Question

John, a successful businessman, went missing under suspicious circumstances. No one has heard from him or seen him for over a year. His family is concerned about his welfare and wants to know what legal options are available to them. They seek your advice as a legal expert in matters of Absentees under the Civil Code.

Based on the provisions of the Civil Code on Absentees (arts. 381-396), answer the following questions:

1. What are the requisites for the declaration of absence, and who can file the petition?
2. How is the property of the absentee managed and administered during the absence?
3. What are the effects of the declaration of absence?
4. Under what circumstances can the declaration of absence be reversed or terminated?