Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe SUCCESSION Legend: T – Senator Tolentino comments B – Professor Balane comments
Art. 79. An &eir is a 'erson calle to t&e succession eit&er "# t&e 'ro$ision of a %ill or "# o'eration of la%. :e$isees an le)atees are 'ersons to %&om )ifts of real an 'ersonal 'ro'ert# are res'ecti$el# )i$en "# $irtue of a %ill.
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Art. 997. T&e follo%in) are com'ulsor# &eirs;
A. Definition and Concepts
+-, Le)itimate c&ilren an escenants( %it& res'ect to t&eir le)itimate 'arents an ascenants<
Art. 774. Succession is a moe of ac!uisition "# $irtue of %&ic& t&e 'ro'ert#( ri)&ts an o"li)ations to t&e e*tent of t&e $alue of t&e in&eritance( of a 'erson are transmitte t&rou)& &is eat& to anot&er or ot&ers eit&er "# &is %ill or "# o'eration of la%. +n,
+, +, In efau efault lt of t&e t&e fore fore)o )oin in)( )( le)i le)iti timat mate e 'are 'arents nts an an ascen ascenant ants( s( %it& %it& res'ec res'ectt to t&eir t&eir le)iti le)itimate mate c&ilr c&ilren en an escenants<
Art. 7-. O%ners&i' is ac!uire "# occu'ation an "# intellectual creation.
+4, Ac1no%le)e natural c&ilren( an natural c&ilren "# le)al fiction<
O%ners&i' an ot&er real ri)&ts o$er 'ro'ert# are ac!uire an transmitte transmitte "# la%( "# onation( onation( "# estate an intestate succes successio sion( n( an in conse! conse!uen uence ce of certai certain n contra contracts( cts( "# traition.
+, Ot&er ille)itimate c&ilren referre to in Article 97.
T&e# ma# also "e ac!uire "# means of 'rescri'tion. Art. -/--. 0ontracts ta1e effect onl# "et%een t&e 'arties( t&eir assi)ns an &eirs( e*ce't in case %&ere t&e ri)&ts an o"li)ations arisin) from t&e contract are not transmissi"le "# t&eir nature( or "# sti'ulation or "# 'ro$ision of la%. The heir is not liable beond the !al"e of the propert he recei!ed fro# the decedent. If a contract s&oul contain some sti'ulation in fa$or of a t&ir 'ers 'erson on(( &e ma# ma# ema eman n its its fulf fulfil illm lmen entt 'ro$ 'ro$i ie e &e commun communica icate te &is acce't acce'tanc ance e to t&e o"li)o o"li)orr "efore "efore its re$ocation. A mere inciental "enefit or interest of a 'erson is not sufficient. sufficient. T&e contractin) contractin) 'arties must &a$e clearl# an eli"eratel# conferre a fa$or u'on a t&ir 'erson. $"nd $"nda# a#en enta tall Chan Change ges s in the the NCC NCC in line line %ith %ith the the p"rpose of Sociali&ation
-. T&e sur$i$in) s'ouse is )i$en a "etter status in terms of succession to t&e 'ro'ert# of t&e ecease &us"an( &er ri)&t to t&e 'ro'ert# %as im'ro$e from a mere usufruct to full o%ners&i'. . T&e ille)itimate c&ilren are no% )i$en successional ri)&ts unli unli1e 1e t&e t&e ol ol ci$i ci$ill coe coe %&ic %&ic& & oes oes not. not. 2urt& 2urt&er er(( t&e ille)itimate c&il3s mot&er or fat&er not relate "# "loo &as a c&an c&ance ce of in&e in&eri riti tin) n)(( t&us t&us(( furt& furt&er erin in) ) t&e t&e 'ur' 'ur'os ose e of socialiation 're$entin) a t&e 'ro'ert# from sta#in) %it&in t&e same famil#.
+/, T&e %io% or %io%er<
0om'ulsor# &eirs mentione in Nos. /( 4( an are not e*clue "# t&ose in Nos. - an < neit&er o t&e# e*clue one anot&er. In all cases of ille)itimate c&ilren( t&eir filiation must "e ul# 'ro$e. T&e fat&er or mot&er mot&er of ille)i ille)itim timate ate c&ilr c&ilren en of t&e t&ree classes mentione( s&all in&erit from t&em in t&e manner an to t&e e*tent esta"lis&e "# t&is 0oe. +9=7a, The Collateral -elati!es
Art. -==/. If t&ere are no escenants( ascenants( ille)i ille)itima timate te c&ilr c&ilren( en( or a sur$i$ sur$i$in) in) s'ouse s'ouse(( t&e collat collatera erall relati$es s&all succee to t&e entire estate of t&e ecease in accorance %it& t&e follo%in) articles. +>4?a, Art. -==4. S&oul t&e onl# sur$i$ors "e "rot&ers an sisters of t&e full "loo( t&e# s&all in&erit in e!ual s&ares. +>47, Art. -==. S&oul "rot&ers an sisters sur$i$e to)et&er %it& ne'& ne'&e% e%s s an an niec nieces es(( %&o %&o are are t&e t&e c&il c&ilr ren en of t&e t&e escenant@s "rot&ers an sisters of t&e full "loo( t&e former s&all in&erit 'er ca'ita( an t&e latter 'er stir'es. In relation to Article >7 %&ic& states s tates Art. 975. When children of one or more brothers or sisters of the deceased survive, they shall inherit from the latter by representation, if they survive with their uncles or aunts. But if they alone survive, they shall inherit in equal portions. •
Division per capita entails a division of the estate estate into into as many many equal equal parts parts as there are persons to succeed. f there are three three childr children, en, for insta instance nce,, each each will will rece receiv ive, e, per per capi capita ta,, one one thir third d of the the estate. Division per capita is the !eneral rule.
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Division per stirpes is made when a sole descen descendan dantt or a !roup !roup of descen descendan dants ts represent a person in intestate succes successio sion. n. "he sole sole repres represent entati ative ve or !roup of representatives are counted as one one head head.. "hus "hus,, shou should ld a fath father er be survived by a son and four children of another son who predeceased him, then, the estate is divided per stirpes. "he first half is !iven to the survivin! son and the other other half shall shall be divided divided amon! amon! the four !randchildren.
/. T&e Le)itime of t&e com'ulsor# &eirs is increase from -5/ to 6 4. T&e free 'ortion of t&e estate of t&e ecease is li1e%ise increase. B. S"b'ects of S"ccession (. )ho are the s"b'ects* The Decedent
Art. 77. In t&is Title( 8eceent8 is t&e )eneral term a''lie to t&e t&e 'ers 'erson on %&os %&ose e 'ro' 'ro'er ert# t# is tran transm smit itte te t&ro t&rou) u)& & succession( %&et&er or not &e left a %ill. If &e left a %ill( &e is also calle t&e testator. The +eir, de!isee, Legatee
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. -==?. S&oul "rot&er an sisters of t&e full "loo sur$i$e to)et& to)et&er er %it& %it& "rot&e "rot&ers rs an sisters sisters of t&e &alf "loo( "loo( t&e former s&all "e entitle to a s&are ou"le t&at of t&e latter. +>4>, Art. -==7. In case "rot&ers an sisters of t&e &alf "loo( some on t&e fat&er@s an some on t&e mot&er@s sie( are t&e onl# onl# sur$i$ sur$i$ors ors(( all s&all s&all in&eri in&eritt in e!ual e!ual s&ares s&ares %it&ou %it&outt istinction as to t&e ori)in of t&e 'ro'ert#. +>=, Art. -==9. 0&ilren of "rot&ers an sisters of t&e &alf "loo s&all succee 'er ca'ita or 'er stir'es( in accorance %it& t&e rules lai o%n for t&e "rot&ers an sisters of t&e full "loo. +>-, Art. -==>. S&oul t&ere "e neit&er "rot&ers nor sisters nor c&ilren of "rot&ers or sisters( t&e ot&er collateral relati$es s&all succee to t&e estate. T&e T&e latte latterr s&al s&alll succe succee e %it& %it&ou outt ist istin incti ction on of line lines s or 'refere 'reference nce amon) amon) t&em t&em "# reason reason of relati relations ons&i' &i' "# t&e %&ole "loo. +>4a, Art. -=-=. T&e ri)&t to in&erit a" intestato s&all not e*ten "e#on t&e fift& e)ree of relations&i' in t&e collateral line. +>a,
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%&en t&ere are no "rot&ers %&et&er t&e full of &alf "loo( t&e ot&er collateral relati$es succee %&ic& %&om( &o%e$er( are limite %it&in t&e t& e)ree e)ree of relati relations ons&i' &i'.. Becaus Because e "e#on "e#on t&is t&is e)ree( it is safe to sa# t&at( t&ere is &arl# an# affe affecti ction on to merit merit succ succes essi sion on.. enc ence( e( for for succes successio sion n 'ur'os 'ur'oses es t&ese t&ese 'erson 'ersons s are no lon)er consiere relati$es. T&e follo%in) rules s&all a''l#; -. t&e nearest relati$e e*clue t&e fart&er. . collateral of t&e same e)ree in&erit e!ual 'arts( t&ere "ein) no ri)&t of re'resentation( /. T&e# succee %it&out istinction or lines or 'reference amon) t&em on account of t&e %&ole "loo relations&i'
The State
Art. Art. -=--=--.. In efa efaul ultt of 'ers 'erson ons s enti entitl tle e to succ succee ee in accorance %it& t&e 'ro$isions of t&e 'recein) Sections( t&e State s&all in&erit t&e %&ole estate. +>?a, •
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court + t&e cit# or munici'alit# %&ere t&e lan is situate ,. T&e State( t&erefore oes not i'so facto facto "eco "ecome me t&e t&e o%ne o%nerr of t&e t&e esta estate te left left %it&out &eir. Its ri)&t to claim must "e "ase on a court3s rulin) allo%in) it to &a$e t&e estate( after com'liance %it& t&e 'roceure lai o%n "# t&e Rules of 0ourt. +Rule >-, Art. -=-. In orer t&at t&e State ma# ta1e 'ossession of t&e 'ro'ert# 'ro'ert# mentione mentione in t&e 'recein) article( t&e 'ertinent 'ertinent 'ro$isions of t&e Rules of 0ourt must "e o"ser$e. +>9a, Art. -=-/. After t&e 'a#ment of e"ts an c&ar)es( t&e 'ersonal 'ro'ert# s&all "e assi)ne to t&e munici'alit# or cit# %&ere t&e ecease last resie in t&e P&ili''ines( an t&e real real estate estate to t&e munici munici'al 'aliti ities es or cities cities(( res'ec res'ecti$ ti$el# el#(( in %&ic& t&e same is situate. If t&e ecease ne$er resie in t&e P&ili''ines( t&e %&ole estate s&all "e assi)ne to t&e res'ecti$e munici'alities or cities %&ere t&e same is locate. Suc& estate s&all "e for t&e "enefit of 'u"lic sc&ools( an 'u"l 'u"lic ic c&ar c&arit ita" a"le le inst instit itut utio ions ns an an cent center ers( s( in suc& suc& munici'alities or cities. T&e court s&all istri"ute t&e estate as t&e res'ecti$e nees of eac& "eneficiar# ma# %arrant. T&e court( at t&e instance of an intereste 'art#( or on its o%n motion( ma# orer t&e esta"lis&ment of a 'ermanent trust( so t&at onl# t&e income from t&e 'ro'ert# s&all "e use. +>?a, Art. -=-4. If a 'erson le)all# entitle to t&e estate of t&e ecease a''ears an files a claim t&ereto %it& t&e court %it&in fi$e #ears from t&e ate t&e 'ro'ert# %as eli$ere to t&e State( suc& 'erson s&all "e entitle to t&e 'ossession of t&e t&e same same(( or if sol sol t&e t&e muni munici ci'a 'ali lit# t# or cit# cit# s&al s&alll "e accounta"le accounta"le to &im for suc& 'art of t&e 'rocees 'rocees as ma# not &a$e "een la%full# s'ent. . -elationships /Intestate or Legal +eirs0
Art. >?/. >?/. Pro*imi Pro*imit# t# of relati relations ons&i' &i' is eterm etermine ine "# t&e num"er of )enerations. Eac& )eneration forms a e)ree. Art. >?4. A series of e)rees forms a line( %&ic& ma# "e eit&er irect or collateral. A irect line is t&at constitute "# t&e series of e)rees amon) ascenants an escenants. A collateral line is t&at constitute "# t&e series of e)rees amon) 'ersons %&o are not ascenants an escenants( "ut %&o come from a common ancestor. +>-?a,
&en &en a 'ers 'erson on ies ies inte intesta state te(( lea$ lea$in in) ) no com'ul com'ulsor sor# # &eir( &eir( nor an# ot&er ot&er relati relati$es $es to succee &im "# la%( t&e natural result %oul "e t&e com'lete a"anonment of t&e 'ro'ert#.
Art. >?. T&e irect line is eit&er escenin) or ascenin).
T&e estate "ecomes su"Cect to a''ro'riation "# an#one. an#one. T&is conition %oul result in conflicts etrimental to t&e 'u"lic an economic orer.
T&e T&e latt latter er "in "ins s a 'ers 'erson on %it& %it& t&os t&ose e from from %&om %&om &e escens. +>-7,
In $ie% of t&is( t&e la% a%ars t&e 'ro'ert# to t&e t&e State State(( in re'r re'rese esenta ntati tion on of t&e t&e 'eo' 'eo'le le.. Rati Ratio; o; a, :icta :ictate te "# 'u"l 'u"lic ic 'oli 'olic# c# an( an( ", 'ri$ 'ri$ate ate 'ro' 'ro'er ert# t# is enCo enCo#e #e onl# onl# une unerr t&e 'rotection of t&e State( an %&en no lon)er use( it s&oul re$ert "ac1 to t&e State. T&e re$ersion of t&e res nullius 'ro'ert# can onl# "e one t&rou)& an Esc&eat 'roceein)s institute "# t&e Solicitor General to t&e 'ro'er
T&e former unites t&e &ea of t&e famil# %it& t&ose %&o escen from &im.
Art. >??. In t&e line( as man# e)rees are counte as t&ere are )enerations or 'ersons( e*cluin) t&e 'ro)enitor. In t&e irect line( ascent is mae to t&e common ancestor. T&us( t&e c&il is one e)ree remo$e from t&e 'arent( t%o from t&e )ranfat&er( an t&ree from t&e )reatD)ran'arent. In t&e collateral line( ascent is mae to t&e common ancestor an t&en escent escent is mae mae to t&e 'erson 'erson %it& %&om t&e com'utation is to "e mae. T&us( a 'erson is t%o e)rees remo$e from &is "rot&er( t&ree from &is uncle( %&o is t&e
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe "rot&er of &is fat&er( four from &is first cousin( an so fort&. +>-9a, Art. >?7. 2ull "loo relations&i' is t&at e*istin) "et%een 'ersons %&o &a$e t&e same fat&er an t&e same mot&er. alf "loo relations&i' is t&at e*istin) "et%een 'ersons %&o &a$e t&e same fat&er( "ut not t&e same mot&er( or t&e same mot&er( "ut not t&e same fat&er. +>=a, Art. >?9. If t&ere are se$eral relati$es of t&e same e)ree( an one or some of t&em are un%illin) or inca'acitate to succee( &is 'ortion s&all accrue to t&e ot&ers of t&e same e)ree( sa$e t&e ri)&t of re'resentation %&en it s&oul ta1e 'lace. +>, •
In suc& cases as a"o$e( t&e s&ares %oul &a$e 'erta 'ertain ine e to t&os t&ose e %&o %&o re'u re'ui iat ate e or are are inca'a inca'acit citate ate o not 'ass 'ass to relati relati$es $es of t&e ne*t e)ree( "ut are retaine "# ot&er relati$es of t&e t&e same same e)r e)ree ee t&ro t&rou) u)& & t&e t&e ri)& ri)&tt of accr accret etio ion( n( %it& %it& t&e e*ce e*ce'ti 'tion on of t&e t&e case cases s %&ere t&e ri)&t of re'resentation o"tains. T&e ri)&t to re'resent a li$in) 'erson o"tains onl# in cases of isin&eritance an inca'acit#.
Art. >?>. If t&e in&eritance s&oul "e re'uiate "# t&e neares nearestt relati relati$e( $e( s&oul s&oul t&ere t&ere "e one onl#( onl#( or "# all t&e nearest relati$es calle "# la% to succee( s&oul t&ere "e se$eral( t&ose of t&e follo%in) e)ree s&all in&erit in t&eir o%n o%n ri)& ri)&tt an an cann cannot ot re'r re'res esen entt t&e t&e 'erso 'erson n or 'ers 'erson ons s re'uiatin) t&e in&eritance. T&e article onl# 'ertains to re'uiation. &at t&en %oul "e t&e effect of inca'acit# of t&e onl# nearest relati$eF T&e ri)&t of re'resentation ma# or ma# not o"tain. S&oul t&e inca'acitate inca'acitate &eir "e t&e c&il of t&e ecease( ecease( an &e in turn &as c&ilren( t&e latter ma# re'resent t&e inca'acitate &eir.
1. Capacit to S"cceed
T&e )eneral rule is an# 'erson ma# succee "# la% or "# %ill unless e*clue "# la%. Re!uisites of ca'acit# to succee; a, t&at t&ere "e )enera )enerall ci$il ci$il ca'aci ca'acit# t# of t&e 'erson 'erson(( %&et&er %&et&er natural natural or artificial( accorin) to la%< an ", t&at &ere "e no inca'acit# to succee uner e*'ress 'ro$ision of la%. a.
Dete Deterr#inat inatio ion n
Art. -=/4. In orer to Cu)e t&e ca'acit# of t&e &eir( e$isee or le)atee( &is !ualification at t&e time of t&e eat& of t&e eceent s&all "e t&e criterion. In cases fallin) uner Nos. ( /( or of Article -=/( it s&al s&alll "e nece necessa ssar# r# to %ait %ait unti untill fina finall Cu) Cu)me ment nt is ren rener ere e(( an an in t&e case fall fallin in) ) une unerr No. No. 4( t&e t&e e*'iration of t&e mont& allo%e for t&e re'ort. If t&e institution( e$ise or le)ac# s&oul "e conitional( t&e time of t&e com'liance %it& t&e conition s&all also "e consiere. Art. -=/>. 0a'acit# to succee is )o$erne "# t&e la% of t&e nation of t&e eceent Art. -?. Real 'ro'ert# as %ell as 'ersonal 'ro'ert# is su"Cect to t&e la% of t&e countr# %&ere it is sti'ulate.
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o%e$er( intestate an testamentar# successions( "ot& %it& res'ect to t&e orer of succession an to t&e amount of successional ri)&ts an to t&e intrinsic $aliit# of testamentar# 'ro$isions( s&all "e re)ulate "# t&e national la% of t&e 'erson %&ose succession is uner consieration( %&ate$er ma# "e t&e nature of t&e 'ro'ert# an re)arless of t&e countr# %&erein sai 'ro'ert# ma# "e foun. +-=a, Caetano !s. Leonides (2 SC-A 3
On anuar# /-( ->77( Aoracion 0. 0am'os ie( lea$in) &er fat&er( 'etitioner ermo)enes 0am'os an &er sisters( 'ri$ate res'onent Nenita 0. Pa)uia( Remeios 0. Lo'e an an Hari Hariet eta a 0. Hei Heina na as t&e t&e sur$ sur$ii$in) $in) &eir &eirs. s. As ermo) ermo)ene enes s 0am'os 0am'os %as t&e onl# onl# com'ul com'ulsor sor# # &eir( &eir( &e e*ecute an Affia$it of ACuication uner Rule 74( Section I of t&e Rules of 0ourt %&ere"# &e aCuicate unto &imself t&e o%ners&i' of t&e entire estate of t&e ecease Aoracion 0am'os. Ele$en Ele$en mont&s after( on No$em" No$em"er er ( ->77( Nenita Nenita 0. Pa)uia Pa)uia file file a 'etiti 'etition on for t&e re'ro" re'ro"ate ate of a %ill %ill of t&e ecease( Aoracion 0am'os( %&ic& %as alle)el# e*ecute in t&e nite States an for &er a''ointment as aministratri* of t&e estate of t&e ecease testatri*. In &er 'etiti 'etition( on( Nenita alle)e alle)e t&at t&at t&e testatri* testatri* %as an American citien at t&e time of &er eat& an %as a 'erman 'ermanent ent resie resient nt of 4?// 4?// :itman :itman Street( Street( P&ila P&ilael' el'&ia &ia(( Penns# Penns#l$a l$ania nia(( .S.A.< .S.A.< t&at t&e testatri testatri* * ie ie in Hanila Hanila on anuar# /-( ->77 %&ile tem'oraril# resiin) %it& &er sister at -?7 Le$eria( Halate( Hanila< t&at urin) &er lifetime( t&e testatri* mae &er last %ill an testament on ul# -=( ->7( accorin) to t&e la%s of Penns#l$ania( .S.A.( nominatin) ilfreo Bara)a of Ne% erse# as e*ecutor< t&at after t&e testatri*@ eat&( &er last %ill an testament %as 'resente( 'ro"ate( allo%e( an re)istere %it& t&e Re)istr# of ills at t&e t&e 0oun 0ount# t# of P&il P&ila ael el'& '&ia ia(( .S. .S.A. A.(( t&at t&at 0lem 0lemen entt L. HcLau)&lin( t&e aministrator %&o %as a''ointe after :r. Bar Bara) a)a a &a &a ecl eclin ine e an an %ai$ %ai$e e &is &is a''o a''oin intme tment nt as e*ec e*ecut utor or in fa$o fa$orr of t&e t&e form former er(( is also also a resi resie ent nt of P&ilael'&ia( .S.A.( an t&at t&erefore( t&ere is an ur)ent nee for t&e a''ointment of an aministratri* to aminister an e$entuall# e$entuall# istri"ute istri"ute t&e 'ro'erties 'ro'erties of t&e estate locate in t&e P&ili''ines. Hean%&ile( on une ?( ->9( 'etitioner ermo)enes 0am'os ie an left a %ill( %&ic&( incientall# &as "een !uestione "# t&e res'onent( &is c&ilren an force &eirs as( on its face 'atentl# null an $oi( an a fa"rication( a''ointin) Poll# 0a#eta 0a#etano no as t&e e*ecutri* e*ecutri* of &is last %ill %ill an testament. testament. 0a#etano( t&erefore( file a motion to su"stitute &erself as 'etitioner 'etitioner in t&e instant case %&ic& %as )rante )rante "# t&e court on Se'tem"er -/( ->9. ISSE; &et&er or not a com'ulsor# &eir ma# "e $alil# e*clue "# a %ill e*ecute "# a forei)n testatorF EL:; JES RATIO; RATIO; Alt&ou Alt&ou)& )& on its face( t&e %ill a''ear a''eare e to &a$e &a$e 'reter 'reterite ite t&e 'etiti 'etitione onerr an t&us( t&us( t&e res'on res'onen entt Cu)e Cu)e s&ou s&oul l &a$e &a$e eni enie e its its re'r re'ro" o"ate ate outri outri)& )&t( t( t&e t&e 'ri$ 'ri$at ate e res'onents res'onents &a$e sufficientl# sufficientl# esta"lis&e esta"lis&e t&at Aoracion Aoracion %as( at t&e time of &er eat&( an American citien an a 'ermanent 'ermanent resient resient of P&ilael'&i P&ilael'&ia( a( Penns#l$ani Penns#l$ania( a( .S.A. T&erefore( uner Article -? 'ar. +, an -=/> of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& res'ecti$el# 'ro$ie;
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. -? 'ar. +,.8o%e$er( intestate an testamentar# successions( "ot& %it& res'ect to t&e orer of succession an to t&e amount of successional ri)&ts an to t&e intrinsic $aliit# of testamentar# 'ro$isions( s&all "e re)ulate "# t&e national la% of t&e 'erson %&ose succession is uner consieration( %&ate$er ma# "e t&e nature of t&e 'ro'ert# an re)arless of t&e countr# %&erein sai 'ro'ert# ma# "e foun.8 Art. -=/>.80a'acit# to succee is )o$erne "# t&e la% of t&e nation of t&e eceent.8 t&e la% %&ic& )o$erns Aoracion 0am'o@s %ill is t&e la% of Penns#l$ania( .S.A.( %&ic& is t&e national la% of t&e eceent. Alt&ou)& t&e 'arties amit t&at t&e Penns#l$ania la% oes not 'ro$ie for le)itimes an t&at all t&e estate ma# "e )i$en a%a# "# t&e testatri* to a com'lete stran)er( t&e 'etitioner ar)ues t&at suc& la% s&oul not a''l# "ecause it %oul "e contrar# to t&e soun an esta"lis&e 'u"lic 'olic# an %oul run counter to t&e s'ecific 'ro$isions of P&ili''ine La%. It is a settle rule t&at as re)ars t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill( as 'ro$ie for "# Article -? +, an -=/> of t&e 0i$il 0oe( t&e national la% of t&e eceent must a''l#. T&is %as s!uarel# a''lie in t&e case of Bellis $. Bellis += S0RA /9, %&erein %e rule;8It is t&erefore e$ient t&at %&ate$er 'u"lic 'olic# or )oo customs ma# "e in$ol$e in our s#stem of le)itimes( 0on)ress &as not intene to e*ten t&e same to t&e succession of forei)n nationals. 2or it &as s'ecificall# c&osen to lea$e( inter alia( t&e amount of successional ri)&ts( to t&e eceent@s national la%. S'ecific 'ro$isions must 're$ail o$er )eneral ones.
b.
)ho #a s"cceed*
Art. -=4. Persons not inca'acitate "# la% ma# succee "# %ill or ab intestato.
cor'orations( or)aniations( or associations for reli)ious( scientific( cultural( eucational( or c&arita"le 'ur'oses. All ot&er cor'orations or entities ma# succee uner a %ill( unless t&ere is a 'ro$ision to t&e contrar# in t&eir c&arter or t&e la%s of t&eir creation( an al%a#s su"Cect to t&e same. +74?a, Art. -=>. S&oul t&e testator is'ose of t&e %&ole or 'art of &is 'ro'ert# for 'ra#ers an 'ious %or1s for t&e "enefit of &is soul( in )eneral terms an %it&out s'ecif#in) its a''lication( t&e e*ecutor( %it& t&e court@s a''ro$al s&all eli$er oneD&alf t&ereof or its 'rocees to t&e c&urc& or enomination to %&ic& t&e testator ma# "elon)( to "e use for suc& 'ra#ers an 'ious %or1s( an t&e ot&er &alf to t&e State( for t&e 'ur'oses mentione in Article -=-/. +747a, Art. -=/=. Testamentar# 'ro$isions in fa$or of t&e 'oor in )eneral( %it&out esi)nation of 'articular 'ersons or of an# communit#( s&all "e eeme limite to t&e 'oor li$in) in t&e omicile of t&e testator at t&e time of &is eat&( unless it s&oul clearl# a''ear t&at &is intention %as ot&er%ise. T&e esi)nation of t&e 'ersons %&o are to "e consiere as 'oor an t&e istri"ution of t&e 'ro'ert# s&all "e mae "# t&e 'erson a''ointe "# t&e testator for t&e 'ur'ose< in efault of suc& 'erson( "# t&e e*ecutor( an s&oul t&ere "e no e*ecutor( "# t&e Custice of t&e 'eace( t&e ma#or( an t&e munici'al treasurer( %&o s&all ecie "# a maCorit# of $otes all !uestions t&at ma# arise. In all t&ese cases( t&e a''ro$al of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance s&all "e necessar#. T&e 'recein) 'ara)ra'& s&all a''l# %&en t&e testator &as is'ose of &is 'ro'ert# in fa$or of t&e 'oor of a efinite localit#. 4arish 4riest of 5ictoria !s. -igor
T&e 'ro$isions relatin) to inca'acit# "# %ill are e!uall# a''lica"le to intestate succession. +744( >-4, •
•
t&e secon 'ara)ra'& a"o$e merel# enunciates a )eneral rule "ecause Article -=7 an -=9 clearl# are e*ce'tions %&ic& o not a''l# to intestate succession "ut onl# t&at of testamentar# is'ositions. Kins of Inca'acit#; a, a"solute or 'er se an ", relati$e or 'er acciens
Art. -=. In orer to "e ca'acitate to in&erit( t&e &eir( e$isee or le)atee must "e li$in) at t&e moment t&e succession o'ens( e*ce't in case of re'resentation( %&en it is 'ro'er. A c&il alrea# concei$e at t&e time of t&e eat& of t&e eceent is ca'a"le of succeein) 'ro$ie it "e "orn later uner t&e conitions 'rescri"e in article 4-. +n, T&ose not e*istin) at t&e time of eat& is inca'acitate to succee e*ce't on conitional %ills %&ere succession onl# o'ens u'on t&e &a''enin) of t&e conition. Art. -=?. A testamentar# is'osition ma# "e mae to t&e State( 'ro$inces( munici'al cor'orations( 'ri$ate
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T&is case is a"out t&e efficaciousness or enforcea"ilit# of a e$ise of ricelans locate at Guim"a( Nue$a EciCa( %it& a total area of aroun fort#Dfour &ectares. T&at e$ise %as mae in t&e %ill of t&e late 2at&er Pascual Ri)or( a nati$e of Victoria( Tarlac( in fa$or of &is nearest male relati$e %&o %oul stu# for t&e 'riest&oo. T&e recor iscloses t&at 2at&er Ri)or( t&e 'aris& 'riest of Pulilan( Bulacan( ie on Au)ust >( ->/( lea$in) a %ill e*ecute on Octo"er >( ->// %&ic& %as 'ro"ate "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Tarlac in its orer of :ecem"er ( ->/. Name as e$isees in t&e %ill %ere t&e testator@s nearest relati$es( namel#( &is t&ree sisters; 2lorencia Ri)orD Esco"ar( Belina Ri)orDHanaloto an Nestora Ri)orD uiam"ao. T&e testator )a$e a e$ise to &is cousin( 2ortunato Gamalina. A"out t&irteen #ears after t&e a''ro$al of t&e 'roCect of 'artition( or on 2e"ruar# ->( ->4( t&e 'aris& 'riest of Victoria file in t&e 'enin) testate 'roceein) a 'etition 'ra#in) for t&e a''ointment of a ne% aministrator +succeein) t&e ecease aministratri*( 2lorencia Ri)or,( %&o s&oul eli$er to t&e c&urc& t&e sai ricelans( an furt&er 'ra#in) t&at t&e 'ossessors t&ereof "e orere to rener an accountin) of t&e fruits. T&e 'ro"ate court )rante t&e 'etition. A ne% aministrator %as a''ointe. On anuar# /-( ->7 t&e 'aris& 'riest file anot&er 'etition for t&e eli$er# of t&e ricelans to t&e c&urc& as trustee.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe T&e intestate &eirs of 2at&er Ri)or countere %it& a 'etition ate Harc& ( ->7 'ra#in) t&at t&e "e!uest "e eclare ino'erati$e an t&at t&e# "e aCu)e as t&e 'ersons entitle to t&e sai ricelans since( as amitte "# t&e 'aris& 'riest of Victoria( 6no nearest #ale relati!e of6 the testator 6has e!er st"died for the priesthood6 +''. an /( Recor on A''eal,. T&at 'etition %as o''ose "# t&e 'aris& 'riest of Victoria. u)e :e A!uino )rante t&e secon motion for reconsieration in &is orer of :ecem"er -=( ->7 on t&e )roun t&at t&e testator &a a )ranne'&e% name E)aro G. 0unanan +t&e )ranson of &is first cousin, %&o %as a seminarian in t&e San ose Seminar# of t&e esuit 2at&ers in ueon 0it#. T&e aministrator %as irecte to eli$er t&e ricelans to t&e 'aris& 'riest of Victoria as trustee. T&e le)al &eirs a''eale to t&e 0ourt of A''eals. It re$erse t&at orer. It &el t&at 2at&er Ri)or &a create a testamentar# trust for &is nearest male relati$e %&o %oul ta1e t&e &ol# orers "ut t&at suc& trust coul e*ist onl# for t%ent# #ears "ecause to enforce it "e#on t&at 'erio %oul $iolate 8t&e rule a)ainst 'er'etuities8. It rule t&at since no le)atee claime t&e ricelans %it&in t%ent# #ears after t&e testator@s eat&( t&e same s&oul 'ass to &is le)al &eirs( citin) articles 999 an >-+, of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe an article 97= of t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe. The %ill of the testator is the first and principal la% in the #atter of testa#ents. &en &is intention is clearl# an 'recisel# e*'resse( an# inter'retation must "e in accor %it& t&e 'lain an literal meanin) of &is %ors( e*ce't %&en it ma# certainl# a''ear t&at &is intention %as ifferent from t&at literall# e*'resse +In re Estate of 0aleron( ? P&il. ///
8The intent of the testator is the cardinal r"le in the constr"ction of %ills.6 It is 8t&e life an soul of a %ill8. It is 8t&e first )reatest rule( t&e so$erei)n )uie( t&e 'olestar( in )i$in) effect to a %ill8 2rom t&e fore)oin) testamentar# 'ro$isions( it #a be ded"ced that the testator intended to de!ise the ricelands to his nearest #ale relati!e %ho %o"ld beco#e a priest( %&o %as for"ien to sell t&e ricelans( %&o %oul lose t&e e$ise if &e iscontinue &is stuies for t&e 'riest&oo( or &a$in) "een oraine a 'riest( &e %as e*communicate( an %&o %oul "e o"li)ate to sa# annuall# t%ent# masses %it& 'ra#ers for t&e re'ose of t&e souls of t&e testator an &is 'arents. On the other hand, it is clear that the parish priest of Victoria would administer the ricelands only in two situations: one, during the interval of time that no nearest male relative of the testator was studying for the priesthood and two, in case the testator's nephew became a priest and he was excommunicated.
&at is not clear is t&e uration of 8el inter$alo e tiem'o !ue no &a#a le)atario aconicionao8( or how long after the testator's death would it be determined t&at &e &a a ne'&e% %&o %oul 'ursue an ecclesiastical $ocation. It is t&at 'atent am"i)uit# t&at &as "rou)&t a"out t&e contro$ers# "et%een t&e 'aris& 'riest of Victoria an t&e testator@s le)al &eirs. Inter%o$en %it& t&at e!ui$ocal 'ro$ision is t&e time %&en t&e nearest male relati$e %&o %oul stu# for t&e 'riest&oo s&oul "e etermine. :i t&e testator contem'late onl# &is nearest male relati$e at t&e time of &is eat&F Or i &e &a$e in min an# of &is nearest male relati$es at an#time after &is eat&F
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We hold that the said bequest refers to the testator's nearest male relative living at the time of his death and not to any indefinite time thereafter. !n order to be capacitated to inherit, the heir, devisee or legatee must be living at the moment the succession opens, except in case of representation, when it is proper 8 +Art. -=( 0i$il 0oe,.
T&e sai testamentar# 'ro$isions s&oul "e sensi"l# or reasona"l# construe. "o construe them as referring to the testator's nearest male relative at anytime after his death would render the provisions difficult to apply an create uncertaint# as to t&e is'osition of &is estate. T&at coul not &a$e "een &is intention. In ->/( %&en t&e testator ie( &is nearest le)al &eirs %ere &is t&ree sisters or seconDe)ree relati$es( Hrs. Esco"ar( Hrs. Hanaloto an Hrs. uiam"ao. O"$iousl#( %&en t&e testator s'ecifie &is nearest male relati$e( &e must &a$e &a in min &is ne'&e% or a son of &is sister( %&o %oul "e &is t&irDe)ree relati$e( or 'ossi"l# a )ranne'&e%. But since &e coul not prognosticate t&e e*act ate of &is eat& or state %it& certitue %&at cate)or# of nearest male relati$e %oul "e li$in) at t&e time of &is eat&( &e coul not s'ecif# t&at &is nearest male relati$e %oul "e &is ne'&e% or )ranne'&e%s +t&e sons of &is ne'&e% or niece, an so &e &a to use t&e term 8nearest male relati$e8. Parent&eticall#( it s&oul "e state at t&is Cuncture t&at E)aro cease to "e a seminarian in ->?-. 2or t&at reason( t&e le)al &eirs a''rise t&e 0ourt of A''eals t&at t&e 'ro"ate court@s orer aCuicatin) t&e ricelans to t&e 'aris& 'riest of Victoria &a no more le) to stan on +'. 94( A''ellant@s "rief,. #ad the testator intended that the cualquier pariente mio varon mas cercano que estudie la carrera eclesiastica would include indefinitely anyone of his nearest male relatives born after his death, he could have so specified in his will. #e must have $nown that such a broad provision would suspend for an unlimited period of time the efficaciousness of his bequest.
2ollo%in) t&at inter'retation of t&e %ill( t&e in!uir# %oul "e %&et&er at t&e time 2at&er Ri)or ie in ->/ &e &a a ne'&e% %&o %as stu#in) for t&e 'riest&oo or %&o &a manifeste &is esire to follo% t&e ecclesiastical career. T&at !uer# is cate)oricall# ans%ere in 'ara)ra'& 4 of a''ellant 'riest@s 'etitions of 2e"ruar# ->( ->4 an anuar# /-( ->7. e une!ui$ocall# alle)e t&erein t&at 8no nearest male relati$e of t&e late +2at&er, Pascual Ri)or &as e$er stuie for t&e 'riest&oo8 +''. an /( Recor on A''eal,. !nasmuch as the testator was not survived by any nephew who became a priest, the unavoidable conclusion is that the bequest in question was ineffectual or inoperative. "herefore, the administration of the ricelands by the parish priest of Victoria, as envisaged in the will, was li$ewise inoperative.
T&e 0ourt of A''eals correctl# rule t&at t&is case is co$ere "# article 999 of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe( no% article >?( %&ic& 'ro$ies t&at if 8t&e "e!uest for an# reason s&oul "e ino'erati$e( it s&all "e mer)e into t&e estate( e*ce't in cases of su"stitution an t&ose in %&ic& t&e ri)&t of accretion e*ists8 +8el le)ao . . . 'or !ual!uier causa( no ten)a efecto( se refunir en la masa e la &erencia( fuera e los casos e sustitucion # erec&o e acrecer8,. T&is case is also co$ere "# article >-+, of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe( no% article >?=+,( %&ic& 'ro$ies t&at le)al succession ta1es 'lace %&en t&e %ill 8oes not is'ose of all t&at "elon)s to t&e testator.8 T&ere "ein) no su"stitution nor
5
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe accretion as to t&e sai ricelans( t&e same s&oul "e istri"ute amon) t&e testator@s le)al &eirs. T&e effect is as if t&e testator &a mae no is'osition as to t&e sai ricelans.
+, An# person %&o &as "een con!icted of an atte#pt against the life of t&e testator( &is or &er s'ouse( escenants( or ascenants<
T&e 0i$il 0oe reco)nies t&at a 'erson ma# ie 'artl# testate an 'artl# intestate( or t&at t&ere ma# "e mi*e succession. T&e ol rule as to t&e ini$isi"ilit# of t&e testator@s %ill is no lon)er $ali. T&us( if a conitional le)ac# oes not ta1e effect( t&ere %ill "e intestate succession as to t&e 'ro'ert# co$ere "# t&e sai le)ac# +Hacro&on On) am $s. Saa$era( - P&il. ?7,.
+/, An# 'erson %&o &as acc"sed the testator of a crime for %&ic& t&e la% 'rescri"es im'risonment for si* #ears or more( if t&e accusation &as "een foun )rounless<
c.
)ho are incapable of s"cceeding*
Art. -=7. T&e follo%in) are inca'a"le of succeein); +-, T&e 'riest %&o &ear t&e confession of t&e testator urin) &is last illness( or t&e minister of t&e )os'el %&o e*tene s'iritual ai to &im urin) t&e same 'erio< +, T&e relati$es of suc& 'riest or minister of t&e )os'el %ithin the fo"rth degree ( t&e c&urc&( orer( c&a'ter( communit#( or)aniation( or institution to %&ic& suc& 'riest or minister ma# "elon)< +/, A )uarian %it& res'ect to testamentar# is'ositions )i$en "# a %ar in &is fa$or "efore t&e final accounts of t&e )uarians&i' &a$e "een a''ro$e( e$en if t&e testator s&oul ie after t&e a''ro$al t&ereof< ne$ert&eless( an# 'ro$ision mae "# t&e %ar in fa$or of t&e )uarian %&en t&e latter is &is ascenant( escenant( "rot&er( sister( or s'ouse( s&all "e $ali< +4, An# attestin) %itness to t&e e*ecution of a %ill( t&e s'ouse( 'arents( or c&ilren( or an# one claimin) uner suc& %itness( s'ouse( 'arents( or c&ilren< in relation to Art. #$%. f a person attests the e&ecution of a will, to whom or to whose spouse, or parent, or child, a devise or le!acy is !iven by such will, such devise or le!acy shall, so far only as concerns such person, or spouse, or parent, or child of such person, or any one claimin! under such person or spouse, or parent, or child, be void, unless there are three other competent witnesses to such will. 'owever, such person so attestin! shall be admitted as a witness as if such devise or le!acy had not been made or !iven. (n) +, An# '&#sician( sur)eon( nurse( &ealt& officer or ru))ist %&o too1 care of t&e testator urin) &is last illness< +?, Ini$iuals( associations an cor'orations not 'ermitte "# la% to in&erit. +74( 7( 7/( 74a, Art. -=9. T&e 'ro&i"itions mentione in article 7/>( concernin) onations inter $i$os s&all a''l# to testamentar# 'ro$isions. Art. -=/-. A testamentar# 'ro$ision in fa$or of a is!ualifie 'erson( e$en t&ou)& mae uner t&e )uise of an onerous contract( or mae t&rou)& an intermeiar#( s&all "e $oi. +7, Art. -=/. T&e follo%in) are inca'a"le of succeein) "# reason of un%ort&iness; +-, 4arents %&o &a$e abandoned their children or inuce t&eir au)&ters to lea a corru't or immoral life( or attem'te a)ainst t&eir $irtue<
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+4, An# &eir of full a)e %&o( &a$in) 1no%le)e of t&e $iolent eat& of t&e testator( s&oul fail to re'ort it to an officer of t&e la% %it&in a mont&( unless t&e aut&orities &a$e alrea# ta1en action< t&is 'ro&i"ition s&all not a''l# to cases %&erein( accorin) to la%( t&ere is no o"li)ation to ma1e an accusation< +, An# 'erson con$icte of aulter# or concu"ina)e %it& t&e s'ouse of t&e testator< +?, An# 'erson %&o "# frau( $iolence( intimiation( or unue influence s&oul cause t&e testator to ma1e a %ill or to c&an)e one alrea# mae< +7, An# 'erson %&o "# t&e same means 're$ents anot&er from ma1in) a %ill( or from re$o1in) one alrea# mae( or %&o su''lants( conceals( or alters t&e latter@s %ill< +9, An# 'erson %&o falsifies or forges a su''ose %ill of the decedent. +7?( ?7/( ?74a, Art. -=//. T&e cause of un%ort&iness s&all "e %it&out effect if t&e testator &a 1no%le)e t&ereof at t&e time &e mae t&e %ill( or if( &a$in) 1no%n of t&em su"se!uentl#( &e s&oul conone t&em in %ritin). +77a, d.
Effect of alienations b the e7cl"ded heir
Art. -=/?. Alienations of &ereitar# 'ro'ert#( an acts of aministration 'erforme "# t&e e*clue &eir( "efore t&e Cuicial orer of e*clusion( are $ali as to t&e t&ir 'ersons %&o acte in )oo fait&< "ut t&e coD&eirs s&all &a$e a ri)&t to reco$er ama)es from t&e is!ualifie &eir. e.
-ights of the e7cl"ded +eir
Art. -=/. If t&e 'erson e*clue from t&e in&eritance "# reason of inca'acit# s&oul "e a c&il or escenant of t&e eceent an s&oul &a$e c&ilren or escenants( t&e latter s&all ac!uire &is ri)&t to t&e le)itime. T&e 'erson so e*clue s&all not enCo# t&e usufruct an aministration of t&e 'ro'ert# t&us in&erite "# &is c&ilren Art. -=/7. T&e un%ort&# &eir %&o is e*clue from t &e succession has a right to de#and inde#nit or an# e*'enses incurre in t&e 'reser$ation of t&e &ereitar# 'ro'ert#( an to enforce suc& creits as &e ma# &a$e a)ainst t&e estate. Art. -=-4. If a 'erson le)all# entitle t o t&e estate of t&e ecease a''ears an files a claim t&ereto %it& t&e court %it&in fi$e #ears from t&e ate t&e 'ro'ert# %as eli$ere to t&e State( suc& 'erson s&all "e entitle to t&e 'ossession of t&e same( or if sol t&e munici'alit# or cit# s&all "e accounta"le to &im for suc& 'art of t&e 'rocees as ma# not &a$e "een la%full# s'ent. f.
Liabilities of the e7cl"ded heir
Art. -=/9. An# 'erson inca'a"le of succession( %&o( isre)arin) t&e 'ro&i"ition state in t&e 'recein)
6
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe articles( entere into t&e 'ossession of t&e &ereitar# 'ro'ert#( s&all "e o"li)e to return it to)et&er it its accessions. e s&all "e lia"le for all t&e fruits an rents &e ma# &a$e recei$e( or coul &a$e recei$e t&rou)& t&e e*ercise of ue ili)ence. g.
ri)&ts of o"li)ation are "# nature transmissi"le an ma# "e 'art of in&eritance( "ot& t&e ri)&t of t&e creitor an o"li)ation of t&e e"tor e*ce't t&e follo%in); a.
t&ose %&ic& are 'ersonal( suc& as 'ersonal !ualifications of t&e e"tor &a$e "een ta1en into account
".
t&ose t&at are intransmissi"le "# e*'ress a)reement or %ill of testator
c.
t&ose t&at are intransmissi"le "# e*'ress 'ro$ision of la% li1e life 'ensions )i$en uner contract
4rescription of Action
Art. -=4=. T&e action for a eclaration of inca'acit# an for t&e reco$er# of t&e in&eritance( e$ise or le)ac# s&all "e "rou)&t %it&in fi$e #ears from t&e time t&e is!ualifie 'erson too1 'ossession t&ereof. It ma# "e "rou)&t "# an# one %&o ma# &a$e an interest in t&e succession. C. Ob'ect of S"ccession Art. 889. The inheritance incl"des all the propert, rights and obligations of a person %hich are not e7ting"ished b his death.
It is e$ient from t&is article t&at t&e in&eritance oes not inclue e$er#t&in) t&at "elon)s to t&e ecease at t&e time of &is eat&. It is limite to t&e 'ro'ert#( ri)&ts( an o"li)ations not e*tin)uis& "# &is eat&. Incluin) t&ose transmissi"le ri)&ts an 'ro'ert# accruin) t&ereto from t&at time 'ertain to t&e &eir. T&e follo%in) are t&e ri)&ts an o"li)ations e*tin)uis&e "# eat&; -.
t&ose arisin) from marria)e
.
action for le)al se'aration "elon)in) to t&e innocent s'ouse
/.
action to annul marria)e
4. o"li)ation to )i$e le)al su''ort e*ce't t&ose e*'ressl# 'ro$ie for "# la% .
/.
ri)&t to recei$e su''ort
6. ri)&t of 'atria 'otestas 7.
ri)&t of t&e )uarian
9.
ri)&t of usufruct
>.
ri)&t of onor to re$o1e onation ue to in)ratitue of onee
10. ri)&ts arisin) from a)enc# not t&e effects alrea# e*ecute --. criminal res'onsi"ilit# -. ri)&ts from 'u"lic la% suc& as suffra)e an 'u"lic em'lo#ment T&e follo%in) rules are lai o%n -.
ri)&ts %&ic& are 'urel# 'ersonal are "# t&eir nature an 'ur'ose intransmissi"le( e*. T&ose relatin) to ci$il 'ersonalit#( famil# ri)&ts( an isc&ar)e of 'u"lic office
.
ri)&ts %&ic& are 'atrimonial or relatin) to 'ro'ert# are( as a)eneral rule( not e*tin)uis&e "# eat& e*ce't t&ose e*'ressl# 'ro$ie "# la% or "# %ill of t&e testator suc& as usufruct an 'ersonal ser$itues.
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T&e &eirs of t&e ecease are no lon)er lia"le for t&e e"ts &e ma# lea$e at t&e time of &is eat&. Suc& e"ts are c&ar)ea"le a)ainst t&e 'ro'ert# or assets left "# t&e ecease. In ot&er %ors( t&e &eirs are no lon)er lia"le 'ersonall# for t&e e"ts of t&e ecease < suc& e"ts must "e collecte onl# from t&e 'ro'ert# left u'on &is eat&( an if t&is s&oul not "e sufficient to co$er all of t&em( t&e &eirs cannot "e mae to 'a# t&e uncollecti"le "alance. In&eritance consists of t&e mass of 'ro'ert#( ri)&ts( an o"li)ations aCuicate to t&e &eirs or transmitte to t&em after euctin) t&erefrom all t&e e"ts left "# t&e ecease. T&is s&oul not "e unerstoo to mean( &o%e$er( t&at o"li)ations are no lon)er a 'art of in&eritance. Onl# t&e mone# e"ts are c&ar)ea"le a)ainst t&e estate left "# t&e ecease< t&ese are o"li)ations %&ic& o not 'ass to t&e &eirs( "ut constitute a c&ar)e a)ainst t&e &ereitar# 'ro'ert#. Art. 8(. The inheritance of a person incl"des not onl the propert and the trans#issible rights and obligations e7isting at the ti#e of his death, b"t also those %hich ha!e accr"ed thereto since the opening of the s"ccession.
Since o%ners&i' is $este in t&e &eir from t&e moment of t&e eat& of t&e 'reecessor( necessaril# all accessions su"se!uent to t&at moment must "elon) to suc& &eir. T&e criticism on t&is article is t&at t&e accession to suc& 'ro'ert# is not transmitte "# eat&< it is ac!uire alrea# "# $irtue of t&e ri)&t of o%ners&i' %&ic& is $este from t&e moment of t&e 'reecessor3s eat& in t&e successor. It is Cuiciall# erroneous to sa# t&at in&eritance inclues suc& accession. E$en %it&out t&is article( an &eir %oul "e entitle to t&e accession an fruits %&ic& accrue since t&e eat& of t&e eceent "# $irtue of t&e ri)&t of accession +o%n%es&i',. Art. (1((. Contracts ta;e effect onl bet%een the parties, their assigns and heirs, e7cept in case %here the rights and obligations arising fro# the contract are not trans#issible b their nat"re, or b stip"lation or b pro!ision of la%. The heir is not liable beond the !al"e of the propert he recei!ed fro# the decedent. If a contract sho"ld contain so#e stip"lation in fa!or of a third person, he #a de#and its f"lfill#ent pro!ided he co##"nicated his acceptance to the obligor before its re!ocation. A #ere incidental benefit or interest of a person is not s"fficient. The contracting parties #"st ha!e clearl and deliberatel conferred a fa!or "pon a third person.
As a )eneral rule( ri)&ts an o"li)ations uner a contract are transmitte to t&e &eirs of t&e 'arties. T&e &eirs cannot "e consiere t&ir 'arties( "ecause t&ere is 'ri$it# of interest
7
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe "et%een t&em an t&eir 'reecessor. A lease contract is transmissi"le to t&e &eirs of t&e lessee. T&e &eirs of a 'art# in %&ose fa$or a trust e*ists( ma# enforce t&e trust a)ainst t&e trustee. T&e &eirs of t&e 'arties to a contract ma# ma1e a $ali no$ation of sai contract. Art. (<2. )hen a testate or intestate heir !ol"ntaril pas a debt of the decedent e7ceeding the !al"e of the propert %hich he recei!ed b %ill or b the la% of intestac fro# the estate of the deceased, the pa#ent is !alid and cannot be rescinded b the paer. Art. ((8. S"b'ect to the la%s, all rights ac="ired in !irt"e of an obligation are trans#issible, if there has been no stip"lation to the contrar.
As a )eneral rule. 0i$il ri)&ts are transmissi"le e*ce't; -, e*'ressl# 'ro$ie "# la% t&at t&e# are not. , Sti'ulation of t&e 'arties. /, Personal ri)&ts of t&e e"tor. An instrument e$iencin) a creit ma# "e transferre or assi)ne "# t&e creitor to anot&er( an t&e transferee %oul "e consiere in la%ful 'ossession of t&e same as %ell as t&e creit( unless contrar# is s&o%n. Transmissi"ilit# is t&e ca'a"ilit# of t&e ri)&ts to "e transferre from one 'erson to anot&er. Art. (1<8. All things %hich are not o"tside the co##erce of #en, incl"ding f"t"re things, #a be the ob'ect of a contract. All rights %hich are not intrans#issible #a also be the ob'ect of contracts. No contract #a be entered into "pon f"t"re inheritance e7cept in cases e7pressl a"thori&ed b la%. All ser!ices %hich are not contrar to la%, #orals, good c"sto#s, p"blic order or p"blic polic #a li;e%ise be the ob'ect of a contract.
It is essential t&at t&e o"Cect must "e in e*istence at t&e time of 'erfection of t&e contract( or t&at it &as t&e 'ossi"ilit# or 'otentialit# of comin) into e*istence at some future time. B# %a# of e*ce'tion( t&e la% )enerall# oes not allo% contracts on future in&eritance. In orer to "e future in&eritance( t&e succession must not &a$e "een o'ene at t&e time of t&e contract. A contract to fall %it&in t&e 'ro&i"ition of t&is article( t&e follo%in) re!uisites are necessar#; -. t&at t&e succession is #et to "e o'ene. . t&e o"Cect forms 'art of t&e in&eritance. /. t&e 'romissor &as an e*'ectant ri)&t o$er t&e o"Cect %&ic& is 'urel# &ereitar# in nature. An a)reement to 'artition an estate of a li$in) 'erson "# t&ose %&o in&erit from &im is $oi. A contract renouncin) t&e ri)&t to in&erit from one %&o is still ali$e is $oi. After t&e eat& of t&e 'erson( &o%e$er( t&e 'ro'erties an ri)&ts left "# &im "# %a# of in&eritance can "e t&e su"Cect matter of a contract amon) or "# &is &eirs( e$en "efore a 'artition t&ereof &as "een mae( "ecause t&e ri)&ts of t&e &eirs are transmitte to t&em from t&e eat& of t&e 'reecessor. &en t&e o"Cect of t&e contract is not a 'art of t&e in&eritance( t&e 'ro&i"ition oes not a''l#( e$en if eli$er# of suc& o"Cect is e'enent u'on t&e eat& of one of t&e contractin) 'arties. T&us( life insurance contracts( an sti'ulations 'ro$iin) for re$ersion of 'ro'ert# onate in marria)e settlements in t&e e$ent of t&e eat& of t&e onee( are $ali. Li1e%ise( if t&e ri)&t of t&e 'art# o$er t&e t&in) is not "# $irtue of succession( "ut as creitor( t&e contract oes not fall %it&in t&e 'ro&i"ition of t&is article. It &as "een &el t&at in a contract of 'urc&ase "# coDo%ners( it is $ali to
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sti'ulate t&at in t&e e$ent of eat& of an# of t&em( t&ose %&o sur$i$e %ill ac!uire t&e s&are of t&e 'reecease. /-4C0 Art. (>. Obligation to make restoration, reparation for damages, or indemnification for consequential damages and actions to demand the same; Upon whom it devolves. ? The obligation to #a;e restoration or reparation for da#ages and inde#nification for conse="ential da#ages de!ol!es "pon the heirs of the person liable. The action to de#and restoration, reparation, and inde#nification li;e%ise descends to the heirs of the person in'"red.
T&e &eirs of t&e 'erson lia"le &as no o"li)ation if restoration is not 'ossi"le an t&e ecease left no 'ro'ert#. :. O'enin) of Succesion Art. 888. The rights to the s"ccession are trans#itted fro# the #o#ent of the death of the decedent. /938a0
T&is article is criticie "# some commentators. It is contene t&at t&e ri)&t to succee to t&e 'ro'erties of a 'erson is not transmitte to an#one from t&e moment of t&e eat& of suc& 'erson. &at &a''ens is t&at t&e eat& of a 'erson consoliates an reners immuta"le( in a certain sense( ri)&ts %&ic& u' to t&at moment %ere not&in) "ut mere e*'ectanc#. These rights arise fro# the e7press %ill of the testator or fro# the pro!isions of the la% ( b"t the do not ac="ire solidit and effecti!eness e7cept fro# the #o#ent of death< "efore t&is e$ent( t&e la% ma# c&an)e( t&e %ill of t&e testator ma# $ar#( an e$en circumstances ma# "e moifie to suc& an e*tent t&at &e %&o is e*'ecte to recei$e 'ro'ert# ma# "e e'ri$e of it< b"t once death s"per!enes, the %ill of the testator beco#es i##"table( t&e la% as to t&e succession can no lon)er "e c&an)e( isin&eritance cannot "e effecte( an t&e ri)&ts to t&e s"ccession ac="ire a character of #ar;ed per#anence. &at t&e article reall# means is t&at succession is o'ene "# t&e eat& of t&e 'erson from %&om t&e in&eritance comes. T&e 'ro$ision must t&erefore( "e unerstoo as meanin) t&at t&e ri)&ts to t&e succession of a 'erson are transmitte from t&e moment of &is eat&( an "# $irtue of 'rior manifestations of &is %ill or of causes 'reetermine "# la%. T%o must "e consiere( t&erefore( t&e ori)in of t&e ri)&t( an t&at %&ic& ma1es t&e ri)&t effecti$e. It is clear t&at t&e moment of eat& is t&e eterminin) 'oint %&en t&e &eirs ac!uire a efinite ri)&t to in&eritance %&et&er 'ure or conitional. It is immaterial %&et&er a s&ort or lon) 'erio of time ela'se "et%een t&e eat& of t&e 'reecessor an t&e entr# in t&e 'ossession of t&e 'ro'erties of t&e in&eritance( "ecause t&e ri)&ts are al%a#s eeme to retroact to t&e moment of eat&. T&e 'ossession of &ereitar# 'ro'ert# is eeme transmitte to t&e &eir %it&out interru'tion an from t&e moment of eat& of t&e eceent in case t&e in&eritance is acce'te. T&e la% a$ois an# )a' to o%ners&i' of 'ro'ert# or a 'erio %&erein a 'ro'ert# &as no clear o%ner or a 'erio of res nullius. Note; T&at eat& uner t&is article is not limite to natural or '&#sical eat&( 'resume eat& "# $irtue of 'rolon)e le)al a"sence is inclue. Art. 91. -ights to the inheritance of a person %ho died, %ith or %itho"t a %ill, before the effecti!it of this Code,
8
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe shall be go!erned b the Ci!il Code of (2, b other pre!io"s la%s, and b the -"les of Co"rt. The inheritance of those %ho, %ith or %itho"t a %ill, die after the beginning of the effecti!it of this Code, shall be ad'"dicated and distrib"ted in accordance %ith this ne% bod of la%s and b the -"les of Co"rt@ b"t the testa#entar pro!isions shall be carried o"t insofar as the #a be per#itted b this Code. Therefore, legiti#es, better#ents, legacies and be="ests shall be respected@ ho%e!er, their a#o"nt shall be red"ced if in no other #anner can e!er co#p"lsor heir be gi!en his f"ll share according to this Code. /-"le (a0
T&e ecisi$e fact %&ic& )i$es ori)in to t&e ri)&t of &eirs( e$isees an le)atees is t&e eat& of t&e eceent. T&is is t&e "asis of t&e 'resent article. T&us( t&e 'ro$isions of t&e ne% coe rela*in) t&e ri)iit# of t&e rules of t&e ol coe re)arin) 'roof or reco)nition of natural c&ilren( %ere &el ina''lica"le to one claimin) reco)nition an a s&are in t&e estate of t&e alle)e natural fat&er %&o ie "efore t&e ne% coe %ent into effect. Art. 31. The Ci!il Code of (2 and other pre!io"s la%s shall go!ern rights originating, "nder said la%s, fro# acts done or e!ents %hich too; place "nder their regi#e, e!en tho"gh this Code #a reg"late the# in a different #anner, or #a not recogni&e the#. B"t if a right sho"ld be declared for the first ti#e in this Code, it shall be effecti!e at once, e!en tho"gh the act or e!ent %hich gi!es rise thereto #a ha!e been done or #a ha!e occ"rred "nder prior legislation, pro!ided said ne% right does not pre'"dice or i#pair an !ested or ac="ired right, of the sa#e origin. /-"le (0
T&e secon sentence of t&is article )i$es a retroacti$e effect to ne%l# create ri)&ts( 'ro$ie t&e# o not 'reCuice or im'air an# $este or ac!uire ri)&t. T&us( com'ensation for ama)es uner article - of t&e ne% ci$il coe( "ein) a ri)&t eclare for t&e first time( s&all "e effecti$e at once( e$ent&ou)& t&e acts )i$in) rise t&ereto %ere one "efore t&e effecti$it# of t&e ne% coe. But t&e ne% successional ri)&ts )rante "# t&e ne% 0i$il coe in fa$or of ille)itimate c&ilren cannot "e )i$en retroacti$e effect an "e mae to a''l# to t&e estate of a ecease %&o ie "efore t&e effecti$it# of t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe( for t&e same %oul &a$e t&e effect of im'airin) t&e $este ri)&ts of anot&er %&o is eeme to &a$e "ecome t&e o%ner of t&e ecease3s 'ro'ert# u'on t&e latter3s eat& urin) t&e re)ime of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe.
nearest relati$e of A( %as 0( a "rot&er( %&o acce'te t&e in&eritance. Le)all#( B &as ne$er "een in 'ossession alt&ou)& &e %as materiall# or '&#sicall# &olin) t&e 'ro'ert#( %&ile 0( %&o &a ne$er set foot u'on t&e lan( is eeme to &a$e "een in 'ossession from t&e $er# moment t&at A ie. So t&at( if later( a t&ir 'erson a''ears to claim t&e 'ro'ert#( 0 can assert o%ners&i' "# 'rescri'tion( "ecause( le)all#( t&e 'ossession &as not "een interru'te for ele$en #ears( an ten #ears 'ossession in )oo fait& is sufficient for 'rescri'tion of o%ners&i' of real 'ro'ert#. Art. (1<8. All things %hich are not o"tside the co##erce of #en, incl"ding f"t"re things, #a be the ob'ect of a contract. All rights %hich are not intrans#issible #a also be the ob'ect of contracts. No contract #a be entered into "pon f"t"re inheritance e7cept in cases e7pressl a"thori&ed b la%. All ser!ices %hich are not contrar to la%, #orals, good c"sto#s, p"blic order or p"blic polic #a li;e%ise be the ob'ect of a contract.
Sale of future in&eritance is $oi e*ce't in cases of :onation Pro'ter Nu'tias +art. 94( N00, an Partition Inter Vi$os +art. -=9=,. Ratio; -. &at an &eir &a$e is merel# an inc&oate ri)&t %&ic& oes not come to e*istence after eat& of 'reecessor. . T&e amount or e*tent of in&eritance cannot "e e*actl# etermine until eat& an after settlement t&ereof. Art. (<9(. Things ha!ing a potential e7istence #a be the ob'ect of the contract of sale. The efficac of the sale of a #ere hope or e7pectanc is dee#ed s"b'ect to the condition that the thing %ill co#e into e7istence. The sale of a !ain hope or e7pectanc is !oid. Art. (1>. The f"t"re spo"ses #a gi!e each other in their #arriage settle#ents as #"ch as onefifth of their present propert, and %ith respect to their f"t"re propert, onl in the e!ent of death, to the e7tent laid do%n b the pro!isions of this Code referring to testa#entar s"ccession. /(11(a0
Art. 311. The possession of hereditar propert is dee#ed trans#itted to the heir %itho"t interr"ption and fro# the #o#ent of the death of the decedent, in case the inheritance is accepted.
Art. (1(. The donor b reason of #arriage shall release the propert donated fro# #ortgages and all other enc"#brances "pon the sa#e, %ith the e7ception of ease#ents, "nless in the #arriage settle#ents or in the contracts the contrar has been stip"lated. /(11a0
One %ho !alidl reno"nces an inheritance is dee#ed ne!er to ha!e possessed the sa#e. /<<>0
Art. (1. A donation b reason of #arriage is not re!ocable, sa!e in the follo%ing cases:
T&e article relates to tac1in) of 'ossession ue to 'ri$it# to relations. B# %a# of E*am'le( A &a "een in 'ossession of a 'iece of lan( %&ic& &e t&ou)&t %as &is( for ei)&t #ears( %&en &e ie. e left a son( B( %&o continue to occu'# an culti$ate t&e lan as aministrator( %&ile t&e settlement of t&e 'ro'erties left "# A %as 'enin). T&e 'roceein)s in court for t&e settlement of t&e estate laste t&ree #ears< in t&ese 'roceein)s( B renounces &is in&eritance from A. T&e ne*t
/(0 If it is conditional and the condition is not co#plied %ith@
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/0 If the #arriage is not celebrated@ /10 )hen the #arriage ta;es place %itho"t the consent of the parents or g"ardian, as re="ired b la%@
9
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe /<0 )hen the #arriage is ann"lled, and the donee acted in bad faith@ t&us( t&e im'lication of t&is )roun is t&at t&e onor in "a fait& cannot re$o1e.
Art. 9. A donation b reason of #arriage #a be re!o;ed b the donor in the follo%ing cases: /(0 If the #arriage is not celebrated or '"diciall declared !oid ab initio e7cept donations #ade in the #arriage settle#ents, %hich shall be go!erned b Article (@
/30 Upon legal separation, the donee being the g"ilt spo"se@ t&us( t&e im'lication of t&is article is t&at t&e )uilt# onor s'ouse cannot re$o1e &is onation.
/0 )hen the #arriage ta;es place %itho"t the consent of the parents or g"ardian, as re="ired b la%@
/90 )hen the donee has co##itted an act of ingratit"de as specified b the pro!isions of this Code on donations in general. /(111a0
/10 )hen the #arriage is ann"lled, and the donee acted in bad faith@
Art. 12>. After an absence of se!en ears, it being "n;no%n %hether or not the absentee still li!es, he shall be pres"#ed dead for all p"rposes, e7cept for those of s"ccession.
/<0 Upon legal separation, the donee being the g"ilt spo"se@ /30 If it is %ith a resol"tor condition and the condition is co#plied %ith@
The absentee shall not be pres"#ed dead for the p"rpose of opening his s"ccession till after an absence of ten ears. If he disappeared after the age of se!ent fi!e ears, an absence of fi!e ears shall be s"fficient in order that his s"ccession #a be opened. /n0 Art. 12(. The follo%ing shall be pres"#ed dead for all p"rposes, incl"ding the di!ision of the estate a#ong the heirs:
/90 )hen the donee has co##itted an act of ingratit"de as specified b the pro!isions of the Ci!il Code on donations in general. /(1a0
Art. 7*5. "he donation may also be revo+ed at the instance of the donor, by reason of in!ratitude in the followin! cases
/(0 A person on board a !essel lost d"ring a sea !oage, or an aeroplane %hich is #issing, %ho has not been heard of for fo"r ears since the loss of the !essel or aeroplane@
(-) f the donee should commit some offense a!ainst the person, the honor or the property of the donor, or of his wife or children under his parental authority
/0 A person in the ar#ed forces %ho has ta;en part in %ar, and has been #issing for fo"r ears@
($) f the donee imputes to the donor any criminal offense, or any act involvin! moral turpitude, even thou!h he should prove it, unless the crime or the act has been committed a!ainst the donee himself, his wife or children under his authority
/10 A person %ho has been in danger of death "nder other circ"#stances and his e7istence has not been ;no%n for fo"r ears. /n0 Art. <. If the f"t"re spo"ses agree "pon a regi#e other than the absol"te co##"nit of propert, the cannot donate to each other in their #arriage settle#ents #ore than onefifth of their present propert. An e7cess shall be considered !oid. Donations of f"t"re propert shall be go!erned b the pro!isions on testa#entar s"ccession and the for#alities of %ills. /(1>a0
T&ese onations( unli1e onations of 'resent 'ro'ert# %&ic& ta1e effect u'on t&e cele"ration of t&e marria)e( ta1e effect u'on t&e eat& of t&e onor s'ouse. It cannot "e mae in t&e marria)e settlement "ut in a %ill or testament. Its limits are )o$erne "# t&e rules of testamentar# succession 'ro$ie "# t&e 0i$il 0oe. Since a %ill can "e re$o1e "# t&e testator at an# time "efore &is eat& t&e onation 'ro'ter nu'tias of future 'ro'ert# ma# "e so re$o1e. Persons ot&er t&an t&e affiance 'arties cannot )i$e onations 'ro'ter nu'tial of future 'ro'ert#.
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(%) f he unduly refuses him support when the donee is le!ally or morally bound to !ive support to the donor. (*/#a) -EUISITES $OT+E SUCCESSIONAL -I+TS (. . 1.
T-ANSISSION
O$
E7press %ill of the testator or pro!ision of la% Death of the person %hose propert is s"b'ect of s"ccession acceptance of the inheritance Art. (><((>38
E*'ress or tacit acce'tance "# t&e &eir( e$isee or le)atee is necessar# to t&e 'erfection of t&e Curiical relation in succession( an inis'ensa"le to t&e transmission of successional ri)&ts. To ma1e a 'erson succee "# t&e mere fact of eat& of t&e 'reecessor is to en# &im t&e ri)&t to acce't or re'uiate t&e in&eritance. o%e$er( a 're$ious eclaration of &eirs&i' is not necessar# in orer t&at an &eir ma# assert &is ri)&t to t&e 'ro'ert# of t&e ecease. T&e acce'tance of t&e in&eritance ma#( t&erefore( "e sai to "e
10
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe t&e confirmation of t&e institution of t&e &eir( t&e 'erfection of t&e ri)&t to succee.
person fro# %ho# he is to inherit, and of his right to the inheritance. /22(0
Art. (><(. The acceptance or rep"diation of the inheritance is an act %hich is p"rel !ol"ntar and free. /20
Re!uisites of acce'tance; -. certain of t&e eat& of t&e eceent( . must sur$i$e t&e eceent( /. must &a$e ca'acit# to succee( an 4. certain of &is ri)&t to t&e in&eritance.
T; Acce'tance is t&e act "# %&ic& t&e 'erson is calle to succee "# uni$ersal title eit&er "# t&e testator or "# la% manifests &is %ill of ma1in) &is o%n t&e uni$ersalit# of t&e ri)&ts an o"li)ations %&ic& are transmitte to &im. Re'uiation is t&e manifestation "# suc& &eir of &is esire not to succee to t&e sai uni$ersalit#. T; Is 'artial acce'tance allo%eF ner t&e ol ci$il coe a 'artial acce'tance or re'uiation is 'ro&i"ite( t&is 'ro&i"ition %as omitte in t&e N00. ence( it is su"mitte t&at in t&e li)&t of t&e 'resent la%( in&eritance can "e acce'te or re'uiate 'artiall#. T&e ar)ument t&at t&e 'ersonalit# of t&e eceent cannot "e continue in fraction can no lon)er o"tain in t&is Curisiction. T&e &eir in our la% is not t&e continuation of t&e 'ersonalit# of t&e ecease. e stans on t&e same footin) as a mere le)atee in t&e 0i$il 0oe. If t&e latter ma# acce't or re'uiate 'artiall#( t&ere is no le)al reason %&# t&e &eir s&oul not "e allo%e to o so. T&e )reater ri)&t al%a#s inclues t&e less< if total acce'tance or re'uiation can "e mae( %&# not 'artial acce'tance or re'uiationF T&e ar)ument t&at creitors of t&e estate %oul "e 'reCuice "# 'artial acce'tance &as no force< "ecause( uner our 'resent la%s( t&e creitors of t&e estate must first "e 'ai "efore it can "e 1no%n %&et&er t&er is an# in&eritance left to "e acce'te or re'uiate. Art. (><. The effects of the acceptance or rep"diation shall al%as retroact to the #o#ent of the death of the decedent. /220
T&e la% see1s to insure continuit# in t&e o%ners&i' of t&e 'ro'ert#( %it&out &iatus or )a'( e$en for a moment( from t&e time of t&e eat& of t&e eceent. T&e ol ci$il coe 'ro&i"ite acce'tance or re'uiation %it& a term. Is it no% allo%e uner t&e N00F No conitional acce'tance an re'uiation is still 'ro&i"ite. To 'ermit t&is 1in of acce'tance is an re'uiation %ill "e 'lacin) in uncertaint# t&e transmission of ri)&ts "# succession. T&e 'o%er to im'ose conitions on t&e transmission is in&erent onl# in t&e testator &imself( as a lo)ical conse!uence of &is freeom to is'ose of &is 'ro'ert#. T&e 'erson fa$ore cannot su"Cect t&e transmission to conitions "ecause &e &as no ri)&t o$er t&e 'ro'ert# until &e acce'ts t&e in&eritance. T&e $er# Nature of transmission of 'ro'ert# "# mortis causa ar)ues a)ainst t&e $aliit# of acce'tance or re'uiation %it& a term or conition. T&e la% see1s to insure continuit# in t&e o%ners&i' of t&e 'ro'ert#( %it&out an# &iatus or )a' from t&e time of t&e eat& of t&e eceent. T&us( to allo% t&is %oul "e contrar# to t&e 'rinci'le of succession t&at in&eritance is transmitte u'on eat&. Art. (><1. No person #a accept or rep"diate an inheritance "nless he is certain of the death of the
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Ratio; t&e %ill of man is c&an)ea"le. E$en Cust "efore t&e moment of &is eat& &e ma# c&an)e &is min. A 'erson %&o acce'ts from a li$in) 'erson an in&eritance acce'ts or re'uiates not&in) at all. If a 'erson is uncertain of &is ri)&t to in&erit t&en &is acce'tance or re'uiation is ineffecti$e. Art. (><<. An person ha!ing the free disposal of his propert #a accept or rep"diate an inheritance. An inheritance left to #inors or incapacitated persons #a be accepted b their parents or g"ardians. 4arents or g"ardians #a rep"diate the inheritance left to their %ards onl b '"dicial a"thori&ation. The right to accept an inheritance left to the poor shall belong to the persons designated b the testator to deter#ine the beneficiaries and distrib"te the propert, or in their defa"lt, to those #entioned in Article (>1>. /22a0
Acce'tance 'resu''oses not onl# ri)&ts "ut sometimes also o"li)ations. Re'uiation( on t&e ot&er&an( means alienation. ence( 'ersons &a$in) t&e ca'acit# to succee "ut not &a$in) t&e ca'acit# to is'ose of t&eir 'ro'ert# ma# not( t&erefore( acce't or re'uiate. T&eir le)al re'resentati$es ma# o so for t&em. E*ce'tion to 'ara)ra'& < %&ere t&e act %oul "e 'urel# "eneficial to t&e minor or inca'acitate 'erson( t&e inter$ention of t&e court is unnecessar#. But %&ere t&e institution( e$ise or le)ac# is su"Cect to a c&ar)e or conition to "e 'erforme "# t&e minor or inca'acitate "eneficiar#( %e "elie$e t&at t&e a''ro$al of t&e court s&oul "e o"taine. T&e minor s&oul not "e sale %it& o"li)ations %it&out t&e a''ro$al of t&e )uarians&i' court. Re'uiation amounts to alienation of 'ro'ert#< &ence( t&ere must al%a#s "e Cuicial aut&oriation. Art. (><3. The la%f"l representati!es of corporations, associations, instit"tions and entities ="alified to ac="ire propert #a accept an inheritance left to the latter, b"t in order to rep"diate it, the appro!al of the co"rt shall be necessar. /221a0 Art. (><9. 4"blic official establish#ents can neither accept nor rep"diate an inheritance %itho"t the appro!al of the go!ern#ent. /22<0
Refers to or)aniations %&ic& &a$e t&eir o%n social an 'u"lic 'ur'ose( suc& as for culture se'arate from t&e mere manifestation of )o$ernmental functions of t&e State.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe A''ro$al re!uire "# t&is article must "e )i$en "# t&e &ea of t&e e'artment to %&ic& t&e 'u"lic esta"lis&ment "elon) or is su"orinate. Art. (><8. A #arried %o#an of age #a rep"diate an inheritance %itho"t the consent of her h"sband. /223a0 Art. (><. Deaf#"tes %ho can read and %rite #a accept or rep"diate the inheritance personall or thro"gh an agent. Sho"ld the not be able to read and %rite, the inheritance shall be accepted b their g"ardians. These g"ardians #a rep"diate the sa#e %ith '"dicial appro!al. /229a0 Art. (><2. Acceptance #a be e7press or tacit. An e7press acceptance #"st be #ade in a p"blic or pri!ate doc"#ent. A tacit acceptance is one res"lting fro# acts b %hich the intention to accept is necessaril i#plied, or %hich one %o"ld ha!e no right to do e7cept in the capacit of an heir. Acts of #ere preser!ation or pro!isional ad#inistration do not i#pl an acceptance of the inheritance if, thro"gh s"ch acts, the title or capacit of an heir has not been ass"#ed. /222a0 Art. (>3>. An inheritance is dee#ed accepted: /(0 If the heirs sells, donates, or assigns his right to a stranger, or to his coheirs, or to an of the#@ /0 If the heir reno"nces the sa#e, e!en tho"gh grat"ito"sl, for the benefit of one or #ore of his coheirs@ /10 If he reno"nces it for a price in fa!or of all his coheirs indiscri#inatel@ b"t if this ren"nciation sho"ld be grat"ito"s, and the coheirs in %hose fa!or it is #ade are those "pon %ho# the portion reno"nced sho"ld de!ol!e b !irt"e of accretion, the inheritance shall not be dee#ed as accepted. /(>>>0
T; T&e la% consiers t&e act of re'uiation more solemn t&an t&e act of acce'tance< &ence( t&e re!uirement of a 'u"lic or aut&entic %ritin) or one 'resente to t&e Cu)e.T&e acce'tance of an in&eritance confirms t&e transmission of t&e ri)&t( %&ile re'uiation ma1es t&is transmission ineffecti$e( 'roucin) t&ere"# more $iolent an istur"in) conse!uences %&ic& t&e la% cannot 'ermit "# mere im'lications or 'resum'tions. Pu"lic instrument refers to one notarie an ul# ac1no%le)e "# a notar#. Aut&entic &ere refers to one %&ose )enuinenessn is amitte or clearl# 'ro$e. Art. (>3. If the heir rep"diates the inheritance to the pre'"dice of his o%n creditors, the latter #a petition the co"rt to a"thori&e the# to accept it in the na#e of the heir. The acceptance shall benefit the creditors onl to an e7tent s"fficient to co!er the a#o"nt of their credits. The e7cess, sho"ld there be an, shall in no case pertain to the reno"ncer, b"t shall be ad'"dicated to the persons to %ho#, in accordance %ith the r"les established in this Code, it #a belong. /(>>(0
T&e la% see1s to 'rotect t&e creitor. B# t&e e"torD&eir3s re'uiation t%o are affecte t&ereat. T&e coD&eir %&o recei$es more an t&e creitor %&o is 'reCuice t&ere"#. T&e la% fa$ors t&e latter. T&e acce'tance "# t&e creitor oes not re$o1e t&e re'uiation "ut onl# rescins t&e same to t&e e*tent sufficient to 'rotect t&e interest of t&e creitors. Re!uisites to entitle creitor to acce't re'uiate in&eritance; -. . /. 4.
T&ere must "e a $ali re'uiation in accor %it& la% as to from T&ere must "e e*istin) creits uicial aut&oriation must "e o"taine "# creitors to acce't T&e re'uiation 'reCuices t&e ceitors.
E*ce'tions; -. . /.
0reitors %&o "ecame suc& after re'uiation in&eritance is useless to t&e &eir "ecause t&e e"t of t&e estate e*cees t&e in&eritance left t&e &eirDe"tor is sol$ent an &as sufficient 'ro'erties to co$er &is e"t.
Ot&er acts of tacit acce'tance; -. . /. 4.
&eir emans 'artition alienates some of t&e in&eritance 'erforms suc& acts %&ic& s&o% t&e clear intent ot acce't. Art. -=7( failure to si)nif# to court one3s acce'tance or re'uiation %it&in /= a#s from istri"ution
Art. (>3(. The rep"diation of an inheritance shall be #ade in a p"blic or a"thentic instr"#ent, or b petition presented to the co"rt ha!ing '"risdiction o!er the testa#entar or intestate proceedings. /(>>0
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Art. (>31. If the heir sho"ld die %itho"t ha!ing accepted or rep"diated the inheritance his right shall be trans#itted to his heirs. /(>>90
T&is is on t&e assum'tion t&at t&e &eir of t&e &eir %&o ie acce'ts &is in&eritance from t&e latter. T&en &e ma# acce't t&e in&eritance from t&e ori)inal eceent. Art. (>3<. Sho"ld there be se!eral heirs called to the inheritance, so#e of the# #a accept and the others #a rep"diate it. /(>>8a0 Art. (>33. If a person, %ho is called to the sa#e inheritance as an heir b %ill and ab intestato, rep"diates
12
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe the inheritance in his capacit as a testa#entar heir, he is "nderstood to ha!e rep"diated it in both capacities. Sho"ld he rep"diate it as an intestate heir, %itho"t ;no%ledge of his being a testa#entar heir, he #a still accept it in the latter capacit. /(>>20
T; T&e re'uiation of t&e e*'ress %ill of t&e testator inclues t&at of t&e 'resume %ill( "ut t&e re'uiation of t&e latter still lea$es t&e e*'ress %ill o'en to res'ect. Ratio; An &eir "# %ill %&o re'uiates t&e same( manifests &is isli1e to "ecome an &eir in an# conce't. B# &is act re$eals t&e fact t&at &e oes not eser$e to "ecome &is successor e$en "# intestac#. OTO( %&en an &eir re'uiates acce't "# %ill on t&e reason t&at a succee "# intestac# "ut is testamentar# ca'acit# in orer to ea.
as le)al &eir ma# later 'erson ma# not esire to %illin) to succee "# follo% t&e %is&es of t&e
Art. (>39. The acceptance or rep"diation of an inheritance, once #ade, is irre!ocable, and cannot be i#p"gned, e7cept %hen it %as #ade thro"gh an of the ca"ses that !itiate consent, or %hen an "n;no%n %ill appears. /2280
Ot&er causes or re$ocation; -. . /.
one %&o acce'ts or re'uiates %&o is not entitle to t&e in&eritance &as no le)al effect. %&en institution e'ens u'on t&e fulfillment of a sus'ensi$e conition %&ic& is not realie "irt& of a 'ost&umous c&il not "orn or is "orn ea
Art. (>38. )ithin thirt das after the co"rt has iss"ed an order for the distrib"tion of the estate in accordance %ith the -"les of Co"rt, the heirs, de!isees and legatees shall signif to the co"rt ha!ing '"risdiction %hether the accept or rep"diate the inheritance. If the do not do so %ithin that ti#e, the are dee#ed to ha!e accepted the inheritance. /n0
0ASES; 3. Uson !s. Del -osario
Haria son %as t&e la%ful %ife of 2austino Ne"rea %&o u'on &is eat& in ->4 left t&e lans in$ol$e in t&is liti)ation. 2austino Ne"rea left no ot&er &eir e*ce't &is %io% Haria son. o%e$er( 'laintiff claims t&at %&en 2austino Ne"rea ie in ->4( &is commonD la% %ife Haria el Rosario too1 'ossession ille)all# of sai lans t&us e'ri$in) &er of t&eir 'ossession an enCo#ment. :efenants in t&eir ans%er set u' as s'ecial efense t&at on 2e"ruar# -( ->/-( Haria son an &er &us"an( t&e late 2austino Ne"rea( e*ecute a 'u"lic ocument %&ere"# t&e# a)ree to se'arate as &us"an an %ife an( in consieration of t&eir se'aration( Haria son %as )i$en a 'arcel of lan "# %a# of alimon# an in return s&e renounce
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&er ri)&t to in&erit an# ot&er 'ro'ert# t&at ma# "e left "# &er &us"an u'on &is eat& +E*&i"it -,. After trial( at %&ic& "ot& 'arties 'resente t&eir res'ecti$e e$ience( t&e court renere ecision orerin) t&e efenants to restore to t&e 'laintiff t&e o%ners&i' an 'ossession of t&e lans in is'ute %it&out s'ecial 'ronouncement as to costs. :efenants inter'ose t&e 'resent a''eal. T&ere is no is'ute t&at Haria son( 'laintiffDa''ellee( is t&e la%ful %ife of 2austino Ne"rea( former o%ner of t&e fi$e 'arcels of lans liti)ate in t&e 'resent case. T&ere is li1e%ise no is'ute t&at Haria el Rosario( one of t&e efenantsDa''ellants( %as merel# a commonDla% %ife of t&e late 2austino Ne"rea %it& %&om s&e &a four ille)itimate c&ilren( &er no% coDefenants. It li1e%ise a''ears t&at 2austino Ne"rea ie in ->4 muc& 'rior to t&e effecti$it# of t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe. it& t&is "ac1)roun( it is e$ient t&at %&en 2austino Ne"rea ie in ->4 t&e fi$e 'arcels of lan &e %as seie of at t&e time 'asse from t&e moment of &is eat& to &is onl# &eir( &is %io% Haria son +Article ?7( ol 0i$il 0oe,. As t&is 0ourt a'tl# sai( 6The propert belongs to the heirs at the #o#ent of the death of the ancestor as co#pletel as if the ancestor had e7ec"ted and deli!ered to the# a deed for the sa#e before his death6 +Ilustre $s. Alaras 2ronosa( -7 P&il.( /-,. 2rom t&at moment( t&erefore( t&e ri)&ts of in&eritance of Haria son o$er t&e lans in !uestion "ecame $este. T&e claim of t&e efenants t&at Haria son &a relin!uis&e &er ri)&t o$er t&e lans in !uestion "ecause s&e e*'ressl# renounce to in&erit an# future 'ro'ert# t&at &er &us"an ma# ac!uire an lea$e u'on &is eat& in t&e ee of se'aration t&e# &a entere into on 2e"ruar# -( ->/-( cannot "e entertaine for t&e sim'le reason t&at future in&eritance cannot "e t&e su"Cect of a contract nor can it "e renounce +- Hanresa( -/( si*t& eition< Tolentino on 0i$il 0oe( '. -< Osorio $s. Osorio an Jnc&austi Steams&i' 0o.( 4- P&il.( /-,. But efenants conten t&at( %&ile it is true t&at t&e four minor efenants are ille)itimate c&ilren of t&e late 2austino Ne"rea an uner t&e ol 0i$il 0oe are not entitle to an# successional ri)&ts( &o%e$er( uner t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe %&ic& "ecame in force in une( ->=( t&e# are )i$en t&e status an ri)&ts of natural c&ilren an are entitle to t&e successional ri)&ts %&ic& t&e la% accors to t&e latter +Article ?4 an article 97( ne% 0i$il 0oe,( an "ecause t&ese successional ri)&ts %ere eclare for t&e first time in t&e ne% coe( t&e# s&all "e )i$en retroacti$e effect e$en t&ou)& t&e e$ent %&ic& )a$e rise to t&em ma# &a$e occurre uner t&e 'rior le)islation +Article /( ne% 0i$il 0oe,. T&ere is no merit in t&is claim. Article / a"o$e referre to 'ro$ies inee t&at ri)&ts %&ic& are eclare for t&e first time s&all &a$e retroacti$e effect e$en t&ou)& t&e e$ent %&ic& )a$e rise to t&em ma# &a$e occurre uner t&e former le)islation( b"t this is so onl %hen the ne% rights do not pre'"dice an !ested or ac="ired right of the sa#e origin . T&us( sai article 'ro$ies t&at 8if a ri)&t s&oul "e eclare for t&e first time in t&is 0oe( it s&all "e effecti$e at once( e$en t&ou)& t&e act or e$ent %&ic& )i$es rise t&ereto ma# &a$e "een one or ma# &a$e occurre uner t&e 'rior le)islation( 'ro$ie sai ne% ri)&t oes not 'reCuice or im'air an# $este or ac!uire ri)&t( of t&e same ori)in.8 %s already stated in the early part of this decision, the right of ownership of &aria son over the lands in question became vested in ()*+ upon the death of her late husband and this is so because of the imperative provision of the law which commands that the rights to succession are transmitted from
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe the moment of death %rticle -+, old /ivil /ode0. "he new right recogni1ed by the new /ivil /ode in favor of the illegitimate chil ren of t&e ecease cannot( t&erefore( "e asserte to t&e im'airment of t&e $este ri)&t of Haria son o$er t&e lans in is'ute.
As re)ars t&e claim t&at Haria son( %&ile &er ecease &us"an %as l#in) in state( in a )esture of 'it# or com'assion( a)ree to assi)n t&e lans in !uestion to t&e minor c&ilren for t&e reason t&at t&e# %ere ac!uire %&ile t&e ecease %as li$in) %it& t&eir mot&er an Haria son %ante to assua)e some%&at t&e %ron) s&e &as one to t&em( t&is muc& can "e sai< a'art from t&e fact t&at t&is claim is is'ute( %e are of t&e o'inion t&at sai assi)nment( if an#( 'arta1es of t&e nature of a onation of real 'ro'ert#( inasmuc& as it in$ol$es no material consieration( an in orer t&at it ma# "e $ali it s&all "e mae in a 'u"lic ocument an must "e acce'te eit&er in t&e same ocument or in a se'arate one +Article ?//( ol 0i$il 0oe,. Inasmuc& as t&is essential formalit# &as not "een follo%e( it results t&at t&e alle)e assi)nment or onation &as no $ali effect. &erefore( t&e ecision a''eale from is affirme( %it&out costs. 9. De Bor'a !s. De Bor'a
It is unconteste t&at 2rancisco e BorCa( u'on t&e eat& of &is %ife osefa Tan)co on ? Octo"er ->4=( file a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of &er %ill %&ic& %as oc1ete as S'ecial Proceein) No. RD79?? of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial( Branc& I. T&e %ill %as 'ro"ate on A'ril ->4-. In ->4?( 2rancisco e BorCa %as a''ointe e*ecutor an aministrator; in ->( t&eir son( ose e BorCa( %as a''ointe coDaministrator. &en 2rancisco ie( on -4 A'ril ->4( ose "ecame t&e sole aministrator of t&e testate estate of &is mot&er( ose Tan)co &ile a %io%er 2rancisco e BorCa alle)el# too1 unto &imself a secon %ife( Tasiana On)sin)co. 'on 2rancisco@s eat&( Tasiana institute testate 'roceein)s in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa( %&ere( in ->( s&e %as a''ointe s'ecial aministratri*. T&e $aliit# of Tasiana@s marria)e to 2rancisco %as !uestione in sai 'roceein). T&e relations&i' "et%een t&e c&ilren of t&e first marria)e an Tasiana On)sin)co &as "een 'la)ue %it& se$eral court suits an counterDsuits< incluin) t&e t&ree cases at "ar( some ei)&teen +-9, cases remain 'enin) etermination in t&e courts. T&e testate estate of osefa Tan)co alone &as "een unsettle for more t&an a !uarter of a centur#. In orer to 'ut an en to all t&ese liti)ations( a com'romise a)reement %as entere into on - Octo"er ->?/( "# an "et%een 8MT&e &eir an son of 2rancisco e BorCa "# &is first marria)e( namel#( ose e BorCa 'ersonall# an as aministrator of t&e Testate Estate of osefa Tan)co(8 an 8MT&e &eir an sur$i$in) s'ouse of 2rancisco e BorCa "# &is secon marria)e( Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e BorCa( assiste "# &er la%#er( Att#. Luis Pana)uiton( r.8 On -? Ha# ->??( ose e BorCa su"mitte for 0ourt a''ro$al t&e a)reement of - Octo"er ->?/ to t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial( in S'ecial Proceein) No. RD79??< an a)ain( on 9 Au)ust ->??( to t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa( in S'ecial Proceein) No. 9/. Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e e BorCa o''ose in "ot& instances. T&e Rial court a''ro$e t&e com'romise a)reement( "ut t&e Nue$a EciCa court eclare it $oi an unenforcea"le. S'ecial aministratri* Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e e BorCa a''eale t&e Rial 0ourt@s orer of a''ro$al +no% Su'reme 0ourt G.R. case No. LD9=4=,( %&ile aministrator ose e
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BorCa a''eale t&e orer of isa''ro$al +G.R. case No. LD 9?9, "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa. "he genuineness and due execution of the compromise agreement of (2 October ()-3 is not disputed, but its validity is, nevertheless, attac$ed by "asiana Ongsingco on the ground that: (0 the heirs cannot enter into such $ind of agreement without first probating the will of 4rancisco de 5or6a7 20 that the same involves a compromise on the validity of the marriage between 4rancisco de 5or6a and "asiana Ongsingco7 and 30 that even if it were valid, it has ceased to have force and effect.
In assailin) t&e $aliit# of t&e a)reement of - Octo"er ->?/( Tasiana On)sin)co an t&e Pro"ate 0ourt of Nue$a EciCa rel# on t&is 0ourt@s ecision in Gue$ara $s. Gue$ara. 74 P&il. 47>( %&erein t&e 0ourt@s maCorit# &el t&e $ie% t&at t&e 'resentation of a %ill for 'ro"ate is manator# an t&at t&e settlement an istri"ution of an estate on t&e "asis of intestac# %&en t&e eceent left a %ill( is a)ainst t&e la% an 'u"lic 'olic#. It is li1e%ise 'ointe out "# a''ellant Tasiana On)sin)co t&at Section - of Rule 74 of t&e Re$ise Rules e*'licitl# conitions t&e $aliit# of an e*traCuicial settlement of a eceent@s estate "# a)reement "et%een &eirs( u'on t&e facts t&at 8+if, t&e eceent left no %ill an no e"ts( an t&e &eirs are all of a)e( or t&e minors are re'resente "# t&eir Cuicial an le)al re'resentati$es . . .8 T&e %ill of 2rancisco e BorCa &a$in) "een su"mitte to t&e Nue$a EciCa 0ourt an still 'enin) 'ro"ate %&en t&e ->?/ a)reement %as mae( t&ose circumstances( it is ar)ue( "ar t&e $aliit# of t&e a)reement. 'on t&e ot&er &an( in claimin) t&e $aliit# of t&e com'romise a)reement( ose e BorCa stresses t&at at t&e time it %as entere into( on - Octo"er ->?/( t&e )o$ernin) 'ro$ision %as Section -( Rule 74 of t&e ori)inal Rules of 0ourt of ->4=( %&ic& allo%e t&e e*traCuicial settlement of t&e estate of a ecease 'erson re)arless of %&et&er &e left a %ill or not. e also relies on t&e issentin) o'inion of ustice Horan( in Gue$ara $s. Gue$ara( 74 P&il. 47>( %&erein %as e*'resse t&e $ie% t&at if t&e 'arties &a$e alrea# i$ie t&e estate in accorance %it& a eceent@s %ill( t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill is a useless ceremon#< an if t&e# &a$e i$ie t&e estate in a ifferent manner( t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill is %orse t&an useless. T&is 'ro$ision e$iences "e#on ou"t t&at t&e rulin) in t&e Gue$ara case is not a''lica"le to t&e cases at "ar. T&ere %as &ere no attem't to settle or istri"ute t&e estate of 2rancisco e BorCa amon) t&e &eirs t&ereto "efore t&e 'ro"ate of &is %ill. T&e clear o"Cect of t&e contract %as merel# t&e con$e#ance "# Tasiana On)sin)co of an# an all &er ini$iual s&are an interest( actual or e$entual( in t&e estate of 2rancisco e BorCa an osefa Tan)co. "here is no stipulation as to any other claimant, creditor or legatee %nd as a hereditary share in a decedent's estate is transmitted or vested immediately from the moment of the death of such causante or predecessor in interest /ivil /ode of the 8hilippines, %rt. 0 3 there is no legal bar to a successor with requisite contracting capacity0 disposing of her or his hereditary share immediately after such death, even if the actual extent of such share is not determined until the subsequent liquidation of the estate. * Of course, the effect of such alienation is to be deemed limited to what is ultimately ad6udicated to the vendor heir. #owever, the aleatory character of the contract does not affect the validity of the transaction7 neither does the coetaneous agreement that the numerous litigations between the parties the approving order of the 9i1al /ourt enumerates fourteen of
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe them, 9ec. %pp. pp. );20 are to be considered settled and should be dismissed, although such stipulation, as noted by the 9i1al /ourt, gives the contract the character of a compromise that the law favors, for obvious reasons, if only because it serves to avoid a multiplicity of suits.
It is li1e%ise %ort&# of note in t&is connection t&at as t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse of 2rancisco e BorCa( Tasiana On)sin)co %as &is com'ulsor# &eir uner article >> et se!. of t&e 'resent 0i$il 0oe. &erefore( "arrin) un%ort&iness or $ali isin&eritance( &er successional interest e*iste ine'enent of 2rancisco e BorCa@s last %ill an testament( an %oul e*ist e$en if suc& %ill %ere not 'ro"ate at all. T&us( t&e 'rere!uisite of a 're$ious 'ro"ate of t&e %ill( as esta"lis&e in t&e Gue$ara an analo)ous cases( can not a''l# to t&e case of Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e e BorCa. T&is "rin)s us to t&e 'lea t&at t&e 0ourt of 2irst In stance of Rial &a no Curisiction to a''ro$e t&e com'romise %it& ose e BorCa +Anne* A, "ecause Tasiana On)sin)co %as not an &eir in t&e estate of osefa Tan)co 'enin) settlement in t&e Rial 0ourt( "ut s&e %as an &eir of 2rancisco e BorCa( %&ose estate %as t&e o"Cect of S'ecial Proceein) No. 9/ of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa. T&is circumstance is irrele$ant( since %&at %as sol "# Tasiana On)sin)co %as onl# &er e$entual s&are in t&e estate of &er late &us"an( not t&e estate itself< an as alrea# s&o%n( t&at e$entual s&are s&e o%ne from t&e time of 2rancisco@s eat& an t&e 0ourt of Nue$a EciCa coul not "ar &er sellin) it. As o%ner of &er uni$ie &ereitar# s&are( Tasiana coul is'ose of it in fa$or of %&omsoe$er s&e c&ose Suc& alienation is e*'ressl# reco)nie an 'ro$ie for "# article -=99 of t&e 'resent 0i$il 0oe; Art. -=99. S&oul an# of t&e &eirs sell &is &ereitar# ri)&ts to a stran)er "efore t&e 'artition( an# or all of t&e coD &eirs ma# "e su"ro)ate to t&e ri)&ts of t&e 'urc&aser "# reim"ursin) &im for t&e 'rice of t&e sale( 'ro$ie t&e# o so %it&in t&e 'erio of one mont& from t&e time t&e# %ere notifie in %ritin) of t&e sale of t&e $enor.8 Tasiana On)sin)co furt&er ar)ues t&at &er contract %it& ose e BorCa +Anne* 8A8, is $oi "ecause it amounts to a com'romise as to &er status an marria)e %it& t&e late 2rancisco e BorCa. T&e 'oint is %it&out merit( for t&e $er# o'enin) 'ara)ra'& of t&e a)reement %it& ose e BorCa +Anne* 8A8, escri"es &er as 8t&e &eir an sur$i$in) s'ouse of 2rancisco e BorCa "# &is secon marria)e( Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e e BorCa8( %&ic& is in itself efinite amission of &er ci$il status. T&ere is not&in) in t&e te*t of t&e a)reement t&at %oul s&o% t&at t&is reco)nition of On)sin)co@s status as t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse of 2rancisco e BorCa %as onl# mae in consieration of t&e cession of &er &ereitar# ri)&ts. It is ifficult to "elie$e( &o%e$er( t&at t&e amica"le settlement referre to in t&e orer an motion a"o$eDmentione %as t&e com'romise a)reement of -/ Octo"er ->?/( %&ic& alrea# &a "een formall# si)ne an e*ecute "# t&e 'arties an ul# notarie. &at t&e recor iscloses is t&at some time after its formaliation( On)sin)co &a unilaterall# attem'te to "ac1 out from t&e com'romise a)reement( 'leain) $arious reasons restate in t&e o''osition to t&e 0ourt@s a''ro$al of Anne* 8A8 +Recor on A''eal( LD=94=( 'a)e /,; t&at t&e same %as in$ali "ecause of t&e la'se of t&e alle)el# intene resolutor# 'erio of ?= a#s an "ecause t&e contract %as not 'recee "# t&e 'ro"ate of 2rancisco e BorCa@s %ill( as re!uire "# t&is 0ourt@s Gue$arra $s. Gue$ara rulin)< t&at Anne* 8A8 in$ol$e a com'romise affectin)
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On)sin)co@s status as %ife an %io% of 2rancisco e BorCa( etc.( all of %&ic& o"Cections &a$e "een alrea# iscusse. It %as natural t&at in $ie% of t&e %io%@s attitue( ose e BorCa s&oul attem't to reac& a ne% settlement or no$ator# a)reement "efore see1in) Cuicial sanction an enforcement of Anne* 8A8( since t&e latter ste' mi)&t ultimatel# entail a lon)er ela# in attainin) final reme#. T&at t&e attem't to reac& anot&er settlement faile is a''arent from t&e letter of On)sin)co@s counsel to ose e BorCa !uote in 'a)es /D/? of t&e "rief for a''ellant On)sin)co in G.R. No. LD9=4=< an it is more t&an 'ro"a"le t&at t&e orer of - Se'tem"er ->?4 an t&e motion of -7 une ->?4 referre to t&e failure of t&e 'arties@ !uest for a more satisfactor# com'romise. But t&e ina"ilit# to reac& a no$ator# accor can not in$aliate t&e ori)inal com'romise +Anne* 8A8, an Custifies t&e act of ose e BorCa in finall# see1in) a court orer for its a''ro$al an enforcement from t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial( %&ic&( as &eretofore escri"e( ecree t&at t&e a)reement "e ultimatel# 'erforme %it&in -= a#s from t&e finalit# of t&e orer( no% uner a''eal. e conclue t&at in so oin)( t&e Rial court acte in accorance %it& la%( an( t&erefore( its orer s&oul "e u'&el( %&ile t&e contrar# resolution of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa s&oul "e( an is( re$erse. 8. Bonilla !s. Barcena
On Harc& /-( ->7 2ortunata Barcena( mot&er of minors Rosalio Bonilla an Sal$acion Bonilla an %ife of Ponciano Bonilla( institute a ci$il action in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of A"ra( to !uiet title o$er certain 'arcels of lan locate in A"ra. On Au)ust 4( ->7( t&e efenants file anot&er motion to ismiss t&e com'laint on t&e )roun t&at 2ortunata Barcena is ea an( t&erefore( &as no le)al ca'acit# to sue. Sai motion to ismiss %as &ear on Au)ust -4( ->7. In sai &earin)( counsel for t&e 'laintiff confirme t&e eat& of 2ortunata Barcena an as1e for su"stitution "# &er minor c&ilren an &er &us"an( t&e 'etitioners &erein< "ut t&e court after t&e &earin) immeiatel# ismisse t&e case on t&e )roun t&at a ea 'erson cannot "e a real 'art# in interest an &as no le)al 'ersonalit# to sue. On Au)ust 9( ->7( t&e court enie t&e motion for reconsieration file "# counsel for t&e 'laintiff for lac1 of merit. On Se'tem"er -( ->7( counsel for ecease 'laintiff file a %ritten manifestation 'ra#in) t&at t&e minors Rosalio Bonilla an Sal$acion Bonilla "e allo%e to su"stitute t&eir ecease mot&er( "ut t&e court enie t&e counsel@s 'ra#er for lac1 of merit. 2rom t&e orer( counsel for t&e ecease 'laintiff file a secon motion for reconsieration of t&e orer ismissin) t&e com'laint claimin) t&at t&e same is in $iolation of Sections -? an -7 of Rule / of t&e Rules of 0ourt "ut t&e same %as enie. T&e 0ourt re$erses t&e res'onent 0ourt an sets asie its orer ismissin) t&e com'laint in 0i$il 0ase No. 9? an its orers en#in) t&e motion for reconsieration of sai orer of ismissal. &ile it is true t&at a 'erson %&o is ea cannot sue in court( #et &e can "e su"stitute "# &is &eirs in 'ursuin) t&e case u' to its com'letion. T&e recors of t&is case s&o% t&at t&e eat& of 2ortunata Barcena too1 'lace on ul# >( ->7 %&ile t&e com'laint %as file on Harc& /-( ->7. "his means that when the complaint was filed on &arch 3(, ()+, 4ortunata 5arcena was still alive, and therefore, the court had acquired 6urisdiction over her person. If t&ereafter s&e ie( t&e Rules of 0ourt 'rescri"es t&e 'roceure %&ere"# a 'art# %&o ie urin) t&e 'enenc# of t&e 'roceein) can "e su"stitute. ner Section -?( Rule /
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe of t&e Rules of 0ourt 8%&ene$er a 'art# to a 'enin) case ies . . . it s&all "e t&e ut# of &is attorne# to inform t&e court 'rom'tl# of suc& eat& . . . an to )i$e t&e name an resience of &is e*ecutor( aministrator( )uarian or ot&er le)al re'resentati$es.8 T&is ut# %as com'lie %it& "# t&e counsel for t&e ecease 'laintiff %&en &e manifeste "efore t&e res'onent 0ourt t&at 2ortunata Barcena ie on ul# >( ->7 an as1e for t&e 'ro'er su"stitution of 'arties in t&e case. T&e res'onent 0ourt( &o%e$er( instea of allo%in) t&e su"stitution( ismisse t&e com'laint on t&e )roun t&at a ea 'erson &as no le)al 'ersonalit# to sue. T&is is a )ra$e error. %rticle of the /ivil /ode provides that the rights to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the decedent. 4rom the moment of the death of the decedent, the heirs become the absolute owners of his property, sub6ect to the rights and obligations of the decedent, and they cannot be deprived of their rights thereto except by the methods provided for by law. 3 "he moment of death is the determining factor when the heirs acquire a definite right to the inheritance whether such right be pure or contingent. * "he right of the heirs to the property of the deceased vests in them even before 6udicial declaration of their being heirs in the testate or intestate proceedings. + When 4ortunata 5arcena, therefore, died her claim or right to the parcels of land in litigation in /ivil /ase
Vito Borromeo( a %io%er an 'ermanent resient of 0e"u 0it#( ie on Harc& -/( ->( in Paraa!ue( Rial at t&e a)e of 99 #ears( %it&out force &eirs "ut lea$in) e*tensi$e 'ro'erties in t&e 'ro$ince of 0e"u. On A'ril ->( ->( ose un!uera file %it& t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0e"u a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of a one 'a)e ocument as t&e last %ill an testament left "# t&e sai ecease( e$isin) all &is 'ro'erties to Tomas( 2ortunato an Amelia( all surname Borromeo( in e!ual an uni$ie s&ares( an esi)natin) un!uera as e*ecutor t&ereof. T&e case %as oc1ete as S'ecial Proceein)s No. >-?DR. T&e ocument( rafte in S'anis&( %as alle)el# si)ne an t&um"mar1e "# t&e ecease in t&e 'resence of 0ornelio Ganionco( Euse"io 0a"iluna( an 2eli*"erto Leonaro %&o acte as %itnesses. O''ositions to t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill %ere file. On Ha# 9( ->?=( after ue trial( t&e 'ro"ate court &el t&at t&e ocument 'resente as t&e %ill of t&e ecease %as a for)er#. On a''eal to t&is 0ourt( t&e ecision of t&e 'ro"ate court isallo%in) t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill %as affirme in Testate Estate of Vito Borromeo( ose . un!uera( et al. $. 0ris'in Borromeo( et al. +-> S0RA ??,. T&e testate 'roceein)s %as con$erte into an intestate 'roceein)s. Se$eral 'arties came "efore t&e court filin) claims or 'etitions alle)in) t&emsel$es as &eirs of t&e intestate estate of Vito Borromeo. On A'ril -=( ->?>( t&e trial court( in$o1in) Art. >7 of t&e 0i$il 0oe( issue an orer
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eclarin) t&e follo%in)( to t&e e*clusion of all ot&ers( as t&e intestate &eirs of t&e ecease Vito Borromeo; -.ose 0uenco Borromeo .u)e 0ris'in Borromeo /.Vitaliana Borromeo 4.Patrocinio Borromeo errera .Salu Borromeo ?.Asuncion Borromeo 7. Harcial Borromeo 9.Amelina Borromeo e Talam( an >.T&e &eirs of 0anuto Borromeo T&e court also orere t&at t&e assets of t&e intestate estate of Vito Borromeo s&all "e i$ie into 45> an 5> )rou's an istri"ute in e!ual an e!uita"le s&ares amon) t&e > a"o$ename eclare intestate &eirs. 2ortunato Borromeo file a motion for reconsieration. In t&e memoranum &e su"mitte to su''ort &is motion for reconsieration( 2ortunato c&an)e t&e "asis for &is claim to a 'ortion of t&e estate. e asserte an incor'orate a ai$er of ereitar# Ri)&ts ate ul# /-( ->?7( su''osel# si)ne "# Pilar N. Borromeo( Haria B. Puton). ose Borromeo( 0anuto V. Borromeo( r.( Salu Borromeo( Patrocinio BorromeoDerrera( Harcial Borromeo( Asuncion Borromeo( 2eerico V. Borromeo( 0onsuelo B. Horales( Remeios Alfonso an Amelina B. Talam. In t&e %ai$er( fi$e of t&e nine &eirs relin!uis&e to 2ortunato t&eir s&ares in t&e is'ute estate. "he motion was opposed on the ground that the trial court, acting as a probate court, had no 6urisdiction to ta$e cogni1ance of the claim7 that respondent 4ortunato 5orromeo is estopped from asserting the waiver agreement7 that the waiver agreement is void as it was executed before the declaration of heirs7 that the same is void having been executed before the distribution of the estate and before the acceptance of the inheritance7 and that it is void ab initio and inexistent for lac$ of sub6ect matter. On :ecem"er 4( ->74( after ue &earin)( t&e trial court concluin) t&at t&e fi$e eclare &eirs %&o si)ne t&e %ai$er a)reement assi)nin) t&eir &ereitar# ri)&ts to 2ortunato Borromeo &a lost t&e same ri)&ts( eclare t&e latter as entitle to 5> of t&e estate of Vito Borromeo. In t&e 'resent 'etition( t&e 'etitioner see1s to annul an set asie t&e trial court@s orer ate :ecem"er 4( ->74( eclarin) res'onent 2ortunato Borromeo entitle to 5> of t&e estate of Vito Borromeo an t&e ul# 7( ->7 orer( en#in) t&e motion for reconsieration. It is furt&er ar)ue "# t&e 'etitioner t&at t&e ocument entitle 8ai$er of ereitar# Ri)&ts8 e*ecute on ul# /-( ->?7( asie from &a$in) "een cancelle an re$o1e on une >( ->?9( "# Tomas L. Borromeo( 2ortunato Borromeo an Amelia Borromeo( is without force and effect because there can be no effective waiver of hereditary rights before there has been a valid acceptance of the inheritance the heirs intend to transfer . Pursuant to Article -=4/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe( to ma1e acce'tance or re'uiation of in&eritance $ali( t&e 'erson must "e certain of t&e eat& of t&e one from %&om &e is to in&erit an of &is ri)&t to t&e in&eritance. Since t&e 'etitioner an &er coD&eirs %ere not certain of t&eir ri)&t to t&e in&eritance until t&e# %ere eclare &eirs( t&eir ri)&ts %ere( t&erefore( uncertain. T&is $ie%( accorin) to t&e 'etitioner( is also su''orte "# Article -=7 of t&e same 0oe %&ic& irects &eirs( e$isees( an le)atees to si)nif# t&eir acce'tance or re'uiation %it&in t&irt# a#s after t&e court &as issue an orer for t&e istri"ution of t&e estate. 9espondent 4ortunato 5orromeo on the other hand, contends that under %rticle (=*3 of the /ivil /ode there is no need for a person to be first declared as heir before he can accept or repudiate an inheritance. What is required is that
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe he must first be certain of the death of the person from whom he is to inherit and that he must be certain of his right to the inheritance. #e points out that at the time of the signing of the waiver document on >uly 3(, ()-, the signatories to the waiver document were certain that Vito 5orromeo was already dead as well as of their rights to the inheritance as shown in the waiver document itself.
T&e 're$ailin) Curis'ruence on %ai$er of &ereitar# ri)&ts is t&at 8t&e 'ro'erties inclue in an e*istin) in&eritance cannot "e consiere as "elon)in) to t&ir 'ersons %it& res'ect to t&e &eirs( %&o "# fiction of la% continue t&e 'ersonalit# of t&e former. Nor o suc& 'ro'erties &a$e t&e c&aracter of future 'ro'ert#, because the heirs acquire a right to succession from the moment of the death of the deceased ( "# 'rinci'le esta"lis&e in article ?7 an a''lie "# article ??- of t&e 0i$il 0oe. accorin) to %&ic& t&e &eirs succee t&e ecease "# t&e mere fact of eat&. Hore or less( time ma# ela'se from t&e moment of t&e eat& of t&e ecease until t&e &eirs enter into 'ossession of t&e &ereitar# 'ro'ert#( but the acceptance in any event retroacts to the moment of the death, in accordance with article );) of the /ivil /ode . T&e ri)&t is $este( alt&ou)& conitione u'on t&e aCuication of t&e corres'onin) &ereitar# 'ortion.8 +Osorio $. Osorio an Jnc&austi Steams&i' 0o.( 4- P&il.( /-,. "he heirs, therefore, could waive their hereditary rights in ()- even if the order to partition the estate was issued only in ()-). In t&is case( &o%e$er( t&e 'ur'orte 8ai$er of ereitar# Ri)&ts8 cannot "e consiere to "e effecti$e. 2or a %ai$er to e*ist( t&ree elements are essential; +-, t&e e*istence of a ri)&t< +, t&e 1no%le)e of t&e e*istence t&ereof< an +/, an intention to relin!uis& suc& ri)&t. +Peo'le $. Sal$aor( +0A, / O.G. No. ( '. 9--?( 9-=,. T&e intention to %ai$e a ri)&t or a$anta)e must "e s&o%n clearl# an con$incin)l#( an %&en t&e onl# 'roof of intention rests in %&at a 'art# oes( &is act s&oul "e so manifestl# consistent %it&( an inicati$e of an intent to( $oluntaril# relin!uis& t&e 'articular ri)&t or a$anta)e t&at no ot&er reasona"le e*'lanation of &is conuct is 'ossi"le +?7 0..( /--,. +2ernane $. Se"io( et al.( 7= P&il.( --( ->,. T&e circumstances of t&is case s&o% t&at t&e si)natories to t&e %ai$er ocument i not &a$e t&e clear an con$incin) intention to relin!uis& t&eir ri)&ts. T&us; +-, On Octo"er 7( ->?7( 2ortunato( Tomas( an Amelia Borromeo file a 'leain) entitle 80om'liance8 %&erein t&e# su"mitte a 'ro'osal for t&e amica"le settlement of t&e case. In t&at 0om'liance( t&e# 'ro'ose to concee to all t&e ei)&t +9, intestate &eirs of Vito Borromeo all 'ro'erties( 'ersonal an real( incluin) all cas& an sums of mone# in t&e &ans of t&e S'ecial Aministrator( as of Octo"er /-( ->?7( not conteste or claime "# t&em in an# action t&en 'enin) in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0e"u. In turn( t&e &eirs %oul %ai$e an concee to t&em all t&e -4 conteste lots. In t&is ocument( t&e res'onent reco)nies an concees t&at t&e 'etitioner( li1e t&e ot&er si)natories to t&e %ai$er ocument( is an &eir of t&e ecease Vito Borromeo( entitle to s&are in t&e estate. T&is s&o%s t&at t&e 8ai$er of ereitar# Ri)&ts8 %as ne$er meant to "e %&at t&e res'onent no% 'ur'orts it to "e. a t&e intent "een ot&er%ise( t&ere %oul not "e an# reason for 2ortunato( Tomas( an Amelia Borromeo to mention t&e &eirs in t&e offer to settle t&e case amica"l#( an offer to concee to t&em 'arts of t&e estate of t&e ecease< +, On A'ril an /=( ->?>( t&e maCorit# of t&e eclare &eirs e*ecute an A)reement on &o% t&e estate t&e# in&erite s&all "e istri"ute. T&is A)reement of Partition %as a''ro$e "# t&e
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trial court on Au)ust -( ->?>< +/, On une >( ->?9( t&e 'etitioner( amon) ot&ers( si)ne a ocument entitle :ee of Assi)nment8 'ur'ortin) to transfer an assi)n in fa$or of t&e res'onent an Tomas an Amelia Borromeo all &er +Patrocinio B. errera@s, ri)&ts( interests( an 'artici'ation as an intestate &eir in t&e estate of t&e ecease Vito Borromeo. T&e state consieration for sai assi)nment %as P-==(===.==< +4, On t&e same ate( une >( ->?9( t&e res'onent Tomas( an Amelia Borromeo +assi)nees in t&e aforementione ee of assi)nment, in turn e*ecute a 8:ee of Recon$e#ance8 in fa$or of t&e &eirsDassi)nors name in t&e same ee of assi)nment. T&e state consieration %as P=(===.==< +, A 0ancellation of :ee of Assi)nment an :ee of Recon$e#ance %as si)ne "# Tomas Borromeo an Amelia Borromeo on Octo"er -( ->?9( %&ile 2ortunato Borromeo si)ne t&is ocument on Harc& 4( ->?>. In $ie% of t&e fore)oin)( t&e !uestione orer of t&e trial court ate :ecem"er 4( ->74( is &ere"# SET ASI:E.
E. Kins of Succesion
Art. 88. S"ccession #a be: /(0 Testa#entar@ /0 Legal or intestate@ or /10 i7ed. /n0 Art. 882. Testa#entar s"ccession is that %hich res"lts fro# the designation of an heir, #ade in a %ill e7ec"ted in the for# prescribed b la%. /n0
B; Le)al or Intestate succession is ine*'lica"l# not efine. 0uriousl#( t&e raft coe containe a efinition of t&is 1in of succession "ut for some un1no%n reasons it %as not inclue. It state t&at an Intestate succession ta1es 'lace "# o'eration of la% in t&e a"sence of a $ali %ill.Q Art. 29>. Legal or intestate s"ccession ta;es place: /(0 If a person dies %itho"t a %ill, or %ith a !oid %ill, or one %hich has s"bse="entl lost its !alidit@ /0 )hen the %ill does not instit"te an heir to, or dispose of all the propert belonging to the testator. In s"ch case, legal s"ccession shall ta;e place onl %ith respect to the propert of %hich the testator has not disposed@ /10 If the s"spensi!e condition attached to the instit"tion of heir does not happen or is not f"lfilled, or if the heir dies before the testator, or rep"diates the inheritance, there being no s"bstit"tion, and no right of accretion ta;es place@ /<0 )hen the heir instit"ted is incapable of s"cceeding, e7cept in cases pro!ided in this Code. /2(a0
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe T; A $oi %ill &as no le)al e*istence. A $oi %ill an a %ill t&at later lost its $aliit# are essentiall# t&e same. T&e onl# ifference "et%een t&e t%o lies in t&e fact t&at t&e first refers to a %ill t&at &as ne$er "een $ali( "ut is null an $oi a" ori)ine( i'so facto( %&ile t&e secon refers to a $ali %ill %&ic& later lost its $aliit#. ner Art. 94- a %ill is $ali t&ou)& t&ere is no institution of &eir. In suc& cases t&e testamentar# is'ositions mae in accorance %it& la% s&all "e carrie out( an t&e remainer of t&e 'ro'ert# s&all 'ass to le)al &eirs. A"sence of institution inclues t&ose institution %&ic& are $oi. Ot&er causes of intestac#;
1. &a''enin) of a resolutor# conition %&ic& sets asie 2. /. 4.
t&e institution of t&e &eir e*'iration of t&e resolutor# term or 'erio of institution of an &eir( le)atee or e$isee institute u' to a a# certain noncom'liance or t&e im'ossi"ilit# of com'l#in) %it& t&e %ill of t&e testator. Preterition %&ic& results to annulment of t&e institution of an &eir
B; T&ere are t&ree instances containe in t&is 'ara)ra'&( alt&ou)&( le)all#( t&e result is t&e same in eac& instance( i.e.( t&ere is no %ill. In 'ar. $aliit#Q s&oul rea as efficac#Q Intestac# ma# "e total or 'artial e'enin) on t&e e*tent of t&e is'osition t&at turns out to "e ino'erati$e Art. 8>. i7ed s"ccession is that effected partl b %ill and partl b operation of la%. /n0 Art. (1>. The f"t"re spo"ses #a gi!e each other in their #arriage settle#ents as #"ch as onefifth of their present propert, and %ith respect to their f"t"re propert, onl in the e!ent of death, to the e7tent laid do%n b the pro!isions of this Code referring to testa#entar s"ccession. Art. (1<8. All things %hich are not o"tside the co##erce of #en, incl"ding f"t"re things, #a be the ob'ect of a contract. All rights %hich are not intrans#issible #a also be the ob'ect of contracts. No contract #a be entered into "pon f"t"re inheritance e7cept in cases e7pressl a"thori&ed b la%. All ser!ices %hich are not contrar to la%, #orals, good c"sto#s, p"blic order or p"blic polic #a li;e%ise be the ob'ect of a contract.
T&e limitation im'ose "# t&is article a''lies to 'ersons %&o &a$e com'ulsor# &eirs. T&e amount t&at can "e onate e'ens u'on t&e c&aracter of t&e com'ulsor# &eirs an t&e amount of 'ro'ert# at t&e time of t&e eat& of t&e onor. T&e onation itself is not a nullit#( "ut onl# su"Cect to reuction in so far as it e*cees %&at t&e onor coul &a$e )i$en "# %ill to t&e onee. T&is amount is etermina"le onl# at t&e time of t&e eat& of onor. Art. 83>. The donations #a co#prehend all the present propert of the donor, or part thereof, pro!ided he reser!es, in f"ll o%nership or in "s"fr"ct, s"fficient #eans for the s"pport of hi#self, and of all relati!es %ho, at the ti#e of the acceptance of the donation, are b la% entitled to be s"pported b the donor. )itho"t s"ch reser!ation, the donation shall be red"ced in petition of an person affected. /91
A onation of all t&e 'resent 'ro'ert# of t&e onor( %it&out t&e reser$ation of a sufficient amount for &is su"sistence( is not $oi( "ut onl# susce'ti"le of reuction. It is $oia"le %it& res'ect to t&e amount necessar# for t&e su''ort of t&e onor or &is e'enent relati$es.
Art. <. If the f"t"re spo"ses agree "pon a regi#e other than the absol"te co##"nit of propert, the cannot donate to each other in their #arriage settle#ents #ore than onefifth of their present propert. An e7cess shall be considered !oid. Donations of f"t"re propert shall be go!erned b the pro!isions on testa#entar s"ccession and the for#alities of %ills. /(1>a,
T&ese onations( unli1e onations of 'resent 'ro'ert# %&ic& ta1e effect u'on t&e cele"ration of t&e marria)e( ta1e effect u'on t&e eat& of t&e onor s'ouse. It cannot "e mae in t&e marria)e settlement "ut in a %ill or testament. Its limits are )o$erne "# t&e rules of testamentar# succession. Since a %ill can "e re$o1e "# t&e testator at an# time "efore &is eat& t&e onation 'ro'ter nu'tias of future 'ro'ert# ma# "e so re$o1e. Persons ot&er t&an t&e affiance 'arties cannot )i$e onations 'ro'ter nu'tias of future 'ro'ert#. T&ere is no more contractual succession "# $irtue of t&e t&e re'eal of Article -/= of t&e Ol 0i$il 0oe %&ic& %as amene uner Article 94 of t&e 2amil# 0oe. In manatin) t&e a''lica"ilit# of t&e rules on Succession to onation of future 'ro'ert# "et%een s'ouses( t&e la%( t&erefore( eliminate t&is 1in of succession. ence( "# im'lication suc& t#'e of succession uner Article 94 is consiere an orinar# testamentar# succession.
TESTAHENTARJ S00ESSION II. ILLS
Art. 83. The pro!isions of Article 83> not%ithstanding, no person #a gi!e or recei!e, b %a of donation, #ore than he #a gi!e or recei!e b %ill. The donation shall be inofficio"s in all that it #a e7ceed this li#itation. /9190
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A. :efinition Art. 7#%. A will is an act whereby a person is permitted, with the formalities prescribed by law, to control to a certain de!ree the disposition of this estate, to ta+e effect after his death. (**7a)
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Better efinition; A %ill is a 'ersonal( solemn( re$oca"le( an free act "# %&ic& a ca'acitate 'erson is'oses of &is 'ro'ert# an ri)&ts an eclares or com'lies %it& t&e uties to ta1e effect after &is eat&. T; A %ill is a s'ecie of con$e#ance %&ere"# a 'erson is 'ermitte( %it& t&e formalities 'rescri"e "# la% to control to a certain e)ree is'osition of &is 'ro'ert# to ta1e effect after &is eat&. o%e$er( %&en t&ere is no is'osition of 'ro'ert#( it is su"mitte t&at( alt&ou)& t&e instrument ma# "e consiere as a %ill( it oes not &a$e to "e 'ro"ate. All ot&er rele$ant le)al matters state in t&e %ill ma# ta1e effect e$en %it&out 'ro"atin) suc& as t&e ac1no%le)ement of a natural c&il. A %ill is not necessaril# an act of li"eralit# or )enerosit#. T&e in&eritance ma# "e so "urene %it& le)acies t&at all "enefit to t&e &eir is nullifie. B. 0&aracteristics -. . /. 4. . ?. 7. 9.
'urel# 'ersonal act< free act %5o frau( $iolence( etc. is'osition of 'ro'ert# essentiall# re$oca"le formall# e*ecute testator must &a$e testamentar# ca'acit# nilateral act an< Hortis causa
Balane; >. ini$iual +Art. 9-9, -=. e*ecute %it& animus testani +Art. 79/, --. Statutor# +Art. 79/, Art. 7#%. A will is an act whereby a person is permitted, with the formalities prescribed by law, to control to a certain de!ree the disposition of this estate, to ta+e effect after his death. (**7a) B: The word “Act” is too broad and should have been limited to a more specific term such as instrument or document in view of Art. 804 that every will must be in writin. The re!uirement of form prescribed respectively for attested and holoraphic wills. The testator"s power of disposition is limited by the rules on leitimes. #ill ma$in is purely statutory bein defined as “permitted”.
Art. #%9. "he will shall be disallowed in any of the followin! cases (-) f the formalities required by law have not been complied with ($) f the testator was insane, or otherwise mentally incapable of ma+in! a will, at the time of its e&ecution (%) f it was e&ecuted throu!h force or under duress, or the influence of fear, or threats
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(/) f it was procured by undue and improper pressure and influence, on the part of the beneficiary or of some other person (5) f the si!nature of the testator was procured by fraud (*) f the testator acted by mista+e or did not intend that the instrument he si!ned should be his will at the time of affi&in! his si!nature thereto. (n) B: This is an e%clusive enumeration for the causes of disallowance of a will. These are matters involved in the formal validity. A probate decree once final & forecloses any subse!uent challene on any of the matter enumerated in this article. 'f any of these rounds is proved the will is void. A will is either valid or void. 'f none of the defects are present the will is valid( if any defect is present the will is void. The issue on formal validity is what the probate proceedins will determine. There is no such thin as a voidable will. Art. #$#. A will may be revo+ed by the testator at any time before his death. Any waiver or restriction of this ri!ht is void. (7%7a)
T; :urin) t&e life of t&e testator t&e %ill is sai to "e am"ulator# an ma# "e altere( re$o1e( or su'ersee at an# time. Its is of no 'ossi"le effect as a %ill %&ile t&e ma1er li$es. A %ill ma# "e re$o1e at 'leasure. Re$ocation is an act of t&e min( terminatin) t&e 'otential ca'acit# of t&e %ill to o'erate at t&e eat& of t&e testator( manifeste "# some out%ar an $isi"le act or si)n( s#m"olic t&ereof. Re$ocation $s. -. act of testator . 'resu''oses a $ali act /. inter $i$os 4. testator cannot renounce
Nullit# -. 'rocees from la% . in&erent from t&e %ill /. in$o1e After eat& 4. can "e isre)are "# &eirs
B; T&is c&aracteristic is consistent %it& t&e 'rinci'le lai o%n in Art. 777( successional ri)&ts $est onl# u'on eat&. Art. 79*. All persons who are not prohibited by law may ma+e a will. (**$)
e&pressly
T: The law presumes capacity to ma$e a will& thus& one must be e%pressly be prohibited by law to be dis!ualified. )nly natural persons may ma$e a will. *uridical persons are not ranted T.+. ,ven spendthrifths or prodial under uardianship& can ma$e a will. A peson under civil interdiction can ma$e a will& he is only dis!ualified fro dispositions of property inter vivos& but not by act mortis causa. Art. 797. 0ersons of either se& under ei!hteen years of a!e cannot ma+e a will. (n)
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe The manner of computation of ae& sustains the view that the re!uired ae is reached at the commencement of the day preceedin the anniversary of the birthday( that is& it is sufficient that the last day of the eihteenth year shall have commenced. The law does not reconi-e fractions of a day and this construction is more in accord with the liberal policy of the law to presume capacity to ma$e will. Art. 79#. n order to ma+e a will it is essential that the testator be of sound mind at the time of its e&ecution. (n) T: ound /ind is meant that the testator is able to e%ecute his will with an understandin of the nature of the act& such as the recollection of the property he means to dispose of& of the persons who are or who moht reasonably be the obects of his bounty and the manner in which it is to be distributed amon them. 't is sufficient if he understands what he is about& even if he has less mental capacity than would be re!uired to ma$e a contract. B: the leal importance and implication of mental capacity is that the law is interested in the leal conse!uences of the testator"s mental capacity or incapacity not in the medical aspects of mental disease. +oncievably& the testator could be mentally aberrant medically but testamentarily capable or& vice versa& mentally competent medically but testamentariy incompetent. Art. 777. "he ri!hts to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the decedent. (*57a) B: the vestin of the successional riht occurs immediately upon the decedent"s death& without a moments interruption. Art. #-#. "wo or more persons cannot ma+e a will 1ointly, or in the same instrument, either for their reciprocal benefit or for the benefit of a third person. (**9) T: A oint will is one where the same instrument is made the will of two or more persons and is ointly sined by them. uch will may be probate upon the death of one and subse!uently probated aain upon the death of the other testator. 1sually made to dispose oint properties. /utual will& )T)2& may be defined as the separate wills of two persons& which are reciprocal in their provisions. A will that is both oint and mutual is one e%ecuted ointly by teo or more persons and which shows on its face that the devises are made one in consideration of the other. 3atio for prohibition: . 5.
6. 4. 7.
purely personal and unilateral characteristic of wills are defeated contrary to the revocable character of wills& if one revo$es the will no document is left for the other to revo$e specially in cases were the revocation is done by destroyin or tearin the will. may e%pose a testator to undue influence may tempt one to $ill the other testator aainst public policy
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.
9imunition of Testamentary secrecy
#hat is actually prohibited& therefore& is the e%ecution of a will in a ';<, 9)+1/,T and by ), A+T. B: if there are separate documents& each servin one independent will& even if they are written on the same sheet or even bac$ to bac$& they are not oint wills. Art. 7#/. "he ma+in! of a will is a strictly personal act it cannot be left in whole or in part of the discretion of a third person, or accomplished throu!h the instrumentality of an a!ent or attorney. (*72a) T: The testator cannot substitute the mind or will of another for his own. But the mere mechanical act of draftin the will may be done by a third person& inasmuch as such act does not constitute a deleation of the will or disposition. Art. 7#5. "he duration or efficacy of the desi!nation of heirs, devisees or le!atees, or the determination of the portions which they are to ta+e, when referred to by name, cannot be left to the discretion of a third person. (*72a) T: The matters mentioned in this article are testamentary in nature( they constitute e%pressions of the will or disposition of the testator. 2ence& pursuant to Art. =84& it cannot be deleated. B: The ff. constitute the essence of will ma$in or the e%ercise of the disposin power& and thus& non>deleable: . 5. 6.
the desination of heirs& devisees& leatees( the duration or efficacy of such desination includin such thins as conditions& terms& substitutions the determination of the portions they are to recieve
Art. 7#*. "he testator may entrust to a third person the distribution of specific property or sums of money that he may leave in !eneral to specified classes or causes, and also the desi!nation of the persons, institutions or establishments to which such property or sums are to be !iven or applied. (*7-a) T: the third person here does not ma$e any disposition& but simply carries out details in the e%ecution of the testamentary disposition made by the testator himself in the will. B: for this article to ta$e effect the testator must determine the ff: . 5.
the property or amount of money iven and( the class or cause to be benefited
and the ff. may be deleated: . 5.
desination of persons& institutions& establishments within the class or cause( the manner of distribution.
or
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. 7#7. "he testator may not ma+e a testamentary disposition in such manner that another person has to determine whether or not it is to be operative. (n)
T: the testator whose lips have been sealed by death can no loner deny or affirm the truth of what witnesses may say he declared& would create confusion and ive rise to false claims.
0. Inter'retation of ills
Art. 792. "he words of a will are to be ta+en in their ordina ordinary ry and !ramm !rammati atical cal sense, sense, unless unless a clear clear inte intent ntio ion n to use use them them in anot anothe her r sens sense e can can be !athered, and that other can be ascertained.
Art. 7##. f a testamentary disposition admits of differ different ent interp interpret retati ations ons,, in case case of doubt, doubt, that that interp interpret retati ation on by which which the dispos dispositi ition on is to be operative shall be preferred. (n) T: The presumption is that the testator intended a lawful rather than an unlawful thin& and courts will not see$ an inte interp rpre reta tati tion on that that will will null nullif ify y his his will will or any any part part thereo thereof.T f.Tha hatt constru constructi ction on must must be follow followed ed which which will will sustatn and uphold the will in all its parts& if it can be done consistently with the established rules of law. 'f the will is susc suscep epti tibl blee of two two inte interp rpre reta tati tion onss & the the doub doubtt must must be resolved in favor of the construction which will ive effect to the will& rather than the one which will defeat it. Art. 7#9. When there is an imperfect description, or when no person or property e&actly answers the descr descrip ipti tion on,, mist mista+ a+es es and and omis omissi sion ons s must must be corrected, if the error appears from the conte&t of the will will or from from e&trin e&trinsic sic eviden evidence, ce, e&clud e&cludin! in! the oral declarations of the testator as to his intention and when an uncertainty arises upon the face of the will, as to the application of any of its provisions, the testat testator3 or3s s intent intention ion is to be ascert ascertain ained ed from from the words of the will, ta+in! into consideration the circumstances under which it was made, e&cludin! such oral declarations. (n) T: The first part of this article pertains to patent or e%trinsic ambiuity which appears upon the face of the instrument such as when the testator ives a devise or leacy to “)/, of the si% children of his cousin *uan” The second second part part pertai pertains ns to latent latent or intrin intrinsic sic ambiu ambiuity ity which cannot be seen from a mere perusal or readin of the will but appears only upon consideration of e%trinsic circumstances& such as ivin leacy to “my cousin ?edro”& when ' fact he has two c ousins named ?edro. Thus. 't occurs when: . 5.
two two or more more pers person onss or thin thins s answ answer er the the name name or description( misdes misdescri cripti ption on of the the benef benefici iciary ary or or the if iftt
"echnical words in a will are to be ta+en in their technical sense, unless the conte&t clearly indicates a contrary intention, or unless it satisfactorily appears that he was unacquainted with such technical sense. (*75a) 'ntent of the testator is the supreme law in succession. All rules of construction are desined to ascertain and ive effect to the intention unless the latter is contrary to law& morals& and public policy. The The word wordss and and prov provis isio ions ns in the the will will must must be plai plainl nly y construed in order to avoid violations of his intentions and real purpose. #ills drated by s$illed persons or lawyers are to be construed with strictness ivin account to the word"s technical meanin& while words stated by persons not learned in the law law are are inte interp rpre rete ted d libe libera rall lly y and and in thei theirr ordi ordina nary ry acceptation. 2oloraphic wills usually made by pesons not learne learned d in the law should should be constr construed ued libera liberally lly in their their ordina ordinary ry accept acceptati ation on foreo foreoin in the technic technical al meanin meanin in pursuance of the policy of the law of preference on testacy than intestacy. Art. 79-. "he words of a will are to receive an interpre interpretatio tation n which will !ive to every e&pression e&pression some effect, rather than one which will render any of the e&pres e&pressio sions ns inoper inoperati ative ve and of two two modes modes of interpretin! a will, that is to be preferred which will prevent intestacy. (n) 'ts to be presumed that every word or clause was intended by the testator to have some meanin( and no word or clause should be reected if it is at all possible to ive it reasonable effe effect ct.. #her #heree two two cons constru truct ctio ions ns are are poss possib ible le&& the the one one disreardin a word or clause of the will& and the other ivin effect to the will as a whole& th latter interpretation must be followed.
,%trinsic evidence is admissible to show the situation of the test testat ator or and and all all the the rele releva vant nt fact factss and and circu circums msta tanc nces es surrou surroundi ndin n him at the time of ma$in ma$in the will& for the purpose of e%plainin or resolvin patent ambiuity.
Art. 79$. "he invalidity of one of several dispositions contained in a will does not result in the invalidity of the other dispositions, unless it is to be presumed that the testator would not have made such other dispositions if the first invalid disposition had not been made. (n)
B: method of resolvin ambiuity& whether latent or patent is any evidenc evidencee admiss admissibl iblee and releva relevant nt e%cludi e%cludin n the oral oral declarations of testator as to his intention.
B: The article ma$es applicable to wills the severability or separabil separability ity principle principle in statutory statutory constructio construction n fre!uently fre!uently provided in a separability clause.
3atio for the e%clusion: B: can a dead man refute a tale@
Art. 79%. 0roperty acquired after after the ma+in! of a will shal shalll only only pass pass ther thereb eby, y, as if the the test testat ator or had had possessed it at the time of ma+in! the will, should it
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe e&pr e&pres essl sly y appe appear ar by the the will will that that such such was was his his intention. (n) T: This article is inconsistent with the principle of inheritance laid down under the code. The inheritance includes all the property& property& rihts& and obliatio obliations ns not e%tinuish e%tinuished ed by death. death. To follow this article would mean that only the property at the time of ma$in the will shall be transmitted to the heir unless unless there there is an e%press e%press declarat declaration ion under under the will to include properties ac!uired before death of testator but after ma$in the will. This contravenes Art. === of the code. 2ence& it must be construed as referrin only to devises and leacies and not to inheritance. After all this article is under the chapter of testamentary dispositions. The problem now arises with its irreconcilable conflict with Art. 60. Art. 79/. 4very devise devise or le!acy shall cover all the interest which the testator could device or bequeath in the property disposed of, unless it clearly appears from the will that he intended to convey a less interest. (n) T: #hen the Testator does not state the e%tent of the interest that he ives to the leatee or devisee in the property transmitted& it is understood that his whole interest passes& no more no less. But the testator& under the present article& may manifest his intention to convey a less interest( and under article 5& he may e%pressly convey a larer interest. 'n such cases& the intention of the testator will be followed.
Art. 9%2. "he le!acy or devise of a thin! belon!in! to another person is void, if the testator erroneously believed that the thin! pertained to him. But if the thin thin! ! bequ bequea eath thed ed,, thou thou!h !h not not belo belon! n!in in! ! to the the testator when he made the will, afterwards becomes his, his, by whatev whatever er title, title, the dispos dispositi ition on shall shall ta+e ta+e effect. (#*$a) The presumption under this article is that had the testator $nown the fact that another owns the property& he would not have have made made the the lea leacy cy.. The The ino inora ranc ncee of the the test testat ator or is presumed by law. 'ts must be noted that if the subse!uent chane of ownership transferred the thin to the very person to whom it was bein iven iven as a devise devise or leacy leacy&& and by lucrat lucrative ive title& title& or to another third person& the leacy is void. Solla !s. Asc"enta
:a. Haria Solla ie in une( -99/( in t&e munici'alit# of 0a"u)ao( Ilocos Sur( lea$in) a %ill e*ecute an recore in accorance %it& t&e la%s t&en in force( "ut %&ic& &a not "een "een 'ro" 'ro"at ate e in acco accor ran ance ce %it& %it& t&e t&e 0oe 0oe of 0i$i 0i$ill Proceure. T&ere T&ere %ere %ere name name in sai sai %ill( %ill( as le)ate le)atees es Ser)io Ser)io Solla( Solla( 0a#e 0a#etan tano o Soll Solla( a( ose osefa fa Solla Solla(( aci acinto nto Sern Serna( a( Rose Rosen na a La)ma#( Sil$estra SaCor an Hatias Se$eea( an Leanro Serrano( as uni$ersal &eir( %it& t&eir s&ares )i$en t&em "# t&e %ill a"o$eDmentione.
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Sai le)atees or t&eir escenants or &eirs i not Cuiciall# claim t&eir le)acies urin) t&e lifeDtime of Leanro Serrano( of %&ic %&ic& & &e &a &a ta1e ta1en n 'oss 'osses essi sion on(( nei neit&er t&er %as %as an# an# testamentar# 'roceein) institute for t&e settlement of t&e estate left "# Haria Solla an t&at Leanro Serrano i not eli$er t&e le)acies in !uestion( %&ic& &e 'ossesse in &is name until &is eat&( &a$in) eclare t&e 'ro'ert# for ta*ation as &is o%n an collecte t&e income t&erefrom for &imself. %s may also be seen ?eandro @errano named his son @imeon @errano, as executor of his will and that he directed him to put all of his property in order and to separate that which which came from his deceased grandmother grandmother &aria @olla, which he gives to his said son @imeon @errano and orders that same be disposed of exclusively in conformity with the wishes of his said grandmother, not forgetting the souls of all of his grandmot grandmother her's 's relati relatives ves and of his own for whose whose repose nine masses were to be said annually during nine days, with a solemn mass on the first and last days. In orer to etermine t&e testator@s intention( t&e court s&oul 'lace itself as near as 'ossi"le in &is 'osition( an &ence( %&ere t&e lan)ua)e of t&e %ill is am"i)uous or ou"tful( s&oul ta1e into consieration t&e situation of t&e testator an t&e facts an circumstances surrounin) &im at t&e time t&e %ill %as e*ecute. e*ecute. +4= 0#c.( -/>., &ere t&e testator@s testator@s inten intentio tion n is mani manife fest st from from t&e t&e conte conte*t *t of t&e %ill %ill an an surrou surrouni nin) n) circum circumsta stance nces( s( "ut is o"scur o"scure e "# ina't ina't an inac inaccu cura rate te moe moes s of e*'r e*'res essi sion on(( t&e lan) lan)ua ua)e )e %ill %ill "e su"orinate to t&e intention( an in orer to )i$e effect to suc& intention( intention( as far as 'ossi"le( t&e court ma# e'art from t&e strict %orin) an rea a %or or '&rase in a sense ifferent from t&at %&ic& is orinaril# attri"ute to it( an for suc& 'ur'ose ma# moul or c&an)e t&e lan)ua)e of t&e %ill( suc& as restrictin) its a''lication or su''l#in) omitte %ors or '&rases. +4= 0#c.( -/>>.,
In t&e 'resent case( it clearl# a''earin) t&at it %as Haria Solla@ Solla@s s intent intention ion(( in oreri orerin) n) &er uni$er uni$ersal sal &eir &eir Leanr Leanro o Serrano in &er %ill at t&e &our of &is eat&( to insist u'on t&e com'liance of &er orers "# &is &eirs( t&at t&e latter s&oul com'l# %it& &er 'ious orers an t&at s&e i not mean &er orers concernin) &er le)acies( t&e com'liance of %&ic& s&e &a entrus entruste te to Leanr Leanro o Serran Serrano( o( %e are aut&or aut&orie ie to restri restrict ct t&e a''licat a''lication ion of t&e %ors 8all t&at I &a$e &a$e &ere &ere orere8 use "# t&e sai Haria Solla an t&e %ors 8all &er orers8 orers8 use "# Leanro Serrano in t&eir res'ecti$e res'ecti$e %ills limitin) t&em to t&e 'ious orers an su"stitutin) t&e '&rase 8in re)ar to t&e annual masses8 after t&e %ors use "# "ot& testators( res'ecti$el#. T&e trial court( t&erefore( committe an error in inter'retin) t&e t&e ore orerr of Lean Leanr ro o Serra Serrano no ment mentio ione ne in &is &is %ill %ill as a''lica"le to t&e 'ro$isions of Haria Solla@s %ill relati$e to t&e le)acies an not to t&e 'ious "e!uests e*clusi$el#. :. La% Go$ernin) 2orm Art. 795. "he validity validity of a will as to its its form depends upon the observance of the law in force at the time it is made. (n) The eneral rule is that iven in the present article& that the validity of the e%ecution of a will is controlled by the statute in force at the time of e%ecution( and a statute enacted subse!uent to the e%ecution and prior to the death of the testator& chanin the rules respectin the form of the
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe instrument& the capacity of the testator& and the li$e& has no retrospective effect. 2owever& the intrinsic validity of the will& althouh e%ecuted in the ?hilippines& is overned by the laws of the state or country of which the testator was a citi-en or subect at the time of his death. The place of e%ecution has no effect whatever upon the validity of the provisions provisions of the will. The law may be chaned after the will has been made. The provisions may be valid at the time it was made but may be contrary to the law at the time of the death of the testator. 'n such case& the law at the time of the death of the testator will apply. 't is the law at the time when the succession opens which must determine the intrinsic intrinsic validity of the provisions of the will& because it is at this time that the rihts are transmitted to the heirs& devisees& or leatees.
Art. -7. "he forms and solemnities of contracts, wills, and other public instruments shall be !overned by the laws of the country in which they are e&ecuted. When the acts referred to are e&ecuted before the diplomatic or consular officials of the epublic of the 0hilippines in a forei!n country, the solemnities established by 0hilippine laws shall be observed in their e&ecution. 0rohibitiv 0rohibitive e laws concernin! concernin! persons, persons, their their acts or proper property, ty, and those those which which have, have, for their their ob1ect ob1ect,, public order, public policy and !ood customs shall not be rendered rendered ineffective ineffective by laws or 1ud!ments 1ud!ments promul!ated, or by determinations or conventions a!reed upon in a forei!n country. (--a) Art. -#. n matters which are !overned by the 6ode of 6ommerce and special laws, their deficiency shall be supplied by the provisions of this 6ode. (-*a)
/atters /atters connected connected with the performance performance of contracts are reulated reulated by the law prevailin prevailin at the place of performanc performance. e. 3emedi 3emedies& es& such as the brini brinin n of suit& suit& admiss admissibi ibilit lity y of evidence& and the statute of limitations& depend upon the law of the place where the action is brouht. 'n terms of the validity and effect of obliations& the followin rules rules shall shall be follow followed. ed. irst& irst& the law desin desinate ated d by the parti parties es shall shall be applie applied( d( if there is no stipul stipulati ation on on the matter& and the parties of the same nationality& their national law shall be applied( if this is not the case& the law of the place of perfection of the obliation shall overn its fulfillment( but if these places are not specified and they cannot be deduced from the nature and circumstances of the obliation& then the law of the domicile of the passive subects shall apply. Art. #-2. A person may e&ecute a holo!raphic will which must be entirely written, dated, and si!ned by the hand of the testator himself. t is sub1ect to no othe other r form form,, and and may may be made made in or out out of the the 0hilippines, and need not be witnessed. (*7#, *##a)
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Art. #-5. When a ilipino is in a forei!n country, he is auth author ori8 i8ed ed to ma+e ma+e a will will in any any of the the form forms s established by the law of the country in which he may be. uch will may be probated in the 0hilippines. (n) The article follows the eneral rule that the law overnin the formal vailidity of wills is the law of the place where it is e%ecuted. Cet a ilipino may ma$e will in a foreih country in conformity with our laws and not of the place of e%ecution. Article 8 and 8= shall shall overn. Art. #-*. "he will of an alien who is abroad produces effect in the 0hilippines if made with the formalities pres prescr crib ibed ed by the the law law of the the plac place e in whic which h he resides, or accordin! to the formalities observed in his country, or in conformity with those which this 6ode prescribes. (n) Art. #-7. A will made in the 0hilippines by a citi8en or sub1ect of another country, which is e&ecuted in accordance with the law of the country of which he is a citi8en or sub1ect, and which mi!ht be proved and allowed by the law of his own country, shall have the same effect as if e&ecuted accordin! to the laws of the 0hilippines. (n) 'f an alie alien n e%ec e%ecut utes es a will will in the the ?hil ?hilip ippi pine nes& s& not not in conformity with our law& but in conformity with the law of his own own stat statee or count country ry&& the the will will can can be prob probat ated ed in the the ?hilippines. Art. #-#. "wo or more persons cannot ma+e a will 1ointly, or in the same instrument, either for their reci recipr proc ocal al bene benefi fitt or for for the the bene benefi fitt of a thir third d person. (**9) A oint will is one where the same instrument is made the will of two or more persons and is ointly sined by them. uch will may be probate upon the death of one and subse!uently probated aain upon the death of the other testator. 1sually made to dispose oint properties. /utual will& )T)2& may be defined as the separate wills of two persons& which are reciprocal reciprocal in their provisions. provisions. A will that is both oint and mutual is one e%ecuted ointly by teo or more persons and which shows on its face that the devises are made one in consideration of the other. 3atio for prohibition: a.
purely purely perso personal nal and and unilater unilateral al charac character terist istic ic of wills wills are defeated b. contrary to the revocable character of wills& if one revo$es the will no document is left for the other to revo$e specially in cases were the revocation is done by destroyin or tearin the will. c. may may e%pos e%posee a testat testator or to undu unduee influ influenc encee d. may may tempt tempt one one to to $ill $ill the the othe otherr testa testator tor e. aai aains nstt pub publi licc pol polic icy y #hat is actually prohibited& therefore& is the e%ecution of a will in a ';<, 9)+1/,T 9)+1/,T and by ), A+T.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. #-9. Wills, prohibited by the precedin! article, e&ecuted by ilipinos in a forei!n country shall not be valid in the 0hilippines, even thou!h authori8ed by the laws of the country where they may have been e&ecuted. (7%%a)
Vir)inia. T&e 'resent 'roceein)s o not call for an# s'ecific 'ronouncements on t&e $aliit# or in$aliit# of t&is alle)e i$orce.2or all of t&e fore)oin)( t&e Cu)ment a''eale from %ill "e affirme( %it& t&e costs of t&is instance a)ainst t&e a''ellant.Villamor( Ostran( o&ns( Romuale an VillaD Real( .( concur.
$le"#er !s. +i7 Dela Cerna !s. 4otot
It is t&e t&eor# of t&e 'etitioner t&at t&e alle)e %ill %as e*ecute in El1ins( est Vir)inia( on No$em"er /( ->( "# i* %&o &a &is resience in t&at Curisiction( an t&at t&e la%s of est Vir)inia )o$ern. To t&is en( t&ere %as su"mitte a co'# of section /9?9 of Acts -99( c. 94 as foun in est Vir)inia 0oe( Annotate( "# o))( 0&arles E.( $ol. ( ->-4( '. -?>=( an as certifie to "# t&e :irector of t&e National Li"rar#. But t&is %as far from a com'liance %it& t&e la%. T&e la%s of a forei)n Curisiction o not 'ro$e t&emsel$es in our courts. T&e courts of t&e P&ili''ine Islans are not aut&orie to ta1e Cuicial notice of t&e la%s of t&e $arious States of t&e American nion. S"ch la%s #"st be pro!ed as facts. +In re Estate of o&nson M->-9( /> P&il.( -?., ere t&e re!uirements of t&e la% %ere not met. T&ere %as no s&o%in) t&at t&e "oo1 from %&ic& an e*tract %as ta1en %as 'rinte or 'u"lis&e uner t&e aut&orit# of t&e State of est Vir)inia( as 'ro$ie in section /== of t&e 0oe of 0i$il Proceure. Nor %as t&e e*tract from t&e la% atteste "# t&e certificate of t&e officer &a$in) c&ar)e of t&e ori)inal( uner t&e seal of t&e State of est Vir)inia( as 'ro$ie in section /=- of t&e 0oe of 0i$il Proceure. No e$ience %as introuce to s&o% t&at t&e e*tract from t&e la%s of est Vir)inia %as in force at t&e time t&e alle)e %ill %as e*ecute. &ile t&e a''eal %as 'enin) su"mission in t&is court( t&e attorne# for t&e a''ellant 'resente an un$erifie 'etition as1in) t&e court to acce't as 'art of t&e e$ience t&e ocuments attac&e to t&e 'etition. One of t&ese ocuments iscloses t&at a 'a'er %ritin) 'ur'ortin) to "e t&e last %ill an testament of E%ar Ranol'& i*( ecease( %as 'resente for 'ro"ate on une 9( ->>( to t&e cler1 of Ranol'& 0ount#( State of est Vir)inia( in $acation( an %as ul# 'ro$en "# t&e oat&s of :ana amsle# an ose'& L. Haen( t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses t&ereto( an orere to "e recore an file. It %as s&o%n "# anot&er ocument t&at( in $acation( on une 9( ->>( t&e cler1 of court of Ranol'& 0ount#( est Vir)inia( a''ointe 0laue . Ha*%ell as aministrator( cum testamento anne*o( of t&e estate of E%ar Ranol'& i*( ecease. In t&is connection( it is to "e note t&at t&e a''lication for t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill in t&e P&ili''ines %as file on 2e"ruar# =( ->>( %&ile t&e 'roceein)s in est Vir)inia a''ear to &a$e "een initiate on une 9( ->>. T&ese facts are stron)l# inicati$e of an intention to ma1e t&e P&ili''ines t&e 'rinci'al aministration an est Vir)inia t&e ancillar# aministration. o%e$er t&is ma# "e( no attem't &as "een mae to com'l# %it& t&e 'ro$isions of sections ?/7( ?/9( an ?/> of t&e 0oe of 0i$il Proceure( for no &earin) on t&e !uestion of t&e allo%ance of a %ill sai to &a$e "een 'ro$e an allo%e in est Vir)inia &as "een re!ueste. T&ere is no s&o%in) t&at t&e ecease left an# 'ro'ert# at an# 'lace ot&er t&an t&e P&ili''ine Islans an no contention t&at &e left an# in est Vir)inia. Reference &as "een mae "# t&e 'arties to a i$orce 'ur'orte to &a$e "een a%are E%ar Ranol'& i* from Annie 0ousins i* on Octo"er 9( ->( in t&e State of est
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8It a''ears t&at on Ha# >( ->/>( t&e s'ouses( Berna"e e la 0erna an Ger$asia Re"aca( e*ecute a Coint last %ill an testament in t&e local ialect %&ere"# t&e# %ille t&at @our t%o 'arcels of lan ac!uire urin) our marria)e to)et&er %it& all im'ro$ements t&ereon s&all "e )i$en to Hanuela Re"aca( our niece( %&om %e &a$e nurture since c&il&oo( "ecause Go i not )i$e us an# c&il in our union( Hanuela Re"aca "ein) marrie to Nicolas Potot@( an t&at @%&ile eac& of t&e testator is #et li$in)( &e or s&e %ill continue to enCo# t&e fruits of t&e t%o lans aforementione@( t&e sai t%o 'arcels of lan "ein) co$ere "# Ta* No. 4?7? an Ta* No. ??77( "ot& situate in sitio Bucao( "arrio Lu)o( munici'alit# of Bor"on( 'ro$ince of 0e"u. Berna"e e la 0erna ie on Au)ust /=( ->/>( an t&e aforesai %ill %as su"mitte to 'ro"ate "# sai Ger$asia an Hanuela "efore t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0e"u %&ic&( after ue 'u"lication as re!uire "# la% an t&ere "ein) no o''osition( &ear t&e e$ience( T&e a''eale ecision correctl# &el t&at t&e final ecree of 'ro"ate( entere in ->/> "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0e"u +%&en t&e testator( Berna"e e la 0erna( ie,( &as conclusi$e effect as to &is last %ill an testament( es'ite t&e fact t&at e$en t&en t&e 0i$il 0oe alrea# ecree t&e in$aliit# of Coint %ills( %&et&er in fa$or of t&e Coint testators( reci'rocall#( or in fa$or of a t&ir 'art# +Art. ??>( ol 0i$il 0oe,. T&e error t&us committe "# t&e 'ro"ate court %as an error of la%( t&at s&oul &a$e "een correcte "# a''eal( "ut %&ic& i not affect t&e Curisiction of t&e 'ro"ate court( nor t&e conclusi$e effect of its final ecision( &o%e$er erroneous. A final Cu)ment renere on a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of a %ill is "inin) u'on t&e %&ole %orl +Hanalo $s. Parees( 47 P&il. >/9< In re Estate of o&nson( /> P&il. -?,< an 'u"lic 'olic# an soun 'ractice eman t&at at t&e ris1 of occasional errors( Cu)ment of courts s&oul "ecome final at some efinite ate fi*e "# la%. Interest rei 'u"licae ut finis sit litium +:# 0a# $s. 0rossfiel( /9 P&il. -( an ot&er cases cite in Horan( 0omments on t&e Rules of 0ourt ->?/ E.( '. /,.
Petitioners( as &eirs an successors of t&e late Berna"e e la 0erna( are conclue "# t&e ->/> ecree amittin) &is %ill to 'ro"ate. T&e contention t&at "ein) $oi t&e %ill cannot "e $aliate( o$erloo1s t&at t&e ultimate ecision on %&et&er an act is $ali or $oi rests %it& t&e courts( an &ere t&e# &a$e s'o1en %it& finalit# %&en t&e %ill %as 'ro"ate in ->/>. On t&is count( t&e ismissal of t&eir action for 'artition %as correct. But t&e 0ourt of A''eals s&oul &a$e ta1en into account also( to a$oi future misunerstanin)( t&at t&e 'ro"ate ecree in ->/> coul onl# affect t&e s&are of t&e ecease &us"an( Berna"e e la 0erna. It coul not inclue t&e is'osition of t&e s&are of t&e %ife( Ger$asia Re"aca( %&o %as t&en still ali$e( an o$er %&ose interest in t&e conCu)al 'ro'erties t&e 'ro"ate court ac!uire no Curisiction( 'recisel# "ecause &er estate coul not t&en "e in issue. Be it
24
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe remem"ere t&at 'rior to t&e 0i$il 0oe( a %ill coul not "e 'ro"ate urin) t&e testator@s lifetime. It follo%s t&at t&e $aliit# of t&e Coint %ill( in so far as t&e estate of t&e %ife %as concerne( must "e( on &er eat&( ree*amine an aCuicate e no$o +from t&e "e)innin),( since a Coint %ill is consiere a se'arate %ill of eac& testator. T&us re)are( t&e &olin) of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0e"u t&at t&e Coint %ill is one 'ro&i"ite "# la% %as correct as to t&e 'artici'ation of t&e ecease Ger$asia Re"aca in t&e 'ro'erties in !uestion( for t&e reasons e*tensi$el# iscusse in our ecision in Bil"ao $s. Bil"ao( 97 P&il. -44( t&at e*'laine t&e 're$ious &olin) in Hacro&on $s. Saa$era( - P&il.( ?7. T&erefore( t&e uni$ie interest of Ger$asia Re"aca s&oul 'ass u'on &er eat& to &er &eirs intestate( an not e*clusi$el# to t&e testamentar# &eir( unless some ot&er $ali %ill in &er fa$or is s&o%n to e*ist( or unless s&e "e t&e onl# &eir intestate of sai Ger$asia. It is unnecessar# to em'&asie t&at t&e fact t&at Coint %ills s&oul "e in common usa)e coul not ma1e t&em $ali %&en our 0i$il 0oes consistentl# in$aliate t&em( "ecause la%s are onl# re'eale "# ot&er su"se!uent la%s( an no usa)e to t&e contrar# ma# 're$ail a)ainst t&eir o"ser$ance. E. La% o!erning Content
-. As to time Art. 91. -ights to the inheritance of a person %ho died, %ith or %itho"t a %ill, before the effecti!it of this Code, shall be go!erned b the Ci!il Code of (2, b other pre!io"s la%s, and b the -"les of Co"rt. The inheritance of those %ho, %ith or %itho"t a %ill, die after the beginning of the effecti!it of this Code, shall be ad'"dicated and distrib"ted in accordance %ith this ne% bod of la%s and b the -"les of Co"rt@ b"t the testa#entar pro!isions shall be carried o"t insofar as the #a be per#itted b this Code. Therefore, legiti#es, better#ents, legacies and be="ests shall be respected@ ho%e!er, their a#o"nt shall be red"ced if in no other #anner can e!er co#p"lsor heir be gi!en his f"ll share according to this Code. /-"le (a0
T&e ecisi$e fact %&ic& )i$es ori)in to t&e ri)&t of &eirs( e$isees an le)atees is t&e eat& of t&e eceent. T&is is t&e "asis of t&e 'resent article. T&us( t&e 'ro$isions of t&e ne% coe rela*in) t&e ri)iit# of t&e rules of t&e ol coe re)arin) 'roof or reco)nition of natural c&ilren( %ere &el ina''lica"le to one claimin) reco)nition an a s&are in t&e estate of t&e alle)e natural fat&er %&o ie "efore t&e ne% coe %ent into effect. . As to successional ri)&ts Art. -*. eal property as well as personal property is sub1ect to the law of the country where it is stipulated. 'owever, intestate and testamentary successions, both with respect to the order of succession and to the amount of successional ri!hts and to the intrinsic validity of testamentary provisions, shall be re!ulated by the national law of the person whose succession is under consideration, whatever may be the nature of the property and re!ardless of the country wherein said property may be found. (-2a)
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T&e istri"ution of t&e estate is )o$erne "# t&e la% of t&e nation of t&e ecease< t&e 'resent article a''lies in suc& case. It ma# in$ol$e $arious !uestions suc& as; -.
orer of succession in intestac#
.
intrinsic $aliit# of a %ill
/.
e*tent of 'ro'ert# an &eir is entitle
4.
ca'acit# to succee of &eirs
.
!uestions collation.
of
'reterition(
isin&eritance(
an
In a"o$e cases( t&e national la% of t&e eceent a''lies an t&e ratio of %&ic& is state "# :ean 0a'istrano in t&is %ise; it& re)ar to succession t&ere is onl# one %ill( e*'ress in testatmentar# an 'resume in intestate succession. T&e oneness an uni$ersalit# of t&e in&eritance cannot "e i$ie or "ro1en u' merel# "ecause of t&e ifferent countries %&ere t&e 'ro'erties of t&e estate are situate. T&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill of a forei)ner %&o ies in t&e P&ili''ines is to "e etermine "# t&e la%s of &is o%n state or countr#( an not "# t&ose of t&e P&ili''ines. T&e secon 'ara)ra'& of t&is article can onl# in$o1e %&en t&e ecease eas $este %it& a esceni"le interest in 'ro'ert# %it&in t&e Curisiction of t&e P&ili''ines. &en a forei)n la% is in$o1e it must "e 'ro$e. +fluemer $s. i*, In re the estate of A#os . Bellis
Amos G. Bellis( "orn in Te*as( %as 8a citien of t&e State of Te*as an of t&e nite States.8 B# &is first %ife( Har# E. Hallen( %&om &e i$orce( &e &a fi$e le)itimate c&ilren; E%ar A. Bellis( Geor)e Bellis +%&o 'reDecease &im in infanc#,( enr# A. Bellis( Ale*aner Bellis an Anna Bellis Allsman< "# &is secon %ife( Violet Kenne#( %&o sur$i$e &im( &e &a t&ree le)itimate c&ilren; E%in G. Bellis( alter S. Bellis an :orot&# Bellis< an finall#( &e &a t&ree ille)itimate c&ilren; Amos Bellis( r.( Haria 0ristina Bellis an Hiriam Palma Bellis. On Au)ust ( ->( Amos G. Bellis e7ec"ted a %ill in the 4hilippines( in %&ic& &e irecte t&at after all ta*es( o"li)ations( an e*'enses of aministration are 'ai for( &is istri"uta"le estate s&oul "e i$ie( in trust( in t&e follo%in) orer an manner; +a, 4=(===.== to &is first %ife( Har# E. Hallen< +", P-=(===.== to &is t&ree ille)itimate c&ilren( Amos Bellis( r.( Haria 0ristina Bellis( an Hiriam Palma Bellis( or P4=(===.== eac& an +c, after t&e fore)oin) t%o items &a$e "een satisfie( t&e remainer s&all )o to &is se$en sur$i$in) c&ilren "# &is first an secon %i$es( namel#; E%ar A. Bellis( enr# A. Bellis( Ale*aner Bellis( an Anna Bellis Allsman( E%in G. Bellis( alter S. Bellis( an :orot&# E. Bellis( in e!ual s&ares. Su"se!uentl#( or on ul# 9( ->9( Amos G. Bellis ie( a resient of San Antonio( Te*as( .S.A. is %ill %as amitte to 'ro"ate in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Hanila on Se'tem"er -( ->9. T&e Peo'le@s Ban1 an Trust 0om'an#( as e*ecutor of t&e %ill( 'ai all t&e "e!uests t&erein incluin) t&e amount of 4=(===.== in t&e form of s&ares of stoc1 to Har# E. Hallen an to t&e t&ree +/, ille)itimate c&ilren( Amos Bellis( r.( Haria 0ristina Bellis an Hiriam Palma Bellis( $arious amounts totallin) P4=(===.== eac& in satisfaction of t&eir res'ecti$e le)acies( or a total of P-=(===.==( %&ic& it
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe release from time to time accorin) as t&e lo%er court a''ro$e an allo%e t&e $arious motions or 'etitions file "# t&e latter t&ree re!uestin) 'artial a$ances on account of t&eir res'ecti$e le)acies. On anuar# -7( ->?4( Haria 0ristina Bellis an Hiriam Palma Bellis file t&eir res'ecti$e o''ositions to t&e 'roCect of 'artition on t&e )roun t&at t&e# %ere e'ri$e of t&eir le)itimes as ille)itimate c&ilren an( t&erefore( com'ulsor# &eirs of t&e ecease. Article -?( 'ar. ( an Art. -=/> of t&e 0i$il 0oe( rener a''lica"le t&e national la% of t&e eceent( in intestate or testamentar# successions( %it& re)ar to four items; +a, t&e orer of succession< +", t&e amount of successional ri)&ts< +c, t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill< an +, t&e ca'acit# to succee. T&e# 'ro$ie t&at 8Art -?. Real 'ro'ert# as %ell as 'ersonal 'ro'ert# is su"Cect to t&e la% of t&e countr# %&ere it is situate.
P&ili''ine estate ar)uin) from t&is t&at &e intene P&ili''ine la% to )o$ern &is P&ili''ine estate. Assumin) t&at suc& %as t&e eceent@s intention in e*ecutin) a se'arate P&ili''ine %ill( it %oul not alter t&e la%( for as t&is 0ourt rule in Hiciano $s. Brimo( = P&il. 9?7( 97=( a 'ro$ision in a forei)ner@s %ill to t&e effect t&at &is 'ro'erties s&all "e istri"ute in accorance %it& P&ili''ine la% an not %it& &is national la%( is ille)al an $oi( for &is national la% cannot "e i)nore in re)ar to t&ose matters t&at Article -= no% Article -? of t&e 0i$il 0oe states sai national la% s&oul )o$ern. T&e 'arties amit t&at t&e eceent( Amos G. Bellis( %as a citien of t&e State of Te*as( .S.A.( an t&at uner t&e la%s of Te*as( t&ere are no force &eirs or le)itimes. Accorin)l#( since t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$ision of t&e %ill an t&e amount of successional ri)&ts are to "e etermine uner Te*as la%( t&e P&ili''ine la% on le)itimes cannot "e a''lie to t&e testac# of Amos G. Bellis. Caetano !s. Leonides (2 SC-A 3
8o%e$er8( intestate an testamentar# successions( "ot& %it& res'ect to t&e orer of succession an to t&e amount of successional ri)&ts an to t&e intrinsic $aliit# of testamentar# 'ro$isions( s&all "e reg"lated b the national la% of t&e 'erson %&ose succession is uner consieration( %&ate$er ma# "e t&e nature of t&e 'ro'ert# an re)arless of t&e countr# %&erein sai 'ro'ert# ma# "e foun.8
On anuar# /-( ->77( Aoracion 0. 0am'os ie( lea$in) &er fat&er( 'etitioner ermo)enes 0am'os an &er sisters( 'ri$ate res'onent Nenita 0. Pa)uia( Remeios 0. Lo'e an Harieta 0. Heina as t&e sur$i$in) &eirs. As ermo)enes 0am'os %as t&e onl# com'ulsor# &eir( &e e*ecute an Affia$it of ACuication uner Rule 74( Section I of t&e Rules of 0ourt %&ere"# &e aCuicate unto &imself t&e o%ners&i' of t&e entire estate of t&e ecease Aoracion 0am'os.
8Art. -=/>. 0a'acit# to succee is )o$erne "# t&e la% of t&e nation of t&e eceent.8
Ele$en mont&s after( on No$em"er ( ->77( Nenita 0. Pa)uia file a 'etition for t&e re'ro"ate of a %ill of t&e ecease( Aoracion 0am'os( %&ic& %as alle)el# e*ecute in t&e nite States an for &er a''ointment as aministratri* of t&e estate of t&e ecease testatri*.
A''ellants %oul &o%e$er counter t&at Article -7( 'ara)ra'& t&ree( of t&e 0i$il 0oe( statin) t&at 8Pro&i"iti$e la%s concernin) 'ersons( t&eir acts or 'ro'ert#( an t&ose %&ic& &a$e for t&eir o"Cect 'u"lic orer( 'u"lic 'olic# an )oo customs s&all not "e renere ineffecti$e "# la%s( or Cu)ments 'romul)ate( or "# eterminations or con$entions a)ree u'on in a forei)n countr#.8 're$ails as t&e e*ce'tion to Art. -?( 'ar. of t&e 0i$il 0oe afore!uote. T&is is not correct. Precisel#( 0on)ress elete t&e '&rase( 8not%it&stanin) t&e 'ro$isions of t&is an t&e ne*t 'recein) article8 %&en t&e# incor'orate Art. -- of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe as Art. -7 of t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe( %&ile re'roucin) %it&out su"stantial c&an)e t&e secon 'ara)ra'& of Art. -= of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe as Art. -? in t&e ne%. It must &a$e "een t&eir 'ur'ose to ma1e t&e secon 'ara)ra'& of Art. -? a s'ecific 'ro$ision in itself %&ic& must "e a''lie in testate an intestate successions. As furt&er inication of t&is le)islati$e intent( 0on)ress ae a ne% 'ro$ision( uner Art. -=/>( %&ic& ecrees t&at ca'acit# to succee is to "e )o$erne "# t&e national la% of t&e eceent. It is t&erefore e$ient t&at %&ate$er 'u"lic 'olic# or )oo customs ma# "e in$ol$e in our s#stem of le)itimes( 0on)ress &as not intene to e*ten t&e same to t&e succession of forei)n nationals. 2or it &as s'ecificall# c&osen to lea$e( inter alia( t&e amount of successional ri)&ts( to t&e eceent@s national La%. S'ecific 'ro$isions must 're$ail o$er )eneral ones. A''ellants %oul also 'oint out t&at t&e eceent e*ecute t%o %ills one to )o$ern &is Te*as estate an t&e ot&er &is
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In &er 'etition( Nenita alle)e t&at t&e testatri* %as an American citien at t&e time of &er eat& an %as a 'ermanent resient of 4?// :itman Street( P&ilael'&ia( Penns#l$ania( .S.A.< t&at t&e testatri* ie in Hanila on anuar# /-( ->77 %&ile tem'oraril# resiin) %it& &er sister at -?7 Le$eria( Halate( Hanila< t&at urin) &er lifetime( t&e testatri* mae &er last %ill an testament on ul# -=( ->7( accorin) to t&e la%s of Penns#l$ania( .S.A.( nominatin) ilfreo Bara)a of Ne% erse# as e*ecutor< t&at after t&e testatri*@ eat&( &er last %ill an testament %as 'resente( 'ro"ate( allo%e( an re)istere %it& t&e Re)istr# of ills at t&e 0ount# of P&ilael'&ia( .S.A.( t&at 0lement L. HcLau)&lin( t&e aministrator %&o %as a''ointe after :r. Bara)a &a ecline an %ai$e &is a''ointment as e*ecutor in fa$or of t&e former( is also a resient of P&ilael'&ia( .S.A.( an t&at t&erefore( t&ere is an ur)ent nee for t&e a''ointment of an aministratri* to aminister an e$entuall# istri"ute t&e 'ro'erties of t&e estate locate in t&e P&ili''ines. Hean%&ile( on une ?( ->9( 'etitioner ermo)enes 0am'os ie an left a %ill( %&ic&( incientall# &as "een !uestione "# t&e res'onent( &is c&ilren an force &eirs as( on its face 'atentl# null an $oi( an a fa"rication( a''ointin) Poll# 0a#etano as t&e e*ecutri* of &is last %ill an testament. 0a#etano( t&erefore( file a motion to su"stitute &erself as 'etitioner in t&e instant case %&ic& %as )rante "# t&e court on Se'tem"er -/( ->9. ISSE; &et&er or not a com'ulsor# &eir ma# "e $alil# e*clue "# a %ill e*ecute "# a forei)n testatorF
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe EL:; JES RATIO; Alt&ou)& on its face( t&e %ill a''eare to &a$e 'reterite t&e 'etitioner an t&us( t&e res'onent Cu)e s&oul &a$e enie its re'ro"ate outri)&t( t&e 'ri$ate res'onents &a$e sufficientl# esta"lis&e t&at Aoracion %as( at t&e time of &er eat&( an American citien an a 'ermanent resient of P&ilael'&ia( Penns#l$ania( .S.A. T&erefore( uner Article -? 'ar. +, an -=/> of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& res'ecti$el# 'ro$ie; Art. -? 'ar. +,.8o%e$er( intestate an testamentar# successions( "ot& %it& res'ect to t&e orer of succession an to t&e amount of successional ri)&ts an to t&e intrinsic $aliit# of testamentar# 'ro$isions( s&all "e re)ulate "# t&e national la% of t&e 'erson %&ose succession is uner consieration( %&ate$er ma# "e t&e nature of t&e 'ro'ert# an re)arless of t&e countr# %&erein sai 'ro'ert# ma# "e foun.8 Art. -=/>.80a'acit# to succee is )o$erne "# t&e la% of t&e nation of t&e eceent.8 t&e la% %&ic& )o$erns Aoracion 0am'o@s %ill is t&e la% of Penns#l$ania( .S.A.( %&ic& is t&e national la% of t&e eceent. Alt&ou)& t&e 'arties amit t&at t&e Penns#l$ania la% oes not 'ro$ie for le)itimes an t&at all t&e estate ma# "e )i$en a%a# "# t&e testatri* to a com'lete stran)er( t&e 'etitioner ar)ues t&at suc& la% s&oul not a''l# "ecause it %oul "e contrar# to t&e soun an esta"lis&e 'u"lic 'olic# an %oul run counter to t&e s'ecific 'ro$isions of P&ili''ine La%. It is a settle rule t&at as re)ars t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill( as 'ro$ie for "# Article -? +, an -=/> of t&e 0i$il 0oe( t&e national la% of t&e eceent must a''l#. T&is %as s!uarel# a''lie in t&e case of Bellis $. Bellis += S0RA /9, %&erein %e rule;8It is t&erefore e$ient t&at %&ate$er 'u"lic 'olic# or )oo customs ma# "e in$ol$e in our s#stem of le)itimes( 0on)ress &as not intene to e*ten t&e same to t&e succession of forei)n nationals. 2or it &as s'ecificall# c&osen to lea$e( inter alia( t&e amount of successional ri)&ts( to t&e eceent@s national la%. S'ecific 'ro$isions must 're$ail o$er )eneral ones. III. TESTAHENTARJ 0APA0ITJ A. &o ma# ma1e a %illF Art. 79*. All persons who are not prohibited by law may ma+e a will. (**$)
e&pressly
Art. 797. 0ersons of either se& under ei!hteen years of a!e cannot ma+e a will. (n) Art. 79#. n order to ma+e a will it is essential that the testator be of sound mind at the time of its e&ecution. (n)
bounty, and the character of the testamentary act. (n) B: re!uisite of sanity to e%ecute a will is based on the testator"s ability to $now three thins:
1. :ature of the estate to be disposed> the testator should have a fairly accurate $nowlede of what he owns. Accurate should be understood in the relative sense. The more one owns the less accurate is one"s $nowlede of his estate e%pected to be. 2enry y miht have a far less accurate picture of his economic empire than a poverty stric$en laborer.
2. 0roper ob1ects of his bounty > under ordinary circumstances& the testator should $now his relatives in the pro%imate derees. As the deree of relationship oes further& it is less li$ely that he $nows them.
3. 6haracter of the testamentary act> it is not re!uired& in order for this re!uisite to be present& that the testator $now the leal nature of a will with the erudition of a civilest. All that he need $now is that the document he is e%ecutin is one that disposes of his property upon death. T: either sic$ness& old ae& deafness& senile debility& blindness& nor poor memory is by itself sufficient to establish a presumption of lac$ of testamentary capacity& actual insanity need not e%ist in order that a person may be said to lac$ testamentary capacity. 't is enouh that the mental condition be such that there is want of understandin of the nature and conse!uences of the disposition by will. Art. #22. "he law presumes that every person is of sound mind, in the absence of proof to the contrary. "he burden of proof that the testator was not of sound mind at the time of ma+in! his dispositions is on the person who opposes the probate of the will but if the testator, one month, or less, before ma+in! his will was publicly +nown to be insane, the person who maintains the validity of the will must prove that the testator made it durin! a lucid interval. (n) Art. #2-. upervenin! incapacity does not invalidate an effective will, nor is the will of an incapable validated by the supervenin! of capacity. (n) The capacity of the person who leaves a will is to be determined as of the time of e%ecution of such will. Any prior or subse!uent incapacity will not affect the validity of the will. 't will& however& in cases of prior incapacity within 60 days from the ma$in of the will merely shift the burden of proof of capacity on the person maintainin the validity of the will. DArt. 800E
Art. 799. "o be of sound mind, it is not necessary that the testator be in full possession of all his reasonin! faculties, or that his mind be wholly unbro+en, unimpaired, or unshattered by disease, in1ury or other cause.
Art. #2$. A married woman may ma+e a will without the consent of her husband, and without the authority of the court. (n)
t shall be sufficient if the testator was able at the time of ma+in! the will to +now the nature of the estate to be disposed of, the proper ob1ects of his
Art. #2%. A married woman may dispose by will of all her separate property as well as her share of the con1u!al partnership or absolute community
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe property.
(n)
been sustained in
B. Su'er$enin) Inca'acit# Art. #2-. upervenin! incapacity does not invalidate an effective will, nor is the will of an incapable validated by the supervenin! of capacity. (n) The capacity of the person who leaves a will is to be determined as of the time of e%ecution of such will. Any prior or subse!uent incapacity will not affect the validity of the will. 't will& however& in cases of prior incapacity within 60 days from the ma$in of the will merely shift the burden of proof of capacity on the person maintainin the validity of the will. DArt. 800E
IV. SOLEHNITIES O2 ILLS A. Kins of ills Art. #2/. 4very will must be in writin! and e&ecuted in a lan!ua!e or dialect +nown to the testator. (n)
Art. #-2. A person may e&ecute a holo!raphic will which must be entirely written, dated, and si!ned by the hand of the testator himself. t is sub1ect to no other form, and may be made in or out of the 0hilippines, and need not be witnessed. (*7#, *##a) T: the followin are the advantaes of a holoraphic will: . simple and easy to ma$e for those aE who have no means to employ a lawyer& bEwho are timid and wants to reread their wills before sinin& cE those who have only very little property to dispose 5. 't induces foreiners in this urisdiction to set down their last wishes(
A 2# may be in any form& but the intent to dispose mortis causa must clearly appear in the conte%t. #hat would be the effect of words written by another and inserted amon the words written by the testator@ . if insertion was made after e%ecution bu wFo consent& such is deemed not written( 5. if the insertion was after e%ecution with the consent of testator& the will remains valid but the insertion void( 6. if insertion was after e%ecution and validated by testator by his sinature& the entire will is void because it is not wholly written by the testator himself( 4. if insertion is contemporaneous to the e%ecution the effect same as no. 6. As to date& the day& month& and year on which the will was made should be indicated therein. The day and the month& however& may be indicated by implication& so lon as the desination leaves no room for doubt as to e%act date. The validity of the holoraphic will is defeated by the fact that part of the date is printed. uch as that written on a daily planner thouh the contents are entirely written by the hand but the testator relied on the date indicated on the planner& the same is still e%trinsically void. inatures of witnesses to a 2# will not invalidate the will& but will be disrearded as a mere surplusae.
B. Notarial iils -. General Re!uirements
6. uaranties the absolute secrecy of the testamentary disposition because it is not witnessed. The disadvantaes are: . does not auranty testamentary capacity of testator( 5. no protection aainst vices of consent which may not be $nown in case of death( 6. due to faulty e%pression& it may not e%press the true will of the testator( 4. for the same reason& it can be easily concealed. /ay a blind testator ma$e a valid holoraphic will@ There is no !uestion as to notarial wills it bein allowed under the law provided the will was read twice to the testator. As to holoraphic wills& it is submitted that it may be allowed. The testator& havin written the holoraphic will by his own hand& $nows what it contains. 2e may have learned to write before he became blind& or inspite of his blindness. This view has
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Art. #2/. 4very will must be in writin! and e&ecuted in a lan!ua!e or dialect +nown to the testator. (n)
Our la% oes not reco)nie nuncu'ati$e %ills( %&ic& is one t&at is not %ritten( "ut orall# eclare "# t&e testator in &is last illness( in contem'lation of eat&( an "efore a sufficient num"er of com'etent %itnesses. T&e a"o$e re!uirement a''lies to "ot& &olo)ra'&ic an notarial. In notarial %ills it is immaterial %&o 'erforms t&e mec&anical act %ritin) t&e %ill( so lon) as t&e testator si)ns it or &as some"o# si)n &is name in &is 'resence u'on &is irection. As to t&e lan)ua)e or ialect( %&en a %ill is e*ecute in a certain 'ro$ince or localit#( in t&e ialect currentl# use in suc& 'ro$ince or localit#( t&ere arises a 'resum'tion t&at t&e testator 1ne% t&e ialect so use( in t&e a"sence of contrar# e$ience. It is not re!uire t&at t&e %ill e*'ress t&at t&e lan)ua)e is 1no%n "# t&e testator it is a fact %&ic& ma# "e 'ro$e "# e$ience aliune. T&e attestation clause of an orinar# %ill oes not &a$e to "e %ritten in a lan)ua)e or ialect 1no%n to t&e testator. It is not
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 'art of t&e testamentar# is'osition. T&e lan)ua)e use in t&e attestation clause oes not e$en &a$e to "e 1no%n to t&e %itness< it s&oul( &o%e$er( "e translate to t&em.
S"ro&a !s. +on. +onrado
Hauro Suroa( a cor'oral in t&e 4t& Infantr# of t&e .S. Arm# +P&ili''ine Scouts,( 2ort HcKinle#( marrie Harcelina Sal$aor in ->/ +'. -=( S'ec. Proc. No. 79-?,. T&e# %ere c&illess. T&e# reare a "o# name A)a'ito %&o use t&e surname Suroa an %&o consiere t&em as &is 'arents as s&o%n in &is ->4 marria)e contract %it& Nenita e Vera +'. -( Rollo of 0ADG.R. No. =9?4( '. -49( Rollo of Testate 0ase s&o%in) t&at A)a'ito %as #ears ol %&en Hauro marrie Harcelina in ->/,. Hauro ie in ->4. Harcelina( as a $eteran@s %io%( "ecame a 'ensioner of t&e 2eeral Go$ernment. T&at e*'lains %&# on &er eat& s&e &a accumulate some cas& in t%o "an1s. A)a'ito an Nenita "e)ot a c&il name Lilia %&o "ecame a meical tec&nolo)ist an %ent a"roa. A)a'ito also "ecame a solier. e %as isa"le an &is %ife Nenita %as a''ointe as &is )uarian in ->/ %&en &e %as eclare an incom'etent in S'ecial Proceein)s No. -9=7 of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial( Pasi) Branc& I +'. -?( Rollo of 0AD G.R. No. =9?4DR, In t&at connection( it s&oul "e note t&at a %oman name Arsenia e la 0ru %ante also to "e &is )uarian in anot&er 'roceein). Arsenia trie to 'ro$e t&at Nenita %as li$in) se'aratel# from A)a'ito an t&at s&e +Nenita, amitte to Harcelina t&at s&e %as unfait&ful to A)a'ito +''. ?-D?/( Recor of testate case, u)e Bien$enio A. Tan ismisse t&e secon )uarians&i' 'roceein) an confirme Nenita@s a''ointment as )uarian of A)a'ito +'. -?( Rollo of 0A case,. A)a'ito &as "een sta#in) in a $eteran@s &os'ital in San 2rancisco or Palo Alto( 0alifornia +'. 97( Recor, On a ate not inicate in t&e recor( t&e s'ouses Antonio S# an ermo)ena Talan "e)ot a c&il name Haril#n S#( %&o( %&en a fe% a#s ol( %as entruste to Arsenia e la 0ru +a''arentl# a )irl frien of A)a'ito, an %&o %as later eli$ere to Harcelina Sal$aor Suroa %&o "rou)&t &er u' as a su''ose au)&ter of A)a'ito an as &er )ranau)&ter +''. /D?( Rollo of 0ADG.R. No. SPD=9?4D R,. Haril#n use t&e surname Suroa. S&e sta#e %it& Harcelina "ut %as not le)all# ao'te "# A)a'ito. S&e marrie Oscar Herano an is resiin) at 7??? .B. Ro*as Street( Ha1ati( a''arentl# a nei)&"or of Harina PaCe( a resient of 7??9 .B. Ro*as Street. arcelina s"pposedl e7ec"ted a notarial %ill in anila on "l 1, (281, %hen she %as 81 ears old. That %ill, %hich is in English, %as th"#b #ar;ed b her. She %as illiterate. +er letters in English to the 5eterans Ad#inistration %ere also th"#b #ar;ed b her +''. /9D />( 0A Rollo,. In that %ill, arcelina be="eathed all her estate to her s"pposed grandda"ghter ariln.
On A'ril 4( Nenita file in t&e testate case an omni"us 'etition 8to set asie 'roceein)s( amit o''osition %it& counterD'etition of aministration an 'reliminar# inCunction.8 Nenita in t&at motion reiterate &er alle)ation t&at Haril#n
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%as a stran)er to Harcelina( t&at t&e %ill %as not ul# e*ecute an atteste( t&at it %as 'rocure "# means of unue influence em'lo#e "# Harina an Haril#n an t&at t&e t&um" mar1s of t&e testatri* %ere 'rocure "# frau or tric1. A"out ten mont&s later( in a $erifie com'laint ate Octo"er -(->79( file in t&is 0ourt( Nenita c&ar)e u)e onrao %it& &a$in) 'ro"ate t&e frauulent %ill of Harcelina. T&e com'lainant reiterate &er contention t&at t&e testatri* %as illiterate as s&o%n "# t&e fact t&at s&e affi*e &er t&um" mar1 to t&e %ill an t&at s&e i not 1no% En)lis&( t&e lan)ua)e in %&ic& t&e %ill %as %ritten. +In t&e ecree of 'ro"ate u)e onrao i not ma1e an# finin) t&at t&e %ill %as %ritten in a lan)ua)e 1no%n to t&e testatri*,. Nenita furt&er alle)e t&at u)e onrao( in s'ite of &is 1no%le)e t&at t&e testatri* &a a son name A)a'ito +t&e testatri*@s su''ose sole com'ulsor# an le)al &eir,( %&o %as 'reterite in t&e %ill( i not ta1e into account t&e conse!uences of suc& a 'reterition. e &ol t&at isci'linar# action s&oul "e ta1en a)ainst res'onent Cu)e for &is im'ro'er is'osition of t&e testate case %&ic& mi)&t &a$e resulte in a miscarria)e of Custice "ecause t&e eceent@s le)al &eirs an not t&e institute &eiress in t&e $oi %ill s&oul &a$e in&erite t&e eceent@s estate. A Cu)e ma# "e criminall# lia"le for 1no%in)l# renerin) an unCust Cu)ment or interlocutor# orer or renerin) a manifestl# unCust Cu)ment or interlocutor# orer "# reason of ine*cusa"le ne)li)ence or i)norance +Arts. =4 to =?( Re$ise Penal 0oe, In t&is case( res'onent Cu)e( on 'erusin) t&e %ill an notin) t&at it %as %ritten in En)lis& an %as t&um" mar1e "# an o"$iousl# illiterate testatri*( coul &a$e reail# 'ercei$e t&at t&e %ill is $oi. In t&e o'enin) 'ara)ra'& of t&e %ill( it %as state t&at En)lis& %as a lan)ua)e 8unerstoo an 1no%n8 to t&e testatri*. But in its concluin) 'ara)ra'&( it %as state t&at t&e %ill %as rea to t&e testatri* 8an translate into 2ili'ino lan)ua)e.8 +'. -?( Recor of testate case, T&at coul onl# mean t&at t&e %ill %as %ritten in a lan)ua)e not 1no%n to t&e illiterate testatri* an( t&erefore( it is $oi "ecause of t&e manator# 'ro$ision of Article 9=4 of t&e 0i$il 0oe t&at e$er# %ill must "e e*ecute in a lan)ua)e or ialect 1no%n to t&e testator. T&us( a %ill %ritten in En)lis&( %&ic& %as not 1no%n to t&e I)orot testator( is $oi an %as isallo%e +Aco' $s. Piraso( P&il. ??=, T&e &ast# 're'aration of t&e %ill is s&o%n in t&e attestation clause an notarial ac1no%le)ment %&ere Harcelina Sal$aor Suroa is re'eatel# referre to as t&e 8testator8 instea of 8testatri*.8 a res'onent Cu)e "een careful an o"ser$ant( &e coul &a$e note not onl# t&e anomal# as to t&e lan)ua)e of t&e %ill "ut also t&at t&ere %as somet&in) %ron) in institutin) t&e su''ose )ranau)&ter as sole &eiress an )i$in) not&in) at all to &er su''ose fat&er %&o %as still ali$e. 2urt&ermore( after t&e &earin) conucte "# res'onent e'ut# cler1 of court( res'onent Cu)e coul &a$e notice t&at t&e notar# %as not 'resente as a %itness. In s'ite of t&e a"sence of an o''osition( res'onent Cu)e s&oul &a$e 'ersonall# conucte t&e &earin) on t&e 'ro"ate
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe of t&e %ill so t&at &e coul &a$e ascertaine %&et&er t&e %ill %as $alil# e*ecute. ner t&e circumstances( %e fin &is ne)li)ence an ereliction of ut# to "e ine*cusa"le.
?urpose of attestin and subscribin: .
identification of the instrument(
2. protection of testator fraud and deception and other . S'ecific Re!uirements 6. Art. #25. 4very will, other than a holo!raphic will, must be subscribed at the end thereof by the testator himself or by the testator3s name written by some other person in his presence, and by his e&press direction, and attested and subscribed by three or more credible witnesses in the presence of the testator and of one another. "he testator or the person requested by him to write his name and the instrumental witnesses of the will, shall also si!n, as aforesaid, each and every pa!e thereof, e&cept the last, on the left mar!in, and all the pa!es shall be numbered correlatively in letters placed on the upper part of each pa!e. "he attestation shall state the number of pa!es used upon which the will is written, and the fact that the testator si!ned the will and every pa!e thereof, or caused some other person to write his name, under his e&press direction, in the presence of the instrumental witnesses, and that the latter witnessed and si!ned the will and all the pa!es thereof in the presence of the testator and of one another. f the attestation clause is in a lan!ua!e not +nown to the witnesses, it shall be interpreted to them. (n) T: The obect of the solemnities surroundin the e%ecution of wills is to close the door aainst bad faith and fraud& to avoid sunstitution of wills and testaments and to auranty their truth and authenticity. Therefore the laws on this subect should be interpreted in such a way as to attain these primordial ends. Both one must not lose siht of the fact that it is not the obect of the law to restrain and curtail the e%ercise of the riht to ma$e a will.
vices of consent( to ascertain the T+ of the testator
the witnesses need not even $now the contents of the will because what they attest to is the due e%ecution and the sinin of the testator. 't is presumed that a witness has the !ualifications prescribed by law& unless the contrary is established. 2is credibility depends upon the appreciation of his testimony and arises from the belief and appreciation of the court that he is tellin the truth. 2is competency arise or is re!uired to e%ist at the time of e%ecution of the will. As to order of sinin& there are two views: trict approach( The eneral rule has been& that everythin re!uired to be done by the testator in the e%ecution of a will shall precede in point of time the subscription by the attestin witness& and if the sinatures of the latter precede the sinin by the testator there is no proper attestation& and the will is void& for until the testator has sined& there is no will and nothin to attest.
ined by Testator inin is ma$in a sin& to$en& or emblem( and what that shall be depends upon the individual. The material thin is that the testator made the mar$ to authenticate the writin as his will and whatever he puts on it for that purpose will suffice. Attested and subscribed by witnesses Attestation is the act of the senses& subscription is the act of the hand( one is mental& the other is mechanical. To attest a will is to $now that it is published a such& and to certify the facts re!uired to constitute an actual leal publication( but to subscribe a paper as a will is only to write on the paper the names of the witnesses& for the sole purpose of identification. To attest as witness to a will is therefore to observe& perceive& discern& and ta$e notice of what is done in e%ecutin a will. The witness subscribe with his hand& and attest with his eyes and ears.
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to prevent another paper bein substituted for the will fraudulently( 5. so that each may be a witness of the other and( 6. to render fabrication of testimony more difficult. #hen testator is blind( when witness subscribe his will in the same room or within reasonable close pro%imity and within his hearin& they subscribe in his presence. ,vidently& the rule is that they should be within the coni-ance of his remainin senses& such that he $nows what is bein done. The testator and witnesses must sin on the left marin of every pae& the failure of all of them to sin the left marin is a fatal defect The purpose of numberin of paes is to afford a means for determini whether any sheet or pae of the will has been removed. ,%cept only when will was written on a sinle pae. An attestation clause is a memorandum of facts attendin the e%ecution of the will and is that part of the instrument
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe wherein the witnesses certify that the instrument has been e%ecuted before them& and the manner of e%ecution.
B: pecial 3e!uirements of attested wills are as follows .
The attestation clause duly sined is the best evidence as to date of sinin The law does not re!uire the attestation to be contained in a sinle clause. Thus& where a will did not contain a separate independent attestation clause& but the concludin pararaph of the body of the will was written in the tenor of an attestation& statin the facts re!uired by law to be set forth in an attestation clause& and the penultimate pararaph of the will stated the number of paes used& it was held to be sufficient thouh in the first person and sined by the testator provided it was sined by the witnesses. Any failure to state a material fact in the attestation clause will render the will null and void. )ral evidence will not cure any alleed defect because the statute of frauds does not apply to wills. The statute relates to contracts and areement only this may be cured by the oral ratification of the parties.
subscribed by the testator or his aent in his presence and by his e%press direction at the end thereof& in the presence of the witnesses 5. attested and subscribed by at least three credible witnesses in the presence of the testator and of one another(
3. the testator or his aent must sin every pae e%cept the last& on the left marin in the presence of the witnesses( 4. the witnesses must sin every pae e%cept last& on the left marin in the presence of the testator and of one another(
5. all paes numbered correlatively in letters above .
a. b. c.
9ate> in an ordinary will date is not an essential part. )nly 2# re!uires a date. either a statement of the place of e%ecution is re!uired and the absence of both facts does not invalidate the will. =. Art. #2*. 4very will must be ac+nowled!ed before a notary public by the testator and the witnesses. "he notary public shall not be required to retain a copy of the will, or file another with the ;ffice of the 6ler+ of 6ourt. (n) T: This article applies only to ordinary or attested wills. 't has no application to a holoraphic will which does not have to be witnessed. ince ac$nowledement before a notary public must be made by the testator and the witness& it is obvious that the law contemplates only ordinary wills. The sinin of the will by the testator and the witnesses& and the ac$nowledement of said will before a notary public need not be done in a sinle act unli$e the in the old code because his presence is re!uired due to the fact that he prepares the will. 1nder the present code& it is enouh that the testator and witnesses ac$nowlede to him its e%ecution for such ac$nowledement is indispensable for the validity of the will. An interval of time may elapse between the actual sinin of the will and the ac$nowledement before the notary public. 't is important also that testamentary capacity must e%ist also at the time of ac$nowledement& because this is an essential part of the e%ecution of the will. The purpose of ac$nowledement is to minimi-e fraud and undue pressure and this purpose can be attained whether ac$nowledement ta$es place at the same time at same time as the sinin or at some time thereafter. The prohibition under this article on the retention of a copy by the notary is rounded on the desire of the testator to safeuard the secrecy of the contents of the will durin the lifetime of the testator so he will not be the obect of importunities or pressure to chane his will on the part of desinin persons or relatives& or it may be that the testator wants to $eep the secret of the will durin his lifetime.
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pae( attestation clause statin: number of paes( testator or his aent under his direction sined the will and every pae thereof& in the presence of the witnesses( the witnesses witnessed and sined evry pae in the presence of testator and of one another(
ac$nowleded before a notary public
arcia !s. la C"esta
T&is is an a''eal from a ecision of t&e 0ourt of A''eals isallo%in) t&e %ill of Antero Hercao ate anuar# /( ->4/. T&e %ill is %ritten in t&e Ilocano ialect an contains t&e follo%in) attestation clause; 8e( t&e unersi)ne( "# t&ese 'resents o eclare t&at t&e fore)oin) testament of Antero Hercao %as si)ne "# &imself an also "# us "elo% &is name an of t&is attestation clause an t&at of t&e left mar)in of t&e t&ree 'a)es t&ereof. Pa)e t&ree t&e continuation of t&is attestation clause< t&is %ill is %ritten in Ilocano ialect %&ic& is s'o1en an unerstoo "# t&e testator( an it "ears t&e corres'onin) num"er in letter %&ic& com'ose of t&ree 'a)es an all of t&em %ere si)ne in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an %itnesses( an t&e %itnesses in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an all an eac& an e$er# one of us %itnesses. 8In testimon#( %&ereof( %e si)n t&is testament( t&is t&e t&ir a# of anuar#( one t&ousan nine &unre fort# t&ree( +->4/, A.:. +S)., +S).,
8NHERIANO EVANGELISTA ROSEN:O 0ORTES BIBIANA ILLEGIBLE8
+S).,
T&e %ill a''ears to &a$e "een si)ne "# Att#. 2lorentino a$ier %&o %rote t&e name of Antero Hercao( follo%e "elo% "# 8A rue)o el testaor8 an t&e name of 2lorentino a$ier. Antero Hercao is alle)e to &a$e %ritten a cross immeiatel# after &is name. T&e 0ourt of A''eals( re$ersin) t&e Cu)ment of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Ilocos Norte( rule t&at t&e attestation clause faile +-, to certif# t&at t&e %ill %as si)ne on all t&e left mar)ins of t&e t&ree 'a)es an at t&e en of t&e %ill "# Att#. 2lorentino a$ier at t&e e*'ress
31
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe re!uest of t&e testator in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an eac& an e$er# one of t&e %itnesses< +, to certif# t&at after t&e si)nin) of t&e name of t&e testator "# Att#. a$ier at t&e former@s re!uest sai testator &as %ritten a cross at t&e en of &is name an on t&e left mar)in of t&e t&ree 'a)es of %&ic& t&e %ill consists an at t&e en t&ereof< +/, to certif# t&at t&e t&ree %itnesses si)ne t&e %ill in all t&e 'a)es t&ereon in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an of eac& ot&er. In our o'inion( t&e attestation clause is fatall# efecti$e for failin) to state t&at Antero Hercao cause Att#. 2lorentino a$ier to %rite t&e testator@s name uner &is e*'ress irection( as re!uire "# section ?-9 of t&e 0oe of 0i$il Proceure. T&e &erein 'etitioner +%&o is a''ealin) "# %a# of certiorari from t&e ecision of t&e 0ourt of A''eals, ar)ues( &o%e$er( t&at t&ere is no nee for suc& recital "ecause t&e cross %ritten "# t&e testator after &is name is a sufficient si)nature an t&e si)nature of Att#. 2lorentino a$ier is a sur'lusa)e. Petitioner@s t&eor# is t&at t&e cross is as muc& a si)nature as a t&um"mar1( t&e latter &a$in) "een &el sufficient "# t&is 0ourt in t&e cases of :e Gala $s. Gonales an Ona( / P&il.( -=4< :olar $s. :iancin( P&il.( 47>< Pa#a $s. Tolentino( ? P&il.( 949< Ne#ra $s. Ne#ra( 7? P&il.( >? an Lo'e $s. Li"oro( 9- P&il.( 4>. It is not &ere 'retene t&at t&e cross a''earin) on t&e %ill is t&e usual si)nature of Antero Hercao or e$en one of t&e %a#s "# %&ic& &e si)ne &is name. After mature reflection( %e are not 're'are to li1en t&e mere si)n of a cross to a t&um"mar1( an t&e reason is o"$ious. T&e cross cannot an oes not &a$e t&e trust%ort&iness of a t&um"mar1. &at &as "een sai ma1es it unnecessar# for us to etermine %&et&er t&ere is a sufficient recital in t&e attestation clause as to t&e si)nin) of t&e %ill "# t&e testator in t&e 'resence of t&e %itnesses( an "# t&e latter in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an of eac& ot&er. &erefore( t&e a''eale ecision is &ere"# affirme( %it& costs a)ainst t&e 'etitioner. So orere. Balona !s. Abellana
A''eal from a ecision of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of am"oan)a 0it# amittin) to 'ro"ate t&e %ill of one Anacleta A"ellana. 8It a''ears on recor t&at t&e last ill an Testament +E*&i"it @A@,( %&ic& is sou)&t to "e 'ro"ate( is %ritten in t&e S'anis& lan)ua)e an consists of t%o +, t#'e%ritten 'a)es +'a)es 4 an of t&e recor, ou"le s'ace. T&e first 'a)e is si)ne "# uan Bello an uner &is name a''ears t#'e%ritten @Por la testaora Anacleta A"ellana( resience 0ertificate AD--?7?>( Enero =( ->-( 0iua e am"oan)a@( an on t&e secon 'a)e a''ears t&e si)nature of t&e t&ree +/, instrumental %itnesses Blas Se"astian( 2austino Hacaso an Rafael I)nacio( at t&e "ottom of %&ic& a''ears t&e si)nature of T. e los Santos an "elo% &is si)nature is &is official esi)nation as t&e notar# 'u"lic %&o notarie t&e sai testament. On t&e first 'a)e on t&e left mar)in of t&e sai instrument also a''ear t&e si)natures of t&e instrumental %itnesses. On t&e secon 'a)e( %&ic& is t&e last 'a)e of t&e sai last ill an Testament( also a''ears t&e si)nature of t&e t&ree +/, instrumental %itnesses an on t&at secon 'a)e on t&e left mar)in a''ears
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t&e si)nature of uan Bello uner %&ose name a''ears &an%ritten t&e follo%in) '&rase( @Por la Testaora Anacleta A"ellana@. T&e %ill is ul# ac1no%le)e "efore Notar# Pu"lic( Attorne# Timoteo e los Santos.8 +Italics su''lie., T&e 'resent la%( Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe( in 'art 'ro$ies as follo%s; 8E$er# %ill( ot&er t&an a &olo)ra'&ic %ill( must "e su"scri"e at t&e en t&ereof "# t&e testator &imself or "# t&e testator@s name %ritten "# some ot&er 'erson in &is 'resence( an "# &is e*'ress irection( an atteste an su"scri"e "# t&ree or more crei"le %itnesses in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an of one anot&er.8 +Italics su''lie., Note t&at t&e ol la% as %ell as t&e ne% re!uire t&at t&e testator &imself si)n t&e %ill( or if &e cannot o so( t&e testator@s name must "e %ritten "# some ot&er 'erson in &is 'resence an "# &is e*'ress irection. A''l#in) t&is 'ro$ision t&is 0ourt sai in t&e case of E* Parte Pero Arcenas( et al.( 4 P&il.( 7==; 8It %ill "e notice from t&e a"o$eD!uote section ?-9 of t&e 0oe of 0i$il Proceure t&at %&ere t&e testator oes not 1no% &o%( or is una"le( to si)n( it %ill not "e sufficient t&at one of t&e attestin) %itnesses si)ns t&e %ill at t&e testator@s re!uest( t&e notar# certif#in) t&ereto as 'ro$ie in article ?> of t&e 0i$il 0oe( %&ic&( in t&is res'ect( %as moifie "# section ?-9 a"o$e referre to( "ut it is necessar# t&at t&e testator@s name "e %ritten "# t&e 'erson si)nin) in &is stea in t&e 'lace %&ere &e %oul &a$e si)ne if &e 1ne% &o% or %as a"le so to o( an t&is in t&e testator@s 'resence an "# &is e*'ress irection< so t&at a %ill si)ne in a manner ifferent t&an t&at 'rescri"e "# la% s&all not "e $ali an %ill not "e allo%e to "e 'ro"ate. T&e same rulin) %as lai o%n in t&e case of 0uison $s. 0once'cion( P&il.( . In t&e case of Barut $s. 0a"acun)an( - P&il.( 4?-( %e &el t&at t&e im'ortant t&in) is t&at it clearl# a''ears t&at t&e name of t&e testatri* %as si)ne at &er e*'ress irection< it is unim'ortant %&et&er t&e 'erson %&o %rites t&e name of t&e testatri* si)ns &is o%n or not. 0ases of t&e same im'ort are as follo%s; +E* Parte uan One$illa( -/ P&il.( 47>( 0alu#a $s. :omin)o( 7 P&il.( //=< Garcia $s. Lacuesta( >= P&il.( 49>,. In t&e case at "ar t&e name of t&e testatri*( Anacleta A"ellana( oes not a''ear %ritten uner t&e %ill "# sai A"ellana &erself( or "# :r. uan A"ello. T&ere is( t&erefore( a failure to com'l# %it& t&e e*'ress re!uirement in t&e la% t&at t&e testator must &imself si)n t&e %ill( or t&at &is name "e affi*e t&ereto "# Some ot&er 'erson in &is 'resence an "# &is e*'ress irection. It a''earin) t&at t&e a"o$e 'ro$ision of t&e la% &as not "een com'lie %it&( %e are constraine to eclare t&at t&e sai %ill of t&e ecease Anacleta A"ellana ma# not "e amitte to 'ro"ate. Nera !s. -i#ando
T&e onl# !uestion raise "# t&e e$ience in t&is case as to t&e ue e*ecution of t&e instrument 'ro'oune as a %ill in t&e court "elo%( is %&et&er one of t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses %as 'resent in t&e small room %&ere it %as e*ecute at t&e time %&en t&e testator an t&e ot&er su"scri"in) %itnesses attac&e t&eir si)natures< or %&et&er at t&at time &e %as outsie( some ei)&t or ten feet a%a#( in a lar)e room
32
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe connectin) %it& t&e smaller room "# a oor%a#( across %&ic& %as &un) a curtain %&ic& mae it im'ossi"le for one in t&e outsie room to see t&e testator an t&e ot&er su"scri"in) %itnesses in t&e act of attac&in) t&eir si)natures to t&e instrument. A maCorit# of t&e mem"ers of t&e court is of o'inion t&at t&is su"scri"in) %itness %as in t&e small room %it& t&e testator an t&e ot&er su"scri"in) %itnesses at t&e time %&en t&e# attac&e t&eir si)natures to t&e instrument( an t&is finin)( of course( is'oses of t&e a''eal an necessitates t&e affirmance of t&e ecree amittin) t&e ocument to 'ro"ate as t&e last %ill an testament of t&e ecease. T&e trial Cu)e oes not a''ear to &a$e consiere t&e etermination of t&is !uestion of fact of $ital im'ortance in t&e etermination of t&is case( as &e %as of o'inion t&at uner t&e octrine lai o%n in t&e case of a"oneta $s. Gustilo + P&il. Re'.( 4-, t&e alle)e fact t&at one of t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses %as in t&e outer room %&en t&e testator an t&e ot&er escri"in) %itnesses si)ne t&e instrument in t&e inner room( &a it "een 'ro$en( %oul not "e sufficient in itself to in$aliate t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill. But %e are unanimousl# of o'inion t&at &a t&is su"scri"in) %itness "een 'ro$en to &a$e "een in t&e outer room at t&e time %&en t&e testator an t&e ot&er su"scri"in) %itnesses attac&e t&eir si)natures to t&e instrument in t&e inner room( it %oul &a$e "een in$ali as a %ill( t&e attac&in) of t&ose si)natures uner circumstances not "ein) one 8in t&e 'resence8 of t&e %itness in t&e outer room. T&is "ecause t&e line of $ision from t&is %itness to t&e testator an t&e ot&er su"scri"in) %itnesses %oul necessaril# &a$e "een im'ee "# t&e curtain se'aratin) t&e inner from t&e outer one 8at t&e moment of inscri'tion of eac& si)nature.8 In t&e case Cust cite( on %&ic& t&e trial court relie( %e &el t&at; 8T&e true test of 'resence of t&e testator an t&e %itnesses in t&e e*ecution of a %ill is not %&et&er t&e# actuall# sa% eac& ot&er si)n( "ut %&et&er t&e# mi)&t &a$e "een seen eac& ot&er si)n( &a t&e# c&osen to o so( consierin) t&eir mental an '&#sical conition an 'osition %it& relation to eac& ot&er at t&e moment of inscri'tion of eac& si)nature.8 But it is es'eciall# to "e note t&at t&e 'osition of t&e 'arties %it& relation to eac& ot&er at t&e moment of t&e su"scri'tion of eac& si)nature( must "e suc& t&at t&e# ma# see eac& ot&er si)n if t&e# c&oose to o so. T&is( of course( oes not mean t&at t&e testator an t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses ma# "e &el to &a$e e*ecute t&e instrument in t&e 'resence of eac& ot&er if it a''ears t&at t&e# %oul not &a$e "een a"le to see eac& ot&er si)n at t&at moment( %it&out c&an)in) t&eir relati$e 'ositions or e*istin) conitions. T&e e$ience in t&e case relie u'on "# t&e trial Cu)e iscloses t&at 8at t&e moment %&en t&e %itness a$ellana si)ne t&e ocument &e %as actuall# an '&#sicall# 'resent an in suc& 'osition %it& relation to a"oneta t&at &e coul see e$er#t&in) t&at too1 'lace "# merel# castin) &is e#es in t&e 'ro'er irection an %it&out an# '&#sical o"struction to 're$ent &is oin) so.8 An t&e ecision merel# lai o%n t&e octrine t&at t&e !uestion %&et&er t&e testator an t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses to an alle)e %ill si)n t&e instrument in t&e 'resence of eac& ot&er oes not e'en u'on 'roof of t&e fact t&at t&eir e#es %ere actuall# cast u'on t&e 'a'er at t&e moment of its su"scri'tion
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"# eac& of t&em( "ut t&at at t&at moment e*istin) conitions an t&eir 'osition %it& relation to eac& ot&er %ere suc& t&at "# merel# castin) t&e e#es in t&e 'ro'er irection t&e# coul &a$e seen eac& ot&er si)n. To e*ten t&e octrine furt&er %oul o'en t&e oor to t&e 'ossi"ilit# of all manner of frau( su"stitution( an t&e li1e( an %oul efeat t&e 'ur'ose for %&ic& t&is 'articular conition is 'rescri"e in t&e coe as one of t&e re!uisites in t&e e*ecution of a %ill. T&e ecree entere "# t&e court "elo% amittin) t&e instrument 'ro'oune t&erein to 'ro"ate as t&e last %ill an testament of Pero Rimano( ecease( is affirme %it& costs of t&is instance a)ainst t&e a''ellant. arcia !s. la C"esta
T&is is an a''eal from a ecision of t&e 0ourt of A''eals isallo%in) t&e %ill of Antero Hercao ate anuar# /( ->4/. T&e %ill is %ritten in t&e Ilocano ialect an contains t&e follo%in) attestation clause; 8e( t&e unersi)ne( "# t&ese 'resents o eclare t&at t&e fore)oin) testament of Antero Hercao %as si)ne "# &imself an also "# us "elo% &is name an of t&is attestation clause an t&at of t&e left mar)in of t&e t&ree 'a)es t&ereof. Pa)e t&ree t&e continuation of t&is attestation clause< t&is %ill is %ritten in Ilocano ialect %&ic& is s'o1en an unerstoo "# t&e testator( an it "ears t&e corres'onin) num"er in letter %&ic& com'ose of t&ree 'a)es an all of t&em %ere si)ne in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an %itnesses( an t&e %itnesses in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an all an eac& an e$er# one of us %itnesses. 8In testimon#( %&ereof( %e si)n t&is testament( t&is t&e t&ir a# of anuar#( one t&ousan nine &unre fort# t&ree( +->4/, A.:. +S)., +S).,
8NHERIANO EVANGELISTA ROSEN:O 0ORTES BIBIANA ILLEGIBLE8
+S).,
T&e %ill a''ears to &a$e "een si)ne "# Att#. 2lorentino a$ier %&o %rote t&e name of Antero Hercao( follo%e "elo% "# 8A rue)o el testaor8 an t&e name of 2lorentino a$ier. Antero Hercao is alle)e to &a$e %ritten a cross immeiatel# after &is name. T&e 0ourt of A''eals( re$ersin) t&e Cu)ment of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Ilocos Norte( rule t&at t&e attestation clause faile +-, to certif# t&at t&e %ill %as si)ne on all t&e left mar)ins of t&e t&ree 'a)es an at t&e en of t&e %ill "# Att#. 2lorentino a$ier at t&e e*'ress re!uest of t&e testator in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an eac& an e$er# one of t&e %itnesses< +, to certif# t&at after t&e si)nin) of t&e name of t&e testator "# Att#. a$ier at t&e former@s re!uest sai testator &as %ritten a cross at t&e en of &is name an on t&e left mar)in of t&e t&ree 'a)es of %&ic& t&e %ill consists an at t&e en t&ereof< +/, to certif# t&at t&e t&ree %itnesses si)ne t&e %ill in all t&e 'a)es t&ereon in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an of eac& ot&er. In our o'inion( t&e attestation clause is fatall# efecti$e for failin) to state t&at Antero Hercao cause Att#. 2lorentino a$ier to %rite t&e testator@s name uner &is e*'ress irection( as re!uire "# section ?-9 of t&e 0oe of 0i$il Proceure. T&e &erein 'etitioner +%&o is a''ealin) "# %a# of certiorari from t&e ecision of t&e 0ourt of A''eals, ar)ues(
33
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe &o%e$er( t&at t&ere is no nee for suc& recital "ecause t&e cross %ritten "# t&e testator after &is name is a sufficient si)nature an t&e si)nature of Att#. 2lorentino a$ier is a sur'lusa)e. Petitioner@s t&eor# is t&at t&e cross is as muc& a si)nature as a t&um"mar1( t&e latter &a$in) "een &el sufficient "# t&is 0ourt in t&e cases of :e Gala $s. Gonales an Ona( / P&il.( -=4< :olar $s. :iancin( P&il.( 47>< Pa#a $s. Tolentino( ? P&il.( 949< Ne#ra $s. Ne#ra( 7? P&il.( >? an Lo'e $s. Li"oro( 9- P&il.( 4>. It is not &ere 'retene t&at t&e cross a''earin) on t&e %ill is t&e usual si)nature of Antero Hercao or e$en one of t&e %a#s "# %&ic& &e si)ne &is name. After mature reflection( %e are not 're'are to li1en t&e mere si)n of a cross to a t&um"mar1( an t&e reason is o"$ious. T&e cross cannot an oes not &a$e t&e trust%ort&iness of a t&um"mar1. &at &as "een sai ma1es it unnecessar# for us to etermine %&et&er t&ere is a sufficient recital in t&e attestation clause as to t&e si)nin) of t&e %ill "# t&e testator in t&e 'resence of t&e %itnesses( an "# t&e latter in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an of eac& ot&er. &erefore( t&e a''eale ecision is &ere"# affirme( %it& costs a)ainst t&e 'etitioner. So orere. Taboado !s. -osal
In t&e 'etition for 'ro"ate file %it& t&e res'onent court( t&e 'etitioner attac&e t&e alle)e last %ill an testament of t&e late :orotea Pere. ritten in 0e"uanoDVisa#an ialect( t&e %ill consists of t%o 'a)es. T&e first 'a)e contains t&e entire testamentar# is'ositions an is si)ne at t&e en or "ottom of t&e 'a)e "# t&e testatri* alone an at t&e left &an mar)in "# t&e t&ree +/, instrumental %itnesses. T&e secon 'a)e %&ic& contains t&e attestation clause an t&e ac1no%le)ment is si)ne at t&e en of t&e attestation clause "# t&e t&ree -/, attestin) %itnesses an at t&e left &an mar)in "# t&e testatri*. Since no o''osition %as file after t&e 'etitioner@s com'liance %it& t&e re!uirement of 'u"lications( t&e trial court commissione t&e "ranc& cler1 of court to recei$e t&e 'etitioner@s e$ience. Accorin)l#( t&e 'etitioner su"mitte &is e$ience an 'resente Vicente Tim1an)( one of t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses to t&e %ill( %&o testifie on its )enuineness an ue e*ecution. T&e trial court( t&ru t&en Presiin) u)e Ramon 0. Pamatian issue t&e !uestione orer en#in) t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill of :orotea Pere for %ant of a formalit# in its e*ecution. In t&e same orer( t&e 'etitioner %as also re!uire to su"mit t&e names of t&e intestate &eirs %it& t&eir corres'onin) aresses so t&at t&e# coul "e 'ro'erl# notifie an coul inter$ene in t&e summar# settlement of t&e estate. T&e res'onent u)e inter'rets t&e a"o$eD!uote 'ro$ision of la% to re!uire t&at( for a notarial %ill to "e $ali( it is not enou)& t&at onl# t&e testatri* si)ns at t&e 8en8 "ut all t&e t&ree su"scri"in) %itnesses must also si)n at t&e same 'lace or at t&e en( in t&e 'resence of t&e testatri* an of one anot&er "ecause t&e attestin) %itnesses to a %ill attest not merel# t&e %ill itself "ut also t&e si)nature of t&e testator. It is not sufficient com'liance to si)n t&e 'a)e( %&ere t&e en of t&e %ill is foun( at t&e left &an mar)in of t&at 'a)e.
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On t&e ot&er &an( t&e 'etitioner maintains t&at Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe oes not ma1e it a conition 'receent or a matter of a"solute necessit# for t&e e*trinsic $aliit# of t&e %ill t&at t&e si)natures of t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses s&oul "e s'ecificall# locate at t&e en of t&e %ill after t&e si)nature of t&e testatri*. e contens t&at it %oul "e a"sur t&at t&e le)islature intene to 'lace so &ea$# an im'ort on t&e s'ace or 'articular location %&ere t&e si)natures are to "e foun as lon) as t&is s'ace or 'articular location %&erein t&e si)natures are foun is consistent %it& )oo fait& an t&e &onest frailties of &uman nature. 2or t&e $aliit# of a formal notarial %ill( oes Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe re!uire t&at t&e testatri* an all t&e t&ree instrumental an attestin) %itnesses si)n at t&e en of t&e %ill an in t&e 'resence of t&e testatri* an of one anot&erF nou"tel#( uner Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe( t&e %ill must "e su"scri"e or si)ne at its en "# t&e testator &imself or "# t&e testator@s name %ritten "# anot&er 'erson in &is 'resence( an "# &is e*'ress irection( an atteste an su"scri"e "# t&ree or more crei"le %itnesses in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an of one anot&er. It must "e note t&at t&e la% uses t&e terms atteste an su"scri"e. Attestation consists in %itnessin) t&e testator@s e*ecution of t&e %ill in orer to see an ta1e note mentall# t&at t&ose t&in)s are one %&ic& t&e statute re!uires for t&e e*ecution of a %ill an t&at t&e si)nature of t&e testator e*ists as a fact. On t&e ot&er &an( su"scri'tion is t&e si)nin) of t&e %itnesses@ names u'on t&e same 'a'er for t&e 'ur'ose of ientification of suc& 'a'er as t&e %ill %&ic& %as e*ecute "# t&e testator. +Ra)sale $. ill( ?> S >--,. Insofar as t&e re!uirement of su"scri'tion is concerne( it is our consiere $ie% t&at t&e %ill in t&is case %as su"scri"e in a manner %&ic& full# satisfies t&e 'ur'ose of ientification. T&e la% is to "e li"erall# construe( 8t&e unerl#in) an funamental o"Cecti$e 'ermeatin) t&e 'ro$isions on t&e la% on %ills in t&is 'roCect consists in t&e li"eraliation of t&e manner of t&eir e*ecution %it& t&e en in $ie% of )i$in) t&e testator more freeom in e*'ressin) &is last %is&es "ut %it& sufficient safe)uars an restrictions to 're$ent t&e commission of frau an t&e e*ercise of unue an im'ro'er 'ressure an influence u'on t&e testator. T&is o"Cecti$e is in accor %it& t&e moern tenenc# in res'ect to t&e formalities in t&e e*ecution of a %ill8 +Re'ort of t&e 0oe 0ommission( '. -=/,. T&e o"Cects of attestation an of su"scri'tion %ere full# met an satisfie in t&e 'resent case %&en t&e instrumental %itnesses si)ne at t&e left mar)in of t&e sole 'a)e %&ic& contains all t&e testamentar# is'ositions( es'eciall# so %&en t&e %ill %as 'ro'erl# ientifie "# su"scri"in) %itness Vicente Tim1an) to "e t&e same %ill e*ecute "# t&e testatri*. T&ere %as no !uestion of frau or su"stitution "e&in t&e !uestione orer. e &a$e e*amine t&e %ill in !uestion an notice t&at t&e attestation clause faile to state t&e num"er of 'a)es use in %ritin) t&e %ill. T&is %oul &a$e "een a fatal efect %ere it not for t&e fact t&at( in t&is case( it is iscerni"le from t&e entire %ill t&at it is reall# an actuall# com'ose of onl# t%o 'a)es ul# si)ne "# t&e testatri* an &er instrumental %itnesses. As earlier state( t&e first 'a)e %&ic& contains t&e entiret# of t&e testamentar# is'ositions is si)ne "# t&e
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe testatri* at t&e en or at t&e "ottom %&ile t&e instrumental %itnesses si)ne at t&e left mar)in. T&e ot&er 'a)e %&ic& is mar1e as 8Pa)ina os8 com'rises t&e attestation clause an t&e ac1no%le)ment. T&e ac1no%le)ment itself states t&at 8T&is Last ill an Testament consists of t%o 'a)es incluin) t&is 'a)e.8 T&e ratio ecieni of t&ese cases seems to "e t&at t&e attestation clause must contain a statement of t&e num"er of s&eets or 'asses com'osin) t&e %ill an t&at if t&is is missin) or is omitte( it %ill &a$e t&e effect of in$aliatin) t&e %ill if t&e eficienc# cannot "e su''lie( not "# e$ience aliune( "ut "# a consieration or e*amination of t&e %ill itself. But &ere t&e situation is ifferent. &ile t&e attestation clause oes not state t&e num"er of s&eets or 'a)es u'on %&ic& t&e %ill is %ritten( &o%e$er( t&e last 'art of t&e "o# of t&e %ill contains a statement t&at it is com'ose of ei)&t 'a)es( %&ic& circumstance in our o'inion ta1es t&is case out of t&e ri)i rule of construction an 'laces it %it&in t&e realm of similar cases %&ere a "roa an more li"eral $ie% &as "een ao'te to 're$ent t&e %ill of t&e testator from "ein) efeate "# 'urel# tec&nical consierations.8 8 . . . Im'ossi"ilit# of su"stitution of t&is 'a)e is assure not onl# +sic, t&e fact t&at t&e testatri* an t%o ot&er %itnesses( i si)n t&e efecti$e 'a)e( "ut also "# its "earin) t&e coincient im'rint of t&e seal of t&e notar# 'u"lic "efore %&om t&e testament %as ratifie "# testatri* an all t&ree %itnesses. T&e la% s&oul not "e so strictl# an literall# inter'rete as to 'enalie t&e testatri* on account of t&e ina$ertence of a sin)le %itness o$er %&ose conuct s&e &a no control( %&ere t&e 'ur'ose of t&e la% to )uarantee t&e ientit# of t&e testament an its com'onent 'a)es is sufficientl# attaine( no intentional or eli"erate e$iation e*iste( an t&e e$ience on recor attest to t&e full o"ser$ance of t&e statutor# re!uisites. Ot&er%ise( as state in Va. e Gil. $s. Hurciano( 4> Off. Ga -4>( at -47> +ecision on reconsieration, @%itnesses ma# sa"ota)e t&e %ill "# mulin) or "un)lin) it or t&e attestation clause.@8 ERE2ORE( t&e 'resent 'etition is &ere"# )rante. T&e orers of t&e res'onent 0ourt %&ic& enie t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill( t&e motion for reconsieration of t&e enial of 'ro"ate( an t&e motion for a''ointment of a s'ecial aministrator are set asie. Icasiano !s. Icasiano
T&is s'ecial 'roceein) %as "e)un on Octo"er ( ->9 "# a 'etition for t&e allo%ance an amission to 'ro"ate of t&e ori)inal( E*&i"it 8A8 as t&e alle)e %ill of osefa Villacorte( ecease( an for t&e a''ointment of 'etitioner 0elso Icasiano as e*ecutor t&ereof. T&e e$ience 'resente for t&e 'etitioner is to t&e effect t&at osefa Villacorte ie in t&e 0it# of Hanila on Se'tem"er -( ->9< t&at on une ( ->?( t&e late osefa Villacorte e*ecute a last %ill an testament in u'licate at t&e &ouse of &er au)&ter Hrs. 2elisa Icasiano at Pero Gue$ara Street( Hanila( 'u"lis&e "efore an atteste "# t&ree instrumental %itnesses( namel#; attorne#s usto P. Torres( r. an ose V. Nati$ia( an Hr. Vinicio B. :i#< t&at t&e %ill %as ac1no%le)e "# t&e testatri* an "# t&e sai t&ree instrumental %itnesses on t&e same ate "efore attorne# ose O#en)co On)( Notar# Pu"lic in an for t&e 0it# of Hanila< an t&at t&e %ill %as actuall# 're'are "# attorne# 2ermin Samson( %&o %as also 'resent urin) t&e e*ecution
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an si)nin) of t&e eceent@s last %ill an testament( to)et&er %it& former Go$ernor Emilio Rustia of Bulacan( u)e Ramon Icasiano an a little )irl. Of t&e sai t&ree instrumental %itnesses to t&e e*ecution of t&e eceent@s last %ill an testament( attorne#s Torres an Nati$ia %ere in t&e P&ili''ines at t&e time of t&e &earin)( an "ot& testifie as to t&e ue e*ecution an aut&enticit# of t&e sai %ill. So i t&e Notar# Pu"lic "efore %&om t&e %ill %as ac1no%le)e "# t&e testatri* an attestin) %itnesses( an also attorne#s 2ermin Samson( %&o actuall# 're'are t&e ocument. T&e latter also testifie u'on cross e*amination t&at &e 're'are one ori)inal an t%o co'ies of osefa Villacorte last %ill an testament at &is &ouse in Baliua)( Bulacan( "ut &e "rou)&t onl# one ori)inal an one si)ne co'# to Hanila( retainin) one unsi)ne co'# in Bulacan. T&e recors s&o% t&at t&e ori)inal of t&e %ill( %&ic& %as surrenere simultaneousl# %it& t&e filin) of t&e 'etition an mar1e as E*&i"it 8A8 consists of fi$e 'a)es( an %&ile si)ne at t&e en an in e$er# 'a)e( it oes not contain t&e si)nature of one of t&e attestin) %itnesses( Att#. ose V. Nati$ia( on 'a)e t&ree +/, t&ereof< "ut t&e u'licate co'# attac&e to t&e amene an su''lemental 'etition an mar1e as E*&i"it 8AD-8 is si)ne "# t&e testatri* an &er t&ree attestin) %itnesses in eac& an e$er# 'a)e. itness Nati$ia %&o testifie on &is failure to si)n 'a)e t&ree +/, of t&e ori)inal( amits t&at &e ma# &a$e lifte t%o 'a)es instea of one %&en &e si)ne t&e same( "ut affirme t&at 'a)e t&ree +/, %as si)ne in &is 'resence. e &a$e e*amine t&e recor an are satisfie( as t&e trial court %as( t&at t&e testatri* si)ne "ot& ori)inal an u'licate co'ies +E*&i"its 8A8 an 8AD-8( res'ecti$el#, of t&e %ill s'ontaneousl#( on t&e same in t&e 'resence of t&e t&ree attestin) %itnesses( t&e notar# 'u"lic %&o ac1no%le)e t&e %ill< an Att#. Samson( %&o actuall# 're'are t&e ocuments< t&at t&e %ill an its u'licate %ere e*ecute in Ta)alo)( a lan)ua)e 1no%n to an s'o1en "# "ot& t&e testator an t&e %itnesses( an rea to an "# t&e testatri* an Att#. 2ermin Samson( to)et&er "efore t&e# %ere actuall# si)ne< t&at t&e attestation clause is also in a lan)ua)e 1no%n to an s'o1en "# t&e testatri* an t&e %itnesses. T&e o'inion of e*'ert for o''ositors( Hr. 2eli'e Lo)an( t&at t&e si)natures of t&e testatri* a''earin) in t&e u'licate ori)inal %ere not %ritten "# t&e same &a %&ic& %rote t&e si)natures in t&e ori)inal %ill lea$es us uncon$ince( not merel# "ecause it is irectl# contraicte "# e*'ert Hartin Ramos for t&e 'ro'onents( "ut 'rinci'all# "ecause of t&e 'aucit# of t&e stanars use "# &im to su''ort t&e conclusion t&at t&e ifferences "et%een t&e stanar an !uestione si)natures are "e#on t&e %riter@s ran)e of normal scri'tural $ariation. T&e e*'ert &as( in fact( use as stanars onl# t&ree ot&er si)natures of t&e testatri* "esies t&ose affi*e to t&e ori)inal of t&e testament +E*&. A,< an %e feel t&at %it& so fe% stanars t&e e*'ert@s o'inion an t&e si)natures in t&e u'licate coul not "e t&ose of t&e testatri* "ecomes e*tremel# &aarous. T&is is 'articularl# so since t&e com'arison c&arts Nos. / an 4 fail to s&o% con$incin)l# t&at t&e are raical ifferences t&at %oul Custif# t&e c&ar)e of for)er#( ta1in) into account t&e a$ance a)e of t&e testatri*( t&e e$ient $aria"ilit# of &er si)natures( an t&e effect of %ritin) fati)ue( t&e u'licate "ein) si)ne ri)&t t&e ori)inal. T&ese( factors %ere not iscusse "# t&e e*'ert. Nor o %e fin ae!uate e$ience of frau or unue influence. T&e fact t&at some &eirs are more fa$ore t&an ot&ers is 'roof of neit&er +see In re Butali( -= P&il. 7< Bu)nao $s. "a)( -4 P&il. -?/< Pecson $s. 0oronal( 4 P&il.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe -?,. :i$ersit# of a''ortionment is t&e usual reason for ma1in) a testament< ot&er%ise( t&e eceent mi)&t as %ell ie intestate. T&e testamentar# is'ositions t&at t&e &eirs s&oul not in!uire into ot&er 'ro'ert# an t&at t&e# s&oul res'ect t&e istri"ution mae in t&e %ill( uner 'enalt# of forfeiture of t&eir s&ares in t&e free 'art o not suffice to 'ro$e frau or unue influence. T&e# a''ear moti$ate "# t&e esire to 're$ent 'rolon)e liti)ation %&ic&( as s&o%n "# orinar# e*'erience( often results in a siea"le 'ortion of t&e estate "ein) i$erte into t&e &ans of nonD&eirs an s'eculators. &et&er t&ese clauses are $ali or not is a matter to "e liti)ate on anot&er occassion. It is also %ell to note t&at( as remar1e "# t&e 0ourt of A''eals in Sieco $s. Sieco( 4 Off. Ga. -?9( frau an unue influence are mutuall# re'u)nant an e*clue eac& ot&er< t&eir Coinin) as )rouns for o''osin) 'ro"ate s&o%s a"sence of efinite e$ience a)ainst t&e $aliit# of t&e %ill. On t&e !uestion of la%( %e &ol t&at t&e ina$ertent failure of one %itness to affi* &is si)nature to one 'a)e of a testament( ue to t&e simultaneous liftin) of t%o 'a)es in t&e course of si)nin)( is not 'er se sufficient to Custif# enial of 'ro"ate. Im'ossi"ilit# of su"stitution of t&is 'a)e is assure not onl# t&e fact t&at t&e testatri* an t%o ot&er %itnesses i si)n t&e efecti$e 'a)e( "ut also "# its "earin) t&e coincient im'rint of t&e seal of t&e notar# 'u"lic "efore %&om t&e testament %as ratifie "# testatri* an all t&ree %itnesses. T&e la% s&oul not "e so strictl# an literall# inter'rete as to 'enalie t&e testatri* on account of t&e ina$ertence of a sin)le %itness o$er %&ose conuct s&e &a no control( %&ere t&e 'ur'ose of t&e la% to )uarantee t&e ientit# of t&e testament an its com'onent 'a)es is sufficientl# attaine( no intentional or eli"erate e$iation e*iste( an t&e e$ience on recor attests to t&e full o"ser$ance of t&e statutor# re!uisites. Ot&er%ise( as state in Va. e Gil. $s. Hurciano( 4> Off. Ga. -4>( at -47> +ecision on reconsieration, 8%itnesses ma# sa"ota)e t&e %ill "# mulin) or "un)lin) it or t&e attestation clause8. T&is %oul not "e t&e first time t&at t&is 0ourt e'arts from a strict an literal a''lication of t&e statutor# re!uirements( %&ere t&e 'ur'oses of t&e la% are ot&er%ise satisfie. T&us( es'ite t&e literal tenor of t&e la%( t&is 0ourt &as &el t&at a testament( %it& t&e onl# 'a)e si)ne at its foot "# testator an %itnesses( "ut not in t&e left mar)in( coul ne$ert&eless "e 'ro"ate +A"an)an $s. A"an)an( 4- P&il. 47?,< an t&at es'ite t&e re!uirement for t&e correlati$e letterin) of t&e 'a)es of a %ill( t&e failure to ma1e t&e first 'a)e eit&er "# letters or num"ers is not a fatal efect +Lo'e $s. Li"oro( 9P&il. 4>,. T&ese 'receents e*em'lif# t&e 0ourt@s 'olic# to re!uire satisfaction of t&e le)al re!uirements in orer to )uar a)ainst frau an "i fait& "ut %it&out unue or unnecessar# curtailment of t&e testamentar# 'ri$ile)e. T&e a''ellants also ar)ue t&at since t&e ori)inal of t&e %ill is in e*istence an a$aila"le( t&e u'licate +E*&. AD-, is not entitle to 'ro"ate. Since t&e# o''ose 'ro"ate of ori)inal "ecause it lac1e one si)nature in its t&ir 'a)e( it is easil# iscerne t&at o''ositorsDa''ellants run &ere into a ilemma< if t&e ori)inal is efecti$e an in$ali( t&en in la% t&ere is no ot&er %ill "ut t&e ul# si)ne car"on u'licate +E*&. AD-,( an t&e same is 'ro"ata"le. If t&e ori)inal is $ali an can "e 'ro"ate( t&en t&e o"Cection to t&e si)ne u'licate nee not "e consiere( "ein) su'erfluous an irrele$ant. At an# rate( sai u'licate( E*&i"it AD-( ser$es to 'ro$e t&at t&e omission of one si)nature in t&e t&ir 'a)e of t&e ori)inal testament %as ina$ertent an not intentional.
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T&at t&e car"on u'licate( E*&i"it AD-( %as 'rouce an amitte %it&out a ne% 'u"lication oes not affect t&e Curisiction of t&e 'ro"ate court( alrea# conferre "# t&e ori)inal 'u"lication of t&e 'etition for 'ro"ate. T&e amene 'etition i not su"stantiall# alter t&e one first file( "ut merel# su''lemente it "# isclosin) t&e e*istence of t&e u'licate( an no s&o%in) is mae t&at ne% interests %ere in$ol$e +t&e contents of E*&i"it A an AD- are amittel# ientical,< an a''ellants %ere ul# notifie of t&e 'ro'ose amenment. It is no%&ere 'ro$e or claime t&at t&e amenment e'ri$e t&e a''ellants of an# su"stantial ri)&t( an %e see no error in amittin) t&e amene 'etition. IN VIE O2 TE 2OREGOING( t&e ecision a''eale from is affirme Cr"& !s. 5illasor
Petition to re$ie% on certiorari t&e Cu)ment of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0e"u allo%in) t&e 'ro"ate of t&e last %ill an testament of t&e late Valente . 0ru. PetitionerD a''ellant A)a'ita N. 0ru( t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse of t&e sai ecease( o''ose t&e allo%ance of t&e %ill +E*&i"it 8E8,( alle)in) t&at t&e %ill %as e*ecute t&rou)& frau( eceit( misre'resentation an unue influence< t&at t&e sai instrument %as e*ecute %it&out t&e testator &a$in) "een full# informe of t&e contents t&ereof( 'articularl# as to %&at 'ro'erties &e %as is'osin)< an t&at t&e su''ose last %ill an testament %as not e*ecute in accorance %it& la%. Not%it&stanin) &er o"Cection( t&e 0ourt allo%e t&e 'ro"ate of t&e sai last %ill an testament. ence t&is a''eal "# certiorari %&ic& %as )i$en ue course. T&e onl# !uestion 'resente for etermination( on %&ic& t&e ecision of t&e case &in)es( is %&et&er t&e su''ose last %ill an testament of Valente . 0ru +E*&i"it 8E8, %as e*ecute in accorance %it& la%( 'articularl# Articles 9= an 9=? of t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe( t&e first re!uirin) at least t&ree crei"le %itnesses to attest an su"scri"e to t&e %ill( an t&e secon re!uirin) t&e testator an t&e %itnesses to ac1no%le)e t&e %ill "efore a notar# 'u"lic. Of t&e t&ree instrumental %itnesses t&ereto( namel#( :eo)racias T. amaoas( r.( :r. 2rancisco Paares( an Att#. An)el . Te$es( r.( one of t&em( t&e last name( is at t&e same time t&e Notar# Pu"lic "efore %&om t&e %ill %as su''ose to &a$e "een ac1no%le)e. After %ei)&in) t&e merits of t&e conflictin) claims of t&e 'arties( e are incline to sustain t&at of t&e a''ellant t&at t&e last %ill an testament in !uestion %as not e*ecute in accorance %it& la%. T&e notar# 'u"lic "efore %&om t&e %ill %as ac1no%le)e cannot "e consiere as t&e t&ir instrumental %itness since &e cannot ac1no%le)e "efore &imself &is &a$in) si)ne t&e %ill. To ac1no%le)e "efore means to a$o% +a$ellana $. Leesma( >7 P&il. 9( ?< 0astro $ 0astro( -== P&il. />( 47,< to o%n as )enuine( to assent( to amit< an 8"efore8 means in front or 'recein) in s'ace or a&ea of. +T&e Ne% e"ster Enc#clo'eic :ictionar# of t&e En)lis& Lan)ua)e( '. 7< 2un1 U a)nalls Ne% Stanar :ictionar# of t&e En)lis& Lan)ua)e( '. < e"ster@s Ne% International :ictionar# . '. 4., 0onse!uentl#( if t&e t&ir %itness %ere t&e notar# 'u"lic &imself( &e %oul &a$e to a$o%( assent( or amit &is &a$in) si)ne t&e %ill in front of &imself. T&is cannot "e one "ecause &e cannot s'lit &is 'ersonalit# into t%o so t&at one %ill a''ear "efore t&e ot&er to ac1no%le)e &is 'artici'ation in t&e ma1in) of t&e %ill. To 'ermit suc& a situation to o"tain %oul "e sanctionin) a s&eer a"surit#.
36
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 2urt&ermore( t&e function of a notar# 'u"lic is( amon) ot&ers( to )uar )uar a)ai a)ains nstt an# an# ille ille)a )all or immo immora rall arra arran) n)em emen ents ts.. Balinon $. :e Leon( = O. G. 9/., T&at function %oul "e efeate if t&e notar# 'u"lic %ere one of t&e attestin) or instrumental %itnesses. 2or t&em &e %oul "e intereste in sustainin) t&e $aliit# of t&e %ill as it irectl# in$ol$es &imself an t&e $aliit# of &is o%n act. It %oul 'lace &im in an incon nconsi sist ste ent 'osi 'ositi tion on an an t&e t&e $er# $er# 'ur' 'ur'os ose e of t&e t&e ac1no%le)ment( %&ic& is to minimie frau +Re'ort of t&e 0oe 0ommission '. -=?D-=7,( %oul "e t&%arte. T&ese aut&o aut&ori ritie ties s o not not ser$ ser$e e t&e 'ur'os 'ur'ose e of t&e t&e la% la% in t&is t&is Curisiction or are not ecisi$e of t&e issue &erein( "ecause t&e notaries 'u"lic an %itnesses referre to in t&e aforecite cases merel# acte as instrumental( su"scri"in) or attestin) %itnesses( an not as ac1no%le)in) %itnesses. ere t&e notar# 'u"lic acte not onl# as attestin) %itness "ut also as ac1no%le)in) %itness( a situation not en$isa)e "# Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe. To allo% t&e notar# 'u"lic to act as t&ir %itness( or one of t&e attestin) an ac1no%le)in) %itnesses( %oul &a$e t&e effect of &a$in) onl# t%o attestin) %itnesses to t&e %ill %&ic& %oul "e in contra$ention of t&e 'ro$isions of Article 9= re!uirin) at least t&ree crei"le %itnesses to act as suc& an of Artic Article le 9=? 9=? %&ic %&ic& & re!u re!uir ires es t&at t&at t&e t&e testa testato torr an an t&e t&e re!uire num"er of %itnesses must a''ear "efore t&e notar# 'u"lic to ac1no%le)e t&e %ill. T&e result %oul "e( as &as "een "een sai( sai( t&at onl# t%o %itnes %itnesses ses a''eare a''eare "efore "efore t&e notar# 'u"lic for t&at 'ur'ose. In t&e circumstances( t&e la% %oul not "e ul# o"ser$e. ab"can !s. anta
T&is case is a"out t&e ismissal of a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of a notarial %ill on t&e )roun t&at it oes not "ear a t&irt#D centa$o ocumentar# stam'. T&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0ami)uin in its 8ecision8 of :ecem"er 9( ->77 in S'ecial Proceein) No. 4- for t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill of t&e late Ro)aciano Ga"ucan( ismisse t&e 'roceein) +erroneousl# c&aracteries as an 8action8,. T&e T&e 'roc 'rocee eei in) n) %as %as ism ismis isse se "ecau "ecause se t&e t&e re!u re!uis isit ite e ocu ocume ment ntar ar# # stam stam' ' %as %as not not affi affi*e *e to t&e t&e nota notari rial al ac1n ac1no% o%le le) )me ment nt in t&e t&e %ill %ill an( an( &enc &ence( e( accor accori in) n) to res'on res'onen entt T&e 'ro"at 'ro"ate e court court assume assume t&at t&at t&e notaria notariall ac1no% ac1no%le le)me )ment nt of t&e sai %ill %ill is su"Cec su"Cectt to t&e t&irt#D t&irt#D centa$o ocumentar# stam' ta* fi*e in section of t&e Ta* 0oe( no% section /7 of t&e ->77 Ta* 0oe. u)e( it %as not amissi"le in e$ience( citin) section /9 of t&e Ta* 0oe. e &ol t&at t&e lo%er court manifestl# erre in eclarin) t&at( "ecause no ocumentar# stam' %as affi*e to t&e %ill( t&er t&ere e %as %as 8no 8no %ill %ill an an test testam amen entt to 'ro" 'ro"at ate8 e8 an( an( conse! conse!uen uentl# tl#(( t&e alle)e alle)e 8actio 8action n must of necessi necessit# t# "e ismisse.8 &at t&e 'ro"ate court s&oul &a$e one %as to re!uire t&e 'etitioner 'etitioner or 'ro'onent 'ro'onent to affi* t&e re!uisite re!uisite t&irt#Dcenta$o t&irt#Dcenta$o ocumentar# stam' to t&e notarial ac1no%le)ment of t&e %ill %&ic& is t&e ta*a"le 'ortion of t&at ocument. T&at 'roceure ma# "e im'lie from t&e 'ro$ision of section /9 t&at t&e nonDamissi"ilit# of t&e ocument( %&ic& oes not "ear t&e re!uisite ocumentar# stam'( su"sists onl# 8until t&e re!uisite stam' or stam's s&all &a$e "een affi*e t&ereto an cancelle.8 T&us( it %as &el t&at t&e ocumentar# stam' ma# "e affi*e at t&e time t&e ta*a"le ocument is 'resente in e$ience
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+:el 0astillo $s. Harilea( 4> P&il. 74>, If t&e 'romissor# note oes not "ear a ocumentar# stam'( t&e court s&oul &a$e &a$e allo%e allo%e 'laint 'laintiff@ iff@s s tener tener of a stam' stam' to su''l# su''l# t&e eficienc#. +Rori)ue $s. Hartine( P&il. ?7( 7-. Note t&e &olin) in Aarra)a $s. Rori)ue( > P&il. ?/7( t&at t&e lac1 of t&e ocumentar# stam' on a ocument oes not in$aliate suc& suc& ocu ocume ment nt.. See See 0ia. 0ia. Gene Genera rall e Ta"a Ta"aco cos s $s. $s. eanCa!uet( - P&il. ->( =-D an :el)ao an 2i)ueroa $s. Amena"ar( -? P&il. 4=/( 4=D?.,
a!ellana !s. Ledes#a
B# orer of ul# /( ->/( t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Iloilo amitte to 'ro"ate t&e ocuments in t&e Visa#an ialect( mar1e E*&i"its : an E( as t&e testament an coicil ul# e*ecute e*ecute "# t&e ecease :a. A'olinaria A'olinaria Leesma Va. e a$e a$ell llan ana( a( on Harc Harc& & /=( /=( ->= ->=(( an an Ha# Ha# >( >( -> ->(( res'ec res'ecti$ ti$el# el#(( %it& %it& Ramon Ramon Ta"ian Ta"iana( a( Gloria Gloria Hontin Hontinola ola e Ta"iana Ta"iana an Vicente Ja' as %itnesses. %itnesses. T&e contestant( contestant( :a. Hatea Leesma( sister an nearest sur$i$in) relati$e of sai ecease( a''eale from t&e ecision( insistin) t&at t&e sai e*&i"its %ere not e*ecute in conformit# %it& la%. T&e a''eal %as mae irectl# to t&is 0ourt "ecause t&e $alue of t&e 'ro'erties in$ol$e e*ceee t%o &unre t&ousan 'esos. Ori)inall# t&e o''osition to t&e 'ro"ate also c&ar)e t&at t&e test testat atri ri* * lac1 lac1e e test testam amen enta tar# r# ca'a ca'aci cit# t# an an t&at t&at t&e t&e is'ositions %ere 'rocure t&rou)& unue influence. T&ese )rouns %ere a"anone at t&e &earin) in t&e court "elo%( %&er %&ere e t&e t&e issu issue e %as %as conc concen entr trate ate into into t&ree t&ree s'ec s'ecifi ific c !uestions; +-, %&et&er t&e testament of ->= %as e*ecute "# t&e testatri* in t&e 'resence of t&e instrumental %itnesses< +, %&et&er t&e ac1no%le)ment clause %as si)ne an t&e notarial seal affi*e "# t&e notar# %it&out t&e 'resence of t&e testatri* an t&e %itnesses< an +/, if so( %&et&er t&e coicil %as %as t&er t&ere" e"# # ren rener ere e in$a in$alili an an inef ineffe fecti cti$e $e.. T&es T&ese e !uestions are t&e same ones 'resente to us for resolution. T&e contestant ar)ues t&at t&e 0ourt "elo% erre in refusin) creen creence ce to &er %itnes %itnesses ses Haria Haria Paero Paero)ao )ao an Vial Vial Allao( coo1 an ri$er( res'ecti$el#( of t&e ecease A'olinaria Leesma. Bot& testifie t&at on Harc& /=( ->=( t&e# sa% an &ear Vicente Ja' +one of t&e %itnesses to t&e %ill %ill,, info inform rm t&e t&e ece eceas ase e t&at t&at &e &a &a "rou "rou) )&t t&e t&e 8testamento8 an ur)e &er to )o to attorne# Ta"iana@s office to si)n it< t&at :a. A'olinaria manifeste t&at s&e coul not )o( "ecause s&e %as not feelin) %ell< an t&at u'on Ja'@s insistence t&at t&e %ill &a to "e si)ne in t&e attorne#@s office an not else%&ere( t&e ecease too1 t&e 'a'er an si)ne it in t&e 'resence of Ja' alone( an returne it %it& t&e statement t&at no one %oul !uestion it "ecause t&e 'ro'ert# in$ol$e %as e*clusi$el# &ers. At an# rate( as o"ser$ e "# t&e 0ourt "elo%( %&et&er or not t&e notar# si)ne t&e certification certification of ac1no%le)me ac1no%le)ment nt in t&e 'resence of t&e testatri* an t&e %itnesses( oes not affect t&e $aliit# of t&e coicil. nli1e t&e 0oe of -99> +Art. ?>>,( t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe oes not re!uire t&at t&e si)nin) of t&e testator( %itnesses an notar# s&oul "e accom'lis&e in one sin)le act. A com'arison of Articles 9= an 9=? of t&e ne% 0i$il 0i$il 0oe 0oe re$eal re$eals s t&at t&at %&ile %&ile testato testatorr an %itnes %itnesses ses must si)n in t&e 'resence of eac& ot&er( all t&at is t&ereafter re!uire is t&at 8e$er# %ill must "e ac1no%le)e "efore a notar# 'u"lic "# t&e testator an t&e %itnesses8 +Art. 9=?,< i.e.( t&at t&e latter s&oul a$o% to t&e certif#in) officer t&e aut&enticit# aut&enticit# of t&eir si)natures si)natures an t&e $oluntariness $oluntariness of t&eir actions in e*ecutin) t&e testamentar# is'osition. T&is %as
37
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe one in t&e case "efore us. T&e su"se!uent si)nin) an sealin) "# t&e notar# of &is certification t&at t&e testament %as ul# ac1no%le)e "# t&e 'artici'ants t&erein is no 'art of t&e ac1no% ac1no%le le)me )ment nt itself itself nor of t&e testame testamentar ntar# # act. act. ence t&eir se'arate e*ecution out of t&e 'resence of t&e testatri* an &er %itnesses can not "e sai to $iolate t&e rule t&at testaments s&oul "e com'lete com'lete %it&out interru'tion interru'tion +Anal +Analis is $s. Pul)ueras Pul)ueras(( > P&il. P&il. ?4/,( ?4/,( or( as t&e Roman ma*im 'uts it( 8uno eoem ie ac tem'ore in eaem loco8( an no re$ersi"le error %as committe "# t&e 0ourt in so &olin). It is note%ort&# t&at Article 9=? of t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe oes not contain %ors re!uirin) t&at t&e testator an t&e %itnesses s&oul ac1no%le)e t&e testament on t&e same a# or occasion t&at it %as e*ecute. T&e ecision amittin) t&e %ill to 'ro"ate is affirme( %it& costs a)ainst a''ellant. #itnesses to a will d.
who who are are comp compet eten ent@ t@
T: these are witnesses under an ordinary will. B: i% !ualifications of a witness: . sound mind( 5. 8 years of ae( 6. not blind& deaf or dumb&( 4. literateor able to read and write( domicile in the ?hilippines(. not convicted of a crime involvin& falsification& perury& or false testimony. Art. #$-. "he followin! are disqualified from bein! witnesses to a will not
domiciled
in
the
($) ($) "hos "hose e who who have have been been conv conviicted cted of falsification of a document, per1ury or false testimony. (n) T: The law re!uir re!uires es that that the witness witness be domici domiciled led in the ?hilippines mere residence is not sufficient. 9omicile under Art. 70& Art. 70. or the e%ercise of civil rihts and the fulfillment of civil obliations& the domicile of natural persons is the place of their habitual residence. D40aE 3atio of domicile re!uirement: . 5.
As to conviction of perury& falsification& and false testimony& it is presumed that such witness cannot be relied upon fot truthfulness. +onviction for any other crime& however& is not a dis!ualification The notary public before whom the will was ac$nowleded cannot act as witness because he cannot ac$nowlede before himse himself lf his havin havin sined sined the will( this cannot cannot be done done because it would place him in an inconsistent position and the the very very purp purpos osee of the the ac$n ac$now owle lede deme ment nt&& whic which h is to minimi-e fraud would be thwarted. Art. #$/. A mere char!e on the estate of the testator for for the the paym paymen entt of debt debts s due due at the time time of the the testator3s death does not prevent his creditors from bein! competent witnesses witnesses to his will. (n) B: Because This is not a testamentary disposition
Art. #$2. Any person of sound mind and of the a!e of ei!hteen years or more, and not bind, deaf or dumb, and able to read and write, may be a witness to the e&ecution of a will mentioned in Article #25 of this 6ode. (n)
(-) Any person 0hilippines
There is citi-enship re!uirement only domicile re!uirement. ,ven aliens may witness as lon as they are domiciled here.
avai availa labi bili lity ty of witnes witnesss when will will is proba probate ted d if the the same is within the ?hilippines( witness witness domi domicil ciled ed in the the ?hilip ?hilippin pines es more more li$ely li$ely to $now $now the the test testat ator or and and be ablr ablr to test testif ify y on his his mental condition at the time of e%ecution of the will.
,%cept of course if the will was e%ecuted in a forein country the domicile re!uirement does not apply.
on&ales !s. CA
T&is is a 'etition for re$ie% of t&e ecision of t&e 0ourt of A''eals( 2irst :i$ision( - 'romul)ate on Ha# 4( ->7/ in 0ADG. R. No. /?/DR %&ic& re$erse t&e ecision of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial ate :ecem"er -( ->?4 an allo%e t&e 'ro"ate of t&e last %ill an testament of t&e ecease Isa"el Ga"riel. It a''ears t&at on une 4( ->?-( &erein 'ri$ate res'onent Lut)ar Lut)ara a Santia Santia)o )o file file a 'etitio 'etition n %it& %it& t&e 0ourt of 2irst 2irst Instance of Rial oc1ete as S'ecial Proceein)s No. /?-7( for t&e 'ro"ate of a %ill alle)e to &a$e "een e*ecute "# t&e ecease Isa"el Ga"riel an esi)natin) t&erein 'etitioner as t&e 'rinci'al "eneficiar# an e*ecutri*. T&ere is no is'ute in t&e recors t&at t&e late Isa"el Anres Ga"riel ie as a %io% an %it&out issue in t&e munici'alit# of Na$otas( 'ro$ince of Rial &er 'lace of resience( on une 7( ->?- at t&e a)e of ei)&t#Dfi$e +9,( &a$in) "een "orn in -97?. -97?. It is li1e%i li1e%ise se not contro contro$er $erte te t&at t&at &erein &erein 'ri$at 'ri$ate e res'onent Lut)ara Santia)o an 'etitioner Rialina Ga"riel Gonal Gonales es are nieces of t&e eceas ecease( e( an t&at t&at 'ri$at 'ri$ate e res'onent( %it& &er &us"an an c&ilren( li$e %it& t&e ecease at t&e latter@s resience 'rior an u' to t&e time of &er eat&. T&e 'etiti 'etition on %as o''ose o''ose "# Riali Rialina na Ga"rie Ga"riell Gonal Gonales( es( &erein 'etitioner( assailin) t&e ocument 'ur'ortin) to "e t&e %ill of t&e ecease on t&e follo%in) )rouns; 2rom 2rom t&is t&is Cu)me Cu)ment nt of isall isallo%a o%ance nce(( Lut)ar Lut)ara a Santia Santia)o )o a''eale to res'onent 0ourt( &ence( t&e onl# issue ecie on a''e a''eal al %as %as %&et %&et&e &err or not not t&e %ill in !ues !uesti tion on %as %as e*ecut e*ecute e an atteste atteste as re!uir re!uire e "# la%. la%. T&e 0ourt of A''eals( u'on consieration of t&e e$ience auce "# "ot& 'arties( renere t&e ecision no% uner re$ie%( &olin) t&at t&e %ill in !uestion %as si)ne an e*ecute "# t&e ecease Isa"el Ga"riel on A'ril -( ->?- in t&e 'resence of t&e t&ree attestin) %itnesses( Hatile Oro"ia( 0elso Gim'a#a an Haria Gim'a#a( si)nin) an %itnessin) t&e ocument in t&e 'resence of t&e ecease an of eac& ot&er as re!uire "# la%( &ence allo%e 'ro"ate. Peti Petiti tion oner er(( in &er &er firs firstt assi assi)n )nme ment nt(( cont conten ens s t&at t&at t&e res' res'on one ent nt 0our 0ourtt of A''e A''eal als s erre erre in &ol &olin in) ) t&at t&at t&e t&e
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38
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe ocu ocumen ment( t( E*&i" E*&i"it it 828( 828( %as %as e*ec e*ecute ute an an atte atteste ste as re!uire "# la% %&en t&ere %as a"solutel# no 'roof t&at t&e t&ree instrumental %itnesses %ere crei"le %itnesses. S&e ar)ues t&at t&e re!uirement in Article 9=?( 0i$il 0oe( t&at t&e %itnesses must "e crei"le is an a"solute re!uirement %&ic& must "e com'lie %it& "efore an alle)e last %ill an testa testamen mentt ma# ma# "e ami amitte tte to 'ro" 'ro"at ate e an an t&at t&at to "e a crei"le %itness( t&ere must "e e$ience on recor t&at t&e %itness &as a )oo stanin) in &is communit#( or t&at &e is &onest an u'ri)&t( or re'ute to "e trust%ort&# an relia"le. Accorin) to 'etitioner( unless t&e !ualifications of t&e %itnes %itness s are first first esta"l esta"lis& is&e( e( &is testimo testimon# n# ma# not "e fa$ora fa$ora"l# "l# consi consiere ere. . Petiti Petitione onerr conten contens s t&at t&at t&e term 8crei"le8 8crei"le8 is not s#non#mous s#non#mous %it& 8com'etent8 for a %itness %itness ma# "e com'etent uner Article 9= an 9- of t&e 0i$il 0oe an still not "e crei"le as re!uire "# Article 9= of t&e same 0oe. It is furt&er ur)e t&at t&e term 8crei"le8 as use in t&e 0i$il 0oe s&oul recei$e t&e same settle an %ellD1no%n meanin) it &as uner t&e Naturaliation La%( t&e latte latterr "ein "ein) ) a 1in 1inre re le)i le)isl slat atio ion n %it& %it& t&e t&e 0i$i 0i$ill 0oe 0oe 'ro$is 'ro$ision ions s on %ills %ills %it& %it& res'ec res'ectt to t&e !ualif !ualifica icatio tions ns of %itnesses. e fin no merit to 'etitioner@s first assi)nment of error. Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe 'ro$ies t&e !ualifications of a %itness to t&e e*ecution of %ills %&ile Article 9- sets fort& t&e is!ualif is!ualifica icatio tion n from from "ein) "ein) a %itnes %itness s to a %ill. %ill. T&ese T&ese Articles state; 8Art. 9=. An# 'e 'erson of of so soun mi min an an of of t&e a)e of ei)&teen #ears or more( an not "lin( eaf or um"( an a"le to rea an %rite( ma# "e a %itne %itness ss to t&e e*ec e*ecuti ution on of a %ill %ill menti mention one e in article 9= of t&is 0oe. 8Art. rt. 9-. T&e follo%in) are is!ualifie fie fro from "ein) %itnesses to a %ill; +-, An# P&ili''ines(
'erson
not
omicile
in
t&e
+, T&ose %&o &a$e "een con$icte of fals falsif ific icat atio ion n of a ocu ocume ment nt(( 'erC 'erCur ur# # or fals false e testimon#. ner t&e la%( t&ere is no manator# re!uirement t&at t&e %itness testif# initiall# or at an# time urin) t&e trial as to &is )oo )oo stan stani in) n) in t&e t&e comm commun unit it#( #( &is &is re'u re'uta tati tion on for for trus trust% t%or ort& t&in ines ess s an an reli relia" a"le lene ness ss(( &is &is &one &onest st# # an an u'ri)&tness u'ri)&tness in orer t&at &is testimon# ma# "e "elie$e an acce'te "# t&e trial court. It is enou)& t&at t&e !ualifications enumerate in Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe are com'lie %it&( suc& t&at t&e sounness of &is min can "e s&o%n "# or euce from &is ans%ers to t&e !uestions 'ro'oune to &im( t&at &is a)e +-9 #ears or more, is s&o%n from &is a''earance( testimon#( or com'etentl# 'ro$e ot&er%ise( as %ell as t&e fact t&at &e is not "lin( eaf or um" an t&at &e is a"le to rea an %rite to t&e satisfaction satisfaction of t&e 0ourt( an t&at &e &as none of t&e is!ualifications uner Article 9- of t&e 0i$il 0oe. e reCect 'etitioner@s contention t&at it must first "e esta"lis&e in t&e recor t&e )oo stanin) of t&e %itness in t&e communit#( &is re'utation for trust%ort&iness an relia"leness( &is &onest# an u'ri)&tness( "ecause suc& attri"utes are 'resume of t&e %itness unless t&e contrar# is 'ro$e ot&er%ise "# t&e o''osin) 'art#. In 'ro"ate 'roceein)s( t&e instrumental %itnesses are not c&aracter %itnesses for t&e# merel# attest t&e e*ecution of a %ill or testament an affirm t&e formalities attenant to sai e*ecution. An e a)ree %it& t&e res'onent t&at t&e rulin)s
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lai lai o%n o%n in t&e t&e case cases s cite cite "# 'eti 'etiti tion oner er conc concer erni nin) n) c&aracter c&aracter %itnesses %itnesses in naturaliati naturaliation on 'roceein)s 'roceein)s are not a''lica"le to instrumental %itnesses to %ills e*ecute uner t&e 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines. In t&e case at "ar( t&e finin) t&at eac& an e$er#one of t&e t&ree instrumental %itnesses( namel#( Hatile Oro"ia( 0elso Gim'a#a an Haria Gim'a#a( are com'etent an crei"le is satisf satisfacto actoril ril# # su''or su''orte te "# t&e e$ience e$ience as foun foun "# t&e res'on res'onen entt 0ourt 0ourt of A''eal A''eals( s( %&ic& %&ic& finin finin)s )s of fact fact t&is t&is Tri" Tri"un unal al is "oun "oun to acce acce't 't an an rel# rel# u'on u'on.. Hore Horeo$ o$er er(( 'etitioner &as not 'ointe to an# is!ualification of an# of t&e sai %itnesses( %itnesses( muc& less &as it "een s&o%n t&at an#one of t&em is "elo% -9 #ears of a)e( of unsoun min( eaf or um"( or cannot rea or %rite. In t&e strict sense( t&e com'etenc# of a 'erson to "e an instrumental %itness to a %ill is etermine "# t&e statute( t&at is Art. 9= an 9-( 0i$il 0oe( %&ereas &is crei"ilit# e'ens on t&e a''reciation of &is testimon# an arises from t&e "elief an conclusion of t&e 0ourt t&at sai %itness is tellin) t&e trut&. T&us( in t&e case of Va. e Aro#o $. El Beaterio el Santissimo Rosario e Holo( No. LD==( Ha# /( ->?9( >?9( t&e t&e Su'r Su're eme 0our 0ourtt &el &el an an rul rule t&at t&at;; 80om'etenc# as a %itness is one t&in)( an it is anot&er to "e a crei"le %itness( so crei"le t&at t&e 0ourt must acce't %&at &e sa#s. Trial courts ma# allo% a 'erson to testif# as a %itness u'on a )i$en matter "ecause &e is com'etent( "ut ma# t&ereafter ecie %&et&er to "elie$e or not to "elie$e &is testimon#.8 In fine( e state t&e rule t&at t&e instrumental %itnesses in ore orerr to "e com' com'e etent tent must must "e s&o% s&o%n n to &a$e &a$e t&e t&e !ualifications uner Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe an none of t&e is!ualifications uner Article 9- an for t&eir testimon# to "e cre crei" i"le le(( t&at t&at is %ort& %ort&# # of "eli "elief ef an an enti entitle tle to cre creen ence ce(( it is not not man manat ator or# # t&at t&at e$i e$ien ence ce "e firs firstt esta esta"l "lis is&e &e on reco recor r t&at t&at t&e %itn %itnes esse ses s &a$e &a$e a )oo )oo stanin) in t&e communit# or t&at t&e# are &onest an u'ri)&t or re'ute to "e trust%ort&# an relia"le( for a 'erson is 'resum 'resume e to "e suc& suc& unless unless t&e contra contrar# r# is esta"l esta"lis& is&e e ot&er%ise. In ot&er %ors( t&e instrumental %itnesses must "e com'etent an t&eir testimonies must "e crei"le "efore t&e court allo%s t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill t&e# &a$e atteste. e( t&erefore( reCect 'etitioner@s 'osition t&at it %as fatal for res'onent res'onent not to &a$e introuce introuce 'rior an ine'enent ine'enent 'roof of t&e fact t&at t&e %itnesses %ere 8crei"le %itnesses8( t&at is( t&at t&e# &a$e a )oo stanin) in t&e communit# an re'ute to "e trust%ort&# an relia"le. Peti Petiti tion oner er@s @s e*ac e*acer er"a "ati tion on cent center ers s on t&e t&e su'' su''os ose e incre increi"i i"ilit lit# # of t&e testimo testimonie nies s of t&e %itnes %itnesses ses for t&e 'ro'onent of t&e %ill( t&eir alle)e e$asions( inconsistencies an an cont contra rai ict ctio ions ns.. But But in t&e t&e case case at "ar( "ar( t&e t&e t&re t&ree e instrumental %itnesses %&o constitute t&e "est e$ience of t&e %illDma1in) &a$e testifie in fa$or of t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill. So &as t&e la%#er %&o 're'are it( one learne in t&e la% an lon) in t&e 'ractice t&ereof( %&o t&ereafter notarie it. All of t&em t&em are isinter isintereste este %itnes %itnesses ses %&o stan stan to recei$e no "enefit from t&e testament. T&e si)natures of t&e %itnesses an t&e testatri* &a$e "een ientifie on t&e %ill an t&ere is no claim %&atsoe$er an "# an#one( muc& less t&e 'etitioner( t&at t&e# %ere not )enuine. In t&e last an final anal#sis( t&e &erein conflict is factual an %e )o "ac1 to t&e rule t&at t&e Su'reme 0ourt cannot re$ie% an re$ise t&e finin)s of facts of t&e res'onent 0ourt of A''eals. e.
supe superv rveni enin n inco incomp mpet etenc ency y
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. #$$. f the witnesses attestin! the e&ecution of a will are competent at the time of attestin!, their becomin! subsequently incompetent shall not prevent the allowance of the will. (n) B: As in the case of T+ the time of e%ecution of the will is the only relevant temporal criterion in the determination of the competence of the witnesses. *: competency determined at the time of e%ecution of will and not at the time of presentation for probate. f.
+ompetency of interested witnesses
Art. #$%. f a person attests the e&ecution of a will, to whom or to whose spouse, or parent, or child, a devise or le!acy is !iven by such will, such devise or le!acy shall, so far only as concerns such person, or spouse, or parent, or child of such person, or any one claimin! under such person or spouse, or parent, or child, be void, unless there are three other competent witnesses to such will. 'owever, such person so attestin! shall be admitted as a witness as if such devise or le!acy had not been made or !iven. (n) T: This article does not refer to dis!ualification to be a witness& but a dis!ualification to inherit. The devisee or leatee is not dis!ualified nor his spouse& parent or child to be witness as lon as he is competent and credible under Art. 85 but the devise or leacy& however& shall be void. But if the witness is not a devisee or leatee& but an heir& is the institution of such heir void@ otwithstandin the terminoloy of the article& we believe that even as instituted heir& or spouse& parent child is dis!ualified. The dis!ualification is intended to to aply to one succeedin by will& and it is not material in what concept he succeeds. This is proved by Art. 05= par. 4 on relative incapacity which ma$es no distinction between heirs& devisees or leatees. B: this article pertains more on the capacity to succeed than the capacity to be a witness. The witness will remain as such but the leacy or devise shall be void. The dis!ualification applies only to testamentary disposition . if the witness is also entitled to leitime or intestate share this shall not be affected.
/.
S'ecial re!uirements for eaf( eaf mute an "lin testators
Art. #27. f the testator be deaf, or a deaf
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T: The reason for the re!uirement in this article is to ma$e the provisions of the will $nown to the testator& so that he may be able to obect if they are not in accordance with his wishes. ailure to comply with this re!uirement m$es the will invalid. An illiterate testator can see the paper and the writin thereon& but ne cannot understand what is written because he cannot read it. rom the point of view of understandin or $nowin the contents of the will& there is no difference between the illiterate testator and the blind testator. Therefore& the present article should li$ewise apply to an illiterate testator. B: the burden of proof of the compliance of this aticle is is upon the proponent. o re!uirement that such compliance is stated in the will or attestation clause arcia !s. 5as="e&
Gliceria A$elino el Rosario ie unmarrie in t&e 0it# of Hanila on Se'tem"er ->?( lea$in) no escenents( ascenants( "rot&er or sister. At t&e time of &er eat&( s&e %as sai to "e >= #ears ol more or less( an 'ossesse of an estate consistin) mostl# of real 'ro'erties. T&e 'etition %as o''ose se'aratel# "# se$eral )rou's of alle)e &eirs t&e latter fi$e )rou's of 'ersons all claimin) to "e relati$es of :oa Gliceria %it&in t&e fift& ci$il e)ree. T&e o''ositions in$aria"l# c&ar)e t&at t&e instrument e*ecute in ->?= %as not intene "# t&e ecease to "e &er true %ill< t&at t&e si)natures of t&e ecease a''earin) in t&e %ill %as 'rocure t&rou)& unue an im'ro'er 'ressure an influence t&e 'art of t&e "eneficiaries an5or ot&er 'ersons< t&at t&e testatri* i not 1no% t&e o"Cect of &er "ount#< t&at t&e instrument itself re$eals irre)ularities in its e*ecution( an t&at t&e formalities re!uire "# la% for suc& e*ecution &a$e not "een com'lie %it&. O''ositor Lucio V. Garcia( %&o also 'resente for 'ro"ate t&e ->? %ill of t&e ecease( Coine t&e )rou' of :r. aime Rosario in re)isterin) o''osition to t&e a''ointment of 'etitioner 0onsuelo S. Gonales Va. e Precilla as s'ecial aministratri*( on t&e )roun t&at t&e latter 'ossesses interest a$erse to t&e estate. After t&e 'arties %ere ul# &ear( t&e 'ro"ate court( in its orer of Octo"er ->?( )rante 'etitioner@s 'ra#er an a''ointe &er s'ecial aministratri* of t&e estate u'on a "on for P/=(===.==. T&e orer %as 'remise on t&e fact t&e 'etitioner %as mana)in) t&e 'ro'erties "elon)in) to t&e estate e$en urin) t&e lifetime of t&e ecease( an to a''oint anot&er 'erson as aministrator or co aministrator at t&at sta)e of t&e 'roceein) %oul onl# result in furt&er confusion an ifficulties. On Au)ust ->??( t&e 0ourt issue an orer amittin) to 'ro"ate t&e ->?= %ill of Gliceria A. el Rosario +E*&i"it 8:8,. In eclarin) t&e ue e*ecution of t&e %ill( t&e 'ro"ate court too1 note t&at no e$ience &a "een 'resente to esta"lis& t&at t&e testatri* %as not of soun min %&en t&e %ill %as e*ecute< t&at t&e fact t&at s&e &a 're'are an earlier %ill i not( 're$ent &er from e*ecutin) anot&er one t&ereafter< t&at t&e fact t&at t&e ->? %ill consiste of - 'a)es %&ereas t&e ->?= testament %as containe in one 'a)e oes not rener t&e latter in$ali< t&at( t&e erasures an alterations in t&e instrument %ere insi)nificant to %arrant reCection< t&at t&e inconsistencies in t&e testimonies of t&e instrumental %itnesses %&ic& %ere note "# t&e o''ositors are e$en
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe inicati$e of t&eir trut&fulness. T&e 'ro"ate court( also consierin) t&at 'etitioner &a alrea# s&o%n ca'acit# to aminister t&e 'ro'erties of t&e estate an t&at from t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill s&e stans as t&e 'erson most concerne an intereste t&erein( a''ointe sai 'etitioner re)ular aministratri* %it& a "on for P=(===.==. 2rom t&is orer all t&e o''ositors a''eale( t&e case "ein) oc1ete in t&is 0ourt as G.R. No. LD7==. 2oremost of t&e !uestions to "e etermine &ere concerns t&e correctness of t&e orer allo%in) t&e 'ro"ate of t&e ->?= %ill. T&e recors of t&e 'ro"ate 'roceein) full# esta"lis& t&e fact t&at t&e testatri*( Gliceria A. el Rosario( urin) &er lifetime( e*ecute t%o %ills; one on > une ->? consistin) of - 'a)es an %ritten in S'anis&( a lan)ua)e t&at s&e 1ne% an s'o1e( %itnesse "# Hessrs. Antonio 0a"rera( esus J. A#ala an Valentin Har!ue( an ac1no%le)e "efore notar# 'u"lic ose A#ala< an anot&er ate > :ecem"er ->?=( consistin) of - 'a)e an %ritten in Ta)alo)( %itnesse "# Hessrs. Vicente Rosales( 2rancisco :ecena( an 2rancisco Lo'e an ac1no%le)e "efore notar# 'u"lic Remi)io H. Ti$ia. 0alle to testif# on t&e ue e*ecution of t&e ->?= %ill( instrumental %itnesses :ecena( Lo'e an Rosales uniforml# eclare t&at t&e# %ere ini$iuall# re!ueste "# Alfonso Precilla +t&e late &us"an of 'etitioner s'ecial aministratri*, to %itness t&e e*ecution of t&e last %ill of :oa Gliceria A. el Rosario< t&at t&e# arri$e at t&e &ouse of t&e ol la# at No. =74 Acarra)a( Hanila( one after t&e ot&er( in t&e afternoon of > :ecem"er ->?=< t&at t&e testatri* at t&e time %as a''arentl# of clear an soun min( alt&ou)& s&e %as "ein) aie "# Precilla %&en s&e %al1e< / t&at t&e %ill( %&ic& %as alrea# 're'are( %as first rea 8silentl#8 "# t&e testatri* &erself "efore s&e si)ne it< T&e o''ositorsDa''ellants in t&e 'resent case( &o%e$er( c&allen)in) t&e correctness of t&e 'ro"ate court@s rulin)( maintain t&at on > :ecem"er ->?= t&e e#esi)&t of Gliceria el Rosario %as so 'oor an efecti$e t&at s&e coul not &a$e rea t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill( contrar# to t&e testimonies of %itnesses :ecena( Lo'e an Rosales. On t&is 'oint( %e fin t&e eclarations in court of :r. esus V. Tamesis $er# material an illuminatin). Sai o'&t&almolo)ist( %&ose e*'ertise %as amitte "# "ot& 'arties( testifie( amon) ot&er t&in)s( t&at %&en :oa Gliceria el Rosario sa% &im for consultation on -- Harc& ->?= &e foun &er left e#e to &a$e cataract +o'a!ue lens,( - an t&at it %as 8a"o$e normal in 'ressure8( enotin) a 'ossi"le )laucoma( a isease t&at leas to "linness -? As to t&e conitions of &er ri)&t e#e T&e fore)oin) testimon# of t&e o'&t&almolo)ist %&o treate t&e ecease an( t&erefore( &as first &an 1no%le)e of t&e actual conition of &er e#esi)&t from Au)ust( ->?= u' to ->?/( full# esta"lis& t&e fact t&at not%it&stanin) t&e o'eration an remo$al of t&e cataract in &er left e#e an &er "ein) fitte %it& a'&a1ic lens +use "# cataract 'atients,( &er $ision remaine mainl# for $ie%in) istant o"Cects an not for reain) 'rint. T&us( t&e conclusion is inesca'a"le t&at %it& t&e conition of &er e#esi)&t in Au)ust( ->?=( an t&ere is no e$ience t&at it &a im'ro$e "# > :ecem"er ->?=( Gliceria el Rosario %as inca'a"le f reain)( an coul not &a$e rea t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill su''osel# si)ne "# &er on > :ecem"er ->?=. It is %ort& notin) t&at t&e instrumental %itnesses state t&at s&e rea t&e instrument 8silentl#8 +t.s.n.( 'a)es -?4D-?,. %&ic& is a conclusion an not a fact.
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A)ainst t&e "ac1)roun of efecti$e e#esi)&t of t&e alle)e testatri*( t&e a''earance of t&e %ill( E*&i"it 8:8( ac!uires stri1in) si)nificance. 'on its face( t&e testamentar# 'ro$isions( t&e attestation clause an ac1no%le)ment %ere cramme to)et&er into a sin)le s&eet of 'a'er( to muc& so t&at t&e %ors &a to "e %ritten $er# close on t&e to'( "ottom an t%o sies of t&e 'a'er( lea$in) no mar)in %&atsoe$er< t&e %or 8an8 &a to "e %ritten "# t&e s#m"ol 8U8( a''arentl# to sa$e on s'ace. Plainl#( t&e testament %as not 're'are %it& an# re)ar for t&e efecti$e $ision of :oa Gliceria. 2urt&er( t#'o)ra'&ical errors li1e 8LIN8 for 8LING8 +last,( 8Alfonsa8 In connection %it& t&e %ill &ere in !uestion( t&ere is not&in) in t&e recors to s&o% t&at t&e a"o$e re!uisites &a$e "een com'lie %it&. 0learl#( as alrea# state( t&e ->?= %ill sou)&t to "e 'ro"ate suffers from infirmit# t&at affects its ue e*ecution. On t&e matter of lis 'enens +G.R. No. LD?9?4,( t&e 'ro$isions of t&e Rules of 0ourt are clear; notice of t&e 'enenc# of an action ma# "e recore in t&e office of t&e re)ister of ees of t&e 'ro$ince in %&ic& t&e 'ro'ert# is situate( if t&e action affects 8t&e title or t&e ri)&t of 'ossession of +suc&, real 'ro'ert#.8 / In t&e case at "ar( t&e 'enin) action %&ic& o''ositors see1 to annotate in t&e recors of T0T Nos. 9-7/( 9-7/?( an 9-7/7 is t&e manamus 'roceein) file in t&is 0ourt +G.R. No. LD??-,.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe As 're$iousl# iscusse in t&is o'inion( &o%e$er( t&at case is concerne merel# %it& t&e correctness of t&e enial "# t&e 'ro"ate court of t&e motion for t&e remo$al of 0onsuelo Gonales Va. e Precilla as s'ecial aministratri* of t&e estate of t&e late Gliceria el Rosario. In s&ort( t&e issue in contro$ers# t&ere is sim'l# t&e fitness or unfitness of sai s'ecial aministratri* to continue &olin) t&e trust< it oes not in$ol$e or affect at all t&e title to( or 'ossession of( t&e 'ro'erties co$ere "# sai T0T Nos. 9-7/( 9-7/? an 9-7/7. 0learl#( t&e 'enenc# of suc& case +LD??-, is not an action t&at can 'ro'erl# "e annotate in t&e recor of t&e titles to t&e 'ro'erties.
The rule here is so broad that no matter how imperfect the attestation clause happens to be& the same could be cured by evidence aliunde. 't thus renders the attestation of no value in protectin fraud or really defective e%ecution. The rule must be limited to disreardin those defects that can be supplied by an e&amination of the will itself
2OR TE 2OREGOING REASONS( t&e orer of t&e court "elo% allo%in) to 'ro"ate t&e alle)e ->?= %ill of Gliceria A. el Rosario is &ere"# re$erse an set asie.
All these are facts that the will itself can reveal& and defects or even omissions concernin them in the attestation clause can be safely disrearded. But the total number of paes& and whether all persons re!uired to sin did so in the number of paes& and whether all re!uired to sin did so in the presence of each other must substantially appear in the attestation clause bein the only chec$ aainst perury in probate proceedins.
4.
ubstantial compliance
Art. #29. n the absence of bad faith, for!ery, or fraud, or undue and improper pressure and influence, defects and imperfections in the form of attestation or in the lan!ua!e used therein shall not render the will invalid if it is proved that the will was in fact e&ecuted and attested in substantial compliance with all the requirements of Article #25. T: The law on formal re!uirements of a will should be liberally construed( while perfection in draftin is desirable& unsubstantial departures should be inored& as lon as the possibility of fraud and bad faith are obviated. There are many people who are fluent and have a raet mastery of rammar. Thus& rammatical errors which may be noted from the eneral tenor of the attestation clause must& therefore& be overloo$ed or corrected by construction& so as not to frustrate the reconi-ed intention of those who intervened in the e%ecution thereof. #here it appears from the conte%t of the attestation that certain words were ommtied inadvertently& the court may supply the omission. 't is sufficient if from the lanuae employed it can be reasonably deduced that the attestation clause fulfills what the law e%pects of it. 2ence& an attestation clause will be held sufficient& notwithstandin some imperfections in the rammatical constructions& where it is evident that the defect is due to carelessness of the cler$ or to lac of mastery of the lanuae& if the meanin souht to be conveyed can be determined from the clause itself. urthermore& the whole lanuae of the attestation clause must be ta$en toether to determine whether the testaor complied with the law. The substantial compliance rule has been applied to such e%tent as to allow the attestation clause to be contained in the body of the will itself and not a separate portion therein& e%pressed in the first preson as a recital of the testator& provided that it is also sined by the three instrumental witnesses. *ustice *B< 3eyes" criticism of this article is enlihtenin:
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. 5. 6. 4.
#hether all the paes are consecutively numbered( # sinature appears in each pae( # the subscribin witnesses are three # the will is notari-ed
0. olo)ra'&ic ills -.
General re!uirements.
Art. #2/. 4very will must be in writin! and e&ecuted in a lan!ua!e or dialect +nown to the testator. (n)
Our la% oes not reco)nie nuncu'ati$e %ills( %&ic& is one t&at is not %ritten( "ut orall# eclare "# t&e testator in &is last illness( in contem'lation of eat&( an "efore a sufficient num"er of com'etent %itnesses. T&e a"o$e re!uirement a''lies to "ot& &olo)ra'&ic an notarial. In notarial %ills it is immaterial %&o 'erforms t&e mec&anical act %ritin) t&e %ill( so lon) as t&e testator si)ns it or &as some"o# si)n &is name in &is 'resence u'on &is irection. As to t&e lan)ua)e or ialect( %&en a %ill is e*ecute in a certain 'ro$ince or localit#( in t&e ialect currentl# us in suc& 'ro$ince or localit#( t&ere arises a 'resum'tion t&at t&e testator 1ne% t&e ialect so use( in t&e a"sence of contrar# e$ience. It is not re!uire t&at t&e %ill e*'ress t&at t&e lan)ua)e is 1no%n "# t&e testator it is a fact %&ic& ma# "e 'ro$e "# e$ience aliune. T&e attestation clause of an orinar# %ill oes not &a$e to "e %ritten in a lan)ua)e or ialect 1no%n to t&e testator. It is not 'art of t&e testamentar# is'osition. T&e lan)ua)e use in t&e attestation clause oes not e$en &a$e to "e 1no%n to t&e %itness< it s&oul( &o%e$er( "e translate to t&em. Art. #-2. A person may e&ecute a holo!raphic will which must be entirely written, dated, and si!ned by the hand of the testator himself. t is sub1ect to no other form, and may be made in or out of the 0hilippines, and need not be witnessed. (*7#, *##a) T: the followin are the advantaes of a holoraphic will: . simple and easy to ma$e for those aE who have no means to employ a lawyer& bEwho are timid and wants to reread their wills before sinin& cE those who have only very little property to dispose
42
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 5. 't induces foreiners in this urisdiction to set down their last wishes( 6. uaranties the absolute secrecy of the testamentary disposition because it is not witnessed.
As to date& the day& month& and year on which the will was made should be indicated therein. The day and the month&however& may be indicated by implication& so lon as the desination leaves no room for doubt as to e%act date.
. does not auranty testamentary capacity of testator(
The validity of the holoraphic will is defeated by the fact that part of the date is printed. uch as that written on a daily planner thouh the contents are entirely written by the hand but the testator relied on the date indicated on the planner& the same is still e%trinsically void.
5. no protection aainst vices of consent which may not be $nown in case of death(
inatures of witnesses to a 2# will not invalidate the will& but will be disrearded as a mere surplusae.
6. due to faulty e%pression& it may not e%press the true will of the testator(
A person can ma$e a 2# in the form of a letter in which he states his testamentary dispositions ivin it a character of a will but the animus testatandi must be present.
The disadvantaes are:
4. for the same reason& it can be easily concealed. *B< 3eyes critici-es this form of a will: A holoraphic wills are peculiarly danerous in case of persons who have written very little. The validity of these wills depends e%clusively on the authenticity of the handwritin& and if writin standards are not procurable& or not contemporaneous& the courts are left to the mercy of the mendacity of witnesses. 'ts simplicity is an invitation to forery& since the te%t may be e%tremely short. 'f we want to permit the testator to $eep his wishes secret in order to avoid importunity& it can be done on the basis of the closed will. Dtstamento cerradoE /ay a blind testator ma$e a valid holoraphic will@ There is no !uestion as to notarial wills it bein allowed under the law provided the will was read twice to the testator. As to holoraphic wills& it is submitted that it may be allowed. The testator& havin written the holoraphic will by his own hand& $nows what it contains. 2e may have learned to write before he became blind& or inspite of his blindness. This view has been sustained in
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'naccuracy of the date due to involuntary error& or inadvertence& the testator bein in ood faith& the court may allow proof of the true date& provided such proof even e%trinsic can have a basis in the will itself. The sinature of the testator in 2# is not the simple writin of the name and surname of the testator. 't is his name written by him in his usual and habitual manner. 1nder our law& the sinature musr be at the end of the will. Thus can be inferred from article 85 by the reference to dispositions “written below his sinature” this phrase implies that the sinature is at the end of the will and any disposition below it must be further sined and dated. Art. #-$. n holo!raphic wills, the dispositions of the testator written below his si!nature must be dated and si!ned by him in order to ma+e them valid as testamentary dispositions. (n) T: the dispositions written below the testator"s dinature to the will are considered as independent of the will itself( hence& they must be sined and d ated by the testator. 'f one is not dated& even irf sined& that particular disposition will be void& without affectin the validity of others or of the will itself. And an unsined and undated postscript to a holoraphic will is invalid as to testamentary disposition. Art. #-%. When a number of dispositions appearin! in a holo!raphic will are si!ned without bein! dated, and the last disposition has a si!nature and a date, such date validates the dispositions precedin! it, whatever be the time of prior dispositions. (n) B: Thus& in case of several additional dispositions the additional ones before the last are dated but unsined& only the last will be valid provided the last is dated and sined. -o7as !s. De es"s
Petitioner Simeon R. Ro*as testifie t&at after &is a''ointment as aministrator( &e foun a note"oo1 "elon)in) to t&e ecease Bi"iana R. e esus an t&at on 'a)es -( ( / an 4 t&ereof( a letterD%ill aresse to &er c&ilren an entirel# %ritten an si)ne in t&e &an%ritin) of t&e ecease Bi"iana R. e esus %as foun. T&e %ill is ate
43
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 82EB.5?-8 an states; 8T&is is m# %ill %&ic& I %ant to "e res'ecte alt&o it is not %ritten "# a la%#er. . . 8 On Au)ust 4( ->7/( res'onent u)e ose 0. 0ola#co issue an orer allo%in) t&e 'ro"ate of t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill %&ic& &e foun to &a$e "een ul# e*ecute in accorance %it& la%. Res'onent Lu Ro*as e esus file a motion for reconsieration alle)in) inter alia t&at t&e alle)e &olo)ra'&ic ill of t&e ecease Bi"iana R. e esus %as not ate as re!uire "# Article 9-= of t&e 0i$il 0oe. S&e contens t&at t&e la% re!uires t&at t&e ill s&oul contain t&e a#( mont&( an #ear of its e*ecution an t&at t&is s&oul "e strictl# com'lie %it&. T&e onl# issue is %&et&er or not t&e ate 82EB.5?-8 a''earin) on t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill of t&e ecease Bi"iana Ro*as e esus is a $ali com'liance %it& t&e Article 9-= of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& reas; ART. 9-=. A 'erson ma# e*ecute a &olo)ra'&ic %ill %&ic& must "e entirel# %ritten( ate( an si)ne "# t&e &an of t&e testator &imself. It is su"Cect to no ot&er form( an ma# "e mae in or out of t&e P&ili''ines( an nee not "e %itnesse.8 T&e 'etitioners conten t&at %&ile Article ?9 of t&e S'anis& 0i$il 0oe an Article ?99 of t&e Ol 0i$il 0oe re!uire t&e testator to state in &is &olo)ra'&ic ill t&e 8#ear( mont&( an a# of its e*ecution(8 t&e 'resent 0i$il 0oe omitte t&e '&rase 8Ao( mes # ia8 an sim'l# re!uires t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill s&oul "e ate. T&e 'etitioners su"mit t&at t&e li"eral construction of t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill s&oul 're$ail.
T&us( t&e 're$ailin) 'olic# is to re!uire satisfaction of t&e le)al re!uirements in orer to )uar a)ainst frau an "a fait& "ut %it&out unue or unnecessar# curtailment of testamentar# 'ri$ile)e +Icasiano $. Icasiano( -- S0RA 4,. If a ill &as "een e*ecute in su"stantial com'liance %it& t&e formalities of t&e la%( an t&e 'ossi"ilit# of "a fait& an frau in t&e e*ercise t&ereof is o"$iate( sai ill s&oul "e amitte to 'ro"ate e &a$e carefull# re$ie%e t&e recors of t&is case an foun no e$ience of "a fait& an frau in its e*ecution nor %as t&ere an# su"stitution of ills an Testaments. T&ere is no !uestion t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill of t&e ecease Bi"iana Ro*as e esus %as entirel# %ritten( ate( an si)ne "# t&e testatri* &erself an in a lan)ua)e 1no%n to &er. T&ere is also no !uestion as to its )enuineness an ue e*ecution. All t&e c&ilren of t&e testatri* a)ree on t&e )enuineness of t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill of t&eir mot&er an t&at s&e &a t&e testamentar# ca'acit# at t&e time of t&e e*ecution of sai ill. T&e o"Cection inter'ose "# t&e o''ositorDres'onent Lu enson is t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill is fatall# efecti$e "ecause t&e ate 82EB.5?-8 a''earin) on t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill is not sufficient com'liance %it& Article 9-= of t&e 0i$il 0oe. T&is o"Cection is too tec&nical to "e entertaine. As a )eneral rule( t&e 8ate8 in a &olo)ra'&ic ill s&oul inclue t&e a#( mont&( an #ear of its e*ecution. o%e$er( %&en as in t&e case at "ar( t&ere is no a''earance of frau( "a fait&( unue influence an 'ressure an t&e aut&enticit# of t&e ill is esta"lis&e an t&e onl# issue is %&et&er or not t&e ate 82EB.5?-8 a''earin) on t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill is a $ali com'liance %it& Article 9-= of t&e 0i$il 0oe( 'ro"ate of t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill s&oul "e allo%e uner t&e 'rinci'le of su"stantial com'liance.
e a)ree %it& t&e 'etitioner. T&is %ill not "e t&e first time t&at t&is 0ourt e'arts from a strict an literal a''lication of t&e statutor# re!uirements re)arin) t&e ue e*ecution of ills. e s&oul not o$erloo1 t&e li"eral tren of t&e 0i$il 0oe in t&e manner of e*ecution of ills( t&e 'ur'ose of %&ic&( in case of ou"t is to 're$ent intestac# 8T&e unerl#in) an funamental o"Cecti$es 'ermeatin) t&e 'ro$isions of t&e la% on %ills in t&is ProCect consists in t&e li"eraliation of t&e manner of t&eir e*ecution %it& t&e en in $ie% of )i$in) t&e testator more freeom in e*'ressin) &is last %is&es( "ut %it& sufficient safe)uars an restrictions to 're$ent t&e commission of frau an t&e e*ercise of unue an im'ro'er 'ressure an influence u'on t&e testator. 8T&is o"Cecti$e is in accor %it& t&e moern tenenc# %it& res'ect to t&e formalities in t&e e*ecution of %ills.8 +Re'ort of t&e 0oe 0ommission( '. -=/, 8. . . T&e la% &as a tener re)ar for t&e %ill of t&e testator e*'resse in &is last %ill an testament on t&e )roun t&at an# is'osition mae "# t&e testator is "etter t&an t&at %&ic& t&e la% can ma1e. 2or t&is reason( intestate succession is not&in) more t&an a is'osition "ase u'on t&e 'resume %ill of t&e eceent.8
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ERE2ORE( t&e instant 'etition is GRANTE:. T&e orer a''eale from is REVERSE: an SET ASI:E an t&e orer allo%in) t&e 'ro"ate of t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill of t&e ecease Bi"iana Ro*as e esus is reinstate Fala% !s. -elo!a
On Se'tem"er -( ->7-( 'ri$ate res'onent GREGORIO K. KALA( claimin) to "e t&e sole &eir of &is ecease sister( Nati$ia K. Kala%( file a 'etition "efore t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Batan)as( Branc& VI( Li'a 0it#( for t&e 'ro"ate of &er &olo)ra'&ic ill e*ecute on :ecem"er 4( ->?9. T&e &olo)ra'&ic ill( as first %ritten( name ROSA K. Kala%( a sister of t&e testatri* as &er sole &eir. ence( on No$em"er -=( ->7-( 'etitioner ROSA K. Kala% o''ose 'ro"ate alle)in)( in su"stance( t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill containe alterations( corrections( an insertions %it&out t&e 'ro'er aut&entication "# t&e full si)nature of t&e testatri* as re!uire "# Article 9-4 of t&e 0i$il 0oe reain);
8Art. 9-4. In case of an# insertion( cancellation( erasure or alteration in a &olo)ra'&ic %ill( t&e testator must aut&enticate t&e same "# &is full si)nature.8
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe ROSA@s 'osition %as t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill( as first %ritten( s&oul "e )i$en effect an 'ro"ate so t&at s&e coul "e t&e sole &eir t&ereuner. 2rom t&at Orer( GREGORIO mo$e for reconsieration ar)uin) t&at since t&e alterations an5or insertions %ere mae "# t&e testatri*( t&e enial to 'ro"ate of &er &olo)ra'&ic ill %oul "e contrar# to &er ri)&t of testamentar# is'osition. Reconsieration %as enie in an Orer( ate No$em"er ( ->7/( on t&e )roun t&at 8Article 9-4 of t&e 0i$il 0oe "ein) clear an e*'licit( +it, re!uires no necessit# for inter'retation.8 2rom t&at orer( ate Se'tem"er /( ->7/( en#in) 'ro"ate( an t&e Orer ate No$em"er ( ->7/ en#in) reconsieration( ROSA file t&is Petition for Re$ie% on 0ertiorari on t&e sole le)al !uestion of %&et&er or not t&e ori)inal unaltere te*t after su"se!uent alterations an insertions %ere $oie "# t&e Trial 0ourt for lac1 of aut&entication "# t&e full si)nature of t&e testatri*( s&oul "e 'ro"ate or not( %it& &er as sole &eir. Orinaril#( %&en a num"er of erasures( corrections( an interlineations mae "# t&e testator in a &olo)ra'&ic ill &a$e not "een note uner &is si)nature( . . . t&e ill is not t&ere"# in$aliate as a %&ole( "ut at most onl# as res'ects t&e 'articular %ors erase( correcte or interline. Hanresa )a$e an ientical commentar# %&en &e sai 8la omision e la sal$ea no anula el testamento( se)un la re)la e Curis'ruencia esta"lecia en la sentencia e 4 e A"ril e -9>.8 o%e$er( %&en as in t&is case( t&e &olo)ra'&ic ill in is'ute &a onl# one su"stantial 'ro$ision( %&ic& %as altere "# su"stitutin) t&e ori)inal &eir %it& anot&er( "ut %&ic& alteration i not carr# t&e re!uisite of full aut&entication "# t&e full si)nature of t&e testator( t&e effect must "e t&at t&e entire ill is $oie or re$o1e for t&e sim'le reason t&at not&in) remains in t&e ill after t&at %&ic& coul remain $ali. To state t&at t&e ill as first %ritten s&oul "e )i$en efficac# is to isre)ar t&e seemin) c&an)e of min of t&e testatri*. But t&at c&an)e of min can neit&er "e )i$en effect "ecause s&e faile to aut&enticate it in t&e manner re!uire "# la% "# affi*in) &er full si)nature. T&e rulin) in Velasco( su'ra( must "e &el confine to suc& insertions( cancellations( erasures or alterations in a &olo)ra'&ic ill( %&ic& affect onl# t&e efficac# of t&e altere %ors t&emsel$es "ut not t&e essence an $aliit# of t&e ill itself. As it is( %it& t&e erasures( cancellations an alterations mae "# t&e testatri* &erein( &er real intention cannot "e etermine %it& certitue. ERE2ORE( t&is Petition is &ere"# ismisse an t&e :ecision of res'onent u)e( ate Se'tem"er /( ->7/( is &ere"# affirme in toto. No costs V. IN0ORPORATION O2 :O0HENT BJ RE2EREN0E
($) "he will must clearly describe and identify the same, statin! amon! other thin!s the number of pa!es thereof (%) t must be identified by clear and satisfactory proof as the document or paper referred to therein and (/) t must be si!ned by the testator and the witnesses on each and every pa!e, e&cept in case of voluminous boo+s of account or inventories. (n)
Incor'oration "# reference is an e*ce'tion to t&e rule t&at if an instrument is not e*ecute %it& all t&e formalities of a %ill it cannot "e amitte to 'ro"ate. If a %ill ul# e*ecute an %itnesse accorin) to t&e re!uirements of t&e statute( incor'orates in itself "# reference an# ocument or 'a'er not so e*ecute an %itnesse( %&et&er suc& 'a'er referre to "e in t&e form of a %ill or coicil( or of a ee or inenture( or of a mere list or memoranum( t&e 'a'er so referre to( if it %as in e*istence at t&e time of t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill an is ientifie "# clear an satisfactor# 'roof as t&e 'a'er referre to t&erein( %ill ta1e effect as 'art of t&e %ill an "e amitte to 'ro"ate as suc&. To esta"lis& a se'arate %ritin) as 'art of t&e %ill it must a''ear on its face t&e ff; -. t&ere must "e istinct reference to suc& %ritin)( so e*'licit as to ientif# it "e#on ou"t( less is sufficient( incluin) 'arol e$ience recei$e. . t&e reference must inicate t&e %ritin) as alrea# e*istin)< /. it can onl# "e )i$en effect to t&e e*tent t&at it a''ears 'rima facie to &a$e "een t&e %is& of t&e testator. T&e follo%in) must li1e%ise "e s&o%n "# e*trinsic 'roof; -. t&at it is t&e $er# %ritin) referre to in t&e %ill< . t&at it %as in fact mae "efore %ill %as e*ecute B; T&is article refers to suc& ocuments as in$entories( "oo1s of account( ocuments of titile( an 'a'ers of similar nature< t&e ocs s&oul uner no circumstances( ma1e testamentar# is'ositions "ecause formal re!uirements of %ills ma# "e circum$ente. 0an &olo)ra'&ic %ills incor'orate ocuments "# refernceF It e'ens. No( "ecause 'ar. 4 of t&is article re!uires a %itness to si)n on e$er# 'a)e e*ce't $oluminous ocs. Onl# orinar# %ills re!uires %itnesses unless of course a is e*ecute %it& %itnesses su'erfluousl#. VI. 0O:I0IL
A. :efinitions an Solemnities Art. #$7. f a will, e&ecuted as required by this 6ode, incorporates into itself by reference any document or paper, such document or paper shall not be considered a part of the will unless the followin! requisites are present (-) "he document or paper referred to in the will must be in e&istence at the time of the e&ecution of the will
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Art. #$5. A codicil is supplement or addition to a will, made after the e&ecution of a will and anne&ed to be ta+en as a part thereof, by which disposition made in the ori!inal will is e&plained, added to, or altered. (n)
45
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. #$*. n order that a codicil may be effective, it shall be e&ecuted as in the case of a will. (n)
T; After a testator &as alrea# mae a %ill( a su"se!uent instrument mortis causa ma# eit&er "e a coicil or a ne% %ill. If t&e su"se!uent instrument e*'lains t&e ori)inal %ill( or alters( or as to it( t&en it is a coicil. But if t&e later instrument ma1es is'ositions ine'enent of t&ose in t&e ori)inal %ill( t&en it is a ne% %ill( not a coicil. A coicil is al%a#s relate to some 'rior %ill.
Art. #$9. A revocation done outside the 0hilippines, by a person who does not have his domicile in this country, is valid when it is done accordin! to the law of the place where the will was made, or accordin! to the law of the place in which the testator had his domicile at the time and if the revocation ta+es place in this country, when it is in accordance with the provisions of this 6ode. (n) 3ules for revocation:
B; T&e istinctions( &o%e$er( is 'urel# acaemic "ecause Article 9? re!uires t&e coicil to "e in t&e form of a %ill an#%a#.
A. B.
if revocation in the ?hil. ollow local laws if outside the ?hil.
Hust t&e coicil conform to t&e form of t&e %ill to %&ic& it refersF
.
testator not domiciled in the ?hil
aE
follow law of the place where will was made& or follow law of the domicile of testator at time of revocation
T&e la% oes not re!uire t&is. T&us( an atteste %ill ma# &a$e a &olo)ra'&ic coicil< a &olo)ra'&ic %ill ma# &a$e an atteste coicil. Neeles to sa#( of course( t&e forms of t&e %ill an t&e coicil ma# concur. VII. REVO0ATION O2 ILLS AN: TESTAHENTARJ :ISPOSITIONS A.
:efinitions of re$ocation
Re$ocation is an act of t&e min( terminatin) t&e 'otential ca'acit# of t&e %ill to o'erate at t&e eat& of t&e testator( manifeste "# some out%ar an $isi"le act or si)n( s#m"olic t&ereof.
bE
5.
testator domiciled in the ?hil. Art. 85 not applicable:
aE bE
follow ?hil. domiciliary principle& or follow law of place of revocation> le% loci celebrationis& or follow law of the place where will was made D by analoy with Art. 85E
cE
9. /odes of 3evocation
Re$ocation is t&e recall of some 'o%er( aut&orit#( or a t&in) )rante or a estro#in) or ma1in) $oi of some ee t&at &a e*istence until t&e act of re$ocation mae it $oi. +Blac13s La% :ictionar#,
Art. #%2. :o will shall be revo+ed e&cept in the followin! cases (-) By implication of law or
Art. #$#. A will may be revo+ed by the testator at any time before his death. Any waiver or restriction of this ri!ht is void. (7%7a)
T; :urin) t&e life of t&e testator t&e %ill is sai to "e am"ulator# an ma# "e altere( re$o1e( or su'ersee at an# time. Its is of no 'ossi"le effect as a %ill %&ile t&e ma1er li$es. A %ill ma# "e re$o1e at 'leasure. Re$ocation is an act of t&e min( terminatin) t&e 'otential ca'acit# of t&e %ill to o'erate at t&e eat& of t&e testator( manifeste "# some out%ar an $isi"le act or si)n( s#m"olic t&ereof. Re$ocation $s. -. act of testator . 'resu''oses a $ali act /. inter $i$os 4. testator cannot renounce
Nullit# -. 'rocees from la% . in&erent from t&e %ill /. in$o1e After eat& 4. can "e isre)are "# &eirs
B; T&is c&aracteristic is consistent %it& t&e 'rinci'le lai o%n in Art. 777( successional ri)&ts $est onl# u'on eat&.
6. =aw >overnin! revocation
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($) By some will, codicil, or other writin! e&ecuted as provided in case of wills or (%) By burnin!, tearin!, cancellin!, or obliteratin! the will with the intention of revo+in! it, by the testator himself, or by some other person in his presence, and by his e&press direction. f burned, torn, cancelled, or obliterated by some other person, without the e&press direction of the testator, the will may still be established, and the estate distributed in accordance therewith, if its contents, and due e&ecution, and the fact of its unauthori8ed destruction, cancellation, or obliteration are established accordin! to the ules of 6ourt. (n)
T&ere is re$ocation "# im'lication of la% %&en certain acts or e$ents ta1e 'lace su"se!uent to ma1in) of a %ill( %&ic& nullif# or rener ino'erati$e eit&er t&e %ill itself or some testamentar# is'osition t&erein. E*am'les are t&e ff; -. act of un%ort&iness "# an &eir( e$isee( or le)atee uner Art. -=/<
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe . transformation( alienation or loss of t&e t&in) e$ise or le)ac# after e*ecution of %ill +art. >7,< /. uicial eman "# t&e testator of a creit )i$en as le)ac# art. >/?<
5au1on, and /atalina &amuyac civil cause
4. 'reterition of com'ulsor# &eirs article 94< . sale of 'ro'ert# )i$en as e$ise or le)ac# for t&e 'a#ment of t&e e"ts of t&e testator. Enumeration is not e*clusi$e. Su"se!uent Instrument A su"se!uent %ill containin) a clause re$o1in) a 're$ious %ill s&oul 'ossess all t&e re!uisites of a %ill( %&et&er it "e an orinar# or &olo)ra'&ic %ill( an s&oul "e 'ro"ate(in orer t&at t&e re$ocator# clause ma# 'rouce t&e effect of re$o1in) t&e 're$ious %ill. :estruction of a %ill -. t&e testator must at t&e time or re$ocation "e of soun min. T&e same e)ree of mental ca'acit# is re!uire to re$o1e a %ill as to ma1e one< . t&e "urnin)( tearin)( cancelin)( or o"literation of t&e %ill must "e one %it& animo re$ocani an must actuall# "e carrie out. T&e mental 'rocess or intent to re$o1e must concur %it& t&e '&#sical fact or actual estruction of t&e %ill< %&ere a testatri* %as a"out to "urn a %ill in an en$elo'e( %it& t&e intention of re$o1in) it( "ut a t&ir 'erson frauulentl# re'lce t&e %ill insie t&ou)&t &e testatri* "elie$e t&e %ill %as estro#e( still no re$ocation occurre. o%e$er( if t&e t&ir 'erson is a e$isee or le)atee %&o 're$ents t&e re$ocation "# t&reats( frau or $iolence( t&e %ill is re$o1e as to &im( "# im'lication of la% on t&e )roun of un%ort&iness. T&ir 'erson ma# re$o1e a %ill if t&e same %as one in t&e 'resence of an "# t&e e*'ress irection of t&e testator. In cases %&ere t&e estruction is unaut&orie( t&ere is no re$ocation( an t&e contents of t&e %ill ma# "e 'reo$e "# seconar# e$ience. If t&e %ill %as alrea# 'artl# "urne or torn "ut %as onl# sa$e u'on t&e interference of a t&ir 'erson t&e %ill is still eeme re$o1e as lon) as t&e testator intene to. No matter &o% lar)e or small t&e e*tent of t&e ama)e to t&e %ill e$en if t&e same is still le)i"le( t&e same is still eeme re$o1e for all intents an 'ur'oses. T&is case is to "e ifferentiate from t&e %ill t&at %as re'lace "ecause &ere t&e actual %ill itself &as commence estruction. ago !s. a#"ac "he purpose of this action was to obtain the probation of a last will and testament of &iguel &amuyac, who died on the 2d day of >anuary, ()22, in the municipality of %goo of the 8rovince of ?a nion. !t appears from the record that on or about the 2th day of >uly, ()(;, the said &iguel &amuyac executed a last will and testament Axhibit %0. !n the month of >anuary, ()22, the said 4rancisco Bago presented a petition in the /ourt of 4irst !nstance of the 8rovince of ?a nion for the probation of that will. "he probation of the same was opposed by /ornelio &amuyac, %mbrosio ?ariosa, 4eliciana
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On t&e -st a# of 2e"ruar#( ->( t&e 'resent action %as commence. Its 'ur'ose %as to secure t&e 'ro"ation of t&e sai %ill of t&e -?t& a# of A'ril( ->-> +E*&i"it -,. To sai 'etition 0ornelio Hamu#ac( Am"rosio Lariosa( 2eliciana Bauon( an 0atalina Hamu#ac 'resente t&eir o''ositions( alle)in) +a, t&at t&e sai %ill is a co'# of t&e secon %ill an testament e*ecute "# t&e sai Hi)uel Hamu#ac< +", t&at t&e same &a "een cancelle an re$o1e urin) t&e lifetime of Hi)uel Hamu#ac an +c, t&at t&e sai %ill %as not t&e last %ill an testament of t&e ecease Hi)uel Hamu#ac. 8T&at E*&i"it A is a mere car"on co'# of its ori)inal %&ic& remaine in t&e 'ossession of t&e ecease testator Hi)uel Hamu#ac( %&o re$o1e it "efore &is eat& as 'er testimon# of %itnesses ose 2eno#( %&o t#'e t&e %ill of t&e testator on A'ril -?( ->->( an 0arlos BeCar( %&o sa% on :ecem"er /=( ->=( t&e ori)inal of E*&i"it A +%ill of ->->, actuall# cancelle "# t&e testator Hi)uel Hamu#ac( %&o assure 0arlos BeCar t&at inasmuc& as &e &a sol &im a &ouse an t&e lan %&ere t&e &ouse %as "uilt( &e &a to cancel it t&e %ill of ->->,( e*ecutin) t&ere"# a ne% testament. Narcisa Ga)o in a %a# corro"orates t&e testimon# of ose 2eno#( amittin) t&at t&e %ill e*ecute "# t&e ecease +Hi)uel Hamu#ac, in ->-> %as foun in t&e 'ossession of fat&er Hi)uel Hamu#ac. T&e o''onents &a$e successfull# esta"lis&e t&e fact t&at fat&er Hi)uel Hamu#ac &a e*ecute in ->= anot&er %ill. T&e same Narcisa Ga)o( t&e sister of t&e ecease( %&o %as li$in) in t&e &ouse %it& &im( %&en crossDe*amine "# attorne# for t&e o''onents( testifie t&at t&e ori)inal of E*&i"it A coul not "e foun. 2or t&e fore)oin) consieration an for t&e reason t&at t&e ori)inal of E*&i"it A &as "een cancelle "# t&e ecease fat&er Hi)uel Hamu#ac( t&e court isallo%s t&e 'ro"ate of E*&i"it A for t&e a''licant.8 2rom t&at orer t&e 'etitioner a''eale. With reference to the said cancellation, it may be stated that there is positive proof, not denied, which was accepted by the lower court, that the will in question had been cancelled in ()2=. "he law does not require any evidence of the revocation or cancellation of a will to. be preserved. !t therefore becomes difficult at times to prove the revocation or cancellation of wills. "he fact that such cancellation or revocation has ta$en place must either remain unproved or be inferred from evidence showing that after due search the original will cannot be found. Where a will which cannot be found is shown to have been in the possession of the testator, when last seen, the presumption is, in the absence of other competent evidence, that the same was cancelled or destroyed. "he same presumption arises where it is shown that the testator had ready access to the will and it cannot be found after his death. !t will not be presumed that such will has been destroyed by any other person without the $nowledge or authority of the testator. "he force of the presumption of cancellation or revocation by the testator, while varying greatly, being wea$ or strong according to the circumstances, is never conclusive, but may be overcome by proof that the will was not destroyed by the testator with intent to revo$e it.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe !n view of the fact that the original will of ()() could not be found after the death of the testator &iguel &amuyac and in view of the positive proof that the same had been cancelled, we are forced to the conclusion that the conclusions of the lower court are in accordance with the weight of the evidence. Casiano !s. CA
On Octo"er =( ->?/( Ariana Haloto ie lea$in) as &eirs &er niece an ne'&e%s( t&e 'etitioners Alina HalotoD 0asiano an 0onstancio Haloto( an t&e 'ri$ate res'onents Panfilo Haloto an 2elino Haloto. Belie$in) t&at t&e ecease i not lea$e "e&in a last %ill an testament( t&ese four &eirs commence on No$em"er 4( ->?/ an intestate 'roceein) for t&e settlement of t&eir aunt@s estate. T&e case %as institute in t&e t&en 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Iloilo an %as oc1ete as S'ecial Proceein) No. -7/?. o%e$er( %&ile t&e case %as still in 'ro)ress( or to "e e*act on 2e"ruar# -( ->?4( t&e 'arties Alina( 0onstancio( Panfilo( an 2elino e*ecute an a)reement of e*traCuicial settlement of Ariana@s estate. T&e a)reement 'ro$ie for t&e i$ision of t&e estate into four e!ual 'arts amon) t&e 'arties. T&e Halotos t&en 'resente t&e e*traCuicial settlement a)reement to t&e trial court for a''ro$al %&ic& t&e court i on Harc& -( ->?4. T&at s&oul &a$e si)nalle t&e en of t&e contro$ers#( "ut( unfortunatel#( it &a not. T&ree #ears later( or sometime in Harc& ->?7( Att#. Sul'icio Palma( a former associate of Ariana@s counsel( t&e late Att#. Eliseo er$as( isco$ere a ocument entitle 8KATAPSAN NGA PAGBLTDAN +Testamento,(8 ate anuar# /( ->4=( an 'ur'ortin) to "e t&e last %ill an testament of Ariana. Att#. Palma claime to &a$e foun t&e testament( t&e ori)inal co'#( %&ile &e %as )oin) t&rou)& some materials insie t&e ca"inet ra%er formerl# use "# Att#. er$as. T&e ocument %as su"mitte to t&e office of t&e cler1 of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Iloilo on A'ril -( ->?7. Incientall#( %&ile Panfilo an 2elino are still name as &eirs in t&e sai %ill( Alina an 0onstancio are "e!ueat&e muc& "i))er an more $alua"le s&ares in t&e estate of Ariana t&an %&at t&e# recei$e "# $irtue of t&e a)reement of e*traCuicial settlement t&e# &a earlier si)ne. T&e %ill li1e%ise )i$es e$ises an le)acies to ot&er 'arties( amon) t&em "ein) t&e 'etitioners Asilo e Holo( t&e Roman 0at&olic 0&urc& of Holo( an Purificacion Hiraflor. T&ere is no ou"t as to t&e testamentar# ca'acit# of t&e testatri* an t&e ue e*ecution of t&e %ill. T&e &eart of t&e case lies on t&e issue as to %&et&er or not t&e %ill %as re$o1e "# Ariana. T&e 'ro$isions of t&e ne% 0i$il 0oe 'ertinent to t&e issue can "e foun in Article 9/=. Art. 9/=. No %ill s&all "e re$o1e e*ce't in t&e follo%in) cases; +-, B# im'lication of la%< or +, B# some %ill( coicil( or ot&er %ritin) e*ecute as 'ro$ie in case of %ills; or +/, B# "urnin)( tearin)( cancellin)( or o"literatin) t&e %ill %it& t&e intention of re$o1in) it( "# t&e testator &imself( or "# some ot&er 'erson in &is 'resence( an "# &is e*'ress irection. If "urne( torn( cancelle( or o"literate "# some ot&er 'erson( %it&out t&e e*'ress irection of t&e testator( t&e %ill ma# still "e esta"lis&e( an t&e estate istri"ute in accorance t&ere%it&( if its contents( an ue e*ecution( an t&e fact of its unaut&orie estruction( cancellation( or o"literation are
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esta"lis&e accorin) to t&e Rules of 0ourt. +Em'&asis Su''lie., It is clear t&at t&e '&#sical act of estruction of a %ill( li1e "urnin) in t&is case( oes not 'er se constitute an effecti$e re$ocation( unless t&e estruction is cou'le %it& animus re$ocani on t&e 'art of t&e testator. It is not im'erati$e t&at t&e '&#sical estruction "e one "# t&e testator &imself. It ma# "e 'erforme "# anot&er 'erson "ut uner t&e e*'ress irection an in t&e 'resence of t&e testator. Of course( it )oes %it&out sa#in) t&at t&e ocument estro#e must "e t&e %ill itself. T&e res'onent a''ellate court in assessin) t&e e$ience 'resente "# t&e 'ri$ate res'onents as o''ositors in t&e trial court( conclue t&at t&e testimon# of t&e t%o %itnesses %&o testifie in fa$or of t&e %ill@s re$ocation a''ear 8inconclusi$e.8 e s&are t&e same $ie%. No%&ere in t&e recors "efore us oes it a''ear t&at t&e t%o %itnesses( Guaalu'e Va. e 0orral an Elaio Itc&on( "ot& illiterates( %ere une!ui$oca"l# 'ositi$e t&at t&e ocument "urne %as inee Ariana@s %ill. Guaalu'e( %e t&in1( "elie$e t&at t&e 'a'ers s&e estro#e %as t&e %ill onl# "ecause( accorin) to &er( Ariana tol &er so. Elaio( on t&e ot&er &an( o"taine &is information t&at t&e "urne ocument %as t&e %ill "ecause Guaalu'e tol &im so( t&us( &is testimon# on t&is 'oint is ou"le &earsa#. At t&is Cuncture( %e reiterate t&at 8+it, is an im'ortant matter of 'u"lic interest t&at a 'ur'orte %ill is not enie le)aliation on u"ious )rouns. Ot&er%ise( t&e $er# institution of testamentar# succession %ill "e s&a1en to its $er# founations . . . 8 4 One last note. T&e 'ri$ate res'onents 'oint out t&at re$ocation coul "e inferre from t&e fact t&at 8+a, maCor an su"stantial "ul1 of t&e 'ro'erties mentione in t&e %ill &a "een is'ose of; %&ile an insi)nificant 'ortion of t&e 'ro'erties remaine at t&e time of eat& +of t&e testatri*,< an( furt&ermore( more $alua"le 'ro'erties &a$e "een ac!uire after t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill on anuar# /( ->4=.8 7 Suffice it to state &ere t&at as t&ese aitional matters raise "# t&e 'ri$ate res'onents are e*traneous to t&is s'ecial 'roceein)( t&e# coul onl# "e a''ro'riatel# ta1en u' after t&e %ill &as "een ul# 'ro"ate an a certificate of its allo%ance issue. ERE2ORE( Cu)ment is &ere"# renere REVERSING an SETTING ASI:E t&e :ecision ate une 7( ->9 an t&e Resolution ate Octo"er ( ->9?( of t&e res'onent 0ourt of A''eals( an a ne% one ENTERE: for t&e allo%ance of Ariana Haloto@s last %ill an testament. 0osts a)ainst t&e 'ri$ate res'onents. E. Effect of re$ocation Art. #%-. ubsequent wills which do not revo+e the previous ones in an e&press manner, annul only such dispositions in the prior wills as are inconsistent with or contrary to those contained in the latter wills. (n) 3evocation may be: ,%press> when the later declares the former or all former wills revo$ed. 'mplied> when it merely ma$es disposition inconsistent with the provisions of the former wills& the later will annuls only such disposiotion in prior wills as are inconsisten with those
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe contained in the subse!uent will. )r if there appears an intention of the testator to dispose of his property in a manner different from the first will& it is to the e%tent revo$ed.
T: the reconition does not lose its leal effect even if the will is revo$ed& because the reconition is not a testamentary disposition( it ta$es effect upon the e%ecution of the will and not upon the death of the testator.
'f two similar wills are e%ecuted on the same day they may constituted as the same will.
B: 3econition is an irrevocable act& even if will is revo$ed reconition remains.
Art. #%$. A revocation made in a subsequent will shall ta+e effect, even if the new will should become inoperative by reason of the incapacity of the heirs, devisees or le!atees desi!nated therein, or by their renunciation. (7/2a)
olo !s. olo
The 9octrine of 9ependent 3elative 3evocation entails that the revocation will be conditional and dependent upon the efficacy of the new disposition( and if& for any reason& the new will intended to be made as substitute is inoperative& the revocation fails and the oriinal will remain in full force. The failure of the new testamentary disposition is e!uivalent to the non>fulfillment of a suspensive condition which prebvents revocation of the first will. The article contemplates a case where a subse!uent will revo$es a prior one& and the validity of the later will is established& but its provisions cannot be carried out because of incapacity of or renunciation by the beneficiaries named therein. The revocation is ineffective& because of the clear intent of the testator to revo$e & contained in a valid will. The validity of the new will prevents the operation of the principle of dependent relative revocation& even if the new dispositions cannot be carried out. Art. #%%. A revocation of a will based on a false cause or an ille!al cause is null and void. (n) T: if the act of revocation is induced by a belief which turns out to be false& there is no revocation. The fact& with reard to which the mista$e was made& must& however& appear upon the face of the instrument. ?arol evidence not competent tp prove revocation was induced by false assumption of fact or law. #here the facts alleed by the testator were peculiarly wFin his $nowlede& or the testator must have $nown the truth of the facts alleed by him& it does not matter whether they are true or not( the revocation in such case is absolute. B: 3e!uisites for Article 866: . 5. 6. 4. 7.
the cause must be concrete& factual and not purely subective it must be false( the testator must $now its falsity it must appear that the testator is revo$in because of the cause which is false. the illeal cause should be stated in the will as the cause of revocation
Art. #%/. "he reco!nition of an ille!itimate child does not lose its le!al effect, even thou!h the will wherein it was made should be revo+ed. (7-/)
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Hariano Holo # Le)as'i ie on anuar# 4( ->4-( in t&e munici'alit# of Pasa#( 'ro$ince of Rial( %it&out lea$in) an# force &eir eit&er in t&e escenin) or ascenin) line. e %as sur$i$e( &o%e$er( "# &is %ife( t&e &erein 'etitioner uana uan Va. e Holo( an "# &is nieces an ne'&e%( t&e o''ositorsDa''ellants( Lu( Gliceria an 0ornelio( all surname Holo( %&o %ere t&e le)itimate c&ilren of 0anio Holo # Le)as'i( ecease "rot&er of t&e testator. Hariano Holo # Le)as'i left t%o %ills( one e*ecute on Au)ust -7( ->-9( +E*&i"it A, an anot&er e*ecute on une =( ->/>( +E*&i"it I,. T&e latter %ill contains a clause %&ic& e*'ressl# re$o1es t&e %ill e*ecute in ->-9. T&e ne*t contention of a''ellants refers to t&e re$ocator# clause containe in t&e ->/> %ill of t&e ecease %&ic& %as enie 'ro"ate. T&e# conten t&at( not%it&stanin) t&e isallo%ance of sai %ill( t&e re$ocator# clause is $ali an still &as t&e effect of nullif#in) t&e 'rior %ill of ->-9. 0ounsel for 'etitioner meets t&is ar)ument "# in$o1in) t&e octrine lai o%n in t&e case of Samson $s. Na$al( +4- P&il.( 9/9,. e contens t&at t&e facts in$ol$e in t&at case are on all fours %it& t&e facts of t&is case. ence( t&e octrine in t&at case is &ere controllin). T&ere is merit in t&is contention. e &a$e carefull# rea t&e facts in$ol$e in t&e Samson case an %e are inee im'resse "# t&eir stri1in) similarit# %it& t&e facts of t&is case. e o not nee to recite &ere %&at t&ose facts are< it is enou)& to 'oint out t&at t&e# contain man# 'oints an circumstances in common. No reason( t&erefore( is seen %&# t&e octrine lai o%n in t&at case +%&ic& %e !uote &ereuner, s&oul not a''l# an control t&e 'resent case. 8A su"se!uent %ill( containin) a clause re$o1in) a 're$ious %ill( &a$in) "een isallo%e( for t&e reason t&at it %as not e*ecute in conformit# %it& t&e 'ro$isions of section ?-9 of t&e 0oe of 0i$il Proceure as to t&e ma1in) of %ills( cannot 'rouce t&e effect of annullin) t&e 're$ious %ill( inasmuc& as sai re$ocator# clause is $oi.8 +4- P&il.( 9/9., 8It is uni$ersall# a)ree t&at %&ere t&e secon %ill is in$ali on account of not "ein) e*ecute in accorance %it& t&e 'ro$isions of t&e statute( or %&ere t&e testator &as not sufficient mental ca'acit# to ma1e a %ill or t&e %ill is 'rocure t&rou)& unue influence( or t&e suc&( in ot&er %ors( %&ere t&e secon %ill is reall# no %ill( it oes not re$o1e t&e first %ill or affect it in an# manner.8 Hort $s. Ba1er ni$ersit# +->/, > Ho. A''.( ?/( 79 S. . +,( 4>9.8 T&ese treaties cannot "e mista1en. T&e# u'&ol t&e $ie% on %&ic& t&e rulin) in t&e Samson case is 'reicate. T&e# reflect t&e o'inion t&at t&is rulin) is soun an )oo an for t&is reason %e see no Custification for a"anonin) it as no% su))este "# counsel for t&e o''ositors.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe It is true t&at our la% on t&e matter +sec. ?/( 0oe of 0i$il Proceure, 'ro$ies t&at a %ill ma# "e re$o1e 8"# some %ill( coicil( or ot&er %ritin) e*ecute as 'ro$ie in case of %ills8< "ut it cannot "e sai t&at t&e ->/> %ill s&oul "e re)are( not as a %ill %it&in t&e meanin) of sai %or( "ut as 8ot&er %ritin) e*ecute as 'ro$ie in t&e case of %ills8( sim'l# "ecause it %as enie 'ro"ate. An e$en if it "e re)are as an# ot&er %ritin) %it&in t&e meanin) of sai clause( t&ere is aut&orit# for &olin) t&at unless sai %ritin) is amitte to 'ro"ate( it cannot &a$e t&e effect of re$ocation. +See 7 Am. ur. ''. />D//=,. Grantin) for t&e sa1e of ar)ument t&at t&e earlier %ill %as $oluntaril# estro#e "# t&e testator after t&e e*ecution of t&e secon %ill( %&ic& re$o1e t&e first( coul t&ere "e an# ou"t( uner t&is t&eor#( t&at sai earlier %ill %as estro#e "# t&e testator in t&e &onest "elief t&at it %as no lon)er necessar# "ecause &e &a e*'ressl# re$o1e it in &is %ill of ->/>F In ot&er %ors( can %e not sa# t&at t&e estruction of t&e earlier %ill %as "ut t&e necessar# conse!uence of t&e testator@s "elief t&at t&e re$ocator# clause containe in t&e su"se!uent %ill %as $ali an t&e latter %oul "e )i$en effectF If suc& is t&e case( t&en it is our o'inion t&at t&e earlier %ill can still "e amitte to 'ro"ate uner t&e 'rinci'le of 8e'enent relati$e re$ocation8. 8T&is octrine is 1no%n as t&at of e'enent relati$e re$ocation( an is usuall# a''lie %&ere t&e testator cancels or estro#s a %ill or e*ecutes an instrument intene to re$o1e a %ill %it& a 'resent intention to ma1e a ne% testamentar# is'osition as a su"stitute for t&e ol( an t&e ne% is'osition is not mae or( if mae( fails of effect for some reason. T&e octrine is not limite to t&e e*istence of some ot&er ocument( &o%e$er( an &as "een a''lie %&ere a %ill %as estro#e as a conse!uence of a mista1e of la% . . ..8 +?9 0. . '. 7>>,. 8T&e rule is esta"lis&e t&at %&ere t&e act of estruction is connecte %it& t&e ma1in) of anot&er %ill so as fairl# to raise t&e inference t&at t&e testator meant t&e re$ocation of t&e ol to e'en u'on t&e efficac# of t&e ne% is'osition intene to "e su"stitute( t&e re$ocation %ill "e conitional an e'enent u'on t&e efficac# of t&e ne% is'osition< an if( for an# reason( t&e ne% %ill intene to "e mae as a su"stitute is ino'erati$e( t&e re$ocation fails an t&e ori)inal %ill remains in full force.8 +Garner( ''. /( //., 8T&is is t&e octrine of e'enent relati$e re$ocation. T&e failure of t&e ne% testamentar# is'osition( u'on %&ose $aliit# t&e re$ocation e'ens( is e!ui$alent to t&e nonDfulfillment of a sus'ensi$e conition( an &ence 're$ents t&e re$ocation of t&e ori)inal %ill. But a mere intent to ma1e at some time a %ill in 'lace of t&at estro#e %ill not rener t&e estruction conitional. It must a''ear t&at t&e re$ocation is e'enent u'on t&e $ali e*ecution of a ne% %ill.8 +- Ale*aner( '. 7-< Garner( '. //., e &ol( t&erefore( t&at e$en in t&e su''osition t&at t&e estruction of t&e ori)inal %ill "# t&e testator coul "e 'resume from t&e failure of t&e 'etitioner to 'rouce it in court( suc& estruction cannot &a$e t&e effect of efeatin)
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t&e 'rior %ill of ->-9 "ecause of t&e fact t&at it is foune on t&e mista1en "elief t&at t&e %ill of ->/> &as "een $alil# e*ecute an %oul "e )i$en ue effect. T&e t&eor# on %&ic& t&is 'rinci'le is 'reicate is t&at t&e testator i not inten to ie intestate. An t&is intention is clearl# manifest %&en &e e*ecute t%o %ills on t%o ifferent occasions an institute &is %ife as &is uni$ersal &eir. T&ere can t&erefore "e no mista1e as to &is intention of #in) testate. T&e remainin) !uestion to "e etermine refers to t&e sufficienc# of t&e e$ience to 'ro$e t&e ue e*ecution of t&e %ill. T&e %ill in !uestion %as atteste( as re!uire "# la%( "# t&ree %itnesses( Loreno Horales( Rufino Enri!ue( an An)el 0uenca. T&e first t%o %itnesses ie "efore t&e commencement of t&e 'resent 'roceein)s. So t&e onl# instrumental %itness a$aila"le %as An)el 0uenca an uner our la% an 'receents( &is testimon# is sufficient to 'ro$e t&e ue e*ecution of t&e %ill. o%e$er( 'etitioner 'resente not onl# t&e testimon# of 0uenca "ut 'lace on t&e %itness stan uan Salceo( t&e notar# 'u"lic %&o 're'are an notarie t&e %ill u'on t&e e*'ress esire an instruction of t&e testator. T&e testimon# of t&ese %itnesses s&o%s t&at t&e %ill &a "een e*ecute in t&e manner re!uire "# la%. e &a$e rea t&eir testimon# an %e %ere im'resse "# t&eir reainess an sincerit#. e are con$ince t&at t&e# tol t&e trut&. 5III. -E4UBLICATION AND -E5I5AL O$ )ILLS
Art. #%5. "he testator cannot republish, without reproducin! in a subsequent will, the dispositions contained in a previous one which is void as to its form. (n) Art. #%*. "he e&ecution of a codicil referrin! to a previous will has the effect of republishin! the will as modified by the codicil. (n) Art. #%7. f after ma+in! a will, the testator ma+es a second will e&pressly revo+in! the first, the revocation of the second will does not revive the first will, which can be revived only by another will or codicil. (7%9a) IG. ALLO)ANCE O$ )ILLS
Art. #%#. :o will shall pass either real or personal property unless it is proved and allowed in accordance with the ules of 6ourt. "he testator himself may, durin! his lifetime, petition the court havin! 1urisdiction for the allowance of his will. n such case, the pertinent provisions of the ules of 6ourt for the allowance of wills after the testator3s a death shall !overn. "he upreme 6ourt shall formulate such additional ules of 6ourt as may be necessary for the allowance of wills on petition of the testator. ub1ect to the ri!ht of appeal, the allowance of the will, either durin! the lifetime of the testator or after his death, shall be conclusive as to its due e&ecution. (n)
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe A. 0once't of Pro"ate To 'ro"ate a %ill means to 'ro$e "efore some officer or tri"unal( $este "# la% %it& aut&orit# for t&at 'ur'ose( t&at t&e instrument offere to "e 'ro$e is t&e last %ill an testament of t&e ecease 'erson %&ose testamentar# act it is alle)e to "e( an t&at it &as "een e*ecute( atteste an 'u"lis&e as re!uire "# la%( an t&at t&e testator %as of soun an is'osin) min. It is a ci$il 'roceein) to esta"lis& t&e $aliit# of t&e %ill. Re$ocation $s. -. "# t&e act of testator . e$en %it&out cause /. ma# "e 'artial
:isallo%ance -. "# ecree of court . e*clusi$e )rouns "# la% /. entire %ill
B. Necessit# of Pro"ate A final ecree of 'ro"ate is conclusi$e as to t&e ue e*ecution an formal $aliit# of a %ill( &ence( 'ro"ate is necessar# to etermine t&e follo%in); -. testator %as of soun min . consent %as not $itiate /. %ill %as si)ne "# t&e re!uire num"er of %itnesses 4. it is )enuine an aut&entic In sum it in$ol$es; a. Testatmentar# 0a'acit# ". ue e*ecution t&ereof c. )enuineness 9. De Bor'a !s. De Bor'a
It is unconteste t&at 2rancisco e BorCa( u'on t&e eat& of &is %ife osefa Tan)co on ? Octo"er ->4=( file a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of &er %ill %&ic& %as oc1ete as S'ecial Proceein) No. RD79?? of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial( Branc& I. T&e %ill %as 'ro"ate on A'ril ->4-. In ->4?( 2rancisco e BorCa %as a''ointe e*ecutor an aministrator; in ->( t&eir son( ose e BorCa( %as a''ointe coDaministrator. &en 2rancisco ie( on -4 A'ril ->4( ose "ecame t&e sole aministrator of t&e testate estate of &is mot&er( ose Tan)co &ile a %io%er 2rancisco e BorCa alle)el# too1 unto &imself a secon %ife( Tasiana On)sin)co. 'on 2rancisco@s eat&( Tasiana institute testate 'roceein)s in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa( %&ere( in ->( s&e %as a''ointe s'ecial aministratri*. T&e $aliit# of Tasiana@s marria)e to 2rancisco %as !uestione in sai 'roceein). T&e relations&i' "et%een t&e c&ilren of t&e first marria)e an Tasiana On)sin)co &as "een 'la)ue %it& se$eral court suits an counterDsuits< incluin) t&e t&ree cases at "ar( some ei)&teen +-9, cases remain 'enin) etermination in t&e courts. T&e testate estate of osefa Tan)co alone &as "een unsettle for more t&an a !uarter of a centur#. In orer to 'ut an en to all t&ese liti)ations( a com'romise a)reement %as entere into on - Octo"er ->?/( "# an "et%een 8MT&e &eir an son of 2rancisco e BorCa "# &is first marria)e( namel#( ose e BorCa 'ersonall# an as aministrator of t&e Testate Estate of osefa Tan)co(8 an 8MT&e &eir an sur$i$in) s'ouse of 2rancisco e BorCa "# &is secon marria)e( Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e BorCa( assiste "# &er la%#er( Att#. Luis Pana)uiton( r.8 On -? Ha# ->??( ose e BorCa su"mitte for 0ourt a''ro$al t&e a)reement of - Octo"er ->?/ to t&e 0ourt of 2irst
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Instance of Rial( in S'ecial Proceein) No. RD79??< an a)ain( on 9 Au)ust ->??( to t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa( in S'ecial Proceein) No. 9/. Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e e BorCa o''ose in "ot& instances. T&e Rial court a''ro$e t&e com'romise a)reement( "ut t&e Nue$a EciCa court eclare it $oi an unenforcea"le. S'ecial aministratri* Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e e BorCa a''eale t&e Rial 0ourt@s orer of a''ro$al +no% Su'reme 0ourt G.R. case No. LD9=4=,( %&ile aministrator ose e BorCa a''eale t&e orer of isa''ro$al +G.R. case No. LD 9?9, "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa. T&e )enuineness an ue e*ecution of t&e com'romise a)reement of - Octo"er ->?/ is not is'ute( "ut its $aliit# is( ne$ert&eless( attac1e "# Tasiana On)sin)co on t&e )roun t&at; +-, t&e &eirs cannot enter into suc& 1in of a)reement %it&out first 'ro"atin) t&e %ill of 2rancisco e BorCa< +, t&at t&e same in$ol$es a com'romise on t&e $aliit# of t&e marria)e "et%een 2rancisco e BorCa an Tasiana On)sin)co< an +/, t&at e$en if it %ere $ali( it &as cease to &a$e force an effect. !n assailing the validity of the agreement of (2 October ()-3, "asiana Ongsingco and the 8robate /ourt of
'on t&e ot&er &an( in claimin) t&e $aliit# of t&e com'romise a)reement( ose e BorCa stresses t&at at t&e time it %as entere into( on - Octo"er ->?/( t&e )o$ernin) 'ro$ision %as Section -( Rule 74 of t&e ori)inal Rules of 0ourt of ->4=( %&ic& allo%e t&e e*traCuicial settlement of t&e estate of a ecease 'erson re)arless of %&et&er &e left a %ill or not. e also relies on t&e issentin) o'inion of ustice Horan( in Gue$ara $s. Gue$ara( 74 P&il. 47>( %&erein %as e*'resse t&e $ie% t&at if t&e 'arties &a$e alrea# i$ie t&e estate in accorance %it& a eceent@s %ill( t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill is a useless ceremon#< an if t&e# &a$e i$ie t&e estate in a ifferent manner( t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill is %orse t&an useless. T&is 'ro$ision e$iences "e#on ou"t t&at t&e rulin) in t&e Gue$ara case is not a''lica"le to t&e cases at "ar. T&ere %as &ere no attem't to settle or istri"ute t&e estate of 2rancisco e BorCa amon) t&e &eirs t&ereto "efore t&e 'ro"ate of &is %ill. T&e clear o"Cect of t&e contract %as merel# t&e con$e#ance "# Tasiana On)sin)co of an# an all &er ini$iual s&are an interest( actual or e$entual( in t&e estate of 2rancisco e BorCa an osefa Tan)co. "here is no stipulation as to any other claimant, creditor or legatee %nd as a hereditary share in a decedent's estate is transmitted or vested immediately from the moment of the death of such causante or predecessor in interest /ivil /ode of the 8hilippines, %rt. 0 3 there is no legal bar to a successor with requisite contracting capacity0 disposing of her or his
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe hereditary share immediately after such death, even if the actual extent of such share is not determined until the subsequent liquidation of the estate. * Of course, the effect of such alienation is to be deemed limited to what is ultimately ad6udicated to the vendor heir. #owever, the aleatory character of the contract does not affect the validity of the transaction7 neither does the coetaneous agreement that the numerous litigations between the parties the approving order of the 9i1al /ourt enumerates fourteen of them, 9ec. %pp. pp. );20 are to be considered settled and should be dismissed, although such stipulation, as noted by the 9i1al /ourt, gives the contract the character of a compromise that the law favors, for obvious reasons, if only because it serves to avoid a multiplicity of suits. !t is li$ewise worthy of note in this connection that as the surviving spouse of 4rancisco de 5or6a, "asiana Ongsingco was his compulsory heir under article ))+ et seq. of the present /ivil /ode. Wherefore, barring unworthiness or valid disinheritance, her successional interest existed independent of 4rancisco de 5or6a's last will and testament, and would exist even if such will were not probated at all. "hus, the prerequisite of a previous probate of the will, as established in the Buevara and analogous cases, can not apply to the case of "asiana Ongsingco Vda. de de 5or6a.
T&is "rin)s us to t&e 'lea t&at t&e 0ourt of 2irst In stance of Rial &a no Curisiction to a''ro$e t&e com'romise %it& ose e BorCa +Anne* A, "ecause Tasiana On)sin)co %as not an &eir in t&e estate of osefa Tan)co 'enin) settlement in t&e Rial 0ourt( "ut s&e %as an &eir of 2rancisco e BorCa( %&ose estate %as t&e o"Cect of S'ecial Proceein) No. 9/ of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa. T&is circumstance is irrele$ant( since %&at %as sol "# Tasiana On)sin)co %as onl# &er e$entual s&are in t&e estate of &er late &us"an( not t&e estate itself< an as alrea# s&o%n( t&at e$entual s&are s&e o%ne from t&e time of 2rancisco@s eat& an t&e 0ourt of Nue$a EciCa coul not "ar &er sellin) it. As o%ner of &er uni$ie &ereitar# s&are( Tasiana coul is'ose of it in fa$or of %&omsoe$er s&e c&ose Suc& alienation is e*'ressl# reco)nie an 'ro$ie for "# article -=99 of t&e 'resent 0i$il 0oe;
Art. -=99. S&oul an# of t&e &eirs sell &is &ereitar# ri)&ts to a stran)er "efore t&e 'artition( an# or all of t&e coD &eirs ma# "e su"ro)ate to t&e ri)&ts of t&e 'urc&aser "# reim"ursin) &im for t&e 'rice of t&e sale( 'ro$ie t&e# o so %it&in t&e 'erio of one mont& from t&e time t&e# %ere notifie in %ritin) of t&e sale of t&e $enor.8 Tasiana On)sin)co furt&er ar)ues t&at &er contract %it& ose e BorCa +Anne* 8A8, is $oi "ecause it amounts to a com'romise as to &er status an marria)e %it& t&e late 2rancisco e BorCa. T&e 'oint is %it&out merit( for t&e $er# o'enin) 'ara)ra'& of t&e a)reement %it& ose e BorCa +Anne* 8A8, escri"es &er as 8t&e &eir an sur$i$in) s'ouse of 2rancisco e BorCa "# &is secon marria)e( Tasiana On)sin)co Va. e e BorCa8( %&ic& is in itself efinite amission of &er ci$il status. T&ere is not&in) in t&e te*t of t&e a)reement t&at %oul s&o% t&at t&is reco)nition of On)sin)co@s status as t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse of 2rancisco e BorCa %as onl# mae in consieration of t&e cession of &er &ereitar# ri)&ts. It is ifficult to "elie$e( &o%e$er( t&at t&e amica"le settlement referre to in t&e orer an motion a"o$eDmentione %as t&e com'romise a)reement of -/ Octo"er ->?/( %&ic& alrea# &a "een formall# si)ne an e*ecute "# t&e 'arties an
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ul# notarie. &at t&e recor iscloses is t&at some time after its formaliation( On)sin)co &a unilaterall# attem'te to "ac1 out from t&e com'romise a)reement( 'leain) $arious reasons restate in t&e o''osition to t&e 0ourt@s a''ro$al of Anne* 8A8 +Recor on A''eal( LD=94=( 'a)e /,; t&at t&e same %as in$ali "ecause of t&e la'se of t&e alle)el# intene resolutor# 'erio of ?= a#s an "ecause t&e contract %as not 'recee "# t&e 'ro"ate of 2rancisco e BorCa@s %ill( as re!uire "# t&is 0ourt@s Gue$arra $s. Gue$ara rulin)< t&at Anne* 8A8 in$ol$e a com'romise affectin) On)sin)co@s status as %ife an %io% of 2rancisco e BorCa( etc.( all of %&ic& o"Cections &a$e "een alrea# iscusse. It %as natural t&at in $ie% of t&e %io%@s attitue( ose e BorCa s&oul attem't to reac& a ne% settlement or no$ator# a)reement "efore see1in) Cuicial sanction an enforcement of Anne* 8A8( since t&e latter ste' mi)&t ultimatel# entail a lon)er ela# in attainin) final reme#. T&at t&e attem't to reac& anot&er settlement faile is a''arent from t&e letter of On)sin)co@s counsel to ose e BorCa !uote in 'a)es /D/? of t&e "rief for a''ellant On)sin)co in G.R. No. LD9=4=< an it is more t&an 'ro"a"le t&at t&e orer of - Se'tem"er ->?4 an t&e motion of -7 une ->?4 referre to t&e failure of t&e 'arties@ !uest for a more satisfactor# com'romise. But t&e ina"ilit# to reac& a no$ator# accor can not in$aliate t&e ori)inal com'romise +Anne* 8A8, an Custifies t&e act of ose e BorCa in finall# see1in) a court orer for its a''ro$al an enforcement from t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial( %&ic&( as &eretofore escri"e( ecree t&at t&e a)reement "e ultimatel# 'erforme %it&in -= a#s from t&e finalit# of t&e orer( no% uner a''eal. e conclue t&at in so oin)( t&e Rial court acte in accorance %it& la%( an( t&erefore( its orer s&oul "e u'&el( %&ile t&e contrar# resolution of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Nue$a EciCa s&oul "e( an is( re$erse. 0. Hoes of Pro"ate T%o 1ins of 'ro"ate uner Art. 9/9 -.
Ante mortem 'ro"ate or t&at %&ic& is &a urin) t&e lifetime of t&e testator. T&is is an inno$ation to our la%s on succession. Ratio; a. easier for t&e courts to etermine t&e mental conition of testator urin) &is lifetime. ". 2rau( intimiation( unue influence are minimie c. If %ill foun to "e non conformin) to t&e re!uirements 'ro$ie for "# la% t&e same ma#"e correcte at once . ill lessen t&e num"er of contest u'on %ills( since testator still ali$e &is animus testani is etermina"le at once. . Post mortem or t&at %&ic& is &a after eat& :. Re!uirements for Pro"ate T&e Re$ise rules of 0ourt 'ro$ies for t&e re!uirements an 'roceure for 'ro"atin) a %ill as follo%s;
RULE 75 PRODUCTION OF WILL. ALLOWANCE OF WILL NECESSARY
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe SECTION 1. Allowance necessary. Conclusive as to execution.—No will shall pass either real or personal estate unless it is proved and allowed in the proper ourt. Sub!et to the ri"ht o# appeal$ suh allowane o# the will shall be onlusive as to its due e%eution.
'b) The na+es$ a"es$ and residenes o# the heirs$ le"atees$ and devisees o# the testator or deedent3
SEC. &. Custodian of will to deliver.— The person who has ustody o# a will shall$ within twenty '&() days a#ter he *nows o# the death o# the testator$ deliver the will to the ourt havin" !urisdition$ or to the e%eutor na+ed In the will.
'd) The na+e o# the person #or who+ letters are prayed3
SEC. ,. Executor to present will and accept or refuse trust.—A person na+ed as e%eutor in a will shall$ within twenty '&() days a#ter he *nows o# the death o# the testator$ or within twenty '&() days a#ter he *nows that be is na+ed e%eutor i# he obtained suh *nowled"e a#ter the death o# the testator$ present suh will to the ourt havin" !urisdition$ unless the will has reahed the ourt in any other +anner$ and shall$ within suh period$ si"ni#y to the ourt in writin" his aeptane o# the trust or his re#usal to aept it.
4ut no de#et in the petition shall render void the allowane o# the will$ or the issuane o# letters testa+entary or o# ad+inistration with the will anne%ed.
SEC. . Custodian and executor subject to fine for neglect.—A person who ne"lets any o# the duties reuired in the two last preedin" setions without e%use satis#atory to the ourt shall be #ined not e%eedin" two thousand pesos. SEC. . Person retaining will may be o++itted.0A person havin" ustody o# a will a#ter the death o# the testator who ne"lets without reasonable ause to deliver the sa+e$ when ordered so to do$ to the ourt havin" !urisdition$ +ay be o++itted to prison and there *ept until he delivers the will. RULE 7 ALLOWANCE OR DISALLOWANCE OF WILL SECTION 1. ho may petition for the allowance of will.—Any e%eutor$ devisee$ or le"atee na+ed in a will$ or any other person interested in the estate$ +ay$ at any ti+e a#ter the death o# the testator$ petition the ourt havin" !urisdition to have the will allowed$ whether the sa+e be in his possession or not$ or is lost or destroyed. The testator hi+sel# +ay$ durin" his li#eti+e$ petition the ourt #or the allowane o# his will. SEC. &. Contents of petition.—A petition #or the allowane o# a will +ust show$ so #ar as *nown to the petitioner2 'a) The !urisditional #ats3
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') The probable value and harater o# the property o# the estate3
'e) I# the will has not been delivered to the ourt$ the na+e o# the person havin" ustody o# it.
SEC. ,. Court to appoint time for proving will. Notice thereof to be published.—hen a will is delivered to$ or a petition #or the allowane o# a will is #iled in$ the ourt havin" !urisdition$ suh ourt shall #i% a ti+e and plae #or provin" the will when all onerned +ay appear to ontest the allowane thereo#$ and shall ause notie o# suh ti+e and plae to be published three ',) wee*s suessively$ previous to the ti+e appointed$ in a newspaper o# "eneral irulation in the provine. 4ut no newspaper publiation shall be +ade where the petition #or probate has been #iled by the testator hi+sel#. SEC. . eirs! devisees! legatees! and executors to be notified by mail or personally.— The ourt shall also ause opies o# the notie o# the ti+e and plae #i%ed #or provin" the will to be addressed to the desi"nated or other *nown heirs$ le"atees$ and devisees o# the testator resident in the 5hilippines at their plaes o# residene$ and deposited in the post o##ie with the posta"e thereon prepaid at least twenty '&() days be#ore the hearin"$ i# suh plaes o# residene be *nown. A opy o# the notie +ust in li*e +anner be +ailed to the person na+ed as e%eutor$ i# he be not the petitioner$ also$ to any person na+ed as o-e%eutor not petitionin"$ i# their plaes o# residene be *nown. 5ersonal servie o# opies o# the notie at least ten '1() days be#ore the day o# hearin" shall be euivalent to +ailin". I# the testator as*s #or the allowane o# his own will$ notie shall be sent only to his o+pulsory heirs. SEC. . Proof at hearing. "hat sufficient in absence of contest .0At the hearin" o+pliane with the provisions o# the last two preedin" setions +ust be shown be#ore the introdution o# testi+ony in support o# the will. All suh
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe testi+ony shall be ta*en under oath and redued to writin". I# no person appears to ontest the allowane o# the will$ the ourt +ay "rant allowane thereo# on the testi+ony o# one o# the subsribin" witnesses only$ i# suh witness testi#y that the will was e%euted as is reuired by law. In the ase o# a holo"raphi will$ it shall be neessary that at least one witness who *nows the handwritin" and si"nature o# the testator e%pliitly delare that the will and the si"nature are in the handwritin" o# the testator. In the absene o# any suh o+petent witness$ and i# the ourt dee+ it neessary$ e%pert testi+ony +ay be resorted to. SEC. 6. Proof of lost or destroyed will. Certificate thereupon.0No will shall be proved as a lost or destroyed will unless the e%eution and validity o# the sa+e be established and the will is proved to have been in e%istene at the ti+e o# the death o# the testator$ or is shown to have been #raudulently or aidentally destroyed in the li#eti+e o# the testator without his *nowled"e$ nor unless its provisions are learly and distintly proved by at least two '&) redible witnesses. hen a lost will is proved$ the provisions thereo# +ust be distintly stated and erti#ied by the !ud"e$ under the seal o# the ourt$ and the erti#iate +ust be #iled and reorded as other wills are #iled and reorded. SEC. 7. Proof when witnesses do not reside in province.—I# it appears at the ti+e #i%ed #or the hearin" that none o# the subsribin" witnesses resides in the provine$ but that the deposition o# one or +ore o# the+ an be ta*en elsewhere$ the ourt +ay$ on +otion$ diret It to be ta*en$ and +ay authori8e a photo"raphi opy o# the will to be +ade and to be presented to the witness on his e%a+ination$ who +ay be as*ed the sa+e uestions with respet to it and to the handwritin" o# the testator and others$ as would be pertinent and o+petent i# the ori"inal will were present. SEC. 9. Proof when witnesses dead or insane or do not reside in the Philippines.— I# it appears at the ti+e #i%ed #or the hearin" that the subsribin" witnesses are dead or insane$ or that none o# the+ resides in the 5hilippines$ the ourt +ay ad+it the testi+ony o# other witnesses to prove the sanity o# the testator$ and the due e%eution o# the will3 and as evidene o# the e%eution o# the will$ it +ay ad+it proo# o# the handwritin" o# the testator and o# the subsribin" witnesses$ or o# any o# the+.
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SEC. :. #rounds for disallowing will.— The will shall be disallowed in any o# the #ollowin" ases2 'a) I# not e%euted and attested as reuired by law3 'b) I# the testator was insane$ or otherwise +entally inapable to +a*e a will$ at the ti+e o# its e%eution3 ') I# it was e%euted under duress$ or the in#luene o# #ear$ or threats3 'd) I# it was proured by undue and i+proper pressure and in#luene$ on the part o# the bene#iiary$ or o# so+e other person #or his bene#it3 'e) I# the si"nature o# the testator was proured by #raud or tri*$ and he did not intend that the instru+ent should be his will at the ti+e o# #i%in" his si"nature thereto. SEC. 1(. Contestant to file grounds of contest.—Anyone appearin" to ontest the will +ust state in writin" his "rounds #or opposin" its allowane$ and serve a opy thereo# on the petitioner and other parties interested in the estate. SEC. 11. $ubscribing witnesses produced or accounted for where will contested.— I# the will is ontested$ all the subsribin" witnesses$ and the notary in the ase o# wills e%euted under the Civil Code o# the 5hilippines$ i# present in the 5hilippines$ and not insane$ +ust be produed and e%a+ined$ and the death$ absene$ or insanity o# any o# the+ +ust be satis#atorily shown to the ourt. I# all or so+e o# suh witnesses are present in the 5hilippines but outside the provine where the will has been #iled$ their deposition +ust be ta*en. I# any or all o# the+ testi#y a"ainst the due e%eution o# the will$ or do not re+e+ber havin" attested to it$ or are otherwise o# doubt#ul redibility$ the will +ay$ nevertheless$ be allowed i# the ourt is satis#ied #ro+ the testi+ony o# other witnesses and #ro+ all the evidene presented that the will was e%euted and attested in the +anner reuired by law. I# a holo"raphi will is ontested$ the sa+e shall be allowed i# at least three ',) witnesses who *now the handwritin" o# the testator e%pliitly delare that the will and the si"nature are in the handwritin" o# the testator3 in the absene o# any o+petent witness$ and i# the ourt dee+ it neessary$ e%pert testi+ony +ay be resorted to.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe SEC. 1&. Proof where testator petitions for allowance of holographic will.—here the testator hi+sel# petitions #or the probate o# his holo"raphi will and no ontest is #iled$ the #at that he a##ir+s that the holo"raphi will and the si"nature are in his own handwritin"$ shall be su##iient evidene o# the "enuineness and due e%eution thereo#. I# the holo"raphi will is ontested$ the burden o# disprovin" the "enuineness and due e%eution thereo# shall be on the ontestant The testator +ay$ in his turn$ present suh additional proo# as +ay be neessary to rebut the evidene #or the ontestant.
consulte %it& 2austo E. Gan( ne'&e% of 2elicia( %&o %as t&en 're'arin) for t&e "ar e*aminations. T&e latter re'lie it coul "e one %it&out an# %itness( 'ro$ie t&e ocument %as entirel# in &er &an%ritin)( si)ne an ate "# &er. Vicente Es)uerra lost no time in transmittin) t&e information( an on t&e stren)t& of it( in t&e mornin) of No$em"er ( ->-( in &er resience at uan Luna Street( Hanila( 2elicia %rote( si)ne an ate a &olo)ra'&ic %ill su"stantiall# of t&e tenor a"o$e transcri"e( in t&e 'resence of &er niece( 2elina Es)uerra +au)&ter of Vicente,( %&o %as in$ite to rea it. In t&e afternoon of t&at a#( 2elicia %as $isite "# a istant relati$e( Primiti$o Re#es( an s&e allo%e &im to rea t&e %ill in t&e 'resence of 2elina Es)uerra( %&o a)ain rea it.
SEC. 1,. Certificate of allowance attached to proved will. %o be recorded in the &ffice of 'egister of (eeds.0I# the ourt is satis#ied$ upon proo# ta*en and #iled$ that the will was duly e%euted$ and that the testator at the ti+e o# its e%eution was o# sound and disposin" +ind$ and not atin" under duress$ +enae$ and undue in#luene$ or #raud$ a erti#iate o# its allowane$ si"ned by the !ud"e$ and attested by the seal o# the ourt shall be attahed to the will and the will and erti#iate #iled and reorded by the ler*. Attested opies o# the will devisin" real estate and o# erti#iate o# allowane thereo#$ shall be reorded in the re"ister o# deeds o# the provine in whih the lands lie.
T&e trial Cu)e refuse to creit t&e 'etitioner@s e$ience for se$eral reasons( t&e most im'ortant of %&ic& %ere t&ese; +a, if accorin) to &is e$ience( t&e eceent %ante to 1ee' &er %ill a secret( so t&at &er &us"an %oul not 1no% it( it is stran)e s&e e*ecute it in t&e 'resence of 2elina Es)uerra( 1no%in) as s&e i t&at %itnesses %ere unnecessar#< +", in t&e a"sence of a s&o%in) t&at 2elina %as a confiant of t&e eceent it is &ar to "elie$e t&at t&e latter %oul &a$e allo%e t&e former to see an rea t&e %ill se$eral times< +c, it is im'ro"a"le t&at t&e eceent %oul &a$e 'ermitte Primiti$o Re#es( Rosario Gan imene an Socorro Olarte to rea &er %ill( %&en s&e 'recisel# %ante its contents to remain a secret urin) &er lifetime< +, it is also im'ro"a"le t&at &er 'ur'ose "ein) to conceal t&e %ill from &er &us"an s&e %oul carr# it aroun( e$en to t&e &os'ital( in &er 'urse %&ic& coul for one reason or anot&er "e o'ene "# &er &us"an< +e, if it is true t&at t&e &us"an emane t&e 'urse from 2elina in t&e .S.T. os'ital an t&at t&e %ill %as t&ere( it is &ar to "elie$e t&at &e returne it %it&out estro#in) t&e %ill( t&e t&eor# of t&e 'etitioner "ein) 'recisel# t&at t&e %ill %as e*ecute "e&in &is "ac1 for fear &e %ill estro# it.
Art. #--. n the probate of a holo!raphic will, it shall be necessary that at least one witness who +nows the handwritin! and si!nature of the testator e&plicitly declare that the will and the si!nature are in the handwritin! of the testator. f the will is contested, at least three of such witnesses shall be required.
T&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe effecti$e in ->= re$i$e &olo)ra'&ic %ills in its arts. 9-=D9-4. 8A 'erson ma# e*ecute a &olo)ra'&ic %ill %&ic& must "e entirel# %ritten( ate( an si)ne "# t&e &an of t&e testator &imself. It is su"Cect to no ot&er form an ma# "e mae in or out of t&e P&ili''ines( an nee not "e %itnesse.8
n the absence of any competent witness referred to in the precedin! para!raph, and if the court deem it necessary, e&pert testimony may be resorted to. (*-9a) an !s. Hap
On No$em"er =( ->-( 2elicia Es)uerra Alto Ja' ie of &eart failure in t&e ni$ersit# of Santo Tomas os'ital( lea$in) 'ro'erties in Pulilan( Bulacan( an in t&e 0it# of Hanila. On Harc& -7( ->( 2austo E. Gan initiate t&ese 'roceein)s in t&e Hanila court of first instance %it& a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of a &olo)ra'&ic %ill alle)el# e*ecute "# t&e ecease( O''osin) t&e 'etition( &er sur$i$in) &us"an Ilefonso Ja' asserte t&at t&e ecease &a not left an# %ill( nor e*ecute an# testament urin) &er lifetime. Sometime in ->= after &er last tri' a"roa( 2elicia Es)uerra mentione to &er first cousin( Vicente Es)uerra( &er esire to ma1e a %ill. S&e confie &o%e$er t&at it %oul "e useless if &er &us"an isco$ere or 1ne% a"out it. Vicente
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T&e o"Cect of suc& re!uirements it &as "een sai( is to close t&e oor a)ainst "a fait& an frau( to 're$ent su"stitution of %ills( to )uarantee t&eir trut& an aut&enticit# +A"an)an $s. A"an)an( 4= P&il.( 47?, an to a$oi t&at t&ose %&o &a$e no ri)&t to succee t&e testator %oul succee &im an "e "enefite %it& t&e 'ro"ate of same. +Henoa $s. Pila'il( 4= off. Ga.( -9,. o%e$er( formal im'erfections ma# "e "rus&e asie %&en aut&enticit# of t&e instrument is ul# 'ro$e. No%( in t&e matter of &olo)ra'&ic %ills( no suc& )uaranties of trut& an $eracit# are emane( since as state( t&e# nee no %itnesses< 'ro$ie &o%e$er( t&at t&e# are 8entirel# %ritten( ate( an si)ne "# t&e &an of t&e testator &imself.8 T&e la%( it is reasona"le to su''ose( re)ars t&e ocument itself as material 'roof of aut&enticit#( an as its o%n safe)uar( since it coul at an# time( "e emonstrate to "e or not to "e in t&e &ans of t&e testator &imself. 8In t&e 'ro"ate of a &olo)ra'&ic %ill8 sa#s t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe( 8it s&all "e necessar# t&at at least one %itness %&o 1no%s t&e &an%ritin) an si)nature of t&e testator e*'licitl# eclare t&at t&e %ill an t&e si)nature are in t&e &an%ritin) of t&e testator. If t&e %ill is conteste( at least t&ree suc& %itnesses s&all "e re!uire. In t&e a"sence of an# suc& %itnesses( +familiar %it& eceent@s &an%ritin), an if t&e
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe court eem it necessar#( e*'ert testimon# ma# "e resorte to.8 T&e %itnesses so 'resente o not nee to &a$e seen t&e e*ecution of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill. T&e# ma# "e mista1en in t&eir o'inion of t&e &an%ritin)( or t&e# ma# eli"eratel# lie in affirmin) it is in t&e testator@s &an. o%e$er( t&e o''ositor ma# 'resent ot&er %itnesses %&o also 1no% t&e testator@s &an%ritin)( or some e*'ert %itnesses( %&o after com'arin) t&e %ill %it& ot&er %ritin)s or letters of t&e ecease( &a$e come to t&e conclusion t&at suc& %ill &as not "een %ritten "# t&e &an of t&e ecease. +Sec. =( Rule -/,. An t&e court( in $ie% of suc& contraictor# testimon# ma# use its o%n $isual sense( an ecie in t&e face of t&e ocument( %&et&er t&e %ill su"mitte to it &as inee "een %ritten "# t&e testator. "a$ing all the above circumstances together, we reach the conclusion that the execution and the contents of a lost or destroyed holographic will may not be proved by the bare testimony of witnesses who have seen andCor read such will.
At t&is 'oint( "efore 'roceein) furt&er( it mi)&t "e con$enient to e*'lain %&#( unli1e &olo)ra'&ic %ills( orinar# %ills ma# "e 'ro$e "# testimonial e$ience %&en lost or estro#e. T&e ifference lies in t&e nature of t&e %ills. In t&e first( t&e onl# )uarantee of aut&enticit# is t&e &an%ritin) itself< in t&e secon( t&e testimon# of t&e su"scri"in) or instrumental %itnesses +an of t&e notar#( no%,. T&e loss of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill entails t&e loss of t&e onl# meium of 'roof< if t&e orinar# %ill is lost( t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses are a$aila"le to aut&enticate. In t&e case of orinar# %ills( it is !uite &ar to con$ince t&ree %itnesses +four %it& t&e notar#, eli"eratel# to lie. An t&en t&eir lies coul "e c&ec1e an e*'ose( t&eir %&erea"outs an acts on t&e 'articular a#( t&e li1eli&oo t&at t&e# %oul "e calle "# t&e testator( t&eir intimac# %it& t&e testator( etc. An if t&e# %ere intimates or truste friens of t&e testator t&e# are not li1el# to len t&emsel$es to an# frauulent sc&eme to istort &is %is&es. Last "ut not least( t&e# can not recei$e an#t&in) on account of t&e %ill. &ereas in t&e case of &olo)ra'&ic %ills( if oral testimon# %ere amissi"le > onl# one man coul en)ineer t&e %&ole frau t&is %a#; after ma1in) a cle$er or 'assa"le imitation of t&e &an%ritin) an si)nature of t&e ecease( &e ma# contri$e to let t&ree &onest an crei"le %itnesses see an rea t&e for)er#< an t&e latter( &a$in) no interest( coul easil# fall for it( an in court t&e# %oul in all )oo fait& affirm its )enuineness an aut&enticit#. T&e %ill &a$in) "een lost t&e for)er ma# &a$e 'ur'osel# estro#e it in an 8accient8 t&e o''ositors &a$e no %a# to e*'ose t&e tric1 an t&e error( "ecause t&e ocument itself is not at &an. An consierin) t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill ma# consist of t%o or t&ree 'a)es( an onl# one of t&em nee "e si)ne( t&e su"stitution of t&e unsi)ne 'a)es( %&ic& ma# "e t&e most im'ortant ones( ma# )o unetecte. If testimonial e$ience of &olo)ra'&ic %ills "e 'ermitte( one more o"Cectiona"le feature feasi"ilit# of for)er# %oul "e ae to t&e se$eral o"Cections to t&is 1in of %ills liste "# 0astan( Sanc&e Roman an Val$ere an ot&er %ellD 1no%n S'anis& 0ommentators an teac&ers of 0i$il La%. -= One more funamental ifference; in t&e case of a lost %ill( t&e t&ree su"scri"in) %itnesses %oul "e testif#in) to a fact %&ic& t&e# sa%( namel# t&e act of t&e testator of su"scri"in) t&e %ill< %&ereas in t&e case of a lost &olo)ra'&ic %ill( t&e %itnesses %oul testif# as to t&eir o'inion of t&e &an%ritin)
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%&ic& t&e# alle)el# sa%( an o'inion %&ic& can not "e teste in court( nor irectl# contraicte "# t&e o''ositors( "ecause t&e &an%ritin) itself is not at &an. Turnin) no% to t&e e$ience 'resente "# t&e 'etitioner( %e fin oursel$es s&arin) t&e trial Cu)e@s is"elief. In aition to t&e u"ious circumstances escri"e in t&e a''eale ecision( %e fin it &ar to "elie$e t&at t&e ecease s&oul s&o% &er %ill 'recisel# to relati$es %&o &a recei$e not&in) from it; Socorro Olarte an Primiti$o Re#es. T&ese coul 'ester &er into amenin) &er %ill to )i$e t&em a s&are( or t&reaten to re$eal its e*ecution to &er &us"an Ilefonso Ja'. An t&is leas to anot&er 'oint; if s&e %ante so muc& to conceal t&e %ill from &er &us"an( %&# i s&e not entrust it to &er "eneficiariesF O''ortunit# to o so %as not lac1in); for instance( &er &us"an@s tri' to :a$ao( a fe% a#s after t&e alle)e e*ecution of t&e %ill. In fine( e$en if oral testimon# %ere amissi"le to esta"lis& an 'ro"ate a lost &olo)ra'&ic %ill( %e t&in1 t&e e$ience su"mitte "# &erein 'etitioner is so tainte %it& im'ro"a"ilities an inconsistencies t&at it fails to measure u' to t&at 8clear an istinct8 'roof re!uire "# Rule 77( sec. ?. --odelas !s. Aran&a
8. . . On anuar# --( ->77( a''ellant file a 'etition %it& t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial for t&e 'ro"ate of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill of Ricaro B. Bonilla an t&e issuance of letters testamentar# in &er fa$or. T&e 'etition( oc1ete as S'. Proc. No. 94/( %as o''ose "# t&e a''ellees Am'aro Arana Bonilla( ilferine Bonilla Tre#es( E*'eita Bonilla 2rias an E'&raim Bonilla on t&e follo%in) )rouns; 8+/, T&e alle)e &olo)ra'&ic %ill itself( an not an alle)e co'# t&ereof( must "e 'rouce( ot&er%ise it %oul 'rouce no effect( as &el in Gan $. Ja'( -=4 P&il. =>< an The onl ="estion here is %hether a holographic %ill %hich %as lost or can not be fo"nd can be pro!ed b #eans of a photostatic cop . Pursuant to Article 9-- of t&e 0i$il 0oe( 'ro"ate of &olo)ra'&ic %ills is t&e allo%ance of t&e %ill "# t&e court after its ue e*ecution &as "een 'ro$e. T&e 'ro"ate ma# "e unconteste or not. If unconteste( at least one ientif#in) %itness is re!uire an( if no %itness is a$aila"le( e*'erts ma# "e resorte to. If conteste( at least t&ree ientif#in) %itnesses are re!uire. o%e$er( if t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill &as "een lost or estro#e an no ot&er co'# is a$aila"le( t&e %ill can not "e 'ro"ate "ecause t&e "est an onl# e$ience is t&e &an%ritin) of t&e testator in sai %ill. It is necessar# t&at t&ere "e a com'arison "et%een sam'le &an%ritten statements of t&e testator an t&e &an%ritten %ill. But( a '&otostatic co'# or *ero* co'# of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill ma# "e allo%e "ecause com'arison can "e mae %it& t&e stanar %ritin)s of t&e testator. In t&e case of Gan $s. Ja'( -=4 P&il. =>( t&e 0ourt rule t&at 8t&e e*ecution an t&e contents of a lost or estro#e &olo)ra'&ic %ill ma# not "e 'ro$e "# t&e "are testimon# of %itnesses %&o &a$e seen an5or rea suc& %ill. T&e %ill itself must "e 'resente< ot&er%ise( it s&all 'rouce no effect. The la% regards the doc"#ent itself as #aterial proof of a"thenticit.6 But( in 2ootnote 9 of sai ecision( it sa#s t&at 8Per&a's it ma# "e 'ro$e "# a '&oto)ra'&ic or '&otostatic co'#. E$en a mimeo)ra'&e or car"on co'#< or "# ot&er
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe similar means( if an#( %&ere"# t&e aut&enticit# of t&e &an%ritin) of t&e ecease ma# "e e*&i"ite an teste "efore t&e 'ro"ate court.8 E$ientl#( t&e '&otostatic or *ero* co'# of t&e lost or estro#e &olo)ra'&ic %ill ma# "e amitte "ecause t&en t&e aut&enticit# of t&e &an%ritin) of t&e ecease can "e etermine "# t&e 'ro"ate court. ERE2ORE( t&e orer of t&e lo%er court ate Octo"er /( ->7>( en#in) a''ellant@s motion for reconsieration ate Au)ust >( ->7>( of t&e Orer ate ul# /( ->7>( ismissin) &er 'etition to a''ro$e t&e %ill of t&e late Ricaro B. Bonilla( is &ere"# SET ASI:E. A&aola !s. Singson
8Briefl# s'ea1in)( t&e follo%in) facts %ere esta"lis&e "# t&e 'etitioner< t&at on Se'tem"er >( ->7( 2ortunata S. Va. e Jance ie at -/ Lus1ot( ueon 0it#( 1no%n to "e t&e last resience of sai testatri*< t&at 2rancisco Aaola( 'etitioner &erein for 'ro"ate of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill( su"mitte t&e sai &olo)ra'&ic %ill +E*&. 0, %&ere"# Haria Hila)ros Aaola %as mae t&e sole &eir as a)ainst t&e ne'&e% of t&e ecease 0esario Sin)son< t&at %itness 2rancisco Aaola testifie t&at &e sa% t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill +E*&. 0, one mont&( more or less( "efore t&e eat& of t&e testatri*( as t&e same %as &ane to &im an &is %ife< t&at t&e %itness testifie also t&at &e reco)nie all t&e si)natures a''earin) in t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill +E*&. 0, as t&e &an%ritin) of t&e testatri* an to reinforce sai statement( %itness 'resente t&e mort)a)e +E*&. E,( t&e s'ecial 'o%er of attorne# +E*&. 2,( an t&e )eneral 'o%er of attorne# +E*&. 2D-,( "esies t&e ees of sale +E*&s. G an GD-, incluin) an affia$it +E*&. GD,( an t&at t&ere %ere furt&er e*&i"ite in court t%o resience certificates +E*&s. an D-, to s&o% t&e si)natures of t&e testatri*( for com'arison 'ur'oses< t&at sai %itness( Aaola( testifie t&at t&e 'enmans&i' a''earin) in t&e aforesai ocumentar# e$ience is in t&e &an%ritin) of t&e testatri* as %ell as t&e si)natures a''earin) t&erein are t&e si)natures of t&e testatri*< t&at sai %itness( in ans%er to a !uestion of &is counsel amitte t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill %as &ane to &im "# t&e testatri*( 8a''arentl# it must &a$e "een %ritten "# &er8 +t.s.n.( '. --,. o%e$er( on 'a)e -? on t&e same transcri't of t&e steno)ra'&ic notes( %&en t&e same %itness %as as1e "# counsel if &e %as familiar %it& t&e 'enmans&i' an &an%ritin) of t&e ecease 2ortunata Va. e Jance( &e ans%ere 'ositi$el# in t&e affirmati$e an %&en &e %as as1e a)ain %&et&er t&e 'enmans&i' referre to in t&e 're$ious ans%er as a''earin) in t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill +E*&. 0, %as &ers +testatri*@,( &e ans%ere( 8I %oul efinitel# sa# it is &ers8< t&at it %as also esta"lis&e in t&e 'roceein)s t&at t&e assesse $alue of t&e 'ro'ert# of t&e ecease in Lus1ot( ueon 0it#( is in t&e amount of P7(===.==.8 T&e o''osition to t&e 'ro"ate %as on t&e )roun t&at +-, t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill %as 'rocure "# unue an im'ro'er 'ressure an influence on t&e 'art of t&e 'etitioner an &is %ife( an +, t&at t&e testatri* i not seriousl# inten t&e instrument to "e &er last %ill( an t&at t&e same %as actuall# %ritten eit&er on t&e t& or ?t& a# of Au)ust ->7 an not on No$em"er =( ->? as a''ears on t&e %ill.
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T&e 'ro"ate %as enie on t&e )roun t&at uner Article 9-of t&e 0i$il 0oe( t&e 'ro'onent must 'resent t&ree %itnesses %&o coul eclare t&at t&e %ill an t&e si)nature are in t&e %ritin) of t&e testatri*( t&e 'ro"ate "ein) conteste< an "ecause t&e lone %itness 'resente "# t&e 'ro'onent 8i not 'ro$e sufficientl# t&at t&e "o# of t&e %ill %as %ritten in t&e &an%ritin) of t&e testatri*.8 T&e 'ro'onent a''eale( ur)in); first( t&at &e %as not "oun to 'rouce more t&an one %itness "ecause t&e %ill@s aut&enticit# %as not !uestione< an secon( t&at Article 9-oes not manatoril# re!uire t&e 'rouction of t&ree %itnesses to ientif# t&e &an%ritin) an si)nature of a &olo)ra'&ic %ill( e$en if its aut&enticit# s&oul "e enie "# t&e a$erse 'art#. We agree with the appellant that since the authenticity of the will was not contested, he was not required to produce more than one witness7 but even if the genuineness of the holographic will were contested, we are of the opinion that %rticle ;(( of our present /ivil /ode can not be interpreted as to require the compulsory presentation of three witnesses to identify the handwriting of the testator, under penalty of having the probate denied. @ince no witness may have been present at the execution of a holographic will, none being required by law %rt. ;(=, new /ivil /ode0, it becomes obvious that the existence of witnesses possessing the requisite qualifications is a matter beyond the control of the proponent. 4or it is not merely a question of finding and producing any three witnesses7 they must be witnesses who $now the handwriting and signature of the testator and who can declare truthfully, of course, even if the law does not so express0 that the will and the signature are in the handwriting of the testator. "here may be no available witness acquainted with the testator's hand7 or even if so familiari1ed, the witnesses may be unwilling to give a positive opinion. /ompliance with the rule of paragraph ( of %rticle ;(( may thus become an impossibility. %s can be seen, the law foresees the possibility that no qualified witness may be found or what amounts to the same thing, that no competent witness may be willing to testify to the authenticity of the will0, and provides for resort to expert evidence to supply the deficiency. !t may be true that the rule of this article requiring that three witnesses be presented if the will is contested and only one if no contest is had0 was derived from the rule established for ordinary testaments cf. /abang vs. Delfinado, *+ 8hil., 2)(7 "olentino vs. 4rancisco, + 8hil. *20. 5ut it can not be ignored that the requirement can be considered mandatory only in the case of ordinary testaments, precisely because the presence of at least three witnesses at the execution of ordinary wills is made by law essential to their validity %rt. ;=+0. Where the will is holographic, no witness need be present %rt. (=0, and the rule requiring production of three witnesses must be deemed merely permissive if absurd results are to be avoided. %gain, under %rticle ;((, the resort to expert evidence is conditioned by the words if the /ourt deem it necessary, which reveal that what the law deems essential is that the /ourt should be convinced of the will's authenticity. Where the prescribed number of witnesses is produced and the court is convinced by their testimony that the will is genuine, it may consider it unnecessary to call for expert evidence. On
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe the other hand, if no competent witness is available, or none of those produced is convincing, the /ourt may still, and in fact it should, resort to handwriting experts. "he duty of the court, in fine, is to exhaust all available lines of inquiry, for the state is as much interested as the proponent that the true intention of the testator be carried into effect. %nd because the law leaves it to the trial court to decide if experts are still needed, no unfavourable inference can be drawn from a party's failure to offer expert evidence, until and unless the court expresses dissatisfaction with the testimony of the lay witnesses. Our conclusion is that the rule of the first paragraph of %rticle ;(( of the /ivil /ode is merely directory and is not mandatory. /onsidering, however, that this is the first occasion in which this /ourt has been called upon to construe the import of said article, the interest of 6ustice would be better served, in our opinion, by giving the parties ample opportunity to adduce additional evidence, including expert witnesses, should the /ourt deem them necessary. !n view of the foregoing, the decision appealed from is set aside, and the records ordered remanded to the /ourt of origin, with instructions to hold a new trial in conformity with this opinion. 5ut evidence already on record shall not be reta$en.
On A'ril ?( ->>=( E$an)eline 0alu)a#( ose'&ine Salceo an Eufemia Pati)as( e$isees an le)atees of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill of t&e ecease Hatile Seo Va. e Ramonal( file %it& t&e Re)ional Trial 0ourt( Hisamis Oriental( Branc& -9( a 'etition / for 'ro"ate of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill of t&e ecease( %&o ie on anuar# -?( ->>=. In t&e 'etition( res'onents claime t&at t&e ecease Hatile Seo Va. e Ramonal( %as of soun an is'osin) min %&en s&e e*ecute t&e %ill on Au)ust /=( ->79( t&at t&ere %as no frau( unue influence( an uress em'lo#e in t&e 'erson of t&e testator( an t&e %ill %as %ritten $oluntaril#. T&e assesse $alue of t&e eceent3s 'ro'ert#( incluin) all real an 'ersonal 'ro'ert# %as a"out P4==(===.==( at t&e time of &er eat&. 4 On une 9( ->>=( Eu)enia Ramonal 0oo# an Hanuel Ramonal file an o''osition to t&e 'etition for 'ro"ate( alle)in) t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill %as a for)er# an t&at t&e same is e$en ille)i"le. T&is )i$es an im'ression t&at a 8t&ir &an8 of an intereste 'art# ot&er t&an t&e 8true &an8 of Hatile Seo Va. e Ramonal e*ecute t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill. Petitioners ar)ue t&at t&e re'eate ates incor'orate or a''earin) on t&e %ill after e$er# is'osition is out of t&e orinar#. If t&e ecease %as t&e one %&o e*ecute t&e %ill( an %as not force( t&e ates an t&e si)nature s&oul a''ear at t&e "ottom after t&e is'ositions( as re)ularl# one an not after e$er# is'osition. An assumin) t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill is in t&e &an%ritin) of t&e ecease( it %as 'rocure "# unue an im'ro'er 'ressure an influence on t&e 'art of t&e "eneficiaries( or t&rou)& frau an tric1er#. On :ecem"er -( ->>=( res'onents file a notice of a''eal( 9 an in su''ort of t&eir a''eal( t&e res'onents once a)ain reiterate t&e testimon# of t&e follo%in) %itnesses( namel#; +-, Au)usto Neri< +, Generosa Senon< +/, Hatile Ramonal
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Binana#< +4, Teresita Vea< +, 2iscal Roolfo a)a< an +?, E$an)eline 0alu)a#. Accorin) to t&e 0ourt of A''eals( E$an)eline 0alu)a#( Hatile Ramonal Binana# an ot&er %itnesses efinitel# an in no uncertain terms testifie t&at t&e &an%ritin) an si)nature in t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill %ere t&ose of t&e testator &erself.T&us( u'on t&e unre"utte testimon# of a''ellant E$an)eline 0alu)a# an %itness Hatile Ramonal Binana#( t&e 0ourt of A''eals sustaine t&e aut&enticit# of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill an t&e &an%ritin) an si)nature t&erein( an allo%e t&e %ill to 'ro"ate. !n this petition, the petitioners as$ whether the provisions of %rticle ;(( of the /ivil /ode are permissive or mandatory. "he article provides, as a requirement for the probate of a contested holographic will, that at least three witnesses explicitly declare that the signature in the will is the genuine signature of the testator.
e are con$ince( "ase on t&e lan)ua)e use( t&at Article 9-- of t&e 0i$il 0oe is manator#. T&e %or 8s&all8 connotes a manator# orer. e &a$e rule t&at 8s&all8 in a statute commonl# enotes an im'erati$e o"li)ation an is inconsistent %it& t&e iea of iscretion an t&at t&e 'resum'tion is t&at t&e %or 8s&all(8 %&en use in a statute is manator#.8 -La%s are enacte to ac&ie$e a )oal intene an to )uie a)ainst an e$il or misc&ief t&at aims to 're$ent. In t&e case at "ar( t&e )oal to ac&ie$e is to )i$e effect to t&e %is&es of t&e ecease an t&e e$il to "e 're$ente is t&e 'ossi"ilit# t&at unscru'ulous ini$iuals %&o for t&eir "enefit %ill em'lo# means to efeat t&e %is&es of t&e testator. &at Hs. Binana# sa% %ere 'reD're'are recei'ts an letters of t&e ecease( %&ic& s&e eit&er maile or )a$e to &er tenants. S&e i not eclare t&at s&e sa% t&e ecease si)n a ocument or %rite a note. In &er testimon# it %as also e$ient t&at Hs. Binana# 1e't t&e fact a"out t&e %ill from 'etitioners( t&e le)all# ao'te c&ilren of t&e ecease. Suc& actions 'ut in issue &er moti$e of 1ee'in) t&e %ill a secret to 'etitioners an re$ealin) it onl# after t&e eat& of Hatile Seo Va. e Ramonal. So( t&e onl# reason t&at E$an)eline can )i$e as to %&# s&e %as familiar %it& t&e &an%ritin) of t&e ecease %as "ecause s&e li$e %it& &er since "irt&. S&e ne$er eclare t&at s&e sa% t&e ecease %rite a note or si)n a ocument. 2rom t&e testimonies of t&ese %itnesses( t&e 0ourt of A''eals allo%e t&e %ill to 'ro"ate an isre)ar t&e re!uirement of t&ree %itnesses in case of conteste &olo)ra'&ic %ill( citin) t&e ecision in Aaola $s. Sin)son( /rulin) t&at t&e re!uirement is merel# irector# an not manator#. In t&e case of ACero $s. 0ourt of A''eals( / %e sai t&at 8t&e o"Cect of t&e solemnities surrounin) t&e e*ecution of %ills is to close t&e oor a)ainst "a fait& an frau( to a$oi su"stitution of %ills an testaments an to )uarant# t&eir trut& an aut&enticit#. T&erefore( t&e la%s on t&is su"Cect s&oul "e inter'rete in suc& a %a# as to attain t&ese 'rimorial ens. But( on t&e ot&er &an( also one must not lose si)&t of t&e fact t&at it is not t&e o"Cect of t&e la% to restrain an curtail t&e e*ercise of t&e ri)&t to ma1e a %ill.8 o%e$er( %e cannot eliminate t&e 'ossi"ilit# of a false ocument "ein) aCu)e as t&e %ill of t&e testator( %&ic& is %&# if t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill is conteste( t&at la% re!uires t&ree %itnesses to eclare t&at t&e %ill %as in t&e &an%ritin) of t&e ecease. T&e %ill %as foun not in t&e 'ersonal "elon)in)s of t&e ecease "ut %it& one of t&e res'onents(
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe %&o 1e't it e$en "efore t&e eat& of t&e ecease. In t&e testimon# of Hs. Binana#( s&e re$eale t&at t&e %ill %as in &er 'ossession as earl# as ->9( or fi$e #ears "efore t&e eat& of t&e ecease. T&ere %as no o''ortunit# for an e*'ert to com'are t&e si)nature an t&e &an%ritin) of t&e ecease %it& ot&er ocuments si)ne an e*ecute "# &er urin) &er lifetime. T&e onl# c&ance at com'arison %as urin) t&e crossD e*amination of Hs. Binana# %&en t&e la%#er of 'etitioners as1e Hs. Binana# to com'are t&e ocuments %&ic& containe t&e si)nature of t&e ecease %it& t&at of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill an s&e is not a &an%ritin) e*'ert. E$en t&e former la%#er of t&e ecease e*'resse ou"ts as to t&e aut&enticit# of t&e si)nature in t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill. A $isual e*amination of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill con$ince us t&at t&e stro1es are ifferent %&en com'are %it& ot&er ocuments %ritten "# t&e testator. T&e si)nature of t&e testator in some of t&e is'osition is not reaa"le. T&ere %ere une$en stro1es( retracin) an erasures on t&e %ill. 0om'arin) t&e si)nature in t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill ate Au)ust /=( ->79( // an t&e si)natures in se$eral ocuments suc& as t&e a''lication letter for 'asture 'ermit ate :ecem"er /=( ->9=( /4 an a letter ate une -?( ->79( / t&e stro1es are ifferent. In t&e letters( t&ere are continuous flo%s of t&e stro1es( e$iencin) t&at t&ere is no &esitation in %ritin) unli1e t&at of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill. e( t&erefore( cannot "e certain t&at t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill %as in t&e &an%ritin) "# t&e ecease. IN VIE EREO2( t&e ecision a''eale from is SET ASI:E. T&e recors are orere remane to t&e court of ori)in %it& instructions to allo% 'etitioners to auce e$ience in su''ort of t&eir o''osition to t&e 'ro"ate of t&e &olo)ra'&ic %ill of t&e ecease Hatile Seo Va. e Ramonal. E. Effect of Allo%ance of %ills
T&e matter of ue e*ecution of t&e %ill an ca'acit# of t&e testator ac!uire t&e c&aracter of res Cuicata an cannot a)ain "e "rou)&t into !uestion( all Cuicial !uestions in connection t&ere%it& "ein) for once an fore$er close. T&e 'ro"ate court oes not loo1 u'on t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e %ill. o%e$er( it %as &el t&at t&e trial court ma# 'ass u'on t&e intrinsic $aliit# e$en "efore its formal $aliit# &a "een esta"lis&e. Ot&er%ise( t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill mi)&t "ecome an ile ceremon# if on its face it a''ears intrinsicall# $oi. &ere 'ractical consierations eman t&at t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e %ill "e 'asse u'on e$en "efore 'ro"ate< t&e court s&oul meet t&e issue. allanosa !s. Arcangel
T&e case in$ol$es t&e si*t#Done 'arcels of lan in Sorso)on left "# 2lorentino itosis( %it& an estimate $alue of P=(===( an claims for ama)es e*ceein) one million 'esos. On une 4( ->/> a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of &is %ill %as file in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Sorso)on +S'ecial Proceein) No. /-7-,. T&e notice of &earin) %as ul# 'u"lis&e In t&at %ill. 2lorentino "e!ueat&e &is oneD&alf s&are in t&e conCu)al estate to &is secon %ife( Tecla :ollentas( an( s&oul Tecla 'reecease &im( as %as t&e case( &is oneD&alf s&are %oul "e assi)ne to t&e s'ouses Pero Gallanosa an 0oraon Grecia( t&e reason "ein) t&at Pero( Tecla@s son "# &er first marria)e( )re% u' uner t&e
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care of 2lorentino; &e &a treate Pero as &is foster c&il( an Pero &as renere ser$ices to 2lorentino an Tecla. 2lorentino li1e%ise "e!ueat&e &is se'arate 'ro'erties consistin) of t&ree 'arcels of a"aca lan an 'arcel of ricelan to &is 'rote)e +sasacu#an) ataman, Aolfo 2ortaCaa( a minor. On Octo"er 4( ->4-( t&e testamentar# &eirs( t&e Gallanosa s'ouses an Aolfo 2ortaCaa( su"mitte a 'roCect of 'artition co$erin) si*t#Done 'arcels of lan locate in $arious 'arts of Sorso)on( lar)e cattle an se$eral 'ieces of 'ersonal 'ro'ert# %&ic& %ere istri"ute in accorance %it& 2lorentino@s %ill. T&e &eirs assume t&e o"li)ations of t&e estate amountin) to P7(->.7 in t&e 'ortion of P(/7?.4 for Aolfo 2ortaCaa an P4(7.9 for t&e Gallanosa s'ouses. T&e 'roCect of 'artition %as a''ro$e "# u)e :oroteo Amaor in &is orer of Harc& -/( ->4/( t&us confirmin) t&e &eirs@ 'ossession of t&eir res'ecti$e s&ares. T&e testator@s le)al &eirs i not a''eal from t&e ecree of 'ro"ate an from t&e orer of 'artition an istri"ution. On 2e"ruar# =( ->( Leon itosis an t&e &eirs of 2lorentino@s ecease "rot&ers an sisters institute an action in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Sorso)on a)ainst Pero Gallanosa for t&e reco$er# of t&e sai si*t#Done 'arcels of lan. T&e# alle)e t&at t&e#( "# t&emsel$es or t&rou)& t&eir 'reecessorsDinDinterest( &a "een in continuous 'ossession of t&ose lans en conce'to e ueo an t&at Gallanosa entere t&ose lans in ->- an asserte o%ners&i' o$er t&e lans. T&e# 'ra#e t&at t&e# "e eclare t&e o%ners of t&e lans an t&at t&e# "e restore to t&e 'ossession t&ereof. T&e# also claime ama)es +0i$il 0ase No. ?>?,. T&e 'laintiffs i not a''eal from t&at orer of ismissal %&ic& s&oul &a$e set t&e matter at rest. But t&e same 'laintiffs or o''ositors to t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill( an t&eir &eirs( %it& a 'ersistence "efittin) a more meritorious case( file on Se'tem"er -( ->?7( or fifteen #ears after t&e ismissal of 0i$il 0ase No. ?>? an t%ent#Dei)&t #ears after t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill( anot&er action in t&e same court a)ainst t&e Gallanosa s'ouses an Aolfo 2ortaCaa for t&e 8annulment8 of t&e %ill of 2lorentino itosis an for t&e reco$er# of t&e same si*t#Done 'arcels of lan. T&e# 'ra#e for t&e a''ointment of a recei$er. T&e 'etitioners or t&e efenants "elo% conten in t&is certiorari case t&at t&e lo%er court &as no Curisiction to set asie t&e ->/> ecree of 'ro"ate an t&e -> orer of ismissal in 0i$il 0ase No. ?>? an t&at it acte %it& )ra$e a"use of iscretion in not ismissin) 'ri$ate res'onents@ ->?7 com'laint. T&e issue is %&et&er( uner t&e facts set fort& a"o$e( t&e 'ri$ate res'onents &a$e a cause of action for t&e 8annulment8 of t&e %ill of 2lorentino itosis an for t&e reco$er# of t&e si*t#Done 'arcels of lan aCuicate uner t&at %ill to t&e 'etitioners. e &ol t&at t&e lo%er court committe a )ra$e a"use of iscretion in reconsieration its orer of ismissal an in i)norin) t&e ->/> testamentar# case an t&e -> 0i$il 0ase No. ?>? %&ic& is t&e same as t&e instant ->?7 case. &at t&e 'laintiffs see1 is t&e 8annulment8 of a last %ill an testament ul# 'ro"ate in ->/> "# t&e lo%er court itself. T&e 'roceein) is cou'le %it& an action to reco$er t&e lans aCuicate to t&e efenants "# t&e same court in ->4/ "# $irtue of t&e 'ro"ate %ill( %&ic& action is a resuscitation of t&e com'laint of t&e same 'arties t&at t&e same court ismisse in ->. It is e$ient from t&e alle)ations of t&e
59
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe com'laint an from efenants@ motion to ismiss t&at 'laintiffs@ ->?7 action is "arre "# res Cuicata a ou"leD "arrelle efense( an "# 'rescri'tion( ac!uisiti$e an e*tincti$e( or "# %&at are 1no%n in t&e Cus ci$ile an t&e Cus )entium as usuca'io( lon)i tem'oris 'ossesio an 'raescri'tio +See Ramos $s. Ramos( LD->97( :ecem"er /( ->74( ?- S0RA 94,. e sa# t&at t&e efense of res Cuicata( as a )roun for t&e ismissal of 'laintiffs@ ->?7 com'laint( is a t%oD'ron)e efense "ecause +-, t&e ->/> an ->4/ ecrees of 'ro"ate an istri"ution in S'ecial Proceein) No. /-7- an +, t&e -> orer of ismissal in 0i$il 0ase No. ?>? of t&e lo%er court constitute "ars "# former Cu)ment T&e ->/> ecree of 'ro"ate is conclusi$e as to t&e ue e*ecution or formal $aliit# of t&e %ill. T&at means t&at t&e testator %as of soun an is'osin) min at t&e time %&en &e e*ecute t&e %ill an %as not actin) uner uress( menace( frau( or unue influence< t&at t&e %ill %as si)ne "# &im in t&e 'resence of t&e re!uire num"er of %itnesses( an t&at t&e %ill is )enuine an is not a for)er#. Accorin)l#( t&ese facts cannot a)ain "e !uestione in a su"se!uent 'roceein)( not e$en in a criminal action for t&e for)er# of t&e %ill. After t&e finalit# of t&e allo%ance of a %ill( t&e issue as to t&e $oluntariness of its e*ecution cannot "e raise an#more !t is a fundamental concept in the organi1ation of every 6ural system, a principle of public policy, that, at the ris$ of occasional errors, 6udgments of courts should become final at some definite date fixed by law. !nterest rei publicae ut finis sit litum. "he very ob6ect for which the courts were constituted was to put an end to controversies. %fter the period for see$ing relief from a final order or 6udgment under 9ule 3; of the 9ules of /ourt has expired, a final 6udgment or order can be set aside only on the grounds of a0 lac$ of 6urisdiction or lac$ of due process of law or b0 that the 6udgment was obtained by means of extrinsic or collateral fraud. !n the latter case, the period for annulling the 6udgment is four years from the discovery of the fraud
T&at rulin) is a )larin) error Article -4-= cannot 'ossi"l# a''l# to last %ills an testaments. T&e trial court an 'laintiffs@ counsel relie u'on t&e case of :in)le $s. Guillermo( 49 O.G. 44-=( alle)el# ecie "# t&is 0ourt( %&ic& cite t&e rulin) in Ti'ton $s. Velasco( ? P&il. ?7( t&at mere la'se of time cannot )i$e efficac# to $oi contracts( a rulin) ele$ate to t&e cate)or# of a coal 'ro$ision in article -4-=. T&e :in)le case %as ecie "# t&e 0ourt of A''eals. E$en t&e trial court i not ta1e 'ains to $erif# t&e misre'resentation of 'laintiffs@ counsel t&at t&e :in)le case %as ecie "# t&is 0ourt. An elementar# 1no%le)e of ci$il la% coul &a$e alerte t&e trial court to t&e e)re)ious error of 'laintiffs@ counsel in ar)uin) t&at article -4-= a''lies to %ills. -oberts !s. Leonidas
T&e !uestion in t&is case is %&et&er a 'etition for allo%ance of %ills an to annul a 'artition( a''ro$e in an intestate 'roceein) "# Branc& = of t&e Hanila 0ourt of 2irst Instance( can "e entertaine "# its Branc& /9 +after a 'ro"ate in t&e ta& istrict court,. Anteceents. E%ar H. Grimm( an American resient of Hanila( ie at 79 in t&e Ha1ati Heical 0enter on No$em"er 7( ->77. e %as sur$i$e "# &is secon %ife( Ha*ine Tate Grimm( an t&eir t%o c&ilren( name E%ar Hiller Grimm II +Pete, an Lina Grimm( an "# uanita Grimm Horris an
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Et&el Grimm Ro"erts +Hc2aen,( &is t%o c&ilren "# a first marria)e %&ic& ene in i$orce +Su"DAnne*es A an B( ''. /?D47( Rollo,. e e*ecute on anuar# /( ->> t%o %ills in San 2rancisco( 0alifornia. One %ill is'ose of &is P&ili''ine estate %&ic& &e escri"e as conCu)al 'ro'ert# of &imself an &is secon %ife. T&e secon %ill is'ose of &is estate outsie t&e P&ili''ines. In "ot& %ills( t&e secon %ife an t%o c&ilren %ere fa$ore. T&e t%o c&ilren of t&e first marria)e %ere )i$en t&eir le)itimes in t&e %ill is'osin) of t&e estate situate in t&is countr#. In t&e %ill ealin) %it& &is 'ro'ert# outsie t&is countr#( t&e testator sai; 8I 'ur'osel# &a$e mae no 'ro$ision in t&is %ill for m# au)&ter( uanita Grimm Horris( or m# au)&ter( Elsa Grimm Hc2aen +Et&el Grimm Ro"erts,( "ecause I &a$e 'ro$ie for eac& of t&em in a se'arate %ill is'osin) of m# P&ili''ine 'ro'ert#.8 +2irst clause( ''. 4/D47( Rollo,. T&e t%o %ills an a coicil %ere 'resente for 'ro"ate "# Ha*ine Tate Grimm an E. La Var Tate on Harc& 7( ->79 in Pro"ate No. /7= of t&e T&ir uicial :istrict 0ourt of Tooele 0ount#( ta&. uanita Grimm Horris of 0u'ertino( 0alifornia an Hrs. Ro"erts of - 0. Benite Street( orses&oe Villa)e( ueon 0it# %ere notifie of t&e 'ro"ate 'roceein) T%o %ee1s later( or on A'ril ( ->79( Ha*ine an &er t%o c&ilren Lina an Pete( as t&e first 'arties( an Et&el( uanita Grimm Horris an t&eir mot&er uanita Ke)le# Grimm( as t&e secon 'arties( %it& 1no%le)e of t&e intestate 'roceein) in Hanila( entere into a com'romise a)reement in ta& re)arin) t&e estate. It %as si)ne "# :a$i E. Salis"ur# an :onal B. ol"roo1( as la%#ers of t&e 'arties( "# Pete an Lina an t&e attorne#DinDfact of Ha*ine an "# t&e attorne#DinDfact of Et&el( uanita Grimm Horris an uanita Ke)le# Grimm. In t&at a)reement( it %as sti'ulate t&at Ha*ine( Pete an Et&el %oul "e esi)nate as 'ersonal re'resentati$es +aministrators, of Grimm@s P&ili''ine estate +'ar. ,. It %as also sti'ulate t&at Ha*ine@s oneD&alf conCu)al s&are in t&e estate s&oul "e reser$e for &er an t&at %oul not "e less t&an -(==(=== 'lus t&e &omes in ta& an Santa Hesa( Hanila +'ar. 4,. T&e a)reement inicate t&e com'utation of t&e 8net istri"uta"le estate8. It reco)nie t&at t&e estate %as lia"le to 'a# t&e fees of t&e An)ara la% firm Actin) on t&e eclaration of &eirs an 'roCect of 'artition si)ne an file "# la%#ers Lim!ueco an Hacarae) +not si)ne "# Ha*ine an &er t%o c&ilren,( u)e 0onrao H. Holina in &is orer of ul# 7( ->7> aCuicate to Ha*ine oneD&alf +459, of t&e eceent@s P&ili''ine estate an oneD ei)&t& +-59, eac& to &is four c&ilren or -D-5 +''. -4=D -4( Recor,. No mention at all %as mae of t&e %ill in t&at orer. Petition to annul 'artition an testate 'roceein) No. -/4>. On Se'tem"er 9( ->9=( Ro)elio A. Vinluan of t&e An)ara la% firm( in "e&alf of Ha*ine( Pete an Lina( file in Branc& /9 of t&e lo%er court a 'etition 'ra#in) for t&e 'ro"ate of Grimm@s t%o %ills +alrea# 'ro"ate in ta&,( t&at t&e ->7> 'artition a''ro$e "# t&e intestate court "e set asie an t&e letters of aministration re$o1e( t&at Ha*ine "e a''ointe e*ecutri* an t&at Et&el an uanita Horris "e orere to
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe account for t&e 'ro'erties recei$e "# t&em an to return t&e same to Ha*ine +''. D/( Rollo,.
Gome an &is c&ilren Oscar an 0armelita &is entire estate an t&e free 'ortion t&ereof to &erein 'etitioner.
Grimm@s secon %ife an t%o c&ilren alle)e t&at t&e# %ere efrau ue to t&e mac&inations of t&e Ro"erts s'ouses( t&at t&e ->79 ta& com'romise a)reement %as ille)al( t&at t&e intestate 'roceein) is $oi "ecause Grimm ie testate an t&at t&e 'artition %as contrar# to t&e eceent@s %ills.
On Au)ust -( ->74( t&e 'etitioner file a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of t&e last ill an Testament of t&e ecease Hartin u)o in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial( Branc& WWWIV( 0aloocan 0it# an as1e for t&e issuance to &er of letters testamentar#. On Ha# -/( ->7( t&e le)al %ife of t&e testator( Rufina Gome an &er c&ilren file an o''osition alle)in) inter alia t&at t&e e*ecution of t&e ill %as 'rocure "# unue an im'ro'er influence on t&e 'art of t&e 'etitioner< t&at at t&e time of t&e e*ecution of t&e ill( t&e testator %as alrea# $er# sic1 an t&at 'etitioner &a$in) amitte &er li$in) in concu"ina)e %it& t&e testator( s&e is %antin) in inte)rit# an t&us letters testamentar# s&oul not "e issue to &er.
Et&el file a motion to ismiss t&e 'etition. u)e Leonias enie it for lac1 of merit in &is orer of Octo"er 7( ->9=. Et&el t&en file a 'etition for certiorari an 'ro&i"ition in t&is 0ourt( 'ra#in) t&at t&e testate 'roceein) "e ismisse( or( alternati$el# t&at t&e t%o 'roceein)s "e consoliate an &ear in Branc& = an t&at t&e matter of t&e annulment of t&e ta& com'romise a)reement "e &ear 'rior to t&e 'etition for 'ro"ate +''. D/( Rollo,. Rulin). e &ol t&at res'onent Cu)e i not commit an# )ra$e a"use of iscretion( amountin) to lac1 of Curisiction( in en#in) Et&el@s motion to ismiss. A testate 'roceein) is 'ro'er in t&is case "ecause Grimm ie %it& t%o %ills an 8no %ill s&all 'ass eit&er real or 'ersonal 'ro'ert# unless it is 'ro$e an allo%e8 +Art. 9/9( 0i$il 0oe< sec. -( Rule 7( Rules of 0ourt,. T&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill is manator# +Gue$ara $s. Gue$ara( 74 P&il. 47> an >9 P&il. 4>< Balu#ot $s. Pao( LD4=99( Ha# 7( ->7?( 7S0RA 9?,. It is anomalous t&at t&e estate of a 'erson %&o ie testate s&oul "e settle in an intestate 'roceein). T&erefore( t&e intestate case s&oul "e consoliate %it& t&e testate 'roceein) an t&e Cu)e assi)ne to t&e testate 'roceein) s&oul continue &earin) t&e t%o cases. Et&el ma# file %it&in t%ent# a#s from notice of t&e finalit# of t&is Cu)ment an o''osition an ans%er to t&e 'etition unless s&e consiers &er motion to ismiss an ot&er 'leain)s sufficient for t&e 'ur'ose. uanita G. Horris( %&o a''eare in t&e intestate case( s&oul "e ser$e %it& co'ies of orers( notices an ot&er 'a'ers in t&e testate case. ERE2ORE( t&e 'etition is ismisse. T&e tem'orar# restrainin) orer is issol$e. No costs. Nepo#"ceno !s. CA
Hartin u)o ie on ul# -?( ->74 in Hala"on( Rial. e left a last ill an Testament ul# si)ne "# &im at t&e en of t&e ill on 'a)e t&ree an on t&e left mar)in of 'a)es -( an 4 t&ereof in t&e 'resence of 0elestina AleCanro( H#rna 0. 0orte( an Leanro Leao( %&o in turn( affi*e t&eir si)natures "elo% t&e attestation clause an on t&e left mar)in of 'a)es -( an 4 of t&e ill in t&e 'resence of t&e testator an of eac& ot&er an t&e Notar# Pu"lic. T&e ill %as ac1no%le)e "efore t&e Notar# Pu"lic Romeo Escareal "# t&e testator an &is t&ree attestin) %itnesses. In t&e sai ill( t&e testator name an a''ointe &erein 'etitioner Sofia . Ne'omuceno as &is sole an onl# e*ecutor of &is estate. It is clearl# state in t&e ill t&at t&e testator %as le)all# marrie to a certain Rufina Gome "# %&om &e &a t%o le)itimate c&ilren( Oscar an 0armelita( "ut since ->( &e &a "een estran)e from &is la%full# %ee %ife an &a "een li$in) %it& 'etitioner as &us"an an %ife. In fact( on :ecem"er ( ->( t&e testator Hartin u)o an t&e 'etitioner &erein( Sofia . Ne'omuceno %ere marrie in Victoria( Tarlac "efore t&e ustice of t&e Peace. T&e testator e$ise to &is force &eirs( namel#( &is le)al %ife Rufina
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On anuar# ?( ->7?( t&e lo%er court enie t&e 'ro"ate of t&e ill on t&e )roun t&at as t&e testator amitte in &is ill to co&a"itin) %it& t&e 'etitioner from :ecem"er -> until &is eat& on ul# -?( ->74( t&e ill@s amission to 'ro"ate %ill "e an ile e*ercise "ecause on t&e face of t&e ill( t&e in$aliit# of its intrinsic 'ro$isions is e$ient. On une ( ->9( t&e res'onent court set asie t&e ecision of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial en#in) t&e 'ro"ate of t&e ill. T&e res'onent court eclare t&e ill to "e $ali e*ce't t&at t&e e$ise in fa$or of t&e 'etitioner is null an $oi 'ursuant to Article 7/> in relation %it& Article -=9 of t&e 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines. T&e main issue raise "# t&e 'etitioner is %&et&er or not t&e res'onent court acte in e*cess of its Curisiction %&en after eclarin) t&e last ill an Testament of t&e ecease Hartin u)o $alil# ra%n( it %ent on to 'ass u'on t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e testamentar# 'ro$ision in fa$or of &erein 'etitioner. T&e 'etitioner su"mits t&at t&e $aliit# of t&e testamentar# 'ro$ision in &er fa$or cannot "e 'asse u'on an ecie in t&e 'ro"ate 'roceein)s "ut in some ot&er 'roceein)s "ecause t&e onl# 'ur'ose of t&e 'ro"ate of a ill is to esta"lis& conclusi$el# as a)ainst e$er#one t&at a ill %as e*ecute %it& t&e formalities re!uire "# la% an t&at t&e testator &as t&e mental ca'acit# to e*ecute t&e same. T&e 'etitioner furt&er contens t&at e$en if t&e 'ro$isions of 'ara)ra'& - of Article 7/> of t&e 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines %ere a''lica"le( t&e eclaration of its nullit# coul onl# "e mae "# t&e 'ro'er court in a se'arate action "rou)&t "# t&e le)al %ife for t&e s'ecific 'ur'ose of o"tainin) a eclaration of t&e nullit# of t&e testamentar# 'ro$ision in t&e ill in fa$or of t&e 'erson %it& %&om t&e testator %as alle)el# )uilt# of aulter# or concu"ina)e. e a)ree %it& t&e res'onents. T&e res'onent court acte %it&in its Curisiction %&en after eclarin) t&e ill to "e $alil# ra%n( it %ent on to 'ass u'on t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e ill an eclare t&e e$ise in fa$or of t&e 'etitioner null an $oi. T&e )eneral rule is t&at in 'ro"ate 'roceein)s( t&e court@s area of in!uir# is limite to an e*amination an resolution of t&e e*trinsic $aliit# of t&e ill. 8Art IV. T&at since ->( I &a$e "een li$in)( as man an %ife( %it& one Sofia . Ne'omuceno( %&om I eclare an a$o% to "e entitle to ma# lo$e an affection( for all t&e t&in)s %&ic& s&e &as one for me( no% an in t&e 'ast< t&at %&ile Sofia .
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Ne'omuceno &as %it& m# full 1no%le)e an consent( i com'ort an re'resent m#self as &er o%n &us"an( in trut& an in fact( as %ell as in t&e e#es of t&e la%( I coul not "in &er to me in t&e &ol# "ons of matrimon# "ecause of m# aforementione 're$ious marria)e<8 T&e rule( &o%e$er( is not infle*i"le an a"solute. Gi$en e*ce'tional circumstances( t&e 'ro"ate court is not 'o%erless to o %&at t&e situation constrains it to o an 'ass u'on certain 'ro$isions of t&e ill. In Nu)ui $. Nu)ui +-7 S0RA 44>, cite "# t&e trial court( t&e testator institute t&e 'etitioner as uni$ersal &eir an com'letel# 'reterite &er sur$i$in) force &eirs. A %ill of t&is nature( no matter &o% $ali it ma# a''ear e*trinsicall#( %oul "e null an $oi. Se'arate or latter 'roceein)s to etermine t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e testamentar# 'ro$isions %oul "e su'erfluous. 8e are of t&e o'inion t&at in $ie% of certain unusual 'ro$isions of t&e %ill( %&ic& are of u"ious le)alit#( an "ecause of t&e motion to %it&ra% t&e 'etition for 'ro"ate +%&ic& t&e lo%er court assume to &a$e "een file %it& t&e 'etitioner@s aut&oriation,( t&e trial court acte correctl# in 'assin) u'on t&e %ill@s intrinsic $aliit# e$en "efore its formal $aliit# &a "een esta"lis&e. T&e 'ro"ate of a %ill mi)&t "ecome an ile ceremon# if on its face it a''ears to "e intrinsicall# $oi. &ere 'ractical consierations eman t&at t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e %ill "e 'asse u'on( e$en "efore it is 'ro"ate( t&e court s&oul meet t&e issue T&ere a''ears to "e no more is'ute at t&is time o$er t&e e*trinsic $aliit# of t&e ill. Bot& 'arties are a)ree t&at t&e ill of Hartin u)o %as e*ecute %it& all t&e formalities re!uire "# la% an t&at t&e testator &a t&e mental ca'acit# to e*ecute &is ill. T&e 'etitioner states t&at s&e com'letel# a)rees %it& t&e res'onent court %&en in resol$in) t&e !uestion of %&et&er or not t&e 'ro"ate court correctl# enie t&e 'ro"ate of Hartin u)o@s last ill an Testament( T&e onl# issue( t&erefore( is t&e Curisiction of t&e res'onent court to eclare t&e testamentar# 'ro$ision in fa$or of t&e 'etitioner as null an $oi. T&ere is no !uestion from t&e recors a"out t&e fact of a 'rior e*istin) marria)e %&en Hartin u)o e*ecute &is ill. T&ere is also no is'ute t&at t&e 'etitioner an Hr. u)o li$e to)et&er in an ostensi"le marital relations&i' for #ears until &is eat&. It is also a fact t&at on :ecem"er ( ->( Hartin u)o an Sofia . Ne'omuceno contracte a marria)e "efore t&e ustice of t&e Peace of Victoria( Tarlac. T&e man %as t&en - #ears ol %&ile t&e %oman %as 49. Ne'omuceno no% contens t&at s&e acte in )oo fait& for #ears in t&e "elief t&at s&e %as le)all# marrie to t&e testator. Horeo$er( t&e 'ro&i"ition in Article 7/> of t&e 0i$il 0oe is a)ainst t&e ma1in) of a onation "et%een 'ersons %&o are li$in) in aulter# or concu"ina)e. It is t&e onation %&ic& "ecomes $oi. T&e )i$er cannot )i$e e$en assumin) t&at t&e reci'ient ma# recei$e. T&e $er# %orin)s of t&e ill in$aliate t&e le)ac# "ecause t&e testator amitte &e %as is'osin) t&e 'ro'erties to a 'erson %it& %&om &e &a "een li$in) in concu"ina)e. ERE2ORE( t&e 'etition is :ISHISSE: for lac1 of merit.
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W. :ISALLOAN0E O2 ILLS
Art. #%9. "he will shall be disallowed in any of the followin! cases (-) f the formalities required by law have not been complied with ($) f the testator was insane, or otherwise mentally incapable of ma+in! a will, at the time of its e&ecution (%) f it was e&ecuted throu!h force or under duress, or the influence of fear, or threats (/) f it was procured by undue and improper pressure and influence, on the part of the beneficiary or of some other person (5) f the si!nature of the testator was procured by fraud (*) f the testator acted by mista+e or did not intend that the instrument he si!ned should be his will at the time of affi&in! his si!nature thereto. (n) Art. -%%5. "here is violence when in order to wrest consent, serious or irresistible force is employed. "here is intimidation when one of the contractin! parties is compelled by a reasonable and well< !rounded fear of an imminent and !rave evil upon his person or property, or upon the person or property of his spouse, descendants or ascendants, to !ive his consent. "o determine the de!ree of intimidation, the a!e, se& and condition of the person shall be borne in mind. A threat to enforce one3s claim throu!h competent authority, if the claim is 1ust or le!al, does not vitiate consent. (-$*7a) Art. -%%*. ?iolence or intimidation shall annul the obli!ation, althou!h it may have been employed by a third person who did not ta+e part in the contract. (-$*#) Art. -%%7. "here is undue influence when a person ta+es improper advanta!e of his power over the will of another, deprivin! the latter of a reasonable freedom of choice. "he followin! circumstances shall be considered the confidential, family, spiritual and other relations between the parties, or the fact that the person alle!ed to have been unduly influenced was sufferin! from mental wea+ness, or was i!norant or in financial distress. (n) Art. -%%#. "here is fraud when, throu!h insidious words or machinations of one of the contractin!
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe parties, the other is induced to enter into a contract which, without them, he would not have a!reed to. (-$*9) T: A will void as to form does not transmit property. But it can ive rise to a natural obliation( so that even if a leatee named therein cannot leally claim the leacy& the voluntary delivery thereof by the intestate heir is valid. 's a will e%ecuted by virtue of fraud upon testator susceptible of ratification@ T: #e submit that this conclusion overloo$s the difference between the law on wills and the law on contracts. 'n the law on contracts& fraud merely ma$es the contract voidable( while in the law on wills& fraud is a round for the disallowance of the will& that is& it renders the will void ab initio. There is nothin in the law on wills which allows implied confirmation or ratification of a void will& while there are provsions allowin it in the law on contracts. 2owever& the fact that the test)3 did nor revo$e his will after $nowlede of the alleed fraud may be evidence aainst the e%istence of fraud. 4asc"al !s. Dela Cr"&
On anuar# ->?=( 0atalina e la 0ru( sin)le an %it&out an# sur$i$in) escenant or ascenant( ie at t&e a)e of 9> in &er resience at San Ro!ue( Na$otas( Rial. On -4 anuar# ->?=( a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of &er alle)e %ill %as file in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial "# Anres Pascual( %&o %as name in t&e sai %ill as e*ecutor an sole &eir of t&e eceent. O''osin) t&e 'etition( Pero e la 0ru an ? ot&er ne'&e%s an nieces of t&e late 0atalina e la 0ru conteste t&e $aliit# of t&e %ill on t&e )rouns t&at t&e formalities re!uire "# la% %ere not com'lie %it&< t&at t&e testatri* %as mentall# inca'a"le of is'osin) of &er 'ro'erties "# %ill at t&e time of its e*ecution< t&at t&e %ill %as 'rocure "# unue an im'ro'er 'ressure an influence on t&e 'art of t&e 'etitioner< an t&at t&e si)nature of t&e testatri* %as o"taine t&rou)& frau. After &earin)( urin) %&ic& t&e 'arties 'resente t&eir res'ecti$e e$iences( t&e 'ro"ate court renere Cu)ment u'&olin) t&e ue e*ecution of t&e %ill( an( as t&erein 'ro$ie( a''ointe 'etitioner Anres Pascual e*ecutor an aministrator of t&e estate of t&e late 0atalina e la 0ru %it&out "on. T&e o''ositors a''eale irectl# to t&e 0ourt( t&e 'ro'erties in$ol$e "ein) $alue at more t&an P/==(===.==( raisin) onl# t&e issue of t&e ue e*ecution of t&e %ill. In t&is instance( o''ositorsDa''ellees claim t&at t&e lo%er court erre in )i$in) creence to t&e testimonies of t&e su"scri"in) %itnesses an t&e notar# t&at t&e %ill %as ul# e*ecute( not%it&stanin) t&e e*istence of inconsistencies an contraictions in t&e testimonies( an in isre)arin) t&eir e$ience t&at t&e %ill %as not si)ne "# all t&e %itnesses in t&e 'resence of one anot&er( in $iolation of t&e re!uirement of t&e la%. In t&is Curisiction( it is t&e o"ser$e rule t&at( %&ere a %ill is conteste( t&e su"scri"in) %it& are )enerall# re)are as t&e "est !ualifie to testif# on its ue e*ecution. o%e$er( it is similarl# reco)nie t&at for t&e testimon# of suc&
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%itnesses to "e entitle to full creit( it must "e reasona"le an un"iase( an not o$ercome "# com'etent e$ience( irect or circumstantial. 2or it must "e remem"ere t&at t&e la% oes not sim'l# re!uire t&e 'resence of t&ree instrumental %itnesses< it emans t&at t&e %itnesses "e crei"le. / In connection %it& t&e issue uner consieration( %e a)ree %it& t&e trial Cu)e t&at t&e contraictions an inconsistencies a''earin) in t&e testimonies of t&e %itnesses an t&e notar#( 'ointe out "# t&e o''ositorsDa''ellants +suc& as t&e %eat&er conition at t&e time t&e %ill %as e*ecute< t&e se!uence of t&e si)nin) "# t&e %itnesses< an t&e len)t& of time it too1 to com'lete t&e act,( relate to unim'ortant etails of t&e im'ressions of t&e %itnesses a"out certain etails %&ic& coul &a$e "een affecte "# t&e la'se of time an t&e treac&er# of &uman memor#( an %&ic& inconsistencies( "# t&emsel$es( %oul not alter t&e 'ro"ati$e $alue of t&eir testimonies on t&e ue e*ecution of t&e %ill Mcf. Peo. $s. Si)ue( 9? P&il. -/>D-4= +/ #ears inter$al,. Not &a$in) &ear ion)co testif#( t&is court is not in a 'osition to contraict t&e a''reciation of t&e trial court t&at t&e $oice in t&e ta'e recorin) %as not reall# t&at of ion)co. An consierin) t&at &e enie t&at fact uner oat&( t&at t&e ta'e recorin) %as not su''orte "# trul# im'artial e$ience( an %as one %it&out t&e 1no%le)e of t&e %itness( %e cannot see our %a# clear to rule t&at ion)co &as "een successfull# im'eac&e( an s&o%n )uilt# of false testimon#. It %oul "e an)erous to rule ot&er%ise. T&e secon 'oint t&at reners increi"le t&e alle)e assertion of ion)co in t&e ta'e recorin)( t&at &e si)ne t&e testament onl# in ->9 or ->>( is t&at in t&e Notarial Re)istr# of t&e notar#( Gatula( t&e ratification of t&e testament a''ears amon) t&e entries for ->4( as %ell as in t&e corres'onin) co'ies +E*&i"it I, file "# &im %it& Bonifacio Sumulon)( t&e em'lo#ee in c&ar)e of t&e Notarial Section of t&e 0ler1 of 0ourt@s office( %&o 'rouce t&em at t&e trial u'on su"'oena( an %&o testifie to &is &a$in) searc&e for an foun t&em in t&e $aults of t&e 0ler1 of 0ourt@s office. No e$ience e*ists t&at t&ese ocuments %ere not surrenere an file at t&e 0ler1 of 0ourt@s office( as re!uire "# la%( an in t&e re)ular course of official ut#. 0ertainl#( t&e notar# coul not &a$e re'orte in ->4 %&at i not &a''en until ->9. In $ie% of t&e e$ience( %e o not feel Custifie in concluin) t&at t&e trial court erre in acce'tin) t&e concorant testimon# of t&e instrumental %itnesses as %arrantin) t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill in !uestion( ta1in) into account t&e une*celle o''ortunit# of t&e court a !uo to o"ser$e t&e emeanor( an Cu)e t&e crei"ilit#( of t&e %itness t&ere"#. 2urt&ermore( it %oul not "e t&e first time in t&is Curisiction t&at a %ill &as "een amitte to 'ro"ate e$en if t&e instrumental %itness testifie contrar# to t&e ot&er t%o( 'ro$ie t&e court is satisfie( as in t&is case( t&at t&e %ill %as e*ecute an atteste in t&e manner 'ro$ie "# la% +2ernane $s. Tantoco( 4> P&il. /9=< Tolentino $s. 2rancisco( 7 P&il. 74< 0u#u)an $s. Baron( ?> P&il. ?/>< Ramire $s. Butte( -== P&il ?/,. T&ere is )reater reason to amit t&e %ill to 'ro"ate %&ere onl# t&e testimon# of one %itness is su"Cecte to serious( if unsuccessful attac1. 0ontestants furt&er assail t&e amission to 'ro"ate on t&e )roun t&at t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill %as tainte "# frau an unue influence e*erte "# 'ro'onent on t&e testari*( an affirm t&at it %as error for t&e lo%er court to &a$e
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe reCecte t&eir claim. Sai t&e court in t&is re)ar +Recor on A''eal( 'a)e 97,; Before consierin) t&e correctness of t&ese finin)s( it is %ort&%&ile to recall t&e "asic 'rinci'les on unue 'ressure an influence as lai o%n "# t&e Curis'ruence of t&is 0ourt; that to be s"fficient to a!oid a %ill, the infl"ence e7erted #"st be of a ;ind that so o!erpo%ers and s"b'"gates the #ind of the testator as to destro his free agenc and #a;e hi# e7press the %ill of another rather than his o%n +0oso $s. 2ernane :ea( 4 P&il. >?< Icasiano $s. Icasiano( LD-9>7>( /= une ->?4< Teotico $s. :el Val( LD -97/( ? Harc& ->?,< t&at t&e contention t&at a %ill %as o"taine "# unue influence or im'ro'er 'ressure cannot "e sustaine on mere conCecture or sus'icion( as it is enou)& t&at t&ere %as o''ortunit# to e*ercise unue influence( or a 'ossi"ilit# t&at it ma# &a$e "een e*ercise +Oaeta $s. 0uartero( LD>7( /- Ha# ->?,< t&at t&e e*ercise of im'ro'er 'ressure an unue influence must "e su''orte "# su"stantial e$ience t&at it %as actuall# e*ercise +Oatea $s. 0uartero( ante< Teotico $s. :el Val( LD-97/( ? Harc& ->?,< t&at t&e "uren is on t&e 'erson c&allen)in) t&e %ill to s&o% t&at suc& influence %as e*erte at t&e time of its e*ecution +Teotico $s. :el Val( ante,< t&at mere )eneral or reasona"le influence is not sufficient to in$aliate a %ill +0oso $s. 2ernane :ea( ante,< nor is moerate an reasona"le solicitation an entreat# aresse to t&e testator +Barreto $s. Re#es( LD9/-D/-( /- anuar# ->?,( or omission of relati$es( not force &eirs( e$ience of unue influence +Bu)nao $s. "a)( -4 P&il. -?/< Pecson $s. 0oronel( 4 P&il. 4-?,. Teste a)ainst t&ese rulin)s( t&e circumstances mars&alle "# t&e contestants certainl# fail to esta"lis& actual unue influence or im'ro'er 'ressure e*ercise on t&e testari* "# t&e 'ro'onent. T&eir main reliance is on t&e assertion of t&e latter( in t&e course of &is testimon#( t&at t&e ecease 8i not li1e to si)n an#t&in) unless I 1ne% it8 +t.s.n.( 'a)e 7( 7 anuar# ->?,( %&ic& oes not amount to 'roof t&at s&e %oul si)n an#t&in) t&at 'ro'onent esire. On t&e contrar#( t&e e$ience of contestantsDa''ellants( t&at 'ro'onent 'urc&ase a "uilin) in Hanila for t&e testari*( 'lace t&e title in &is name( "ut cause t&e name 80atalina e la 0ru8 to "e 'ainte t&ereon in "ol letters to mislea t&e ecease( e$en if true( emonstrates t&at 'ro'onent@s influence %as not suc& as to o$er'o%er to estro# t&e free %ill of t&e testari*. Beca"se if the #ind of the latter %ere reall s"b'"gated b hi# to the e7tent pict"red b the contestants, then proponent had no need to reco"rse to the deception a!erred.lawphi1.� et Nor is t&e fact t&at it %as 'ro'onent( an not t&e testari*( %&o as1e :r. Sanc&e to "e one of t&e instrumental %itnesses e$ience of suc& unue influence( for t&e reason t&at t&e r&eumetism of t&e testari* mae it ifficult for &er to loo1 for all t&e %itnesses. T&at s&e i not resort to relati$es or friens is( li1e%ise e*'laina"le; it %oul &a$e meant t&e isclosure of t&e terms of &er %ill to t&ose intereste in &er succession "ut %&o %ere not fa$ore "# &er( t&ere"# e*'osin) &er to un'leasant im'ortunit# an recriminations t&at an a)e 'erson %oul naturall# see1 to a$oi. T&e natural esire to 1ee' t&e ma1in) of a %ill secret can( li1e%ise( account for t&e failure to 'ro"ate t&e testament urin) &er lifetime. e conclue t&at t&e trial court committe no error in finin) t&e a''ellant@s e$ience esta"lis&e at most )rouns for sus'icion "ut fell far s&ort of esta"lis&in) actual e*ercise of im'ro'er 'ressure or influence. 0onsierin) t&at testari*
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consiere 'ro'onent as &er o%n son( to t&e e*tent t&at s&e e*'resse no o"Cection to &is "ein) mae t&e sole &eir of &er sister( 2lorentina 0ru( in ero)ation of &er o%n ri)&ts( %e fin not&in) a"normalin &er institutin) 'ro'onent also as &er o%n "eneficiar#. As state "# t&e 0ourt in t&e Knutson case � T&e trut& of t&e matter is t&at "e!uests an e$ises to t&ose in %&om t&e testator &as confience an %&o &a$e %on &is affection are more li1el# to "e free from unue influence t&at "e!uests or e$ises to ot&ers. +In re Knutson@s ill( 4- Pac. 7>/,. A''ellants in$o1e 'resum'tion of unue influence &el to e*ist "# American aut&orities %&ere t&e "eneficiar# 'artici'ates in t&e raftin) of e*ecution of t&e %ill fa$orin) &im< "ut since t&e %ill %as 're'are "# Att#. Pascual( alt&ou)& ne'&e% of t&e 'ro'onent( %e o not t&in1 t&e 'resum'tion a''lies< for in t&e normal course of e$ents( sai attorne# %oul follo% t&e instructions of t&e testatri*< an a mem"er of t&e "ar in )oo stanin) ma# not "e con$icte of un'rofessional conuct( or of &a$in) cons'ire to falsif# a statement( e*ce't u'on clear 'roof. T&e c&ar)e of frau( "ein) 'remise on t&e e*istence of unue influence( nees no se'arate iscussion. ERE2ORE( t&e ecree of 'ro"ate a''eale from is affirme< GI. LEITIE
A. 0once't. Art. ##*. =e!itime is that part of the testator3s property which he cannot dispose of because the law has reserved it for certain heirs who are, therefore, called compulsory heirs. (#2*)
T&ree 'rinci'al s#stems of istri"ution of &ereitar# 'ro'ert#; -. A"solute freeom of is'osition . Total reser$ation /. Partial reser$ation T; 0onsierin) t&e customs an traitions of t&e 2ili'inos for t&e sa1e of famil# soliarit#( t&e 'resent coe 'reser$e t&e s#stem of le)itimes. o%e$er( c&an)es &a$e "een mae as follo%s; -. %it& res'ect to t&e amounts of t&at coum'ulsor# &eirs recei$e< . ille)itimate c&ilren &a$e "een mae com'ulsor# &eirs t&ou)& %it& a smaller le)itime< /. le)itime of sur$i$in) s'ouse &as "een c&an)e from a mere usufruct to a full o%ners&i'. 4. eliminates t&e meCora %&ic& resulte in t&e increase of "ot& t&e le)itime an t&e free 'ortion T&us( ustice BL Re#es &as t&is to sa#; T&e increase of t&e le)itime to 6 as a)ainst t&e -5/ in t&e ol coe( an t&e su''ression of t&e meCora( o'erate to limit t&e freeom of c&oice of t&e testator to a )reater e*tent t&an uner t&e ol coe( for t&e testator( uner t&at la%( coul at least select t&e ini$iual escenants %&o s&oul recei$e t&e t&ir "etterment. uris'ruence( &o%e$er( inter'rete t&e ultimate 'ur'ose of t&e s#stems of le)itime. It is a limitation u'on t&e freeom of t&e testator to is'ose of &is 'ro'ert#. Its 'ur'ose is to 'rotect t&ose &eirs( for %&om t&e testator is 'resume to
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe &a$e an o"li)ation to reser$e certain 'ortions of &is estate( from &is unCust ire or %ea1ness or t&ou)&tlessness. Ratio of t&e free 'ortion; -. An o%ner3s Cus is'oneni 2. man as a mem"er of societ# can entertain not onl# familial affections( "ut also le)itimate affections to &is fello%men( t&us( s&oul not "e a"solutel# "e restraine from is'osin) 'ro'ert# accorin) to ictates of )enerosit#. T&e le)itime oes not consist in eterminate or s'ecific 'ro'ert# %&ic& t&e testator must reser$e for &is com'ulsor# &eirs. It consists of a 'art of fraction of t&e entire mass of t&e &ereitar# estate. T&e stanar for etermination is fi*e "# la%( "ut !uantit# ma# $ar# accorin) to num"er an relation of t&e &eirs to t&e testator.
1. ?rimary H those who e%clude other compulsory 5.
3.
heirs e%.
=e!itimate children and ascendants H in the ordinary course of nature father or mother die ahead of the child( the law confers preferential leitimary rihts upon them. Thus the law intends that property of the decedent pass not to straners but to his natural successor. =e!itimated 6hildren H the ++ is silent as to this $ind of children but the amily code under Art. 5=5 rants the same rihts to leitimated as that of the leitimate. 2ence they are included as a compulsory heir.
B. &o are entitleF
Art. ##7. "he followin! are compulsory heirs (-) =e!itimate children and descendants, with respect to their le!itimate parents and ascendants ($) n default of the fore!oin!, le!itimate parents and ascendants, with respect to their le!itimate children and descendants (%) "he widow or widower (/) Ac+nowled!ed natural children, and natural children by le!al fiction (5) ;ther ille!itimate children referred to in Article $#7. 6ompulsory heirs mentioned in :os. %, /, and 5 are not e&cluded by those in :os. - and $ neither do they e&clude one another. n all cases of ille!itimate children, their filiation must be duly proved. "he father or mother of ille!itimate children of the three classes mentioned, shall inherit from them in the manner and to the e&tent established by this 6ode. (#27a) +ompulsory heirs are those who succeed whether the testator li$es it or not and they cannot be deprived of their leitime e%cept only by disinheritance. An heir& of whatever class is absolutely free to accept or renounce the inheritance because the law on leitime is a restriction not on the freedom of the heir to accept or repudiate& but on the freedom of testator to dispose of his property. Ginds of +ompulsory heirs:
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Adopted 6hildren H Art. 8 of the + provides that for civil purposes& the adopted shall be deemed a leitimate child of the adopters and both shall ac!uire reciprocal rihts and obliations from a parent>child relationship. 2ence& considered as leitimate child of the deceased adoptin parent both as +2 and <2. lle!itimate 0arents H they are compulsory heirs only in the absence of leitimate& or illeitimate children of the decedent as provided under Art. 06. Adoptin parents H they are not compulsory heirs of the adopted child because Art. 0 of the + only provides that they shall be leal heirs of the deceased adopted and is silent as to their becomin compulsory heir. This indicates that the latter was not intended. 3atio: Adoption is for the benefit of the adopted& and unless the law clearly intends to favor the adopter& all doubts should be resolved aainst him. Because of the silence of the law on leitimes& he cannot be entitiled to the leitime of the leitimate parents( and in the law of testacy & he is not iven& in eneral& the same rihts as a leitimate parent but only such as are specifically provided in Article 0 of the +.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe urvivin! pouse H there should be a valid marriae between the deceased and the survivin spouse. Thus& the followin marriaes has different effect on the capacity of the widow or widower to succeed:
1. null and void marriaes such as incestuous or biamous ones. ,%cept in cases of biamous marriaes where two wives contract in ood faith with the same husband& both are entitled to inherit e!ually from the deceased husband. 2. Joidable marriaes entitle the widowFer to leitime because there e%ists a valid marriae until it is annulled. Thus& once annulled before death of a spouse they are incapacitated to inherit. 2owever& pendin the case of annulment and one spouse dies the widowFer& nevertheless& inherits the leitime because the marriae can no loner be annulled after death of one. 3.
In t&is Petition for Re$ie% of t%o +, Orers of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0e"u t&e !uestion raise is %&et&er t&e %io% %&ose &us"an 'reecease &is mot&er can in&erit from t&e latter( &er mot&erDinDla%. In t&e course of t&e intestate 'roceein)s( t&e trial court issue an Orer ate une -?( ->7 eclarin) t&e follo%in) ini$iuals t&e le)al &eirs of t&e ecease an 'rescri"in)
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t&eir res'ecti$e s&are of t&e estate 2ortunato T. Rosales +&us"an, -54< Ha)na R. Ace"es +au)&ter,( -54< Haci1e!uero* Rosales( -54< an Antonio Rosales +son,( -54. T&is eclaration %as reiterate "# t&e trial court in its Orer ate 2e"ruar# 4( ->7. T&ese Orers not%it&stanin)( Irenea Rosales insiste in )ettin) a s&are of t&e estate in &er ca'acit# as t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse of t&e late 0arterio Rosales( son of t&e ecease( claimin) t&at s&e is a com'ulsor# &eir of &er mot&erDinDla% to)et&er %it& &er son( Haci1e!uero* Rosales. In sum( t&e 'etitioner 'oses t%o +, !uestions for Our resolution. 2irst is a %io% +sur$i$in) s'ouse, an intestate &eir of &er mot&erDinDla%F Secon are t&e Orers of t&e trial court %&ic& e*clue t&e %io% from )ettin) a s&are of t&e estate in !uestion final as a)ainst t&e sai %io%F Our ans%er to t&e first !uestion is in t&e ne)ati$e. Intestate or le)al &eirs are classifie into t%o +, )rou's( namel#( t&ose %&o in&erit "# t&eir o%n ri)&t( an t&ose %&o in&erit "# t&e ri)&t of re'resentation. - Restate( an intestate &eir can onl# in&erit eit&er "# &is o%n ri)&t( as in t&e orer of intestate succession 'ro$ie for in t&e 0i$il 0oe( or "# t&e ri)&t of re'resentation 'ro$ie for in Article >9- of t&e same la%. T&ere is no 'ro$ision in t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& states t&at a %io% +sur$i$in) s'ouse, is an intestate &eir of &er mot&erD inDla%. T&e entire 0oe is e$oi of an# 'ro$ision %&ic& entitles &er to in&erit from &er mot&erDinDla% eit&er "# &er o%n ri)&t or "# t&e ri)&t of re'resentation. T&e 'ro$isions of t&e 0oe %&ic& relate to t&e orer of intestate succession +Articles >79 to -=-4, enumerate %it& meticulous e*actitue t&e intestate &eirs of a eceent( %it& t&e State as t&e final intestate &eir. T&e cons'icuous a"sence of a 'ro$ision %&ic& ma1es a au)&terDinDla% an intestate &eir of t&e ecease all t&e more confirms Our o"ser$ation. If t&e le)islature intene to ma1e t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse an intestate &eir of t&e 'arentD inDla%( it %oul &a$e so 'ro$ie in t&e 0oe. T&e aforesai 'ro$ision of la% / refers to t&e estate of t&e ecease s'ouse in %&ic& case t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse +%io% or %io%er, is a com'ulsor# &eir. It oes not a''l# to t&e estate of a 'arentDinDla%. Inee( t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse is consiere a t&ir 'erson as re)ars t&e estate of t&e 'arentD inDla% B# t&e same to1en( t&e 'ro$ision of Article >>> of t&e 0i$il 0oe aforecite oes not su''ort 'etitioner@s claim. A careful e*amination of t&e sai Article confirms t&at t&e estate contem'late t&erein is t&e estate of t&e ecease s'ouse. T&e estate %&ic& is t&e su"Cect matter of t&e intestate estate 'roceein)s in t&is case is t&at of t&e ecease Petra V. Rosales( t&e mot&erDinDla% of t&e 'etitioner. It is from t&e estate of Petra V. Rosales t&at Haci1e!uero* Rosales ra%s a s&are of t&e in&eritance "# t&e ri)&t of re'resentation as 'ro$ie "# Article >9- of t&e 0oe. Article >7- e*'licitl# eclares t&at Haci1e!uero* Rosales is calle to succession "# la% "ecause of &is "loo relations&i'. e oes not succee &is fat&er( 0arterio Rosales +t&e 'erson re'resente, %&o 'reecease &is )ranmot&er( Petra Rosales( "ut t&e latter %&om &is fat&er %oul &a$e succeee. Petitioner cannot assert t&e same ri)&t of re'resentation as s&e &as no filiation "# "loo %it& &er mot&erDinDla%.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Petitioner &o%e$er contens t&at at t&e time of t&e eat& of &er &us"an 0arterio Rosales &e &a an inc&oate or contin)ent ri)&t to t&e 'ro'erties of Petra Rosales as com'ulsor# &eir. Be t&at as it ma#( sai ri)&t of &er &us"an %as e*tin)uis&e "# &is eat& t&at is %&# it is t&eir son Haci1e!uero* Rosales %&o succeee from Petra Rosales "# ri)&t of re'resentation. e i not succee from &is ecease fat&er( 0arterio Rosales. On t&e "asis of t&e fore)oin) o"ser$ations an conclusions( e fin it unnecessar# to 'ass u'on t&e secon !uestion 'ose "# t&e 'etitioner. Accorin)l#( it is Our consiere o'inion( an e so &ol( t&at a sur$i$in) s'ouse is not an intestate &eir of &is or &er 'arentDinDla%. ERE2ORE( in $ie% of t&e fore)oin)( t&e Petition is &ere"# :ENIE: for lac1 of merit( %it& costs a)ainst t&e 'etitioner. Let t&is case "e remane to t&e trial court for furt&er 'roceein)s. 0. 0oncurrence of com'ulsor# &eirs an t&eir le)itimes.
Art. ###. "he le!itime of le!itimate children and descendants consists of one
The natural ine!ualities amon children is but imainary and parent reward merely on better !ualities of one children 5. such reward may be effected by the father or mother by disposin of part or all of the free half 6. the testator should have reater freedom to dispoe of his estate by will the supposed free portion is not always disposable by the testator( it is e%pressly made subect to the rihts of illeitimate children and the survivin spouse. )nly the remainder thereafter shall be disposable& if there is any left. Art. ##9. "he le!itime of le!itimate parents or ascendants consists of one
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f the testator leaves neither father nor mother, but is survived by ascendants of equal de!ree of the paternal and maternal lines, the le!itime shall be divided equally between both lines. f the ascendants should be of different de!rees, it shall pertain entirely to the ones nearest in de!ree of either line. (#-2) Art. #9$. f only one le!itimate child or descendant of the deceased survives, the widow or widower shall be entitled to one
67
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe e!uivalent to that leitime& then he cannot as$ for more unless& the testator provides it as addition to his leitime. Art. #9%. f the testator leaves no le!itimate descendants, but leaves le!itimate ascendants, the survivin! spouse shall have a ri!ht to one half of that of leitimate child. 3atio: the law rewards more the fruits of leal unions& thus& ivin preference and reater portion of the hereditary estate. 2owever& for humanitarian reasons the illeitimate children should not be disrearded because they are ust as innocent and blameless as the leitimate children for bein born in this world beyond their control.
filiation must be proved their share comes only from the free portion survivin spouse is preferred over them& the leitme of the spouse is satisfied first
4. their share is susceptible of proportionate reduction if their total leitimes e%ceeds the free portion Art. #9*. lle!itimate children who may survive with le!itimate parents or ascendants of the deceased shall be entitled to one
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ac+nowled!ed natural children, or natural children by le!al fiction, such survivin! spouse shall be entitled to a portion equal to the le!itime of each of the le!itimate children which must be ta+en from that part of the estate which the testator can freely dispose of. (n) Art. #9#. f the widow or widower survives with le!itimate children or descendants, and with ille!itimate children other than ac+nowled!ed natural, or natural children by le!al fiction, the share of the survivin! spouse shall be the same as that provided in the precedin! article. (n) The amily +ode has already abolished the distinction between natural and other illeitimate children placin them under one cateory of illeitimate children. Art. #99. When the widow or widower survives with le!itimate parents or ascendants and with ille!itimate children, such survivin! spouse shall be entitled to one
68
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 3atio for the rule is the presumption that the marriae is contracted e%clusively for inheritin. 2owever& this suspicion is erased if the spouses had been livin toether as husband and wife for at least five years on account of companionship and affection for such lenth of time.
finally, "hat in the last case, should the adopted leave no property other than that received from the adopter, and he is survived by ille!itimate issue or a spouse, such ille!itimate issue collectively or the spouse shall receive one
This distinction does not apply to intestacy Art. 92-. When the testator dies leavin! ille!itimate children and no other compulsory heirs, such ille!itimate children shall have a ri!ht to oneive to the adopted person the same ri!hts and duties as if he were a le!itimate child of the adopter 0rovided, "hat an adopted child cannot acquire 0hilippine citi8enship by virtue of such adoption ($) Dissolve the authority vested in the natural parent or parents, e&cept where the adopter is the spouse of the survivin! natural parent (%) 4ntitle the adopted person to use the adopter3s surname and (/) a+e the adopted person a le!al heir of the adopter 0rovided, "hat if the adopter is survived by le!itimate parents or ascendants and by an adopted person, the latter shall not have more successional ri!hts than an ac+nowled!ed natural child 0rovided, further, "hat any property received !ratuitously by the adopted from the adopter shall revert to the adopter should the former predecease the latter without le!itimate issue unless the adopted has, durin! his lifetime, alienated such property 0rovided,
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"he adopter shall not be a le!al heir of the adopted person, whose parents by nature shall inherit from him, e&cept that if the latter are both dead, the adoptin! parent or parents ta+e the place of the natural parents in the line of succession, whether testate or interstate. 9. 3estrictions reardin the leitime
Art. 92/. "he testator cannot deprive his compulsory heirs of their le!itime, e&cept in cases e&pressly specified by law. Art. #7$. "he testator cannot impose any char!e, condition, or substitution whatsoever upon the le!itimes prescribed in this 6ode. hould he do so, the same shall be considered as not imposed. (#-%a) The leitime oes to the heir by operation of law and not by the will of the testator( hence it cannot be subect to the freedom of the latter to impose encumbrances& conditions and substitutions. Any encumbrance is simply disrearded and considered as not written. The +2"s riht to the leitime is free& unencumbered& and pure. Art. 925. 4very renunciation or compromise as re!ards a future le!itime between the person owin! it and his compulsory heirs is void, and the latter may claim the same upon the death of the former but they must brin! to collation whatever they may have received by virtue of the renunciation or compromise. (#-*) .
The future leitime between is merely an e%pectancy& and the heir does not ac!uire any riht over the same until death of testator. 5. The renunciation or compromise does not become valid by the mere failure of the compulsory heirs to assert its invalidity because the matter of its leal effect cannot be left to the will of the parties. 6. all renunciations of future leitimes are void. 2owever& a mere statement made by a son of the properties ne has received from his father& still livin& for the purpose of ta$in the same into account in case of partition in the event the father dies& is not a renunciation or compromise on future leitime. 4. ince the leitime is a part of the inheritance& and a compromise is contract& it is obvious that all compromises on future leitimes& by and between
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe the heirs themselves to the e%clusion of the testator& must be held void if not under this article& under the eneral prohibition of Art. 64=. 7. the nullity of the renunciation or compromise may be claimed& not only by the +2 who made it& by co> heirs preudiced thereby. . the ivin of donations as advance of the leitime is not prohibited by this article nor 64= but overned by rules on donation and the reduction thereof whenever inofficoius. Art. 92*. Any compulsory heir to whom the testator has left by any title less than the le!itime belon!in! to him may demand that the same be fully satisfied. (#-5) By the word testator& irt is believed thiat this principle applies only when that which has been left is in a will or testament. 'f there is no testatmentery disposition in his favor& the heir cannot as$ for completion of his leitime& because there is nothin to complete( instead& there should be case of preterition or total omission& and in such case the forced heir in the direct line is entitled to as$& not merely for the completion of his leitime& but for the annulment of the institution of heir. But when it is not evedent that the testator has forotten the compulsory heir and it appears as a fact that the compulsory heir had already received somethin in the way of advance upon his leitime& it cannot be presumed that the testator had forotten the compulsory heir. There is no real preterition& althouh nothin has been left by will to the +2. The purpose of Article 0 evidently is to ive the compulsory heir only that ehich has been reserved for him by the law& nothin less nothin more. 'f he was not forotten then he is entitled only to that which the testator cannot deprive him. ,ven when the +2 has not been mentioned in the will or has not been ien an advance on his leitime& if the testamentary dispositions do not cover the entire estate but somethin is left undisposed& and the +2 is also a compulsory heir is also an intestate heir. The indisposed portion would pass by the rule of intestacy to the +2( if it is not enouh to cover his leitime& then he may as$ for the completion of such leitme. 't is to be presumed that the testator intended to ive him the undisposed portion.
All services which are not contrary to law, morals, !ood customs, public order or public policy may li+ewise be the ob1ect of a contract. (-$7-a)
It is essential t&at t&e o"Cect must "e in e*istence at t&e time of 'erfection of t&e contract( or t&at it &as t&e 'ossi"ilit# or 'otentialit# of comin) into e*istence at some future time. B# %a# of e*ce'tion( t&e la% )enerall# oes not allo% contracts on future in&eritance. In orer to "e future in&eritance( t&e succession must not &a$e "een o'ene at t&e time of t&e contract. A contract to fall %it&in t&e 'ro&i"ition of t&is article( t&e follo%in) re!uisites are necessar#; -. t&at t&e succession is #et to "e o'ene. . t&e o"Cect forms 'art of t&e in&eritance. /. t&e 'romissor &as an e*'ectant ri)&t o$er t&e o"Cect %&ic& is 'urel# &ereitar# in nature. An a)reement to 'artition an estate of a li$in) 'erson "# t&ose %&o in&erit from &im is $oi. A contract renouncin) t&e ri)&t to in&erit from one %&o is still ali$e is $oi. After t&e eat& of t&e 'erson( &o%e$er( t&e 'ro'erties an ri)&ts left "# &im "# %a# of in&eritance can "e t&e su"Cect matter of a contract amon) or "# &is &eirs( e$en "efore a 'artition t&ereof &as "een mae( "ecause t&e ri)&ts of t&e &eirs are transmitte to t&em from t&e eat& of t&e 'reecessor. &en t&e o"Cect of t&e contract is not a 'art of t&e in&eritance( t&e 'ro&i"ition oes not a''l#( e$en if eli$er# of suc& o"Cect is e'enent u'on t&e eat& of one of t&e contractin) 'arties. T&us( life insurance contracts( an sti'ulations 'ro$iin) for re$ersion of 'ro'ert# onate in marria)e settlements in t&e e$ent of t&e eat& of t&e onee( are $ali. Li1e%ise( if t&e ri)&t of t&e 'art# o$er t&e t&in) is not "# $irtue of succession( "ut as creitor( t&e contract oes not fall %it&in t&e 'ro&i"ition of t&is article. It &as "een &el t&at in a contract of 'urc&ase "# coDo%ners( it is $ali to sti'ulate t&at in t&e e$ent of eat& of an# of t&em( t&ose %&o sur$i$e %ill ac!uire t&e s&are of t&e 'reecease. ,. 9etermination of computation Art. 92#. "o determine the le!itime, the value of the property left at the death of the testator shall be considered, deductin! all debts and char!es, which shall not include those imposed in the will. teps to determine leitime:
Art. 927. "estamentary dispositions that impair or diminish the le!itime of the compulsory heirs shall be reduced on petition of the same, insofar as they may be inofficious or e&cessive. (#-7)
1. 9etermination of the value of the property which remains at the time of the testator"s death( either by: a.
)nly the +2s whose leitme has been impaired can avail of the riht to as$ for the reduction of inofficious donations& devises& or leacies. Art. -%/7. All thin!s which are not outside the commerce of men, includin! future thin!s, may be the ob1ect of a contract. All ri!hts which are not intransmissible may also be the ob1ect of contracts. :o contract may be entered into upon future inheritance e&cept in cases e&pressly authori8ed by law.
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b.
udicial proceedins in the settlement of the estate assisted by ta% appraisers true value of the property not merely assessed value for ta%ation purposes
5.
determination of the obliations& debts& and chares which have to be paid out or deducted from the value of the property 6. the difference between the assets and the liabilities& ivin rise to the net hereditary estate( 4. addition to the net value of the estate of donations subect to collation
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 7.
determination of the amount of leitimes by ettin from the total thus found the portion that the law provides as the leitimes of each respective +2.
inheritance& but to ascertain that the +2 do not et less than what pertains to them as leitime.
The remainder after deduction of the debts and chares is the net hereditary estate.
Art. 9--. After the le!itime has been determined in accordance with the three precedin! articles, the reduction shall be made as follows
+ollation& in the first concept is the imainary or fictitious reconstitution of the estate of the testator by mere mathematical process of addin all that is donated durin the lifrtime of the testator to +2 or straners.
(-) Donations shall be respected as lon! as the le!itime can be covered, reducin! or annullin!, if necessary, the devises or le!acies made in the will
The second concept entails that property donated by the testator durin his lifetime must be brouht bac$ actually and returened to the hereditary estate whenever it is found that such donation e%ceeds the disposable portion of the estate. The purpose of which is to complete the assets necessary for the payment of the shares of the compulsory heirs.
($) "he reduction of the devises or le!acies shall be pro rata, without any distinction whatever. f the testator has directed that a certain devise or le!acy be paid in preference to others, it shall not suffer any reduction until the latter have been applied in full to the payment of the le!itime.
+ollation is thus for the benefit of the +2& and not the creditors of the decedent. The presence of the latter& however& must be determined at the time of the testator"s death& not at the time the donation was made. The value of the property donated& however& is determined on the date the donations were made.
(%) f the devise or le!acy consists of a usufruct or life annuity, whose value may be considered !reater than that of the disposable portion, the compulsory heirs may choose between complyin! with the testamentary provision and deliverin! to the devisee or le!atee the part of the inheritance of which the testator could freely dispose. (#$2a)
"o the net value of the hereditary estate, shall be added the value of all donations by the testator that are sub1ect to collation, at the time he made them. (#-#a) Art. 929. Donations !iven to children shall be char!ed to their le!itime.
9onation intervivos is preferred over disposition mortis causa. 3atio:
Donations made to stran!ers shall be char!ed to that part of the estate of which the testator could have disposed by his last will.
.
nsofar as they may be inofficious or may e&ceed the disposable portion, they shall be reduced accordin! to the rules established by this 6ode. (#-9a) Art. 9-2. Donations which an ille!itimate child may have received durin! the lifetime of his father or mother, shall be char!ed to his le!itime. hould they e&ceed the portion that can be freely disposed of, they shall be reduced in the manner prescribed by this 6ode. (#/7a) Any donation to the randchild is not subect to collation because the same is not a +2 but it may be chared aainst the free portion as a donation to straner. #hen the donation to a compulsory heir e%ceeds his leitime& the e%cess is chareable aainst the free portion which is at the disposal of the the testator& ust as any donation to straner& subect to the res$ of reduction. 'f the donation to a straner e%ceeds the free portion& then it will have to be reduced as inofficious. The purpose of the law is not to prevent the straner from ettin more from the
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5. 6.
9onation intervivos are by nature irrevocable to allow annulment on account of leacies and devise in e%cess of free portion in effect allows the revocation to depend on the will of the donor> testator. 9onation is a bilateral act based on the sreement of donor and donee while a will is unilateral( ?riority in time is priority in riht.
The article provides a rule on preference to determine which devise or leacy is to be reduced whenervr it e%eceeds the free portion or to the e%tent that it impairs the leitime. Art. 70 also provides the followin order of reduction of leacy or devise: . 5. 6. 4. 7. .
remunatory leacy or devise( leacy or devise declared by testator to be preferred( leacies for support( leacies for education( specific determinate thin ehich form part of the estate( all others pro rata.
#here lies the distintion bet. 70 and @ Article will apply as to the manner of reducin leacies:
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe a.
b.
when reduction is necessary to preserve leitime of +2 from impairment wheter there are donation inter vivos( when althouh leitime has been preserve by the testator& by ivin sufficient portion to cover leitime of +2& thereare donations inter vivos concurrin with leacies or devises within the free portion.
Article 70 applies when the !uestion of reduction is e%clusively amon the leatees themselves& either because ther are no compulsory heirs& or because the leitme of +2 has already been provided for by the testator in his will and there are no donation inter vivos. As to usufruct& use or habitation& or life annuity there shall be ta$en into account the probable life of the beneficiary in accordance with the American Tropical ,%perience table at 8K per annum. 9onations are reduced first the most recent ones with reard the e%cess. Thus& priority in time priority in riht. 'f several donations made on the same date they are reduced pro rata A property donated once alienated by donee cannot be set aside. 't would be danerous to the stability of property and inimical to the freedom of alienation. 'n the above instance& can the inofficious part of the donation be ta$en from other proerty of the donee@
Art. 9-%. f the heirs or devisees do not choose to avail themselves of the ri!ht !ranted by the precedin! article, any heir or devisee who did not have such ri!ht may e&ercise it should the latter not ma+e use of it, the property shall be sold at public auction at the instance of any one of the interested parties. (#$$) T: 9ivision under this article means a material division& which is inconvenient& because the the property is not susceptible of such division& or because it will lose or diminish its value or utitlity when so divided. 2ence& althouh the law specifically refers only to devise& it should be considered applicable to all obects whether movable or immovable& of the same nature& such as vessels. Luery: if the reduction should be e%actly M of the value& does it mean that the hir ets to retain it not bein less than M@ “does not absorb M” 't is submitted that the thin should be retained by the devisee. The intention of the testaor in ma$in a devise of a determinate obect is clearly so that the leatee may enoy that particular property. )ut of respect for this intention& and since the will of the testator is the overnin law in the succession& the thin should be iven to the devisee in case he is entitled to half its value and the heirs the other half.
Summar# of Le)itimes of 0om'ulsor# eirs -. Le)itimate 0&ilren %it& ot&er 0 c. . e.
#e believe that in such case the donee should be made to respond fro the value of the e%cess or inofficoius part. 't was the act of the donee which made it impossible to recover the inofficoius part to the hereditary estate. 2e is conclusively presumed to $noe that that the donation stands the ris$ of reduction. #hat if the donee is insolvent and cannot return anythin to the estate to complete the impaired leitime( who shall bear the loss@ 't is submitted that that the amount to be returned by the insolvent must be borne and paid by those whose donation are within the free portion. As between the compulsory heir& whose rihts are derived from law& and the donees& whose rihts sprin from the will of the deceased& the former should be protected from the impairment of their shares. Art. 9-$. f the devise sub1ect to reduction should consist of real property, which cannot be conveniently divided, it shall !o to the devisee if the reduction does not absorb one
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f.
g. &.
L0 alone – 6 - L0 %5 SSD 6( X or more L0 %5 SS – 6( same as - L0 recei$es L0 %5 I0 – 6( &alf of - L0 -L0( SS( I0 – 6( X( &alf of - L0 L0s( SS( I0 – 6( same as - L0( &alf of L0
. Le)itimate Parents U Ascenants %5 ot&er 0 a. ". c. .
LPA alone – -5 LPA %5 SS – 6( X LPA %5 I0 – 6( X LPA( SS( I0 – 6( -59( X
/. Ille)itimate 0&ilren %5 ot&er I0 a. ".
I0 alone – 6 I0 %5 SS – -5/( -5/
4. Sur$i$in) S'ouse alone – 6 E*ce't in articulo mortis marria)e an s'ouse ies %5in / mos. Sur$i$in) s'ouse entitle onl# to -5/ . Ille)itimate Parents %5 ot&er 0
a. IP alone – 6 ".
IP %5 L0 or I0 – e*clue "# t&e latter
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe c. IP %5 SS – X( X 0OLLATION Art. -2*-. 4very compulsory heir, who succeeds with other compulsory heirs, must brin! into the mass of the estate any property or ri!ht which he may have received from the decedent, durin! the lifetime of the latter, by way of donation, or any other !ratuitous title, in order that it may be computed in the determination of the le!itime of each heir, and in the account of the partition. (-2%5a) Art. -2*$. 6ollation shall not ta+e place amon! compulsory heirs if the donor should have so e&pressly provided, or if the donee should repudiate the inheritance, unless the donation should be reduced as inofficious. (-2%*) Art. -2*%. 0roperty left by will is not deemed sub1ect to collation, if the testator has not otherwise provided, but the le!itime shall in any case remain unimpaired. (-2%7) Art. -2*/. When the !randchildren, who survive with their uncles, aunts, or cousins, inherit from their !randparents in representation of their father or mother, they shall brin! to collation all that their parents, if alive, would have been obli!ed to brin!, even thou!h such !randchildren have not inherited the property. "hey shall also brin! to collation all that they may have received from the decedent durin! his lifetime, unless the testator has provided otherwise, in which case his wishes must be respected, if the le!itime of the co
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Art. -2*9. Any sums paid by a parent in satisfaction of the debts of his children, election e&penses, fines, and similar e&penses shall be brou!ht to collation. (-2/%a) Art. -272. Weddin! !ifts by parents and ascendants consistin! of 1ewelry, clothin!, and outfit, shall not be reduced as inofficious e&cept insofar as they may e&ceed one
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe "he donee who collates in +ind an immovable which has been !iven to him must be reimbursed by his co< heirs for the improvements which have increased the value of the property, and which e&ist at the time the partition if effected. As to wor+s made on the estate for the mere pleasure of the donee, no reimbursement is due him for them he has, however, the ri!ht to remove them, if he can do so without in1urin! the estate. (n) Art. -277. hould any question arise amon! the co< heirs upon the obli!ation to brin! to collation or as to the thin!s which are sub1ect to collation, the distribution of the estate shall not be interrupted for this reason, provided adequate security is !iven. (-252) Di&on-i!era !s. Di&on
On anuar# 9( ->?-( t&e testatri*( A)ri'ina . Vale. a %io%( ie in An)eles( Pam'an)a( an %as sur$i$e "# se$en com'ulsor# &eirs( to %it( si* le)itimate c&ilren name Estela :ion( Tomas V. :ion( Bernarita :ion( Harina :ion +&erein e*ecutri*Da''ellee,( An)elina :ion an osefina :ion( an a le)itimate )ranDau)&ter name Lilia :ion( %&o is t&e onl# le)itimate c&il an &eir of Ramon :ion( a 'reDecease le)itimate son of t&e sai eceent. Si* of t&ese se$en com'ulsor# &eirs +e*ce't Harina :ion( t&e e*ecutri*Da''ellee, are t&e o''ositorsDa''ellants. In &er %ill( t&e testatri* i$ie( istri"ute an is'ose of all &er 'ro'erties a''raise at P-(9=-(>?=.== +e*ce't( t%o small 'arcels of lan a''raise at P(94>.?=( &ouse&ol furniture $alue at P(==.==( a "an1 e'osit in t&e sum of P4=>.> an ten s&ares of Pam'an)a Su)ar :e$elo'ment 0om'an# $alue at P/=.==, amon) &er a"o$ename &eirs. Testate 'roceein)s %ere in ue course commence an "# orer ate Harc& -/( ->?-( t&e last %ill an testament of t&e eceent %as ul# allo%e an amitte to 'ro"ate( an t&e a''ellee Harina :ionDRi$era %as a''ointe e*ecutri* of t&e testatri*@ estate( an u'on &er filin) &er "on an oat& of office( letters testamentar# %ere ul# issue to &er. T&e real an 'ersonal 'ro'erties of t&e testatri* at t&e time of &er eat& t&us &a a total a''raise $alue of P-(9--(?>.?=( an t&e le)itime of eac& of t&e se$en com'ulsor# &eirs amounte to P->(/?.--. / +-57 of t&e &alf of t&e estate reser$e for t&e le)itime of le)itimate c&ilren an escenants,. 4 In &er %ill( t&e testatri* 8commane t&at &er 'ro'ert# "e i$ie8 in accorance %it& &er testamentar# is'osition( %&ere"# s&e e$ise an "e!ueat&e s'ecific real 'ro'erties com'risin) 'racticall# t&e entire "ul1 of &er estate amon) &er si* c&ilren an ei)&t )ranc&ilren. ner t&e o''ositors@ counterD'roCect of 'artition( t&e testamentar# is'osition mae "# t&e testatri* of 'racticall# &er %&ole estate of P-(9=-(>?=.=-( as a"o$e state( %ere 'ro'ose to "e reuce to t&e amounts set fort& after t&e names of t&e res'ecti$e &eirs an e$isees totallin) oneD&alf %&ile t&e ot&er &alf of t&e estate +P>=(/4.79, %oul &e eeme as constitutin) t&e le)itime of t&e e*ecutri*Da''ellee an o''ositorsDa''ellants( to "e i$ie amon) t&em in se$en e!ual 'arts of P->(/?.-- as t&eir res'ecti$e le)itimes.
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T&e lo%er court( after &earin)( sustaine an a''ro$e t&e e*ecutri*@ 'roCect of 'artition( rulin) t&at 8+A,rticles >=? an >=7 of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe s'ecificall# 'ro$ie t&at %&en t&e le)itime is im'aire or 'reCuice( t&e same s&all "e com'lete an satisfie. &ile it is true t&at t&is 'rocess &as "een follo%e an a&ere to in t&e t%o 'roCects of 'artition( it is o"ser$e t&at t&e e*ecutri* an t&e o''ositors iffer in res'ect to t&e source from %&ic& t&e 'ortion or 'ortions s&all "e ta1en in orer to full# restore t&e im'aire le)itime. T&e 'ro'osition of t&e o''ositors( if u'&el( %ill su"stantiall# result in a istri"ution of intestac#( %&ic& is in contro$ersion of Article 7>- of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe8 ain) t&at 8t&e testatri* &as c&osen to fa$or certain &eirs in &er %ill for reasons of &er o%n( cannot "e ou"te. T&is is le)all# 'ermissi"le %it&in t&e limitation of t&e la%( as aforecite.8 it& reference to t&e 'a#ment in cas& of some P/=(./9( 'rinci'all# "# t&e e*ecutri* as t&e lar)est "eneficiar# of t&e %ill to "e 'ai to &er fi$e coD&eirs( t&e o''ositors +e*cluin) Tomas :ion,( to com'lete t&eirDim'aire le)itimes( t&e lo%er court rule t&at 8+T,&e 'a#ment in cas& so as to ma1e t&e 'ro'er aCustment to meet %it& t&e re!uirements of t&e la% in res'ect to le)itimes %&ic& &a$e "een im'aire is( in our o'inion( a 'ractical an $ali solution in orer to )i$e effect to t&e last %is&es of t&e testatri*.8 m t&e lo%er court@s orers of a''ro$al( o''ositorsDa''ellants &a$e file t&is a''eal( an raise ane% t&e follo%in) issues; -. &et&er or not t&e testamentar# is'ositions mae in t&e testatri*@ %ill are in t&e nature of e$ises im'uta"le to t&e free 'ortion of &er estate( an t&erefore su"Cect to reuction< . &et&er t&e a''ellants are entitle to t&e e$ise 'lus t&eir le)itime uner Article -=?/( or merel# to eman com'letion of t&eir le)itime uner Article >=? of t&e 0i$il 0oe< an /. &et&er t&e a''ellants ma# "e com'elle to acce't 'a#ment in cas& on account of t&eir le)itime( instea of some of t&e real 'ro'erties left "# t&e Testatri*< T&e testator@s %is&es an intention constitute t&e first an 'rinci'al la% in t&e matter of testaments( an to 'ara'&rase an earl# ecision of t&e Su'reme 0ourt of S'ain. > %&en e*'resse clearl# an 'recisel# in &is last %ill amount to t&e onl# la% %&ose manate must im'erati$el# "e fait&full# o"e#e an com'lie %it& "# &is e*ecutors( &eirs an e$isees an le)atees( an neit&er t&ese intereste 'arties nor t&e courts ma# su"stitute t&eir o%n criterion for t&e testator@s %ill. Guie an restricte "# t&ese funamental 'remises( t&e 0ourt fins for t&e a''ellee. T&is %as 'ro'erl# com'lie %it& in t&e e*ecutri*Da''ellee@s 'roCect of 'artition( %&erein t&e fi$e o''ositorsDa''ellants namel# Estela. Bernarita( An)elina( osefina an Lilia( %ere aCuicate t&e 'ro'erties res'ecti$el# istri"ute an assi)ne to t&em "# t&e testatri* in &er %ill( an t&e ifferential to com'lete t&eir res'ecti$e le)itimes of P->(/?.-- eac& %ere ta1en from t&e cas& an5or 'ro'erties of t&e e*ecutri*Da''ellee( Harina( an t&eir coD o''ositorDa''ellant( Tomas( %&o amittel# %ere fa$ore "# t&e testatri* an recei$e in t&e 'artition "# %ill more t&an t&eir res'ecti$e le)itimes. T&is ri)&t of a testator to 'artition &is estate "# %ill %as reco)nie e$en in Article -=? of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe %&ic&
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe &as "een re'rouce no% as Article -=9= of t&e 'resent 0i$il 0oe. T&e onl# amenment in t&e 'ro$ision %as t&at Article -=9= 8no% 'ermits an# 'erson +not a testator( as uner t&e ol la%, to 'artition &is estate "# act inter $i$os.8 -- T&is %as intene to re'eal t&e t&en 're$ailin) octrine - t&at for a testator to 'artition &is estate "# an act inter $i$os( &e must first ma1e a %ill %it& all t&e formalities 'ro$ie "# la%. Aut&oritati$e commentators ou"t t&e efficac# of t&e amenment -/ "ut t&e !uestion oes not &ere concern us( for t&is is a clear case of 'artition "# %ill( ul# amitte to 'ro"ate( %&ic& 'erforce must "e )i$en full $aliit# an effect. Asie from t&e 'ro$isions of Articles >=? an >=7 a"o$e !uote( ot&er coal 'ro$isions su''ort t&e e*ecutri*D a''ellee@s 'roCect of 'artition as a''ro$e "# t&e lo%er court rat&er t&an t&e counterD'roCect of 'artition 'ro'ose "# o''ositorsDa''ellants %&ere"# t&e# %oul reuce t&e testamentar# is'osition or 'artition mae "# t&e testatri* to oneD&alf an limit t&e same( %&ic& t&e# %oul consier as mere e$ises or le)acies( to oneD&alf of t&e estate as t&e is'osa"le free 'ortion( an a''l# t&e ot&er &alf of t&e estate to 'a#ment of t&e le)itimes of t&e se$en com'ulsor# &eirs. O''ositors@ 'ro'osal %oul amount su"stantiall# to a istri"ution "# intestac# an 'ro tanto nullif# t&e testatri*@ %ill( contrar# to Article 7>- of t&e 0i$il 0oe. It %oul furt&er run counter to t&e 'ro$isions of Article -=>- of t&e 0i$il 0oe t&at 8+A, 'artition le)all# mae confers u'on eac& &eir t&e e*clusi$e o%ners&i' of t&e 'ro'ert# aCuicate to &im. T&e "uren of o''ositors@ contention is t&at t&e testamentar# is'ositions in t&eir fa$or are in t&e nature of e$ises of real 'ro'ert#( citin) t&e testatri*@ re'eate use of t&e %ors 8I "e!ueat&8 in &er assi)nment or istri"ution of &er real 'ro'erties to t&e res'ecti$e &eirs. 2rom t&is erroneous 'remise( t&e# 'rocee to t&e e!uall# erroneous conclusion t&at 8t&e le)itime of t&e com'ulsor# &eirs 'asses to t&em "# o'eration of la% an t&at t&e testator can onl# is'ose of t&e free 'ortion( t&at is( t&e remainer of t&e estate after euctin) t&e le)itime of t&e com'ulsor# &eirs . . . an all testamentar# is'ositions( eit&er in t&e nature of institution of &eirs or of e$ises or le)acies( &a$e to "e ta1en from t&e remainer of t&e testator@s estate constitutin) t&e free 'ortion.8 O''ositors@ conclusions necessaril# are in error. T&e testamentar# is'ositions of t&e testatri*( "ein) is'ositions in fa$or of com'ulsor# &eirs( o not &a$e to "e ta1en onl# from t&e free 'ortion of t&e estate( as contene( for t&e secon 'ara)ra'& of Article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe 'recisel# 'ro$ies t&at 8+O,ne %&o &as com'ulsor# &eirs ma# is'ose of &is estate 'ro$ie &e oes not contra$ene t&e 'ro$isions of t&is 0oe %it& re)ar to t&e le)itime of sai &eirs.8 An e$en )oin) "# o''ositors@ o%n t&eor# of "e!uests( t&e secon 'ara)ra'& of Article >- of t&e 0i$il 0oe co$ers 'recisel# t&e case of t&e e*ecutri*Da''ellee( %&o amittel# %as fa$ore "# t&e testatri* %it& t&e lar)e "ul1 of &er estate in 'ro$iin) t&at 8+T,&e e$isee %&o is entitle to a le)itime ma# retain t&e entire 'ro'ert#( 'ro$ie its $alue oes not e*cee t&at of t&e is'osa"le 'ortion an of t&e s&are 'ertainin) to &im as le)itime.8 4or diversity of apportionment is the usual reason for ma$ing a testament7 otherwise, the decedent might as well die intestate. (; 4undamentally, of course, the dispositions by the testatrix constituted a partition by will, which by mandate of %rticle (=;= of the /ivil /ode and of the other cited codal provisions upholding the primacy of the testator's last will and testament, have to be respected insofar as they do not pre6udice the legitime of the other compulsory heirs.
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O''ositors@ in$o1in) of Article -=?/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe t&at 8+P,ro'ert# left "# %ill is not eeme su"Cect to collation( if t&e testator &as not ot&er%ise 'ro$ie( "ut t&e le)itime s&all in an# case remain unim'aire8 an in$o1in) of t&e construction t&ereof )i$en "# some aut&orities t&at 8@not eeme su"Cect to collation@ in t&is article reall# means not im'uta"le to or c&ar)ea"le a)ainst t&e le)itime8( %&ile it ma# &a$e some 'lausi"ilit# -> in an a''ro'riate case( &as no a''lication in t&e 'resent ease. ere( %e &a$e a case of a istri"ution an 'artition of t&e entire estate "# t&e testatri*( %it&out &er &a$in) mae an# 're$ious onations urin) &er lifetime %&ic& %oul re!uire collation to etermine t&e le)itime of eac& &eir nor &a$in) left merel# some 'ro'erties "# %ill %&ic& %oul call for t&e a''lication of Articles -=?- to -=?/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe on collation. T&e amount of t&e le)itime of t&e &eirs is &ere etermine an unis'ute. it& t&is resolution of t&e ecisi$e issue raise "# o''ositorsDa''ellants( t&e seconar# issues are li1e%ise necessaril# resol$e. T&eir ri)&t %as merel# to eman com'letion of t&eir le)itime uner Article >=? of t&e 0i$il 0oe an t&is &as "een com'lie %it& in t&e a''ro$e 'roCect of 'artition( an t&e# can no lon)er eman a furt&er s&are from t&e remainin) 'ortion of t&e estate( as "e!ueat&e an 'artitione "# t&e testatri* 'rinci'all# to t&e e*ecutri*Da''ellee. Neit&er ma# t&e a''ellants le)all# insist on t&eir le)itime "ein) com'lete %it& real 'ro'erties of t&e estate instea of "ein) 'ai in cas&( 'er t&e a''ro$e 'roCect of 'artition. T&e 'ro'erties are not a$aila"le for t&e 'ur'ose( as t&e testatri* &a s'ecificall# 'artitione an istri"ute t&em to &er &eirs( an t&e &eirs are calle u'on( as far as feasi"le to com'l# %it& an )i$e effect to t&e intention of t&e testatri* as solemnie in &er %ill( "# im'lementin) &er manifest %is& of transmittin) t&e real 'ro'erties intact to &er name "eneficiaries( 'rinci'all# t&e e*ecutri*Da''ellee. T&e a''raisal re'ort of t&e 'ro'erties of t&e estate as file "# t&e commissioner a''ointe "# t&e lo%er court %as a''ro$e in toto u'on Coint 'etition of t&e 'arties( an &ence( t&ere cannot "e sai to "e an# !uestion an none is 'resente as to fairness of t&e $aluation t&ereof or t&at t&e le)itime of t&e &eirs in terms of cas& &as "een unerstate. T&e 'laint of o''ositors t&at t&e 'urc&asin) $alue of t&e P&ili''ine 'eso &as )reatl# ecline since t&e testatri*@ eat& in anuar#( ->?- 'ro$ies no le)al "asis or Custification for o$erturnin) t&e %is&es an intent of t&e testatri*. T&e transmission of ri)&ts to t&e succession are transmitte from t&e moment of eat& of t&e eceent +Article 777( 0i$il 0oe, an accorin)l#( t&e $alue t&ereof must "e rec1one as of t&en( as ot&er%ise( estates %oul ne$er "e settle if t&ere %ere to "e a re$aluation %it& e$er# su"se!uent fluctuation in t&e $alues of t&e currenc# an 'ro'erties of t&e estate. T&ere is e$ience in t&e recor t&at 'rior to No$em"er ( ->?4( one of t&e o''ositors( Bernarita( acce'te t&e sum of P=(===.== on account of &er in&eritance( %&ic&( 'er t&e 'arties@ manifestation( = 8oes not in an# %a# affect t&e aCuication mae to &er in t&e 'roCects of 'artition of eit&er 'art# as t&e same is a mere a$ance of t&e cas& t&at s&e s&oul recei$e in "ot& 'roCects of 'artition.8 T&e 'a#ment in cas& "# %a# of ma1in) t&e 'ro'er aCustments in orer to meet t&e re!uirements of t&e la% on nonDim'airment of le)itimes as %ell as to )i$e effect to t&e last %ill of t&e testatri* &as in$aria"l# "een a$aile of an sanctione. T&at &er coDo''ositors %oul recei$e t&eir cas& ifferentials onl# no% %&en t&e $alue of t&e currenc# &as ecline furt&er(
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe %&ereas t&e# coul &a$e recei$e t&em earlier( li1e Bernarita( at t&e time of a''ro$al of t&e 'roCect of 'artition an %&en t&e 'eso@s 'urc&asin) $alue %as &i)&er( is ue to t&eir o%n ecision of 'ursuin) t&e 'resent a''eal.
T&e intention to e*em't from collation s&oul "e e*'resse 'lainl# an une!ui$ocall# as an e*ce'tion to t&e )eneral rule announce in Article -=?. A"sent suc& a clear inication of t&at intention( %e a''l# not t&e e*ce'tion "ut t&e rule( %&ic& is cate)orical enou)&.
De -o#a !s. CA Locsin !s. CA
0anelaria e Roma &a t%o le)all# ao'te au)&ters( Bu&a# e Roma an Rosalina e Roma. S&e ie intestate on A'ril /=( ->7-( an aministration 'roceein)s %ere institute in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of La)una "# t&e 'ri$ate res'onent as )uarian of Rosalina. Bu&a# %as a''ointe aministratri* an in ue time file an in$entor# of t&e estate. T&is %as o''ose "# Rosalina on t&e )roun t&at certain 'ro'erties earlier onate "# 0anelaria to Bu&a#( an t&e fruits t&ereof( &a not "een inclue. T&e 'ro'erties in !uestion consiste of se$en 'arcels of coconut lan %ort& P-=(>7.=. T&ere is no is'ute re)arin) t&eir $aluation< %&at t&e 'arties cannot a)ree u'on is %&et&er t&ese lans are su"Cect to collation. T&e 'ri$ate res'onent $i)orousl# ar)ues t&at it is( conforma"l# to Article -=?- of t&e 0i$il 0oe. Bu&a#( for &er 'art( citin) Article -=?( claims s&e &as no o"li)ation to collate "ecause t&e eceent 'ro&i"ite suc& collation an t&e onation %as not officious. T&e issue %as resol$e in fa$or of t&e 'etitioner "# t&e trial court( %&ic& &el t&at t&e eceent( %&en s&e mae t&e onation in fa$or of Bu&a#( e*'ressl# 'ro&i"ite collation. Horeo$er( t&e onation i not im'air t&e le)itimes of t&e t%o ao'te au)&ters as it coul "e accommoate in( an in fact %as im'ute to( t&e free 'ortion of 0anelaria@s estate. / On a''eal( t&e orer of t&e trial court %as re$erse( t&e res'onent court &olin) t&at t&e ee of onation containe no e*'ress 'ro&i"ition to collate as an e*ce'tion to Article -=?. Accorin)l#( it orere collation an e!uall# i$ie t&e net estate of t&e eceent( incluin) t&e fruits of t&e onate 'ro'ert#( "et%een Bu&a# an Rosalina. 4 e a)ree %it& t&e res'onent court t&at t&ere is not&in) in t&e a"o$e 'ro$isions e*'ressl# 'ro&i"itin) t&e collation of t&e onate 'ro'erties. As t&e sai court correctl# o"ser$e( t&e '&rase 8sa 'amama)itan n) 'a)"i"i)a# na i na ma"a"a%in) muli8 merel# escri"e t&e onation as 8irre$oca"le8 an s&oul not "e construe as an e*'ress 'ro&i"ition a)ainst collation. ? T&e fact t&at a onation is irre$oca"le oes not necessaril# e*em't t&e su"Cect t&ereof from t&e collation re!uire uner Article -=?-. e surmise from t&e use of suc& terms as 8le)itime8 an 8free 'ortion8 in t&e ee of onation t&at it %as 're'are "# a la%#er( an %e ma# also 'resume &e unerstoo t&e le)al conse!uences of t&e onation "ein) mae. It is reasona"le to su''ose( )i$en t&e 'recise lan)ua)e of t&e ocument( t&at &e %oul &a$e inclue t&erein an e*'ress 'ro&i"ition to collate if t&at &a "een t&e onor@s intention. An#t&in) less t&an suc& e*'ress 'ro&i"ition %ill not suffice uner t&e clear lan)ua)e of Article -=?. T&e su))estion t&at t&ere %as an im'lie 'ro&i"ition "ecause t&e 'ro'erties onate %ere im'uta"le to t&e free 'ortion of t&e eceent@s estate merits little consieration. Im'utation is not t&e !uestion &ere( nor is it claime t&at t&e is'ute onation is officious. T&e sole issue is %&et&er or not t&ere %as an e*'ress 'ro&i"ition to collate( an %e see none.
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Hariano Locsin e*ecute a Last ill an Testament institutin) &is %ife( 0atalina( as t&e sole an uni$ersal &eir of all &is 'ro'erties / . T&e %ill %as ra%n u' "# &is %ife@s ne'&e% an truste le)al a$iser( Attorne# Sal$aor Lora#es. Attorne# Lora#es isclose t&at t&e s'ouses "ein) c&illess( t&e# &a a)ree t&at t&eir 'ro'erties( after "ot& of t&em s&all &a$e ie s&oul re$ert to t&eir res'ecti$e sies of t&e famil#( i.e.( Hariano@s 'ro'erties %oul )o to &is 8Locsin relati$es8 +i.e.( "rot&ers an sisters or ne'&e%s an nieces,( an t&ose of 0atalina to &er 8aucian relati$es. 4 8 :on Hariano Locsin ie of cancer on Se'tem"er -4( ->49 after a lin)erin) illness. In ue time( &is %ill %as 'ro"ate in S'ecial Proceein)s No. -/9( 02I of Al"a# %it&out an# o''osition from "ot& sies of t&e famil#. As irecte in &is %ill( :oa 0atalina %as a''ointe e*ecutri* of &is estate. er la%#er in t&e 'ro"ate 'roceein)s %as Attorne# Lora#es. In t&e in$entor# of &er &us"an@s estate %&ic& s&e su"mitte to t&e 'ro"ate court for a''ro$al( ? 0atalina eclare t&at 8all items mentione from Nos. - to // are t&e 'ri$ate 'ro'erties of t&e ecease an form 'art of &is ca'ital at t&e time of t&e marria)e %it& t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse( %&ile items Nos. /4 to 4 are conCu)al.8 7 Amon) &er o%n an :on Hariano@s relati$es( :oa 0atalina %as closest to &er ne'&e%( Attorne# Sal$aor Lora#es( &er nieces( Elena aucian( Haria Lora#esD0ornelio an Haria Ol"esDVelasco( an t&e &us"ans of t&e last t%o; ostilio 0ornelio an 2ernano Velasco. 9 er trust in ostilio 0ornelio %as suc& t&at s&e mae &im custoian of all t&e titles of &er 'ro'erties< an "efore s&e is'ose of an# of t&em( s&e unfailin)l# consulte &er la%#erDne'&e%( Attorne# Sal$aor Lora#es. It %as Att#. Lora#es %&o 're'are t&e le)al ocuments an( more often t&an not( t&e %itnesses to t&e transactions %ere &er nieces Elena aucian( Haria Lora#esD0ornelio( Haria Ol"esDVelasco( or t&eir &us"ans. er niece( Elena aucian( %as &er lifeDlon) com'anion in &er &ouse. :on Hariano relie on :oa 0atalina to carr# out t&e terms of t&eir com'act( &ence( nine +>, #ears after &is eat&( as if in o"eience to &is $oice from t&e )ra$e( an full# co)niant t&at s&e %as also a$ancin) in #ears( :oa 0atalina "e)an transferrin)( "# sale( onation or assi)nment( :on Hariano@s( as %ell as &er o%n( 'ro'erties to t&eir res'ecti$e ne'&e%s an nieces. S&e mae t&e follo%in) sales an onations of 'ro'erties %&ic& s&e &a recei$e from &er &us"an@s estate( to &is Locsin ne'&e%s an nieces; :oa 0atalina ie on ul# ?( ->77. 2our #ears "efore &er eat&( s&e &a mae a %ill on Octo"er ( ->7/ affirmin) an ratif#in) t&e transfers s&e &a mae urin) &er lifetime in fa$or of &er &us"an@s( an &er o%n( relati$es. After t&e reain) of &er %ill( all t&e relati$es a)ree t&at t&ere %as no nee to su"mit it to t&e court for 'ro"ate "ecause t&e 'ro'erties e$ise to t&em uner t&e %ill &a alrea# "een con$e#e to t&em "# t&e ecease %&en s&e %as still ali$e( e*ce't some le)acies %&ic& t&e e*ecutor of &er %ill or estate( Attorne# Sal$aor Lora#es( 'roceee to istri"ute.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe In ->9>( or si* +?, #ears after :oa 0atalina@s emise( some of &er aucian ne'&e%s an nieces %&o &a alrea# recei$e t&eir le)acies an &ereitar# s&ares from &er estate( file action in t&e Re)ional Trial 0ourt of Le)as'i 0it# +Branc& VIII( 0i$il 0ase No. 7-, to reco$er t&e 'ro'erties %&ic& s&e &a con$e#e to t&e Locsins urin) &er lifetime( alle)in) t&at t&e con$e#ances %ere in officious( %it&out consieration( an intene solel# to circum$ent t&e la%s on succession. T&ose %&o %ere closest to :oa 0atalina i not Coin t&e action. After t&e trial( Cu)ment %as renere on ul# 9( ->9 in fa$or of t&e 'laintiffs +aucian,( an a)ainst t&e Locsin efenants T&e 'etition &as merit an s&oul "e )rante. T&e trial court an t&e 0ourt of A''eals erre in eclarin) t&e 'ri$ate res'onents( ne'&e%s an nieces of :oa 0atalina . Va. e Locsin( entitle to in&erit t&e 'ro'erties %&ic& s&e &a alrea# is'ose of more t&an ten +-=, #ears "efore &er eat&. 2or t&ose 'ro'erties i not form 'art of &er &ereitar# estate( i.e.( 8t&e 'ro'ert# an transmissi"le ri)&ts an o"li)ations e*istin) at t&e time of +t&e eceent@s, eat& an t&ose %&ic& &a$e accrue t&ereto since t&e o'enin) of t&e succession.8 -= T&e ri)&ts to a 'erson@s succession are transmitte from t&e moment of &is eat&( an o not $est in &is &eirs until suc& time. (( 8roperty which DoEa /atalina had transferred or conveyed to other persons during her lifetime no longer formed part of her estate at the time of her death to which her heirs may lay claim. a s&e ie intestate( onl# t&e 'ro'ert# t&at remaine in &er estate at t&e time of &er eat& e$ol$e to &er le)al &eirs< an e$en if t&ose transfers %ere( one an all( treate as onations( t&e ri)&t arisin) uner certain circumstances to im'u)n an com'el t&e reuction or re$ocation of a eceent@s )ifts inter $i$os oes not inure to t&e res'onents since neit&er t&e# nor t&e onees are com'ulsor# +or force, &eirs. - T&ere is t&us no "asis for assumin) an intention on t&e 'art of :oa 0atalina( in transferrin) t&e 'ro'erties s&e &a recei$e from &er late &us"an to &is ne'&e%s an nieces( an intent to circum$ent t&e la% in $iolation of t&e 'ri$ate res'onents@ ri)&ts to &er succession. Sai res'onents are not &er com'ulsor# &eirs( an it is not 'retene t&at s&e &a an# suc&( &ence t&ere %ere no le)itimes t&at coul concei$a"l# "e im'aire "# an# transfer of &er 'ro'ert# urin) &er lifetime. All t&at t&e res'onents &a %as an e*'ectanc# t&at in no%ise restricte &er freeom to is'ose of e$en &er entire estate su"Cect onl# to t&e limitation set fort& in Art. 7=( 0i$il 0oe %&ic&( e$en if it %ere "reac&e( t&e res'onents ma# not in$o1e; 8Art 7=. T&e onation ma# com're&en all t&e 'resent 'ro'ert# of t&e onor( or 'art t&ereof( 'ro$ie &e reser$es( in( full o%ners&i' or in usufruct( sufficient means for t&e su''ort of &imself( an of all relati$es %&o( at t&e time of t&e acce'tance of t&e onation( are "# la% entitle to "e su''orte "# t&e onor. it&out suc& reser$ation( t&e onation s&all "e reuce on 'etition of an# 'erson affecte. +?/4a,. T&e lo%er court ca'italie on t&e fact t&at :oa 0atalina %as alrea# >= #ears ol %&en s&e ie on ul# ?( ->77. It
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insinuate t&at "ecause of &er a$ance #ears s&e ma# &a$e "een im'ose u'on( or unul# influence an morall# 'ressure "# &er &us"an@s ne'&e%s an nieces +t&e 'etitioners, to transfer to t&em t&e 'ro'erties %&ic& s&e &a in&erite from :on Hariano@s estate. T&e recors o not su''ort t&at conCecture. 2or as earl# as ->7( or t%ent#Dei)&t +9, #ears "efore &er eat&( :oa 0atalina &a alrea# "e)un transferrin) to &er Locsin ne'&e%s an nieces t&e 'ro'erties %&ic& s&e recei$e from :on Hariano. S&e sol a >?Ds!.m. lot on anuar# ?( ->7 to &is ne'&e% an namesa1e Hariano Locsin II. -/ On A'ril 7( ->??( or -> #ears "efore s&e 'asse a%a#( s&e also sol a 4/D&ectare lan to anot&er Locsin ne'&e%( ose R. Locsin. -4 T&e ne*t #ear( or on Harc& ( ->?7( s&e sol a (===Ds!.m. 'ortion of Lot == to ulian Locsin. - Amon) :oa 0atalina@s last transactions "efore s&e ie in ->77 %ere t&e sales of 'ro'ert# %&ic& s&e mae in fa$or of Aurea Locsin an Hariano Locsin in ->7. -9 T&ere is not t&e sli)&test su))estion in t&e recor t&at :oa 0atalina %as mentall# incom'etent %&en s&e mae t&ose is'ositions. Inee( &o% can an# suc& su))estion "e mae in li)&t of t&e fact t&at e$en as s&e %as transferrin) 'ro'erties to t&e Locsins( s&e %as also contem'oraneousl# is'osin) of &er ot&er 'ro'erties in fa$or of t&e auciansF S&e sol to &er ne'&e%( Vicente aucian( on ul# -?( ->?4 +- #ears "efore &er eat&, oneD&alf +or (=== s!.m., of Lot ==. T&ree #ears later( or on Harc& ( ->?7( s&e sol anot&er (=== s!.m. of t&e same lot to ualian Locsin. -> T&is 0ourt fins no reason to is"elie$e Attorne# Lora#es@ testimon# t&at "efore :on Hariano ie( &e an &is %ife +:oa 0atalina,( "ein) c&illess( &a a)ree t&at t&eir res'ecti$e 'ro'erties s&oul e$entuall# re$ert to t&eir res'ecti$e lineal relati$es. As t&e truste le)al a$iser of t&e s'ouses an a fullD"loo ne'&e% of :oa 0atalina( &e %oul not &a$e s'un a tale out of t&in air t&at %oul also 'reCuice &is o%n interest. T&eir esistance 'ersuasi$el# emonstrates t&at :oa 0atalina acte as a com'letel# free a)ent %&en s&e mae t&e con$e#ances in fa$or of t&e 'etitioners. In fact( consierin) t&eir closeness to :oa 0atalina it %oul &a$e "een %ellDni)& im'ossi"le for t&e 'etitioners to em'lo# 8frau( unue 'ressure( an su"tle mani'ulations8 on &er to ma1e &er sell or onate &er 'ro'erties to t&em. :oa 0atalina@s niece( Elena aucian( au)&ter of &er "rot&er( Euaro aucian( li$e %it& &er in &er &ouse. er ne'&e%DinD la%( ostilio 0ornelio( %as t&e custoian of t&e titles of &er 'ro'erties. A'art from t&e fore)oin) consierations( t&e trial court an t&e 0ourt of A''eals erre in not ismissin) t&is action for annulment an recon$e#ance on t&e )roun of 'rescri'tion. 0ommence ecaes after t&e transactions &a "een consummate( an si* +?, #ears after :oa 0atalina@s eat&( it 'rescri"e four +4, #ears after t&e su"Cect transactions %ere recore in t&e Re)istr# of Pro'ert#( 9 %&et&er consiere an action "ase on frau( or one to reress an inCur# to t&e ri)&ts of t&e 'laintiffs. T&e 'ri$ate res'onents ma# not fei)n i)norance of sai transactions "ecause t&e re)istration of t&e ees %as constructi$e notice t&ereof to t&em an t&e %&ole %orl. > ERE2ORE( t&e 'etition for re$ie% is )rante.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe . reedom to dispose free portion Art. 9-/. "he testator may devise and bequeath the free portion as he may deem fit. The article reiterates the principle embodied already in article 845. thus& superfluous and at some point misleadin. 'n many cases& the testator cannot really dispose of part or whole of the free portion& because the leitimes of concurrin compulsory heirs& li$e the survivin spouse and illeitimate children when there are leitimate children or descendants& are ta$en from the free portion. 2ence& he can only dispose that which is the remainder of the free portion when this is partly consumed by the leitimes of concurrin compulsory heirs. The phrase& “as he may deem fit”& is therefore erroneous. The testator does not absolute freedom over the free portion when concurrin +2 are present and only to those !ualified to succeed. 0:60=4 A46":> =4>"4 . 04"4";:
any( it that is not sufficient& so much as may be necessary must be ta$en ?3)?)3T')A<
Art. #5/. "he preterition or omission of one, some, or all of the compulsory heirs in the direct line, whether livin! at the time of the e&ecution of the will or born after the death of the testator, shall annul the institution of heir but the devises and le!acies shall be valid insofar as they are not inofficious.
This article pertain to effects of a disinheritance which does not have one or more of the essential re!uisites for its validity. 't li$ewise applies to cases of reconciliation after a disinheritance has been made.
f the omitted compulsory heirs should die before the testator, the institution shall be effectual, without pre1udice to the ri!ht of representation. (#-/a)
The ineffective disinheritance does not affect the disposition of the testator with respect to the free portion. The reason is the disinheritance in this case refers only only to the leitime of the heir& and therefore& it is only this portion that is affected by the nullity or ineffectiveness of such disinheritance.
Art. #55. "he share of a child or descendant omitted in a will must first be ta+en from the part of the estate not disposed of by the will, if any if that is not sufficient, so much as may be necessary must be ta+en proportionally from the shares of the other compulsory heirs. (-2#2a) The article does not necessarily refer to preterition. 't refers to a child or descendant omitted in a will. The share of the omitted child is to be determined by other provisions of law( once that is determined this article provides the manner in which that share shall be satisfied. This article suffers serious defects. The term cold pr descendant should be construed as compulsory heirs& in much the same way that the first pararaph of article 0 has been construed by commentators to refer to compulsory heirs. Theree is patent fundamental mista$e in the last sentence of the article because it creates a confusion and does not e%press the true intent of the law. 't should have been reworded in this wise: “the share of the compulsory heir omitted in a will must first be ta$en from the part of the estate not diposed of by will& if
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#here the disinheritance is ineffective in this case& the compulsory heir must be iven all that he is entitiled to receive as if the disinheritance has not been made& without preudice to lawful dispositions made by the testator in favor of others. A&nar !s. D"ncan
E%ar E. 0&ristensen( a citien of 0alifornia %it& omicile in t&e P&ili''ines( ie lea$in) a %ill e*ecute on Harc& ( ->-. T&e %ill %as amitte to 'ro"ate "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of :a$ao in its ecision of 2e"ruar# 9( ->4. In t&at same ecision t&e court eclare t&at Haria elen 0&ristensen Garcia +&ereinafter referre to as elen Garcia, %as a natural c&il of t&e ecease. T&e eclaration %as a''eale to t&is 0ourt( an %as affirme in its ecision of 2e"ruar# -4( ->9 +G.R. No. LD--494, In anot&er incient relati$e to t&e 'artition of t&e ecease@s estate( t&e trial court a''ro$e t&e 'roCect su"mitte "# t&e e*ecutor in accorance %it& t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill( %&ic& sai court foun to "e $ali uner t&e la% of 0alifornia. elen Garcia a''eale form t&e orer of a''ro$al( an t&is 0ourt( on anuar# /-( ->?/( re$erse t&e same on t&e )roun t&at t&e $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill s&oul "e )o$erne "# P&ili''ine la%( an returne t&e case to t&e lo%er court %it&
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe instructions t&at t&e 'artition "e mae as 'ro$ie "# sai la% +G.R. No. LD-?74>, On Octo"er >( ->?4( t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of :a$ao issue an orer a''ro$in) t&e 'roCect of 'artition su"mitte "# t&e e*ecutor( ate une /=( ->?4( %&erein t&e 'ro'erties of t&e estate %ere i$ie e!uall# "et%een Haria Luc# 0&ristensen :uncan +name in t&e %ill as Haria Luc# 0&ristensen :ane#( an &ereinafter referre to as merel# Luc# :uncan,( %&om t&e testator &a e*'ressl# reco)nie in &is %ill as &is au)&ter +natural, an elen Garcia( %&o &a "een Cuiciall# eclare as suc& after &is eat&. T&e sai orer %as "ase on t&e 'ro'osition t&at since elen Garcia &a "een 'reterite in t&e %ill t&e institution of Luc# :uncan as &eir %as annulle( an &ence t&e 'ro'erties 'asse to "ot& of t&em as if t&e ecease &a ie intestate( sa$in) onl# t&e le)acies left in fa$or of certain ot&er 'ersons( %&ic& le)acies &a$e "een ul# a''ro$e "# t&e lo%er court an istri"ute to t&e le)atees. T&e case is once more "efore us on a''eal( t&is time "# Luc# :uncan( on t&e sole !uestion of %&et&er t&e estate( after euctin) t&e le)acies( s&oul 'ertain to &er an to elen Garcia in e!ual s&ares( or %&et&er t&e in&eritance of Luc# :uncan as institute &eir s&oul "e merel# reuce to t&e e*tent necessar# to co$er t&e le)itimate of elen Garcia( e!ui$alent to -54 of t&e entire estate T&e trial court rule( an a''ellee no% maintains( t&at t&ere &as "een 'reterition of elen Garcia( a com'ulsor# &eir in t&e irect line( resultin) in t&e annulment of t&e institution of &eir 'ursuant to Article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe( %&ic& 'ro$ies; On t&e ot&er &an( a''ellant contens t&at t&is is not a case of 'reterition( "ut is )o$erne "# Article >=? of t&e 0i$il 0oe( %&ic& sa#s; 8An# com'ulsor# &eir to %&om t&e testator &as left "# an# title less t&e le)itime "elon)in) to &im ma# eman t&at t&e same "e full# satisfie(8 A''ellant also su))ests t&at consierin) t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill %&ere"# t&e testator e*'ressl# enie &is relations&i' %it& elen Garcia( "ut left to &er a le)ac# ne$ert&eless( alt&ou)& less t&an t&e amount of &er le)itime( s&e %as in effect efecti$el# isin&erite %it&in t&e meanin) of Article >-9( %&ic& reas; T&us( accorin) to a''ellant( uner "ot& Articles >=? an >-9( elen Garcia is entitle onl# to &er le)itime( an not to a s&are of t&e estate e!ual t&at of Luc# :uncan as if t&e succession %ere intestate. Article 94 is a re'rouction of Article 9-4 of t&e S'anis& 0i$il 0oe< an Article >=? of Article 9-. On t&e ifference "et%een 'reterition of a com'ulsor# &eir an t&e ri)&t to as1 for com'letion of &is le)itime Hanresa efines 'reterition as t&e omission of t&e &eir in t&e %ill( eit&er "# not namin) &im at all or( %&ile mentionin) &im as fat&er( son( etc.( "# not institutin) &im as &eir %it&out isin&eritin) &im e*'ressl#( nor assi)nin) to &im some 'art of t&e 'ro'erties. T&e !uestion ma# "e 'ose; In orer t&at t&e ri)&t of a force &eir ma# "e limite onl# to t&e com'letion of &is le)itime +instea of t&e annulment of t&e institution of &eirs, is it necessar# t&at %&at &as "een left to &im in t&e %ill 8"# an# title(8 as "# le)ac#( "e )rante to &im in &is ca'acit# as &eir( t&at is( a titulo e &ereeroF In ot&er %ors( s&oul &e "e reco)nie or referre to in t&e %ill as &eirF T&is !uestion is
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'ertinent "ecause in t&e %ill of t&e ecease E%ar E. 0&ristensen elen Garcia is not mentione as an &eir inee &er status as suc& is enie "ut is )i$en a le)ac# of P/(?==.== Hanresa cites 'articularl# t&ree ecisions of t&e Su'reme 0ourt of S'ain ate anuar# -?( -9>( Ha# ( ->-7( an A'ril /( ->/( res'ecti$el#. In eac& one of t&ose cases t&e testator left to one %&o %as a force &eir a le)ac# %ort& less t&an t&e le)itime( "ut %it&out referrin) to t&e le)atee as an &eir or e$en as a relati$e( an %ille t&e rest of t&e estate to ot&er 'ersons. It %as &el t&at Article 9- a''lie( an t&e &eir coul not as1 t&at t&e institution of &eirs "e annulle entirel#( "ut onl# t&at t&e le)itimate "e com'lete. +? Hanresa( ''. 4/9( 44-., T&e fore)oin) solution is inee more in consonance %it& t&e e*'resse %is&e of t&e testator in t&e 'resent case as ma# "e )at&ere $er# clearl# from t&e 'ro$isions of &is %ill. e refuse to ac1no%le)e elen Garcia as &is natural au)&ter( an limite &er s&are to a le)ac# of P/(?==.==. T&e fact t&at s&e %as su"se!uentl# eclare Cuiciall# to 'ossess suc& status is no reason to assume t&at &a t&e Cuicial eclaration come urin) &is lifetime &is su"Cecti$e attitue to%ars &er %oul &a$e uner)one an# c&an)e an t&at &e %oul &a$e %ille &is estate e!uall# to &er an to Luc# :uncan( %&o alone %as e*'ressl# reco)nie "# &im. T&e ecision of t&is 0ourt in Neri( et al. $. A1utin( 74 P&il. -9( is cite "# a''ellees in su''ort of t&eir t&eor# of 'reterition. T&at ecision is not &ere a''lica"le( "ecause it referre to a %ill %&ere 8t&e testator left all &is 'ro'ert# "# uni$ersal title to t&e c&ilren "# &is secon marria)e( an +t&at, %it&out e*'ressl# isin&eritin) t&e c&ilren "# & is first marria)e( &e left not&in) to t&em or( at least( some of t&em.8 In t&e case at "ar t&e testator i not entirel# omit o''ositorD a''ellee elen Garcia( "ut left &er a le)ac# of P/(?==.== T&e estate of t&e ecease 0&ristensen u'on &is eat& consiste of />> s&ares of stoc1s in t&e 0&ristensen Plantation 0om'an# an a certain amount in cas&. OneD fourt& +-54, of sai estate escene to elen Garcia as &er le)itime. Since s&e "ecame t&e o%ner of &er s&are as of t&e moment of t&e eat& of t&e eceent +Arts. 774( 777( 0i$il 0oe,( s&e is entitle to a corres'onin) 'ortion of all t&e fruits or increments t&ereof su"se!uentl# accruin). T&ese inclue t&e stoc1 i$iens on t&e cor'orate &olin)s. T&e contention of Luc# :uncan t&at all suc& i$iens 'ertain to &er accorin) to t&e terms of t&e %ill cannot "e sustaine( for it %oul in effect im'air t&e ri)&t of o%ners&i' of elen Garcia %it& res'ect to &er le)itime. One 'oint eser$es to "e &ere mentione. alt&ou)& no reference to it &as "een mae in t&e "rief for o''ositorD a''ellant. It is t&e institution of su"stitute &eirs to t&e estate "e!ueat&e to Luc# :uncan in t&e e$ent s&e s&oul ie %it&out li$in) issue. T&is su"stitution results in effect from t&e fact t&at uner 'ara)ra'& - of t&e %ill s&e is entitle onl# to t&e income from sai estate( unless 'rior to &er ecease s&e s&oul &a$e li$in) issue( in %&ic& e$ent s&e %oul in&erit in full o%ners&i'< ot&er%ise t&e 'ro'ert# %ill )o to t&e ot&er relati$es of t&e testator name in t&e %ill. it&out eciin) t&is 'oint( since it is not one of t&e issues raise "efore us( %e mi)&t call attention to t&e limitations im'ose "# la% u'on t&is 1in of su"stitution( 'articularl# t&at %&ic& sa#s t&at it can ne$er "uren t&e le)itime +Art. 9?4 0i$il 0oe,( %&ic&
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe means t&at t&e le)itime must escen to t&e &eir concerne in fee sim'le. N"g"id !s. N"g"id
Rosario Nu)ui( a resient of ueon 0it#( ie on :ecem"er /=( ->?( sin)le( %it&out escenants( le)itimate or ille)itimate. Sur$i$in) &er %ere &er le)itimate 'arents( 2eli* Nu)ui an Pa Salon)a Nu)ui( an ? "rot&ers an sisters namel#; Alfreo( 2eerico( Remeios( 0onrao( Loures an Al"erto( all surname Nu)ui. On Ha# -9( ->?/( 'etitioner Remeios Nu)ui file in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial a &olo)ra'&ic %ill alle)el# e*ecute "# Rosario Nu)ui on No$em"er -7( ->-( some -- #ears "efore &er emise. Petitioner 'ra#e t&at sai %ill "e amitte to 'ro"ate an t&at letters of aministration %it& t&e %ill anne*e "e issue to &er. On une ( ->?/( 2eli* Nu)ui an Pa Salon)a Nu)ui( conceel# t&e le)itimate fat&er an mot&er of t&e ecease Rosario Nu)ui( entere t&eir o''osition to t&e 'ro"ate of &er %ill. Groun t&erefor( inter alia( is that by the institution of petitioner 9emedios ?/( &el t&at 8t&e %ill in !uestion is a com'lete nullit# an %ill 'erforce create intestac# of t&e estate of t&e ecease Rosario Nu)ui8 an ismisse t&e 'etition %it&out costs. A 'eculiar situation is &ere t&rust u'on us. T&e 'arties s&unte asie t&e !uestion of %&et&er or not t&e %ill s&oul &e allo%e 'ro"ate. 4or them, the meat of the case is the intrinsic validity of the will.
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isin&erite. T&is is a clear case of 'reterition. Suc& 'reterition in t&e %ors of Hanresa 8anularY siem're la instituciZn e &ereero( ano carYcter a"soluto a este orenamiento(8 referrin) to t&e manate of Article 9-4( no% 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe. > "he one sentence will here institutes petitioner as the sole, universal heir F nothing more. =9(8 %&ic& in our o'inion e*'resses t&e rule of inter'retation( $i; %s aforesaid, there is no other provision in the will before us except the institution of petitioner as universal heir. "hat institution, by itself, is null and void. %nd, intestate succession ensues. Preterition 8consists in t&e omission in t&e testator@s %ill of t&e force &eirs or an#one of t&em( eit&er "ecause t&e# are not mentione t&erein( or( t&ou)& mentione( t&e# are neit&er institute as &eirs nor are e*'ressl# isin&erite.8 -? :isin&eritance( in turn( 8is a testamentar# is'osition e'ri$in) an# com'ulsor# &eir of &is s&are in t&e le)itime for a cause aut&orie "# la%.8 -7 In Hanresa@s o%n %ors; 8La 'ri$aciZn e*'resa e la le)itima constitu#e le es&ereaciZn. La 'ri$aciZn tYcita e la misma se enomina 'retericiZn. -9 SYnc&e RomYn em'&asies t&e istinction "# statin) t&at isin&eritance 8es siem're $oluntaria8< 'reterition( u'on t&e ot&er &an( is 'resume to "e 8in$oluntaria.8 -> Axpress as disinheritance should be, the same must be supported by a legal cause specified in the will itself. 2= "he will here does not explicitly disinherit the testatrix's parents, the forced heirs. !t simply omits their names altogether. @aid will rather than be labeled ineffective disinheritance is clearly one in which the said forced heirs suffer from preterition. On to' of t&is t&e fact t&at t&e effects flo%in) from 'reterition are totall# ifferent from t&ose of isin&eritance. Preterition uner Article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe( %e re'eat( 8s&all annul t&e institution of &eir.8 T&is annulment is in toto( unless in t&e %ill t&ere are( in aition( testamentar# is'ositions in t&e form of e$ises or le)acies. In ineffecti$e isin&eritance uner Article >-9 of t&e same 0oe( suc& isin&eritance s&all also 8annul t&e institution of &eirs(8 "ut onl# insofar as it may pre6udice the person disinherited, %&ic& last '&rase %as omitte in t&e case of 'reterition. - Better state #et( in isin&eritance t&e nullit# is limite to t&at 'ortion of t&e estate of %&ic& t&e isin&erite &eirs &a$e "een ille)all# e'ri$e. Hanresa@s e*'ressi$e lan)ua)e( in commentin) on t&e ri)&ts of t&e 'reterite &eirs in t&e case of 'reterition on t&e one &an an le)al isin&eritance on t&e ot&er( runs t&us; 8Preterios( a!uieren el erec&o a too< es&erea os( solo les corres'one un tercio o os tercios( se)[n el caso.8 /
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe T&is is "est ans%ere "# a reference to t&e o'inion of Hr. ustice Horan in t&e Neri case &eretofore cite( $i; 8But t&e t&eor# is a$ance t&at t&e "e!uest mae "# uni$ersal title in fa$or of t&e c&ilren "# t&e secon marria)e s&oul "e treate as le)ao an meCora an( accorin)l#( it must not "e entirel# annulle "ut merel# reuce. T&is t&eor#( if ao'te( %ill result in a com'lete a"ro)ation of articles 9-4 an 9- of t&e 0i$il 0oe. If e$er# case of institution of &eirs ma# "e mae to fall into t&e conce't of le)acies an "etterments reucin) t&e "e!uest accorin)l#( t&en t&e 'ro$isions of articles 9-4 an 9- re)arin) total or 'artial nullit# of t&e institution( %oul "e a"solutel# meanin)less an %illl ne$er &a$e a''lication at all. An t&e remainin) 'ro$isions containe in sai articles concernin) t&e reuction of inofficious le)acies or "etterments %oul "e a sur'lusa)e "ecause t&e# %oul "e a"sor"e "# article 9-7. T&us( instea of construin)( %e %oul "e estro#in) inte)ral 'ro$isions of t&e 0i$il 0oe.
conse!uence( Salu Barretto too1 immeiate 'ossession of &er s&are an secure t&e cancellation of t&e ori)inal certificates of title an t&e issuance of ne% titles in &er o%n name. a$in) t&us lost t&is fi)&t for a s&are in t&e estate of Haria Geraro( as a le)itimate &eir of Haria Geraro( 'laintiff no% falls "ac1 u'on t&e remnant of t&e estate of t&e ecease Bi"iano Barretto( %&ic& %as )i$en in usufruct to &is %io% Haria Geraro. ence( t&is action for t&e reco$er# of oneD&alf 'ortion t&ereof. T&is action affore t&e efenant an o''ortunit# to set u' &er ri)&t of o%ners&i'( not onl# of t&e fis&'on uner liti)ation( "ut of all t&e ot&er 'ro'erties %ille an eli$ere to Salu Barretto( for "ein) a s'urious &eir( an not entitle to an# s&are in t&e estate of Bi"iano Barretto( t&ere"# irectl# attac1in) t&e $aliit#( not onl# of t&e 'roCect of 'artition "ut of t&e ecision of t&e court "ase t&ereon as %ell.
T&e estructi$e effect of t&e t&eor# t&us a$ance is ue mainl# to a failure to istin)uis& institution of &eirs from le)acies an "etterments( an a )eneral from a s'ecial 'ro$ision. it& reference to Article 9-4( %&ic& is t&e onl# 'ro$ision material to t&e is'osition of t&is case( it must "e o"ser$e t&at t&e institution of &eirs is t&erein ealt %it& a t&in) se'arate an istinct from le)acies or "etterment. An t&e# are se'arate an istinct not onl# "ecause t&e# are istinctl# an se'aratel# treate in sai article "ut "ecause t&e# are in t&emsel$es ifferent. Institution of &eirs is a "e!uest "# uni$ersal title of 'ro'ert# t&at is unetermine. Le)ac# refers to s'ecific 'ro'ert# "e!ueat&e "# a 'articular or s'ecial title. . . But a)ain an institution of &eirs cannot "e ta1en as a le)ac#(8
T&e efenant contens t&at t&e ProCect of Partition from %&ic& Salu ac!uire t&e fis&'on in !uestion is $oi a" initio an Salu Barretto i not ac!uire an# $ali title t&ereto( an t&at t&e court i not ac!uire an# Curisiction of t&e 'erson of t&e efenant( %&o %as t&en a minor.@ 8 2inin) for t&e efenant +no% a''ellee,( Hila)ros Barretto( t&e lo%er court eclare t&e 'roCect of 'artition su"mitte in t&e 'roceein)s for t&e settlement of t&e estate of Bi"iano Barretto +0i$il 0ase No. 4>?> of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Hanila, to "e null an $oi a" initio +not merel# $oia"le, "ecause t&e istri"utee( Salu Barretto( 'reecessor of 'laintiffs +no% a''ellants,( %as not a au)&ter of t&e s'ouses Bi"iano Barretto an Haria Geraro. T&e nullit# of t&e 'roCect of 'artition %as ecree on t&e "asis of Article -=9- of t&e 0i$il 0oe of -99> +t&en in force, 'ro$iin) as follo%s;
T&e is'ute orer( %e o"ser$e( eclares t&e %ill in !uestion 8a com'lete nullit#8. Article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe in turn merel# nullifies 8t&e institution of &eir.8 /onsidering, however, that the will before us solely provides for the institution of petitioner as universal heir, and nothing more, the result is the same. "he entire will is null.
8A 'artition in %&ic& a 'erson %as "elie$e to "e an &eir( %it&out "ein) so( &as "een inclue( s&all "e null an $oi.8
-ees !s. Barretodat"
&en Bi"iano Barretto ie on 2e"ruar# -9( ->/?( in t&e 0it# of Hanila( &e left &is s&are of t&ese 'ro'erties in a %ill to Salu Barretto( mot&er of 'laintiff@s %ars( an Lucia Hila)ros Barretto an a small 'ortion as le)acies to &is t%o sisters Rosa Barretto an 2elisa Barretto an &is ne'&e% an nieces. T&e usufruct of t&e fis&'on situate in "arrio San Ro!ue( a)ono#( Bulacan( a"o$ementione( &o%e$er( %as reser$e for &is %io%( Haria Geraro. In t&e meantime( Haria Geraro %as a''ointe aministratri*. B# $irtue t&ereof( s&e 're'are a 'roCect of 'artition( %&ic& %as si)ne "# &er in &er o%n "e&alf an as )uarian of t&e minor Hila)ros Barretto. Sai 'roCect of Partition %as a''ro$e "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Hanila on No$em"er ( ->/>. T&e istri"ution of t&e estate an t&e eli$er# of t&e s&ares of t&e &eirs follo%e fort&%it&. As a
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PlaintiffsDa''ellants correctl# 'oint out t&at Article -=9- of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe &as "een misa''lie to t&e 'resent case "# t&e court "elo%. T&e reason is o"$ious; Salu Barretto amittel# &a "een institute &eir in t&e late Bi"iano Barretto@s last %ill an testament to)et&er %it& efenant Hila)ros< &ence( t&e 'artition &a "et%een t&em coul not "e one suc& &a %it& a 'art# %&o %as "elie$e to "e an &eir %it&out reall# "ein) one( an %as not null an $oi uner sai article. T&e le)al 'rece't +Article -=9-, oes not s'ea1 of c&ilren( or escenants( "ut of &eirs +%it&out istinction "et%een force( $oluntar# or intestate ones,( an t&e fact t&at Salu &a''ene not to "e a au)&ter of t&e testator oes not 'reclue &er "ein) one of t&e &eirs e*'ressl# name in &is testament< for Bi"iano Barretto %as at li"ert# to assi)n t&e free 'ortion of &is estate to %&omsoe$er &e c&ose. &ile t&e s&are +-5, assi)ne to Salu im'in)e on t&e le)itime of Hila)ros( Salu i not for t&at reason cease to "e a testamentar# &eir of Bi"iano Barretto. Nor oes t&e fact t&at Hila)ros %as allotte in &er fat&er@s %ill a s&are smaller t&an &er le)itime in$aliate t&e institution of Salu as &eir( since t&ere %as &ere no 'reterition( or total omission( of a force &eir. 2or t&is reason( Neri $s. A1utin( 7
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe P&il. /( in$o1e "# a''ellee( is not at all a''lica"le( t&at case case in$ol$ in$ol$in) in) an instan instance ce of 'reteri 'reteritio tion n or omissi omission on of c&ilren of t&e testator@s former marria)e. It is t&us a''arent t&at %&ere a court &as $alil# issue a ecre ecree e of ist istri ri"u "uti tion on of t&e t&e esta estate te(( an an t&e t&e same same &as &as "eco "ecome me fina final( l( t&e t&e $ali $alii it# t# or in$a in$alilii it# t# of t&e 'roC 'roCec ectt of 'artition "ecomes irrele$ant. It is( &o%e$er( ar)ue for t&e a''ellee t&at since t&e court@s istri" istri"utio ution n of t&e estate estate of t&e late Bi"ian Bi"iano o Barrett Barretto o %as 'reic 'reicate ate on t&e 'roCec 'roCectt of 'artiti 'artition on e*ecute e*ecute "# Salu Salu Barret Barretto to an t&e %io%( %io%( Haria Haria Gerar Geraro o +%&o +%&o si)ne si)ne for &erself an as )uarian of t&e minor Hila)ros Barretto,( an since no e$ience %as ta1en of t&e filiation of t&e &eirs( nor %ere %ere an# an# fin finin in)s )s of fact fact or la% la% mae mae(( t&e t&e ecr ecree ee of istri"ution can &a$e no )reater $aliit# t&an t&at of t&e "asic 'artition( an must stan or fall %it& it( "ein) in t&e nature of a Cu)ment "# consent( "ase on a com'romise. Saminiaa $s. $s. Hata Hata(( > P&il P&il.. 4?( 4?( is in$o in$o1e 1e in su'' su''or ortt of t&e t&e 'ro'osition. T&at case is aut&orit# for t&e 'ro'osition t&at a Cu)ment "# com'romise ma# "e set asie on t&e )roun of mista1 mista1e e or frau( frau( u'on 'etiti 'etition on file file in ue time( %&ere %&ere 'eti 'etiti tion on for for 8rel 8relie ieff %as %as file file "efo "efore re t&e t&e com' com'ro romi mise se a)reement( a 'roceein)( %as consummate8 +cas. cit. at '. 4/?,. 4/?,. In t&e case "efore "efore us( &o%e$e &o%e$er( r( t&e a)reemen a)reementt of 'arti 'artiti tion on %as %as not not onl# onl# rati ratifi fie e "# t&e t&e cour court@ t@s s ecr ecree ee of istri"ution( "ut actuall# consummate( so muc& so t&at t&e titles in t&e name of t&e ecease %ere cancelle( an ne% certif certifica icates tes issue issue in fa$or fa$or of t&e &eirs( lon) "efore "efore t&e ecree %as attac1e. ence( Saminiaa $s. Hata oes not a''l#. "hat defendant &ilagros 5arretto was a minor at the time the probate court distributed the estate of her father in ()3) does not imply that the said court was without 6urisdiction to enter the decree of distribution.
T&e onl# instance t&at %e can t&in1 of in %&ic& a 'art# intereste in a 'ro"ate 'roceein)s ma# &a$e a final li!uiation set asie is %&en &e is left out "# reason reason of circum circumstan stances ces "e#on "e#on &is control control or t&rou)& mista1e or ina$ertence not im'uta"le to ne)li)ence. E$en t&en( t&e "etter 'ractice to secure reli relief ef is reo' reo'en enin in) ) of t&e same same case case "# 'ro' 'ro'er er motion %it&in t&e re)lementar# 'erio( instea of an ine'enent action t&e effect of %&ic&( if successful( %oul "e( as in t&e instant case( for anot&er court or Cu)e to t&ro% out a ecision or orer alrea# final an e*ecute e*ecute an res&uf res&uffle fle 'ro'er 'ro'ertie ties s lon) lon) a)o istri"ute an is'ose of.8 8. . . It is ar)ue t&at Lucia Hila)ros Barretto %as a minor %&en s&e si)ne t&e 'artition( an t&at Haria Geraro %as not &er Cuiciall# a''ointe )uarian. T&e claim is not true. Haria Haria Gerar Geraro o si)ne si)ne as )uarian of t&e minor. +Secs. / an ( Rule >7( Rules of 0ourt., T&e mere statement in t&e 'roCect of 'artition t&at t&e )uarians&i' 'roceein)s of t&e minor Lucia Hila)ros Hila)ros Barretto Barretto are 'enin) 'enin) in t&e court( oes not mean t&at t&e )uarian &a not #et "een "een a''oin a''ointe te<< it meant meant t&at t&at t&e )uari )uarians ans&i' &i' 'roceein)s 'roceein)s(( &a not #et "een terminate terminate an as a )uar uaria ians ns&i &i' ' 'roc 'rocee eei in) n)s s "e)i "e)in n %it& %it& t&e t&e a''oin a''ointme tment nt of a )uari )uarian( an( Haria Haria Gerar Geraro o must must &a$e "een alrea# a''ointe %&en s&e si)ne t&e 'roC 'roCec ectt of 'art 'artit itio ion. n. T&er T&ere e is( is( t&er t&eref efor ore( e( no
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irre irre)u )ula lari rit# t# or efe efect ct or erro errorr in t&e 'roC 'roCec ectt of 'artit 'artition ion(( a''are a''arent nt on t&e recor recor of t&e testate testate 'roceein)s( %&ic& s&o%s t&at Haria Geraro &a no 'o%er or aut&orit# aut&orit# to si)n t&e 'roCect of 'artition 'artition as )uarian of t&e minor Lucia Hila)ros Barretto( an( conse!uentl#( no )roun for t&e contention t&at t&e t&e ore orerr a''r a''ro$ o$in in) ) t&e t&e 'roC 'roCec ectt of 'art 'artit itio ion n is a"so a"solu lute tel# l# null null an an $oi $oi an an ma# ma# "e attac attac1e 1e collaterall# in t&ese 'roceein)s.8 :efenantDa''ellee furt&er 'leas t&at as &er mot&er an )uarian +Haria Geraro, coul not &a$e i)nore t&at t&e istri"utee Salu %as not &er c&il( t&e act of sai %io% in a)reein) to t&e oftDcite 'artition an istri"ution %as a frau on a''ellee@s ri)&ts an entitles &er to relief. In t&e first 'lace( t&ere is no e$ience t&at %&en t&e estate of Bi"iano Barretto %as Cuiciall# settle an istri"ute a''ellants@ 'reecessor( Salu Lim Boco Barretto( 1ne% t&at s&e %as not Bi"iano@s c&il< so t&at if frau %as committe( it %as t&e %io%( Haria Geraro( %&o %as solel# res'onsi"le( an neit&er Salu nor &er minor minor c&ilr c&ilren( en( a''ell a''ellant ants s &erein &erein(( can "e &el &el lia"le lia"le t&erefor. In t&e secon 'lace( )rantin) t&at t&ere %as suc& frau( relief t&erefrom can onl# "e o"taine %it&in 4 #ears from its isco$er#( an t&e recor s&o%s t&at t&is 'erio &a ela'se lon) a)o. Because at t&e time of t&e istri"ution Hila)ros Barretto %as onl# -? #ears ol +E*&i"it 4,( s&e "ecame of a)e fi$e #ears later( in ->44. On t&at #ear( &er cause of action accrue to contest on t&e )roun of frau t&e court ecree istri"utin) &er fat&er@ fat&er@s s estate estate an t&e fourD#e fourD#ear ar 'erio 'erio of limita limitatio tion n starte to run( to e*'ire in ->49 +Section 4/( Act ->=,. In fact( concein) t&at Hila)ros onl# "ecame a%are of t&e true facts in ->4? ->4? +A''el +A''ellee lee@s @s Brief( Brief( '. 7,( 7,( &er action still "ecame "ecame e*tinct in ->=. 0learl#( t&erefore( t&e action %as alrea# "arre %&en in Au)ust /-( ->? s&e file &er counterclaim in t&is t&is case case contes contestin tin) ) t&e ecree ecree of istri istri"ut "ution ion of Bi"ian Bi"iano o Barretto@s estate. In resume( %e &ol +-, t&at t&e 'artition &a "et%een Salu an Hila)ros Barretto in t&e 'roceein)s for t&e settlement of t&e estate of Bi"iano Barretto( ul# a''ro$e "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Hanila in ->/>( in its 0i$il 0ase No. 4>?>( is not $oi for "ein) contrar# to eit&er articles -=9- or -9-4 of t&e 0i$il 0oe of -99>< +, t&at Hila)ros Barretto@s action to contest sai 'artition an ecree of istri"ution is "arre "# t&e statute of limitations< an +/, t&at &er claim t&at 'laintiffD a''ellant )uarian is a 'ossessor in "a fait& an s&oul account for t&e fruits recei$e from t&e 'ro'erties in&erite "# Salu Barretto +nee Lim Boco, is le)all# untena"le. It follo%s t&at t&e 'laintiffs@ action for 'artition of t&e fis&'on escri escri"e "e in t&e com'laint com'laint s&oul s&oul &a$e "een "een )i$en )i$en ue course. &eref &erefore ore(( t&e ecision ecision of t&e 0ourt of 2irst 2irst Instan Instance ce of Bulacan no% uner a''eal is re$erse an set asie in so far as it ore orers rs 'lai 'lainti ntiffD ffDa' a''e 'ellllan antt to reco recon$ n$e# e# to a''e a''ellllee ee Hila)ros Hila)ros Barretto Barretto :atu t&e 'ro'erties 'ro'erties enumerate in sai ecision( an t&e same is affirme in so far as it enies an# ri)&t ri)&t of sai sai a''ell a''ellee ee to accoun accountin tin). ). Let t&e recor recors s "e returne to t&e court of ori)in( %it& instructions to 'rocee %it& t&e action for 'artition of t&e fis&'on +Lot No. 4( Plan PsuD47=>,( PsuD47=>,( co$ere "# T0T No. TD-/7/4 of t&e Office of t&e Re)ister of :ees of Bulacan( an for t&e accountin) of t&e fruits t&ereof( as 'ra#e for in t&e com'laint. No costs.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 18. Esc"lin !s. Esc"lin
On t&e ->t& of anuar#( -9>>( Emilio Antonio Escuin e los Santos Santos e*ecute e*ecute a %ill %ill "efore "efore a notar# notar# 'u"lic 'u"lic of Se$ill Se$illa( a( S'ain( statin) t&erein t&at &e %as a nati$e of 0a$ite( t&e son of 2rancisco Escuin an Eu)enia e los Santos( t&e latter "ein) "ein) eceas ecease< e< t&at t&at &e %as marrie marrie a"out a"out si* mont&s 're$iousl# to Haria Teresa Ponce e Leon( an t&at &e &a no la%ful la%ful escen escenan ants< ts< t&e testato testator( r( &o%e$e &o%e$er( r( state state in clause t&ree of &is %ill( t&at in case &e &a a ul# re)istere successor( &is c&il %oul "e &is sole an uni$ersal &eir< "ut t&at if( as %oul 'ro"a"l# "e t&e case( t&ere s&oul "e no suc& suc& &eir( &eir( t&en t&en in clause clause four &e name name &is sai sai fat&er fat&er 2rancisco Escuin( an &is %ife Haria Teresa Ponce e Leon &is uni$ersal &eirs( t&e# to i$ie t&e estate in e!ual s&ares "et%een t&em. T&e testator ie on t&e =t& of anuar#( -9>>( as certifie to "# t&e munici'al court of Ha)alena( Se$illa( on t&e =t& of Harc&( ->==. On t&e /=t& of Se'tem"er( ->=( t&e court "elo% foun t&at Emilio Escuin # Batac %as t&e reco)nie natural c&il of t&e late Emilio Escuin e los Santos( &a "# ulia Batac< t&at t&e testator %as also t&e natural son of t&e efenant 2rancisco Escuin an Eu)enia e los Santos( an %as reco)nie "# &is fat&er< an t&at t&e 'laintiff minor( Emilio Escuin # Batac( is one of t&e &eirs of t&e late testator. 'on t&e t&e %ill &a$in $in) "een amitt mitte e to 'ro" ro"ate( te( commissioner commissioners s %ere a''ointe to consier consier claims a)ainst t&e estate( an( accorin) to a re'ort 'resente to t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance on t&e =t& of une( ->=7( one claim %as allo%e amountin) to /(?>?.= 'esetas. It a''ears in t&e 'ro'ose 'artition of t&e / of Se'tem"er( ->=?( t&at( accorin) to t&e o'inion of t&e aministrator "# %&om it %as si)ne an t&e result of t&e 'roceein)s( t&e 'ro'ert# left "# t&e testator( in accorance %it& t&e accounts 'asse asse u'o u'on n "# "# t&e t&e cour court( t( amou amount nte e to P9( P9(?9 ?9.= .= :euctin) t&is amount from t&e funs of t&e t&e esta estate te(( t&er t&ere e rema remain ins s a (=-4.9-
"alan alance ce of
T&at T&at t&e sai sai creit creit of P-(/-. P-(/-.4=( 4=( e!ui$a e!ui$alen lentt to /(?>?. /(?>?.= = 'esetas( allo%e "# t&e commissioners( is t&e onl# claim 'resen 'resente te %it&in %it&in t&e le)al le)al term term a)ains a)ainstt t&e estate< estate< t&at t&at 2rancisco Escuin( t&e fat&er of t&e testator( &is %ife or %io%( Teresa Teresa Ponce e Leon( Leon( an &is natura naturall c&il( c&il( t&e minor minor Emil Emilio io Escui Escuin n # Bata Batac( c( re'r re'res esen ente te "# &is &is mot& mot&er er an an )uarian )uarian ulia Batac( are entitle to t&e succession< succession< t&at( "# settin) asie oneDt&ir of t&e estate in fa$or of t&e natural son reco)nie reco)nie in accorance accorance %it& article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe( t&ere onl# remains t&e !uestion as to &o% t&e remainin) t%oD t&irs t&irs of t&e in&eri in&eritan tance ce s&all s&all "e "esto% "esto%e( e( ta1in) ta1in) into into account t&e irections of t&e testator in &is %ill< t&at t&e same oes not isclose t&at &e &a left an# c&il "# &is %ife< t&at t&e latter( latter( as t&e %io% %io% of t&e testator testator(( "esie "esies s "ein) "ein) a esi)nate &eir entitle to oneD&alf of t&e &ereitar# funs( is entitle to t&e usufruct of t&e 'ortion fi*e "# t&e la%( an t&at t&e funs to "e a''ortione are com'ose %&oll# of cas& or rea# mone#. On t&e /=t& of Se'tem"er( ->=( t&e court "elo% foun t&at Emilio Escuin # Batac %as t&e reco)nie natural c&il of t&e late Emilio Escuin e los Santos( &a "# ulia Batac< t&at t&e testator %as also t&e natural son of t&e efenant 2rancisco
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Escuin an Eu)enia e los Santos( an %as reco)nie "# &is fat&er< an t&at t&e 'laintiff minor( Emilio Escuin # Batac( is one of t&e &eirs of t&e late testator. ntil all t&e 1no%n creitors an t&e le)atees &a$e "een 'ai 'ai(( it s&al s&alll "e une uners rsto too o t&at t&at t&e t&e esta estate te is une unerr aministration( sa#s article -=? of t&e 0i$il 0oe( an in conformit# %it& t&is le)al 'ro$ision t&e su'reme tri"unal &as esta"lis&e t&e octrine t&at 8onl# after 'a#ment of all t&e o"li)ations of t&e estate can t&e net amount i$isi"le amon) t&e &eirs "e 1no%n.8 +:ecision of Harc& ( -9>?., Sectio Section n 7/ of t&e 0oe of 0i$il 0i$il Proce Proceure ure confirms confirms t&e 'ro$ision 'ro$ision of t&e 0i$il 0oe an t&e le)al octrine mentione a"o$e( inasmuc& as it 'ro$ies t&at( after 'a#ment of t&e e"ts( funeral c&ar)es( an e*'enses of aministration( an t&e allo%ances for t&e e*'ense of maintenance of t&e famil# of t&e ecease( t&e court s&all assi)n t&e resiue of t&e esta estate te to t&e t&e 'ers 'erson ons s enti entitl tle e to t&e t&e same same(( nami namin) n) t&e t&e 'ersons an 'ro'ortions or 'arts to %&ic& eac& is entitle( etc. So t&at "# reason of t&e claims mae "# t&e creitor of t&e estate of Emilio Escuin e los Santos an "# &er natural son( ul# reco)nie "# &is fat&er( an orinar# action s&oul &a$e "een "rou)&t "efore t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance( Instance( from %&ose Cu)ment a''eal ma# "e ta1en to t o t&is court "# means of t&e corres corres'on 'onin in) ) "ill "ill of e*ce't e*ce'tion ions s uner uner t&e 'ro$is 'ro$ision ions s of section 777 of t&e 0oe of 0i$il Proceure< an %&ile t&e ultimate ultimate ecision in t&e matter of t&e sai claims a)ainst a)ainst t&e resolution of t&e commissioners &as not "ecome final( an until all t&e o"li)ations of t&e estate &a$e "een 'ai( t&ere can reall# "e no in&eritance in&eritance(( nor can it "e istri"ute istri"ute amon) t&e 'ersons intereste t&erein accorin) to t&e %ill of t&e testator( or uner t&e 'ro$isions of t&e la%. it& res'ect to t&e !uestions %&ic& form t&e "asis of t&is liti)a liti)atio tion n an refer refer to t&e secon assi)nmen assi)nmentt of errors errors(( it s&oul s&oul "e note note t&at t&e late testator testator i not lea$e lea$e an# le)iti le)itimate mate escen escenan ants ts or ascen ascenant ants( s( "ut i lea$e lea$e a reco)nie natural c&il( t&e a''ellant minor( an a %io%< t&at t&e sai minor( Emilio Escuin # Batac( is t&e )eneral &eir of &is natural fat&er( t&e sai testator( %&o reco)nie &im %&ile li$in) +art. 9=7( 0i$il 0oe,( an in t&e 'resent case is entitle to oneDt&ir of &is estate( %&ic& amount constitutes t&e le)al 'ortion of a natural c&il +art. 94 of t&e sai coe,< an for t&e reason t&at t&e minor %as i)nore i)nore "# &is natural fat&er in &is %ill( t&e esi)nation of &eirs mae t&erein %as( as a matter of fact annulle "# force of la%( in so far as t&e le)a le)all 'ort 'ortio ion n of t&e t&e sai sai mino minorr %as %as t&er t&ere" e"# # im'a im'air ire e.. ?egacies and betterments shall be valid, in so far as they are not illegal, illegal, for the reason reason that a testator testator can not deprive the heirs of their legal portions, except in the cases expressly Arts. 7?/( 9-/( 9-4( 0i$il 0oe., indicated by law. %s has been seen, the testator wished to dispose of his property in his will, designating as heirs his natural father, 4ranci 4rancisc sco o Ascuin Ascuin,, and his wife, wife, &aria &aria "eresa "eresa 8once 8once de ?eon, altogether ignoring his recogni1ed natural child who is his general heir. !n view thereof, and for the reason that he exceeded his rights, the said designation of heirs became void in so far as it impaired the right of his general heir and deprived him of his legal portion7 the will, however, is valid with with respec respectt to the twothir twothirds ds of the property property which which the testator could freely dispose of. +Arts. 7?/( 7?4( 9=?( 9-/( 94( 0i$il 0oe.,
Not%it Not%it&st &stan anin) in) t&e fact fact t&at t&at t&e esi)n esi)nati ation on of &eirs &eirs is annulle an t&at t&e la% reco)nies t&e title of t&e minor(
83
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Escuin # Batac( to oneDt&ir of t&e 'ro'ert# of &is natural fat&er( as &is la%ful an )eneral &eir( it is not 'ro'er to assert t&at t&e late Emilio Escuin e los Santos ie intestate in ore orerr to esta esta"l "lis is& & t&e t&e conc conclu lusi sion on t&at t&at &is &is sai sai natu natura rall reco)nie c&il is entitle to succee to t&e entire estate une unerr t&e t&e 'ro$ 'ro$is isio ions ns of arti articl cle e >/> >/> of t&e t&e 0i$i 0i$ill 0oe 0oe(( inasmuc& as in accorance %it& t&e la% a citien ma# ie partly testate and partly intestate art. -*, /ivil /ode0. !t is clear and unquestionable that it was the wish of the testator to favor his natural father and his wife with certain certain portions of his property property which, under the law, he had a right to dispose dispose of by will, as he has done, provided the legal portion portion of his genera generall heir heir was not thereb thereby y impair impaired, ed, the two former former persons being considered considered as legatees under the the will. "he abovementioned will is neither null, void, nor illegal in so far as the testator leaves twothirds of his property to his father and wife7 testamentary provisions impairing the legal portion of a general heir shall be reduced in so far as they are illegal or excessive. %rt. ;(, /ivil /ode.0 "he partition of the property of the said testator shall be proceeded with in accordance with the foregoing legal bases. B# $irtue of t&e fore)oin) consierations it is our o'inion t&at t&e orers orers of t&e court court "elo%( "elo%( of Octo"er Octo"er /=( ->=?( an Au)ust 4( ->=7( s&oul "e re$erse( an u'on recei't of a certif certifie ie co'# co'# of t&is t&is ecisi ecision on t&e court "elo% "elo% s&all s&all ta1e ta1e action action in accora accorance nce %it& t&e la% an t&e terms terms &erein &erein containe %it& res'ect to t&e claims an a''eals from t&e resolutions of t&e commissioners 'enin) Cuicial ecision. So orere. Balana !s. artine&
2eli* Balana#( r. a''eale "# certiorari from t&e orer of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of :a$ao ate 2e"ruar# 9( ->74( eclarin) ille)al an $oi t&e %ill of &is mot&er( Leoe)aria ulian( ulian( con$ertin) con$ertin) t&e testate 'roceein) 'roceein) into an intestate 'roceein) an orerin) t&e issuance of t&e corres'onin) notice to creitors +S'ecial 0ase No. -9=9,. T&e anteceents of t&e a''eal are as follo%s; 2eli* . Balana#( r. file in t&e lo%er court a 'etition ate 2e"ruar# 7( ->7/ for t&e 'ro"ate of &is mot&er3s notarial %ill ate Se'tem"er ( ->7= %&ic& is %ritten in En)lis&. In t&at %ill Leoe)aria ulian eclare +a, t&at s&e %as t&e o%ner of t&e 8sout&ern 8sout&ern &alf8 of nine conCu)al conCu)al lots +'ar. II,< +", t&at s&e %as t&e a"solute o%ner of t%o 'arcels of lan %&ic& s&e in&erite from &er fat&er +'ar. III,( an +c, t&at it %as &er esire t&at &er 'ro'erties s&oul not "e i$ie amon) &er &eirs urin) &er &us"an3s lifetime an t&at t&eir le)itimes s&oul "e satisfie out of t&e fruits of &er 'ro'erties +Par. IV,. T&en( in 'ara)ra'& V of t&e %ill s&e state t&at after &er &us"an3s eat& +&e %as ei)&t#Dt%o #ears ol in ->7/, &er 'ara'& 'ara'&ern ernal al lans lans an all t&e conCu) conCu)al al lans lans +%&ic& +%&ic& s&e escr escri" i"e e as 8m# 8m# 'ro' 'ro'er erti ties es8, 8, s&ou s&oul l "e i$i i$ie e an an istri"ute in t&e manner set fort& in t&at 'art of &er %ill. S&e e$ise an 'artitione t&e conCu)al lans as if t&e# %ere all o%ne "# &er. S&e is'ose of in t&e %ill &er &us"an3s oneD &alf s&are of t&e conCu)al assets. 2eli* 2eli* Balana Balana#( #( Sr. an A$elin A$elina a B. Antoni Antonio o o''ose o''ose t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill on t&e )rouns of lac1 of testamentar# ca'aci ca'acit#( t#( unue unue influe influence nce(( preterition of the husband and allege alleged d improp improper er partit partition ion of the con6ug con6ugal al estate estate.. T&e o''osi o''ositor tors s claime claime t&at t&at 2eli* 2eli* Balana Balana#( #( r. s&oul s&oul collat collate e certain 'ro'erties %&ic& &e &a recei$e from t&e testatri*.
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2eli* Balana#( r.( in &is re'l# to t&e o''osition( attac&e t&ereto an affia$it of 2eli* Balana#( Sr. ate A'ril -9( ->7/ %&erein %&erein &e %it&re% %it&re% &is o''osition o''osition to t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill an affirme t&at &e %as intereste in its 'ro"ate. On t&e same ate 2eli* Balana#( Sr. si)ne an instrument ca'tione 80on 80onfo forma rmatio tion n +sic, +sic, of :i$i :i$isi sion on an an Renu Renunc ncia iati tion on of #ereditary 9ights wherein he manifested manifested that out of respect for his wifeGs will he waived and renounced his hereditary rights in her estate in favor of their six children. !n that same instrument he confirmed the agreement, which he and his wife wife had perfec perfected ted before before her death, death, that that their their con6ug con6ugal al properties would be partitioned in the manner indicated in her will. Hontaa in &is motion assaile t&e 'ro$ision of t&e %ill %&ic& 'arti 'artiti tion one e t&e t&e conC conCu) u)al al asse assets ts or alle alle)e )el l# # effe effecte cte a com'romise of future le)itimes. e 'ra#e t&at t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill "e %it&ra%n an t&at t&e 'roceein) "e con$erte into an intestate 'roceein). In anot&er motion of t&e same ate &e as1e t&at t&e corres'onin) notice to creitors "e issue. "he basic issue is whether the probate court erred in passing upon upon the intrinsi intrinsic c validi validity ty of the will, before before ruling ruling on its allowance or formal validity, and in declaring it void.
e are are of t&e o'inio o'inion n t&at t&at in $ie% $ie% of cert certai ain n unus unusua uall 'ro$is 'ro$ision ions s of t&e %ill( %&ic& are of u"iou u"ious s le)ali le)alit#( t#( an "ecause of t&e motion to %it&ra% t&e 'etition for 'ro"ate +%&ic& t&e lo%er court assume to &a$e "een file %it& t&e 'etitioner3 'etitioner3s s aut&oriatio aut&oriation,( n,( t&e trial court acte correctl# in 'assin) u'on t&e %ill3s intrinsic $aliit# e$en "efore its formal $aliit# $aliit# &a "een esta"lis&e. esta"lis&e. "he probate of a will might become an idle ceremony if on its face it appears to be intrinsically void. Where practical considerations demand that the intrinsic validity of the will be passed upon, even before it is probated, the court should should meet the issue issue +Nu)ui $s. Nu)u Nu)ui i(( ?4 O.G. O.G. -7 -7(( -7 S0RA S0RA 44>. 44>. 0om' 0om'ar are e %it& %it& Sumilan) $s. Rama)osa( LD/-/( :ecem"er ?( ->?7( S0RA -/?>< 0ac&o $s. an( LD->>>?( A'ril /=( ->?( -/ S0RA ?>/,. But But t&e t&e 'ro" 'ro"at ate e cour courtt erre erre in ecl eclar arin in) ) in its its ore orerr of 2e"ruar# 9( ->74 t&at t&e %ill %as $oi an in con$ertin) t&e test testa ate 'ro 'rocee ceein) in) into nto an inte intest stat ate e 'roc 'rocee ee in) in) not%it&stanin) t&e fact t&at in its orer of une -9( ->7/ it )a$e effect to t&e sur$i$in) &us"an3s conformit# to t&e %ill an an to &is &is renu renunc ncia iati tion on of &is &is &ere &erei ita tar# r# ri)& ri)&ts ts %&ic %&ic& & 'resum 'resuma"l a"l# # inclu inclue e &is oneD&a oneD&alf lf s&are s&are of t&e conCu) conCu)al al estate. T&e rule is t&at 8t&e in$aliit# of one of se$eral is'ositions containe in a %ill oes not result in t&e in$aliit# of t&e ot&er is'ositions( unless it is to &e 'resume t&at t&e testator %oul %oul not &a$e mae mae suc& ot&er is'ositi is'ositions ons if t&e first in$ali is'osition &a not "een mae8 +Art. 7>( 0i$il 0oe,. 8Where some of the provisions provisions of a will are valid and others invalid, the valid parts will be upheld if they can be separated from the invalid without defeating the intention of the testator or interfering with the general testamentary scheme, or doing in6ustice to the beneficiaries )+ /.>.@. ;30. T&e statement of t&e testatri* t&at s&e o%ne t&e 8sout&ern &alf8 &alf8 of t&e t&e conC conCu) u)al al lan lans s is cont contra rar# r# to la% la% "eca "ecaus use( e( alt&ou)& s&e %as a coo%ner t&ereof( &er s&are %as inc&oate an 'roini$iso +Art. -4/( 0i$il 0oe< Hari)al an Paterno $s. Raffert# an 0once'cion( /9 P&il. 4-4,. But t&at ille)al
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe eclaration oes not nullif# t&e entire %ill. It ma# "e isre)are. T&e 'ro$ision of t&e %ill t&at t&e 'ro'erties of t&e testatri* s&oul not "e i$ie amon) &er &eirs urin) &er &us"an3s lifetime "ut s&oul "e 1e't intact an t&at t&e le)itimes s&oul "e 'ai in cas& is contrar# to article -=9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& reas; 8ART. -=9=. S&oul a 'erson ma1e a 'artition of &is estate "# an act inter $i$os( or "# %ill( suc& 'artition s&all "e res'ecte( insofar as it oes not 'reCuice t&e le)itime of t&e com'ulsor# &eirs. 8A 'arent %&o( in t&e interest of &is or &er famil#( esires to 1ee' an# a)ricultural( inustrial( or manufacturin) enter'rise intact( ma# a$ail &imself of t&e ri)&t )rante &im in t&is article( "# orerin) t&at t&e le)itime of t&e ot&er c&ilren to %&om t&e 'ro'ert# is not assi)ne( "e 'ai in cas&. +-=?a,8 "he testatrix in her will made a partition of the entire con6ugal estate among her six children her husband had renounced his hereditary rights and his onehalf con6ugal share0. @he did not assign the whole estate to one or more children as envisaged in article (=;=. #ence, she had no right to require that the legitimes be paid in cash. On the other hand, her estate may remain undivided only for a period of twenty years. @o, the provision that the estate should not be divided during her husbandGs lifetime would at most be effective only for twenty years from the date of her death unless there are compelling reasons for terminating the coownership +Art. -=9/( 0i$il 0oe,. Su"Cect to t&e fore)oin) o"ser$ations an t&e rules on collation( t&e %ill is intrinsicall# $ali an t&e 'artition t&erein ma# "e )i$en effect if it oes not 'reCuice t&e creitors an im'air t&e le)itimes. T&e istri"ution an 'artition %oul "ecome effecti$e u'on t&e eat& of 2eli* Balana#( Sr. In t&e meantime( t&e net income s&oul "e e!uita"l# i$ie amon) t&e c&ilren an t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse. !t should be stressed that by reason of the surviving husbandGs conformity to his wifeGs will and his renunciation of his hereditary rights, his onehalf con6ugal share be a part of his deceased wifeGs estate. #is conformity had the effect of validating the partition made in paragraph V of the will without pre6udice, of course, to the rights of the creditors and the legitimes of the compulsory heirs. Article 7>/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe 'ro$ies t&at 8'ro'ert# ac!uire after t&e ma1in) of a %ill s&all onl# 'ass t&ere"#( as if t&e testator &a 'ossesse it at t&e time of ma1in) t&e %ill( s&oul it e*'ressl# a''ear "# t&e %ill t&at suc& %as &is intention8. ner article >/= of t&e 0i$il 0oe 8t&e le)ac# or e$ise of a t&in) "elon)in) to anot&er 'erson is $oi( if t&e testator erroneousl# "elie$e t&at t&e t&in) 'ertaine to &im. But if t&e t&in) "e!ueat&e( t&ou)& not "elon)in) to t&e testator %&en &e mae t&e %ill( after%ars "ecomes &is( "# %&ate$er title( t&e is'osition s&all ta1e effect.8 !n the instant case there is no doubt that the testatrix and her husband intended to partition the con6ugal estate in the manner set forth in paragraph V of her will. !t is true that she could dispose of by will only her half of the con6ugal estate %rt. (=, /ivil /ode0 but since the husband, after the
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dissolution of the con6ugal partnership, had assented to her testamentary partition of the con6ugal estate, such partition has become valid, assuming that the will may be probated.
T&e instant case is ifferent from t&e Nu)ui case( su'ra( %&ere t&e testatri* institute as &eir &er sister an 'reterite &er 'arents. er %ill %as intrinsicall# $oi "ecause it 'reterite &er com'ulsor# &eirs in t&e irect line. Article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe 'ro$ies t&at 8t&e 'reterition or omission of one( some( or all of t&e com'ulsor# &eirs in t&e irect line( %&et&er li$in) at t&e time of t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill or "orn after t&e eat& of t&e testator( s&all annul t&e institution of &eir< "ut t&e e$ises an le)acies s&all "e $ali insofar as t&e# are not inofficious.8 @ince the preterition of the parents annulled the institution of the sister of the testatrix and there were no legacies and devises, total intestacy resulted +Art. >?=M( 0i$il 0oe,. !n the instant case, the preterited heir was the surviving spouse. #is preterition did not produce intestacy. &oreover, he signified his conformity to his wifeGs will and renounced his hereditary rights.
It results t&at t&e lo%er court erre in not 'roceein) %it& t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill as contem'late in its uncancelle orer of une -9( ->7-/. Sa$e in an e*treme case %&ere t&e %ill on its face is intrinsicall# $oi( it is t&e 'ro"ate court3s ut# to 'ass first u'on t&e formal $aliit# of t&e %ill. Generall#( t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill is manator# +Art. 9/9( 0i$il 0oe< Gue$ara $s. Gue$ara( 74 P&il. 47> an >9 P&il. 4>< 2ernane $s. :ima)i"a( LD/?/9( Octo"er -( ->?7( S0RA 49,. To )i$e effect to t&e intention an %is&es of t&e testatri* is t&e first an 'rinci'al la% in t&e matter of testaments +:ionD Ri$era $s. :ion( LD4?-( une /=( ->7=( // S0RA 4( ?-,. "estacy is preferable to intestacy. %n interpretation that will render a testamentary disposition operative ta$es precedence over a construction that will nullify a provision of the will %rts. ;; and )(, /ivil /ode0. Testac# is fa$ore. :ou"ts are resol$e in fa$or of testac# es'eciall# %&ere t&e %ill e$inces an intention on t&e 'art of t&e testator to is'ose of 'racticall# &is %&ole estate. So com'ellin) is t&e 'rinci'le t&at intestac# s&oul "e a$oie an t&at t&e %is&es of t&e testator s&oul 're$ail t&at sometimes t&e lan)ua)e of t&e %ill can "e $arie for t&e 'ur'ose of )i$in) it effect +Austria $s. Re#es( LD/=7>( 2e"ruar# 7( ->7=( /- S0RA 74( 7?,. As far as is le)all# 'ossi"le( t&e e*'resse esire of t&e testator must "e follo%e an t&e is'ositions of t&e 'ro'erties in &is %ill s&oul "e u'&el +Estor!ue $s. Estor!ue( LD->7/( une /=( ->7=( // S0RA 4=( 4?,. "he law has a tender regard for the wishes of the testator as expressed in his will because any disposition therein is better than that which the law can ma$e +0astro $s. Bustos( LD >-/( 2e"ruar# 9( ->?>( 7 S0RA /7( /4-,. Solano !s. CA
On ul# 7( ->?>( Bien$enio Garcia an Emeteria Garcia +GAR0IAS,( claimin) to "e ille)itimate c&ilren of :r. Heliton SOLANO( file an action for reco)nition a)ainst &im. In &is Ans%er( SOLANO enie 'aternit#. On 2e"ruar# /( ->7=( urin) t&e 'enenc# of t&e suit( SOLANO ie. Petitioner ONIA Ana Solano %as orere su"stitute for t&e :E0E:ENT as t&e onl# sur$i$in) &eir mentione in &is Last
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe ill an Testament 'ro"ate on Harc& -=( ->?>( or 'rior to &is eat&( in S'ecial Proceein)s No. 94 of t&e same 0ourt. ONIA entere &er formal a''earance as a 8su"stitute efenant8 on Harc& 4( ->7= claimin) aitionall# t&at s&e %as t&e sole &eir of &er fat&er( SOLANO( an as1in) t&at s&e "e allo%e to assume &er uties as e*ecutri* of t&e 'ro"ate ill %it& t&e least interference from t&e GAR0IAS %&o %ere 8mere 'reteners to "e ille)itimate c&ilren of SOLANO8. In t&e &earin) of Ha# -/( ->7=( t&e Trial 0ourt s'ecifie t&e le)al issues to "e treate in t&e 'arties@ res'ecti$e Hemorana as; -, t&e !uestion of reco)nition of t&e GAR0IAS< , t&e correct status of ONIA( an /, t&e &ereitar# s&are of eac& of t&em in $ie% of t&e 'ro"ate ill. A''eale to t&e 0ourt of A''eals "# ONIA( sai 0ourt affirme t&e Cu)ment in toto +0ADG.R. No. 4>=-9,. ONIA see1s a re$ersal of t&at affirmance in t&is 'etition( %&ic& %as )i$en ue course. At t&e outset( %e s&oul state t&at %e are "oun "# t&e finin)s of fact of "ot& t&e "rial /ourt and the %ppellate /ourt, particularly, the finding that the B%9/!%@ and HO9. T&e union %as s&ortDli$e as s&e left &im in ->>. In t&e earl# 'art of ->/=( SOLANO starte &a$in) amorous relations %it& uana Garcia( out of %&ic& affair %as "orn Bien$enio Garcia on Harc& 4( ->/+E*&i"its 8A8 U 8/8,< an on No$em"er /( ->/( Emeteria Garcia %as "orn +E*&i"its 8B8 U 88,. T&eir "irt& certificates an "a'tismal certificates mention onl# t&e mot&er@s name %it&out t&e fat&er@s name. T&e facts esta"lis&( &o%e$er( t&at SOLANO urin) &is lifetime reco)nie t&e GAR0IAS as &is c&ilren "# acts of su''ort an 'ro$isions for t&eir eucation. In ->/( SOLANO starte li$in) %it& Trinia Tua)non. T&ree c&ilren %ere "orn out of t&is relation "ut onl# 'etitioner ONIA Ana Tua)non( "orn on ul# ?( ->4-( is li$in). In &er Birt& 0ertificate( &er status %as liste as 8ille)itimate8< &er mot&er as Trinia Tua)non< &er fat&er as 8P.N.0.8 +E*&i"it 8V8,( or 8'are no conocio8. :irectl# c&allen)e is t&e Curisiction of t&e lo%er 0ourt( in an action for reco)nition; -, to eclare ONIA as an ille)itimate c&il of SOLANO< , to orer t&e i$ision of t&e estate in t&e same action es'ite t&e 'enenc# of S'ecial Proceein)s No. 94< an /, to eclare null an $oi t&e institution of &eir in t&e Last ill an Testament of SOLANO( %&ic& %as ul# 'ro"ate in t&e same S'ecial Proceein)s No. 94( an concluin) t&at total intestac# resulte. ONIA aitionall# assails t&e Curisiction of t&e Trial 0ourt in eclarin) null an $oi t&e institution of &eir in SOLANO@s %ill< in concluin) t&at total intestac# resulte t&erefrom< an istri"utin) t&e s&ares of t&e 'arties in SOLANO@s estate %&en sai estate %as uner t&e Curisiction an control of t&e Pro"ate 0ourt in S'ecial Proceein)s No. 94. Normall#( t&is %oul "e t&e )eneral rule. o%e$er( a 'eculiar situation is t&rust u'on us &ere. It s&oul "e recalle t&at SOLANO &imself institute t&e 'etition for 'ro"ate of t&e ill
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urin) &is lifetime( T&at 'roceein) %as not one to settle t&e estate of a ecease 'erson t&at %oul "e eeme terminate onl# u'on t&e final istri"ution of t&e resiue of t&e &ereitar# estate. it& t&e ill allo%e to 'ro"ate( t&e case %oul &a$e terminate e*ce't t&at it a''ears t&at t&e 'arties( after SOLANO@s eat&( continue to file 'leain)s t&erein Seconl#( u'on motion of t&e GAR0IAS( an o$er t&e o"Cection of ONIA( t&e Trial 0ourt orere t&e im'leain) of t&e estate of SOLANO an 'roceee on t&at "asis. In effect( t&erefore( t&e t%o cases %ere consoliate. T&e recors furt&er isclose t&at t&e action for reco)nition +0i$il 0ase No. />?, an S'ec. Procs. No. 94 %ere 'enin) "efore t&e same Branc& of t&e 0ourt an "efore t&e same Presiin) u)e. T&irl#( it is settle t&at t&e allo%ance of a ill is conclusi$e onl# as to its ue e*ecution. A 'ro"ate ecree is not concerne %it& t&e intrinsic $aliit# or le)alit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e ill. ? T&us( t&e Trial 0ourt an t&e A''ellate 0ourt &a Curisiction to conclue t&at( u'on t&e facts( t&e GAR0IAS an ONIA %ere in t&e same cate)or# as ille)itimate c&ilren< t&at ONIA@s ac1no%le)ment as a 8natural c&il8 in a notarial ocument e*ecute "# SOLANO an Trinia Tua)non on :ecem"er ( ->4/ %as erroneous "ecause at t&e time of &er "irt& in ->4-( SOLANO %as still marrie to Lill# Goran( &is i$orce &a$in) "een o"taine onl# in ->4/( an( t&erefore( did not have the legal capacity to contract marriage at the time of HO an s&oul "e res'ecte in so far as it is not inofficious. -= @ince the legitime of illegitimate children consists of onehalf (C20 of the hereditary estate, (3 the B%9/!%@ and HO
T&e case of Nu)ui $s. Nu)ui( et al.( -4 reiteratin) t&e rulin) in Neri( et al. $s. A1utin( et al.( - which held that where the institution of a universal heir is null and void due to preterition, the Will is a complete nullity and intestate succession ensues, is not applicable herein because in the
On Ha# >( ->94 'etitioner 0onstantino Acain file in t&e Re)ional Trial 0ourt of 0e"u 0it# Branc& WIII( a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill of t&e late Nemesio Acain an for t&e issuance to t&e same 'etitioner of letters testamentar#( oc1ete as S'ecial Proceein)s No. >-DAD0EB +Rollo( '. >,( on t&e 'remise t&at Nemesio Acain ie lea$in) a %ill in
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe %&ic& 'etitioner an &is "rot&ers Antonio( 2lores an ose an &is sisters Anita( 0once'cion( uirina an Laura %ere institute as &eirs. "he will allegedly executed by
Preterition annuls t&e institution of an &eir an annulment t&ro%s o'en to intestate succession t&e entire in&eritance incluin) 8la 'orcion li"re +!ue, no &u"iese is'uesto en $irtual e le)ao( meCora o onacion8 +Hanresa( as cite in Nu)ui $. Nu)ui( su'ra( Haninan) $. 0ourt of A''eals( --4 S0RA M->9-,. "he only provisions which do not result in intestacy are the legacies and devises made in the will for they should stand valid and respected, except insofar as the legitimes are concerned.
O"$iousl#( Se)uno 'reDecease Nemesio. T&us( it is t&e c&ilren of Se)uno %&o are claimin) to "e &eirs( %it& 0onstantino as t&e 'etitioner in S'ecial Proceein)s No. >-DAD0EB. After t&e 'etition %as set for &earin) in t&e lo%er court on une ( ->94 t&e o''ositors /respondents herein 5irginia A. $ernande&, a legall adopted da"ghter of the deceased and the latters %ido% -osa Diongson 5da. de Acain0 filed a #otion to dis#iss on the follo%ing gro"nds: /(0 the petitioner &as no le)al ca'acit# to institute t&ese 'roceein)s< +, &e is merel# a uni$ersal &eir an +/, t&e %io% an t&e ao'te au)&ter &a$e "een 'reterite. +Rollo( '. -9,. Sai motion %as enie "# t&e trial Cu)e.
"he universal institution of petitioner together with his brothers and sisters to the entire inheritance of the testator results in totally abrogating the will because the nullification of such institution of universal heirs without any other testamentary disposition in the will amounts to a declaration that nothing at all was written. 0arefull# %ore an in clear terms( Article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe offers no lee%a# for inferential inter'retation +Nu)ui $. Nu)ui,( su'ra. No le)acies nor e$ises &a$in) "een 'ro$ie in t&e %ill t&e %&ole 'ro'ert# of t&e ecease &as "een left "# uni$ersal title to 'etitioner an &is "rot&ers an sisters. T&e effect of annullin) t&e institution of &eirs %ill "e( necessaril#( t&e o'enin) of a total intestac# +Neri $. A1utin( 74 P&il. -9 M->4/, e*ce't t&at 'ro'er le)acies an e$ises must( as alrea# state a"o$e( "e res'ecte.
"he pivotal issue in this case is whether or not private respondents have been preterited.
Article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe 'ro$ies; 8Art. 94. T&e 'reterition or omission of one( some( or all of t&e com'ulsor# &eirs in t&e irect line( %&et&er li$in) at t&e time of t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill or "orn after t&e eat& of t&e testator( s&all annul t&e institution of &eir< "ut t&e e$isees an le)acies s&all "e $ali insofar as t&e# are not inofficious. If t&e omitte com'ulsor# &eirs s&oul ie "efore t&e testator( t&e institution s&all "e effectual( %it&out 'reCuice to t&e ri)&t of re'resentation.8 8reterition consists in the omission in the testator's will of the forced heirs or anyone of them either because they are not mentioned therein, or, though mentioned, they are neither instituted as heirs nor are expressly disinherited +Nu)ui $. Nu)ui( -7 S0RA 4= M->??< Haninan) $. 0ourt of A''eals( --4 S0RA 479 M->9,. Insofar as t&e %io% is concerne( Article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe ma# not a''l# as s&e oes not ascen or escen from t&e testator( alt&ou)& s&e is a com'ulsor# &eir. State ot&er%ise( e$en if t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse is a com'ulsor# &eir( t&ere is no 'reterition e$en if s&e is omitte from t&e in&eritance( for s&e is not in t&e irect line. +Art. 94( 0i$il 0oe, #owever, the same thing cannot be said of the other respondent Virginia %. 4ernande1, whose legal adoption by the testator has not been questioned by petitioner &emorandum for the 8etitioner, pp. ;)0. nder %rticle 3) of 8.D.
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2or 'ri$ate res'onents to &a$e tolerate t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill an allo%e t&e case to 'ro)ress %&en on its face t&e %ill a''ears to "e intrinsicall# $oi as 'etitioner an &is "rot&ers an sisters %ere institute as uni$ersal &eirs cou'le %it& t&e o"$ious fact t&at one of t&e 'ri$ate res'onents &a "een 'reterite %oul &a$e "een an e*ercise in futilit#. It %oul &a$e meant a %aste of time( effort( e*'ense( 'lus ae futilit#. T&e trial court coul &a$e enie its 'ro"ate outri)&t or coul &a$e 'asse u'on t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e testamentar# 'ro$isions "efore t&e e*trinsic $aliit# of t&e %ill %as resol$e +0a#etano $. Leonias( su'ra< Nu)ui $. Nu)ui( su'ra,. T&e remeies of certiorari an 'ro&i"ition %ere 'ro'erl# a$aile of "# 'ri$ate res'onents. T&us( t&is 0ourt rule t&at %&ere t&e )rouns for ismissal are inu"ita"le( t&e efenants &a t&e ri)&t to resort to t&e more s'ee#( an ae!uate remeies of certiorari an 'ro&i"ition to correct a )ra$e a"use of iscretion( amountin) to lac1 of Curisiction( committe "# t&e trial court in not ismissin) t&e case( +Va. e Bacan) $. 0ourt of A''eals( su'ra, an e$en assumin) t&e e*istence of t&e reme# of a''eal( t&e 0ourt &ar1ens to t&e rule t&at in t&e "roaer interests of Custice( a 'etition for certiorari ma# "e entertaine( 'articularl# %&ere a''eal %oul not affor s'ee# an ae!uate relief. +Haninan) $. 0ourt of A''eals( su'ra,. PREHISES 0ONSI:ERE:( t&e 'etition is &ere"# :ENIE: for lac1 of merit an t&e !uestione ecision of res'onent 0ourt of A''eals 'romul)ate on Au)ust /=( ->9 an its Resolution ate Octo"er /( ->9 are &ere"# A22IRHE:. GII. -ESE-5A T-ONCAL
Art. #9-. "he ascendant who inherits from his descendant any property which the latter may have acquired by !ratuitous title from another ascendant, or a brother or sister, is obli!ed to reserve such property as he may have acquired by operation of law for the benefit of relatives who are within the
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe third de!ree and who belon! to the line from which said property came. (#7-)
5. randparents of the line where thw property came& brothers of full blood or half>blood
A number of 3eservas and 3eversions where allowed under the old civil code but they were eliminated under the new civil code leavin only the 3eserva Troncal. The elimination was in line with one of the principal obectives of the new civil code in the law of succession( namely& to prevent the estate from bein entailed.
6rd deree
The followin are some of the reasons for its abolition:
A''ellants commence t&is action "elo% to secure Cu)ments +-, eclarin) null an $oi t&e sale e*ecute "# Paulina an 0i'riana Jaeso in fa$or of a''ellees( t&e s'ouses 2iel Es'arcia an Paulina Sienes< +, orerin) t&e Es'arcia s'ouses to recon$e# to a''ellants Lot //?9 of t&e 0aastral Sur$e# of A#u!uitan +no% Amlan,( Oriental Ne)ros< an +/, orerin) all t&e a''ellees to 'a#( Cointl# an se$erall#( to a''ellants t&e sum of P==.== as ama)es( 'lus t&e costs of suit. In t&eir ans%er a''ellees isclaime an# 1no%le)e or information re)arin) t&e sale alle)el# mae on A'ril =( ->- "# Anrea Gutan) in fa$or of a''ellants an alle)e t&at if suc& sale %as mae( t&e same %as $oi on t&e )roun t&at Anrea Gutan) &a no ri)&t to is'ose of t&e 'ro'ert# su"Cect matter t&ereof. T&e# furt&er alle)e t&at sai 'ro'ert# &a ne$er "een in 'ossession of a''ellants( t&e trut& "ein) t&at a''ellees( as o%ners( &a "een in continuous 'ossession t&ereof since t&e eat& of 2rancisco Jaeso. B# %a# of affirmati$e efense an counterclaim( t&e# furt&er alle)e t&at on ul# /=( ->-( Paulina an 0i'riana Jaeso( as t&e onl# sur$i$in) &eirs of 2rancisco Jaeso( e*ecute a 'u"lic instrument of sale in fa$or of t&e s'ouses 2iel Es'arcia an Paulina Sienes( t&e sai sale &a$in) "een re)istere to)et&er %it& an affia$it of aCuication e*ecute "# Paulina an 0i'riana on ul# -9( ->-( as sole sur$i$in) &eirs of t&e aforesai ecease< t&at since t&en t&e Es'arcias &a "een in 'ossession of t&e 'ro'ert# as o%ners.
. creates uncertainty in the pwnership of property& because of the suspended ownership the reservista has no enthusiasm to preserve or improve the property 5. confinement of property wFin a certain family for enerations incompatible with the principle of sociali-ation of ownership 6. reserve is limited to the leitimate members of the family& and the father or mother of a natural child who inherits property from this child& and who in turn ac!uired it from snother proenitor ac!uires absolute dominion of the property wFo reservation. 4. in reserve viudal& the survivin spouse is oblied to resrve properties left by deceased spouse to his if she remarries& but the concubine is not oblied& thus& ivin ptotection to illeitimate relation. ?urpose of 3eserva troncal a. 3esrve certain property in favor of certain relatives. b. maintain as is possible& with respect to the property to which it refers& a separation between the paternal and maternal lines& so that property of one line may not pass to the other& or throuh them to straners. ature of 3eserva 't creates a double resolutory condition to which the riht of ownership of the person oblied to reserve is subected. The resolutory condition& are first& the death of the ascendant oblied to reserve& and& second& the survivial at that moment of the relatives within the tird deree belonin to the line from which the property came. o reserve will e%ist in favor of illeitimate relatives& because the law has not used !ualifyin terms natural or illeitimate with respect to the descendant or ascendant or relatives it is to be presumed to refer only to leitimate ones. 3elatives within the third deree: st deree . father or mother only when no descendants& 5nd deree
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6. reat ;?& uncles by consanuinity full or half>blood& and nephews and nieces of full or half blood. 1. Sienes !s. Esparcia
4rom the above decision the @ienes spouses interposed the present appeal, their principal contentions being, firstly, that the lower court erred in holding that ?ot 33-; of the /adastral @urvey of %yuquitan was a reservable property7 secondly, in annuling the sale of said lot executed by %ndrea Butang in their favor7 and lastly, in holding that /ipriana Jaeso, as reservee, was entitled to inherit said land. As &el "# t&e trial court( it is clear u'on t&e facts alrea# state( t&at t&e lan in !uestion %as reser$a"le 'ro'ert#. 4rancisco Jaeso inherited it by operation of law from his father @aturnino, and upon 4rancisco's death, unmarried and %it&out escenants( it %as in&erite( in turn( "# &is mot&er( Anrea Gutan). "he latter was, therefore, under obligation to reserve it for the benefit of relatives within the third degree belonging to the line from which said property came, if any survived her. T&e recor iscloses in t&is connection t&at Anrea Gutan) ie on :ecem"er -/( ->-( t&e lone reser$ee sur$i$in) &er "ein) 0i'riana Jaeso %&o ie onl# on anuar# -/( -> +E*&. -=,.
In connection %it& reser$a"le 'ro'ert#( t&e %ei)&t of o'inion is t&at t&e reser$a creates t%o resolutor# conitions( namel#( +-, t&e eat& of t&e ascenant o"li)e to reser$e an +, t&e sur$i$al( at t&e time of &is eat&( of relati$es %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree "elon)in) to t&e line from %&ic& t&e 'ro'ert# came +? Hanresa ?9D?>< ? Sanc&e Roman ->/4,. T&e 0ourt &as &el in connection %it& t&is matter t&at t&e reser$ista &as t&e le)al title an ominion to t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# "ut su"Cect to a resolutor# conition< t&at &e is li1e a life usufructuar# of
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert#< t&at &e ma# alienate t&e same "ut su"Cect to reser$ation( sai alienation transmittin) onl# t&e re$oca"le an conitional o%ners&i' of t&e reser$ista( t&e ri)&ts ac!uire "# t&e transferee "ein) re$o1e or resol$e "# t&e sur$i$al of reser$atorios at t&e time of eat& of t&e reser$ista +Eroso $s. Sa"lan( P&il.( >< Lunso $s. Orte)a( 4? P&il.( ??4< 2lorentino $s. 2lorentino( 4= P&il.( 49=< an :irector of Lans $s. A)uas( ?/ P&il.( 7>,. "he sale made by %ndrea Butang in favor of appellees was, therefore, sub6ect to the condition that the vendees would definitely acquire ownership, by virtue of the alienation, only if the vendor died without being survived by any person entitled to the reservable property. !nasmuch as when %ndrea Butang died, /ipriano Jaeso was still alive, the conclusion becomes inescapable that the previous sale made by the former in favor of appellants became of no legal effect and the reservable property sub6ect matter thereof passed in exclusive ownership to /ipriana. On the other hand, it is also clear that the sale executed by the sisters 8aulina and /ipriana Jaesco in favor of the spouse 4idel Asparcia and 8aulina @ienes was sub6ect to a similar resolutory condition. T&e reser$e institute "# la% in fa$or of t&e &eirs %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree "elon)in) to t&e line from %&ic& t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# came( constitutes a real ri)&t %&ic& t&e reser$ee ma# alienate an is'ose of( al"eit conitionall#( t&e conition "ein) t&at t&e alienation s&all transfer o%ners&i' to t&e $enee onl# if an %&en t&e reser$ee sur$i$es t&e 'erson o"li)e to reser$e. In t&e 'resent case( 0i'riana Jaeso( one of t&e reser$ees( %as still ali$e %&en Anrea Gutan)( t&e 'erson o"li)e to reser$e( ie. T&us t&e former "ecame t&e a"solute o%ner of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# u'on Anrea@s eat&. &ile it ma# "e true t&at t&e sale mae "# &er an &er sister 'rior to t&is e$ent( "ecame effecti$e "ecause of t&e occurrence of t&e resolutor# conition( we are not now in a position to reverse the appealed decision, in so far as it orders the reversion of the property in question to the Astate of /ipriana Jaeso, because the vendees F the Asparcia spouses F did not appeal therefrom.
ERE2ORE( t&e a''eale ecision as a"o$e moifie is affirme( %it& costs( an %it&out 'reCuice to %&ate$er action in e!uit# t&e Es'arcia s'ouses ma# &a$e a)ainst t&e Estate of 0i'riana Jaeso for t&e recon$e#ance of t&e 'ro'ert# in !uestion. $lorentino !s. $lorentino
T&at A'olonio Isa"elo 2lorentino II marrie t&e first time Antonia 2a e Leon< t&at urin) t&e marria)e &e "e)ot nine c&ilren calle ose( uan( Haria( Encarnacion( Isa"el( Es'irita( Ga"riel( Pero( an Ha)alena of t&e surname 2lorentino # e Leon< t&at on "ecomin) a %io%er &e marrie t&e secon time Se$erina 2a e Leon %it& %&om &e &a t%o c&ilren( Hercees an A'olonio III of t&e surname 2lorentino # e Leon< t&at A'olonio Isa"elo 2lorentino II ie on 2e"ruar# -/( -9>=< t&at &e %as sur$i$e "# &is secon %ife Se$erina 2a e Leon an t&e ten c&ilren first a"o$e mentione< t&at &is ele$ent& son( A'olonio III( %as "orn on t&e follo%in) 4t& of Harc& -9>=. T&at on anuar# -7 an 2e"ruar# -/( -9>=( A'olonio Isa"elo 2lorentino e*ecute a %ill "efore t&e notar# 'u"lic of Ilocos Sur( institutin) as &is uni$ersal &eirs &is aforementione ten c&ilren( t&e 'ost&umos A'oIonio III an &is %io% Se$erina
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2a e Leon< t&at &e eclare( in one of t&e 'ara)ra'&s of sai %ill( all &is 'ro'ert# s&oul "e i$ie amon) all of &is c&ilren of "ot& marria)es. T&at A'olonio 2lorentino III( t&e 'ost&umos son of t&e secon marria)e( ie in -9>-< t&at &is mot&er( Se$erina 2a e Leon( succeee to all &is 'ro'ert# escri"e in t&e com'laint< t&at t&e %io%( Se$erina 2a e Leon ie on No$em"er -9( ->=9( lea$in) a %ill institutin) as &er uni$ersal &eiress &er onl# li$in) au)&ter( Hercees 2lorentino< t&at( as suc& &eir( sai au)&ter too1 'ossession of all t&e 'ro'ert# left at t&e eat& of &er mot&er( Se$erina 2a e Leon< t&at amon) same is inclue t&e 'ro'ert#( escri"e in t&e com'laint( %&ic& t&e sai Se$erina 2a e Leon in&erite from &er ecease son( t&e 'ost&umos A'olonio( as reser$a"le 'ro'ert#< t&at( as a reser$ist( t&e &eir of t&e sai Hercees 2lorentino ecease &a "een )at&erin) for &erself alone t&e fruits of lans escri"e in t&e com'laint< t&at eac& an e$er# one of t&e 'arties mentione in sai com'laint is entitle to oneDse$ent& of t&e fruits of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# escri"e t&erein( eit&er "# irect 'artici'ation or "# re'resentation( in t&e manner mentione in 'ara)ra'& > of t&e com'laint. In orer to ecie %&et&er t&e 'laintiffs are or are not entitle to in$o1e( in t&eir fa$or( t&e 'ro$isions of article 9-- of t&e 0i$il 0oe( an %&et&er t&e same article is a''lica"le to t&e !uestion of la% 'resente in t&is suit( it is necessar# to etermine %&et&er t&e 'ro'ert# enumerate in 'ara)ra'& of t&e com'laint is of t&e nature of reser$a"le 'ro'ert#< an( if so( %&et&er in accorance %it& t&e 'ro$ision of t&e 0i$il 0oe in article 9--( Se$erina 2a e Leon +t&e %io% of t&e ecease A'olonio Isa"elo 2lorentino, %&o in&erite sai 'ro'ert# from &er son A'olonio 2lorentino III +"orn after t&e eat& of &is fat&er A'olonio Isa"elo, &a t&e o"li)ation to 'reser$e an reser$e same for t&e relati$es( %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( of &er aforementione ecease son A'olonio III. T&e 'ost&umos son( A'olonio 2lorentino III( ac!uire t&e 'ro'ert#( no% claime "# &is "rot&ers( "# a lucrati$e title or "# in&eritance from &is aforementione le)itimate fat&er( A'olonio Isa"elo 2lorentino II. Alt&ou)& sai 'ro'ert# %as in&erite "# &is mot&er( Se$erina 2a e Leon( ne$ert&eless( s&e %as in ut# "oun( accorin) to article 9-- of t&e 0i$il 0oe( to reser$e t&e 'ro'ert# t&us ac!uire for t&e "enefit of t&e relati$es( %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( of t&e line from %&ic& suc& 'ro'ert# came. Accorin) to t&e 'ro$isions of la%( ascenants o not in&erit t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert#( "ut its enCo#ment( use or trust( merel# for t&e reason t&at sai la% im'oses t&e o"li)ation to reser$e an 'reser$e same for certain esi)nate 'ersons %&o( on t&e eat& of t&e sai ascenantsDreser$ists( +ta1in) into consieration t&e nature of t&e line from %&ic& suc& 'ro'ert# came, ac!uire t&e o%ners&i' of sai 'ro'ert# in fact an "# o'eration of la% in t&e same manner as force &eirs +"ecause t&e# are also suc&, sai 'ro'ert# re$erts to sai line as lon) as t&e aforementione 'ersons %&o( from t&e eat& of t&e ascenantreser$ists( ac!uire in fact t&e ri)&t of reser$atarios +'ersons for %&om 'ro'ert# is reser$e,( an are relati$es( %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( of t&e escenant from %&om t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# came. An# ascenant %&o in&erits from &is escenant an# 'ro'ert#( %&ile t&ere are li$in)( %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( relati$es of t&e latter( is not&in) "ut a life usufructuar# or a fiuciar# of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# recei$e. e is( &o%e$er( t&e le)itimate o%ner of &is o%n 'ro'ert# %&ic& is not reser$a"le( 'ro'ert# an %&ic& constitutes &is le)itime(
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe accorin) to article 9=> of t&e 0i$il 0oe. But if( after%ars( all of t&e relati$es( %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( of t&e escenant +from %&om came t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert#, ie or isa''ear( t&e sai 'ro'ert# "ecomes free 'ro'ert#( "# o'eration of la%( an is t&ere"# con$erte into t&e le)itime of t&e ascenant &eir %&o can transmit it at &is eat& to &is le)itimate successors or testamentar# &eirs. T&is 'ro'ert# &as no% lost its nature of reser$a"le 'ro'ert#( 'ertainin) t&ereto at t&e eat& of t&e relati$es( calle reser$atarios( %&o "elon)e %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree to t&e line from %&ic& suc& 'ro'ert# came. 2ollo%in) t&e orer 'rescri"e "# la% in le)itimate succession( %&en t&ere are relati$es of t&e escenant %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( t&e ri)&t of t&e nearest relati$e( calle reser$atario( o$er t&e 'ro'ert# %&ic& t&e reser$ista +'erson &olin) it su"Cect to reser$ation, s&oul return to &im( e*clues t&at of t&e one more remote. T&e ri)&t of re'resentation cannot "e alle)e %&en t&e one claimin) same as a reser$atario of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# is not amon) t&e relati$es %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree "elon)in) to t&e line from %&ic& suc& 'ro'ert# came( inasmuc& as t&e ri)&t )rante "# t&e 0i$il 0oe in article 9-- is in t&e &i)&est e)ree 'ersonal an for t&e e*clusi$e "enefit of esi)nate 'ersons %&o are t&e relati$es( %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( of t&e 'erson from %&om t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# came. T&erefore( relati$es of t&e fourt& an t&e succeein) e)rees can ne$er "e consiere as reser$atarios( since t&e la% oes not reco)nie t&em as suc&. In s'ite of %&at &as "een sai relati$e to t&e ri)&t of re'resentation on t&e 'art of one alle)in) &is ri)&t as reser$atario %&o is not %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree of relations&i'( ne$ert&eless t&ere is ri)&t of re'resentation on t&e 'art of reser$atarios %&o are %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( mentione "# la%( as in t&e case of ne'&e%s of t&e ecease 'erson from %&om t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# came. T&ese reser$atarios &a$e t&e ri)&t to re'resent t&eir ascenants +fat&ers an mot&ers, %&o are t&e "rot&ers of t&e sai ecease 'erson an relati$es %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree in accorance %it& article 9-- of t&e 0i$il 0oe. T&ere are t&en se$en 8reser$atarios8 %&o are entitle to t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# left at t&e eat& of A'olonio III< t&e 'ost&umos son of t&e aforementione A'olonio Isa"elo II( to %it( &is t&ree c&ilren of &is first marria)eD Encarnacion( Ga"riel( Ha)alena< &is t&ree c&ilren( ose( Es'irita an Pero %&o are re'resente "# t&eir o%n t%el$e c&ilren res'ecti$el#< an Hercees 2lorentino( &is au)&ter "# a secon marria)e. All of t&e 'laintiffs are t&e relati$es of t&e ecease 'ost&umos son( A'olonio 2lorentino III( %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree +four of %&om "ein) &is &alfD"rot&ers an t&e remainin) t%el$e "ein) &is ne'&e%s as t&e# are t&e c&ilren of &is t&ree &alfD"rot&ers,. As t&e first four are &is relati$es %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree in t&eir o%n ri)&t an t&e ot&er t%el$e are suc& "# re'resentation( all of t&em are inis'uta"l# entitle as reser$atarios to t&e 'ro'ert# %&ic& came from t&e common ancestor( A'olonio Isa"elo( to A'olonio 2lorentino III "# in&eritance urin) &is lifeDtime( an in turn "# in&eritance to &is le)itimate mot&er( Se$erina 2a e Leon( %io% of t&e aforementione A'olonio Isa"elo 2lorentino II. T&e Cu)ment a''eale from is also foune on t&e t&eor# t&at article 9-- of t&e 0i$il 0oe oes not estro# t&e s#stem of le)itimate succession an t&at t&e 'retension of t&e 'laintiffs to a''l# sai article in t&e instant case %oul "e 'ermittin) t&e reser$a"le ri)&t to reuce an im'air t&e force le)itime %&ic& e*clusi$el# "elon)s to t&e efenant Hercees 2lorentino( in $iolation of t&e 'rece't of article 9-/
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of t&e same 0oe %&ic& 'ro$ies t&at t&e testator cannot e'ri$e &is &eirs of t&eir le)itime( e*ce't in t&e cases e*'ressl# etermine "# la%. Neit&er can &e im'ose u'on it an# "uren( conition( or su"stitution of an# 1in %&atsoe$er( sa$in) t&e 'ro$isions concernin) t&e usufruct of t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse( citin) t&e ecision of t&e Su'reme 0ourt of S'ain of anuar# 4( ->--. T&e 'rinci'al !uestion su"mitte to t&e court for ecision consists mainl# in eterminin) %&et&er t&e 'ro'ert# left at t&e eat& of A'olonio III( t&e 'ost&umos son of A'olonio Isa"elo II( %as or %as not in$este %it& t&e c&aracter of reser$a"le 'ro'ert# %&en it %as recei$e "# &is mot&er( Se$erina 2a e Leon. T&e 'ro'ert# enumerate "# t&e 'laintiffs in 'ara)ra'& of t&eir com'laint came( %it&out an# ou"t %&atsoe$er( from t&e common ancestor A'olonio Isa"elo II( an %&en( on t&e eat& of A'olonio III %it&out issue( t&e same 'asse "# o'eration of la% into t&e &ans of &is le)itimate mot&er( Se$erina 2a e Leon( it "ecame reser$a"le 'ro'ert#( in accorance %it& t&e 'ro$ision of article 9-- of t&e 0oe( %it& t&e o"Cect t&at t&e same s&oul not fall into t&e 'ossession of 'ersons ot&er t&an t&ose com're&ene %it&in t&e orer of succession trace "# t&e la% from A'olonio Isa"elo II( t&e source of sai 'ro'ert#. If t&is 'ro'ert# %as in fact clot&e %it& t&e c&aracter an conition of reser$a"le 'ro'ert# %&en Se$erina 2a e Leon in&erite same from &er son A'olonio( III( s&e i not t&ere"# ac!uire t&e ominion or ri)&t of o%ners&i' "ut onl# t&e ri)&t of usufruct or of fiuciar#( %it& t&e necessar# o"li)ation to 'reser$e an to eli$er or return it as suc& reser$a"le 'ro'ert# to &er ecease son@s relati$es %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( amon) %&om is &er au)&ter( Hercees 2lorentino. Reser$a"le 'ro'ert# neit&er comes( nor falls uner( t&e a"solute ominion of t&e ascenant %&o in&erits an recei$es same from &is escenant( t&erefore it oes not form 'art of &is o%n 'ro'ert# nor "ecome t&e le)itimate of &is force &eirs. It "ecomes &is o%n 'ro'ert# onl# in case t&at all t&e relati$es of &is escenant s&all &a$e ie +reser$ista,( in %&ic& case sai reser$a"le 'ro'ert# losses suc& c&aracter. it& full ri)&t Se$erina 2a e Leon coul &a$e is'ose in &er %ill of all &er o%n 'ro'ert# in fa$or of &er onl# li$in) au)&ter( Hercees 2lorentino( as force &eiress. But %&ate$er 'ro$ision t&ere is in &er %ill concernin) t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# recei$e from &er son A'olonio III( or rat&er( %&ate$er 'ro$ision %ill reuce t&e ri)&ts of t&e ot&er reser$atarios( t&e &alf "rot&ers an ne'&e%s of &er au)&ter Hercees( is unla%ful( null an $oi( inasmuc& as sai 'ro'ert# is not &er o%n an s&e &as onl# t&e ri)&t of usufruct or of fiuciar#( %it& t&e o"li)ation to 'reser$e an to eli$er same to t&e reser$atarios( one of %&om is &er o%n au)&ter( Hercees 2lorentino. 2or t&is reason( in no manner can it "e claime t&at t&e le)itime of Hercees 2lorentino( comin) from t&e in &eritance of &er mot&er Se$erina 2a e Leon( &as "een reuce an im'aire< an t&e a''lication of article 9-- of t&e 0oe to t&e instant case in no %a# 'reCuices t&e ri)&ts of t&e efenant Hercees 2lorentino( inasmuc& as s&e is entitle to a 'art onl# of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert#( t&ere "ein) no la%full or Cust reason %&ic& ser$es as real founation to isre)ar t&e ri)&t to A'olonio III@s ot&er relati$es( %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( to 'artici'ate in t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# in !uestion. As t&ese relati$es are at 'resent li$in)( claimin) for it %it& an inis'uta"le ri)&t( %e cannot fin an# reasona"le an la%ful moti$e %&# t&eir ri)&ts s&oul not "e u'&el an %&# t&e#
90
Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe s&oul not "e )rante e!ual 'artici'ation %it& t&e efenant in t&e liti)ate 'ro'ert#. ust "ecause s&e &as a force &eiress( %it& a ri)&t to &er in&eritance( oes not relie$e Se$erina of &er o"li)ation to reser$e t&e 'ro'ert# %&ic& s&e recei$e from &er ecease son( nor i same lose t&e c&aracter of reser$a"le 'ro'ert#( &el "efore t&e reser$atarios recei$e same 2or t&e fore)oin) reasons it follo%s t&at %it& t&e re$ersal of t&e orer of ecision a''eale from %e s&oul eclare( as %e &ere"# o( t&at t&e aforementione 'ro'ert#( in&erite "# t&e ecease Se$erina 2a e Leon from &er son A'olonio 2lorentino III( is reser$a"le 'ro'ert#< t&at t&e 'laintiffs( "ein) relati$es of t&e ecease A'olonio III %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( are entitle to si*Dse$ent&s of sai reoer$a"le 'ro'ert#< t&at t&e efenant Hercees is entitle to t&e remainin) se$ent& 'art t&ereof< t&at t&e latter( to)et&er %it& &er &us"an An)el Encarnacion( s&all eli$er to t&e 'laintiffs( Cointl#( si*D se$ent&s of t&e fruits or rents( claime from sai 'ortion of t&e lan an of t&e !uantit# claime( from anuar# -7( ->-9( until full# eli$ere< an t&at t&e inemnit# for one t&ousan 'esos +P-(===, 'ra#e for in t&e com'laint is enie( %it&out s'ecial finin)s as to t&e costs of "ot& instances. So orere. Ch"a !s. C$I
It a''ears t&at in t&e first marria)e of ose 2rias 0&ua %it& Patricia S. Hilitar alias S# uio( &e sire t&ree c&ilren( namel#; I)nacio( Loreno an Hanuel( all surname 2rias 0&ua. &en Patricia S. Hilitar ie( ose 2rias 0&ua contracte a secon marria)e %it& 0onsolacion e la Torre %it& %&om &e &a a c&il "# t&e name of uanito 2rias 0&ua. Hanuel 2rias 0&ua ie %it&out lea$in) an# issue. T&en in ->>( ose 2rias 0&ua ie intestate lea$in) &is %io% 0onsolacion e la Torre an &is son uanito 2rias 0&ua of t&e secon marria)e an sons I)nacio 2rias 0&ua an Loreno 2rias 0&ua of &is first marria)e. In Intestate Proceein) No. 49-?( t&e lo%er court issue an orer ate anuar# -( ->/- - aCuicatin)( amon) ot&ers( t&e oneD&alf +-5, 'ortion of Lot No. />> an t&e sum of P9(===.== in fa$or of ose 2rias 0&ua@s %io%( 0onsolacion e la Torre( t&e ot&er &alf of Lot No. />> in fa$or of uanito 2rias 0&ua( &is son in t&e secon marria)e< marria)e< P/(===.== in fa$or of Loreno 2rias 0&ua< an P-(=.== in fa$or of I)nacio 2rias( 0&ua ( &is sons in t&e secon marria)e< B# t&e $irtue of sai aCuication( Transfer 0ertificate of Title No. TRD>9= +-449/, ate A'ril 9( ->/ %as issue "# t&e Re)ister of :ees in t&e names of 0onsolacion e la Torre an uanito 2rias 0&ua as o%nersD'roDini$iso of Lot No. //>. On 2e"ruar# 7( ->( uanito 2rias 0&ua of t&e secon marria)e ie intestate %it&out an# issue. After &is eat&( is mot&er 0onsolacion e la Torre succeee to &is 'roDini$iso s&are of &er son uanito as a result of %&ic& Transfer 0ertificate of Title No. /-7>? co$erin) t&e %&ole Lot No. />> %as issue in &er name. T&en on Harc& ( ->??( 0onsolacion e la Torre ie intestate lea$in) no irect &eir eit&er in t&e escenin) or ascenin) line e*ce't &er "rot&er an sisters. on Ha# --( ->?? "efore t&e res'onent 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Ne)ros Occiental( Branc& V( 'ra#in) t&at t&e oneD&alf +-5, 'ortion of Lot No. />> %&ic& formerl# "elon)e to uanito 2rias 0&ua "ut %&ic& 'asse to 0onsolacion e la Torre u'on t&e latter@s eat&( "e eclare as reser$a"le 'ro'ert# for t&e reason t&at t&e lot in !uestion %as su"Cect to
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reser$a troncal 'ursuant to Article >9- of t&e Ne% 0i$il coe. 'ri$ate res'onent as aministratri* of t&e estate of t&e 0onsolacion e la Torre an t&e &eirs of t&e latter tra$erse ini$iuall# t&e com'laint of 'etitioners. 4 On ul# >( ->?9( t&e res'onent 0ourt renere a ecision ismissin) t&e com'laint of 'etitioners. ence t&is instant 'etition. T&e 'ertinent 'ro$ision on reser$a troncal uner t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe 'ro$ies; 8ART. 9>-. T&e ascenant %&o in&erits from &is escenant an# 'ro'ert# %&ic& t&e latter ma# &a$e re!uire "# )ratuitous title from anot&er ascenant( or a "rot&er or sister( is o"li)e to reser$e suc& 'ro'ert# as &e ma# &a$e ac!uire "# o'eration of la% for t&e "enefit of relati$es %&o are %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree an "elon) to t&e line Iron %&ic& sai 'ro'ert# came.8 Pursuant to t&e fore)oin) 'ro$ision( in orer t&at a 'ro'ert# ma# "e im'resse %it& a reser$a"le c&aracter t&e follo%in) re!uisites must e*ist( to %it; +-, t&at t&e 'ro'ert# %as ac!uire "# a escenant from an ascenant or from a "rot&er or sister "# )ratuitous title< +, t&at sai escenant ie %it&out an issue; +/, t&at t&e 'ro'ert# is in&erite "# anot&er ascenant "# o'eration of la%< an +4, t&at t&ere are relati$es %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree "elon)in) to t&e line from %&ic& sai 'ro'ert# came. In t&e case "efore s( all of t&e fore)oin) re!uisites are 'resent. T&us( as "orne out "# t&e recors( uanito 2rias 0&ua of t&e secon marria)e ie intestate in ->< &e ie %it&out lea$in) an# issue< &is 'roD ini$iso of -5 s&are of Lot No. />> %as ac!uire "# &is mot&er( 0onsolacion e la Torre "# o'eration of la%. &en 0onsolacion e la Torre ie( uanito 2rias 0&ua %&o ie intestate &a relati$es %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree. T&ese relati$es are I)nacio 2rias 0&ua an :ominaor 0&ua an Remeios 0&ua( t&e su''ose le)itimate c&ilren of t&e ecease Loreno 2rias 0&ua( %&o are t&e 'etitioners &erein. T&e cru* of t&e 'ro"lem in instant 'etition is focuse on t&e first re!uisite of reser$a troncal %&et&er t&e 'ro'ert# in !uestion as ac!uire "# uanito 2rias 0&ua from &is fat&er( ose 2rias 0&ua( )ratuitousl# or not. In resol$in) t&is 'oint( t&e res'onent 0ourt sai; e are not 're'are to sustain t&e res'onent 0ourt@s conclusion t&at t&e lot in !uestion is not su"Cect to a reser$a troncal uner Art. 9>- of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe. It is( As e*'laine "# Hanresa %&ic& t&is 0ourt !uote %it& a''ro$al in 0a"aro $. Villanue$a( 44 P&il. -9?( 8T&e transmission is )ratuitous or "# )ratuitous title %&en t&e reci'ient oes not )i$e an#t&in) in return.8 It matters not %&et&er t&e 'ro'ert# transmitte "e or "e not su"Cect to an# 'rior c&ar)es< %&at is essential is t&at t&e transmission "e mae )ratuitousl#( or "# an act of mere li"eralit# of t&e 'erson ma1in) it( %it&out im'osin) an# o"li)ation on t&e 'art of t&e reci'ient< an t&at t&e 'erson recei$in) t&e 'ro'ert# )i$es or oes not&in) in return< or( as a"l# 'ut "# an eminent 2ili'ino commentator( ? 8t&e essential t&in) is t&at t&e 'erson %&o transmits it oes so )ratuitousl#( from 'ure )enerosit#( %it&out re!uirin) from t&e transferee an# 'restation.8 It is e$ient from t&e recor t&at t&e transmission of t&e 'ro'ert# in !uestion to uanito 2rias 0&ua of t&e secon marria)e u'on t&e eat& of &is
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe fat&er ose 2rias 0&ua %as "# means of a &ereitar# succession an t&erefore )ratuitous. But t&e o"li)ation of 'a#in) t&e Stanar Oil 0o. of Ne% Jor1 t&e amount of P/(>7-.= is im'ose u'on 0onsolacion e la Torre an uanito 2rias 0&ua not 'ersonall# "# t&e ecease ose 2rias 0&ua in &is last %ill an testament "ut "# an orer of t&e court in t&e Testate Proceein) No. 49-? ate anuar# -( ->/-. As lon) as t&e transmission of t&e 'ro'ert# to t&e &eirs is free from an# conition im'ose "# t&e ecease &imself an t&e 'ro'ert# is )i$en out of 'ure )enerosit#( it is )ratuitous. It oes not matter if later t&e court orers one of t&e &eirs( in t&is case uanito 2rias 0&ua( to 'a# t&e Stanar Oil 0o. of Ne% Jor1 t&e amount of P/(>7-.= T&is oes not c&an)e t&e )ratuitous nature of t&e transmission of t&e 'ro'ert# to &im. As far as t&e ecease ose 2rias 0&ua is concerne t&e transmission of t&e 'ro'ert# to &is &eirs is )ratuitous. T&is "ein) t&e case t&e lot in !uestion is su"Cect to reser$a troncal uner Art. 9>- of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe. De papa !s. Ca#acho
T&e# sti'ulate t&at Romana Tioco urin) &er lifetime )ratuitousl# onate four +4, 'arcels of lan to &er niece Tori"ia Tioco +le)itimate sister of 'laintiffs,( %&ic& 'arcels of lan are 'resentl# co$ere "# Transfer 0ertificates of Title Nos. AD?4-?( ?4-?? an ?4-?7 of t&e Re)istr# of :ees of Hanila( co'ies of %&ic& are attac&e to t&is sti'ulation as Anne*es @B@( @BD-@( an @BD@. T&e# sti'ulate t&at Tori"ia Tioco ie intestate in ->-( sur$i$e "# &er &us"an( Eustacio :ion( an t&eir t%o le)itimate c&ilren( 2austino :ion an Trinia :ion +mot&er of efenant :alisa# :. Ton)1oD0amac&o, an lea$in) t&e aforeDmentione four +4, 'arcels of lan as t&e in&eritance of &er sai t%o c&ilren in e!ual 'roDini$iso s&ares. T&e# sti'ulate t&at in ->/7( 2austino :ion ie intestate( sin)le an %it&out issue( lea$in) &is oneD&alf +-5, 'roD ini$iso s&are in t&e se$en +7, 'arcels of lan a"o$eD mentione to &is fat&er( Eustacio :ion( as &is sole intestate &eir( %&o recei$e t&e sai 'ro'ert# su"Cect to a reser$a troncal %&ic& %as su"se!uentl# annotate on t&e Transfer 0ertificates of Title Anne*es @B@( @BDl@( @BD@( @0@ an @0D-@. T&e# sti'ulate t&at in ->/> Trinia :ionDTon)1o ie intestate( an &er ri)&ts an interests in t&e 'arcels of lan a"o$ementione %ere in&erite "# &er onl# le)itimate c&il( efenant :alisa# :. Ton)1oD0amac&o( su"Cect to t&e usufructuar# ri)&t of &er sur$i$in) &us"an( efenant Primo Ton)1o. T&e# sti'ulate t&at on une -4( ->?( Eustacio :ion ie intestate( sur$i$e &is onl# le)itimate escenant( efenant :alisa# :. Ton)1oD0amac&o. T&e 'arties a)ree t&at efenant :alisa# :. Ton)1oD 0amac&o no% o%ns oneD&alf +-5, of all t&e se$en +7, 'arcels of lan a"o$ementione as &er in&eritance from &er mot&er( Trinia :ionDTon)1o. T&e 'arties &ere"# a)ree to su"mit for Cuicial etermination in t&is case t&e le)al issue of %&et&er efenant :alisa# :. Ton)1oD0amac&o is entitle to t&e %&ole of t&e se$en +7, 'arcels of lan in !uestion( or %&et&er t&e 'laintiffs( as t&ir e)ree relati$es of 2austino :ion are reser$atarios +to)et&er %it& sai efenant, of t&e oneD&alf 'roDini$iso
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s&are t&erein %&ic& %as in&erite "# Eustacio :ion from &is son 2austino :ion( an entitle to t&reeDfourt&s +/54, of sai oneD&alf 'roDini$iso s&are( or t&reeDei)&ts +/59, of sai se$en +7, 'arcels of lan( an( t&erefore( to t&ree ei)&ts +/59, of t&e rentals collecte an to "e collecte "# efenant :alisa# P. Ton)1o 0amac&o from t&e tenants of sai 'arcels of lan( minus t&e e*'enses an5or real estate ta*es corres'onin) to 'laintiffs@ s&are in t&e rentals. In $ie% of t&e fact t&at t&e 'arties are close "loo relati$es an &a$e acte u'on le)al a$ice in 'ursuin) t&eir res'ecti$e claims( an in orer to restore an 'reser$e &armon# in t&eir famil# relations( t&e# &ere"# %ai$e all t&eir claims a)ainst eac& ot&er for ama)es +ot&er t&an le)al interest on 'laintiffs@ s&are in t&e rentals %&ic& t&is onora"le 0ourt ma# eem 'ro'er to a%ar,( attorne#@s fees an e*'enses of liti)ation %&ic& s&all "e "orne "# t&e res'ecti$e 'arties.8 T&e issue raise is %&et&er( as contene "# t&e 'laintiffsD a''ellees an rule "# t&e lo%er 0ourt( all relati$es of t&e 'rae'ositus %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree in t&e a''ro'riate line succee %it&out istinction to t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# u'on t&e eat& of t&e reser$ista( as seems to "e im'licit in Art. 9>of t&e 0i$il 0oe( %&ic& reas; or( as asserte "# t&e efenantDa''ellant( t&e ri)&ts of sai relati$es are su"Cect to( an s&oul "e etermine "#( t&e rules on intestate succession. T&at !uestion &as alrea# "een ans%ere in Paura $s. Balo$ino( / %&ere t&e reser$atario %as sur$i$e "# ele$en ne'&e%s an nieces of t&e 'rae'ositus in t&e line of ori)in( four of %&ole "loo an se$en of &alf "loo( an t&e claim %as also mae t&at all ele$en %ere entitle to t&e re$ersionar# 'ro'ert# in e!ual s&ares. T&is 0ourt( s'ea1in) t&rou)& Hr. ustice .B.L. Re#es( eclare t&e 'rinci'les of intestac# to "e controllin)( an rule t&at t&e ne'&e%s an nieces of %&ole "loo %ere eac& entitle to a s&are ou"le t&at of eac& of t&e ne'&e%s an nieces of &alf "loo in accorance %it& Article -==? of t&e 0i$il 0oe. 8T&e issue in t&is a''eal ma# "e formulate as follo%s; In a case of reser$a troncal %&ere t&e onl# reser$atarios +reser$es, sur$i$in) t&e reser$ista( an "elon)in) to t&e line of ori)in( are ne'&e%s of t&e escenant +'re'ositus,( "ut some are ne'&e%s of t&e &alf "loo an t&e ot&ers are ne'&e%s of t&e %&ole "loo( s&oul t&e reser$e 'ro'erties "e a''ortione amon) t&em e!uall#( or s&oul t&e ne'&e%s of t&e %&ole "loo ta1e a s&are t%ice as lar)e as t&at of t&e ne'&e%s of t&e &alf "looF T&e case is one of first im'ression an &as i$ie t&e S'anis& commentators on t&e su"Cect. After mature reflection( %e &a$e conclue t&at t&e 'osition of t&e a''ellants is correct. T&e reser$a troncal is a s'ecial rule esi)ne 'rimaril# to assure t&e return of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# to t&e t&ir e)ree relati$es "elon)in) to t&e line from %&ic& t&e 'ro'ert# ori)inall# came( an a$oi its "ein) issi'ate into an "# t&e relati$es of t&e in&eritin) ascenant +reser$ista,. 82ollo%in) t&e orer 'rescri"e "# la% in le)itimate succession %&en t&ere are relati$es of t&e escenant %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree( t&e ri)&t of t&e nearest relati$e( calle reser$atario( o$er t&e 'ro'ert# %&ic& t&e reser$ista +'erson &olin) it su"Cect to reser$ation, s&oul return to &im( e*clues t&at of t&e one more remote. T&e ri)&t of re'resentation cannot "e alle)e %&en t&e one claimin)
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe same as a reser$atario of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# is not amon) t&e relati$es %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree "elon)in) to t&e line from %&ic& suc& 'ro'ert# came( inasmuc& as t&e ri)&t )rante "# t&e 0i$il 0oe in Article 9-- is in t&e &i)&est e)ree 'ersonal an for t&e e*clusi$e "enefit of esi)nate 'ersons %&o are %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree of t&e 'erson from %&om t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# came. T&erefore( relati$es of t&e fourt& an t&e succeein) e)rees can ne$er "e consiere as reser$atarios( since t&e la% oes not reco)nie t&em as suc&. 8In s'ite of %&at &as "een sai relati$e to t&e ri)&t of re'resentation on t&e 'art of one alle)in) &is ri)&t as reser$atario %&o is not %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree of relations&i'( ne$ert&eless t&ere is ri)&t of re'resentation on t&e 'art of reser$atarios %&o are %it&in t&e t&ir e)ree mentione "# la%( as in t&e case of ne'&e%s of t&e ecease 'erson from %&om t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# came . . .8 Pro*imit# of e)ree an ri)&t of re'resentation are "asic 'rinci'les of orinar# intestate succession< so is t&e rule t&at %&ole "loo "rot&ers an ne'&e%s are entitle to a s&are ou"le t&at of "rot&ers an ne'&e%s of &alf "loo. If in eterminin) t&e ri)&ts of t&e reser$atarios inter se( 'ro*imit# of e)ree an t&e ri)&t of re'resentation of ne'&e%s are mae to a''l#( t&e rule of ou"le s&are for immeiate collaterals of t&e %&ole "loo s&oul "e li1e%ise o'erati$e. In ot&er %ors( t&e reser$a troncal merel# etermines t&e )rou' of relati$es +reser$atarios, to %&om t&e 'ro'ert# s&oul "e returne< "ut %it&in t&at )rou'( t&e ini$iual ri)&t to t&e 'ro'ert# s&oul "e ecie "# t&e a''lica"le rules of orinar# intestate succession( since Art. 9>- oes not s'ecif# ot&er%ise. T&is conclusion is stren)t&ene "# t&e circumstance t&at t&e reser$a "ein) an e*ce'tional case( its a''lication s&oul "e limite to %&at is strictl# neee to accom'lis& t&e 'ur'ose of t&e la%. Re$ersion of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# "ein) )o$erne "# t&e rules on intestate succession( t&e 'laintiffsDa''ellees must "e &el %it&out an# ri)&t t&ereto "ecause( as aunt an uncles( res'ecti$el#( of 2austino :ion +t&e 'rae'ositus,( t&e# are e*clue from t&e succession "# &is niece( t&e efenantD a''ellant( alt&ou)& t&e# are relate to &im %it&in t&e same e)ree as t&e latter. It %ill "e seen t&at uner t&e 'recein) articles( "rot&ers an sisters an ne'&e%s an nieces in&erite a" intestato a&ea of t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse( %&ile ot&er collaterals succeee onl# after t&e %io%er or %io%. T&e 'resent 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines merel# 'lace t&e s'ouse on a 'ar %it& t&e ne'&e%s an nieces an "rot&ers an sisters of t&e ecease( "ut %it&out alterin) t&e 'referre 'osition of t&e latter $is a $is t&e ot&er collaterals.8 T&is conclusion is fortifie "# t&e o"ser$ation( also mae in Paura( su'ra( t&at as to t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert#( t&e reser$atarios o not in&erit from t&e reser$ista( "ut from t&e escenant 'rae'ositus; 8. . . It is li1e%ise clear t&at t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# is no 'art of t&e estate of t&e reser$ista( %&o ma# not is'ose of it "# %ill( as lon) as t&ere are reser$atarios e*istin) +Arro#o $s. Gerona( 9 P&il. /7,. T&e latter( t&erefore( o not in&erit from t&e reser$ista( "ut from t&e escenant 're'ositus( of %&om t&e reser$atarios are t&e &eirs mortis causa( su"Cect to t&e conition t&at t&e# must sur$i$e t&e reser$ista.
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8T&e contention t&at an intestac# 'roceein) is still necessar# rests u'on t&e assum'tion t&at t&e reser$atario %ill succee in( or in&erit( t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# from t&e reser$ista. T&is is not true. T&e reser$atario is not t&e reser$ista@s successor mortis causa nor is t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert# 'art of t&e reser$ista@s estate< t&e reser$atario recei$es t&e 'ro'ert# as a conitional &eir of t&e escenant +'re'ositus,( sai 'ro'ert# merel# re$ertin) to t&e line of ori)in from %&ic& it &a tem'oraril# an accientall# stra#e urin) t&e reser$ista@s lifetime. T&e aut&orities are all a)ree t&at t&ere "ein) reser$atarios t&at sur$i$e t&e reser$ista( t&e matter must "e eeme to &a$e enCo#e no more t&an a life interest in t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert#. It is a conse!uence of t&ese 'rinci'les t&at u'on t&e eat& of t&e reser$ista( t&e reser$atario nearest to t&e 're'ositus +t&e a''ellee in t&is case, "ecomes( automaticall# an "# o'eration of la%( t&e o%ner of t&e reser$a"le 'ro'ert#. As alrea# state( t&at 'ro'ert# is no 'art of t&e estate of t&e reser$ista( an oes not e$en ans%er for t&e e"ts of t&e latter . . .8 a t&e re$ersionar# 'ro'ert# 'asse irectl# from t&e 'rae'ositus( t&ere is no ou"t t&at t&e 'laintiffsDa''ellees %oul &a$e "een e*clue "# t&e efenantDa''ellant uner t&e rules of intestate succession. T&ere is no reason %&# a ifferent result s&oul o"tain sim'l# "ecause 8t&e transmission of t&e 'ro'ert# %as ela#e "# t&e interre)num of t&e reser$a<8 ? i.e.( t&e 'ro'ert# too1 a 8etour8 t&rou)& an ascenant t&ere"# )i$in) rise to t&e reser$ation "efore its transmission to t&e reser$atario. 'on t&e sti'ulate facts( an "# $irtue of t&e rulin)s alrea# cite( t&e efenantDa''ellant :alisa# Ton)1oD0amac&o is entitle to t&e entiret# of t&e re$ersionar# 'ro'ert# to t&e e*clusion of t&e 'laintiffsDa''ellees. GI5. -ESE-5A ADO4TI5A
0.D. *2% Art. %9. 4ffects of Adoption. < "he adoption shall (-) >ive to the adopted person the same ri!hts and duties as if he were a le!itimate child of the adopter 0rovided, "hat an adopted child cannot acquire 0hilippine citi8enship by virtue of such adoption ($) Dissolve the authority vested in the natural parent or parents, e&cept where the adopter is the spouse of the survivin! natural parent (%) 4ntitle the adopted person to use the adopter3s surname and (/) a+e the adopted person a le!al heir of the adopter 0rovided, "hat if the adopter is survived by le!itimate parents or ascendants and by an adopted person, the latter shall not have more successional ri!hts than an ac+nowled!ed natural child 0rovided, further, "hat any property received !ratuitously by the adopted from the adopter shall revert to the adopter should the former
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe predecease the latter without le!itimate issue unless the adopted has, durin! his lifetime, alienated such property 0rovided, finally, "hat in the last case, should the adopted leave no property other than that received from the adopter, and he is survived by ille!itimate issue or a spouse, such ille!itimate issue collectively or the spouse shall receive one
Teotica !s. Del 5al Chan
Haria Hortera # Balsalo"re Va. e A)uirre ie on ul# -4( -> in t&e 0it# of Hanila lea$in) 'ro'erties %ort& P?==(===.==. S&e left a %ill %ritten in S'anis& %&ic& s&e e*ecute at &er resience in No. Le)ara St.( uia'o( Hanila. S&e affi*e &er si)nature at t&e "ottom of t&e %ill an on t&e left mar)in of eac& an e$er# 'a)e t&ereof in t&e 'resence of Pilar BorCa( Pilar G. Sanc&e( an Hoesto 2ormillea( %&o in turn affi*e t&eir si)natures "elo% t&e attestation clause an on t&e left mar)in of eac& an e$er# 'a)e of t&e %ill in t&e 'resence of t&e testatri* an of eac& ot&er. Sai %ill %as ac1no%le)e "efore Notar# Pu"lic Niceforo S. A)aton "# t&e testatri* an &er %itnesses. Amon) t&e man# le)acies an e$ises mae in t&e %ill %as one of P=(===.== to Rene A. Teotico( marrie to t&e testatri*@s niece name osefina Hortera. To sai s'ouses t&e testatri* left t&e usufruct of &er interest in t&e 0al$o "uilin)( %&ile t&e na1e o%ners&i' t&ereof s&e left in e!ual 'arts to &er )ranc&ilren %&o are t&e le)itimate c&ilren of sai s'ouses. T&e testatri* also institute osefina Hortera as &er sole an uni$ersal &eir to all t&e remainer of &er 'ro'erties not ot&er%ise is'ose of in t&e %ill.
T&e motions for reconsieration a"o$e a$erte to &a$in) "een enie( "ot& 'etitioner an o''ositor a''eale from t&e ecision( t&e former from t&at 'ortion %&ic& nullifies t&e le)ac# in fa$or of :r. Rene Teotico an eclares t&e $acate 'ortion as su"Cect of succession in fa$or of t&e le)al &eirs( an t&e latter from t&at 'ortion %&ic& amits t&e %ill to 'ro"ate. An in t&is instance "ot& 'etitioner an o''ositor assi)n se$eral error %&ic&( stri''e of nonDessentials( ma# "e "oile o%n to t&e follo%in); +-, as o''ositor Ana el Val 0&an t&e ri)&t to inter$ene in t&is 'roceein)F< +, as t&e %ill in !uestion "een ul# amitte to 'ro"ateF< an +/, :i t&e 'ro"ate court commit an error in 'assin) on t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill an in eterminin) %&o s&oul in&erit t&e 'ortion to "e $acate "# t&e nullification of t&e le)ac# mae in fa$or of :r. Rene TeoticoF It is a %ellDsettle rule t&at in orer t&at a 'erson ma# "e allo%e to inter$ene in a 'ro"ate 'roceein) &e must &a$e an interest in t&e estate( or in t&e %ill( or in t&e 'ro'ert# to "e affecte "# it eit&er as e*ecutor or as a claimant of t&e estate +N)o T&e ua $s. 0&un) Kiat ua( et al.( LD-7=>-( Se'tem"er /=( ->?/,< an an intereste 'art# &as "een efine as one %&o %oul "e "enefitte "# t&e estate suc& as an &eir or one %&o &as a claim a)ainst t&e estate li1e a creitor +Iem.,. On t&e ot&er &an( in Sa)uinsin $s. Lina#a)( et al.( LD-77=( :ecem"er -7( ->?( t&is 0ourt sai; 8Accorin) to Section ( Rule 9= of t&e Rules of 0ourt( a 'etition for letters of aministration must "e file "# an @intereste 'erson.@ An intereste 'art# &as "een efine in t&is connection as one %&o %oul "e "enefitte "# t&e estate( suc& as an &eir( or one %&o &as a claim a)ainst t&e estate( suc& as a creitor +Intestate Estate of ulio Ha)"an%a 4= O.G.( --7-,. An it is %ell settle in t&is Curisiction t&at in ci$il actions as %ell as s'ecial 'roceein)s( t&e interest re!uire in orer t&at a 'erson ma# "e a 'art# t&ereto must "e material an irect( an not merel# inirect or contin)ent. +Trillana $s. 0risostomo( G. R. No. LD//7=( Au)ust ( ->-< Ra'inosa $s. Barrion( 7= P&il. /--,.8 T&e !uestion no% ma# "e as1e; as o''ositor an# interest in an# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill( an( in t&e ne)ati$e( %oul s&e ac!uire an# ri)&t to t&e estate in t&e e$ent t&at t&e %ill is enie 'ro"ateF
Ana el Val 0&an( claimin) to "e an ao'te c&il of 2rancisca Hortera( a ecease sister of t&e testatri*( as %ell as an ac1no%le)e natural c&il of ose Hortera( a ecease "rot&er of t&e same testatri*( file on Se'tem"er ( -> an o''osition to t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill alle)in) t&e follo%in) )rouns; +-, sai %ill %as not e*ecute as re!uire "# la%< +, t&e testatri* %as '&#sicall# an mentall# inca'a"le to e*ecute t&e %ill at t&e time of its e*ecution< an +/, t&e %ill %as e*ecute uner uress( t&reat or influence of fear.
ner t&e terms of t&e %ill( o''ositor &as no ri)&t to inter$ene "ecause s&e &as no interest in t&e estate eit&er as &eir( e*ecutor( or aministrator( nor oes s&e &a$e an# claim to an# 'ro'ert# affecte "# t&e %ill( "ecause it no%&ere a''ears t&erein an# 'ro$ision esi)natin) &er as &eir( le)atee or e$isee of an# 'ortion of t&e estate. S&e &as also no interest in t&e %ill eit&er as aministratri* or e*ecutri*. Neit&er &as s&e an# claim a)ainst an# 'ortion of t&e estate "ecause s&e is not a coDo%ner t&ereof( an %&ile s&e 're$iousl# &a an interest in t&e 0al$o "uilin) locate in Escolta( s&e &a alrea# is'ose of it lon) "efore t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill.
After t&e 'arties &a 'resente t&eir e$ience( t&e 'ro"ate court renere its ecision on No$em"er -=( ->?= amittin) t&e %ill to 'ro"ate "ut eclarin) t&e is'osition mae in fa$or of :r. Rene Teotico $oi %it& t&e statement t&at t&e 'ortion to "e $acate "# t&e annulment s&oul 'ass to t&e testatri*@s &eirs "# %a# of intestate succession.
8@Bet%een t&e natural c&il an t&e le)itimate relati$es of t&e fat&er or mot&er %&o ac1no%le)e it( t&e 0oe enies an# ri)&t of succession. T&e# cannot "e calle relati$es an t&e# &a$e no ri)&t to in&erit. Of course( t&ere is a "loo tie( "ut t&e la% oes not reco)nie it. In t&is( article >4/ is "ase u'on t&e realit# of t&e facts an u'on t&e 'resum'ti$e %ill of t&e
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe intereste 'arties< t&e natural c&il is is)racefull# loo1e o%n u'on "# t&e le)itimate famil#< t&e le)itimate famil# is( in turn( &ate "# t&e natural c&il< t&e latter consiers t&e 'ri$ile)e conition of t&e former an t&e resources of %&ic& it is t&ere"# e'ri$e< t&e former( in turn( sees in t&e natural c&il not&in) "ut t&e 'rouct of sin( a 'al'a"le e$ience of a "lemis& u'on t&e famil#. E$er# relation is orinaril# "ro1en in life< t&e la% oes no more t&em reco)nie t&is trut&( "# a$oiin) furt&er )rouns of resentment.@ +7 Hanresa( / e.( '. --=.,8
8To esta"lis& conclusi$el# as a)ainst e$er#one( an once for all( t&e facts t&at a %ill %as e*ecute %it& t&e formalities re!uire "# la% an t&at t&e testator %as in a conition to ma1e a %ill( is t&e onl# 'ur'ose of t&e 'roceein)s uner t&e ne% coe for t&e 'ro"ate of a %ill. +Sec. ?., T&e Cu)ment in suc& 'roceein)s etermines an can etermine not&in) more. In t&em t&e court &as no 'o%er to 'ass u'on t&e $aliit# of an# 'ro$isions mae in t&e %ill. It can not ecie( for e*am'le( t&at a certain le)ac# is $oi an anot&er one $ali.8
"he oppositor cannot also derive comfort from the fact that she is an adopted child of 4rancisca &ortera because under our law the relationship established by adoption is limited solely to the adopter and the adopted does not extend to the relatives of the adopting parents or of the adopted child except only as expressly provided for by law. #ence, no relationship is created between the adopted and the collaterals of the adopting parents. %s a consequence, the adopted is an heir of the adopter but not of the relatives of the adopter.
II. DISIN+E-ITANCE
8T&e relations&i' esta"lis&e "# t&e ao'tion( &o%e$er( is limite to t&e ao'tin) 'arent( an oes not e*ten to &is ot&er relati$es( e*ce't as e*'ressl# 'ro$ie "# la%. T&us( t&e ao'te c&il cannot "e consiere as a relati$e of t&e ascenants an collaterals of t&e ao'tin) 'arents( nor of t&e le)itimate c&ilren %&ic& t&e# ma# &a$e after t&e ao'tion( e*ce't t&at t&e la% im'oses certain im'eiments to marria)e "# reason of ao'tion. Neit&er are t&e c&ilren of t&e ao'te consiere as escenants of t&e ao'ter. T&e relations&i' create is e*clusi$el# "et%een( t&e ao'ter an t&e ao'te( an oes not e*ten to t&e relati$es of eit&er.8 +Tolentino( 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines( Vol. -( '. ?, e &a$e e*amine t&e e$ience on t&e matter an %e are full# in accor %it& t&e fore)oin) o"ser$ation. Horeo$er( t&e mere claim t&at osefina Hortera an &er &us"an Rene Teotico &a t&e o''ortunit# to e*ert 'ressure on t&e testatri* sim'l# "ecause s&e li$e in t&eir &ouse se$eral #ears 'rior to t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill an t&at s&e %as ol an sufferin) from &#'ertension in t&at s&e %as $irtuall# isolate from &er friens for se$eral #ears 'rior to &er eat& is insufficient to is'ro$e %&at t&e instrumental %itnesses &a testifie t&at t&e testatri* freel# an $oluntaril# an %it& full consciousness of t&e solemnit# of t&e occasion e*ecute t&e %ill uner consieration. T&e e*ercise of im'ro'er 'ressure an unue influence must "e su''orte "# su"stantial e$ience an must "e of a 1in t&at %oul o$er'o%er an su"Cu)ate t&e min of t&e testatri* as to estro# &er free a)enc# an ma1e &er e*'ress t&e %ill of anot&er rat&er t&an &er o%n +0oso $s. :ea( 4 P&il.( >?,. T&e "uren is on t&e 'erson c&allen)in) t&e %ill t&at suc& influence %as e*erte at t&e time of its e*ecution( a matter %&ic& &ere %as not one( for t&e e$ience 'resente not onl# is sufficient "ut %as is'ro$e "# t&e testimon# t&e instrumental %itnesses. T&e !uestion of %&et&er t&e 'ro"ate court coul etermine t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of a %ill &as "een ecie "# t&is 0ourt in a lon) line of ecisions amon) %&ic& t&e follo%in) ma# "e cite; 8O''osition to t&e intrinsic $aliit# or le)alit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill cannot "e entertaine in 'ro"ate 'roceein) "ecause its onl# 'ur'ose is merel# to etermine if t&e %ill &as "een e*ecute in accorance %it& t&e re!uirements of t&e la%.8
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Art. 9-5. A compulsory heir may, in consequence of disinheritance, be deprived of his le!itime, for causes e&pressly stated by law. (#/#a) 9isinheritance may be defined as the act by which the testator& for a ust cause& deprives a compulsory heir of his riht to the leitime. 't is a means iven to the testator to punish such of his compulsory heirs who have committed acts which render them unworthy of benefit or enerosity. The law saves the testator from the pain of seein a portion of his property pass forcibly to an unrateful heir or to one who may have brouht dishonor to him. A disinheritance totally e%cludes the disinherited heir from the inheritance not only the leitme but the entire amount that he would have received as intestate heir. 3atio: the law of intestacy is merely the presumed will of the testator& and cannot prevail over the e%pressed will in the form of a valid disinheritance. 'f the disinheritance deprives the compulsory heir of his leitime reserved by law to him all the more that he should be deprived of the portion which ca nbe freely disposed of. As to the intestate heirs such as the collateral relatives or those within the fifth civil deree of consanuinity the testator may disinherit them for any reason at all. They are not heirs protected by law as a compulsory heir desinated. ince they are mere heirs of the presumed will their succession depends only upon the discretion of the testator or his presumed will when none was made. Art. 9-*. Disinheritance can be effected only throu!h a will wherein the le!al cause therefor shall be specified. (#/9) Art. 9-7. "he burden of provin! the truth of the cause for disinheritance shall rest upon the other heirs of the testator, if the disinherited heir should deny it. (#52) 3e!uisites of disinheritance: . 5. 6. 4. 7. . =.
heir must be desinated by name as to leave no doubt( must be for cause provided by law( made in the will( made e%pressly statin the causes in the will( cause msut be certain& true & and proved must be unconditional( must be total
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe There can be no e%tension of the causes for disinheritance by analoy. The causes assined by the testator may be raver or more serious than those iven by the law& but if they are not amon those enumerated by the law& the disinheritance will be ineffective.
(-) When a child or descendant has been found !uilty of an attempt a!ainst the life of the testator, his or her spouse, descendants, or ascendants ($) When a child or descendant has accused the testator of a crime for which the law prescribes imprisonment for si& years or more, if the accusation has been found !roundless
The will must be valid. )therwise& the disinheritance will not be effective. The law does not admit tacit disinheritance.
(%) When a child or descendant has been convicted of adultery or concubina!e with the spouse of the testator
The last will of a person may be e%pressed in different statements& all of them combined bein considered as one last e%pression of his will mortis causa. There will be a valid disinheritance if the cause for it has been e%pressed in one statement& and the disinheritance is made in another& provided that the necessary connection between the cause and the disinheritance is clearly established.
(/) When a child or descendant by fraud, violence, intimidation, or undue influence causes the testator to ma+e a will or to chan!e one already made
As a eneral rule& a disineritance must be unconditional. But when the disinheritance is made in the form of a conditional pardon& it is enerally considered as walid. 'n such case& there is an e%istin leal cause for disinheritance& but the pardon for such cause is made dependent upon some condition. The condition& however& should be related to the cause for disinheritance& and not by a mere caprice or whim of the testator. 'r is clear that it is the conditional pardon& and not the conditional disinheritance& properly spea$in& that is allowable.
(5) A refusal without 1ustifiable cause to support the parent or ascendant who disinherits such child or descendant (*) altreatment of the testator by word or deed, by the child or descendant (7) When a child or descendant leads a dishonorable or dis!raceful life
A partial disinheritance with partial pardon is inconceivable. The offense is one( it cannot be separated into component parts. The testator cannot be partly offended and partly not. Art. 9-#. Disinheritance without a specification of the cause, or for a cause the truth of which, if contradicted, is not proved, or which is not one of those set forth in this 6ode, shall annul the institution of heirs insofar as it may pre1udice the person disinherited but the devises and le!acies and other testamentary dispositions shall be valid to such e&tent as will not impair the le!itime. (#5-a) This article pertain to effects of a disinheritance which does not have one or more of the essential re!uisites for its validity. 't li$ewise applies to cases of reconciliation after a disinheritance has been made. The ineffective disinheritance does not affect the disposition of the testator with respect to the free portion. The reason is the disinheritance in this case refers only only to the leitime of the heir& and therefore& it is only this portion that is affected by the nullity or ineffectiveness of such disinheritance. #here the disinheritance is ineffective in this case& the compulsory heir must be iven all that he is entitiled to receive as if the disinheritance has not been made& without preudice to lawful dispositions made by the testator in favor of others. Art. 9-9. "he followin! shall be sufficient causes for the disinheritance of children and descendants, le!itimate as well as ille!itimate
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(#) 6onviction of a crime which carries with it the penalty of civil interdiction. (75*, #5%, *7/a) Attempt aainst the life includes all the different derees of commission of the crime& such as attempted& frustrated& and consummated. 't is essential thouh& that the heir be convicted despite the followin: a.
b. c.
prescription of penalty( pardon and amnesty both of which imply conviction( mere accomplice in the crime
,%ception on attempt aainst the life are the followin: . 5. 6. 4. 7. . =.
intention is lac$in conviction for mere rec$less imprudence nelience thouh mitiated ustifyin circumstance under the 3?+ accessory after the fact prosecution dismissed even if provisional only prescription of the crime appeal to the hiher court reverses conviction
or
,lements od false accusation: . 5. 6.
act of accusin the testator( udicial declaration that such accusation is false( offense chared is punishable be years imprisonment.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe The heir convicted of adultery or concubinae with the spouse of testator is disinherited by the law. But the law does not provide when the testator himself is uilty of adultery. 'n such case article 058 will apply in relation to article =5& prohibition to donate to a paramour. *udicial demand for support is not necessary. The law does not re!uire it& the !uestion of whether there has been a refusal to ive such support without ustifiable cause is open to proof if the disinherited child or descendant denies it. Article 606 ives cause for the termination of the obliation the support and these are ustifiable rounds to refuse support e%cept of course the death of the preson entitiled to support.
(-) When the parents have abandoned their children or induced their dau!hters to live a corrupt or immoral life, or attempted a!ainst their virtue ($) When the parent or ascendant has been convicted of an attempt a!ainst the life of the testator, his or her spouse, descendants, or ascendants (%) When the parent or ascendant has accused the testator of a crime for which the law prescribes imprisonment for si& years or more, if the accusation has been found to be false
Art. 606. The obliation to ive support shall also cease: DE 1pon the death of the recipient( D5E #hen the resources of the oblior have been reduced to the point where he cannot ive the support without nelectin his own needs and those of his family( D6E #hen the recipient may enae in a trade& profession& or industry& or has obtained wor$& or has improved his fortune in such a way that he no loner needs the allowance for his subsistence( D4E #hen the recipient& be he a forced heir or not& has committed some act which ives rise to disinheritance( D7E #hen the recipient is a descendant& brother or sister of the oblior and the need for support is caused by his or her bad conduct or by the lac$ of application to wor$& so lon as this cause subsists. D75aE /altreatment by deed covers all acts of violence aainst the testator short of an attempt aainst the life. /altreatment by word amounts to slander addressed directly aainst the testator himself conviction& thouh& is not necessary. ,%cept when: . 5.
unintentional( on account of lac$ of discernment due to tender ae or mental incapacity
#hat is dishonorable or disraceful life is larely a matter of appreciation and opinion. 'f denied& the burden of proof is lodeed to the others interested in the estate. 1ltimately& it is the opinion of the court which will be the basis of the disinheritance. The conviction of the crime which carries the penalty of +ivil interdiction must be by final udement.
(/) When the parent or ascendant has been convicted of adultery or concubina!e with the spouse of the testator (5) When the parent or ascendant by fraud, violence, intimidation, or undue influence causes the testator to ma+e a will or to chan!e one already made (*) "he loss of parental authority for causes specified in this 6ode (7) "he refusal to support the children or descendants without 1ustifiable cause (#) An attempt by one of the parents a!ainst the life of the other, unless there has been a reconciliation between them. (75*, #5/, *7/a) Abandonment should be understood in a eneral sense& so as to include failure to ive due care& attention& and support. #hat is corrupt and immoral life will ultimately be /ATT,3 ) *19'+'A< A??3A'A< and opinion& if the parent denies this cause for disinheritance. The acts which the dauhter has been indiuced by the parent to commit should be proved. 9auhters in the article must be construed to include all female descendants. Attempt aainst the virtue does not re!uire final conviction. 't is enouh that he has committed acts which would have amounted to rape& seduction& or acts of lasciviousness& aainst such dauhter.
Art. 9$2. "he followin! shall be sufficient causes for the disinheritance of parents or ascendants, whether le!itimate or ille!itimate
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D6E 1pon udicial declaration of abandonment of the child in a case filed for the purpose(
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe D4E 1pon final udment of a competent court divestin the party concerned of parental authority( or D7E 1pon udicial declaration of absence or incapacity of the person e%ercisin parental authority. D65=aE Art. 560. ?arental authority is suspended upon conviction of the parent or the person e%ercisin the same of a crime which carries with it the penalty of civil interdiction. The authority is automatically reinstated upon service of the penalty or upon pardon or amnesty of the offender. D660aE Art. 56. The court in an action filed for the purpose in a related case may also suspend parental authority if the parent or the person e%ercisin the same: DE Treats the child with e%cessive harshness or cruelty( D5E ;ives the child corruptin orders& counsel or e%ample(
attempt was made deprives the child of the riht to disinherit the offender. Art. 9$-. "he followin! shall be sufficient causes for disinheritin! a spouse (-) When the spouse has been convicted of an attempt a!ainst the life of the testator, his or her descendants, or ascendants ($) When the spouse has accused the testator of a crime for which the law prescribes imprisonment of si& years or more, and the accusation has been found to be false (%) When the spouse by fraud, violence, intimidation, or undue influence cause the testator to ma+e a will or to chan!e one already made (/) When the spouse has !iven cause for le!al separation (5) When the spouse has !iven !rounds for the loss of parental authority
D6E +ompels the child to be( or D4E ubects the child or allows him to be subected to acts of lasciviousness.
(*) Cn1ustifiable refusal to support the children or the other spouse. (75*, #55, *7/a)
The rounds enumerated above are deemed to include cases which have resulted from culpable nelience of the parent or the person e%ercisin parental authority.
't is the fact of havin iven cause for the leal separation which is the round( in other words& it is necessary that the leal separation be actually obtained.
'f the deree of seriousness so warrants& or the welfare of the child so demands& the court shall deprive the uilty party of parental authority or adopt such other measures as may be proper under the circumstances.
Art. 77. A petition for leal separation may be filed on any of the followin rounds:
The suspension or deprivation may be revo$ed and the parental authority revived in a case filed for the purpose or in the same proceedin if the court finds that the cause therefor has ceased and will not be repeated. D66aE Art. 565. 'f the person e%ercisin parental authority has subected the child or allowed him to be subected to se%ual abuse& such person shall be permanently deprived by the court of such authority. DnE There are temporary loss of parental authority which causes disinheritance but will the recovery of authority revo$e the disinheritance@ No. the cause for disinheritance subsists even when parental authority is regained. The reason advanced is that the real cause for disinheritance is not the loss of the parental authority, but the fact of having committed something sufficient to occasion such loss. The right to inherit is odious, because it involves the deprivation of property; this fact, together with the fact that disinheritaqnce is an exception to the rules of legitime justifies a strict construction. Attempt aainst the life does not re!uire conviction of the offendin parent. But the reconciliation between the offendin parent and the parent aainst whose life the
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DE 3epeated physical violence or rossly abusive conduct directed aainst the petitioner& a common child& or a child of the petitioner( D5E ?hysical violence or moral pressure to compel the petitioner to chane reliious or political affiliation( D6E Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the petitioner& a common child& or a child of the petitioner& to enae in prostitution& or connivance in such corruption or inducement( D4E inal udment sentencin the respondent to imprisonment of more than si% years& even if pardoned( D7E 9ru addiction or habitual alcoholism of the respondent( DE
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe or purposes of this Article& the term "child" shall include a child by nature or by adoption. DaE
Art. 6. The decree of leal separation shall have the followin effects: DE The spouses shall be entitled to live separately from each other& but the marriae bonds shall not be severed( D5E The absolute community or the conual partnership shall be dissolved and li!uidated but the offendin spouse shall have no riht to any share of the net profits earned by the absolute community or the conual partnership& which shall be forfeited in accordance with the provisions of Article 46D5E( D6E The custody of the minor children shall be awarded to the innocent spouse& subect to the provisions of Article 56 of this +ode( and ! The offending spouse shall be disqualified from inheriting from the innocent spouse by intestate succession. #oreover, provisions in favor of the offending spouse made in the will of the innocent spouse shall be revo$ed by operation of law. %&'a
Art. 9$$. A subsequent reconciliation between the offender and the offended person deprives the latter of the ri!ht to disinherit, and renders ineffectual any disinheritance that may have been made. (#5*) ;eneral pardon is not sufficient. The pardon must e%pressly refer to the heir disinherited and specifically to the acts causin the disinheritance. uch pardon must be accepted by the heir. There must be a real reconciliation between the parties. There are some rounds for disinheritance which are also causes for incapacity by reason of unworthiness. #hat then would be the effect of a subse!uent reconciliation between the parties& if a disinheritance has already been made on any of the rounds which are also causes for unworthiness@ ame effect& the heir may inherit as a +2 and intestate. 'ncapacity by reason of unworthiness is merely an e%pression of the implied will of a person who has not e%pressed his intention in a will. 'f the e%press intention& manifested by the testator in a disinheritin clause in a will& is rendered ineffective by a subse!uent reconciliation& how can the implied intention be loically held to e%ist@ 'f a disinheritance has been made& and then reconciliation ta$es place& it will be the same as if there had been no disinheritance. The disinheritance does not leally e%ist& and the rihts established by law in favor of the person provisionally disinherited recover their supremacy over the e%press disposition of thetestator. 9isinheritance may be revo$ed by: . reconciliation( 5. subse!uent institution of the disinherited heir(
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6.
the nullity of the will containin the disinheritance& such as when denied probate.
)nce revo$ed it cannot be renewed e%cept for other causes subse!uent to the revocation. Thus& after reconciliation a new disinheritance can be based only on new rounds. Art. 9$%. "he children and descendants of the person disinherited shall ta+e his or her place and shall preserve the ri!hts of compulsory heirs with respect to the le!itime but the disinherited parent shall not have the usufruct or administration of the property which constitutes the le!itime. (#57) The causes of disinheritance are personal to the disinherited heir( he alone is at fault& and nobody else should suffer the effects of such culpability. 2is children and ascendants therefore should not be penali-ed for acts not imputable to them. The article allows the children and descendants of the person disinherited to ta$e his place and retain the rihts of compulsory heirs in respect to the leitime. The disinherited person can be represented only if he is a child or descendant& a disinherited ascendant or spouse cannot be represented. 3iht of representation applies. The representation should e%tend to everythin that would have passed to the disinherited heir by operation of law( this includes the amount that pertains to him as intestate heir and not only that as compulsory heir. NJ'. 'T'T1T') ) 2,'3 A. 'n ;eneral Art. #/2. nstitution of heir is an act by virtue of which a testator desi!nates in his will the person or persons who are to succeed him in his property and transmissible ri!hts and obli!ations. (n)
T&e %ill of t&e testator is t&e su'reme la% %&ic& succession is )o$erne( t&us( t&e "eneficiaries uner t&e %ill must "e esi)nate %it& clearness so t&at t&ere can "e no ou"t as to %&o are intene "# t&e testator. Since t&e institution of &eirs an t&e esi)nation of le)atees an e$isees s'rin) e*clusi$el# from t&e %ill of t&e testator( onl# t&e 'ortion of t&e in&eritance t&at is su"Cect to t&e is'osal of t&e testator %oul "e affecte "# suc& institution or esi)nation. It cannot affect t&e 'ortion 1no%n as t&e le)itime.
Art. 7#5. "he duration or efficacy of the desi!nation of heirs, devisees or le!atees, or the determination of the portions which they are to ta+e, when referred to by name, cannot be left to the discretion of a third person. (*72a) T: The matters mentioned in this article are testamentary in nature( they constitute e%pressions of the will or disposition of the testator. 2ence& pursuant to Art. =84& it cannot be deleated.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe B: The ff. constitute the essence of will ma$in or the e%ercise of the disposin power& and thus& non>deleable: 4. 7. .
the desination of heirs& devisees& leatees( the duration or efficacy of such desination includin such thins as conditions& terms& substitutions the determination of the portions they are to recieve
Art. 7#7. "he testator may not ma+e a testamentary disposition in such manner that another person has to determine whether or not it is to be operative. (n) Art. #/-. A will shall be valid even thou!h it should not contain an institution of an heir, or such institution should not comprise the entire estate, and even thou!h the person so instituted should not accept the inheritance or should be incapacitated to succeed. The heir may be instituted to succeed to the whole or to an ali!uot part of the inheritance. The e%istence of the institution does not depend upon the desination or name which the testator ives to his testamentary disposition. n such cases the testamentary dispositions made in accordance with law shall be complied with and the remainder of the estate shall pass to the le!al heirs. (7*/) Art. #/$. ;ne who has no compulsory heirs may dispose by will of all his estate or any part of it in favor of any person havin! capacity to succ eed. The article pertains to the principle of freedom of distribution by will. The e%tent of his freedom of disposition depends upon the e%istence& $nid& and number of compulsory heirs. #hen there are +2 the l aw limits this freedom to such e%tent that leitime is not impaired. Besides the civil law& special laws also restrict this freedom such as the ?ublic
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Art. #//. An error in the name, surname, or circumstances of the heir shall not vitiate the institution when it is possible, in any other manner, to +now with certainty the person instituted. f amon! persons havin! the same names and surnames, there is a similarity of circumstances in such a way that, even with the use of the other proof, the person instituted cannot be identified, none of them shall be an heir. (77%a) Art. 7#9. When there is an imperfect description, or when no person or property e&actly answers the description, mista+es and omissions must be corrected, if the error appears from the conte&t of the will or from e&trinsic evidence, e&cludin! the oral declarations of the testator as to his intention and when an uncertainty arises upon the face of the will, as to the application of any of its provisions, the testator3s intention is to be ascertained from the words of the will, ta+in! into consideration the circumstances under which it was made, e&cludin! such oral declarations. (n) T: The first part of this article pertains to patent or e%trinsic ambiuity which appears upon the face of the instrument such as when the testator ives a devise or leacy to “)/, of the si% children of his cousin *uan” The second part pertains to latent or intrinsic ambiuity which cannot be seen from a mere perusal or readin of the will but appears only upon consideration of e%trinsic circumstances& such as ivin leacy to “my cousin ?edro”& when ' fact he has two cousins named ?edro. Thus. 't occurs when: 6. 4.
two or more persons or thins answer the name or description( misdescription of the beneficiary or the ift
,%trinsic evidence is admissible to show the situation of the testator and all the relevant facts and circumstances surroundin him at the time of ma$in the will& for the purpose of e%plainin or resolvin patent ambiuity. B: method of resolvin ambiuity& whether latent or patent is any evidence admissible and relevant e%cludin the oral declarations of testator as to his intention. 3atio for the e%clusion: B: can a dead man refute a tale@ T: the testator whose lips have been sealed by death can no loner deny or affirm the truth of what witnesses may say he declared& would create confusion and ive rise to false claims. Art. #/5. 4very disposition in favor of an un+nown person shall be void, unless by some event or circumstance his identity becomes certain. 'owever, a disposition in favor of a definite class or !roup of persons shall be valid. (752a) Art. 7#*. "he testator may entrust to a third person the distribution of specific property or sums of money that he may leave in !eneral to specified
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe classes or causes, and also the desi!nation of the persons, institutions or establishments to which such property or sums are to be !iven or applied. (*7-a) T: the third person here does not ma$e any disposition& but simply carries out details in the e%ecution of the testamentary disposition made by the testator himself in the will. B: for this article to ta$e effect the testator must determine the ff: 7. .
the property or amount of money iven and( the class or cause to be benefited
and the ff. may be deleated: 6. 4.
desination of persons& institutions& establishments within the class or cause( the manner of distribution.
or
Art. #/*. 'eirs instituted without desi!nation of shares shall inherit in equal parts. (7*5) Art. #/#. f the testator should institute his brothers and sisters, and he has some of full blood and others of half blood, the inheritance shall be distributed equally unless a different intention appears. (772a) Art. #/7. When the testator institutes some heirs individually and others collectively as when he says, "I designate as my heirs A and B, and the children of C," those collectively desi!nated shall be considered as individually instituted, unless it clearly appears that the intention of the testator was otherwise. (7*9a) Art. #/9. When the testator calls to the succession a person and his children they are all deemed to have been instituted simultaneously and not successively. (77-) Art. #52. "he statement of a false cause for the institution of an heir shall be considered as not written, unless it appears from the will that the testator would not have made such institution if he had +nown the falsity of such cause. (7*7a) A"stria !s. -ees
On ul# 7( ->? Basilia Austria $a. e 0ru file %it& t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial +S'ecial Proceein)s 47, a 'etition for 'ro"ate( ante mortem( of &er last %ill an testament. T&e 'ro"ate %as o''ose "# t&e 'resent 'etitioners Ru"en Austria( 0onsuelo AustriaDBenta an Lauro Austria Hoo( an still ot&ers %&o( li1e t&e 'etitioner( are ne'&e%s an nieces of Basilia. T&is o''osition %as( &o%e$er( ismisse an t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill allo%e after ue &earin). T&e "ul1 of t&e estate of Basilia( amittel#( %as estine uner t&e %ill to 'ass on to t&e res'onents Perfecto 0ru( Benita 0ruDHee( Isa)ani 0ru( Al"erto 0ru( an Lu
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0ruDSalon)a( all of %&om &a "een assume an eclare "# Basilia as &er o%n le)all# ao'te c&ilren. 2inall#( on No$em"er ( ->>( t&e 'resent 'etitioners file in t&e same 'roceein)s a 'etition in inter$ention for 'artition alle)in) in su"stance t&at t&e# are t&e nearest of 1in of Basilia( an t&at t&e fi$e res'onents Perfecto 0ru( et al.( &a not in fact "een ao'te "# t&e eceent in accorance %it& la%( in effect renerin) t&ese res'onents mere stran)ers to t&e eceent an %it&out an# ri)&t to succee as &eirs. In t&e meantime( t&e contenin) sies e"ate t&e matter of aut&enticit# or lac1 of it of t&e se$eral ao'tion 'a'ers 'rouce an 'resente "# t&e res'onents. On motion of t&e 'etitioners Ru"en Austria( et al.( t&ese ocuments %ere referre to t&e National Bureau of In$esti)ation for e*amination an a$ice. N.B.I. re'ort seems to "ear out t&e )enuineness of t&e ocuments( "ut t&e 'etitioners( e$ientl# issatisfie %it& t&e results( mana)e to o"tain a 'reliminar# o'inion from a 0onsta"ular# !uestioneDocument e*aminer %&ose $ie%s unermine t&e aut&enticit# of t&e sai ocuments. T&e 'etitioners Ru"en Austria( et al.( t&us mo$e t&e lo%er court to refer t&e ao'tion 'a'ers to t&e P&ili''ine 0onsta"ular# for furt&er stu#. T&e 'etitioners li1e%ise locate former 'ersonnel of t&e court %&ic& a''eare to &a$e )rante t&e !uestione ao'tion( an o"taine %ritten e'ositions from t%o of t&em en#in) an# 1no%le)e of t&e 'ertinent ao'tion 'roceein)s. T&e com'laint in inter$ention file in t&e lo%er court assails t&e le)alit# of t&e tie %&ic& t&e res'onent Perfecto 0ru an &is "rot&ers an sisters claim to &a$e %it& t&e eceent. T&e lo%er court &a( &o%e$er( assume( "# its orers in !uestion( t&at t&e $aliit# or in$aliit# of t&e ao'tion is not material nor ecisi$e on t&e efficac# of t&e institution of &eirs< for( e$en if t&e ao'tion in !uestion %ere s'urious( t&e res'onents Perfecto 0ru( et al.( %ill ne$ert&eless succee not as com'ulsor# &eirs "ut as testamentar# &eirs institute in Basilia@s %ill. T&is rulin) a''arentl# fins su''ort in article 94 of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& reas; 8One %&o &as no com'ulsor# &eirs ma# is'ose of "# %ill all &is estate or an# 'art of it in fa$or of an# 'erson &a$in) ca'acit# to succee. 8One %&o &as com'ulsor# &eirs ma# is'ose of &is estate 'ro$ie &e oes not contra$ene t&e 'ro$isions of t&is 0oe %it& re)ar to t&e le)itime of sai &eirs.8 T&e 'etitioners ne'&e%s an niece( u'on t&e ot&er &an( insist t&at t&e entire estate s&oul escen to t&em "# intestac# "# reason of t&e intrinsic nullit# of t&e institution of &eirs em"oie in t&e eceent@s %ill. T&e# &a$e t&us raise s!uarel# t&e issue of %&et&er or not suc& institution of &eirs %oul retain efficac# in t&e e$ent t&ere e*ists 'roof t&at t&e ao'tion of t&e same &eirs "# t&e eceent is false. T&e 'etitioners cite( as t&e controllin) rule( article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& reas; 8T&e statement of a false cause for t&e institution of an &eir s&all "e consiere as not %ritten( unless it a''ears from t&e %ill t&at t&e testator %oul not &a$e mae suc& institution if &e &a 1no%n t&e falsit# of suc& cause.8
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe T&e tenor of t&e lan)ua)e use( t&e 'etitioners ar)ue( )i$es rise to t&e inference t&at t&e late Basilia %as ecei$e into "elie$in) t&at s&e %as le)all# "oun to "e!ueat& oneD&alf of &er entire estate to t&e res'onents Perfecto 0ru( et al. as t&e latter@s le)itime. T&e 'etitioners furt&er conten t&at &a t&e ecease 1no%n t&e ao'tion to "e s'urious( s&e %oul not &a$e institute t&e res'onents at all t&e "asis of t&e institution "ein) solel# &er "elief t&at t&e# %ere com'ulsor# &eirs. Proof t&erefore of t&e falsit# of t&e ao'tion %oul cause a nullit# of t&e institution of &eirs an t&e o'enin) of t&e estate %ie to intestac#. :i t&e lo%er court t&en a"use its iscretion or act in $iolation of t&e ri)&ts of t&e 'arties in "arrin) t&e 'etitioners ne'&e%s an niece from re)isterin) t&eir claim e$en to 'ro'erties aCuicate "# t&e eceent in &er %illF Before t&e institution of &eirs ma# "e annulle uner article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe( t&e follo%in) re!uisites must concur; 2irst( t&e cause for t&e institution of &eirs must "e state in t&e %ill< secon( t&e cause must "e s&o%n to "e false< an t&ir( it must a''ear from t&e face of t&e %ill t&at t&e testator %oul not &a$e mae suc& institution if &e &a 1no%n t&e falsit# of t&e cause.
in&eritance. T&e# offer no a"solute inication t&at t&e eceent %oul &a$e %ille &er estate ot&er t&an t&e %a# s&e i if s&e &a 1no%n t&at s&e %as not "oun "# la% to ma1e allo%ance for le)itimes. er is'osition of t&e free 'ortion of &er estate +li"re is'osicion, %&ic& lar)el# fa$ore t&e res'onent Perfecto 0ru( t&e latter@s c&ilren( an t&e c&ilren of t&e res'onent Benita 0ru( s&o%s a 'erce'ti"le inclination on &er 'art to )i$e to t&e res'onents more t&an %&at s&e t&ou)&t t&e la% enCoine &er to )i$e to t&em. 0om'are t&is %it& t&e relati$el# small e$ise of lan %&ic& t&e eceent &a left for &er "loo relati$es( incluin) t&e 'etitioners 0onsuelo AustriaDBenta an Lauro Hoo an t&e c&ilren of t&e 'etitioner Ru"en Austria. ere %e to e*clue t&e res'onents Perfecto 0ru( et al( from t&e in&eritance( t&en t&e 'etitioners an t&e ot&er ne'&e%s an nieces %oul succee to t&e "ul1 of t&e estate "# intestac# a result %&ic& %oul su"$ert t&e clear %is&es of t&e eceent. &ate$er ou"ts one entertains in &is min s&oul "e s%e't a%a# "# t&ese e*'licit inCunctions in t&e 0i$il 0oe; 8T&e %ors of a %ill are to recei$e an inter'retation %&ic& %ill )i$e to e$er# e*'ression some effect( rat&er t&an one %&ic& %ill rener an# of t&e e*'ressions ino'erati$e< an of t%o moes of inter'retin) a %ill( t&at is to "e 'referre %&ic& %ill 're$ent intestac#.8 -
T&e 'etitioners %oul &a$e us im'l#( from t&e use of t&e terms( 8sa'ilitan) ta)a'a)mana8 +com'ulsor# &eirs, an 8sa'ilitan) mana8 +le)itime,( t&at t&e im'ellin) reason or cause for t&e institution of t&e res'onents %as t&e testatri*@s "elief t&at uner t&e la% s&e coul not o ot&er%ise. If t&is %ere inee %&at 'rom'te t&e testatri* in institutin) t&e res'onents( s&e i not ma1e it 1no%n in &er %ill. Surel# if s&e %as a%are t&at succession to t&e le)itime ta1es 'lace "# o'eration of la%( ine'enent of &er o%n %is&es( s&e %oul not &a$e foun it con$enient to name &er su''ose com'ulsor# &eirs to t&eir le)itimes. er e*'ress ao'tion of t&e rules on le)itimes s&oul $er# %ell inicate &er com'lete a)reement %it& t&at statutor# sc&eme. But e$en t&is( li1e t&e 'etitioners@ o%n 'ro'osition( is &i)&l# s'eculati$e of %&at %as in t&e min of t&e testatri* %&en s&e e*ecute &er %ill. One fact 're$ails( &o%e$er( an it is t&at t&e eceent@s %ill oes not state in a s'ecific or une!ui$ocal manner t&e cause for suc& institution of &eirs. e cannot annul t&e same on t&e "asis of )uess%or1 or uncertain im'lications.
At all e$ents( t&e le)alit# of t&e ao'tion of t&e res'onents "# t&e testatri* can "e assaile onl# in a se'arate action "rou)&t for t&at 'ur'ose( an cannot "e t&e su"Cect of a collateral attac1.
An e$en if %e s&oul acce't t&e 'etitioners@ t&eor# t&at t&e eceent institute t&e res'onents 'erfecto 0ru( et al. solel# "ecause s&e "elie$e t&at t&e la% commane &er to o so( on t&e false assum'tion t&at &er ao'tion of t&ese res'onents %as $ali( still suc& institution must stan.
Art. #5-. f the testator has instituted only one heir, and the institution is limited to an aliquot part of the inheritance, le!al succession ta+es place with respect to the remainder of the estate.
Article 9= of t&e 0i$il 0oe( !uote a"o$e( is a 'ositi$e inCunction to i)nore %&ate$er false cause t&e testator ma# &a$e %ritten in &is %ill for t&e institution of &eirs. Suc& institution ma# "e annulle onl# %&en one is satisfie( after an e*amination of t&e %ill( t&at t&e testator clearl# %oul not &a$e mae t&e institution if &e &a 1no%n t&e cause for it to "e false. No%( %oul t&e late Basilia &a$e cause t&e re$ocation of t&e institution of &eirs if s&e &a 1no%n t&at s&e %as mista1en in treatin) t&ese &eirs as &er le)all# ao'te c&ilrenF Or %oul s&e &a$e institute t&em nonet&elessF T&e eceent@s %ill( %&ic& alone s&oul 'ro$ie t&e ans%er( is mute on t&is 'oint or at "est is $a)ue an uncertain. T&e '&rases( 8m)a sa'ilitan) ta)a'a)mana8 an 8sa'ilitan) mana(8 %ere "orro%e from t&e lan)ua)e of t&e la% on succession an %ere use( res'ecti$el#( to escri"e t&e class of &eirs institute an t&e a"stract o"Cect of t&e
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Testac# is fa$ore an ou"ts are resol$e on its sie( es'eciall# %&ere t&e %ill e$inces an intention on t&e 'art of t&e testator to is'ose of 'racticall# &is %&ole estate( as %as one in t&is case. Horeo$er( so com'ellin) is t&e 'rinci'le t&at intestac# s&oul "e a$oie an t&e %is&es of t&e testator allo%e to 're$ail( t&at %e coul e$en $ar# t&e lan)ua)e of t&e %ill for t&e 'ur'ose of )i$in) it effect. / A 'ro"ate court &as foun( "# final Cu)ment( t&at t&e late Basilia Austria Va. e 0ru %as 'ossesse of testamentar# ca'acit# an &er last %ill e*ecute free from falsification( frau( tric1er# or unue influence. In t&is situation( it "ecomes our ut# to )i$e full e*'ression to &er %ill. 4
"he same rule applies if the testator has instituted several heirs, each bein! limited to an aliquot part, and all the parts do not cover the whole inheritance. (n) Art. #5$. f it was the intention of the testator that the instituted heirs should become sole heirs to the whole estate, or the whole free portion, as the case may be, and each of them has been instituted to an aliquot part of the inheritance and their aliquot parts to!ether do not cover the whole inheritance, or the whole free portion, each part shall be increased proportionally. (n) Art. #5%. f each of the instituted heirs has been !iven an aliquot part of the inheritance, and the
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe parts to!ether e&ceed the whole inheritance, or the whole free portion, as the case may be, each part shall be reduced proportionally. (n) Art. #5*. A voluntary heir who dies before the testator transmits nothin! to his heirs. A compulsory heir who dies before the testator, a person incapacitated to succeed, and one who renounces the inheritance, shall transmit no ri!ht to his own heirs e&cept in cases e&pressly provided for in this 6ode. (7**a) B. Ginds of 'nstitution Art. 777. "he ri!hts to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the decedent. (*57a) Art. #7-. "he institution of an heir may be made conditionally, or for a certain purpose or cause. (792a) 5i"da de Fila;o !s. Tengco
T&ese consoliate cases see1 to annul t&e orers - ate Se'tem"er =( ->79( anuar# 7( ->77 an anuar# /-( ->77 of t&e t&en 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Ne)ros Occiental( Branc& IV( res'ecti$el#( cancellin) t&e notice of lis 'enens file "# 0elsa L. Va. e Kila#1o( et al. %it& t&e Re)ister of :ees of Ne)ros Occiental( en#in) t&e motion for reconsieration of t&e orer ate Se'tem"er =( ->7? file "# 0elsa L. Va. e Kila# 1o( et al.( an &olin) in a"e#ance t&e resolution of efenants@ motion to ismiss. On anuar# 9( ->?9( Haria Liares # Alunan ie %it&out an# issue lea$in) sai 8testamento8 in t&e 'ossession an custo# of &er niece( Eusta!uia Liares. / On 2e"ruar# ?( ->?9( Eusta!uia file a 'etition for t&e settlement of t&e testate estate of Haria Liares # Alunan( "efore t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Ne)ros Occiental( Branc& IV( oc1ete as S'ecial Proceein)s No. 94. 4 On ul# -=( ->?9( Eusta!uia file a 'roCect of 'artition ? %&ic& %as )rante "# t&e 'ro"ate court in an orer ate anuar# 9( ->7-. Simultaneousl#( sai court eclare t&e &eirs( e$isees( le)atees an usufructuaries mentione in t&e 'roCect of 'artition as t&e onl# &eirs( e$isees( le)atees an usufructuaries of t&e estate< aCuicate to t&em t&e 'ro'erties res'ecti$el# assi)ne to eac& an e$er# one of t&em( an orere t&e Re)ister of :ees of Ne)ros Occiental an Bacolo 0it# to effect t&e corres'onin) transfer of t&e real 'ro'erties to sai &eirs as %ell as t&e transfer of s&ares( stoc1s( an i$iens in ifferent cor'orations( com'anies an 'artners&i's in t&e name of Haria Liares to t&e &eirs an le)atees( an t&e closure of t&e testate 'roceein)s of Haria Liares. 7 A #ear later or on No$em"er /( ->7/( Eusta!uia Liares ie sin)le %it&out an# escenant. -- In ue time( Roolfo Liares an Amelo Liares %ere a''ointe Coint aministrators of Eusta!uia@s intestate estate. On t&e stren)t& of t&e testamentar# 'ro$isions containe in 'ara)ra'&s -= an -- of t&e %ill of Haria Liares( %&ic& %ere alle)el# in t&e nature of a sim'le su"stitution( 0elsa Va. e Kila#1o( Encarnacion Va. e Panlilio( an Remeios Va.
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e Guinto +&ereinafter collecti$el# referre to as 0elsa L. Va. e Kila#1o( et al., file a motion in S'ecial Proceein)s No. 94 to reo'en once a)ain t&e testate estate 'roceein)s of Haria Liares. T&e# 'ra#e amon) ot&ers t&at a su"stitute aministrator "e a''ointe< t&at t&e orer ate anuar# 9( ->7- "e reconsiere an amene "# eclarin) t&em as &eirs to -5/ of -5-4 of a. Hinuluan an to -5? of a. Hata"Dan)( "ot& of %&ic& form an a))re)ate area of // &ectares< t&at t&e Re)ister of :ees of Ne)ros Occiental( after suc& amenment( "e orere to re)ister at t&e "ac1 of t&eir res'ecti$e certificates of title( t&e orer of 'ro"ate an a 8eclaration8 t&at mo$ants are t&e &eirs of sai 'ro'erties( an corres'onin)l# issue ne% certificates of title in t&eir names. - T%o +, sets of intestate &eirs of t&e ecease Eusta!uia Liares namel#; Socorro L. Va. e Escario( Roolfo Liares( Hario Liares( Lucrecia Gustilo( an Aurora Liares a)ner o''ose t&e aforesai motion. T&e# alle)e t&at t&e court &a no more Curisiction to reo'en t&e testate estate 'roceein)s of Haria Liares as t&e orer of closure &a lon) "ecome final an t&at t&e testamentar# 'ro$isions sou)&t to "e enforce are null an $oi. -/ On A'ril -/( ->77( t&e Coint aministrators file "efore t&is 0ourt a 'etition for certiorari( 'ro&i"ition an5or manamus %it& 'ra#er for a %rit of 'reliminar# inCunction. It %as oc1ete as G.R. No. LD4>?. Petitioners conten t&at t&e lo%er court &a no Curisiction o$er 0i$il 0ase No. --?/> as it in$ol$es t&e inter'retation of t&e %ill of Haria Liares( its im'lementation an5or t&e aCuication of &er 'ro'erties. T&e# assert t&at t&e matter &a "een settle in S'ecial Proceein)s No. 94 %&ic& &a "ecome final an una''eala"le lon) "efore t&e com'laint in 0i$il 0ase No. --?/> %as file( an t&erefore( t&e cause of action in t&e latter case %as "arre "# t&e 'rinci'le of res Cuicata. T&e# a$er t&at t&e claim of 0elsa( Encarnacion an Remeios( sisters of Haria Liares( o$er t&e 'ro'erties left "# t&eir niece Eusta!uia an %&ic& t&e latter &a in&erite "# %ill from Haria Liares( %as )rounless "ecause 'ara)ra'&s -= an -- of Haria@s %ill on %&ic& 0elsa L. Va. e Kila#1o( et al. "ase t&eir claim( concei$e of a fieicommissar# su"stitution of &eirs. Petitioners conten t&at sai 'ro$isions of t&e %ill are not $ali "ecause uner Article 9?/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe( t&e# constitute an in$ali fieicommissar# su"stitution of &eirs. T&e 'etition in G.R. No. LD4>? is im'resse %it& merit. In testate succession( t&ere can "e no $ali 'artition amon) t&e &eirs until after t&e %ill &as "een 'ro"ate. /= T&e la% enCoins t&e 'ro"ate of a %ill an t&e 'u"lic re!uires it( "ecause unless a %ill is 'ro"ate an notice t&ereof )i$en to t&e %&ole %orl( t&e ri)&t of a 'erson to is'ose of &is 'ro'ert# "# %ill ma# "e renere nu)ator#. /- T&e aut&entication of a %ill ecies no ot&er !uestion t&an suc& as touc& u'on t&e ca'acit# of t&e testator an t&e com'liance %it& t&ose re!uirements or solemnities %&ic& t&e la% 'rescri"es for t&e $aliit# of a %ill. / T&e 'ro"ate court( in t&e e*ercise of its Curisiction to istri"ute t&e estate( &as t&e 'o%er to etermine t&e 'ro'ortion or 'arts to %&ic& eac& istri"utee is entitle . . . /7 A 'roCect of 'artition is merel# a 'ro'osal for t&e istri"ution of t&e &ereitar# estate %&ic& t&e court ma# acce't or reCect. It is t&e court t&at ma1es t&at istri"ution of t&e estate an etermines t&e 'ersons entitle t&ereto. /9
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe In t&e instant case( t&e recors %ill s&o% t&at in t&e settlement of t&e testate estate of Haria Liares( t&e e*ecutri*( Eusta!uia Liares su"mitte on anuar# 9( ->7-( a 'roCect of 'artition in %&ic& t&e 'arcels of lan( su"Cect matters of t&e com'laint for recon$e#ance( %ere inclue as 'ro'ert# of t&e estate an assi)ne e*clusi$el# to Eusta!uia as a e$isee of Haria Liares. In accorance %it& sai 'roCect of 'artition %&ic& %as a''ro$e "# t&e 'ro"ate court( Encarnacion Liares Va. e Panlilio( Remeios Liares Va. e Guinto( 2elicia Parees Llo'e( Rosario Parees Henoa an Eusta!uia Liares e*ecute an A)reement of Partition an Su"i$ision on No$em"er 9( ->7( %&ere"# t&e# a)ree to terminate t&eir coDo%ners&i' o$er Lots Nos. =( -4( /( -97D0 of SOD744? an co$ere "# Transfer 0ertificates of Title Nos. TD?==4( TD?==( TD ?==?( TD?==7 an TD?==9. T&ese facts ta1en alto)et&er s&o% t&at t&e Liares sisters reco)nie t&e ecree of 'artition sanctione "# t&e 'ro"ate court an in fact rea'e t&e fruits t&ereof. ence( t&e# are no% 'reclue from attac1in) t&e $aliit# of t&e 'artition or an# 'art of it in t&e )uise of a com'laint for recon$e#ance. A 'art# cannot( in la% an in )oo conscience "e allo%e to rea' t&e fruits of a 'artition( a)reement or Cu)ment an re'uiate %&at oes not suit &im. /> T&us( %&ere a 'iece of lan &as "een inclue in a 'artition an t&ere is no alle)ation t&at t&e inclusion %as effecte t&rou)& im'ro'er means or %it&out 'etitioner@s 1no%le)e( t&e 'artition "arre an# furt&er liti)ation on sai title an o'erate to "rin) t&e 'ro'ert# uner t&e control an Curisiction of t&e court for its 'ro'er is'osition accorin) to t&e tenor of t&e 'artition. 4= T&e !uestion of 'ri$ate res'onents@ title o$er t&e lots in !uestion &as "een conclue "# t&e 'artition an "ecame a close matter. A final ecree of istri"ution of t&e estate of a ecease 'erson $ests t&e title to t&e lan of t&e estate in t&e istri"utees. If t&e ecree is erroneous( it s&oul "e correcte "# o''ortune a''eal( for once it "ecomes final( its "inin) effect is li1e an# ot&er Cu)ment in rem( unless 'ro'erl# set asie for lac1 of Curisiction or frau. &ere t&e court &as $alil# issue a ecree of istri"ution an t&e same &as "ecome final( t&e $aliit# or in$aliit# of t&e 'roCect of 'artition "ecomes irrele$ant. 4It is a funamental conce't in t&e ori)in of e$er# Cural s#stem( a 'rinci'le of 'u"lic 'olic#( t&at at t&e ris1 of occasional errors( Cu)ments of courts s&oul "ecome final at some efinite time fi*e "# la%( interest rei 'u"licae ut finis sit litum. 8T&e $er# o"Cect of %&ic& t&e courts %ere constitute %as to 'ut an en to contro$ersies.8 4 T&e onl# instance %&ere a 'art# intereste in a 'ro"ate 'roceein) ma# &a$e a final li!uiation set asie is %&en &e is left out "# reason of circumstances "e#on &is control or t&rou)& mista1e or ina$ertence not im'uta"le to ne)li)ence. E$en t&en( t&e "etter 'ractice to secure relief is t&e o'enin) of t&e same "# 'ro'er motion %it&in t&e re)lementar# 'erio( instea of an ine'enent action( t&e effect of %&ic& if successful( %oul "e for anot&er court or Cu)e to t&ro% out a ecision or orer alrea# final an e*ecute an res&uffle 'ro'erties lon) a)o istri"ute an is'ose of. 4/ T&e funamental 'rinci'le u'on %&ic& t&e octrine of res Cuicata rests is t&at 'arties ou)&t not to "e 'ermitte to liti)ate t&e same issue more t&an once( t&at( %&en a ri)&t or fact &as "een Cuiciall# trie an etermine "# a court of com'etent Curisiction( or an o''ortunit# for suc& trial &as "een )i$en( t&e Cu)ment of t&e court( so lon) as it remains
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unre$erse( s&oul "e conclusi$e u'on t&e 'arties an t&ose in 'ri$it# %it& t&en in la% or estate. 44 Grantin) t&at res Cuicata &as not "arre t&e institution of 0i$il 0ase No. --?/>( t&e contention of 0elsa L. Va. e Kila# 1o et al. t&at t&e# are conitional su"stitute &eirs of Eusta!uia in t&e testate estate of Haria Liares 4? is not meritorious. &ile t&e alle)ation of t&e Coint aministrators t&at 'ara)ra'&s -= an -- of Haria Liares@ last %ill an testament concei$es of a fieicommissar# su"stitution uner Article 9?/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe is also "aseless as sai 'ara)ra'&s o not im'ose u'on Eusta!uia a clear o"li)ation to 'reser$e t&e estate in fa$or of 0elsa L. Va. e Kila# 1o( et al.( neit&er ma# sai 'ara)ra'&s "e consiere as 'ro$iin) for a $ul)ar or sim'le su"stitution. It s&oul "e remem"ere t&at %&en a testator merel# names an &eir an 'ro$ies t&at if suc& &eir s&oul ie a secon &eir also esi)nate s&all succee( t&ere is no fieicommissar# su"stitution. T&e su"stitution s&oul t&en "e construe as a $ul)ar or sim'le su"stitution uner Art. 9> of t&e 0i$il 0oe "ut it s&all "e effecti$e onl# if t&e first &eir ies "efore t&e testator. 47 In t&is case( t&e institute &eir( Eusta!uia( sur$i$e t&e testatri*( Haria Liares. ence( t&ere can "e no su"stitution of &eirs for( u'on Haria Liares eat&( t&e 'ro'erties in$ol$e unconitionall# e$ol$e u'on Eusta!uia. ner t&e circumstances( t&e sisters of Haria Liares coul onl# in&erit t&e estate of Eusta!uia "# o'eration of t&e la% of intestac# it& res'ect to t&e cancellation of t&e notice of lis 'enens on t&e 'ro'erties in$ol$e( t&ere is no merit in t&e contention of 0elsa L. Va. e Kila# 1o( et al.( t&at t&e lo%er court acte contrar# to la% an5or )ra$el# a"use its iscretion in cancellin) t&e notice of lis 'enens. T&e cancellation of suc& a 'recautionar# notice( "ein) a mere incient in an action( ma# "e orere "# t&e court &a$in) Curisiction o$er it at an# )i$en time. 49 ner Sec. 4( Rule -4 of t&e Rules of 0ourt( a notice of lis 'enens ma# "e cancelle 8after 'ro'er s&o%in) t&at t&e notice is for t&e 'ur'ose of molestin) t&e a$erse 'art#( or t&at it is not necessar# to 'rotect t&e ri)&ts of t&e 'art# %&o cause it to "e recore8 4> In t&is case( t&e lo%er court orere t&e cancellation of sai notice on t&e 'rinci'al reason t&at t&e aministrators of t&e 'ro'erties in$ol$e are su"Cect to t&e su'er$ision of t&e court an t&e sai 'ro'erties are uner custoia le)is. T&erefore( suc& notice %as not necessar# to 'rotect t&e ri)&ts of 0elsa L. Va. e Kila# 1o( et al. Hore so in t&is case %&ere it turne out t&at t&eir claim to t&e 'ro'erties left "# Eusta!uia is %it&out an# le)al "asis.
Art. #7$. "he testator cannot impose any char!e, condition, or substitution whatsoever upon the le!itimes prescribed in this 6ode. hould he do so, the same shall be considered as not imposed. (#-%a) Art. #7%. mpossible conditions and those contrary to law or !ood customs shall be considered as not imposed and shall in no manner pre1udice the heir, even if the testator should otherwise provide. (79$a) Art. #7/. An absolute condition not to contract a first or subsequent marria!e shall be considered as not written unless such condition has been imposed on the widow or widower by the deceased spouse, or by the latter3s ascendants or descendants.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe :evertheless, the ri!ht of usufruct, or an allowance or some personal prestation may be devised or bequeathed to any person for the time durin! which he or she should remain unmarried or in widowhood. (79%a) Art. --#%. mpossible conditions, those contrary to !ood customs or public policy and those prohibited by law shall annul the obli!ation which depends upon them. f the obli!ation is divisible, that part thereof which is not affected by the impossible or unlawful condition shall be valid. "he condition not to do an impossible thin! shall be considered as not havin! been a!reed upon. (---*a) Art. #75. Any disposition made upon the condition that the heir shall ma+e some provision in his will in favor of the testator or of any other person shall be void. (79/a) Art. #7*. Any purely potestative condition imposed upon an heir must be fulfilled by him as soon as he learns of the testator3s death. "his rule shall not apply when the condition, already complied with, cannot be fulfilled a!ain. (795a) Art. #77. f the condition is casual or mi&ed, it shall be sufficient if it happens or be fulfilled at any time before or after the death of the testator, unless he has provided otherwise. hould it have e&isted or should it have been fulfilled at the time the will was e&ecuted and the testator was unaware thereof, it shall be deemed as complied with.
received, to!ether with its fruits and interests. (#22a) Art. ##2. f the heir be instituted under a suspensive condition or term, the estate shall be placed under administration until the condition is fulfilled, or until it becomes certain that it cannot be fulfilled, or until the arrival of the term. "he same shall be done if the heir does not !ive the security required in the precedin! article. (#2-a) Art. ##-. "he appointment of the administrator of the estate mentioned in the precedin! article, as well as the manner of the administration and the ri!hts and obli!ations of the administrator shall be !overned by the ules of 6ourt. (#2/a) Art. ##/. 6onditions imposed by the testator upon the heirs shall be !overned by the rules established for conditional obli!ations in all matters not provided for by this ection. (79-a)
Institution %it& a Term
Art. ##5. "he desi!nation of the day or time when the effects of the institution of an heir shall commence or cease shall be valid. n both cases, the le!al heir shall be considered as called to the succession until the arrival of the period or its e&piration. But in the first case he shall not enter into possession of the property until after havin! !iven sufficient security, with the intervention of the instituted heir. (#25)
f he had +nowled!e thereof, the condition shall be considered fulfilled only when it is of such a nature that it can no lon!er e&ist or be complied with a!ain. (79*)
Art. #7#. A disposition with a suspensive term does not prevent the instituted heir from acquirin! his ri!hts and transmittin! them to his heirs even before the arrival of the term. (799a)
Art. -2%/. n order to 1ud!e the capacity of the heir, devisee or le!atee, his qualification at the time of the death of the decedent shall be the criterion.
Art. ##2. f the heir be instituted under a suspensive condition or term, the estate shall be placed under administration until the condition is fulfilled, or until it becomes certain that it cannot be fulfilled, or until the arrival of the term.
n cases fallin! under :os. $, %, or 5 of Article -2%$, it shall be necessary to wait until final 1ud!ment is rendered, and in the case fallin! under :o. /, the e&piration of the month allowed for the report. f the institution, devise or le!acy should be conditional, the time of the compliance with the condition shall also be considered. (75#a) Art. #79. f the potestative condition imposed upon the heir is ne!ative, or consists in not doin! or not !ivin! somethin!, he shall comply by !ivin! a security that he will not do or !ive that which has been prohibited by the testator, and that in case of contravention he will return whatever he may have
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"he same shall be done if the heir does not !ive the security required in the precedin! article. (#2-a) /odal 'nstitutions Art. ##$. "he statement of the ob1ect of the institution, or the application of the property left by the testator, or the char!e imposed by him, shall not be considered as a condition unless it appears that such was his intention. "hat which has been left in this manner may be claimed at once provided that the instituted heir or his heirs !ive security for compliance with the
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe wishes of the testator and for the return of anythin! he or they may receive, to!ether with its fruits and interests, if he or they should disre!ard this obli!ation. (797a) Art. ##%. When without the fault of the heir, an institution referred to in the precedin! article cannot ta+e effect in the e&act manner stated by the testator, it shall be complied with in a manner most analo!ous to and in conformity with his wishes. f the person interested in the condition should prevent its fulfillment, without the fault of the heir, the condition shall be deemed to have been complied with. (79#a) NJ''. 1BT'T1T') ) 2,'3 Art. #57. ubstitution is the appointment of another heir so that he may enter into the inheritance in default of the heir ori!inally instituted. (n)
entrusted with the obli!ation to preserve and to transmit to a second heir the whole or part of the inheritance, shall be valid and shall ta+e effect, provided such substitution does not !o beyond one de!ree from the heir ori!inally instituted, and provided further, that the fiduciary or first heir and the second heir are livin! at the time of the death of the testator. (7#-a) Art. #*/. A fideicommissary substitution can never burden the le!itime. (7#$a) Art. #*5. 4very fideicommissary substitution must be e&pressly made in order that it may be valid. "he fiduciary shall be obli!ed to deliver the inheritance to the second heir, without other deductions than those which arise from le!itimate e&penses, credits and improvements, save in the case where the testator has provided otherwise. (7#%)
(-) imple or common
Art. #**. "he second heir shall acquire a ri!ht to the succession from the time of the testator3s death, even thou!h he should die before the fiduciary. "he ri!ht of the second heir shall pass to his heirs. (7#/)
($) Brief or compendious
Art. #*7. "he followin! shall not ta+e effect
Art. #5#. ubstitution of heirs may be
(%) eciprocal or (/) ideicommissary. (n) Art. #59. "he testator may desi!nate one or more persons to substitute the heir or heirs instituted in case such heir or heirs should die before him, or should not wish, or should be incapacitated to accept the inheritance. A simple substitution, without a statement of the cases to which it refers, shall comprise the three mentioned in the precedin! para!raph, unless the testator has otherwise provided. (77/) Art. #*2. "wo or more persons may be substituted for one and one person for two or more heirs. (77#) Art. #*-. f heirs instituted in unequal shares should be reciprocally substituted, the substitute shall acquire the share of the heir who dies, renounces, or is incapacitated, unless it clearly appears that the intention of the testator was otherwise. f there are more than one substitute, they shall have the same share in the substitution as in the institution. (779a) Art. #*$. "he substitute shall be sub1ect to the same char!es and conditions imposed upon the instituted heir, unless and testator has e&pressly provided the contrary, or the char!es or conditions are personally applicable only to the heir instituted. (7#2) Art. #*%. A fideicommissary substitution by virtue of which the fiduciary or first heir instituted is
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(-) ideicommissary substitutions which are not made in an e&press manner, either by !ivin! them this name, or imposin! upon the fiduciary the absolute obli!ation to deliver the property to a second heir ($) 0rovisions which contain a perpetual prohibition to alienate, and even a temporary one, beyond the limit fi&ed in article #*% (%) "hose which impose upon the heir the char!e of payin! to various persons successively, beyond the limit prescribed in article #*%, a certain income or pension (/) "hose which leave to a person the whole part of the hereditary property in order that he may apply or invest the same accordin! to secret instructions communicated to him by the testator. (7#5a) Art. #*#. "he nullity of the fideicommissary substitution does not pre1udice the validity of the institution of the heirs first desi!nated the fideicommissary clause shall simply be considered as not written. (7#*) Art. #*9. A provision whereby the testator leaves to a person the whole or part of the inheritance, and to another the usufruct, shall be valid. f he !ives the usufruct to various persons, not simultaneously, but successively, the provisions of Article #*% shall apply. (7#7a)
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 4alacios !s. -a#ire&
T&e main issue in t&is a''eal is t&e manner of 'artitionin) t&e testate estate of ose Eu)enio Ramire amon) t&e 'rinci'al "eneficiaries( namel#; &is %io% Harcelle :emoron e Ramire< &is t%o )ranne'&e%s Ro"erto an or)e Ramire< an &is com'anion ana e ro"les1i. T&e tas1 is not trou"leDfree "ecause t&e %io% Harcelle is a 2renc& %&o li$es in Paris( %&ile t&e com'anion ana is an Austrian %&o li$es in S'ain. Horeo$er( t&e testator 'ro$ie for su"stitutions. ose Eu)enio Ramire( a 2ili'ino national( ie in S'ain on :ecem"er --( ->?4( %it& onl# &is %io% as com'ulsor# &eir. is %ill %as amitte to 'ro"ate "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Hanila( Branc& W( on ul# 7( ->?. Haria Luisa Palacios %as a''ointe aministratri* of t&e estate. On une /( ->??( t&e aministratri* su"mitte a 'roCect of 'artition as follo%s; t&e 'ro'ert# of t&e ecease is to "e i$ie into t%o 'arts. One 'art s&all )o to t&e %io% 8en 'leno ominio8 in satisfaction of &er le)itime< t&e ot&er 'art or 8free 'ortion8 s&all )o to or)e an Ro"erto Ramire 8en nua 'ro'riea.8 2urt&ermore( one t&ir +-5/, of t&e free 'ortion is c&ar)e %it& t&e %io%@s usufruct an t&e remainin) t%oDt&ir +5/, %it& a usufruct in fa$or of ana. or)e an Ro"erto o''ose t&e 'roCect of 'artition on t&e )rouns; +a, t&at t&e 'ro$isions for $ul)ar su"stitution in fa$or of ana e ro"les1i %it& res'ect to t&e %io%@s usufruct an in fa$or of uan Pa"lo an1o%s1i an oracio V. Ramire( %it& res'ect to ana@s usufruct are in$ali "ecause of t&e first &eirs +Harcelle an ana, sur$i$e t&e testator< +", t&at t&e 'ro$isions for fieicommissar# su"stitutions are also in$ali "ecause t&e first &eirs are not relate to t&e secon &eirs or su"stitutes %it&in t&e first e)ree( as 'ro$ie in Article 9?/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe< +c, t&at t&e )rant of a usufruct o$er real 'ro'ert# in t&e P&ili''ines in fa$or of ana e ro"les1i( %&o is an alien( $iolates Section ( Article WIII of t&e P&ili''ine 0onstitution< an t&at +, t&e 'ro'ose 'artition of t&e testator@s interest in t&e Santa 0ru +Escolta, Builin) "et%een t&e %io% Harcelle( an t&e a''ellants( $iolates t&e testator@s e*'ress %ill to )i$e t&is 'ro'ert# to t&em. Nonet&eless( t&e lo%er court a''ro$e t&e 'roCect of 'artition in its orer ate Ha# /( ->?7. It is t&is orer %&ic& or)e an Ro"erto &a$e a''eale to t&is 0ourt. The widow's legitime. It is t&e oneDt&ir usufruct o$er t&e free 'ortion %&ic& t&e a''ellants !uestion an Custifia"l# so. It a''ears t&at t&e court a !uo a''ro$e t&e usufruct in fa$or of Harcelle "ecause t&e testament 'ro$ies for a usufruct in &er fa$or of oneDt&ir of t&e estate. T&e court a !uo erre for Harcelle %&o is entitle to oneD&alf of t&e estate 8en 'leno ominio8 as &er le)itime an %&ic& is more t&an %&at s&e is )i$en uner t&e %ill is not entitle to &a$e an# aitional s&are in t&e estate. To )i$e Harcelle more t&an &er le)itime %ill run counter to t&e testator@s intention for as state a"o$e &is is'ositions e$en im'aire &er le)itime an tene to fa$or ana. The substitutions.
It ma# "e useful to recall t&at 8Su"stitution is t&e a''ointment of anot&er &eir so t&at &e ma# enter into t&e in&eritance in efault of t&e &eir ori)inall# institute.8 +Art. 97( 0i$il 0oe., An t&at t&ere are se$eral 1ins of su"stitutions( namel#; sim'le or common( "rief or com'enious( reci'rocal( an
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fieicommissar#. +Art. 99( 0i$il 0oe., Accorin) to Tolentino( 8Alt&ou)& t&e 0oe enumerates four classes( t&ere are reall# onl# t%o 'rinci'al classes of su"stitutions; t&e sim'le an t&e fieicommissar#. T&e ot&ers are merel# $ariations of t&ese t%o.8 +III 0i$il 0oe( '. -9 M->7/,. T&e sim'le or $ul)ar is t&at 'ro$ie in Art. 9> of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& reas; 8ART. 9>. T&e t estator ma# esi)nate o ne or more 'ersons to su"stitute t&e &eir or &eirs institute in case suc& &eir or &eirs s&oul ie "efore &im( or s&oul not %is&( or s&oul "e inca'acitate to acce't t&e in&eritance. 8A sim'le su"stitution( %it&out a statement of t&e cases to %&ic& it refers( s&all com'rise t&e t&ree mentione in t&e 'recein) 'ara)ra'&( unless t&e testator &as ot&er%ise 'ro$ie.8 T&e fieicommissar# su"stitution is escri"e in t&e 0i$il 0oe as follo%s; 8ART. 9?/. A fieicommissar# su"stitution "# $irtue of %&ic& t&e fiuciar# or first &eir institute is entruste %it& t&e o"li)ation to 'reser$e an to transmit to a secon &eir t&e %&ole or 'art of in&eritance( s&all "e $ali an s&all ta1e effect( 'ro$ie suc& su"stitution oes not )o "e#on one e)ree from t&e &eir ori)inall# institute( an 'ro$ie furt&er t&at t&e fiuciar# or first &eir an t&e secon &eir are li$in) at time of t&e eat& of t&e testator.8 It %ill "e note t&at t&e testator 'ro$ie for a $ul)ar su"stitution in res'ect of t&e le)acies of Ro"erto an or)e Ramire( t&e a''ellants( T&e a''ellants also !uestion t&e 8sustitucion $ul)ar # fieicomisaria8 in connection %it& ana@s usufruct o$er t%oD t&irs of t&e estate in fa$or of uan Pa"lo an1o%s1i an orace V. Ramire. T&e# alle)e t&at t&e su"stitution in its $ul)ar as'ect is $oi "ecause ana sur$i$e t&e testator or state ifferentl# "ecause s&e i not 'reecease t&e testator. But #in) "efore t&e testator is not t&e onl# case for $ul)ar su"stitution for it also inclues refusal or inca'acit# to acce't t&e in&eritance as 'ro$ie in Art. 9> of t&e 0i$il 0oe( su'ra. ence( t&e $ul)ar su"stitution is $ali. As re)ars t&e su"stitution in its fieicommissar# as'ect( t&e a''ellants are correct in t&eir claim t&at it is $oi for t&e follo%in) reasons; +a, T&e su"stitutes +uan Pa"lo an1o%s1i an orace V. Ramire, are not relate to ana( t&e &eir ori)inall# institute. Art. 9?/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe $aliates a fieicommissar# su"stitution 8'ro$ie suc& su"stitution oes not )o "e#on one e)ree from t&e &eir ori)inall# institute.8 8Scae$ola( Haura( an Tra$iesas construe @e)ree@ as esi)nation( su"stitution( or transmission. T&e Su'reme 0ourt of S'ain &as eciel# ao'te t&is construction. 2rom t&is 'oint of $ie%( t&ere can "e onl# one transmission or su"stitution( an t&e su"stitute nee not "e relate to t&e first &eir. Hanresa( Horell( an Sanc&e Roman( &o%e$er( construe t&e %or @e)ree@ as )eneration( an t&e 'resent 0oe &as o"$iousl# follo%e t&is
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe inter'retation( "# 'ro$iin) t&at t&e su"stitution s&all not )o "e#on one e)ree @from t&e &eir ori)inall# institute.@ T&e 0oe t&us clearl# inicates t&at t&e secon &eir must "e relate to an "e one )eneration from t&e first &eir. 82rom t&is( it follo%s t&at t&e fieicommissar# can onl# "e eit&er a c&il or a 'arent of t&e first &eir. T&ese are t&e onl# relati$es %&o are one )eneration or e)ree from t&e fiuciar#.8 +O'. cit.( ''. ->/D ->4.,. +", T&ere is no a"solute ut# im'ose on ana to transmit t&e usufruct to t&e su"stitutes as re!uire "# Arts. 9? an 9?7 of t&e 0i$il 0oe. In fact( t&e a''ellee amits 8t&at t&e testator contraicts t&e esta"lis&ment of a fieicommissar# su"stitution %&en &e 'ermits t&e 'ro'erties su"Cect of t&e usufruct to "e sol u'on mutual a)reement of t&e usufructuaries an t&e na1e o%ners.8 +Brief( '. ?,. The usufruct of anda.
T&e court a !uo u'&el t&e $aliit# of t&e usufruct )i$en to ana on t&e )roun t&at t&e 0onstitution co$ers not onl# succession "# o'eration of la% "ut also testamentar# succession. e are of t&e o'inion t&at t&e 0onstitutional 'ro$ision %&ic& ena"les aliens to ac!uire 'ri$ate lans oes not e*ten to testamentar# succession for ot&er%ise t&e 'ro&i"ition %ill "e for nau)&t an meanin)less. An# alien %oul "e a"le to circum$ent t&e 'ro&i"ition "# 'a#in) mone# to a P&ili''ine lano%ner in e*c&an)e for a e$ise of a 'iece of lan. T&is o'inion not%it&stanin)( e u'&ol t&e usufruct in fa$or of ana "ecause a usufruct( al"eit a real ri)&t( oes not $est title to t&e lan in t&e usufructuar# an it is t&e $estin) of title to lan in fa$or of aliens %&ic& is 'roscri"e "# t&e 0onstitution. Crisologo !s. Singson
Action for 'artition commence "# t&e s'ouses 0onsolacion 2lorentino an 2rancisco 0risolo)o a)ainst Hanuel Sin)son in connection %it& a resiential lot locate at Plariel St.( Vi)an( Ilocos Sur( %it& an area of a''ro*imatel# ->/ s!uare meters( an t&e im'ro$ements e*istin) t&ereon( co$ere "# Ta* No. -=7?D0. T&eir com'laint alle)e t&at Sin)son o%ne one &alf 'roini$iso of sai 'ro'ert# an t&at 0onsolacion 2lorentino o%ne t&e ot&er &alf "# $irtue of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e ul# 'ro"ate last %ill of :oa Leona Sin)son( t&e ori)inal o%ner( an t&e 'roCect of 'artition su"mitte to( an a''ro$e "# t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Ilocos Sur in S'ecial Proceein) No. 4/< t&at 'laintiffs &a mae emans for t&e 'artition of sai 'ro'ert#( "ut efenant refuse to accee t&ereto( t&us com'ellin) t&em to "rin) action. :efenant@s efense %as t&at 0onsolacion 2lorentino %as a mere usufructuar# of( an not o%ner of one &alf 'roini$iso of t&e 'ro'ert# in !uestion( an t&at( t&erefore( s&e %as not entitle to eman 'artition t&ereof. It is amitte t&at :oa Leona Sin)son( %&o ie sin)le on anuar# -/( ->49( %as t&e o%ner of t&e 'ro'ert# in !uestion at t&e time of &er eat&. On ul# /-( ->- s&e e*ecute &er last %ill %&ic& %as amitte to 'ro"ate in S'ecial Proceein) No. 4/ of t&e lo%er court %&ose ecision %as affirme "# t&e 0ourt of A''eals in G. R. No. /?=DR. At t&e time of t&e
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e*ecution of t&e %ill &er nearest li$in) relati$es %ere &er "rot&ers E$aristo( Hanuel an :ionisio Sin)son( an &er nieces Rosario( Emilia an Trinia( an &er )ranniece 0onsolacion( all surname 2lorentino. T&e issue to "e ecie is %&et&er t&e testamentar# is'osition a"o$eD!uote 'ro$ie for %&at is calle sustituciZn $ul)ar or for a sustituciZn fieicomisaria. T&is issue is( %e "elie$e( controlle "# t&e 'ertinent 'ro$isions of t&e 0i$il 0oe in force in t&e P&ili''ines 'rior to t&e effecti$it# of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe( in $ie% of t&e fact t&at t&e testatri* ie on anuar# -/( ->49. T&e# are t&e follo%in); 8ART. 774. T&e testator ma# esi)nate one or more 'ersons to su"stitute t&e &eir or &eirs institute in case suc& &eir or &eirs s&oul ie "efore &im( or s&oul not %is& or s&oul "e una"le to acce't t&e in&eritance. 8A sim'le su"stitution( %it&out a statement of t&e cases to %&ic& it is to a''l#( s&all inclue t&e t&ree mentione in t&e ne*t 'recein) 'ara)ra'&( unless t&e testator &as ot&er%ise 'ro$ie.8 8ART. 79-. 2ieiDcomissar# su"stitutions "# $irtue of %&ic& t&e &eir is c&ar)e to 'reser$e an transmit to a t&ir 'erson t&e %&ole or 'art of t&e in&eritance s&all "e $ali an effecti$e( 'ro$ie t&e# o not )o "e#on t&e secon e)ree( or t&at t&e# are mae in fa$or of 'ersons li$in) at t&e time of t&e eat& of t&e testator.8 8ART. 79. T&e follo%in) s&all "e ino'erati$e; -. 2iuciar# su"stitutions not mae e*'ressl#( eit&er "# )i$in) t&em t&is name or "# im'osin) u'on t&e fiuciar# t&e a"solute o"li)ation of eli$erin) t&e 'ro'ert# to a secon &eir.8 . In accorance %it& t&e first le)al 'ro$ision !uote a"o$e( t&e testator ma# not onl# esi)nate t&e &eirs %&o %ill succee &im u'on &is eat&( "ut also 'ro$ie for su"stitutes in t&e e$ent t&at sai &eirs o not acce't or are in no 'osition to acce't t&e in&eritance or le)acies( or ie a&ea of &im. T&e testator ma# also "e!ueat& &is 'ro'erties to a 'articular 'erson %it& t&e o"li)ation( on t&e 'art of t&e latter( to eli$er t&e same to anot&er 'erson( totall# or 'artiall#( u'on t&e occurrence of a 'articular e$ent. It is clear t&at t&e 'articular testamentar# clause uner consieration 'ro$ies for a su"stitution of t&e &eir name t&erein in t&is manner; t&at u'on t&e eat& of 0onsolacion 2lorentinoD%&et&er t&is occurs "efore or after t&at of t&e testatri*Dt&e 'ro'ert# "e!ueat&e to &er s&all "e eli$ere +8se arY8, or s&all "elon) in e!ual 'arts to t&e testatri*@s t&ree "rot&ers( E$aristo( Hanuel an :ionisio( or t&eir force &eirs( s&oul an#one of t&em t&e a&ea of 0onsolacion 2lorentino. If t&is clause create %&at is 1no%n as sustituciZn $ul)ar( t&e necessar# result %oul "e t&at 0onsolacion 2lorentino( u'on t&e eat& of t&e testatri*( "ecame t&e o%ner of one uni$ie &alf of t&e 'ro'ert#( "ut if it 'ro$ie for a sustituciZn fieicomisaria( s&e %oul &a$e ac!uire not&in) more t&an usufructuar# ri)&ts o$er t&e same &alf. In t&e former case( s&e %oul unou"tel# "e entitle to 'artition( "ut not in t&e latter. As Hanresa sa#s( if t&e fiuciar# i not ac!uire full o%ners&i' of t&e 'ro'ert# "e!ueat&e( "# %ill( "ut mere usufructuar# ri)&ts t&ereon until t&e time came for &im to eli$er sai 'ro'ert# to t&e fieicomisario( it is o"$ious t&at t&e nue o%ners&i' o$er t&e 'ro'ert#( u'on t&e eat& of t&e testatri*( 'asse to an %as ac!uire "# anot&er 'erson( an
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe t&at 'erson cannot "e ot&er t&an t&e fieicomisarrio. +? Hanrea( '. -4, It seems to "e of t&e essence of a fieicommissar# su"stitution t&at an o"li)ation "e clearl# im'ose u'on t&e first &eir to 'reser$e an transmit to anot&er t&e %&ole or 'art of t&e estate "e!ueat&e to &im( u'on &is eat& or u'on t&e &a''enin) of a 'articular e$ent. 2or t&is reason Art. 79 of t&e ol 0i$il 0oe 'ro$ies t&at a fieicommissar# su"stitution s&all &a$e no effect unless it is mae e*'ressl# +8e una manera e*'resa8, eit&er "# )i$in) it suc& name( or "# im'osin) u'on t&e first &eir t&e a"solute o"li)ation +8o"li)aciZn terminante8, to eli$er t&e in&eritance to a su"stitute or secon &eir. A careful 'erusal of t&e testamentar# clause uner consieration s&o%s t&at t&e su"stitution of &eirs 'ro$ie for t&erein is not e*'ressl# mae of t&e fieicommissar# 1in( nor oes it contain a clear statement to t&e effect t&at a''ellee( urin) &er lifetime( s&all onl# enCo# usufructuar# ri)&ts o$er t&e 'ro'ert# "e!ueat&e to &er( na1e o%ners&i' t&ereof "ein) $este in t&e "rot&ers of t&e testatri*. As alrea# state( it merel# 'ro$ies t&at u'on a''ellee@s eat&D %&et&er t&is &a''ens "efore or after t&at of t&e testatri*D&er s&are s&all "elon) to t&e "rot&ers of t&e testatri*. In t&e li)&t of t&e fore)oin)( %e "elie$e( an so &ol( t&at t&e last %ill of t&e ecease :a. Leona Sin)son esta"lis&e a mere sustituciZn $ul)ar( t&e su"stitution of 0onsolacion 2lorentino "# t&e "rot&ers of t&e testatri*; to "e effecti$e or to ta1e 'lace u'on t&e eat& of t&e former( %&et&er it &a''ens "efore or after t&at of t&e testatri*. In $ie% of t&e fore)oin)( t&e a''eale Cu)ment is affirme( %it& costs. Art. #72. "he dispositions of the testator declarin! all or part of the estate inalienable for more than twenty years are void. (n)
WVII. LEGA0IES AN: :EVISEES Art. 9$/. All thin!s and ri!hts which are within the commerce of man be bequeathed or devised. (#*5a) Art. 9$5. A testator may char!e with le!acies and devises not only his compulsory heirs but also the le!atees and devisees. "he latter shall be liable for the char!e only to the e&tent of the value of the le!acy or the devise received by them. "he compulsory heirs shall not be liable for the char!e beyond the amount of the free portion !iven them. (#5#a) Art. 9$*. When the testator char!es one of the heirs with a le!acy or devise, he alone shall be bound. hould he not char!e anyone in particular, all shall be liable in the same proportion in which they may inherit. (#59) Art. 9$7. f two or more heirs ta+e possession of the estate, they shall be solidarily liable for the loss or destruction of a thin! devised or bequeathed, even
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thou!h only one of them should have been ne!li!ent. (n) Art. 9$#. "he heir who is bound to deliver the le!acy or devise shall be liable in case of eviction, if the thin! is indeterminate and is indicated only by its +ind. (#*2) Art. 9$9. f the testator, heir, or le!atee owns only a part of, or an interest in the thin! bequeathed, the le!acy or devise shall be understood limited to such part or interest, unless the testator e&pressly declares that he !ives the thin! in its entirety. (#*/a) Art. 9%2. "he le!acy or devise of a thin! belon!in! to another person is void, if the testator erroneously believed that the thin! pertained to him. But if the thin! bequeathed, thou!h not belon!in! to the testator when he made the will, afterwards becomes his, by whatever title, the disposition shall ta+e effect. (#*$a) Art. 9%-. f the testator orders that a thin! belon!in! to another be acquired in order that it be !iven to a le!atee or devisee, the heir upon whom the obli!ation is imposed or the estate must acquire it and !ive the same to the le!atee or devisee but if the owner of the thin! refuses to alienate the same, or demands an e&cessive price therefor, the heir or the estate shall only be obli!ed to !ive the 1ust value of the thin!. (#*-a) Art. 9%$. "he le!acy or devise of a thin! which at the time of the e&ecution of the will already belon!ed to the le!atee or devisee shall be ineffective, even thou!h another person may have some interest therein. f the testator e&pressly orders that the thin! be freed from such interest or encumbrance, the le!acy or devise shall be valid to that e&tent. (#**a) Art. 9%%. f the thin! bequeathed belon!ed to the le!atee or devisee at the time of the e&ecution of the will, the le!acy or devise shall be without effect, even thou!h it may have subsequently alienated by him. f the le!atee or devisee acquires it !ratuitously after such time, he can claim nothin! by virtue of the le!acy or devise but if it has been acquired by onerous title he can demand reimbursement from the heir or the estate. (#7#a) Art. 9%/. f the testator should bequeath or devise somethin! pled!ed or mort!a!ed to secure a recoverable debt before the e&ecution of the will, the estate is obli!ed to pay the debt, unless the contrary intention appears. "he same rule applies when the thin! is pled!ed or mort!a!ed after the e&ecution of the will.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Any other char!e, perpetual or temporary, with which the thin! bequeathed is burdened, passes with it to the le!atee or devisee. (#*7a) Art. 9%5. "he le!acy of a credit a!ainst a third person or of the remission or release of a debt of the le!atee shall be effective only as re!ards that part of the credit or debt e&istin! at the time of the death of the testator. n the first case, the estate shall comply with the le!acy by assi!nin! to the le!atee all ri!hts of action it may have a!ainst the debtor. n the second case, by !ivin! the le!atee an acquittance, should he request one. n both cases, the le!acy shall comprise all interests on the credit or debt which may be due the testator at the time of his death. (#72a) Art. 9%*. "he le!acy referred to in the precedin! article shall lapse if the testator, after havin! made it, should brin! an action a!ainst the debtor for the payment of his debt, even if suc h payment should not have been effected at the time of his death. "he le!acy to the debtor of the thin! pled!ed by him is understood to dischar!e only the ri!ht of pled!e. (#7-) Art. 9%7. A !eneric le!acy of release or remission of debts comprises those e&istin! at the time of the e&ecution of the will, but not subsequent ones. (#7$) Art. 9%#. A le!acy or devise made to a creditor shall not be applied to his credit, unless the testator so e&pressly declares. n the latter case, the creditor shall have the ri!ht to collect the e&cess, if any, of the credit or of the le!acy or devise. (#%7a) Art. 9%9. f the testator orders the payment of what he believes he owes but does not in fact owe, the disposition shall be considered as not written. f as re!ards a specified debt more than the amount thereof is ordered paid, the e&cess is not due, unless a contrary intention appears. "he fore!oin! provisions are without pre1udice to the fulfillment of natural obli!ations. (n) Art. 9/2. n alternative le!acies or devises, the choice is presumed to be left to the heir upon whom the obli!ation to !ive the le!acy or devise may be imposed, or the e&ecutor or administrator of the estate if no particular heir is so obli!ed. f the heir, le!atee or devisee, who may have been !iven the choice, dies before ma+in! it, this ri!ht shall pass to the respective heirs.
n the alternative le!acies or devises, e&cept as herein provided, the provisions of this 6ode re!ulatin! obli!ations of the same +ind shall be observed, save such modifications as may appear from the intention e&pressed by the testator. (#7/a) Art. 9/-. A le!acy of !eneric personal property shall be valid even if there be no thin!s of the same +ind in the estate. A devise of indeterminate real property shall be valid only if there be immovable property of its +ind in the estate. "he ri!ht of choice shall belon! to the e&ecutor or administrator who shall comply with the le!acy by the delivery of a thin! which is neither of inferior nor of superior quality. (#75a) Art. 9/$. Whenever the testator e&pressly leaves the ri!ht of choice to the heir, or to the le!atee or devisee, the former may !ive or the latter may choose whichever he may prefer. (#7*a) Art. 9/%. f the heir, le!atee or devisee cannot ma+e the choice, in case it has been !ranted him, his ri!ht shall pass to his heirs but a choice once made shall be irrevocable. (#77a) Art. 9//. A le!acy for education lasts until the le!atee is of a!e, or beyond the a!e of ma1ority in order that the le!atee may finish some professional, vocational or !eneral course, provided he pursues his course dili!ently. A le!acy for support lasts durin! the lifetime of the le!atee, if the testator has not otherwise provided. f the testator has not fi&ed the amount of such le!acies, it shall be fi&ed in accordance with the social standin! and the circumstances of the le!atee and the value of the estate. f the testator or durin! his lifetime used to !ive the le!atee a certain sum of money or other thin!s by way of support, the same amount shall be deemed bequeathed, unless it be mar+edly disproportionate to the value of the estate. (#79a) Art. 9/5. f a periodical pension, or a certain annual, monthly, or wee+ly amount is bequeathed, the le!atee may petition the court for the first installment upon the death of the testator, and for the followin! ones which shall be due at the be!innin! of each period such payment shall not be returned, even thou!h the le!atee should die before the e&piration of the period which has commenced. (##2a) Art. 9/*. f the thin! bequeathed should be sub1ect to a usufruct, the le!atee or devisee shall respect such ri!ht until it is le!ally e&tin!uished. (#*#a)
;nce made, the choice is irrevocable.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. 9/7. "he le!atee or devisee acquires a ri!ht to the pure and simple le!acies or devises from the death of the testator, and transmits it to his heirs. (##-a) Art. 9/#. f the le!acy or device is of a specific and determinate thin! pertainin! to the testator, the le!atee or devisee acquires the ownership thereof upon the death of the testator, as well as any !rowin! fruits, or unborn offsprin! of animals, or uncollected income but not the income which was due and unpaid before the latter3s death. rom the moment of the testator3s death, the thin! bequeathed shall be at the ris+ of the le!atee or devisee, who shall, therefore, bear its loss or deterioration, and shall be benefited by its increase or improvement, without pre1udice to the responsibility of the e&ecutor or administrator. (##$a) Art. 9/9. f the bequest should not be of a specific and determinate thin!, but is !eneric or of quantity, its fruits and interests from the time of the death of the testator shall pertain to the le!atee or devisee if the testator has e&pressly so ordered. (##/a) Art. 952. f the estate should not be sufficient to cover all the le!acies or devises, their payment shall be made in the followin! order (-) emuneratory le!acies or devises ($) =e!acies or devises declared by the testator to be preferential (%) =e!acies for support
Art. 95%. "he le!atee or devisee cannot ta+e possession of the thin! bequeathed upon his own authority, but shall request its delivery and possession of the heir char!ed with the le!acy or devise, or of the e&ecutor or administrator of the estate should he be authori8ed by the court to deliver it. (##5a) Art. 95/. "he le!atee or devisee cannot accept a part of the le!acy or devise and repudiate the other, if the latter be onerous. hould he die before havin! accepted the le!acy or devise, leavin! several heirs, some of the latter may accept and the others may repudiate the share respectively belon!in! to them in the le!acy or devise. (##9a) Art. 955. "he le!atee or devisee of two le!acies or devises, one of which is onerous, cannot renounce the onerous one and accept the other. f both are onerous or !ratuitous, he shall be free to accept or renounce both, or to renounce either. But if the testator intended that the two le!acies or devises should be inseparable from each other, the le!atee or devisee must either accept or renounce both. Any compulsory heir who is at the same time a le!atee or devisee may waive the inheritance and accept the le!acy or devise, or renounce the latter and accept the former, or waive or accept both. (#92a) Art. 95*. f the le!atee or devisee cannot or is unwillin! to accept the le!acy or devise, or if the le!acy or devise for any reason should become ineffective, it shall be mer!ed into the mass of the estate, e&cept in cases of substitution and of the ri!ht of accretion. (###a)
(/) =e!acies for education Art. 957. "he le!acy or devise shall be without effect (5) =e!acies or devises of a specific, determinate thin! which forms a part of the estate (*) All others pro rata. (##7a) Art. 95-. "he thin! bequeathed shall be delivered with all its accessories and accessories and in the condition in which it may be upon the death of the testator. (##%a) Art. 95$. "he heir, char!ed with a le!acy or devise, or the e&ecutor or administrator of the estate, must deliver the very thin! bequeathed if he is able to do so and cannot dischar!e this obli!ation by payin! its value. =e!acies of money must be paid in cash, even thou!h the heir or the estate may not have any. "he e&penses necessary for the delivery of the thin! bequeathed shall be for the account of the heir or the estate, but without pre1udice to the le!itime. (##*a)
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(-) f the testator transforms the thin! bequeathed in such a manner that it does not retain either the form or the denomination it had ($) f the testator by any title or for any cause alienates the thin! bequeathed or any part thereof, it bein! understood that in the latter case the le!acy or devise shall be without effect only with respect to the part thus alienated. f after the alienation the thin! should a!ain belon! to the testator, even if it be by reason of nullity of the contract, the le!acy or devise shall not thereafter be valid, unless the reacquisition shall have been effected by virtue of the e&ercise of the ri!ht of repurchase (%) f the thin! bequeathed is totally lost durin! the lifetime of the testator, or after his death without the heir3s fault. :evertheless, the person obli!ed to pay the
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe le!acy or devise shall be liable for eviction if the thin! bequeathed should not have been determinate as to its +ind, in accordance with the provisions of Article 9$#. (#*9a) Art. 95#. A mista+e as to the name of the thin! bequeathed or devised, is of no consequence, if it is possible to identify the thin! which the testator intended to bequeath or devise. (n) Art. 959. A disposition made in !eneral terms in favor of the testator3s relatives shall be understood to be in favor of those nearest in de!ree. (75-)
$ernande& !s. Di#agiba
It a''ears from t&e recor t&at on anuar# ->( ->( Ismaela :ima)i"a( no% res'onent( su"mitte to t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance a 'etition for t&e 'ro"ate of t&e 'ur'orte %ill of t&e late Beneicta e los Re#es( e*ecute on Octo"er ( ->/=( an anne*e to t&e 'etition. T&e %ill institute t&e 'etitioner as t&e sole &eir of t&e estate of t&e ecease. T&e 'etition %as set for &earin)( an in ue time( :ionisio 2ernane( Euse"io Re#es an Luisa Re#es( an one mont& later( Hariano( 0esar( Leonor an Paciencia( all surname Re#es( all claimin) to "e &eirs intestate of t&e eceent( file o''ositions to t&e 'ro"ate as1e. Grouns a$ance for t&e o''osition %ere for)er#( $ices of consent of t&e testatri*( esto''el "# lac&es of t&e 'ro'onent( an re$ocation of t&e %ill "# t%o ees of con$e#ance of t&e maCor 'ortion of t&e estate mae "# t&e testatri* in fa$or of t&e 'ro'onent in ->4/ an ->44( "ut %&ic& con$e#ances %ere finall# set asie "# t&is Su'reme 0ourt in a ecision 'romul)ate on Au)ust /( ->4( in cases G.R. Nos. LD?-9 an LD?= +un'u"lis&e,. O''ositors 2ernane an Re#es 'etitione for reconsieration an5or ne% trial( insistin) t&at t&e issues of esto''el an re$ocation "e consiere an resol$e< %&ereu'on( on ul# 7( ->>( t&e 0ourt o$errule t&e claim t&at 'ro'onent %as in esto''el to as1 for t&e 'ro"ate of t&e %ill( "ut 8reser$in) unto t&e 'arties t&e ri)&t to raise t&e issue of im'lie re$ocation at t&e o''ortune time.8 On 2e"ruar# 7( ->?( after recei$in) furt&er e$ience on t&e issue %&et&er t&e e*ecution "# t&e testatri* of ees of sale of t&e lar)er 'ortion of &er estate in fa$or of t&e testamentar# &eir( mae in ->4/ an ->44( su"se!uent to t&e e*ecution of &er ->/= testament( &a re$o1e t&e latter uner Article >7+, of t&e ->= 0i$il 0oe +Art. 9?> of t&e 0i$il 0oe of -99>,( t&e trial 0ourt resol$e a)ainst t&e o''ositors an &el t&e %ill of t&e late Beneicta e los Re#es 8unaffecte an unre$o1e "# t&e ees of sale.8 &ereu'on( t&e o''ositors ele$ate t&e case to t&e 0ourt of A''eals. In t&is instance( "ot& sets of o''ositorsDa''ellants 'ose t&ree main issues; +a, %&et&er or not t&e ecree of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance allo%in) t&e %ill to 'ro"ate &a "ecome final for lac1 of a''eal< +", %&et&er or not t&e orer of t&e 0ourt of ori)in ate ul# 7( ->>( o$errulin) t&e esto''el in$o1e "# o''ositorsDa''ellants &a li1e%ise "ecome final< an +c, %&et&er or not t&e ->/= %ill of Beneicta e los Re#es &a "een im'liel# re$o1e "# &er e*ecution of ees of con$e#ance in fa$or of t&e 'ro'onent on Harc& ?( ->4/ an A'ril /( ->44.
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T&ere "ein) no contro$ers# t&at t&e 'ro"ate ecree of t&e 0ourt "elo% %as not a''eale on time( t&e same &a "ecome final an conclusi$e. ence( t&e a''ellate courts ma# no lon)er re$o1e sai ecree nor re$ie% t&e e$ience u'on %&ic& it is mae to rest. T&us( t&e a''eal "elatel# lo)e a)ainst t&e ecree %as correctl# ismisse. T&e alle)e re$ocation im'lie from t&e e*ecution of t&e ees of con$e#ance in fa$or of t&e testamentar# &eir is 'lainl# irrele$ant to an se'arate from t&e !uestion of %&et&er t&e testament %as ul# e*ecute. 2or one( if t&e %ill is not entitle to 'ro"ate( or its 'ro"ate is enie( all !uestions of re$ocation "ecomes su'erfluous; in la%( t&ere is no suc& %ill an &ence t&ere %oul "e not&in) to re$o1e. T&en( a)ain( t&e re$ocation in$o1e "# t&e o''ositorsD a''ellants is not an e*'ress one( "ut merel# im'lie from su"se!uent acts of t&eD testatri* alle)el# e$iencin) an a"anonment of t&e ori)inal intention to "e!ueat& or e$ise t&e 'ro'erties concerne. As suc&( t&e re$ocation %oul not affect t&e %ill itself( "ut merel# t&e 'articular e$ise or le)ac#. Onl# t&e total an a"solute re$ocation can 'reclue 'ro"ate of t&e re$o1e testament +Trillana $s. 0risostomo( su'ra,. As to t&e issue of esto''el( %e &a$e alrea# rule in Gue$ara $s. Gue$ara( >9 P&il. 4>( t&at t&e 'resentation an 'ro"ate of a %ill are re!uirements of 'u"lic 'olic#( "ein) 'rimaril# esi)ne to 'rotect t&e testator@s e*'resse %is&es( %&ic& are entitle to res'ect as a conse!uence of t&e eceent@s o%ners&i' an ri)&t of is'osition %it&in le)al limits. E$ience of it is t&e ut# im'ose on a custoian of a %ill to eli$er t&e same to t&e 0ourt( an t&e fine an im'risonment 'rescri"e for its $iolation +Re$ise Rule 7, It %oul "e nonDse!uitur to allo% 'u"lic 'olic# to "e e$ae on t&e 'rete*t of esto''el. &et&er or not t&e orer o$errulin) t&e alle)ation of esto''el is still a''eala"le or not( t&e efense is 'atentl# unmeritorious an t&e 0ourt of A''eals correctl# so rule. T&e last issue( t&at of re$ocation( is 'reicate on 'ara)ra'& of Article >7 of t&e 0i$il 0oe of As o"ser$e "# t&e 0ourt of A''eals( t&e e*istence of an# suc& c&an)e or e'arture from t&e ori)inal intent of t&e testatri*( e*'resse in &er ->/= testament( is renere ou"tful "# t&e circumstance t&at t&e su"se!uent alienations in ->4/ an ->44 %ere e*ecute in fa$or of t&e le)atee &erself( a''ellee :ima)i"a. In fact( as foun "# t&e 0ourt of A''eals in its ecision annullin) t&ese con$e#ances +affirme in t&at 'oint "# t&is Su'reme 0ourt in Re#es $s. 0ourt of A''eals an :ima)i"a( LD?-9 an LD?=( 'romul)ate on ul# /-( ->4,( 8no consieration %&ate$er %as 'ai "# res'onent :ima)i"a8 on account of t&e transfers( t&ere"# renerin) it e$en more ou"tful %&et&er in con$e#in) t&e 'ro'ert# to &er le)atee( t&e testatri* merel# intene to com'l# in a$ance %it& %&at s&e &a oraine in &er testament( rat&er t&an an alteration or e'arture t&erefrom. - Re$ocation "ein) an e*ce'tion( %e "elie$e( %it& t&e 0ourts "elo%( t&at in t&e circumstances of t&e 'articular case( Article >7 of t&e 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines oes not a''l# to t&e case at "ar. Not onl# t&at( "ut e$en if it %ere a''lica"le( t&e annulment of t&e con$e#ances %oul not necessaril# result in t&e re$ocation of t&e le)acies( if %e "ear in min t&at t&e finin)s mae in t&e ecision ecreein) t&e annulment of t&e su"se!uent ->4/ an ->44 ees of sale %ere also t&at
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe If t&e annulment %as ue to unue influence( as t&e !uote 'assa)e im'lies( t&en t&e transferor %as not e*'ressin) &er o%n free %ill an intent in ma1in) t&e con$e#ances. ence( it can not "e conclue( eit&er( t&at suc& con$e#ances esta"lis&e a ecision on &er 'art to a"anon t&e ori)inal le)ac#. True it is t&at t&e le)al 'ro$ision !uote 'rescri"es t&at t&e reco$er# of t&e alienate 'ro'ert# 8e$en if it "e "# reason of t&e nullit# of t&e contract8 oes not re$i$e t&e le)ac#< "ut as 'ointe out "# Scae$ola +0oi)o 0i$il( Vol. WV( 4t& E.( ''. /4D/, t&e 8nullit# of t&e contract8 can not "e ta1en in an a"solute sense. 0ertainl#( it coul not "e maintaine( for e*am'le( t&at if a testator@s su"se!uent alienation %ere $oie "ecause t&e testator %as mentall# eran)e at t&e time( t&e re$ocator# effect oraine "# t&e article s&oul still ensue. An t&e same t&in) coul "e sai if t&e alienation +'osterior to t&e %ill, %ere a$oie on account of '&#sical or mental uress. Jet( an alienation t&rou)& unue influence in no %a# iffers from one mae t&rou)& $iolence or intimiation. In eit&er case( t&e transferor is not e*'ressin) &is real intent( / an it can not &el t&at t&ere %as in fact an alienation t&at coul 'rouce a re$ocation of t&e anterior "e!uest.
it is unenia"le t&at "# t&is clause t&e testator oraine a sim'le su"stitution +sustitucion $ul)ar, %it& a 'luralit# of su"stitutes for eac& le)atee. T&is form of su"stitution is aut&orie "# t&e first 'art of Article 9?= of t&e 0i$il 0oe +Art. 779 of t&e 0oe of -99>,; 8T%o or more 'ersons ma# "e su"stitute for one< an one 'erson for t%o or more &eirs.8 T&e issue is no% s!uarel# "efore us; o t&e %ors 8sus escenientes le)itimos8 refer conCointl# to all li$in) escenants +c&ilren an )ranc&ilren, of t&e le)atee( as a class< or o t&e# refer to t&e escenants nearest in e)reeF A''ellant Onesima Belen contens t&at t&e '&rase s&oul "e ta1en to mean t&e relati$es nearest in e)ree to 2ilomena :ia< an t&at t&e le)ac# s&oul "e t&erefore i$ie e!uall# "et%een &er an &er sister Hila)ros Belen e Ola)uera( to t&e e*clusion of t&e latter@s sons an au)&ters( )ranc&ilren of t&e ori)inal le)atee( 2ilomena :ia. As aut&orit# in su''ort of &er t&esis( a''ellant in$o1es Article >> of t&e 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines +re'roucin) ne $arietur Article 7- of t&e 0oe of -99>,;
Belen !s. B4I
Beni)no :ia e*ecute a coicil on Se'tem"er >( ->44 On No$em"er 7( ->44( Beni)no :ia ie< an t&e aforesai coicil( to)et&er %it& t&e %ill( %as amitte to 'ro"ate in S'ecial Proceein)s No. 9>4 of t&e same 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Hanila. T&e 'roceein)s for t&e aministration of t&e estate of Beni)no :ia %ere close in ->= an t&e estate %as t&ereafter 'ut uner t&e aministration of t&e a''ellee Ban1 of t&e P&ili''ine Islans( as trustee for t&e "enefit of t&e le)atees. 2ilomena :ia ie on 2e"ruar# 9( ->4( lea$in) t%o le)itimate c&ilren( Hila)ros Belen e Ola)uera( marrie( %it& se$en +7, le)itimate c&ilren( an Onesima :. Belen( sin)le. On Harc& ->( ->9( Onesima :. Belen file a 'etition in S'ecial Proceein)s No. >?( contenin) t&at t&e amount t&at %oul &a$e a''ertaine to 2ilomena :ia uner t&e coicil s&oul no% "e i$ie +e!uall#, onl# "et%een &erself an Hila)ros Belen e Ola)uera( as t&e sur$i$in) c&ilren of t&e sai ecease( to t&e e*clusion( in ot&er %ors( of t&e se$en +7, le)itimate c&ilren of Hila)ros Belen e Ola)uera. T&e court( in its orer of Ha# /( ->9( enie( as %e initiall# 'ointe out( Onesima@s 'etition. 2rom t&is orer Onesima :. Belen &as a''eale to t&is 0ourt( insistin) t&at +-, t&e 0ourt "elo% %as in error in &olin) t&at its former resolution of Se'tem"er -?( -> &a "een affirme "# our ecision of 2e"ruar# 9( ->9 in t&e case of Ar)uelles $s. Belen e Ola)uera( G. R. No. LD-=-?4 2e". 9( ->9< an +, t&at t&e term 8sus escenientes le)itimos(8 as use in t&e coicil( s&oul "e inter'rete to mean escenants nearest in e)ree to t&e ori)inal le)atee 2ilomena :ia. In t&e 'resent case( t&e# are &er t%o au)&ters +Hila)ros an Onesima Belen,( t&ere"# e*cluin) t&e se$en )ranc&ilren of sai le)atee. As to t&e actual meanin) of t&e 'ro$ision 8El resto se istri"uira a las si)uientes 'ersonas !ue aun $i$en( o a sus escenientes le)itimos8(
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8A istri"ution mae in )eneral terms in fa$or of t&e testator@s relati$es s&all "e unerstoo as mae in fa$or of t&ose nearest in e)ree.8 T&e ar)ument fails to note t&at t&is article is s'ecificall# limite in its a''lication to t&e case %&ere t&e "eneficiaries are relati$es of t&e testator( not t&ose of t&e le)atee. In suc& an e$ent( t&e la% assumes t&at t&e testator intene to refer to t&e rules of intestac#( in orer to "enefit t&e relati$es closest to &im( "ecause( as Hanresa o"ser$es( But t&e ratio le)is +t&at amon) a testator@s relati$es t&e closest are earest, o"$iousl# oes not a''l# %&ere t&e "eneficiaries are relati$es of anot&er 'erson +t&e le)atee, an not of t&e testator. T&ere is no lo)ical reason in t&is case to 'resume t&at t&e testator intene to refer to t&e rules of intestac#( for &e 'recisel# mae a testament an 'ro$ie su"stitutes for eac& le)atee< nor can it "e sai t&at &is affections %oul 'refer t&e nearest relati$es of t&e le)atee to t&ose more istant( since &e en$isa)es all of t&em in a )rou'( an onl# as mere su"stitutes for a 'referre "eneficiar#. S&oul Article >> +ol Art. 7-, "e a''lie "# analo)#F T&ere are $arious reasons a)ainst t&is. T&e most im'ortant one is t&at uner t&is article( as reco)nie "# t&e 'rinci'al commentators on t&e 0oe of -99>( t&e nearest e*clue all t&e fart&er relati$es an t&e ri)&t of re'resentation oes not o'erate. T&e result %oul "e t&at "# a''l#in) to t&e escenants of 2ilomena :ia t&e 8nearest relati$es8 rule of Article >>( t&e in&eritance %oul "e limite to &er c&ilren( or an#one of t&em( e*cluin) t&e )ranc&ilren alto)et&er. T&is coul &arl# "e t&e intention of t&e testator %&o( in t&e selfsame clause -= of &is coicil +ante,( s'ea1s of 8cuatro &iCos e mi ifunto &ermano 2a"ian8 an of 8los &iCos e :omin)o Le)ara(8 as %ell as of 8escenientes le)itimos8 of t&e ot&er le)atees( to us inicatin) clearl# t&at &e unerstoo %ell t&at &iCos an escenientes are not s#non#mous terms. O"ser$e t&at( in referrin) to t&e su"stitutes of 2ilomena :ia( Nestor Santia)o an Isa"el H. e Santia)o( t&e testator( oes not e$en use t&e escri'tion 8sus &iCos o escenientes(8 "ut onl# 8escenientes8.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe T&ere is no ou"t t&at( t&e testator@s intention "ein) t&e carinal rule of succession in t&e a"sence of com'ulsor# +force, &eirs( &e coul &a$e renere ino'erati$e all t&e articles mentione( if &e &a so esire. But %it&out an# ot&er su''ortin) circumstances( %e eem it e*tremel# conCectural to &ol t&at "# t&e sim'le e*'ression 8o a sus escenientes le)itimos(8 t&e testator Beni)no :ia i inten to circum$ent all t&e le)al 'ro$isions &eretofore !uote. It %as incum"ent u'on a''ellant to 'ro$e suc& intention on t&e 'art of t&e testator< #et s&e &as not one so. It is interestin) to note t&at e$en uner t&e An)loDSa*on octrine( t&e courts are i$ie on t&e !uestion %&et&er a "e!uest to 8relati$es8 or 8issue(8 mae in )eneral terms( )i$es rise to a succession 'er ca'ita or 'er stir'es. In #et&( et al.( $s. 0rane( -74 N.E. 97-( t&e Su'reme 0ourt of Illinois sai; 8T&e meanin) of t&e %or @escenants@( %&en use in a %ill or ee to esi)nate a class to ta1e 'ro'ert# 'assin) "# t&e %ill or ee( &as "een fre!uentl# consiere an ecie "# t&e courts of En)lan an t&e nite States. T&e esta"lis&e rule in En)lan from an earl# ate %as t&at t&e %or @escenants@ or t&e %or @issue@( une*'laine "# an#t&in) in t&e conte*t of t&e instrument( means all 'ersons escenin) lineall# from anot&er( to t&e remotest e)ree( an inclues 'ersons so escene( e$en t&ou)& t&eir 'arents are li$in)( an t&at suc& escenants ta1e 'er ca'ita an not 'er stir'es.8 8T&e courts of t&is countr# are i$ie on t&e !uestion of %&et&er in case of a )ift or con$e#ance to @escenants@ or @issue@( c&ilren ta1e concurrentl# %it& t&eir 'arents. T&e soD calle En)lis& rule &as "een a&ere to in Ne% Jor1( Ne% erse#( an Tennessee. . . . On t&e ot&er &an( t&e courts of Hassac&usetts( Haine( R&oe Islan an Sout& 0arolina &a$e &el t&at( in case of a )ift or con$e#ance to escenants or issue( une*'laine "# an#t&in) in t&e conte*t of t&e instrument( c&ilren o not ta1e concurrentl# %it& t&eir 'arents.8 e conclue t&at in t&e a"sence of ot&er inications of contrar# intent( t&e 'ro'er rule to a''l# in t&e instant case is t&at t&e testator( "# esi)natin) a class or )rou' of le)atees( intene all mem"ers t&ereof to succee 'er ca'ita( in consonance %it& article 94?. So t&at t&e ori)inal le)ac# to 2ilomena :ia s&oul "e e!uall# i$ie amon) &er sur$i$in) c&ilren an )ranc&ilren. LEAL O$ INTESTATE SUCCESSION GIG. ENE-AL 4-O5ISIONS A. In eneral
Art. 9*2. =e!al or intestate succession ta+es place (-) f a person dies without a will, or with a void will, or one which has subsequently lost its validity ($) When the will does not institute an heir to, or dispose of all the property belon!in! to the testator. n such case, le!al succession shall ta+e place only with respect to the property of which the testator has not disposed
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(%) f the suspensive condition attached to the institution of heir does not happen or is not fulfilled, or if the heir dies before the testator, or repudiates the inheritance, there bein! no substitution, and no ri!ht of accretion ta+es place (/) When the heir instituted is incapable of succeedin!, e&cept in cases provided in this 6ode. (9-$a) Art. 9*-. n default of testamentary heirs, the law vests the inheritance, in accordance with the rules hereinafter set forth, in the le!itimate and ille!itimate relatives of the deceased, in the survivin! spouse, and in the tate. (9-%a)
osales vs. osales
In t&is Petition for Re$ie% of t%o +, Orers of t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0e"u t&e !uestion raise is %&et&er t&e %io% %&ose &us"an 'reecease &is mot&er can in&erit from t&e latter( &er mot&erDinDla%. In t&e course of t&e intestate 'roceein)s( t&e trial court issue an Orer ate une -?( ->7 eclarin) t&e follo%in) ini$iuals t&e le)al &eirs of t&e ecease an 'rescri"in) t&eir res'ecti$e s&are of t&e estate 2ortunato T. Rosales +&us"an, -54< Ha)na R. Ace"es +au)&ter,( -54< Haci1e!uero* Rosales( -54< an Antonio Rosales +son,( -54. T&is eclaration %as reiterate "# t&e trial court in its Orer ate 2e"ruar# 4( ->7. T&ese Orers not%it&stanin)( Irenea Rosales insiste in )ettin) a s&are of t&e estate in &er ca'acit# as t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse of t&e late 0arterio Rosales( son of t&e ecease( claimin) t&at s&e is a com'ulsor# &eir of &er mot&erDinDla% to)et&er %it& &er son( Haci1e!uero* Rosales. In sum( t&e 'etitioner 'oses t%o +, !uestions for Our resolution. 2irst is a %io% +sur$i$in) s'ouse, an intestate &eir of &er mot&erDinDla%F Secon are t&e Orers of t&e trial court %&ic& e*clue t&e %io% from )ettin) a s&are of t&e estate in !uestion final as a)ainst t&e sai %io%F Our ans%er to t&e first !uestion is in t&e ne)ati$e. Intestate or le)al &eirs are classifie into t%o +, )rou's( namel#( t&ose %&o in&erit "# t&eir o%n ri)&t( an t&ose %&o in&erit "# t&e ri)&t of re'resentation. - Restate( an intestate &eir can onl# in&erit eit&er "# &is o%n ri)&t( as in t&e orer of intestate succession 'ro$ie for in t&e 0i$il 0oe( or "# t&e ri)&t of re'resentation 'ro$ie for in Article >9- of t&e same la%. There is no pro!ision in the Ci!il Code %hich states that a %ido% /s"r!i!ing spo"se0 is an intestate heir of her #otherinla%. T&e entire 0oe is e$oi of an# 'ro$ision %&ic& entitles &er to in&erit from &er mot&erDinDla% eit&er "# &er o%n ri)&t or "# t&e ri)&t of re'resentation. T&e 'ro$isions of t&e 0oe %&ic& relate to t&e orer of intestate succession +Articles >79 to -=-4, enumerate %it& meticulous e*actitue t&e intestate &eirs of a eceent( %it& t&e State as t&e final intestate &eir. T&e cons'icuous a"sence of a 'ro$ision %&ic& ma1es a au)&terDinDla% an intestate &eir of t&e ecease all t&e more confirms Our observation. !f the legislature intended
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe to ma$e the surviving spouse an intestate heir of the parent inlaw, it would have so provided in the /ode. T&e aforesai 'ro$ision of la% / refers to t&e estate of t&e ecease s'ouse in %&ic& case t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse +%io% or %io%er, is a com'ulsor# &eir. It oes not a''l# to t&e estate of a 'arentDinDla%. Inee( t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse is consiere a t&ir 'erson as re)ars t&e estate of t&e 'arentD inDla%
B# t&e same to1en( t&e 'ro$ision of Article >>> of t&e 0i$il 0oe aforecite oes not su''ort 'etitioner@s claim. A careful e*amination of t&e sai Article confirms t&at t&e estate contem'late t&erein is t&e estate of t&e ecease s'ouse. T&e estate %&ic& is t&e su"Cect matter of t&e intestate estate 'roceein)s in t&is case is t&at of t&e ecease Petra V. Rosales( t&e mot&erDinDla% of t&e 'etitioner. It is from t&e estate of Petra V. Rosales t&at Haci1e!uero* Rosales ra%s a s&are of t&e in&eritance "# t&e ri)&t of re'resentation as 'ro$ie "# Article >9- of t&e 0oe. Article >7- e*'licitl# eclares t&at Haci1e!uero* Rosales is calle to succession "# la% "ecause of &is "loo relations&i'. e oes not succee &is fat&er( 0arterio Rosales +t&e 'erson re'resente, %&o 'reecease &is )ranmot&er( Petra Rosales( "ut t&e latter %&om &is fat&er %oul &a$e succeee. Petitioner cannot assert t&e same ri)&t of re'resentation as s&e &as no filiation "# "loo %it& &er mot&erDinDla%. Petitioner &o%e$er contens t&at at t&e time of t&e eat& of &er &us"an 0arterio Rosales &e &a an inc&oate or contin)ent ri)&t to t&e 'ro'erties of Petra Rosales as com'ulsor# &eir. Be t&at as it ma#( sai ri)&t of &er &us"an %as e*tin)uis&e "# &is eat& t&at is %&# it is t&eir son Haci1e!uero* Rosales %&o succeee from Petra Rosales "# ri)&t of re'resentation. e i not succee from &is ecease fat&er( 0arterio Rosales. On t&e "asis of t&e fore)oin) o"ser$ations an conclusions( e fin it unnecessar# to 'ass u'on t&e secon !uestion 'ose "# t&e 'etitioner. Accorin)l#( it is Our consiere o'inion( an e so &ol( t&at a sur$i$in) s'ouse is not an intestate &eir of &is or &er 'arentDinDla%. ERE2ORE( in $ie% of t&e fore)oin)( t&e Petition is &ere"# :ENIE: for lac1 of merit( %it& costs a)ainst t&e 'etitioner. Let t&is case "e remane to t&e trial court for furt&er 'roceein)s.
Art. 9*$. n every inheritance, the relative nearest in de!ree e&cludes the more distant ones, savin! the ri!ht of representation when it properly ta+es place. elatives in the same de!ree shall inherit in equal shares, sub1ect to the provisions of article -22* with respect to relatives of the full and half blood, and of Article 9#7, para!raph $, concernin! division between the paternal and maternal lines. (9-$a) Delos Santos !s. Dela Cr"&
2rom t&e recor of t&is case( %e cull t&e follo%in) salient facts; On Ha# -( ->?( Gertrues e los Santos file a com'laint for s'ecific 'erformance a)ainst Ha*imo e la 0ru( alle)in)( amon) ot&ers( t&at on Au)ust 4( ->?/( s&e an se$eral coD&eirs( incluin) t&e efenant( e*ecute an e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement +a co'# of %&ic& %as
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attac&e to t&e com'laint, o$er a certain 'ortion of lan %it& an area of aroun =(=== s!. m.< t&at t&e 'arties t&ereto &a a)ree to aCuicate t&ree +/, lots to t&e efenant( in aition to &is corres'onin) s&are( on conition t&at t&e latter %oul unerta1e t&e e$elo'ment an su"i$ision of t&e estate %&ic& %as t&e su"Cect matter of t&e a)reement( all e*'enses in connection t&ere%it& to "e efra#e from t&e 'rocees of t&e sale of t&e aforementione t&ree +/, lots< t&at in s'ite of emans "# t&e 'laintiff( "# t&e ot&er coD&eirs( an "# t&e resients of t&e su"i$ision( t&e efenant refuse to 'erform &is aforesai o"li)ation alt&ou)& &e &a alrea# sol t&e aforesai lots. T&e 'laintiff 'ra#e t&e court to orer t&e efenant to com'l# %it& &is o"li)ation uner t&e e*traD Cuicial 'artition a)reement an to 'a# t&e sum of P-(===.== as attorne#@s fees an costs. In &is ans%er( t&e efenant amitte t&e ue e*ecution of t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement( "ut set u' t&e affirmati$e efenses t&at t&e 'laintiff &a no cause of action a)ainst &im "ecause t&e sai a)reement %as $oi %it& res'ect to &er( for t&e reason t&at t&e 'laintiff %as not an &eir of Pela)ia e la 0ru( ecease o%ner of t&e 'ro'ert#( an %as inclue in t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement "# mista1e< an t&at alt&ou)& &e &a is'ose of t&e t&ree lots aCuicate to &im( ne$ert&eless t&e 'rocees of t&e sale %ere not sufficient to e$elo' an im'ro$e 'ro'erl# t&e su"i$ie estate. T&e ans%er containe a counterclaim %&erein t&e efenant alle)e t&at t&e 'laintiff &a li1e%ise sol &er s&are in t&e estate for P-=(===.==( an t&at t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement "ein) $oi insofar as t&e latter %as concerne( &e %as entitle to oneDfourt& +-54, of t&e 'rocees as &is s&are "# %a# of re$ersion. T&e efenant 'ra#e t&at t&e com'laint "e ismisse< t&at t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement "e eclare $oi %it& res'ect to t&e 'laintiff< an( on &is counterclaim( t&at t&e 'laintiff "e orere to 'a# &im t&e sum of P(==.==. In its ecision ate No$em"er /( ->??( t&e court a !uo &el t&at t&e efenant( "ein) a 'art# to t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement( %as esto''e from raisin) in issue t&e ri)&t of t&e 'laintiff to in&erit from t&e eceent Pela)ia e la 0ru< &ence( &e must a"ie "# t&e terms of t&e a)reement. T&e court orere t&e efenant 8to 'erform &is o"li)ations to e$elo' Lots -( an / of +LR0, PsD>?- as escri"e on 'a)e of t&e E*traCuicial Partition A)reement8 +meanin)( a''arentl#( t&at t&e efenant s&oul e$elo' t&e su"i$ision "ecause sai Lots -( an / %ere intene to "e sol for t&is 'ur'ose,( an to 'a# t&e 'laintiff t&e sum of P(===.== as actual ama)es( t&e sum of P==.== as attorne#@s fees( an t&e costs. No is'osition %as mae of efenant@s counterclaim. T&e efenant file a 8Hotion for Ne% Trial@ "ut t&e same %as enie. ence( t&is a''eal. In t&e sti'ulation of facts su"mitte to t&e court "elo%( t&e 'arties amit t&at t&e o%ner of t&e estate( su"Cect matter of t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement( %as Pela)ia e la 0ru( %&o ie intestate on Octo"er -?( ->? t&at efenantD a''ellant is a ne'&e% of t&e sai eceent< t&at 'laintiffD a''ellee is a )ranniece of Pela)ia e la 0ru( &er mot&er( Harciana e la 0ru( "ein) a niece of t&e sai Pela)ia e la 0ru< t&at 'laintiffDa''ellee@s mot&er ie on Se'tem"er ( ->/( t&us 'reDeceasin) Pela)ia e la 0ru< an t&at t&e 'ur'ose of t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement %as to i$ie an istri"ute t&e estate amon) t&e &eirs of Pela)ia e la 0ru.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe T&e 'i$otal !uestion is %&et&er( in t&e 'remises( 'laintiffD a''ellee is an &eir of t&e eceent. e are con$ince t&at s&e is not. PlaintiffDa''ellee "ein) a mere )ranniece of Pela)ia e la 0ru( s&e coul not in&erit from t&e latter "# ri)&t of re'resentation. 8ART. >7. T&e ri)&t of re'resentation ta1es 'lace in t&e irect escenin) line( "ut ne$er in t&e ascenin). 8In t&e collateral line( it ta1es 'lace onl# in fa$or of t&e c&ilren of "rot&ers or sisters( %&et&er t&e# "e of t&e full or &alf "loo.8 Huc& less coul 'laintiffDa''ellee in&erit in &er o%n ri)&t. 8ART. >?. In e$er# in&eritance( t&e relati$e nearest in e)ree e*clues t&e more istant ones( sa$in) t&e ri)&t of re'resentation %&en it 'ro'erl# ta1es 'lace . . .8 !n the present case, the relatives nearest in degree to 8elagia de la /ru1 are her nephews and nieces, one of whom is defendantappellant.
But %&at is t&e le)al effect of 'laintiffDa''ellee@s inclusion an 'artici'ation in t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement insofar as &er ri)&t to "rin) t&e 'resent action is concerneF T&e# i not confer u'on &er t&e ri)&t to institute t&is action. T&e e*'ress 'ur'ose of t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement( as amitte "# t&e 'arties in t&e sti'ulation of facts( %as to i$ie t&e estate amon) t&e &eirs of Pela)ia e la 0ru. Inee( t&e sai a)reement itself states t&at 'laintiffDa''ellee %as 'artici'atin) t&erein in re'resentation of &er ecease mot&er. !t is quite apparent that in executing the partition agreement, the parties thereto were laboring under the erroneous belief that plaintiffappellee was one of the legal heirs of 8elagia de la /ru1. 8laintiffappellee not being such an heir, the partition is void with respect to her, pursuant to %rticle ((=+ of the /ivil /ode, which reads:
ere( no 'roof of suc& ama)es %as 'resente inasmuc& as t&e case %as ecie on a sti'ulation of facts an no e$ience %as auce "efore t&e trial court. Suc& "ein) t&e case( efenantDa''ellant is a''arentl# correct in &is contention t&at t&e lo%er court erre in not 'assin) on &is counterclaim an( conse!uentl#( in not sentencin) a''ellee to turn o$er to &im &is corres'onin) s&are of sai 'ortion recei$e "# a''ellee uner t&e $oi 'artition. Remote relati$es or unrelate 'ersons %&o unul# recei$e an too1 'ossession of t&e 'ro'ert# of a ecease 'erson %it&out an# ri)&t( "# $irtue of a null an $oi 'artition( must restore it to t&e le)itimate successor in t&e in&eritance +:e Torres $s. :e Torres( et al.( su'ra,. Of course( if suc& s&are &as alrea# "een is'ose of "# a''ellee to a "ona fie 'urc&aser( as seems to "e inicate in t&e un'ro$en alle)ations of t&e counterclaim( e cannot rener Cu)ment a%arin) an# s'ecific amount to efenantDa''ellant as &is 'ro'ortionate s&are of t&e 'rocees of suc& sale for t&e reason t&at( as alrea# state a"o$e( t&is as'ect of t&e counterclaim &as not "een touc&e u'on in t&e sti'ulation of facts nor &as it "een su''orte "# e$ience %&ic& a''ellant s&oul &a$e 'resente in t&e lo%er court "ut i not. C. -ight -epresentation
Art. 972. epresentation is a ri!ht created by fiction of law, by virtue of which the representative is raised to the place and the de!ree of the person represented, and acquires the ri!hts which the latter would have if he were livin! or if he could have inherited. (9/$a) Art. 97-. "he representative is called to the succession by the law and not by the person represented. "he representative does not succeed the person represented but the one whom the person represented would have succeeded. (n) Art. 97$. "he ri!ht of representation ta+es place in the direct descendin! line, but never in the ascendin!.
8ART. --=. A 'artition %&ic& inclues a 'erson "elie$e to "e an &eir( "ut %&o is not( s&all "e $oi onl# %it& res'ect to suc& 'erson.8
n the collateral line, it ta+es place only in favor of the children of brothers or sisters, whether they be of the full or half blood. (9$5)
Partition of 'ro'ert# affecte "et%een a 'erson entitle to in&erit from t&e ecease o%ner t&ereof an anot&er 'erson %&o t&ou)&t &e %as an &eir( %&en &e %as not reall# an la%full# suc&( to t&e 'reCuice of t&e ri)&ts of t&e true &eir esi)nate "# la% to succee t&e ecease( is null an $oi +:e Torres $s. :e Torres( et al.( 9 P&il. 4>,. A fortiori( 'laintiffDa''ellee coul &arl# eri$e from t&e a)reement t&e ri)&t to &a$e its terms enforce.
Art. 97%. n order that representation may ta+e place, it is necessary that the representative himself be capable of succeedin! the decedent. (n)
"he extra6udicial partition agreement being void with respect to plaintiffappellee, she may not be heard to assert estoppel against defendantappellant. Astoppel cannot be predicated on a void contract ( %m. >ur. -=+0, or on acts which are prohibited by law or are against public policy
T&e a%ar of actual ama)es in fa$or of 'laintiffDa''ellee cannot "e sustaine in $ie% of t&e conclusion %e &a$e arri$e at a"o$e. 2urt&ermore( actual or com'ensator# ama)es must "e ul# 'ro$e +Article ->>( 0i$il 0oe,.
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Art. 97/. Whenever there is succession by representation, the division of the estate shall be made per stirpes, in such manner that the representative or representatives shall not inherit more than what the person they represent would inherit, if he were livin! or could inherit. (9$*a) Art. 975. When children of one or more brothers or sisters of the deceased survive, they shall inherit from the latter by representation, if they survive with their uncles or aunts. But if they alone survive, they shall inherit in equal portions. (9$7)
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. 97*. A person may represent him whose inheritance he has renounced. (9$#a) Art. 977. 'eirs who repudiate their share may not be represented. (9$9a)
Art. 9#$. "he !randchildren and other descendants shall inherit by ri!ht of representation, and if any one of them should have died, leavin! several heirs, the portion pertainin! to him shall be divided amon! the latter in equal portions. (9%%) Art. 92$. "he ri!hts of ille!itimate children set forth in the precedin! articles are transmitted upon their death to their descendants, whether le!itimate or ille!itimate. (#/%a) Art. 99$. An ille!itimate child has no ri!ht to inherit ab intestato from the le!itimate children and relatives of his father or mother nor shall such children or relatives inherit in the same manner from the ille!itimate child. (9/%a) Art. -225. hould brothers and sisters survive to!ether with nephews and nieces, who are the children of the descendant3s brothers and sisters of the full blood, the former shall inherit per capita, and the latter per stirpes. (9/#) Art. -22*. hould brother and sisters of the full blood survive to!ether with brothers and sisters of the half blood, the former shall be entitled to a share double that of the latter. (9/9) Art. -227. n case brothers and sisters of the half blood, some on the father3s and some on the mother3s side, are the only survivors, all shall inherit in equal shares without distinction as to the ori!in of the property. (952) Art. -22#. 6hildren of brothers and sisters of the half blood shall succeed per capita or per stirpes, in accordance with the rules laid down for the brothers and sisters of the full blood. (9-5) Teotica !s. Del 5al Chan
Haria Hortera # Balsalo"re Va. e A)uirre ie on ul# -4( -> in t&e 0it# of Hanila lea$in) 'ro'erties %ort& P?==(===.==. S&e left a %ill %ritten in S'anis& %&ic& s&e e*ecute at &er resience in No. Le)ara St.( uia'o( Hanila. S&e affi*e &er si)nature at t&e "ottom of t&e %ill an on t&e left mar)in of eac& an e$er# 'a)e t&ereof in t&e 'resence of Pilar BorCa( Pilar G. Sanc&e( an Hoesto 2ormillea( %&o in turn affi*e t&eir si)natures "elo% t&e attestation clause an on t&e left mar)in of eac& an e$er# 'a)e of t&e %ill in t&e 'resence of t&e testatri* an of eac& ot&er. Sai %ill %as ac1no%le)e "efore Notar# Pu"lic Niceforo S. A)aton "# t&e testatri* an &er %itnesses. Amon) t&e man# le)acies an e$ises mae in t&e %ill %as one of P=(===.== to Rene A. Teotico( marrie to t&e testatri*@s niece name osefina Hortera. To sai s'ouses
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t&e testatri* left t&e usufruct of &er interest in t&e 0al$o "uilin)( %&ile t&e na1e o%ners&i' t&ereof s&e left in e!ual 'arts to &er )ranc&ilren %&o are t&e le)itimate c&ilren of sai s'ouses. T&e testatri* also institute osefina Hortera as &er sole an uni$ersal &eir to all t&e remainer of &er 'ro'erties not ot&er%ise is'ose of in t&e %ill. %na del Val /han, claiming to be an adopted child of 4rancisca &ortera, a deceased sister of the testatrix, as well as an ac$nowledged natural child of >ose &ortera, a deceased brother of the same testatrix, filed on @eptember 2, ()++ an opposition to the probate of the will alleging the following grounds: (0 said will was not executed as required by law7 20 the testatrix was physically and mentally incapable to execute the will at the time of its execution7 and 30 the will was executed under duress, threat or influence of fear.
After t&e 'arties &a 'resente t&eir e$ience( t&e 'ro"ate court renere its ecision on No$em"er -=( ->?= amittin) t&e %ill to 'ro"ate "ut eclarin) t&e is'osition mae in fa$or of :r. Rene Teotico $oi %it& t&e statement t&at t&e 'ortion to "e $acate "# t&e annulment s&oul 'ass to t&e testatri*@s &eirs "# %a# of intestate succession. T&e motions for reconsieration a"o$e a$erte to &a$in) "een enie( "ot& 'etitioner an o''ositor a''eale from t&e ecision( t&e former from t&at 'ortion %&ic& nullifies t&e le)ac# in fa$or of :r. Rene Teotico an eclares t&e $acate 'ortion as su"Cect of succession in fa$or of t&e le)al &eirs( an t&e latter from t&at 'ortion %&ic& amits t&e %ill to 'ro"ate. An in t&is instance "ot& 'etitioner an o''ositor assi)n se$eral error %&ic&( stri''e of nonDessentials( ma# "e "oile o%n to t&e follo%in); +-, as o''ositor Ana el Val 0&an t&e ri)&t to inter$ene in t&is 'roceein)F< +, as t&e %ill in !uestion "een ul# amitte to 'ro"ateF< an +/, :i t&e 'ro"ate court commit an error in 'assin) on t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill an in eterminin) %&o s&oul in&erit t&e 'ortion to "e $acate "# t&e nullification of t&e le)ac# mae in fa$or of :r. Rene TeoticoF !t is a wellsettled rule that in order that a person may be allowed to intervene in a probate proceeding he must have an interest in the estate, or in the will, or in the property to be affected by it either as executor or as a claimant of the estate +N)o T&e ua $s. 0&un) Kiat ua( et al.( LD-7=>-( Se'tem"er /=( ->?/,< an an intereste 'art# &as "een efine as one %&o %oul "e "enefitte "# t&e estate suc& as an &eir or one %&o &as a claim a)ainst t&e estate li1e a creitor +Iem.,. On t&e ot&er &an( in Sa)uinsin $s. Lina#a)( et al.( LD-77=( :ecem"er -7( ->?( t&is 0ourt sai;
8Accorin) to Section ( Rule 9= of t&e Rules of 0ourt( a 'etition for letters of aministration must "e file "# an @intereste 'erson.@ An intereste 'art# &as "een efine in t&is connection as one %&o %oul "e "enefitte "# t&e estate( suc& as an &eir( or one %&o &as a claim a)ainst t&e estate( suc& as a creitor +Intestate Estate of ulio Ha)"an%a 4= O.G.( --7-,. An it is %ell settle in t&is Curisiction t&at in ci$il actions as %ell as s'ecial 'roceein)s( t&e interest re!uire in orer t&at a 'erson ma# "e a 'art# t&ereto must "e material an irect( an not merel# inirect or contin)ent. +Trillana $s. 0risostomo( G. R. No. LD//7=( Au)ust ( ->-< Ra'inosa $s. Barrion( 7= P&il. /--,.8
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe T&e !uestion no% ma# "e as1e; as o''ositor an# interest in an# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill( an( in t&e ne)ati$e( %oul s&e ac!uire an# ri)&t to t&e estate in t&e e$ent t&at t&e %ill is enie 'ro"ateF ner t&e terms of t&e %ill( o''ositor &as no ri)&t to inter$ene "ecause s&e &as no interest in t&e estate eit&er as &eir( e*ecutor( or aministrator( nor oes s&e &a$e an# claim to an# 'ro'ert# affecte "# t&e %ill( "ecause it no%&ere a''ears t&erein an# 'ro$ision esi)natin) &er as &eir( le)atee or e$isee of an# 'ortion of t&e estate. S&e &as also no interest in t&e %ill eit&er as aministratri* or e*ecutri*. Neit&er &as s&e an# claim a)ainst an# 'ortion of t&e estate "ecause s&e is not a coDo%ner t&ereof( an %&ile s&e 're$iousl# &a an interest in t&e 0al$o "uilin) locate in Escolta( s&e &a alrea# is'ose of it lon) "efore t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill. 8@Bet%een t&e natural c&il an t&e le)itimate relati$es of t&e fat&er or mot&er %&o ac1no%le)e it( t&e 0oe enies an# ri)&t of succession. T&e# cannot "e calle relati$es an t&e# &a$e no ri)&t to in&erit. Of course( t&ere is a "loo tie( "ut t&e la% oes not reco)nie it. In t&is( article >4/ is "ase u'on t&e realit# of t&e facts an u'on t&e 'resum'ti$e %ill of t&e intereste 'arties< t&e natural c&il is is)racefull# loo1e o%n u'on "# t&e le)itimate famil#< t&e le)itimate famil# is( in turn( &ate "# t&e natural c&il< t&e latter consiers t&e 'ri$ile)e conition of t&e former an t&e resources of %&ic& it is t&ere"# e'ri$e< t&e former( in turn( sees in t&e natural c&il not&in) "ut t&e 'rouct of sin( a 'al'a"le e$ience of a "lemis& u'on t&e famil#. E$er# relation is orinaril# "ro1en in life< t&e la% oes no more t&em reco)nie t&is trut&( "# a$oiin) furt&er )rouns of resentment.@ +7 Hanresa( / e.( '. --=.,8
is'ro$e %&at t&e instrumental %itnesses &a testifie t&at t&e testatri* freel# an $oluntaril# an %it& full consciousness of t&e solemnit# of t&e occasion e*ecute t&e %ill uner consieration. T&e e*ercise of im'ro'er 'ressure an unue influence must "e su''orte "# su"stantial e$ience an must "e of a 1in t&at %oul o$er'o%er an su"Cu)ate t&e min of t&e testatri* as to estro# &er free a)enc# an ma1e &er e*'ress t&e %ill of anot&er rat&er t&an &er o%n +0oso $s. :ea( 4 P&il.( >?,. T&e "uren is on t&e 'erson c&allen)in) t&e %ill t&at suc& influence %as e*erte at t&e time of its e*ecution( a matter %&ic& &ere %as not one( for t&e e$ience 'resente not onl# is sufficient "ut %as is'ro$e "# t&e testimon# t&e instrumental %itnesses. T&e !uestion of %&et&er t&e 'ro"ate court coul etermine t&e intrinsic $aliit# of t&e 'ro$isions of a %ill &as "een ecie "# t&is 0ourt in a lon) line of ecisions amon) %&ic& t&e follo%in) ma# "e cite; 8O''osition to t&e intrinsic $aliit# or le)alit# of t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill cannot "e entertaine in 'ro"ate 'roceein) "ecause its onl# 'ur'ose is merel# to etermine if t&e %ill &as "een e*ecute in accorance %it& t&e re!uirements of t&e la%.8 8To esta"lis& conclusi$el# as a)ainst e$er#one( an once for all( t&e facts t&at a %ill %as e*ecute %it& t&e formalities re!uire "# la% an t&at t&e testator %as in a conition to ma1e a %ill( is t&e onl# 'ur'ose of t&e 'roceein)s uner t&e ne% coe for t&e 'ro"ate of a %ill. +Sec. ?., T&e Cu)ment in suc& 'roceein)s etermines an can etermine not&in) more. In t&em t&e court &as no 'o%er to 'ass u'on t&e $aliit# of an# 'ro$isions mae in t&e %ill. It can not ecie( for e*am'le( t&at a certain le)ac# is $oi an anot&er one $ali.8 Dia& !s. IAC
"he oppositor cannot also derive comfort from the fact that she is an adopted child of 4rancisca &ortera because under our law the relationship established by adoption is limited solely to the adopter and the adopted does not extend to the relatives of the adopting parents or of the adopted child except only as expressly provided for by law. #ence, no relationship is created between the adopted and the collaterals of the adopting parents. %s a consequence, the adopted is an heir of the adopter but not of the relatives of the adopter. "he relationship established by the adoption, however, is limited to the adopting parent, and does not extend to his other relatives, except as expressly provided by law. "hus, the adopted child cannot be considered as a relative of the ascendants and collaterals of the adopting parents, nor of the legitimate children which they may have after the adoption, except that the law imposes certain impediments to marriage by reason of adoption.
e &a$e e*amine t&e e$ience on t&e matter an %e are full# in accor %it& t&e fore)oin) o"ser$ation. Horeo$er( t&e mere claim t&at osefina Hortera an &er &us"an Rene Teotico &a t&e o''ortunit# to e*ert 'ressure on t&e testatri* sim'l# "ecause s&e li$e in t&eir &ouse se$eral #ears 'rior to t&e e*ecution of t&e %ill an t&at s&e %as ol an sufferin) from &#'ertension in t&at s&e %as $irtuall# isolate from &er friens for se$eral #ears 'rior to &er eat& is insufficient to
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Pri$ate res'onent file a Petition ate anuar# /( ->7? %it& t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of 0a$ite in S'. Proc. 0ase No. BD-( 8In T&e Hatter of t&e Intestate Estate of t&e late Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero(8 'ra#in) amon) ot&er t&in)s( t&at t&e corres'onin) letters of Aministration "e issue in &er fa$or an t&at s&e "e a''ointe as s'ecial aministratri* of t&e 'ro'erties of t&e ecease Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero. It is unis'ute; -, t&at 2elisa Pamuti arin is a niece of Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero %&o to)et&er %it& 2elisa@s mot&er uliana %ere t&e onl# le)itimate c&ilren of t&e s'ouses 2eli'e Pamuti an Petronila Asuncion< , t&at uliana marrie Simon arin an out of t&eir union %ere "orn 2elisa Pamuti an anot&er c&il %&o ie urin) infanc#< /, t&at Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero is t&e %io% of Pascual Santero an t&e mot&er of Pa"lo Santero< 4, t&at Pa"lo Santero %as t&e onl# le)itimate son of &is 'arents Pascual Santero an Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero< , t&at Pascual Santero ie in ->7=< Pa"lo Santero in ->7/ an Simona Santero in ->7?< ?, t&at Pa"lo Santero( at t&e time of &is eat& %as sur$i$e "# &is mot&er Simona Santero an &is si* minor natural c&ilren to %it; four minor c&ilren %it& Anselma :ia an t%o minor c&ilren %it& 2eli*"erta Pacursa. Petitioner Anselma :ia( as )uarian of &er minor c&ilren( file &er 8O''osition an Hotion to E*clue 2elisa PamutiD arin ate Harc& -/( ->9=( from furt&er ta1in) 'art or inter$enin) in t&e settlement of t&e intestate estate of Simona
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Pamuti Va. e Santero( as %ell as in t&e intestate estate of Pascual Santero an Pa"lo Santero. On Ha# =( ->9=( u)e Ilefonso H. Blea issue an orer e*cluin) 2elisa arin 8from furt&er ta1in) 'art or inter$enin) in t&e settlement of t&e intestate estate of Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero( as %ell as in t&e intestate estates of Pascual Santero an Pa"lo Santero an eclare &er to "e( not an &eir of t&e ecease Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero.8 / After &er Hotion for Reconsieration %as enie "# t&e trial court in its orer ate No$em"er -( ->9=( 2elisa P. arin file &er a''eal to t&e Intermeiate A''ellate 0ourt in 0AD G.R. No. ?>9-4DR. A ecision 4 %as renere "# t&e Intermeiate A''ellate 0ourt on :ecem"er -4( ->9/ +re$ersin) t&e ecision of t&e trial court, t&e is'ositi$e 'ortion of %&ic& reas 8ERE2ORE( finin) t&e Orer a''eale from not consistent %it& t&e facts an la% a''lica"le( t&e same is &ere"# set asie an anot&er one entere sustainin) t&e Orers of :ecem"er - an >( ->7? eclarin) t&e 'etitioner as t&e sole &eir of Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero an orerin) o''ositorsDa''ellees not to interfere in t&e 'roceein) for t&e eclaration of &eirs&i' in t&e estate of Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero.8 T&e real issue in t&is case ma# "e "riefl# state as follo%s %&o are t&e le)al &eirs of Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero &er niece 2elisa Pamuti arin or &er )ranc&ilren +t&e natural c&ilren of Pa"lo Santero,F T&e is'ute at "ar refers onl# to t&e intestate estate of Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero an t&e issue &ere is %&et&er o''ositorsDa''ellees +'etitioners &erein, as ille)itimate c&ilren of Pa"lo Santero coul in&erit from Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero( "# ri)&t of re'resentation of t&eir fat&er Pa"lo Santero %&o is a le)itimate c&il of Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero. No% t&en %&at is t&e a''ro'riate la% on t&e matterF Petitioners conten in t&eir 'leain)s t&at Art. >>= of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe is t&e a''lica"le la% on t&e case. T&e# conten t&at sai 'ro$ision of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe moifies t&e rule in Article >4- +Ol 0i$il 0oe, an reco)nies t&e ri)&t of re'resentation +Art. >7=, to escenants( %&et&er le)itimate or ille)itimate an t&at Art. >4-( S'anis& 0i$il 0oe enie ille)itimate c&ilren t&e ri)&t to re'resent t&eir ecease 'arents an in&erit from t&eir ecease )ran'arents( "ut t&at Rule %as e*'ressl# c&an)e an5or amene "# Art. >>= Ne% 0i$il 0oe %&ic& e*'ressl# )rants t&e ille)itimate c&ilren t&e ri)&t to re'resent t&eir ecease fat&er +Pa"lo Santero, in t&e estate of t&eir )ranmot&er +Simona Pamuti,8 Petitioners@ contention &ols no %ater. Since t&e &ereitar# conflict refers solel# to t&e intestate estate of Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero( %&o is t&e le)itimate mot&er of Pa"lo Santero( t&e a''lica"le la% is t&e 'ro$ision of Art. >> of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& reas as follo%s; ART. >>. An ille)itimate c&il &as no ri)&t to in&erit a" intestato from t&e le)itimate c&ilren an relati$es of &is fat&er or mot&er< nor s&all suc& c&ilren or relati$es in&erit in t&e same manner from t&e ille)itimate c&il. +>4/a,.
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Pa"lo Santero is a le)itimate c&il( &e is not an ille)itimate c&il. On t&e ot&er &an( t&e o''ositors +'etitioners &erein, are t&e ille)itimate c&ilren of Pa"lo Santero. %rticle ))2 of the
T&us( 'etitioners &erein cannot re'resent t&eir fat&er Pa"lo Santero in t&e succession of t&e letter to t&e intestate estate of &is le)itimate mot&er Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero( "ecause of t&e "arrier 'ro$ie for uner Art. >> of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe. 8In t&e S'anis& 0i$il 0oe of -99> t&e ri)&t of re'resentation %as amitte onl# %it&in t&e le)itimate famil#< so muc& so t&at Article >4/ of t&at 0oe 'rescri"e t&at an ille)itimate c&il can not in&erit a" intestato from t&e le)itimate c&ilren an relati$es of &is fat&er an mot&er. T&e 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines a''arentl# a&ere to t&is 'rinci'le since it re'rouce Article >4/ of t&e S'anis& 0oe in its o%n Art. >>( "ut %it& fine inconsistenc#( in su"se!uent articles +>>=( >> an >>9, our 0oe allo%s t&e &ereitar# 'ortion of t&e ille)itimate c&il to 'ass to &is o%n escenants( %&et&er le)itimate or ille)itimate. So t&at %&ile Art( >> 're$ents t&e ille)itimate issue of a le)itimate c&il from re'resentin) &im in t&e intestate succession of t&e )ran'arent( t&e ille)itimates of an ille)itimate c&il can no% o so. T&is ifference "ein) inefensi"le an un%arrante( in t&e future re$ision of t&e 0i$il 0oe %e s&all &a$e to ma1e a c&oice an ecie eit&er t&at t&e ille)itimate issue enCo#s in all cases t&e ri)&t of re'resentation( in %&ic& case Art. >> must "e su''resse< or contrari%ise maintain sai article an moif# Articles >> an >>9. T&e first solution %oul "e more in accor %it& an enli)&tene attitue $isDaD$is ille)itimate c&ilren. +Reflections on t&e Reform of ereitar# Succession( ORNAL of t&e Inte)rate Bar of t&e P&ili''ines( 2irst uater( ->7?( Volume 4( Num"er -( ''. 4=D4-,. It is t&erefore clear from Article >> of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe t&at t&e '&rase 8le)itimate c&ilren an relati$es of &is fat&er or mot&er8 inclues Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero as t&e %or 8relati$e8 inclues all t&e 1inre of t&e 'erson s'o1en of. 7 T&e recor s&o%s t&at from t&e commencement of t&is case t&e onl# 'arties %&o claime to "e t&e le)itimate &eirs of t&e late Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero are 2elisa Pamuti arin an t&e si* minor natural or ille)itimate c&ilren of Pa"lo Santero. Since 'etitioners &erein are "arre "# t&e 'ro$isions of Article >>( t&e res'onent Intermeiate
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe A''ellate 0ourt i not commit an# error in &olin) 2elisa PamutiDarin to "e t&e sole le)itimate &eir to t&e intestate estate of t&e late Simona Pamuti Va. e Santero. ERE2ORE( t&is 'etition is &ere"# :ISHISSE:( an t&e assaile ecision is &ere"# A22IRHE: Debacao !s. $eraris Heloia 2erraris %as a resient of 0e"u 0it# until ->/7 %&en s&e transferre to Intramuros( Hanila. S&e %as 1no%n to &a$e resie t&ere continuousl# until ->44. T&ereafter( u' to t&e filin) on :ecem"er ( ->?= of t&e 'etition for t&e summar# settlement of &er estate( s&e &as not "een &ear of an &er %&erea"outs are still un1no%n. Hore t&an ten +-=, #ears &a$in) ela'se since t&e last time s&e %as 1no%n to "e ali$e( s&e %as eclare 'resum'ti$el# ea for 'ur'oses of o'enin) &er succession an istri"utin) &er estate amon) &er &eirs.
Heloia 2erraris left 'ro'erties in 0e"u 0it#( consistin) of one t&ir +-5/, s&are in t&e estate of &er aunt( Rosa 2erraris( $alue at P?(===.==( more or less( an %&ic& %as aCuicate to &er in S'ecial Proceein) No. -/DV of t&e same court. T&e ecease Heloia 2erraris left no sur$i$in) irect escenant( ascenant( or s'ouse( "ut %as sur$i$e onl# "# collateral relati$es( namel#( 2ilomena A"ellana e Baca#o( an aunt( an &alfD sister of eceent@s fat&er( Anacleto 2erraris< an "# Gauencia( 0atalina( 0onc&ita( an uanito( all surname 2erraris( &er nieces an ne'&e%( %&o %ere t&e c&ilren of Heloia@s onl# "rot&er of full "loo( Arturo 2erraris( %&o 'reDecease &er +t&e eceent,. T&ese t%o classes of &eirs claim to "e t&e nearest intestate &eirs an see1 to 'artici'ate in t&e estate of sai Heloia 2erraris. T&e sole issue to "e resol$e in t&is case is; &o s&oul in&erit t&e intestate estate of a ecease 'erson %&en &e or s&e is sur$i$e onl# "# collateral relati$es( to %it; an aunt an t&e c&ilren of a "rot&er %&o 'reecease &im or &erF Ot&er%ise( %ill t&e aunt concur %it& t&e c&ilren of t&e eceent@s "rot&er in t&e in&eritance or %ill t&e former "e e*clue "# t&e latterF A)ainst t&e a"o$e rulin)( 'etitionerDa''ellant contens in t&e 'resent a''eal t&at s&e is of t&e same or e!ual e)ree of relations&i' as t&e o''ositorsDa''ellees( t&ree e)rees remo$e from t&e eceent< an t&at uner article >7 of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe no ri)&t or re'resentation coul ta1e 'lace %&en t&e nieces an ne'&e% of t&e eceent o not concur %it& an uncle or aunt( as in t&e case at "ar( "ut rat&er t&e former succee in t&eir o%n ri)&t. e a)ree %it& a''ellants t&at as an aunt of t&e ecease( s&e is as far istant as t&e ne'&e%s from t&e eceent +t&ree e)rees, since in t&e collateral line to %&ic& "ot& 1ins of relati$es "elon) e)rees are counte "# first ascenin) to t&e common ancestor an t&en escenin) to t&e &eir +0i$il 0oe( Art. >??,. A''ellant is li1e%ise ri)&t in &er contention t&at ne'&e%s an nieces alone o not in&erit "# ri)&t of re'resentation +i.e.( 'er stir'es, unless concurrin) %it& "rot&ers or sisters of t&e ecease( as 'ro$ie e*'ressl# "# Article >7; 8ART. >7. &en c&ilren of one or more "rot&ers or sisters of t&e ecease sur$i$e( t&e# s&all in&erit from t&e latter "# re'resentation( if t&e#
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sur$i$e %it& t&eir uncles or aunts. But if t&e# alone sur$i$e( t&e# s&all in&erit in e!ual 'ortions.8 Ne$ert&eless( t&e trial court %as correct %&en it &el t&at( in case of intestac#( ne'&e%s an nieces of t&e e cuCus e*clue all ot&er collaterals +aunts an uncles( first cousins( etc., from t&e succession. T&is is reail# a''arent from articles -==-( -==4( -==( an -==> of t&e 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines( t&at 'ro$ie as follo%s; ner t&e last article +-==>,( t&e a"sence of "rot&ers( sisters( ne'&e%s an nieces of t&e eceent is a 'reconition to t&e ot&er collaterals +uncles( cousins( etc., "ein) calle to t&e succession. T&is %as also an more clearl# t&e case uner t&e S'anis& 0i$il 0oe of -99>( t&at immeiatel# 'recee t&e 0i$il 0oe no% in force +R. A. /9?,. T&us( Articles > an >4 of t&e 0oe of -99> 'rescri"e as follo%s; 8ART. >. In t&e a"sence of "rot&ers or sisters an of ne'&e%s or nieces( c&ilren of t&e former( %&et&er of t&e %&ole "loo or not( t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse( if not se'arate "# a final ecree of i$orce s&all succee to t&e entire estate of t&e ecease.8 8ART. >4. S&oul t&ere "e neit&er "rot&ers nor sisters( nor c&ilren of "rot&ers or sisters( nor a sur$i$in) s'ouse( t&e ot&er collateral relati$es s&all succee to t&e estate of ecease. T&e latter s&all succee %it&out istinction of lines or 'reference amon) t&em "# reason of t&e %&ole "loo.8 It %ill "e seen t&at uner t&e 'recein) articles( "rot&ers an sisters an ne'&e%s an nieces in&erite a" intestato a&ea of t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse( %&ile ot&er collaterals succeee onl# after t&e %io%er or %io%. T&e 'resent 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines merel# 'lace t&e s'ouse on a 'ar %it& t&e ne'&e%s an nieces an "rot&ers an sisters of t&e ecease( "ut %it&out alterin) t&e 'referre 'osition of t&e latter $is a $is t&e ot&er collaterals. A''ellants !uote 'ara)ra'& of Tolentino@s commentaries to Article -==> of t&e 'resent 0i$il 0oe as eclarin) t&at Article -==> oes not esta"lis& a rule of 'reference. &ic& is true as to 8ot&er collaterals8( since 'reference amon) t&em is accorin) to t&eir 'ro*imit# to t&e eceent( as esta"lis&e "# Article >?( 'ara)ra'& -. 8ART. >?. In e$er# in&eritance( t&e relati$e nearest in e)ree e*clues t&e more istant ones( sa$in) t&e ri)&t of re'resentation %&en it 'ro'erl# ta1es 'lace.8 But Tolentino oes not state t&at ne'&e%s an nieces concur %it& ot&er collaterals of e!ual e)ree. On t&e contrar#( in t&e first 'ara)ra'& of &is commentaries to Article -==> +Vol. II( '. 4/>, +%&ic& counsel for a''ellants &a unet&icall# omitte to !uote,( Tolentino e*'ressl# states; 8Ot&er 0ollaterals. T&e last of t&e relati$es of t&e eceent to succee in intestate succession are t&e collaterals ot&er t&an "rot&ers or sisters or c&ilren of "rot&ers or sisters. T&e# are( &o%e$er( limite to relati$es %it&in t&e fift& e)ree. Be#on t&is( %e can safel# sa#( t&ere is &arl# an# affection to merit t&e succession of collaterals. ner t&e la%( t&erefore(
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 'ersons "e#on t&e fift& e)ree are no lon)er consiere as relati$es( for successional 'ur'oses.
49?/ a''ro$in) t&e 'roCect of 'artition for t&e testator@s estate.
8Article -==> oes not state an# orer of 'reference. o%e$er( t&is article s&oul "e unerstoo in connection %it& t&e )eneral rule t&at t&e nearest relati$es e*clue t&e fart&er. 0ollaterals of t&e same e)ree in&erit in e!ual 'arts( t&ere "ein) no ri)&t of re'resentation. T&e# succee %it&out istinction of lines or 'reference amon) t&em on account of t&e %&ole "loo relations&i'.8 +Italics su''lie,
A''ellant 0or'us contens in t&is a''eal t&at t&e trial court erre in &olin) +-, t&at Teooro R. Jan)co %as a natural c&il( +, t&at &is %ill &a "een ul# le)alie( an +/, t&at 'laintiff@s action is "arre "# res Cuicata an lac&es.
e( t&erefore( &ol( an so rule( t&at uner our la%s of succession( a eceent@s uncles an aunts ma# not succee a" intestato so lon) as ne'&e%s an nieces of t&e eceent sur$i$e an are %illin) an !ualifie to succee. Corp"s !s. Corp"s
Teooro R. Jan)co ie in Hanila on A'ril =( ->/> at t&e a)e of se$ent#Dse$en #ears. is %ill ate Au)ust >( ->/4 %as 'ro"ate in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Hanila in S'ecial Proceein) No. 49?/. T&e ecree of 'ro"ate %as affirme in t&is 0ourt@s ->4- ecision in 0or'us $s. Jan)co( 7/ P&il. 7. T&e com'lete te*t of t&e %ill is !uote in t&at ecision. Teooro R. Jan)co %as t&e son of Luis Rafael Jan)co an Ramona Ar)uelles( t&e %io% of Tomas 0or'us. Before &er union %it& Luis Rafael Jan)co( Ramona &a "e)otten fi$e c&ilren %it& Tomas 0or'us( t%o of %&om %ere t&e aforename Pa"lo 0or'us an ose 0or'us. Pursuant to t&e orer of t&e 'ro"ate court( a 'roCect of 'artition ate No$em"er ?( ->4 %as su"mitte "# t&e aministrator an t&e le)atees name in t&e %ill. T&at 'roCect of 'artition %as o''ose "# t&e estate of Luis R. Jan)co %&ose counsel contene t&at an intestac# s&oul "e eclare "ecause t&e %ill oes not contain an institution of &eir. It %as also o''ose "# Att#. Roman A. 0ru( %&o re'resente uanita 0or'us( Pero Hartine an uliana e 0astro. uanita 0or'us %as alrea# ea %&en Att#. 0ru a''eare as &er counsel. T&e 'ro"ate court in its orer of :ecem"er ?( ->4? a''ro$e t&e 'roCect of 'artition. It &el t&at in certain clauses of t&e %ill t&e testator intene to conser$e &is 'ro'erties not in t&e sense of is'osin) of t&em after &is eat& "ut for t&e 'ur'ose of 're$entin) t&at 8tales "ienes fuesen mal)astaos o esfil'ar raos 'or los le)atarios8 an t&at if t&e testator intene a 'er'etual 'ro&i"ition a)ainst alienation( t&at conition %oul "e re)are 8como no 'uesta o no e*istente8. It conclue t&at 8no &a# moti$os le)ales o morales 'ara !ue la sucession e :on Teooro R. Jan)co sea eclaraa intestaa.8
In t&e is'osition of t&is a''eal( it is not necessar# to resol$e %&et&er Jan)co@s %ill &a "een ul# le)alie an %&et&er t&e action of Tomas 0or'us is "arre "# res Cuicata an lac&es. T&e a''eal ma# "e resol$e "# eterminin) %&et&er uanita 0or'us( t&e mot&er of a''ellant Tomas 0or'us( %as a le)al &eir of Jan)co. as Tomas 0or'us a cause of action to reco$er &is mot&er@s su''ose intestate s&are in Jan)co@s estateF To ans%er t&at !uestion( it is necessar# to ascertain Jan)co@s filiation. T&e trial court foun t&at Jan)co 8a su muerte tam"ien le s"re$i$ieron Luis # Pa a''elliaos Jan)co( &ermanos naturales reconocios 'or su 'are natural Luis R. Jan)co8. T&e "asis of t&e trial court@s conclusion t&at Teooro R. Jan)co %as an ac1no%le)e natural c&il an not a le)itimate c&il %as t&e statement in t&e %ill of &is fat&er( Luis Rafael Jan)co( ate une -4( ->=7( t&at Teooro an &is t&ree ot&er c&ilren %ere &is ac1no%le)e natural c&ilren. On t&e ot&er &an( t&e c&ilren of Ramona Ar)uelles an Tomas 0or'us are 'resume to "e le)itimate. A marria)e is 'resume to &a$e ta1en 'lace "et%een Ramona an Tomas. Sem'er 'raesumitur 'ro matrimonio. It is is'uta"l# 'resume 8T&at a man an a %oman e'ortin) t&emsel$es as &us"an an %ife &a$e entere into a la%ful contract of marria)e8< 8t&at a c&il "orn in la%ful %eloc1( t&ere "ein) no i$orce( a"solute or from "e an "oar( is le)itimate8( an 8t&at t&in)s &a$e &a''ene accorin) to t&e orinar# course of nature an t&e orinar# &a"its of life8 +Sec. M( M"" an Mcc( Rule -/-( Rules of 0ourt,. Since Teooro R. Jan)co %as an ac1no%le)e natural c&il or %as ille)itimate an since uanita 0or'us %as t&e le)itimate c&il of ose 0or'us( &imself a le)itimate c&il( %e &ol t&at a''ellant Tomas 0or'us &as no cause of action for t&e reco$er# of t&e su''ose &ereitar# s&are of &is mot&er( uanita 0or'us( as a le)al &eir( in Jan)co@s estate. uanita 0or'us %as not a le)al &eir of Jan)co "ecause t&ere is no reci'rocal succession "et%een le)itimate an ille)itimate relati$es. T&e trial court i not err in ismissin) t&e com'laint of Tomas 0or'us. A''ellant 0or'us concees t&at if Teooro R. Jan)co %as a natural c&il( &e +Tomas 0or'us, %oul &a$e no le)al 'ersonalit# to inter$ene in t&e istri"ution of Jan)co@s estate +'. 9( a''ellant@s "rief,.
On Se'tem"er =( ->4>( t&e le)atees e*ecute an a)reement for t&e settlement an '&#sical 'artition of t&e Jan)co estate. T&e 'ro"ate court a''ro$e t&at a)reement an note t&at t&e ->4 'roCect of 'artition %as 'ro tanto moifie. T&at i not set at rest t&e contro$ers# o$er t&e Jan)co estate.
T&e rule in article >4/ is no% foun in article >> of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& 'ro$ies t&at 8an ille)itimate c&il &as no ri)&t to in&erit a" intestato from t&e le)itimate c&ilren an relati$es of &is fat&er or mot&er< nor s&all suc& c&ilren or relati$es in&erit in t&e same manner from t&e ille)itimate c&il8.
T&e trial court in its ecision of ul# ( ->? ismisse t&e action on t&e )rouns of res Cuicata an lac&es. It &el t&at t&e intrinsic $aliit# of Jan)co@s %ill %as 'asse u'on in its orer ate :ecem"er ?( ->4? in S'ecial Proceein) No.
T&at rule is "ase on t&e t&eor# t&at t&e ille)itimate c&il is is)racefull# loo1e u'on "# t&e le)itimate famil# %&ile t&e le)itimate famil# is( in turn( &ate "# t&e ille)itimate c&il. T&e la% oes not reco)nie t&e "loo tie an see1s to a$oi
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe furt&er )rouns of resentment +7 Hanresa( 0oi)o 0i$il( 7t& E.( ''. -9D?,. ner articles >44 an >4 of t&e s'anis& 0i$il 0oe( 8if an ac1no%le)e natural or le)itimate c&il s&oul ie %it&out issue( eit&er le)itimate or ac1no%le)e( t&e fat&er or mot&er %&o ac1no%le)e suc& c&il s&all succee to its entire estate< an if "ot& ac1no%le)e it an are ali$e( t&e# s&all in&erit from it s&are an s&are ali1e. In efault of natural ascenants( natural an le)itimate c&ilren s&all "e succeee "# t&eir natural "rot&ers an sisters in accorance %it& t&e rules esta"lis&e for le)itimate "rot&ers an sisters.8 ence( Teooro R. Jan)co@s &alf "rot&ers on t&e 0or'us sie( %&o %ere le)itimate( &a no ri)&t to succee to &is estate uner t&e rules of intestac#. 2ollo%in) t&e rule in article >>( formerl# article >4/( it %as &el t&at t&e le)itimate relati$es of t&e mot&er cannot succee &er ille)itimate c&il. B# reason of t&at same rule( t&e natural c&il cannot re'resent &is natural fat&er in t&e succession to t&e estate of t&e le)itimate )ran'arent +Llorente $s. Rori)ue( -= P&il. 9< 0enteno $s. 0enteno( P&il. /< Allare $s. A"a#a( 7 P&il. >=>,. T&e natural au)&ter cannot succee to t&e estate of &er ecease uncle( a le)itimate "rot&er of &er natural mot&er +Anuran $s. A!uino an Orti( /9 P&il. >,.
GG. O-DE- O$ INTESTATE SUCCESSION A. Descending Direct Line (.
Estate of legiti#ate decedent a. Illegiti#ate children
Art. 9#%. f ille!itimate children survive with le!itimate children, the shares of the former shall be in the proportions prescribed by Article #95. (n) Art. 9##. n the absence of le!itimate descendants or ascendants, the ille!itimate children shall succeed to the entire estate of the deceased. (9%9a) Art. 9#9. f, to!ether with ille!itimate children, there should survive descendants of another ille!itimate child who is dead, the former shall succeed in their own ri!ht and the latter by ri!ht of representation. (9/2a) Art. 992. "he hereditary ri!hts !ranted by the two precedin! articles to ille!itimate children shall be transmitted upon their death to their descendants, who shall inherit by ri!ht of representation from their deceased !randparent. (9/-a) Art. 99-. f le!itimate ascendants are left, the ille!itimate children shall divide the inheritance with them, ta+in! one
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relatives of his father or mother nor shall such children or relatives inherit in the same manner from the ille!itimate child. (9/%a) Corp"s !s. Corp"s
Teooro R. Jan)co ie in Hanila on A'ril =( ->/> at t&e a)e of se$ent#Dse$en #ears. is %ill ate Au)ust >( ->/4 %as 'ro"ate in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Hanila in S'ecial Proceein) No. 49?/. T&e ecree of 'ro"ate %as affirme in t&is 0ourt@s ->4- ecision in 0or'us $s. Jan)co( 7/ P&il. 7. T&e com'lete te*t of t&e %ill is !uote in t&at ecision. Teooro R. Jan)co %as t&e son of Luis Rafael Jan)co an Ramona Ar)uelles( t&e %io% of Tomas 0or'us. Before &er union %it& Luis Rafael Jan)co( Ramona &a "e)otten fi$e c&ilren %it& Tomas 0or'us( t%o of %&om %ere t&e aforename Pa"lo 0or'us an ose 0or'us. Pursuant to t&e orer of t&e 'ro"ate court( a 'roCect of 'artition ate No$em"er ?( ->4 %as su"mitte "# t&e aministrator an t&e le)atees name in t&e %ill. T&at 'roCect of 'artition %as o''ose "# t&e estate of Luis R. Jan)co %&ose counsel contene t&at an intestac# s&oul "e eclare "ecause t&e %ill oes not contain an institution of &eir. It %as also o''ose "# Att#. Roman A. 0ru( %&o re'resente uanita 0or'us( Pero Hartine an uliana e 0astro. uanita 0or'us %as alrea# ea %&en Att#. 0ru a''eare as &er counsel. T&e 'ro"ate court in its orer of :ecem"er ?( ->4? a''ro$e t&e 'roCect of 'artition. It &el t&at in certain clauses of t&e %ill t&e testator intene to conser$e &is 'ro'erties not in t&e sense of is'osin) of t&em after &is eat& "ut for t&e 'ur'ose of 're$entin) t&at 8tales "ienes fuesen mal)astaos o esfil'ar raos 'or los le)atarios8 an t&at if t&e testator intene a 'er'etual 'ro&i"ition a)ainst alienation( t&at conition %oul "e re)are 8como no 'uesta o no e*istente8. It conclue t&at 8no &a# moti$os le)ales o morales 'ara !ue la sucession e :on Teooro R. Jan)co sea eclaraa intestaa.8 On Se'tem"er =( ->4>( t&e le)atees e*ecute an a)reement for t&e settlement an '&#sical 'artition of t&e Jan)co estate. T&e 'ro"ate court a''ro$e t&at a)reement an note t&at t&e ->4 'roCect of 'artition %as 'ro tanto moifie. T&at i not set at rest t&e contro$ers# o$er t&e Jan)co estate. T&e trial court in its ecision of ul# ( ->? ismisse t&e action on t&e )rouns of res Cuicata an lac&es. It &el t&at t&e intrinsic $aliit# of Jan)co@s %ill %as 'asse u'on in its orer ate :ecem"er ?( ->4? in S'ecial Proceein) No. 49?/ a''ro$in) t&e 'roCect of 'artition for t&e testator@s estate. A''ellant 0or'us contens in t&is a''eal t&at t&e trial court erre in &olin) +-, t&at Teooro R. Jan)co %as a natural c&il( +, t&at &is %ill &a "een ul# le)alie( an +/, t&at 'laintiff@s action is "arre "# res Cuicata an lac&es. In t&e is'osition of t&is a''eal( it is not necessar# to resol$e %&et&er Jan)co@s %ill &a "een ul# le)alie an %&et&er t&e action of Tomas 0or'us is "arre "# res Cuicata an lac&es. T&e a''eal ma# "e resol$e "# eterminin) %&et&er uanita 0or'us( t&e mot&er of a''ellant Tomas 0or'us( %as a le)al &eir of Jan)co. as Tomas 0or'us a cause of action
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe to reco$er &is mot&er@s su''ose intestate s&are in Jan)co@s estateF To ans%er t&at !uestion( it is necessar# to ascertain Jan)co@s filiation. T&e trial court foun t&at Jan)co 8a su muerte tam"ien le s"re$i$ieron Luis # Pa a''elliaos Jan)co( &ermanos naturales reconocios 'or su 'are natural Luis R. Jan)co8. T&e "asis of t&e trial court@s conclusion t&at Teooro R. Jan)co %as an ac1no%le)e natural c&il an not a le)itimate c&il %as t&e statement in t&e %ill of &is fat&er( Luis Rafael Jan)co( ate une -4( ->=7( t&at Teooro an &is t&ree ot&er c&ilren %ere &is ac1no%le)e natural c&ilren. On t&e ot&er &an( t&e c&ilren of Ramona Ar)uelles an Tomas 0or'us are 'resume to "e le)itimate. A marria)e is 'resume to &a$e ta1en 'lace "et%een Ramona an Tomas. Sem'er 'raesumitur 'ro matrimonio. It is is'uta"l# 'resume 8T&at a man an a %oman e'ortin) t&emsel$es as &us"an an %ife &a$e entere into a la%ful contract of marria)e8< 8t&at a c&il "orn in la%ful %eloc1( t&ere "ein) no i$orce( a"solute or from "e an "oar( is le)itimate8( an 8t&at t&in)s &a$e &a''ene accorin) to t&e orinar# course of nature an t&e orinar# &a"its of life8 +Sec. M( M"" an Mcc( Rule -/-( Rules of 0ourt,. Since Teooro R. Jan)co %as an ac1no%le)e natural c&il or %as ille)itimate an since uanita 0or'us %as t&e le)itimate c&il of ose 0or'us( &imself a le)itimate c&il( %e &ol t&at a''ellant Tomas 0or'us &as no cause of action for t&e reco$er# of t&e su''ose &ereitar# s&are of &is mot&er( uanita 0or'us( as a le)al &eir( in Jan)co@s estate. uanita 0or'us %as not a le)al &eir of Jan)co "ecause t&ere is no reci'rocal succession "et%een le)itimate an ille)itimate relati$es. T&e trial court i not err in ismissin) t&e com'laint of Tomas 0or'us. A''ellant 0or'us concees t&at if Teooro R. Jan)co %as a natural c&il( &e +Tomas 0or'us, %oul &a$e no le)al 'ersonalit# to inter$ene in t&e istri"ution of Jan)co@s estate +'. 9( a''ellant@s "rief,. T&e rule in article >4/ is no% foun in article >> of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& 'ro$ies t&at 8an ille)itimate c&il &as no ri)&t to in&erit a" intestato from t&e le)itimate c&ilren an relati$es of &is fat&er or mot&er< nor s&all suc& c&ilren or relati$es in&erit in t&e same manner from t&e ille)itimate c&il8. "hat rule is based on the theory that the illegitimate child is disgracefully loo$ed upon by the legitimate family while the legitimate family is, in turn, hated by the illegitimate child. "he law does not recogni1e the blood tie and see$s to avoid further grounds of resentment +7 Hanresa( 0oi)o 0i$il( 7t& E.( ''. -9D?,.
ner articles >44 an >4 of t&e s'anis& 0i$il 0oe( 8if an ac1no%le)e natural or le)itimate c&il s&oul ie %it&out issue( eit&er le)itimate or ac1no%le)e( t&e fat&er or mot&er %&o ac1no%le)e suc& c&il s&all succee to its entire estate< an if "ot& ac1no%le)e it an are ali$e( t&e# s&all in&erit from it s&are an s&are ali1e. In efault of natural ascenants( natural an le)itimate c&ilren s&all "e succeee "# t&eir natural "rot&ers an sisters in accorance %it& t&e rules esta"lis&e for le)itimate "rot&ers an sisters.8 ence( Teooro R. Jan)co@s &alf "rot&ers on t&e 0or'us sie( %&o %ere le)itimate( &a no ri)&t to succee to &is estate uner t&e rules of intestac#.
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2ollo%in) t&e rule in article >>( formerl# article >4/( it %as &el t&at t&e le)itimate relati$es of t&e mot&er cannot succee &er ille)itimate c&il. B# reason of t&at same rule( t&e natural c&il cannot re'resent &is natural fat&er in t&e succession to t&e estate of t&e le)itimate )ran'arent +Llorente $s. Rori)ue( -= P&il. 9< 0enteno $s. 0enteno( P&il. /< Allare $s. A"a#a( 7 P&il. >=>,. T&e natural au)&ter cannot succee to t&e estate of &er ecease uncle( a le)itimate "rot&er of &er natural mot&er +Anuran $s. A!uino an Orti( /9 P&il. >,. Leonardo !s. CA
2rom t&e recor( it a''ears t&at 2rancisca Re#es %&o ie intestate on ul# -( ->4 %as sur$i$e "# t%o +, au)&ters( Haria an Sil$estra 0ailles( an a )ranson( Sotero Leonaro( t&e son of &er au)&ter( Pascuala 0ailles %&o 'reecease &er. Sotero Leonaro ie in ->44( %&ile Sil$estra 0ailles ie in ->4> %it&out an# issue. On Octo"er >( ->?4( 'etitioner 0resenciano Leonaro( claimin) to "e t&e son of t&e late Sotero Leonaro( file a com'laint for o%ners&i' of 'ro'erties( sum of mone# an accountin) in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial see1in) Cu)ment +-, to "e eclare one of t&e la%ful &eirs of t&e ecease 2rancisca Re#es( entitle to oneD&alf s&are in t&e estate of sai ecease Cointl# %it& efenant( 'ri$ate res'onent &erein( Haria 0ailles( +, to &a$e t&e 'ro'erties left "# sai 2rancisca Re#es( escri"e in t&e com'laint( 'artitione "et%een &im an efenant Haria 0ailles( an +/, to &a$e an accountin) of all t&e income eri$e from sai 'ro'erties from t&e time efenants too1 'ossession t&ereof until sai accountin) s&all &a$e "een mae( eli$erin) to &im &is s&are t&erein %it& le)al interest. Ans%erin) t&e com'laint( 'ri$ate res'onent Haria 0ailles asserte e*clusi$e o%ners&i' o$er t&e su"Cect 'ro'erties an alle)e t&at 'etitioner is an ille)itimate c&il %&o cannot succee "# ri)&t of re'resentation. 2or &is 'art( t&e ot&er efenant( 'ri$ate res'onent ames Brace%ell( claime t&at sai 'ro'erties are no% &is "# $irtue of a $ali an le)al ee of sale %&ic& Haria 0ailles &a su"se!uentl# e*ecute in &is fa$or. T&ese 'ro'erties %ere alle)el# mort)a)e to res'onent Rural Ban1 of Paraa!ue( Inc. sometime in Se'tem"er ->?/. I 8RESPON:ENT 0ORT ERRE: IN OL:ING TAT TE PROPERTIES IN ESTION ARE TE EW0LSIVE PROPERTIES O2 PRIVATE RESPON:ENTS. II 8RESPON:ENT 0ORT ERRE: IN OL:ING TAT PETITIONER AS NOT ESTABLISE: IS 2ILIATION. III 8RESPON:ENT 0ORT ERRE: IN OL:ING TAT PETITIONER( AS TE GREAT GRAN:SON O2 2RAN0IS0A REJES( AS NO LEGAL RIGT TO INERIT BJ REPRESENTATION.8 To "e)in %it&( t&e 0ourt of A''eals foun t&e su"Cect 'ro'erties to "e t&e e*clusi$e 'ro'erties of t&e 'ri$ate res'onents.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 8After eclarin) it in &er name( Haria 0ailles 'ai t&e realt# ta*es startin) from ->-9 u' to ->49. T&ereafter as s&e an &er son Narciso Brace%ell( left for Nue$a EciCa( 2rancisca Re#es mana)e t&e 'ro'ert# an 'ai t&e realt# ta* of t&e lan. o%e$er( for une*'laine reasons( s&e 'ai an eclare t&e same in &er o%n name. Because of t&is( 'laintiff ecie to run after t&is 'ro'ert#( erroneousl# t&in1in) t&at as t&e )reat )ranson of 2rancisca Re#es( &e &a some 'ro'rietar# ri)&t o$er t&e same. 8After eclarin) it in &er name( Haria 0ailles li1e%ise 'ai t&e realt# ta* in ->-7 an continue 'a#in) t&e same u' to ->49. T&ereafter %&en s&e an &er son( Narciso Brace%ell( esta"lis&e t&eir resience in Nue$a EciCa( 2rancisca Re#es aministere t&e 'ro'ert# an li1e in t&e first case( eclare in ->4> t&e 'ro'ert# in &er o%n name. T&in1in) t&at t&e 'ro'ert# is t&e 'ro'ert# of 2rancisca Re#es( 'laintiff file t&e instant com'laint( claimin) a 'ortion t&ereof as t&e same alle)el# re'resents t&e s&are of &is fat&er. 8Goin) to t&e issue of filiation( 'laintiff claims t&at &e is t&e son of Sotero Leonaro( t&e son of one of t&e au)&ters +Pascuala, of 2rancisca Re#es. e furt&er alle)es t&at since Pascuala 'reecease 2rancisca Re#es( an t&at &is fat&er( Sotero( %&o su"se!uentl# ie in ->44( sur$i$e 2rancisca Re#es( 'laintiff can conse!uentl# succee to t&e estate of 2rancisca Re#es "# ri)&t of re'resentation. 8Since &is su''ose ri)&t %ill eit&er rise or fall on t&e 'ro'er e$aluation of t&is $ital e$ience( e &a$e minutel# scrutinie t&e same( loo1in) for t&at $ital lin1 connectin) &im to t&e famil# tree of t&e ecease 2rancisca Re#es. o%e$er( t&is 'iece of e$ience oes not in an# %a# len creence to &is tale. 8T&is is "ecause t&e name of t&e c&il escri"e in t&e "irt& certificate is not t&at of t&e 'laintiff "ut a certain @Alfreo Leonaro@ %&o %as "orn on Se'tem"er -/( ->/9 to Sotero Leonaro an Socorro Tim"ol. Ot&er t&an &is "are alle)ation( 'laintiff i not su"mit an# ura"le e$ience s&o%in) t&at t&e @Alfreo Leonaro@ mentione in t&e "irt& certificate is no ot&er t&an &e &imself. T&us( e$en %it&out ta1in) time an s'ace to )o into furt&er etails( e ma# safel# conclue t&at 'laintiff faile to 'ro$e &is filiation %&ic& is a funamental re!uisite in t&is action %&ere &e is claimin) to "e an &eir in t&e in&eritance in !uestion.8 4 T&at is li1e%ise a factual finin) %&ic& ma# not "e istur"e in t&is 'etition for re$ie% in t&e a"sence of a clear s&o%in) t&at sai finin) is not su''orte "# su"stantial e$ience( or t&at t&ere %as a )ra$e a"use of iscretion on t&e 'art of t&e court ma1in) t&e finin) of fact. Referrin) to t&e t&ir assi)nment of error( e$en if it is true t&at 'etitioner is t&e c&il of Sotero Leonaro( still &e cannot( "# ri)&t of re'resentation( claim a s&are of t&e estate left "# t&e ecease 2rancisca Re#es consierin) t&at( as foun a)ain "# t&e 0ourt of A''eals( &e %as "orn outsie %eloc1 as s&o%n "# t&e fact t&at %&en &e %as "orn on Se'tem"er -/( ->/9( &is alle)e 'utati$e fat&er an mot&er %ere not #et marrie( an %&at is more( &is alle)e fat&er@s first marria)e %as still su"sistin). At most( 'etitioner %oul "e an
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ille)itimate c&il %&o &as no ri)&t to in&erit a" intestato from t&e le)itimate c&ilren an relati$es of &is fat&er( li1e t&e ecease 2rancisca Re#es. +Article >>( 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines., . a.
Estate of Illegiti#ate decedent Legiti#ate children and descendant
Art. 92%. "he le!itime of the parents who have an ille!itimate child, when such child leaves neither le!itimate descendants, nor a survivin! spouse, nor ille!itimate children, is one
CB46";: %. < lle!itimate 6hildren Art. 9##. n the absence of le!itimate descendants or ascendants, the ille!itimate children shall succeed to the entire estate of the deceased. (9%9a) Art. 9#9. f, to!ether with ille!itimate children, there should survive descendants of another ille!itimate child who is dead, the former shall succeed in their own ri!ht and the latter by ri!ht of representation. (9/2a) Art. 992. "he hereditary ri!hts !ranted by the two precedin! articles to ille!itimate children shall be transmitted upon their death to their descendants, who shall inherit by ri!ht of representation from their deceased !randparent. (9/-a) Art. 99-. f le!itimate ascendants are left, the ille!itimate children shall divide the inheritance with them, ta+in! one
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. 99%. f an ille!itimate child should die without issue, either le!itimate or ille!itimate, his father or mother shall succeed to his entire estate and if the child3s filiation is duly proved as to both parents, who are both livin!, they shall inherit from him share and share ali+e. (9//) Art. 99/. n default of the father or mother, an ille!itimate child shall be succeeded by his or her survivin! spouse who shall be entitled to the entire estate. f the widow or widower should survive with brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, she or he shall inherit one
b.
Illegiti#ate children and descendant
Art. 992. "he hereditary ri!hts !ranted by the two precedin! articles to ille!itimate children shall be transmitted upon their death to their descendants, who shall inherit by ri!ht of representation from their deceased !randparent. (9/-a) Art. 99$. An ille!itimate child has no ri!ht to inherit ab intestato from the le!itimate children and relatives of his father or mother nor shall such children or relatives inherit in the same manner from the ille!itimate child. (9/%a) B. S"r!i!ing Spo"se
Art. 995. n the absence of le!itimate descendants and ascendants, and ille!itimate children and their descendants, whether le!itimate or ille!itimate, the survivin! spouse shall inherit the entire estate, without pre1udice to the ri!hts of brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, should there be any, under article -22-. (9/*a) Art. 99*. f a widow or widower and le!itimate children or descendants are left, the survivin! spouse has in the succession the same share as that of each of the children. (#%/a) Art. 997. When the widow or widower survives with le!itimate parents or ascendants, the survivin! spouse shall be entitled to one
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shall be entitled to the same share as that of a le!itimate child. (n) Art. -222. f le!itimate ascendants, the survivin! spouse, and ille!itimate children are left, the ascendants shall be entitled to one
On No$em"er -( ->/( Santillon ie %it&out testament in Ta#u)( Pan)asinan( &is resience( lea$in) one son 0laro( an &is %ife( Perfecta Hirana. :urin) &is marria)e( Pero ac!uire se$eral 'arcels of lan locate in t&at 'ro$ince. A"out four #ears after &is eat&( 0laro Santillon file a 'etition for letters of aministration. O''osition to sai 'etition %as entere "# t&e %io% Perfecta Hirana an t&e s'ouses Benito . Hirana an Rosario 0orrales on t&e follo%in) )rouns; +a, t&at t&e 'ro'erties enumerate in t&e 'etition %ere all conCu)al( e*ce't t&ree 'arcels %&ic& Perfecta Hirana claime to "e &er e*clusi$e 'ro'erties< +", t&at Perfecta Hirana "# $irtue of t%o ocuments &a con$e#e /54 of &er uni$ie s&are in most of t&e 'ro'erties enumerate in t&e 'etition to sai s'ouses Benito an Rosario< +c, t&at aministration of t&e estate %as not necessar#( t&ere "ein) a case for 'artition 'enin)< an +, t&at if aministration %as necessar# at all( t&e o''ositor Perfecta Hirana an not t&e 'etitioner %as "etter !ualifie for t&e 'ost. It a''ears t&at su"se!uentl#( o''ositor Perfecta Hirana %as a''ointe aministratri* of t&e estate. On A'ril ( ->?-( 0laro file a 8Hotion to :eclare S&are of eirs8 an to resol$e t&e conflictin) claims of t&e 'arties %it& res'ect to t&eir res'ecti$e ri)&ts in t&e estate. In$o1in) Art. 9> of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe( &e insiste t&at after euctin) -5 from t&e conCu)al 'ro'erties as t&e conCu)al s&are of Perfecta( t&e remainin) -5 must "e i$ie as follo%s; -54 for &er an /54 for &im. O''ositor Perfecta( on t&e ot&er &an( claime t&at "esies &er conCu)al &alf( s&e %as entitle uner Art. >>? of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe( to anot&er -5 of t&e remainin) &alf. In ot&er %ors( 0laro claime /54 of Pero@s in&eritance( %&ile Perfecta claime -5. 2rom t&is orer( 'etitioner 0laro Santillon &as a''eale to t&is 0ourt. T%o !uestions of la% are in$ol$e. T&e first( raise in Perfecta@s Hotion to :ismiss A''eal( is %&et&er t&e orer of t&e lo%er court is a''eala"le. An t&e secon( raise in a''ellant@s lone assi)nment of error( is; o% s&all t&e estate of a 'erson %&o ies intestate "e i$ie %&en t&e onl# sur$i$ors are t&e s'ouse an one le)itimate c&ilF
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe T&e Secon Issue; Petitioner rests &is claim to /54 of &is fat&er@s estate on Art. 9>( of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe %&ic& 'ro$ies t&at; 8If onl# t&e le)itimate c&il or escenant of t&e ecease sur$i$es( t&e %io% or %io%er s&all "e entitle to oneDfourt& of t&e &ereitar# estate. . . .@ As s&e )ets oneDfourt&( t&erefore( I )et /54( sa#s 0laro. Perfecta( on t&e ot&er &an( cites Art. >>? %&ic& 'ro$ies; 8If a %io% or %io%er an le)itimate c&ilren or escenants are left( t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse &as in t&e succession t&e same s&are as t&at of eac& of t&e c&ilren.8 Re'l#in) to Perfecta@s claim( 0laro sa#s t&e article is unCust an ine!uita"le to t&e e*tent t&at it )rants t&e %io% t&e same s&are as t&at of t&e c&ilren in intestate succession( %&ereas in testate( s&e is )i$en -54 an t&e onl# c&il -5. O''ositor Perfecta Hirana( on t&e ot&er &an( contens t&at Art. >>? s&oul control( re)arless of its alle)e ine!uit#( "ein) as it is( a 'ro$ision on intestate succession in$ol$in) a sur$i$in) s'ouse an a le)itimate c&il( inasmuc& as in statutor# construction( t&e 'lural %or 8c&ilren8 inclues t&e sin)ular( 8c&il8. Art. 9> of t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe falls uner t&e c&a'ter on Testamentar# Succession< %&ereas Art. >>? comes uner t&e c&a'ter on Le)al or Intestate Succession. Suc& "ein) t&e case( it is o"$ious t&at 0laro cannot rel# on Art. 9> to su''ort &is claim to /54 of &is fat&er@s estate. Art. 9> merel# fi*es t&e le)itime of t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse an Art. 999 t&ereof( t&e le)itime of c&ilren in testate succession. &ile it ma# inicate t&e intent of t&e la% %it& res'ect to t&e ieal s&ares t&at a c&il an a s'ouse s&oul )et %&en t&e# concur %it& eac& ot&er( it oes not fi* t&e amount of s&ares t&at suc& c&il an s'ouse are entitle to %&en intestac# occurs. Because if t&e latter &a''ens( t&e 'ertinent 'ro$ision on intestate succession s&all a''l#< i. e. Art. >>?. T&is is( remem"er( intestate 'roceein)s. In t&e Ne% 0i$il 0oe@s c&a'ter in le)al or intestate succession( t&e onl# article a''lica"le is Art. >>?. Our collea)ue Hr. ustice . B. L. Re#es( 'rofessor of 0i$il La%( is !uote as &a$in) e*'resse t&e o'inion t&at uner t&is article( %&en t&e %io% sur$i$es %it& onl# one le)itimate c&il( t&e# s&are t&e estate in e!ual 'arts. - Senator Tolentino in &is commentaries %rites as follo%s; 8One c&il Sur$i$in). If t&ere is onl# one le)itimate c&il sur$i$in) %it& t&e s'ouse( since t&e# s&are e!uall#( oneD&alf of t&e estate )oes to t&e c&il an t&e ot&er &alf )oes to t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse. Alt&ou)& t&e la% refers to 8c&ilren or escenants(8 t&e rule in statutor# construction t&at t&e 'lural can "e unerstoo to inclue t&e sin)ular is a''lica"le in &is case.8 +Tolentino( 0i$il 0oe of t&e P&ili''ines( Vol. III( '. 4/?., T&e t&eor# of t&ose &olin) ot&er%ise( seems to "e 'remise on t&ese 'ro'ositions; +a, Art. >>? s'ea1s of 8c&ilren(8 t&erefore it oes not a''l# %&en t&ere is onl# one 8c&il8< conse!uentl# Art. 9> +an Art. 999, s&oul "e a''lie( t&ru a 'rocess of Cuicial construction an analo)#< +", Art. >>? is unCust or unfair "ecause %&ereas in testate succession( t&e
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%io% is assi)ne oneDfourt& onl# +Art. 9>,( s&e %oul )et -5 in intestate. 0&ilren; It is a ma*im of statutor# construction t&at %ors in 'lural inclue t&e sin)ular. So Art. >>? coul or s&oul "e rea +an so a''lie,; 8if t&e %io% or %io%er an a le)itimate c&il are left( t&e sur$i$in) s'ouse &as t&e same s&are as t&at of t&e c&il.8 Inee( if %e refuse to a''l# t&e article to t&is case on t&e )roun t&at 8c&il8 is not inclue in 8c&ilren8( t&e conse!uences %oul "e tremenous( "ecause 8c&ilren8 %ill not inclue 8c&il8 In fact( t&ose %&o sa#( 8c&ilren8 in Art. >>? oes not inclue 8c&il8 seem to "e inconsistent %&en t&e# ar)ue from t&e 'remise t&at 8in testate succession t&e onl# le)itimate c&il )ets oneD&alf an t&e %io%( oneDfourt&.8 T&e inconsistenc# is clear( "ecause t&e onl# le)itimate c&il )ets oneD&alf uner Art. 999( %&ic& s'ea1s of 8c&ilren8( not 8c&il8. So if 8c&ilren8 in Art. 999 inclues 8c&il8( t&e same meanin) s&oul "e )i$en to Art. >>?. nfairness of Art. >>?. Suc& 'osition( more clearl# state is t&is; In testate succession( %&ere t&ere is onl# one c&il of t&e marria)e( t&e c&il )ets oneD&alf( an t&e %io% or %io%er oneDfourt&. But in intestate( if Art. >>? is a''lie no%( t&e c&il )ets oneD&alf( an t&e %io% or %io%er oneD &alf. nfair or ine!uita"le( t&e# insist. On t&is 'oint( it is not correct to assume t&at in testate succession t&e %io% or %io%er 8)ets onl# oneDfourt&.8 S&e or &e ma# )et oneD&alf if t&e testator so %is&es. So( t&e la% $irtuall# lea$es it to eac& of t&e s'ouses to ecie +"# testament, %&et&er &is or &er onl# c&il s&all )et more t&an &is or &er sur$i$or. C. Ascending Direct line (.
Legiti#ate parents and ascendants
Art. 9#5. n default of le!itimate children and descendants of the deceased, his parents and ascendants shall inherit from him, to the e&clusion of collateral relatives. (9%5a) Art. 9#*. "he father and mother, if livin!, shall inherit in equal shares. hould one only of them survive, he or she shall succeed to the entire estate of the child. (9%*) Art. 9#7. n default of the father and mother, the ascendants nearest in de!ree shall inherit. hould there be more than one of equal de!ree belon!in! to the same line they shall divide the inheritance per capita should they be of different lines but of equal de!ree, one
lle!itimate parents
Art. 99%. f an ille!itimate child should die without issue, either le!itimate or ille!itimate, his father or mother shall succeed to his entire estate and if the
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe child3s filiation is duly proved as to both parents, who are both livin!, they shall inherit from him share and share ali+e. (9//)
municipality or city where the deceased last resided in the 0hilippines, and the real estate to the municipalities or cities, respectively, in which the same is situated.
D. 6ollateral =ine Art. -22%. f there are no descendants, ascendants, ille!itimate children, or a survivin! spouse, the collateral relatives shall succeed to the entire estate of the deceased in accordance with the followin! articles. (9/*a) Art. -22/. hould the only survivors be brothers and sisters of the full blood, they shall inherit in equal shares. (9/7) Art. -225. hould brothers and sisters survive to!ether with nephews and nieces, who are the children of the descendant3s brothers and sisters of the full blood, the former shall inherit per capita, and the latter per stirpes. (9/#) Art. -22*. hould brother and sisters of the full blood survive to!ether with brothers and sisters of the half blood, the former shall be entitled to a share double that of the latter. (9/9) Art. -227. n case brothers and sisters of the half blood, some on the father3s and some on the mother3s side, are the only survivors, all shall inherit in equal shares without distinction as to the ori!in of the property. (952) Art. -22#. 6hildren of brothers and sisters of the half blood shall succeed per capita or per stirpes, in accordance with the rules laid down for the brothers and sisters of the full blood. (9-5) Art. -229. hould there be neither brothers nor sisters nor children of brothers or sisters, the other collateral relatives shall succeed to the estate. "he latter shall succeed without distinction of lines or preference amon! them by reason of relationship by the whole blood. (95/a) Art. -2-2. "he ri!ht to inherit ab intestato shall not e&tend beyond the fifth de!ree of relationship in the collateral line. (955a) 4. "he tate Art. -2--. n default of persons entitled to succ eed in accordance with the provisions of the precedin! ections, the tate shall inherit the whole estate. (95*a) Art. -2-$. n order that the tate may ta+e possession of the property mentioned in the precedin! article, the pertinent provisions of the ules of 6ourt must be observed. (95#a)
f the deceased never resided in the 0hilippines, the whole estate shall be assi!ned to the respective municipalities or cities where the same is located. uch estate shall be for the benefit of public schools, and public charitable institutions and centers, in such municipalities or cities. "he court shall distribute the estate as the respective needs of each beneficiary may warrant. "he court, at the instance of an interested party, or on its own motion, may order the establishment of a permanent trust, so that only the income from the property shall be used. (95*a) Art. -2-/. f a person le!ally entitled to the estate of the deceased appears and files a claim thereto with the court within five years from the date the property was delivered to the tate, such person shall be entitled to the possession of the same, or if sold the municipality or city shall be accountable to him for such part of the proceeds as may not have been lawfully spent. (n) 0;?;: 6;;: "; "4"A"4 A:D :"4"A"4 C664;: . i!ht of Accretion Art. -2-5. Accretion is a ri!ht by virtue of which, when two or more persons are called to the same inheritance, devise or le!acy, the part assi!ned to the one who renounces or cannot receive his share, or who died before the testator, is added or incorporated to that of his co
Art. -2-%. After the payment of debts and char!es, the personal property shall be assi!ned to the
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe n case of money or fun!ible !oods, if the share of each heir is not earmar+ed, there shall be a ri!ht of accretion. (9#%a) Art. -2-#. n le!al succession the share of the person who repudiates the inheritance shall always accrue to his co
notifyin! the co
Art. -2#2. hould a person ma+e partition of his estate by an act inter vivos, or by will, such partition shall be respected, insofar as it does not pre1udice the le!itime of the compulsory heirs.
:evertheless, if any of the heirs should demand that the thin! be sold at public auction and that stran!ers be allowed to bid, this must be done. (-2*$)
A parent who, in the interest of his or her family, desires to +eep any a!ricultural, industrial, or manufacturin! enterprise intact, may avail himself of the ri!ht !ranted him in this article, by orderin! that the le!itime of the other children to whom the property is not assi!ned, be paid in cash. (-25*a)
Art. -2#7. n the partition the co
Art. -2#-. A person may, by an act inter vivos or mortis causa, intrust the mere power to ma+e the partition after his death to any person who is not one of the co
Art. -2##. hould any of the heirs sell his hereditary ri!hts to a stran!er before the partition, any or all of the co
"he provisions of this and of the precedin! article shall be observed even should there be amon! the co
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe Art. -2#9. "he titles of acquisition or ownership of each property shall be delivered to the co
Lot /=4 of t&e caastral sur$e# of Iloilo( situate in t&e 'o"lacion of La Pa( one of its istricts( %it& an area of a little more t&an D-5 &ectares %as ori)inall# ecree in t&e name of t&e late ustice Antonio orilleno( in ->-?( uner Ori)inal 0ertificate of Title No. -/-4( E*&. A< "ut "efore &e ie( on a ate not 'articularie in t&e recor( &e e*ecute a last %ill an testament attestin) to t&e fact t&at it %as a coD o%ners&i' "et%een &imself an &is "rot&ers an sisters( E*&. 0< so t&at t&e trut& %as t&at t&e o%ners or "etter state( t&e coDo%ners %ere< "esie ustice orilleno( @Luis( Solea( 2e( Rosita( 0arlos an Es'erana(@ all surname orilleno( an since Es'erana &a alrea# ie( s&e %as succeee "# &er onl# au)&ter an &eir &erein 'laintiff. 2ilomena a$ellana( in t&e 'ro'ortion of -57 uni$ie o%ners&i' eac&< no% t&en( e$en t&ou)& t&eir ri)&t &a not as #et "een annotate in t&e title( t&e coDo%ners le "# 0arlos( an as to ecease ustice Antonio orilleno( &is au)&ter Har#( sometime since earl# ->?7( &a %ante to sell t&eir s&ares( or if 'ossi"le if 2ilomena a$ellana %ere a)reea"le( to sell t&e entire 'ro'ert#( an t&e# &ire an ac!uaintance 0resencia arer( to loo1 for "u#ers( an t&e latter came to interest efenants( t&e fat&er an son( name Ramon :oromal( Sr. an r.( an in 're'aration for t&e e*ecution of t&e sale( since t&e "rot&ers an sisters orilleno %ere scattere in $arious 'arts of t&e countr#( 0arlos in Ilocos Sur( Har# in Ba)uio( Solea an 2e( in Hanalu#on)( Rial( an Rosita in Basilan 0it#( t&e# all e*ecute $arious 'o%ers of attorne# in fa$or of t&eir niece( Har# . imene E*&. -D9( t&e# also cause 're'aration of a 'o%er of attorne# of ientical tenor for si)nature "# 'laintiff( 2ilomena a$ellana( E*&. H( an sent it %it& a letter of 0arlos( E*&. 7 ate -9 anuar#( ->?9 unto &er t&ru Hrs. arer( an &ere( 0arlos informe &er t&at t&e 'rice %as P4.== a s!uare meter( alt&ou)& it no% turns out accorin) to E*&. / t&at as earl# as Octo"er( ->?7( 0arlos &a recei$e in c&ec1 as earnest mone# from efenant Ramon :oromal( r.( t&e sum of P(===.== an t&e 'rice t&erein a)ree u'on %as fi$e +P.==, 'esos a s!uare meter( as inee in anot&er letter also of 0arlos to Plaintiff in No$em"er( ->?7( E*&. ?( &e &a tol &er t&at t&e :oromals &a )i$en t&e earnest mone# of P(===.== at P.== a s!uare meter( at an# rate( 'laintiff not "ein) a)reea"le( i not si)n t&e 'o%er of attorne#( an t&e rest of t&e coDo%ners %ent a&ea %it& t&eir sale of t&eir ?57( 0arlos first seein) to it t&at t&e ee of sale "# t&eir common attorne# in fact( Har# . imene "e si)ne an ratifie as it %as si)ne an
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ratifie in 0anon( Ilocos Sur( on - anuar#( ->?9( E*&. ( t&en "rou)&t to Iloilo "# 0arlos in t&e same mont&( an "ecause t&e Re)ister of :ees of Iloilo refuse to re)ister ri)&t a%a#( since t&e ori)inal re)istere o%ner( ustice Antonio orilleno %as alrea# ea( 0arlos &a to as1 as &e i( &ire Att#. Teotimo Aranela to file a 'etition %it&in t&e caastral case( on ? 2e"ruar#( ->?9( for t&e 'ur'ose( E*&. 0( after %&ic& 0arlos returne to Luon( an after com'liance %it& t&e re!uisites of 'u"lication( &earin) an notice( t&e 'etition %as a''ro$e( an %e no% see t&at on > A'ril( ->?9( 0arlos alrea# "ac1 in Iloilo %ent to t&e Re)ister of :ees an cause t&e re)istration of t&e orer of t&e caastral court a''ro$in) t&e issuance of a ne% title in t&e name of t&e coDo%ners( as %ell as of t&e ee of sale to t&e :oromals( as a result of %&ic& on t&at same ate( a ne% title %as issue T0T No. /-( in t&e name of t&e orillenos to ?57 an 'laintiff 2ilomena a$ellana to -57( E*&. :( onl# to "e cancelle on t&e same a# uner T0T No. /-/( E*&. ( alrea# in t&e names of t&e $enees :oromals for ?57 an to &erein 'laintiff( 2ilomena a$ellana( -57( an t&e ne*t a# /= A'ril( ->?9( t&e :oromals 'ai unto 0arlos "# c&ec1( t&e sum of P>7(===.== E*&. -( of 0&artere Ban1 %&ic& %as later su"stitute "# c&ec1 of P&il. National Ban1( "ecause t&ere %as no 0&artere Ban1 Branc& in Ilocos Sur( "ut "esies t&is amount 'ai in c&ec1( t&e :oromals accorin) to t&eir e$ience still 'ai an aitional amount in cas& of P-9(=.== since t&e a)ree 'rice %as P.== a s!uare meter< an t&us %as consummate t&e transaction( "ut it is &ere %&ere com'lications set in. 'laintiff@s la%#er( Att#. Arturo . Villanue$a( "rin)in) %it& &im &er letter of t&at ate an t&en an t&ere sai la%#er manifeste to t&e :oromals t&at &e &a t&e P/=(===.== %it& &im in cas&( an tenere it to t&em( for t&e e*ercise of t&e le)al reem'tion( t&e :oromals %ere a)&ast( an refuse( an t&e $er# ne*t a#( as &as "een sai( -- une( ->?9( 'laintiff file t&is case( an in t&e trial( t&ru oral an ocumentar# 'roofs( sou)&t to s&o% t&at as coDo%ner( s&e &a t&e ri)&t to reeem at t&e 'rice state in t&e ee of sale( E*&. ( namel# P/=(===.== of t&e same< "ut efenants in ans%er( an in t&eir e$ience( oral an ocumentar# sou)&t to s&o% t&at 'laintiff &a no more ri)&t to reeem( an t&at if e$er s&e s&oul &a$e( t&at it s&oul "e at t&e true an real 'rice "# t&em 'ai( namel#( t&e total sum of P--(=.==( an trial Cu)e( after &earin) t&e e$ience( "elie$e efenants( t&at 'laintiff &a no more ri)&t( to reeem( "ecause( @Plaintiff %as informe of t&e intene sale of t&e ?57 s&are "elon)in) to t&e orillenos.@ 'on t&ese facts( t&e 0ourt of A''eals re$erse t&e trial court@s ecision an &el t&at alt&ou)& res'onent a$ellana %as informe of &er coDo%ners@ 'ro'osal to sell t&e lan in !uestion to 'etitioners s&e %as( &o%e$er( 8ne$er notifie . . . least of all( in %ritin)8( of t&e actual e*ecution an re)istration of t&e corres'onin) ee of sale( &ence( sai res'onent@s ri)&t to reeem &a not #et e*'ire at t&e time s&e mae &er offer for t&at 'ur'ose t&ru &er letter of une -=( ->?9 eli$ere to 'etitioners on e$en ate. T&e intermeiate court furt&er &el t&at t&e reem'tion 'rice to "e 'ai "# res'onent s&oul "e t&at state in t&e ee of sale %&ic& is P/=(=== not%it&stanin) t&at t&e 're'onerance of t&e e$ience 'ro$es t&at t&e actual 'rice 'ai "# 'etitioners %as P--(=. e cannot a)ree %it& 'etitioners Petitioners o not !uestion res'onent@s ri)&t to reeem( s&e "ein) amittel# a -57 coD o%ner of t&e 'ro'ert# in is'ute. T&e t&rust of t&eir first
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe assi)nment of error is t&at for 'ur'oses of Article -?/ of t&e 0i$il 0oe %&ic& 'ro$ies t&at;8ART. -?/.T&e ri)&t of le)al 'reDem'tion or reem'tion s&all not "e e*ercise e*ce't %it&in t&irt# a#s from t&e notice in %ritin) "# t&e 'ros'ecti$e $enor( or "# t&e $enor( as t&e case ma# "e. T&e ee of sale s&all not "e recore in t&e Re)istr# of Pro'ert#( unless accom'anie "# an affia$it of t&e $enor t&at &e &as )i$en %ritten notice t&ereof to all 'ossi"le reem'tioners. T&e ri)&t of reem'tion of coDo%ners e*clues t&at of aCoinin) o%ners.8 t&e letters sent "# 0arlos orilleno to res'onent an ate anuar# -9( ->?9( E*&i"it 7( an No$em"er ( ->?7( E*&i"it ?( constitute t&e re!uire notice in %ritin) from %&ic& t&e /=Da# 'erio fi*e in sai 'ro$ision s&oul "e com'ute. But to start %it&( t&ere is no s&o%in) t&at sai letters %ere in fact recei$e "# res'onent an %&en t&e# %ere actuall# recei$e. Besies( 'etitioners o not 'in'oint %&ic& of t&ese t%o letters( t&eir ates "ein) more t&an t%o mont&s a'art( is t&e re!uire notice. In an# e$ent( as foun "# t&e a''ellate court( neit&er of sai letters referre to a consummate sale. T&e fact alone t&at in t&e later letter of anuar# -9( ->?9 t&e 'rice inicate %as P4.== 'er s!uare meter %&ile in t&at of No$em"er ( ->?7( %&at %as state %as P.== 'er s!uare meter ne)ati$es t&e 'ossi"ilit# t&at a 8'rice efinite8 &a alrea# "een a)ree u'on. &ile P(=== mi)&t &a$e inee "een 'ai to 0arlos in Octo"er( ->?7( t&ere is not&in) to s&o% t&at t&e same %as in t&e conce't of t&e earnest mone# contem'late in Article -49 of t&e 0i$il 0oe( in$o1e "# 'etitioner( as si)nif#in) 'erfection of t&e sale. Vie%e in t&e "ac1ro' of t&e factual milieu t&ereof e*tant in t&e recor( e are more incline to "elie$e t&at t&e sai P(=== %ere 'ai in t&e conce't of earnest mone# as t&e term %as unerstoo uner t&e Ol 0i$il 0oe( t&at is( as a )uarantee t&at t&e "u#er %oul not "ac1 out( consierin) t&at it is not clear t&at t&ere %as alrea# a efinite a)reement as to t&e 'rice t&en an t&at 'etitioners %ere ecie to "u# ?57 onl# of t&e 'ro'ert# s&oul res'onent a$ellana refuse to a)ree to 'art %it& &er -57 s&are. e are of t&e consiere o'inion an so &ol t&at for 'ur'oses of t&e coDo%ner@s ri)&t of reem'tion )rante "# Article -?= of t&e 0i$il 0oe( t&e notice in %ritin) %&ic& Article -?/ re!uires to "e mae to t&e ot&er coDo%ners an from recei't of %&ic& t&e /=Da# 'erio to reeem s&oul "e counte is a notice not onl# of a 'erfecte sale "ut of t&e actual e*ecution an eli$er# of t&e ee of sale. T&is is im'lie from t&e latter 'ortion of Article -?/ %&ic& re!uires t&at "efore a re)ister of ees can recor a sale "# a coD o%ner( t&ere must "e 'resente to &im( an affia$it to t&e effect t&at t&e notice of t&e sale &a "een sent in %ritin) to t&e ot&er coDo%ners. T&e onl# ot&er 'i$otal issue raise "# 'etitioners relates to t&e 'rice %&ic& res'onent offere for t&e reem'tion in !uestion. In t&is connection( from t&e ecision of t&e 0ourt of A''eals( e )at&er t&at t&ere is 8ecisi$e 're'onerance of e$ience8 esta"lis&in) 8t&at t&e 'rice 'ai "# efenants %as not t&at state in t&e ocument( E*&i"it ( of P/=(=== "ut muc& more( at least P>7(===( accorin) to t&e c&ec1( E*&i"it -( if not a total of P--(=.== "ecause anot&er amount in cas& of P-9(= %as 'ai after%ars.8 It is( t&erefore( t&e contention of 'etitioners &ere t&at consierin) sai finin) of fact of t&e intermeiate court( it erre in &olin) ne$ert&eless t&at 8t&e reem'tion 'rice s&oul "e t&at state in t&e ee of sale.8
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A)ain( 'etitioners@ contention cannot "e sustaine. As state in t&e ecision uner re$ie%( t&e trial court foun t&at 8t&e consieration of P/=(=== onl# %as 'lace in t&e ee of sale to minimie t&e 'a#ment of t&e re)istration fees( stam's an sales ta*.8 it& t&is unis'ute fact in min( it is im'ossi"le for t&e Su'reme 0ourt to sanction 'etitioners@ 'ra)matic "ut immoral 'osture. Bein) 'atentl# $iolati$e of 'u"lic 'olic# an inCurious to 'u"lic interest( t&e seemin)l# %ie 'ractice of unerstatin) consierations of transactions for t&e 'ur'ose of e$ain) ta*es an fees ue to t&e )o$ernment must "e conemne an all 'arties )uilt# t&ereof must "e mae to suffer t&e conse!uences of t&eir illDa$ise a)reement to efrau t&e state. Veril#( t&e trial court fell s&ort of its e$otion an lo#alt# to t&e Re'u"lic in officiall# )i$in) its stam' of a''ro$al to t&e stan of 'etitioners an e$en "eratin) res'onent a$ellana as %antin) to enric& &erself 8at t&e e*'ense of &er o%n "loo relati$es %&o are &er aunts( uncles an cousins.8 On t&e contrar#( sai 8"loo relati$es8 s&oul &a$e "een sternl# tol( as e &ere &ol( t&at t&e# are in 'ariDelicto %it& 'etitioners in committin) ta* e$asion an s&oul not recei$e an# consieration from an# court in res'ect to t&e mone# 'ai for t&e sale in is'ute. T&eir situation is similar to t&at of 'arties to an ille)al contract. -st Accorin) to Art. -?->@Le)al reem'tion is t&e ri)&t to "e su"ro)ate( u'on t&e same terms an conitions sti'ulate in t&e contract( in t&e 'lace of one %&o ac!uires a t&in) "# 'urc&ase or ation in 'a#ment( or "# an# ot&er transaction %&ere"# o%ners&i' is transmitte "# onerous title.@ ''. 47-D47( Ne% 0i$il 0oe( If it "e ar)ue t&at fore)oin) solution %oul mean unCust enric&ment for 'laintiff( it nee onl# "e remem"ere t&at 'laintiff@s ri)&t is not contractual( "ut a mere le)al one( t&e e*ercise of a ri)&t )rante "# t&e la%( an t&e la% is efinite t&at s&e can su"ro)ate &erself in 'lace of t&e "u#er(@u'on t&e same terms an conitions sti'ulate in t&e contract(@ in t&e %ors of Art. -?->( an &ere t&e 'rice. @sti'ulate in t&e contract@ %as P/=(===.==( in ot&er %ors( if t&is "e 'ossi"le enric&ment on t&e 'art of 2ilomena( it %as not unCust "ut Cust enric&ment "ecause 'ermitte "# t&e la%< if it still "e ar)ue t&at 'laintiff %oul t&us "e ena"le to a"use &er ri)&t( t&e ans%er sim'l# is t&at %&at s&e is see1in) to enforce is not an a"use "ut a mere e*ercise of a ri)&t< if it &e state t&at Cust t&e same( t&e effect of sustainin) 'laintiff %oul "e to 'romote not Custice "ut inCustice( t&e ans%er a)ain sim'l# is t&at t&is solution is not unCust "ecause it onl# "ins t&e 'arties to ma1e )oo t&eir solemn re'resentation to 'ossi"le reem'tioners on t&e 'rice of t&e sale( to %&at t&e# &a solemnl# a$erre in a 'u"lic ocument re!uire "# t&e la% to "e t&e onl# "asis for t&at e*ercise of reem'tion<8 +P'. 4D7( Recor., ERE2ORE( t&e ecision of t&e 0ourt of A''eals is affirme( %it& costs a)ainst 'etitioners. Alon&o !s. CA
T&e !uestion is sometimes as1e( in serious in!uir# or in curious conCecture( %&et&er %e are a court of la% or a court of Custice. :o %e a''l# t&e la% e$en if it is unCust or o %e aminister Custice e$en a)ainst t&e la%F T&us !uerie( %e o not e!ui$ocate. T&e ans%er is t&at %e o neit&er "ecause %e are a court "ot& of la% an of Custice. e a''l# t&e la% %it& Custice for t&at is our mission an 'ur'ose in t&e sc&eme of our Re'u"lic. T&is case is an illustration. 2i$e "rot&ers an sisters in&erite in e!ual 'ro ini$iso s&ares a 'arcel of lan re)istere in t&e mane of t&eir
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe ecease 'arents uner O0T No. -=>77 of t&e Re)istr# of :ees of Tarlac. On Harc& -( ->?/( one of t&em( 0elestino Paua( transferre &is uni$ie s&are of t&e &erein 'etitioners for t&e sum of P=.== "# %a# of a"solute sale. One #ear later( on A'ril ( ->?4( Eusta!uia Paua( &is sister( sol &er o%n s&are to t&e same $enees( in an instrument enominate 80on Pacto e Retro Sale(8 for t&e sum of P44=.==. / B# $irtue of suc& a)reements( t&e 'etitioners occu'ie( after t&e sai sales( an area corres'onin) to t%oDfift&s of t&e sai lot( re'resentin) t&e 'ortions sol to t&em. T&e $enees su"se!uentl# enclose t&e same %it& a fence. In ->7( %it& t&eir consent( t&eir son Euaro Alono an &is %ife "uilt a semiDconcrete &ouse on a 'art of t&e enclose area. 4 On 2e"ruar# ( ->7?( Hariano Paua( one of t&e fi$e coD &eirs( sou)&t to reeem t&e area sol to t&e s'ouses Alono( "ut &is com'laint %as ismisse %&en it a''eare t&at &e %as an American citien. On Ha# 7( ->77( &o%e$er( Tecla Paua( anot&er coD&eir( file &er o%n com'laint in$o1in) t&e same ri)&t of reem'tion claime "# &er "rot&er. ? T&e onl# real !uestion in t&is case( t&erefore( is t&e correct inter'retation an a''lication of t&e 'ertinent la% as in$o1e( interestin)l# enou)&( "# "ot& t&e 'etitioners an t&e 'ri$ate res'onents. T&is is Article -=99 of t&e 0i$il 0oe( 'ro$iin) as follo%s; 8Art. -=99. S&oul a n# o f t&e & eirs s ell & is &ereitar# ri)&ts to a stran)er "efore t&e 'artition( an# or all of t&e coD&eirs ma# "e su"ro)ate to t&e ri)&ts of t&e 'urc&aser "# reim"ursin) &im for t&e 'rice of t&e sale( 'ro$ie t&e# o so %it&in t&e 'erio of one mont& from t&e time t&e# %ere notifie in %ritin) of t&e sale "# t&e $enor.8 T&us( accorin) to ustice .B.L. Re#es( %&o %as t&e 'onente of t&e 0ourt( furnis&in) t&e coD&eirs %it& a co'# of t&e ee of sale of t&e 'ro'ert# su"Cect to reem'tion %oul satisf# t&e re!uirement for %ritten notice. 8So lon)( t&erefore( as t&e latter +i.e.( t&e reem'tioner, is informe in %ritin) of t&e sale an t&e 'articulars t&ereof(8 &e eclare( 8t&e t&irt# a#s for reem'tion start runnin).8
suc& a situation( %e are not "oun( "ecause onl# of our nature an functions( to a''l# t&em Cust t&e same( in sla$is& o"eience to t&eir lan)ua)e. &at %e o instea is fin a "alance "et%een t&e %or an t&e %ill( t&at Custice ma# "e one e$en as t&e la% is o"e#e. As Cu)es( %e are not automatons. e o not an must not unfeelin)l# a''l# t&e la% as it is %ore( #ielin) li1e ro"ots to t&e literal comman %it&out re)ar to its cause an conse!uence. 80ourts are a't to err "# stic1in) too closel# to t&e %ors of a la%(8 so %e are %arne( "# ustice olmes a)ain( 8%&ere t&ese %ors im'ort a 'olic# t&at )oes "e#on t&em.8 -/ &ile %e amittel# ma# not le)islate( %e ne$ert&eless &a$e t&e 'o%er to inter'ret t&e la% in suc& a %a# as to reflect t&e %ill of t&e le)islature. &ile %e ma# not rea into t&e la% a 'ur'ose t&at is not t&ere( %e ne$ert&eless &a$e t&e ri)&t to rea out of it t&e reason for its enactment. In oin) so( %e efer not to 8t&e letter t&at 1illet&8 "ut to 8t&e s'irit t&at $i$ifiet&(8 to )i$e effect to t&e la%ma1er@s %ill. In re!uirin) %ritten notice( Article -=99 see1s to ensure t&at t&e reem'tioner is 'ro'erl# notifie of t&e sale an to inicate t&e ate of suc& notice as t&e startin) time of t&e /=D a# 'erio of reem'tion. 0onsierin) t&e s&ortness of t&e 'erio( it is reall# necessar#( as a )eneral rule( to 'in'oint t&e 'recise ate it is su''ose to "e)in( to o"$iate an# 'ro"lem of alle)e ela#s( sometimes consistin) of onl# a a# or t%o. as t&ere a $ali noticeF Grantin) t&at t&e la% re!uires t&e notice to "e %ritten( %oul suc& notice "e necessar# in t&is caseF Assumin) t&ere %as a $ali notice alt&ou)& it %as not in %ritin)( %oul t&ere "e an# !uestion t&at t&e /=Da# 'erio for reem'tion &a e*'ire lon) "efore t&e com'laint %as file in ->77F In t&e face of t&e esta"lis&e facts( %e cannot acce't t&e 'ri$ate res'onents@ 'retense t&at t&e# %ere una%are of t&e sales mae "# t&eir "rot&er an sister in ->?/ an ->?4. B# re!uirin) %ritten 'roof of suc& notice( %e %oul "e closin) our e#es to t&e o"$ious trut& in fa$or of t&eir 'al'a"l# false claim of i)norance( t&us e*altin) t&e letter of t&e la% o$er its 'ur'ose. T&e 'ur'ose is clear enou)&; to ma1e sure t&at t&e reem'tioners are ul# notifie. e are satisfie t&at in t&is case t&e ot&er "rot&ers an sisters %ere actuall# informe( alt&ou)& not in %ritin)( of t&e sales mae in ->?/ an ->?4( an t&at suc& notice %as sufficient. No%( %&en i t&e /=Da# 'erio of reem'tion "e)inF
As 8it is t&us a''arent t&at t&e P&ili''ine le)islature in Article -?/ eli"eratel# selecte a 'articular met&o of )i$in) notice( an t&at notice must "e eeme e*clusi$e(8 t&e 0ourt &el t&at notice )i$en "# t&e $enees an not t&e $enor %oul not toll t&e runnin) of t&e /=Da# 'erio. T&e 'etition "efore us a''ears to "e an illustration of t&e olmes ictum t&at 8&ar cases ma1e "a la%s8 as t&e 'etitioners o"$iousl# cannot ar)ue a)ainst t&e fact t&at t&ere %as reall# no %ritten notice )i$en "# t&e $enors to t&eir coD &eirs. Strictl# a''lie an inter'rete( Article -=99 can lea to onl# one conclusion( to %it( t&at in $ie% of suc& eficienc#( t&e /=Da# 'erio for reem'tion &a not "e)un to run( muc& less e*'ire in ->77. T&us( %e inter'ret an a''l# t&e la% not ine'enentl# of "ut in consonance %it& Custice. La% an Custice are inse'ara"le( an %e must 1ee' t&em so. To "e sure( t&ere are some la%s t&at( %&ile )enerall# $ali( ma# seem ar"itrar# %&en a''lie in a 'articular case "ecause of its 'eculiar circumstances. In
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&ile %e o not &ere eclare t&at t&is 'erio starte from t&e ates of suc& sales in ->?/ an ->?4( %e o sa# t&at sometime "et%een t&ose #ears an ->7?( %&en t&e first com'laint for reem'tion %as file( t&e ot&er coD&eirs %ere actuall# informe of t&e sale an t&at t&ereafter t&e /=Da# 'erio starte runnin) an ultimatel# e*'ire. T&is coul &a$e &a''ene an# time urin) t&e inter$al of t&irteen #ears( %&en none of t&e coD&eirs mae a mo$e to reeem t&e 'ro'erties sol. B# ->77( in ot&er %ors( %&en Tecla Paua file &er com'laint( t&e ri)&t of reem'tion &a alrea# "een e*tin)uis&e "ecause t&e 'erio for its e*ercise &a alrea# e*'ire. 8&ile t&e )eneral rule is( t&at to c&ar)e a 'art# %it& lac&es in t&e assertion of an alle)e ri)&t it is essential t&at &e s&oul &a$e 1no%le)e of t&e facts u'on %&ic& &e "ases &is claim( #et if t&e circumstances %ere suc& as s&oul &a$e inuce in!uir#( an t&e means of ascertainin) t&e trut& %ere reail# a$aila"le u'on in!uir#( "ut t&e 'art#
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe ne)lects to ma1e it( &e %ill "e c&ar)ea"le %it& lac&es( t&e same as if &e &a 1no%n t&e facts.8 - It %as t&e 'erfectl# natural t&in) for t&e coD&eirs to %oner %&# t&e s'ouses Alono( %&o %ere not amon) t&em( s&oul enclose a 'ortion of t&e in&erite lot an "uil t&ereon a &ouse of stron) materials. T&is efinitel# %as not t&e act of a tem'orar# 'ossessor or a mere mort)a)ee. T&is certainl# loo1e li1e an act of o%ners&i'. Jet( )i$en t&is unseeml# situation( none of t&e coD&eirs sa% fit to o"Cect or at least in!uire( to ascertain t&e facts( %&ic& %ere reail# a$aila"le. It too1 all of t&irteen #ears "efore one of t&em c&ose to claim t&e ri)&t of reem'tion( "ut t&en it %as alrea# too late. e realie t&at in arri$in) at our conclusion toa#( %e are e$iatin) from t&e strict letter of t&e la%( %&ic& t&e res'onent court unerstana"l# a''lie 'ursuant to e*istin) Curis'ruence. T&e sai court acte 'ro'erl# as it &a no com'etence to re$erse t&e octrines lai o%n "# t&is 0ourt in t&e a"o$eDcite cases. In fact( an t&is s&oul "e clearl# stresse( %e oursel$es are not a"anonin) t&e :e 0oneCero an Buttle octrines. &at %e are oin) sim'l# is ao'tin) an e*ce'tion to t&e )eneral rule( in $ie% of t&e 'eculiar circumstances of t&is case. T&e coD&eirs in t&is case %ere unenia"l# informe of t&e sales alt&ou)& no notice in %ritin) %as )i$en t&em. An t&ere is no ou"t eit&er t&at t&e /=Da# 'erio "e)an an ene urin) t&e -4 #ears "et%een t&e sales in !uestion an t&e filin) of t&e com'laint for reem'tion in ->77( %it&out t&e coD &eirs e*ercisin) t&eir ri)&t of reem'tion. T&ese are t&e Custifications for t&is e*ce'tion. ERE2ORE( t&e 'etition is )rante. T&e ecision of t&e res'onent court is REVERSE: Ba"tista !s. rinoA="ino
0an t&e 'ro'ert# of t&e sur$i$in) &us"an "e t&e su"Cect of an e*traCuicial 'artition of t&e estate of t&e ecease %ifeF T&is is t&e sin)ular issue in t&is 'etition. In 0i$il 0ase No. 4=//DP( 'etitioners institute an action in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Rial to eclare t&e ee of e*traCuicial 'artition( ee of a"solute sale( Transfer 0ertificates of Title Nos. -4-9( -4-9? an -?? all of Re)istr# of :ees of Pasa# 0it# an Ta* :eclaration No. -47( null an $oi. T&at "ot& 'arties amit t&at t&e lan in !uestion %as re)istere in t&e name of 'etitioner Hanuel Bautista uner T.0.T No. -=( an t&e latter in&erite t&is lan from &is fat&er( Hariano Bautista< Bot& 'etitioners an 'ri$ate res'onents amit t&at on :ec. ( ->??( a :ee of E*traCuicial Partition %as e*ecute. Pri$ate res'onents %ere si)natories to t&e ee( an t&e si)nature of 'etitioner Hanuel Bautista %as su''ose to a''ear in t&at ocument( alt&ou)& 'etitioner Hanuel Bautista enie &a$in) si)ne t&at E*traCuicial Partition< Bot& 'arties amit t&at u'on re)istration of t&e :ee of E*traCuicial Partition( T.0.T. No. -= %as cancelle an in lieu t&ereof( T.0.T.DTD-4-9 %as issue< T&e 'arties amit t&at t&e 'ri$ate res'onents( %it& t&e e*ce'tion of Hanolito Bautista( e*ecute a :ee of A"solute Sale in fa$or of Hanolito Bautista of t&at 'ro'ert#<'on re)istration of t&e :ee of Sale( T.0.T.DTD-4-9 %as cancelle an in lieu t&ereof( T.0.T. No. TD-4-9? %as issue to Hanolito Bautista< n Au)ust 7( ->?>( Hanolito Bautista e*ecute a :ee of Sale
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in fa$or of t&e ot&er 'ri$ate res'onents an u'on re)istration of sai :ee of Sale( T.0.T. Nos. TD-??( TD -???( TD-??7( TD-??9( TD-??>( TD-?7=( TD-?7-( %ere issue to 'ri$ate res'onents< Parties amit t&at 'etitioner Hanuel Bautista marrie &is secon %ife Emiliana Tama#o< Parties amit t&at Hanuel Bautista an &is secon %ife( Emiliana Tama#o( &a onl# a c&il( E$an)eline Bautista( "orn on A'ril >( ->4>< T&at t&e 'ro'ert# in !uestion %as t&e su"Cect matter of e*traCuicial 'artition of 'ro'ert# on :ecem"er ( ->??( amon) t&e &eirs of t&e late uliana NoCaera( t&e first %ife of Hanuel Bautista< Hanuel Bautista enie 'artici'ation in t&e E*traCuicial Partition of Pro'ert#< On Au)ust -( ->74( all t&e 'arties a)ree to su"mit to t&e NBI t&e !uestione si)nature of Hanuel Bautista< T&at t&e NBI conclue t&at t&e !uestione ocument %as aut&entic. +P'. /7D/9( rollo< ''. D/ of ecision of res'onent court,. In a ecision of anuar# -4( ->9/( t&e trial court ismisse t&e com'laint %it& costs a)ainst 'laintiffs. On a''eal( a ecision %as renere in ue course "# t&e 0ourt of A''eals on Au)ust /( ->97( affirmin) t&e ecision of t&e trial court. PBLI0 RESPON:ENTS ATORIE: TE EWTRA:I0IAL PARTITION O2 2TRE INERITAN0E IN 0LEAR VIOLATION O2 ARTI0LE -/47 O2 TE NE 0IVIL 0O:E< PBLI0 RESPON:ENTS ATORIE: TE PRETERITION O2 PETITIONER EVANGELINE BATISTA IN VIOLATION O2 TE LA ON S00ESSION.8 +P. 7( 'etition for re$ie%< '. 9( rollo, T&e 'etition is im'resse %it& merit. T&e finin)s of facts of "ot& t&e trial court an t&e res'onent A''ellate 0ourt t&at t&e si)nature of Hanuel Bautista in t&e !uestione :ee of E*traCuicial Partition is aut&entic( as e*amine "# t&e NBI( can no lon)er "e !uestione in t&is 'roceein). Ne$ert&eless( e$en )rantin) t&at t&e si)nature of Hanuel Bautista in t&e !uestione E*traCuicial :ee of Partition is )enuine( an e*amination of t&e ocument "ase on amitte an 'ro$en facts reners t&e ocument fatall# efecti$e. T&e e*traCuicial 'artition %as su''ose to "e a 'artition %it&out court inter$ention of t&e estate of t&e late uliana NoCaera( first %ife of Hanuel Bautista( constitutin) t&e su"Cect 'ro'ert#. In t&e same ocument Hanuel Bautista a''ears to &a$e %ai$e &is ri)&t or s&are in t&e 'ro'ert# in fa$or of 'ri$ate res'onents. o%e$er( t&e 'ro'ert# su"Cect matter of sai e*traCuicial 'artition oes not "elon) to t&e estate of uliana NoCaera. It is t&e e*clusi$e 'ro'ert# of Hanuel Bautista %&o in&erite t&e same from &is fat&er Hariano Bautista( %&ic& %as re)istere in &is name uner T.0.T. No. -=. ner Section -( Rule 74 of t&e Rules of 0ourt an e*traCuicial settlement of t&e Estate a''lies onl# to t&e estate left "# t&e eceent %&o ie %it&out a %ill( an %it& no creitors( an t&e &eirs are all of a)e or t&e minors are re'resente "# t&eir Cuicial or le)al re'resentati$es. If t&e 'ro'ert# oes not "elon) to t&e estate of t&e eceent
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe certainl# it cannot "e t&e su"Cect matter of an e*traCuicial 'artition. As t&e su"Cect 'ro'ert# oes not "elon) to t&e estate of uliana NoCaera( t&e :ee of E*traCuicial Partition( is $oi a" initio "ein) contrar# to la%. To inclue in an e*traCuicial 'artition 'ro'ert# %&ic& oes not 'ertain to t&e estate of t&e ecease %oul "e to e'ri$e t&e la%ful o%ner t&ereof of &is 'ro'ert# %it&out ue 'rocess of la%. Onl# 'ro'ert# of t&e estate of t&e eceent %&ic& is transmitte "# succession can "e t&e la%ful su"Cect matter of an e*traCuicial 'artition. In t&is case( t&e sai 'artition o"$iousl# 'reCuices t&e ri)&t of Hanuel Bautista as e*clusi$e o%ner of t&e 'ro'ert#. T&e sai 'artition also effecti$el# resulte in t&e 'reterition of t&e ri)&t of E$an)eline Bautista as a com'ulsor# &eir of Hanuel Bautista( au)&ter of t&e latter "# &is secon marria)e. It is ifficult to "elie$e t&at Hanuel Bautista %oul %ittin)l# o$erloo1 an i)nore t&e ri)&t of &er au)&ter E$an)eline to s&are in t&e sai 'ro'ert#. It is not sur'risin) t&at &e enie si)nin) t&e sai ocument. Horeo$er( 'ri$ate res'onents 1ne% E$an)eline Bautista %&o is t&eir &alfDsister to "e a com'ulsor# &eir. T&e court fins t&at &er 'reterition %as attene %it& "a fait& &ence t&e sai 'artition must "e rescine. T&e 0ourt o"ser$es t&at after t&e e*ecution of sai e*traCuicial 'artition an issuance of t&e title in t&eir names( 'ri$ate res'onents e*ce't Hanolito Bautista in turn e*ecute a ee of a"solute sale of t&e 'ro'ert# in fa$or of t&e latter in %&ose name t&e title %as also issue. An #et soon t&ereafter anot&er ee of sale %as e*ecute t&is time "# Hanolito Bautista sellin) "ac1 t&e same 'ro'ert# to 'ri$ate res'onents in %&ose names t&e res'ecti$e titles %ere t&us su"se!uentl# issue. T&is series of transactions "et%een an amon) 'ri$ate res'onents is an inication of a cle$er sc&eme to 'lace t&e 'ro'ert# "e#on t&e reac& of t&ose la%full# entitle t&ereto. Horeo$er( suc& e*traCuicial 'artition cannot constitute a 'artition of t&e 'ro'ert# urin) t&e lifetime of its o%ner( Hanuel Bautista. Partition of future in&eritance is 'ro&i"ite "# la%. As sai E*traCuicial Partition ate :ecem"er ( ->??( of 'ro'ert# "elon)in) e*clusi$el# to 'etitioner Hanuel Bautista( is null an $oi a" initio it follo%s t&at all su"se!uent transactions in$ol$in) t&e same 'ro'ert# "et%een an amon) t&e 'ri$ate res'onents are also null an $oi. Delos Santos !s. Dela Cr"&
2rom t&e recor of t&is case( %e cull t&e follo%in) salient facts; On Ha# -( ->?( Gertrues e los Santos file a com'laint for s'ecific 'erformance a)ainst Ha*imo e la 0ru( alle)in)( amon) ot&ers( t&at on Au)ust 4( ->?/( s&e an se$eral coD&eirs( incluin) t&e efenant( e*ecute an e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement +a co'# of %&ic& %as attac&e to t&e com'laint, o$er a certain 'ortion of lan %it& an area of aroun =(=== s!. m.< t&at t&e 'arties t&ereto &a a)ree to aCuicate t&ree +/, lots to t&e efenant( in aition to &is corres'onin) s&are( on conition t&at t&e latter %oul unerta1e t&e e$elo'ment an su"i$ision of t&e estate %&ic& %as t&e su"Cect matter of t&e a)reement( all e*'enses in connection t&ere%it& to "e efra#e from t&e 'rocees of t&e sale of t&e aforementione t&ree +/, lots< t&at
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in s'ite of emans "# t&e 'laintiff( "# t&e ot&er coD&eirs( an "# t&e resients of t&e su"i$ision( t&e efenant refuse to 'erform &is aforesai o"li)ation alt&ou)& &e &a alrea# sol t&e aforesai lots. T&e 'laintiff 'ra#e t&e court to orer t&e efenant to com'l# %it& &is o"li)ation uner t&e e*traD Cuicial 'artition a)reement an to 'a# t&e sum of P-(===.== as attorne#@s fees an costs. In &is ans%er( t&e efenant amitte t&e ue e*ecution of t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement( "ut set u' t&e affirmati$e efenses t&at t&e 'laintiff &a no cause of action a)ainst &im "ecause t&e sai a)reement %as $oi %it& res'ect to &er( for t&e reason t&at t&e 'laintiff %as not an &eir of Pela)ia e la 0ru( ecease o%ner of t&e 'ro'ert#( an %as inclue in t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement "# mista1e< an t&at alt&ou)& &e &a is'ose of t&e t&ree lots aCuicate to &im( ne$ert&eless t&e 'rocees of t&e sale %ere not sufficient to e$elo' an im'ro$e 'ro'erl# t&e su"i$ie estate. T&e ans%er containe a counterclaim %&erein t&e efenant alle)e t&at t&e 'laintiff &a li1e%ise sol &er s&are in t&e estate for P-=(===.==( an t&at t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement "ein) $oi insofar as t&e latter %as concerne( &e %as entitle to oneDfourt& +-54, of t&e 'rocees as &is s&are "# %a# of re$ersion. T&e efenant 'ra#e t&at t&e com'laint "e ismisse< t&at t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement "e eclare $oi %it& res'ect to t&e 'laintiff< an( on &is counterclaim( t&at t&e 'laintiff "e orere to 'a# &im t&e sum of P(==.==. In its ecision ate No$em"er /( ->??( t&e court a !uo &el t&at t&e efenant( "ein) a 'art# to t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement( %as esto''e from raisin) in issue t&e ri)&t of t&e 'laintiff to in&erit from t&e eceent Pela)ia e la 0ru< &ence( &e must a"ie "# t&e terms of t&e a)reement. T&e court orere t&e efenant 8to 'erform &is o"li)ations to e$elo' Lots -( an / of +LR0, PsD>?- as escri"e on 'a)e of t&e E*traCuicial Partition A)reement8 +meanin)( a''arentl#( t&at t&e efenant s&oul e$elo' t&e su"i$ision "ecause sai Lots -( an / %ere intene to "e sol for t&is 'ur'ose,( an to 'a# t&e 'laintiff t&e sum of P(===.== as actual ama)es( t&e sum of P==.== as attorne#@s fees( an t&e costs. No is'osition %as mae of efenant@s counterclaim. T&e efenant file a 8Hotion for Ne% Trial@ "ut t&e same %as enie. ence( t&is a''eal. In t&e sti'ulation of facts su"mitte to t&e court "elo%( t&e 'arties amit t&at t&e o%ner of t&e estate( su"Cect matter of t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement( %as Pela)ia e la 0ru( %&o ie intestate on Octo"er -?( ->? t&at efenantD a''ellant is a ne'&e% of t&e sai eceent< t&at 'laintiffD a''ellee is a )ranniece of Pela)ia e la 0ru( &er mot&er( Harciana e la 0ru( "ein) a niece of t&e sai Pela)ia e la 0ru< t&at 'laintiffDa''ellee@s mot&er ie on Se'tem"er ( ->/( t&us 'reDeceasin) Pela)ia e la 0ru< an t&at t&e 'ur'ose of t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement %as to i$ie an istri"ute t&e estate amon) t&e &eirs of Pela)ia e la 0ru. T&e 'i$otal !uestion is %&et&er( in t&e 'remises( 'laintiffD a''ellee is an &eir of t&e eceent. e are con$ince t&at s&e is not. PlaintiffDa''ellee "ein) a mere )ranniece of Pela)ia e la 0ru( s&e coul not in&erit from t&e latter "# ri)&t of re'resentation. 8ART. >7. T&e ri)&t of re'resentation ta1es 'lace in t&e irect escenin) line( "ut ne$er in t&e ascenin).
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 8In t&e collateral line( it ta1es 'lace onl# in fa$or of t&e c&ilren of "rot&ers or sisters( %&et&er t&e# "e of t&e full or &alf "loo.8 Huc& less coul 'laintiffDa''ellee in&erit in &er o%n ri)&t. 8ART. >?. In e$er# in&eritance( t&e relati$e nearest in e)ree e*clues t&e more istant ones( sa$in) t&e ri)&t of re'resentation %&en it 'ro'erl# ta1es 'lace . . .8 In t&e 'resent case( t&e relati$es 8nearest in e)ree8 to Pela)ia e la 0ru are &er ne'&e%s an nieces( one of %&om is efenantDa''ellant. Necessaril#( 'laintiffDa''ellee( a )ranniece( is e*clue "# la% from t&e in&eritance. But %&at is t&e le)al effect of 'laintiffDa''ellee@s inclusion an 'artici'ation in t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement insofar as &er ri)&t to "rin) t&e 'resent action is concerneF T&e# i not confer u'on &er t&e ri)&t to institute t&is action. T&e e*'ress 'ur'ose of t&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement( as amitte "# t&e 'arties in t&e sti'ulation of facts( %as to i$ie t&e estate amon) t&e &eirs of Pela)ia e la 0ru. Inee( t&e sai a)reement itself states t&at 'laintiffDa''ellee %as 'artici'atin) t&erein in re'resentation of &er ecease mot&er. It is !uite a''arent t&at in e*ecutin) t&e 'artition a)reement( t&e 'arties t&ereto %ere la"orin) uner t&e erroneous "elief t&at 'laintiffDa''ellee %as one of t&e le)al &eirs of Pela)ia e la 0ru. PlaintiffDa''ellee not "ein) suc& an &eir( t&e 'artition is $oi %it& res'ect to &er( 'ursuant to Article --= of t&e 0i$il 0oe( %&ic& reas; 8ART. --=. A 'artition %&ic& inclues a 'erson "elie$e to "e an &eir( "ut %&o is not( s&all "e $oi onl# %it& res'ect to suc& 'erson.8 Partition of 'ro'ert# affecte "et%een a 'erson entitle to in&erit from t&e ecease o%ner t&ereof an anot&er 'erson %&o t&ou)&t &e %as an &eir( %&en &e %as not reall# an la%full# suc&( to t&e 'reCuice of t&e ri)&ts of t&e true &eir esi)nate "# la% to succee t&e ecease( is null an $oi +:e Torres $s. :e Torres( et al.( 9 P&il. 4>,. A fortiori( 'laintiffDa''ellee coul &arl# eri$e from t&e a)reement t&e ri)&t to &a$e its terms enforce. T&e e*traCuicial 'artition a)reement "ein) $oi %it& res'ect to 'laintiffDa''ellee( s&e ma# not "e &ear to assert esto''el a)ainst efenantDa''ellant. Esto''el cannot "e 'reicate on a $oi contract +-7 Am. ur. ?=,( or on acts %&ic& are 'ro&i"ite "# la% or are a)ainst 'u"lic 'olic# T&e a%ar of actual ama)es in fa$or of 'laintiffDa''ellee cannot "e sustaine in $ie% of t&e conclusion %e &a$e arri$e at a"o$e. 2urt&ermore( actual or com'ensator# ama)es must "e ul# 'ro$e +Article ->>( 0i$il 0oe,. ere( no 'roof of suc& ama)es %as 'resente inasmuc& as t&e case %as ecie on a sti'ulation of facts an no e$ience %as auce "efore t&e trial court. Suc& "ein) t&e case( efenantDa''ellant is a''arentl# correct in &is contention t&at t&e lo%er court erre in not 'assin) on &is counterclaim an( conse!uentl#( in not sentencin) a''ellee to turn o$er to &im &is corres'onin) s&are of sai 'ortion recei$e "# a''ellee uner t&e $oi
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'artition. Remote relati$es or unrelate 'ersons %&o unul# recei$e an too1 'ossession of t&e 'ro'ert# of a ecease 'erson %it&out an# ri)&t( "# $irtue of a null an $oi 'artition( must restore it to t&e le)itimate successor in t&e in&eritance +:e Torres $s. :e Torres( et al.( su'ra,. Of course( if suc& s&are &as alrea# "een is'ose of "# a''ellee to a "ona fie 'urc&aser( as seems to "e inicate in t&e un'ro$en alle)ations of t&e counterclaim( e cannot rener Cu)ment a%arin) an# s'ecific amount to efenantDa''ellant as &is 'ro'ortionate s&are of t&e 'rocees of suc& sale for t&e reason t&at( as alrea# state a"o$e( t&is as'ect of t&e counterclaim &as not "een touc&e u'on in t&e sti'ulation of facts nor &as it "een su''orte "# e$ience %&ic& a''ellant s&oul &a$e 'resente in t&e lo%er court "ut i not. B. Effects of 4artition
Art. -29-. A partition le!ally made confers upon each heir the e&clusive ownership of the property ad1udicated to him. (-2*#) Art. -29$. After the partition has been made, the co< heirs shall be reciprocally bound to warrant the title to, and the quality of, each property ad1udicated. (-2*9a) Art. -29%. "he reciprocal obli!ation of warranty referred to in the precedin! article shall be proportionate to the respective hereditary shares of the co
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe (-) When the testator himself has made the partition, unless it appears, or it may be reasonably presumed, that his intention was otherwise, but the le!itime shall always remain unimpaired ($) When it has been so e&pressly stipulated in the a!reement of partition, unless there has been bad faith (%) When the eviction is due to a cause subsequent to the partition, or has been caused by the fault of the distributee of the property. (-272a) "ilas !s. C$I of 4a#panga
It a''ears from t&e recors t&at acinta Limson e Lo'e( of Gua)ua( Pam'an)a %as marrie to AleCanro Lo'e # Sion)co. T&e# &a no c&ilren. On A'ril 9( ->/?( acinta e*ecute a %ill institutin) &er &us"an AleCanro as &er sole &eir an e*ecutor +''. =D-( rec.,. In a Resolution ate Octo"er ?( ->/ in S'. Proc. No. 9>4 entitle 8En el Asunto e la Ao'cion e la Henor uanita Lo'e # Limson8 +''. >D>4( -=/( rec.,( &erein 'etitioner uanita Lo'e( t&en sin)le an no% marrie to 2eerico Guilas( %as eclare le)all# ao'te au)&ter an le)al &eir of t&e s'ouses acinta an AleCanro. After ao'tin) le)all# &erein 'etitioner uanita Lo'e( t&e testatri* :oa acinta i not e*ecute anot&er %ill or coicil so as to inclue uanita Lo'e as one of &er &eirs. Ne$ert&eless( in a 'roCect of 'artition ate Harc& ->( ->?= e*ecute "# "ot& AleCanro Lo'e an uanita Lo'eDGuilas( t&e ri)&t of uanita Lo'e to in&erit from acinta %as reco)nie an Lots Nos. //?9 an /44- +acinta@s 'ara'&ernal 'ro'ert#,( escri"e an em"race in Ori)inal 0ertificate of Title No. -/=>( "ot& situate in Bacolor( Pam'an)a In an orer ate A'ril /( ->?=( t&e lo%er court a''ro$e t&e sai 'roCect of 'artition an irecte t&at t&e recors of t&e case "e sent to t&e arc&ie$es( u'on 'a#ment of t&e estate an in&eritance ta*es + On A'ril -=( ->?4( &erein 'etitioner uanita Lo'eDGuilas file a se'arate orinar# action to set asie an annul t&e 'roCect of 'artition( %&ic& case %as oc1ete as 0i$il 0ase /> entitle 8uanita Lo'eDGuilas $s. AleCanro Lo'e8 in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Pam'an)a( on t&e )roun of lesion( 'reterition an frau( an 'ra# furt&er t&at AleCanro Lo'e "e orere to su"mit a statement of accounts of all t&e cro's an to eli$er immeiatel# to uanita lots nos. //?9 an /44- of t&e Bacolor 0aastre( %&ic& %ere allocate to &er uner t&e 'roCect of 'artition +'. -/( rec.,. In an orer ate A'ril 7( ->??( t&e lo%er court enie uanita@s motion to set asie t&e orer of Octo"er ( ->?4 on t&e )roun t&at t&e 'arties t&emsel$es a)ree to sus'en resolution of &er 'etition for t&e eli$er# of &er s&ares until after t&e ci$il action for annulment of t&e 'roCect of 'artition &as "een finall# settle an ecie +Anne* 8O8( '. 7( rec.,. uanita file a motion ate Ha# >( ->?? for t&e reconsieration of t&e orer ate A'ril 7( ->?? +Anne* 8P8(
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''. 7/D77( rec.,( to %&ic& AleCanro file an o''osition ate une 9( ->?? +Anne* 88( ''. --D--/( rec.,. Su"se!uentl#( AleCanro file a motion ate ul# ( ->??< 'ra#in) t&at t&e 'ala# e'osite %it& 2ericsons an Ieal Rice Hill "# t&e ten +-=, tenants of t&e t%o 'arcels in !uestion "e eli$ere to &im +Anne* 8R8( ''. --4D--?( rec.,( to %&ic& uanita file an o''osition ate ul# ?( ->?? +Anne* 8S8( ''. --7D--( rec.,. In an orer ate Se'tem"er 9( ->??( t&e lo%er court enie t&e motion for reconsieration of t&e orer ate A'ril 7( ->??( an irecte 2ericsons Inc. an t&e Ieal Rice Hills to eli$er to AleCanro or &is re'resentati$e t&e > ca$ans an 4? 1ilos an / an -5 ca$ans an / 1ilos of 'ala# res'ecti$el# e'osite %it& t&e sai rice mills u'on t&e filin) "# AleCanro of a "on in t&e amount of P-(===.== ul# a''ro$e "# t&e court +Anne* 8T8( ''. -D-7 rec.,. ence( t&is 'etition for certiorari an manamus. T&e 'osition of 'etitioner uanita Lo'eDGuilas s&oul "e sustaine an t&e %rits 'ra#e for )rante. T&e 'ro"ate court loses Curisiction of an estate uner aministration onl# after t&e 'a#ment of all t&e e"ts an t&e remainin) estate eli$ere to t&e &eirs entitle to recei$e t&e same. T&e finalit# of t&e a''ro$al of t&e 'roCect of 'artition "# itself alone oes not terminate t&e 'ro"ate 'roceein) +Tim"ol $s. 0ano( - S0RA -7-( -7?( LD-44( A'ril >( ->?-< Si)uion) $s. Tecson( 9> P&il.( ''. 9D/=,. As lon) as t&e orer of t&e istri"ution of t&e estate &as not "een com'lie %it&( t&e 'ro"ate 'roceein)s cannot "e eeme close an terminate +Si)uion) $s. Tecson( su'ra.,< "ecause a Cuicial 'artition is not final an conclusi$e an oes not 're$ent t&e &eir from "rin)in) an action to o"tain &is s&are( 'ro$ie t&e 'rescri'ti$e 'erio t&erefor &as not ela'se +Hari $s. Bonilla( 9/ P&il.( -/7,. T&e "etter 'ractice( &o%e$er( for t&e &eir %&o &as not recei$e &is s&are( is to eman &is s&are t&rou)& a 'ro'er motion in t&e same 'ro"ate or aministration 'roceein)s( or for reo'enin) of t&e 'ro"ate or aministrati$e 'roceein)s if it &a alrea# "een close( an not t&rou)& an ine'enent action( %&ic& %oul "e trie "# anot&er court or u)e %&ic& ma# t&us re$erse a ecision or orer of t&e 'ro"ate on intestate court alrea# final an e*ecute an reDs&uffle 'ro'erties lon) a)o istri"ute an is'ose of +Ramos $s. Ortuar( 9> P&il.( 7/=( 74-D74< Tim"ol $s. 0ano( su'ra.< in)co $s. :alu( LD -=7( A'ril 4( ->/( > P&il. -=9< Roman 0at&olic $s A)ustines( LD-47-=( Harc& >( ->?=( -=7 P&il.( 4( 4?=D 4?-,. Section - of Rule >= of t&e Re$ise Rules of 0ourt of ->?4 as %ore( %&ic& secures for t&e &eirs or le)atees t&e ri)&t to 8eman an reco$er t&eir res'ecti$e s&ares from t&e e*ecutor or aministrator( or an# ot&er 'erson &a$in) t&e same in &is 'ossession8( reDstates t&e aforecite octrines. T&e case of Austria $s. eirs of Ventenilla +>> P&il. -=?9, oes not control t&e 'resent contro$ers#< "ecause t&e motion file t&erein for t&e remo$al of t&e aministratri* an t&e a''ointment of a ne% aministrator in &er 'lace %as reCecte "# t&e court on t&e )roun of lac&es as it %as file after t&e la'se of a"out /9 #ears from Octo"er ( ->-= %&en t&e court issue an orer settlin) an eciin) t&e issues raise "# t&e motion +LD-==-9( Se'tem"er ->( ->?( >> P&il.( -=?>D-=7=,. In t&e case at "ar( t&e motion file "# 'etitioner for t&e
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe eli$er# of &er s&are %as file on ul# =( ->?4( %&ic& is Cust more t&an / #ears from Au)ust 9( ->?- %&en t&e amene 'roCect of 'artition %as a''ro$e an %it&in #ears from A'ril /( ->?= %&en t&e ori)inal 'roCect of 'artition %as a''ro$e. 0learl#( &er ri)&t to claim t&e t%o lots allocate to &er uner t&e 'roCect of 'artition &a not #et e*'ire. An in t&e li)&t of Section - of Rule >= of t&e Re$ise Rules of 0ourt of ->?4 an t&e Curis'ruence a"o$e cite( t&e orer ate :ecem"er -( ->?= of t&e 'ro"ate court closin) an terminatin) t&e 'ro"ate case i not le)all# terminate t&e testate 'roceein)s( for &er s&are uner t&e 'roCect of 'artition &as not "een eli$ere to &er. &ile it is true t&at t&e orer ate Octo"er ( ->?4 "# a)reement of t&e 'arties sus'ene resolution of &er 'etition for t&e eli$er# of &er s&ares until after t&e ecision in t&e ci$il action for t&e annulment of t&e 'roCect of 'artition +0i$il 0ase />, s&e file on A'ril -=( ->?4< t&e sai orer lost its $aliit# an efficac# %&en t&e &erein 'etitioner file on une --( ->? an amene com'laint in sai 0i$il 0ase /> %&erein s&e reco)nie t&e 'artial le)alit# an $aliit# of t&e sai 'roCect of 'artition insofar as t&e allocation in &er fa$or of lots Nos. //?9 an /44- in t&e eli$er# of %&ic& s&e &as "een insistin) all alon) De los Santos !s. Dela Cr"& /see pre!io"s chapter0
After t&e li"eration an after t&e# &a "ecome a%are of Valenuela@s act t&at tene to frustrate t&eir ci$il action No. -9( t&e 'etitioners &erein su"mitte motions for reconsieration( t&e main t&eme of %&ic& %as t&at t&e sai last orer amene t&e ecree of istri"ution of Octo"er /-( ->/?( %&ic& &a "ecome final lon) a)o. All %as to no a$ail. ence t&e# starte t&is s'ecial ci$il action to annul t&e orer of :ecem"er ( ->44( on t&e concrete 'ro'osition t&at t&e court &a no Curisiction to issue it( t&e orer of Octo"er /-( ->/?( &a$in) "ecome final an e*ecutor# ei)&t #ears "efore. T&e# conten( first( t&at uner t&e %ill( an in accorance %it& t&e 'artition a''ro$e "# t&e court in ->/?( t&e Polo c&urc& %as entitle to nine &ectares in t&e uiririt farm of Generosa. T&e# ar)ue ne*t t&at %&en t&at c&urc& re'uiate t&e nineD&ectare lot( it a)ain "ecame a 'art of t&e %&ole uiririt 'ro'ert# %&ic&( uner t&e 'artition( &a "een aCuicate to t&em. On t&e ot&er &an( Se$ero Valenuela@s 'osition is t&at t&e %&ole nineD&ectare realt# %as a%are to &im( su"Cect to &is o"li)ation to onate to t&e Polo c&urc& suc& 'ortion t&ereof as &e ma# esi)nate in &is iscretion. T&e inter$enor( t&e Arc&"is&o' of Hanila( re'resentin) t&e Polo c&urc&( s&ares t&e 'etitioner@s o'inion t&at a nineD &ectare lot &a "een )rante to sai c&urc&. e maintains( &o%e$er( t&at no $oluntar# renunciation of t&e le)ac# e$er too1 'lace.
Ag"tines !s. C$I
A nineD&ectare lan in Harilao( Bulacan( is t&e su"Cect of a t&reeDcornere is'ute "et%een Se$ero Valenuela on one sie an t&e relati$es of &is ecease %ife Generosa A)ustines on t&e ot&er( %it& t&e Arc&"is&o' of Hanila as inter$enor. In Au)ust( ->/4( Generosa A)ustines ie lea$in) a %ill %&ic& %as su"se!uentl# su"mitte for 'ro"ate in t&e 0ourt of 2irst Instance of Bulacan in s'ecial 'roceein)s No. 4>44. a$in) no c&ilren( s&e name &er sur$i$in) &us"an Se$ero Valenuela t&e uni$ersal &eir( "ut s&e s'ecifie some "e!uests. T&ere %as o''osition to t&e a''ro$al of t&e %ill< &o%e$er( after some ne)otiations( t&e sister +osefa, an t&e ne'&e%s an nieces of t&e eceent +t&e ot&er 'etitioners in t&is s'ecial ci$il action, e*ecute on 2e"ruar# 9( ->/( an e*traCuicial 'artition %it& t&e res'onent Se$ero Valenuela( e*'ressin) conformit# %it& t&e 'ro"ate of t&e testament an i$iin) t&e 'ro'erties of t&e ecease. T&e# 'romise s'ecificall# to res'ect t&e %is&es of t&e testatri*( Ot&er items of t&e estate %ere a''ortione amon) t&e si)ners of t&e ee of 'artition( %&ic&( su"mitte for a''ro$al( %as confirme "# t&e 'ro"ate court on Octo"er /-( ->/?( in an orer irectin) t&e aministrator to eli$er t&e res'ecti$e s&ares to t&e &eirs or le)atees after 'a#in) t&e corres'onin) in&eritance ta*es. No a''eal %as e$er ta1en from suc& orer. Jears 'asse. Se$ero Valenuela faile to transmit t&e lot or 'art t&ereof to t&e 'aris& c&urc& of Polo or to t&e Roman 0at&olic Arc&"is&o' of Hanila. &erefore( in Ha#( ->44( t&e A)ustines connections( 'etitioners &erein( file a com'laint a)ainst Se$ero Valenuela +ci$il case No. -9, see1in) t&e return to t&em of t&at nineD&ectare lot in uiririt( alle)in) &is "reac& of trust( 'lus renunciation on t&e 'art of t&e c&urc& of Polo t&at &a re'ortel# ne)lecte to eman com'liance %it& t&e "eneficial le)ac#.
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It %ill "e recalle t&at t&e %ill of Generosa A)ustines containe a 'ro$ision irectin) &er &us"an to onate a 'ortion of &er uiririt farm not e*ceein) nine &ectares to t&e Polo c&urc&. &at %as t&e s&are of t&e c&urc& of Polo uner t&e %ill an t&e e*traCuicial 'artitionF After e*aminin) an anal#in) t&e circumstances of t&is liti)ation( %e reac& t&e conclusion t&at( as contene "# 'etitioners an t&e inter$enor( t&e e*traCuicial 'artition efinitel# allotte a nineD&ectare 'arcel to t&e Polo c&urc&. Su''osin)( t&at uner t&e %ill Valenuela@s iscretion inclue t&e etermination of t&e area to "e transferre an not merel# t&e selection of t&e site %&ere t&e nineD &ectare 'ortion is to "e se)re)ate still it seems clear t&at in t&e 'artition &e electe or a)ree t&at a nineD&ectare 'ortion s&all "e con$e#e to t&e Polo c&urc& for masses. It is mar1%ort&# t&at( in aition to t&e nineD&ectare 'ortion( t&e ee mentions anot&er 'arcel of t&ree &ectares e*clusi$el# )i$en to Valenuela. If t&e 'arties &a not contem'late a nineD&ectare onation to t&e Polo c&urc&( "ut em'o%ere Valenuela to fi* t&e area su"se!uentl#( t&e# %oul &a$e assi)ne to &im - &ectares( %it& t&e 'ro$ision t&at &e %ill se'arate t&erefrom suc& 'ortion as &e ma# esire to con$e# to t&e 'aris& of Polo. T&e# i not sa# so. Instea t&e# clearl# sti'ulate t&at nine &ectares %ere estine for 8misas8 +to t&e 0&urc&,( an t&at t&ree &ectares %oul "e reser$e for &im. It is !uite 'ro"a"le t&at if Generosa@s 1in &a 1no%n( in t&e course of "ar)ainin)( t&at Valenuela %oul not eli$er all t&e nine &ectares to t&e Polo c&urc& "ut %oul retain ei)&t &ectares t&ereof( t&e# %oul not &a$e cee to &im an aitional lot of t&ree &ectares. Proof 'ositi$e t&at &e &a no c&oice as to t&e num"er of &ectares is t&e fact t&at for ei)&t #ears &e ne$er e*ercise it(
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe 1ee'in) for &imself in "reac& of trust t&e fruits of all t&e lan. e mi)&t &a$e ieas re'u)nant to t&e reli)ious "eliefs of &is %ife in re)ar to t&e cele"ration of masses for t&e ea. But as a man of &onor( as t&e sur$i$in) 'artner( &e &a no e*cuse to set &is o%n notions a)ainst t&ose of &is e'arte s'ouse( es'eciall# on a su"Cect t&at concerne t&e is'osition of &er o%n 'ro'erties. T&e %ill of t&e testatri* is la% - . An &is action in fi*in) one &ectare( %&en &is %ife "e!ueat&e a 'ortion not e*ceein) nine &ectares is surel# suc& a"use of iscretion +if &e &a an#, t&at %ill not easil# commen itself to Cuicial a''ro"ation. To ma1e oursel$es clear( %e must state at t&e ris1 of re'etition t&at alt&ou)& uner t&e 'ro$isions of t&e %ill Se$ero Valenuela mi)&t &a$e electe to transfer to t&e Polo c&urc& a 'ortion less t&an nine &ectares( &o%e$er( in t&e ee of 'artition &e a)ree e*ercisin) &is iscretion to assi)n nine &ectares for masses +to t&e Polo c&urc&,. It must "e em'&asie t&at in t&e istri"ution of t&e eceent@s assets( %e must face t&e ee of 'artition %&ic& "ears t&e court@s fiat. T&e last %ill "ecomes seconar# in $alue. Im'ortant to "ear t&is istinction in min( "ecause "ot& in Valenuela@s motion an in t&e court@s orer a''ro$in) t&e assi)nment of one &ectare( onl# t&e %ill %as !uote( an not t&e e*traCuicial 'artition. Valenuela@s motion in$o1in) t&e %ill e*clusi$el# inuce t&e court into error. A t&ir reason to &ol t&at t&e ocument of 'artition eee nine &ectares to t&e Polo c&urc& is t&e fact t&at t&e court an t&e 'arties consiere it a final settlement of all t&e ri)&ts of all concerne( t&e court a''ro$in) it in toto an orerin) t&e aministrator to eli$er to t&e "eneficiaries t&eir res'ecti$e 'ortions or le)acies. T&e court@s orer e$en %rote finis& to t&e e*'eiente. An t&e 'arties( incluin) Se$ero Valenuela re)are it as final for ei)&t #ears( until &e foun it necessar#( for &is o%n interests( to ma1e anot&er mo$e inirectl# amenin) t&e final settlement of Octo"er( ->/?. No% t&en( if t&at 'artition a$o%el# settle t&e estate an accom'lis&e its istri"ution( t&e im'lication is una$oia"le t&at it left not&in) to future Cuicial action or etermination. 0onse!uentl# it i not contem'late an# su"se!uent fi*in) "# Valenuela( an a''ro$al "# t&e court( of t&e 'ortion to "e transmitte to t&e 0&urc& of Polo. T&e 'arties eeme it final "ecause t&e ri)&ts of all "eneficiaries %ere t&erein efine %it& certaint#. T&erefore( t&e attem't "# t&e sur$i$in) &us"an to moif# it ei)&t #ears t&ereafter %as com'letel# "e#on t&e 'ale of t&e la%. C. -ecission and N"llit of 4artition
Art. -297. A partition may be rescinded or annulled for the same causes as contracts. (-27%a) Art. -29#. A partition, 1udicial or e&tra<1udicial, may also be rescinded on account of lesion, when any one of the co
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Art. --22. "he action for rescission on account of lesion shall prescribe after four years from the time the partition was made. (-27*) Art. --2-. "he heir who is sued shall have the option of indemnifyin! the plaintiff for the loss, or consentin! to a new partition. ndemnity may be made by payment in cash or by the delivery of a thin! of the same +ind and quality as that awarded to the plaintiff. f a new partition is made, it shall affect neither those who have not been pre1udiced nor those have not received more than their 1ust share. (-277a) Art. --2$. An heir who has alienated the whole or a considerable part of the real property ad1udicated to him cannot maintain an action for rescission on the !round of lesion, but he shall have a ri!ht to be indemnified in cash. (-27#a) Art. --2%. "he omission of one or more ob1ects or securities of the inheritance shall not cause the rescission of the partition on the !round of lesion, but the partition shall be completed by the distribution of the ob1ects or securities which have been omitted. (-279a) Art. --2/. A partition made with preterition of any of the compulsory heirs shall not be rescinded, unless it be proved that there was bad faith or fraud on the part of the other persons interested but the latter shall be proportionately obli!ed to pay to the person omitted the share which belon!s to him. (-2#2) Art. --25. A partition which includes a person believed to be an heir, but who is not, shall be void only with respect to such person. (-2#-a)
Re!ise" Rules o# Cou$% RULE ' DISTRI(UTION AND PARTITION OF T)E ESTATE SECTION 1. "hen order for distribution of residue made.0hen the debts$ #uneral har"es$ and e%penses o# ad+inistration$ the allowane to the widow$ and inheritane ta%$ i# any$ har"eable to the estate in aordane with law$ have been paid$ the ourt$ on the appliation o# the e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ or o# a person interested in the estate$ and a#ter hearin" upon notie$ shall assi"n the residue o# the estate to the persons entitled to the sa+e$ na+in" the+ and the proportions$ or parts$ to whih eah is entitled$ and suh persons +ay de+and and reover their respetive shares #ro+ the e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ or any other person havin" the sa+e in his possession. I#
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe there is a ontroversy be#ore the ourt as to who are the law#ul heirs o# the deeased person or as to the distributive shares to whih eah person is entitled under the law$ the ontroversy shall be heard and deided as in ordinary ases. No distribution shall be allowed until the pay+ent o# the obli"ations above +entioned has been +ade or provided #or$ unless the distributees$ or any o# the+$ "ive a bond$ in a su+ to be #i%ed by the ourt$ onditioned #or the pay+ent o# said obli"ations within suh ti+e as the ourt direts. SEC. &. )uestions as to advancement to be determined.0;uestions as to advane+ent +ade$ or alle"ed to have been +ade$ by the deeased to any heir +ay be heard and deter+ined by the ourt havin" !urisdition o# the estate proeedin"s3 and the #inal order o# the ourt thereon shall be bindin" on the person raisin" the uestions and on the heir. SEC. ,. 4y whom expenses of partition paid. 0I# at the ti+e o# the distribution the e%eutor or ad+inistrator has retained su##iient e##ets in his hands whih +ay law#ully be applied #or the e%penses o# partition o# the properties distributed$ suh e%penses o# partition +ay be paid by suh e%eutor or ad+inistrator when it appears euitable to the ourt and not inonsistent with the intention o# the testator3 otherwise$ they shall be paid by the parties in proportion to their respetive shares or interest in the pre+ises$ and the apportion+ent shall be settled and allowed by the ourt$ and$ i# any person interested in the partition does not pay his proportion or share$ the ourt +ay issue an e%eution in the na+e o# the e%eutor or ad+inistrator a"ainst the party not payin" #or the su+ assessed. SEC. . 'ecording the order of partition of estate.0Certi#ied opies o# #inal orders and !ud"+ents o# the ourt relatin" to the real estate or the partition thereo# shall be reorded in the re"istry o# deeds o# the provine where the property is situated.
. 446C"; A:D AD:"A"; Art. -25#. All matters relatin! to the appointment, powers and duties of e&ecutors and administrators and concernin! the administration of estates of deceased persons shall be !overned by the ules of 6ourt. (n) Art. -259. f the assets of the estate of a decedent which can be applied to the payment of debts are not sufficient for that purpose, the provisions of Articles $$%9 to $$5- on 0reference of 6redits shall be
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observed, provided that the e&penses referred to in Article $$//, :o. #, shall be those involved in the administration of the decedent3s estate. (n) Art. -2*2. A corporation or association authori8ed to conduct the business of a trust company in the 0hilippines may be appointed as an e&ecutor, administrator, !uardian of an estate, or trustee, in li+e manner as an individual but it shall not be appointed !uardian of the person of a ward. (n) (elevant provisions from the (ules of )ourt
RULE 7* LETTERS TESTA+ENTARY AND OF AD+INISTRATION, W)EN AND TO W)O+ ISSUED SECTION 1. "ho are incompetent to serve as a executors or administrators.— No person is o+petent to serve as e%eutor or ad+inistrator who2 'a) Is a +inor3 'b) Is not 5hilippines3 and
a
resident
o#
the
') Is in the opinion o# the ourt un#it to e%eute the duties o# the trust by reason o# drun*enness$ i+providene$ or want o# understandin" or inte"rity$ or by reason o# onvition o# an o##ense involvin" +oral turpitude. SEC. &. Executor of executor not to administer estate.0The e%eutor o# an e%eutor shall not$ as suh$ ad+inister the estate o# the #irst testator. SEC. ,. *arried women may serve.—A +arried wo+an +ay serve as e%eutri% or ad+inistratri%$ and the +arria"e o# a sin"le wo+an shall not a##et her authority so to serve under a previous appoint+ent SEC +etters testamentary issued when will allowed.—hen a will has been proved and allowed$ the ourt shall issue letters testa+entary thereon to the person na+ed as e%eutor therein$ i# he is o+petent$ aepts the trust$ and "ives bond as reuired by these rules SEC. . "here some coexecutors dis,ualified others may act .0hen all o# the e%eutors na+ed in a will an not at beause o# ino+peteny$ re#usal to aept the trust$ or #ailure to "ive bond$ on the part o# one or +ore o# the+$ letters testa+entary +ay issue to suh o# the+ as are o+petent$ aept and "ive bond$ and they +ay per#or+ the duties and dishar"e the trust reuired by the will.
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe SEC. 6. "hen and to whom letters of administration granted.—I# no e%eutor is na+ed in the will$ or the e%eutor or e%eutors are ino+petent$ re#use the trust$ or #ail to "ive bond$ or a person dies intestate$ ad+inistration shall be "ranted2 'a) To the survivin" husband or wi#e$ as the ase +ay be$ or ne%t o# *in$ or both$ in the disretion o# the ourt$ or to suh person as suh survivin" husband or wi#e$ or ne%t o# *in$ reuests to have appointed$ i# o+petent and willin" to serve3 'b) I# suh survivin" husband or wi#e$ as the ase +ay be$ or ne%t o# *in$ or the person seleted by the+$ be ino+petent or unwillin"$ or i# the husband or widow$ or ne%t o# *in$ ne"lets #or thirty ',() days a#ter the death o# the person to apply #or ad+inistration or to reuest that ad+inistration be "ranted to so+e other person$ it +ay be "ranted to one or +ore o# the prinipal reditors$ i# o+petent and willin" to serve3 ') I# there is no suh reditor o+petent and willin" to serve$ it +ay be "ranted to suh other person as the ourt +ay selet. RULE *(ONDS OF EECUTORS AND AD+INISTRATORS SECTION 1. -ond to be given before issuance of letters. Amount. Conditions.04e#ore an e%eutor or ad+inistrator enters upon the e%eution o# his trust$ and letters testa+entary or o# ad+inistration issue$ he shall "ive a bond$ in suh su+ as the ourt direts$ onditioned as #ollows2 'a) To +a*e and return to the ourt$ within three ',) +onths$ a true and o+plete inventory o# all "oods$ hattels$ ri"hts$ redits$ and estate o# the deeased whih shall o+e to his possession or *nowled"e or to the possession o# any other person #or hi+3 'b) To ad+inister aordin" to these rules$ and$ i# an e%eutor$ aordin" to the will o# the testator$ all "oods$ hattels$ ri"hts$ redits$ and estate whih shall at any ti+e o+e to his possession or to the possession o# any other person #or hi+$ and #ro+ the proeeds to pay and dishar"e all debts$ le"aies$ and har"es on the sa+e$ or suh dividends thereon as shall be dereed by the ourt3
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') To render a true and !ust aount o# his ad+inistration to the ourt within one '1) year$ and at any other ti+e when reuired by the ourt3 'd) To per#or+ all orders o# the ourt by hi+ to be per#or+ed. SEC. &. -ond of executor where directed in will. "hen further bond re,uired.— I# the testator in his will direts that the e%eutor serve without bond$ or with only his Individual bond$ he +ay be allowed by the ourt to "ive bond in suh su+ and with suh surety as the ourt approves onditioned only to pay the debts o# the testator3 but the ourt +ay reuire o# the e%eutor a #urther bond in ase o# a han"e in his iru+stanes$ or #or other su##iient ause$ with the onditions na+ed in the last preedin" setion. SEC. ,. -onds of joint executors and administrators.— hen two or +ore persons are appointed e%eutors or ad+inistrators the ourt +ay ta*e a separate bond #ro+ eah$ or a !oint bond #ro+ all. SEC. . -ond of special administrator.—A speial ad+inistrator be#ore enterin" upon the duties o# his trust shall "ive a bond$ in suh su+ as the ourt direts$ onditioned that he will +a*e and return a true inventory o# the "oods$ hattels$ ri"hts$ redits$ and estate o# the deeased whih o+e to his possession or *nowled"e$ and that he will truly aount #or suh as are reeived by hi+ when reuired by the ourt$ and will deliver the sa+e to the person appointed e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ or to suh other person as +ay be authori8ed to reeive the+. RULE */ 0ENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF EECUTORS AND AD+INISTRATORS SECTION 1. Executor or administrator to have access to partnership boos and property. ow right enforced.— The e%eutor or ad+inistrator o# the estate o# a deeased partner shall at all ti+es have aess to$ and +ay e%a+ine and ta*e opies o#$ boo*s and papers relatin" to the partnership business$ and +ay e%a+ine and +a*e invoies o# the property belon"in" to suh partnership3 and the survivin" partner or partners$ on reuest$ shall e%hibit to hi+ all suh boo*s$ papers$ and property in their hands or ontrol. On the written appliation o# suh e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ the Court havin" !urisdition o# the estate +ay order any suh survivin" partner or partners to #reely per+it the e%erise o# the ri"hts$ and to e%hibit
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe the boo*s$ papers$ and property$ as in this setion provided$ and +ay punish any partner #ailin" to do so #or onte+pt.
a##idavit settin" #orth the dates o# the #irst and last publiation thereo# and the na+e o# the newspaper in whih the sa+e is printed.
SEC. &. Executor or administrator to eep buildings in repair.—An e%eutor or ad+inistrator shall +aintain in tenantable repair the houses and other strutures and #enes belon"in" to the estate$ and deliver the sa+e in suh repair to the heirs or devisees when direted so to do by the ourt.
SEC. . Claims which must be filed under the notice. 1f not filed! barred2 exceptions.— All lai+s #or +oney a"ainst the deedent$ arisin" #ro+ ontrat$ e%press or i+plied$ whether the sa+e be due$ not due$ or ontin"ent$ all lai+s #or #uneral e%penses and e%penses #or the last si*ness o# the deedent$ and !ud"+ent #or +oney a"ainst the deedent$ +ust be #iled within the ti+e li+ited in the notie3 otherwise they are barred #orever$ e%ept that they +ay be set #orth as ounterlai+s in any ation that the e%eutor or ad+inistrator +ay brin" a"ainst the lai+ants. here an e%eutor or ad+inistrator o++enes an ation$ or proseutes an ation already o++ened by the deeased in his li#eti+e$ the debtor +ay set #orth by answer the lai+s he has a"ainst the deedent$ instead o# presentin" the+ independently to the ourt as herein provided$ and +utual lai+s +ay be set o## a"ainst eah other in suh ation3 and i# #inal !ud"+ent is rendered in #avor o# the de#endant$ the a+ount so deter+ined shall be onsidered the true balane a"ainst the estate$ as thou"h the lai+ had been presented diretly be#ore the ourt in the ad+inistration proeedin"s. Clai+s not yet due$ or ontin"ent$ +ay be approved at their present value.
SEC. ,. Executor or administrator to retain whole estate to pay debts! and to administer estate not willed.—An e%eutor or ad+inistrator shall have the ri"ht to the possession and +ana"e+ent o# the real as well as the personal estate o# the deeased so lon" as it is neessary #or the pay+ent o# the debts and the e%penses o# ad+inistration. RULE * CLAI+S A0AINST ESTATE SECTION 1. Notice to creditors to be issued by court.— I++ediately a#ter "rantin" letters testa+entary or o# ad+inistration$ the ourt shall issue a notie reuirin" all persons havin" +oney lai+s a"ainst the deedent to #ile the+ in the o##ie o# the ler* o# said ourt. SEC. /. %ime within which claims shall be filed.—In the notie provided in the preedin" setion$ the ourt shall state the ti+e #or the #ilin" o# lai+s a"ainst the estate$ whih shall not be +ore than twelve '1&) nor less than si% '6) +onths a#ter the date o# the #irst publiation o# the notie.
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SEC. 6. $olidary obligation of decedent .0 here the obli"ation o# the deedent is solidary with another debtor$ the lai+ shall be #iled a"ainst the deedent as i# he were the only debtor$ without pre!udie to the ri"ht o# the estate to reover ontribution #ro+ the other debtor. In a !oint obli"ation o# the deedent$ the lai+ shall be on#ined to the portion belon"in" to hi+. SEC. 3. *ortgage debt due from estate.— A reditor holdin" a lai+ a"ainst the deeased seured by +ort"a"e or other ollateral seurity$ +ay abandon the seurity and proseute his lai+ in the +anner provided in this rule$ and share in the "eneral distribution o# the assets o# the estate3 or he +ay #orelose his +ort"a"e or reali8e upon his seurity$ by ation in ourt$ +a*in" the e%eutor or ad+inistrator a party de#endant$ and i# there is a !ud"+ent #or a de#iieny$ a#ter the sale o# the +ort"a"ed pre+ises$ or the property pled"ed$ in the #orelosure or other proeedin"s to reali8e upon the seurity$ he +ay lai+ his de#iieny !ud"+ent in the +anner provided in the preedin" setion3 or he +ay rely upon his +ort"a"e or other seurity alone$ and #orelose the sa+e at any ti+e within the period o# the
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe statute o# li+itations$ and in that event he shall not be ad+itted as a reditor$ and shall reeive no share in the distribution o# the other assets o# the estate3 but nothin" herein ontained shall prohibit the e%eutor or ad+inistrator #ro+ redee+in" the property +ort"a"ed or pled"ed$ by payin" the debt #or whih it is held as seurity$ under the diretion o# the ourt$ i# the ourt shall ad!ud"e it to be #or the best interest o# the estate that suh rede+ption shall be +ade. SEC. 9. Claim of executor or administrator against an estate.—1f the e%eutor or ad+inistrator has a lai+ a"ainst the estate he represents$ he shall "ive notie thereo#$ in writin"$ to the ourt$ and the ourt shall appoint a speial ad+inistrator$ who shall$ in the ad!ust+ent o# suh lai+$ have the sa+e power and be sub!et to the sa+e liability as the "eneral ad+inistrator or e%eutor in the settle+ent o# other lai+s. The ourt +ay order the e%eutor or ad+inistrator to pay to the speial ad+inistrator neessary #unds to de#end suh lai+. SEC. :. ow to file a claim. Contents thereof Notice to executor or administrator.—A lai+ +ay be #iled by deliverin" the sa+e with the neessary vouhers to the ler* o# ourt and by servin" a opy thereo# on the e%eutor or ad+inistrator. I# the lai+ be #ounded on a bond$ bill$ note$ or any other instru+ent$ the ori"inal need not be #iled$ but a opy thereo# with all indorse+ents shall be attahed to the lai+ and #iled therewith. On de+and$ however$ o# the e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ or by order o# the ourt or !ud"e$ the ori"inal shall be e%hibited$ unless it be lost or destroyed$ in whih ase the lai+ant +ust ao+pany his lai+ with a##idavit or a##idavits ontainin" a opy or partiular desription o# the instru+ent and statin" its loss or destrution. hen the lai+ is due$ it +ust be supported by a##idavit statin" the a+ount !ustly due$ that no pay+ents have been +ade thereon whih are not redited$ and that there are no o##sets to the sa+e$ to the *nowled"e o# the a##iant. I# the lai+ is not due$ or is ontin"ent$ when #iled$ it +ust also be supported by a##idavit statin" the partiulars thereo#. hen the a##idavit is +ade by a person other than the lai+ant$ he +ust set #orth therein the reason why it is not +ade by the lai+ant. The lai+ one #iled shall be attahed to the reord o# the ase in whih the letters testa+entary or o# ad+inistration were issued$ althou"h the ourt$ in its disretion$ and as a +atter o# onveniene$ +ay order all the lai+s to be olleted in a separate #older.
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SEC. 1(. Answer of executor or administrator. &ffsets.—ithin #i#teen '1) days a#ter servie o# a opy o# the lai+ on the e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ he shall #ile his answer ad+ittin" or denyin" the lai+ spei#ially$ and settin" #orth the substane o# the +atters whih are relied upon to support the ad+ission or denial. I# he has no *nowled"e su##iient to enable hi+ to ad+it or deny spei#ially$ he shall state suh want o# *nowled"e. The e%eutor or ad+inistrator in his answer shall alle"e in o##set any lai+ whih the deedent be#ore death had a"ainst the lai+ant$ and his #ailure to do so shall bar the lai+ #orever. A opy o# the answer shall be served by the e%eutor or ad+inistrator on the lai+ant. The ourt in its disretion +ay e%tend the ti+e #or #ilin" suh answer. SEC. 11. (isposition of admitted claim.— Any lai+ ad+itted entirely by the e%eutor or ad+inistrator shall i++ediately be sub+itted by the ler* to the ourt who +ay approve the sa+e without hearin"3 but the ourt$ in its disretion$ be#ore approvin" the lai+$ +ay order that *nown heirs$ le"atees$ or devisees be noti#ied and heard. I# upon hearin"$ an heir$ le"atee$ or devisee opposes the lai+$ the ourt +ay$ in its disretion$ allow hi+ #i#teen '1) days to #ile an answer to the lai+ in the +anner presribed in the preedin" setion. SEC. 1&. %rial of contested claim.—Upon the #ilin" o# an answer to a lai+$ or upon the e%piration o# the ti+e #or suh #ilin"$ the ler* o# ourt shall set the lai+ #or trial with notie to both parties. The ourt +ay re#er the lai+ to a o++issioner. SEC. 1,. 4udgment appealable.— The !ud"+ent o# the ourt approvin" or disapprovin" a lai+$ shall be #iled with the reord o# the ad+inistration proeedin"s with notie to both parties$ and is appealable as in ordinary ases. A !ud"+ent a"ainst the e%eutor or ad+inistrator shall be that he pay$ in due ourse o# ad+inistration$ the a+ount asertained to be due$ and it shall not reate any lien upon the property o# the estate$ or "ive to the !ud"+ent reditor any priority o# pay+ent. SEC. 1. Costs.—hen the e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ in his answer$ ad+its and o##ers to pay part o# a lai+$ and the lai+ant re#uses to aept the a+ount o##ered in satis#ation o# his lai+$ i# he #ails to obtain a +ore #avorable !ud"+ent$ he annot reover osts$ but +ust pay to the e%eutor or ad+inistrator osts #ro+ the ti+e o# the o##er. here an ation o++ened a"ainst the deeased #or +oney has been disontinued and the lai+ e+braed
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Wills & Succession/ Atty Uribe therein presented as in this rule provided$ the prevailin" party shall be allowed the osts o# his ation up to the ti+e o# its disontinuane. RULE *7 ACTIONS (Y AND A0AINST EECUTORS AND AD+INISTRATORS SECTION 1. Actions which may and which may not be brought against executor or administrator.—No ation upon a lai+ #or the reovery o# +oney or debt or interest thereon shall be o++ened a"ainst the e%eutor or ad+inistrator3 but ations to reover real or personal property$ or an interest therein$ #ro+ the estate$ or to en#ore a lien thereon$ and ations to reover da+a"es #or an in!ury to person or property$ real or personal$ +ay be o++ened a"ainst hi+. SEC. &. Executor or administrator may bring or defend actions which survive.0=or the reovery or protetion o# the property or ri"hts o# the deeased$ an e%eutor or ad+inistrator +ay brin" or de#end$ in the ri"ht o# the deeased$ ations #or auses whih survive. SEC. ,. eir may not sue until share assigned.—hen an e%eutor or ad+inistrator is appointed and assu+es the trust$ no ation to reover the title or possession o# lands or #or da+a"es done to suh lands shall be +aintained a"ainst hi+ by an heir or devisee until there is an order o# the ourt assi"nin" suh lands to suh heir or devisee or until the ti+e allowed #or payin" debts has e%pired. SEC. . Executor or administrator may compound with debtor.—ith the approval o# the ourt$ an e%eutor or ad+inistrator +ay o+pound with the debtor o# the deeased #or a debt due$ and +ay "ive a dishar"e o# suh debt on reeivin" a !ust dividend o# the estate o# the debtor. SEC. . *ortgage due estate may be foreclosed.—A +ort"a"e belon"in" to the estate o# a deeased person$ as +ort"a"ee or assi"nee o# the ri"ht o# a +ort"a"ee$ +ay be #orelosed by the e%eutor or ad+inistrator. SEC. 6. Proceedings when property concealed! embe55led! or fraudulently conveyed.—I# an e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ heir$ le"atee$ reditor$ or other individual interested in the estate o# the deeased$ o+plains to the ourt havin" !urisdition o# the estate that a person is suspeted o# havin" onealed$ e+be88led$ or onveyed away any o# the +oney$ "oods$ or hattels o# the deeased$ or that suh person has in his possession or has
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*nowled"e o# any deed$ onveyane$ bond$ ontrats$ or other writin" whih ontains evidene o# or tends to dislose the ri"ht$ title$ interest$ or lai+ o# the deeased to real or personal estate$ or the last will and testa+ent o# the deeased$ the ourt +ay ite suh suspeted person to appear be#ore it and +ay e%a+ine hi+ on oath on the +atter o# suh o+plaint3 and i# the person so ited re#uses to appear$ or to answer on suh e%a+ination suh interro"atories as are put to hi+$ the ourt +ay punish hi+ #or onte+pt$ and +ay o++it hi+ to prison until he sub+its to the order o# the ourt. The interro"atories put to any suh person$ and his answers thereto$ shall be in writin" and shall be #iled in the ler*>s o##ie. SEC. 7. Person entrusted with estate compelled to render account.— The ourt$ on o+plaint o# an e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ +ay ite a person entrusted by an e%eutor or ad+inistrator with any part o# the estate o# the deeased to appear be#ore it$ and +ay reuire suh person to render a #ull aount$ on oath$ o# the +oney$ "oods$ hattels$ bonds$ aounts$ or other papers belon"in" to suh estate as a+e to his possession in trust #or suh e%eutor or ad+inistrator$ and o# his proeedin"s thereon3 and i# the person so ited re#uses to appear to render suh aount$ the ourt +ay punish hi+ #or onte+pt as havin" disobeyed a law#ul order o# the ourt. SEC. 9. Embe55lement before letters issued.—I# a person$ be#ore the "rantin" o# letters testa+entary or o# ad+inistration on the estate o# the deeased$ e+be88les or alienates any o# the +oney$ "oods$ hattels$ or e##et o# suh deeased$ suh person shall be liable to an ation in #avor o# the e%eutor or ad+inistrator o# the estate #or double the value o# the property sold$ e+be88led$ or alienated$ to be reovered #or the bene#it o# suh estate. SEC. :. Property fraudulent conveyed by deceased may be recovered. "hen executor or administrator must bring action.—hen there is a de#iieny o# assets in the hands o# an e%eutor or ad+inistrator #or the pay+ent o# debts and e%penses o# ad+inistration$ and the deeased in his li#eti+e had onveyed real or personal property$ or a ri"ht or interest therein$ or debt or redit$ with intent to de#raud his reditors or to avoid any ri"ht debt$ or duty3 or had so onveyed suh property$ ri"ht$ interest$ debt$ or reditors$ and the sub!et o# the atte+pted onveyane would be liable to attah+ent by any o# the+ in his li#eti+e$ the e%eutor or ad+inistrator +ay o++ene and proseute to #inal !ud"+ent an ation #or the reovery o# suh property$ ri"ht$ interest$ debts$
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