Civil Code · Preliminary Title

Article 35

Chapter 2: Human Relations

Unamended since 1950

Current text, as of October 24, 2026

When a person, claiming to be injured by a criminal offense, charges another with the same, for which no independent civil action is granted in this Code or any special law, but the justice of the peace finds no reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed, or the prosecuting attorney refuses or fails to institute criminal proceedings, the complaint may bring a civil action for damages against the alleged offender. Such civil action may be supported by a preponderance of evidence. Upon the defendant's motion, the court may require the plaintiff to file a bond to indemnify the defendant in case the complaint should be found to be malicious.

If during the pendency of the civil action, an information should be presented by the prosecuting attorney, the civil action shall be suspended until the termination of the criminal proceedings.

Consolidated by Alleba from the text of Republic Act No. 386 (Lawphil and the Supreme Court E-Library). Book I provisions on marriage, family relations and parental authority were repealed by the Family Code (Executive Order No. 209, 1987) and are shown for reference only. For information and research only, and not legal advice. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.