When the owner of waters artificially brought to the surface abandons them to their natural course, they shall become of public dominion. (419)
Civil Code · Book II: Property, Ownership, and Its Modifications · Title IV: Some Special Properties
Chapter 1: Waters · Sec. 1: Ownership of Waters
Current text, as of October 24, 2026
When the owner of waters artificially brought to the surface abandons them to their natural course, they shall become of public dominion. (419)
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 Book I provisions on marriage, family relations and parental authority were repealed by the Family Code (Executive Order No. 209, 1987) and are shown for reference only.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.