Civil Code, Article 965 — Descending and Ascending Lines

What this article means

The direct line is either descending or ascending. The former unites the head of the family with those who descend from him; the latter binds a person with those from whom he descends.

The descending line traces a family downward — from a person to children, grandchildren, and further descendants — while the ascending line traces the same relationship upward, toward parents, grandparents, and earlier ascendants. Both describe the same direct line viewed from opposite ends: relative to a grandson, the grandfather sits in the descending line, while relative to the grandfather, the grandson sits in the ascending line. The direct line described here is distinct from the collateral line, which links relatives who share a common ancestor without one descending from the other, such as siblings or cousins.

Questions about this provision

• For inheritance purposes, how does Philippine law count how closely two relatives are related, and what are the 'descending' and 'ascending' lines?

Related provisions

• Article 964 — Lines of Relationship.
• Article 966 — Counting the Degrees.

Cases interpreting this article

• Authorities on this article will be added here as each is verified against primary sources.