Republic Act No. 386

The Civil Code of the Philippines

Approved: June 18, 1949
Took effect: August 30, 1950
Based on: The Spanish Civil Code of 1889, with influences from American law
Major later change: Family Code (EO 209, 1987) repealed most of Book I

The Civil Code governs private law: persons, family relations, property, ownership, succession, obligations and contracts. Each of its 2270 articles has its own page, with repealed articles marked and cross-linked to the law that replaced them.

Read the Civil Code (2270 articles) →

Preliminary Title — Arts. 1–36
Book I: Persons — Arts. 37–413
Book II: Property, Ownership, and Its Modifications — Arts. 414–711
Book III: Different Modes of Acquiring Ownership — Arts. 712–1155
Book IV: Obligations and Contracts — Arts. 1156–2270

For information and research only, and not legal advice. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.