Text of the provision

Art. 206. 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 without intention of being reimbursed.

(2164a)

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

Suppose a stranger steps in and supports someone — pays for their food, shelter or medical care — without the knowledge of the relative who was actually obliged to provide it. The law lets that stranger recover the amount from the person who owed the support. The obligor cannot be enriched by having someone else quietly discharge their duty.

The exception is intent: if it appears the stranger gave the support as a gift, with no intention of being repaid, no reimbursement is due. Article 207 covers the related, more urgent case where the obligor refuses support that is urgently needed.

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.