Philippine Civil Code Art. 528: Possession in good faith

Statute: Philippine Civil Code
Article: Art. 528
Topic: Possession in good faith
Status: In force
Book: BOOK II PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS
Title: TITLE V POSSESSION
Chapter: CHAPTER 1 Possession and the Kinds Thereof
Year: 1949
Cited by: Multiple Supreme Court decisions

The provision

Possession acquired in good faith does not lose this character except in the case and from the moment facts exist which show that the possessor is not unaware that he possesses the thing improperly or wrongfully. (435a)

Intellegal Wiki · In plain terms

Possession that began in good faith keeps that character until facts appear showing the possessor knows they hold the thing improperly or wrongfully. Good faith is not lost by mere suspicion — only by awareness of the defect. This matters for rights to fruits and improvements, which depend on good faith.

An editorially maintained plain-language explanation of this provision — not legal advice.

Cases applying this article

Labajo v. Enriquez G.R. No. L-11093
Rodriguez v. Francisco G.R. No. L-13343

Related research

In-depth Intellegal research that analyzes this provision.

Property & Ownership in the Philippines

Civil Code, Art. 528 is found in CHAPTER 1 Possession and the Kinds Thereof of TITLE V POSSESSION of BOOK II PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS of the Civil Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 386).

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Reviewed by the Intellegal Legal Team for currency against amending laws and Supreme Court jurisprudence.

Research aid — not legal advice. Verify the current text against the Official Gazette. Provisions may have been amended or repealed. Using this page creates no attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, consult a Philippine lawyer.