Rights of Accession

Accession Industrial in relation to Movable Property | Kinds | Rights of Accession | Ownership | PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

Accession Industrial in Relation to Movable Property (Philippine Civil Law)

Accession industrial in relation to movable property refers to the legal principle governing the rights and obligations arising from the union, transformation, or combination of movable things belonging to different owners or from the work performed upon a movable belonging to another. This principle is primarily governed by the Civil Code of the Philippines, particularly under Articles 466 to 475.

Key Concepts of Accession Industrial in Movable Property

1. Forms of Accession Industrial in Movables

Accession industrial involves three primary forms:

  1. Adjunction or Conjunction

    • This refers to the joining or physical union of two movable things in such a manner that they form a single object.
    • The primary issue in adjunction is determining which movable is the principal and which is the accessory.
    • Rules on adjunction:
      • If one thing is considerably more valuable than the other, the more valuable thing is deemed the principal.
      • If the things have nearly equal value, the one with greater volume or size is considered the principal.
      • If neither rule applies, the thing to which the other has been attached as an ornament or for use is the principal.

  2. Commixtion or Confusion

    • This occurs when materials or substances belonging to different owners are mixed or blended together in such a way that they can no longer be separated without causing damage or disproportionate inconvenience.
    • Key distinctions:
      • Commixtion: Involves solid materials (e.g., mixing grains of rice and corn).
      • Confusion: Involves liquids (e.g., mixing oil and water).
    • Ownership is determined as follows:
      • If the mixture is by agreement, the owners become co-owners in proportion to the value of their respective contributions.
      • If the mixture occurs without the owner's consent, ownership depends on whether separation is possible or impractical.

  3. Specification

    • This refers to the transformation of a material into a new product by the labor of another person (e.g., a carpenter makes a table out of someone else's wood).
    • Rules on specification:
      • If the material owner consents, ownership of the new product belongs to the owner of the material.
      • If the worker transforms the material in good faith, ownership of the new product belongs to the worker, but the material owner is entitled to compensation.
      • If the transformation occurs in bad faith, the owner of the material retains ownership and may seek compensation or damages from the worker.

General Principles in Accession Industrial

  1. Good Faith vs. Bad Faith
    The resolution of disputes regarding accession industrial is heavily influenced by the good faith or bad faith of the parties involved.

    • A party is considered in good faith if they believe they have a legal right to the property or act without intent to violate another’s rights.
    • Conversely, a party in bad faith knowingly infringes on another's property rights.

  2. Rights of the Owner of the Principal Thing

    • The owner of the principal thing typically acquires ownership over the accessory thing or the new product, subject to payment of indemnity if applicable.
    • In cases where both parties are in good faith and their contributions are of similar value, co-ownership may be established.

  3. Indemnification and Compensation

    • The party who loses ownership of their property is entitled to just indemnification based on the value of their contribution.
    • If bad faith is established, the party in bad faith may forfeit their claim to indemnity and may be liable for damages.

Specific Provisions under the Civil Code

Article 466

When two movable things are joined in such a way that they can no longer be separated without injury, the owner of the principal thing acquires ownership over the whole, with indemnity for the value of the accessory.

Article 467

In case of doubt regarding which is the principal thing, the one with greater value, volume, or the thing for use or ornamentation is deemed the principal.

Article 468

If the union of movables was made in bad faith by one of the owners, the innocent party may demand:

  • Separation and restitution, or
  • Compensation for damages if separation is impossible.

Article 469

When a movable is transformed into a new product, ownership depends on whether the transformation was done in good or bad faith.

Article 470

When materials belonging to different owners are commingled or confused:

  • If separation is possible, each retains ownership.
  • If separation is impractical, co-ownership arises proportionate to the value of contributions.

Article 471

If commixture or confusion occurs in bad faith, the innocent party may demand damages and retain the entire mixture without compensation to the party in bad faith.

Article 472

If a person works on the property of another in good faith and produces a new object, the new object belongs to the owner of the material, but the worker is entitled to compensation.

Article 473

When the worker acts in bad faith, they forfeit their right to compensation, and the material owner may demand damages.

Article 474

The owner of the material can demand separation of the product or compensation if transformation was done in bad faith.

Article 475

Rules governing adjunction, commixture, and specification are subject to the principles of unjust enrichment, ensuring that no one unjustly benefits at another's expense.

Key Jurisprudence

Courts in the Philippines have consistently upheld the principles outlined in the Civil Code. Relevant doctrines include:

  • The determination of good faith is crucial in resolving disputes under accession industrial.
  • Primacy of ownership is protected, but equitable remedies ensure that neither party suffers undue loss.
  • Where damages are sought, courts assess the value of contributions and the extent of harm caused by bad faith.

Practical Applications

  1. Adjunction: A jeweler attaches a rare gemstone owned by another person to a piece of jewelry. The ownership of the jewelry and the gemstone must be resolved under accession industrial.
  2. Commixtion: Two farmers accidentally mix their grains in storage; they must determine their respective shares.
  3. Specification: An artisan transforms wood into a sculpture without the owner’s consent, raising issues of good or bad faith in determining ownership and compensation.

Conclusion

Accession industrial in relation to movable property reflects the equitable balancing of rights and obligations when movables are joined, mixed, or transformed. Philippine law provides a clear framework to resolve conflicts, focusing on the good or bad faith of the parties and ensuring just indemnification.

Accession Industrial in relation to Immovable Property | Kinds | Rights of Accession | Ownership | PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

Accession Industrial in Relation to Immovable Property

Accession Industrial refers to the mode of acquiring property where a person becomes the owner of something by virtue of its being joined to, incorporated into, or attached to their property through human effort. In relation to immovable property, accession industrial encompasses scenarios involving constructions, plantings, and works undertaken on land. This principle is embodied in the Civil Code of the Philippines under Articles 445 to 456, with particular attention to how ownership and compensation issues are resolved.

Legal Basis: Civil Code of the Philippines

1. Types of Accession Industrial on Immovable Property

Accession industrial in relation to immovable property can be categorized as follows:

  1. Building, Planting, or Sowing on One’s Own Land Using One’s Own Materials
    The owner of the land becomes the owner of whatever is built, planted, or sown on it. This is based on the principle of accession, which adheres to the maxim: "Accessio cedit principali" (the accessory follows the principal).

  2. Building, Planting, or Sowing on Another’s Land
    a. By the Owner of the Materials

    • If a person uses their materials to build, plant, or sow on another’s land, the landowner generally becomes the owner of the improvement by virtue of accession.
    • However, the landowner is required to pay indemnity or compensation to the owner of the materials unless the act was done in bad faith (Article 447).

    b. By the Landowner Using Another's Materials

    • If the landowner uses materials owned by another to build or improve their land, the ownership of the improvement remains with the landowner.
    • The material owner is entitled to payment or reimbursement. If the landowner acted in bad faith, the material owner may demand restitution of the materials in their original form (if possible) or their value plus damages (Article 448).

    c. By a Third Party

    • If a third party builds, plants, or sows on someone else’s land using their own materials, the ownership of the improvement vests in the landowner, subject to the obligation to indemnify the third party.
    • If the third party acted in bad faith, they lose the right to indemnity and may be liable for damages (Article 449).

  3. Mixed Cases: Good Faith vs. Bad Faith
    The Civil Code carefully distinguishes the rights and liabilities of parties depending on whether they acted in good or bad faith.

    • Good Faith is presumed unless proven otherwise. It arises when a person builds, plants, or sows with the honest belief that they are entitled to do so.
    • Bad Faith involves knowledge of lack of entitlement or deliberate disregard of another's rights.

2. Rules Governing Good Faith and Bad Faith

The interplay between good faith and bad faith determines the legal consequences in cases of accession industrial:

  1. Good Faith on Both Sides

    • If both the landowner and the builder, planter, or sower acted in good faith, the landowner has the option to either:
      • Appropriate the improvement upon payment of indemnity for the value of the materials and labor; or
      • Compel the builder, planter, or sower to purchase the land if the value of the land does not exceed the value of the improvement (Article 448).

  2. Good Faith vs. Bad Faith

    • If the builder, planter, or sower is in bad faith while the landowner is in good faith, the landowner acquires ownership of the improvement without any obligation to indemnify (Article 449).
    • If the landowner is in bad faith while the builder, planter, or sower is in good faith, the latter may:
      • Demand payment for the value of the materials and labor; or
      • Remove the improvements without causing damage to the land (Article 450).

  3. Bad Faith on Both Sides

    • When both parties act in bad faith, the law tends to uphold the rights of the landowner. The builder, planter, or sower is not entitled to indemnity and may even be required to pay damages (Article 453).

3. Materials Used in Building, Planting, or Sowing

The Civil Code also addresses the rights of owners of materials used in accession industrial. If materials belong to a third party:

  • The third party retains ownership of the materials and may demand their return in their original form or claim their value (Article 455).
  • If the materials have been substantially altered or their return is no longer possible, the third party may claim compensation for their value plus damages (Article 456).

Key Case Law Principles

  1. Buenavista vs. David
    This case illustrates the application of Article 448 of the Civil Code in situations where both parties acted in good faith. The Supreme Court clarified that the landowner must choose between appropriation with indemnity or the sale of the land to the builder, and the choice must be exercised fairly.

  2. Lopez vs. Fandialan
    This decision emphasized the principle of "accessio cedit principali" and upheld the rights of the landowner as the principal owner in cases of accession industrial.

  3. Technogas Philippines vs. Court of Appeals
    In cases involving bad faith, this ruling underscored the importance of determining good or bad faith at the time of construction, planting, or sowing.

Summary of Legal Effects in Accession Industrial

Scenario Ownership of Improvement Obligation to Indemnify
Builder and Landowner in Good Faith Landowner Yes, to the builder for materials/labor
Builder in Bad Faith Landowner None (builder loses rights)
Landowner in Bad Faith Builder Yes, builder may demand indemnity
Both in Bad Faith Landowner None, builder may be liable for damages

Practical Implications

  1. Contracts and Agreements: Written agreements should be executed to clarify rights in cases of construction, planting, or sowing on another’s land.
  2. Documentation: Builders and landowners should maintain clear records to establish good faith.
  3. Judicial Remedies: Recourse to the courts may be necessary for disputes over compensation, indemnity, or removal of improvements.

This structured approach ensures that the principles of equity, justice, and public policy underlying the Civil Code are observed in cases of accession industrial concerning immovable property.

Accession Natural | Kinds | Rights of Accession | Ownership | PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

Accession Natural: All There is to Know

In Philippine civil law, accession natural is a subset of the broader principle of accession, which governs the acquisition of property or rights over property through the natural or artificial addition or incorporation of something to it. Accession natural specifically deals with the effects of natural forces or processes on property.

Accession natural is governed by Articles 457 to 465 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, as part of the provisions on property and ownership. Below is a meticulous discussion of its scope, rules, and types:

1. Definition of Accession Natural

Accession natural refers to the acquisition of ownership or property rights due to natural occurrences that cause changes or additions to land or bodies of water. These changes arise from the operation of nature, such as accretion, alluvion, avulsion, or the formation of islands.

2. Types of Accession Natural

There are four recognized forms of accession natural under Philippine law:

a. Accretion

  • Definition: The gradual and imperceptible deposit of soil (sediment) along the banks of rivers, streams, or other bodies of water, caused by the natural action of the current.

  • Legal Basis: Article 457 of the Civil Code.

  • Rules:

    1. Riparian ownership: The landowner adjacent to the riverbank (riparian owner) automatically acquires ownership of the accretion.
    2. Gradual and imperceptible process: The accumulation of soil must occur naturally and without human intervention.
    3. No encumbrance of public use: The accretion must not involve public land or property designated for public use.
    4. No compensation required: The riparian owner acquires ownership gratuitously and without the need to compensate others.

  • Exceptions:

    1. Accretion does not apply to government-owned lands such as foreshore areas or navigable waters.
    2. If the land affected by accretion is leased or encumbered, the new soil belongs to the owner of the principal property, not the lessee or encumbrancer.

b. Alluvion

  • Definition: Often synonymous with accretion, "alluvion" is sometimes used interchangeably to refer to the deposit of soil along riverbanks. However, in strict legal terms, alluvion refers specifically to the deposit itself (the material added).

c. Avulsion

  • Definition: The sudden and perceptible transfer of a portion of land from one property to another due to the violent action of water, such as a flood or torrent.
  • Legal Basis: Article 459 of the Civil Code.
  • Rules:
    1. Ownership retained by the original owner: The detached land remains the property of the original owner, even if it attaches to another estate.
    2. Obligation to reclaim: The original owner must reclaim the land within two years. Failure to do so allows the possessor of the new land to acquire ownership by prescription.
    3. Exception for trees and plants: If trees or plants are carried along with the land, the owner of the land to which they adhere may claim them if they compensate the original owner for their value.

d. Formation of Islands

  • Definition: Refers to the natural creation of land surrounded by water, typically in rivers or other navigable waterways.
  • Legal Basis: Article 461 of the Civil Code.
  • Rules:
    1. Ownership depends on location:
      • If the island is formed in a non-navigable river, the owners of adjacent lands divide the island equally, based on their riparian rights.
      • If the island is formed in a navigable river, it belongs to the state as public domain.
    2. Formation must be natural: The island must have been formed without human intervention.

3. Governing Principles

a. Doctrine of Accessory Follows the Principal

Under accession natural, the additions caused by natural processes adhere to the property to which they are attached. The legal maxim, "Accessorium sequitur principale", applies.

b. Riparian Rights

Riparian rights are critical in understanding accession natural, particularly in the cases of accretion and alluvion. These rights are vested in landowners whose property is adjacent to bodies of water, allowing them to benefit from natural increases in land area.

c. State Ownership

The government retains ownership of portions of land or water deemed public domain. For example:

  • Lands formed in navigable waters are part of the public domain and cannot be privately owned unless explicitly reclassified.

d. Prescription

Time plays a role in ownership under accession natural. If an owner does not reclaim land (e.g., in avulsion) within the prescribed period, the adjoining landowner or possessor may acquire ownership through prescription.

4. Examples and Applications

Case Law

  • Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) v. Pineda (1954): Clarified that accretion must result from a gradual and imperceptible process.
  • Ignacio v. Director of Lands (1925): Held that islands formed in navigable rivers belong to the state.
  • Republic v. CA and Alagad (1996): Reinforced the public nature of land reclaimed through accretion when it occurs in navigable waters or foreshore areas.

Real-Life Applications

  • A landowner along a river whose property expands due to sediment deposits acquires the added soil as part of their estate.
  • A farmer whose farmland is suddenly detached and carried to another property by a flood retains ownership of the detached parcel but must reclaim it promptly.

5. Related Legal Concepts

a. Foreshore Lands

Foreshore lands, or the part of the shore uncovered during low tide, remain public property. No private ownership can be acquired through natural accession in these areas.

b. Artificial Accretion

When accretion is caused by artificial means, such as the construction of dams or dikes, the rules of accession natural do not apply. Ownership in these cases depends on agreements, permits, or special laws.

c. Prescription of Rights

While accession natural automatically vests ownership, inaction by the rightful owner (e.g., failure to reclaim land in avulsion) may lead to loss of rights through acquisitive prescription.

Conclusion

Accession natural under Philippine civil law provides a framework for determining ownership over land and natural formations arising from natural processes. By ensuring fairness and protecting riparian rights, it balances the interests of private landowners and the state while accounting for the effects of nature. Meticulous adherence to these rules is essential in resolving property disputes involving natural accessions.

Accession Continua | Kinds | Rights of Accession | Ownership | PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

Accession Continua in Civil Law: An In-Depth Analysis

Accession, under the Civil Code of the Philippines, is a mode of acquiring ownership where the owner of a thing becomes the owner of everything it produces or which is incorporated or united thereto, either naturally or artificially. Accession continua pertains to the ownership rights arising from the production of fruits, the addition of new objects, or the union or incorporation of one thing to another. This legal principle is primarily covered in Articles 440 to 465 of the Civil Code of the Philippines.

General Principle of Accession

Article 440 provides that the ownership of a thing gives the right to everything it produces and to everything that is naturally or artificially united or incorporated thereto.

Kinds of Accession Continua

Accession continua is categorized into natural fruits, industrial fruits, and civil fruits. Furthermore, it also includes the specific types of accession regarding the increment or union of property:

1. Natural Fruits

  • Defined under Article 441 as the spontaneous products of the soil and the young and other products of animals.
  • Example: Crops that grow naturally on the land or offspring of animals owned.

2. Industrial Fruits

  • These are the products obtained by cultivation or labor.
  • Example: Rice harvested from a farm.

3. Civil Fruits

  • Refer to the income derived from the thing by virtue of a juridical relationship.
  • Example: Rent from a building or interest on loans.

Specific Kinds of Accession Continua

a. Accession Discreta (Fruits of a Thing)

  • This refers to the natural or industrial fruits that are produced by a thing. The ownership of these fruits belongs to the owner of the principal thing, except in cases where another party has a legal right to them (e.g., usufruct, lease agreements).
  • Article 442 establishes that in case of fruits, pending separation, they belong to the owner of the property from which they proceed.

b. Accession Continua Proper

  • This pertains to instances where the ownership of something is modified due to the incorporation or union of materials. It has subtypes:
i. Accession by Union or Incorporation
  • Governed by Articles 446 to 459, this includes the addition of a property through the combination of materials belonging to different owners. It involves the following:

  1. Adjunction or Conjunction (Article 466)

    • This refers to the joining of two objects belonging to different owners.
    • The owner of the principal thing retains ownership unless agreed otherwise, and compensation must be made for the materials added.
    • Example: Attaching a painting to a wall.

  2. Mixing or Commixture (Article 467)

    • When two substances are mixed, and their separation is impossible without injury, the owner of the principal thing acquires ownership.
    • If inseparable, ownership is divided proportionally to the respective value of the materials.

  3. Specification (Articles 468–469)

    • Occurs when one person transforms another's materials into a new product. Ownership depends on whether the transformation has greater value than the material. If the transformation is greater, the maker may own the object but must compensate the owner of the material.
ii. Accession by Increase
  • This deals with the natural or artificial increment to property. Examples include:
    • Alluvion (Article 457): Gradual and imperceptible deposit of soil along the banks of rivers.
    • Avulsion (Article 459): Sudden transfer of land caused by the force of a river or flood.
    • Change in Course of Waters (Article 460): Ownership of abandoned river beds belongs to the riparian owner.
iii. Accession by Formation of Islands (Articles 461–462)
  • Islands formed in navigable or floatable rivers are property of the State.
  • Islands in private waters belong to the riparian owner.

Rules for Resolving Conflicts in Accession Continua

The Civil Code provides specific rules to resolve conflicts where ownership of the principal and accessory objects or the materials in case of mixing is disputed:

  • Article 445: The accessory follows the principal.
  • Article 450: Indemnity is required for the owner of materials used in accession.
  • Article 451–452: Good faith or bad faith of the parties involved determines liability for damages and the final ownership.

Distinction Between Good Faith and Bad Faith

Ownership and indemnification in cases of accession continua are significantly influenced by the good or bad faith of the parties involved:

  • Good Faith: Belief that the incorporator or possessor has the right to use or possess the property.
  • Bad Faith: Knowledge of the lack of ownership or legal right to incorporate or possess the property.

Remedies and Indemnity

The Civil Code mandates indemnification for the owner of the materials or land affected by accession. Compensation is calculated based on:

  • The value of the materials.
  • The cost of labor involved in producing or incorporating the new object.
  • Damages if bad faith is established.

Key Jurisprudence on Accession Continua

Relevant Supreme Court cases further clarify the application of these principles:

  • Heirs of Amarante v. CA: Established the rights of riparian owners over accretions.
  • Capistrano v. Causing: Distinguished rights in cases of mixing and incorporation.

Conclusion

Accession continua is a comprehensive legal doctrine that ensures ownership rights are preserved while accounting for equity and the practical realities of incorporation, mixing, or natural increment. Its meticulous application by courts ensures a balance between individual ownership and social justice.

Accession Discreta | Kinds | Rights of Accession | Ownership | PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

CIVIL LAW > IX. PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS > B. Ownership > 6. Rights of Accession > b. Kinds > i. Accession Discreta

Definition of Accession Discreta

Accession Discreta pertains to the natural or industrial fruits produced by a property. It is one of the classifications of accession under the broader concept of ownership in civil law. Specifically, this type of accession involves the right of the owner to the fruits that the property naturally or artificially produces.

Legal Basis

The legal foundation for Accession Discreta is found in Articles 441 to 443 of the Civil Code of the Philippines. These provisions delineate the scope, types, and application of the right of accession in relation to the fruits of a property.

Classification of Fruits under Accession Discreta

Accession Discreta is classified into three types of fruits, which are:

  1. Natural Fruits (Article 442)

    • These are products of the soil, the animals, and plants without human intervention.
    • Examples:
      • Agricultural products such as rice, corn, and wheat.
      • Fruits from trees like mangoes and coconuts.
      • Offspring of animals like calves or chicks.

  2. Industrial Fruits

    • These result from cultivation or human labor applied to land.
    • Examples:
      • Sugarcane or other crops requiring systematic planting and harvesting.
      • Orchards and plantations.

  3. Civil Fruits

    • These are derived from the use of property through contracts or agreements.
    • Examples:
      • Rent from a leased property.
      • Interest on money or dividends on stocks.

Ownership of Fruits

The Civil Code provides specific rules regarding the ownership of fruits:

  1. Ownership of Fruits Belongs to the Owner of the Property (Article 441)

    • As a general rule, the fruits naturally or artificially produced by a property belong to its owner unless there is a legal or contractual stipulation to the contrary.

  2. Possessor’s Right to Fruits

    • Good Faith Possessor (Article 443):
      • A possessor in good faith is entitled to the fruits of the property gathered before the owner's recovery of possession.
    • Bad Faith Possessor (Article 443):
      • A possessor in bad faith has no right to the fruits and must return or account for them to the lawful owner.

Accession Discreta in Relation to Lease Contracts

When property is leased, the civil fruits (e.g., rent) are considered as fruits accruing to the owner of the property. This is a form of accession discreta in the sense that the civil law recognizes rental income as a fruit of the ownership of the leased property.

Obligations Relating to Accession Discreta

  1. Obligation to Deliver Fruits

    • If a usufruct is established, the usufructuary has the right to enjoy the natural and industrial fruits, but must preserve the property and return it to the owner upon the termination of the usufruct.

  2. Payment of Expenses

    • The owner of the property is responsible for expenses incurred in the production of fruits when relevant, such as irrigation or cultivation costs. However, the possessor in good faith may also be reimbursed for such expenses.

Case Law and Applications

  1. Ownership of Fruits After Termination of Possession

    • A possessor in good faith may retain the fruits harvested before the property is returned. However, if the possessor is in bad faith, they must restore both the property and the fruits gathered.

  2. Usufructuary’s Right to Fruits

    • The usufructuary is entitled to the fruits during the period of usufruct, provided the property is preserved.

  3. Application to Agricultural Tenancy

    • Accession Discreta applies in tenancy relationships, where the landowner retains ownership of the land while the agricultural tenant may have rights to a share of the fruits as stipulated by tenancy agreements.

Key Principles of Accession Discreta

  1. The fruits belong to the owner of the property unless there is a valid reason, by law or contract, to assign them otherwise.
  2. A good faith possessor is entitled to the gathered fruits but must reimburse for any fruits that remain unharvested upon the owner's reclamation of possession.
  3. Expenses for cultivation, harvesting, and improvement are reimbursable under certain conditions.

Conclusion

Accession Discreta is a vital aspect of the civil law provisions on ownership. It underscores the owner's inherent right to benefit from the fruits of their property, while also balancing the rights and obligations of other parties, such as possessors and usufructuaries. Mastery of these principles ensures proper understanding and application of the rules on ownership and its modifications in property law.

Kinds | Rights of Accession | Ownership | PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

CIVIL LAW: PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

Rights of Accession (Accession Continua and Accession Discreta)

The doctrine of accession is an inherent right of the owner of a thing to everything produced by such thing, and to everything that is united or incorporated therein, either naturally or artificially. It is based on the principle that accessory follows the principal.

Legal Basis

  • Civil Code of the Philippines: Articles 440–465 govern the general provisions and specific kinds of accession.

KINDS OF ACCESSION

Accession is divided into two main categories:

  1. Accession Continua (Pertaining to Movable or Immovable Property)

    • Deals with additions or improvements on a property through either natural or artificial means.

  2. Accession Discreta (Pertaining to Natural Fruits, Industrial Fruits, and Civil Fruits)

    • Deals with the products or yields derived from a property.

I. Accession Continua

This refers to the union or incorporation of a thing with another, creating a new inseparable whole. It is further divided into immovables and movables.

A. Accession Continua in Immovables

Applies when additions or improvements are made to real property, either by natural or human intervention.

  1. Alluvium (Article 457)

    • The gradual and imperceptible deposit of soil on the banks of rivers, which belongs to the owner of the riparian land.

  2. Avulsion (Article 459)

    • A sudden or violent transfer of soil from one estate to another caused by natural phenomena (e.g., flood or earthquake). The original owner retains the right to reclaim it within two years.

  3. Change of Riverbed (Articles 461–462)

    • If a river changes its course, the owners of the affected lands retain ownership of the area abandoned by the riverbed.
    • When a river dries up, the owners of adjoining lands divide the abandoned bed among themselves.

  4. Formation of Islands (Article 465)

    • Islands formed in non-navigable and non-floatable rivers belong to the riparian owners. In navigable rivers, the islands belong to the State.

  5. Right of Builders, Planters, and Sowers (Articles 447–456)
    Governed by the principle that a builder, planter, or sower who improves real property owned by another is subject to rules that vary based on:

    • Good Faith: Compensation or reimbursement for improvements made.
    • Bad Faith: The builder, planter, or sower may be required to remove their work without indemnity or forfeit the value of the improvements.
B. Accession Continua in Movables

Occurs when two movable properties are incorporated to form one whole. The rights depend on whether the accession is by adjunction, commixture, or specification.

  1. Adjunction or Conjunction (Article 466)

    • When one thing is united to another, forming one whole while retaining its distinct nature. Ownership rules:
      • Principal Thing: Determined by value, volume, or function.
      • The owner of the principal thing acquires the accessory but may owe indemnity to the owner of the accessory.

  2. Commixture or Confusion (Article 467)

    • When substances are mixed, losing their individual identities.
    • Rules depend on:
      • Mutual Consent: Co-ownership results.
      • Without Consent: Ownership rights are determined based on the dominant material.

  3. Specification (Article 469)

    • When a new object is created using materials belonging to another person. Ownership is determined as follows:
      • If the material value exceeds labor: Owner of the material owns the new object.
      • If labor value exceeds material: Maker acquires the new object but owes indemnity.

II. Accession Discreta (Fruits of Property)

Fruits are things produced by or derived from a property. They may be:

  1. Natural Fruits (Article 442)

    • Spontaneous products of the soil, such as plants, and the products of animals, such as milk, wool, or offspring.

  2. Industrial Fruits (Article 442)

    • Result of cultivation or human labor, such as crops and other agricultural products.

  3. Civil Fruits (Article 443)

    • Derive from juridical relations, such as rent, lease payments, and interest from loans.
Rules on Division of Fruits
  • Pending Fruits (Article 443): If ownership changes while fruits are pending, the fruits are proportionally divided based on ownership periods.
  • Good Faith Possessor (Article 443): Entitled to all fruits gathered before eviction and to reimbursement for necessary expenses.
  • Bad Faith Possessor: Must return all gathered fruits and may owe damages.

NOTES ON ACCESSION RIGHTS

  1. Accession rights are accessory to ownership and may be limited by agreements or legal prohibitions.
  2. Possessors in good faith are entitled to benefits, while those in bad faith may be penalized under the Civil Code provisions.

APPLICATIONS

Accession finds practical application in resolving disputes over:

  • Land boundaries (e.g., disputes involving alluvial deposits or avulsion).
  • Improvements on leased or co-owned properties.
  • Ownership of new objects created from combined movables.

JURISPRUDENCE

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has consistently upheld the principles of accession, with particular emphasis on fairness in cases involving builders, planters, or sowers in good or bad faith. Examples include:

  • Heirs of Malabanan v. Republic: Clarified the concept of public domain land in cases involving alluvium.
  • Ordinario v. Eugenio: Emphasized the right of good faith possessors to reimbursement for improvements.

Mastery of these provisions ensures clarity and equity in disputes arising from ownership rights and property modifications.

General Principles | Rights of Accession | Ownership | PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

CIVIL LAW > IX. PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS > B. OWNERSHIP > 6. RIGHTS OF ACCESSION > A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Rights of accession are one of the natural rights inherent in ownership. Under Philippine law, they are governed by Articles 440 to 465 of the Civil Code of the Philippines. Below is a comprehensive discussion of the topic:

1. Definition and Basis of Rights of Accession

  • Accession refers to the right of an owner of a thing to everything which is produced by it or is incorporated or united with it, either naturally or artificially. It reflects the maxim "accessorium sequitur principale" (the accessory follows the principal).
  • The right is rooted in the principle that the owner of a thing has dominion not only over the thing itself but also over its products and anything that becomes attached to or incorporated with it.

2. Classification of Rights of Accession

Accession is classified into two broad categories:

  1. Accession Discreta – Accession with respect to products or fruits.
  2. Accession Continua – Accession with respect to improvements, incorporations, or unions with other things.

3. Accession Discreta

This pertains to the right of the owner over the natural, industrial, or civil fruits of their property:

  • Natural Fruits: Products of the soil, offspring of animals, and other spontaneous products of nature (e.g., fish in ponds or lakes).
  • Industrial Fruits: Products resulting from human cultivation or labor (e.g., harvested crops, timber from planted trees).
  • Civil Fruits: Revenues derived from the property by virtue of a juridical relationship (e.g., rent, lease payments, dividends).

Key Rules:

  • The fruits are considered to belong to the owner of the principal property unless otherwise agreed upon by contract.
  • In cases where fruits are produced by the property of one person and the labor of another, they shall be divided proportionately.

4. Accession Continua

This deals with the attachment or incorporation of a thing to the principal property. It can be further divided as follows:

A. Accession in Relation to Immovables

  • Alluvion (Article 457):
    • Accession by gradual and imperceptible deposit of soil along the banks of rivers.
    • The owner of the riverbank benefits from the alluvial deposit, provided the river is not navigable or for public use.
  • Avulsion (Article 459):
    • Accession by the sudden transfer of soil from one property to another due to natural causes, such as floods.
    • Ownership is retained by the original owner if they reclaim it within two years.
  • Change of River Course (Article 461):
    • When a river abandons its natural bed and opens a new one, the former bed belongs to the riparian owners in proportion to the length of their land abutting the old riverbed.
  • Formation of Islands (Article 465):
    • Newly formed islands in rivers not of public use belong to the riparian owners.

B. Accession in Relation to Movables

  • Union or Mixture (Articles 466-468):
    • When two movable properties belonging to different owners are inseparably united, the owner of the principal thing acquires ownership over the accessory thing, subject to indemnity.
    • If neither is principal, ownership is shared proportionately based on their value.
  • Adjunction:
    • When two things are joined but can still be separated without substantial damage (e.g., welding parts together), the owner of the principal thing acquires the accessory, with a duty to indemnify.
  • Specification (Article 469):
    • If a person transforms another's material into a new form through labor, ownership may depend on whether the value of labor exceeds the value of the material. Ownership may vest in the material's owner or the worker, subject to indemnity.

5. Rights and Obligations of Owners in Cases of Accession

The general rules governing the rights and obligations of owners in cases of accession are:

  1. Good Faith vs. Bad Faith:
    • Good Faith: When the parties involved are unaware of the defect in their ownership or rights.
    • Bad Faith: When a party is aware of the defect but proceeds with the act of accession.
  2. Indemnity:
    • A party acting in good faith must be indemnified for improvements or fruits they have produced.
    • A party in bad faith loses their right to indemnity and may even be required to pay damages.
  3. Right of Retention:
    • A possessor in good faith has the right to retain the property until they are reimbursed for necessary and useful expenses incurred.

6. Special Cases

  1. Co-Ownership and Accession:
    • Improvements made by one co-owner belong to the co-ownership, but the improver may seek reimbursement for necessary and useful expenses.
  2. Accession and Public Domain:
    • Properties belonging to the public domain, such as navigable rivers, lakes, or seas, are governed by special laws and are excluded from private ownership through accession.

7. Remedies in Case of Disputes

  • Acción reivindicatoria: Action to recover ownership or possession of the property, including improvements or fruits.
  • Acción publiciana: Action to recover the right to possess property.
  • Acción interdictal: Summary remedies for recovery of possession.
  • Indemnification: Actions to recover expenses or damages due to acts of accession performed in bad faith.

Summary

Rights of accession are essential to ownership, ensuring that the owner benefits from the products, fruits, and attachments to their property. The rules balance equity by considering good faith, indemnity, and proportional ownership. Philippine jurisprudence reinforces these principles through the application of Articles 440-465 of the Civil Code, providing clear and equitable resolutions to disputes.

Rights of Accession | Ownership | PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS

CIVIL LAW

IX. PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS
B. Ownership
6. Rights of Accession

Definition of Accession

Accession is a mode of acquiring ownership under the Civil Code of the Philippines. It refers to the right of a property owner to everything which is produced by their property, whether naturally or artificially, and to all improvements or augmentations added to it, either naturally or through the act of another. (Art. 440, Civil Code)

Classification of Accession

The rights of accession are categorized into two broad types based on whether they pertain to immovable or movable property:

  1. Accession Discreta (Natural Fruits, Industrial Fruits, and Civil Fruits)

    • Concerns the products or fruits generated by a property.
    • Includes:
      • Natural fruits: Products of the soil, offspring of animals, and other spontaneous products of the land (Art. 441).
      • Industrial fruits: Those produced by lands of any kind through cultivation or labor (Art. 441).
      • Civil fruits: Revenues derived from property by virtue of a juridical relationship, such as rents, interests, or dividends (Art. 442).

  2. Accession Continua (Improvements, Additions, or Augmentations to Property)

    • Relates to physical additions or improvements to the property. It is further divided into:
      • Accession with respect to immovable property:
        • Accession Industrial (Buildings, Plantings, and Sowing) (Arts. 445–455).
        • Accession Natural (Avulsion, Alluvion, Formation of Islands) (Arts. 456–459).
      • Accession with respect to movable property (Adjunction, Mixture, Specification) (Arts. 466–475).

Detailed Rules on Rights of Accession

A. Accession with Respect to Immovable Property

  1. Accession Industrial: Buildings, Plantings, and Sowing

    • General Rule: The owner of the land owns whatever is built, planted, or sown on it, subject to specific conditions.
    • Rights and Obligations of Parties:
      • Builder, planter, or sower in good faith:
        • They are entitled to reimbursement for necessary and useful expenses (Art. 448).
        • The landowner has the option to appropriate what is built, planted, or sown upon payment of indemnity or to compel the builder, planter, or sower to buy the land if the value of the land is not considerably greater than that of the improvements.
      • Builder, planter, or sower in bad faith:
        • They lose what is built, planted, or sown without right to indemnity and may be required to pay damages (Art. 449).
        • The landowner retains the right to remove the improvements or demand damages (Art. 450).

  2. Accession Natural: Alluvion, Avulsion, Formation of Islands

    • Alluvion (Art. 457): The gradual and imperceptible deposit of soil along the banks of rivers belongs to the riparian owner.
    • Avulsion (Art. 459): When a portion of land is suddenly detached by a force of water and deposited elsewhere, the owner retains ownership but must reclaim it within two years.
    • Formation of Islands (Art. 465):
      • If formed in non-navigable rivers, the owners of adjacent lands own them in proportion to the extent of their riparian property.
      • In navigable rivers, islands belong to the State.

B. Accession with Respect to Movable Property

  1. Adjunction or Conjunction (Arts. 466–469):

    • Refers to the union of two movable things owned by different persons in such a way that they form a single object.
    • Rules for ownership:
      • Principal vs. Accessory: Ownership is determined by identifying which part is principal and which is accessory.
      • Indemnity: The owner of the accessory part is entitled to compensation if the principal part cannot be detached without damage.

  2. Mixture (Arts. 470–471):

    • Happens when the materials of two or more owners are mixed or blended.
    • If the mixture is made without the consent of one owner, they retain ownership of their respective portions, unless inseparable.
    • If inseparable, the owners become co-owners in proportion to their shares in the mixture.

  3. Specification (Arts. 472–475):

    • Occurs when a person transforms another’s material into a new object.
    • Rules for determining ownership:
      • If the transformation is done in good faith, the owner of the material may appropriate the object or require indemnity for its value.
      • If done in bad faith, the owner of the material acquires the new object without indemnity, and the transformer may be liable for damages.

Principles Governing Accession

  1. Good Faith vs. Bad Faith:

    • Good faith is presumed and entails ignorance of any defect in ownership or lack of authority (Art. 526).
    • Bad faith entails knowledge of such defect or authority and results in forfeiture of rights.

  2. Preference to the Owner of the Principal Thing:

    • When different properties belonging to various owners are united, the owner of the principal thing generally acquires ownership of the resulting object, subject to indemnity (Art. 467).

  3. Effect of Severability:

    • If the improvements or objects can be separated without damage, the parties retain ownership of their respective properties.

Relevant Jurisprudence

  1. Barzaga v. CA (G.R. No. L-41512, October 15, 1986):
    • Established the obligations of builders in good faith and landowners regarding indemnity.
  2. Heirs of Navarro v. CA (G.R. No. 131298, August 25, 2005):
    • Clarified issues on avulsion and the right to reclaim land detached and deposited elsewhere.
  3. Reyes v. CA (G.R. No. L-27713, June 17, 1988):
    • Highlighted the rights of owners of movable property in cases of accession.

Summary

The rights of accession ensure that property owners maintain rights over fruits, products, and improvements related to their property. It is a foundational principle of ownership, balancing the rights of property owners with equitable considerations for builders, planters, sowers, or other contributors. These rules promote fairness and order in property relations, ensuring both owners and contributors are afforded appropriate legal remedies.

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