Text of the provision
Art. 182. Legitimation may be impugned only by those who are prejudiced in their rights, within five years from the time their cause of action accrues.
(275a)
Family Code of the Philippines, Executive Order No. 209, approved July 6, 1987. The Code took effect on August 3, 1988 (Republic v. Orbecido III, G.R. No. 154380, October 5, 2005). Reproduced in full.
What this article means
A legitimation is not open to attack by just anyone. It may be impugned only by those whose rights are actually prejudiced by it — typically other heirs whose successional shares shrink because a legitimated child now shares in the estate.
And they must act within five years from the time their cause of action accrues. The tight standing requirement and short period protect the stability of the child's legitimated status.
Related provisions
- Article 179 — the rights a successful impugnment would defeat.
- Article 181 — legitimation benefiting a deceased child's descendants.
Cases interpreting this article
- Authorities on Article 182 will be added here as each is verified against primary sources.