Article 638
ELI5— what this means for you
Even privately-owned land along a riverbank is subject to a public-use easement (for navigation, floating logs, fishing, and rescue) within three meters of the water's edge, and adjoining land may also have to allow a towpath for river traffic — with the owner compensated if private land must be used.
Official text — RA 386
The banks of rivers and streams, even in case they are of private ownership, are subject throughout their entire length and within a zone of three meters along their margins, to the easement of public use in the general interest of navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage.
Estates adjoining the banks of navigable or floatable rivers are, furthermore, subject to the easement of towpath for the exclusive service of river navigation and floatage.
If it be necessary for such purpose to occupy lands of private ownership, the proper indemnity shall first be paid. (553a)
Source: lawphil.net (RA 386 as amended)
Related
RELATED RIGHTS
Legal disclaimer: BatasKo provides general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on contracts, property rights, obligations, or civil damages, consult a licensed Filipino lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) at pao.gov.ph.