SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS Bar Exam Questions with Suggested Answers (!!"# $%&'
.r$# !n $rdin!r !ti$n whih is !ders!ri!*+ It is ! #ere !*i!ti$n $r r$eeding t$ est!*ish the st!tus $. ! !rt $r ! !rti !rtiu*!r u*!r .!t& t$ i th!t ! ers$n h!s een unhe!rd $. .$r ! *$ng ti#e !nd under suh iru#st!ne th!t he #! e resu#ed de!d+
Ase Asent ntee ee)) De*+ De*+ar arat atio ion n o, Ase Asen* n*e e -s. -s. De*+aration De*+aration o, Presum/ti-e Death ($%%!' r!n" !nd Gin! were #!rried $n %une 12& 19'( in )!ni* )!ni*!+ !+ ,!re* ,!re* ! e!r e!r !.te !.terr the the weddi wedding& ng& r!n" e/hiited ! i$*ent te#er!#ent& .$ring Gin!& Gin!& .$r re!s$ re!s$ns ns $. ers ers$n $n!* !* s!.et s!.et& & t$ *ie *ie with her !rents+ A e!r there!.ter& Gin! .$und e#*$#ent !s ! d$#esti he*er in Sing!$re& where she w$r"ed .$r ten $nseutie e!rs+ A** the ti#e she w!s !r$!d& Gin! Gin! h!d !s$*ute !s$*ute* * n$ $##un $##uni! i!ti$n ti$ns s with with r!n"& n$r did she he!r !n news !$ut hi#+ 4hi*e in Sing!$re& Gin! #et !nd .e** in *$e with 4i**ie+ On %u* 5& 200(& Gin! *ed ! etiti$n with with the R7C $. #!ni #!ni*! *! t$ de* de*!r !re e r!n" r!n" resu#tie* de!d& s$ th!t she $u*d #!rr 4i**ie 4i**ie++ 7he R7C gr!nte gr!nted d Gin!8s Gin!8s etiti$ etiti$n+ n+ 7he $e $e $. the the S$*i S$*iit$ it$rr Gene Gener! r!** :OSG :OSG;; *ed *ed ! n$tie $. Ae!* with the R7C& st!ting th!t it w!s w!s !e !e!*i !*ing ng the dei deisi$ si$n n $. the the C$ur C$urtt $. Ae!*s $n
:; As th :; the e R7C Fu Fudg dge e wh wh$ $ gr gr!n !nte ted d Gi Gin! n!8s 8s etiti$n& wi** $u gie due $urse t$ the OSG8s n$tie $. !e!*=
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 NO+ Ae!* is n$t ! r$er re#ed sine the deisi$n is i##edi!te* n!* !nd e/eut$r u$n n$ti n$tie e t$ the the !rt !rtie ies s unde underr Art+ Art+ 25 25( ( $. the the !#i* C$de :Reu*i s ,er#ude-L$rin$& 559 SCRA @( 200@B;+ 7he OSG #! !ss!i* R7Cs gr!nt $. the etiti$n $n* $n the re#ise $. gr!e !use $. disreti$n disreti$n !#$unting t$ *!" $r e/ess $. Furisditi$n+ 7he re#ed sh$u*d e erti$r!ri under Ru*e 6@ $. the Ru*es $. C$urt+
Can*e++ation Can*e++ation or Corre*tion) Noti*e ($%%5' :!; , *es ! etiti$n .$r !ne**!ti$n $. the irth erti!te $. her d!ughter R $n the gr$und $. the .!*sied #!teri!* entries therein #!de ,8s hus!nd !s the in.$r#!nt+ 7he R7C sets the !se .$r he!ring !nd direts the u*i!ti$n $. the $rder .$r he!ring !nd direts the u*i!ti$n $. the $rder $ne ! wee" .$r three $nseutie wee"s in ! news!er $. gener!* iru*!ti$n+ Su##$ns w!s serie $n the Cii* Registr!r ut there w!s n$ !e!r!ne during the he!rin he!ring+ g+ 7he R7C R7C gr!nte gr!nted d the etiti$ etiti$n+ n+ R *ed *ed ! eti etiti$ ti$n n .$r !nnu*# !nnu*#en entt $. Fudg Fudg#e #ent nt e.$re the C$urt $. Ae!*s& s!ing th!t she w!s n$t n$tied $. the etiti$n !nd hene& the deisi$n w!s issued in i$*!ti$n $. due r$ess+ , $$sed s!ing th!t the u*i!ti$n $. the $urt $rder w!s suient suient $#*i!ne with due r$ess+ Ru*e+ :@H;
:!; Is ! etiti$n .$r de*!r!ti$n $. Presu#tie De!th ! sei!* r$eeding=
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 N$+ the etiti$n .$r De*!r!ti$n $. Presu#tie De!th r$ided in Art+ 51 $. the >!#i* C$de? is n$t n$t the the se sei! i!** r$ r$e eedin eding g g$ g$erni erning ng !sentees under Ru*e 10( $. the Ru*es $. C$urt wh$se ru*es $. r$edure wi** n$t e .$**$wed :Reu*i s+ C+A+& 5@' SCRA 200@B;+ S!id et S!id etiti$ iti$n n .$r De De*!r! *!r!ti$n ti$n $. Pr Presu# esu#ti tie e De!th under Arti*e 51 $. the !#i* C$de is ! su##!r r$eeding& !uth$ried .$r ur$ses $n* $n* $. re re#!r #!rri!g ri!ge e $. the r rese esent nt s$ s$use use&& t$ !$id inurring the ri#e $. ig!#+ N$ne N$ nethe the*e *ess& ss& it is in th the e n! n!tur ture e $. ! s se ei!* i!* r$eeding r$ eeding&& eing !n !*i! !*i!ti$n ti$n t$ est!* est!*ish ish ! st!tus $r ! !rtiu*!r .!t in $urt+
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 Rs etiti$n .$r !nnu*#ent $. Fudg#ent e.$re the the C$ur C$urtt $. Ae! e!*s *s sh$u* h$u*d d e gr!n gr!ntted+ ed+ A*th$ug A*t h$ugh h there there w!s u*i u*i!ti$ !ti$n n $. the $urt $urt $rder $rder !ting the etiti$n etiti$n t$ !ne !ne** the irth erti erti!t !te& e& re!s$n re!s$n!*e !*e n$tie sti** sti** h!s t$ e sered $n R !s she h!s !n interest !eted the !ne**!ti$n+ :Se+ 3 !nd 5& Ru*e 10'& Ru*es $. C$urt; urt; She is !n indis isens! s!*e !r !rt :Re :Reu u*i *i + ,ene ,ene#e #eri rit$ t$&& 52 52@ @ SCR SCRA 5' 5'' ' 2005B;& !nd n$tie h!s t$ e sered $n her& n$t .$r the ur$se $. esting the $urt with
AL1ERNA1I4E AL 1ERNA1I4E ANS2ER3 A etiti$n .$r de*!r!ti$n $. resu#tie de!th #! #! e $ $ns nsid ider ered ed ! s se ei! i!** r r$ $ee eedi ding ng&& e!use it is s$ *!ssied in the Ru*es $. C$urt :Ru*e :R u*e 10( 10(&& Ru*es $. C$u C$urt; rt;&& !s di diere erenti! nti!ted ted
1
Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 Furisditi$n& ut t$ $#* with the re
Ru*e 10' $. the Ru*es $. C$urt& whih h!s n$w een interreted t$ e !ders!ri!* in n!ture+ :Reu*i + J!*eni!& G+R+ N$+ L-321'1& )!rh @& 19'6'
AL1ERNA1I4E ANS2ER3 Pr$edur!* re
7he etiti$n .$r !nnu*#ent $. Fudg#ent sh$u*d n$t e gr!nted+ 4hi*e R is !n indisens!*e !rt& it h!s een he*d th!t the .!i*ure t$ serie n$tie $n indisens!*e !rties is ured the u*i!ti$n #!de e!use the !ti$n is $ne in re# :A*! + C$urt $. Ae!*s& 56@ SCRA 59@ 200@B ,!r$ + C$urt $. Ae!*s& 520 SCRA 39 200@B;+
Rules of Court)
Ci-i+ A*tions -s. S/e*ia+ Pro*eedings (!!6' Distinguish ii* !ti$ns .r$# sei!* r$eedings+ 3HB
Es*heat Pro*eedings ($%%$' Su$se the r$ert $. D w!s de*!red eshe!ted $n %u* 1& 1990 in eshe!t r$eedings r$ught the S$*iit$r Gener!*+ N$w& & wh$ *!i#s t$ e !n heir $. D& *ed !n !ti$n t$ re$er the eshe!ted r$ert+ Is the !ti$n i!*e= 4h= :2H;
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 A CIJIL AC7ION is $ne whih ! !rt sues !n$ther .$r the en.$re#ent $r r$teti$n $. ! right& $r the reenti$n $r redress $. ! wr$ng+
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3
(See. 3[a], Rule 1, 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure), whi*e ! SPECIAL PROCEEDING is !
N$& the !ti$n is n$t i!*e+ 7he !ti$n t$ re$er eshe!ted r$ert #ust e *ed within e e!rs .r$# %u* 1& 1990 $r e .$reer !rred+ (Rule 91, sec. 4).
re#ed whih ! !rt see"s t$ est!*ish ! st!tus& ! right $r ! !rtiu*!r .!t+ (Sec. 3[C]. Rule 1,1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.)
Can*e++ation or Corre*tion) Entries Ci-i+ Registr7 ($%%8' Ke*en is the d!ughter $. E*i!& ! i*iin!& !nd 7$n& ! Chinese& wh$ is #!rried t$ !n$ther w$#!n *iing in Chin!+ Ker irth erti!te indi!tes th!t Ke*en is the *egiti#!te hi*d $. 7$n !nd E*i! !nd th!t she is ! Chinese itien+ Ke*en w!nts her irth erti!te $rreted h!nging her *i!ti$n .r$# *egiti#!te t$ i**egiti#!te !nd her itienshi .r$# Chinese t$ i*iin$ e!use her !rents were n$t #!rried+ 4h!t etiti$n sh$u*d Ke*en *e !nd wh!t r$edur!* re
Extra#9udi*ia+ Sett+ement o, Estate ($%%8' Nest$r died intest!te in 2003& *e!ing n$ dets+ K$w #! his est!te e sett*ed his heirs wh$ !re $. *eg!* !ge !nd h!e *eg!* !!it= E/*!in+ :2H; S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 I. the deedent *e.t n$ wi** !nd n$ dets& !nd the heirs !re !** $. !ge& the !rties #!& with$ut seuring *etters $. !d#inistr!ti$n& diide the est!te !#$ng the#se*es #e!ns $. ! u*i instru#ent $r ending !ti$n .$r !rtiti$n !nd sh!** *e ! $nd with the register $. deeds in !n !#$unt e
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 A etiti$n t$ h!nge the re$rd $. irth h!nging the *i!ti$n .r$# *egiti#!te t$ i**egiti#!te !nd etiti$nerMs itienshi .r$# Chinese t$ i*iin$ e!use her !rents were n$t #!rried& d$es n$t in$*e ! si#*e su##!r $rreti$n& whih $u*d $therwise e d$ne under the !uth$rit $. R+A+ N$+ 905'+ A etiti$n h!s t$ e *ed in ! r$eeding under
:aeas Cor/us (!!&' R$/!nne& ! wid$w& *ed ! etiti$n .$r h!e!s $rus with the C$urt $. Ae!*s !g!inst )!F$r
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Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 A#$r wh$ is !**eged* det!ining her 1'-e!r $*d s$n ,$ng with$ut !uth$rit $. the *!w+ A.ter )!F$r A#$r h!d ! *ed ! return !**eging the !use $. detenti$n $. ,$ng& the C$urt $. Ae!*s r$#u*g!ted ! res$*uti$n re#!nding the !se t$ the R7C .$r ! .u**-*$wn tri!* due t$ the $niting .!ts resented the !rties in their *e!dings+ In direting the re#!nd& the $urt $. Ae!*s re*ied $n Se+9:1;& in re*!ti$n t$ Se+ 21 $. ,P 129 $n.erring u$n s!id C$urt the !uth$rit t$ tr !nd deide h!e!s $rus !ses $nurrent* with the R7Cs+ Did the C$urt $. Ae!*s !t $rret* in re#!nding the etiti$n t$ the R7C= 4h=
2+ N$+ 7he etiti$n is n$t ten!*e e!use the w!rr!nt $. !rrest w!s issued ! $urt whih h!d %urisditi$n t$ issue it (Sec. 4, Rule 10 Rules of Court)
:aeas Cor/us ($%%&' 4id$w A !nd her tw$ hi*dren& $th gir*s& !ged ' !nd 12 e!rs $*d& reside in Ange*es Cit& P!#!ng!+ A *e!es her tw$ d!ughters in their h$use !t night e!use she w$r"s in ! r$the* !s ! r$stitute+ Re!*iing the d!nger t$ the #$r!*s $. these tw$ gir*s& ,& the .!ther $. the dee!sed hus!nd $. A& *es ! etiti$n .$r h!e!s $rus !g!inst A .$r the ust$d $. the gir*s in the !#i* C$urt in Ange*es Cit+ In s!id etiti$n& , !**eges th!t he is entit*ed t$ the ust$d $. the tw$ gir*s e!use their #$ther is *iing ! disgr!e.u* *i.e+ 7he $urt issues the writ $. h!e!s $rus+ 4hen A *e!rns $. the etiti$n !nd the writ& she rings her tw$ hi*dren t$ Ceu Cit+ At the e/ense $. , the sheri $. the s!id !#i* C$urt g$es t$ Ceu Cit !nd seres the writ $n A+ A *es her $##ent $n the etiti$n r!ising the .$**$wing de.enses !; 7he en.$re#ent $. the writ $. h!e!s $rus in Ceu Cit is i**eg!* !nd ; , h!s n$ ers$n!*it t$ institute the etiti$n+ 6H Res$*e the etiti$n in the *ight $. the !$e de.enses $. A+ :6H;
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 N$& e!use whi*e the CA h!s $rigin!* Furisditi$n $er h!e!s $rus $nurrent with the R7Cs& it h!s n$ !uth$rit .$r re#!nding t$ the *!tter $rigin!* !ti$ns *ed with the .$r#er+ On the $ntr!r& the CA is sei!** gien the $wer t$ reeie eidene !nd er.$r# !n !nd !** !ts neess!r t$ res$*e .!tu!* issues r!ised in !ses .!**ing within its $rigin!* Furisditi$n+
AL1ERNA1I4E ANS2ER3 es& e!use there is n$ r$hiiti$n in the *!w !g!inst ! sueri$r $urt re.erring ! !se t$ ! *$wer $urt h!ing $nurrent Furisditi$n+ 7he Sure#e C$urt h!s re.erred t$ the CA $r the R7C !ses .!**ing within their $nurrent Furisditi$n+
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 :!; 7he writ $. h!e!s $rus issued the !#i* C$urt in Ange*es Cit #! n$t e *eg!** en.$red in Ceu Cit& e!use the writ is en.$re!*e $n* within the Fudii!* regi$n t$ whih the !#i* C$urt e*$ngs& un*i"e the writ gr!nted the Sure#e C$urt $r C$urt $. Ae!*s whih is en.$re!*e !nwhere in the Phi*iines+ :Se+ 20 $. Ru*e $n Cust$d $. )in$rs !nd 4rit $. K!e!s C$rus in Re*!ti$n t$ Cust$d $. )in$rs+ :A+)+ N$+ 03-05-05-SC see !*s$ Se+ 5 $. Ru*e 102& Ru*es $. C$urt+;
:aeas Cor/us (!!6' A w!s !rrested $n the strength $. ! w!rr!nt $. !rrest issued the R7C in $nneti$n with !n In.$r#!ti$n .$r K$#iide+ 4& the *ie-in !rtner $. A *ed ! etiti$n .$r h!e!s $rus !g!inst AMs F!i*er !nd $*ie inestig!t$rs with the C$urt $. Ae!*s+ 1+ D$es 4 h!e the ers$n!*it t$ *e the etiti$n .$r h!e!s $rus= 2HB 2+ Is the etiti$n ten!*e= 3HB
:; ,& the .!ther $. the dee!sed hus!nd $. A& h!s the ers$n!*it t$ institute the etiti$n .$r h!e!s $rus $. the tw$ #in$r gir*s& e!use the gr!nd!rent h!s the right $. ust$d !s !g!inst the #$ther A wh$ is ! r$stitute+
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3
(Sectioi!s a!d 13, "d.)
1+ es+ 4& the *ie-in !rtner $. A& h!s the ers$n!*it t$ *e the etiti$n .$r h!e!s $rus e!use it #! e *ed s$#e ers$n in his eh!*.+ (Sec. 3. Rule 10. Rules
:aeas Cor/us ($%%5' Kus!nd K *es ! etiti$n .$r de*!r!ti$n $. nu**it $. #!rri!ge e.$re the R7C $. P!sig Cit+ 4i.e 4 *es ! etiti$n .$r h!e!s $rus e.$re the R7C $. P!s! Cit& r!ing .$r ust$d $er
of Court.)
3
Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 their #in$r hi*d+ K *es ! #$ti$n t$ dis#iss the wi.e8s etiti$n $n the gr$und $. the enden $. the $ther !se+ Ru*e+
A.ter A*#! h!d st!rted sering her sentene .$r i$*!ti$n $. ,P 22& she *ed ! etiti$n .$r ! writ $. h!e!s $rus& iting J!! s CA where the sentene $. i#ris$n#ent $. ! !rt .$und gui*t $. i$*!ti$n $. ,P 22 w!s redued t$ ! ne e
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 7he #$ti$n t$ dis#iss the etiti$n .$r h!e!s $rus sh$u*d e gr!nted t$ !$id #u*ti*iit $. suits+ 7he
:aeas Cor/us) Bai+ ($%%6' S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3
N$& A*#!& wh$ is !*re!d $nited n!* Fudg#ent& !nn$t e entit*ed t$ !i* under Se+ 15& Ru*e 102+ 7he r$isi$n resu$ses th!t she h!d n$t een $nited !s et+ It r$ides th!t i. she is *!w.u** i#ris$ned $r restr!ined .$r !n $ense n$t unish!*e de!th& she #! e re$##itted t$ i#ris$n#ent $r !d#itted t$ !i* in the disreti$n $. the $urt $r Fudge :Se+ 15& Ru*e 102 Ce*este s+ Pe$*e& 31 SCRA 391 Jiente s+ %udge )!F!du$n& A+)+ N$+ R7%-02-169'& 23 %une 200@ S!n Pedr$ s+ Pe$& G+R+ N$+ 13329(& 1@ August 2002;+
ALSE+ 7he S!ndig!n!!n #! gr!nt etiti$ns .$r K!e!s $rus $n* in !id $. its !e**!te Furisditi$n :R+A+ (9(@& !s !#ended R+A '259;& n$t in the e/erise $. >$rigin!*? Furisditi$n+
Intestate Pro*eedings ($%%$' *ed ! *!i# in the intest!te r$eedings $. D+ D8s !d#inistr!t$r denied *i!i*it !nd *ed ! $unter*!i# !g!inst + 8s *!i# w!s dis!**$wed+ :1; D$es the r$!te $urt sti** h!e Furisditi$n t$ !**$w the *!i# $. D8s !d#inistr!t$r w! $. $set= 4h= :2H; :2; Su$se D8s !d#inistr!t$r did n$t !**ege !n *!i# !g!inst w! $. $set& !n D8s !d#inistr!t$r r$seute the *!i# in !n indeendent r$eeding wh :3H;
:; nder the Ru*es $. ri#in!* r$edure=
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 nder the Ru*es $. Cri#in!* Pr$edure& Ru*e 115& Se+ 25 *e!r* r$hiits the gr!nt $. !i* !.ter $niti$n n!* Fudg#ent !nd !.ter the $nit h!s st!rted t$ sere sentene+ In the resent !se& A*#! h!d !*re!d st!rted sering her sentene+ She !nn$t& there.$re& !* .$r !i* :Pe$+ s+ itger!*d& G+R+ N$+ 159(23& 2( Ot$er 2006;+
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 :1; N$& e!use sine the *!i# $. w!s dis!**$wed& there is n$ !#$unt !g!inst whih t$ $set the *!i# $. D8s !d#inistr!t$r+ :2; es& D8s !d#inistr!t$r !n r$seute the *!i# in !n indeendent r$eeding sine the *!i# $. w!s dis!**$wed+ I. h!d ! !*id *!i# !nd D8s !d#inistr!t$r did n$t !**ege !n *!i# !g!inst w! $. $set& his
:aeas Cor/us) ;urisdi*tion) Sandigana7an ($%%! In the e/erise $. its $rigin!* Furisditi$n& the S!ndig!n!!n #! gr!nt etiti$ns .$r the issu!ne $. ! writ $. h!e!s $rus+
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Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 .!i*ure t$ d$ s$ w$u*d !r his *!i# .$reer+
the test!te $r intest!te r$eedings $. either+ :Sees+ 1 !nd 2& Ru*e (3& Ru*es $. C$urt;
(Rule 8#, sec.10).
Intestate Pro*eedings) Dets o, the Estate ($%%$' A& , !nd C& the $n* heirs in D8s intest!te r$eedings& su#itted ! r$Fet $. !rtiti$n t$ the !rtiti$n& tw$ *$ts were !ssigned t$ C& wh$ i##edi!te* entered int$ the $ssessi$n $. the *$ts+ 7here!.ter& C died !nd r$eedings .$r the sett*e#ent $. his est!te were *ed in the R7CTue$n Cit+ D8s !d#inistr!t$r then *ed ! #$ti$n in the r$!te $urt :R7C-)!ni*!;& r!ing th!t $ne $. the *$ts !ssigned t$ C in the r$Fet $. !rtiti$n e turned $er t$ hi# t$ s!tis. dets $rres$nding t$ C8s $rti$n+ 7he #$ti$n w!s $$sed the !d#inistr!t$r $. C8s est!te+ K$w sh$u*d the R7C )!ni*! res$*e the #$ti$n $. D8s !d#inistr!t$r= E/*!in+ :3H;
Letters o, Administration) Interested Person ($%%6' D$#eni$ !nd Gen *ied with$ut enet $. #!rri!ge .$r 20 e!rs& during whih ti#e the urh!sed r$erties t$gether+ A.ter D$#eni$ died with$ut ! wi**& Gen *ed ! etiti$n .$r *etters $. !d#inistr!ti$n+ D$#eni$8s si*ings $$sed the s!#e $n the gr$und th!t Gen h!s n$ *eg!* ers$n!*it+ Deide+ S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 A etiti$n .$r *etters $. !d#inistr!ti$n #! e *ed !n >interested ers$n? :Se+ 2& Ru*e (9& Ru*es $. C$urt;+ Gen w$u*d e $nsidered !n interested ers$n i. she w!s n$t #!rried t$ D$#eni$& e!use she !n *!i# $$wnershi $. the r$erties *e.t hi# under their r$ert regi#e $. ! uni$n with$ut #!rri!ge under $nditi$ns r$ided in the !#i* C$de 9Arts+ 15(-15'& !#i* C$de S!n Luis s+ S!n Luis& G+R+ N$+ 133(53& eru!r 6& 200(;+
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 7he #$ti$n $. D8s !d#inistr!t$r sh$u*d e gr!nted+ 7he !ssign#ent $. the tw$ *$ts t$ C w!s re#!ture e!use the dets $. the est!te h!d n$t een .u** !id+ Ru*e 90& se+ 1 Rees + ,!rret$-D!tu& 19 SCRA '@ :196(;B+
Proate o, Lost 2i++s (!!!' 4h!t !re the re
;udi*ia+ Sett+ement o, Estate ($%%8' St!te the ru*e $n enue in Fudii!* sett*e#ent $. est!te $. dee!sed ers$ns+ :2H;
AMs 4i** w!s !**$wed the C$urt+ N$ !e!* w!s t!"en .r$# its !**$w!ne+ 7here!.ter& & wh$ w!s interested in the est!te $. A& dis$ered th!t the 4i** w!s n$t genuine e!use AMs sign!ture w!s .$rged + A ri#in!* !ti$n .$r .$rger w!s instituted !g!inst + )! the due e/euti$n $. the 4i** e !*id*
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 I. the deedent is !n inh!it!nt $. the Phi*iines !t the ti#e $.M his de!th& whether ! itien $r !n !*ien& the enue sh!** e in the R7C in the r$ine in whih he resides !t the ti#e $. his de!th& n$t in the *!e where he used t$ *ie+ :%!$ + C$urt $. Ae!*s& G+R+ N$+ 12'315& )! 29& 2002;
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3
I. he is !n inh!it!nt& $. ! .$reign $untr& the R7C $. !n r$ine $r it in whih he h!d est!te sh!** e the enue+ 7he $urt rst t!"ing $gni!ne $. the !se sh!** e/erise Furisditi$n t$ the e/*usi$n $. !** $ther $urts+ 4hen the #!rri!ge is diss$*ed the de!th $. the hus!nd $r wi.e& the $##unit r$ert sh!** e inent$ried& !d#inistered !nd *i
!+ In $rder th!t ! *$st $r destr$ed wi** #! e !**$wed& the .$**$wing #ust e $#*ied with 1 the e/euti$n !nd !*idit $. the s!#e sh$u*d e est!*ished 2 the wi** #ust h!e een in e/istene !t the ti#e $. the de!th $. the test!t$r& $r sh$wn t$ h!e een .r!udu*ent* $r !ident!** destr$ed in the *i.eti#e $. the test!t$r with$ut his "n$w*edge !nd 3 its r$isi$ns !re *e!r* !nd distint* r$ed !t *e!st tw$ redi*e witnesses+ (Sec. #, Rule 7# of t$e Rules of Court)
@
Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 !s e/eut$r $. the wi** with$ut $nd+ Is Can*io 4ida+< a,ter +earning o, Sergio=s death< o+iged to >+e with the /ro/er *ourt a /etition o, /roate o, the +atter=s +ast wi++ and testament? ($@'
+ N$+ 7he !**$w!ne $. the wi** .r$# whih n$ !e!* w!s t!"en is $n*usie !s t$ its due e/euti$n+ (Sec. 1 of Rule 7%.) Due e/euti$n in*udes ! nding th!t the wi** is genuine !nd n$t ! .$rger+ A$rding*& the due e/euti$n $. the wi** !nn$t !g!in e
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 C!ni$ Jid!* is $*iged t$ *e ! etiti$n .$r r$!te !nd .$r !eting $r re.using the trust within the st!tut$r eri$d $. 20 d!s under Se+ 3& Ru*e (@& Ru*es $. C$urt+
Proate o, 2i++ ($%%&' A& ! resident $. )!*$*$s& ,u*!!n& died *e!ing !n est!te *$!ted in )!ni*!& w$rth P200&000+00+ In wh!t $urt& t!"ing int$ $nsider!ti$n the n!ture $. Furisditi$n !nd $. enue& sh$u*d the r$!te r$eeding $n the est!te $. A e instituted= :5H;
Su//osing the origina+ *o/7 o, the +ast wi++ and testament was +ost< *an Can*io *om/e+ Susan to /rodu*e a *o/7 in her /ossession to e sumitted to the /roate *ourt. ($@'
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 7he r$!te r$eeding $n the est!te $. A sh$u*d e instituted in the )unii!* 7ri!* C$urt $. )!*$*$s& ,u*!!n whih h!s Furisditi$n& e!use the est!te is !*ued !t P200&000+00& !nd is the $urt $. r$er enue e!use A w!s ! resident $. )!*$*$s !t the ti#e $. his de!th+ :Se+ 33 $. ,P 129 !s !#ended RA (691 Se+ 1 $. Ru*e (3;+
es& C!ni$ !n $#e* Sus!n t$ r$due the $ in her $ssessi$n+ A ers$n h!ing ust$d $. the wi** is $und t$ de*ier the s!#e t$ the $urt $. $#etent Furisditi$n $r t$ the e/eut$r& !s r$ided in Se+ 2& Ru*e (@& Ru*es $. C$urt+
Can the /roate *ourt a//oint the widow as exe*utor o, the wi++? ($@'
Proate o, 2i++ ($%%8' A.ter Lu*uMs de!th& her heirs r$ught her *!st wi** t$ ! *!wer t$ $t!in their resetie sh!res in the est!te+ 7he *!wer re!red ! deed $. !rtiti$n distriuting Lu*uMs est!te in !$rd!ne with the ter#s $. her wi**+ Is the !t $. the *!wer $rret= 4h= :2H;
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 es& the r$!te $urt !n !$int the wid$w !s e/eut$r $. the wi** i. the e/eut$r d$es n$t
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 Can the widow and her *hi+dren sett+e extra9udi*ia++7 among themse+-es the estate o, the de*eased? ($@'
N$+ N$ wi**& sh!** !ss either re!* $r ers$n!* est!te un*ess it is r$ed !nd !**$wed in the r$er $urt+ (Sec. 1, Rule 7%, Rules of Court)
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 N$& the wid$w !nd her hi*dren !nn$t sett*e the est!te e/tr!Fudii!** e!use $. the e/istene $. the 4i**+ N$ wi** sh!** !ss either re!* $r ers$n!* est!te un*ess it is r$ed !nd !**$wed in the r$er $urt
Proate o, 2i++ ($%%"' Sergi$ Pun!*!n& i*iin$& @0 e!rs $*d& #!rried& !nd residing !t A!*! A*!!ng Ji**!ge& )untin*u! Cit& $. #ind& e/euted ! *!st wi** !nd test!#ent in Eng*ish& ! *!ngu!ge s$"en !nd written hi# r$ient*+ Ke dis$sed $. his est!te $nsisting $. ! !re* $. *!nd in )!"!ti Cit !nd !sh de$sit !t the Cit ,!n" in the su# $. P 300 )i**i$n+ Ke e
(Sec. 1, Rule 7%, Rules of Court).
Can the widow and her *hi+dren initiate a se/arate /etition ,or /artition o, the estate /ending the /roate o, the +ast wi++ and testament 7 the *ourt? ($@' S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3
6
Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 :; 7he heirs $. K !gree !#$ng the#se*es th!t the wi** h$n$r the diisi$n $. K8s est!te !s indi!ted in her L!st 4i** !nd 7est!#ent+ 7$ !$id the e/ense $. g$ing t$ $urt in ! Petiti$n .$r Pr$!te $. the 4i**& !n the inste!d e/eute !n E/tr!Fudii!* Sett*e#ent Agree#ent !#$ng the#se*es= E/*!in rie+ :@H;
N$& the wid$w !nd her hi*dren !nn$t *e ! se!r!te etiti$n .$r !rtiti$n ending the r$!te $. the wi**+ P!rtiti$n is ! #$de $. sett*e#ent $. the est!te (Sec. 1, Rule 7%, Rules of Court).
Proate o, 2i++) andator7 Nature ($%%$' 4h!t sh$u*d the $urt d$ i.& in the $urse $. intest!te r$eedings& ! wi** is .$und !nd it is su#itted .$r r$!te= E/*!in+ :2H;
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 7he heirs $. K !nn$t !*id* !gree t$ res$rt t$ e/tr!Fudii!* sett*e#ent $. his est!te !nd d$ !w! with the r$!te $. Ks *!st wi** !nd test!#ent+ Pr$!te $. the wi** is #!nd!t$r :Gue!rr! + Gue!rr!& (5 Phi*+ 5(9 1953B;+ 7he $*i $. the *!w is t$ reset the wi** $. the test!t$r !s #!ni.ested in the $ther dis$siti$ns in his *!st wi** !nd test!#ent& ins$.!r !s the !re n$t $ntr!r t$ *!w& u*i #$r!*s !nd u*i $*i+ E/tr!Fudii!* sett*e#ent $. !n est!te $. ! dee!sed is !**$wed $n* when the dee!sed *e.t n$ *!st wi** !nd test!#ent !nd !** dets& i. !n& !re !id :Ru*e (5& Se+ 1& Ru*es $. C$urt;+
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 I. ! wi** is .$und in the $urse $. intest!te r$eedings !nd it is su#itted .$r r$!te& the intest!te r$eedings wi** e susended unti* the wi** is r$!ted+ $n the r$!te $. the wi**& the intest!te r$eedings wi** e ter#in!ted+ (Rule 8, sec. 1).
Proate o, 2i++ ($%%' N$+IJ+ C!rin! died sing*e+ She *e.t !** her r$erties wi** t$ her .riend Du
Proate o, 2i++) ;urisdi*tiona+ a*ts ($%$' N$++C+ 4h!t !re the Furisditi$n!* .!ts th!t #ust e !**eged in ! etiti$n .$r r$!te $. ! wi**= K$w d$ $u ring e.$re the $urt these Furisditi$n!* .!ts= :3H; S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 7he Furisditi$n!* .!ts in ! etiti$n .$r r$!te !re :1; th!t ! ers$n died *e!ing ! wi** :2; in !se $. ! resident& th!t he resided within the territ$ri!* Furisditi$n $. the $urt !nd :3; in the !se $. ! n$n-resident& th!t he *e.t !n est!te within suh territ$ri!* Furisditi$n+ 7he Furisditi$n!* .!ts sh!** e $nt!ined in ! etiti$n .$r !**$w!ne $. wi**+
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 7he etiti$n .$r r$!te $. C!rin!s wi**& !s *ed Du
Proate o, 2i++) A//+i*ation o, odes o, Dis*o-er7 ($%%6' An heir$$sit$r in ! r$!te r$eeding *ed ! #$ti$n t$ re#$e the !d#inistr!t$r $n the gr$unds $. neg*et $. duties !s !d#inistr!t$r !nd !sene .r$# the $untr+ On his !rt the heir$$sit$r sered written interr$g!t$ries t$ the !d#inistr!t$r re!r!t$r t$ resenting the *!tter !s ! witness+ 7he !d#inistr!t$r $Feted& insisting th!t the #$des $. dis$er !* $n* t$ $rdin!r ii* !ti$ns& n$t sei!* r$eedings+ Ru*e $n the #!tter+
Proate o, 2i++ ($%%5' S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3
(
Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 his wi** w!s du* r$!ted in L$s Ange*es !nd the seied su# in the wi** w!s in .!t used t$ urh!se !n !nnuit with U $. K$ng V$ng s$ th!t 4inst$n w$u*d reeie the e
N$& the !d#inistr!t$r is n$t $rret+ )$des $. dis$er !* !*s$ t$ sei!* r$eedings+ Se+ 2& Ru*e (2 st!tes th!t in the !sene $. sei!* r$isi$ns& the ru*es r$ided .$r in $rdin!r !ti$ns sh!** e& !s .!r !s r!ti!*e& !*i!*e in sei!* r$eedings+
Proate o, 2i++3 2i++ Outside o, the Phi+i//ines ($%%' Pedri**$& ! i*-A# er#!nent resident $. L$s Ange*es& C!*i.$rni! !t the ti#e $. his de!th& e+ed 7 2inston< e*ause the wi++ does not *o-er an7 /ro/ert7 o, Pedri++o +o*ated here in the Phi+i//ines.
Pin$ died with$ut ! wi**+ Kis wi.e& R$sie !nd three hi*dren e/euted ! deed $. e/tr!Fudii!* sett*e#ent $. his est!te+ 7he deed w!s r$er* u*ished !nd registered with the Oe $. the Register $. Deeds+ 7hree e!rs there!.ter& Su !e!red& *!i#ing t$ e the i**egiti#!te hi*d $. Pin$+ She s$ught t$ !nnu* the sett*e#ent !**eging th!t she w!s deried $. her right.u* sh!re in the est!te+ R$sie !nd the 7hree Chi*dren $ntended th!t :1; the u*i!ti$n $. the deed $nstituted $nstrutie n$tie t$ the wh$*e w$r*d& !nd sh$u*d there.$re ind Su !nd :2; Su8s !ti$n h!d !*re!d resried+ Are R$sie !nd the 7hree Chi*dren C$rret= E/*!in+
Sett+ement o, Estate ($%%' S!* )ine$ died intest!te& *e!ing ! P1 i**i$n est!te+ Ke w!s suried his wi.e D!!n!r! !nd their e hi*dren+ D!!n!r! *ed ! etiti$n .$r the issu!ne $. *etters $. !d#inistr!ti$n+ Ch!r*ene& $ne $. the hi*dren& *ed !n $$siti$n t$ the etiti$n& !**eging th!t there w!s neither !n !**eg!ti$n n$r genuine e$rt t$ sett*e the est!te !#i!* e.$re the *ing $. the etiti$n+ Ru*e $n the $$siti$n+ :@H;
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 NO< the *ontention is not *orre*t. Su7 *an >+e a *om/+aint to annu+ the extra9udi*ia+ sett+ement and she *an re*o-er what is due her as su*h heir i, h er status as an i++egitimate *hi+d o, the de*eased has een esta+ished. 1he /u+i*ation o, the sett+ement does not *onstitute *onstru*ti-e noti*e to the heirs who had no now+edge or did not tae /art in it e*ause the same was noti*e a,ter the ,a*t o, exe*ution. 1he reKuirement o, /u+i*ation is intended ,or the /rote*tion o, *reditors and was ne-er intended to de/ri-e heirs o, their +aw,u+ /arti*i/ation in the de*edents estate. She *an >+e the a*tion there,or within ,our (H' 7ears a,ter the sett+ement was registered.
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 1he o//osition shou+d e o-erru+ed ,or +a* o, merit. 1he a++egation that there was a genuine eJort to sett+e the estate ami*a+7 e,ore the >+ing o, the /etition is not reKuired 7 the Ru+es. Besides< a /etition ,or issuan*e o, +etters o, administration ma7 e *ontested on either o, two grounds 3 (' the in*om/eten*7 o, the /erson ,or whom +etters are /ra7ed therein) and ($' the *ontestants own right to the administration. (Se*. H< Ru+e !'.
Sett+ement o, Estate ($%%' 7he ru*es $n sei!* r$eedings $rdin!ri* re
Sett+ement o, Estate ($%%!'
'
Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 $r e/eut$r+ 4h!t !re the tw$ e/eti$ns t$ s!id re
Sett+ement o, Estate) Administrator (!!6' A& *!i#ing t$ e !n i**egiti#!te hi*d $. the dee!sed D& instituted !n Intest!te r$eeding t$ sett*e the est!te $. the *!tter+ Ke !*s$ r!ed th!t he e !d#inistr!t$r $. s!id est!te+ S& the suriing s$use& $$sed the etiti$n !nd AMs !*i!ti$n t$ e !$inted the !d#inistr!t$r $n the gr$und th!t he w!s n$t the hi*d $. her dee!sed hus!nd D+ 7he $urt& h$weer& !$inted A !s the !d#inistr!t$r $. s!id est!te+ Suse
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 7he tw$ e/eti$ns t$ the re
dets !nd the heirs !re !** $. !ge& $r the #in$rs !re reresented their Fudii!* $r *eg!* reresent!ties du* !uth$ried .$r the ur$se& the !rties #! with$ut seuring *etters $. !d#inistr!ti$n& diide the est!te !#$ng the#se*es #e!ns $. u*i instru#ent *ed in the $e $. the register $. deeds& $r sh$u*d the dis!gree& the #! d$ s$ in !n $rdin!r !ti$n $. !rtiti$n+ I. there is $n* $ne heir& he #! !dFudi!te t$ hi#se*. the entire est!te #e!ns $. !n !d!it *ed in the $e $. the register $. deeds+ 7he !rties $r the s$*e heir sh!** *e si#u*t!ne$us* !$und with the register $. deeds& in !n !#$unt e
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 1+ es& un*ess it is sh$wn th!t the $urt gr!e*!used its disreti$n in !$inting the i**egiti#!te hi*d !s !d#inistr!t$r& inste!d $. the s$use+ 4hi*e the s$use enF$s re.erene& it !e!rs th!t the s$use h!s neg*eted t$ !* .$r *etters $. !d#inistr!ti$n within thirt :30; d!s .r$# the de!th $. the deedent+ (Se*. "< Ru+e 56< Ru+es o, Court) Gas/a7< ;r. -s. Court o, A//ea+s. $&6 SCRA "&.'
Rule 74, Rules of Court)
AL1ERNA1I4E ANS2ER3 S& the suriing s$use& sh$u*d h!e een !$inted !d#inistr!tri/ $. the est!te& in !s #uh !s she enF$s rst re.erene in suh !$int#ent under the ru*es+ (Sec. #(a) of Rule
(&) 4heneer the gr$ss !*ue $. the est!te
$. ! dee!sed ers$n& whether he died test!te $r intest!te& d$es n$t e/eed ten th$us!nd es$s& !nd th!t .!t is #!de t$ !e!r t$ the R7C h!ing Furisditi$n $r the est!te the etiti$n $. !n interested ers$n !nd u$n he!ring& whih sh!** e he*d n$t *ess th!n $ne :1; #$nth n$r #$re th!n three :3; #$nths .r$# the d!te $. the *!st u*i!ti$n $. ! n$tie whih sh!** e u*ished $ne ! wee" .$r three $nseutie wee"s in ! news!er $. gener!* iru*!ti$n in the r$ine& !nd !.ter suh $ther n$tie t$ interested ers$ns !s the $urt #! diret& the $urt #! r$eed su##!ri*& with$ut the !$int#ent $. !n e/eut$r $r !d#inistr!t$r& t$ sett*e the est!te+ (Sec. of Rule 74, Rules of
78, Rules of Court.)
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3 2+ N$+ An !d!it $. se*.-!dFudi!ti$n is !**$wed $n* i. the !!nt is the s$*e heir $. the+ dee!sed+ (Sec. 1, Rule 74, Rules of Court). In this !se& A !*s$ *!i#s t$ e !n heir+ )$re$er& it is n$t *eg!* e!use there is !*re!d ! ending Furidi!* r$eeding .$r the sett*e#ent $. the est!te+
4enue) S/e*ia+ Pro*eedings (!!5' Gie the r$er enue .$r the .$**$wing sei!* r$eedings !; A etiti$n t$ de*!re !s eshe!ted ! !re* $. *!nd $wned ! resident $. the Phi*iines
Court)
9
Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS with Suggested Answers 1996-2013 wh$ died intest!te !nd with$ut heirs $r ers$ns entit*ed t$ the r$ert+ ; A etiti$n .$r the !$int#ent $. !n !d#inistr!t$r $er the *!nd !nd ui*ding *e.t !n A#eri!n itien residing in C!*i.$rni!& wh$ h!d een de*!red !n in$#etent !n A#eri!n $urt+ ; A etiti$n .$r the !d$ti$n $. ! #in$r residing in P!#!ng!+
the dee!sed *!st resided+ (Sec. 1. Rule 91,
S0GGES1ED ANS2ER3
:; 7he enue $. ! etiti$n .$r the !d$ti$n $. ! #in$r residing in P!#!ng! is the R7C $. the *!e in whih the etiti$ner resides+ (Sec. 1.
Rules of Court).
:; 7he enue .$r the !$int#ent $. !n !d#inistr!t$r $er *!nd !nd ui*ding $. !n A#eri!n itien residing in C!*i.$rni!& de*!red In$#etent !n A#eri!n C$urt& is the R7C $. the *!e where his r$ert $r !rt there$. is situ!ted+ (Sec. 1. Rule 9).
:!; 7he enue $. the eshe!t r$eedings $. ! !re* $. *!nd in this !se is the *!e where
Rule 99)
10
Deus e/ )!hin! N$tes ,,
