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42 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

PROPERTY - All things which are, or may be, the  Parties to a contract may treat as personal
object of appropriation (Art. 414, NCC) property that which by nature is real property;
and it is a familiar phenomenon to see things
Thing and Property Distinguished classed as real property for purposes of
THING PROPERTY taxation which on general principle might be
considered personal property (Standard Oil
includes both things which are Co. vs. Jaranillo GR No. 20329, March 16,
appropriable and non- susceptible of 1923).
appropriable objects appropriation and
which are already IMMOVABLE PROPERTIES
possessed and found
in the possession of Categories: (NIDA)
man 1. Real by nature – it cannot be carried from
place to place (pars. 1 & 8, Art. 415)
Note: Strictly speaking, “thing” is NOT 2. Real by incorporation – attached to an
synonymous with “property”. HOWEVER, the immovable in a fixed manner to be an integral
New Civil Code uses these terms part thereof (pars. 1–3 Art. 415)
interchangeably. 3. Real by destination – placed in an immovable
for the utility it gives to the activity carried
Requisites/Characteristics: (USA) thereon (pars. 4–7 and 9 Art. 415)
1. utility – ability to serve as a means to satisfy 4. Real by analogy – it is so classified by
human needs express provision of law (par. 10, Art. 415)
2. substantivity or individuality – separate and
autonomous existence Types of Immovable Properties (Art. 415)
3. appropriability – even if not yet actually 1. Land, buildings, roads and constructions
appropriated (Reyes-Puno, p.1) of all kinds adhered to the soil
 Where a building is sold to be demolished
CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY immediately, it is to be regarded as
movable because the subject matter of
Kinds of Properties: the contract is really the materials thereof.
1. Immovable or real (Art. 415)  Buildings are immovables by
2. Movable or personal (Arts. 416, 417) incorporation. Hence, their adherence to
the land must be permanent and
 The human body, whether alive or dead, is substantial. Portable structures are not
neither real nor personal property, for it is not immovables.
even property at all, in that it generally cannot  A building is an immovable even if not
be appropriated. Under certain conditions, the erected by the owner of the land. The
body of a person or parts thereof may be the only criterion is union or incorporation
subject matter of a transaction (See RA No. with the soil. (Ladera vs. Hodges CA-GR
349, RA No. 7170, RA No. 7719). No. 8027-R, September 23, 1952).

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
HERBERT CALVIN ABUGAN overall chair and chair academics operations, MANOLO ADEL SANTOS chair hotel operations, GRACE SARAH TRIA vice
chair for operations, JUAN CARLOS NUESTRO vice chair for academics, MAE ANGELIE ETANG vice chair for secretariat, KRISTINE ANNABELLEE HIPOS
vice chair for finance, EIREENE XINA ACOSTA vice chair for edp, ACE JELLO CONCEPCION vice chair for logistics

CIVIL LAW:
FRANCESCA LOURDES SENGA subject chair, SHEENA MARIE ABELLA assistant subject chair, ACE ARVIN GANDO edp, FRANCESCA LOURDES SENGA
persons and family relations, CRISCELYN CARAYUGAN property, MA. PELISA CORAZON PARIDO and MARY IVY ANNE GALANG wills and succession,
MARIA DANIAFLOR BERAMO and COLLEEN INFANTE obligations and contracts, MARY IVY ANNE GALANG sales and lease, EVA CHRISTINE NAPARAN
partnership, agency and trust, KATHERINE ANN ASILO credit transactions, SHEENA MARIE ABELLA torts and damages, JAN PEARL PORTUGAL land
titles and deeds, JAN MANUELLE REYES conflict of laws

MEMBERS:
Aldren Abrigo, Lloyd Elgene Apostol, Joanna Arellano, Jonathan Bajeta, Paul Isaac Barrameda, Barbara Jeniffer Bautista, Arlene Borja, Leana Blasco
Keith Francis Briones, Angelita Calalang, Uelah Cangco, Kristine Paula Chu, Benedicto Claravall, Diane Therese Dauz, Herbert Davis, Riyah Lalaine
Domingo, Ana Ofloda delos Reyes, Ramona Diňozo, Clarissa Enano-Caenano, Carla Esplana, Diana Fajardo, Leoponville Ndota Wambui Gitau,
Kristine Carmela Gonzales, Daisy Joy Jalova, Roehl Joson, Jackie Lamug, Flocerfina Lloren, Jerome Matas, Herbert Matienzo, Charlene Clara,
Mendoza, Kristel Concepcion Ona, Joanna Marie Paguio, Patricia Salang, Christine Santos, Rio Rose Santos, Charlotte Sayson, Mary Meilani Suyat,
Jezreel Caridad Taguba, Florence Tolentino, Philip Torres, Gilda Villanueva, Joan Grace Wilson, Joshua Villena, Raul Canon, Deogracias Natividad
San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 43

 A building is real property thus, its sale as  Movable equipments, to be immobilized in


annotated in the Chattel Mortgage contemplation of law, must be essential and
Registry cannot be given the legal effect principal elements of an industry or works
of registration in the Registry of Real (Mindanao Bus Co. vs. City Assessor and
Property (Leung Yee vs. Strong Treasurer GR No. L-17870, September 29,
Machinery Co. GR No. L-11658 February 1962).
15, 1918).  Machinery, movable in nature, becomes
immobilized when placed on a plant by the
2. Trees, plants, and growing fruits owner of the property but not so when placed
 When trees are cut or uprooted, by a tenant, usufructuary or a person having
incorporation ceases and they become only a temporary right unless such person
movables; timber is still integral part of an acted as agent of the owner (Davao Sawmill
immovable property when it constitutes Co. vs. Castillo GR No. 40411, August 7,
the natural product of the latter. 1935).
 For purposes of attachment, execution,
and the Chattel Mortgage Law, growing There are 2 views on the effect of the temporary
crops have the nature of personal separation of movables from the immovables to
property (Sibal vs. Valdez GR No. L- which they are attached:
27352, August 4, 1927). a. They continue to be regarded as
immovables.
3. Everything attached to an immovable in a b. Fact of separation determines the
fixed manner condition of the object (supported by
 The attachment need not be made by the Paras and Tolentino)
owner.
 The breakage or injury, in case of  If the machine is still in the building, but is no
separation, must be substantial. longer used in the industry, the machine
 The fact that the machineries were bolted reverts to the condition of a chattel. On the
or cemented on real property mortgaged other hand, if still needed for the industry, but
does not make them ipso facto separated from the tenement temporarily, the
immovable under Art. 415 (3) and (5) as property continues to be an immovable
the parties intent has to be looked into. (Paras, p.20).
Even if the properties appear to be
immovable by nature, nothing prohibits 6. Animal houses, pigeon houses, beehives,
the parties from treating them as chattels fish ponds, etc.
to secure an obligation under the principle Requisites:
of estoppel (Tsai vs. CA, GR No. 120098, a. Placed by the owner, or by a tenant as
October 2, 2001). agent of the owner, with the intention of
permanent attachment
4. Statues, reliefs, paintings, or other objects b. Forms a permanent part of the
for use or ornamentation immovable
Requisites:
a. Placed by the owner or by a tenant as 7. Fertilizer
agent of the owner  “Actually used” means that it has been
b. With the intention of attaching them spread over the land.
permanently, even if adherence will not
involve breakage or injury 8. Mines, quarries and slag dumps
 They are considered as realty only if the
5. Machinery, receptacles, instruments, or matter remains unsevered from the soil.
implements for an industry or works Once severed, they become personalty.
Requisites:
a. The machinery, etc. must be placed by 9. Docks and Structures
the owner of the tenement or his agent  Vessels are considered personal property
b. The industry or works must be carried on under the Civil Law as well as under the
in a building or on a piece of land common law, although occasionally
c. The machinery, etc. must tend directly to referred to as a peculiar kind of personal
meet the needs of the said industry or property. (Phil. Refining Co., Inc. vs. Jarque
works GR No. 41506, March 25, 1935).
44 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

10. Contracts for Public works, and servitudes under its jurisdiction and administration for the
and other real rights collective enjoyment of people. The ownership of
 A personal right is always regarded as such properties is in the social group, whether
personal property. The exception is in the national, provincial or municipal.
case of contracts for public works which
are considered as real property. Purpose: To serve the citizens and not the state
MOVABLE PROPERTIES as a juridical person.

Tests: Kinds:
1. By exclusion: all not included in Art. 415 1. For public use – may be used by anybody
2. By description: an object is movable if: 2. For public service – may be used only by
a. It can be transported from place to place; authorized persons
b. Without substantial injury to the 3. For the development of national wealth
immovable to which it is attached.
3. Real Property considered as personal  The charging of fees to the public does not
property by special provision of law. determine the character of the property,
whether it is of public dominion or not. Art.
Kinds of Movable Properties (ASFTOS): 420 defines property of public dominion as
1. Those movables susceptible of appropriation one “intended for public use”. Even if the
which are not included in the preceding article government collects toll fees, the road is still
2. Real property which by any special provision “intended for public use” if anyone can use it
of law is considered personalty under the same terms and conditions as the
3. Forces of nature which are brought under rest of the public (MIIA vs. CA, GR No.
control by science 155650, July 20, 2006).
4. In general, all things which can be
transported from place to place without Characteristics: (OI-PAE)
impairment of the real property to which they 1. Outside the commerce of man
are fixed (Art. 416) 2. Inalienable, but when it is no longer needed
5. Obligations and actions which have for their for public use or service, it may be declared
object movables or demandable sums patrimonial property.
6. Shares of agricultural, commercial and 3. Cannot be acquired by prescription
industrial entities, although they may have 4. Not subject to attachment or execution
real estate (Art. 417) 5. Cannot be burdened with easements

Classifications of Movables: Note: They CANNOT be registered under the land


1. By Nature: registration law and be the subject of a Torrens
a. Consumable - cannot be used according title. The character of public property is not
to its nature without it being consumed. affected by possession or even a Torrens Title in
b. Non-consumable - any other kind of favor of private persons (Palanca vs.
movable property (Art. 418). Commonwealth, GR No. 46373, Jan. 29, 1940).
2. By Intention:  As property of public dominion, the Roppongi
a. Fungible - replaceable by an equal quality lot is outside the commerce of man. The fact
and quantity, either by nature of things or that it has not been used for a long time does
agreement. not automatically convert it to patrimonial
b. Non-fungibles - irreplaceable because property. The conversion happens only if the
identical objects must be returned. abandonment is definite and upon a formal
declaration on the part of the government to
Note: The New Civil Code, in many instances, withdraw it from public use (Laurel vs. Garcia
uses the terms consumable and fungible GR No. 92013, July 25, 1990).
interchangeably.  The Executive and possibly the Legislative
PROPERTY IN RELATION TO WHOM IT Departments have the authority and the
BELONGS (Arts. 419–425) power to make the declaration (Natividad vs.
Property is either of: Director of Lands 37 O.G. 2906).
1. public dominion
2. private ownership II. Property of Private Ownership

I. Property of Public Dominion Kinds:


1. Property owned by the state and its political
Concept: It does not import the idea of subdivisions in their private capacity and is
ownership. It is not owned by the state but simply known as patrimonial property (Art. 421-424)

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 45

2. Property belonging to private persons (Art. RIGHTS INCLUDED:


425) 1. Right to enjoy: (PUFA)
a. to possess (jus possidendi)
b. to use (jus utendi)
Patrimonial Property of the State c. to the fruits (jus fruendi) and accessions
1. Property of the State owned in a private or d. to abuse (jus abutendi)
proprietary capacity 2. Right to dispose: (DATE)
2. Property of public dominion, when no longer a. to destroy
intended for public use or public service, shall b. to alienate
form part of the patrimonial property c. to transform
3. The state has the same rights over this kind d. to encumber
of property as a private individual in relation 3. Right to vindicate: (PR)
to his own private property a. pursuit
b. recovery
Property of Political Subdivisions 4. Right to exclude: (ER)
1. Property for public use – consist of roads, 1. to enclose, fence and delimit
streets, squares, fountains, public waters, 2. to repel intrusions even with force
promenades and public works for public
service paid for by the LGUs. CHARACTERISTICS: (GEEPI)
Note: The enumeration in Art. 424 are not 1. General – the right to make use of all the
exclusive. possibilities or utility of the thing owned,
2. Patrimonial Property – all other properties except those attached to other real rights
possessed by LGUs without prejudice to existing thereon.
provisions of special laws 2. Elastic – power/s may be reduced and
thereafter automatically recovered upon the
Note: Arts. 423 and 424 speak of property for cessation of the limiting rights.
public use, indicating that property for public 3. Exclusive – there can only be one ownership
service is patrimonial. However, the Supreme over a thing at a time. There may be two or
Court, in Province of Zamboanga Del Norte vs. more owners but only one ownership.
City of Zamboanga (GR No. L-23922, June 30, 4. Perpetuity – ownership lasts as long as the
1969), categorically stated that “this court is not thing exists. It cannot be extinguished by non
inclined to hold that municipal property held and user but only by adverse possession.
devoted to public service is in the same category 5. Independence – it exists without necessity of
as ordinary private property. The classification of any other right.
municipal property devoted for distinctly LIMITATIONS: (GOSIP)
governmental purposes as public, under the Law 1. General limitations imposed by the State for
of Municipal Corporations, should prevail over the its benefit
Civil Code in this particular case.” The Law of 2. Limitations imposed by the owner himself
Municipal Corporations was considered as a 3. Specific limitations imposed by law
special law in the context of Art. 424 of the NCC. 4. Inherent limitations arising from conflict with
 Properties of public dominion devoted to other rights
public use are outside the commerce of men 5. Limitations imposed by the party transmitting
and cannot be disposed of or leased by the the property either by contract or by will
LGU to private persons. LGUs have no
authority to control or regulate the use of DE FACTO CASE OF EMINENT DOMAIN
public properties unless specific authority is  Expropriation resulting from the actions of
vested upon them by Congress (Macasiano nature as in a case where land becomes part
vs. Diokno GR N. 97764, August 10, 1992). of the sea. The owner loses his property in
favor of the state without any compensation.
OWNERSHIP  When the sea moves towards the estate and
the tide invades it, the invaded property
The rights to enjoy, dispose, and recover a thing becomes foreshore land and passes to the
without further limitations than those established realm of the public domain (Republic vs. CA,
by law or the will of the owner. GR No. 100709, November 14, 1997).

SUBJECT-MATTER (Art. 427) PRINCIPLE OF SELF-HELP (Art. 429)


1. thing - usually refer to corporeal property  The owner or lawful possessor of a thing has
2. right - whether real or personal, are classified the right to exclude any person from the
as incorporeal property enjoyment and disposal of the property by the
46 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

use of such force as may be necessary to


repel or prevent actual or threatened unlawful
physical invasion or usurpation of his
property. Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer
Requisites: (RONA) Distinguished
1. reasonable force UNLAWFUL
2. owner or lawful possessor is the person FORCIBLE ENTRY
DETAINER
who will exercise
3. no delay in one’s exercise As to when possession became unlawful
4. actual or threatened physical invasion or Possession of the Possession is
usurpation defendant is unlawful inceptively lawful but
from the beginning as becomes illegal from
DOCTRINE OF INCOMPLETE PRIVILEGE OR he acquires possession the time defendant
STATE OF NECESSITY (Art. 432) by force, intimidation, unlawfully withholds
General rule: A person cannot interfere with the strategy, threat or possession after the
right of ownership of another. stealth expiration or
termination of his right
Exception: Doctrine of Incomplete Privilege or thereto.
State of Necessity
As to the necessity of demand
Requisites: (ID)
1. Interference necessary to avert an No previous demand for Demand is
imminent and threatened danger the defendant to vacate jurisdictional if the
2. Damage to another much greater than is necessary ground is non–
damage to property payment of rentals or
failure to comply with
LEGAL REMEDIES TO RECOVER the lease contract
POSSESSION OF ONE’S PROPERTY: As to necessity of proof of prior physical
1. Personal Property possession
Replevin – a remedy for the recovery of
possession of personal property which is Plaintiff must prove that Plaintiff need not have
governed by Rule 60 of the Rules of Court he was in prior physical been in prior physical
2. Real Property possession of the possession
a. Accion interdictal: A summary action to premises until he was
recover physical or material possession deprived thereof by the
of property. defendant
 It must be brought in the proper As to when the 1 year period is counted from
municipal trial court or metropolitan 1 year period is 1 year period is
trial court within one year from the generally counted from counted from the date
time the cause of action arises. the date of actual entry of last demand or last
i. Forcible entry (detencion): An action on the land letter of demand
for recovery of material possession of
real property when a person originally
b. Accion publiciana: An ordinary civil
in possession was deprived thereof
by force, intimidation, strategy, threat proceeding to recover the better right of
or stealth. possession of property and is resorted to
ii. Unlawful Detainer (desahuico): An when the dispossession has lasted for
action for recovery of possession of more than 1 year.
any land or building by a landlord,  The issue involved is not possession
vendor, vendee, or other person de facto but possession de jure of
against whom the possession of the realty independent of the title.
same was unlawfully withheld after  Must be brought in the proper
the expiration or termination of the regional trial court within a period of
right to hold possession, by virtue of 10 years from the time the cause of
any contract. action arises.
c. Accion reivindicatoria: An action to
recover real property based on
ownership. The object is the recovery of
dominion over the property as owner.
 Must be brought in the proper
regional trial court within a period of

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 47

10 years from the time the cause of ACCESSORIES - things joined to or included with
action arises. the principal thing for the latter’s embellishment,
Requisites: better use, or completion
i. The thing must be corporeal,
concrete, and determinate
ii. Proof of identity
iii. Proof of title (Reyes-Puno, p.24)
Classifications:
SURFACE RIGHTS (Art. 437) 1. Accession Discreta – the right pertaining to
The owner of parcel of land is the owner of its the owner of a thing over everything produced
surface and everything under it. thereby

Limitations: Fruits - all periodical additions to a principal


Horizontally: extends up to the boundaries thing produced by forces inherent to the thing
Vertically: extends below the surface and above itself
it to the extent required by the economic interest
of or utility to the owner, in relation to the Requisites:
exploitation that may be made of the property a. increase or addition to the original thing
Airspace: the owner cannot complain of the b. at repeated intervals
reasonable requirements of aerial navigation c. by inherent forces

HIDDEN TREASURE (Arts. 438 & 439) Kinds of Fruits


Any hidden or unknown deposit of money, jewelry a. natural fruits – spontaneous products of
or other precious objects, the lawful ownership of the soil, the young and other products of
which does not appear animals
b. industrial fruits – those produced by lands
General rule: It belongs to the owner of the land, of any kind through cultivation or labor
building or other property on which it is found. c. civil fruits – rents of buildings, price of
leases or lands and the amount of
Exceptions: The finder is entitled to ½ provided: perpetual or life annuities or other similar
1. Discovery was made on the property of income
another, or of the state or any of its political
subdivisions;  Bonus to planters for the risk undergone
2. The finding was made by chance; in mortgaging property is NOT a civil fruit
3. The finder is not a co–owner of the property of the mortgaged property (Bachrach
where it is found; Motor Co. vs. Talisay-Silay Milling Co.
4. The finder is not a trespasser; GR No. 35223, September 17, 1931).
5. The finder is not an agent of the landowner;
6. The finder is not married under the absolute General rule: To the owner of the principal
community or the conjugal partnership system belongs the natural, industrial, and civil fruit.
(otherwise his share belongs to the Exceptions: If the thing is: (PULA)
community). a. in possession of a possessor in good
faith;
 It is necessary that no known owner appears. b. subject to a usufruct;
“Hence, that money found in a library, when c. leased or pledged; or
the books were delivered to the legatees in a d. in possession of an antichretic creditor
testamentary proceeding, could not be
considered a treasure because it was shown General rule: Expenses of production,
that the library had been used by the testator gathering and preservation (whether more or
and that money consisted, in greater part, of less than the value of the fruits) must be
this kind in circulation during the life of the borne by the receiver of the fruits.
testator” (1 Capistrano 394).
Exception: The rule does NOT always apply
ACCESSION (Arts. 440– 475) to pending fruits.
The right by virtue of which the owner of a thing
becomes the owner of everything that is produced 2. Accession Continua – the right pertaining to
thereby or which is incorporated or attached the owner of a thing over everything that is
thereto, either naturally or artificially. incorporated or attached thereto either
naturally or artificially; by external forces.
a. With respect to real property
48 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

i. accession industrial Without collect


 building, planting, sowing subsidiary damages (546,
ii. accession natural liability for cost 449)
of material
 alluvium, avulsion, change of
Good Faith Bad Faith Bad Faith
course of rivers, formation of Option to: Recover Recover value
islands Acquire necessary from B, P, S
b. With respect to personal property improvement expenses for (as if both
i. adjunction or conjunction w/o paying preservation acted in good
ii. commixtion or confusion indemnity and Lose faith)
iii. specification collect improvements If B, P, S
damages, or w/o right to acquires
Basic Principles: (GONE BAD) Demolition or indemnity from improvements,
restoration, and LO (452) remove
1. He who is in good faith may be held collect unless the LO materials if w/o
responsible but will not be penalized. damages, or sells land injury (447)
2. To the owner of a thing belongs the extension Sell to B, P or No action
or increase of such thing. rent to S, and versus LO
3. Bad faith of one party neutralizes the bad collect
faith of the other. damages
4. There should be no unjust enrichment at the Pay necessary
expense of others. expenses to B,
5. Bad faith involves liability for damages. P, S (449, 450,
451)
6. Accessory follows the principal.
Bad Faith
7. Accession exists only if the incorporation is {Same as though all acted in good faith (453)}
such that separation would either seriously Bad Faith Good Faith Good Faith
damage the thing or diminish its value. Acquire Remove Remove
improvements improvements materials if w/o
Right of Accession With Respect To Real after paying in any event injury
Property indemnity and Be indemnified Collect value of
damages to B, for damages materials,
Accession Industrial P, S primarily from
Subsidiarily B, P, S;
Table of Rights and Obligations: liable to owner subsidiarily
BUILDER, OWNER OF of materials from LO (447,
LANDOWNER PLANTER, THE (454, 447, 455) 455)
(LO) SOWER MATERIALS Bad Faith Bad Faith Good Faith
(B,P,S) (OM) Acquire Right of Collect value of
Good Faith Good Faith Good Faith improvements retention for materials
Acquire Right of Collect value after indemnity necessary primarily form
improvements retention for of materials to B, P, S; expenses B, P, S;
and pay to B, necessary and primarily from subsidiarily Pay value of subsidiarily
P, S indemnity; useful expense B, P, S; liable to owner materials to from LO
subsidiarily Pay value of subsidiarily of materials owner of 2. Collect
liable to owner materials to from land a. Sell to B, P materials and damages
of materials owner of owner if B, P, S except: if the pay him 3. If B, P, S
a. sell land to B materials insolvent value is damages (546, acquires
or P except if Remove only if considerably 447) improvements
the value of the without injury more remove
land is (455, 447) b. Rent to S materials in any
considerably (453, 448, 546, event (447,
more 548, 455) 455)
b. rent to S Good Faith Bad Faith Good Faith
(448, 546, 455) Option to: Recover Collect value of
Good Faith Good Faith Bad Faith Acquire w/o necessary materials and
Acquire Right of Lose them paying expenses (452, damages from
improvements retention for without right to indemnity and 443) B, P, S and
and pay necessary and indemnity (449) collect Lose subsidiarily
indemnity to B, useful damages improvements from LO
P, S expenses Sell to B, P and w/o right of Remove
A. Sell to B, P Keep building, rent to S and retention from materials in any
except if the planting or collect LO (452) event if B, P, S
value of land is sowing w/o damages unless LO sells acquires
considerably indemnity to Demolish or the land improvements
more, forced owner of restore and
lease materials and

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 49

collect may also oblige the builder, planter or sower


damages to pay the price of the land. If the owner
Pay necessary chooses to sell his land, the builder, etc. must
expenses to B, purchase the land; otherwise, the owner may
P, S
remove the improvements thereon. The
Subsidiarily
liable to owner builder, etc. is not obliged to purchase the
of materials land if its value is considerably more than the
(449, 450, 451) building. In such case, the builder, etc. must
Bad Faith Good Faith Bad Faith pay rent. If the parties cannot come to terms
Acquire Indemnity for No indemnity; over the conditions of the lease, the court
improvements damages lose materials must fix the terms thereof. (Ballatan vs. CA,
& pay Remove (449) GR No. 125683, March 2, 1999).
indemnity & improvements
 The landowner may not refuse both to pay for
damages to B, in any event
P, S (454,447) (454,447) the building and to sell the land and instead
seek to compel the owner of the building to
Article 448: remove the building from the land. He is
entitled to such removal ONLY when, after
Application: having chosen to sell the land, the other party
fails to pay for said land (Ignacio vs. Hilario
 Applies only when the builder, planter or
GR No. L-175, April 30, 1946).
sower believes he has the right to build, plant
or sow because he thinks he owns the land or  Should no other arrangement be agreed
believes himself to have a claim of title upon, the owner of the land does not
(Morales vs. CA, GR No. 126196, January automatically become the owner of the
28, 1998). improvement (Filipinas Colleges, Inc. vs.
Timbang GR No. L-12812, September 29,
 When the co-ownership is terminated by a
1959).
partition and it appears that the house of an
erstwhile co-owner has encroached upon a
Right to choose:
portion pertaining to another co-owner which
was however made in good faith, then the  It is the owner of the land who must exercise
provisions of Art. 448 should apply to the option because his right is older and
determine the respective rights of the parties because, by the principle of accession, he is
(Ignao vs. Intermediate Appellate Court GR entitled to the ownership of the accessory
No. 72876, January 18, 1991). (Bernardo vs. Bataclan GR No. 44606,
November 28, 1938).
 Does not apply where one’s interest in the
land is merely that of a holder such as a mere  The so-called “workable solution,” as provided
lessee under a rental contract (Balucanag vs. in the case of Grana vs. CA (GR No. L-
Francisco GR No. L-33422, May 30, 1983), 49219, April 18, 1988) is one where the Court
an agent, or a usufructuary (Macasaet vs. orders the owner of the land to sell to the
Macasaet GR No. 154391, September 30, builder, etc. the part of the land intruded
2004). upon, and thereby depriving him of his right to
choose, because it would be impractical to
 The provision on indemnity in Art. 448 may be
choose the first alternative for the whole
applied by analogy considering that the
improvement might be rendered useless.
primary intent of the law is to avoid a state of
forced co–ownership especially where the
Accession natural
parties agree that Arts. 448 and 546 are
applicable and indemnity for the
1. Alluvion or Alluvium (Art. 457-458)
improvements may be paid although they
Increment which lands abutting rivers
differ as to the basis of the indemnity. It is the
gradually receive as a result of the current of
current market value of the improvements
the waters
which should be made the basis of
reimbursement to the builder in good faith
Accretion - the process by which a riparian
(Pecson vs. CA, GR No. 94033, May 29,
land gradually and imperceptibly receives
1995).
addition made by the water to which the land
is contiguous
Options of the landowner:
 The owner of the land shall have the right to Requisites of alluvion or accretion:
appropriate as his own the building, planting a. the deposit or accumulation of soil or
or sowing, after payment of the necessary sediment must be gradual and
and useful expenses. The owner of the land
50 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

imperceptible (increase must be The transfer of a known portion of land from


comparatively little) one tenement to another by the force of the
b. the accretion must result from the effects current. The portion of land must be such
or action of the current of the water that it can be identified as coming from a
c. that the land where accretion takes place definite tenement.
is adjacent to the bank of the river

 Accretions belong to the riparian owners


upon whose lands the alluvial deposits Requisites:
were made (Agustin vs. Intermediate a. the segregation and transfer must be
Appellate Court GR Nos. 66075-76, July caused by the current of a river, creek or
5, 1990). torrent
b. the segregation and transfer must be
Reasons for the rule: sudden or abrupt
a. To compensate the owner for losses c. the portion of land transported must be
which they may suffer by erosion. known or identified
b. To compensate them for the burdens of
legal easements, which are imposed Note: The owner must remove (not merely
upon them claim) the transported portion within two years
c. Because it is the owner of the contiguous to retain ownership.
land who can utilize the increment to the  Art. 460 applies only to uprooted trees. If
best advantage a known portion of land with trees
d. Because this is the only feasible solution, standing thereon is carried away by the
since the previous owners can no longer current to another land, Art. 459 govern
be identified. and the 2 year period applies.
 In case of uprooted trees, the owner
 An alluvion is automatically owned by the retains ownership if he makes a claim
riparian owner from the moment the soil within 6 months. This does not include
deposit can be seen but the additional trees which remain planted on a known
area does not automatically become portion of land carried by the force of the
registered land just because the lot which waters. In the latter case, the trees are
receives such accretion is covered by a regarded as accessions of the land
Torrens title. The riparian owner must through gradual changes in the course of
register the additional area (Heirs of E. adjoining stream (Payatas-Estate
Navarro vs. Intermediate Appellate Court Improvement Co. vs. Tuason GR No. L-
GR No. 68188, October 13, 1997). 30067, March 23, 1929).
 Failure to register the acquired alluvial
deposit by accretion subjects said Alluvium and Avulsion Distinguished
accretion to acquisition thru prescription ALLUVIUM AVULSION
by third persons (Reynante vs. CA, GR
No. 95907, April 8, 1992). gradual and sudden or abrupt
 A riparian owner cannot acquire the imperceptible process
addition to his land caused by special soil cannot be identified identifiable and
works (e.g., dikes) expressly intended by verifiable
him to bring about accretion (i.e., for belongs to the owner of belongs to the owner
reclamation purposes) and not to protect the property to which it from whose property it
his property from the destructive force of is attached was detached
the waters of the river (Republic vs. CA,
GR No. L-43105, August 31, 1984).
3. Change of Course of Rivers (Art. 461–462)
 In the absence of evidence that the
Requisites: (NAPA)
change in the course of the river was
a. There must be a natural change in the
sudden, the presumption is that the
course of the waters of the river;
change was gradual and was caused by
otherwise, the bed may be the subject of
alluvium and erosion (Payatas-Estate
a State grant (Reyes–Puno, p.54).
Improvement Co. vs. Tuason GR No. L-
b. The change must be abrupt or sudden
30067, March 23, 1929).
c. The change must be permanent; the rule
does not apply to temporary overflowing
2. Avulsion (Art. 459)
d. There must be abandonment by the
owner of the bed i.e. a decision not to

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 51

bring back the river to the old bed. b. soldadura or soldering


(Reyes–Puno, p.53). i. ferruminacion – if both the accessory
and principal objects are of the same
 Once the river bed has been abandoned, metal
the owners of the invaded land become ii. plumbatura – if the accessory and
owners of the abandoned bed to the principal objects are of different
extent as provided by Art. 462. No materials
positive act is needed on their part, as it c. escritura or writing
is subject thereto ipso jure from the d. pintura or painting
moment the mode of acquisition becomes e. tejido or weaving
evident.
 It does not apply to cases where the river Tests to determine principal in adjunction:
simply dries up because there are no a. the “rule of importance and purpose” (Art.
persons whose lands are occupied by the 467)
waters of the river. b. that of greater value – if they are of
unequal values
4. Formation of Islands (Arts. 463–465) c. that of greater volume – if they are of
equal values
Rules on Ownership: d. that of greater merits – take into
a. If formed by the sea: consideration all pertinent provisions
i. within territorial waters – State applicable as well as the comparative
ii. outside territorial waters – to the first merits, utility and volume
occupant
b. If formed in lakes, or navigable or Rules on Who is Entitled:
floatable rivers – State a. Adjunction in good faith by either owner:
c. If formed on non–navigable or non– General rule: Accessory follows the
floatable rivers: principal
i. if nearer to one margin or bank – to Exceptions: If the accessory is much
the nearer riparian owner more precious than the principal, the
ii. if equidistant from both banks – to the owner of the accessory may demand the
riparian owners, by halves separation even if the principal suffers
some injury
 There is no accession when islands are
formed by the branching of a river; the b. Adjunction in bad faith by the owner of
owner retains ownership of the isolated the principal
piece of land. Options of the owner of the accessory:
i. to recover the value plus damages
Right of Accession With Respect To Personal ii. to demand separation plus damages
Property
c. Adjunction in bad faith by the owner of
Basic Principle: Accession exists only if the accessory
separation is not feasible. Otherwise, separation i. he loses the accessory
may be demanded. ii. he is liable for damages

Kinds: When separation of things allowed:


1. Adjunction/ conjunction (Arts. 466-471): The i. separation without injury
union of two movable things belonging to ii. accessory is more precious than the
different owners, in such a manner that they principal
cannot be separated without injury, thereby iii. owner of the principal acted in bad
forming a single object faith

Requisites: 2. Mixture (Arts. 472-473): Union of materials


a. the two things must belong to different where the components lose their identity
owners
b. that they form a single object, or that their Kinds:
separation would impair their nature a. Commixtion – mixture of solids
b. Confusion – mixture of liquids
Kinds:
a. inclusion or engraftment Rules:
52 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

a. By the will of both owners or by accident: SPECIFICATIO


each owner acquires an interest in ADJUNCTION MIXTURE
N
proportion to the value of his material
Things joined Things The new object
b. By one owner in good faith: apply rule (a)
retain their mixed or retains or
c. By one owner in bad faith:
nature confused preserves the
i. he loses all his rights to his own
may either nature of the
material
retain or original object.
ii. he is liable for damages
lose their
respective
3. Specification (Art. 474): The transformation of
natures
another’s material by the application of labor.
The material becomes a thing of different
kind. Labor is the principal QUIETING OF TITLE (Arts. 476–481)

Rules: Cloud on title


a. Owner of the principal (worker) in good A semblance of title, either legal or equitable, or a
faith: claim or a right in real property, appearing in
i. maker acquires the new thing some legal form but which is, in fact, invalid or
ii. he must indemnify the owner of the which would be inequitable to enforce
material
Exception: if the material is more Action to quiet title
valuable than the resulting thing, the An action to remove cloud or to quiet title is a
owner of the material has the option: remedy or proceeding in equity, the purpose of
i. to acquire the work, indemnifying for which is the declaration of the invalidity of a claim
the labor, or on a title or the invalidity of an interest in property
ii. to demand indemnity for the material adverse to that of the plaintiff, and thereafter to
b. Owner of the principal (worker) in bad free the plaintiff and those claiming under him
faith, the owner of the material has the form any hostile claim thereon.
option:
i. to acquire the result without indemnity General rule: Only real property could be the
ii. to demand indemnity for the material subject matter of quieting of title.
plus damages
c. Owner of the material in bad faith Exception: Certain personal properties like
i. he loses the material vessels may be the object of quieting of title.
ii. he is liable for damages
Indemnity of the material, how paid (Art 471): Nature:
a. The delivery of the same quality, kind and Actions for quieting of title are neither suits in rem
quality; or nor suits in personam. They are suits against a
b. The payment of the value, as per expert particular person in respect to the res and the
appraisal. judgment will apply only to the property in dispute.
They are suits quasi in rem (Realty Sales
 In determining the value, sentimental Enterprises, Inc. vs. Intermediate Appellate Court
value must be taken into account. GR No. L-67451, September 28, 1987).

Adjunction, Mixture and Specification Requisites: (LCD-R)


1. plaintiff must have a legal or equitable title to,
Distinguished
or interest in the real property which is the
SPECIFICATIO subject matter of the action;
ADJUNCTION MIXTURE
N 2. there must be a cloud in such title;
Involves at Involves at May involve one 3. such cloud must be due to some instrument,
least 2 things least 2 thing (or more) record, claim, encumbrance or proceeding
things but form is which is APPARENTLY VALID but is in truth
changed invalid, ineffective, voidable or unenforceable,
and is prejudicial to the plaintiff’s title; and
Accessory Co- Accessory
4. plaintiff must return to the defendant all
follows the ownership follows the
benefits he may have received from the latter,
principal results principal
or reimburse him for expenses that may have
redounded to his benefit.

Classes:

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 53

1. Remedial (Action to quiet title) - the action  The fall of the tree, occasioned by the inaction
may be brought to remove a cloud or quiet or negligence of the owner, someone has
title to real property or an interest therein (Art. been hurt, the owner of the tree is liable for
476 par. 1) damages under the law on quasi-delict (Art.
2. Preventive (Action quia timet) - to prevent a 2191, par. 3).
future cloud (doubt) from being cast upon the
title to real property or an interest therein (Art.
CO- OWNERSHIP
476 par. 2).
That form of ownership which exists whenever an
Prescriptive Period: undivided thing or right belongs to different
1. plaintiff in possession – imprescriptible persons.
2. plaintiff not in possession – 10 (ordinary) or  By the nature of co–ownership, a co–owner
30 years (extraordinary) cannot point to any specific portion of the
property owned in common as his own
The action to quiet title does NOT apply: because his share in it remains intangible and
1. to questions involving interpretation of ideal (Avila et al. vs. Sps. Barabat GR No.
documents 141993, May 17, 2006).
2. to mere written or oral assertions of claims,  The possession of a co–owner is like that of a
EXCEPT: trustee and shall not be regarded as adverse
a. if made in a legal proceeding to the other co–owner but in fact beneficial to
b. if it is being asserted that the instrument all of them (Salvador vs. CA, G.R. No.
or entry in plaintiff’s favor is not what it 109910, April 5, 1995)
purports to be
3. to boundary disputes REQUISITES:
4. to deeds by strangers to the title UNLESS 1. Plurality of owners
purporting to convey the property of the 2. The object of ownership must be a thing or
plaintiff right which is undivided
5. to instruments invalid on their face 3. Each co–owner’s right must be limited only to
6. where the validity of the instrument involves his ideal share of the physical whole
pure questions of law CHARACTERISTICS: (PSNCLG)
1. Plurality of subjects/owners
Duty of plaintiff to restore benefits and 2. there is a single object which is not materially
expenses (Art. 479): divided
1. Restoration is required whenever the 3. there is no mutual representation by the co–
complainant is shown to be morally bound to owners
reimburse the defendant 4. it exists for the common enjoyment of the co–
2. Even if the debt is not enforceable by reason owners
of the statue of limitations, payment may be 5. it has no distinct legal personality
required by the court 6. it is governed first of all by the contract of the
parties; otherwise, by special legal provisions,
Reason: “He who seeks equity must do equity.” and in default of such provisions, by the
provisions of Title III on co–ownership
RUINOUS BUILDINGS AND TREES IN
DANGER OF FALLING (Arts. 482–483): SOURCES: (C2LOST)
1. Contract
As to buildings: 2. Chance
 The complainant must show that his property 3. Law
is adjacent to the dangerous construction, or 4. Occupation
must have to pass by necessity in the 5. Succession
immediate vicinity. 6. Testamentary disposition or donation inter
 Lack of knowledge of the falling condition of vivos
the structure will not excuse the owner from
liability. CO–OWNERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP
 If the damage is caused by defects in the DISTINGUISHED
construction, then the builder is responsible
for the damages. CO–OWNERSHIP PARTNERSHIP
Can be created Can be created only
As to trees: without the formalities by contract, express
of a contract or implied
54 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

Has no juridical or Has juridical property at the time of the


legal personality personality distinct renunciation will be the basis of the
from the partners portion to be renounced.
Purpose is collective Purpose is to obtain 5. Alterations: to oppose alterations made
enjoyment of the thing profits without the consent of all, even if
Co–owner can A partner, unless beneficial.
dispose of his shares authorized, cannot Alteration is an act by virtue of which a
without the consent of dispose of his share co–owner changes the thing from the
the others with the and substitute another state in which the others believe it should
transferee as a partner in his remain, or withdraws it from the use to
automatically place. which they desire it to be intended.
becoming a co– 6. To protest against seriously prejudicial
owner. decisions of the majority
There is no mutual A partner can 7. Legal redemption: to be exercised within
representation. generally bind the 30 days from written notice of sale of an
partnership. undivided share of another co–owner to a
Distribution of profits Distribution of profits stranger
must be proportional is subject to the 8. To defend the co–ownership’s interest in
to the respective stipulation of the court
interests of the co– parties 9. To demand partition at any time
owners Partition is the division between 2 or
A co–ownership is not Death or incapacity more persons of real or personal property
dissolved by the dissolves the which they own in common so that each
death or incapacity of partnership may enjoy and possess his sole estate to
a co–owner. the exclusion of and without interference
No public instrument May be made in any from others. The purpose of partition is to
needed even if real form except when real separate, divide and assign a thing held
property is the object property is contributed in common among those to whom it
of the co–ownership belongs. (Avila vs. Sps. Barabat GR No.
An agreement to keep There may be 141993, March 17, 2006).
the thing undivided for agreement as to a
a period of more than definite term without General rule: Partition is demandable by
10 years is void. limit set by law. any of the co–owners as a matter of right
at any time.
RULES:
I. Rights of each co–owner as to the thing Exceptions: (SCLUPA)
owned in common: (USBRAP–LDP) a. When there is a stipulation against it;
1. To use the thing owned in common but not to exceed 10 years.
Limitations: b. When the condition of indivision is
a. use according to the purpose for imposed by the donor or testator; but
which it was intended not to exceed 20 years.
b. interest of the co–ownership must not c. When the legal nature of the
be prejudiced community prevents partition.
c. other co–owners must not be d. When partition would render the thing
prevented from using it according to unserviceable.
their own rights e. When partition is prohibited by law
2. To share in the benefits and charges in f. When another co–owner has
proportion to the interest of each. possessed the property as exclusive
 Any stipulation to the contrary is void. owner for a period sufficient to
3. To the benefits of prescription: acquire it by prescription.
prescription by one co–owner benefits all.
4. Repairs and taxes: to compel the others II. The following questions are governed by
to share in the expenses of preservation the majority of interests:
even if incurred without prior notice. 1. Management
 The co–owner being compelled may Acts of Management (Castan)
exempt himself from the payment of a. Those that do not involve an alteration
taxes and expenses by renouncing b. Are renewable from time to time
his share equivalent to such taxes c. Do not bind the community for a long time
and expenses. The value of the in the future

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 55

d. Do not give rise to a real right over the repudiation. In fact, there was bad faith of the
thing owned in common (Reyes-Puno. co–heir in feigning sole ownership of the
p.73). property to the exclusion of the other co–
e. Expenses to improve or embellish are heirs. (Galvez vs. CA, GR No. 157954, March
decided by the majority 24, 2006).
 The Torrens title does not furnish a shield for
 Minority may appeal to the court against fraud. Thus, where one registered the
the majority’s decision if the same is property in question in his name in fraud of
seriously prejudicial. his co–heirs, prescription can only be deemed
2. Enjoyment to have commenced from the time the latter
3. Improvement or embellishment discovers the fraudulent act (Adille vs. CA,
GR No. L-46484 January 29, 1988).
III. Rights as to the ideal share of each co–  Under the law, anyone of the co–owners may
owner: bring an action in ejectment (Art. 487). This
1. Each has full ownership of his part and of can be done without joining all other co–
his share of the fruits and benefits owners because the suit is presumed to have
2. Right to substitute another person in its been filed for the benefit of his co–owners.
enjoyment, EXCEPT when personal But if the suit is for the benefit of the plaintiff
rights are involved alone who claims to be the sole owner and
3. Right to alienate, dispose or encumber entitled to the possession of the litigated
4. Right to renounce part of his interest to property the action should be dismissed and it
reimburse necessary expenses incurred will not prosper especially so that there is
by another co–owner evidence of co–ownership of the property,
5. Transactions entered into by each co– and there is no showing that they waived their
owner only affect his ideal share. rights (Baloloy vs. Hular GR No. 159723.
 Even if a co-owner sells the whole September 9, 2004).
property as his, the sale will affect
only his own share but not those of EXTINGUISHMENT OF CO–OWNERSHIP
the other co-owners who did not (CALSTEP)
consent to the sale. This is because 1. consolidation or merger in one co–owner
the sale or other disposition affects 2. acquisitive prescription in favor of a third
only his share and the transferee gets person or a co–owner who repudiates the co–
only what would correspond to his ownership
grantor in the partition of the thing 3. loss or destruction of property co–owned
owned in common. Since a co-owner 4. sale of property co–owned
is entitled to sell his undivided share, 5. termination of period agreed upon by the co–
a sale of the entire property by one owners
co-owner without the consent of the 6. expropriation
other co-owners is not null and void. 7. judicial or extra–judicial partition
Only the rights of the co-owner-seller
are transferred, thereby making the CONDOMINIUM ACT (RA 4726)
buyer a co-owner of the property
(Bailon-Casilao vs. CA, GR No. L- Condominium - an interest in real property
78178, April 15, 1988). consisting of a separate interest in a unit in a
residential, industrial or commercial building and
 A co-owner cannot acquire by prescription the an undivided interest in common, directly or
share of the co-owners, absent any clear indirectly, in the land on which it is located and in
repudiation of the co-ownership. In order that other common areas of the building.
the title may prescribe in favor of a co-owner,  Any transfer or conveyance of a unit or an
the following requisites must concur: (1) the apartment, office or store or other space
co-owner has performed unequivocal acts of therein, shall include transfer or conveyance
repudiation amounting to an ouster of the of the undivided interest in the common areas
other co-owners; (2) such positive acts of or, in a proper case, the membership or
repudiation have been made known to the shareholdings in the condominium
other co-owners; and (3) the evidence thereof corporation: Provided, however, that where
is clear and convincing (Robles vs. CA, GR the common areas in the condominium
No. 123509, March 14, 2000). project are held by the owners of separate
 The act of executing the affidavit of self– units as co–owners thereof, no condominium
adjudication did not constitute sufficient act of unit therein shall be conveyed or transferred
56 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

to persons other than Filipino citizens or 1. Before 1902: R.D. sobre Mineria 1867
corporations at least 60% of the capital stock 2. Between 1902-1906: The Philippine Bill of
of which belong to Filipino citizens, except in 1902 and Legislative Acts
cases of hereditary succession. 3. After the Advent of the Commonwealth: Art.
XIII of the Philippine Constitution and CA No.
General rule: Common areas shall remain 137
undivided, and there shall be no judicial partition 4. Present: Mineral Resources Development
thereof Decree of 1974 (P.D. 463) and the Civil Code
of the Philippines
Exceptions:
1. When the project has not been rebuilt or Minerals – all inorganic substances found in
repaired substantially to its state prior to its nature, whether in solid, liquid, gaseous, or any
damage or destruction 3 years after damage intermediate state, with the exception of soil
or destruction which rendered a material part which supports the organic life, and of ordinary
thereof unfit for use; earth, gravel, sand, and stone which are used for
2. When damage or destruction has rendered ½ building or construction purposes
or more of the units untenantable and that the
condominium owners holding more than 30% TRADEMARK AND TRADE NAMES (Arts. 520-
interest in the common areas are opposed to 523)
restoration of the projects;
3. When the project has been in existence for Laws Governing Trademarks and Trade
more than 50 years, that it is obsolete and names:
uneconomic, and the condominium owners 1. Intellectual Property Code (RA 8293)
holding in aggregate more than 50% interest 2. Civil Code of the Philippines
in the common areas are opposed to
restoration, remodeling or modernizing; POSSESSION
4. When the project or a material part thereof
has been condemned or expropriated and the CONCEPT:
project is no longer viable, or that the 1. As an act – the holding of a thing or the
condominium owners holding in aggregate enjoyment of a right with the intention to
more than 70% interest in the common areas possess in one’s own right
are opposed to the continuation of the 2. As a fact – when there is holding or
condominium regime; enjoyment
5. When conditions for partition by sale set forth 3. As a right – the right of a person to holding or
in the declaration of restrictions duly enjoyment to the exclusion of all others
registered have been met. having better right than the possessor
a. jus possidendi - right to possession which
SOME SPECIAL PROPERTIES is incidental to or included in the right of
ownership
WATERS (Arts. 502-518) b. jus possessionis – right of possession
independent from the right of ownership
Laws Governing Waters:
1. Civil Code of the Philippines REQUISITES:
2. Special Law of Waters of August 3, 1866 1. occupancy, apprehension, or taking of a thing
3. The Irrigation Acts, Act 2152 and its or right (possession in fact);
amendments 2. deliberate intention to possess (animus
4. Water Power Act No. 4062 possidendi)
5. Art. XIII of the Philippine Constitution  An insane or demented person CANNOT
acquire possession as they are incapable
Classification of understanding the import of their
1. Waters public per se (water is the principal); actions.
the bed follows the character of the water
2. Waters public or private according to their bed 3. by virtue of ones own right – in his own name
(water is accessory to bed) or in that of another.
3. Waters public by special provision
DEGREES:
1. possession without any title whatsoever -
MINERALS (Art. 519) mere holding without any right at all (ex. thief
or squatter)
Laws Governing Minerals:

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 57

2. possession with juridical title - predicated  Only personal knowledge of the flaw in
on juridical relation existing between the one’s title or mode of acquisition can
possessor and the owner (ex. lessee, make him a possessor in bad faith. It is
usufructuary, depositary, agent, pledgee and not transmissible even to an heir.
trustee)  Possession in good faith ceases from the
3. possession with just title – the possession moment defects in his title are made
of an adverse claimant whose title is sufficient known to the possessor
to transfer ownership but is defective (ex.
when the seller is not the true owner or could EXTENT OF POSSESSION:
not transmit his rights thereto to a possessor 1. Actual possession – occupancy in fact of
who acted in GF) the whole or at least substantially the whole
4. possession with a title in fee simple - property
derived from the right of dominion or 2. Constructive possession – occupancy of
possession of an owner; the highest degree part, in the name of the whole, under such
of possession circumstances that the law extends the
occupancy to the possession of the whole
Doctrine of constructive possession –
possession in the eyes of the law does not
CLASSES: mean that a man has to have his feet on
1. In one’s own name – where possessor every square meter of ground before it can be
claims the thing for himself said that he is in possession (Ramos vs.
2. In the name of another – for whom the thing Director of Lands GR No. 13298, November
is held by the possessor 19, 1918).
3. In the concept of owner – possessor of
thing or right, by his actions, is considered or PRESUMPTIONS IN FAVOR OF POSSESSOR:
believed by others as the owner, regardless 1. of good faith (Art. 527)
of good or bad faith of the possessor 2. of continuity of initial good faith (Art. 528)
 Possessor in the concept of an owner is 3. of enjoyment in the same character in which
presumed with just title. (Art. 541) possession was acquired until the contrary is
4. In the concept of holder – possessor holds proved (Art. 529)
it merely to keep or enjoy it, the ownership 4. of non–interruption in favor of the present
pertaining to another person; possessor possessor (Art. 554)
acknowledges in another a superior right 5. of continuous possession by the one who
which he believes to be ownership; cannot recovers possession of which he was
acquire ownership by prescription wrongfully deprived (Art. 561)
 None of these holders may assert a claim 6. of extension of possession of real property to
of ownership for himself over the thing but all movables contained therein (Art. 542)
they may be considered as possessors in
the concept of owner, or under claim of OBJECT OF POSSESSION:
ownership, with respect to the right they General rule: All things and rights susceptible of
respectively exercise over the thing. being appropriated (Art. 530)
5. In good faith – possessor is not aware that
there is in his title or mode of acquisition a Exceptions:
defect that invalidates it 1. Res communes
Requisites: 2. Property of public dominion
a. Ostensible title or mode of acquisition 3. Discontinuous servitudes
b. Vice or defect in the title 4. Non–apparent servitudes
c. Possessor is ignorant of the vice or defect ACQUISITION OF POSSESSION (Arts. 531-538)
and must have an honest belief that the
thing belongs to him Manner of acquiring possession:
1. Material occupation of the thing or exercise of
 Gross and inexcusable ignorance of the a right
law may not be the basis of good faith, 2. Subjection to our will
but possible excusable ignorance may be 3. Proper acts and legal formalities established
such basis (Kasilag vs. Roque GR No. for acquiring such right
46623, December 7, 1939).
6. In bad faith – possessor is aware of the Special Cases of Acquisition of Possession:
invalidating defect in his own title. 1. Acquisition through another person.
Where possession is acquired, not by an
agent or representative but by a stranger
58 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

without agency, possession is not acquired not reimbursed to reimbursed to


until the act is ratified (Art. 532). possessor possessor
Fruits pending and charges
2. Acquisition by Succession Mortis Causa prorated according to to owner
a. Time of Acquisition. If the inheritance is time
accepted, the estate is transmitted Production expenses of pending fruits
without interruption from the death of the indemnity pro-rata to no indemnity
predecessor. But the heir who repudiates possessor (owner’s
is deemed never to have acquired option)
possession (Art. 533). in money, or
b. Effect of Bad Faith of the decedent. One by allowing full
who succeeds by hereditary title shall not cultivation and
suffer the consequences of the wrongful gathering of all fruits
possession of the decedent unless it is Necessary expenses
shown that he had knowledge of the reimbursed to reimbursed to
defects affecting it; but the effects of possessor; retention possessor; no
possession in good faith shall not benefit retention
him except from the death of the Useful expenses
decedent (Art. 534). reimbursed to no reimburse-ment
possessor (owner’s
CONFLICTS BETWEEN SEVERAL option)
CLAIMANTS: initial cost
General rule: Possession cannot be recognized plus value
in two different personalities may remove if no
reimbursement, and
Exception: In case of co–possession when there no damage is caused
is no conflict to the principal by the
removal
Criteria in Case of Dispute: Ornamental expenses
1. present/actual possessor shall be preferred reimbursement at owner’s option:
2. if there are two possessors, the one longer in owner’s option: removal, or
possession removal if no injury, or value at time of
3. if the dates of possession are the same, the cost without removal recovery
one with a title Taxes and charges (i. on capital, ii. on fruits
4. if all the above are equal, the fact of and iii. charges)
possession shall be judicially determined, and taxes and charges taxes and charges
in the meantime, the thing shall be placed in i. charged to i. charged to owner
judicial deposit owner ii. charged to owner
 Possession cannot be acquired through ii. charged to iii. to owner
force or violence. To all intents and possessor
purposes, a possessor, even if physically iii. prorated
ousted, is still deemed the legal Improvements no longer existing
possessor (Caqueña vs. Bolante GR No. no reimbursement no reimburse-ment
137944, April 6, 2000). Liability for accidental loss or deterioration
 A person who believes himself entitled to only if acting with liable in every case
the possession of property may not take fraudulent intent or
the law into his hands (Bishop of Cebu negligence, after
vs. Mangaron, G.R. No. 1748, June 1, summons
1906) or else he will be made to suffer Improvements due to time or nature
the consequences of his lawlessness to owner or lawful to owner or lawful
(Santiago vs. Cruz GR No. L-31919, possessor possessor
March 24, 1930).
Necessary expenses – made for the
EFFECTS OF POSSESSION (Arts. 539-561) preservation of the thing
POSSESSOR IN POSSESSOR IN BAD
GOOD FAITH FAITH Useful expenses – add value to property or
Fruits gathered increase the object’s productivity
to possessor to owner
Cultivation Expenses of gathered fruits

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 59

Ornamental/luxury expenses – add value to the 3. possessor is in the concept of owner


thing only for certain persons in view of their
particular whims; neither essential for Exceptions to the Theory of Irrevindicability:
preservation nor useful to everybody in general 1. where the owner or possessor lost a movable
2. where the owner or possessor has been
LOSS OF POSSESSION (Art. 555) unlawfully deprived of a movable

General Causes: General rule: One who has lost or has been
1. By the will of the possessor unlawfully deprived of a movable may recover it
a. Abandonment from whoever possesses it without
b. Transfer or conveyance reimbursement. The owner of the thing must
2. Against the will of the possessor prove: (1) ownership of the thing, and (2) loss or
a. Eminent domain unlawful deprivation; or bad faith of the
b. Acquisitive prescription possessor.
c. Judicial decree in favor of one who has a
better right Exceptions:
d. Possession of another for more than one 1. Where the owner acts negligently or
year voluntarily parts with the thing owned, he
 This refers to possession de facto cannot recover it from the possessor.
where the possessor loses the right 2. If the possessor of the movable acquired it in
to a summary action; but he may still good faith at a public sale, the owner cannot
bring action publiciana or obtain its return without reimbursing the price
reivindicatoria. paid therefor.
e. By reason of the object
i. destruction or total loss of the things Public sale – one where there has been a public
ii. withdrawal from commerce notice of the sale in which anyone is allowed to
bid for the object he desires to buy.
Acts NOT Constituting Loss of Possession
(Arts. 537–538)
1. Acts executed by stealth and without POSSESSION OF ANIMALS (Art. 560):
knowledge of the possessor
2. Acts merely tolerated either by the possessor Wild Animals – living in a state of nature
or by his representative or holder in his name independently of and without the aid and care of
unless authorized or ratified man; considered possessed only while they are
3. Violence under man’s control
4. Temporary ignorance of the whereabouts of
movable property Domesticated/ Tamed Animals - wild or savage
by nature but have been subdued and became
 The possessor who recovers possession is accustomed to live in a tamed condition;
considered as having had uninterrupted considered possessed if they habitually return to
possession despite these acts of violence, the premises of their possessor
stealth and tolerance; but he must recover
possession by due process, and not Domestic/ Tame animals – live, born and reared
otherwise (Arts. 561, 536, 539) under the control and care of man

POSSESSION OF MOVABLES (Art. 559): USUFRUCT

Theory of Irrevindicability - Possession in good Gives the right to enjoy the property of another
faith of a movable is presumed ownership. It is with the obligation of preserving its form and
equivalent to title. No further proof is necessary substance, unless the title constituting it or the
(Aznar vs. Yapdiangco, G.R. No. L-18536, March law otherwise provides.
31, 1965). The rule isnecessary for purposes of
facilitating transactions on movable property CHARACTERISTICS:
which are usually done without special formalities 1. real right
(Sotto vs. Enage, 43 O.G. 5075 [1947]). 2. of temporary duration
3. to derive all advantages from the thing due to
Requisites: normal exploitation
1. possession is in good faith 4. may be constituted on real or personal
2. the owner has voluntarily parted with the property, consumable or non–consumable,
possession of the thing
60 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

tangible or intangible, the ownership of which by contract, by will of contract


is vested in another the testator, or by
5. transmissible prescription
As a rule, usufruct Lease generally refers
KINDS OF USUFRUCTUARY ACCORDING TO
covers all the fruits and to uses only
ORIGIN:
all the uses and
1. Legal – created by law such as usufruct of
benefits of the entire
the parents over the property of their
property.
unemancipated children
2. Voluntary – created by will of the parties Involves a more or less Lease involves a more
either by act inter vivos such as donation or passive owner who active owner or lessor
by act mortis causa such as in a last will and allows the usufructuary who makes the lessee
testament to enjoy the object to enjoy
3. Mixed – acquired by prescription such as given in usufruct
when believing himself to be the owner of the Pays for ordinary Lessee is not
property of an absentee, gave in his will the repairs and taxes on generally under
usufruct of the property for the requisite the fruits obligation to
prescriptive period to his wife, who undertake repairs or
possessed it in good faith as usufructuary, pay taxes
and naked ownership to his brother
SPECIAL USUFRUCTS:
1. of pension or income (Art. 570)
RULES GOVERNING USUFRUCT:
2. of property owned in common (Art. 582)
Governed primarily by the title creating it, or in the
3. of cattle (livestock) (Art. 591)
absence thereof, by Articles 566-612 of the Civil
4. on vineyards and woodlands (Art. 575–576)
Code.
5. on a right of action (Art. 578)
6. on mortgaged property (Art. 600)
NORMAL USUFRUCT AND ABNORMAL 7. over the entire patrimony (Art. 598)
USUFRUCT DISTINGUISHED 8. over things which gradually deteriorate (Art.
ABNORMAL 573)
NORMAL USUFRUCT
USUFRUCT 9. of consumable property (Art. 574)
that which involves non- that which involves
consumable things things which would be RIGHTS OF THE USUFRUCTUARY
which the usufructuary useless to the 1. As to the thing and its fruits
can enjoy without usufructuary unless a. To receive and benefit from the fruits
altering their form or they are consumed or b. To enjoy any increase through
substance, though they expended, such as accessions and servitudes
may deteriorate or money, grain, liquors, c. To the half of the hidden treasure he
diminish by time or use etc. accidentally finds
d. To lease the thing, generally, for the
same or shorter period as the usufruct.
GENERAL RULE: Usufructuary is bound to
e. To improve the thing without altering its
preserve the form and substance of the thing in
form and substance
usufruct.
f. Right to set–off the improvements he may
have made on the property against any
EXCEPTION: Abnormal usufruct whereby the law
damage to the same
or the will of the parties may allow the
g. To retain the thing until he is reimbursed
modification of the substance of the thing.
for advances for extraordinary expenses
and taxes on the capital
USUFRUCT AND LEASE DISTINGUISHED h. To collect reimbursements from the
USUFRUCT LEASE owner for indispensable extraordinary
Always a real right Generally a personal repairs, taxes on the capital he advanced,
right and damages caused to him.
i. To remove improvements made by him if
Person creating the Lessor may not be the
the same will not injure the property
usufruct should be the owner
owner or his duly
2. As to the usufruct itself
authorized agent
a. To mortgage the right of usufruct except
May be created by law, Generally created by parental usufruct

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 61

b. To alienate the usufruct 2) property cannot be alienated or


leased because this would mean
3. At the expiration of the usufruct: that the usufructuary does not
a. to collect reimbursement from the owner: need it
i. for indispensable extraordinary
repairs made by the usufructuary Effects of failure to post bond:
ii. for taxes on the capital advanced by a. owner shall have the following options:
the usufructuary i. receivership of realty, sale of
iii. for damages caused by the movables, deposit of securities, or
usufructuary investment of money; OR
b. to retain the thing until reimbursement is ii. retention of the property as
made administrator
c. to remove improvements made by him, b. the net product shall be delivered to the
but without injuring the property usufructuary
c. usufructuary cannot collect credits due or
 In a usufruct, only the jus utendi and jus make investments of the capital without
fruendi over the property are transferred to the consent of the owner or of the court
the usufructuary. The owner of the property until the bond is given
maintains the jus disponendi or the power to
alienate, encumber, transform, and even 2. During the usufruct:
destroy the same (Hemedes vs. CA, GR No. a. To take care of the property
107132, October 8, 1999). b. To replace with the young thereof animals
 Under the Massachusetts Rule, a stock that die or are lost in certain cases when
dividend is considered part of the capital and the usufruct is constituted on flock or herd
belongs to the remainderman; while under the of livestock
Pennsylvania Rule, all earnings of a c. To make ordinary repairs
corporation, when declared as dividends in d. To notify the owner of urgent extra–
whatever form, made during the lifetime of the ordinary repairs
usufructuary, belong to the latter. The e. To permit works and improvements by
Pennsylvania Rule is more in accord with our the naked owner not prejudicial to the
laws than the Massachusetts Rule (Bachrach usufruct
vs. Seifert and Elianoff, GR No. L-2659, f. To pay annual taxes and charges on the
October 12, 1950). fruits
 Corollary to the right to all the rents, to g. To pay interest on taxes on capital paid
choose the tenant, and to fix the amount of by the naked owner
the rents, a usufructuary of the rents has the h. To pay debts when the usufruct is
right to choose himself as the tenant, constituted on the whole patrimony
provided that the obligations he has assumed i. To secure the naked owner’s or court’s
towards the owner of the property are fulfilled approval to collect credits in certain cases
(Fabie vs. Gutierrez David, GR No. L-123, j. To notify the owner of any prejudicial act
December 12, 1945). committed by third persons
k. To pay for court expenses and costs
OBLIGATIONS OF THE USUFRUCTUARY regarding usufruct
1. Before exercising the usufruct:
a. To make an inventory of the property 3. At the termination of the usufruct:
b. To give a bond, EXCEPT a. To return the thing in usufruct to the
i. when no prejudice would result owner unless there is a right of retention
ii. when the usufruct is reserved by the b. To pay legal interest on the amount spent
donor or parents by the owner for extraordinary repairs or
iii. in cases of caucion juratoria where taxes on the capital
the usufructuary, being unable to file c. To indemnify the owner for any losses
the required bond or security, files a due to his negligence or of his transferees
verified petition in the proper court
asking for the delivery of the house RIGHTS OF THE OWNER DURING THE
and furniture necessary for himself USUFRUCT:
and his family without any bond or 1. He retains title
security. 2. He may alienate the property, but he may not:
1) takes an oath to take care of the a. alter the form or substance of the thing
things and restore them b. do anything prejudicial to the usufructuary
62 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

3. He may construct buildings, make 6. It is a right limited by the needs of the


improvements and plantings, provided: dominant owner or estate, without
a. the value of the usufruct is not impaired possession.
b. the rights of the usufructuary are not 7. It cannot consist in the doing of an act unless
prejudiced the act is accessory in relation to a real
OBLIGATIONS OF THE OWNER AT THE easement.
EXPIRATION OF THE USUFRUCT: 8. It is a limitation on the servient owner’s rights
1. to make reimbursement for advances of the of ownership for the benefit of the dominant
usufructuary owner; and, therefore, it is not presumed.
2. to cancel the bond, upon discharge of the
usufructuary’s obligations CLASSIFICATION:
3. to respect leases of rural lands by the 1. As to recipient of benefit:
usufructuary for the balance of the agricultural a. Real/Predial – when the easement is in
year favor of another immovable
b. Personal – when it is in favor of a
EXTINGUISHMENT OF USUFRUCT (PT2DERM) community or of one or more persons
1. Prescription i. Public – if it is vested in the public at
2. Termination of right of the person constituting large or in some class of
the usufruct indeterminate individuals
3. Total loss of the thing ii. Private – if it is vested in a
4. Death of the usufructuary, unless contrary determinate individual or certain
intention appears persons
5. Expiration of the period or fulfillment of the 2. As to its source:
resolutory condition a. Voluntary – when the easement is
6. Renunciation of the usufructuary established by the will or agreement of
7. Merger of the usufruct and ownership in the the parties or by a testator
same person b. Legal – when it is imposed by law either
for public use or in the interest of private
EASEMENT OR SERVITUDE persons
c. Mixed – when it is created partly by will
Encumbrance imposed upon an immovable for or agreement and partly by law
the benefit of a community or one or more 3. As to its exercise:
persons or for the benefit of another immovable a. Continuous Easements – those the use
belonging to a different owner. of which is, or may be, incessant without
the intervention of any act of man
EASEMENT AND SERVITUDE b. Discontinuous Easements – those
DISTINGUISHED which are used at intervals and depend
EASEMENT SERVITUDE upon the acts of man
4. As to the indication of their existence:
Origin a. Apparent Easements – those which are
English law Roman law made known and are continually kept in
view by external signs that reveal the use
Recipient of Benefit
and enjoyment of the same
always real may be real or b. Non–apparent Easements – those
personal (broader) which show no external indication of their
existence
CHARACTERISTICS: 5. As to duty of servient owner
1. It is a real right but will affect third persons a. Positive – the servient owner must allow
only when duly registered. something to be done in his property or
2. It is enjoyed over another immovable, never do it himself; also called “servitudes of
on one’s own property intrusion and or/service”
3. It involves two neighboring estates (in case of b. Negative – the servient owner must
real easements). refrain from doing something which he
4. It is inseparable from the estate to which it is could lawfully do if the easement did not
attached, and, therefore, cannot be alienated exist
independently of the estate.
5. It is indivisible for it is not affected by the EASEMENT AND LEASE DISTINGUISHED
division of the estate between two or more EASEMENT LEASE
persons. Real right, whether Real right only when it
registered or not is registered, or when

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 63

its subject matter is


real property and the Obligations:
duration exceeds one 1. Cannot render the easement or render it
year more burdensome
Imposed only on real May involve either real 2. Notify the servient owner of works necessary
property or personal property for the use and preservation of the servitude
There is a limited right Limited right to both 3. Choose the most convenient time and
to the use of real the possession and manner in making the necessary works as to
property of another use of another’s cause the least inconvenience to the servient
but without the right of property owner
possession 4. Contribute to the necessary expenses if there
are several dominant estates
EASEMENT AND USUFRUCT
DISTINGUISHED SERVIENT OWNER
EASEMENT USUFRUCT
Imposed only on real May involve either real Rights:
property or personal property 1. To retain ownership and possession of the
Limited to particular or Includes all the uses servient estate
specific use of the and the fruits of the 2. To make use of the easement, unless there is
servient estate property agreement to the contrary
A non–possessory Involves a right of 3. To change the place or manner of the
right over an possession in an easement, provided it be equally convenient
immovable immovable or
movable Obligations:
Not extinguished by Extinguished by the 1. Cannot impair the use of the easement
the death of the death of the 2. Contribute to the necessary expenses in case
dominant owner usufructuary he uses the easement, unless there is an
agreement to the contrary
MODES OF ACQUISITION: (PDFAT)
1. by prescription of 10 years (continuous and EXTINGUISHMENT OF EASEMENTS (REMAIN
apparent easements) BREW)
a. Positive servitude - counted from the 1. Redemption agreed upon
day their exercise commences. 2. Expiration of the term or fulfillment of the
b. Negative servitude - counted from the resolutory condition
formal prohibition to the servient owner to 3. Merger of ownership of the dominant and
do any act opposed to the servitude (Art. servient estate
621). There must be a notarized 4. Annulment of the title to the servitude
document. 5. Permanent impossibility to use the easement
2. by deed of recognition 6. Non–user for 10 years
3. by final judgment a. discontinuous: counted from the day they
4. by apparent sign established by the owner of ceased to be used
two adjoining estates, unless: b. continuous: counted from the day an act
a. there are contrary stipulations or adverse to the exercise takes place
b. the sign is effaced 7. Bad condition – when either or both estates
5. by title fall into such a condition that the easement
could not be used
DOMINANT OWNER 8. Resolution of the right to create the servitude,
(i.e. in case of pacto de retro, when the
Rights: property is redeemed)
1. To exercise all the rights necessary for the 9. Expropriation of the servient estate
use of the easement 10. Waiver by the dominant owner
2. To make on the servient estate all the works
necessary for the use and preservation of the LEGAL EASEMENTS
servitude
3. To renounce the easement if he desires to Kinds of Legal Easements:
exempt himself from contribution to necessary 1. Public legal easements – those for public or
expenses communal use, governed primarily by special
4. To ask for mandatory injunction to prevent laws and by the Civil Code
impairment of his use of the easement
64 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

2. Private legal easements – those for the


interest of private persons or for private use; VII. Easement of Right of Way (Arts. 649–657):
governing law: The right granted to the owner of an estate
a. primarily by the agreement of the which is surrounded by other estates
interested parties; belonging to other persons and without an
b. in the absence thereof, by the provisions adequate outlet to a public highway to
of general or local laws and ordinances; demand that he be allowed a passageway
and throughout such neighboring estates after
c. in default of (a) and (b), by the Civil Code payment of proper indemnity.

I. Easement Relating To Waters (Art. 637): Requisites:


Lower estates must receive waters which are 1. Claimant must be the owner of the
naturally and without intervention of man enclosed immovable or one with real
descend from higher estates including earth right;
or stones carried with them (Art. 637) 2. The dominant estate is surrounded by
other immovables and there must be no
Limitations: adequate outlet to a public highway;
1. Dominant owner must not increase the 3. Right of way must be absolutely
burden but he may erect works to avoid necessary;
erosion. 4. Isolation must not be due to the
2. The servient owner must not impede the claimant’s own act;
descent of the water (but may regulate it). 5. Easement must be established at the
point least prejudicial to the servient
II. Easement On Riparian Property (Art. 638) estate; and insofar as consistent with this
rule, where the distance from the
III. Easement On Dam Or Weir (Art. 639) dominant estate to the public highway
may be the shortest; and
IV. Easement For Watering Cattle (Art. 640): 6. Payment of proper indemnity.
This is a combined easement for drawing of
water and right of way  The burden of proving the existence of
the pre-requisites to validly claim a
Requisites: compulsory right of way lies on the owner
a. must be imposed for reasons of public of the dominant estate (Costabella Corp.
use vs. CA, GR No. 80511, Jan. 25, 1991).
b. must be in favor of a town or village  Where the easement may be established
c. indemnity must be paid on any of several tenements surrounding
the dominant estate, the one where the
V. Easement of Aqueduct (Arts. 643–646) way is shortest and will cause the least
damage should be used, even if it will not
 From a forced easement, by virtue of be the shortest. The criterion of least
which the owner of an estate who desires prejudice to the servient estate must
to avail himself of water for the use of prevail over the criterion of shortest
said estate may make such waters pass distance (Quimen vs. CA, GR No.
through the intermediate estate with the 112331, May 29, 1996).
obligation of indemnifying the owner of  It is the needs of the dominant property
the same and also the owner of the which ultimately determine the width of
estate to which the water may filter or the passage, and these needs may vary
flow from time to time (Encarnacion vs. CA,
GR No. 76322 March 11, 1991).
Requisites:  The right of way for cattle should not be
1. dominant owner must prove that he has more than 10 meters wide unless a
the capacity to dispose of the water greater width was a vested right under
2. that the water is sufficient for the intended laws prior to the Civil Code of 1889 (Art.
use 657).
3. that the course is most convenient, and
least onerous to the 3rd person Special Cause of Extinction:
4. payment of indemnity 1. the opening of a public road, or
2. joining the dominant tenement to another
VI. Easement For The Construction of A Stop with exit on a public road
Lock or Sluice Gate (Art. 647)

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 65

 The extinction is NOT automatic. There Rights of Part Owners:


must be a demand for extinction coupled 1. to make use of the wall in proportion to
with tender of indemnity by the servient their respective interests, resting
owner. buildings on it or inserting beams up to
 Easement of right of way cannot be one–half of the wall’s thickness
acquired by prescription because it is 2. to increase the height of the wall
discontinuous/intermittent (Ronquillo, et a. at his expense
al. vs. Roco GR No. L-10619, February b. upon payment of proper indemnity
28, 1958). c. to acquire half interest in any
increase of thickness or height,
VIII.Easement of Party Wall (Arts. 658–666) paying a proportionate share in the
Party Wall - common wall which separates 2 cost of the work and of the land
estates built by common agreement at the covered by the increase
dividing line such that it occupies a portion of
both estates on equal parts Obligations of Each Part–Owner:
1. to contribute proportionately to the repair
Party Wall and Co–ownership Distinguished and maintenance unless he renounces
PARTY WALL CO–OWNERSHIP his part–ownership
Shares of parties Shares of the co– 2. if one part owner raises the height of the
cannot be physically owners can be divided wall, he must:
segregated but they and separated a. bear the cost of maintenance of the
can be physically physically but before additions
identified such division, a co– b. bear the increased expenses of
owner cannot point to preservation
any definite portion of c. bear the cost of construction
the property as d. give additional land, if necessary, to
belonging to him thicken the wall
No limitation as to None of the co–
use of the party wall owners may use the IX. Easement of Light and View (Arts. 667–
for exclusive benefit community property 673)
of a party for his exclusive 1. Easement of Light (jus luminum) – right
benefit to admit light from the neighboring estate
Owner may free Partial renunciation is by virtue of the opening of a window or
himself from allowed the making of certain openings.
contributing to the
cost of repairs and Requisites:
construction of a a. opening must not be greater than 30
party wall by centimeters square, made on the
renouncing all his ceiling or on the wall; and
rights thereto b. there must be an iron grating

2. Easement of view (jus prospectus) – the


Presumptions of Existence (juris tantum):
right to make openings or windows, to
1. in adjoining walls of buildings, up to
enjoy the view through the estate of
common elevation
another and the power to prevent all
2. in dividing walls of gardens and yards
constructions or work which would
(urban)
obstruct such view or make the same
3. in dividing fences, walls and live hedges
difficult. It necessarily includes easement
of rural tenements
of light.
4. in ditches or drains between tenements
Restrictions on openings in one’s own wall
Rebuttal of Presumption:
when contiguous (less than 2m) to another’s
1. title
tenement:
2. by contrary proof:
1. it cannot exceed 30cm each side
3. by signs contrary to the existence of the
2. openings must be at the height of the
servitude (Arts. 660 & 661)
joists, near the ceiling (Choco vs.
Santamaria, GR No. 6076, December 29,
 If the signs are contradictory, they cancel 1911).
each other 3. the abutting owner may:
66 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

a. close the openings if the wall XI. Intermediate Distances And Works For
becomes a party wall Certain Constructions And Plantings (Arts.
b. block the light by building or erecting 677–681)
his own wall unless a servitude is 1. Constructions: wells, sewers, etc.
acquired by title or prescription a. distance is fixed by ordinances or
c. ask for the reduction of the opening to custom must be observed
the proper size b. protective structures prescribed by
ordinances or custom must be
Restrictions as to views: erected; if none, precautions must be
1. Direct views: the distance of 2m between taken to avoid damage to neighboring
the wall and the boundary must be estates
observed c. violation causes responsibility for
2. Oblique views: (walls perpendicular or at damages caused
an angle to the boundary line) must not 2. Plantings:
be less than 60cm from the boundary line a. distances as prescribed by
to the nearest edge of the window ordinances or customs must be
observed. If none:
 Any stipulation permitting lesser i. for large trees: at least 2m from
distances is void (Art. 673). boundary
ii. for shrubs: at least 50cm from the
Modes of Acquisition center of the tree
1. by title b. intrusions;
2. by prescription i. of branches: the owner of the tree
a. positive – counted from the time of may be compelled to cut intruding
the opening of the window, if it is branches at the boundary
through a party wall ii. of roots: the owner of the invaded
b. negative – counted from the formal tenement may cut them himself
prohibition on the servient owner. at the boundary
iii. fruits falling naturally belong to
 Mere non–observance of distances the owner of the land
prescribed by Art. 670 without formal
prohibition, does not give rise to XII. Easement Against Nuisance (Arts. 682-
prescription. 683)

X. Drainage of Buildings (Arts. 674–676) XIII.Lateral and Subjacent Support (Arts. 684-
1. Easement of drainage of buildings – 687)
the right to divert or empty the rain waters
from one’s own roof or shed to the Lateral support – when the supported and
neighbor’s estate either drop by drop or supporting lands are divided by a vertical
through conduits plane
2. Easement to receive falling rain waters
– deals not with legal easement but with a Subjacent support – when the supported
voluntary easement to receive rain water land is above and the supporting land is
falling from the roof of an adjoining beneath
building
3. Easement giving outlet to rain water  There exists a doubt as to whether
where house surrounded by other easements against nuisance and lateral
houses and subjacent support may be
Requisites: categorized as legal easements (Reyes-
a. there must be no adequate outlet to Puno. pp.188–189).
the rain water because the yard or  The duty of an adjacent owner making
court of a house is surrounded by excavations upon his land not to deprive
other houses any adjacent land of sufficient lateral or
b. the outlet to the water must be at the subjacent support is an absolute one. It
point where egress is easiest and does not depend upon the degree of care
establishing a conduit for drainage and precaution made by the proprietor in
c. there must be payment of proper making the excavation or building in his
indemnity land (De Jesus, et al vs. Howmart Corp.
et al, GR No. 44191-R, August 28, 1974).

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 67

VOLUNTARY EASEMENTS (Arts. 688-693) care to prevent children from playing therewith or
Constituted by the will of the parties or of a resorting thereto is liable to a child of tender years
testator. who is injured thereby, even if the child is
technically a trespasser in the premises.
 The owner possessing capacity to encumber
property may constitute voluntary servitude.  A swimming pool or water tank is not an
If there are various owners, ALL must attractive nuisance (Hidalgo Enterprises vs.
consent; but consent once given is not Balandan GR No. L-3422, June 13, 1952).
revocable.

Rules governing voluntary easements: REMEDIES AGAINST PUBLIC NUISANCE:


1. if created by title, such as contract or will, (PCE)
then by such title 1. Prosecution under the RPC or local ordinance
2. if created by prescription, by the form and 2. Civil Action
manner of possession of the easement 3. Extrajudicial Abatement
3. in default of any of the above, by the
provisions of the Civil Code on easements REMEDIES AGAINST PRIVATE NUISANCE:
(CE)
Voluntary easements are established in favor 1. Civil Action
of: 2. Extrajudicial Abatement
1. predial servitudes:
a. for the owner of the dominant estate Note: The action to abate a public/private
b. for any other person having any juridical nuisance is NOT extinguished by prescription.
relation with the dominant estate, if the
owner ratifies it EXTRAJUDICIAL ABATEMENT
2. personal servitudes: for anyone capacitated Requisites:
to accept 1. nuisance must be specially injurious to the
person affected;
NUISANCE 2. no breach of peace or unnecessary injury
must be committed;
Any act, omission, establishment, business or 3. prior demand;
condition of property or anything else which: 4. prior demand has been rejected;
(ISAHO) 5. approval by district health officer and
1. Injures/endangers the health or safety of assistance of local police; and
others; 6. value of destruction does not exceed P3,000.
2. Shocks, defies or disregards decency or
morality; REGISTRY OF PROPERTY
3. Annoys or offends the senses;
4. Hinders or impairs the use of property; or REGISTRATION – any entry made in a book or
5. Obstructs or interferes with the free passage public registry of deeds
to any public highway or street, or body of
water. Systems of registration:
1. Former registration systems
CLASSES: a. Spanish Mortgage Law of 1893
1. Per se – nuisance at all times and under all b. Torrens System established by the Land
circumstances regardless of location and Registration Act (Act No. 496)
surrounding. c. Sec. 194 - Revised Administrative Code
2. Per accidens – nuisance by reason of 2. Present registration system - Property
circumstances, location, or surroundings. Registration Decree (PD No. 1529)
3. Public – affects the community or a
considerable number of persons. Effects of registration:
4. Private – affects only a person or a small 1. operates as constructive notice
number of persons. 2. does not validate or cure defective instrument
5. Mixed – nuisance may be both public and 3. cannot bind property where it is legally
private in character ineffective
4. does not vest title
DOCTRINE OF ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE 5. rule of first in time, first in right
One who maintains on his premises dangerous
instrumentalities of a character likely to attract THEORY OF MODE AND TITLE
children in play and who fails to exercise ordinary
68 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

MODE – the actual process of acquisition or c. traditio brevi manu – when the vendee
transfer of ownership over a thing in question. already has possession of the thing sold
This is the proximate cause of the acquisition. by virtue of another title
d. traditio constitutum possessorium – when
TITLE - the juridical justification for the acquisition the vendor continues in possession of the
or a transfer of ownership or other real right. This thing sold not as owner but in some other
is the remote cause of the acquisition (Acap vs. capacity
CA, GR No. 118114, December 7, 1995) 3. Quasi–tradition – exercise of the right of the
grantee with the consent of the grantor
4. Tradicion por ministerio de la ley – delivery
by operation of law
5. Tradition by public instrument – the
Different Modes and Titles of Acquiring execution is equivalent to the delivery of the
Ownership thing, object of the contract
MODES OF TITLES OF
ACQUIRING ACQUIRING
OCCUPATION
OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP
Original Modes A mode of acquiring ownership by the seizure of
Occupation Condition of being corporeal things that have no owner, with the
without known owner intention of acquiring them, and according to the
Work which includes Creation, discovery or rules laid down by law
Intellectual creation invention
Derivative Modes REQUISITES:
Law Existence of required 1. There must be seizure of a thing;
conditions 2. The thing seized must be corporeal personal
Tradition Contract of the parties property;
Donation Contract of the parties 3. The thing must be susceptible of
Prescription Possession in the appropriation by nature;
concept of owner 4. The thing must be without an owner;
Succession Death 5. There must be an intention to appropriate;
and
6. Requisites laid down by law must be complied
TRADITION/ DELIVERY - a mode of acquiring
with.
ownership as a consequence of certain contracts,
by virtue of which, the object is placed in the
SPECIFIC INSTANCES:
control and possession of the transferee, actually
1. hunting and fishing
or constructively.
2. finding of movables which do not have an
owner
Requisites:
3. finding of abandoned movables
1. Right transmitted should have previously
4. finding of hidden treasure
existed in the patrimony of the grantor;
5. catching of swarm of bees that has escaped
2. Transmission should be by just title;
from its owner, under certain conditions
3. Grantor and grantee should have intention
6. catching of domesticated animals that have
and capacity to transmit and acquire; and
escaped from their owners, under certain
4. Transmission should be manifested by some
conditions
act which should be physical, symbolical or
7. catching of pigeons without fraud or artifice
legal.
8. transfer of fish to another breeding place
without fraud or artifice
Kinds:
1. Real Tradition – actual delivery
2. Constructive Tradition  A thing that has been lost or taken by force is
a. traditio symbolica – parties make use of a not ipso facto converted to res nullius for it to
token or symbol to represent the thing belong to the person who takes possession of
delivered the same without the necessity of proving the
b. traditio longa manu – by mere consent of mode of his acquisition and it may thus be
the parties if the thing sold cannot be recovered by the original owner (See Art.
transferred to the possession of the 559). Such thing cannot be acquired by
vendee at the time of the sale prescription even if extraordinary.
 Land cannot be the object of occupation
because when land is without an owner, it
pertains to the State (Report of Code

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 69

Commission). The State need not acquire (Quilala vs. Alcantara, GR No. 132681,
abandoned lands by occupation because December 3, 2001).
once the requisites of abandonment had been
fulfilled; reversion operates automatically
(Pineda, 497).

DONATION
DONATION INTER VIVOS AND DONATION
An act of liberality whereby a person disposes MORTIS CAUSA DISTINGUISHED
gratuitously of a thing or right in favor of another DONATION INTER DONATION MORTIS
who accepts it (Art. 725) VIVOS CAUSA
Takes effect Takes effect upon the
REQUISITES: (CIDA) independently of the death of the donor
1. donor must have capacity to make the donor’s death
donation Made out of donor’s Made in contemplation
2. he must have donative intent (animus pure generosity of his death without the
donandi) intention to lose the
3. there must be delivery thing or its free disposal
4. donee must accept or consent to the donation in case of survival
Title conveyed to the Title conveyed upon
donee before the donor’s death
donor’s death
ESSENTIAL FEATURES/ELEMENTS OF A Valid if donor survives Void if donor survives
TRUE DONATION: done done
1. Alienation of property by the donor during his Donation Inter Vivos Donation Mortis Causa
lifetime, which is accepted Takes effect Takes effect upon the
2. Irrevocability by the donor independently of the death of the donor
3. Animus Donandi donor’s death
4. Consequent impoverishment of the donor Made out of donor’s Made in contemplation
pure generosity of his death without the
CLASSIFICATION: intention to lose the
1. As to effectivity: thing or its free disposal
a. inter vivos in case of survival
b. mortis causa Title conveyed to the Title conveyed upon
c. propter nuptias donee before the donor’s death
2. As to perfection/ extinguishment: donor’s death
a. pure Valid if donor survives Void if donor survives
b. with a condition done done
c. with a term Generally irrevocable Always revocable at
3. As to consideration: during donor’s lifetime anytime and for any
a. simple – gratuitous except for grounds reason before the
b. remuneratory or compensatory – made provided by law (Arts. donor’s death
on account of donee’s merits 760, 765)
c. modal – imposes upon the donee a Must comply with the Must comply with the
burden which is less than the value of the formalities required by formalities required by
thing donated Arts. 748 and 749 of law for the execution of
d. onerous – imposes upon the done a the Code wills
reciprocal obligation or, to be more Must be accepted by Can only be accepted
precise, this is the kind of donation made the donee during his after the donor’s death
for a valuable consideration, the cost of lifetime
which is equal to or more than the thing Subject to donor’s tax Subject to estate tax
donated (Republic vs. Silim, GR No.
149487, April 2, 2001)
 The title given to a Deed of Donation is NOT
the determinative factor which makes the
 A stipulation in the donation that it was made donation “inter vivos” or “mortis causa.”
for and in consideration of the “love and Whether a donation is inter vivos or mortis
affection which the Donee inspires in the causa depends upon the nature of the
Donor, and as an act of liberality and disposition made (Reyes vs. Mosqueda, GR
generosity” is sufficient cause for a donation No. 45262, July 23, 1990).
70 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

 Art. 729 speaks of donations in praesenti a. must be in a public instrument specifying


which take effect during the lifetime of the the property donated and the burdens
donor but the property shall be delivered only assumed by donee, regardless of value
after the donor’s death. Such donations are b. acceptance must be either:
inter vivos although the subject matter is not i. in the same instrument
delivered at once, or the delivery is to be ii. in another public instrument, notified
made post mortem, which is a simple matter to the donor in authentic form, and
of form and does not change the nature of the noted in both deeds
act (Vita vs. Montanano GR No. L-50553,
February 19, 1991).  Expression of gratitude to the donor without
express acceptance was held a sufficient
DONATIONS PROHIBITED BY LAW: acceptance (Cuevas vs. Cuevas GR No. L-
1. Made by persons guilty of adultery or 8327, December 14, 1955).
concubinage at the time of donation;
2. Made between persons found guilty of the LIMITATIONS ON DONATION OF PROPERTY:
same criminal offense in consideration 1. Future property cannot be donated.
thereof; 2. Present property that can be donated:
3. Made to a public officer or his/her spouse, a. if the donor has forced heirs: he cannot
descendants or ascendants in consideration give or receive by donation more than
of his/her office; what he can give or receive by will; and
4. Made to the priest who heard the confession b. if the donor has no forced heirs: donation
of the donor during the latter’s last illness, or may include all present property provided
the minister of the gospel who extended he reserves in full ownership or in
spiritual aid to him during the same period; usufruct:
5. Made to relatives of such priest, etc. within i. the amount necessary to support him
the 4th degree, or to the church to which such and those relatives entitled to support
priest belongs; from him
6. Made by a ward to the guardian before the ii. property sufficient to pay the donor’s
approval of accounts; debt contracted prior to the donation.
7. Made to an attesting witness to the execution 3. Donation should not prejudice creditors.
of donation, if there is any, or to the spouse, 4. Donee must reserve sufficient means for his
parents, or children, or anyone claiming under support and for his relatives which are
them. entitled to be supported by him.
8. Made to a physician, surgeon, nurse, health
officer or druggist who took care of the donor EFFECTS OF DONATION:
during his/her last illness; 1. donee may demand the delivery of the thing
9. Made by individuals, associations or donated
corporations not permitted by law to make 2. donee is subrogated to the rights of the donor
donations; and in the property
10. Made by spouses to each other during the 3. in donations propter nuptias, the donor must
marriage or to persons of whom the other release the property from encumbrances,
spouse is a presumptive heir. except servitudes
4. donor’s warranty exists if
FORMS OF DONATIONS: a. expressed
1. Donations of movable property: b. donation is propter nuptias
a. If donation is oral, simultaneous delivery c. donation is onerous
of property donated is required if the d. donor is in bad faith
value is P5,000.00 or less. Acceptance 5. when the donation is made to several donees
may be oral or written. jointly, they are entitled to equal portions,
b. If donation is in writing, simultaneous without accretion, unless the contrary is
delivery of property donated is not stipulated
required regardless of value. Acceptance
may be oral or written. PAYMENT OF THE DONOR’S DEBT BY THE
c. If the value exceeds P5,000.00, the DONEE:
donation and acceptance must be in 1. If there is express stipulation: the donee is
writing. Simultaneous delivery of property to pay only debts contracted before the
donated is not required. donation, if not otherwise specified; but the
2. Donation of immovable property: donee answers only up to the value of the
property donated, if no stipulation is made to
the contrary

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San Beda College of Law MEMORY AID IN CIVIL LAW| 71

2. If there is no stipulation: the donee is b. Extraordinary acquisitive prescription:


answerable for the debts of the donor only in acquisition of ownership and other real
case of fraud against creditors. rights without need of title or of good faith
or any other condition
GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION OF DONATION:
1. birth, appearance, or adoption of a child Requisites:
2. non-fulfillment of a resolutory condition a. capacity to acquire by prescription
3. ingratitude of the donee b. a thing capable of acquisition by
prescription
Acts of Ingratitude (Art. 765) c. possession of thing under certain
a. If the donee should commit some offense conditions
against the person, the honor or property d. lapse of time provided by law
of the donor, or of his wife or children
under his parental authority; 2. Extinctive Prescription – rights and actions
b. He imputes to the donor any criminal are lost through the lapse of time in the
offense, or any act involving moral manner and under the conditions laid down
turpitude, even though he should prove it, by law; also called limitation of actions
unless the crime or the act has been
committed against the donee himself, his Acquisitive and Extinctive Prescription
wife or children under his authority; and Distinguished
c. He unduly refuses him support when the ACQUISITIVE EXTINCTIVE
donee is legally or morally bound to give PRESCRIPTION PRESCRIPTION
support to the donor. relationship between one does not look to
the occupant and the the act of the
GROUNDS FOR REDUCTION OF DONATION: land in terms of possessor but to the
1. birth, appearance, or adoption of a child possession is capable neglect of the owner
2. failure of the donor to reserve sufficient of producing legal
means for support of himself or dependent consequences; it is
relatives the possessor who is
3. failure of the donor to reserve sufficient the actor
property to pay off his existing debts requires possession requires inaction of
4. inofficiousness, that is, the donation exceeds by a claimant who is the owner or neglect
that which the donor can give by will not the owner of one with a right to
bring his action
 If a Deed of Donation expressly provides for applicable to applies to all kinds of
automatic reversion of the property donated in ownership and other rights, whether real or
case of violation of a condition therein, a real rights personal
judicial declaration revoking the same is not vests ownership or produces the
necessary. The rules on contracts and the other real rights in the extinction of rights or
general rules on prescription (10 years to occupant bars a right of action
recover in case of written contracts) should results in the results in the loss of a
apply and not the 4 year prescriptive period acquisition of real or personal right,
under Art. 764 of the Civil Code (Roman ownership or other or bars the cause of
Catholic Archbishop of Manila vs. CA, GR real rights in a person action to enforce said
No. 77425, June 19, 1991). as well as the loss of right
said ownership or real
PRESCRIPTION rights in another
can be proven under should be
CONCEPT: it is a means of acquiring ownership the general issue affirmatively pleaded
and other real rights or losing rights or actions to without its being and proved to bar the
enforce such rights through the lapse of time. affirmatively pleaded action or claim of the
adverse party
KINDS:
1. Acquisitive prescription – one acquires LACHES – failure or neglect for an unreasonable
ownership and other real rights through the and unexplained length of time, to do that which,
lapse of time in the manner and under the by exercising due diligence, one could or should
conditions laid down by law. have done earlier.
a. Ordinary acquisitive prescription: requires
possession of things in good faith and
with just title for the time fixed by law
72 |2009 CENTRALIZED BAR OPERATIONS San Beda College of Law

PERSONS AGAINST WHOM PRESCRIPTION


RUNS:
1. Minors and other incapacitated persons who
have parents, guardians or other legal
representatives
2. Absentees who have administrators
3. Persons living abroad who have managers or
administrators
4. Juridical persons, except the state and its
subdivision
PERSONS AGAINST WHOM PRESCRIPTION
DOES NOT RUN:
1. Between husband and wife, even though
there be separation of property agreed upon
in the marriage settlements or by judicial
decree.
2. Between parents and children, during the
minority or insanity of the latter
3. Between guardian and ward during the
continuance of the guardianship

PERIOD OF PRESCRIPTION
MOVABLES IMMOVABLES
Good Faith
4 years 10 years
Bad Faith
8 years 30 years

Rules on Computation of Period:


1. The present possessor may complete the
period necessary for prescription by tacking
his possession to that of his grantor or
predecessor.
2. It is presumed that the present possessor
who was also the possessor at a previous
time, has continued to be in possession
during the intervening time, unless there is
proof to the contrary.
3. The first day shall be excluded and the last
day included.

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