Text of the provision

Art. 196. Brothers and sisters not legitimately related, whether of the full or half-blood, are likewise bound to support each other to the full extent set forth in Article 194, except only when the need for support of the brother or sister, being of age, is due to a cause imputable to the claimant's fault or negligence.

(291a)

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

The duty of support runs between siblings too — including those not legitimately related, and whether they are of the full or half blood. The support owed is the full extent defined for support generally (everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical care, education and transportation, under Article 194).

There is one carve-out for adult siblings: if a brother or sister of age needs support because of a cause imputable to their own fault or negligence, the obligation does not apply. A sibling cannot claim support for a predicament they brought on themselves.

Related provisions

Cases interpreting this article

Note. The text of the provision above is reproduced in full from the official enactment. The annotation, case summaries and commentary around it are the work of Vivas & Nobles Law Office and are general legal information, not legal advice. Whether this provision applies to a particular marriage depends on facts that only a lawyer reviewing your situation can assess.