Text of the provision
Art. 2164. When, without the knowledge of the person obliged to give support, it is given by a stranger, the latter shall have a right to claim the same from the former, unless it appears that he gave it out of piety and without intention of being repaid.
(1894a)
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
One who, without the knowledge of the person obliged, furnishes support to another may claim it from the person obliged — unless given out of piety without intent to be repaid. A quasi-contract mirroring Art. 206.
This provision extends the quasi-contract principle to support obligations: a "stranger" here simply means someone under no legal duty to provide the support, as distinct from the person who is obliged to give it. Where such a stranger steps in without the obliged person's knowledge, the law lets him recover what he furnished, treating the arrangement as if the obliged person had asked for the help. The exception matters just as much as the rule — support given "out of piety," meaning out of compassion or moral sentiment rather than any expectation of being repaid, is treated like a gift, and no reimbursement follows.
Questions about this provision
- I supported a person whose relative was legally obliged to support them - can I claim reimbursement?
- I paid for the food and lodging of someone whose family was legally obliged to support them but refused — can I claim reimbursement from the family?
Related provisions
- Article 2163 — Presumption of Mistake.
Cases interpreting this article
- Authorities on this article will be added here as each is verified against primary sources.