthejewelry.
Formsordegreesofpossession
1. Possessionwithoutanytitlewhatever
Mereholdingorpossessionwithoutanyrightortitleatall, such
asthatofathieforsquatter
2. Possessionwithajuridicaltitle
Predicated on a juridical relation existing between the possessor
andtheowner(oroneactinginhisbehalf)ofthethingbutnotin
the concept of owner, such as that of a lessee, usufructuary,
depositary,agent,etc
3. Possessionwithajusttitle
Possession of an adverse claimant whose title is sufficient to
transferownershipbutisdefective,suchaswhenthesellerisnot
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the true owner or could not transmit his rights thereto to the
possessorwhoactedingoodfaith
4. Possessionwithatitleinfeesimple
Possessionderivedfromtherightofdominionorpossessionofan
owner.Thisisthehighestdegreeofpossession.
Natureofpossession
1. Asanact
Simplytheholdingofathingortheenjoymentofarightwiththe
intentiontopossessinonesownright
2. Asafact
When there is holding or enjoyment,then possessionexistsasa
fact.Itisthestateorconditionofapersonhavingpropertyunder
hiscontrol,withorwithoutright
3. Asaright
Referstotherightofapersontothatholdingorenjoymenttothe
exclusion of all others having better right than the possessor. It
maybe:
o Jus possidendi, or right to possession which is incidental to
andincludedintherightofownership;or
o Jus possessionis or right of possession independent of and
apartfromtherightofownership.
Possessionasafact
1. Thefaceofpossessiongivesrisetocertainrightsandpresumptions.
Thus a person has a right to be respected in his possession, and
shouldhebedisturbedtherein,heshallbeprotectedorrestored
tosaidpossession.
Apossessorhasinhisfavorthepresumptionthathispossessionis
lawful that he is the owner or has been given the right of
possessionbytheowner.Hewhowoulddisturbapossessormust
showeitherownershiporabetterpossessoryright.
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2. Possession is not a definitive proof of ownership nor is non

possessioninconsistenttherewith.Possession,however,maycreate
ownershipeitherbyoccupationorbyacquisitiveprescription.
Classesofpossession
1. Possessioninonesownnameorinthenameofanother(Art524)
2. Possessionintheconceptofownerorpossessionintheconceptof
holder(Art525),and
3. Possessioningoodfaithorpossessioninbadfaith(Art526)
Extentofpossession
1. Actualpossession
Occupancyinfactofthewholeoratleastsubstantiallythewhole.
With land, it consists in the manifestation of acts of dominion
over it of such a nature as a party would naturally exercise over
hisproperty.
Literally, to possess means to actually and physically occupy a
thingwithorwithoutaright.
2. Constructivepossession
Occupancy of part in the name of the whole under such
circumstancesthatthelawextendstheoccupancytothepossession
ofthewhole.
Doctrineofconstructivepossession
Possessionintheeyesofthelawdoesnotmeanthatamanhasto
havehisfeetoneverysquaremeterofgroundbeforeitcanbesaid
thatheisinpossession.
Thegeneralruleisthatthepossessionandcultivationofaportionof
a tract of land under claim of ownership of all is constructive
possessionofall.
o There are qualifications to this rule, and one of them is that
relatingtothesizeofthetractincontroversywithreferenceto
theportionactuallyinpossessionoftheclaimant.
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Art524Possessionmaybeexercisedinonesownnameorinthatof
another.
Nameunderwhichpossessionmaybeexercised
Anowneroraholdermayexercisehispossessioninhisownnameor
throughanother.
In the same way, possession may be acquired by the same person
whoistoenjoyitorbyoneactingforanother(Art532)
1. Inonesownname
o Wheninonesownname,thefactofpossessionandtheright
tosuch possession arefoundin the same person, suchasthe
actualpossessionofanowneroralessorofland.
2. Inthenameofanother
o Whenpossession isinthe nameofanother,theoneinactual
possession is without any right of his own, but is merely an
instrumentofanotherintheexerciseofthelatterspossession,
suchaspossessionofanagent,servantorguard.Possessionin
anothersnamemaybe:
Voluntary,whenexercisedbyvirtueofanagreement,or
Necessaryorlegal,whenexercisedbyvirtueoflaw,such
asthepossessioninbehalfofincapacitatedpersons.
Physical or material, when the possessor is a mere
custodian of the property and has no independent right
ortitletoretainorpossessthesameasagainsttheowner
(likethepossessionofmoneyreceivedbyatellerforthe
bank),or
Juridical,whenthepossessiongivesthetransfereearight
over the thing which the transferee may set up against
the owner, such as the possession of an agent who
receivestheproceedsofsalesofgoodsdeliveredtohim
inagencybyhisprincipal.
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Casedoctrines
Inthegrammaticalsense,topossessmeanstohave,toactuallyand
physically occupy a thing, with or without a right. Two things are
paramountinpossession
o theremustbeoccupancy,apprehensionortaking,and
o there must be intent to possess (animus possidendi). (Yu v
Pacleb)
Possessionalwaysincludestheideaofoccupation.Itisnotnecessary
that the person in possession should himself be the occupant. The
occupancycanbeheldbyanotherinhisname.withoutoccupancy,
thereisnopossession.(YuvPacleb)
Art525Thepossessionofthingsorrightsmaybehadinoneoftwo
concepts: either in the concept of owner, or in that of the holder of
the thing or right to keep or enjoy it, the ownership pertaining to
anotherperson.
Conceptinwhichpossessionmaybehad
Concept, as contemplated in the provision, does not mean the
opinion, attitude or belief of the possessor, but of the others,
generally in view of the circumstances which precede and
accompanythepossession.
Thus, possession in the concept of owner is distinguished from
possessioningoodfaith.
Thiskindofpossessionisalsoreferredastoadversepossessionthat
mayripenintoownershipunderArticle540.
Possessionmaybehadinoneoftwoconcepts:
1. Possessionintheconceptofowner(enconceptodedueno)
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This takes place when the possessor, by his actions, is

considered or is believed by other people as the owner,
regardlessofthegoodorbadfaithofthepossession.
Itispossessionunderaclaimofownershiportitlebyonewho
istheownerhimselforonewhoisnottheownerbutclaimsto
beandactsastheowner.
2. Possessionintheconceptofholder
Thistakesplacewhenthepossessorofathingorrightholdsit
merelytokeeporenjoyit,theownershippertainingtoanother
person.
Itispossessionnotunderaclaimofownership,thepossessor
acknowledginginanotherasuperiorrightwhichhebelievesto
be of ownership, whether this be true or not, or his belief be
rightorwrong.
Apersonmaybealessoralthoughheisnottheownerofthe
property leased. In lease, only the temporary use and
enjoyment,nottheownershipofthepropertyistransferred.
Possessioninconceptofbothownerandholderorinneither
It is possible that a person may exercise possession both in the
conceptofownerandintheconceptofholder.
Adistinctionmustbeborneinmindbetweenpossessionofthething
itselfandpossessionoftherighttokeeporenjoythething.
o Rightsarepossessedintheconceptofowner.Thus,thelessee
possesses the thing leased in the concept of holder, and the
rightofleaseintheconceptofowner.
Theagent,parentandotherlegalrepresentativespossessneitherin
the concept of owner nor holder. They possess in the name of
another.
Casedoctrines
Possessionis:
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o open when it is patent, visible, apparent, notorious and not

clandestine.
o continuous when uninterrupted, unbroken and not
intermittentoroccasional.
o exclusive when the adverse possessor can show exclusive
dominion over the land and an appropriation of it to his own
useandbenefit
o notoriouswhenitissoconspicuousthatitisgenerallyknown
andtalkedoffbythepublicorthepeopleintheneighborhood.
Use of land is adverse when it is open and notorious. (Republic v
ImperialCreditCorporation)
Whileataxdeclarationbyitselfisnotsufficienttoproveownership,
itmayserveassufficientbasisforinferringpossession.(RepvICC)
Tax declarations and receipts can only be the basis of a claim of
ownership through prescription when coupled with proof of actual
possession.(HeirsofCabalvCabal)
However,tax declarations andreceipts are notconclusiveevidence
of ownership. At most, they constitute mere prima facie proof of
ownership or possession of the property for which the taxes have
been paid. In the absence of actual public and adverse possession,
the declaration of the land for tax purposes does not prove
ownership.(CequenavBolante)
Art526Heisdeemedapossessoringoodfaithwhoisnotawarethat
there exists in his title or mode of acquisition any flaw which
invalidatesit.
Heisdeemedapossessorinbadfaithwhopossessesinanycase
contrarytotheforegoing.
Mistakeuponadoubtfulordifficultquestionoflawmaybethe
basisofgoodfaith.
Definepossessoringoodfaithandinbadfaith
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A possessor in good faith (Buena fe) is one who is not aware that
invalidatesit.
Apossessorinbadfaith(malafe)isonewhopossessesinanycase
contrarytotheforegoing;heisawarethatthereexistsinhistitleor
modeofacquisitionaflawwhichinvalidatesit.
This article presupposes that the there exists a flaw in the title or
mode of acquisition of the possessor who is either aware or not
awareofit.
Ifthereisnoflaw,therecanbenoissueregardinggoodorbadfaith.
Goodfaithisalwayspresumed,anduponhimwhoallegesbadfaith
onthepartofthepossessorreststheburdenofproof.
The distinction is importance principally in connection with the
receipt of fruits and the payment of expenses and improvements
andtheacquisitionofownershipbyprescription.
The distinction is immaterial in the exercise of the right to recover
underArticle539whichspeaksofeverypossessor.
Thegoodorbadfaithisnecessarilypersonaltothepossessorbutin
thecaseofaprincipalandanypersonrepresentedbyanother,the
goodorbadfaithoftheagentorlegalrepwillbenefitorprejudice
himforwhomheacts.
Requisitesforpossessioningoodfaithorbadfaith
1. Thepossessorhasatitleormodeofacquisition;(Art712)
2. Thereisaflawordefectinsaidtitleormode;and
3. Thepossessorisunawareorawareoftheflawordefectorbelieves
thatthethingbelongsordoesnotbelongtohim.
Apossessoringoodfaithbecomesapossessorinbadfaithfromthe
momenthebecomesawarethatwhathebelievestobetrueisnot
so.
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Iftheflawisinthetitleofthepossessorspredecessor,andaffects
hisowntitle,theflawexistsinhisowntitleunlesshecansustainhis
ownindependentofthatofhispredecessor.
Conceptofgoodfaith
Good faith or the lack of it is a question of intention, but in
ascertaining the intention, the courts are necessarily controlled by
theevidenceastotheconductandoutwardactsbywhichalonethe
inwardmotivemaybedetermined.
Goodfaithorthewantofit,isnotavisible,tangiblefactthatcanbe
seen or touched but rather a state or condition of mind which can
onlybeascertainedbyactualorfanciedtokensorsigns.
Theessenceofbonafidesorgoodfaithliesin:
o Thehonestbeliefinthevalidityofonesright,
o ignoranceofasuperiorclaim,and
o absenceofintentiontooverreachanother,ortodefraudorto
seekanunconscionableadvantage.(alsothedoctrineofHeirs
ofCabal)
Goodfaithmustrestonacolorablerightinthepossessorbeyonda
merestubbornbeliefinonestitle.
One is considered a possessor in good faith if he is not aware that
invalidatesit.
Basically,itshonestyofintentionandabsenceofmalice.
Conceptofbadfaith
Itistheoppositeofgoodfaith.
Itimputesadishonestpurposetodowrongorcausedamage.
It contemplates a state of mind affirmatively operating with furtive
designorsomemotiveofselfinterestofillwillforulteriorpurposes.
Mistakeuponadoubtfulordifficultquestionoflaw
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The phrase mistake upon a doubtful or difficult question of law

refers to the honest error in the application of the law or
interpretationofdoubtfulorconflictinglegalprovisionsordoctrines.
Itisdifferentfromignoranceofthelaw.
Manresa says that gross and inexcusable ignorance of the law may
notbethebasisofgoodfaith,butexcusableignorancemaybesuch
basisifitisbaseduponignorance.
Dean Capistrano says that excusable ignorance as a basis of good
faithwasrejectedbytheCodeCommission.
Casedoctrines
ThepossessorwithaTorrensTitlewhoisnotawareofanyflawinhis
titlewhichinvalidatesitisconsideredapossessoringoodfaithand
his possession does not lose this character except in the case and
fromthemomenthisTorrensTitleisdeclarednullandvoidbyfinal
judgmentoftheCourts.(DizonvRodriguez)
Thedefenseofhavingpurchasedthepropertyingoodfaithmaybe
availedofonlywhereregisteredlandisinvolvedandthebuyerhad
reliedingoodfaithonthecleartitleoftheregisteredowner.(Daclag
vMacahilig)
Art 527 Good faith is always presumed, and upon him who alleged
badfaithonthepartofapossessorreststheburdenofproof.
Presumptionofgoodfaith
Thisarticleestablishesthepresumptionofgoodfaith;itdoesnotsay
thatgoodfaithexists,butthatitispresumed.
The presumption is just because possession is the outward sign of
ownership. It is to be presumed that the right of the possessor is
wellfounded.
Everypersonispresumedtobehonestuntilthecontraryisshown.
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But note that for the purposes of prescription, just title must be
proved;itisneverpresumed.
Art528Possessionacquiredingoodfaithdoesnotlosethischaracter
exceptinthecaseandfromthemomentfactsexistwhichshowthat
thepossessorisnotunawarethathepossessesthethingimproperly
orwrongfully.
Cessationofgoodfaithduringpossession
Possession which begins in good faith is presumed to continue in
goodfaithuntilthepossessoracquiresknowledgeoffactsshowinga
defectorweaknessinhistitle.
The law speaks of facts in place of the word acts, the former
being broader than the latter. Thus, it is immaterial whether the
facts from which bad faith can be deduced involve acts of the
possessor himself or of some other person or any extraneous
evidence. But the existence of the facts mentioned in the article
mustbeproved.
Bad faith begins or good faith is interrupted from the time the
possessor becomes aware that the he possesses the thing
improperly or wrongfully, not from the time possession was
acquired.
Intheabsenceofotherfactsshowingthepossessorsknowledgeof
defect in his title, good faith is interrupted from the receipt or
serviceofjudicialsummons.
o Fromtheserviceofjudicialsummons,thereexistsanactwhich
thepossessorknowsthathisrightisnotsecure,thatsomeone
disputesit,andthathemayyetloseit;andifthecourtorders
that restitution be made, that time determines all the legal
consequences of the interruption, the time when the
possessioningoodfaithceasestobesobeforethelaw.
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o The filing of a case alleging bad faith on the part of a vendee

givescauseorcessationofgoodfaith.
Casedoctrines
Whenacontractofsaleisvoid,thepossessorisentitledtokeepthe
fruitsduringtheperiodforwhichitheldthepropertyingoodfaith,
whichgoodfaithceaseswhenanactiontorecoverpossessionofthe
property is filed against him and he is served summons therefor.
(DBPvCA)
Art529Itispresumedthatpossessioncontinuestobeenjoyedinthe
samecharacterinwhichitwasacquired,untilthecontraryisproven.
Continuityofthecharacterofthepossession
Thecharacterorpossession(goodfaithorbadfaith)ispresumedto
continueuntilthecontraryisproved
No one can, by his sole will nor by the mere lapse of time, change
thecauseofhispossession.
Presumptiononthecontinuanceofpossession
There are other presumption aside from Articles 527 and 529
affectingpossession,namely:
1. Uninterruptedpossessionofhereditaryproperty(Art533)
2. Possessionwithjusttitle(Art541)
3. Possessionofmovableswithrealproperty(Art542)
4. Exclusivepossessionofcommonproperty(Art543)
5. Continuouspossession(Art544)
6. Uninterruptedpossession(Art561),and
7. Possessionduringinterveningperiod(Art1138)
Casedoctrines
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Possession,toconstitutethefoundationofaprescriptiveright,must
be possession under a claim of title, that is, it must be adverse.
(BogoMedellinvCA)
An acknowledgment of the easement is an admission that the
propertybelongstoanother.Itgivestheholderoftheeasementan
incorporealinterestonthelandbutgrantsnotitlethereto.(Bogov
CA)
Mere material possession of land is not adverse possession as
against the owner and is insufficient to vest title, unless such
possession is accompanied by the intent to possess as an owner.
(BogovCA)
Art 530 Only things and rights which are susceptible of being
appropriatedmaybetheobjectofpossession.
Objectofpossession
Tobetheobjectofpossession,thethingorrightmustbesusceptible
ofbeingappropriated.
There are more things susceptible of appropriation than there are
thingswithinthecommerceofmen(i.e.thosethatcanbeacquired
byprescription).
o Withrespecttoresnullius(propertywithoutowner),theycan
be possessed because theya re capable of being appropriated
butheycannotbeacquiredbyprescriptionwhichpresupposes
priorownershipinanother.Foraslongasathingisresnullius,
itisnotwithinthecommerceofmen.
o Property of public dominion cannot also be the object of
prescription.Thesameistrueofcommonthingsbutbothmay
betheobjectofpossession.

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CHAPTER2
ACQUISITIONOFPOSSESSION
Art.531.Possessionisacquiredbythematerialoccupationofathing
ortheexerciseofaright,orbythefactthatitissubjecttotheaction
ofourwill,orbytheproperactsandlegalformalitiesestablishedfor
acquiringsuchright.(438a)
Waysofacquiringpossession
Tobeconsideredinpossession,oneneednothaveactualorphysical
occupation of a thing all times. There are three ways of acquiring
possession,namely:
1. Bythematerialoccupationorexerciseofaright;
2. Bythesubjectionofthethingorrighttoourwill;and
3. Byproperactsandlegalformalitiesestablishedforacquiringsuch
rightofpossession.
ThemodesofacquiringownershipcanbeseeninArticle712.
Materialoccupationorexerciseofright
1. Withrespecttothingsthelawrequiresmaterialoccupationasone
ofthemodesofacquiringpossession.
2. With respect to rights since rights are intangible and cannot
logicallybeoccupied,whatisacquiredistheexerciseofaright.For
example, possession of a servitude of way, which is a right, is
acquired by the exercise of the right (by passing over the servient
land)
Materialoccupationbydelivery
The material occupation of a thing as a means of acquiring
possession may take place by actual or constructive delivery.
Constructivedeliveryincludes:
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1. Tradicion brevi manu which takes place when one already in

possessionofathingbyatitleotherthanownershipcontinuesto
possessthesameunderanewtitle,thatofownership.
2. Tradicion constitutum possessorium which happens when the
owner continues in possession of the property alienated not as
ownerbutinsomeothercapacity,suchasthatoflessee,pledgee,
ordepositary.
Subjectoftheactionofwill
The second method of acquisition is so broad in scope that it
practicallycoversallmeansofacquiringpossession.
What the law contemplates is a distinct cause of acquiring
possessionandnotmerelyaneffect.
Itrefersmoretotherightofpossessionthantopossessionasafact.
Examplesofwhicharethesekindsofconstructivedelivery:
1. Tradicion longa manu, which is effected by the mere consent or
agreement of the parties, as when the vendor merely points to
thethingsold
2. Tradicionsimbolica,whichiseffectedbydeliveringanobjectsuch
asakeywherethethingsoldisstoredorkept
Properactsandlegalformalities
This last method of acquiring possession refers to acquisition by
virtue of a just title such as when property is transmitted by
succession,donation,contract,orexecutionofapublicinstrument,
orwhenpossessionisgivenbythesherifftothehighestbidderata
publicauction,orpursuanttoawritofexecution.
Unlessthereisastipulationtothecontrary,theexecutionofasale
thru a public instrument shall be equivalent to the delivery of the
thing.Butthereisnodeliverynotwithstandingtheexecutionofthe
instrument, where the purchaser cannot have the enjoyment and
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make use of the thing sold because such enjoyment and use are
opposedorpreventedbyanother.
UnderArticle538,possessionasafactcannotberecognizedatthe
same time in two different personalities except in the cases of co
possession
Asalewithpactoderetrotransfersthelegaltitletothevendee,and
in the absence of an agreement to the contrary, carries with it the
righttothepossessionofthepropertysold.
Casedoctrines
Possessionaloneisnotsufficienttoacquiretitletoalienablelandsof
the public domain because the law requires possession AND
occupation.
Possession is broader than occupation because it includes
constructivepossession.Whentheladaddsthewordoccupation,it
seeks to delimit the all encompassing effect of constructive
possession. Ones possession must not be a mere fiction. Acutla
possessionofalandconsistsinthemanifestationofactsofdominion
overitofsuchanatureasapartywouldnaturallyexerciseoverhis
ownproperty.(OngvRepublic)
Possession cannot be acquired through force or violence. To all
intents and purposes, a possessor, even if physically ousted, is still
deemedthelegalpossessor.(CequenavBolante)
Art. 532. Possession may be acquired by the same person who is to

enjoy it, by his legal representative, by his agent, or by any person
withoutanypowerwhatever:butinthelastcase,thepossessionshall
notbeconsideredasacquireduntilthepersoninwhosenametheact
of possessionwasexecuted hasratified thesame, without prejudice
to the juridical consequences of negotiorum gestio in a proper case.
(439a)

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Bywhompossessionacquired
Possessionmaybeacquired:
1. Personallyorbythesamepersonwhoistoenjoyit;
2. Thruanauthorizedpersonorbyhislegalrepresentativeorbyhis
agent,and
3. Thruanunauthorizedpersonorbyanypersonwithoutanypower
orauthoritywhatever.
Acquisitionofpossessionthroughanother
Possessionacquiredbyapersonpersonallyorthruanothermaybe
exercisedbyhiminhisownnameorinthatofanother.Butminors
and other incapacitated persons need the assistance of their legal
representativestoexercisetherightsarisingfrompossession.
If a person authorized to acquired possession for another acted
beyond his powers, the principal is not bound unless the latter
ratifiestheactofacquisition.
Theexceptioniswhenapersonvoluntarilymanagesthepropertyor
business of another. In such case, the strangers (gestors)
possessiontakeseffectevenwithoutratificationbytheownerofthe
propertyorbusiness.
Casedoctrines
Art.533.Thepossessionofhereditarypropertyisdeemedtransmitted
totheheirwithoutinterruptionandfromthemomentofthedeathof
thedecedent,incasetheinheritanceisaccepted.
One who validly renounces an inheritance is deemed never to
havepossessedthesame.(440)
Acquisitionofpossessionthroughsuccession
Therightstothesuccessionaretransmittedfromthemomentofthe
deathofthedecedent.
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Fromthatmoment,eachofhisheirsbecomestheundividedowner
ofthewholeestateleftwithrespecttothatportionwhichmightbe
adjudicatedtohim.
Theinheritancemaybeacceptedorrepudiated.
There is no doubt that an heir can sell whatever right, interest or
participation he may have in the property under administration,
subjecttotheresultofsaidadministration.
Incasetheinheritanceisaccepted,thepossessionofthehereditary
property is deemed transmitted by operation of law to the heir
without interruption and from the moment of death of the
decedent.
Inthisinheritanceisvalidlyrenounced,theheirisdeemedneverto
havepossessedthesame.
Seebookforexamples.
Art. 534. On who succeeds by hereditary title shall not suffer the
consequencesofthewrongfulpossessionofthedecedent,ifitisnot
shownthathewasawareoftheflawsaffectingit;buttheeffectsof
possessioningoodfaithshallnotbenefithimexceptfromthedateof
thedeathofthedecedent.(442)
Effectsofbadfaithofdecedentonheir
If the decedent was in bad faith, the heir shall not suffer the
consequencesofthewrongfulpossessionofthelatterbecausebad
faithispersonaltothedecedentandisnotdeemedtransmittedto
theheirs.
Theheirsufferstheconsequencesofsuchpossessiononlyfromthe
moment he becomes aware of the flaws affecting the decedents
title.
Seebookagainforexamples.
Casedoctrines
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A possessor in bad faith should not prejudice his successorsin

interest.Badfaithispersonalandintransmissible.(EscritorvIAC)
Art. 535. Minors and incapacitated persons may acquire the
possession of things; but they need the assistance of their legal
representatives in order to exercise the rights which from the
possessionariseintheirfavor.(443)
Acquisition and exercise of rights of possession by minors and

incapacitatedpersons
Thepersonsreferredtointheprovisionareunemancipatedminors
and other persons who have no capacity to act like spendthrifts,
deafmutes who cannot read and write, those under civil
interdiction,etc.
Thingsherearelimitedtocorporealthingsonly.
This article refers principally but not exclusively to material
occupation.
Incapacitatedpersonsmayacquirepropertyorrightsbyprescription
either personally or through their parents, guardians or legal reps.
Oncepossessionofathingisacquiredbysuchpersons,thereisborn
the right of possession. In the exercise of this right, they need the
assistanceoftheirlegalreps.
Art. 536. In no case may possession be acquired through force or

intimidation as long as there is a possessor who objects thereto. He
whobelievesthathehasanactionorarighttodepriveanotherofthe
holdingofathing,mustinvoketheaidofthecompetentcourt,ifthe
holdershouldrefusetodeliverthething.(441a)
Recoursetothecourts
Every possessor has a right to be respected in his possession. The
lawfulpossessormayusesuchforceasmaybereasonablynecessary
torepelorpreventinvasionorusurpationofhisproperty.
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This article applies to one who believes himself the owner of real
property. If he takes justice into his own hands, he is a mere
intruder; and he can be compelled to return the property in an
action for forcible entry and must suffer the necessary and natural
consequencesofhislawlessness.
A party who can prove prior possession, whatever may be the
character of the possession, has the security that entitles him to
recover such possession or to remain on the property even against
theownerhimselfuntilheislawfullyejectedbyaccionpublicianaor
accionreivindicatoria.
Art.537.Actsmerelytolerated,andthoseexecutedclandestinelyand
withouttheknowledgeofthepossessorofathing,orbyviolence,do
notaffectpossession.(444)
Actswhichdonotgiverisetopossession
The acts mentioned do not affect possession, i.e. the person in
possessiondoesnotlosethesamenordoesthepersonwhoresults
tothemacquireit.Inotherwords,thetruepossessorisdeemedto
haveenjoyeduninterruptedpossession.
o Force or intimidation as long as there is a possessor who
objectsthereto,suchasbysuitofforcibleentry.Theruledoes
not apply if the possessor makes no objection, withdraws his
objectionortakesnoactionwhatsoeverafterinitiallyobjecting
tothedeprivation.
o Actsexecutedclandestinelyandwithouttheknowledgeofthe
possessor which mean that the acts are not public and
unknowntothepossessororowner.
o Acts merely tolerated which do not refer to all kinds of
toleranceonthepartoftheownerorpossessorinviewofthe
useofthewordmerely;itmeanspermission,expressortacit,
byvirtueofwhichtheactsofpossessionareperformed.Hence,
itissimplyaquestionofwhetherpermissionwasgivenornot.
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Possession of another by mere tolerance is not adverse and no

matter how long continued, cannot ripen to ownership by
prescription.
Themeresilenceorfailuretotakeanyactionwillnotbeconstrued
asabandonmentofrightsonthepartoftherealpossessor.Itis,of
course, for the courts to decide whether there has been an
abandonmentornot.
Possession by tolerance is lawful but becomes illegal when, upon
demand to vacate by the legal owner, the possessor refuses to
complywithsuchdemand.
Art.538.Possessionasafactcannotberecognizedatthesametime
in two different personalities except in the cases of copossession.
Shouldaquestionariseregardingthefactofpossession,thepresent
possessor shall be preferred; if there are two possessors, the one
longerinpossession;ifthedatesofthepossessionarethesame,the
one who presents a title; and if all these conditions are equal, the
thing shall be placed in judicial deposit pending determination of its
possessionorownershipthroughproperproceedings.(445)
Possessionasafactatthesametimeintwodifferentpersonsalities
The word personalities is not synonymous to persons. For
example,incoownership,therearetwoormorepersons,butthere
isonlyonepersonality.
Possession as a fact may exist at the same time in two or more
distinct personalities, but as a general rule, the law will recognize
onlyoneastheactualorrealpossessor.
Theexceptionisprovidedinthecasesofcopossession,suchasco
ownership, where the property is possessed at the same time in
commonbythecoownersalso;andpossessionwheretheproperty
ispossessedatthesametimebytwopersons,oneintheconceptof
ownerandtheother,intheconceptofholder.
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Incopossession,thereisnoconflictofinterestsofclaimsamongthe
parties.
Preferenceofpossession
Article538applieswhetherthepropertyisrealorpersonal.Incasea
dispute arises regarding the fact of possession, the order of
preferenceisasfollows:
1. Thepresentoractualpossessorshallbepreferred
2. Iftherearetwopossessors,thelongerinpossession;
3. Ifthedatesofpossessionarethesame,thepossessorwithatitle;
i.e. right or document evidencing his right to support his
possession;and
4. Ifalltheaboveareequal,thefactofpossessionshallbejudicially
determined, and in the meantime, the thing shall be placed in
judicialdeposit.
CHAPTER3
EFFECTSOFPOSSESSION
Art539Everypossessorhasarighttoberespectedinhispossession
and should he be disturbed therein he shall be protected in or
restoredtosaidpossessionbythemeansestablishedbythelawsand
theRulesofCourt.
A possessor deprived of his possession through forcible entry
maywithintendaysfromthefilingofthecomplaintpresentamotion
tosecurefromthecompetentcourt,intheactionforforcibleentry,a
writ of preliminary mandatory injunction to restore him in his
possession.Thecourtshalldecidethemotionwithinthirtydaysfrom
thefilingthereof.
Rightsofeverypossessor

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Everypossessor,whetherintheconceptofownerofintheconceptof
holder,isgiventhefollowingrights:
1. Righttoberespectedinhispossession;
2. Right to be protected in or restored to said possession by legal
meansshouldhebedisturbedtherein;and
3. Right to secure from a competent court in an action for forcible
entrytheproperwrittorestorehiminhispossession(Art428)
Themerepossessionofathingissufficienttoinsurerespecttothe
possessorwhilenootherpersonappearstoshowandproveabetter
right.
Toallintentsandpurposes,apossessorevenifphysicallyoustedas
throughforceandviolence,isstilldeemedthelegalpossessor.
Thefact,however,thatapersonwasneverinpriorphysicalpossession
of a land is of no moment where he has a Torrens Title over the
propertyaspriorphysicalpossessionisnecessaryonlyinforcibleentry
cases.
Reasonsforprotection
1. To aid criminal law (by preserving the peace. Orderis best secured
by protecting a possessor and leaving the true owner to seek his
remedyinacourtoflaw)
2. Aspartofthelawoftort(theserightsofactionaregiveninrespect
oftheimmediateandpresentviolationoftherightsofthepossessor
independentlyofhisrightsofproperty)
3. Aspartofthelawofproperty(lawdoesnotalwaysknownthatthe
possession in question is unlawful. It would be unjust to cast on
every man whose possession is disturbed the burden of proving a
flawlesstitle)
Remediesofpersonsdeprivedofpossession(seediscussionsinArt428)
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1. forcibleentryorunlawfuldetainer
2. accionpubliciana
3. accionreivindicatoria
4. replevinormanualdeliveryofpersonalproperty
In forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases, subject to some

exceptions,theimmediateexecutionofthejudgmentinfavorofthe
plaintiffisamatterofrightandmandatory.
Considering that the only issue in ejectment is that of rightful
possession, damages that could be recovered are those which the
plaintiffcouldhavesustainedasamerepossessor,orthosecaused
by the loss of the use and occupation of the property, and not the
damages which he may have suffered but which have no direct
relationtohislossofmaterialpossession.
Issuanceofawritofpreliminarymandatoryinjunction
In forcible entry actions, the plaintiff must present within ten days
from the filing of the complaint a motion to secure from the
competent court, a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction to
restorehiminhispossession
Inunlawfuldetainercaseswhereanappealistaken,themotionshall
befiledwithintendaysfromthetimetheappealisperfected,ifthe
highcourtissatisfiedthatthelesseesappealisfrivolousordilatory,
orthelessorsappealisprimafaciemeritorious.
In an appeal from a lower court in an ejectment case, the issue of
ownership should not be delved into, for an ejectment action lies
evenagainsttheownerofaproperty.
Priorpeacefulpossessionofplaintiffrequiredinforcibleentryaction
Where a dispute over possession arises between two persons, the
person first having actual possession, as between them, is the one
whoisentitledtomaintaintheactionforforcibleentry.
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Themainissueispossessiondefacto,independentlyofanyclaimof
ownershiporpossessiondejurethateitherpartymaysetforthinhis
pleadings,andanappealdoesnotoperatetochangethenatureof
theoriginalaction
Even a mere applicant of public land who is in occupation and in
peacefulpossessionthereofcanfileanactionforforcibleentry
Question of ownership is unessential and should be raised by the
defendantinanappropriateaction
o Judgmentrenderedinanactionforforcibleentryshallnotbar
anactionbetweenthesamepartiesrespectingthetitletothe
landorbuilding
o The court has competence to resolve the issue of ownership
butonlytodeterminetheissueofpriorityofpossession,asits
decisiondoesnotbindthetitleoraffecttheownershipofthe
property involved (any pronouncement on ownership is
provisional)
The purpose of the law is to protect the person who has actual
possession
The plaintiff in an action for forcible entry and detainer cannot
succeed when it appears that, as between himself and the
defendant, the latter had possession antedating his own; and to
ascertain this, it is proper to look on to the situation as it existed
beforethefirstactofspoliationoccurred
Legalrightofpriorpossessorisnotanissue
o If the plaintiff can prove prior possession, he may recover
possessionevenagainsttheownerhimself.
o If he cant prove prior possession, he has no right of action
evenifheshouldbetheownerhimself.
Incaseofcontrovertedright,thelawrequiresthepartiestopreserve
thestatusquountiloneortheotherofthemseesfittoinvokethe
decision of a court upon the question of possession and/or
possession
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A forcible entry or unlawful detainer is not suspended, abated,

barred or affected by actions filed in the RTC which do not involve
physicalordefactopossession
Conditionsunderwhichactionforforcibleentrywilllie
Wrongfulentrancebyonenotinpossession
o Thetrespasserdoesnothavetoinstituteastateofwar.Theact
of going on the property and excluding the lawful possessor
therefrom necessarily implies the exertion of force over the
property, and this is all that is necessary. Under the law,
enteringuponthepremisesbystrategyorstealthisequallyas
obnoxiousasenteringbyforce.
o The words by force, intimidation, threat, etc include every
situation orcondition underwhichone person canwrongfully
enter upon real property to exclude another, who has prior
possessiontherefrom.(Banescase)
Wrongfulexclusionofpriorpossessor
o Thefoundationoftheactionisreallytheforcibleexclusionof
the original possessor by a person who has entered without
right.
Art 540 Only the possession acquired and enjoyed in the concept of
ownercanserveasatitleforacquiringdominion.
Possessionasbasisforacquiringownership
Possession acquired and enjoyed in the concept of owner may ripen
intoownershipbymeansofprescription.
1. Asholder
Cannotbethebasisofprescription
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So with possession acquired through force or intimidation (Art

536), merely tolerated or which is not public and is unknown to
thepresentpossessor(Art537)
2. Asequitablemortgage
Constructive possession over the land cannot ripen into
ownershipasitcannotbesaidtohavebeenacquiredandenjoyed
intheconceptofowner
3. Asclaimantunderapossessoryinformationtitle(meh)
4. Asclaimantunderacertificateoftitle
Merepossessioncannotdefeatthetitleofaholderofaregistered
Torrenstitletorealproperty
But the true owner of the property may be defeated by an
innocentpurchaserforvaluenotwithstandingthefraudemployed
bytheseller(forger)insecuringhistitle
Generally, a forged deed is a nullity and conveys no title.
However, there are instances when such a document may
become the root of a valid title. As when the certificate of title
wasalreadytransferredfromthenameofthetrueownertothe
forger,andwhileitremainedthatway,thelandwassubsequently
soldtoaninnocentpurchaserforvalue(landtitles!)
5. Aspossessorofforestland(notpossible!)
Meretaxdeclarationsofownershipdonotvestorproveownership
ofthepropertyinthedeclarantnorareevensufficienttosustaina
claimforpossessionoveraland,intheabsenceofactualpossession
ofthesame.
Theyaremerelyanindicumofaclaimofownership
Nevertheless, they are good indicia of possession in the concept of
owner
Paymentofrealtytaxcoupledwithactualpossessionintheconcept
of owner is one of the most persuasive and positive indicia, which
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shows the will or desire of a person to possess with claim of

ownershiportoobtaintitletothelandorproperty
Casedoctrine
Inorderthananactionforrecoveryofpossessionmayprosper,itis
indispensablethathewhobringstheactionfullyprovesnotonlyhis
ownership but also the identity of the property claimed, by
describing the location, area and boundaries thereof. Insufficient
identification of the portion of land claimed in absolute ownership
cannotripenintoownership.(SerinavCaballero)
Art541Apossessorintheconceptofownerhasinhisfavorthelegal
presumption that he possesses with a just title and he cannot be
obligedtoshoworproveit.
Possessorinconceptofownerpresumedwithjusttitle
Justtitledoesnotalwaysmeanadocumentorawritteninstrument
Titleisthatuponwhichownershipisbased
Actual or constructive possession under claim of ownership raises
the disputable presumption of ownership. In other words, a
possessionispresumedownershipuntilthecontraryisshown.
A possessor is presumed to have a just title, and he cannot be
obligedtoshoworproveit.
o Reason?Toprotecttheownerfrominconvenience,otherwise,
he will always have to carry his titles under his arms to show
themtowhoeverwhowantstoseeit
NB: Presumption of just title does not apply in acquisitive
prescription.Adversepossessormustprovehisjusttitle.
Burdenofprovingjusttitle
The onus probandi is on the plaintiff who seeks the recovery of
property
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A person who is not, in fact, in possession cannot acquire a

prescriptiverighttoalandbythemereassertionofarighttherein.
Wherethepossessorisreallytheowner,thefactthatathirdperson
questionshisrightdoesnotimpairsaidright.
An owner and possessor whose title is true and valid cannot be
required to show that his possession is or has been adverse as
againstanewclaimantwhohasneithertitlenorpossession.
Whatarethedifferentkindsoftitle?
1. Tituloverdaderoyvalidoortrueandvalid
Thisisthetitlepresumedinthisprovision
Sufficient to transfer ownership without need of possessing the
property for the period necessary for acquiring title by
prescription
2. Titulojustoorjusttitle
Forthepurposesofprescription,thereisjusttitle
o When the adverse claimant came into possession of the
propertythroughoneofthemodesrecognizedbylawforthe
acquisitionofownershiporotherrealrights,
o but the grantor was not the owner or could not transmit any
right
Forprescription,justtitlemustbeproved,itisneverpresumed.
Itmustberememberedthattheburdenofprovingthestatusofa
purchaseringoodfaithliesuponhimwhoassertsthatstatus.Itis
not sufficient to invoke the ordinary presumption of good faith,
that is, that everyone is presumed to have acted in good faith,
sincethegoodfaiththatishereessentialisintegralwiththevery
statusthatmustbeestablished.(AguirrevCA)
3. Titulocoloradoorcolorabletitle
Onewhichapersonhaswhenhebuysathingingoodfaith,from
onewhoisnottheownerbutwhomhebelievestobetheowner
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The just title required for acquisitive prescription is titulo

Colorado
4. Tituloputativoorputativetitle
One which a person believes he has title but in fact he has not
becausetherewasnomodeofacquiringownership
Aswhenoneisinpossessionofathinginthemistakenbeliefthat
ithadbeenbequeathedtohim
Whats the difference between titulo Colorado and titulo verdadero y

valido? In Colorado, there is a need for prescription to transfer
ownership. In true and valid title, there is no need for prescription,
ownershipistransferredoncethemodeoftransferhasbeenperfected.
(Beitbysale,donation,succession,etc).
Casedoctrine
Inorderthatacoownerspossessionmaybedeemedadversetothe
cestui que trusti or the other coowners, the following elements
mustconcur:
1. That he has perfomrmed unequivocal acts of repudiation
amountingtoanousterofthebeneficiaryortheothercoowners
2. Thatsuchpositiveactsofrepudiationhavebeenmadeknownto
thebeneficiaryortheothercoowners
3. Thattheevidencethereonmustbeclearandconvincing(Aguirre
vCA)
Art 542 The possession of real property presumes that of movables
therein, so long as it is not shown or proved that they should be
excluded.
Possessionofrealpropertypresumedtoincludemovables
Article542referstomaterialpossessiononlyofthings,notrights
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Possessionmaybeintheconceptofowner,ofholder,inonesown
nameorinanothers,oringoodfaithorinbadfaith
Itisnormalthatmovableswhicharefoundinanimmovablebelong
tothepossessorofthelatter
If the building is occupied by the lessee, we can suppose the same
withrespecttohimbecauseinthiscase,thepossessoristhelessee
Again,thisisamerepresumption.
Art543Eachoneoftheparticipantsofathingpossessedincommon
shallbedeemedtohaveexclusivelypossessedthepartwhichmaybe
allottedtohimuponthedivisionthereof,fortheentireperiodduring
whichthecopossessionlasted.Interruptioninthepossessionofthe
whole or a part of a thing possessed in common shall be to the
prejudiceofallthepossessors.However,incaseofcivilinterruption,
theRulesofCourtshallapply.
Exclusivepossessionofpreviouscoownerdeemedcontinuous
Article543speaksofcopossessionofathing,notofcoownership
Nevertheless, its principle is applicable to copossession of a real
right
Copossessioncanbeoverathingoraright
Allparticipantsofathingpossessedincommonconstituteonlyone
personalityandthepersonalityceaseswhenthereisapartition.
Fromthatmomentofcessation,thepersonalityofeachparticipant
begins.
Each copossessor is deemed (not merely presumed!) to have
possessed exclusively and continuously during the period of co
possessionthepartassignedtohiminthedivision.
Theeffectsofthedivisionretroacttothecommencementoftheco
possession.
Butthedivisionshallbewithoutprejudicetotherightsofcreditors.

PJG
Harry, Ron, and Hermione have been copossessors in the concept of

owners of a 15 hectare parcel of land until they divided the property
equallyonthe8thyear.Ifonthe4thyearafterthedivision,Dracoclaims
ownership of the portion allotted to Harry, Harry can assert title by
acquisitive prescription through possession for 10 years, for he is
deemedtohavepossessedhisportionexclusivelyandcontinuouslyfor
aperiodof12years.
Interruptioninpossessionofthething
Both the benefits and the prejudices that might have taken place
duringthecopossessionshallattachtoeachofthecoparticipants
Prescriptionobtainedbyacopossessorshallbenefittheothers
Interruptioninthepossessionofthewholeorpartofathingshallbe
totheprejudiceofallthepossessors.
Possessionisinterruptedforpurposesofprescriptioneither
o Naturally (when through any cause it should cease for more
than1year)
o Civilly(whentheinterruptionisproducedbyjudicialsummons
tothepossessor)
In civil interruption, only those possessors served with
judicialsummonsareaffected.
For civil interruption to take place, the possessor must
havereceivedjudicialsummons.
Whenwillsummonsnotbedeemedtohavebeenissued
andshallnotgiverisetointerruption?
1. Ifitshouldbevoidforlackoflegalsolemnities,or
2. If the plaintiff should desist from the complaint or
shouldalltheproceedingstolapse,or
3. If the possessor should be absolved from the
complaint.
A notice for adverse claim does NOT interrupt
prescription(HeirsofArzadonCrisologovRanon)
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Interruptionmustrefertothewholethingitselforpartofitandnot
toapartorrightofacopossessor.
In a copossession, there is only one thing and many possessors. If
therightofacopossessoriscontested,healoneshallbeprejudiced.
Withrespecttothething,theprejudiceshallbeagainstall.
Art 544 A possessor in good faith is entitled to the fruits received

beforethepossessionislegallyinterrupted.
Natural and industrial fruits are considered received from the
timetheyaregatheredorsevered.
Civil fruits are deemed to accrue daily and belong to the
possessoringoodfaithinthatproportion.
Art 545 If at the time the good faith ceases, there should be any
naturalorindustrialfruits,thepossessorshallhavearighttoapartof
theexpensesofcultivation,andtoapartofthenetharvest,bothin
proportiontothetimeofpossession.
The charges shall be divided on the same basis by the two
possessors.
The owner of the thing may, should he so desire, give the
possessoringoodfaiththerighttofinishthecultivationandgathering
ofthegrowingfruits,asanindemnityforhispartoftheexpensesof
cultivationandthenetproceeds;thepossessoringoodfaithwhofor
any reason whatever should refuse to accept this concession, shall
losetherighttobeindemnifiedinanyothermanner.
The fruits of a thing generally belong to the owner (Art 441) but a
possessor in good faith is entitled to the fruits received until good
faithceasesandbadfaithbegins.
Legal interruption of possession in good faith takes place upon
serviceofjudicialsummonstothepossessor.
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o Allfruitsthatthepossessormayreceivefromthetimethathe
is summoned, or when he answers the complaint, must be
deliveredorpaidbyhimtotheownerorlawfulpossessor.
Whenever there is cessation of good faith in the eyes of the law,
whetherbyreasonofthefilingofacomplaintornot,possessionin
goodfaithshouldbedeemedlegallyinterruptedfromsuchcessation
andnotmerelyfromtheserviceofjudicialsummons.
Whentheownerorpossessorwithabetterrightcomesalong,when
he becomes aware that what he had taken for granted is at least
doubtful,andwhenhelearnsthegroundsinsupportoftheadverse
claim,goodfaithceases.
Possessorinbadfaithisnotentitledtothefruits.Hehasthedutyto
reimburse the fruits received including that which the legitimate
possessorcouldhavereceived.
The right of the possessor in good faith is limited to the fruits,
referringtonatural,industrialandcivilfruits(Art441).Otherthings
(building)belongtotheowneroftheland.
Whenfruitsconsideredreceived
1. Fornaturalandindustrialfruitsfromthetimetheyaregatheredor
severed. Fruits gathered before legal interruption belong to the
possessoringoodfaith.
2. Forcivilfruitstheiraccrual,nottheiractualreceipt,shalldetermine
when they are considered received at the time the good faith is
legally interrupted. They are deemed to accrue daily and belong to
thepossessoringoodfaithinthatproportion.
KindsofFruits PossessorinGood PossessorinBadFaith

Faith
1.Civilfruits Entitledtofruitsfrom Notentitledtofruits.
startofpossession
untillegalinterruption Mustpaydamagesas
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rentalfromtime
possessionstarted
untilpossessionis
finallydefeated
2. Natural/Industrial
Fruits

a.Gathered Righttoretainfruits Mustaccountfor
fruitsandreturnvalue
of:
fruitsactually
received,andfruits
whichthelegal
possessorcouldhave
receivedwithduecare
anddiligence.

Mustpaydamagesas
reasonablerentfor
thetermof
possession.

Butentitledto
necessaryexpenses
forpreservation,
b.Pending Ownerhas2options: cultivation,and
gatheringoffruits.
First:Prorating(based
onperiodof
possession)between Norights,noteven
possessorandowner reimbursementof
of:expenses,net expensesfor
harvestandcharges cultivation(because
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byrightofaccession,
allfruitsbelongto
Second:Toallow ownerwithoutneed
possessortostayin topayindemnity)
possessionuntilafter
allfruitsaregathered Mustpaydamagesas
(whichshallserveas reasonablerentfor
theindemnityfor thetermofpossession
expenses)
Proportionatedivisionoffruitsandexpenses
Art545doesnotapplywhenthepossessorisinbadfaith,thefruits
are civil, or the fruits are natural or industrial but they have been
gatheredorseveredwhengoodfaithceases
A possessor in bad faith has no right whatsoever to the fruits,
gathered or pending, except only necessary expenses for gathered
fruit(Art443,449).Sincecivilfruitsareproduceddaybyday,Art545
doesnotapplytothem.
Inthecaseoffruitsalreadygatheredatthetimegoodfaithceases,
itisArt544thatisapplicable.
If there are pending natural and industrial fruits at the time good
faith ceases, the two possessors shall share in the expense of
cultivation and the charges (expenses made not on the property
itself but on account of it, such as taxes, interest on mortgages) in
proportiontothetimeofpossession.
They will also share on the fruits in proportion to the time of
possessionaswell.
Whatiftherearenofruitsorthefruitsarelessthanexpenses?
o If there is no net harvest because there are no fruits or the
fruits are less than the expenses, art 545 wont apply. If the
fruits are merely insufficient, the same should be divided in
proportiontotheirrespectiveexpenses.
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o No fruits? Each should bear his own expenses subject to the

right of the possessor in good faith to be refunded for
necessary expenses under Art 546, unless the owner of new
possessorexerciseshisoptionreferredtoabove.
Art546Necessaryexpensesshallberefundedtoeverypossessor;but
only the possessor in good faith may retain the thing until he has
reimbursedtherefore.
Usefulexpensesshallberefundedonlytothepossessoringood
faith with the same retention, the person who has defeated him in
the possession having the option of refunding the amount of the
expensesorofpayingtheincreaseinvaluewhichthethingmayhave
acquiredbyreasonthereof.
Art547Iftheusefulimprovementscanberemovedwithoutdamage
totheprincipalthing,thepossessoringoodfaithmayremovethem,
unless the person who recovers the possession exercises the option
underparagraph2oftheprecedingarticle.
Art 548 Expenses for pure luxury or mere pleasure shall not be
refunded to the possessor in good faith; but he may remove the
ornaments with which he has embellished the principal thing if it
suffersnoinjurythereby,andifhissuccessorinthepossessiondoes
notprefertorefundtheamountexpended.
Art549Thepossessorinbadfaithshallreimbursethefruitsreceived
and those which the legitimate possessor could have received, and
shall have a right only to the expenses mentioned in paragraph 1 of
Article546andinArticle443.Theexpensesincurredinimprovements
for pure luxury or mere pleasure shall not be refunded to the
possessorinbadfaith,buthemayremovetheobjectsforwhichsuch
expenseshavebeenincurred,providedthatthethingsuffersnoinjury
thereby,andthatthelawfulpossessordoesnotprefertoretainthem
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by paying the value they may have at the time he enters into
possession.
Expenses PossessorinGood PossessorinBadFaith

Faith
NecessaryExpenses Entitledto Entitledto
reimbursement reimbursement
Rightofretention Norightofretention;
pendingfull mustvacateproperty
reimbursements (recourseistofile
collectioncase)
Liablefordamagesas
reasonablerentfor
periodofpossession
Usefulexpenses Ownerhas2options: Norights

Option1:
reimbursementof
either(a)amount
spentor(b)increase
invaluewithrightof
retentionwithfull
payment.

Option2:Toallow
possessortoremove
providedno
substantialdamageor
injuryiscaused
Luxuriousexpenses Ownerhas2options: Ownerhas2options:

Option1:toallow Option1:toallow
possessortoremove possessortoremove
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ornamentsifthe ornamentsifthe
principalsuffersno principalsuffersno
injury injury

Option2:toretainthe Option2:toretainthe
ornamentby ornamentby
refundingtheamount refundingthevalueof
spentforthe theornamentatthe
ornament timeownerenters
intopossession(which
meansdepreciated
value)
Deterioration/loss Noliabilityunlessdue Alwaysliablewhether
tofraudulentintentor beforeorafterservice
negligenceafter ofjudicialsummons,
serviceofjudicial foranycause,even
summons fortuitousevent.
Necessary expenses are made for the preservation of the thing of

thosewhichseektopreventthewaste,deterioration,orlossofthe
thing;orthosewithoutwhichthethingwoulddeteriorateorbelost.
Useful expenses are expenses which add value to a thing, or
augmentitsincome.
Luxuriousexpensesareexpensesnotnecessaryforthepreservation
of a thing nor do they increase its productivity although they add
value to the thing, but are incurred merely to embellish the thing
andfortheconvenienceorenjoymentofparticularpossessors.
Casedoctrine
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Apossessorinbadfaithisentitledtobereimbursedforherexpenses
inrestoringahousetoitsoriginalconditionafterithadbeenpartly
damaged by fire, because such expenses are necessary, and under
546,aretoberefundedeventopossessorsinbadfaith.
Abuilderinbadfaith,under449,isnotentitledtoreimbursement.
But449isaruleofaccession,whichisnotapplicablewhereanew
house was not built on the land of another but only repairs were
madeonahousethathadbeenpartlydestroyedbyfire.Thislatter
case comes under 546 which provides for the refund of necessary
expensestoeverypossessor.(CosiovPalileo)
Art. 550. The costs of litigation over the property shall be borne by
everypossessor.(n)
Art.551.Improvementscausedbynatureortimeshallalwaysinsure
to the benefit of the person who has succeeded in recovering
possession.(456)
Improvementscausedbynatureortime
Article 551 covers all the natural accessions mentioned in Articles
457to465whichmustfollowtheownershipoftheprincipalthing,
and generally, all improvements that are not due to the will of the
possessor.
Theformerpossessorgotthebenefitsfromthepropertyduringhis
possession. It is but just that the improvements mentioned which
take place after the possession is recovered inure to the owner or
lawfulpossessor.Hence,heshouldnotpayforthem.
Art. 552. A possessor in good faith shall not be liable for the
deteriorationorlossofthethingpossessed,exceptincasesinwhichit
isprovedthathehasactedwithfraudulentintentornegligence,after
thejudicialsummons.
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Apossessorinbadfaithshallbeliablefordeteriorationorlossin
everycase,evenifcausedbyafortuitousevent.(457a)
Art.553.Onewhorecoverspossessionshallnotbeobligedtopayfor
improvements which have ceased to exist at the time he takes
possessionofthething.(458)
Improvementswhichhaveceasedtoexist
Theimprovementsreferredtowereenjoyedbythepossessoralone.
Havingceasedtoexist,theownerorlawfulpossessorwhocametoo
late cannot benefit from them. But he is liable for necessary
expenses even if the thing for which they were incurred no longer
exists.
Necessaryexpensesarenotconsideredimprovements.
Art. 554. A present possessor who shows his possession at some

previous time, is presumed to have held possession also during the
intermediateperiod,intheabsenceofprooftothecontrary.(459)
Presumptionofpossessionduringinterveningperiod
This article contemplates a situation where a present possessor is
abletoprovehispossessionofapropertyatapriorperiodbutnot
hispossessionduringtheinterveningperiod.
He is presumed to have possessed the property continuously
withoutinterruption,unlessthecontraryisproved.
Thepresumptionisusefulforpurposesofprescription.
Art.555.Apossessormaylosehispossession:
1. Bytheabandonmentofthething;
2. By an assignment made to another either by onerous or
gratuitoustitle;
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3. By the destruction or total loss ofthe thing,or because it goes

outofcommerce;
4. Bythepossessionofanother,subjecttotheprovisionsofArticle
537,ifthenewpossessionhaslastedlongerthanoneyear.But
therealrightofpossessionisnotlosttillafterthelapseoften
years.(460a)
Modesoflosingpossession
Thisprovisionappliestobothrealandpersonalpropertyexceptno.
4whichobviouslyrefersonlytopersonalproperty(obviousraweh,
sabi ni de Leon. Yabang naman niya). The next article is expressly
madeapplicableonlytomovables.
Whatisabandonment?
Abandonment is the voluntary renunciation of all rights which a
person has over a thing thereby allowing a third person to acquire
ownershiporpossessionthereofbymeansofoccupancy.
Theabandonermaybetheowneroramerepossessorbutthelatter
obviously cannot abandon ownership which belongs to another.
(obviouslyraw!)
Since abandonment involves the renunciation of a property right,
the abandoner must have a right to the thing possessed and the
legalcapacitytorenounceit.
Anownerofpropertycannotbeheldtohaveabandonedthesame
untilatleasthehassomeknowledgeofthelossofitspossessionor
ofthething,andathingcannotbeconsideredabandonedunderthe
law until the spes recuperandi (hope of recovery) is gone and the
animusrevertendi(intentiontoreturn)isfinallygivenup.
By voluntary abandonment, a thing becomes without a owner or
possessorandisconvertedintoresnulliusandmaythusbeacquired
byathirdpersonbyoccupation.
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Abandonment which converts the thing into res nullius can hardly
applytoland.
CastellanovFranciscostatedthatabandonmentrequires:
1. Aclearandabsoluteintentiontorenouncearightoraclaimorto
abandonarightorproperty,and
2. An external act by which that intention is expressed or carried
intoeffect.
The intention to abandon implies a departure, with the avowed
intent of never returning, resuming or claiming the right and the
interestthathavebeenabandoned.(CastellanovFrancisco)
Assignment?
Assignmentisunderstoodtomeanthecompletetransmissionofthe
thingorrighttoanotherbyanylawfulmanner.
Itmaybeonerousorbygratuitoustitle.
Theeffectisthathewhowastheownerorpossessorisnolongerso.
Abandonmentisalwaysgratuitous.
Destruction,totalloss,orwithdrawalfromcommerce
Destruction or total loss covers not only that which is caused
voluntarilyorintentionallybutalsothatwhichiscausedbyaccident.
A thing is lost when it perishes, or goes out of commerce, or
disappears,etc.(Art1189)
Possessionofanotherformorethanoneyear
This referstopossessionde facto (as afact or materialpossession)
andnotdejure(legalrightorrealrightofpossession)
Afteroneyear,theformerpossessorcannolongerbringanyaction
forforcibleentryorunlawfuldetainer.
Possession by mere tolerance even for over a year does not affect
possessiondefacto.
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After 10 years, the possessor or owner may bring an accion

publicianaorreivindicatoriatorecoverpossessiondejureunlesshe
isbarredbyprescription.
Recoverybylawfulownerorpossessor
Possessionmayalsobelostwhenitisrecoveredfromthepersonin
possession by the lawful owner in a reivindicatory action or by the
lawful possessor in an action to recover the better right of
possession.
Art. 556. The possession of movables is not deemed lost so long as

theyremainunderthecontrolofthepossessor,eventhoughforthe
timebeinghemaynotknowtheirwhereabouts.(461)
Lossofpossessionofmovables
Thepossessionofmovablesshallbedeemedlostwhentheyceaseto
beunderthecontrolofthepossessoreitherbecaue:
o Theyhavecomeintothepossessionofathirdperson;or
o Although,theyhavenotbeentakenbyanother,
The possessor has completely no idea of their
whereaboutsorlocation(thepetrathasbeenmissingfor
sometime;or
Even if known, they cannot be recovered, whether as a
matter of fact (an unopened box of pastillas has been
dropped in a deep lake) or of law (a movable lost by
prescription).
Possessionisnotlostbythemerefactthatthepossessordoesnot
know for the time being the precise whereabout of a specific
movablewhenhehasnotgivenupallhopeoffindingit(likearing
misplacedorlostinparticularvicinity).Inthiscase,thepossessorhas
notlosthislegalrighttotheobject.
o Heretainshisjuridicalcontrolofthethingwhichremainsinhis
patrimony.
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Art. 557. The possession of immovables and of real rights is not

deemed lost, or transferred for purposes of prescription to the
prejudiceofthirdpersons,exceptinaccordancewiththeprovisionsof
theMortgageLawandtheLandRegistrationlaws.(462a)
Lossofpossessionofimmovablesandrealrightswithrespecttothird
persons
Third persons are not prejudiced except in accordance with the
provisionsofthemortgagelawandtheregistrationlaw.
Against a recorded title, ordinary prescription of ownership or real
rightsshallnottakeplacetotheprejudiceofathirdperson,except
in virtue of another title also recorded and the time shall begin to
runfromtherecordingofthelatter.
Art. 558. Acts relating to possession, executed or agreed to by one

whopossessesathingbelongingtoanotherasamereholdertoenjoy
orkeepit,inanycharacter,donotbindorprejudicetheowner,unless
hegavesaidholderexpressauthoritytodosuchacts,orratifiesthem
subsequently.(463)
Possessoryactsofamereholder
The possessor referred to in this article is the same possessor
mentionedinArticle525.
Actsrelatingtopossessionofamereholderdonotbindorprejudice
the possessor in the concept of owner unless said acts were
previouslyauthorizedorsubsequentlyratifiedbythelatter.
Possessionmaybeacquiredforanotherbyastrangerprovidedthere
besubsequentratification.(Art532)
Art.559.Thepossessionofmovablepropertyacquiredingoodfaithis
equivalenttoatitle.Nevertheless,onewhohaslostanymovableor
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hasbeenunlawfullydeprivedthereofmayrecoveritfromtheperson
inpossessionofthesame.
Ifthepossessorofamovablelostorwhichtheownerhasbeen
unlawfullydeprived,hasacquireditingoodfaithatapublicsale,the
owner cannot obtain its return without reimbursing the price paid
therefor.(464a)
Rightofpossessorwhoacquiresmovableclaimedbyanother
If the possession of a movable property who acquired in bad faith,
norighttheretoisacquiredbythepossessor.Thepropertymaybe
recoveredbythetrueownerorpossessorwithoutreimbursement.
Iftheacquisitionwasingoodfaith,herearetherules:
o Possessioningoodfaithofamovableispresumedownership.Itis
equivalent to title. This is known as the doctrine of
irrrevindicability.Nofurtherproofisnecessary.
o Thepossessorstitle,however,isnotabsolute.Itisequivalentto
titlebutisnottitleitself.Itismerelypresumptivebecauseitcan
bedefeatedbythetrueowner.
Thesearethetwoexceptionstothegeneralruleofirrevindicability.
Anownercanrecoverinthesetwoinstances:
1. Whenonehaslostthemovable,or
2. Whenonehasbeenunlawfullydeprived.
He may recover without reimbursement. But if the thing was
soldatapublicsale,theownermustreimbursethebuyer.
Thesearetheexceptionstotheexceptions.Evenwhenanownerhas
lostorhasbeenunlawfullydeprived,hestillcannotrecoverinthese
instances:
1. Whenthesaleismadeatmerchantsstores,fairsormarkets.
2. Whentheownerofthemovableis,byhisconduct,precluded
fromdenyingthesellersauthoritytosell;
3. Where the law enables the apparent owner to dispose of the
movablesasifhewerethetrueownerthereof
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4. Wherethesaleissanctionedbystatutoryorjudicialauthority
5. Where the seller has a voidable title which has not been
avoided at the time of the sale to the buyer in good faith for
value and without notice of the sellers defect of title
(rememberCLV!)
6. Whererecoveryisnolongerpossiblebecauseofprescription
7. Where the possessor becomes the owner of the thing in
accordancewiththeprincipleoffinderskeepers
Casedoctrines
Nonpaymentdoesnotvoidasale.Itisperfecteduponthemeeting
of the minds. Hence, ownership shall pass from the vendor to the
vendeeupontheactualorconstructivedeliveryofthethingsold.It
doesnotconstituteunlawfuldeprivationofpersonalproperty.Itisa
merevoidablesale,andunlessitisavoidedbeforetheexecutionof
thesecondsale,thenthesecondsaleisvalid.(EDCAvSantos)
Purchaseringoodfaithofachattelormovablepropertyisentitled
to be respected and protected in his possession as if he were the
true owner thereof until a competent court rules otherwise. In the
meantime,asthetrueowner,thepossessoringoodfaithcannotbe
compelledtosurrenderpossessionnortoberequiredtoinstitutean
actionfortherecoveryofthechattel.(EduvGomez)
A third party who acquired in good faith a stolen vehicle and
registered it in his own name cannot lawfully refuse to return it to
the true owner and insist upon reimbursement before delivery.
(AznarvYapdiangcostealingequalsunlawfuldeprivation)
Theownerofaringpledgedtoapawnshopbyonetowhomhehas
entrusted it to be sold on commission can recover it from the
pawnshop.(DizonvSuntay)
Art.560.Wildanimalsarepossessedonlywhiletheyareunderone's
control; domesticated or tamed animals are considered domestic or
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tame if they retain the habit of returning to the premises of the

possessor.(465)
Possessionofanimals
Animalsmaybe:
1. Wild or animals living in a state of nature independently of and
without the aid and care of man (great white shark, ornate
wobbegong,brazilianslug)
2. Domesticated or tamed, or animals which are wild or savage by
nature but have been subdued and made use of by man and
becomeaccustomedtoliveinatamedcondition(tigerniChavit)
3. Domestic or tame, or any of the various animals which live and
areborn andreared,underthe control andcare of man, lacking
theinstincttoroamfreely(dog,cat,carabao,cow)
Wildanimalsmaybetheobjectofhunting.Theyarepossessedonly
if they are under ones control. Possession of wild animals are lost
whentheyregaintheirfreedomorcomeunderanotherscontrol.
Domesticatedanimalsarepossessediftheyhabituallyreturntothe
premisesofthepossessor.
Art.561.Onewhorecovers,accordingtolaw,possessionunjustlylost,
shallbedeemedforallpurposeswhichmayredoundtohisbenefit,to
haveenjoyeditwithoutinterruption.(466)
This article applies to both possession in good faith as well as to

possession in bad faith, but only if beneficial to the possessor (like
forpurposesofprescription)
Therecoveryofpossessionmustbeaccordingtolawthroughlegal
means; otherwise, the benefit of continuous and uninterrupted
possessionduringtheinterveningperiodcannotbeinvoked.
TITLEVIUSUFRUCT
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CHAPTERONE:USUFRUCTINGENERAL
Art.562.Usufructgivesarighttoenjoythepropertyofanotherwith
the obligation of preserving its form and substance, unless the title
constitutingitorthelawotherwiseprovides.(467)
Whatisusufruct?
1. A right to enjoy the property of another with the obligation of
preservingitsformandsubstance
2. Right to enjoy the property of another temporarily, including both
the jus utendi and jus fruendi, with the owner retaining the jus
disponendi
3. Inessence,usufructisnothingelsebutsimplyallowingonetoenjoy
anotherspropery
Whatarethecharacteristicsofusufruct?
1. Itisarealrightofuseandenjoyment,(whetherregisteredornotin
the Registry of Property. Registering will affect and bind third
persons)
2. OfTemporaryduration;
3. Transmissible;and
4. May be constituted on real or personal property, consumable or
nonconsumable, tangible or intangible, the ownership of which is
vestedinanother
Apersoncannotcreateausufructoverhisownpropertyandatthe
sametimeretainownershipofthesame
Ausufructisessentiallyjusinrealiena,andtobeausufructuaryof
ones own property is in law a contradiction in terms and a
conceptualabsurdity
Theessentialrequisiteofusufructistherighttoenjoytheproperty
ofanother
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Theusufructuaryisentitledtoallthefruitsofthepropertywiththe
obligationtopreserveitsformandsubstance
However, the obligation of the usufructuary to preserve is only
accidentalforthelaworthewillofthepartiesmaymodifyoreven
eliminateit
Twoclassificationsbasedonwhetherornotimpairmentofobjectis
allowed:
1. Normal, perfect or regular invovlves nonconsumable things
which the usufructuary can enjoy without altering the form or
substance, through they may detoriorate or diminish by time or
byuse
2. Abnormal,imperfect,irregularorquasiusufructinvolvesthings
which would be useless to the usufructuary unless they are
consumedorexpended,suchasmoney,grain,liquors,etc
Usufruct Lease
Natureofright Real Personal
Creatorofright Ownerofagent Maynotbetheowner
Origin Maybebylaw,by Bycontract
contract,bywillof
testator,orby
prescription
Extentofenjoyment Allthefruitsandall Certainusesonly
theusesandbenefits (thosestipulated)
oftheentireproperty
(generally)
Cause Moreorlesspassive Activeownerorlessor
ownerwhoallowsthe whomakesthelessee
usufructuarytoenjoy enjoy
theobject
Repairsandtaxes Usufructuarytopay Lesseenotgenerally
undertheobligation
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topaytaxesor
undertakerepairs
Art.563.Usufructisconstitutedbylaw,bythewillofprivatepersons
expressed in acts inter vivos or in a last will and testament, and by
prescription.(468)
Creationofusufruct
Usufructmayeclassifiedaccordingtohowitiscreatedinto:
1. Legal,orthatcreatedordeclaredbylaw
2. Voluntary,orthatcreatedbywilloftheparties(anactintervivosor
anactmortiscausa)
3. Mixedorthatacquiredbyprescription
Art. 564. Usufruct may be constituted on the whole or a part of the

fruits of the thing, in favor of one more persons, simultaneously or
successively, and in every case from or to a certain day, purely or
conditionally.Itmayalsobeconstitutedonaright,provideditisnot
strictlypersonalorintransmissible.(469)
Kindsofusufructdefined
Usufructmaybe
1. Astoextentofobject
a. Total(constitutedonthewholeofathing)
b. Partial(constitutedonlyonapartofathing)
2. Astonumberofbeneficiaries
a. Simple(onlyone)
b. Multiple(severalusufructuaries)
i. Simultaneous,or
ii. Successive
3. Astoeffectivityorextinguishment
a. Pure
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b. Withaterm(maybesuspensiveorresolutory)
c. Conditional(maybesuspensiveorresolutory)
4. Astosubjectmatter
a. Overthings(tangibleproperty)
b. Over rights (intangible property which are not
intransmissible)
Art.565.Therightsandobligationsoftheusufructuaryshallbethose
providedinthetitleconstitutingtheusufruct;indefaultofsuchtitle,
orincaseitisdeficient,theprovisionscontainedinthetwofollowing
Chaptersshallbeobserved.(470)
In case of conflict between the will of the person creating the

usufructandtheCivilcode,theformerprevails.
CHAPTERTWO
RIGHTSOFTHEUSUFRUCTUARY
Art. 566. The usufructuary shall be entitled to all the natural,

industrialandcivilfruitsofthepropertyinusufruct.Withrespectto
hidden treasure which may be found on the land or tenement, he
shallbeconsideredastranger.(471)
Classificationsoftherightsoftheusufructuary
1. Astothethinganditsfruits
a. Toreceivethefruitsofthepropertyinusufructandhalfof
thehiddentreasureheaccidentallyfindsontheproperty
b. To enjoy any increase which the thing in usufruct may
acquirethroughaccession
c. To personally enjoy the thing in usufruct or lease it to
another
d. Tomakeonthepropertyinusufructsuchimprovementsor
expenses he may deem property and to remove the
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improvements provided no damage is caused to the

property
e. To setoff the improvements he may have made on the
propertyagainstanydamagetothesame
f. To retain the thing until he is reimbursed for advances for
extraordinaryexpensesandtaxesonthecapital
2. Astotheusufructitself
a. To alienate (or mortgage) the right of usufruct except
parentalusufruct
b. Inausufructtorecoverpropertyorarealright,tobringthe
action and to oblige the owner thereof to give him proper
authorityandnecessaryproof,and
c. In a usufruct of part of a common property, to exercise all
the rights pertaining to the coowner with respect to the
administrationandcollectionoffruitsorinterestsfromthe
property
3. Astoadvancesanddamages
a. To be reimbursed for indispensable extraordinary repairs
made by him in an amount equal to the increase in value
which the property may have acquired by reason of such
repairs
b. Tobereimbursedfortaxesonthecapitaladvancedbyhim,
and
c. Tobeindemnifiedfordamagescausedtohimbythenaked
owner.
Theusufructuaryisgiventherighttoenjoythepropertyinusufruct
and he is entitled to the fruits. The usufructuary has the right to
receiveallthefruitsexcept:
a. wheretheusufructisconstitutedonlyonapartofthefruits
ofathingor
b. wherethereisanagreementtothecontrary.
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The naked owner retains and can exercise all the rights as owner
over the property limited only by the right of enjoyment of the
usufructuary.
Products which when taken from the property diminishes its
substance are not to be treated as fruits. They form part of the
capitalandbelongtothenakedowner,andnottotheusufructuary
intheabsenceofacontraryintentbetweentheparties.
Theusufructuaryisnotentitledtoanyhiddentreasurebecauseits
notconsideredasfruits.However,asastranger,heisentitledto
ifheisthefinder.
Art.567.Naturalorindustrialfruitsgrowingatthetimetheusufruct
begins,belongtotheusufructuary.
Thosegrowingatthetimetheusufructterminates,belongtothe
owner.
Intheprecedingcases,theusufructuary,atthebeginningofthe
usufruct, has no obligation to refund to the owner any expenses
incurred; but the owner shall be obliged to reimburse at the
terminationoftheusufruct,fromtheproceedsofthegrowingfruits,
the ordinary expenses of cultivation, for seed, and other similar
expensesincurredbytheusufructuary.
The provisions of this article shall not prejudice the rights of
thirdpersons,acquiredeitheratthebeginningoratthetermination
oftheusufruct.(472)
Rightoftheusufructuarytopendingnaturalandindustrialfruits
Thisarticledoesnotapplytocivilfruits.
For fruits growing at the beginning of usufruct, they belong to the

usufructuarywhoisnotboundtorefundtotheownertheexpenses
ofcultivationandproductionincurred.
o However,incasetheexpenseswereincurredbyinnocentthird
persons, the usufructuary under Art 443, pursuant to the last
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paragraph of Art 567, has the obligation to pay the expenses

made.
Forfruitsgrowingattheterminationoftheusufruct,theybelongto
the owner but he is bound to reimburse the usufructuary the
ordinarycultivationexpensesoutofthefruitsreceived.
Manresa opines that if at the termination of the usufruct, force
majeure should prevent the usufructuary from gathering the fruits,
saidfruitsshallbelongtohimandnotthenakedowner.
Art.568.Iftheusufructuaryhasleasedthelandsortenementsgiven
inusufruct,andtheusufructshouldexpirebeforetheterminationof
the lease, he or his heirs and successors shall receive only the
proportionateshareoftherentthatmustbepaidbythelessee.(473)
Art. 569. Civil fruits are deemed to accrue daily, and belong to the
usufructuaryinproportiontothetimetheusufructmaylast.(474)
Leasebytheusufrucutary
Theusufructuarymayleasethepropertyinusufructtoanother.
Iftheusufrcutshouldexpirebeforetheterminationofthelease,the
usufructuaryorhisheirsandsuccessorsareentitledonlytotherents
corresponding to the duration of the usufruct. The rents for the
remainingperiodoftheleasebelongtotheowner.
Art.570.Wheneverausufructisconstitutedontherighttoreceivea
rent or periodical pension, whether in money or in fruits, or in the
interestonbondsorsecuritiespayabletobearer,eachpaymentdue
shallbeconsideredastheproceedsorfruitsofsuchright.
Wheneveritconsistsintheenjoymentofbenefitsaccruingfrom
aparticipationinanyindustrialorcommercialenterprise,thedateof
the distribution of which is not fixed, such benefits shall have the
samecharacter.
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Ineithercasetheyshallbedistributedascivilfruits,andshallbe
appliedinthemannerprescribedintheprecedingarticle.(475)
Usufructconstitutedoncertainrights
Everybenefitorpaymentshallbeconsideredanddistributedascivil
fruitofsuchright.
Payment and benefits that accrue after the termination of the
usufructbelongtotheowner.
Thedatewhenthebenefitsaccruedetermineswhethertheyshould
belongtotheusufructuaryortotheowner.Art570applieswhether
ornotthedateofdistributionofbenefitsisfixed.
Casedoctrine
A stock dividend is considered civil fruit and belongs to the
usufructuary.(BachrachvSeifert)
Art. 571. The usufructuary shall have the right to enjoy any increase
which the thing in usufruct may acquire through accession, the
servitudes established in its favor, and, in general, all the benefits
inherenttherein.(479)
Extentofrightsofusufructuary
The usufructuary is generally entitled to all the benefits that the
thing in usufruct can give including any increase by accession and
servitudesestablishedinhisfavor.
Reasonisthatusufructcoverstheentirejusfruendiandjusutendi.
Art.572.Theusufructuarymaypersonallyenjoythethinginusufruct,
lease it to another, or alienate his right of usufruct, even by a
gratuitous title; but all the contracts he may enter into as such
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usufructuary shall terminate upon the expiration of the usufruct,

saving leases of rural lands, which shall be considered as subsisting
duringtheagriculturalyear.(480)
Transactionsbytheusufructuary
with respect to the thing in usufruct, he may lease it even without
the owners consent but not being the owner, the usufructuary
cannot alienate, pledge or mortgage the thing itself. He may sell
future crops subject to the rule that those ungathered at the time
whentheusufructterminatesbelongtotheowner.
when the things given in usufruct cannot be used without being
consumedorwereappraisedwhendelivered,theusufructuarymay
disposeofthem.
With respect to the right of usufruct, since the usufructuary is the
owner of the right itselt, he may alienate, pledge or mortgage it,
evenbygratuitoustitle.
o But the legal usufruct of the parent over his or her
unemancipated children cannot be alienated, pledged, or
mortgaged for the right is personal and intransmissible
burdenedasitisbyimportantobligationsoftheparentforthe
benefitofthechildren.
o A usufruct given in consideration of the person of the
usufructuary to last during his lifetime is also personal, and
therefore,intransmissible.
o As a rule, all contracts entered into by the usufructuary shall
terminateupontheexpirationoftheusufructorearlier,except
ruralleaseswhichcontinueduringtheagriculturalyear.
Casedoctrine
Ausufructuaryofrents,asacorollarytotherighttoalltherents,to
choosethetenant,andtofixtheamountoftherent,necessarilyhas
the right to choose himself as the tenant, provided that the
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obligations he hasassumedtowardsthe ownerofthepropertyare

fulfilled.(FabievDavid)
Art.573.Whenevertheusufructincludesthingswhich,withoutbeing
consumed, gradually deteriorate through wear and tear, the
usufructuary shall have the right to make use thereof in accordance
with the purpose for which they are intended, and shall not be
obliged to return them at the termination of the usufruct except in
theirconditionatthattime;butheshallbeobligedtoindemnifythe
ownerforanydeteriorationtheymayhavesufferedbyreasonofhis
fraudornegligence.(481)
Usufructonthingswhichgraduallydeteriorate
This article gives an instance of abnormal usufruct because in the
enjoymentofthepropertytheusufructuarycannotpreserveitsform
orsubstance.
Here the thing gradually deteriorates through wear and tear or
normaluse.
Theusufructuaryisnotresponsibleforthedeteriorationduetowear
and tear nor is he required to make any repairs to restore it to its
formal condition. He needs only to return the thing at the
terminationoftheusufructintheconditionitmaybeatthattime.
Theusufructuaryisliablefordamagesufferedbythethingbyreason
of his fraud or negligence although such liability may be setoff
againsttheimprovementshemayhavemadeontheproperty.
The usufructuary does not answer for deterioration due to a
fortuitous event. He is, however, obligated to make the ordinary
repairsneededbythething.
Art.574.Whenevertheusufructincludesthingswhichcannotbeused
without being consumed, the usufructuary shall have the right to
make use of them under the obligation of paying their appraised
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valueattheterminationoftheusufruct,iftheywereappraisedwhen
delivered.Incasetheywerenotappraised,heshallhavetherightto
returnatthesamequantityandquality,orpaytheircurrentpriceat
thetimetheusufructceases.(482)
Usufructonconsumablethings
This is another instance of abnormal usufruct because the thing in
usufruct cannot be used without being consumed, like money (but
thatsreallyasimpleloan,wheretheusufructuarycandealwiththe
moneyasowner.)
Theusufructuaryshallhavetherighttomakeuseoftheconsumable
thing.
Attheterminationoftheusufruct,hemust:
1. Payitsappraisedvaluelor
2. Iftherewasnoappraisalmade,either:
a. Returnthesamequantityandquality,or
b. Payitscurrentpriceatsuchtermination.
Art.575.Theusufructuaryoffruitbearingtreesandshrubsmaymake
use of the dead trunks, and even of those cut off or uprooted by
accident, under the obligation to replace them with new plants.
(483a)
Art. 576. If in consequence of a calamity or extraordinary event, the

trees or shrubs shall have disappeared in such considerable number
that it would not be possible or it would be too burdensome to
replace them, the usufructuary may leave the dead, fallen or
uprooted trunks at the disposal of the owner, and demand that the
latterremovethemandcleartheland.(484a)
Usufructonfruitbearingtreesandshrubs
Theusufructuaryisgiventheright tomake useofdeadtrunksand
thosecutofforuprootedbyaccidentbuthemustplacethemwith
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new plants because he has the obligation to preserve the form or

substanceofthepropertyinusufruct.
Of course, the usufructuary has no obligation to replace with new
plants,thedeadtreesorshrubsalreadyexistingatthebeginningof
theusufruct.
Underarticle576,theusufructuaryisnotresponsiblefordead,fallen
oruprootedtrunkscausedbycalamityorextraordinaryevents.Ifit
would not be possible or be too burdensome to replace them, he
may demand that the owner remove them and clear the land. He
may use the trunks but he is required to replace them with new
plantsunderArticle575.
If replacing the trunks could not be too burdensome, the
usufructuary must replace them, whether or not he makes use of
them.
Art. 577. The usufructuary of woodland may enjoy all the benefits
whichitmayproduceaccordingtoitsnature.
Ifthewoodlandisacopseorconsistsoftimberforbuilding,the
usufructuarymaydosuchordinarycuttingorfellingastheownerwas
in the habit of doing, and in default of this, he may do so in
accordance with thecustomof the place, as tothe manner,amount
andseason.
Inanycasethefellingorcuttingoftreesshallbemadeinsuch
mannerasnottoprejudicethepreservationoftheland.
Innurseries,theusufructuarymaymakethenecessarythinnings
inorderthattheremainingtreesmayproperlygrow.
With the exception of the provisions of the preceding
paragraphs, the usufructuary cannot cut down trees unless it be to
restore or improve some of the things in usufruct, and in such case
shallfirstinformtheownerofthenecessityforthework.(485)
Usufructonwoodlandandnurseries
Thewoodlandmaybeacopseormayconsistoftimberforbuilding.
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Theusufructuarymayfellorcuttreesastheownerwasinthehabit
of doing or in accordance with the customs of the place as to
manner,amountandseason.Inanycase,hemustnotprejudicethe
preservationoftheland.
The usufructuary cannot cut down trees other than as mentioned
above unless it be for repair or improvement of the things in
usufruct but in such case, the owner must be informed of the
necessityforthework.
In nurseries, the usufructuary may make the necessary thinnings in
orderthattheremainingtreesmayproperlygrow.
Art. 578. Theusufructuaryof anaction to recoverreal property ora

realright,oranymovableproperty,hastherighttobringtheaction
and to oblige the owner thereof to give him the authority for this
purpose and to furnish him whatever proof he may have. If in
consequence of the enforcement of the action he acquires the thing
claimed, the usufruct shall be limited to the fruits, the dominion
remainingwiththeowner.(486)
Usufructofjudicialactiontorecover
This article applies if the purpose of the action is to recover real
property or personal property or real right over real or personal
property
Theactionmaybeinstitutedinthenameoftheusufructuary(vsan
agentwhoinstitutestheactioninthenameoftheprincipal)
The usufructuary may oblige the owner to give him the necessary
authoritytobringtheaction
In case of favorable judgment, the usufruct shall be limited to the
fruits, with the naked ownership belonging to the owner. With the
terminationofthecase,theusufructoftheactioncomestoanend.

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Art.579.Theusufructuarymaymakeonthepropertyheldinusufruct
such useful improvements or expenses for mere pleasure as he may
deemproper,providedhedoesnotalteritsformorsubstance;buthe
shall have no right to be indemnified therefor. He may, however,
remove such improvements, should it be possible to do so without
damagetotheproperty.(487)
What happens when a usufructuary makes useful or luxurious

expenses?
The usufructuary has the right to make improvements, useful or
luxurious,ashemaydeemproper.
Whataretherules?
1. Hemustnotaltertheformorsubstanceoftheproperty,
2. He may remove the improvements only if it is possible to do so
withoutdamagetotheproperty
3. Hehasnorighttobeindemnifiedfortheimprovementsifhedoes
notexercisehisrighttoremove
o He cannot invoke the rights of a possessor in good faith in
theconceptofowner
4. Iftheimprovementscannotberemovedwithoutdamage,hemay
setoff the same against any damage caused by him to the
property(Art580)
5. Iftheusufructuarydoesnotwishtoexercisehisrightofremoval,
theownercannotcompelhimtoremovetheimprovements
6. If the usufructuary wishes to exercise his right of removal, the
ownercannotpreventhimbyofferingtoreimbursehim
7. The usufructuarys right to remove the improvements includes
the right to destroy them provided no damage is caused to the
property
8. The right to remove is enforceable only against the owner, but
not against a purchaser in good faith to whom a clean title has
beenissued
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o Righttoremovetheimprovementsshouldbeannotatedon
the certificate of title, so that it can be enforced against
thirdparties
Casedoctrines
Byexpressprovisionoflaw,theusufructuariesdonothavetheright
to reimbursement for improvements they may have introduced on
the property. If the rule on reimbursement or indemnity were
otherwise,thentheusufructuarymightimprovetheowneroutofhis
property.(MoralidadvPernes)
Art.580.Theusufructuarymaysetofftheimprovementshemayhave
madeonthepropertyagainstanydamagetothesame.(488)
Righttosetoffimprovements
Thisarticlepresupposesthat
o the improvements have increased the value of the property
and
o the damage to the same was caused through the fault of the
usufructuary.
If the damage exceeds the value of the improvements, the
usufructuaryisliableforthedifferenceasindemnity
If the value of the improvements exceeds the damage, he may
removetheportionoftheimprovementsrepresentingtheexcessin
valueifthiscanbedonewithoutinjurytotheproperty,otherwise,
theexcessinvalueaccruestotheowner.
Art. 581. The owner of property the usufruct of which is held by

another,mayalienateit,buthecannotalteritsformorsubstance,or
do anything thereon which may be prejudicial to the usufructuary.
(489)
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Rightsandobligationsofthenakedowner
Thenakedownermayalienatethepropertyinusufructbecausethe
title(dominiumdirectum)remainsvestedinhim.
He may construct works, make improvements, or make new
plantingsonthepropertyinusufruct.
Thealienationbythenakedownercannotaffecttheusufructwhich
isregisteredorknowntothetransferee.
Thenakedowner,however,cannot:
o altertheformorsubstanceoftheproperty,or
o doanythingthereonwhichmaycauseadiminutioninthevalue
oftheusufruct,or
o beprejudicialtotherightsoftheusufructuary,
otherwise,heshallbeliablefordamages.
Thenakedownermust:
o Respect leases of rural lands by the usufructuary for the
balanceoftheagriculturalyear(Art572)
o Reimburse him for advances made for extraordinary repairs
(Art594),and
o Reimbursehimfortaxesonthecapital(Art597)
Art. 582. The usufructuary of a part of a thing held in common shall

exercisealltherightspertainingtotheownerthereofwithrespectto
theadministrationandthecollectionoffruitsorinterest.Shouldthe
coownership cease by reason of the division of the thing held in
common, the usufruct of the part allotted to the coowner shall
belongtotheusufructuary.(490)
Usufructofpartofcommonproperty
In case a coowner gives the usufruct of his share to a person, the
usufructuaryshallexercisealltherightspertainingtothecoowner
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regarding the administration and the collection of the fruits or

interestfromtheproperty
The usufructuary shall be bound by the partition made by the
owners of the undivided property although he took no part in the
partitionbutthenakedownertowhomthepartheldinusufructhas
beenallottedmustrespecttheusufruct.
Casedoctrine
Apartitionmadebytheownersoflandisbindinguponapersonwho
has a usufructuary right in an undivided part of the land, although
thelattertooknopartinthepartitionoftheproperty.
Therightoftheusufructuaryisnotaffectedbythedivisionbutitis
limitedtothefruitsofthesaidpartallottedtothecoowner.(Pichay
vQuerol)
CHAPTER3
OBLIGATIONSOFTHEUSUFRUCTUARY
Art. 583. The usufructuary, before entering upon the enjoyment of

theproperty,isobliged:
(1) To make, after notice to the owner or his legitimate
representative, an inventory of all the property, which shall contain
anappraisalofthemovablesandadescriptionoftheconditionofthe
immovables;
(2)Togivesecurity,bindinghimselftofulfilltheobligationsimposed
uponhiminaccordancewiththisChapter.(491)
Classificationsofobligationsoftheusufructuary
1. Thosebeforetheusufructbegins
a. Make an inventory of the property, which shall contain an
appraisal of the movables and a description of the
immovables
b. Givesecurity
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2. Thoseduringtheusufruct
a. Takecareoftheproperty(Art589)
b. To replace with the young thereof animals that die or are
lost in certain cases when the usufruct is constituted on
flockorherdoflivestock(Art591)
c. Tomakeordinaryrepairs(Art592,par1)
d. Tonotifytheownerofurgentextraordinaryrepairs(Art593)
e. Topermitworksandimprovementsbythenakedownernot
prejudicialtotheusufruct(Art595)
f. Topayannualtaxesandchargesonthefruits(Art596)
g. Topayinterestontaxesoncapitalpaidbythenakedowner
(Art597)
h. Topaydebtswhentheusufructisconstitutedonthewhole
ofapatrimony(Art598)
i. To secure the naked owners or courts approval to collect
creditsincertaincases(Art599)
j. To notify the owner of any prejudicial act committed by
thirdpersons(Art601)
k. Topayforcourtexpensesandcostsregardingusufruct(Art
602)
3. Thoseattheterminationoftheusufruct
a. To return the thing in usufruct to the naked owner unless
thereisarightofretention(Art612)
b. Topaylegalinterestforthetimethattheusufructlasts,on
the amount spent by the owner for extraordinary repairs
(Art594)andtheproperinterestonthesumspaidastaxes
bytheowner(Art597),and
c. To indemnify the naked owner for any losses due to his
negligenceorofhistransferees.(Art589590)
Obligationtomakeaninventory
1. Previousnoticetobegiven.
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In the making of the inventory, the concurrence of the naked

ownerisnotrequired.
Notethatthelawsayslegitimate,notlegalrepresentative
2. Expensesofinventory
Bornebytheusufructuary
3. Formofinventory
Article583doesnotprovidefortheformofinventory.Itmaybe
containedinaprivatedocument.
However,apublicinstrumentisnecessarytoaffectthirdpersons
whenthereareimmovables.
4. Contentsofinventory
Theinventoryshallcontain
o anitemizedlistand
o anappraisalofthemovablesand
o descriptionoftheconditionoftheimmovables.
The movables must be appraised because they are subject to
greaterdangeroflossanddeterioration.
Bothkindsmustbeproperlyidentified.
Failuretomakeaninventory?Usufructnotextinguished,maybeowner
candemandit.
Are there instances where obligation to make inventory is excused?

Yes.SeeArt585.
Obligationtogivesecurity
The purpose of giving security is to insure the fulfillment by the
usufructuaryoftheobligationsimposeduponhim
Lawdoesnotspecifythekindofsecuritythatshouldbegiven
Failuretogivesecurity?SeeArt586.

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Art. 584. The provisions of No. 2 of the preceding article shall not
apply to the donor who has reserved the usufruct of the property
donated,ortotheparentswhoareusufructuariesoftheirchildren's
property,exceptwhentheparentscontractasecondmarriage.(492a)
Whenobligationtogivesecuritynotapplicable
This article contains the legal exceptions to the obligation of the
usufructuarytogivesecurityintwocases:
o To the donor who has reserved the usufruct of the property
donated
o To the parents who are usufructuaries of their childrens
parents,exceptwhentheparentscontractasecondmarriage
Art.585.Theusufructuary,whatevermaybethetitleoftheusufruct,
may be excused from the obligation of making an inventory or of
givingsecurity,whennoonewillbeinjuredthereby.(493)
Whenobligationtomakeinventoryortogivesecurityexcused
The usufructuary may be excused from the obligation in the
followingcases:
1. Where the naked owner renounces or waives his right to the
inventoryorsecurity
2. Wherethetitleconstitutingtheusufructrelievestheusufructuary
fromtheobligation;
o Isfrequentlytrueinusufructsconstitutedbyalastwilland
testament or by a deed of donation in view of the trust
whichthetestatorordonorhasintheusufructuary
3. Where the usufructuary asks that he be exempted from the
obligationandnoonewillbeinjuredthereby.
o The usufructuary may apply to the courts for relief in case
thenakedownerrefusestogranttheexemptionwhere,for
example,theusufructisovertherighttoreceiveaperiodic
incomeorpension
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Art. 586. Should the usufructuary fail to give security in the cases in
which he is bound to give it, the owner may demand that the
immovables be placed under administration, that the movables be
sold,thatthepublicbonds,instrumentsofcreditpayabletoorderor
to bearer be converted into registered certificates or deposited in a
bankorpublicinstitution,andthatthecapitalorsumsincashandthe
proceeds of the sale of the movable property be invested in safe
securities.
The interest on the proceeds of the sale of the movables and
thatonpublicsecuritiesandbonds,andtheproceedsoftheproperty
placedunderadministration,shallbelongtotheusufructuary.
Furthermore, the owner may, if he so prefers, until the
usufructuary gives security or is excused from so doing, retain in his
possession the property in usufruct as administrator, subject to the
obligation to deliver to the usufructuary the net proceeds thereof,
after deducting the sums which may be agreed upon or judicially
allowedhimforsuchadministration.(494)
Effectsoffailuretogivesecurity,whenrequired
Onrightsofowners:Wheretheobligationtogivesecurityortofilea
bondisnotexcusedorexempted,thefailureoftheusufructuaryto
complywiththesameentitlethenakedownerforhisprotection
o todemandthatimmovablesbeplacedunderadministrationor
receivership,
o movablesbesold,
o instruments of credit be registered or deposited in a bank or
publicinstitution
o capital or sums in cash and the proceeds of the sale of the
movablebeinvestedinsafesecurities.
On rights of usufructuary: Until he gives the proper security, the
usufructuary cannot enter upon the possession and enjoyment of
the property. He may not collect any matured credits nor invest
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capital in usufruct without the consent of the owner or judicial

authorization.
Thefailuretogivesecuritydoesnotextinguishtherightofusufruct.
Hence,theusufructuarymayalienatehisrighttotheusufruct
Thisarticleonlyspeaksofsecurity(itwouldseemthatthefailureof
theusufructuarytomakeaninventory,whennotexcused,doesnot
havethesameeffectaswhensecurityisnotgiven.)
Art. 587. If the usufructuary who has not given security claims, by
virtueofapromiseunderoath,thedeliveryofthefurniturenecessary
for his use, and that he and his family be allowed to live in a house
included inthe usufruct,thecourtmay grantthispetition, afterdue
considerationofthefactsofthecase.
The same rule shall be observed with respect to implements,
tools and other movable property necessary for an industry or
vocationinwhichheisengaged.
Iftheownerdoesnotwishthatcertainarticlesbesoldbecause
of their artistic worth or because they have a sentimental value, he
may demand their delivery to him upon his giving security for the
paymentofthelegalinterestontheirappraisedvalue.(495)
Swornundertakinginlieuofsecurity(caucionjuratoria)
Thisarticleapplieswhentheusufructuarywhoisunderobligationto
give security cannot afford to do so and no one is willing to give
securityforthem
For humanitarian considerations, the court may allow the
usufructuarytoenjoythepropertyupontakinganoathtotakecare
ofthepropertyandretainituntiltheterminationoftheusufructin
lieuofgivingthesecurity
The usufructuary must first ask the naked owner to grant him the
rightsmentioned,andshouldthelatterrefuse,hemayresorttothe
courts
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Articles with artistic or sentimental value may not be sold. The

ownermaydemandtheirdeliverytohimifhegivessecuritytothe
usufructuaryforthepaymentofthelegalinterestontheirappraised
value.
Art. 588. After the security has been given by the usufructuary, he
shall have a right to all the proceeds and benefits from the day on
which, in accordance with the title constituting the usufruct, he
shouldhavecommencedtoreceivethem.(496)
Retroactiveeffectofgivingsecurity
This article applies where the usufructuary who is required to give
securitygivesthesecurityafterthecommencementoftheusufruct
Failuretogivetheneededsecuritymaydeprivetheusufructuaryof
therighttoenjoythepossessionofthepropertyinusufruct
However,oncethesecurityisgive,heisentitledtoalltheproceeds
and benefits of the usufruct accruing from the day on which he
shouldhavecommencedtoreceivethem,fromthedaytheusufruct
commencedaccordingtoitstitle.
Art. 589. The usufructuary shall take care of the things given in
usufructasagoodfatherofafamily.(497)
Obligationtotakecareoftheproperty
Includes the making of ordinary repairs needed by thing given in
usufruct
Carerequiredisthatofagoodfatherofafamily(ordinarydiligence)
But diligence should not be less than that required by the
circumstances
Usufructuary is liable for damages suffered by the property due to
hisfaultandnegligence
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Art.590.Ausufructuarywhoalienatesorleaseshisrightofusufruct
shallanswerforanydamagewhichthethingsinusufructmaysuffer
through the fault or negligence of the person who substitutes him.
(498)
Liabilityforfaultornegligenceofsubstitute
Theusufructuarymayalienateorleasehisright
However,heshallbeliabletotheownerforanydamagewhichthe
propertyinusufructmaysufferthroughthefaultornegligence(also
fraudorwillfulacts)ofthesubstitutewithoutprejudicetohisright
ofactionagainstthelatter
Art.591.Iftheusufructbeconstitutedonaflockorherdoflivestock,
the usufructuary shall be obliged to replace with the young thereof
theanimalsthatdieeachyearfromnaturalcauses,orarelostdueto
therapacityofbeastsofprey.
If the animals on which the usufruct is constituted should all
perish, without the fault of the usufructuary, on account of some
contagious disease or any other uncommon event, the usufructuary
shallfulfillhisobligationbydeliveringtotheownertheremainswhich
mayhavebeensavedfromthemisfortune.
Should the herd or flock perish in part, also by accident and
without the fault of the usufructuary, the usufruct shall continue on
thepartsaved.
Shouldtheusufructbeonsterileanimals,itshallbeconsidered,with
respecttoitseffects,asthoughconstitutedonfungiblethings.(499a)
Usufructonaflockorherdoflivestock
The usufructuary has the duty to make replacement although the
deathoftheanimalsisduetonaturalcauses.Butthereplacementis
to be made only from the young produced so that if there are no
young or the number of the young is less than that of the animals
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that died, the usufructuary has no duty to replace or to fill up the

difference.
No duty to replace provided the usufructuary is without fault (2nd
and3rdparagraphs).Evenifthepartiallossisduetothefaultofthe
usufructuary, the usufruct continues with the remainder. Bad use
doesnotextinguishtheusufruct(Art603),buttheownermaybring
thenecessaryactionfortheprotectionofhisrights.
Iftheanimalsaresterile,andtheycannotbereplacedbytheyoung
thereof, the usufruct shall be treated as constituted on fungible
things.InsuchcaseArt574applies.
Art. 592. The usufructuary is obliged to make the ordinary repairs

neededbythethinggiveninusufruct.
By ordinary repairs are understood suchasare requiredbythe
wear and tear due to the natural use of the thing and are
indispensable for its preservation. Should the usufructuary fail to
makethemafterdemandbytheowner,thelattermaymakethemat
theexpenseoftheusufructuary.(500)
Obligationtomakeordinaryrepairs
The usufructuary is bound to make the repairs referred to without
thenecessityofdemandfromtheowner
o Theownermaymakethemattheexpenseoftheusufructuary,
onlyshouldthelatterfailtomakethemafterdemandhasbeen
madeuponhim.
o The defects requiring ordinary repairs must have occurred
during the usufruct, whether with or without the fault of the
usufructuary.
The usufructuary is not liable for deterioration resulting from wear
andtearnotduetohisfraudornegligence,unlessthedeterioration
could have been prevented or arrested by ordinary repairs and he
failedtomakethemwithoutvalidreason.

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Art.593.Extraordinaryrepairsshallbeattheexpenseoftheowner.
The usufructuary is obliged to notify the owner when the need for
suchrepairsisurgent.(501)
Art.594.Iftheownershouldmaketheextraordinaryrepairs,heshall
havea right to demand oftheusufructuary thelegalinterest onthe
amountexpendedforthetimethattheusufructlasts.
Should he not make them when they are indispensable for the
preservation of the thing, the usufructuary may make them; but he
shallhavearighttodemandoftheowner,attheterminationofthe
usufruct, the increase in value which the immovable may have
acquiredbyreasonoftherepairs.(502a)
Dutyofownertopayforextraordinaryrepairs
Law does not impose an obligation on the naked owner or the
usufructuary to make extraordinary repairs on the property in
usufruct.Itisoptionalforthemtomakesurerepairsornot.
Paymentforextraordinaryrepairs:
o Thoserequiredbythewearandtearduetothenaturaluseof
the thing but not indispensable for its preservation OR those
requiredbythedeteriorationofordamagethethingcausedby
the exceptional circumstances but not indispensable for its
preservation:
The owner cannot be compelled to make them. If he
shouldmakethem,theyshallbeathisexpensesincethey
aremadeonhispropertybutheshallarighttodemand
oftheusufructuarywhoisbenefitedbytherepairs,legal
interestontheamountexpendedduringthedurationof
theusufruct.
Theusufructuarymaymakethembutheisnotentitledto
indemnity because they are not needed for the
preservationofthething.
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o Thoserequiredbythedeteriorationofordamagetothething
causedbyexceptionalcircumstancesandareindispensablefor
itspreservation:
Itisalsooptionalupontheownerortheusufructuaryto
make the repairs or not. If the owner should make the
repairs,theyshallbeathisexpense.
If made by the usufructuary, he shall have the right to
demand of the owner the payment of the increase in
value of the immovable by reason of the repairs at the
termination of the usufruct provided the following are
present:
Henotifiedtheowneroftheurgencyoftherepairs
Theownerfailedtomaketherepairs
The repair is necessary for the preservation of the
property
The usufructuary has the right of retention even after the
terminationoftheusufructuntilheisreimbursedfortheincreasein
value of the property caused by extraordinary repairs for
preservation(Art612)
o Increase in value is the difference between the value of the
propertybeforetherepairsweremadeandthevalueafterthe
repairswerecompleted
Art. 595. The owner may construct any works and make any
improvements of which the immovable in usufruct is susceptible, or
makenewplantingsthereonifitberural,providedthatsuchactsdo
not cause a diminution in the value of the usufruct or prejudice the
rightoftheusufructuary.(503)
Construction,improvementsandplantingsbyowner
The owner has the right to do the works mentioned provided the
valueoftheusufructisnotprejudiced
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Any increase in the value of the usufruct due to the improvements

willinuretothebenefitoftheusufructuaryforheisentitledtothe
useandfruitsoftheproperty
The owner has no right to demand legal interest on his expenses
becausetheywerevoluntarilyincurredbyhim
Theownermayevenalienatehispropertyormakechangesthereon
aslongashedoesntimpairtherightoftheusufructuary.
Casedoctrine
Inacasewheretheusufructwasovertheland,andtheownerbuilt
buildingsontheland,andtheusufructuarywasdemandingtherents
of the buildings as part of the usufruct, the Court held that the
usufructuary was not entitled to the rents of the building. The
usufructuarys argument that Article 571 was applicable (right to
enjoyanyincreasebyaccession)waswrongbecausesuchaccession
is limited to buildings erected on the land of another and does not
contemplate a situation where the owner himself erected the
buildings.(GaboyavCui)
However,theusufructuarywasentitledtoreasonablerentalforthe
portion of the land occupied by the building because the
constructionofthebuildinghadreducedtheareaofthelandandto
thatextentdiminishedthevalueoftheusufruct.However,likesaid
above, since the usufruct was reserved over the land alone, the
usufructuarywasnotentitledtotherentsofthebuildingitslef.
Art. 596. The payment of annual charges and taxes and of those
considered as a lien on the fruits, shall be at the expense of the
usufructuaryforallthetimethattheusufructlasts.(504)
Art. 597. The taxes which, during the usufruct, may be imposed
directlyonthecapital,shallbeattheexpenseoftheowner.
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Ifthelatterhaspaidthem,theusufructuaryshallpayhimtheproper
interestonthesumswhichmayhavebeenpaidinthatcharacter;and,
if the said sums have been advanced by the usufructuary, he shall
recovertheamountthereofattheterminationoftheusufruct.(505)
Liabilityforchargesandtaxes
Usufructuary must pay the annual charges and taxes which are
imposed,and,therefore,arealienuponthefruitsduringthetermof
theusufruct.
Arerealpropertytaxesimposedonthefruitsoronthecapital?On
thecapital.
Taxiesleviedonthecapitalmustbepaidbythenakedownerbuthe
has right to demand from the usufructuary the proper interest on
thesumspaid.
If the taxes were advanced voluntarily by the usufructuary he is
entitledtobereimbursedthereforattheterminationoftheusufruct
withtherightofretentionuntilpaid.
Art.598.Iftheusufructbeconstitutedonthewholeofapatrimony,
and if at the time of its constitution the owner has debts, the
provisions of Articles 758 and 759 relating to donations shall be
applied,bothwithrespecttothemaintenanceoftheusufructandto
theobligationoftheusufructuarytopaysuchdebts.
The same rule shall be applied in case the owner is obliged, at the
timetheusufructisconstituted,tomakeperiodicalpayments,evenif
thereshouldbenoknowncapital.(506)
Whereusufructconversentirepatrimony
Art598appliestoa
o universalusufructoronewhichcoverstheentirepatrimonyof
theowner,and
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o at the time of its constitution, by donation or any other acts

intervivos,hehasdebts,whethersecuredorunsecured,oris
boundtomakeperiodicalpaymentsevenif,inthelattercase,
thereshouldbenoknowncapital
Theliabilityoftheusufructuaryforthedebtsofthenakedowneris
thesameasthatofthedoneeunder758and759
o whenthereisastipulationforthepaymentbytheusufructuary
of the debts of the owner, the former is liable only for the
debts contracted by the latter before the constitution of the
usufruct
o in the absence of stipulation, the usufructuary shall be
responsible only when the usufruct was created in fraud of
creditors
Art.599.Theusufructuarymayclaimanymaturedcreditswhichform
apartoftheusufructifhehasgivenorgivesthepropersecurity.Ifhe
hasbeenexcusedfromgivingsecurityorhasbeenabletogiveit,orif
that given is not sufficient, he shall need the authorization of the
owner,orofthecourtindefaultthereof,tocollectsuchcredits.
Theusufructuarywhohasgivensecuritymayusethecapitalhe
has collected in any manner he may deem proper. The usufructuary
who has not given security shall invest the said capital at interest
uponagreementwiththeowner;indefaultofsuchagreement,with
judicial authorization; and, in every case, with security sufficient to
preservetheintegrityofthecapitalinusufruct.(507)
Usufructofmaturedcredits
if the usufructuary has given sufficient security, he may claim
maturedcreditsformingpartoftheusufruct,collectthem,anduse
andinvest,withorwithoutinterest,thecapitalhehascollected,in
anymannerhemaydeemproper
ifhe
o hasNOTgivensecurity,or
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o thatgivenisnotsufficient,or
o hehasbeenexcusedfromgivingsecurity,
he may collect the credits and invest the capital which
mustbeatinterest,withtheconsentofthenakedowner
orapprovalofthecourt.
The credits which constitute the capital belong to the
naked owner but the usufructuary has the right to use
andinvestthem,andtoreceivetheinteresttherefrom.
In everycase,the investmentof the capital must bewith sufficient
securitytopreserveitsintegrity
Art. 600. The usufructuary of a mortgaged immovable shall not be

obliged to pay the debt for the security of which the mortgage was
constituted.
Should the immovable be attached or sold judicially for the
paymentofthedebt,theownershallbeliabletotheusufructuaryfor
whateverthelattermaylosebyreasonthereof.(509)
Usufructofmortgagedimmovables
The usufruct is particular, constituted by will or by acts inter vivos,
whetherbyonerousorgratuitoustitle
Iftheusufructisuniversal,theliabilityoftheusufructuarytopayfor
themortgageisgovernedbyArt598.
The owner may validly mortgage the property in favor of a third
person.Thedebtmustbepaidbytheowner.
Theusufructuarymaymortgagehisrightofusufructwhichisareal
right
Art.601.Theusufructuaryshallbeobligedtonotifytheownerofany
actofathirdperson,ofwhichhemayhaveknowledge,thatmaybe
prejudicialtotherightsofownership,andheshallbeliableshouldhe
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notdoso,fordamages,asiftheyhadbeencausedthroughhisown
fault.(511)
Obligationtonotifyownerofprejudicialactsbythirdpersons
Art601speaksofanyactwhichmaybeprejudicialtotherightsof
ownership,notmerelyofthenakedownership
Ausufructuaryhasthedutytoprotecttheownersinterest
However, where the act affects possession, although this is in the
usufructuary,he should notify the ownerbecausethelatterhasan
interestindefendingit.
The usufructuary is also obliged to notify the owner before making
aninventoryofthepropertyandoftheneedofurgentrepairs.
Casedoctrine
A usufructuary has the duty to protect the owners interests a
usufruct gives a right to enjoy the property of another with the
obligation of preserving its form and substance, unless the title
constitutingitorthelawotherwiseprovides.(NHAvCA)
Art. 602. The expenses, costs and liabilities in suits brought with
regardtotheusufructshallbebornebytheusufructuary.(512)
Obligationtopayforjudicialexpensesandcost
Sincetheyareinconnectionwithlitigationoverpossessionaffecting
therightsoftheusufructuary,itisjustthattheyarebornebyhim.
Ifthelitigationinvolvesonlythenakedownership,theownershould
assumethem.
CHAPTER4
EXTINGUISHMENTOFUSUFRUCT

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Art.603.Usufructisextinguished:
(1)Bythedeathoftheusufructuary,unlessacontraryintention
clearlyappears;
(2)Bytheexpirationoftheperiodforwhichitwasconstituted,
orbythefulfillmentofanyresolutoryconditionprovidedinthetitle
creatingtheusufruct;
(3)Bymergeroftheusufructandownershipinthesameperson;

(4)Byrenunciationoftheusufructuary;
(5)Bythetotallossofthethinginusufruct;
(6)Bytheterminationoftherightofthepersonconstitutingthe
usufruct;
(7)Byprescription.(513a)
Howisausufructextinguished?
1. Deathoftheusufructuary(unlesscontraryintentionclearlyappears)
2. Expirationofperiodorfulfillmentofcondition
3. Bymergeroftheusufructandownershipinthesameperson
4. Byrenunciationoftheusufructuary
5. Bythetotallossofthething
6. Termination of right of owner (refers to the right of the person
constituting the usufruct, not to a condition imposed upon the
usufructitself)
7. Byprescription(acquisitiveprescriptionbytheuseofathirdperson,
nottheusebytheusufructuary)
8. Othercauses(annulmentorrescissionofthecontract)
Casedoctrines
Although the owner expressly authorized the usufructuaries to
occupyaportionofherpropertyaslongastheylike,theusufruct
may be considered terminated by other modes or instances of
extinguishment, such as the fulfillment of any resolutory condition
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provided in the document creating the usufruct. (Moralidad v

SpousesPernez)
The30yearlimitationonusufructundertheOldSpanishCivilCode
doesnotapplytotrusts.(PaladvGovernorofQuezonProvince)
Art.604.Ifthethinggiveninusufructshouldbelostonlyinpart,the
rightshallcontinueontheremainingpart.(514)
Toextinguishausufruct,thelossmustbetotal,exceptasprovidedin
Art607to609
Ifthelossinonlypartial,theusufructcontinueswiththeremaining
part.Butifthepartiallossmaybesoimportantastobeconsidered
totalloss,thecourtsshalldetermine.
Art. 605. Usufruct cannot be constituted in favor of a town,

corporation, or association for more than fifty years. If it has been
constituted, and before the expiration of such period the town is
abandoned, or the corporation or association is dissolved, the
usufructshallbeextinguishedbyreasonthereof.(515a)
The ordinary life of a corporation is 50 years. Unlike a natural

person, a corporation or association may be extended indefinitely.
Publicpolicyfrownsuponperpetualusufruct.
Thefiftyyearlimitationdoesnotapplytotrusts.
Art. 606. A usufruct granted for the time that may elapse before a
third person attains a certain age, shall subsist for the number of
yearsspecified,evenifthethirdpersonshoulddiebeforetheperiod
expires, unless such usufruct has been expressly granted only in
considerationoftheexistenceofsuchperson.(516)

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Exceptionhereiswhentheusufructhasbeenexpresslygrantedonly
inconsiderationoftheexistenceofthethirdperson
Art. 607. If the usufruct is constituted on immovable property of

whichabuildingformspart,andthelattershouldbedestroyedinany
mannerwhatsoever,theusufructuaryshallhavearighttomakeuse
ofthelandandthematerials.
Thesameruleshallbeappliediftheusufructisconstitutedona
buildingonlyandthesameshouldbedestroyed.Butinsuchacase,if
theownershouldwishtoconstructanotherbuilding,heshallhavea
right to occupy the land and to make use of the materials, being
obliged to pay to the usufructuary, during the continuance of the
usufruct, the interest upon the sum equivalent to the value of the
landandofthematerials.(517)
Whereusufructoflandandbuilding,andbuildingdestroyed
The destruction of the building terminates the usufruct on the
buildingbutnotheusufructontheland
Theusufructuaryisstillentitledto usethelandandinplaceofthe
building,thematerialsthereof.(Partialloss)
Theusufructuarycaninsistontheuseofthelandandthematerials
fortheremainderofthetermoftheusufructastherightisgranted
him by law as against the wish of the owner to construct another
building.Whiletheusufructonabuildingdoesnotexpresslyinclude
the land on which it is constructed, the land should be deemed
included,forwhiletherecanbelandwithoutabuilding,therecanbe
nobuildingwithoutland.
The nakedownershall paylegal interestoninsurance receivedifit
hasnotbeenusedintheconstructionofanotherbuildingduringthe
whole period of the usufruct. But he may, if he desires, relieve
himself of this encumbrance by turning over the money to the
usufructuarysothathemayuseitsubjecttotheobligationtoreturn
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theamounttothenakedownerafterhisdeathasprovidedinarticle
612.
Whereusufructonbuildingonlyanditisdestroyed
Sameruleappliesalthoughtheusufructdoesnotcoverthelandfor
the simple reason that the use of the building necessarily involves
theuseoftheland
But, the owner is given the preferential right to construct another
building,occupythelandandmakeuseofthematerialevenagainst
theobjectionoftheusufructuary
The only right of the usufructuary is to receive during the
continuanceoftheusufruct,legalinterestonthevalueofthelandof
thematerials.
Casedoctrines
A life usufruct constituted on the rentals of the fincas situadas
located at a certain place includes the rentals both on the building
and the land on which it is erected, because the building can not
existwithouttheland.Hence,theusufructisnotextinguishedbythe
destruction of the building, for under the law usufruct is
extinguished only by the total loss of the thing subject of the
encumbrance.(VdadeAlbarvCarandang)
Art. 608. If the usufructuary shares with the owner the insurance of
the tenement given in usufruct, the former shall, in case of loss,
continue in the enjoyment of the new building, should one be
constructed,orshallreceivetheinterestontheinsuranceindemnityif
theownerdoesnotwishtorebuild.
Should the usufructuary have refused to contribute to the
insurance, the owner insuring the tenement alone, the latter shall
receive the full amount of the insurance indemnity in case of loss,
saving always the right granted to the usufructuary in the preceding
article.(518a)
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Paymentofcostofinsurance
Neither the owners nor the usufructuary is under obligation to
insurethepropertyinusufruct.Shouldtheydoso,and
o The usufructuary shares with the owner in insuring the
property, the usufructuary shall continue to enjoy the new
building to be constructed, or if the owner does not wish to
rebuild,theusufructuaryshallreceivethelegalinterestonthe
insuranceproceedswhichwillgototheowner.
o Theusufructuaryrefusestocontributetotheinsurance,andso
the owner pays it alone, the owner gets the full insurance
indemnity in case of loss, the right of the usufructuary being
limitedtothelegalinterestonthevalueofthelandandofthe
materials.
Thearticleissilentwheretheusufructuaryalonepaystheinsurance,
orwherebothshareinthepaymentthereof,astotheproportionof
theircontributiontotheinsurance.
Art.609.Shouldthethinginusufructbeexpropriatedforpublicuse,
the owner shall be obliged either to replace it with another thingof
the same value and ofsimilarconditions, or to pay the usufructuary
the legal interest on the amount of the indemnity for the whole
periodoftheusufruct.Iftheownerchoosesthelatteralternative,he
shallgivesecurityforthepaymentoftheinterest.(519)
Art. 610. A usufruct is not extinguished by bad use of the thing in

usufruct; but if the abuse should cause considerable injury to the
owner, the latter may demand that the thing be delivered to him,
bindinghimselftopayannuallytotheusufructuarythenetproceeds
of the same, after deducting the expenses and the compensation
whichmaybeallowedhimforitsadministration.(520)
Expropriationofthinginusufruct
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Theexpropriationofthethingdoesnotextinguishtheusufruct.
Article 609 allows the substitution of the thing by an equivalent
thing.
If the thing in usufruct is expropriated for public use, the naked
ownerisgiventheoption:
o to replace it with another thing of the same value and of
similarconditions,or
o topaytotheusufructuarythelegalinterestontheamountof
indemnityforthewholeperiodoftheusufruct.
In the latter case, the owner shall give security for the
paymentoftheinterest.
Effectofbaduse
Baduseofthethinginusufructdoesnotextinguishtherightofthe
usufructuary whether there is security or not. The usufruct
continues.
Butifthebadusecausesconsiderableinjurytotheowner,nottothe
thingitself,theownerisgiventherighttodemandthatthethingbe
deliveredtohim,bindinghimselftopayannuallytotheusufructuary
thenetproceedsofthesame,afterdeductingtheexpensesandthe
compensationwhichmaybeallowedhimforitsadministration.
Thisistruewheretheusufructuaryhasnotgivenanysecurityorthe
securitygivenisinsufficientespeciallyiftheownerhasnoproperty.
The second part of the provision can hardly apply where there is
sufficient security for no considerable injury could possible be
causedtotheowner.
Art. 611. A usufruct constituted in favor of several persons living at

thetimeofitsconstitutionshallnotbeextinguisheduntildeathofthe
lastsurvivor.(521)
Usufructinfavorofseveralpersons
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Usufruct is extinguished by the death of the usufructuary unless a

contraryintentionappears.
Theusufructisnotextinguisheduntilthedeathofthelastsurvivor.
As the usufruct continues, the rights of any usufructuary who dies
shallaccruetothesurvivingusufructuaries.
o The only exception is when the title constituting the usufruct
providesotherwiseaswheretheusufructisconstitutedinalist
and will and testament and the testator makes a contrary
provision.
Art. 612. Uponthe terminationoftheusufruct, thethingin usufruct

shall be delivered to the owner, without prejudice to the right of
retention pertaining to the usufructuary or his heirs for taxes and
extraordinary expenses which should be reimbursed. After the
deliveryhasbeenmade,thesecurityormortgageshallbecancelled.
(522a)
Obligationofusufructuarytoreturnthethinguponterminationofthe
usufruct
Upon the termination of the usufruct, it is the duty of the
usufructuarytoreturnthepropertytothenakedowner.
Theusufructuaryisexpresslygrantedtherightofretentionuntilhe
isreimbursedfortheamountoftaxesleviedonthecapitalandfor
theincreaseinvaluecausedbyextraordinaryrepairs.
Hehasnorighttoreimbursementforusefulimprovements.
TITLEVIIEASEMENTSORSERVITUDES
CHAPTERONE
EASEMENTSINGENERAL

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SECTIONONEDIFFERENTKINDSOFEASEMENTS
Art.613.Aneasementorservitudeisanencumbranceimposedupon
an immovable for the benefit of another immovable belonging to a
differentowner.
Theimmovableinfavorofwhichtheeasementisestablishedis
calledthedominantestate;thatwhichissubjectthereto,theservient
estate.(530)
Easementorservitudedefined
Easementorservitudehasbeendefinedasarealrightconstituted
onanothersproperty,corporealandimmovable,byvirtueofwhich
the owner of the same has to abstain from doing or to allow
somebody else to do something on his property for the benefit of
anotherthingorperson.
The definition in this article is not complete, being limited to real
easement.
In view of the next article which refers to personal easement, the
term may be defined as an encumbrance imposed upon an
immovable for the benefit of another immovable belonging to a
different owner or for the benefit of a community or one or more
personstowhomtheencumberedestatedoesnotbelongbyvirtue
of whichthe owner isobliged to abstainfromdoingorto permita
certainthingtobedoneonhisestate(whew.)
Easementandservitudedistinguished
1. It is said that easement refers to the right enjoyed by one, and
servitude,theburdenimposeduponanother.
2. ThetwotermsareusedsynonymouslyintheCivilCodealthoughitis
morepartialtoeasement.
Characteristicsofeasement
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1. It is a real right but will affect third persons only when duly
registered;
2. Itisenjoyedoveranotherimmovable,neverononesownproperty;
3. It involves two neighboring estates, the dominant to which a right
belongsandtheservientuponwhichanobligationrests;
4. It is inseparable from the estate to which it is attached and,
therefore,cannotbealienatedindependentlyoftheestate(Art617)
5. It is indivisible for it is not affected by the division of the estate
betweentwoormorepersons(Art618)
6. It is a right limited by the needs of the dominant owner or estate,
withoutpossession;
7. Itcannotconsistinthedoingofanactunlesstheactisaccessoryin
relationtoarealeasement;and
8. Itisalimitationontheservientownersrightsofownershipforthe
benefitofthedominantowner;andtherefore,itisnotpresumed.
Easement gives the holder an incorporeal right on the land but

grants no title thereto. Therefore, an acknowledgment of the
easementisanadmissionthatthepropertybelongstoanother.
Easementestablishedonlyonimmovable
Easements cannot be imposed on personal property but only on
immovable(whichmustbeunderstoodinitscommonandnotinits
legalsense).
What the law treats of are not immovables as defined by the Civil
Code but only those which are so by their nature (are really
incapable of being moved) such as lands, roads, buildings, and
constructionsadheringtothesoil.
Natureofbenefittodominantestate
Easement can exist only when the servient and dominant estates
belongtodifferentowners.
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There can be no easement without a burden on an estate for the

benefitofanotherimmovablebelongingtoadifferentownerorofa
personorgroupofpersons.
Thedominantestatecannotbetheservientestateatthesametime.
It is not essential that the benefit be very great, it being sufficient
that there is a determinate use or utility in favor of a dominant
estateoveranestatebelongingtoanother.
Theimportantthingisthatitexistsandcanbeexercised.
On the other hand, the benefit should not be so great as to be
inconsistent with the general right of ownership of a person,
amountingtoatakingofhisproperty.
Easement Lease
Realright,whetherregisteredor Realrightonlywhenitis
not,andwhetheritisrealor registered,orwhenitssubjectis
personal realpropertyandtheduration
exceedsoneyear
Imposedonlyonrealproperty Mayinvolverealorpersonal
property
Limitedrighttotheuseofreal Limitedrighttoboththe
propertyofanotherbutwithout possessionanduseofanothers
therightofpossession(without property(exclusivepossession)
anyexclusivepossessionor
occupation)
Easement Usufruct
Imposedonlyonrealproperty Mayinvolverealorpersonal
property
Limitedtoaparticularorspecific Includesalltheusesandfruitsof
useoftheservientestate theproperty
Nonpossessoryrightoveran Rightofpossessioninan
immovable immovableormovable
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Notextinguishedbythedeathof Asarule,extinguishedbythe
thedominantowner deathoftheusufructuary
Both usufruct and easement are real rights, whether registered or
not,andaretransmissible.
Casedoctrines
The power of eminent omain encompasses not only the taking of
title to and possession of the expropriated property but likewise
coverseventheimpositionofamereburdenupontheownerofthe
condemnedproperty.Wherethenatureoftheeasementpractically
deprives the owners of the propertys normal beneficial use,
notwithstanding the fact that the expropriator only occupies the
subterrainportion,itisliabletopaynotmerelyaneasementfeebut
ratherthefullcompensationforland.(NPCvIbrahim)
Art. 614. Servitudes may also be established for the benefit of a

community, or of one or more persons to whom the encumbered
estatedoesnotbelong.(531)
Classificationsofeasement
1. Astorecipientofbenefit
a. Realwhentheeasementisinfavorofanotherimmovable
(Art613);or
b. Personalwhenitisinfavorofacommunityorofonemore
persons(Art614).Thus,itmaybepublicorprivate.
2. Astoitssource
a. Voluntarywhentheeasementisestablishedbythewillor
agreementofthepartiesorbyatestator(Art619);
b. Legalwhenitisimposedbylaweitherforpublicuseorin
theinterestofprivatepersons(Art637687);or
c. Mixedwhenitiscreatedpartlybywilloragreementand
partlybylaw.
3. Astoitsexercise
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a. ContinuousseeArticle615;or
b. Discontinuous
4. Astowhetherornotitsexistenceisindicated
a. Apparent;or
b. Nonapparent
5. Astothedutyofservientowner
a. PositiveseeArticle616;or
b. negative
Realandpersonalservitudes
Aservitudemaybeestablishedforthebenefit:
1. of a particular estate and consequently, for its owner; (real or
predial)
2. of a person or group of persons without being the owner or
ownersofadominantestate.(personal)
Unlike a real easement, personal easement does not require two
immovables. An example of a personal easement is a right of way
granted to certain persons and their family, friends, servants, and
jeeps. The servitude is for the benefit alone of the persons
enumeratedandnotapredialservitudethatinurestothebenefitof
whoever owns the dominant estate. Hence, the owner of the
servient estate may refuse to extend the said easement to the
successorsininterestofthepersonsforwhosebenefittheservitude
exists.(JabonetevMonteverde)
Publicandprivateeasements
Personaleasementsmaybe:
1. Public, if it is vested in the public at large or in some class of
indeterminateindividuals(liketherightofthepublictoahighway
overalandofprivateownership)
2. Private, if it is vested in a determinate individual or certain
persons(likearightofwayvestedintheownerofoneparcelof
landoveranadjoiningparcelofland)
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Casedoctrines
When a person is allowed to construct his house on the land of
another to facilitate his gathering of fruits, this would be in the
natureofapersonaleasementunderArticle614.(AlcantaravReta)
Art.615.Easementsmaybecontinuousordiscontinuous,apparentor
nonapparent.
Continuouseasementsarethosetheuseofwhichisormaybe
incessant,withouttheinterventionofanyactofman.
Discontinuous easements are those which are used at intervals
anddependupontheactsofman.
Apparent easements arethose which are made known and are
continually kept in view by external signs that reveal the use and
enjoymentofthesame.
Nonapparent easements are those which show no external
indicationoftheirexistence.(532)
Continuousanddiscontinuouseasements
Foraneasementtobecontinuous,itisnotnecessarythattheusebe
incessant;itissufficientthattheusemaybeso.
o Examples are the right to support a beam on anothers wall
which really exists continuously and the right of aqueduct
whichmaybeusedonlyoncertaindaysdependingontheneed
forwaterbutwhichiscontinuoussinceitsusedoesnotdepend
upontheinterventionofman.
An example of discontinuous servitude is the right of way which is
used at intervals because it is physically impossible that man shall
continuallypoassovertheway.
The easement itself, whether continuous or discontinuous, exists
continuouslywhetheritisbeingusedornot,butitsexercisemaybe
continuousordiscontinuous,ortheremaybenoexerciseatall.
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The distinction lies in the fact that in continuous easements, the

exercise or enjoyment can be had without the intervention of man
while in discontinuous easements, such exercise or enjoyment
requirestheinterventionofman.
Inbotheasements,thebenefitandburdenexistsfromthemoment
theeasementsarecreated.
Casedoctrine
Easements are either continuous or discontinuous according to the
mannertheyareexercisd,notaccordingtothepresenceofapparent
signs or physical indications of the existence of such easements.
Thus, an easement is continuous if its use is, or may be, incessant
without the intervention of any act of man, like the easement of
drainage;anditisdiscontinuousifitisusedatintervalsanddepends
ontheactofman,liketheeasementofrightofway.(BogoMedellin
vCA)
Apparentandnonapparenteasements
Foranapparenteasement,itisnotnecessarythatitssignbeseen;it
issufficientifitmaybeseenorknownoninspection.
o The sign or signs may be encountered in the dominant or
servientestate,accordingtothecircumstances.
An example of a nonapparent easement is a right of way when
thereisnoindicationofitsexistence.
A right of way is apparent when there is a visible road or path to
showitsexercise.
Ingeneral,negativeeasementsarenonapparent.
Art.616.Easementsarealsopositiveornegative.
A positive easement is one which imposes upon the owner of
theservientestatetheobligationofallowingsomethingtobedoneor
ofdoingithimself,andanegativeeasement,thatwhichprohibitsthe
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owner of the servient estate from doing something which he could

lawfullydoiftheeasementdidnotexist.(533)
Positiveandnegativeeasements
A positive easement is one which imposes upon the owner of the
servientestatetheobligationofallowingsomethingtobedoneorof
doingithimself.
o Example: the easement of which the right of way which
imposes upon the owner of the servient estate the duty to
allowtheuseofsaidway.
A negative easement is that which prohibits the owner of the
servient estate from doing something which he could lawfully do if
theeasementdidnotexist.
o Example:easementoflightandviewwherebytheownerofthe
servient estate is prohibited from obstructing the passage of
light. It may also be positive depending upon the manner by
whichitisexercised.
When the opening or window is made on anothers wall (wall of
servientestate)oronapartywall,theeasementacquiredispositive
because the owner of the wall allows the servitude to burden his
wall.
If the window is through ones own wall (wall of the dominant
estate) which does not extend over anothers property (servient
estate),theeasementisnegative.
Casedoctrines
Restrictive covenants are not, strictly speaking synonymous with
easements, but a case of servitudes or burdens, sometimes
characterized to be negative easements or reciprocal negative
easements. Negative easement is the most common easement
created by covenant or agreement whose effect is to preclude the
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ownerofthelandfromdoinganact,which,ifnoeasementexisted,
hewouldbeentitledtodo.(FajardovFreedomtoBuild)
Courts generally view restrictive covenants with disfavor, but still
sustain them where the covenants are reasonable, not contrary to
law, or not in restraint of trade. If the covenant aims to promote
aesthetics,health,andprivacyortopreventovercrowding,thenthe
covenantmustbesustained.
A suit for equitable enforcement of a restrictive covenant can only
be made by one for whose benefit it is intended. It is thus not
normally enforceable by one who has no right nor interest in the
landforthebenefitofwhichtherestrictionhasbeenimposed.Thus,
developer of a subdivision can enforce restrictions, even as against
remotegranteesoflots,onlyifheretainspartoftheland.(Fajardov
Freedom)
Art. 617. Easements are inseparable from the estate to which they
activelyorpassivelybelong.(534)
Qualityofinherenceorinseparability
Servitudesareinseparablefromtheestatetowhichtheyactivelyor
passively belong, being accessory things whose very existence
dependsupontheprincipalthing(immovable).
Hence, they are intransmissible in the sense that they cannot be
alienatedormortgagedindependentlyoftheestate.
An easement cannot be the object of usufruct because it has no
existenceindependentoftheimmovabletowhichitattaches.
If the dominant estate is alienated, such alienation carries with it
also the easements established in its favor even if they are not
annotatedasanencumbranceonthecertificateoftitle.
Aneasementisextinguishedorcutoff,however,bytheregistration
of the servient estate under the Torrens system without the
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easementbeingannotatedonthecorrespondingcertificateoftitle.
Aregisteredownerorsubsequentpurchaserofregisteredlandholds
hiscertificateoftitlefreefromallencumbrancesexceptonlythose
notedinsaidcertificateandthestatutoryliens.
o But if the existence of an easement was known to the
transfereeorgranteeoftheservientestate,suchknowledgeis
equivalenttoregistration.
Casedoctrines
A vendeeon real property onwhichaservitudeoran easementof
rightofwayexistsdoesnotacquiretherighttoclosethatservitude
topreventtheneighboringestatesfromusingit.(SolidManilavBio
Hong)
Art. 618. Easements are indivisible. If the servient estate is divided

between two or more persons, the easement is not modified, and
eachofthemmustbearitonthepartwhichcorrespondstohim.
Ifitisthedominantestatethatisdividedbetweentwoormore
persons,eachofthemmayusetheeasementinitsentirety,without
changing the place of its use, or making it more burdensome in any
otherway.(535)
Qualityofindivisibility
Easementasarightisindivisible.
Accordingly, the partition between two or more persons of either
theservientordominantestatedoesnotaffecttheexistenceofthe
servitudewhichcontinuesinitsentirety.
If the servient estate is divided, each new owner must bear the
easementbutonlywithrespecttothepartcorrespondingtohim.
Ifthedominantestateisdivided,eachownercanexercisethewhole
easementovereachoftheservientestatessubjecttothecondition
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thattheplaceofeasementshallnotbechangedandtheeasement
shallnotbemoreburdensome.
o A person entitled to a right of way may do whatever is
necessary to make it convenient for his use but he cannot
deviatetherefrom.Theeasementisnotconsideredmademore
burdensome by the mere increase in the owners of the
dominantestates.
Art.619.Easementsareestablishedeitherbylaworbythewillofthe
owners. The former are called legal and the latter voluntary
easements.(536)
Legalandvoluntaryeasements
Thisarticlegivesthetwokindsofeasementsaccordingtosource.
The courts cannot impose or constitute any servitude where none
existed.
Theycanonlydeclareitsexistenceifinrealityitexistsbylaworby
thewilloftheowners.
Therearenojudicialeasements.
VoluntaryeasementsmustberecordedintheRegistryofPropertyin
ordernottoprejudicethirdpersons.

SECTIONTWOMODESOFACQUIRINGEASEMENTS
Art.620.Continuousandapparenteasementsareacquiredeitherby
virtueofatitleorbyprescriptionoftenyears.(537a)
Modesofacquiringeasements
1. Bytitle.Alleasements.
a. Continuousandapparenteasements(Art620)
b. Continuousandnonapparenteasements(Art622)
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c. Discontinuous easements, whether apparent or non

apparent
2. By prescription of ten years only continuous and apparent
easements
3. Bydeedofrecognition(Art623)
4. Byfinaljudgment
5. Byapparentsignestablishedbytheowneroftwoadjoiningestates
(Art624)
Acquisitionbytitleorprescription
Onlycontinuousandapparenteasementsmaybeacquiredeitherby
virtueofatitleorbyprescriptionin10years.
By title, it refers to the juridical act which gives birth to the
easement,suchaslaw,donation,contractandwillofthetestator.
Thisarticlefixestenyearsastheperiodofprescription,regardlessof
goodfaithorbadfaithofthepossessorandwhetherornothehas
justtitle.
Thegeneralrulesonprescriptiondonotapply,theonlyrequirement
being that there be adverse possession of the easement for ten
years.
Casedoctrines
Prescription as a mode of acquisition requires the existence of the
following:
2. Capacitytoacquirebyprescription
3. Thingcapableofacquisitionbyprescription
4. Possessionofthethingundercertainconditions
Underclaimoftitle(enconceptodedueno)
Possessionnotmerelytoleratedbyowner
5. Lapseoftimeprovidedbylaw(NationalPowerCorpvCampos)

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Art.621.Inordertoacquirebyprescriptiontheeasementsreferredto
in the preceding article, the time of possession shall be computed
thus:inpositiveeasements,fromthedayonwhichtheownerofthe
dominant estate, or the person who may have made use of the
easement,commencedtoexerciseitupontheservientestate;andin
negative easements, from the day on which the owner of the
dominant estate forbade, by an instrument acknowledged before a
notarypublic,theowneroftheservientestate,fromexecutinganact
whichwouldbelawfulwithouttheeasement.(538a)
Computationoftheprescriptiveperiod
If the easement is positive, the period is counted from the day on
whichtheownerofthedominantestatebegantoexerciseit
o Fromthedayawindowwasbuiltinapartywall
If the easement is negative, from the day on which a notarial
prohibitionwasmadeontheservientestate
Underarticle622,nonapparenteasementsmaynotbeacquiredby
prescription. Negative easements are essentially nonapparent.
However, article 621 provides the prescriptive period for negative
easements. The notarial prohibition may be taken as making the
easementapparent,andtherefore,prescriptible.
Computationincaseofeasementoflightandview
If made on ones own wall and the wall does not extend over the
propertyofanother,theeasementisnegativebecausetheowneris
merely exercising his inherent right of dominion and not an
easement.
o The servient owner cannot close it up; otherwise he will be
liablefortrespass.
o But the negative easement is not automatically vested. The
ownermustmaketheprohibitionrequiredupontheproprietor
of the adjoining land or tenement to prevent him from
obstructingthelightandview.
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o If the latter consents to such prohibition and the period fixed

bylawexpires,theeasementwillbeacquiredbyprescription.
Thereisnotrueeasementforaslongastherighttoprohibitits
exerciseexists.
If made through a party wall or on ones own wall which extends
over the neighboring estate, the easement acquired is positive
becausetheownerofthelatterestatewhohasarighttocloseitup
allowsanencumbranceontheproperty.
o The period of prescription shall be counted from the time of
theopeningofthewindow.
Art. 622. Continuous nonapparent easements, and discontinuous

ones, whether apparent or not, may be acquired only by virtue of a
title.(539)
Acquisitiononlybytitle
Continuous and apparent easements are the only easements that
canbeacquiredbyprescriptionbecausetheyaretheonlyonesthe
possessionofwhichfulfillstwoimportantrequisitesrequiredbylaw
forprescriptionpossessionbepublicandcontinuous.
The easements mentioned in Art 622 may be acquired by title, not
by prescription because their possession or exercise is either not
public (nonapparent) such as easement of lateral and subjacent
support, or it is public but not continuous or uninterrupted
(discontinuous),likearightofwayifthereisavisiblepath.
However, for legal purposes, the easement of aqueduct shall be
consideredascontinuousandapparent,althoughitisnotreallyso.
Art.623.Theabsenceofadocumentorproofshowingtheoriginofan
easementwhichcannotbeacquiredbyprescriptionmaybecuredby
adeedofrecognitionbytheowneroftheservientestateorbyafinal
judgment.(540a)

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Art.624.Theexistenceofanapparentsignofeasementbetweentwo
estates, established or maintained by the owner of both, shall be
considered,shouldeitherofthembealienated,asatitleinorderthat
theeasementmaycontinueactivelyandpassively,unless,atthetime
the ownership of the two estates is divided, the contrary should be
provided in the title of conveyance of either of them, or the sign
aforesaid should be removed before the execution of the deed. This
provision shall also apply in case of the division of a thing owned in
commonbytwoormorepersons.(541a)
Alienation by same owner of two estates with sign of existence of

servitude
This contemplates a situation where two estates between which
thereexistsanapparentsign(likeawindoworroad)ofaneasement
belongtothesameowner.
What the law requires is that the sign indicates the existence of a
servitude although there is no true servitude there being only one
owner
In case the owner alienates either of them or both with the result
thattheownershipthereofisdivided,theeasementshallcontinue
unlessthecontraryhasbeenstipulatedinthetitleofconveyanceof
eitherofthemorthesignremovedbeforetheexecutionofthedeed
o Theexistenceoftheapparentsignisequivalenttoatitleifno
objectionhasbeenmadebytheservientownerforanimplied
contractthattheeasementshouldbeconstitutedisdeemedto
existbetweenthenewowners
o The dominant owner can oppose the owner of the servient
estate from doing anything which would be inconsistent with
hisobligationtorespecttheeasement
Ifthelotsareownedbytwodifferentowners,anotarial
prohibitionshouldbeeffected(AttyAbrenica)
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Thisarticleappliesincaseofthedivisionofacommonpropertyby
thecoownersastheeffectisthesameasanalienation,orthereis
onlyoneestateandapartthereofisalienated.
This article is not applicable in case the two estates or portions of
the same estate remain or continue to be in the same owner after
alienationorpartition
Casedoctrine
Where two adjoining estates were formerly owner by just one
personwhointroducedimprovementsonboth,suchthatthewallof
thehouseconstructedonthefirstestateextendstothewallofthe
camarinonthesecondestate;andatthetimeofthesaleofthefirst
estate, there existed on the wall of the house, doors and windows
(whichserveaspassagesforlightandview),therebeingnoprovision
in the deed of sale that the easement of light and view will not be
established,thecaseiscoveredby624.
The existence of doors and windows on the aforesaid wall of the
houseisequivalenttoatitlethatcharacterizesitsexistence.
But while the law declares that the easement is to continue, the
easement actually arises for the first time only upon alienation of
anotherestate,inasmuchasbeforethattimethereisnoeasement
tospeakof,therebeingbutoneownerofbothestates.(Gargantosv
TanYanon)
Art. 625. Upon the establishment of an easement, all the rights

necessaryforitsuseareconsideredgranted.(542)
Rightsgrantedbyeasement
Alleasementscarrywiththemalltherightsnecessaryfortheiruse
andexercise
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Since these accessory rights or accessory easements exist solely by

virtueofandfortheuseoftheservitudewhichcanbeconsideredas
theprincipalone,theyceaseupontheterminationoftheservitude
Art.626.Theownerofthedominantestatecannotusetheeasement
except for the benefit of the immovable originally contemplated.
Neithercanheexercisetheeasementinanyothermannerthanthat
previouslyestablished.(n)
Immovabletobebenefitedbyeasement,andmannerofitsexercise
The rule in the first sentence is just because if the owner of the
dominant estate is allowed to use the servitude for the benefit of
other adjoining lands subsequently acquired, or for others, that
wouldmaketheeasementmoreonerousandbeyondtheintention
oftheparties
If the easement has been constituted in general terms, only the
rights which are reasonably necessary and convenient for the use
contemplatedandwouldcasetheleastburdentotheservientestate
aregranted.
Wherethepurposeoftheeasementorthemannerofitsexerciseis
definedbythetitlecreatingit,theexerciseoftheeasementmustbe
consistentwithsuchpurposeormanner
SECTIONTHREERIGHTSANDOBLIGATIONSOFTHEOWNERSOFTHE
DOMINANTANDSERVIENTESTATES
Art. 627. The owner of the dominant estate may make, at his own
expense, on the servient state any works necessary for the use and
preservation of the servitude, but without altering it or rendering it
moreburdensome.
Forthispurposeheshallnotifytheowneroftheservientestate,and
shallchoosethemostconvenienttimeandmannersoastocausethe
leastinconveniencetotheowneroftheservientestate.(543a)
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Whataretherightsofthedominantowner?
1. Exercisealltherightsnecessaryfortheuseoftheeasement
2. Make on the servient estate all works necessary for the use and
preservationoftheservitude
3. Renounce the easement if he desires to exempt himself from the
contributiontonecessaryexpenses
4. Ask for mandatory injunction to prevent impairment of his of the
easement
Whataretheobligationsofthedominantowner?
1. Cannotaltertheeasementorrenderitmoreburdensome
2. Notify the servient owner of works necessary for the use and
3. Choose the most convenient time and manner in making the
necessaryworksastocausetheleastinconveniencetotheservient
owner
4. Contributetothenecessaryexpensesifthereareseveraldominant
estatesinproportiontothebenefitsderivedfromtheworks
Whataretherightsoftheservientowner?
1. Retain the ownership of the portion of the estate on which the
easementisestablished
2. Make use of the easement, unless there is an agreement to the
contrary
3. Changetheplaceormanneroftheuseoftheeasement,providedit
beequallyconvenient
Whataretheobligationsoftheservientowner?
1. Cannotimpairtheuseoftheeasement
2. Contributetothenecessaryexpensesincaseheusestheeasement,
unlessthereisanagreementtothecontrary

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Rightofthedominantownertomakenecessaryworks
Rightgrantedby627issubjecttothefollowingconditions:
1. Worksshallbeathisexpenseandarenecessaryfortheuseand
2. Theydonotalterorrendertheservitudemoreburdensome;
3. The dominant owner, before making the works, must notify the
servientowner,and
4. Theyshallbedoneatthemostconvenienttimeandmannerasto
causetheleaseinconveniencetotheservientowner
Casedoctrine
(GoldcrestvCypressGardens)
Art.628.Shouldtherebeseveraldominantestates,theownersofall
ofthemshallbeobligedtocontributetotheexpensesreferredtoin
the preceding article, in proportion to the benefits which each may
derivefromthework. Any one who does not wish to contribute
may exempt himself by renouncing the easement for the benefit of
theothers.
If the owner of the servient estate should make use of the
easement in any manner whatsoever, he shall also be obliged to
contribute to the expenses in the proportion stated, saving an
agreementtothecontrary.(544)
Obligationtocontributetoexpensesofnecessaryworks
Thisarticlecontemplatesseveraldominantestates.
Alltheownersshallsharetheexpensesinproportiontothebenefits
derivedbyeachestatefromtheworksandnotinproportiontotheir
respective interests. The benefits shall be presumed equal in the
absenceofanyagreementorprooftothecontrary.Theeasementof
rightofwayordinarilygivesthesamebenefit
Anownermayexempthimselffromcontributingtotheexpensesby
renouncingtheeasementinfavoroftheothers.
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What about the servient owner? Well, he shall be obliged to

contributetotheexpenseexceptwhenthereisastipulationtothe
contrary, should he make use of the easement in any manner
whatsoever. If he bound himself to bear the cost of the work, he
mayfreehimselfformtheobligationbyrenouncinghispropertyto
thedominantowner(Art693)
Art. 629. The owner of the servient estate cannot impair, in any
mannerwhatsoever,theuseoftheservitude.
Nevertheless,ifbyreasonoftheplaceoriginallyassigned,orof
themannerestablishedfortheuseoftheeasement,thesameshould
become very inconvenient to the owner of the servient estate, or
should prevent him from making any important works, repairs or
improvements thereon, it may be changed at his expense, provided
he offers another place or manner equally convenient and in such a
way that no injury is caused thereby to the owner of the dominant
estateortothosewhomayhavearighttotheuseoftheeasement.
(545)
Obligationofservientownernottoimpairservitude
The servient owner may abstain from constructing works or
performinganyactwhichwillimpair,inanymannerwhatsoever,the
useoftheservitude.
Aninjunctionliesattheinstanceofthedominantownertoprohibit
theservientownerfromimpairingtheuseoftheservitude
Rightofservientownertochangeplaceormannerofeasement
Whiletheservientestatecannotimpairtheuseoftheservitude,he
maychangeathisexpensetheplaceormannerforitsuseprovided
thefollowingrequisitesarepresent:
1. The place or manner has become very inconvenient to him or
preventshimfrommakingimportantworksthereon;
2. Heoffersanotherplaceormannerequallyconvenient;and
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3. No injury is caused by the chance to the dominant owner or to

whoevermayhavearighttotheuseoftheeasement.
Art. 630. The owner of the servient estate retains the ownership of
the portion on which the easement is established, and may use the
sameinsuchamannerasnottoaffecttheexerciseoftheeasement.
(n)
Rightofservientownertouseeasement
The servient owner preserves his dominion over the portion of his
estateonwhichtheeasementisestablished
Thisistruealthoughtheindemnityconsistsofthevalueoftheland
occupiedandtheamountofthedamagetotheservientestate(Art
649)
Hemayusetheeasementsubjecttotheconditionthathedoesnot
impairtherightsofthedominantowner.
Casedoctrine
Whenthetrialcourtfoundthatthepersonsrighttocontinuetouse
the septic tank ceased upon the subdivision of the land and its
subsequent sale to different owners who do not have the same
interest,theSupremeCourtsaidthatthisiscontrarytolaw.(Tanedo
vBernad)
SECTIONFOURMODESOFEXTINGUISHMENTOFEASEMENTS
Art.631.Easementsareextinguished:
(1) By merger in the same person of the ownership of the
dominantandservientestates;
(2) By nonuser for ten years; with respect to discontinuous
easements,thisperiodshallbecomputedfromthedayonwhichthey
ceasedtobeused;and,withrespecttocontinuouseasements,from
thedayonwhichanactcontrarytothesametookplace;
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(3) When either or both of the estates fall into such condition
that the easement cannot be used; but it shall revive if the
subsequent condition of the estates or either of them should again
permititsuse,unlesswhentheusebecomespossible,sufficienttime
forprescriptionhaselapsed,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthe
precedingnumber;
(4) By the expiration of the term or the fulfillment of the
condition,iftheeasementistemporaryorconditional;
(5)Bytherenunciationoftheownerofthedominantestate;
(6)Bytheredemptionagreeduponbetweentheownersofthe
dominantandservientestates.(546a)
Whatarethemodesofextinguishmentofeasements?
1. Bymerger
Itisnotnecessarythatitbewithrespecttothefullextentofthe
tenement but only with respect to that part affected by the
servitudeorthatpartforthebenefitofwhichtheservitudewas
established
Themergermustbeabsoluteandcompleteinoneandthesame
person and not by virtue of other real rights less than full
ownership.(wherethemergeristemporary,aswhenitissubject
to a resolutory condition, there is only a suspension but not an
extinguishmentoftheservitude.)
Iftheservientownerbecomesacoownerofthedominantestate,
thereisnomergerforhehasacquiredonlyapartinteresttherein.
Ifthedominantsellsaretrothewholeimmovabletotheservient,
the easement is not extinguished but only suspended. The
servitudeisrevivedwhenthedominantredeemstheproperty.
What if the dominant sells absolutely to the servitude, buys it
back, then sells it to a third person. There is no revival here
becauseitwasalreadyunconditionallyextinguishedbythesaleof
the property to the servient. But if the sale to servient by
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dominant was rescinded or annulled, there is no extinguishment

bymerger.
2. Bynonuserfortenyears
Thismodeisapplicableonlytoeasementsthathavebeeninuse
andlaterabandoned,foronecannotdiscontinueusingwhatone
hasneverused
Somelegaleasements(naturaldrainage)maybeextinguishedby
nonuser, but only with respect to the actual form or manner in
which they had been exercised, and the right or the power to
claim the exercise of legal easements does not prescribe, as
occursespeciallyinthecaseoftherightofwayandeasementof
aqueduct.(FranciscovPaez)
Iftheeasementisdiscontinuous(rightofway),theperiodoften
yearsshallbecomputedfromthedayitceasedtobeused.
If continuous (natural drainage), from the day on which an act
contrarytothesametookplace(likeconstructionofadamwhich
blocksnaturaldrainage)
The nonuse must be voluntary on the part of the dominant
ownerandnotduetofortuitouseventsbeyondhiscontrolunless
thenonuseisduetotheimpossibilityofuseunderno3
Whatsthebasis?Well,itspresumptiverenunciation.
o So, the proof of nonuser must be undubitable particularly
wheretheeasementisperpetualincharacterbecauseofits
annotationintheTorrenstitle.Thus,themerenonuseofa
passageway by the dominant owner who has gained direct
accesstoanotherwaydoesnotextinguishtheeasementof
rightofway.Intheabsenceofanyevidencethatcouldpoint
tomutualagreementtothediscontinuanceoftheeasement
annotated on the title, its continued existence must be
upheld
The use by a coowner of the dominant estate benefits all the
othercoownersandpreventsprescriptionastothem.
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3. Impossibilityofuse
Whentheconditionofeitherorbothoftheestateswhichmakes
impossible the use of the easement is irreparable, whether
caused by fortuitous events or not, the servitude is absolutely
extinguished
o Otherwise, the impossibility of use merely suspends the
servitudeuntilsuchtimewhenitcanbeusedagain
4. Byexpirationoftermorfulfillmentofresolutorycondition
5. Byrenunciation
Therenunciationorwaivermustbespecific,clearandexpress.
Thisisparticularlytruefordiscontinuouseasementssuchasright
ofway.
The waiver must be at least such as may be obviously gathered
frompositiveactsifnotformalandsolemn.Themererefraining
from claiming the right, without any positive acts imply a real
waiver,isnotsufficientforthepurposealthoughitmayconstitute
nonuse.Aclearcaseofimpliedwaiveristheactofcoveringupa
window by the dominant owner and yet this act does not ipso
facto extinguish the easement, but only serves to make the
startingpointforprescription.(FranciscovPaez)
Wheretheeasementisinfavorofaparticulargroupofpersons,
the voluntary renunciation thereof by some of them will not
affecttherightoftheothers.
6. Byredemption
itmustbebyvirtueofanagreementbetweentheownersofthe
dominant and servient estates under which the servitude would
beextinguished
7. Byothercauses
Annulment,rescission,abandonment,etc
Registration of the servient estate under the Torrens system
withouttheeasementbeingannotatedinthetitle
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Somecasedoctrines
Alienationofthedominantandservientestatestodifferentpersons
is not one of the grounds for extinguishment of the easement.
(TanedovBernad)
Absent a statement abolishing or extinguishing the easement, then
theeasementiscontinuedbyoperationoflaw.(TanedovBernad)
Aneasementisperpetualincharacterwhenitisannotatedonallthe
transfer certificates of title issued. Since there is no evidence that
wouldpointtoamutualagreementbetweenanyofthepartieswith
respect to the discontinuance or obliteration of the easement
annotated on the titles, the continued existence of the easement
mustbeupheldandrespected.(BenedictovCA)
NB: When the easement is a legal easement, it need not be
annotated in the title. A legal easement is one mandated by law,
constituted for public use or for private interest and becomes a
continuingpropertyright.Itisinseparablefromtheestatetowhich
itbelongs.So,theresnoneedtoannotateinthetitle.(Villanuevav
Velasco)
Avoluntaryeasementofrightofway,likeanyothercontract,could
beextinguishedonlybymutualagreementorbyrenunciationofthe
owner of the dominant estate. As it is like any other contract, it is
generally effective between the parties, their heirs and assigns,
except in case where the rights and obligations arising from the
contract are not transmissible by their nature, or by stipulation, or
byprovisionoflaw.(UnisourcevChung,2009)
If there are easement or other rights appurtenant to a parcel of
registered land which for any reason have failed to be registered,
such easement or rights shall remain so appurtenant
notwithstandingsuchfailure,andshallbeheldtopasswiththeland
untilcutofforextinguishedbytheregistrationoftheservientestate
or in any other manner. An easement is cut off or extinguished by
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the registration of the servient estate under the Torrens system

without the easement being annotated on the corresponding
certificate of title, pursuant to Sec 39 of Act 496 (Purugganan v
Paredes)
o EXCEPTION: When the person who registers the servient
estatehasACTUALknowledgethataneasementexists.(One
cantrelyonthefaceofthetitleifonehasactualknowledge
of facts which should compel him to do further
investigation)
Art.632.Theformormannerofusingtheeasementmayprescribeas
theeasementitself,andinthesameway.(547a)
Prescriptionofformormannerofusingeasement
The form or manner (or mode) of using the easement is different
fromtheeasementitselfortherighttoexerciseit
Bothmaybelostbyprescription
Some legal easements, however, do not prescribe but the form or
mannerofusingalleasementsincludinglegaleasementsmaybelost
oracquiredbyprescription
Art. 633. If the dominant estate belongs to several persons in

common, the use of the easement by any one of them prevents
prescriptionwithrespecttotheothers.(548)
Wheredominantestateownedincommon
Easementsareindivisible
Hence,theusebyacoownerinurestothebenefitofalltheother
coownersandpreventsprescriptionastosharesofthelatter
Inotherwords,theusebyacoownerisdeemedtobeusedbyeach
andallthecoowners

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CHAPTER2
LEGALEASEMENTS
SECTIONONEGENERALPROVISIONS
Art.634.Easementsimposedbylawhavefortheirobjecteitherpublic
useortheinterestofprivatepersons.(549)
Whatislegaleasement?
Legal easements are easements imposed or mandated by law, and
whichhavefortheirobject:
o eitherpublicuseor
o theinterestofprivateproperties
Theybecomeacontinuingpropertyright
Kindsoflegaleasements
1. Publiclegaleasementsorthoseforpublicorcommunaluse
2. Privatelegaleasementsorthosefortheinterestofprivatepersons
orforprivateuse,whichincludethoserelatingto
a. Waters
b. Rightofway
c. Partywall
d. Lightandview
e. Drainage
f. Intermediatedistances
g. Againstnuisance
h. Lateralandsubjectsupport
Casedoctrine
SeeVillanuevavVelascocitedinArt631

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Art. 635. All matters concerning easements established for public or

communaluseshallbegovernedbythespeciallawsandregulations
relatingthereto,and,intheabsencethereof,bytheprovisionsofthis
Title.(550)
Art. 636. Easements established by law in the interest of private

personsorforprivateuseshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsofthis
Title,withoutprejudicetotheprovisionsofgeneralorlocallawsand
ordinancesforthegeneralwelfare.
These easements may be modified by agreement of the
interestedparties,wheneverthelawdoesnotprohibititornoinjury
issufferedbyathirdperson.(551a)

Governinglaws
1. Publiclegaleasementstheyaregovernedprimarilybythespecial
laws and regulations relating thereto, and by the Civil Code (634
687),inclusive.
2. Privatelegaleasements
a. By agreement of the interested parties provided it is not
prohibitedbylaworinjurioustoathirdperson
b. In the absence of agreement, by the provisions of general
andlocallawsandordinancesforthegeneralwelfare;and
c. Indefaultofaandb,byarticles634to687,inclusiveofthe
CivilCode.
Casedoctrine
Where the land was originally public land, and awarded by free
patent with a reservation for a legal easement of a rightofway in
favorofthegovernment,justcompensationneednotbepaidforthe
taking of a part thereof forpublic use asaneasement of a rightof
way,unlikeifthelandwereoriginallyprivateproperty.(NIAvCA)
SECTIONTWOEASEMENTSRELATINGTOWATERS
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Art. 637. Lower estates are obliged to receive the waters which
naturally and without the intervention of man descend from the
higher estates, as well as the stones or earth which they carry with
them.
Theownerofthelowerestatecannotconstructworkswhichwill
impede this easement; neither can the owner of the higher estate
makeworkswhichwillincreasetheburden.(552)
Legaleasementsrelatingtowaters
1. Naturaldrainage(637)
2. Drainageofbuildings(674)
3. Easementonriparianbanksfornavigation,floatage,fishing,salvage,
andtowpath(638)
4. Easementofadam(639,647)
5. Easementfordrawingwaterorforwateringanimals(640641)
6. Easementofaqueduct(642646)
7. Easementfortheconstructionofastoplockorsluicegate(647)
Naturaldrainageoflands
This article imposes a natural easement upon the lower estates
whichareobligedtoreceivethewaterswhichnaturallyandwithout
theinterventionofmandescendfromthehigherestates,aswellas
thestonesorearthcarriedbythewaters.
Thiseasementisacontinuousoneandmaybeextinguishedbynon
userfortheperiodof10yearsrequiredbylaw.Thus,ifadikewas
constructedbytheservientowner(anactcontrarytotheeasement),
theactiontodestroythedikeisbarredifbroughtonlyafter1years.
Duty of servient owner the owner of the lower estate cannot
construct works which will impede this easement, such as walls,
ditches or fences, or a dam which blocks the natural flow of the
waters. The dominant owner may demand their removal or
destructionandrecoverdamages.Theservientownermayconstruct
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works to regulate the flow of waters, but not those which will
impedetheeasement.
Dutyofdominantownertheownerofthehighertenementcannot
make works which will increase the burden. If the waters are the
result of artificial development, or are the overflow from irrigation
dams,orproceedfromindustrialestablishmentsrecentlysetup,the
ownerofthelowerestateshallbeentitledtocompensationforhis
lossordamage.
o But the dominant owner is not prohibited from cultivating
hislandorconstructingworkstoregulatethedescentofthe
waterstopreventerosiontohislandandaslongashedoes
notimpedethenaturalflowofthewatersandincreasethe
burdenofthelowerestate,heisnotliablefordamages.
RememberRemmanvCA?Thecasewiththepigshit?Italsosaidthat
tax returns per se could not reflect the total amount of damages
suffered by a party, as income losses from a portion of his property
couldbeoffsetbyanyprofitderivedfromtherestofsaidpropertyor
fromothersourcesofincome.
Art. 638. The banks of rivers and streams, even in case they are of
private ownership, are subject throughout their entire length and
withinazoneofthreemetersalongtheirmargins,totheeasementof
public use in the general interest of navigation, floatage, fishingand
salvage.
Estatesadjoiningthebanksofnavigableorfloatableriversare,
furthermore, subject to the easement of towpath for the exclusive
serviceofrivernavigationandfloatage.
If it be necessary for such purpose to occupy lands of private
ownership,theproperindemnityshallfirstbepaid.(553a)
Publiceasementsonbanksofriver
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Banks of rivers and streams, whether they are of public or private

ownership,aresubjecttoeasementofpublicusefor:
1. Navigation
2. Floatage
3. Fishing
4. Salvage
5. Withrespecttoestatesadjourningbanksofnavigablerivers,also
toeasementoftowpath.
Ifthelandisofpublicownership,thereisnoindemnity;ifofprivate
ownership,theproperindemnityshallfirstbepaidbeforeitmaybe
occupied. Riparian owners cannot be required to subject their
propertytotheeasementforthebenefitofthepublicwithoutprior
indemnity.
The width of the zone subject to the easement is 3 meters
throughouttheentirelengthofthebankalongitsmargin.
TheeasementestablishedbyArticle638doesnotapplytocanalsor
esteros.
Art.639.Wheneverforthediversionortakingofwaterfromariveror
brook, or for the use of any other continuous or discontinuous
stream,itshouldbenecessarytobuildadam,andthepersonwhois
to construct it is not the owner of the banks, or lands which must
support it, he may establish the easement of abutment of a dam,
afterpaymentoftheproperindemnity.(554)
Abutmentofbuttressofadam
A person who needs to build a dam to divert or take water from a
riverorbrookbutisnottheownerofthebanksorlandswhichmust
support the dam, may be allowed the easement of abutment or
buttressofadam(estribodepresa)
Hemustseekthepermissionoftheowner,andincaseofthelatters
refustal, he must secure authority from the proper administrative
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agency which will conduct the necessary investigation in which all

interestedpartiesaregivenopportunitytobeheard.Inestablishing
theeasement,theproperindemnitymustbepaid.
Wheretheconstructionofadamisunauthorized,thesamecanbe
considered a private nuisance and may be lawfully destroyed or
removed by the injured landowner or by any persona acting under
hisdirections.
Casedoctrine
Aneasementofbuttresscanbeimposedbyadministrativeauthority
withrespecttolandlyingadjacenttopublicorprivatewaters;butin
suchcaseitisrequiredthataninvestigationofrecordshallbemade
before the easement of buttress is decreed. The making of the
investigationofrecordisanessentialprerequisitetotheexerciseof
thepower.(SolisvPujeda)
Art. 640. Compulsory easements for drawing water or for watering

animals can be imposed only for reasons of public use in favor of a
townorvillage,afterpaymentoftheproperindemnity.(555)
Art.641.Easementsfordrawingwaterandforwateringanimalscarry
with them the obligation of the owners of the servient estates to
allow passage to persons and animals to the place where such
easements are to be used, and the indemnity shall include this
service.(556)
Drawingwaterorwateringanimals
Thisisapersonaleasementwhichincludestheaccessoryeasement
ofpassageorrightofwayofpersonsandanimalstotheplacewhere
theeasementistobeused.
Requisitesare:
1. Mustbeimposedforreasonsofpublicuse;
2. Mustbeinfavorofatownorvillage;and
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3. Mustbepaymentofproperindemnity.
Art. 642. Any person who may wish to use upon his own estate any
water of which he can dispose shall have the right to make it flow
through the intervening estates, with the obligation to indemnify
theirowners,aswellastheownersofthelowerestatesuponwhich
thewatersmayfilterordescend.(557)
Art. 643. One desiring to make use of the right granted in the
precedingarticleisobliged:
(1) To prove that he can dispose of the water and that it is
sufficientfortheuseforwhichitisintended;
(2) To show that the proposed right of way is the most
convenientandtheleastoneroustothirdpersons;
(3) To indemnify the owner of the servient estate in the
mannerdeterminedbythelawsandregulations.(558)
Art. 644. The easement of aqueduct for private interest cannot be

imposed on buildings, courtyards, annexes, or outhouses, or on
orchardsorgardensalreadyexisting.(559)
Easementofaqueductwhatisit?!
Easementofaqueductistherightarisingfromaforcedeasementby
virtueofwhichtheownerofanestatewhodesirestoavailhimselfof
waterfortheuseofsaidestatemaymakesuchwaterspassthrough
the intermediate estate with the obligation of indemnifying the
owner of the same and also the owner of the estate to which the
watermayfilterorflow.
The easement is provided in Article 642. It gives the right to make
waterflowthroughorunderinterveningorlowerestates.
Requisites?
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Thepersondesiringtomakeuseoftheeasementmust:
1. Provethathehasthecapacitytodisposeofthewater;
2. Provethatthewaterissufficientfortheuseintended;
3. Showthattheproposedrightofwayisthemostconvenientandthe
leastoneroustothirdpersons;and
4. Payindemnitytotheowneroftheservientestate.
But where the number of years that have elapsed since the
easement had first come into existence and the subsequent
changesinownershipoflotsinvolvedwouldmakeitimpossible
to present proof of indemnity to the owner of the servient
estate, this requisite has been deemed to be complied with.
(SalazarvGutierrez)
The easement cannot be imposed over buildings, courtyards,

annexesorgardensiftheeasementisforprivateinterest.
Casedoctrines
The Spanish Law of Waters allows the creation of a compulsory
easement of aqueduct for the purpose of establishing or extending
anirrigationsystem,andthereisnothingtothecontraryintheCivil
Code.
The registration of the servient lot without the corresponding
registration of the easement of aqueduct on the title cannot
summarily terminate it 30 years thereafter where the original
registered owner of the servient lot allowed the easement to
continueinspiteofsuchnonregistration.
Theleastthatcanbesaidisthatheeitherrecognizeditsexistenceas
a compulsory servitude on his estate or voluntarily agreed to its
establishment and continuance. And subsequent purchasers of the
servient estate cannot capitalize on the absence of annotation on
thetitlewheretheyareawareoftheexistenceoftheeasementand
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likewiseallowedittocontinuefor26yearsaftertheyacquiredtitle.
(SalazarvGutierrez)
Art. 645. The easement of aqueduct does not prevent the owner of
theservientestatefromclosingorfencingit,orfrombuildingoverthe
aqueduct in such manner as not to cause the latter any damage, or
rendernecessaryrepairsandcleaningsimpossible.(560)
Rightofownerofservientestate
Theservientownermaycloseorfencehisestate,orbuildoverthe
aqueduct so long as no damage is caused to the aqueduct or the
necessary repairs and cleaning of the same are not rendered
impossible.
Hecanconstructworkshemaydeemnecessarytopreventdamage
to himself provided he does not impede or impair, in any manner
whatsoever, the use of the easement just like the owner of the
lower estate on which an easement of natural drainage has been
established.Ifhedoesimpair,thedominantownermayaskforthe
removal or destruction of such works with a right to indemnity for
damages.
Art. 646. For legal purposes, the easement of aqueduct shall be

consideredascontinuousandapparent,eventhoughtheflowofthe
water may notbecontinuous,orits use depends upontheneeds of
the dominant estate, or upon a schedule of alternate days or hours.
(561)
Easementconsideredascontinuousandapparent
For legal purposes, the easement is considered continuous and
apparent and therefore, may be susceptible of acquisitive
prescription.

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Art. 647. One who for the purpose of irrigating or improving his
estate, has to construct a stop lock or sluice gate in the bed of the
stream from which the water is to be taken, may demand that the
owners of the banks permit its construction, after payment of
damages, including those caused by the new easement to such
ownersandtotheotherirrigators.(562)
Constructionofastoplockorsluicegate
InArticle639,thepurposeofbuildingadamistodivertwaterfrom
a river or brook. Here, the purpose of the construction is to take
waterforirrigation,ortoimproveanestate.
In both cases, the construction is on the estate of another and
properindemnityhastobepaid.Furthermore,nodamagemustbe
causedtothirdpersons.
Art. 648. The establishment, extent, form and conditions of the

servitudesofwaters,towhichthissectionrefers,shallbegovernedby
the special laws relating thereto insofar as no provision therefor is
madeinthisCode.(563a)
SECTIONTHREEEASEMENTOFRIGHTOFWAY
Art.649.Theowner,oranypersonwhobyvirtueofarealrightmay
cultivate or use any immovable, which is surrounded by other
immovablespertainingtootherpersonsandwithoutadequateoutlet
toapublichighway,isentitledtodemandarightofwaythroughthe
neighboringestates,afterpaymentoftheproperindemnity.
Should this easement be established in such a manner that its
use may be continuous for all the needs of the dominant estate,
establishing apermanent passage, the indemnity shallconsistofthe
valueofthelandoccupiedandtheamountofthedamagecausedto
theservientestate.
In case the right of way is limited to the necessary passage for
the cultivation of the estate surrounded by others and for the
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gathering of its crops through the servient estate without a

permanent way, the indemnity shall consist in the payment of the
damagecausedbysuchencumbrance.
This easement is not compulsory if the isolation of the
immovableisduetotheproprietor'sownacts.(564a)
Art. 650. The easement of right of way shall be established at the

pointleastprejudicialtotheservientestate,and,insofarasconsistent
with this rule, where the distance from the dominant estate to a
publichighwaymaybetheshortest.(565)
EasementofrightofwayDEFINED!
Easementofrightofwayistherightgrantedbylawtotheownerof
an estate which is surrounded by other estates belonging to other
persons and without an adequate outlet to a public highway to
demand that he be allowed a passageway throughout such
neighboringestatesafterpaymentoftheproperindemnity.
Requisitesoftheeasment(basedondeLeon)
1. Claimantmustbeanownerofenclosedimmovableoronewithreal
right
2. Noadequateoutlettoapublichighway
3. Rightofwaymustbeabsolutelynecessary
4. Theisolationmustnotbeduetotheclaimantsownact
5. Theeasementmustbeestablishedatthepointleastprejudicial
6. Theremustbepaymentofproperindemnity
Claimant must be an owner of enclosed immovable or one with real

right
Notonlytheownerbutanypersonwhobyvirtueofarealrightmay
cultivate or use an immovable, may demand a right of way. A
usufructuarymaydemandarightofway.
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1. A mortgagee is not entitled to demand because it is necessary

thatthelandbecultivatedorusedbyvirtueofarightlikethatof
ausufruct
2. Amerelesseecannotdemandthelegalservitudeofwaybecause
his action is against the lessor who is bound to maintain him in
the enjoyment of the lease. However, if the lessee registers the
leaseintheRegistryofProperty,itbecomesarealright,andthe
lesseewouldthenbeentitledtodemandtherightofway.
Noadequateoutlettoapublichighway
Covers cases when there is absolutely no outlet or access, or even
when there is one, the same is not adequate (like when its
dangerous,verycostly,etc)
The owner of the servient estate cannot obstruct the use of the
easementiftheproposednewlocationforitisfartherandisnotas
convenient.
Rightofwaymustbeabsolutelynecessary
The right cannot be claimed merely for the convenience of the
owneroftheenclosedestate.
Owner must show that the compulsory easement is absolutely
necessary for the normal enjoyment of his property. Even if
necessarybutitcanbesatisfiedwithoutimposingtheservitude,the
sameshouldnotbeimposed.
Theeasementcanbeestablishedforthebenefitofatenementwith
an inadequate outlet, but not when the outlet is merely
inconvenient.
Isolationmustnotbeduetotheclaimantsownact
Ifheconstructsapermanentstructureandeffectivelyblockshimself
out from the pubic highway, then he is stupid and he will not be
grantedaneasement.
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Theeasementmustbeestablishedatthepointleastprejudicialtothe
servientestate
Theshortestisnotalwaystheleastprejudicial.
The criterion of least prejudicial shall be observed although the
distancemaynotbetheshortestoriseventhelongest.
Inotherwords,thisistheTESTtheonewherethewayisshortest
andwillcausetheleastdamageshouldbechosen.
o But if these two circumstances do not concur in a single
tenement, the way which will cause the least damage should
beused,evenifitwouldnotbetheshortest.
Between a right of way that will demolish a house and
another one which will merely cut down a tree (yet is a
longerroutetothehighway),thelattershallprevail.
The rule is different in eminent domain proceedings wherein the
granteeofthepowerofeminentdomaincanchooseashepleases,
aslongasitisnotcapriciousandwantonlyinjurious.
Properindemnity
Therightcanbeacquiredonlyaftertheproperindemnityhasbeen
paid.
If the passage is of continuous and permanent nature (continuous
foralltheneedsofthedominantestate),theindemnityconsistsof
the value of the land occupied plus amount of damages caused to
theservientestate;and
Ifitistemporary(limitedtothenecessarypassageforthecultivation
oftheenclosedestateandforthegatheringofitscropsthroughthe
servient estate), indemnity consists in the payment of the damage
causedtotheservientestate.
Eveniftheeasementisforalaudablepurpose,thereisstillaneed
forcompensation.
BUT
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o Wherethelandwasoriginallypublicland,andawardedbyfree
patent and was registered with an OCT and TCT with a
reservation for a legal easement of a rightofway in favor of
the government, just compensation need not be paid for the
takingofapartthereofforpublicuseasaneasementofaright
ofway,unlikeifthelandwereoriginallyprivateproperty.(NIA
vCA)
Whatarethekindsofeasementsofrightofway?
1. Private, when it is established in favor of a private person, such as
therightgrantedinArticle649;or
2. Public,whenitisavailableinfavorofthecommunityorthepublicat
large.
Acquisitionandextinguishmentbyprescription
The easement of right of way, being discontinuous, cannot be
acquired ny prescription. It may be apparent, but it is not a
continuouseasement.
De Leon gives some reasons why the easement of right of way
shouldbeconsideredascontinuousinpage480ofhisbook.
Casedoctrines
Requisites of the easement (based on Valdez v Tabisula; Lee,
Villanueva;etc)
1. Claimant must be an owner of enclosed immovable or one with
realright
2. Propertyissurroundedbyotherimmovablesandhasnoadequate
outlettoapublichighway
3. Properindemnitymustbepaid
4. The isolation is not the result of the owner of the dominant
estatesownacts
5. Therightofwayclaimedisattheleastprejudicialtotheservient
estate
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6. To the extent consistent with the foregoing rule, the distance

from the dominant estate to a public highway may be the
shortest.
The onus of proving the existence of these requisites lies on the
ownerofthedominantestate.
Requisitesnanaman!(basedonMejoradavVertudazo)
1. The estate is surrounded by other immovables and is without
adequateoutlettoapublichighway;
2. Afterpaymentoftheproperindemnity
3. Theisolationwasnotduetotheproprietorsacts;and
4. The right of way claimed is at a point least prejudicial to the
servientestate.
One whose land is enclosed by the lands of others at one acquires
the right to demand an easement of way to the nearest street or
road, but his failure to do so does not constitute a renunciation of
his right nor does the right to demand such easement prescribe
under Article 631. The right to demand a right of way is
imprescriptible.(FranciscovPaez)
Art. 651. The width of the easement of right of way shall be that
which is sufficient for the needs of the dominant estate, and may
accordinglybechangedfromtimetotime.(566a)
Widthofthepassage
Itistheneedsofthedominantpropertywhichultimatelydetermine
the width of the passage, and these needs may vary from time to
time.
The easement established may thus be changed or modified from
time to time as the subsequent needs of the dominant estate may
demand.

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Art. 652. Whenever a piece of land acquired by sale, exchange or

partition,issurroundedbyotherestatesofthevendor,exchanger,or
coowner, he shall be obliged to grant a right of way without
indemnity.
Incaseofasimpledonation,thedonorshallbeindemnifiedby
thedoneefortheestablishmentoftherightofway.(567a)
Art. 653. In the case of the preceding article, if it is the land of the
grantor that becomes isolated, he may demand a right of way after
paying a indemnity. However, the donor shall not be liable for
indemnity.(n)
Wherelandoftransferorortransfereeenclosed
ThesetwoarticlesareexceptionstotherequirementinArticle649
regardingthepaymentofindemnity.
Ifthelandtransferredissurroundedbyotherestatesofthevendor,
exchanger or coowner, the transferee is not obliged to pay
indemnityfor the easementas the considerationforthetransferis
presumedtoincludetheeasementwithouttheindemnity.
o If the right of way becomes useless for some reason or
another, it is no longer than transferors fault. Apply Article
642.
o Article652isnotapplicableincaseofsimpledonationbecause
thedonorreceivesnothingforhisproperty.
Ifitisthelandofthegrantorthatbecomesisolated,hemaydemand
a right of way but shall be obliged to pay indemnity unless the
purchaseragreedtograntrightwithoutindemnity.
o Thedonorshallnotbeliableforindemnityasitisconsidereda
tacitconditionofthedonation.
Art.654.Iftherightofwayispermanent,thenecessaryrepairsshall
bemadebytheownerofthedominantestate.Aproportionateshare
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of the taxes shall be reimbursed by said owner to the proprietor of

theservientestate.(n)
Responsibilityforrepairsandtaxes
Thisappliesiftherightofwayispermanent.
Theservientownerretainsownershipofthepassageway;hence,he
paysallthetaxes.
The dominant owner is liable for the necessary repairs and the
proportionate share of the taxes paid by the servient owner,
meaningtheamountoftaxescorrespondingtotheportiononwhich
theeasementisestablished.
Art.655.Iftherightofwaygrantedtoasurroundedestateceasesto
benecessarybecauseitsownerhasjoinedittoanotherabuttingona
public road, the owner of the servient estate may demand that the
easement be extinguished, returning what he may have received by
wayofindemnity.Theinterestontheindemnityshallbedeemedto
beinpaymentofrentfortheuseoftheeasement.
The same rule shall be applied in case a new road is opened
givingaccesstotheisolatedestate.
In both cases, the public highway must substantially meet the
needs of the dominant estate in order that the easement may be
extinguished.(568a)
Extinguishmentofcompulsoryeasementofrightofway
Thisappliestocompulsoryeasementofrightofway.
Thetwocausesofextinguishmentare:
1. The joining of the isolated estate to another abutting a public
road,and
2. Openinganewroadwhichgivesaccesstotheestate.
Thenewoutletmustbeadequate.
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The extinguishment is not automatic because the law says that the
owner of the servient estate may demand that the easement be
extinguished,ifhesodesires.So,thedominantownercannotaskfor
thereturnoftheindemnity,iftheservientownerchoosestoallow
thecontinuationoftheeasement.
Theservientownerisnotliabletopayinterestontheindemnityas
theinterestisdeemedtobepaymentfortheuseoftheeasement.
Art. 656. If it be indispensable for the construction, repair,

improvement, alteration or beautification of a building, to carry
materialsthroughtheestateofanother,ortoraisethereinscaffolding
or other objects necessary for the work, the owner of such estate
shall be obliged to permit the act, after receiving payment of the
properindemnityforthedamagecausedhim.(569a)
Temporaryeasementofrightofway
This applies to a right of way which is essentially temporary or
transitory.
Itissufficientthatgreatinconvenience,difficulty,orexpensewould
beencounterediftheeasementwasnotgranted.
Temporary easement is allowed only after the payment of the
properindemnity.
Casedoctrine
Theinstallationofelectricpowerlinesisapermanenteasementnot
covered by Article 656. Article 656 deals only with the temporary
easementofpassage.(Preysler,JrvCA)
Art. 657. Easements of the right of way for the passage of livestock
known as animal path, animal trail or any other, and those for
wateringplaces,restingplacesandanimalfolds,shallbegovernedby
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the ordinances and regulations relating thereto, and, in the absence

thereof,bytheusagesandcustomsoftheplace.
Without prejudice to rights legally acquired, the animal path
shall not exceed in any case the width of75meters, andtheanimal
trailthatof37metersand50centimeters.
Wheneveritisnecessarytoestablishacompulsoryeasementof
therightofwayorforawateringplaceforanimals,theprovisionsof
this Section and those of Articles 640 and 641 shall be observed. In
thiscasethewidthshallnotexceed10meters.(570a)
Rightofwayforthepassageoflivestock,wateringplaces
Theeasementsshallbegovernedbytheordinances,regulations,and
intheirabsence,usagesandcustomsoftheplace.
Animalpathmaxwidth:75meters
Animaltrailmaxwidth:37.5meters
Fordrawingwatersandforwateringanimalsmaxwidth:10meters
o Inthelastcase,theycanbeimposedonlyforreasonsofpublic
useinfavorofatownorbarrioandonlyafterpaymentofthe
properindemnity.
SECTIONFOUREASEMENTOFPARTYWALL
Art. 658. The easement of party wall shall be governed by the

provisionsofthisTitle,bythelocalordinancesandcustomsinsofaras
theydonotconflictwiththesame,andbytherulesofcoownership.
(571a)
Whatsaneasementofpartywall?
Itrefers toallthosemassofrights andobligationsemanatingfrom
the existenceand commonenjoymentof wall,fence,enclosuresor
hedges, by the owners of adjacent buildings and estates separated
bysuchobjects.
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Whatisapartywall,whatisitsnature?
Apartywallisacommonwallwhichseparatestwoestates,builtby
common agreement at the dividing line such that it occupies a
portionofbothestatesonequalparts.
It is a kind of forced coownership in which the parties are prt
owners.
Each owner owns part of the wall but it cannot be separated from
theotherportionsbelongingtotheothers.
Anownermayuseapartywalltotheextentoftheportiononhis
property. Not all common walls or walls in coownership are party
walls.(Awallbuiltonacoownedlotisacommonwall,notaparty
wall.)
PartyWall Coownership
Thesharesofthecoowners Sharesofthecoownerscanbe
cannotbephysicallysegregated dividedorseparatedphysically.
buttheycanbephysically Beforesuchdivision,acoowner
identified. cannotpointtoanydefinite
portionofthepropertyas
belongingtohim.
Nosuchlimitation Noneofthecoownersmayuse
thecommunitypropertyforhis
exclusivebenefit
Anyownermayfreehimselffrom Partialrenunciationisallowed
contributingtothecostofrepairs
andconstructionofapartywallby
renouncingallhisrightsthereto.
Art. 659. The existence of an easement of party wall is presumed,

unlessthereisatitle,orexteriorsign,orprooftothecontrary:
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(1) In dividing walls of adjoining buildings up to the point of

commonelevation;
(2)Individingwallsofgardensoryardssituatedincities,towns,
orinruralcommunities;
(3)Infences,wallsandlivehedgesdividingrurallands.(572)
Whenistheexistenceofapartywallpresumed?
1. In dividing walls of adjoining buildings up to the point of common
elevation;
2. In dividing walls of gardens or yards situated in cities, towns, or in
ruralcommunities;or
3. Infences,wallsandlivehedgesdividingrurallands.
Thelegalpresumptionisjuristantum;itmayberebuttedbyatitleor
exterior sign or any other proof showing that the entire wall in
controversy belongs exclusively to one of the adjoining property
owners.
Casedoctrine
Awallseparatingtwoadjoiningbuildings,builtonthelandonwhich
one of these buildings stands, is not a party wall when there is a
drainalongitstoptocarryawaythewaterfromtheroofandeaves
ofthebuildingbelongingtotheownerofthelandonwhichthewall
iserected;andalsowhenapartofthewalliscoveredbytheroofof
the said building, the construction of which demonstrates that the
wall belongs exclusively to the owner of the building of which it
formspart.(LaovHeirsofAlburo)
Art.660.Itisunderstoodthatthereisanexteriorsign,contrarytothe
easementofpartywall:
(1)Wheneverinthedividingwallofbuildingsthereisawindow
oropening;
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(2) Whenever the dividing wall is, on one side, straight and
plumbonallitsfacement,andontheother,ithassimilarconditions
ontheupperpart,butthelowerpartslantsorprojectsoutward;
(3) Whenever the entire wall is built within the boundaries of
oneoftheestates;
(4)Wheneverthedividingwallbearstheburdenofthebinding
beams,floorsandroofframeofoneofthebuildings,butnotthoseof
theothers;
(5) Whenever the dividing wall between courtyards, gardens,
andtenementsisconstructedinsuchawaythatthecopingshedsthe
waterupononlyoneoftheestates;
(6) Whenever the dividing wall, being built of masonry, has
steppingstones,whichatcertainintervalsprojectfromthesurfaceon
onesideonly,butnotontheother;
(7) Whenever lands inclosed by fences or live hedges adjoin
otherswhicharenotinclosed.
Inallthesecases,theownershipofthewalls,fencesorhedges
shallbedeemedtobelongexclusivelytotheownerofthepropertyor
tenementwhichhasinitsfavorthepresumptionbasedonanyoneof
thesesigns.(573)
Exteriorsignsrebuttingpresumption
Thisarticlementionssomeexteriorsignsrebuttingthepresumption
of a party wall. The wall becomes the exclusive property of the
owneroftheestatewhichhasinitsfavorthepresumptionbasedon
anyoftheaboveexteriorsigns.
Theenumerationismerelyillustrative,andisnotexclusive.
Theexteriorsignsmaycontradicteachother.Insuchcase,thecourt
shall decide the matter taking into consideration all the
circumstances.
o Butincaseofconflictbetweenatitleevidencingownershipto
a wall and an exterior sign, the former must prevail, for the
lattermerelygivesrisetoaninferenceofownership.
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Art. 661. Ditches or drains opened between two estates are also
presumedascommontoboth,ifthereisnotitleorsignshowingthe
contrary.
There is a sign contrary to the partownership whenever the
earthordirtremovedtoopentheditchortocleanitisonlyonone
side thereof, in which case the ownership of the ditch shall belong
exclusively to the owner of the land having this exterior sign in its
favor.(574)
Bitchesordrainsbetweentwoestates(hehe)
Thedepositofearthordebrisononesidealoneisanexteriorsign
thattheownerofthatsideistheowneroftheditchorthedrain.
Again,thisisrebuttable.
Art. 662. The cost of repairs and construction of party walls and the
maintenance of fences, live hedges, ditches, and drains owned in
common,shallbebornebyalltheownersofthelandsortenements
havingthepartywallintheirfavor,inproportiontotherightofeach.
Nevertheless,anyownermayexempthimselffromcontributing
to this charge by renouncing his partownership, except when the
partywallsupportsabuildingbelongingtohim.(575)
Contributiontocostofrepairsandconstructionofpartywalls
Thepartownersofthepartywallshallcontributetothecostinthe
proportiontotheirrespectiveinterests.
o But if the cause of the repairs is due to the fault of just one,
thenhealoneshallbearthecosts.
Any owner may free himself from contributing to the charge by
renouncinghisrightsinthepartywallunlessitactuallysupportshis
building.
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The renunciation will include the land on which the party wall is
constructed.
Art.663.Iftheownerofabuilding,supportedbyapartywalldesires
todemolishthebuilding,hemayalsorenouncehispartownershipof
thewall,butthecostofallrepairsandworknecessarytopreventany
damage which the demolition may cause to the party wall, on this
occasiononly,shallbebornebyhim.(576)
Demolishthatbuilding!Demolish!
Anownermayalsorenouncehispartownershipofapartywallifhe
desirestodemolishhisbuildingsupportedbythewall.
He shall bear all the expenses of repairs and work necessary to
prevent any damage which the demolition may cause to the party
wall.
Art.664.Everyownermayincreasetheheightofthepartywall,doing
athisownexpenseandpayingforanydamagewhichmaybecaused
bythework,eventhoughsuchdamagebetemporary.
Theexpensesofmaintainingthewallinthepartnewlyraisedor
deepened at its foundation shall also be paid for by him; and, in
addition, the indemnity for the increased expenses which may be
necessary for the preservation of the party wall by reason of the
greaterheightordepthwhichhasbeengivenit.
If the party wall cannot bear the increased height, the owner
desiring to raise it shall be obliged to reconstruct it at his own
expenseand,ifforthispurposeitbenecessarytomakeitthicker,he
shallgivethespacerequiredfromhisownland.(577)
Art. 665. The other owners who have not contributed in giving
increased height, depth or thickness to the wall may, nevertheless,
acquiretherightofpartownershiptherein,bypayingproportionally
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the value of the work at the time of the acquisition and of the land
usedforitsincreasedthickness.(578a)
Increasetheheightofpartywall!
An owner is given the right to increase the height of a party wall
subjecttothefollowingconditions:
1. Hemustdosoathisownexpense;
2. Hemustpayforanydamagewhichmaybecausedtherebyevenif
damageistemporary;
3. Hemustbearthecostofmaintainingtheportionadded;and
4. Hemustpaytheincreasedcostofpreservationofthewall.
He shall be obliged to reconstruct the wall at his expense if it is
necessary so that the wall can bear the increased height, and if
additionalthicknessisrequired,heshallprovidethespacetherefore
fromhisownland.
The other owners cannot object to the work as long as the above
conditionsarecompliedwith.
The owner who makes the addition acquires ownership unless the
otherownerspayproportionatelythevalueoftheworkatthetime
oftheacquisition(nottheconstruction)andofthelandusedforthe
wallsincreasedthickness.
Art.666.Everypartownerofapartywallmayuseitinproportionto
the right he may have in the coownership, without interfering with
thecommonandrespectiveusesbytheothercoowners.(579a)
Proportionaluseofpartywall
IfTweetowns2/3ofthepartywallandPlurkowns1/3,Tweetmay
use the wall (like inserting a beam) up to 2/3 of its thickness, and
Plurkcandothesameupto1/3.
SECTIONFIVEEASEMENTOFLIGHTANDVIEW
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Art.667.Nopartownermay,withouttheconsentoftheothers,open
throughthepartywallanywindoworapertureofanykind.(580)
WHATISANEASEMENTOFLIGHT?!?!
Easementoflight (jus luminum)is the rightto admitlightfromthe
neighboring estate by virtue of the opening of a window or the
makingofcertainopenings.
WHATISANEASEMENTOFVIEW?!?!
Easement of view (jus prospectus) is the right to make openings or
windows, to enjoy the view through the estate of another and the
power to prevent all constructions or works which would obstruct
suchviewormakethesamedifficult.
Itnecessarilyincludestheeasementoflight.
Makingofopeningthroughapartywall
Apartownercannotexerciseanactwhichimpliesfullownershipof
thewallbymakinguseofallitsthickness.
Remember,awindowinthedividingwallofbuildingsisanexterior
signwhichrebutsthepresumptionthatthewallisapartywall.One
partownermaynot,therefore,makeanywindoworopeningofany
kindthruapartywallwithouttheconsentoftheothers.
Art.668.Theperiodofprescriptionfortheacquisitionofaneasement
oflightandviewshallbecounted:
(1)Fromthetimeoftheopeningofthewindow,ifitisthrougha
partywall;or
(2)Fromthetimeoftheformalprohibitionupontheproprietor
oftheadjoininglandortenement,ifthewindowisthroughawallon
thedominantestate.(n)

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Prescriptiveperiodforacquisitionofeasementoflightandview
Theeasementoflightandviewiseitherpositiveornegative.
Whenisitpositive?
o Itisconsideredpositiveifmadethroughapartywallorevenif
made on ones own wall, if the window is on a balcony or
projectionextendingovertheadjoiningproperty.
o When a window is opened through a party wall, an apparent
and continuous easement is created from the time of such
opening.Butthereisnotrueeasementaslongastherightto
preventitsuseexists.
o The adjoining owner can order the window closed within 10
yearsfromthetimeoftheopeningofthewindow.
Whenisitnegative?
o Itisconsiderednegativeifthewindowismadethroughawall
onthedominantestate.
o The 10year period of prescription commences from the time
of the formal prohibition (instrument acknowledged by a
notarypublic)upontheadjoiningowner.
o Before the expiration of the prescriptive period, the window
exists by mere tolerance of the adjoining owner who always
retains the right to have it closed or to build an obstruction,
although the opening was made more than 10 years after he
decidedtoexercisehisright.
The opening by Xyzal was made in 1990 but he made a
formal notarial demand prohibiting Yeeyoo to obstruct
the view only in 1994, Yeeyoo may still demand the
closureofthewindowin2001.
Casedoctrines
When the construction of windows and balconies does not
constituteanactualinvasionoftherightsofanother,butisalawful
exercise of an inherent right, the easement of light and view is
negative.(FabievLichauco)
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When a window is opened in a party wall, the express or implied

consent of the part owner affords a basis for the acquisition of a
prescriptivetitle.
When a window is opened in the wall of a neighbor, prescription
commencestorunfromthedateoftheopeningofthewindowsand
ripens into title when the specified time has elapsed without
opoositiononthepartoftheownerofthewall.(CortesvYuTibo)

Art. 669. When the distances in Article 670 are not observed, the
ownerofawallwhichisnotpartywall,adjoiningatenementorpiece
oflandbelongingtoanother,canmakeinitopeningstoadmitlightat
theheightoftheceilingjointsorimmediatelyundertheceiling,and
of the size of thirty centimeters square, and, in every case, with an
irongratingimbeddedinthewallandwithawirescreen.
Nevertheless,theownerofthetenementorpropertyadjoining
the wall in which the openings are made can close them should he
acquire partownership thereof, if there be no stipulation to the
contrary.
Hecanalsoobstructthembyconstructingabuildingonhisland
orbyraisingawallthereoncontiguoustothathavingsuchopenings,
unlessaneasementoflighthasbeenacquired.(581a)
Openingsatheightofceilingjoiststoadmitlight
Whenthewallisnotapartywall,theownermaymakeanopening
for the purpose of admitting light and air, but not for view. The
restrictionsarethefollowing:
1. Thesizemustnotexceed30cmsquare;
2. The opening must be at the height of the ceiling joists or
immediatelyundertheceiling;
3. Theremustbeanirongratingimbeddedinthewall;and
4. Theremustbeawirescreen.
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When the wall becomes a party wall, a partowner can order the
closureoftheopeningbecausenopartownermaymakeanopening
through a party wall without the consent of the others. It can also
obstructtheopeningunlessaneasementoflighthasbeenacquired
byprescription,inwhichcasetheservientownermaynotimpairthe
easement.
Casedoctrine
Ifahouseconsistsofmorethanonestory,eachstorymayhavethe
same openings which are provided by law for one house. The
purposeofthelawistoprovidelighttotheroomsanditisevident
that the rooms of the lower stories have a much need for light as
thoseofthetopstory.(ChocovSantamaria))
Whenthehousehasbeenbuilt,withtwometersofthedividingline
(Art670),nootherwindowsthanthoseprovidedinthisarticlemay
beopenedinitswalls.(SaezvFigueras)
Art. 670. No windows, apertures, balconies, or other similar

projections which afford a direct view upon or towards an adjoining
land or tenement can be made, without leaving a distance of two
metersbetweenthewallinwhichtheyaremadeandsuchcontiguous
property.
Neither can side or oblique views upon or towards such
conterminous property be had, unless there be a distance of sixty
centimeters.
The nonobservance of these distances does not give rise to
prescription.(582a)
Art. 671. The distance referred to in the preceding article shall be

measuredincasesofdirectviewsfromtheouterlineofthewallwhen
the openings do not project, from the outer line of the latter when
theydo,andincasesofobliqueviewfromthedividinglinebetween
thetwoproperties.(583)
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Directandobliqueviews
Article760requiresadistanceof:
o Fordirectview,2meters
o Forobliqueview,60cm
Article761providesthemannerofmeasuringthedistance.
o For direct view from the outer line of the wall when the
openings do not project; from the outer line of the openings
whentheydoproject
o Forobliqueviewfromthedividingline
Anownercanbuildwithintheminimumdistanceorevenuptothe
dividing line provided no window is opened except as provided in
Article669.
When windows are opened, without observing the required legal
distances,theadjoiningownerhasarighttohavethemclosed.
The nonobservance of the distances does not give rise to
prescription.
o The mere opening of the windows in violation of Article 770
doesnotgiverisetotheservitudebyprescription.
o Itsanegativeeasementbecausethewindowisthroughawall
of the dominant estate and so prescription may still be
acquiredafter10yearsfromthetimeofnotarialprohibition.
Art.672.TheprovisionsofArticle670arenotapplicabletobuildings
separatedbyapublicwayoralley,whichisnotlessthanthreemeters
wide,subjecttospecialregulationsandlocalordinances.(584a)
Wherebuildingsseparatedbyapublicwayoralley
Thedistancein670isnotcompulsorywherethereisapublicwayor
alleyprovidedthatitisnotlessthan3meterswide.
Casedoctrine
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A private alley opened to the use of the general public falls within
theprovisionofArticle672.
Art. 673. Whenever by any title a right has been acquired to have
direct views, balconies or belvederes overlooking an adjoining
property, the owner of the servient estate cannot build thereon at
less than a distance of three meters to be measured in the manner
providedinArticle671.Anystipulationpermittingdistanceslessthan
thoseprescribedinArticle670isvoid.(585a)
Whereeasementofdirectviewhasbeenacquired
ThewordtitleasusedinArticle673referstoanyofthemodesof
acquiringeasements(contract,will,donationorprescription).
Whenever the easement of direct view has been acquired by such
title, there is created a true easement, the owner of the servient
estatecannotbuildthereonatlessthanadistanceof3metersfrom
theboundaryline.
The distance may be increased or decreased by stipulation of the
partiesprovidedthatincaseofdecrease,theminimumdistanceof2
metersor60cmin670mustbeobserved.Ifnot,thenitsvoid.

SECTIONSIXDRAINAGEOFBUILDINGS
Art.674.Theownerofabuildingshallbeobligedtoconstructitsroof
or covering in such manner that the rain water shall fall on his own
land or on a street or public place, and not on the land of his
neighbor,eventhoughtheadjacentlandmaybelongtotwoormore
persons,oneofwhomistheowneroftheroof.Evenifitshouldfall
on his own land, the owner shall be obliged to collect the water in
suchawayasnottocausedamagetotheadjacentlandortenement.
(586a)

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Whatisaneasementofdrainageofbuildings?
Easementofdrainageofbuildingsistherighttodivertoremptythe
rainwatersfromtheonesownrooforshedtotheneighborsestate
eitherdropbydroporthroughconduits.
Rainwaternottofallonlandofanother
Thisarticledoesnotreallycreateaservitude,itmerelyregulatesthe
use of ones own property by imposing on him the obligation to
collect its rain waters so as not to cause damage to his neighbors,
evenifhebeacoownerofthelatter.
Its an exemption to Article 637 which obliges lower estates to
receivethewaterswhichnaturallyflowfromhigherestates.
Art.675.Theownerofatenementorapieceofland,subjecttothe
easement of receiving water falling from roofs, may build in such
mannerastoreceivethewateruponhisownrooforgiveitanother
outletinaccordancewithlocalordinancesorcustoms,andinsucha
way as not to cause any nuisance or damage whatever to the
dominantestate.(587)
Easementtoreceivefallingrainwater
Thisarticledealsnotwithalegalorcompulsoryeasementbutwitha
voluntaryeasementtoreceiverainwaterfallingfromtheroofofan
adjoiningbuilding.
ItisanapplicationofArticle629.
Art. 676. Whenever the yard or court of a house is surrounded by

other houses, and it is not possible to give an outlet through the
houseitselftotherainwatercollectedthereon,theestablishmentof
an easement of drainage can be demanded, giving an outlet to the
water at the point of the contiguous lands or tenements where its
egressmaybeeasiest,andestablishingaconduitforthedrainagein
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suchmannerastocausetheleastdamagetotheservientestate,after
paymentofthepropertyindemnity.(583)
Easementgivingoutlettorainwaterwherehousesurroundedbyother
houses
The legal easement of drainage may be demanded subject to the
followingconditions:
1. There must be no adequate outlet to the rainwater because the
yardorcourtofahouseissurroundedbyotherhouses;
2. The outlet to the water must be at the point where egress is
easiest,andestablishingaconduitfordrainage;and
3. Theremustbepaymentofproperindemnity.
SECTION 7. INTERMEDIATE DISTANCES AND WORKS FOR CERTAIN

CONSTRUCTIONSANDPLANTINGS
Art. 677. No constructions can be built or plantings made near

fortifiedplacesor fortresseswithoutcompliancewiththe conditions
requiredinspeciallaws,ordinances,andregulationsrelatingthereto.
(589)
Constructionsandplantingsnearfortifiedplaces
ThisarticleestablishesaneasementinfavoroftheState.
Art. 678. No person shall build any aqueduct, well, sewer, furnace,
forge,chimney,stable,depositoryofcorrosivesubstances,machinery,
or factory which by reason of its nature or products is dangerous or
noxious, without observing the distances prescribed by the
regulations and customs of the place, and without making the
necessaryprotectiveworks,subject,inregardtothemannerthereof,
to the conditions prescribed by such regulations. These prohibitions
cannot be altered or renounced by stipulation on the part of the
adjoiningproprietors.
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Intheabsenceofregulations,suchprecautionsshallbetakenas
may be considered necessary, in order to avoid any damage to the
neighboringlandsortenements.(590a)
Constructionofaqueduct,well,sewer,etc
Constructions which by reason of their nature or products are
dangerousornoxiousmustcomplywiththedistancesprescribedby
local regulations and customs of the place. Necessary protective
works must also be built/done by the owner to avoid damage to
neighbors.
The prohibitions cannot be altered by stipulations because of the
underlyingpublicpolicyofsafety.
Whutup,anglayomona!Gogogo!
Art.679.Notreesshallbeplantednearatenementorpieceofland
belonging to another except at the distance authorized by the
ordinancesorcustomsoftheplace,and,intheabsencethereof,ata
distanceofatleasttwometersfromthedividinglineoftheestatesif
talltreesareplantedandatadistanceofatleastfiftycentimetersif
shrubsorsmalltreesareplanted.
Every landowner shall have the right to demand that trees
hereafterplantedatashorterdistancefromhislandortenementbe
uprooted.
The provisions of this article also apply to trees which have
grownspontaneously.(591a)
Plantingoftrees(wow!)
Thisarticleestablishesanegativeeasement.
It provides the minimum distance of trees and shrubs from the
boundaryline.
They shall be regulated first by local ordinances; and then by the
customsoftheplace;andindefaultofboth,thisinterestingarticle.
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Incaseofviolation,alandownershallhavetherighttodemandthe
uprootingofthetreeorshrubevenifithasgrownspontaneously.
Art.680.Ifthebranchesofanytreeshouldextendoveraneighboring
estate, tenement, garden or yard,the owner of the latter shall have
the right todemandthat they be cutoffinsofarastheymayspread
overhisproperty,and,ifitbetherootsofaneighboringtreewhich
shouldpenetrateintothelandofanother,thelattermaycutthemoff
himselfwithinhisproperty.(592)
Intrusionsofbranchesorrootsintoneighboringestates
Incaseofbranches,theadjoiningownermustfirstdemandthatthey
becutoffbythetreeownerinsofarastheyspreadovertheformers
property. If the tree owner refuses, he may ask authority from the
court.
Asto theroots,he may cut them offhimselfif they penetrateinto
his land without the necessity of giving notice to the tree owner,
because, by right of accession, he has acquired ownership over
them. It actually constitutes a direct invasion on his land (grabe
naman.)
Art. 681. Fruits naturally falling upon adjacent land belong to the
ownerofsaidland.(n)
Kung mahulog yung mangga ni Jhunjhun sa lote ko, akin na ba yung

mangga?
Yes. But the falling must occur naturally. So I have no right to pick
fruitsstillonbranchesthatextendovermyland.
This is not based on occupation nor accession, but by operation of
law.
SECTION8.EASEMENTAGAINSTNUISANCE
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Art. 682. Every building or piece of land is subject to the easement

whichprohibitstheproprietororpossessorfromcommittingnuisance
throughnoise,jarring,offensiveodor,smoke,heat,dust,water,glare
andothercauses.
Art. 683. Subject to zoning, health, police and other laws and
regulations,factoriesandshopsmaybemaintainedprovidedtheleast
possibleannoyanceiscausedtotheneighborhood.
The Code considers the easement against nuisance as negative

because the proprietor or possessor is prohibited to do something
which he could lawfully do were it not for the existence of the
easement.However,anuisanceinvolvesanyactoformissionwhich
is unlawful. So, these two articles are more of a restriction on the
rightofownershipthanatrueeasement.
SECTION9.LateralandSubjacentSupport(n)
Art.684.Noproprietorshallmakesuchexcavationsuponhislandas
to deprive any adjacent land or building of sufficient lateral or
subjacentsupport.
Art. 685. Any stipulation or testamentary provision allowing

excavationsthatcausedangertoanadjacentlandorbuildingshallbe
void.
Art. 686. The legal easement of lateral and subjacent support is not
onlyforbuildingsstandingatthetimetheexcavationsaremadebut
alsoforconstructionsthatmaybeerected.

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Art. 687. Any proprietor intending to make any excavation

contemplatedinthethreeprecedingarticlesshallnotifyallownersof
adjacentlands.
Proprietorprohibitedfrommakingdangerousexcavations
Supportislateralwhenthesupportedandthesupportinglandsare
dividedbyaverticalplane.
Support is subjacent when the supported land is above and the
supportinglandisbeneathit.
Anowner,byvirtueofhissurfaceright,maymakeexcavationsonhis
land, but his right is subject to the limitation in Article 684 that he
shallnotdepriveanyadjacentlandorbuildingofsufficientlateralor
subjacentsupport.
Any stipulation or testamentaryprovision allowing excavations that
violateArticle684isvoid.Thelimitationappliesnotonlytoexisting
buildingsbutalsotofutureconstructions.
ThenoticerequiredinArticle687ismandatoryexceptwherethere
isactualknowledgeoftheproposedexcavation.
Theadjacentownerisentitledtoinjunctivereliefandtodamagesfor
violationoftheprovisions.
CHAPTER3
VOLUNTARYEASEMENTS
Art. 688. Every owner of a tenement or piece of land may establish

thereon the easements which he may deem suitable, and in the
manner and form which he may deem best, provided he does not
contravenethelaws,publicpolicyorpublicorder.(594)
Owneroflandmayconstituteeasement
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Sinceeasementinvolvesanactofstrictdominium,onlytheowneror
atleastoneactinginhisnameandunderhisauthority,mayestablish
avoluntaryeasement.
However, a beneficial owner may establish a temporary easement
consistentwithhisrightassuchandsubjecttoterminationuponthe
extinguishmentoftheusufruct.
Voluntaryeasementsnotcontractual
Voluntary easements are not contractual in nature, they constitute
theactoftheowner.
Art. 689. The owner of a tenement or piece of land, the usufruct of

whichbelongstoanother,mayimposethereon,withouttheconsent
of the usufructuary, any servitudes whichwill not injure the right of
usufruct.(595)
Wherepropertyheldinusufruct
The owner of property in usufruct may create easements thereon
without the consent of the usufructuary provided the rights of the
latterarenotimpaired.
Art. 690. Whenever the naked ownership of a tenement or piece of

landbelongstoonepersonandthebeneficialownershiptoanother,
noperpetualvoluntaryeasementmaybeestablishedthereonwithout
theconsentofbothowners.(596)
Creationofperpetualvoluntaryeasement
A usufructuary may impose on the estate held in usufruct a
temporaryeasement.
Where the naked ownership and the beneficial ownership of the
estate belong to different persons, and the easement is perpetual
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(permanentrightofway,etc),theconsentofboththenakedowner
andthebeneficialownerisrequired.
Art.691.Inordertoimposeaneasementonanundividedtenement,
orpieceofland,theconsentofallthecoownersshallberequired.
Theconsentgivenbysomeonly,mustbeheldinabeyanceuntil
thelastoneofallthecoownersshallhaveexpressedhisconformity.
Buttheconsentgivenbyoneofthecoownersseparatelyfrom
theothersshallbindthegrantorandhissuccessorsnottopreventthe
exerciseoftherightgranted.(597a)
Impositionofeasementonundividedproperty
Thecreationofavoluntaryeasementonpropertyownedincommon
requires the unanimous consent of all the coowners, because it
involvesanactofalterationandnotmerelyanalienationofanideal
shareofacoowner.
Theconsentmaybegivenseparatelyorsuccessively.
Onceconsentisgivenbyacoowner,thesameisbindinguponhim
andhissuccessorsunlesshisconsentwasvitiated.
After the consent of the last of all of the coowners has been
secured,itisnotnecessaryforhimtogiveagainhisconsent.
Art. 692. The title and, in a proper case, the possession of an

easement acquired by prescription shall determine the rights of the
dominantestateandtheobligationsoftheservientestate.Indefault
thereof, the easement shall be governed by such provisions of this
Titleasareapplicablethereto.(598)
Rulesgoverningvoluntaryeasementsanongaba?
1. Ifcreatedbytitle,suchascontract,will,etc,thenbysuchtitle;
2. Ifcreatedbyprescription,bytheformandmannerofpossessionof
theeasement(seeArt632);and
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3. In default of the above, by the provisions of the Civil Code on

easement.
Art. 693. If the owner of the servient estate should have bound
himself,upontheestablishmentoftheeasement,tobearthecostof
theworkrequiredfortheuseandpreservationthereof,hemayfree
himselffromthisobligationbyrenouncinghispropertytotheowner
ofthedominantestate.(599)
Where servient owner bound himself to bear cost of maintenance of

easement
This article applies only where the owner of the servient estate
boundhimselftobearthecostoftheworkrequiredfortheuseand
preservationoftheeasement
He is bound to fulfill the obligation he has contracted in the same
way that such an owner, should he make use of the easement, is
bound to contribute to the works necessary for the use and
preservationoftheservitude.
The servient owner may free himself from his obligation by
renouncingorabandoninghispropertytothedominantowner.
o The renunciation need not be over the whole servient
tenement, but only on the portion thereof affected by the
easement(rightofway,etc).however,iftheeasementaffects
the entire servient estate (like natural drainage), then the
renunciationmustbetotal.
o In any case, it cannot be tacit or implied; it must follow the
form required by law for transmission of ownership of real
property.
TITLEEIGHT
NUISANCE

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Art. 694. A nuisance is any act, omission, establishment, business,

conditionofproperty,oranythingelsewhich:
(1)Injuresorendangersthehealthorsafetyofothers;or
(2)Annoysoroffendsthesenses;or
(3)Shocks,defiesordisregardsdecencyormorality;or
(4) Obstructs or interferes with the free passage of any public
highwayorstreet,oranybodyofwater;or
(5)Hindersorimpairstheuseofproperty.
Whatisthestatutorydefinitionofnuisance?
Nuisance is used to refer either to the harm caused or that which
causesharm,orboth
Negligence is not an essential ingredient of a nuisance but to be
liableforanuisance,theremustberesultinginjurytoanotherinthe
enjoymentofhislegalrights.
Anythingwhich:(IASOH)
1. Injuresorendangersthehealthorsafetyofothers
2. Annoysoroffendsthesenses
3. Shocks,defiesordisregardsdecencyormorality
4. Obstructs or interferes with the free passage of any public
highwayorstreet,oranybodyofwater
5. Hindersorimpairstheuseofproperty.
Distinguishnuisancefromtrespass
Nuisanceconsistsofauseofonesownpropertyinsuchamanneras
tocauseinjurytothepropertyorotherrightorinterestofanother,
and generally results from the commission of an act beyond the
limitsofthepropertyaffected
Trespassisadirectinfringementofanothersrightofproperty
Wherethereisnoactualphysicalinvasionoftheplaintiffsproperty,
the cause of action is for nuisance rather than trespass. An
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encroachment upon the space about anothers land but not upon
thelanditselfisanuisance,andnotatrespass.
In trespass, the injury is direct and immediate; in nuisance, it is
consequential.
Distinguishnuisancefromnegligence
Nuisance Negligence
Basisofbreachofduty Regardlessofthe Wantofcare
degreeofcareorskill
Violationof Anabsoluteduty,the Arelativeduty,the
doingofanactwhich failuretousethe
iswrongfulinitself degreeofcare
requiredunder
particular
circumstancesin
connectionwithanact
oromissionwhichis
notofitselfwrongful
Where the damage is the necessary consequence of what the
defendantisdoing,orisincidenttothebusinessitselforthemanner
in which it is conducted, the law of negligence has no application,
andthelawofnuisanceapplies.
In fine, nuisance is wrongful in itself because of the injury caused
regardless of the presence or absence of care, while negligence
createsliabilitybecauseofwantofpropercareresultingtoanothers
injury.
Casedoctrines
Noise becomes actionable only when it passes the limits of
reasonable adjustment to the conditions of the locality and of the
needsofthemakertotheneedsofthelistener.Injurytoaparticular
personinapeculiarpositionwillnotrenderthenoiseanactionable
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nuisance in the condition of present living, noise seems

inseparablefromtheconductofmanynecessaryoccupations.
The test to determine noise as nuisance is whether rights of
property,healthorcomfortaresoinjuriouslyaffectedbythenoise
that the sufferer is subjected to a loss which goes beyond the
reasonablelimitimposeduponhimbytheconditionofliving.
Thedeterminingfactorwhennoisealoneisthecauseofcomplaintis
not its intensity or volume, but it is that the noise is of such
characterastoproduceactualphysicaldiscomfortandannoyanceto
a person of ordinary sensibilities, rendering adjacent property less
comfortableandvaluable.(ACEnterprisesvFrabelle)
A negligent or intentional act may constitute a nuisance. Where,
after complaint and notice of damage, the defendant continues to
offend and refuses to correct or discontinue the nuisance, it is
intentional.
Art.695.Nuisanceiseitherpublicorprivate.Apublicnuisanceaffects
a community or neighborhood or any considerable number of
persons, although the extent of the annoyance, danger or damage
uponindividualsmaybeunequal.Aprivatenuisanceisonethatisnot
includedintheforegoingdefinition.
Whatisapublicnuisance?
Apublicnuisancehasbeendefinedas
o the doing of or the failure to do something that injuriously
affectssafety,healthormoralsofthepublic,or
o workssomesubstantialannoyance,inconvenience,orinjuryto
thepublic.
Whatisaprivatenuisance?
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A private nuisance has been defined as one which violates only

private rights and produces damage to but one or a few personas,
andcannotbesaidtobepublic.
Public Private
Affects Publicatlarge,orsuch Theindividualora
ofthemasmaycome limitednumberof
incontactwithit individualsonly
Remedies Indictable Actionable,eitherfor
theirabatementorfor
damages,orboth
Anuisancemaybebothpublicandprivateincharacter.Hence,there
are mixed nuisances. It may violate public rights to the injury of
many,whileproducing specialinjury to privaterights toany extent
beyondtheinjurytothepublic.
Whatisanuisanceperse?
Nuisance per se is an act, occupation, or structure which
unquestionably is a nuisance at all times and under any
circumstances,regardlessoflocationorsurroundings.
Itisthatwhichaffectstheimmediatesafetyofpersonsandproperty.
(TelmovBustamante)
Itisanuisanceofitselfbecauseofitsinherentqualities,productive
of injury or dangerous to life or property without regard to
circumstance.
Example:Ahouseofprostitution.
Whatisanuisanceperaccidens?
Itisanact,occupation,orstructure,notanuisanceperse,butwhich
may become a nuisance by reason of circumstances, location, or
surroundings.
Example:raisingofpigsinahousewithincitylimits.

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Nuisanceperse Nuisanceperaccidens
Intermsofproof Thethingbecomesa Dependsuponits
nuisanceasamatter locationand
oflaw surroundings,the
Itsexistenceneedonly mannerofitsconduct
beprovedinany orother
locatlity,without circumstances.
showingspecific Proofoftheactandits
damages,andthe consequencesis
righttoreliefis necessary.
establishedby Itmustbeshownby
avermentandproofof evidencetobea
themereact. nuisanceunderthe
law.
Intermsofaction Maybesummarily Eventhemunicipal
abatedunderthe authorities,under
undefinedlawof theirpowertodeclare
necessity andabatenuisances,
wouldnothavethe
righttocompelthe
abatementofa
particularthingoract
asanuisancewithout
reasonablenoticeto
thepersonallegedto
bemaintainingor
doingthesameatthe
timeandplaceof
hearingbeforea
tribunalwhethersuch
athingconstitutesa
nuisance

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Casedoctrines
The operation of bus terminals is a legitimate business which, by
itself,cannotbesaidtobeinjurioustotherightsofproperty,health,
or comfort of the community. Unless a thing is nuisance per se, it
may not be abated via an ordinance, without judicial proceedings.
(LucenavJACLiner)
Theabatementofanuisancewithoutjudicialproceedingsispossible
onlyifitisanuisanceperse.Agasstationisnotanuisanceperseor
oneaffectingtheimmediatesafetyofpersonsandproperty.Hence,
it cannot be closed down or transferred summarily to another
location.(ParaynovJovellanos)
Injurymustnotbemerelyperceived,butmustbefactual.(Parayno)
Whatisthedoctrineofattractivenuisance?
One who maintains on his premises dangerous instrumentalities or
appliances of a character likely to attract children in play, and who
fails to exercise ordinary care to prevent children from playing
therewith or resorting thereto, is liable to a child of tender years
whoisinjuredthereby,evenifthechildistechnicallyatrespasserin
thepremises.
Thereasonisthattheconditionorapplianceinquestionalthoughits
danger is apparent, is so enticing to children of tender years as to
inducethemtoapproachoruseit.
Theattractivenessisanimpliedinvitationtosuchchildren
EXCEPTION:isnotapplicabletobodiesofwater,artificialornatural
intheabsenceofsomeunusualconditionorartificialfeatureother
thanthemerewateranditslocation.
o Aswimmingpoolisnotanuisance.
o A tank of water from an ice plant is not a nuisance as well.
(Hidalgocase)
o WhatifJollibeeisinthemiddleoftheswimmingpool?!
Exerciseduediligence.Tanggalinyungbubuyognayan!
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Art.696.Everysuccessiveownerorpossessorofpropertywhofailsor
refuses to abate a nuisance in that property started by a former
ownerorpossessorisliablethereforinthesamemannerastheone
whocreatedit.
Generally, only the creator of a nuisance is liable for the damge

resultingtherefrom.
However,sincetheinjuriouseffectofanuisanceisacontinuingone,
every successive owner or possessor of property constituting a
nuisancewhofailsorrefusestoabateit,hasthesameliabilityasthe
originalowner.
But of course, the new owenr must have actual knowledge of the
nuisance.
Art.697.Theabatementofanuisancedoesnotprecludetherightof
anypersoninjuredtorecoverdamagesforitspastexistence.
Aretheremediesexclusive?
No.
Theactiontoabatenuisanceandtheactiontorecoverdamagesare
distinctremedieseitherorbothofwhichtheplaintiffmaypursueat
hiselection.
Thetworemediesareconcurrentandnotexclusive.
The owner of property abated as a nuisance is not entitled to
compensationunlesshecanshowthattheabatementisunjustified.
Art. 698. Lapse of time cannot legalize any nuisance, whether public
orprivate.

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Generalrule:Therighttobringanactiontoabateapublicorprivate
nuisanceisnotextinguishedbyprescription.Lapseoftimecannotbe
reliedupontolegalizeanuisance,whetherpublicorprivate.
Exception:SeeArt631(2)whichexpresslyprescribesthateasements
are extinguished by obstruction and nonuse for ten years. (check
book,P558)
Art.699.Theremediesagainstapublicnuisanceare:
(1)AprosecutionunderthePenalCodeoranylocalordinance:or
(2)Acivilaction;or
(3)Abatement,withoutjudicialproceedings.
Whataretheremediesagainstapublicnuisance?
1. ProsecutionunderthePenalCodeoranylocalordinance
2. Acivilaction
3. Abatement,withoutjudicialproceedings.
Thesearenotexclusivebutcumulative.
Allofthemmaybeavailedofbypublicofficers,andthelasttwo,by
privatepersons,ifthenuisanceisespeciallyinjurioustothelatter.
Abatementwithoutjudicialproceedings
Thesummaryabatementofnuisancewithoutjudicialproceedingsis
recognized and established even in the absence of statute on the
groundthattherequirementofpreliminaryformallegalproceedings
and a judicial trial would result in defeating the beneficial object
soughttobeobtained.
Policepowerofthestateincludestherighttodestroyorabatebya
summary proceeding whatever may be regarded as a public
nuisance,subjecttoconstitutionallimitations.
Propertytakenordestroyedforthepurposeofabatinganuisanceis
not taken for public use, and there is accordingly no obligation to
makecompensationforsuchtaking.
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Art.700.Thedistricthealthofficershalltakecarethatoneorallofthe
remediesagainstapublicnuisanceareavailedof.
Art.701.Ifacivilactionisbroughtbyreasonofthemaintenanceofa
public nuisance, such action shall be commenced by the city or
municipalmayor.
Art. 702. The district health officer shall determine whether or not
abatement,withoutjudicialproceedings,isthebestremedyagainsta
publicnuisance.
Whatistheroleofthedistricthealthofficerandotherswithrespectto
publicnuisance?
The district health officer is charged with the duty to see to it that
oneoralloftheremediesagainstapublicnuisanceareavailedof.
Article 702 does not empower the district health officer to abate a
publicnuisancetotheexclusionofallotherauthorities.Hispoweris
simply to determine whether or not abatement, without judicial
proceedings,isthebestremedyagainstapublicnuisance.
Theactionmustbecommencedbythecityormunicipalmayor.But
a private person may also file an action if the public nuisance is
especiallyinjurioustohim.

Art. 703. A private person may file an action on account of a public
nuisance,ifitisspeciallyinjurioustohimself.
Doesaprivatepersonhavearighttofileactiononaccountofapublic
nuisance?
Certainly!
Aprivatepersonmayalsofileacivilactionifthepublicnuisanceis
especiallyinjurioustohimself.Inotherwords,thenuisancebecomes
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astohimaprivatenuisanceaffectinghiminaspecialwaydifferent
fromthatsustainedbythepublicingeneral.
Intheabsenceofashowingofspecialorunusualdamages,differing
fromthosesufferedbythegeneralpublic,acauseofactiondoesnot
ariseinfavorofaprivateindividual
Anactionmaybemaintainedbyonewhoisnotthesoleorevena
peculiarsufferer,ifhisgrievanceisnotcommontothewholepublic,
butisacommonmisfortuneofanumberorevenaclassofpersons.
Art. 704. Any private person may abate a public nuisance which is
speciallyinjurioustohimbyremoving,orifnecessary,bydestroying
thethingwhichconstitutesthesame,withoutcommittingabreachof
thepeace,ordoingunnecessaryinjury.Butitisnecessary:
(1) That demand be first made upon the owner or possessor of the
propertytoabatethenuisance;
(2)Thatsuchdemandhasbeenrejected;
(3)Thattheabatementbeapprovedbythedistricthealthofficerand
executedwiththeassistanceofthelocalpolice;and
(4)Thatthevalueofthedestructiondoesnotexceedthreethousand
pesos.
What are the conditions for extrajudicial abatement of a public

nuisance?
Thepartyinjuredmayremove,andifnecessary,destroythingwhich
constitutesthenuisancewithoutcommittingabreachofthepeace,
ordoingunnecessarydamage.
Whatshouldbedone?
1. Demand be first made upon the owner or possessor of the
nuisance
2. Demandmusthavebeenrejected
3. Abatement be approved by the district health officer and
executedwiththeassistanceofthelocalpolice
4. ThevalueofthedestructiondoesnotexceedP3000.
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Art.705.Theremediesagainstaprivatenuisanceare:
(1)Acivilaction;or
(2)Abatement,withoutjudicialproceedings.
Art. 706. Any person injured by a private nuisance may abate it by

removing, or if necessary, by destroying the thing which constitutes
the nuisance, without committing a breach of the peace or doing
unnecessaryinjury. However,itisindispensablethattheprocedure
for extrajudicial abatement of a public nuisance by a private person
befollowed.
Whataretheremediesagainstaprivatenuisance?
1. Civilaction
2. Abatement,withoutjudicialproceedings.
In abating a nuisance, a person may even go to the extent of

destroyingthedamnthingwhichconstitutesthenusicanceprovided:
a. Hecommitsnobreachofthepeacenorcausesunnecessary
injury,and
b. The procedure for extrajudicial abatement of public
nuisanceprescribedin704iscompliedwith
Art.707.Aprivatepersonorapublicofficialextrajudiciallyabatinga
nuisanceshallbeliablefordamages:
(1)Ifhecausesunnecessaryinjury;or
(2) If an alleged nuisance is later declared by the courts to be not a
realnuisance.
Isthereliabilityfordamagesincaseofextrajudicialabatement?
Yeeeeeeees!
Aprivateorpublicofficermaybeheldliablefordamages.
Thetwogroundsofwhichare:
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a. Unnecessaryinjury
b. Theallegednuisanceislaterdeclaredbythecourtstobenot
arealnuisance.

BOOKIII
DIFFERENTMODESOFACQUIRINGOWNERSHIP
PRELIMINARYPROVISION
Art. 712. Ownership is acquired by occupation and by intellectual

creation.
Ownershipandotherrealrightsoverpropertyareacquiredand
transmitted by law, by donation, by estate and intestate succession,
andinconsequenceofcertaincontracts,bytradition.
Theymayalsobeacquiredbymeansofprescription.(609a)
Whatismode?
Modeisthespecificcausewhichproducesthemastheresultofthe
presence of a special condition of things, of the capacity and
intention of persons, and of the fulfillment of the requisites
establishedbylaw.
Whatistitle?
Titleisthejuridicalact,rightorconditionwhichgivesthemeansto
theiracquisitionbutwhichinitselfisinsufficienttoproducethem.
In a contract of sale, the contract is the title and tradition, as a

consequenceofsale,isthemode.
Sometimes, the mode is at the same time the title (as in with
succession)

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Mode Title
Directlyandimmediatelyproduces Servesmerelytogivetheoccasion
arealright foritsacquisitionorexistence
Thecause Themeans
Proximatecause Remotecause
Essenceoftherightwhichistobe Themeanswherebythatessence
createdortransmitted istransmitted
Contractsonlyconstitutetitlesorrightstothetransferoracquisition
of ownership, while tradition or delivery is the mode of
accomplishingthesame.
What are the different modes and titles of acquiring ownership and
otherrealrights?(OLDTIPS)
1. Original modes or those independent of any preexisting right of
anotherperson,namely:
a. Occupation(conditionofbeingwithoutknownowner);and
b. Work which includes intellectual creation (creation,
discovery,orinvention)
2. Derivative modes or those based on a preexisting right held by
anotherperson,namely:
a. Law(existenceofrequiredconditions)
b. Donation(contractofparties)
c. Succession,estateandintestate(death)
d. Tradition,asaconsequenceofcertaincontracts(contractof
theparties),and
e. Prescription(possessionintheconceptofowner)
The derivative modes are modes both for the acquisition and
transmission of ownership and other real rights. The transmission
may involve a right in its entirety, or only a part thereof (pledge,
mortgage,usufruct).
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Registration is not a mode of acquiring ownership, and other real

rightsbutonlyameansofconfirmingthefactoftheirlegalexistence
withnoticetotheworldatlarge.
Lawasamodeofacquisition?
WhentheCivilCodespeaksoflawasamodeofacquisition,itrefers
toitasadistinctmodeortothosecaseswherethelaw,independent
of the other modes, directly vest ownership of a thing in a person
oncetheprescribedconditionsorrequisitesarepresentorcomplied
with.
Examples:
1. Hiddentreasure
2. Art445
3. Riverbeds(Art461)
4. Art466
5. Art681
6. Art1434
7. Art1456
Traditionasamodeofacquistion
Traditionisaderivativemodeofacquiringownershipandotherreal
rightsbyvirtueofwhich,therebeingintentionandcapacityonthe
partofthegrantorandgranteeandthepreexistenceofsaidrights
in the estate of the grantor, they are transmitted to the grantee
throughajusttitle.(whut?)
Requisites:
i. Preexistence in the estate of the grantor of the right to be
transmitted
ii. Justcauseortitleforthetransmission
iii. Intentiononthepartofthegrantortograntandonthepartof
thegranteetoacquire
iv. Capacitytotransmitandtoacquire
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v. Anactwhichgivesitoutwardform,physically,symbolicallyor
legally
Purpose: non nudis pactis, sed traditione dominia rerum
transferuntur. Ownership is transferred, among other means, by
tradition. The delivery of a thing constitutes a necessary and
indispensable requisite for the purpose of acquiring the ownership
ofthesamebyvirtueofacontract.
Kinds:
a. Realtradition
b. Constructivetradition
i. Symbolic
ii. Traditionbypublicinstrument
iii. Traditiolongamanu
iv. Traditionbrevimanu
v. Traditionconstitutumpossessorium
c. Quasitradition
d. Traditionbyoperationoflaw
Whatdoyouactuallydeliver?
Ownership,possessionandcontrolofthesubjectmatter.
What if the vendor points to the vendee a certain house which he

already sold to the vendee, but there are security guards roaming
aroundthelot?
Notradition.(AskJaymieReyes.)
Casedoctrines
A stranger to the succession of a dead person cannot conclusively
claimownershipoverthesubjectlotonthesolebasisofthewaiver
document which neither recites the elements of either a sale, or a
donation, or any other derivative mode of acquiring ownership.
(AcapvCA)
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An affidavit not accompanied by any instrument showing the sale

betweenapurportedvendorandvendeeisnotabasisofownership.
(HeirsofdelaCruzvHeirsofQuintos)
For lands of public domain, in order to acquire it by prescription,
there must be a declaration of the State that its alienable and
disposableandapositiveactthatstatesthatitisnolongerneeded
for public use. Only at that point will the counting for prescription
start.(HeirsofMalabanan)
TITLEONEOCCUPATION
Art.713.Thingsappropriablebynaturewhicharewithoutanowner,
such as animals that are the object of hunting and fishing, hidden
treasureandabandonedmovables,areacquiredbyoccupation.(610)
Whatistheconceptofoccupation?
1. Definedastheappropriationofthingsappropriablebynaturewhich
arewithoutanowner.
2. The seizure of things corporeal which have no owner with the
intentionofacquiringtheownershipthereof.
Whataretherequisitesofoccupation?
1. Seizureofathing
2. Mustbecorporealpersonalproperty
3. Mustbesusceptibleofappropriationbynature
4. Mustbewithoutanowner
5. Mustbeanintentiontoappropriate
6. Requisitesorconditionslaiddownbylawmustbecompliedwith
Whatconstitutesseizure?
It is sufficient that there is an act of taking possession, material
holding not being essential as long as the possessor considers the
thingassubjectedtohiscontrolordisposition
PJG
The thing must be corporeal personal property without known

owner(res nullius) or abandonedby the owner.res communesare
notappropriablebynature.
Themustbeanintenttoacquireownership,otherwise,theseizure
would not be appropriation in the legal sense, but mere material
holding.
Occupation Possession
Modeofacquiringownership Merelyraisesthepresumptionof
ownershipwhenitisexercisedin
theconceptofowner
Corporealpersonalproperty Anyproperty
Requiresthattheobjectbe Mayrefertopropertyownedby
withoutanowner somebody
Requiresanintenttoacquire Conceptofmereholder
ownership
Maynottakeplacewithoutsome Mayexistwithoutoccupation
formofpossession
Shortduration Generallyoflongerduration
Byitself,cannotleadtoanother Mayleadtoanothermode,which
modeofacquisition isprescription
Whatarethewaysbywhichoccupationmaybeeffected?
1. Byhuntingandfishing
2. Byfindingofmovableswhichneverhadanyowner
3. By finding of movables which have been abandoned by the owner,
and
4. Byfindingofhiddentreasure
Whataboutwildanimals?
Theyarepossessedonlywhiletheyareunderonescontrol.

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Whenisathingabandoned,lostortakenbyforce?
A thing is considered abandoned when the spes recuperandi
(expectationtorecover)isgoneandtheanimorevertendi(intention
tohaveitreturned)isfinallygivenupbytheowner.
A thing has been lost or taken by force is not ipso facto converted
into a res nullius so as to belong to the first person who takes
possessionofthesamewithoutthenecessityofprovingthemodeof
hisacquisitionanditmaythusberecoveredbytheoriginalowner.
Art. 714. The ownership of a piece of land cannot be acquired by

occupation.(n)
Land is not included among things that can be the object of

occupationthereasonisthatwhenthelandiswithoutanowner,it
pertainstothestate.
But,whataboutabandonedprivateland?
Art. 715. The right to hunt and to fish is regulated by special laws.
(611)
DoIhavearighttohuntandfish?
No.
Strictlyspeaking,noonehasarighttohuntorfish.
Theprivilegetohuntorfish,however,maybegrantedandregulated
bylaw.
Art. 716.Theowner of a swarmofbees shall havea right topursue

them to another's land, indemnifying the possessor of the latter for
thedamage.Iftheownerhasnotpursuedtheswarm,orceasestodo
sowithintwoconsecutivedays,thepossessorofthelandmayoccupy
orretainthesame. The owner of domesticated animals may also
claim them within twenty days to be counted from their occupation
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by another person. This period having expired, they shall pertain to

himwhohascaughtandkeptthem.(612a)
Thisarticletalksofdomesticated,notdomesticanimals.
With respect to domestic animals, he can claim them even beyond
twentydaysfromtheiroccupationunlessthereisabandonmenton
hispart.
This article does not apply to a case where a person has found a
domestic animal and kept it for a number of years not knowing its
owner.
A domesticated animal which has not strayed or been abandoned
cannot be acquired by occupation by a person to whose custody it
wasentrusted
The periods of two days and twenty days are not periods of
limitation,butconditionsprecedenttorecovery.
Art.717.Pigeonsandfishwhichfromtheirrespectivebreedingplaces
pass to another pertaining to a different owner shall belong to the
latter,providedtheyhavenotbeenenticedbysomearticleoffraud.
(613a)
Thisarticledoesnotrefertowildpigeonsandfishinastateofliberty
or that live naturally independent of man. Their occupation is
regulatedbyArt715.
What is contemplated here are pigeons and fish considered as
domesticated animals subject to the control of man in private
breedingplaces.
The pigeons and fish must change their breeding place to another
belongingtoadifferentowner.
Unless enticed by some artifice or fraud, the shall belong to the
ownerofthebreedingplacetowhichtheyshallhavetransferred.

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Art. 718. He who by chance discovers hidden treasure in another's

propertyshallhavetherightgrantedhiminarticle438ofthisCode.
(614)
Art.719.Whoeverfindsamovable,whichisnottreasure,mustreturn
it to its previous possessor. If the latter is unknown, the finder shall
immediately deposit it with the mayor of the city or municipality
wherethefindinghastakenplace.
The finding shall be publicly announced by the mayor for two
consecutiveweeksinthewayhedeemsbest.
Ifthemovablecannotbekeptwithoutdeterioration,orwithout
expenses which considerably diminish its value, it shall be sold at
publicauctioneightdaysafterthepublication.
Six months from the publication having elapsed without the
owner having appeared, the thing found, or its value, shall be
awardedtothefinder.Thefinderandtheownershallbeobliged,as
thecasemaybe,toreimbursetheexpenses.(615a)
Art. 720. If the owner should appear in time, he shall be obliged to

pay,asarewardtothefinder,onetenthofthesumorofthepriceof
thethingfound.(616a)

Seecodalforrules.Fairlysimple.
Thisarticleisbasedonthefactthatonewholosthispropertydoes
notnecessarilyabandonit.Ifthereisnoabandonment,thelostthing
hasnotbecomeresnullius.
Paragraph4contemplatesimpliedabandonment.
TitleII.INTELLECTUALCREATION
Art. 721. By intellectual creation, the following persons acquire

ownership:
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(1) The author with regard to his literary, dramatic, historical,

legal,philosophical,scientificorotherwork;
(2)Thecomposer;astohismusicalcomposition;
(3) The painter, sculptor, or other artist, with respect to the
productofhisart;
(4)Thescientistortechnologistoranyotherpersonwithregard
tohisdiscoveryorinvention.(n)
Art.722.Theauthorandthecomposer,mentionedinNos.1and2of
theprecedingarticle,shallhavetheownershipoftheircreationseven
before the publication of the same. Once their works are published,
theirrightsaregovernedbytheCopyrightlaws.
Thepainter,sculptororotherartistshallhavedominionoverthe
productofhisartevenbeforeitiscopyrighted.
Thescientistortechnologisthastheownershipofhisdiscovery
orinventionevenbeforeitispatented.(n)
Art. 723. Letters and other private communications in writing are

ownedbythepersontowhomtheyareaddressedanddelivered,but
theycannotbepublishedordisseminatedwithouttheconsentofthe
writerorhisheirs.However,thecourtmayauthorizetheirpublication
or dissemination if the public good or the interest of justice so
requires.(n)
Art.724.Speciallawsgoverncopyrightandpatent.(429a)
TitleIII.DONATION
CHAPTERONE
NATUREOFDONATIONS

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Art. 725. Donation is an act of liberality whereby a person disposes

gratuitously of a thing or right in favor of another, who accepts it.
(618a)
Conceptofdonation
In its generic sense, the term donation includes all forms of
gratuitousdispositions.
The donation the article speaks of and which is governed by Title
Three is the donation proper or the true (or real) donation, or
ordinarydonation.
Whatisthenatureandeffectofdonation?
Although Art 725 defines donation as an act, it is really a contract,
withalltheessentialrequisitesofacontract.
Itfallsundercontractsofpurebeneficence,theconsiderationbeing
themereliberalityofthebenefactor.
The Civil Code considers donation not among the contracts that
transfer ownership but as a particular mode of acquiring and
transmittingownership.
As a mode of acquiring ownership, donation results in an effective
transfer of title over the property from the moment the donor is
made aware of the acceptance by the donee, provided that the
donee is not disqualified or prohibited by law from accepting the
donation.
Onceaccepted,itisgenerallyconsideredirrevocable,andthedonee
becomesownerofproperty,except:
1. onaccountofofficiousness,
2. failure of the donee to comply with the charge imposed on the
donation,
3. oringratitude.
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The effect of donation is to reduce the patrimony or asset of the

donor and to increase that of the donee. Hence, the giving of a
mortgageoranyothersecuritydoesnotconstituteadonation.
Requisitesofdonation
1. Donormusthavecapacitytomakethedonationofathingorright
2. Donativeintent(animusdonandi)orintenttomakethedonationout
ofliberalitytobenefitthedonee
3. Theremustbedelivery,whetheractualorconstructive
4. Doneemustacceptorconsenttothedonation.
In certain donations, the form prescribed by law must be followed

(SeeArt748749)
Thesubjectmatterofadonationmaybeathingorright.Aperson
maybeadoneealthoughheisincapacitatedtoenterintoacontract
ifheisnotspeciallydisqualifiedbylawtoacceptdonations.
Not enough that the act is gratuitous, there must be an intent to
benefitthedonee.
Theacceptanceorconsentofthedoneeisrequiredbecausenoonce
canbeobligedtoreceiveabenefitagainsthiswill.
Casedoctrines
Theessentialelementsofdonationareasfollows:
o Essentialreductionofthepatrimonyofthedonor
o Increaseinthepatrimonyofthedonee
o Theintenttodoanactofliberalityoranimusdonandi(Heirsof
FlorenciovHeirsofdeLeon)
Inorderthatthedonationofanimmovablepropertymaybevalid,
the deed of donation must be made in a public document. The
acceptancemustbeinapublicdocumentaswell.(HeirsofFlorencio)
RegistrationofthedeedintheOfficeoftheRDorintheAssessors
Office is not necessary for it to be considered valid and official.
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Registrationdoesnotvesttitle.Thenecessityofregistrationcomes
into play only when the rights of third persons are affected.
Furthermore,theheirsareboundbythedeedofcontractsexecuted
bytheirpredecessorsininterest.(HeirsofFlorencio)
A quitclaim is not a donation where those who executed the same
merelyacknowledgedtheownershipofandbetterrightoverthelot
byotherpersons.(HeirsofReyesvCalumpang)
Acceptance is necessary in a donation. This applies to all kinds of
donations because the law does not make any distinction. A
donationmortiscausatakeseffectonlyafterthedeathofthedonor,
consequently it is only after the latters death that its acceptance
maybemade.(VitavMontanano)
Prudent thing to do when drafting deeds of donation: Place an
acceptanceclause.So,ifcourtconsidersitintervivos,thenitwould
have been accepted. If court considers it mortis causa, then the
clause would be a mere superfluity, still open to the acceptance of
thedoneeuponthedeathofthedonor.(AttyAbrenica)
Thepurposeoftheformalrequirementforacceptanceofadonation
is to ensure that such acceptance is duly communicated to the
donor. The actual knowledge by the donor of the construction and
existence of the school building pursuant to the condition of the
donation fulfills the legal requirement that the acceptance of the
donation by the donee becommunicated tothe donor.(Republicv
Silim)
Art.726.Whenapersongivestoanotherathingorrightonaccount
ofthelatter'smeritsoroftheservicesrenderedbyhimtothedonor,
providedtheydonotconstituteademandabledebt,orwhenthegift
imposesuponthedoneeaburdenwhichislessthanthevalueofthe
thinggiven,thereisalsoadonation.(619)
Whatarethekindsofdonation?
1. Astotakingeffect:
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a. Inter vivos or that which takes effect during the lifetime of

thedonor
b. Moriscausaorthatwhichtakeseffectuponthedeathofthe
donor
c. Propternuptiasorthatbyreasonofmarriage
2. Astoconsideration
a. Pure or simple; or that the cause of which is the pure
liberalityofthedonorinconsiderationofthedoneesmerits
b. Remuneratory or compensatory; or that which is given out
of gratitude on account of the services rendered by the
donee to the donor, provided they do not constitute a
demandabledebt
c. Modal or that which imposes upon the donee a burden
(servicestobeperformedinthefuture)lessthanthevalue
ofthegift
d. Onerous or that the value of which is considered the
equivalentoftheconsiderationforwhichitisgiven,orthat
madeforavaluableconsideration,andisthusgovernedby
therulesonoblicon
3. Astoeffectivityorextinguishment
a. Pure
b. Conditional
c. Withaterm
Tellmemoreaboutremuneratorydonations
In this kind of donation, the motivating cause is gratitude,
acknowledgmentofafavor,adesiretorepayforpastservices
Adonationgivenforfutureservicescannotberemuneratory
Itisnecessarythatthepastservicesdonotconstituteademandable
debt
o A debt is demandable when it can be legally demanded or
enforced by the donee against the donor who has thus an
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obligationtopayit.Butadebtthathasbeenrenouncedisnota
demandabledebt.
Whataboutgratuitiesandpensions?
While technically a gratuity is different from a donation, in
substance,theyarethesame.
A gratuity is similar to a pension and is essentially remunerative
donation.
Tellmemoreaboutmodaldonations
Inamodaldonation,aburden(whichisnecessarilyfuture)lessthan
thevalueofthegiftisimposeduponthedonee.
Iftheburdenisconsideredtheequivalentofthethingorrightgiven,
thenitsanonerousdonation.
Theburdenmayconsistinarealorpersonalchargewhichiscapable
ofbeingvaluedintermsofmoney.
Whataredonationswithmixedfeatures?
Strictlyspeaking,remuneratorydonationsarethosewhicharegiven
onaccountofservicesrenderedbythedoneetothedonor.
Modal donations are conditional only in the sense that a burden,
charge, condition or limitation is imposed y the donor but the
burden is not technically a condition in the sense of an uncertain
event upon which the effectitivy or extinguishment of donation is
made to depend for it is really a mere obligation imposed by the
donoruponthedoneeasaconsideration
Actually,amodaldonationhasdualnature,itispartlyonerousand
partlysimpletheportionequivalenttotheburdenisonerousand
is governed by the rules on obligations and contracts, while the
portion exceeding the value of the burdens imposed, is simple and
mustfollowtheformofdonations.
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HarrydonatestoRonaparceloflandworth300galleons2butRonhas
to give another parcel of land or perform some service worth 100
galleons,thetransactionisonerousasthe100galleonswhichmustbe
in the form of a contract of barter or exchange, and simple as to the
200galleonswhichmustfollowtheformofdonations.
Casedoctrines
An onerous donation is that which imposes upon the donee a
reciprocal obligation, or to be precise, this is the kind of donation
made for a valuable consideration, the cost of which is equal to or
more than the thing donated. (CJ Yulo v Roman Catholic Bishop of
SanPablo)
Sinceonerousdonationsaregovernedbytherulesofcontracts,the
prescriptionperiodis10years(basedonawrittencontract),andnot
the4yearperiodbasedonArticle764(revocationmustbebrought
within 4 years from the noncompliance of the conditions of the
donation).(DeLunavAbrigo)
Remuneratorydonationisonewherethedoneegivessomethingto
reward past or future services or because of future charges or
burdens,whenthevalueofsaidservices,burdensorchargesisless
than the value of the donation. (De Luna > this definition seems
wrongasitincludesfuturecharges,whicharenecessarilymodal)
Art.727.Illegalorimpossibleconditionsinsimpleandremuneratory
donationsshallbeconsideredasnotimposed.(n)
Whatstheeffectofillegalorimpossibleconditions?
UnderArticle 727, the illegalorimpossible condition inasimpleor
remuneratorydonationwouldbedeemednotimposedfollowingthe
2
As of July 2006, the galleondollar exchange rate was 1:16.72. It hasnt gone below 1:15 ever since. Wala lang, boring ng
propertyeh.HarryPotternalang.
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rule on testamentary dispositions. The donation will be considered

assimiple.
Ifthedonationisonerous(ormodal,astoitsonerousportion),the
illegalorimpossibleconditionshallrenderitvoid.Beingcontractual
in nature, the rule applicable would be that found in Article 1183
(checkcodal,ifdivisible,onlyconditionwillbevoid)
Casedoctrine
Theprohibitioninthedeedofdonationagainstthealienationof
the property for 100 years should be declared as an illegal or
impossible condition within the contemplation of Article 727.
Consequently,suchconditionshallbeconsideredasnotimposed.
No reliance may accordingly be placed on said prohibitory
paragraphinthedeedofdonation.(ArchbishopofManilavCA)
Art. 728. Donations which are to take effect upon the death of the
donorpartakeofthenatureoftestamentaryprovisions,andshallbe
governedbytherulesestablishedintheTitleonSuccession.(620)
Art.729.Whenthedonorintendsthatthedonationshalltakeeffect
during the lifetime of the donor, though the property shall not be
delivered till after the donor's death, this shall be a donation inter
vivos. The fruits of the property from the time of the acceptance of
the donation, shall pertain to the donee, unless the donor provides
otherwise.(n)
Intervivos Mortiscausa
Takeseffectduringthelifetimeof Takeseffectuponthedeathofthe
thedonor,independentlyofhis donortestator,sothatnothingis
death,eveniftheactualexecution conveyedtooracquiredbythe
maybedeferreduntilsaiddeath doneeuntilsaiddeath
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Madeoutofthedonorspure Madeincontemplationofhis
generosity deathwithouttheintentionto
losethethingoritsfreedisposal
incaseofsurvival
Validifthedonorsurvivesthe Voidshouldthedonorsurvivethe
donee donee
Mustfollowformalitiesof Mustfollowformalitiesforthe
donations validityofawill,otherwisevoid
Acceptedbythedoneeduringhis Acceptedonlyafterthedonors
lifetime death
Cannotberevokedexceptfor Alwaysrevocableatanytimeand
groundsprovidedbylaw(See760, foranyreasonbeforethedonors
765) death(revocableadnutumat
thediscretionofthegrantor)
Righttodisposeofthepropertyis Rightisretainedbythedonor
completelyconveyedtothedonee whileheisstillalive
Subjecttodonorstax Subjecttoestatetax
Designationgiventodonationsnotconclusive
Didthedonorintendtotransferownershipofthepropertydonated
upon the execution of the donation? If yes, then it is inter vivos. If
not,then,itismerelymortiscausa.
Totakeeffectatthedeathofthecreditordoesnotautomatically
make it mortis causa. Such statements must be construed with the
restoftheinstrument.
Donationstobedeliveredafterthedonorsdeath
A distinction must be made between the actual donation and the
executionthereof
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Thatthedonationistohaveeffectduringthelifetimeofthedonor
does not mean that the delivery of the property must be made
duringhislife.
Article729speaksofdonationsinpraesentiwhichtakeeffectduring
the lifetime of the donor but the property shall be delivered after
thedonorsdeath.
Suchareintervivosalthoughthesubjectmatterisnotdeliveredat
once,orthedeliveryistobemadepostmortem,whichisasimple
matterofformanddoesnotchangethenatureoftheact.
The fruits shall belong to the donee from the time of acceptance
unlessotherwiseprovidedbythedonor.
Instances
Why is it important to make a distinction between inter vivos and

mortiscausa?
The distinction between a transfer inter vivos and mortis causa is
important as the validity or revocation of the donation depends
uponitsnature.
Ifthedonationisintervivos,itmustbeexecutedandacceptedwith
theformalitiesprescribedbyArticles748and749,exceptwhenitis
onerousinwhichcasetherulesoncontractsapply.
Ifitismortiscausa,thedonationmustbeintheformofawill,with
all the formalities for the validity of wills, otherwise it is void and
cannottransferownership.Moreover,mortiscausacanberevoked
anytimebeforethedeathofthedonor.(GanuelasvCawed)
Whatclausesarefoundinadeedofdonation?
1. Habendum or warranty clause (wherein grantor transfers
ownership)
2. Redendum or reservation clause (wherein grantor reserves
somethingnewtohimself)
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3. Acceptanceclause
Casedoctrines
Itisasettledrulethatthetitlegiventoadeedofdonationisnotthe
determinativefactorwhichmakesthedonationintervivosormortis
causa.
Incaseofdoubt,theconveyanceshouldbedeemeddonationinter
vivos rather than mortis causa, in order to avoid uncertainty as to
the ownership of the property subject of the deed. (Puig v
Penaflorida but see book which cites the same case but says the
opposite)
Donations inter vivos are immediately operative, even if the actual
execution may be deferred until the death of the donor. Mortis
causa,nothingisconveyedtothegranteeandnothingisacquiredby
the latter, until the death of the grantortestator, the disposition
beinguntilthenambulatoryandnotfinal.(Puig)
Acceptance clause is a mark that the donation is inter vivos.
Acceptance is a requirement for donations inter vivos. Donations
moris causa are not required to be accepted by the donees during
thedonorslifetime.(GestopavCA)
A limitation on the right to sell during the donors lifetime implied
thatownershiphadpassedtothedoneesanddonationwasalready
effectiveduringthedonorslifetime.(Gestopa)
o Reiterated in Alejandro v Geraldez: Condtion that donees
cannot sell during donors lifetime to a third person the
donated property implies immediate passage of ownership
and,thereforedonationisintervivos.
The reservation of lifetime usufruct indicates that the donor
intendedtotransferthenakedownershipovertheproperties,thus
makingitintervivos.(Gestopa)
Factorsindeterminingwhetheradonationisoneofmortiscausa:
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1. It conveys no title or ownership to the transferee before the

deathofthetransferor;orwhatamountstothesamething,that
the transferor should retain the ownership (full or naked) and
controlofthepropertywhilealive;
2. The before his death, the transfer should be revocable by the
transferoratwill,adnutum;butrevocabilitymaybeprovidedfor
indirectlybymeansofareservedpowerinthedonortodispose
ofthepropertiesconveyed;and
3. That the transfer should be void if the transferor should survive
thetransferee(MaglasangvHeirsofCorazonCabatingan)
Oneofthedecisivecharacteristicsofadonationmortiscausaisthat
the transfer should be considered void if the donor should survive
thedonee(Maglasang)
Donations mortis causa must be executed in accordance with the
requisitesonsolemnitiesofwillsandtestamentsunderArticles805
and806oftheCivilCode
Art. 730. The fixing of an event or the imposition of a suspensive

condition, which may take place beyond the natural expectation of
lifeofthedonor,doesnotdestroythenatureoftheactasadonation
intervivos,unlessacontraryintentionappears.(n)
Donationintervivossubjecttosuspensivecondition
This article contemplates a situtation where the donor intends the
donationtotakeeffectduringhislifetimebutheimposessuspensive
conditionwhichmayormaynottakeplacebeyondhislifetime.
Thefactthattheeventhappensortheconditionisfulfilledafterthe
donorsdeathdoes not changethe natureof the actas adonation
intervivos.
Theeffectofthefulfillmentofthesuspensvieconditionisretroactive
tothemakingofthedonation.
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EXCEPTION: when the donor really intended that the donation

shouldtakeeffectafterhisdeath.Thus,mortiscausa.
Art.731.Whenapersondonatessomething,subjecttotheresolutory
conditionofthedonor'ssurvival,thereisadonationintervivos.(n)
Donationintervivossubjecttoaresolutorycondition
In these cases, the ownership of the donated property is
immediately transferred to the donee upon perfection of the
donation once acceptance by the donee is made known to the
donor.
A donation subject to a resolutory condition takes effect
immediately but shall become inefficacious upon the happening of
theeventwhichconstitutesthecondition.
Even if the donation is subject to the resolutory condition of the
donorssurvival,thedonationisstillintervivos.
o Iwilldonatethislandtoyou,butifIsurviveWorldWarIII,Iwill
getitback.IfIsurviveWorldWarIII,thedonationisrescinded.
IfIdontmakeit,thenitcontinuesineffect.
Art. 732. Donations which are to take effect inter vivos shall be
governedbythegeneralprovisionsoncontractsandobligationsinall
thatisnotdeterminedinthisTitle.(621)
Art. 733. Donations with an onerous cause shall be governed by the

rules on contracts and remuneratory donations by the provisions of
the present Title as regards that portion which exceeds the value of
theburdenimposed.(622)
Rulesgoverningonerousdonationsoronerousportionsofdonations
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This article makes the rules of contracts directly applicable to

onerousdonationsandtoremuneratorydonationsastotheonerous
portionthereof
Onerousdonationsaredonationsforavaluableconsideration.They
includethosepurelyonerousorthoseinwhichtheconsiderationis
considered the equivalent of the property donated and the modal
butonlyasregardsthatportionthereofconsideredtheequivalentof
thevalueoftheburdenimposed.
Remuneratory donations are true or simple donations because the
consideration is really the liberality of the donor since the services
rendered by the donee do not constitute a recoverable debt.
However, the special rules on revocation should not apply to the
portion of the donation equivalent to the equitable value of the
servicesreceivedbythedonor.
TheremuneratorydonationsreferredtoinArticle733arethemodal
donationsorthosewhichimposeuponthedoneeaburdenwhichis
lessthanthevalueofthethinggivenasregardsthatportionwhich
exceeds the value of the burden, it shall be governed by the
provisionsondonations.
Thereisnoburdenimposedonremuneratorydonations.Ifaburden
isimposed,itbecomesonerousasregardsthevalueoftheburden.
Casedoctrines
As onerous donations are governed by the rules on contracts, for
there to warrant a revocation of the donation, there must be a
substantial breach of the conditions in the deed. Mere casual
breacheswillnotwarrantrevocations.(CJYulovRCBishop)
Considering that the donees acts did not detract from the very
purpose for which the donation was made but precisely to achieve
suchpurpose(ofthedonation),alackofpriorwrittenconsentofthe
donor(whichwasaconditionofthedonation)wouldonlyconstitute
casualbreachofthedeed.(CJYulo)
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Art. 734. The donation is perfected from the moment the donor
knowsoftheacceptancebythedonee.(623)
Perfectionofdonation
Thereisnodonationwithoutacceptancebythedonee.
Acceptanceisindispensablebecausenobodyisobligedtoreceivea
benefitagainsthiswill.
Itsabsencemakesthedonationnullandvoid.
Theacceptancemustbemadeduringthelifetimeofthedonorand
thedonee.
Perfection takes place, not from the time of acceptance by the
donee,butfromthetimeitismadeknown,actualorconstructively,
tothedonor.
If the donation and acceptance are in the same public instrument,
signed by both and in the presence of witnesses, the donation is
deemed already perfected inasmuch as knowledge of the
acceptanceisestablishedbytheinstrumentitself.
If acceptance was made in a separate instrument, there must be
proof that a formal notice of such acceptance was received by the
donor,andincasethedonationinvolvesimmovableproperty,noted
in both the deed of donation and the separate instrument
embodyingtheacceptance.(SeeArt749)
Whatifthereisrevocation?
Ifthedonorrevokesthedonationbeforelearningoftheacceptance
bythedonee,thereisnodonation.
Butonceitisperfected,itcannotberevokedwithouttheconsentof
thedoneeexcept:
1. Inofficiousness(Art760)
2. Failure of the donee to comply with the charges imposed in the
donation(Art764)
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3. Ingratitude(Art765)
Isregistrationnecessary?
As between the parties to the donation and their assigns, it is not
needed for its validity and efficacy. (But it must be in a public
documentforimmovables!)
Butforthirdpartiestobebound,theremustberegistration.
Casedoctrines
Thepurposeoftheformalrequirementforacceptanceofadonation
is to ensure that such acceptance is duly communicated to the
donor. The actual knowledge by the donor of the construction and
existence of the school building pursuant to the condition of the
donation fulfills the legal requirement that the acceptance of the
donation by the donee becommunicated tothe donor. (Republicv
Silim)
CHAPTER2
PERSONSWHOMAYGIVEORRECEIVEADONATION
Art.735.Allpersonswhomaycontractanddisposeoftheirproperty
maymakeadonation.(624)
Capacityofdonortocontractanddisposeofproperty
Thedonormusthaveboththecapacitytocontractandthecapacity
todisposeofhispropertyinorderthathemaymakeadonation.
Thosewhocannotgiveconsenttoacontractcannotbedonors;and
donation made by one who does not have the free disposal of the
thingdonatedandtoalienateitshallnotbevalid.
Itispossible,however,forapersontohavecapacitytocontractbut
notthecapacitytodisposeofproperty.
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o Under the Family Code, every donation between spouses

duringthemarriageshallbevoidexceptmoderategiftsonthe
occasionofanyfamilyrejoicing.Theprohibitionappliesalsoto
persons living together as husband and wife without a valid
marriage,orinillicitrelations.
o Neither spouse may donate any community property nor
conjugal partnership property without the consent of the
other,exceptmoderatedonationsforcharityoronoccasionof
familyrejoicingorfamilydistress.
Cancorporationsmakedonations?
Yes. But they cant give donations to aid any political party or
candidateorforpurposesofpartisanpoliticalactivity.
Whoareincapacitatedtodonate?
1. Minors
2. Insaneordementedpersons
3. Deafmuteswhodonotknowhowtowrite
4. Corporations (with regard to giving donations to aid any political
party)
5. Guardiansandtrustees(withregardtopropertyentrustedtothem)
6. Spouses(toeachother,exceptmoderategifts)
7. Aspouse(tootherswithouttheconsentoftheotherspouse,except
moderatedonations)
Art. 736. Guardians and trustees cannot donate the property

entrustedtothem.(n)
Donationbyaguardianortrusteeofwardsproperty
Generally, guardians and trustees cannot be donors of their wards
propertiesforthesimplereasonthattheyarenottheownersofthe
same.
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Exception: With respect to the trustee, donation is permitted

notwithstanding that the trustee receives nothing in exchange
directly, if the donation is onerous and is beneficial to the
beneficiary.
Art. 737. The donor's capacity shall be determined as of the time of

themakingofthedonation.(n)
Capacityofdonorattimeofmakingthedonation
Thedonationisperfectedfromthemomentthedonorknowsofthe
acceptancebythedonee.
However,thisarticleseemstoimplythatthedonorscapacitymust
exist at the time of making the donation and not from the time of
knowledgebythedonoroftheacceptance,thatis,attheperfection
oftheact
Ajuridicalabsurdityarisesincasethedonorhasnocapacitytoactat
thetimetheacceptanceisconveyedtohim.Sincelegally,thedonor
cannot be said to have knowledge of the acceptance, there can be
no perfection of the donation which presupposes a meeting of the
mindsbetweenthedonorandthedoneewhoarebothcapacitated.
To avoid the apparent contradiction, the phrase making of the
donationshouldbeconstruedtomeanperfectionofthedonation
Hence,thedonationwouldbevalid,althoughthedonorwasinsane
at the time he signs the deed of donation or informs the donee of
thedonationbutsanewhenhelearnsoftheacceptance.Thedonor
mayaskforannulmentofthedonationifhesodesires
Thesubsequentincapacityofthedonordoesnotaffectthevalidity
ofthedonation.Thisissimilartotheruleinsuccession.
Art. 738. Al those who are not specially disqualified by law therefor
mayacceptdonations.(625)

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Capacityofthedonee
Generally,allpersons,whethernaturalorartificial,maybedonees.
Adoneeneednotbesuijuris,withcompletelegalcapacitytobind
himselfbycontract.
As long as he is not specially disqualified by law, he may accept
donations.
So,donationsmaybemadeto:
1. Incapacitated persons such as minors and others who cannot
enterintoacontract,
2. andalsotoconceivedandunbornchildren.
Art.739.Thefollowingdonationsshallbevoid:
(1)Thosemadebetweenpersonswhowereguiltyofadulteryor
concubinageatthetimeofthedonation;
(2) Those made between persons found guilty of the same
criminaloffense,inconsiderationthereof;
(3)Thosemadetoapublicofficerorhiswife,descendantsand
ascendants,byreasonofhisoffice.
In the case referred to in No. 1, the action for declaration of
nullitymaybebroughtbythespouseofthedonorordonee;andthe
guilt of the donor and donee may be proved by preponderance of
evidenceinthesameaction.(n)
Donationsvoidonmoralgrounds
Thisarticledeclaresnullandvoidabinitiothedonationsreferredto.
Whatarethedifferentvoiddonations?
1. Betweenpersonswhowereguiltyofadulteryandconcubinageat
thetimeofthedonation
2. Between persons found guilty of the same criminal offense, in
considerationthereof
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3. Madetoapublicofficerorhiswife,descendantsandascendants,
byreasonofhisoffice
4. Between spouses during the marriage, except moderate gifts
which they may give each other on the occasion of any family
rejoicing(Art87,FamilyCode)
5. Donations of community property by a spouse without the
consentoftheother,exceptmoderatedonations(Art98,Family
Code)
6. Donations of conjugal partnership property by a spouse without
the consent of the other, except moderate donations (Art 125,
FamilyCode)
7. DonationstothoseprovidedforinArticle740,incrossreference
toArt1027and1032.
8. Donationsacceptedbyagentswithoutspecialauthoritytodoso
(Art745)
9. Donations of immovables which dont conform to the form
prescribedinArt749
Donationsbetweenpersonsguiltyofadulteryandconcubinage
The civil action for declaration of nullity may be brought after the
persons involved have been found guilty by final judgment in a
criminalproceedingofadulteryorconcubinage.
Inviewofthelastparagraph,convictionforadulteryorconcubinage
inacriminalactionisnotessential.
The guilt of the donor and the donee may be proved by a mere
preponderance of evidence in a civil proceeding to nullify the
donation,allegingtheadulteryorconcubinageasthecauseofaction
forthedeclarationofnullity.
The donation is void, whether made before or after the illicit
relations, if givenin considerationthereof, eitheras inducementor
compensation.
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Whatifthedonationisgivenincontemplationoftheterminationof
therelationship,isthedonationstillvoid?
o Since the purpose is praiseworthy, good for all concerned, it
shouldbeconsideredvalid.
o Thisisparticularlytruewhenthewoman(donee)wasavictimof
deceitbytheman.
o However, where the illicit relation was voluntary, and the
donation was demanded by the woman as a price of the
terminationoftheirrelationship,thedonationisvoid.
Whatiftheconcubinedidnotknowthatthemanshelivedwithwas
actuallymarried?
o Then she is not guilty of concubinage and not disqualified from
thedonation.
Donationsbetweenpersonsfoundguiltyofthesamecriminaloffense
Thisrulespresupposespriorcriminalconvictioninacriminalaction;
hence proof of guilty by mere preponderance of evidence is not
sufficient.
The donation here is remuneratory or onerous. It is void whether
made before or after the commission of the crime if it is in
considerationthereof.
Itisstillvoidalthoughthecrimeisnotcarriedoutbecauseitisbased
onanunlawfulcause.
Donationsmadetoapubicofficer,byreasonofhisoffice
Indirect bribery!
Theguiltneednotbeestablishedbyproofbeyondreasonabledoubt
inacriminalproceedingforbribery.
Acivilactiontodeclarethedonationvoidmaybemaintainedbythe
properpartyininterest.
Donations made to persons other than those mentioned are valid,
unless,ofcourse,theyareintendedforthepublicofficer.
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Art.740.Incapacitytosucceedbywillshallbeapplicabletodonations
intervivos.(n)
Incapacitytosucceedbywill
Thisarticleexpresslymakestheprovisionsonincapacitytosucceed
bywillapplicabletodonationsintervivos
Ofcourse,theyarealsoapplicabletodonationsmortiscausawhich
aregovernedbythelawonsuccession
According to Art 1027, the following are incapable of becoming
donees:
1. Thepriestwhoheardtheconfessionofthedonorduringhislast
illness,ortheministerofthegospelwhoextendedspiritualaidto
himduringthesameperiod
2. The relatives of such priest or minister of the gospel within the
fourth degree, the church, order, chapter, community,
organization, or institution to which such priest or minister may
belong
3. Aguardianwithrespecttodonationsgivenbyawardinhisfavor
before the final accounts of the guardianship have been
approved,evenifthedonorshoulddieaftertheapprovalthereof;
nevertheless, any provision made by the ward in favor of the
guardian when the latter is his ascendant, descendant, brother,
sister,orspouse,shallbevalid
4. Anyphysician,surgeon,nurse,healthofficerordruggistwhotook
careofthedonorduringhislastillness
5. Individuals, associations, and corporations not permitted by law
toinherit.
According to Art 1032, there are certain people who are deemed
incapabletoinheritbyreasonofunworthiness.Thedonationmade
toapersonwhofallsunderanyofitsprovisionsisvalidifthedonor
had knowledge of the act of unworthiness or having known it
subsequently, he should condone the same in writing. Even in the
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absence of pardon, the donation is not subject to revocation

because donations may be revoked only for causes mentioned in
Articles760,764and765.So,whoarethesepeople?
1. Parents who have abandoned their children or induced their
daughterstoleadacorruptorimmorallife,orattemptedagainst
theirvirtue;
2. Anypersonwhohasbeenconvictedofanattemptagainstthelife
ofthetestator,hisorherspouse,descendants,orascendants;
3. Anypersonwhohasaccusedthetestatorofacrimeforwhichthe
law prescribes imprisonment for six years or more, if the
accusationhasbeenfoundgroundless;
4. Anyheiroffullagewho,havingknowledgeoftheviolentdeathof
thetestator,shouldfailtoreportittoanofficerofthelawwithin
a month, unless the authorities have already taken action; this
prohibition shall not apply to cases wherein, according to law,
thereisnoobligationtomakeanaccusation;
5. Anypersonconvictedofadulteryorconcubinagewiththespouse
ofthetestator;
6. Any person who by fraud, violence, intimidation, or undue
influence should cause the testator to make a will or to change
onealreadymade;
7. Any person who by the same means prevents another from
making a will, or from revoking one already made, or who
supplants,conceals,oraltersthelatter'swill;
8. Any person who falsifies or forges a supposed will of the
decedent.
Whoareincapableofbecomingdonees?
1. Persons guilty of concubinage or adultery at the time of donation
(butonlybetweenthem)
2. Persons found guilty of the same criminal offense, in consideration
thereof(butonlybetweenthem)
3. Publicofficers,etcbyreasonoftheiroffice
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4. ThosementionedinArt1027
5. ThosementionedinArt1032(unworthypeople)
Art. 741. Minors and others who cannot enter into a contract may
becomedoneesbutacceptanceshallbedonethroughtheirparentsor
legalrepresentatives.(626a)
Ok, tell me more about donations to minors and others without

capacitytocontact
Donationrequiresacceptancebythedonee.
Ifthedoneeisaminororwithoutcapacitytoenterintoacontract,
theacceptancemustbemadebytheparentsorlegalrepresentative
ofthedonee.
Thisisespeciallytrueifthedonationisonerousorimposesacharge
orburden.
Itisclearthatthedoneemaynotvalidlyacceptadonationalthough
itimposesnoburden.
Inanycase,whenaformalorwrittenacceptanceisrequiredbythe
donor, such acceptance must be made by the parents or legal
representative.
Art. 742. Donations made to conceived and unborn children may be

acceptedbythosepersonswhowouldlegallyrepresentthemifthey
werealreadyborn.(627)
Canyoudonatetoconceivedandunbornchildren?
Yes!
DeLeononceagainstatestheobviousbysaying,Aconceivedand
unbornchildcannotacceptadonationbecauseitisnotyetanatural
person.
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The acceptance must be made by those persons who would legally

representthemiftheywerealreadyborn.
Art. 743. Donations made to incapacitated persons shall be void,

though simulated under the guise of another contract or through a
personwhoisinterposed.(628)
Whoaretheincapacitatedpersonsreferredtohere?
Theyarethosespeciallydisqualifiedbylawtobecomedonees,such
asthoseinArticles739and740.
Donationstosuchpersonsarevoidevenifsimulatedundertheguise
ofanothercontractorthroughanintermediary.
Art.744.Donationsofthesamethingtotwoormoredifferentdonees
shall be governed by the provisions concerning the sale of the same
thingtotwoormoredifferentpersons.(n)
Donationsofthesamethingtodifferentdonees
Thisarticleexpresslymakesapplicablebyanalogytherulesonsales3
ofthesamethingtotwooremoredifferentvendees.
However,thisarticlehashaditssureofcriticism.Seebook.
Art.745.Thedoneemustacceptthedonationpersonally,orthrough
anauthorizedpersonwithaspecialpowerforthepurpose,orwitha
general and sufficient power; otherwise, the donation shall be void.
(630)
Whomustacceptthedonation?
3
Art.1544.Ifthesamethingshouldhavebeendonatedtodifferentdonees,theownershipshallbetransferredtothe
person who may have first taken possession thereof in good faith, if it should be movable property. Should it be
immovable property, the ownership shall belong to the person acquiring it who in good faith first recorded it in the
RegistryofProperty.Shouldtherebenoinscription,theownershipshallpertaintothepersonwhoingoodfaithwasfirst
inthepossession;and,intheabsencethereof,tothepersonwhopresentstheoldesttitle,providedthereisgoodfaith.

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1. Thedoneepersonally,or
2. An authorized person or an agent, with a special power for the
purpose,orwithageneralandsufficientpower
Ifnot?
Then,thedonationisvoid.
Does the parent of a minor need a special power for the purpose of
accepting a donation? Probably not, a parent is not considered an
agent of a minor. They are considered legal guardians. (But Im not
sure.)
Art. 746.Acceptance must bemadeduring the lifetimeof thedonor

andofthedonee.(n)
Whenshouldacceptancebemadeforintervivos?
A donation inter vivos takes effect during the lifetime of the donor
andthedonee,andtotakeeffect,itmustbeacceptedbythedonee.
Hence, acceptance by the donee (or his representative) must be
madeduringhislifetimeandthatofthedonor.
Evenifthedonationismadeduringtheirlifetime,butthedonordies
beforetheacceptanceiscommunicatedtohim,thedonationisnot
perfected.
Howaboutformortiscausa?
Donations mortis causa are accepted only after the donors death
because they partake of a will, and are governed by the rules on
succession.
Iftheacceptancewasmadebeforethedonorsdeath,thedonation
mortis causa although validly executed, cannot be given force and
effect.Suchacceptanceisvoid.(Butisthedonationvoid?Canthere
beasubsequentacceptanceafterthedeathofthedonor?)
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Art. 747. Persons who accept donations in representation of others

who may not do so by themselves, shall be obliged to make the
notificationandnotationofwhichArticle749speaks.(631)
Whendoesthisarticleapply?
1. Whenacceptanceismadethroughtheparents,legalrepresentative,
orauthorizedagentofthedonee;
2. Thepropertydonatedisimmovable,and
3. The acceptance is notmade inthe same deed ofdonation but ina
separatepublicinstrument.
The requirement of notification of the donor and notation in both

instruments that such notification has been made is necessary for
thevalidityandperfectionofthedonation.
Art.748.Thedonationofamovablemaybemadeorallyorinwriting.
Anoraldonationrequiresthesimultaneousdeliveryofthething
orofthedocumentrepresentingtherightdonated.
If the value of the personal property donated exceeds five
thousand pesos, the donation and the acceptance shall be made in
writing,otherwise,thedonationshallbevoid.(632a)
Whataretherulesfortheformalitiesfordonationsformovables?
When the value of property exceeds P5000, the donation and the
acceptancemustalwaysbemadeinwriting;otherwisethedonation
isvoid,evenifthereissimultaneousdeliveryofthething.
o The donation and the acceptance need not be made in a public
instrument,norisitnecessarythattheacceptancebemadeinthe
samedeedofdonation.
WhenthevalueofpropertyisP5000orless,itmaybemadeorallyor
inwriting.
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o Ifmadeorally,theremustbesimultaneousdeliveryofthethingor
of the document representing the right donated, otherwise, the
donationisvoid.Theremustbeacceptancewhichmaybeoralor
written. The receipt of the delivery by the donee constitutes
impliedacceptance.
o If made in writing, the donation is valid although there is no
simultaneous delivery. Again, there must be acceptance which
mayalsobemadeorallyorinwriting.
Ineverycase,theacceptanceofthedoneemustbemadeknownto
thedonorforperfectionofadonationtotakeplace.
Art.749.Inorderthatthedonationofanimmovablemaybevalid,it
mustbemadeina publicdocument, specifyingtherein theproperty
donatedandthevalueofthechargeswhichthedoneemustsatisfy.
Theacceptancemaybemadeinthesamedeedofdonationorin
a separate public document, but it shall not take effect unless it is
doneduringthelifetimeofthedonor.
If the acceptance is made in a separate instrument, the donor
shall be notified thereof in an authentic form, and this step shall be
notedinbothinstruments.(633)
Formalitiesfordonationofimmovables
This article does not apply to onerous donations since they are
governedbythelawsofobligationsandcontracts
Donation of real property, which is a solemn contract, is void
withouttheformalitiesstatedinArticle749
So,whataretherules?
When donation and acceptance are in the same instrument, the
requirementsare:
1. Thedonationmustbeinapublicdocumentorinstrument;and
2. The instrument must specify the property donated and the
charges,ifany,whichthedoneemustsatisfy.
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Whenthedonationandacceptanceareinseparateinstruments,the
requirementsare:
1. Thedonationmustbeinapublicdocumentorinstrument;
2. The instrument must specify the property donated and the
charges,ifany,whichthedoneemustsatisfy
3. Theacceptancebythedoneemustbeinapublicdocument
4. Itmustbedoneduringthelifetimeofthedonor
5. Thedonormustbenotifiedinauthenticformoftheacceptanceof
thedonationinaseparateinstrument;and
6. The fact that such notification has been made must be noted in
bothinstruments.
o But see the Rep v Silim case wherein the notification was not
noted in the instrument, but still, the SC ruled that the
donationwasvalid.
Thedonationofrealpropertyinaprivateinstrumentisnullandvoid,
and the donee may not compel the donor to execute a public
instrument(1357)whichappliesonlywhenthecontractordonation
isvalidandenforceable.Thedonationcannotberatified.
Registrationisnotnecessaryforthedonationtobeconsideredvalid
andeffective.
From the time the public instrument of donation is simultaneously
executedandacknowledgedbythedonorandthedonee,thelatter
acquirestheownershipofthedonatedproperty,sincetheexecution
ofapublicinstrumentofconveyanceisoneoftherecognizedways
inwhichtraditionofimmovablepropertymay bemade, unlessthe
contraryisexpressedorinferablefromthetermsofthedeed.
Title to immovable property does not pass from the donor to the
doneebyvirtueofdonationuntilandunlessithasbeenacceptedin
publicinstrumentandthedonordulynotifiedthereof.
Where the donation is on its face absolute and unconditional, it is
error to imply that the possession or usufruct is excluded from the
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donation or the donation is subject to any charge or burden. The

absenceinthedeedofanyreservationinfavorofthedonorisproof
that no such reservation was ever intended considering that under
thelaw,adonationofimmovablebypublicinstrumentisrequiredto
specifythevalueofthechargesthatthedoneemustassume.
Casedoctrines
The best or primary evidence of a donation of real property is an
authentic copy of the deed of donation with all the formalities
requiredbyArticle749.Whenapartywantstoprovethecontentsof
adocuments,thebestevidenceistheoriginalwritingitself.
Prior to the introduction of secondary evidence, a party must
establish the existence and due execution of the instrument, after
which he must prove that the document was lost or destroyed.
(DECSvDelRosario)
Wherethedeedofdonationfailstoshowtheacceptance,orwhere
theformalnoticeoftheacceptance,madeinaseparateinstrument
isnotgiventothedonororelsenotnotedinthedeedofdonation
and in the separate acceptance, the donation is null and void.
(SumipatvBanga)
CHAPTER3
EFFECTOFDONATIONSANDLIMITATIONSTHEREON
Art.750.Thedonationsmaycomprehendallthepresentpropertyof
thedonor,orpartthereof,providedhereserves,infullownershipor
in usufruct, sufficient means for the support of himself, and of all
relatives who, at the time ofthe acceptance ofthe donation, areby
lawentitledtobesupportedbythedonor.Withoutsuchreservation,
the donation shall be reduced in petition of any person affected.
(634a)
Reservationofsufficientmeansforsupportofdonorandrelatives
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A donor may donate all his present property or part thereof

providedhereservessufficientpropertyinownershiporinusufruct
forthesupportofhimselfandofallrelativeswhoareentitledtobe
supportedbyhimatthetimeoftheperfectionofthedonation
Present property means property which the donor can rightfully
disposeofatthetimeofthedonation.
o The share in an existing inheritance is present property
although the heir has not yet entered into the possession of
thesame.
Thedonationofpresentpropertywithouttherequiredreservationis
notnullandvoidinitsentirety;itisonlysubjecttoreductionbythe
courtonpetitionofthepartyprejudicedbythedonationthedonor
himself,anydependentrelativeorcreditorofthedonor.
Thelimitationappliestosimple,remunerativeandmodaldonations
but not to onerous ones which are governed by the law on
obligations and contracts, nor to donations mortis causa for they
takeeffectonlyafterthedonorsdeath.
Donationspropternuptiascannotexceedmorethanonefifthofthe
present property of the future spouses if in their marriage
settlementsexecutedbeforethemarriage,theyagreeuponaregime
otherthantheabsolutecommunityofproperty.4
Casedoctrines
When the dnor stated that she would continue to retain the
possession, cultivation, harvesting and all other rights and
atrtributesofownershipshemeantonlydominiumutile,notthefull
4Art.82.Donationsbyreasonofmarriagearethosewhicharemadebeforeitscelebration,inconsiderationofthesame,and
infavorofoneorbothofthefuturespouses.(126)
Art.83.ThesedonationsaregovernedbytherulesonordinarydonationsestablishedinTitleIIIofBookIIIoftheCivilCode,
insofarastheyarenotmodifiedbythefollowingarticles.(127a)
Art.84.Ifthefuturespousesagreeuponaregimeotherthantheabsolutecommunityofproperty,theycannotdonatetoeach
otherintheirmarriagesettlementsmorethanonefifthoftheirpresentproperty.Anyexcessshallbeconsideredvoid.
Donationsoffuturepropertyshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsontestamentarysuccessionandtheformalitiesofwills.(130a)
Art. 85. Donations by reason of marriage of property subject to encumbrances shall be valid. In case of foreclosure of the
encumbranceandthepropertyissoldforlessthanthetotalamountoftheobligationsecured,thedoneeshallnotbeliablefor
the deficiency. If the property is sold for more than the total amount of said obligation, the donee shall be entitled to the
excess.(131a)
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ownership.Thewordsrightsandattributesofownershipshouldbe
construedejusdemgeneriswiththeprecedingrightsofpossession,
cultivation and harvesting expressly enumerated in the deed.
(CuevasvCuevas)
Art.751.Donationscannotcomprehendfutureproperty.
By future property is understood anything which the donor
cannotdisposeofatthetimeofthedonation.(635)
DonationoffuturepropertyPROHIBITED!
Futurepropertyisanythingwhichthedonorcannotdisposeofatthe
time of thedonation. In other words, it is propertythat belongsto
othersatthetimethedonationismadeanditisimmaterialthatit
maysubsequentlybelongtothedonor.
Nobody can dispose of that which does not belong to him. Nemo
emo.
Future inheritance cannot be donated because it is future property
butuponthedeathofhispredecessor,theinheritanceceasestobe
futureandconsequently,maybetheobjectofdonationevenifthe
propertiesconstitutingtheinheritancehavenotyetbeendelivered.
Property, the acquisition of which by the donor depends upon the
fulfillment of a suspensive condition, may be donated because,
although the property may beas to him still futureproperty,the
effectsofthefulfillmentoftheconditionshallretroacttothedayof
theconstitutionofthecontract.
Another reason is that the donor by desisting to acquire a future
property donated would be revoking the donation contrary to the
rule that donations inter vivos are irrevocable save for causes
providedbylaw.
Casedoctrine
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A donor cannot lawfully convey what is not his property. Where a

parceloflandwastheregisteredpropertyofanother,andthedonee
failedtoshowhowherdonoracquireditfromtheregisteredowner,
it is held that the donor has no right, title or interest in said land
whichhecouldlawfullyconvey.
Art. 752. The provisions of Article 750 notwithstanding, no person

may give or receive, by way of donation, more than he may give or
receivebywill.
The donation shall be inofficious in all that it may exceed this
limitation.(636)
Amountofdonationlimitedtowhatdonormaygivebywill
Article 752 makes applicable to donations the limitation on
testamentarydispositionwithrespecttotheamountthereof.
Thelimitationisreallyontherightofthedonortogiveratherthan
ontherightofthedoneetoreceive.
Apersonmaynotdonatemorethanhecangivebywillandaperson
may not receive by way of donation more than what the donor is
allowed by law to give by will; otherwise, the donation shall be
inofficiousandshallbereducedwithregardtotheexcess.
The limitation applies where the donor has forced or compulsory
heirs.Thepurposeisnottodiminishthelegitimestowhichtheyare
entitled.
o But the limitation is enforceable only after the death of the
donor because it is only then when it can be determined
whether or not the donation is inofficious; by contrasting its
valuewiththenetvalueoftheestateofthedonordeceased.
o Thedonationisvalidduringthelifetimeofthedonor.

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Art. 753. When a donation is made to several persons jointly, it is

understood to be in equal shares, and there shall be no right of
accretionamongthem,unlessthedonorhasotherwiseprovided.
The preceding paragraph shall not be applicable to donations
madetothehusbandandwifejointly,betweenwhomthereshallbea
rightofaccretion,ifthecontraryhasnotbeenprovidedbythedonor.
(637)
Donationtoseveraldoneesjointly
Therulesareasfollows:
1. The donation is understood to be in equal shares, unless the
donorhasprovidedotherwise.
2. Thereshallbenorightofaccretionamongthedonees,unlessthe
donorhasotherwiseprovided.
3. If the donees are husband and wife, there shall be aright of
accretion,ifthecontraryhasnotbeenprovidedbythedonor.
If there is no accretion among the donees, one cannot accept
independentlyforhiscodoneewhoisnotpresent.
Art.754.Thedoneeissubrogatedtoalltherightsandactionswhichin
caseofevictionwouldpertaintothedonor.Thelatter,ontheother
hand, is not obliged to warrant the things donated, save when the
donation is onerous, in which case the donor shall be liable for
evictiontotheconcurrenceoftheburden.
The donor shall also be liable for eviction or hidden defects in
caseofbadfaithonhispart.(638a)
Rightsandactions
Herearetherules:
1. Thedoneeissubrogatedtoalltherightsandactionswhichincase
ofevictionwouldpertaintothedonor
2. Ifthedonationissimpleorremunerative,thedonorisnotliable
forevictionorhiddendefects,becauethedonationisgratuitous;
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3. Evenifthedonationissimpleorremunerative,thedonorisliable
for eviction or hidden defects in case of bad faith on his part
(knowingly donating a chicken with avian flu) or warranty is
expresslystipulated;and
4. Ifthedonationisonerous(modaldonation,accordingtodeLeon),
the donor is liable on his warranty but only to the extent of the
burden.
Art. 755. The right to dispose of some of the things donated, or of

some amount which shall be a charge thereon, may be reserved by
thedonor;butifheshoulddiewithouthavingmadeuseofthisright,
thepropertyoramountreservedshallbelongtothedonee.(639)
Donation with right of donor to dispose of part of object donated,

reserved.
Thedonormayreservetherighttodisposeofsomeofthethingsor
partofthethingdonatedorsomeamountorincomethereof.
The donation is actually conditional, and the condition is fulfilled if
the donor dies without exercising the right he reserved, either by
actsintervivosormortiscausa.
RondonatestoHarryahouseandanapartmentwiththeprovisionthat
Ron could sell the house and give the rents (or a portion) of the
apartment for 5 years to Frank. The donation of the house with a
reservationoftherighttodisposeshouldbeconsideredmortiscausa,
andtherefore,mustfollowtheformalitiesprescribedformakingawill.
Thedonationoftheapartmentisintervivos.
Art. 756. The ownership of property may also be donated to one

personandtheusufructtoanotherorothers,providedallthedonees
arelivingatthetimeofthedonation.(640a)
Nakedownershipandusufructseparatelydonated
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The donor may donate separately the naked ownership (dominium

directum) to one person and the usufruct (dominium utile) to
another.
Tobevalid,thedoneemustbelivingatthetimeofthedonation,
which is to be understood to refer to the time of the perfection of
thedonation.
Adonationtoachildwhowasnotyetconceivedatthetimeitwas
madeisvoid.
Ifthepropertydonatedisimmovable,theformalitiesfordonations
ofrealpropertymustbecompliedwith.
Art. 757. Reversion may be validly established in favor of only the

donor for any case and circumstances, but not in favor of other
personsunlesstheyarealllivingatthetimeofthedonation.
Anyreversionstipulatedbythedonorinfavorofathirdperson
in violation of what is provided in the preceding paragraph shall be
void,butshallnotnullifythedonation.(614a)
Donationwithprovisionforreversion
Thedonormayprovideforreversion,wherebythepropertyshallgo
backtothedonororsomeotherperson.
Itmaybevalidlyestablishedforanycaseandcircumstances.
Iftherevisionisinfavorofotherpersons,theymustbelivingatthe
timeofthedonation.
Thus, a reversion in favor of an unconceived child is void, but such
nullity shall not invalidate the donation. The reversion which is
merelyanaccessoryclauseissimplydisregarded.
Art.758.Whenthedonationimposesuponthedoneetheobligation
to pay the debts of the donor, if the clause does not contain any
declaration to the contrary, the former is understood to be liable to
PJG
payonlythedebtswhichappeartohavebeenpreviouslycontracted.
Innocaseshallthedoneeberesponsibleforthedebtsexceedingthe
value of the property donated, unless a contrary intention clearly
appears.(642a)
Art.759.Therebeingnostipulationregardingthepaymentofdebts,
the donee shall be responsible therefor only when the donation has
beenmadeinfraudofcreditors.
The donation is always presumed to be in fraud of creditors,
when at the time thereof the donor did not reserve sufficient
propertytopayhisdebtspriortothedonation.(643)
Liabilityofdoneetopaydebtsofdonor
Herearetherules.
1. Wheredonorimposesobligationuponthedonee:
a. Thedoneeisliabletopayonlydebtspreviouslycontracted;
b. He is liable for subsequent debts only when there is a
stipulationtothateffect;and
c. He is not liable for debts in excess of the value of the
donationreceived,unlessthecontraryisintended.
2. Wherethereisnostipulationregardingthepaymentofdebts
a. Thedoneeisgenerallynotliabletopaythedonorsdebts;
b. He is responsible therefore only if the donation has been
madeinfraudofcreditors(whichisalwayspresumedwhen
atthetimeofthedonationthedonorhasnotleftsufficient
assetstopayhisdebts)
c. Heisnotliablebeyondthevalueofthedonationreceived.
Ordinarily,thedoneeshouldnotbemadeliabletopaythedonors
debtbeyondthevalueofthethingdonated.
Donationinfraudofcreditors
Presumed in fraud when at the time thereof the donor did not
reservesufficientpropertytopayhisdebtspriortothedonation.
PJG
Thecreditorsofthedonoratthetimeofthedonationmayexercise
the subsidiary right of rescission when they cannot in any manner
collect the claims due them (accion pauliana) unless the property
donatedhaspassedintothehandsofathirdpersoningoodfaithfor
value. In the latter case, the donee shall answer for damages if he
actedinbadfaith.
Casedoctrine
Requisitesforanaccionpauliana:
1. Creditpriortoalienation,evenifdemandablelater
2. Debtorhasmadeasubsequentcontractconveyingapatrimonial
benefittoa3rdperson
3. Thecreditorhasnolegalremedytosatisfyhisclaim
4. Theactbeingimpugnedisfraudulent
5. The third person who received the property conveyed, if is by
oneroustitle,hasbeenanaccompliceinthefraud.
Butrememberthataccionpaulianaissubsidiary.

CHAPTER4
REVOCATIONANDREDUCTIONOFDONATIONS
Art. 760. Every donation inter vivos, made by a person having no

children or descendants, legitimate or legitimated by subsequent
marriage, or illegitimate, may be revoked or reduced as provided in
thenextarticle,bythehappeningofanyoftheseevents:
(1) If the donor, after the donation, should have legitimate or
legitimatedorillegitimatechildren,eventhoughtheybeposthumous;
(2)Ifthechildofthedonor,whomthelatterbelievedtobedead
whenhemadethedonation,shouldturnouttobeliving;
(3)Ifthedonorsubsequentlyadoptaminorchild.(644a)
Groundsforrevocationandreductionofdonation
PJG
1. Revocation affects the whole donation and is allowed during the

lifetimeofthedonor.Thegroundsare:
a. Birth,appearance,oradoptionofachild(760);
b. Nonfulfillmentofaresolutoryconditionimposedbythedonor
(764);and
c. Ingratitudeofthedonee.(765)
2. Reduction generally affects a portion only of the donation (unless
thedoneehasnofreeportionleft)andisallowedduringthelifetime
ofthedonororafterhisdeath.Thegroundsare:
a. Failureofthedonortoreservesufficientmeansforsupportof
himselfordependentrelatives;(750)
b. Failureofthedonortoreservesufficientpropertytopayoffhis
existingdebts(759);
c. Inofficiousness, that is, the donation exceeds that which the
donorcangivebywill;(752,771)and
d. Birth,appearance,oradoptionofachild.(760)
A donation that has been duly perfected in accordance with law
should stand until after its revocation should have been asked and
grantedintheproperproceeding.
Birth,appearance,oradoptionofachild
Thisarticleappliestoalldonationsintervivos.Itdoesnotapply:
a. todonationsmortiscausafortheyarerevocableatwillbythe
donor(testator);
b. toonerousdonationsfortheyarereallycontracts;and
c. todonationspropternuptiasfortheyarerevocableonlyforthe
causes provided in the Family Code see Art 86 of the Fam
Code5.
5
Art.86.Adonationbyreasonofmarriagemayberevokedbythedonorinthefollowingcases:
(1) If the marriage is not celebrated or judicially declared void ab initio except donations made in the marriage settlements,
whichshallbegovernedbyArticle81;
(2)Whenthemarriagetakesplacewithouttheconsentoftheparentsorguardian,asrequiredbylaw;
(3)Whenthemarriageisannulled,andthedoneeactedinbadfaith;
(4)Uponlegalseparation,thedoneebeingtheguiltyspouse;
(5)Ifitiswitharesolutoryconditionandtheconditioniscompliedwith;
PJG
Itisapplicablewhenthedonor,atthetimehemadethedonation,
did not have any child or descendant or erroneously thought so;
otherwise,Article771inrelationtoArticle752shallapply.
Every donation is subject to revocation or reduction by the
happeningofanyoftheeventsmentionedwhichareinthenatureof
impliedresolutoryconditions.
Birthofachild
Here, the donor had no child whether legitimate, legitimated, or
illegitimateatthetimeofthedonation,andthereafter,achildwas
bornevenifposthumous.
What if the child was already conceived but not yet born, what
provisionshouldapply,Article760or771?
o Itdepends.
o Ifthedonorwasawareofsuchconception,Article771.Hence,
hecannotrevokethedonationuponthebirthofthechild.
o But,ifhedidnotknowofsuchconceptionwhenhemadethe
donation, the situation is similar to the appearance of an
absentchildthoughtbythedonortobedead.Forpurposesof
thelaw,hehadnochild.
Theruleisthataconceivedchildisconsideredbornforall
purposes favorable to it. Since to consider the child as
already born would make the donation irrevocable and
would be unfavorable to it, the subsequent birth of the
childshouldrevokeorreducethedonation.
Appearanceofachild
Inthiscase,thedonorhadonlyonechildwhomhebelievedtohave
alreadydiedatthetimeofthedonation.
The note says child, so the subsequent appearance of a
descendant,likeagrandkid,wouldnotrevokethedonation
(6)WhenthedoneehascommittedanactofingratitudeasspecifiedbytheprovisionsoftheCivilCodeondonationsingeneral.
(132a)
PJG
o But the donation may be reduced under Article 771 as

inofficiousifitimpairsthelegitimeofthedescendant.
Adoptionofachild
The subsequent adoption of a minor child is also a ground for the
revocationorreductionofadonation.
Its an exception to the rule that a donation inter vivos shall be
irrevocablebythedonor.
Again,thelawsaysminorchild;hencetheadoptionofapersonof
majority age although it is allowed in certain cases is not a ground
underNo.3.
Casedoctrine
Revocationuponbirthofachildandreturnofpropertytodonorare
not selfoperative or selfexecutory. There is a need for judicial
action.(OracionvJuanillo)
Art.761.Inthecasesreferredtointheprecedingarticle,thedonation
shallberevokedorreducedinsofarasitexceedstheportionthatmay
befreelydisposedofbywill,takingintoaccountthewholeestateof
thedonoratthetimeofthebirth,appearanceoradoptionofachild.
(n)
Extentandbasisofrevocationorreduction
Birth,appearance,oradoptionofachild.
Apersonmaynotgivebywayofdonationmorethanhemaygiveby
will.
The amount subject to revocation or reduction is, therefore, the
excessovertheportionthatmaybefreelydisposedofbywill.
Thebasisofrevocationorreductionisthevalueofthewholeestate
ofthedonoratthetimeofthebirth,appearance,oradoptionofa
PJG
child,andnotatthetimeofthedeathofthedonorasinthecaseof
inofficiousdonationsunderArticle771.
o To the value of the estate shall be added the value of the
donationatthetimeitwasmadebecauseitwouldhavebeen
stillpartoftheestatehadnotthedonationbeenmade.
The burden of proof is on the plaintiffdonor who must allege and
establishtherequirementsprescribedbylaw.
Inthecaseofinofficiousdonations.
WhatissoughttobeprotectedbyArticle760isonlytheprospective
orpresumptivelegitimeofthechildbecausethatistheonlyportion
whichcannotbedisposedof.
Ifthedonationdoesnotexceedthefreeportionatthetimeofthe
birth, appearance, or adoption, there will be no revocation or
reductionbutitmaystillbereducedunderArticle771ifitcannotbe
coveredbythefreeportioncomputedasofthetimeofthedonors
death.
LetussupposeRonwhowasthenchildless,donatedapropertyworth
P50 to Erin, a close friend. Subsequently, a child was born to Ron
whose estate at the time was P30. His total estate then including the
valueofthepropertydonatedwasP80.
Since the legitime of a legitimate child is of the estate or P40, and
therefore, the free portion is also P40, the donation must be reduced
byP10.
ButifthevalueoftheestatewasP70,thedonationisnotrevokedor
reduced because it does not exceed the free portion of P60 [(P70 +
50)/2].
However,shouldtheestateofRonbelessthanP50,excludingtheP50
donation,atthetimeofhisdeath(forexample,P40),itshallbesubject
to reduction to the extent that it is inofficious (i.e. P50 P45
[(P50+P40/2)=P50)underarticle771.
Casedoctrines
PJG
Donor has the burden to allege and establish the requirements

prescribed by law for which the annulment or reduction of the
donationcanbebased.(CruzvCA)
Art. 762. Upon the revocation or reduction of the donation by the

birth, appearance or adoption of a child, the property affected shall
bereturnedoritsvalueifthedoneehassoldthesame.
If the property is mortgaged, the donor may redeem the
mortgage,bypayingtheamountguaranteed,witharighttorecover
thesamefromthedonee.
Whenthepropertycannotbereturned,itshallbeestimatedat
whatitwasworthatthetimeofthedonation.(645a)
Obligationofdoneeuponrevocationorreduction
In case of revocation or reduction under Article 760, the obligation
ofthedoneedependsuponthesituationofthepropertydonated.
o Ifthepropertyaffectedisstillinhispossession,hemustreturn
thesame.
o Ifhehassoldtheproperty,hemustgiveitsvalue.
o If the property has been mortgaged by him, and the donor
redeemedthemortgage,hemustreimbursethedonor.
o Ifthepropertycannotbereturned,aswhenitahsbeenlostor
destroyed, he must return its value at the time of the
perfectionofthedonation.
Itispresumedthatthepriceatwhichthepropertyissoldisitsvalue.
o Ifthepriceislessthanitsactualvalue,thedoneeisnotliable
forthedifferenceabsentproofofbadfaith.
o When the property cannot be returned, its value shall be
determinednotasofthetimeofthelossbutasofthetimeof
thedonation.
Art. 763. The action for revocation or reduction on the grounds set
forth in article 760 shall prescribe after four years from the birth of
PJG
the first child, or from his legitimation, recognition or adoption, or

fromthejudicialdeclarationoffiliation,orfromthetimeinformation
wasreceivedregardingtheexistenceofthechildbelieveddead.
This action cannot be renounced, and is transmitted, upon the
death of the donor, to his legitimate and illegitimate children and
descendants.(646a)
Prescriptionofactionforrevocationorreduction
The donation is revoked ipso jure by operation of law, by the
happeningofanyoftheeventsmentionedinArticle760.
o Hence, it is not really essential that an action be brought to
revokethedonation.
o BUT,therevocationisnotselfoperativeorselfexecutory.
If the donee should refuse to comply with his obligation under
Article 762, resort to judicial action is necessary under Article 763.
Butsinceitisthelawitselfthatdeclarestherevocation,theactionis
strictlynotanactiontorevokebutonetohavethecourtexpressly
declaretherevocationwhichhasalreadytakenplacebyoperationof
law.
The period within which to bring the action is 4 years. The time to
startcountingdependsuponthecause:
o Birthofthefirstchild;
o Fromtimeoflegitimation,recognitionoradoption;or
o Fromjudicialdeclarationoffiliation
o From the time information was received regarding the
existenceofthechildbelieveddead.
Notfromtheactualappearanceoftheabsentchild.
Ifthedonordieswithintheperiod,theactionistransmittedtohis
legitimateandillegitimatechildrenanddescendants(notthespouse
orascendantsofthedonor).
Incasemorethanonecauseorgroundforrevocationorreduction
concur,theperiodofprescriptionmustrunfromtheearliestcause.
PJG
Reduction of a donation upon the allegation of impairment of

legitime is not controlled by a particular prescriptive period for
whichreasontheperiodshallbegovernedundertheordinaryrules
of prescription. Under Article 1144, the action must be brought
within 10 years from the time the right of action accrues, which is
thedeathofthedonor.
Theactioncannotbewaived.(Comparetothenextarticle!)
Art.764.Thedonationshallberevokedattheinstanceofthedonor,
whenthedoneefailstocomplywithanyoftheconditionswhichthe
formerimposeduponthelatter.
In this case, the property donated shall be returned to the
donor, the alienations made by the donee and the mortgages
imposedthereonbyhimbeingvoid,withthelimitationsestablished,
with regard to third persons, by the Mortgage Law and the Land
RegistrationLaws.
This action shall prescribe after four years from the
noncompliancewiththecondition,maybetransmittedtotheheirsof
thedonor,andmaybeexercisedagainstthedonee'sheirs.(647a)
Failuretocomplywithconditions
Adonationmayberevokedincaseoffailureofthedoneetocomply
withanyoftheconditionsimposedbythedonoruponhim.
The word conditions actually refers to obligations, charges, or
burdens imposed by the donor; it may also refer to a resolutory
condition. Hence, what is contemplated are onerous or modal
donations.
Ofcourse,itimpliesthatthereisanexistingdonation.
Theconditionmustbefulfilledwithintheperiodfixedbythedonor.
o Noperiod?Thecourtshalldeterminesuchperiodasmayhave
beencontemplatedbythedonor.
PJG
In case the donee fails to comply, the property donated reverts to

the donor, along with the fruits of the property which the donee
mayhavereceivedafterhavingfailedtofulfillthecondition.
If the property has been alienated or mortgaged, the alienation or
mortgage shall be void SUBJECT to the rights of innocent third
persons under registration laws who may have taken the property
donated without notice of the condition imposed. (Public policy
baby!)
In case of nonfulfillment by the donee of any of the conditions
imposedbythedonor,thedonationshallberevokedattheinstance
ofthedonor.
o But, the donor may instead file for an action of specific
performance to compel the donee to comply with the
conditions.
Theactionmustbebroughtwithin4yearsfromthenoncompliance
withtheconditionitcanonlybebroughtbythedonororhisheirs
againstthedoneesheirs(comparetoArticles769and770).
The death of the donor or the donee does not bar the action to
revoke for failure of the donee to comply with the conditions,
providedtheprescriptiveperiodhasnotyetexpired.
UnliketheactionforrevocationorreductionunderArticle763,the
actionmaybewaivedbecausetheconditionispurelycontractualin
nature.
Iscourtactionnecessary?
Inanycase,acourtactionisnecessaryifthedoneerefusestoreturn
thepropertyortocomplywiththeconditions.
Thedeedofdonation,however,mayprovidethatviolationofanyof
itsconditionsshallcausetheautomaticrescissionofthecontract.In
suchcase,upontheviolation,thedonationisautomaticallyrevoked,
withoutneedofajudicialdeclaration.
PJG
o Exceptwherethedoneedeniesthedonorsrighttorescind,in
which case, judicial intervention is necessary to determine
whetherornottherescissionisproper.
In the absence of an agreement in the donation providing of an
automatic rescission, a judicial declaration revoking said donation
willbenecessary.
Casedoctrines
Whenlandisdonatedonseveralexpressconditions,acceptanceby
the donee will be understood to include all of the conditions not
umistakablyrejected.(BarretovManila)
Whenthedoneehasenteredintopossessionoftheproperty,effect
willbegiventothedonationaccordingtothetermsoftheofferand
acceptance, although the formal deed has not been executed.
(Barreto)
Ifthereisnofulfillmentwiththeresolutorycondition,thedonation
may now be revoked and all rights which the donee may have
acquired under it shall be deemed lost and extinguished. (Central
PhilUniversityvCA)
Article 764 does not apply to onerous donations because onerous
donations are governed by the rules of Contracts. Hence, the
prescriptionperiodis10years,not4years.(DeLunavAbrigo)
o Whilecourtsaregiventhepowertofixthedurationwhenthe
conditionistobefulfilledwhennoneisgiven,ifthefactsshow
that a reasonable period has already been allowedthe donee
toavailoftheopportunitytocomplywiththecondition,then
thecourtswillnolongergivethedoneeaperiod.(CentralPhil
Uni)
o The legal possibility of bringing the action begins with the
expiration of a reasonable opportunity of the donee to fulfill
whathasbeenchargeduponitbythedonor.(SecofEducation
vHeirsofDulay)
PJG
Nothing in law prohibits parties from entering into an agreement

thatviolationofthetermsofthecontractwouldcausecancellation
thereofevenwithoutcourtintervention.
o In cases like these, judicial intervention is necessary not for
purposes of obtaining a judicial declaration rescinding a
contract already deemed rescinded but in order to determine
whetherornottherescissionwasproper.(DeLuna)
When the deed of donation expressly provides for automatic
rescission and reversion of the property donated, the rules on
contractandthegeneralrulesonprescriptionshouldapply,not764.
(RomanCatholicArchbishopofManilavCA)
o A donor cannot revoke the donation on the grounds for non
complianceofanimpossiblecondition.(ArchbishopofManilav
CA)
A declaration of petitoners absolute ownership appears legally
possible only when the deed of donation is contextually declared
peremptorilyrevoked.(DolarvBarangayLublub)
Theactofsellingpropertytoa3rdpartycannotbeconsideredasa
validactofrevocationofthedeedofdonationforthereasonthata
formalcasetorevokethedonationmustbefiledwhichspeaksofan
actionthathasaprescriptiveperiodof4yearsfromnoncompliance
withthecondition.Inthiscase,therewasnoprovisionofautomatic
rescission, thus placing the case within the ambit of Article 764.
(AustriaMagatvCA)
When the donation isonerousanddoes notfix aperiod tocomply
with the condition, the courts should fix a period to uphold the
greatestreciprocityofrights.Ifitisgratuitous,thentheyshouldnot,
toupholdtheleastreciprocityofrightsandinterests.
Itsimportanttodeterminewhetherornotthedonationisonerous
ornotsothatweknowwhatlawtoapply.

PJG
Art. 765. The donation may also be revoked at the instance of the
donor,byreasonofingratitudeinthefollowingcases:
(1)Ifthedoneeshouldcommitsomeoffenseagainsttheperson,
the honor or the property of the donor, or of his wife or children
underhisparentalauthority;
(2) If the donee imputes to the donor any criminal offense, or
any act involving moral turpitude, even though he should prove it,
unless the crime or the act has been committed against the donee
himself,hiswifeorchildrenunderhisauthority;
(3)Ifheundulyrefuseshimsupportwhenthedoneeislegally
ormorallyboundtogivesupporttothedonor.(648a)
Revocationbyreasonofingratitudeofthedonee
Article 765 does not apply to donations mortis causa and onerous
donations.
Adonationpropternuptiasmayberevokedbythedonorwhenthe
donee has committed an act of ingratitude as specified in Article
765.
Theenumerationisexclusiveandcannotbeenlarged.
The act of ingratitude must have been committed by the donee
himselfbecausethedutyofgratitudeispersonal.Anactimputable
to the husband or wife or the hot mistress of the donee is not a
groundforrevocation.
Offenseagainstthedonor,etc
Criminalconvictionisnotneeded.Itissufficientthattheoffensebe
proved by mere preponderance of evidence in the action for
revocation.
If the offense is committed against a child who is no longer under
parentalauthority,thedonationcannotberevoked.
Imputationtodonorofanycriminaloffense,etc
PJG
It is immaterial that the donee can prove his accusation or

substantiatehistestimonyagainstthedonor.
o The exception is when the crime has been committed against
the donee himself, his wife or children under his parental
authority.
o Theactinvolvingmoralturpitudemaynotamounttoacrime.
Refusaltosupportthedonor
Therearetworequisites:
1. The refusal to support the donor must be undue, that is,
withoutjustreason;and
2. The donee must be legally or morally bound to support the
donor.
Note that ingratitude extends beyond failure to do a legal duty to
supportandincludesamoraldutytohelp.(doneeisafriendwhois
penniless and asks for help, and the donor shuns her away like a
scornedlover.)
Casedoctrine
All crimeswhichoffend thedonorshow ingratitudeandarecauses
for revocation. Any crime under the Revised Penal Code is one
involvingmoralturpitude.(SpousesRomulovCA)
Art.766.Althoughthedonationisrevokedonaccountofingratitude,
nevertheless, the alienations and mortgages effected before the
notation of the complaint for revocation in the Registry of Property
shallsubsist.
Lateronesshallbevoid.(649)
Art.767.Inthecasereferredtointhefirstparagraphofthepreceding
article, the donor shall have a right to demand from the donee the
value of property alienated which he cannot recover from third
persons,orthesumforwhichthesamehasbeenmortgaged.
PJG
The value of said property shall be fixed as of the time of the

donation.(650)
Effectofrevocationonprioralienationsandmortgages
Ifbynoncompliance
Incaseofrevocationofadonationbynoncompliancebythedonee
withanyoftheconditionsimposed,alienationsandmortgagesmade
by the donee are void, subject only to the rights of innocent third
persons.Thedonorcanrecoverfromthedonee:
o Only the value of the property donated at the time of the
perfectionofthedonation,OR
o Thesumforwhichitwasmortgaged.
Recoverycannotbehadagainstthethirdpersonunlessheactedinbad
faithaswhenhadactualknowledgeofthecauseforrevocationorthe
filingoftheaction.
Ifbyreasonofingratitude
If the revocation is by reason of ingratitude, the alienations and
mortgagesmadebythedoneebeforethecomplaintforrevocationis
annotatedintheRegistryofPropertyshallsubsistorarevalid.Later
alienationsandmortgagesshallbevoid.
The donor can recover the property from the transferee or
mortgagee.
ThedonationoflandbyRontoErinwasmadeonJuly10.Erinsoldthe
landtoTaraonJuly20.TheactofingratitudewasdoneonJuly30.The
complaintforrevocationwasannotatedonAugust10.Thus,thesaleto
Taraisvalid,andtheremedyofRonistorecoverfromEricthevalueof
thelandatthetimeofthedonation.
If the sale was made after August 10, the sale is void and Ron can
recoverthelandfromTara.

PJG
IftheactofingratitudewascommittedonJuly20,thesaleonJuly30
andthecomplaintwhichwasfiledonJuly25andwasannotatedonJuly
31,butatthetimeofthesaleTarawasawareoftheactofingratitude
committedbyErin,orthependingactionbyRon,thesaleshouldnotbe
considered valid because Tara acted in bad faith, and so Ron can
recoverthelandfromher.
Art.768.Whenthedonationisrevokedforanyofthecausesstatedin
Article760,orbyreasonofingratitude,orwhenitisreducedbecause
itisinofficious,thedoneeshallnotreturnthefruitsexceptfromthe
filingofthecomplaint.
If the revocation is based upon noncompliance with any of the
conditions imposed in the donation, the donee shall return not only
the property butalsothe fruitsthereofwhichhe mayhavereceived
afterhavingfailedtofulfillthecondition.(651)
Returnbydoneeofthefruitsofpropertydonated
Therulesdependuponthecauseofrevocationorreduction
o Ifthecauseis:
thebirth,appearanceoradoptionofachild,or
ingratitude,or
inofficiousness of the donation (because the donor did not
reservesufficientmeansforsupport),or
hedonatedmorethanhecouldgivebywill,then
only the fruits accruing from the filing of the complaint
needbereturned.
It can be implied that the donation remains valid up to
thetimeofthefilingofthecomplaint.
Ifthecauseisthenonfulfillmentofanyoftheconditionsimposedin
the donation, the fruits must be returned from the time of the
breachofthecondition.Thedonationshallalsoreturntheproperty
donated.
PJG
In case of inofficious donation which exceeds the free disposal by

will,the donationtakeseffectduringthelifetimeofthedonor,the
doneeappropriatesthefruits,andthereductionmaybeaskedonly
afterthedonorsdeath.
Art. 769. The action granted to the donor by reason of ingratitude

cannot be renounced in advance. This action prescribes within one
year, to be counted from the time the donor had knowledge of the
factanditwaspossibleforhimtobringtheaction.(652)
Renunciationandprescriptiveperiodofactionbyreasonofingratitude
The action granted to the donor for revocation by reason of
ingratitude, like the action based on the birth, appearance, or
adoptionofachildcannotberenouncedinadvance.
Whatthelawprohibitsiswaiver,priortothecommissionoftheact
ofingratitude.
Apastingratitudecanbethesubjectofavalidrenunciationbecause
therenunciationcanbeconsideredasanactofmagnanimityonthe
partofthedonor.
Theactionprescribes
1. Withinoneyearfromthetimethedonorhadknowledgeofthe
actofingratitudeAND
2. Itwaspossibleforhimtobringtheaction.
To bar the action, the donee must show proof that the oneyear
periodhasexpiredanditwaspossibleforthedonortoinstitutethe
saidactionwithinthesameperiod.
Art.770.Thisactionshallnotbetransmittedtotheheirsofthedonor,
ifthelatterdidnotinstitutethesame,althoughhecouldhavedone
so,andevenifheshoulddiebeforetheexpirationofoneyear.
Neithercanthisactionbebroughtagainsttheheirofthedonee,
unlessuponthelatter'sdeaththecomplainthasbeenfiled.(653)
PJG
Transmissionofactionforrevocation
General rule: The action to revoke a donation by reason of
ingratitudeispurelypersonaltothedonorandcannot,asarule,be
transmittedtotheheirs.
This is unlike the action for revocation based on the birth,
appearance or adoption of a child and the action based on non
compliancewiththeconditionofadonation.
However, the particular circumstances of the case should be taken
into account to determine whether it was possible to bring the
action. Hence, the following exceptions wherein the heirs of the
donorscanaskfortherevocation:
1. Ifthedoneekilledthedonor,or
2. If the donor dies without having known of the act of
ingratitude,or
3. If a criminal case against the donee was instituted by the
donor,butthedonordiesbeforehecouldbringthecivilaction
forrevocation;or
4. Iftheactionforrevocationhasalreadybeenfiledbythedonor
beforehisdeath.
Actionagainstheirsofdonee
Theheirsofthedoneearenotheldresponsiblefortheactsoftheir
predecessordonee.Theactofingratitude.(Thesinsofthefatherare
not the sins of the son although, there are some instances where
werepeatthemistakesofourparents.Generalrule?Learn.)
Butifthedonorhasalreadyfiledthecomplaintbeforethedonees
death,thesuitmaybecontinuedagainsthisheirs.
Art.771.DonationswhichinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle
752, are inofficious, bearing in mind the estimated net value of the
donor's property at the time of his death, shall be reduced with
PJG
regard to the excess; but this reduction shall not prevent the
donationsfromtakingeffectduringthelifeofthedonor,norshallit
barthedoneefromappropriatingthefruits.
ForthereductionofdonationstheprovisionsofthisChapterand
ofArticles911and912ofthisCodeshallgovern.(654)
Reductionofinofficiousdonations
Donations which are inofficious because they are more than what
thedonorcangivebywillshallbereducedwithregardtotheexcess
uponthedeathofthedonor,afterdeterminingthenetvalueofthe
estate.
Thus, it follows that the donation is effective during the lifetime of
thedonorandso,thedonee,asownerofthepropertydonatedalso
becomes owner of the fruits, although the donation should appear
inofficious.
For donations propter nuptias, they may be reduced for being
inofficious. Being liberalities, they remain subject to reduction for
inofficiousness upon the donors death, if they should infringe the
legitimeofaforcedheir.
Theactiontoreducetheinofficiousdonationmustbebroughtwithin
5yearsfromthetimeofthedonorsdeath.
Forreductionofdonations,thefollowingarticles,quotedbelowshall
govern:

Art.911.Afterthelegitimehasbeendeterminedinaccordancewith
thethreeprecedingarticles,thereductionshallbemadeasfollows:
(1)Donationsshallberespectedaslongasthelegitimecanbecovered,
reducingorannulling,ifnecessary,thedevisesorlegaciesmadeinthe
will;
(2)Thereductionofthedevisesorlegaciesshallbeprorata,without
anydistinctionwhatever. Ifthetestatorhasdirectedthatacertain
deviseorlegacybepaidinpreferencetoothers,itshallnotsufferany
PJG
reductionuntilthelatterhavebeenappliedinfulltothepaymentof
thelegitime.
(3)Ifthedeviseorlegacyconsistsofausufructorlifeannuity,whose
valuemaybeconsideredgreaterthanthatofthedisposableportion,
thecompulsoryheirsmaychoosebetweencomplyingwiththe
testamentaryprovisionanddeliveringtothedeviseeorlegateethe
partoftheinheritanceofwhichthetestatorcouldfreelydispose.
(820a)
Art.912.Ifthedevisesubjecttoreductionshouldconsistofreal
property,whichcannotbeconvenientlydivided,itshallgotothe
deviseeifthereductiondoesnotabsorbonehalfofitsvalue;andina
contrarycase,tothecompulsoryheirs;buttheformerandthelatter
shallreimburseeachotherincashforwhatrespectivelybelongsto
them.
Thedeviseewhoisentitledtoalegitimemayretaintheentire
property,provideditsvaluedoesnotexceedthatofthedisposable
portionandofthesharepertainingtohimaslegitime.(821)
Art.772.Onlythosewhoatthetimeofthedonor'sdeathhavearight
tothelegitimeandtheirheirsandsuccessorsininterestmayaskfor
thereductionorinofficiousdonations.
Those referred to in the preceding paragraph cannot renounce
their right during the lifetime of the donor, either by express
declaration,orbyconsentingtothedonation.
Thedonees,deviseesandlegatees,whoarenotentitledtothe
legitime and the creditors of the deceased can neither ask for the
reductionnoravailthemselvesthereof.(655a)
Personsentitledtoaskforreductionwhoarethey?
Forthereductionofinofficiousdonations,
1. thosewhoatthetimeofthedonorsdeathhavearighttothe
legitime,and
2. theirheirs,and
PJG
3. succesorsininterest.
Thedonorisnotincluded,pataynasiyaeh.Theinofficiousnesscan
onlybedeterminedafterhisdeath.
Whomaynotaskforreduction?
1. Thedonees,or
2. Thedevisees,or
3. Thelegatees,whoarenotentitledtothelegitime.
4. Creditorsofthedeceased.(Theremedyofcreditorsistofileaclaim
againsttheestateofthedeceased,butnotagainsttheownersofthe
donatedproperty.)
Renunciationofrighttoaskforreductioncanitbedone?
Therighttoaskfortherenunciationofinofficiousdonationscannot
be renounced during the lifetime of the donor, ether by express
declarationorbyconsentingtothedonation.
773.If,therebeingtwoormoredonations,thedisposableportionis
notsufficienttocoverallofthem,thoseofthemorerecentdateshall
besuppressedorreducedwithregardtotheexcess.(656)
Reductionwheretherearetwoormoredonations
Thesubsequentdonationsshallfirstbereducedandonlyiftheyare
notsufficienttocoverthedisposableportionshouldtheearlierones
bereducedalsowithregardtotheexcess.
Ifthetwodonationswereperfectedatthesametime,thereduction
shouldbeproportionateunlessotherwiseprovidedbythedonor.
RulesonrevocationCHARTED!
REVOCATION, Birth, Noncompliance Ingratitude

basedon appearance,or withcondition
PJG
adoptionofa orconditions
child
Timeofaction Within4years Within4years Within1year
frombirthof fromnon fromthetime
firstchild,or compliancewith thedonorhad
Fromhis thecondition knowledgeof
legitimation,or thefactofthe
Adoption,or Butifitsan ingratitude
Fromthe onerous
judicial donation,within
declarationof 10yearsfrom
filiation,or noncompliance
Fromreceiptor withthe
inforegarding condition
theexistenceof
thechild
believeddead
Transmissibility Transmittedto Maybe Generally,the
ofaction childrenand transmittedto actionisnot
descendantsof thedonors transmittedto
thedonorupon heirsandmay theheirsofthe
hisdeath beexercised donornorcan
againstthe theactionbe
doneesheirs filedagainstthe
heirsofthe
donee
Effectof Property Property Property
revocation affectedshallbe donatedshallbe donatedshallbe
returned,orits returnedtothe returnedbut
valueifthe donorandthe alienationsand
doneehassold alienationsand mortgage
thesame,or mortgagesare effectedbefore
Thedonormay voidsubjectto thenotationof
PJG
redeemthe therightsof thecomplaint

mortgageonthe innocent3rd forrevocationin
property,witha persons theRegistryof
righttorecover Propertyshall
theproperty subsist
Liabilityfor Doneeshall Doneeshall Sameasinfirst
fruits returnthefruits returnthefruits column
accruingfrom whichhemay
thefilingofthe havereceived
complaint afterhaving
failedtofulfill
thecondition
RulesonreductionCHARTED!
REDUCTION, Failureof Inofficiousnes Birth, Fraud

basedon thedonor sforbeingin appearance against
toreserve excessof ,or creditors
sufficient whatthe adoptionof
meansfor donorcan achild
support givebywill
Timeofaction Anytimeby Within10 Sameasin Theaction
thedonor years(Santos firstcolumn for
orbythe vAlanacase, rescission
relatives basedon mustbe
entitledto 1144) brought
support within4
duringthe Within5 yearsfrom
lifetimeof yearsafter the
thedonor thedeathof perfection
thedonor(if ofthe
propter donation,
nuptias, oratthe
PJG
accordingto latest,
book) fromthe
timethe
creditor
had
knowledge
ofthe
donation
Transmissibilit Not Transmitted Sameasin Transmitte
yofaction transmissibl tothe firstcolumn dtothe
easthe donorsheirs creditors
dutytogive asthe heirsor
supportand donationshall successors
therightto bereducedas ininterest
receiveare regardsthe
personalin excessattime
nature ofthedonors
death
Effectof Reducedto Takeseffect Sameasin Property
revocation theextent duringthe firstcolumn affected
necessaryto lifetimeof shallbe
provide thedonor returned
support subjectto bythe
reduction doneefor
onlyuponhis thebenefit
deathwith ofthe
regardtothe creditor
excess subjectto
therights
ofinnocent
third
persons
Liabilityfor Doneeis Donee Donee,as Fruitsof
PJG
fruits entitledto appropriates owner, the

thefruitsas thefruitsas appropriate property
ownerof ownerofthe sthefruits affected
the property ofthe shallalso
property property be
donated not returned.
affectedby Incasethe
the donee
reduction, actedin
butwith badfaith
regardto andit
theexcess, shouldbe
heshallbe impossible
liableonly forhimto
forthe return,
fruitsfrom then
thefilingof indemnify
the thedonors
complaint creditorfor
damages.
Happythemanwhofindswisdom,themanwhogainsunderstanding!
~Proverbs3:13
Thusyoumaywalkinthewayofgoodmen,andkeeptothepathsof
thejust.Fortheuprightwilldwellintheland,thehonestwillremainin
it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, the faithless will be
rootedoutofit.Proverbs2:2022

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ALS Property (2012) 1

owner. it constitutes property as long as it is susceptible of being

Whats the importance of the classification into movables or

ALS Property (2012) 6

o Loan is real property by analogy if secured by a real estate

b. Whether such change of lacation can be made without

Art 418 Movable property is either consumable or nonconsumable.

ALS Property (2012) 12

Money, while characterized as a movable, is generic and fungible.

Property is presumed to be State property in the absence of any

What are other property of similar character to those intended for

Properties of public dominion are outside of the commerce of man.

Art 422 Property of public dominion, when no longer intended for

Art 425 Property of private ownership, besides the patrimonial

There is nothing that will prohibit churches from alienating things

Art 426 Whenever by provision of law, or an individual declaration,

except where from the context of the law, or of the individual

ALS Property (2012) 20

ALS Property (2012) 21

ALS Property (2012) 22

1. Recovery of personal property: Remedy of Replevin or manual

i. Instituted by landlord, vendor, vendee or other person

inferior court may resolve the issue of ownership and make a

Action to recover possession based on ownership (accion

Action for reconveyance prescribes in 10 years from the point of

Injunctive relief will not be granted to take property out of the

Art 433 Actual possession under claim of ownership raises a

8. Open, continuous, exclusive, adverse and notorious actual

Art 435 No person shall be deprived of the property except by

Should the requirements be not first complied with, restore the

Art 436 When any property is condemned or seized by competent

thereof shall not be entitled to compensation, unless he can show

ALS Property (2012) 34

Art 440 The ownership of property gives the right by accession to

ALS Property (2012) 37

The second kind is considered as natural fruits whatever care or

ALS Property (2012) 38

ALS Property (2012) 39

SECTION II RIGHT OF ACCESSION WITH RESPECT TO IMMOVABLE

Section 2 deals with one kind of accession continua, that of

ALS Property (2012) 43

Art 452 The builder, planter or sower in bad faith is entitled to

Abrenica definition: State of mind at the time he built the

Usually, it applies to building, planting, sowing in the concept of

2. Builders in good faith who relied on the consent of another whom

Landowner Builder/Planter/Sower Ownerofthe

GoodFaith GoodFaith GoodFaith

Option1:Toacquire BPSloseswhathas (SincebothBPSand

beenbuilt,plantedor fromLOplusdamages ofmaterialsprincipally

Art 458 The owners of estates adjoining ponds or lagoons do not

Even if the detached portion be placed on top of another land

NB: Lawspeaksof change of rivercourse. If ariversimply driesupor

ALS Property (2012) 59

Art 462 Whenever a river, changing its course by natural causes,

Art 463 Whenever a current of a river divides itself into branches,

This article refers to the formation of an island caused by a river

The owner preserves his ownership of the isolated or separated

d. If a new island is formed between an existing island and an

o He must of course register the land, else it be subject to

In determining the right of the parties in adjunction, regard is had

ALS Property (2012) 63

The special rule regarding paintings, etc is based on the

ALS Property (2012) 64