Page 512 - Important Provisions of The New Civil Code

Article 719. Whoever finds a movable, which is

not treasure, must return it to its previous

possessor. If the latter is unknown, the finder

shall immediately deposit it with the mayor of

the city or municipality where the finding has

taken place.

The finding shall be publicly announced by the

mayor for two consecutive weeks in the way he

deems best.

If the movable cannot be kept without

deterioration, or without expenses which

considerably diminish its value, it shall be sold at

public auction eight days after the publication.

Six months from the publication having elapsed

without the owner having appeared, the thing

found, or its value, shall be awarded to the finder.

The finder and the owner shall be obliged, as the

case may be, to reimburse the expenses. (615a)