Text of the provision
Art. 1984. The depositary cannot demand that the depositor prove his ownership of the thing deposited. Nevertheless, should he discover that the thing has been stolen and who its true owner is, he must advise the latter of the deposit. If the owner, in spite of such information, does not claim it within the period of one month, the depositary shall be relieved of all responsibility by returning the thing deposited to the depositor. If the depositary has reasonable grounds to believe that the thing has not been lawfully acquired by the depositor, the former may return the same.
(1771a)
Civil Code of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 386, approved June 18, 1949, effective August 30, 1950. Reproduced in full; verified verbatim against the LawPhil and ChanRobles official-text renderings.
What this article means
The depositary cannot require the depositor to prove ownership — but on discovering the thing is stolen and who the true owner is, he must notify the owner; if the owner does not claim it within one month, the depositary is relieved by returning it to the depositor.
Related provisions
- Article 1983 — Return With Products and Accessions.
- Article 1985 — Several Depositors.
Cases interpreting this article
- Authorities on this article will be added here as each is verified against primary sources.