Question

Scenario:

Eduardo, a Filipino citizen, has been missing for several years. There has been no information about his whereabouts, and his family has been unable to locate him. They fear that he may have met with an accident or encountered a life-threatening situation.

Recently, Eduardo's family received news that he was found alive in a remote island in the Pacific. He had been living there in isolation and had no contact with the outside world. The family is overjoyed to know that he is alive, but they are unsure about the legal implications of his absence and the subsequent discovery of his return.

Question:

Discuss the legal effects of Eduardo's absence and his subsequent return in relation to his civil personality. Cite relevant provisions of the Civil Code (arts. 40-42) to support your answer.