Notes and Cases On SUCCESSION

Notes And Cases On SUCCESSION
Based on Lectures given by:

Prof. Ruben Baane and Prof. Aracei Baviera
Co!"ied and Edited by Rode A. #oina
UP La$ Batc% &''(
This work is a compilation of Prof. Ruben Balane's
lectures in succession, by his students both in the UP College of
aw and in the !teneo aw "chool. ectures of Prof. Ba#iera in
Ci#il aw Re#iew $"uccession% ha#e also been included in this
work.
"pecial thanks to ouella &ra for lending me her magic
notes on "uccession as compiled by students of the !teneo aw
"chool, to ianne Tan for lending me her diskette in "uccession
containing the lectures of Prof. Ba#iera and to the late 'duardo
Balangue for lending me his magic notes on "uccession as
compiled by students of the UP College of aw.
This work is dedicated to Class !, UP aw Batch ())*,
to which & belong.
-- RAM
_______________
IN)RO*UC)ION
Conce"t.++ Succession is the last mode of acquiring ownership. It is an independent mode of
acquiring ownership.
Re,uisites of Succession:
(1) eath of the predecessor!
(") #$istence and capacit% of the successor!
(&) 'ro(ision of the law or pro(ision of a will granting the right of succession!
()) Acceptance *% the successor.
-: Is tradition .deivery/ re,uired for o$ners%i" to transfer0
A+ ,o. -wnership is transferred *% succession. not *% an% other mode.
Ety!oogy.++ Succession is deri(ed from " /atin words+ sub. meaning under (e.g.. an underling.
a su*ordinate. if a plane tra(els at a su*sonic speed or fl% *elow opposite-- su*sonic) and cedere.
meaning to gi(e. to pass.
Succession. therefore. is a passing under. It gi(es the idea of the nature of succession as
originated from Roman /aw. 0h% do the Romans call it a passing under1 2ec. of the fiction in
Roman /aw that a personalit% occupies a space. that is. a legal personalit% is permanent. A
permanent fi$ture *ut the occupant will go awa%. And it is the successor who will occup% the
Notes and Cases on SUCCESSION
3ompiled and #dited *% RAM
space %ou left (acant. 4here is alwa%s what %ou call personalitas. 5Sound through5 li6e a pla%.
where %ou wear a mas6. and the one *ehind the curtain is sounding through. that is. some*od% is
reall% tal6ing *ehind %ou. 4his. *% analog% is. succession.
Persona means 5%ou.5 the character. Personalita or personalit% w7c is alwa%s there. and
there is or there will alwa%s *e an occupant. who comes and goes! it ma% change the character.
the person passes under. 0hat is *ehind all this1 'ersonalit% ne(er dies. 0e are *ut dust and
shadows *ased on the realit% of death.
0h% do we ha(e to de(ise this fiction1 0h% the law on succession1 4he /aw on
succession has (arious underpinnings in Roman /aw. that is. first. the (ague idea of after life. li6e
the ideas of 8orace -- state of good in the #lipian fields! second. that the law de(elops *ased on
conditions of societ%. -ne of the most *asic desire of man is the desire for immortalit%.
8ow. 0hen. 4o 0hom. In 0hat proportion are the% transmitted -- Succession.
2ASIS -9 48# /A0 -, S:33#SSI-,+
1. Succession pro(ides the (ehicle for satisf%ing %our %earning and longing for immortalit%. It
satisfies or consoles %ourself that something in %ou li(es fore(er and this is %our personalit%.
-thers usuall% lea(e something li6e paintings. *oo6 of poems. statue so that the% will *e
remem*ered fore(er. e.g.. 8orace *% Sha6espeare.
". 3oncept of pater familias. iligence of pater familias. Pater familias means head of the
famil%. 4he *asic unit of Roman societ%. It is he who managed and e$ercised authorit% o(er his
children. a*solute control o(er his wife. In Roman law. a man;s wife is his child. It is he who is
the guardian of the famil% gods. It is a position that must *e occupied e(er% time. It is
unthin6a*le to *e otherwise. -nce he dies. it is a*solutel% necessar% not onl% in religion that he
is to *e replaced immediatel%. 4his is indispensa*le.
4hese underpinnings are gone now. 4oda%. succession is nothing *ut a mode of acquiring
ownership. 0h%1 2ecause %ou do not ha(e the fiction to ha(e succession. *ec. of the spread of
3hristianit% w7c too6 the place of those %earnings that it is *elie(ing in <od and life after death.
,o more %earnings for immortalit%. unless %ou do not *elie(e in the teachings of 3hristianit%.
Also. the concept of pater familias is no longer applica*le *ec. of parental authorit% w7c
restricted the authorit% of the head of the famil%. 0e no longer ha(e sla(es. a*solute control
o(er children. etc.
2ut old *eliefs do not die easil%. Some pro(isions of the law on succession are
influenced *% these underpinnings. /i6e. 5heirs are the continuation of the personalit% of the
decedent.5 Another is+ when a condition is imposed upon the su*stitute. does the su*stitute ha(e
to fulfill the condition1 All of these are residual elements of Roman /aw.
*efinition of Succession.++ Succession in a =uridical sense is the su*stitution of one person for
another in a determina*le relationship or a su*rogation of one person *% another in a =uridical
situation. (Manresa.)
Succession is the su*stitution of a person to the determina*le legal relationship of
another. (3astan.)
3astan;s definition is *etter. (2alane.)
P1ILIPPINE LA2 ON SUCCESSION .Based on t%e ecture given by 3BL Reyes./
#(er% person during his lifetime is at the center of a num*er of =uridical relation flowing
'A<# "
from personalit%. Some of these legal relations are permanent. some are transitor%. Some of
these relations are+ paternit% and filiation. marriage and maternit%. mem*ership of the *ar.
student of :'. etc.. w7c other persons do not ha(e. 4here are transitor% relations. and e$amples of
these are one when *ought a *ottle of 3o6e! lease of an apartment unit! a mortgage! a contract of
partnership! when one rides a *us. etc.
0hen a person dies. personalit% is e$tinguished. Some of these =uridical relations will
die w7 %ou-- intuitu personae++ SSS. <SIS-- if the% die w7 %ou. no pro*lem. *ut some of them
sur(i(e. e.g.. land. sa% a thousand hectares. If it is onl% a *all pen left *% the decedent. it is not a
*ig pro*lem. 2ut what if the decedent left a *ig tract of land. or there is a contract of sale w7c
transfers ownership *et. the decedent and third parties. >ou ha(e to set a de(ise. >ou can not
lea(e them hanging in the air. >ou ha(e to de(ise a set of rules to determine the how. when. to
whom. to what e$tent these rights will *e transmitted. 4he law w7c go(erns them is succession.
And that is all on succession. e(er%thing is footnotes.
*I44EREN) 5IN*S O4 SUCCESSION
A. 2% the moment of transmission+
1. mortis causa++ ta6es place *% (irtue of death
". inter #i#os++ ta6es place independentl% of death during the lifetime of the parties (now
called onation inter #i#os.)
2. #$tent of rights in(ol(ed+
1. Uni#ersal-- this is (er% catch%- it in(ol(es the entire estate or fractional or aliquot or
undi(ided part of the estate. e.g.. I gi(e %ou 17" of m% estate.
". Particular, partial.-- succession to specific items
a. legac%-- specific personal prop.. e.g.. I gi(e %ou m% car
*. de(ise-- specific real prop.. e.g.. I gi(e to < m% fishpond in /aguna.

3. As to cause+
1. Compulsory.-- that effected *% operation of law to forced heirs e(en if not in a will!
succession to the reser(ed portion7 legitime
". Testamentary.++ *% will
&. &ntestate or legal.++ succession in default of a will! su*ordinate to testamentar%
succession
). -i.ed.-- com*ination of the a*o(e.
?. Contractual.-- #.g.. donation propter nuptias *% one to another of future prop. w7c
ta6es effect after death. 0h% contractual1 2ec. of the transfer of prop. is not *% (irtue of a will
*ut *% contract. So it is go(erned *% the law on contracts. 8ence. it must *e go(erned *% the
Statute of 9rauds. It must *e in writing to *e enforcea*le.
. As to parties to succession+
1. ecedent. transferor. causante, acutor, de cuius
". Successor. transferee. causa habiente
#. As to terms+
1. 4estator.-- decedent left a will
". Intestate.-- decedent did not lea(e a will
&. 8eir.-- one who succeeds *% uni(ersal title or to a share of the estate
). e(isee.-- one who succeeds *% particular title to real prop.
'A<# &
?. /egatee.-- one who succeeds to a specific personal prop.
Ee!ents of Succession .#anresa./:
1. 3hange of su*=ect (cambio de suheto.)-- ownership is transferred from deceased to heir
(su*=ecti(e change.)
". Identit% of -*=ect (identidad de ob/ecto)-- same prop. is in(ol(ed. onl% the owner is changed.
4he right is the same (o*=ecti(e identit%.)
I!"ortant Princi"es of Succession .$%ic% "er!eates t%e entirety of Succession/:
1. -ortis Causa.++Succession can not ta6e place while the owner is ali(e. 4he heir7
successor has a mere e$pectanc% right to the prop. of the decedent. during the lifetime of the
latter.
". Interest of the famil% ma% o(erride the will of the decedent *ec. of compulsor% heirs.
4here is a legitime reser(ed for the famil%. A will cannot impair the legitime.
&. 4he estate passes or de(ol(es to the famil% unless the decedent e$pressl% orders
otherwise in a will. 9amil% co(ers spouse. ascendants. descendants. and collateral relati(es.
). 4he famil% can not *e entirel% depri(ed of the estate *ec. of the s%stem of legitime.
?. 0ithin the famil%. heirs of equal degree7 pro$imit% inherit in equal shares.
'resumption of equalit%. 4his is onl% the general rule. 4here are e$ceptions.
@. 4he State has a share in the inheritance through ta$es.
A. 4he heirs are not lia*le for the de*ts of the estate *e%ond their share in the inheritance.
#state is lia*le for the de*ts left *% the decedent. e*ts are to *e deducted *efore the heirs can
get their shares. 'rocedure+ 3ollect all assets. deduct de*ts. then partition the shares. :p to what
e$tent1 :p to all its assets. If the estate is Bero *alance. the heirs get nothing.
:nder the modern ci(il law. if the decedent left more de*ts than assets. it will not change or affect
%our status an%wa%. *ut not w7 the decedent;s creditors-- the% ha(e to *eware-- ca#eat creditor.
Basis of t%e La$ on Succession.++ Some sa% it is the law on propert% w7c seems to *e the *asic
attitude of the 3ode. -thers sa% succession is a law on persons *ec. of the compulsor% heirs.
8ow can %ou e$plain that1 Is there some lin6 *et. the law on succession and propert%1 4here is.
3astan said that law on succession is *oth law on persons and propert%. 8owe(er. in a pure
testamentar% succession. the law on persons do not come to pla%. Sa%. a will gi(ing :' a
propert%. 4his is more on the law of propert%. 4his is the ecclectic theor% of 3astan.
#a6or C%anges in t%e Ne$ Civi Code on Succession:
1. Allowance of holographic wills (Art. C1D.) It gi(es greater freedom to the decedent to
choose in what form he can dispose *% will his estate. 8olographic will is not a no(elt% *ut a
re(i(al. 4his was allowed in the Spanish times *ut was a*rogated during the American regime. It
was onl% restored under the ,33.
". Impro(ement in the successional position of the sur(i(ing spouse. :nder the -33.
the sur(i(ing spouse had a right of usufruct onl%. :nder the ,33. the sur(i(ing spouse is gi(en
full ownership and is a compulsor% heir. 4he share is (aria*le that it is so *ewildering.
&. A*olition of the right of me/ora or *etterment (the right of the parent to gi(e a child
more than the other.) 4his is *asicall% a portion of the legitime. 17&. 9reedom is gi(en to the
testator as to who among his children he will gi(e the 17&. 4his s%stem was ne(er utiliBed *ec. it
was ne(er understood *% the people.
'A<# )
). A*olition of the reser#as and re#ersiones. 4he ,33 restored reser#a troncal,
re#ersion adopti#a (under ' @D&.)
?. <ranting successional rights to7 for spurious children-- illegitimate other than natural.
4his is one of the re(olutionar% changes in the ,33. :nder the -33 onl% legitimate children
ha(e successional rights. ,33 li*eraliBed it *% granting successional rights to spurious children.
@. <reater facilit% in the pro*ate of wills. 0h%1 2ec. of the allowance of ante mortem
pro*ate. that is. during the lifetime of the testator. ,ow. pro*ate ma% *e post+mortem or ante
mortem.
A. 4he application of the prohi*ition outlined in Art. A&E to succession. this is *% (irtue
of Art. 1D&C. Art. A&E pro(ides that+

Artice 78'. )%e foo$ing donations s%a be void:
.&/ )%ose !ade bet$een "ersons $%o $ere guity of adutery or
concubinage at t%e ti!e of t%e donation9
.:/ )%ose !ade bet$een "ersons found guity of t%e sa!e cri!ina offense;
in consideration t%ereof9
.8/ )%ose !ade to a "ubic officer or %is $ife; descendants and ascendants;
by reason of %is office.
In t%e case referred to in No. &; t%e action for decaration of nuity !ay be
broug%t by t%e s"ouse of t%e donor or donee9 and t%e guit of t%e donor and donee
!ay be "roved by "re"onderance of evidence in t%e sa!e action.

C. Increase of the free portion-- corollar% to the a*olition of the me/ora
E. /imitation of the fideicommisar% su*stitution to one degree (*efore. two degrees)
1D. Intestate succession is narrowed from si$th degree to fifth degree.
11. A*olition of the institution under pupilar and e/emplar (su*stitution.)
1". Allowance of lifetime pro*ate.
Areas in Succession Affected by t%e A!erican Code:
1. Rules in interpretation.-- Arts. ACC-AE"
". Rules on formal requirements of a will.-- Arts. CD)-CDE
&. Rules go(erning witnesses to wills.-- Arts. C"D-C")
). Rules on repu*lication and re(i(al of wills.-- Arts. C&?-C&@
?. Rules on re(ocation.-- Arts. C"E-C&1
@. Rules on allowance and disallowance of wills.-- Arts. C&C-C&E
A. Rules on 4estamentar% capacit%.
3hapter 1
<ENERAL PRO=ISIONS
'A<# ?
Art. 77>. Succession is a !ode of ac,uisition by virtue of $%ic% t%e "ro"erty; rig%ts
and obigations to t%e e?tent of t%e vaue of t%e in%eritance of a "erson are trans!itted
t%roug% %is deat% to anot%er or ot%ers eit%er by %is $i or by o"eration of a$.
2alane+ &. Succession is a !ode of ac,uisition.++ 'ropert%. rights. and o*ligations are
transmitted! those w7c are not e$tinguished *% death of the decedent is inheritance. Succession is
*ut a process of transmission.
Succession is a mode of acquisition of inheritance transmitted to the heirs upon the death
of the decedent through a will or *% operation of law.
:. )$o ee!ents of Succession.++ (1) identit% of o*=ects! (") change of su*=ects.
8. Rue.++ 4he estate of the decedent pa%s for the o*ligations of the decedent. 0hat is left is
gi(en to the heirs.
>. Connect Art. 77> $@ Art. 77(; su"ra.
9or mone% de*ts+ If not paid in settlement proceedings. heirs could *e lia*le to the e$tent
of what the% recei(ed
9or o*ligations+ #.g.. lessee-lessor-- o*ligation to 6eep the lessee in the peaceful
possession is transmitted to the heirs.
A. Pro"erty and Rig%ts+ 'assed on to the decedent;s successors
(. Obigations:
a. #onetary.++ <eneral rule+ 4he estate pa%s for them *efore the estate is partitioned
#$ception+ Al(areB case. 'redecessor fraudulentl% disposed of the prop. during
litigation. S3 held that heirs cannot escape lia*ilit% for their father;s transactions w7c ga(e wa% to
this claim for damages. #(en though the% did not inherit the prop.. the monetar% equi(alent
thereof was de(ol(ed into the mass of the estate w7c the heirs inherited. 8ereditar% estates are
alwa%s lia*le in their totalit% for the pa%ments of the de*ts of the estate. 0hate(er pa%ment made
*% the estate is ultimatel% a pa%ment *% the heirs *ec. these pa%ments decrease their inheritance.
b. Non+!onetary.++ 4ransmitted to the heirs.
Art. 77A. In t%is )ite; BdecedentB is t%e genera ter! a""ied to t%e "erson $%ose
"ro"erty is trans!itted t%roug% succession; $%et%er or not %e eft a $i. If %e eft a $i; %e
is caed t%e testator.
2alane+ #(er% testator is a decedent *ut not all decedents are testators. :nder the American
s%stem. a decedent who did not lea(e a will is called 5intestate.5 2ut this is not true in the 'hils.
Art. 77(. )%e in%eritance incudes a t%e "ro"erty; rig%ts and obigations of a
"erson $%ic% are not e?tinguis%ed by %is deat%.
2alane+ 4ransmissi*le propert%. rights and o*ligations constitute inheritance.
<uideines on $%et%er rig%ts@ obigations are e?tinguis%ed by deat%:
'A<# @
1. 'ropert%. rights and o*ligations which are purel% personal are e$tinguished *% the
death of the decedent. 4he% are not part of the inheritance. e.g.. mem*ership in the *ar or right of
consortium w7 %our wife.
". 4hose w7c are purel% patrimonial. <eneral rule+ 4he% form part of the inheritance.
e.g.. credits.
#$ception+ Mone% de*ts.-- o*ligation to pa% is not transmissi*le. although purel%
patrimonial *ec. the estate pa%s for it.
&. 4hose o*ligations transmitted to the heirs w7c are not monetar%. e.g.. o*ligation of a
lessor-- patrimonial. 2 leased to 3 a parcel of land for a term of & %ears. After " %ears. 2 died.
4he heirs of 2 are *ound *% the lease contract.
-*ligation as lessee and *ailee are transmissi*le.
Art. 777. )%e rig%ts to t%e succession are trans!itted fro! t%e !o!ent of t%e deat%
of t%e decedent.
2alane+ 1. 4his article literall% means that the 5decedent has the right to the succession which is
transmitted upon his death.5 4his is illogical *ec. the decedent does not ha(e rights to the
succession. 4o impro(e the pro(ision. change the words 5succession5 to 5inheritance5 (the right
to succeed is an inchoate right) and the (er* 5transmitted5 to 5*ecome (ested.5
:. 4our Ee!ents of Succession:
1. eath
". 0ill or -peration of law
&. #$istence and capacit% of the successor
). Acceptance.
&. 4his pro(ision is the heart and soul of succession. 4he most essential pro(ision of the law on
succession.
). Rights to succession (est at the moment of death. not transmitted. 4he right should *e made
effecti(e from the moment of death. 4his is so *ec. the rights to succession *efore death are mere
inchoate. 2ut from the moment of death. those inchoate rights *ecome a*solute.
Rights to succession are (ested from the moment of death. not upon the filing of petition
for testate7 intestate proceedings. not upon the declaration of heirship or upon settlement of the
estate.
4he rights to succession are automatic. 4radition or deli(er% is not needed. 9iction of
the law is that from the moment of the death of the decedent. the right passes to the heirs.
uring the lifetime of the predecessor. rights to succession are a mere e$pectanc%.
8ence. no contract can *e legall% entered into regarding the e$pected inheritance. 0hen a heir
recei(es his inheritance. he is deemed to ha(e recei(ed it at the point of death. this is so *% legal
fiction to a(oid confusion.
?. 3AS#S+
:son (. el Rosario.-- :pon the death of the hus*and *efore the ,33. the rights of the
wife to the inheritance were (ested. So the rights of the illegitimate children under the ,33 to
inherit can not pre=udice the (ested rights of the wife. 0e ha(e to appl% the -33 *ec. at the time
of his death. it is the -33 w7c go(erned the law on succession. 9or the determination of
successional rights. the law at the point of death should *e the one applied.
'A<# A
2or=a (. 2or=a.-- 4he right to inherit is (ested at the moment of death. #(en if she did
not 6now how much she was going to inherit. she could still dispose of her share in the
inheritance. Said right to the share was hers from the moment of death and she could do
whate(er she wanted w7 her share. e(en sell it.
2onilla (. 2arcena.-- >ou do not need a declaration of heirship whether testate or
intestate. (oluntar%. etc. 4he rights of the heirs to the prop. (est in them e(en *efore =udicial
declaration of their *eing heirs in the testate proceedings.
An action to quiet title is not e$tinguished *% the death of the decedent. it *eing a
patrimonial right. 8ence. the heirs ha(e the right to *e su*stituted to the action e(en *efore their
ha(ing declared as heirs.
FimeneB (. 9ernandeB.-- 3arlos died in 1E&@. *efore the effecti(it% of the ,33. As such.
his illegitimate child cannot inherit from him. As such. title to the land *elongs to the cousin who
inherited the land w7 3arlos.
.
Art. 77C. Succession !ay be:
.&/ )esta!entary9
.:/ Lega or Intestate9 or
.8/ #i?ed.
2alane+
1. 4estamentar% (Art. AAE.)-- designation of an heir in a will
". /egal or Intestate .-- w7o a will or the will is in(alid
&. Mi$ed (Art. ACD.)-- partl% *% will and partl% *% operation of law
). 3ompulsor%.-- Succession to the legitime *% a forced heir.
Art. 77'. )esta!entary succession is t%at $%ic% resuts fro! t%e designation of an
%eir; !ade in a $i e?ecuted in t%e for! "rescribed by a$.
2alane+ 8eir includes de(isees and legatees.
Art. 7CD. #i?ed succession is t%at effected "arty by $i and "arty by o"eration of
a$.
Art. 7C&. )%e in%eritance of a "erson incudes not ony t%e "ro"erty and t%e
trans!issibe rig%ts and obigations e?isting at t%e ti!e of %is deat%; but aso t%ose $%ic%
%ave accrued t%ereto since t%e o"ening of t%e succession.
2alane+ It is *etter to scrap Art. AC1. It has no significance. #(en w7o it. those w7c accrue after
death will still *elong to the heirs.
#.g.. A has a son. G. A dies in 1ECC. Inheritance is a mango plantation. In 1EED. there is
a crop. Is it part of the inheritance1
1. According to Art. AC1. %es. 4his is inconsistent w7 Art AAA *ec. succession occurs at
the moment of death. Art. AC1 implies a second succession.
'A<# C
". /egal concept.-- ,o. G owns it through accession and not succession. 9ruits are no
longer part of the inheritance. It *elongs to the heir *ec. of ownership of the land he recei(ed at
the moment of death. (Art. AAA.)
4hose w7c ha(e accrued thereto after death do not comprise the inheritance *ut the%
accrue *% (irtue of ownership (accretion.)
Art. 7C:. An %eir is a "erson caed to t%e succession eit%er by t%e "rovision of a $i
or by o"eration of a$.
*evisees and egatees are "ersons to $%o! gifts of rea and "ersona "ro"erty are
res"ectivey given by virtue of a $i.
2alane+ 4he definitions gi(en in this article are not good. 4he definitions contained in the
Spanish 3i(il 3ode were *etter. An heir succeeds *% uni(ersal title. e(isee or legatee succeeds
*% particular title.
According to 3astan. an heir is one who succeeds to the whole (uni(ersal) or aliquot part
of the estate. e(isee or legatee is one who succeeds to definite. specific. and indi(idualiBed
properties.
#.g.. I *equeathed 17" of m% fishpond in 'ampanga to A. Is the successor an heir. legatee
or de(isee1 A de(isee. the prop. *eing a specific real prop.
-: Is it i!"ortant to distinguis% bet. %eir devisee and egatee0
A+ 2efore. %es. 4he heir inherited e(en de*ts of the decedent. e(en if it e$ceed the (alue of the
propert%. e(isees or legatees were lia*le for de*ts of the decedent onl% up to the e$tent of the
(alue of the prop.
,ow. ,o. #$cept in one instance. in case of preterition in Art. C?). If read carefull%.
institution of heir is annulled while de(ise and legac% are not. so long as there is no impairment of
the legitime.
Art. 7C: is not a $orEing definition.++ Someone who is a de(isee (succeeded *% a particular
title) can fit into the definition of an heir (succeeds to a fractional7 aliquot7 undi(ided part of the
estate.) and (ice (ersa.
'A<# E
C%a"ter :
)ES)A#EN)ARF SUCCESSION
Section &
2ILLS
Subsection &
2ILLS IN <ENERAL
Art. 7C8. A $i is an act $%ereby a "erson is "er!itted; $it% t%e for!aities
"rescribed by a$; to contro to a certain degree t%e dis"osition of %is estate; to taEe effect
after %is deat%.
2alane+ *efinition of $i:
1. 5'erson.5-- refers onl% to natural persons.
". 5'ermitted to control to a certain degree.5-- wh% certain degree1 2ec. compulsor%
heirs cannot *e depri(ed of their legitimes. If there are no compulsor% heirs. the power of the
decedent to dispose of his estate is a*solute. If there are compulsor% heirs. he onl% has a limited
degree to dispose. 4hat is wh% the will can onl% co(er the disposa*le portion of the estate (free
portion.)
'A<# 1D
&. 3omment+ .
a. An 5act.5-- is too general! *etter 5document5 *ec. a will must *e in writing
*. 5After5-- *etter 5upon.5
C%aracteristics of 2is:
1. 'urel% personal act. (Arts. AC)-ACA.)-- non-delega*le! personal participation of the
testator is required.
". 9ree act.-- it means w7o fraud. (iolence. deceit. duress. or intimidation. It is
(oluntar%. ,o (itiated consent.
&. ispositi(e of propert%.-- If it does not. it will *e useless. 2ut as far as the law is
concerned. it can *e pro*ated *ut a useless e$pense. It is onl% (alid as to form and nothing else.
#$ceptions+
a. when a will recogniBes an illegitimate child
*. when a will disinherits a compulsor% heir
c. when it appoints an e$ecutor
). #ssentiall% re(oca*le.-- ambulatory, it is not fi$ed. can *e ta6en *ac6 (while the
testator is ali(e.) 4here is no such thing as an irre(oca*le will. It onl% *ecomes irre(oca*le upon
death of the testator.
?. 9ormall% e$ecuted.-- If the form is defecti(e. it is (oid. It can not *e cured.
@. 4estamentar% capacit% of the testator.
A. :nilateral act.-- does not in(ol(e an e$change of (alues or depend on simultaneous
offer and acceptance.
C. -ortis causa.-- ta6es effect upon the person;s death (Art. AAA.)
E. Statutor% grant.-- granted onl% *% ci(il law. 4he law can also ta6e it awa%. It is not a
constitutional right *ut merel% statutor%. In Russia. there are no wills. all intestac%
1D. !nimus Testandi.++ 4here must *e an intent to dispose mortis causa the propert% of
the testator. 4here must *e a real intent to ma6e a will or a disposition to ta6e effect upon death.
Said intent must appear from the words of the will.
Montinola (. 3A. & 3A Reports &AA.-- 4he Repu*lic contended that the phrase 5I here*%
lea(e %ou (motherland). parents. lo(ed ones... 5 is a testamentar% disposition in fa(or of the
Repu*lic as an heir. 3A ruled that it was not. 4he phrase is a mere piece of poetr%. there *eing
no animus testandi. 4he lac6 of such intent might *e seen from the face of the document itself.
11. Indi(idual.-- -ne person alone. Foint wills are prohi*ited under Art. C1C.
Hitug (. 3A.-- A couple e$ecuted a sur(i(orship agreement wherein their =oint *an6
account would *ecome the sole propert% of the sur(i(ing spouse should one of them die. 4he S3
held that such agreement is (alid. 4he con(e%ance is not a will *ec. in a will. a person disposes
of his prop. In this case. the *an6 account is part of the con=ugal funds. ,either is the agreement
a donation inter #i#os *ec. it ta6es effect after death.
Art. 7C>. )%e !aEing of a $i is a stricty "ersona act9 it cannot be eft in $%oe or
in "art to t%e discretion of a t%ird "erson; or acco!"is%ed t%roug% t%e instru!entaity of
an agent of an attorney.
2alane+ 4he ma6ing of a will is a purel% personal act. It is an e$ercise of the disposing power
w7c can not *e delegated. 2ut the ph%sical act of ma6ing a notarial will can *e delegated to the
secretar% *ut not the e$ecution or ma6ing of holographic wills.
'A<# 11
#.g.. A dictated 4he Secretar% wrote it down and t%ped. Is the will (alid1 >es. 0hat cannot *e
left in whole or in part to a third person is the e$ercise of the will ma6ing power. the e$ercise of
the disposing or testamentar% power. 4he mechanical act can *e delegated.
Art. 7CA. )%e duration or efficacy of t%e designation of %eirs; devisees or egatees; or
t%e deter!ination of t%e "ortions $%ic% t%ey are to taEe; $%en referred to by na!e; cannot
be eft to t%e discretion of a t%ird "erson

2alane+ 4his pro(ision clarifies Art. AC) on will-ma6ing power.
)%ings 2%ic% Cannot be *eegated to a )%ird Person by t%e )estator:
1. esignation of heir. legatee or de(isee. e.g.. I here*% appoint G as m% e$ecutor and it
is in his discretion to distri*ute m% estate to whome(er he wants to gi(e it. 4his can not *e done.
". uration or efficac% of such disposition li6e. 52ahala 6a na. Ru*en.5
&. etermination of the portion to w7c the% are to succeed. when referred to *% name.

Art. 7C(. )%e testator !ay entrust to a t%ird "erson t%e distribution of s"ecific
"ro"erty or su!s of !oney t%at %e !ay eave in genera to s"ecified casses or causes; and
aso t%e designation of t%e "ersons; institutions or estabis%!ents to $%ic% suc% "ro"erty or
su!s of !oney are to be given or a""ied.
2alane+ Art. AC@ is an e$ception to Arts AC) and AC?. It co(ers things that are part of the essence
of will ma6ing *ut allowed to *e delegated.
E?a!"es of Pro%ibited *eegation:
1. 3an not delegate the designation of the amount of prop.. e.g.. I here*% set aside the sum _____
w7c m% e$ecutor ma% determine for the cause of mental health. 4he amount is not specified.
". 3an not delegate the determination of causes or classes to w7c a certain amount is to *e gi(en.
e.g.. I here*% set aside '1M for such worth% causes as %ou ma% determine. 4his is not (alid *ec.
the cause is not specific.
2% wa% of e$ception. there are " things w7c can *e delegated. 4he testator must specif%-- (a) the
amount of propert%! (") the cause of classes of propert%-- *efore the delegation can ta6e effect.
1. 4he designation of person or institution falling under the class specified *% the testator.
3hoosing the mem*ers of the class *ut is restricted *% the class designation. e.g.. I here*% set
aside the sum of '1M for the de(elopment of AIS research. M will choose w7c institution. 4his
is allowed *ec. %ou ha(e guided alread% M;s decision. 8owe(er. M cannot designate Manila
8otel.
". 4he manner of distri*ution or power of apportioning the amount of mone% pre(iousl% set aside
or prop. specified *% the testator. e.g.. I designate the following hospitals to get the share in m%
estate and appoint M to apportion the amount of '1DM. I set aside '"?D.DDD for the following
institutions+ :'. '<8. SR. in an amount as m% e$ecutor ma% determine.
4he a*o(e mentioned are e$ceptions to the rule that the ma6ing of a will are non-delega*le.
'A<# 1"
Art. 7C7. )%e testator !ay not !aEe a testa!entary dis"osition in suc% !anner
t%at anot%er "erson %as to deter!ine $%et%er or not it is to be o"erative.
2alane+ 4his pro(ision clarifies what is meant that 5a will is personal.5 4his is in effect
delegating the discretion to the disposition of the will.
Artices 7CC+ 7':. Inter"retation of 2is@ Rues of Construction.
Art. 7CC. If a testa!entary dis"osition ad!its of different inter"retations; in case of
doubt; t%at inter"retation by $%ic% t%e dis"osition is to be o"erative s%a be "referred.
2alane+ Art. ACE is the rule on interpretation in order that the will ma% *e (alid and not perish.
Rationale+ 4he State prefers testate to intestate. 0h%1 2ec. testamentar% disposition is
the e$press will of the decedent. Intestamentar% is the presumed will of the decedent. 4his is
mere speculation on what the decedent wanted.
Ut res mages #alet 0uam pereat.++ that the thing *e (alid than perish.
#.g.. 4he word 5chic65 can ha(e " interpretations+ (1) a girl in w7c case inoperati(e *ec. not w7in
the commerce of man and (") sisiw.-- operati(e. Interpret according to the second.
Art. 7C'. 2%en t%ere is an i!"erfect descri"tion; or $%en no "erson or "ro"erty
e?acty ans$ers t%e descri"tion; !istaEes and o!issions !ust be corrected; if t%e error
a""ears fro! t%e conte?t of t%e $i or fro! e?trinsic evidence; e?cuding t%e ora
decarations of t%e testator as to %is intention9 and $%en an uncertainty arises u"on t%e face
of t%e $i; as to t%e a""ication of any of its "rovisions; t%e testatorGs intention is to be
ascertained fro! t%e $ords of t%e $i; taEing into consideration t%e circu!stances under
$%ic% it $as !ade; e?cuding suc% ora decarations.
2alane+
&. 5inds of A!biguity:
a. 'atent. apparent.-- that w7c appears in the face of the will. e.g.. 5I gi(e 17" of m%
estate to one of m% *rothers.5 0ho among the *rothers1 4his is patentl% am*iguous.
*. /atent. hidden.-- perfectl% unclear on its face. 4he am*iguit% does not appear until
%ou appl% the pro(isions of the will. e.g.. 5I gi(e to M the prop. intersecting 2uendia and '. de
Ro$as. 4he am*iguit% is determined onl% when the will is pro*ated. 4hat is. when it appears that
I am the owner of all the ) corners of the lot. ,ow. w7c of those lots1
:. Rue: 3larif% am*iguit% and *e guided *% these+ 4estac% should *e preferred or upheld as far
as practica*le. An% dou*t shall *e resol(ed in fa(or of testac%.
-: 1o$ $i you resove t%e a!biguity0 2%at evidence do you ad!it0
A+ >ou can admit an% 6ind of e(idence as long as rele(ant and admissi*le according to the Rules
of 3ourt. 4his includes written declarations.
#$cept+ -ral declarations of the testator. 0h%1 2ec. the% cannot *e questioned *% the
deceased. Also. *ec. the% are eas% to fa*ricate.
If inspite of e(idence %ou still cannot cure am*iguit%. then annul the will.
'A<# 1&
If the am*iguit% is patent. disregard the will. If latent. loo6 into the e(idences allowed *%
law.

Art. 7'D. )%e $ords of a $i are to be taEen in t%eir ordinary and gra!!atica
sense; uness a cear intention to use t%e! in anot%er sense can be gat%ered; and t%at ot%er
can be ascertained.
)ec%nica $ords in a $i are to be taEen in t%eir tec%nica sense; uness t%e conte?t
ceary indicates a contrary intention; or uness it satisfactoriy a""ears t%at t%e $i $as
dra$n soey by t%e testator; and t%at %e $as unac,uainted $it% suc% tec%nica sense.
Art. 7':. )%e invaidity of one of severa dis"ositions contained in a $i does not
resut in t%e invaidity of t%e ot%er dis"ositions; uness it is to be "resu!ed t%at t%e testator
$oud not %ave !ade suc% ot%er dis"ositions if t%e first invaid dis"osition %ad not been
!ade.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ Se(era*ilit%. A flaw does not affect the other pro(isions. #$ception+ If it
was meant that the% were to *e operati(e together as seen in the will.
Art. 7'8. Pro"erty ac,uired after t%e !aEing of a $i s%a ony "ass t%ereby; as if
t%e testator %ad "ossessed it at t%e ti!e of !aEing t%e $i; s%oud it e?"ressy a""ear by t%e
$i t%at suc% $as %is intention.
2alane+ 4his is a new pro(ision. It is *etter if this was not placed here. 0h%1 2ec. prop.
acquired after the ma6ing of the will will not pass unless there is a clear intention or e$press
pro(isions that the prop. will *e passed *% the testator. #.g.. I gi(e as legac% to M m% cars. I
onl% had " cars when I e$ecuted the will. After w7c I acquired 1? more cars. 0hen I die. how
man% cars will she get1 9ollowing Art. AE&. she will get onl% " cars. 4he additional cars are not
included.
<eneral rule+ After acquired propert% shall not pass.
#$ception+ If the will pro(ides otherwise. If he said 5all m% cars when I die. 5 then M
gets all 1A cars.
3-MM#,4+ 4his is craB%. Art. AE& is inconsistent w7 Art. AAA. At the time of the death. the
succession will open. As such. all cars should *e gi(en.
2ut the law should *e applied as it is. ,o matter how inconsistent it is as pointed out *%
4olentino. 9or as law%ers. %ou should ad(ise %our clients to *e clear or clarif% e(er%thing to
a(oid this am*iguit%. 4ell %our clients to specif% 5as of the time of m% death.5
4he solution to this inconsistenc% *et. the " articles is to repeal Art. AE&.
Art. 7'>. Every devise or egacy s%a convey a t%e interest $%ic% t%e testator
coud devise or be,ueat% in t%e "ro"erty dis"osed of; uness it ceary a""ears fro! t%e $i
t%at %e intended to convey a ess interest.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ /egac% or de(ise will pass e$actl% the interest of the testator o(er the
propert%.
#$ception+ :nless it appears from the will that he is gi(ing less.
'A<# 1)
#.g.. sa% %ou own a parcel of land. -nl% the ownership of the land can *e gi(en. If the
testator is a usufructuar%. he can onl% *equeath his rights as usufructuar%. nothing more. nothing
less.
3an %ou gi(e *igger1 >es. Art. E"E sa%s so. -nl% good if the other co-owner is willing
to sell.
I+ 2. < and F are co-owners. 2 ga(e to A the land the% owned in common. that is the entire land
and full ownership o(er it gi(ing more than what he owns. Is this allowed1
A+ >es. 4he remed% is to *u% the shares of F and < *ut he can not compel them to *u% his share.
there *eing no redemption of the whole land or gi(e to A the (alue of 2;s share. if < and F are not
willing to sell their shares.
4he testator ma% gi(e a lesser interest. e.g.. I gi(e the usufruct of m% land to G. 0hat
results1 :sufruct to G. ownership of the land goes *% intestac%.
Art. 7'A. )%e vaidity of a $i as to its for! de"ends u"on t%e observance of t%e
a$ in force at t%e ti!e it is !ade.
2alane+
&. 4or!a =aidity
a. 4ime criterion.-- law at the time of e$ecution! su*sequent laws cannot appl%
retroacti(el%.
*. 'lace criterion.-- :nder Art C1?-C1A. fi(e (?) choices are a(aila*le to the testator+
1. 3itiBenship
". Residence
&. omicile
). #$ecution
?. 'hilippines
:. Intrinsic =aidity
a. 4ime.-- time of death *ec. of Art. AAA
*. 'lace.-- /aw of citiBenship of decedent.
Subsection :.++ Testamentary Capacity and Intent
2alane+ Testamentification acti#a is the capacit% to ma6e a will. Testamentification pasi#a is the
capacit% to inherit *ased on a will.
0ho has testamentar% capacit%1 All natural persons.
3orporations can not ma6e wills. -nl% natural human *eings can ma6e a will.
Art. 7'(. A "ersons $%o are not e?"ressy "ro%ibited by a$ !ay !aEe a $i.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ All persons ha(e the testamentar% capacit% to ma6e a will. #$ception+
Incapacit%. when e$pressl% prohi*ited *% law+ (1) disqualified *% reason of age (Art. AEA)! (")
disqualified *% reason of mental incompetence. (Art. AEC.)
Art. 7'7. Persons of eit%er se? under eig%teen years of age cannot !aEe a $i.
'A<# 1?
2alane+
-: 1o$ do you co!"ute t%e age0
A+ According to the Admin. 3ode. age is rec6oned according to the calendar month.
Art. 7'C. In order to !aEe a $i it is essentia t%at t%e testator be of sound !ind at
t%e ti!e of its e?ecution.
2alane+ "oundness of mind is determined at the time of the e$ecution of the will.
Art. 7''. )o be of sound !ind; it is not necessary t%at t%e testator be in fu
"ossession of a %is reasoning facuties; or t%at %is !ind be $%oy unbroEen; uni!"aired;
or uns%attered by disease; in6ury or ot%er cause.
It s%a be sufficient if t%e testator $as abe at t%e ti!e of !aEing t%e $i to Eno$
t%e nature of t%e estate to be dis"osed of; t%e "ro"er ob6ects of %is bounty; and t%e c%aracter
of t%e testa!entary act.
2alane+
&. Soundness of !ind.++ does not require that the testator *e in full possession of reasoning
capacit% or that it *e wholl% un*ro6en. unimpaired or unshattered.
:. It !eans reaiHation of or Eno$ing:
a. 4he nature of his estate.-- Jnow what %ou own. 4his does not mean that the testator
has to 6now the description of his propert% in detail. It is enough that he has more or less a fairl%
accurate idea what his properties are. 4his depends upon the circumstances. Sa% Roc6efeller.
4he idea is less if %ou owned more. the more a person owns. the more he is apt to forget what he
has in detail. If %ou thin6 %ou own A%ala *ridge and gi(es it as a de(ise. something is wrong w7
%ou.
*. 'roper o*=ects of his *ount%.-- Jnow his immediate relati(es. #$perience of man6ind
is that %ou gi(e to people who are attached to %ou *% *lood. Immediate relati(es referred to are
spouses. parents. children . *rothers. sisters. *ut not first cousins. 9irst cousins usuall% are not
6nown especiall% if the% li(e a*road. 4he nearer the relation. the more %ou should 6now. 4he
farther. the less the law e$pects of %ou. If the testator can not recogniBe his immediate relati(es.
then there is something wrong.
c. 3haracter of the testamentar% act.-- Jnow the essence of ma6ing a will. Jnow that
%ou are+ (1) ma6ing a document that disposes (freel%. gratuitousl%) of %our propert%! (") to ta6e
effect upon %our death.
,ote+ #(en if %ou are insane as to other things. as long as %ou 6now these three (&) things. %ou
ha(e testamentar% capacit%.
8. Insanity is reative. It is different in marriage and in contracts. 2ut in wills. not 6nowing one
or more of the & mentioned a*o(e. %ou are considered insane.
Art. CDD. )%e a$ "resu!es t%at every "erson is of sound !ind; in t%e absence of
"roof to t%e contrary.
)%e burden of "roof t%at t%e testator $as not of sound !ind at t%e ti!e of !aEing
%is dis"osition is on t%e "erson $%o o""oses t%e "robate of t%e $i9 but if t%e testator; one
!ont%; or ess; before !aEing %is $i $as "ubicy Eno$n to be insane; t%e "erson $%o
!aintains t%e vaidity of t%e $i !ust "rove t%at t%e testator !ade it during a ucid
'A<# 1@
interva.
2alane+ 4his is the law on presumption of soundness of mind as of the time of the e$ecution of
the will.
<enera rue: 'resumption is for soundness of mind.-- proponent of will does not ha(e to pro(e
the soundness of mind of the testator. 0h%1 4he law on e(idence sa%s that %ou don;t ha(e to
pro(e+ (1) that w7c is admitted! (") that w7c is presumed! and (&) that w7c is ta6en =udicial
notice of. isputa*le presumptions ma% *e o(ercome *% proof to the contrar%. 4here are &
presumptions of law+ (1) conclusi(e! (") quasi-conclusi(e w7c can *e o(ercome onl% *% specific
proof! (&) disputa*le
E?ce"tion: Insanit% is re*utta*le presumed when+
1. Art. CDD par. ".-- -ne month or less *efore the ma6ing of the will. the testator was
pu*licl% 6nown to *e insane. #.g.. A. one month *efore ma6ing of the will was running in the
'laBa Miranda na6ed and shouting 5I*agsa6K5 4his is what %ou mean *% pu*licl% 6nown.
". If there had *een a =udicial declaration of insanit% and *efore such order has *een
re(o6ed. (4orres (. /opeB. )C ' AA".)
In these " cases. it is the proponent;s dut% to offer e(idence to the contrar%. i.e.. pro(e that
the ma6ing of the said will was made *% the testator during a lucid inter(al.
3udicia *ecaration of Insanity Consists of:
1. A guardian appointed *% reason of insanit%. (Rule E&. R-3.)
". If the insane was hospitaliBed *% order of the court
In either of these cases. there is a presumption of insanit%. 2ut once the order is lifted. the
presumption ceases.
#ffect+ 1. Re*utta*le presumption of sanit% is nullified or swept awa%.
". 4here is a re*utta*le presumption of unsoundness of mind.
Art. CD&. Su"ervening inca"acity does not invaidate an effective $i; nor is t%e $i
of an inca"abe vaidated by t%e su"ervening of ca"acity.
2alane+ 4his article ma6es e$plicit what was mentioned in Art. CDD. 4he requirement is that
sanit% should e$ist onl% at the time of e$ecution. Su*sequent insanit% does not affect the (alidit%
of the will nor an in(alid will *e (alidated *% the reco(er% of the senses of the testator.
Art. CD:. A !arried $o!an !ay !aEe a $i $it%out t%e consent of %er %usband;
and $it%out aut%ority of t%e court.
Art. CD8. A !arried $o!an !ay dis"ose by $i of a %er se"arate "ro"erty as $e
as %er s%are of t%e con6uga "artners%i" or absoute co!!unity "ro"erty.
'A<# 1A
Subsection 8.++ Forms of Wills
2alane+ 5inds of 2is ao$ed under t%e NCC.++ (1) ordinary or notarial will w7c requires an
attestation clause. an ac6nowledgement *efore a notar% pu*lic! (") holographic will w7c must *e
entirel% written. dated and signed in the handwriting of the testator.
-: 1o$ about Non-cupative 2is0
A+ 4he% are not allowed *% the ,33. 4his 6ind of will is an oral will made *% the testator in
contemplation of death. 4his is allowed among Muslims onl%.
Co!!on Re,uire!ents for bot% Einds of $is:
1. It must *e in writing
". #$ecuted in the language or dialect 6nown to the testator.
I+ 0hat 6ind of language1
A+ It must *e a language (a) spo6en *% a su*stantial num*er of persons! (*) must ha(e *een
reduced to writing and (c) fairl% su*stanti(e *od% of literature
I+ 0hat is a dialect
A+ A dialect is a (ariation of tongue.
Art. CD>. Every $i !ust be in $riting and e?ecuted in a anguage or diaect Eno$n
to t%e testator.
2alane+
Re,uire!ents:
1. In writing *ut no specific form is required. It could *e in a mar*le glass or on a wall. so long
as there was testamentar% capacit%.
". 0ritten in a language or dialect 6nown to the testator.
SuroBa (. 8onrado.-- 4he issue here is whether the will. w7c was written in #nglish is
(alid. 4he S3 ruled that it is not. 4he testatri$ does not 6now #nglish. *eing an Igorot and an
illiterate. -*(iousl%. the will is (oid. *ec. of non-compliance w7 Art. CD). In a will. can %ou
conclude that it is (oid where in the attestation clause. it was stated that the will was read and
translated to 9ilipino1 4he law does not require translation nor interpretation of the language to
the testator *ut that he himself personall% understands the said language.
I+ Is it necessar% for a will to state that the testator 6new the language1
A+ ,o. #$trinsic7 testimonial e(idence ma% pro(e this.
I+ Is direct e(idence alwa%s necessar% to pro(e that the testator 6new the language1
A+ ,o. Sometimes. circumstantial e(idence is sufficient. #.g.. a person w7 a college degree does
a will in #nglish. Is it not enough that he studied & le(els to pro(e that he understands #nglish.
Artices CDA to CD'.++ S"ecia Re,uire!ents for Attested 2is.
Art. CDA. Every $i; ot%er t%an a %oogra"%ic $i; !ust be subscribed at t%e end
t%ereof by t%e testator %i!sef or by t%e testatorGs na!e $ritten by so!e ot%er "erson in %is
'A<# 1C
"resence; and by %is e?"ress direction; and attested and subscribed by t%ree or !ore
credibe $itnesses in t%e "resence of t%e testator and of one anot%er.
)%e testator or t%e "erson re,uested by %i! to $rite %is na!e and t%e instru!enta
$itnesses of t%e $i; s%a aso sign; as aforesaid; eac% and every "age t%ereof; e?ce"t t%e
ast; on t%e eft !argin; and a t%e "ages s%a be nu!bered correativey in etters "aced
on t%e u""er "art of eac% "age.
)%e attestation s%a state t%e nu!ber of "ages used u"on $%ic% t%e $i is $ritten;
and t%e fact t%at t%e testator signed t%e $i and every "age t%ereof; or caused so!e ot%er
"erson to $rite %is na!e; under %is e?"ress direction; in t%e "resence of t%e instru!enta
$itnesses; and t%at t%e atter $itnessed and signed t%e $i and a t%e "ages t%ereof in t%e
"resence of t%e testator and of one anot%er.
If t%e attestation cause is in a anguage not Eno$n to t%e $itnesses; it s%a be
inter"reted to t%e!.
2alane+
A. 9ourth 'aragraph.-- Jnow the language
1. 2od% of the will.-- testator
". Attestation clause
a. 4estator.-- ,o.
*. witnesses.-- ,o. -nl% required to 6now the contents thereof.
2. iscrepancies
1. 'ar. 1.-- ,o mention that the testator signs in the presence of witnesses and %et par. &
states this.
". 'ar. ".-- ,o statement that the testator and the witnesses must sign e(er% page in one
another;s presence and %et that is required to *e stated in the attestation clause.
&. 'ar. &.-- In case of agent. all it requires is that the agent signed *% his direction and
not in his presence. *ut that is required in par. 1.
3. Requisites for an ordinar% attested will (notariBed will.).-- 'urpose of requisites+ =udgment
call of 3ode 3ommission! *alancing of " policies.-- (1) to encourage a person to ma6e a will! (")
to ma6e sure that the will is testament of the testator to minimiBe fraud.
&. Signed by t%e testator or %is agent in %is "resence and by %is e?"ress direction at t%e end
t%ereof and in t%e "resence of t%e $itnesses.
a. Su*scri*e.-- literall% means 5to write one;s name.5 Sign means 5to put a distincti(e
mar65 (this is the *etter term to use.)
*. Signing.-- *% writing his own name! a person ma% sign in other wa%s
(i) Matias (. Salud.-- 4he testator signed affi$ing her thum* mar6 on the will.
this is *ecause he can no longer write due to sic6ness7 disease called herpes 1oster. cold. ph%sical
infirmit%. Is this a sufficient signature1 >es. A thum* mar6 is a sufficient signature of the
testator. In fact. it is alwa%s and under an% and all circumstances a (alid wa% to sign a will.
Reason+ It is less posssi*le to forge. A thum* mar6 is alwa%s a (alid wa% of signing whether
literate or illiterate. 8owe(er. there is also the danger of falsif%ing it *% affi$ing the thum* of a
newl% dead person.
I+ 0hat if the testator has no disease *ut signed in his thum* mar61
A+ 4his will do *ec. thum* mar6 is a sufficient signature under all circumstances.
'A<# 1E
4he contro(ers% is that what if after the testator affi$ed his thum* mar6. another person
signed on her *ehalf. Attestation clause does not state this. I mean. it would not appear in the
attestation clause. 4he S3 said that the person signing on his *ehalf is not an agent and *esides it
was alread% signed *% the testator affi$ing his thum* mar6 and to state this (the affi$ing of the
thum* mar6) in the attestation is a mere surplusage.
(ii) <arcia (. de la 3uesta.-- 4estator signed w7 a cross. Is this (alid1 ,o. 4his
is so *ec. such cross is eas% to falsif%. A cross can not *e considered a signature.
<eneral rule+ A cross is unaccepta*le as a signature.
#$ception+ 4hat is his normal wa% of signing.
c. 'urpose.-- to authenticate the will
d. 0here should the testator sign1 At the end of the will. 4here are " 6inds of ends+
(i) 'h%sical end.-- where the writing ends
(ii) /ogical end.-- that where testamentar% disposition ends.
:suall%. the% are the same. 2ut if different. t hen either will do. 0hat if after the
signature. some clauses follow1 0hat is the effect of the said clauses to the will1 If annuls or
ma6es the whole (oid *ec. of the non-compliance w7 Art. CD?.
e. 4estator directs another to sign his name.
(i) 9our cases+ 4estator- A! Agent- 2
a. 525 is not (alid
*. 5A5 handwritten 5*% 25 t%pewritten is (alid
c. 5A5 t%pewritten 5*% 25 handwritten is not (alid.
d. 5A5 is (alid
(ii) 3ases+
a. 2arut (. 3a*acungan.-- Requirements+ (1) agent must write the
name of the testator *% hand! (") ad(isa*le if the agent write his name also.
*. 2alonan (. A*ellana.-- 4he witness signed his name a*o(e the
t%pewritten words 5por la testadora Anacleta A*ellana.5 4he S3 held that the testator;s name *e
written *% the agent signing in his stead in the place where he would ha(e signed if he were a*le
to do so. It is required that the witness write the testator;s name in the testator;s presence and
under her e$press direction.
(iii) 4he agent must sign where the testator;s signature should *e.
(i() 'urpose of the rules+ to test the authenticit% of the agenc%. It is an added
safeguard to minimiBe fraud.
f. 4estator must sign in the presence of witnesses
(i) 9our cases+ 4estator.-- A! 0itnesses.-- 2. 3.
a. A signs w7 2 *reathing on her face. Is it signing in the presence of the
testator1 >#S.
*. A signs while 2 is tal6ing to 3. 2 can see A through peripheral
(ision. Is A signing in 2; s presence1 >#S
c. A signs while 2 is tal6ing to 3 w7 2;s *ac6 to A. Is it signing in 2;s
presence1 >#S.
d. 2 goes out and stands *ehind the wall. 8e cannot see A. 2 is also
tal6ing to 9. Is a signing in 2;s presence1 ,-.
'A<# "D
(ii) ,era (. Rimando.-- Actual seeing is not required. 0hat is required is that
the person required to *e present must ha(e *een a*le to see the signing. if he wanted to do so. *%
casting his e%es in the proper direction. 8is line of (ision must not *e impeded *% a wall or
curtain. 4his is a question of fact for the lower court to determine. 2lind witnesses are therefore
disqualified.
:. Attested and subscribed by at east t%ree credibe $itnesses in t%e testatorGs "resence and
of one anot%er.
a. I+ 3an the testator sign first not in the witness; presence. then let the witnesses sign1
,o. Art. CD? requires that the testator should sign at their presence (Hda. de Ramos case.) 4here
is some inconsistenc% here *ut we ha(e to follow Art. CD?.
I+ 3an the (alidit% *e affected if the witness signed ahead of the testator1
A+ ,o. 'ro(ided it is made in one occasion or transaction. 8owe(er. in strict theor%. it can not
*e done *ec. *efore the testator signed there is no will at all w7c the witnesses can sign and attest
to. If there is more than one transaction. then the testator must alwa%s sign ahead of the
witnesses.
*. Attestation Su*scri*ing
--(isual act -- manual act
--witness -- sign
4he three witnesses must do *oth attesting and su*scri*ing.
c. 0here must witnesses sign1 4his is not clear.
4a*oada (. Rosal.-- In this case. the witnesses signed at the left hand margin. 'etitioner
contended that the% should ha(e singed at the same place where the testator signed. that is. at the
*ottom of the end of the will. 4he S3 was li*eral. 4he purpose of signing at the end is to pre(ent
interpolation. 4he o*=ect of attestation and su*scription which is for identification. was met when
the witnesses signed at the left hand margin of the sole page w7c contained all the testamentar%
dispositions. (4his concerned a "-page will w7 the first page containing all the dispositions and
the second page the attestation and ac6nowledgement.) 4he will was signed *% the witnesses at
each and e(er% page thereof.
/iteral requirement.-- witnesses must also sign at the end7 last page
In the case.-- as long as signed in the margin. -J
,ow.-- under or on margin. -J.
d. 3an witnesses sign w7 thum* mar61 (1) Some sa% >es *ec. it is onl% an act of
authentication! (") some sa% no *ec. one requirement is that witnesses must 6now how to read
and write w7c implies that the witness write his name.
8. )%e testator or agent !ust sign every "age e?ce"t t%e ast on t%e eft !argin.
a. 'urpose.-- to pre(ent the disappearance of the pages.
*. 5#(er% page e$cept the last.5 0h% not the last1 2ec. it will alread% *e signed at the
*ottom.
c. /eft hand margin.-- requirement was made when right hand was not =ustified when
'A<# "1
t%ped.
d. ,ow. testator can sign an%where in the page.
(i) each page is signed and authenticated.-- mandator%
(ii) left margin.-- director%.
>. 2itnesses !ust sign eac% and every "age; e?ce"t t%e ast; on t%e eft !argin.
4his is the same as num*er &.
0itnesses ma% sign an%where as long as the% sign
Icasiano (. Icasiano.-- In the will su*mitted for pro*ate. one page was not signed *% one
of the witnesses. Such failure to sign was due to inad(ertence since in the cop%. all pages were
signed. 4he S3 held that this was not a fatal defect. 3onsidering the circumstances. the fact that
the other requirement was complied with. and the notarial seal coincided w7 the third page during
the sealing. then the will could *e pro*ated. :nusual circumstances w7c e$isted in the case+
(1) there was another cop%
(") inad(ertence7 o(ersight
(&) *ecause of the notarial seal.
4he presence of these facts led the S3 to allow the will.
4he general rule. howe(er. is that. the failure to sign an% page is a fatal defect.
A. A "ages !ust be nu!bered in etters on t%e u""er "art of t%e "age.
a. Mandator%.-- there must *e a method *% w7c the sequence of the pages can *e 6nown!
to pre(ent an insertion or ta6ing out of a page.
*. irector%
(i) Manner it is num*ered- letters. num*ers. Ara*ic. roman numerals. etc.! an%
con(entional sequence of s%m*ols is allowed
(ii) :pper part
(. Attestation Cause.
a. 4hree things that must *e stated+
(i) the num*er of pages in the will
(ii) the fact that the testator or his agent signed the will in e(er% page thereof in
the presence of the instrumental witnesses
(iii) that the instrumental witnesses witnessed and signed the will and all the
pages thereof in the presence of the testator and one another.
*. Attestation clause is not a part of the will proper *ec. if contains no dispositions. It is
merel% essential for the formal requirements of a (alid will. It is a statement of the witnesses.
c. 0here must witnesses sign1 At the *ottom in order to pre(ent additions.
3agro (. 3agro.-- In the case. the page where the attestation clause appears was signed
*% the witnesses on the side and not after the attestation clause. 4he S3 held that this was a fatal
defect. 4he logic is that if there had *een no signature at the *ottom *ut on the sides. there will
*e ample room for fraud. that is. to add in the attestation clause upon the death of the decedent an
essential matter w7c was not there in the first place to (alidate it.!

'A<# ""
d. Must the language of the will *e understood or 6nown *% the witnesses1 ,o. After
all. witnesses need not 6now the contents of the will.
I+ Is it required that the witnesses 6new the language of the attestation clause+
A+ ,o. So long as it has *een interpreted to them.
I+ Must the testator 6now the language of the attestation clause1
A+ ,o. 0hat is required of the testator is to 6now the language of the will. An e$press
requirement of Art. CD).
Reason for the a*o(e rules+ In order to minimiBe fraud. 4he (er% purpose of Art. CD)
and CD?. 4he law encourages not discourages will ma6ing. 'recisel% *ec. it wanted to encourage
wills. It sets up safeguards to protect the will.
e. Must the testator sign the attestation clause1 ,o.
A*angan (. A*angan.-- 4his case concerns a will that has onl% " pages. 4he first page
contained the dispositions and was signed *% the testator and the witnesses at the *ottom. 4he
second page contained the attestation clause onl% and was signed *% the witnesses at the *ottom.
9rom the case. we can learn " things+ 4he first concerns the first page. Since it was signed *% the
testator and the witnesses at the *ottom. then there is no need for them to sign at the left margin.
4he second concerns the second page. Since it was alread% signed *% the witnesses at the *ottom
of the attestation clause. then there is no need for them to sign on the margin.
I+ Must an attested will *e dated1
A+ ,o. /ac6 of date does not annul an attested will. 2ut a holographic will must *e dated. (Art.
C1D.)

7. NotariHation.++ A will is a pu*lic instrument that is wh% it must notariBed.

Art. CD(. Every $i !ust be acEno$edged before a notary "ubic by t%e testator
and t%e $itnesses. )%e notary "ubic s%a not be re,uired to retain a co"y of t%e $i; or fie
anot%er $it% t%e office of t%e CerE of Court.
2alane+
1. 3ruB (. Hillasor.-- 4his case in(ol(es a will wherein the notar% pu*lic was also one of the
three instrumental witnesses. id the will compl% w7 the requirement of & witnesses1 ,o. 4he
S3 ga(e " reasons+ (1) 4he notar% pu*lic can not *e an oath witness and at the same time an
oath ta6er. It is impossi*le for him to ac6nowledge *efore himself! (") the aim of the notar%
pu*lic to insure the trustworthiness of the instrument would *e lost *ec. he will tr% to insure the
(alidit% of his own act.
<eneral rule+ 4he notar% pu*lic cannot *e a witness.
#$ception+ 0hen there are more than & witnesses. In such a case. the requisite of &
witnesses is achie(ed.
". <a*ucan (. Manta.-- In the case. the notarial ac6nowledgement of the will lac6ed a
documentar% stamp. As such the =udge in the lower court denied pro*ate. oes the a*sence of
the documentar% stamp in(alidate the will1 ,o. 4he a*sence of the documentar% stamp does not
affect the (alidit% of the will. Its onl% effect is to pre(ent it from *eing presented as e(idence.
4he solution is to *u% a documentar% stamp and attach it to the will.
'A<# "&
&. Fa(ellana (. /edesma.-- 4he case deals w7 the question of whether or not the
ac6nowledgement of the will should *e done on the same occasion as the e$ecution of the will.
4he S3 said no. 4he law does not require that e$ecution and ac6nowledgement *e done on the
same occasion. Ac6nowledgement ma% *e (alidl% done after e$ecution. In fact. the testator and
the witnesses do not ha(e to ac6nowledge together. >ou can ac6nowledge one *% one. 4he law
does not require it to *e made simultaneousl%. As long as the testator maintains his testamentar%
capacit% and the witnesses maintain their witnessing capacit% until the last person ac6nowledges.
then the will is (alid. 8owe(er. if the testator dies *efore the last person ac6nowledges. then the
will is not (alid. 4he will is considered as *eing unac6nowledged.
). Iuestions.
I1+ 3an a witness *e an agent who will sign for the testator1
A1+ (a) >es. 4here is no prohi*ition.
(*) ,o. 4he testator must sign *efore & witnesses. 8e cannot sign *efore
himself.
4o *e safe. do not let this happen. As the law%er. *e sure %ou ha(e at least & witnesses.
I"+ Is there an% particular order of signing1
A"+ (a) ,o. As long as the signing is done on one occasion or one continuing
transaction.
(*) >es. If the signing is not done on one occasion or transaction. In such a
case. there is nothing that the witness is attesting to.

Artices CD7 and CDC are s"ecia additiona re,uire!ents $%ic% are !andatory.
Art. CD7. If t%e testator be deaf; or a deaf+!ute; %e !ust "ersonay read t%e $i; if
abe to do so9 ot%er$ise; %e s%a designate t$o "ersons to read it and co!!unicate to %i!;
in so!e "racticabe !anner; t%e contents t%ereof.
2alane+ 4his pro(ision lists down a special requirement if a notarial will is e$ecuted *% a deaf-
mute testator.
1. 4here are two cases contemplated+ (1) If the testator can read. then he must read the will
personall%! (") If illiterate. then " persons must read the will and communicate to him the
meaning of the will in some practica*le manner.
". 4he law is not clear if the " persons reading it to him would do it separatel% or in consonance.
&. 4hese additional requirements are mandator% *% perfect analog% to the case of <arcia (.
HasqueB..
Art. CDC. If t%e testator is bind; t%e $i s%a be read to %i! t$ice9 once; by one of
t%e subscribing $itnesses; and again; by t%e notary "ubic before $%o! t%e $i is
acEno$edged.
2alane+
'A<# ")
1. If the testator is *lind. the will must *e read to him twice+ (1) *% one of the su*scri*ing
witnesses! and (") *% the notar% pu*lic. not necessaril% in that order.
". a. Is the pro(ision mandator%1 >es. If this is not followed. the will is (oid. (<arcia (.
HasqueB.)
In the case. the will was read to the testator onl% once. 4he S3 denied pro*ate of the will
for failing to compl% w7 the requirements of Art. CDC. Such failure is a formal defect.
*. 3an this *e presumed1 ,o.
c. 3an this *e pro(en to ha(e *een complied w7 *% competent e(idence1 >es. In the
a*sence of w7c the will is (oid. Such fact or reading must *e pro(en *% e(idence during the
pro*ate proceedings.
&. 'urpose+ 4he reading is mandator% for the purpose of ma6ing 6nown to the testator the
pro(ision of the will so that he ma% o*=ect if it is not in accordance w7 his wishes.
Art. CD'. In t%e absence of bad fait%; forgery; or fraud; or undue and i!"ro"er
"ressure and infuence; defects and i!"erfections in t%e for! of attestation or in t%e
anguage used t%erein s%a not render t%e $i invaid if it is "roved t%at t%e $i $as in fact
e?ecuted and attested in substantia co!"iance $it% a t%e re,uire!ents of artice CDA.
2alane+ 4his is a li*eraliBation rule. an attempt to li*eraliBe Articles CD) to CDC. Su*stantial
compliance w7 Articles CD? and CD@ will (alidate the will despite some defects in the attestation
clause.
/oo6ing at Art. CDE. %ou get the impression of utmost li*eraliBation. 0e can not
determine how li*eral we can *e or can we go. 4his article does not gi(e a clear rule. F2/ Re%es
and 4olentino suggest that %ou ma6e a distinction.
<uide+ If the defect is something that can *e remedied *% the (isual e$amination of the
will itself. li*eraliBe. If not. then %ou ha(e to *e strict.
Illustration+ If in an attestation clause. the num*er of pages used was not stated. then %ou can
li*eraliBe *ec. *% e$amining the will itself. %ou can detect the defect. 4his is *ec. the pagination
of statement in the attestation clause is merel% a dou*le chec6.
If the attestation clause failed to state that 5the testator signed in the presence of
witnesses.5 and this can not *e remedied *% (isual e$amination of the will. then %ou need to *e
strict.
Suggested amendment of the law+ 5If such defect and imperfections can *e supplied *%
e$amination of the will itself and it is pro(ed.5
Artices C&D to C&>.++ Provisions on Holographic Wills.
Art. C&D. A "erson !ay e?ecute a %oogra"%ic $i $%ic% !ust be entirey $ritten;
dated; and signed by t%e %and of t%e testator %i!sef. It is sub6ect to no ot%er for!; and !ay
be !ade in or out of t%e P%ii""ines; and need not be $itnessed.
2alane+
A. Ad(antages+
1. 3heaper. simple. easier to re(ise. no notar% pu*lic needed
". A*solute secrec% is guaranteed- onl% %ou. the father and the mem*ers of the famil%
'A<# "?
will 6now its contents.
isad(antages+
1. 'recisel% *ec. it guarantees secrec% and is simpler. it is also easier to falsif%-- less
people %ou need to collude w7-- onl% %ourself. *ut in attested will. %ou need at least four ()) other
people.
". It ma% not e$press testator;s wishes due to fault% e$pression
&. ,o protection against causes (itiating consent *ec. there are no witnesses-- danger is
higher.
). oes not re(eal testamentar% capacit% of testator due to lac6 of witnesses
?. #asier to conceal than an attested will.-- %ou can allege that no will was made
@. <enerall%. danger of am*iguit% is greater than in attested wills.-- *ec. testator is not a
law%er. he ma% not understand technical and legal words. In attested will. the testator is assisted
*% a law%er.
F2/ Re%es opines that the disad(antages outweigh the ad(antages. 8e suggested a
middle ground. a m%stic will (testamento cerrado.) It is not as strict as a notarial will. *ut not as
fraught w7 ris6s as a holographic will. 4his 6ind of will is sealed in an en(elope and *rought to
the notar% who puts his seal and signs to authenticate. and it will *e opened onl% upon the death
of the testator. 4his 6ind of will minimiBes the ris6 of fraud and protects the pri(ac% of the
testator.
2. Real Requirements.-- MA,A4-R>.-- must *e *% the hand of the testator himself.
1. 0ritten entirel% *% the testator
#.g.. (a) If partl% *% the testator and partl% *% another person. H-I
(*) If another person wrote an additional part w7o 6nowledge of the testator. the
will is HA/I *ut the addition is H-I.
(c) If another person wrote an additional part w7 the 6nowledge of the testator.
H-I.
". ated
a. (1) Ro$as (. de Fesus.-- -n the will. the date was written as 59e*.7 @1.5 Is it
(alid1 >es.
<eneral rule+ a%. month and %ear must *e indicated.
#$ception+ 0hen there is no appearance of fraud. *ad faith. undue influence. and
pressure and the authenticit% of the will is esta*lished. and the onl% issue is whether or not
59e*.7@15 is (alid. then it should *e allowed under the principle of su*stantial compliance.
3-MM#,4+ I am not happ% w7 the decision *ec. the period co(ers one whole month. -ne of
the purposes is to 6now when it was e$ecuted. speciall% in the cases where there are other wills.
#$ample. another will dated 9e*. 1A7 @1. As such. it is dangerous to sa% that 59e*.7@15 is
sufficient.
(") /a*rador (. 3a.-- In this case . the date was indicated in the *od% of the will
as part of the narration. Is this (alid1 >es. It is not necessar% that the will *e separate from the
*od%. In fact. it can *e an%where in the will as long as the date appears in the will.
*. If the date is pro(en wrong. then its (alidit% depends on whether the error is deli*erate
'A<# "@
or not. If deli*erate. the will is considered not dated and the will is (oid. If not deli*erate. the
date will *e considered as the true date.
c. ate is usuall% written *% putting the da%. month. and %ear. 8owe(er. other wa%s ma%
*e adopted such as 53hristmas da% of 1EE?.5

&. Signature.-- 3ommentators ha(e said that the signature must consist of the testator;s
writing his name down. 4he reason for this is since he is a*le to write his will. then he is literate
enough to write his name.
3. 1. Are holographic wills in letters allowed1 >es. pro(ided there is an intent on the part of
the testator to dispose of the propert% in the letters and the & requisites are present.
#.g.. 5I gi(e %ou 17" of m% estate as pro(ided for in the document I 6ept in the safe.5
4his is a holographic will *ec. the letter does not in itself dispose of the propert%.
". 3an a *lind testator ma6e a holographic will1 >es. 4here is no form required. 0hat
is important is the presence of the & requisites.
Art. C&&. In t%e "robate of a %oogra"%ic $i; it s%a be necessary t%at at east one
$itness $%o Eno$s t%e %and$riting and signature of t%e testator e?"icity decare t%at t%e
$i and t%e signature are in t%e %and$riting of t%e testator. If t%e $i is contested; at east
t%ree of suc% $itnesses s%a be re,uired.
In t%e absence of any co!"etent $itness referred to in t%e "receding "aragra"%; and
if t%e court dee! it necessary; e?"ert testi!ony !ay be resorted to.
2alane+
Re,uire!ents in t%e Probate of 1oogra"%ic 2is:
1. ocumentar% Requirement
a. <eneral rule+ 4he will itself must *e presented
<an (. >ap.-- In the case. the proponent of the supposed will sought to esta*lish its
contents through e$trinsic e(idence. 4he S3 denied such attempt to pro*ate a holographic will
that was not presented *efore the court. 4he S3 said that the actual will should *e presented to
the court. 4he reason is that the will itself is the onl% material proof of authenticit%. 8ow can
the% oppose the will if the will is not there1
#.g.. >ou are presented in the pro*ate court the *lood% test papers of A in 3i(il /aw. =ust
to show the handwriting of A. *ut %ou do not ha(e the will. 8ow will %ou compare when %ou do
not ha(e an% will to *e compared. 2ut if the will is there. I would *e the first one to pro(e %our
handwriting *% showing %our *lood% test papers. (2alane.)
#$ception+ If there is an e$isting cop% or duplicate photostatic $ero$.
Rodelas (. AranBa.-- In the case. the proponent of the will sought to present a cop% of the
holographic will to the court. 4he court allowed the production of the cop%. 4he *asis of this
acceptance is the footnote no. C in the case of <an (. >an where the court said that 5perhaps if a
photostatic cop% is presented...5
4he merit of the Rodelas case is dou*tful.. Authenticit% of the will is *ased on the
handwriting and the signature. 8andwriting e$perts use as a *ases the penlifts of the writer. In
photocopies. penlifts are not discerni*le and so the e$perts are depri(ed of their *asis in
'A<# "A
determining the authenticit% of the will.
*. /ost holographic wills can not *e pro*ated e(en *% the testimonies of the witnesses.
4he reason is that the will itself is the onl% proof of its authenticit%.
". 4estimonial Requirement
a. :ncontested will.-- onl% one witness to identif% the signature and handwriting of the
testator.
*. 3ontested will.-- three witnesses to identif% the signature and handwriting of the
testator.
ABaola (. Singson.-- In the case. the oppositors of the will contested the will on the
ground that it was e$ecuted through fraud. 4he%. howe(er. admitted its due e$ecution. uring
the case. the proponent presented onl% one witness to identif% the signature and handwriting of
the testator. Is one witness sufficient considering there is an oppositor to the will1
>es. 4he S3 held that one witness is sufficient. 0hat the law en(isions is that the
genuineness of the handwriting and signature *e contested. 3ontested holographic will refers to
the challenge *% the oppossitors that the will is not in the handwriting of the deceased. 4he
oppossitors in this case did not challenge the handwriting of the deceased. 4heir ground for
opposing pro*ate is that the will was e$ecuted through fraud and improper and undue influence.
8ence. the pro*ate required onl% one witness.
4he authenticit% of the will is not contested. 4herefore. the will itself. not *eing
contested was that of the testator. 4he oppossitors here precisel% admit that authenticit% of the
will *ut oppose on the ground that there is fraud or undue influence initiated upon her in the
e$ecution of the will. 8ence. it is uncontested.
2biter dictum3 4he three witness pro(ision for contested holographic will is merel%
director%. 4he court upon satisf%ing itself of the authenticit% of the will can require one or ten
witnesses. 4he =udge 6nows *est. 4he second paragraph of Art. C11 gi(es the court discretion.
hence the director% effect of the Art.-- (a) it is a matter of qualit% and not quantit%! (*) to require
& witnesses. ma6es it worse than treason. w7c requires onl% " witnesses.
0hich is *etter1 -ne who testif% *ut w7 unquestioned credi*ilit% or "D AHS#3-M
witnesses1 So do not rel% on the quantit%. 4he case of ABaola is merel% a guide and interprets
Art. C11 for us. It is not mandator%. It alwa%s depends on the =udge.
Art. C&:. In %oogra"%ic $is; t%e dis"ositions of t%e testator $ritten beo$ %is
signature !ust be dated and signed by %i! in order to !aEe t%e! vaid as testa!entary
dis"ositions.
2alane+ 4o authenticate additional dispositions. the same must *e signed and dated *% the
testator.
Art. C&8. 2%en a nu!ber of dis"ositions a""earing in a %oogra"%ic $i are signed
$it%out being dated; and t%e ast dis"osition %as a signature and date; suc% date vaidates
t%e dis"ositions "receding it; $%atever be t%e ti!e of "rior dis"ositions.
2alane+ If a will has se(eral additions. the testator has two options+
(1) Sign each disposition and sign and date the last! or
(") Sign and date each one of the additions.
'A<# "C
Art. C&>. In case of any insertion; canceation; erasure or ateration in a
%oogra"%ic $i; t%e testator !ust aut%enticate t%e sa!e by %is fu signature.
2alane+ Insertion; Canceation; Erasure; or Ateration.++ Authenticate *% 5full signature.5
that is. in the manner the testator usuall% signs his name.
Jalaw (. Relo(a.-- In the case. there were " alterations. In the first alteration. the name
of Rosa as sole heir was crossed out and <regorio;s name was inserted. In the second alteration.
the name of Rosa as e$ecutor was crossed out and <regorio;s name was inserted. 4he second
alteration was initialed. Are the alterations (alid1 ,o.
Alteration 1+ ,ot signed. thus. not (alid.
Alteration "+ Initialed. thus. not (alid! it must *e full signature.
<regorio cannot inherit as a sole heir *ec. it was not authenticated. Rosa cannot inherit
as sole heir *ec. her name was crossed out. 4his indicated a change of mind on the part of the
testator. 4he S3 held that a change done *% cancellation and putting in a new name. w7o the full
signature. is not (alid. As such. the pro*ate is denied and the% *oth inherit *% intestac%.
2alane+ Rosa should inherit as sole heir. 4he cancellation was not done properl% since it
was not signed. 4he effect is as if the cancellation was not done. If the testator wants to change
his mind. he should reflect it in the proper wa%.
-: 1o$ do $e !aEe a c%ange in a notaria $i0
A+ 4here is no pro(ision of law dealing on this. 4he ordinar% rules of e(idence will appl%. 4o
pro(e change. the testator should affi$ either his signature or initials. 4he *est wa%. howe(er. is
to ha(e the testator and notar% pu*lic sign.
Artices C&A to C&7.++ Las hich govern formal e!ecution
according to the place of e!ecution.
Art. C&A. 2%en a 4ii"ino is in a foreign country; %e is aut%oriHed to !aEe a $i in
any of t%e for!s estabis%ed by t%e a$ of t%e country in $%ic% %e !ay be. Suc% $i !ay
be "robated in t%e P%ii""ines.
Art. C&(. )%e $i of an aien $%o is abroad "roduces effect in t%e P%ii""ines if
!ade $it% t%e for!aities "rescribed by t%e a$ of t%e "ace in $%ic% %e resides; or
according to t%e for!aities observed in %is country; or in confor!ity $it% t%ose $%ic% t%is
Code "rescribes.
Art. C&7. A $i !ade in t%e P%ii""ines by a citiHen or sub6ect of anot%er country;
$%ic% is e?ecuted in accordance $it% t%e a$ of t%e country of $%ic% %e is a citiHen or
sub6ect; and $%ic% !ig%t be "roved and ao$ed by t%e a$ of %is o$n country; s%a %ave
t%e sa!e effect as if e?ecuted according to t%e a$s of t%e P%ii""ines.
2alane+
1. 9our com*inations as to situation+
a. 9ilipino ma6es a will here
*. 9ilipino ma6es a will a*road.
'A<# "E
c. 9oreigner ma6es a will here.
d. 9oreigner ma6es a will a*road.
". 0hat law go(erns the (alidit% of will1
a. Intrinsic.-- the national law of the testator
*. 4ime.-- At the time of death.
c. 'lace.-- the same for 9ilipinos and aliens. 4he same rule where(er %ou ma6e %our
will. >ou ha(e fi(e (?) choices-- the law of
1. 4he testator;s citiBenship
". 4estator;s domicile
&. 'lace of e$ecution
). 4estator;s residence
?. 'hilippines.
#$ample. an Argentine citiBen. domiciled in 9rance. residing in 2elgium (isiting the 'hils. In
Fapan. he e$ecuted a will. 8e ma% choose among the fi(e (?) places as to what law shall go(ern
the formal requirements of his will.
If Ru*en e$ecuted a will in Ma6ati. he will ha(e to follow 'hilippine law *ec. all the
choices points to that onl%.
Art. C&C. )$o or !ore "ersons cannot !aEe a $i 6ointy; or in t%e sa!e instru!ent;
eit%er for t%eir reci"roca benefit or for t%e benefit of a t%ird "erson.
2alane+ &. *efinitions.++ (a) A =oint will is one document w7c ser(es as the will of " persons!
this is prohi*ited! (*) A reciprocal will in(ol(es " instruments reciprocall% ma6ing each other
heir! this is not prohi*ited.
:. Ee!ents of a 3oint 2i: (a) one single instrument! (*) it is the will of " or more persons.
8. -: 2%y are 3oint 2is Pro%ibited0
A+ (a) It encourages undue influence. murder. or attempt to 6ill the other *ec.
generall%. =oint wills *enefit each other.
(*) It runs counter to the idea that wills are re(oca*le. It ma6es re(ocation more
difficult. #.g.. tearing it up-- destro%s the will of another.
(c) It undermines the personal element of a will.-- It *ecomes a multiple will.
>. E?a!"es:
a. -ne sheet of paper. -n each side is a will of one person. Is it (alid1 >es. *ec. there
are " documents.
*. -ne sheet of paper. -n the front page. on the upper half is a will of A. -n the *ottom
half is the will of 2. Is it (alid1 >es. 4his is not a =oint will *ec. there are still " documents.
). In <erman%. =oint wills are allowed onl% if e$ecuted *% the spouses.
?. 4he presumption is that wills are (alid. 4he fault pro*a*l% is in the wording of the law. Foint
will-- one instrument. 0hat the law prohi*its is not " wills on the same sheet of paper *ut =oint
wills.
'A<# &D
Art. C&'. 2is; "ro%ibited by t%e "receding artice; e?ecuted by 4ii"inos in a
foreign country s%a not be vaid in t%e P%ii""ines; even t%oug% aut%oriHed by t%e a$s of
t%e country $%ere t%ey !ay %ave been e?ecuted.
2alane+
1. 4his pro(ision is an e$ception to the rule enunciated in Articles C1? to C1A that for 9ilipinos.
as long as the will is (alid in the place of e$ecution. then it is (alid in the 'hils.
". 9ilipinos. whether here or a*road. cannot e$ecute =oint wills. It is against pu*lic polic%.
&. 3an aliens e$ecute =oint wills1
a. If e$ecuted in the countr% where it is allowed. >#S. it ma% *e pro*ated here.
*. If made here and their countr% allows them to do this1 4here are " (iews on this+
(i) >es. follow the personal law.
(ii) ,o *ec. it is against pu*lic polic%.
Subsection >.++ Witnesses to Wills.
Art. C:D. Any "erson of sound !ind and of t%e age of eig%teen years or !ore; and
not bind; deaf or du!b; and abe to read and $rite; !ay be a $itness to t%e e?ecution of a
$i !entioned in artice CDA of t%is Code.
Art. C:&. )%e foo$ing are dis,uaified fro! being $itnesses to a $i:
.&/ Any "erson not do!icied in t%e P%ii""ines9
.:/ )%ose $%o %ave been convicted of fasification of a docu!ent; "er6ury or fase
testi!ony.
2alane+ Articles C"D and C"1 ma% *e ta6en together. 4hese pro(isions are applica*le onl% to
attested wills and not to holographic wills.
Si? -uaifications of 2itnesses to 2is or Re,uisites for Co!"etence to be a 2itness:
a. "ound -ind.++ A*ilit% to comprehend what he is doing. same as soundness of mind
for contracts.
*. !t least (4 yrs or o#er.++ 3omputed according to the calendar %ear.
c. 5ot Blind, deaf and mute, dumb.++ 4his is important *ec. these are the three senses
%ou use for witnessing.
d. !ble to read and write.-- /iterate. Some commentators sa% thum* mar6 is not
sufficient for witnesses! he has to affi$ his signature.
e. 6e must be domiciled in the Philippines.
I+ If a will is e$ecuted a*road in a place where there is no one domiciled in the 'hils.
although there are 9ilipino citiBens not domiciled in the 'hils.. does domicile requirement still
appl%1
A+ 4here are two answers for all theor%
1. >es *ec. the law does not distinguish
". ,o. there is an implied qualification.-- 4he rule applies in wills e$ecuted in
the 'hils.
'A<# &1
4o *e practical. there are two solutions+
1. >ou ha(e ? choices as to w7c law go(erns. 3hoose an%.
". Fust e$ecute a holographic will.
f. 6e must not ha#e been con#icted of falsification of document, per/ury or false
testimony.
I+ 0h% not rape1
A+ 2ec. chastit% has nothing to do w7 truthfulness. 4ruthfulness is the gauge.
<onBales (. 3A.-- In the case. the oppossitor of the pro*ate alleged that the will cannot
*e pro*ated *ec. the proponent was not a*le to pro(e that the & witnesses were credi*le. She
claims that Art. CD? requires that witnesses must *e credi*le as shown in the e(idence of record.
Is the oppossitor correct1 ,o. :nder the law. there is no mandator% requirement that the
proponent of the will pro(e the credi*ilit% of the witnesses to the will. Such credi*ilit% is
presumed. 8owe(er. the oppossitor ma% pro(e otherwise *% presenting e(idence. 4he S3 also
said that credi*ilit% is determined *% the manner the witness testifies in court. In other words.
credi*ilit% depends on how much the court appreciates and *elie(es his testimon%. Social
standing or financial position has nothing to do w7 a witness; credi*ilit%. /astl%. the S3 said that
competenc% and credi*ilit% are different. A witness to a will is competent if he has all the
qualifications and none of the disqualifications to *e a witness while credi*ilit% depends on the
appreciation of the court of the testimon% of the witness.
Art. C::. If t%e $itnesses attesting t%e e?ecution of a $i are co!"etent at t%e ti!e
of attesting; t%eir beco!ing subse,uenty inco!"etent s%a not "revent t%e ao$ance of t%e
$i.
2alane+ 3ompetenc% or capacit% to *e a witness+ (1) is determined at the time of witnessing!
(") must ha(e the si$ qualifications. In effect. this is the same rule in testamentar% capacit%.
Art. C:8. If a "erson attests t%e e?ecution of a $i; to $%o! or to $%ose s"ouse; or
"arent; or c%id; a devise or egacy is given by suc% $i; suc% devise or egacy s%a; so far
ony as concerns suc% "erson; or s"ouse; or "arent; or c%id of suc% "erson; or any one
cai!ing under suc% "erson or s"ouse; or "arent; or c%id; be void; uness t%ere are t%ree
ot%er co!"etent $itnesses to suc% $i. 1o$ever; suc% "erson so attesting s%a be ad!itted
as a $itness as if suc% devise or egacy %ad not been !ade or given.
2alane+ 4his is a misplaced pro(ision. It should not *e put here *ut on the section on the
disqualification to inherit. It does not tell us that it incapacitates a witness. It tells us of the
incapacit% of a witness to succeed.
<eneral rule+ 0itness. his spouse. parent. child. or person claiming under an% of them
cannot inherit.
#$ception+ 4here are three other witnesses to the will.
#.g.+ (a) 4estator A. 0itnesses 2. 3. . It is presumed that the% are all qualified to *e
witnesses. A. in a will. ma6es legac% to 2. gi(ing him a car. oes it disqualif% 2 to *e a witness1
'A<# &"
,o. it disqualifies 2 to inherit. 4he legac% is (oid.
(*) If there were ) witnesses. 4he legac% is gi(en to 2. Is the legac% (alid1 >es. *ec.
there are & other witnesses.
(c) If there are four witnesses. each one is gi(en a de(ise or legac%.
(i) Are the% competent to *e witnesses1 >es.
(ii) Are *equests to them (alid1 4here are " (iews+
1. >es. 2ec. for each of them. there are three other witnesses. (/i*eral
(iew.)
". ,o. 2ec. this is an o*(ious circum(ention of Art. C"&. Art. C"& has
for its purpose the pre(ention of collusion. (Strict (iew.)
Art. C:>. A !ere c%arge on t%e estate of t%e testator for t%e "ay!ent of debts due at
t%e ti!e of t%e testatorGs deat% does not "revent %is creditors fro! being co!"etent
$itnesses to %is $i.
Subsection A.++ Codicils and Incorporation "y #eference.
Art. C:A. A codici is a su""e!ent or addition to a $i; !ade after t%e e?ecution of
a $i and anne?ed to be taEen as a "art t%ereof; by $%ic% any dis"osition !ade in t%e
origina $i is e?"ained; added to; or atered.
2alane+
#.g.. In a will. 5I gi(e m% car to A. Ful% ". 1EE?.5 2ec. I want to specif% w7c of m% cars. I ma6e
a will stating 5In m% will of Ful% ". 1EE?. I ga(e a car to A. I want to clarif% that I am gi(ing him
m% 2M0 w7 plate num*er .......5
I+ 0hen is a su*sequent document a codicil and when is it another will1
A+ 1. It is a codicil when it e$plains. adds to. or alters a pro(ision in a prior will.
". It is another will if it ma6es an independent disposition.
#.g.. Fune 1. 1EE?. 5I gi(e m% car to A.5
Ful% 1. 1EE?. 5I gi(e m% house to 2.5 4his is a second will.
9our Iuestions+
1. If original will is attested. can %ou ma6e an attested codicil1
". If original will is attested. can %ou ma6e a holographic codicil1
&. If original will is holographic. can %ou ma6e a holographic codicil1
). If the original will is holographic. can %ou ma6e an attested codicil1
A+ >es to all. 4he form of a codicil does not ha(e to conform to the form of the will. A will does
not impose its form on the codicil. As long as the codicil complies w7 the form of wills. it is
(alid. (Art. C"@.)
Art. C:(. In order t%at a codici !ay be effective; it s%a be e?ecuted as in t%e case
of a $i.
2alane+ 0hether %ou call the second document a will or a codicil does not reall% matter. It is all
theoretical. It is onl% a matter of terminologies. 4he% *oth require the formal requisites of a will.
'A<# &&
Art. C:7. If a $i; e?ecuted as re,uired by t%is Code; incor"orates into itsef by
reference any docu!ent or "a"er; suc% docu!ent or "a"er s%a not be considered a "art of
t%e $i uness t%e foo$ing re,uisites are "resent:
.&/ )%e docu!ent or "a"er referred to in t%e $i !ust be in e?istence at t%e ti!e of
t%e e?ecution of t%e $i9
.:/ )%e $i !ust ceary describe and identify t%e sa!e; stating a!ong ot%er t%ings
t%e nu!ber of "ages t%ereof9
.8/ It !ust be identified by cear and satisfactory "roof as t%e docu!ent or "a"er
referred to t%erein9 and
.>/ It !ust be signed by t%e testator and t%e $itnesses on eac% and every "age;
e?ce"t in case of vou!inous booEs of account or inventories.
2alane+
I+ 0hat do %ou incorporate1
A+ <enerall%. the documents that clarif% pro(isions in the will to w7c it is attached. #.g..
in(entories. s6etches. *oo6s of account
I+ 3an a document contain an% testamentar% disposition1 0h%1
A+ ,o. 2ec. the% do not conform to the requirements of wills.
Re,uisites for Incor"oration by Reference:
1. ocument must pre-e$ist the will. It must *e in e$istence when the will is made.
". 4he will must refer to the document. stating among other things the num*er of pages
of the document.
&. 4he document must *e identified during the pro*ate of the will as the document
referred to in the will
). It must *e signed *% the testator and the witnesses on each and e(er% page. e$cept in
case of (oluminous *oo6s of accounts or in(entories.
I+ 3an a document *e incorporated in a holographic will considering that the attached document
must *e signed *% witnesses and that the holographic will has no witnesses1
A+ 4here are " (iews. (a) >es. witnesses referred to *% law should *e ta6en to mean onl% if there
are witnesses to the will. 4here is no specification in the law.
(*) ,o. 4he fourth requisite presupposes there were witnesses. It seems to co(er onl%
attested wills.
Subsection (. #evocation of Wills and Testamentary $ispositions.
Art. C:C. A $i !ay be revoEed by t%e testator at any ti!e before %is deat%. Any
$aiver or restriction of t%is rig%t is void.
2alane+ -ne of the characteristics of a will is that it is am*ulator%. It is not fi$ed. it is re(oca*le.
Re(oca*ilit% is an essential requisite of a will. So an% wai(er or restriction of this right is (oid.
4here are no e$ceptions to this rule.
'A<# &)
I+ 3an the testator ma6e a will irre(oca*le1
A+ ,o. As long as he is ali(e. he can re(o6e will at pleasure. istinguish this from a donation
inter #i#os w7c cannot *e re(o6ed at pleasure *% the donor.
Art. C:'. A revocation done outside t%e P%ii""ines; by a "erson $%o does not %ave
%is do!icie in t%is country; is vaid $%en it is done according to t%e a$ of t%e "ace $%ere
t%e $i $as !ade; or according to t%e a$ of t%e "ace in $%ic% t%e testator %ad %is do!icie
at t%e ti!e9 and if t%e revocation taEes "ace in t%is country; $%en it is in accordance $it%
t%e "rovisions of t%is Code.
2alane+ 4his article is incomplete. It does not co(er all situations.
I+ 8ow do %ou re(o6e1 0hat law go(erns re(ocation1
A+ It depends where the re(ocation is made+
1. If done outside the 'hils+
a. If the testator is not domiciled in the 'hils+
(i) the law of the place where the will was made
(ii) the law of the place where the testator was domiciled at the time of
the re(ocation
*. If the testator is domiciled in the 'hils+
(i) 'hil. law *ec. his domicile is here.
(ii) /aw of the place of re(ocation *ec. of Art. 1A. ,33
". If done inside the 'hils.. follow 'hil. law.
Art. C8D. No $i s%a be revoEed e?ce"t in t%e foo$ing cases:
.&/ By i!"ication of a$9 or
.:/ By so!e $i; codici; or ot%er $riting e?ecuted as "rovided in case of $is9 or
.8/ By burning; tearing; canceing; or obiterating t%e $i $it% t%e intention of
revoEing it; by t%e testator %i!sef; or by so!e ot%er "erson in %is "resence; and by %is
e?"ress direction. If burned; torn; canceed; or obiterated by so!e ot%er "erson; $it%out
t%e e?"ress direction of t%e testator; t%e $i !ay sti be estabis%ed; and t%e estate
distributed in accordance t%ere$it%; if its contents; and due e?ecution; and t%e fact of its
unaut%oriHed destruction; canceation; or obiteration are estabis%ed according to t%e
Rues of Court.
2alane+
)%ree 2ays of RevoEing a 2i:
&. By I!"ication of La$.
a. Art. 1D&".-- :nworthiness to succeed. e.g.. I instituted ' as heiress. after which she
6illed m% parents. 4he will instituting her as heiress is re(o6ed *% implication of law.
*. Art. E?A.-- eals w7 the de(ise or legac%.-- transformation of the propert% *% the
testator. e.g.. If I con(erted to a su*di(ision the fishpond w7c I ga(e to 4 as de(ise.
'A<# &?
c. Art. 1D@.-- /egal separation. 4he guilt% spouse. who ga(e the ground for legal
separation. will not inherit and an%thing gi(en to her is impliedl% ta6en awa% *% law.
d. Art. C?).-- Preterition annuls the institution of heirs.
:. By Subse,uent Instru!ent; 2i or Codici:
a. Requisites+
1. 3apacit% to re(o6e.-- Insane persons can not re(o6e
". Re(o6ing instrument. will or codicil must *e (alid
&. Re(o6ing instrument. will or codicil must contain either a re(o6ing clause
(e$press) or *e incompati*le (implied)
). Re(o6ing will must *e pro*ated *ec. w7o pro*ating. it can not ha(e the effect
of re(ocation.
*. Such re(ocation ma% either *e+
1. #$press.-- 3ontains an e$press re(ocator% clause
". Implied.-- 'ro(isions of su*sequent will are incompati*le with the pro(isions
of the prior will. It ma% either *e+ (i) total when all the pro(isions are incompati*le! (ii) partial
when onl% some pro(isions are incompati*le.
8. By "%ysica *estruction.++ 4his is the most unlimited wa% of re(ocation *ec. it co(ers an%
act of ph%sical destruction. It is not an e$clusi(e list *ut more or less co(ers e(er%thing
Ee!ents:
a. Corpus.-- Act of destruction-- completion of intent-- all acts needed to re(o6e ha(e
*een done
I+ Must it *e total destruction1
A+ ,o. As long as e(idence on the face of the will shows act to re(o6e.
*. !nimus.-- Intent and capacit% to re(o6e.
2oth elements must concur.
#$amples+
a. A *lind testator as6ed his nurse to gi(e him his will. 4he nurse ga(e him his old
letters. 4he testator thin6ing it is his will. threw it into the fire. In this case. there is animus *ut
no corpus. Re(ocation is ineffecti(e.
*. I threw m% ci(il law e$ams. 2ut it turned out it was m% will. Re(ocation is not (alid.
4here is no animus or intent to re(o6e.
Notes:
1. 8ow much destruction of the corpus do %ou need1 >ou need the ph%sical destruction
of the will itself. oes it mean total destruction of the will. so that nothing will *e left1 ,o. As
long as there is e(idence of ph%sical destruction. li6e let us sa%. edges were *urned. If onl% the
co(er was *urned. there is no re(ocation-- no corpus. If the destruction was not total. there is
still re(ocation. as long as there is7 was e(idence of the destruction of the will. the destruction
need not *e total.
". A man can not re(o6e the will effecti(el% *ec. of insanit%.
'A<# &@
&. In case of tearing. there must *e intent to re(o6e. 4hat is. the testator had completed
what he intended to *e done. If in the act of tearing. the testator was dissuaded not to continue. is
there re(ocation1 ,o. *ec. the testator was not a*le to do what he intended to *e done.
#.g.. If the testator tore the will into ". and when he was a*out to tear it into quarters. the
heir as6ed for his forgi(eness. 4he testator said+ 5Fust paste the will.5 Is there re(ocation1
,one. 4here is no animus *ec. he was not a*le to complete what he intended to do.
). If the testator totall% destro%ed the will and he changed his mind. is there re(ocation1
>es. 4he act was alread% consummated. 8is remed% is to e$ecute another will.
Maloto (. 3A.-- In the case. the estate was distri*uted equall% *% intestac% *et. the )
heirs. Su*sequentl%. a will was found. In the will. more was gi(en to " of the heirs. As such. the
" who got more sought the pro*ate of the will. 4he other " o*=ected claiming that the will had
*een re(o6ed. 4he issue is whether or not there had *een a (alid re(ocation. 4he S3 held no.
0hile there ma% ha(e *een intent to re(o6e. there was no corpus. 4here is no e(idence to show
that what was re(o6ed was the will of the testator. Also. the destruction was not pro(en to ha(e
*een done in the presence and under the e$pression of the testator.
<ago (. Mamu%ac.-- 0here the will can not *e located at the time of the death of the
testator *ut was shown to ha(e *een in the possession or control of the testator when last seen. the
presumption is that in the a*sence of competent e(idence to the contrar%. the will was cancelled
or destro%ed *% the testator. 4he rationale is that it is hard to pro(e the act of re(ocation of the
testator. 4he presumption is disputa*le.
I+ In the case. what if the will was not seen in the possession of the testator1 0ill there
*e the same presumption of re(ocation1
A+ 4he case does not sa% so. 2ut *% analog%. %es. 4he S3. howe(er. had not gone this
far.
Art. C8&. Subse,uent $is $%ic% do not revoEe t%e "revious ones in an e?"ress
!anner; annu ony suc% dis"ositions in t%e "rior $is as are inconsistent $it% or contrary
to t%ose contained in t%e atter $is.
2alane+ 4his is included as an element in re(ocation *% su*sequent instrument.
Art. C8:. A revocation !ade in a subse,uent $i s%a taEe effect; even if t%e ne$
$i s%oud beco!e ino"erative by reason of t%e inca"acity of t%e %eirs; devisees or egatees
designated t%erein; or by t%eir renunciation.
2alane+ <eneral Rule+ octrine of A*solute Re(ocation.-- 4he re(ocation of a prior will *%
means of a su*sequent will is a*solute. Such re(ocation does not depend on+
1. 3apacit% of heirs. de(isees. and legatees in the "nd will! or
". -n their acceptance.
4he re(ocation will *e operati(e e(en the heirs. de(isees. or legatees named in the
re(o6ing will are disqualified or the% renounce.
#.g.. 0ill 1.-- 5I gi(e m% house and lot to A.5 (1EE?)
0ill ".-- 5I gi(e m% house to 2 and here*% re(o6e m% first will.5 (1EEA)
Suppose. upon the testators;s death. 2 renounces or is incapacitated. what is the effect1
'A<# &A
4he institution of A is still re(o6ed. 8ouse and lot will go *% intestac%. 4he first will not *e
re(i(ed *% the reason of the inoperation of the re(o6ing will due to its renunciation or the
incapacit% of heirs. de(isees. or legatees in it. 4he rationale is that the second will was (alid
e$cept that it was rendered inoperati(e.
#$ception+ octrine of ependent Relati(e Re(ocation.-- Re(ocation of the first will is
made *% the testator to *e dependent on the capacit% and acceptance of the heirs. de(isees. and
legatees of the su*sequent will. 8ow do %ou 6now1 4he testator said so in the will.
#.g.. 0ill 1.-- 5I gi(e m% car to A.5 (1EE?)
0ill ".-- 5I gi(e m% car to 2. Such legac% is dependent upon the capacit% and
acceptance of 2.5 (1EEA)
4he institution of 2 is conditional.
'rimar% institution-- 2! Secondar% institution-- A.
Art. C88. A revocation of a $i based on a fase cause or an iega cause is nu and
void.
2alane+ Is this article (iolati(e of the right to re(o6e. e(en without reason1 ,o. 4he testator
need not ha(e a reason to re(o6e his will. 8e ma% re(o6e it capriciousl% or whimsicall% at
pleasure. 2ut if the re(ocation is due to mista6e or is *ased on some cause and such cause was
later pro(en to *e false. then the re(ocation is (oid *ec. all transactions *ased on mista6e are
(itiated. that is. %ou are acting on a false cause of facts. 4he cause. howe(er. must *e stated in the
will. 4his shows respect for the freedom of the testator to re(o6e. that his real intent *e followed.
#.g.. a. 2ased on fact (6ind of dependent relati(e re(ocation *ec. he would re(o6e
onl% if his information is true.)-- I instituted 3 as m% heir. /ater. I heard that it was 3 who 6illed
m% *rother in a(ao. So. I re(o6ed m% will. 2ut it turned out that 3 did not do it. Re(ocation
therefore is (oid.
*. 2ased on impression.-- I gi(e m% car to 2 who is from Manila. I re(o6e m%
designation of 2 *ec. I ha(e =ust found out that she is from IueBon and I hate people from
IueBon *ec. the% are arrogant and o*no$ious. Is the re(ocation (alid1 >es. 2ec. the re(ocation
is *ased on impression or is out of caprice. pre=udice. or unfounded ethnic opinion.
Ee!ents for Revocation to be Ino"erative:
a. 3ause must *e a concrete and a factual one!
*. 3ause must *e false!
c. 4estator must not 6now of its falsit%!
d. It appears on the face of the will that the testator is re(o6ing *ec. of the false cause.
Art. C8>. )%e recognition of an iegiti!ate c%id does not ose its ega effect; even
t%oug% t%e $i $%erein it $as !ade s%oud be revoEed.
2alane+ 4his pro(ision is particularl% true under the ,33 *efore the enactment of the 93. -ne
of the modes of recognition was *% a will.
#(en if the will is re(o6ed. recognition is (alid.
Recognition is irre(oca*le. 0h%1 2ec. it is not a testamentar% act *ut an act w7c under
the law admits a relationship of paternit%.
4he same rule is still applica*le under the 93.
'A<# &C
Subsection 7.++ #epu"lication and #evival of Wills..
Art. C8A. )%e testator cannot re"ubis%; $it%out re"roducing in a subse,uent $i;
t%e dis"ositions contained in a "revious one $%ic% is void as to its for!.
.
Art. C8(. )%e e?ecution of a codici referring to a "revious $i %as t%e effect of
re"ubis%ing t%e $i as !odified by t%e codici.
2alane+ Art. C&? is deri(ed from Argentine 3ode. If %ou want to re(i(e a will w7c is (oid as to
its form. %ou must repu*lish the will and =ust cannot refer to it. #$ample. Attested will w7 =ust "
witnesses. >ou disco(ered the mista6e later on. >ou cannot =ust repu*lish it. >ou ha(e to write it
all o(er again.
-n the other hand. Art. C&@ is deri(ed from the 3alifornia code. 4he mere reference to a
pre(ious will will re(i(e it
Result of the two articles+ 3haosK
8ow to reconcile1 /oo6 at 4olentino.
Art. C&? e$plicitl% refers to wills (oid as to form. 3ause of the nullit% is the defect in the
form. >ou must reproduce the dispositions in a su*sequent will.
Art. C&@ applies if the reason of nullit% is other than defecti(e form. e.g.. :nderage
testator. fraud. under duress. >ou ma% repu*lish or refer to the will. #.g.. 5I here*% repu*lish and
re(i(e m% will of -ct. 1?. 1EE?...5 Said repu*lication was made after the disco(er% of the reason
of the nullit%.
Art. C87. If after !aEing a $i; t%e testator !aEes a second $i e?"ressy revoEing
t%e first; t%e revocation of t%e second $i does not revive t%e first $i; $%ic% can be revived
ony by anot%er $i or codici.
2alane+
A. 4his pro(ision is craB%KKK
Situation+ G ma6es a will in 1EE& (0ill 1)
G ma6es a will in 1EE) e$pressl% re(o6ing will 1. (0ill ".)
G ma6es a will in 1EE? re(o6ing will ". (0ill &.)
Re(ocation &nstanter++ instantl%
0ill 1 is not re(i(ed *ec. its re(ocation was instant
#$ception+ 1. 0ill & e$pressl% re(i(es 0ill 1.
". will & reproduces pro(isions of 0ill 1.
0h% craB%1 2ec. this is contrar% to esta*lished principles in succession.
'A<# &E
Succession 'rinciple Art. C&A
1. 0ill ta6es effect upon death. 1. <i(es the will " effects ante mortem.
e(en if the testator is still ali(e. It
ma6es the will operati(e e(en if the
testator is ali(e.
". Re(oca*ilit% of wills. ". Ma6es it irre(oca*le.
2. Applies onl% when re(ocation of will 1 *% will " is e$press.
2% contrar% implication. if re(ocation of will 1 *% will " is implied. then re(ocation of
will " *% will & will re(i(e will 1 e$cept if will & is incompati*le w7 will 1. In such cases. Art.
C&A does not appl%.
Subsection C.++ %lloance and $isalloance of Wills.
Art. C8C. No $i s%a "ass eit%er rea or "ersona "ro"erty uness it is "roved and
ao$ed in accordance $it% t%e Rues of Court.
)%e testator %i!sef !a; during %is ifeti!e; "etition t%e court %aving 6urisdiction
for t%e ao$ance of %is $i. In suc% case; t%e "ertinent "rovisions of t%e Rues of Court for
t%e ao$ance of $is after t%e testatorGs deat% s%a govern.
)%e Su"re!e Court s%a for!uate suc% additiona Rues of Court as !ay be
necessary for t%e ao$ance of $is on "etition of t%e testator.
Sub6ect to t%e rig%t of a""ea; t%e ao$ance of t%e $i; eit%er during t%e ifeti!e of
t%e testator or after %is deat%; s%a be concusive as to its due e?ecution.
2alane+ 'ro*ate is mandator%.
4here are " 6inds of pro*ate+ (a) ante+mortem at the instance of the testator! (*) post-
mortem at the instance of an% interested part%.
#ffect+ It is su*=ect to appeal *ut once final. it *ecomes conclusi(e or res /udicata as to
its due e$ecution and testamentar% capacit% of the testator (e$trinsic (alidit%.)
Advantages of %nte-mortem Probate:
1. It eases the mind of the testator
". 4here is opportunit% to change
&. >ou can pro(e the capacit% of the testator
*isadvantage of %nte-mortem Probate.++ otios-- superfluous. futile. 0h%1 2ec. the testator
can easil% ma6e a su*sequent will re(o6ing it. So unless the testator is (er% sure. it might *e
useless to ha(e an ante+mortem pro*ate.
4he issue in pro*ate is the e$trinsic or formal (alidit% of the will.
<eneral rule+ Intrinsic or su*stanti(e (alidit% is not in issue.
'A<# )D
#$ception+ 4here is an intrinsic defect on the face of the will.
,epomoceno (. 3A.-- In the case. the testator left his entire estate to his legal wife and
children *ut de(ised the free portion to his common-law wife. 0hen the common-law wife
sought the pro*ate of the will. the 3A declared the will (alid. *ut held the de(ise to the common-
law wife null and (oid for *eing contrar% to Art. A&E of the ,33. In effect. the court ruled on
the intrinsic (alidit% of the will in the pro*ate proceedings. 0as the holding of the 3A correct1
4he S3 held that it was correct. Although the general rule is that onl% e$trinsic (alidit% could *e
at issue during the pro*ate. this rule is not a*solute. <i(en e$ceptional circumstances. the
pro*ate court ma% do what the situation constrains it to do *% passing upon certain pro(isions of
the will. 3learl%. the de(ise for the common-law wife was (oid. 4he 3A had the authorit% to rule
on such nullit%. It would *e practical for the court to rule on such an o*(ious matter. -therwise.
the pro*ate might *ecome an idle ceremon% if on its face it appears to *e intrinsicall% (oid.
<allanosa (. Arcangel- 'ro*ate are proceedings in rem and are mandator%. If the pro*ate
is allowed. it *ecomes conclusi(e as to its e$trinsic (alidit% which pro(ides that+
1. 4he testator was of sound mind when he e$ecuted the will.
". 4he testator was not acting under duress or fraud-- his consent was not (itiated
&. 4he will was e$ecuted in accordance w7 the formalities required *% law
). 4he will is genuine and not a forger%
I+ 0hat if after the pro*ate court *ecomes final a person was charged w7 forger% of the will. can
he can he *e con(icted1
A+ ,o. the pro*ate is conclusi(e as to the will;s genuineness e(en against the state.
e la 3erna (. Re*eca-'otot.-- 4his case in(ol(es a =oint will e$ecuted *% a hus*and and
a wife. 4he hus*and died *efore the wife and the will was pro*ated. ,ow. the wife died and the
testamentar% heirs sought the pro*ate of the will. 0ill the will *e pro*ated1 ,o. 4he S3 held
that the first pro*ate was (alid onl% as to the share of the hus*and. 8owe(er. such earlier pro*ate
cannot *e applied for the share of the wife *ec. she was still li(ing at the time the first pro*ate
was made. As such. there is no res /udicata as to the share of the wife. As to the wife. since it is
against a =oint will. then it is (oid and her propert% will pass *% intestac%.
Art. C8'. )%e $i s%a be disao$ed in any of t%e foo$ing cases:
.&/ If t%e for!aities re,uired by a$ %ave not been co!"ied $it%9
.:/ If t%e testator $as insane; or ot%er$ise !entay inca"abe of !aEing a $i; at
t%e ti!e of its e?ecution9
.8/ If it $as e?ecuted t%roug% force or under duress; or t%e infuence of fear; or
t%reats9
.>/ If it $as "rocured by undue and i!"ro"er "ressure and infuence; on t%e "art of
t%e beneficiary or of so!e ot%er "erson9
.A/ If t%e signature of t%e testator $as "rocured by fraud9
.(/ If t%e testator acted by !istaEe or did not intend t%at t%e instru!ent %e signed
s%oud be %is $i at t%e ti!e of affi?ing %is signature t%ereto.
2alane+ 4his enumeration is e$clusi(e. 4he% either ma6e the will (oid or (alid. 4here is no such
thing as a (oida*le will.
'A<# )1
1. 9ormalities.-- Art. CD? et seq.
". Insanit%.-- Art. AEE
&. 9orce.-- (iolence-- Art. 1&&? par. 1
uress-- intimidation-- Art. 1&&? par. "
). :ndue and Improper pressure and influence.-- Art. 1&&A
?. 9raud.-- Art. 1&&C
@. Mista6e.-- Art. 1&&1.
Section :.++ Institution of Heir.
Art. C>D. Institution of %eir is an act by virtue of $%ic% a testator designates in %is
$i t%e "erson or "ersons $%o are to succeed %i! in %is "ro"erty and trans!issibe rig%ts
and obigations.
2alane+ 4he rules on institution of heir also appl% to de(isees and legatees.
Art. C>&. A $i s%a be vaid even t%oug% it s%oud contain an institution of an %eir;
or suc% institution s%oud not co!"rise t%e entire estate; and even t%oug% t%e "erson so
instituted s%oud not acce"t t%e in%eritance or s%oud be inaca"acitated to succeed.
In suc% cases t%e testa!entary dis"ositions !ade in accordance $it% a$ s%a be
co!"ied $it% and t%e re!ainder of t%e estate s%a "ass to t%e ega %eirs.
2alane+ 1. #(en if there is no institution of an heir. the will is (alid. *ut it is useless unless it
ac6nowledges an illegitimate child or disinherits a compulsor% heir.
". If the institution does not co(er the entire estate. the e$cess shall either go to the compulsor%
heirs or *% intestac%. (Mi$ed succession.)
&. 8ow much can the testator dispose of from his estate1 8e can dispose all. e$cept when there
are compulsor% heirs. In such a case. he can onl% dispose of the free portion.
). <eneral rule+ If the will does not institute an heir. it need not *e pro*ated.
#$ception+ #(en if it does not institute an heir. if an% of the following are present+
a. 0hen the will recogniBes an illegitimate child!
*. 0hen it disinherits a compulsor% heir!
c. 0hen it instituted an e$ecutor.
?. If the instituted heir should repudiate or *e incapacitated to inherit. then legal succession ta6es
place.
Art. C>:. One $%o %as no co!"usory %eirs !ay dis"ose by $i of a %is estate or
any "art of it in favor of any "erson %aving ca"acity to succeed.
One $%o %as co!"usory %eirs !ay dis"ose of %is estate "rovided %e does not
contravene t%e "rovisions of t%is Code $it% regard to t%e egiti!e of said %eirs.
'A<# )"
2alane+
G -------- spouse
7 L M
A 2 3
G has a spouse and & children.
3hildren get 17" of the estateM
------- /egitimes
Spouse gets 17@ of the estate7
Art. C>8. )%e testator s%a designate t%e %eir by %is na!e and surna!e; and $%en
t%ere are t$o "ersons %aving t%e sa!e na!es; %e s%a indicate so!e circu!stance by $%ic%
t%e instituted %eir !ay be Eno$n.
Even t%oug% t%e testator !ay %ave o!itted t%e na!e of t%e %eir; s%oud %e designate
%i! in suc% !anner t%at t%ere can be no doubt as to $%o %as been instituted; t%e institution
s%a be vaid.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ An heir must *e designated *% name and surname. 4his also applies to
de(isees and legatees.
If there are " or more people ha(ing the same name and surname. the testator must
indicate some identif%ing mar6 or circumstance to which he ma% *e 6nown. otherwise there ma%
*e a latent am*iguit%.
#.g.. I institute m% cousin A. 2ut I ha(e & cousins *% the name of A. :nless I gi(e an
identif%ing mar6 or circumstance as to w7c cousin A I refer to. there will *e a latent am*iguit%.
#$ception+ #(en w7o gi(ing the name. the identit% of the heir can *e ascertained w7
sufficient certaint% or clarit%. e.g. the present ean of the :' 3ollege of /aw. m% oldest *rother.
0hat is important is that the identit% of the heir *e 6nown and not necessaril% his name.

Art. C>>. An error in t%e na!e; surna!e; or circu!stances o f t%e %eir s%a not
vitiate t%e institution $%en it is "ossibe; in any ot%er !anner; to Eno$ $it% certainty t%e
"erson instituted.
If a!ong "ersons %aving t%e sa!e na!es and surna!es; t%ere is a si!iarity of
circu!stances in suc% a $ay t%at; even $it% t%e use of ot%er "roof; t%e "erson instituted
cannot be identified; none of t%e! s%a be an %eir.
2alane+ 1. 'aragraph 1.-- #(en though there ma% *e an error in the name of the heir. the error is
immaterial if his identit% can *e 6nown in an% other manner.
". 'aragraph ".-- See the rules on latent am*iguit%.
9irst+ :se e$trinsic e(idence e$cept the oral declarations of the testator as to his
intentions to cure the am*iguit%.
Second+ If am*iguit% still e$ists. none of them will inherit.
Art. C>A. Every dis"osition in favor of an unEno$n "erson s%a be void; uness by
'A<# )&
so!e event or circu!stance %is identity beco!es certain. 1o$ever; a dis"osition in favor of
a definite cass or grou" of "ersons s%a be vaid.
2alane+ 1. 3an the testator gi(e his entire free portion to a person he does not personall% 6now1
>es.
4he 5un6nown person5 referred to in this article refers to one who cannot *e identified
and not to one whom the testator does not personall% 6now. 4he *asis of the nullit% is the
ina*ilit% to determine the intention of the testator.
#.g.. 54o someone who cares.5 -- Hoid.
54o someone w7 ten e%es.5 -- Hoid. this refers to someone who does not e$ist.
4his designation is (alid if the identit% is not 6nown at the time of ma6ing the will *ut
can *e 6nown in the future *% circumstances. 8ow1 2% esta*lishing certain criteria at the proper
time. e.g.. 9irst 9ilipino who wins a gold medal in the -l%mpics.
". 3lass designation is (alid. class in 3i(il /aw Re(iew. :' 3ollege of /aw. 1EE?-1EE@.
Mass institution+ see Articles AC@. C)C (*rothers and sisters). C)E (designation of a
person and his children) E?E (relati(es). 1D"E (pra%ers and pious wor6s for the *enefit of his
soul). and 1D&D (poor.)

Art. C>(. 1eirs instituted $it%out designation of s%ares s%a in%erit in e,ua "arts.
2alane+ 4his is a presumption of equalit%. 4his supports the underl%ing principle of this chapter
w7c is respect for the wishes of the testator.
Art. C>7. 2%en t%e testator institutes so!e %eirs individuay and ot%ers coectivey
as $%en %e says; BI designate as !y %eirs A and B; and t%e c%idren of C;B t%ose coectivey
designated s%a be considered as individuay instituted; uness it ceary a""ears t%at t%e
intention of t%e testator $as ot%er$ise.
2alane+ 'ro*lem+ 4he testator pro(ides 5I gi(e 17& of m% estate to A. 2 and 3.5 3 is a class of
people. 8ow do %ou di(ide the estate1
A+ It is not to *e interpreted as 17& to A. 2 and class 3. Rather. the 17& of the estate
should *e di(ided equall% among A. 2 and the mem*ers of class 3. 0h%1 2ec. the presumption
is that the mem*ers of 3 were indi(iduall% designated.
2ut if the testator sa%s 5I gi(e 17& of m% estate to A. 2 and class 3 as a unit. then 17& will
*e di(ided equall% among A. 2 and class 3.
Art. C>C. If t%e testator s%oud institute %is brot%ers and sisters; and %e %as so!e of
fu bood and ot%ers of %af bood; t%e in%eritance s%a be distributed e,uay; uness a
different intention a""ears.
2alane+ 9ull *lood means same parents! half *lood means onl% one parent is the same.
<eneral rule+ 2rothers and sisters. whether full or half *lood. inherit in equal shares.
#$ceptions+ (a) If the testator pro(ides otherwise in the will
'A<# ))
(*) If the% inherit *% intestac%. Ratio is "+1 in fa(or of full *lood
*rothers and sisters. (Art. 1DD@.)

Art. C>'. 2%en t%e testator cas to t%e succession a "erson and %is c%idren; t%ey
are a dee!ed to %ave been instituted si!utaneousy and not successivey.
2alane+ 4his article is a species of Art. C)A.
Successi(el% refers to fideicommisary.
Art. CAD. )%e state!ent of a fase cause for t%e institution of an %eir s%a be
considered as not $ritten; uness it a""ears fro! t%e $i t%at t%e testator $oud not %ave
!ade suc% institution if %e %ad Eno$n t%e fasity of suc% cause.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ #(en if the cause if false. institution is effecti(e. 0h%1 2ec. cause of the
institution is the li*eralit% of the testator and not the cause stated.
I+ 5A is the tallest in the class. I gi(e him 17" of m% estate.5 If A is not the tallest. is the
institution ineffecti(e1
A+ ,o. 9ollow the general rule *ec. the real cause was not the height *ut the li*eralit% of
the testator.
Austria (. Re%es.-- In the case. the oppossitor sought to nullif% the institution of the
adopted children as heirs *ec. it was found out that the adoption did not compl% w7 the law. 4he
S3 held that the institution was (alid. 9or it to *e in(alid. and *e an e$ception to the general rule.
& requisites must concur+
1. 3ause for the institution must *e stated in the will!
". 3ause must *e shown to *e false!
&. It must appear on the face of the will that the testator would not ha(e made such
institution if he had 6nown the falsit% of the cause.
4he wishes of the testator must *e respected.
In the case. the third requisite was a*sent. As such. the e$ception was not applica*le and
the general rule would appl%.
If there is dou*t as to whether there is a (alid institution *ec. of the false cause. resol(e it
in fa(or of (alidit%.
Art. CA&. If t%e testator %as instituted ony one %eir; and t%e institution is i!ited to
an ai,uot "art of t%e in%eritance; ega succession taEes "ace $it% res"ect to t%e re!ainder
of t%e estate.
)%e sa!e rue a""ies; if t%e testator %as instituted severa %eirs eac% being i!ited
to an ai,uot "art; and a t%e "arts do not cover t%e $%oe in%eritance.
2alane+ 4he principle enunciated here has alread% *een pro(ided in Art. C)1.
Assuming in par. 1
a. 4he testator has no compulsor% heirs -- part of the whole estate not disposed of *% will
goes *% intestac%.
#.g.. ,o compulsor% heirs and the testator sa%s 5I gi(e 17& of m% estate to G.5 17& will go
'A<# )?
to G and the "7& will go *% intestac%.
*. 4estator has compulsor% heirs-- part of the free portion not disposed of *% will goes
*% intestac%.
#.g.. 4wo legitimate children and testator sa%s 5I gi(e 17) of m% estate to G.5 17" will
go to the " children. 17) will go to G. and 17) will go *% intestac%.
4he same applies when a (acanc% occurs.
Art. CA:. If it $as t%e intention of t%e testator t%at t%e instituted %eirs s%oud
beco!e soe %eirs to t%e $%oe estate; or t%e $%oe free "ortion; as t%e case !ay be; and eac%
of t%e! %as been instituted to an ai,uot "art of t%e in%eritance and t%eir ai,uot "arts
toget%er do not cover t%e $%oe in%eritance; or t%e $%oe free "ortion; eac% "art s%a be
increased "ro"ortionay.
2alane+ 4his article spea6s of the testator;s intention to gi(e the entire free portion. or the entire
inheritance. as the case ma% *e. *ut he made a mista6e in the addition of the different proportions.
#lements+
1. Se(eral heirs!
". Indicates his intention to gi(e his entire estate to this heirs
a. If no compulsor% heirs. whole estate
*. If w7 compulsor% heirs. whole free portion
&. Indicates portions he wants to gi(e to each
). 4otal of portions is less than whole estate or free portion. as the case ma% *e.
#.g.. 4estator has no compulsor% heirs. 8e indicates in the will that his intention to gi(e his entire
estate to his heirs. 8e gi(es 17) to A. 17@ to 2. 17& to 3. 4he estate is worth '1"D.DDD.
A '&D.DDD
2 "D.DDD
3 )D.DDD
'ED.DDD
0hat do %ou do with the remaining '&D.DDD1
1. <et the least common denominator-- 1"
AN &71". 2N "71". 3N )71"
". <et the ratio of the shares w7 each other.
A (&) + 2 (") + 3 ()) - & O " O ) N E
&. Multipl% the remainder *% the share of each heir w7 respect to the ratio in num*er ".
9or A. &7E $ &D.DDD N 1D.DDD
9or 2. "7E $ &D.DDD N @.@@@.@A
9or 3. )7E $ &D.DDD N 1&.&&&.&&
). Add the result to what the% originall% recei(ed and the sum will *e their complete
'A<# )@
inheritance.
9or A. &D.DDD O 1D.DDD N )D.DDD
9or 2. "D.DDD O @.@@@.@A N "@.@@@.@A
9or 3. )D.DDD O 1&.&&&.&& N ?&.&&&.&&
?. Add %our figures in num*er ) to ma6e sure that it equals to the (alue of the entire
estate. (4o ma6e sure that %ou did not ma6e a mista6e.)
)D.DDD O "@.@@@.@A O ?&.&&&.&& N 1"D.DDD
,ote+ @. If %ou want to get the inheritance of each right awa%. multipl% the ratio in num*er &
with the (alue of the whole estate.
9or A. &7E $ 1"D.DDD N )D.DDD
9or 2. "7E $ 1"D.DDD N "@.@@@.@A
9or 3. )7E $ 1"D.DDD N ?&.&&&.&&
>ou get the same results *ut faster.
Art. CA8. If eac% of t%e instituted %eirs %as been given an ai,uot "art of t%e
in%eritance; and t%e "arts toget%er e?ceed t%e $%oe in%eritance; or t%e $%oe free "ortion;
as t%e case !ay be; eac% "art s%a be reduced "ro"ortionay.
2alane+ 4he same principle as in Art. C?". onl% this time %ou decrease.
#lements+
1 to & -- same as those in Art. C?"
). 4otal of portion e$ceeds the whole estate. or whole free portion. as the case ma% *e
#.g.. same as a*o(e e$cept that A gets 17". 2 gets 17&. and 3 gets 17).
4he (alue of the estate is '&D.DDD.
A 1?.DDD
2 1D.DDD
3 A.?DD
&".?DD
0hat do %ou do w7 the e$cess of '".?DD1
1. <et the /3. 1"
A N @71". 2 N )71". 3 N &71"
". <et the ratio of the shares with each other
A (@) + 2 ()) + 3 (&) - @ O ) O & N 1&
&. Multipl% the e$cess *% the share of each heir in the ratio in num*er ".
9or A. @71& $ ".?DD N 1.1?&.C)
9or 2. )71& $ ".?DD N A@E."&
'A<# )A
9or 3. &71& $ ".?DD N ?A@.E&
). Su*tract the results in num*er & from what each heir was to recei(e initiall%.
9or A. 1?.DDD - 1.1?&.C) N 1&.C)@.1@
9or 2. 1D.DDD - A@E."& N E."&D.AA
9or 3. A.?DD - ?A@.E& N @.E"&.DA
?. Add the figures in num*er ) to ma6e sure it equals to the (alue of the whole estate.
1&.C)@.1@ O E."&D.AA O @.E"&.DA N &D.DDD
,ote+ @. If %ou want to get the inheritance of each right awa%. multipl% the ration in num*er &
*% the (alue of the estate.
9or A. @71& $ &D.DDD N 1&.C)@.1@
9or 2. )71& $ &D.DDD N E."&D.AA
9or 3. &71& $ &D.DDD N @.E"&.DA
I+ If the testator ma6es & wills.
0ill 1-- 5I gi(e )DP of m% estate to A.5
0ill "-- 5I gi(e )DP of m% estate to 2.5
0ill &-- 5I gi(e )DP of m% estate to 3.5
8ow will the estate *% di(ided1 4here are two answers.
1. 17& will go to each. Appl% Art. C?&.
". 3 gets )DP. 2 gets &DP. and A gets &DP. Assume the third will is incompati*le to the
first ".
Art. CA>. )%e preterition or o!ission of one; so!e; or a of t%e co!"usory %eirs in
t%e direct ine; $%et%er iving at t%e ti!e of t%e e?ecution of t%e $i or born after t%e deat%
of t%e testator; s%a annu t%e institution of %eir9 but t%e devisees and egacies s%a be vaid
insofar as t%ey are not inofficious.
If t%e o!itted co!"usory %eirs s%oud die before t%e testator; t%e institution s%a
be effectua; $it%out "re6udice to t%e rig%t to re"resentation.
2alane+
A. 3larification+
1. 50hether li(ing at the time of the e$ecution of the will or *orn after the death of the
testator.5 4his does not co(er all the possi*ilities. 0hat a*out those *orn after the e$ecution of
the will *ut *efore the death of the testator1 Art. C?) also co(ers them. =ust an o(ersight.
". #$tends protection onl% to 5compulsor% heirs in the direct line.5 Is this redundant1
Aren;t compulsor% heirs in the direct line1 ,o. Spouses are compulsor% heirs not in the direct
line.
So what is the remed% of the wife who has *een omitted1 emand her legitime.
3ompulsor% heirs in the direct line co(er onl% ascendants and descendants.
2. Preterition.+- 5praeter5 means 5to go *e%ond5 -- not enough to 6now the meaning.
'A<# )C
1. 0ho is a person preterited1
Manresa.-- 53omplete omission from the will5 -- 0rongK 0h%1 It presupposes
that if mentioned in the will. then the heir is not preterited. 8owe(er. whether %ou are mentioned
in the will or not has no effect on the preterition.
Illustrations+
(1) I ha(e a son. A. 4he will states 5I gi(e 17" to 2.5 A is not preterited
*ec. he gets the other half.
(") I ha(e a son. A. 4he will states 5I gi(e 17& to 2 and 17& to 3.5 A is
not preterited *ec. he gets the other 17&. 8is legitime. howe(er. is impaired.
(&) I ha(e a son. A. 4he will states 5I gi(e 17" to 2. 17" to 2. and to A.
all m% lo(e.5 A. e(en if mentioned in the will. was preterited.
Preterition occurs if the heir recei(es nothing from the inheritance *% wa% of
testamentar% disposition. de(ise. legac%. intestac%. or donation inter #i#os.
". Situations
a. 8eir is mentioned *ut nothing is left to him-- 8eir is preterited if he recei(es
nothing *% intestac%.
*. 8eir is instituted in the will *ut the part she is instituted in is less than her
legitime.-- 4here is no preterition.
Re%es (. 2arreto-atu.-- In the case. /ucia recei(ed a part of the estate through a
=udiciall% appro(ed pro=ect of partition w7c was *ased on the will of her father. 8owe(er. it was
found out later on that he Salud was not reall% the child of her parents. As such. /ucia sought to
annul the institution of Salud as heir claiming that she was preterited. 4he S3 held that she was
not preterited *e. she had recei(ed a part of the estate. 4here is no preterition if the heir is gi(en
testamentar% disposition. e(en if it *e less than her legitime. 4he remed% of the heir is for the
completion of her legitime pursuant to Art. ED@.
&. efinition of preterition.+- Preterition happens when the compulsor% heirs in the
direct line are totall% omitted from the inheritance. that is the heir got nothing *% wa% of
testamentarr% disposition. donation. legac%. de(ise or intestac%.
3. 0ho can *e preterited1
1. /egitimate children-- >es.
". Illegitimate children-- >es. 4he law ma6es no distinction.
&. 'arents. whether legitimate or illegitimate.-- >es.
,uguid (. ,uguid.-- In the case. Rosa died ha(ing @ *rothers and sisters and her parents.
8owe(er. she instituted one of her sisters as her uni(ersal heir. 4he parents opposed the pro*ate
claiming the% were preterited. 4he S3 held that the parents were preterited. As such. the
institution of the sister as uni(ersal heir is (oid. 4he estate will *e distri*uted *% intestac%. 4he
S3 further stated that =ust *ec. %ou are an heir. *ut not a compulsor% heir. it does not mean that
%ou will recei(e an%thing. If compulsor% heirs in the direct line are preterited. and the free
portion had alread% *een de(ised to other people. the annulment of the institution of heir will in
effect anull %our institution. Also. when the law sa%s de(ise or legac%. this is used in its ordinar%
sense. 4he claim of the sister that her institution as a uni(ersal heir is equi(alent to a de(ise is
untena*le. If such were accepted. it would render Art. C?) useless.
). <randparents.-- >es.
'A<# )E
?. Spouse.-- ,o.
@. Adopted child.-- >es.
Acain (. Acain.-- In the case. Acain left his estate to his *rothers. completel% omitting his
wife and legall% adopted daughter. As such. the two opposed the pro*ate of the will claiming
the% were preterited. 4he S3 held that the adopted child was preterited *ut not the wife. A wife
is not a compulsor% heir in the direct line so she cannot *e preterited. 0ith respect to the adopted
child. it is different. :nder Art. &E of ' @D&. adoption gi(es to the adopted person the same
rights and duties as if he were a legitimate child of the adopter and ma6es the adopted person a
legal heir of the adopter. 4he S3 further stated that since there were no de(ises or legacies. and a
compulsor% heir was preterited. the effect is. as if nothing was written in the will. 4he whole
estate will *e distri*uted *% intestac%.
. #ffect of preterition.+- 5Annul the institution of heir *ut de(ises and legacies shall *e (alid
insofar as the% are not inofficious.5 -- A*rogate. set aside. eliminate. cancel.
1. #ffect of preterition (of parents) when there are no de(ises or legacies (,uguid case)--
whole will is considered ine$istent.
". If there are de(ises or legacies.-- Set aside onl% the institution of heirs *ut not the
institution of de(isees and legatees. If the de(ise and legac% e$ceed the free portion. decrease the
de(ise and legac%.
Solano (. 3A.-- 4his case made a wrong decision. It made the effect of preterition the
reduction of the share of the instituted heir rather than annulling the whole institution of heir.
Acain (. IA3.-- 4his case restored the correct interpretation laid down in ,uguid that
preterition annuls the institution of heirs.
#.g.. 4estator has son. A. 8is will states 5I gi(e 17" of m% estate to A and '&DD.DDD to
,.5 4he estate is worth '@DD.DDD. 8ow much will each get1 , gets &DD.DDD. A gets the other
&DD.DDD. M gets nothing.
#. 3riticism
1. 0h% not e$tend the application to the wife1
". 0h% distinguish *etween heir and de(isee and legatee1
,-4#+ 4his is the onl% case where it is important to 6now the distinction *etween heir. on the
one hand. and de(isee and legatee on the other.
Art. CAA. )%e s%are of a c%id or descendant o!itted in a $i !ust first be taEen
fro! t%e "art of t%e estate not dis"osed of by t%e $i; if any9 if t%at is not sufficient; so
!uc% as !ay be necessary !ust be taEen "ro"ortionay fro! t%e s%ares of t%e ot%er
co!"usory %eirs.
2alane+ 4his is not a case of preterition. 4his is a case of completion of legitime.
1. Is this right limited or restricted to a child or descendant1 ,o. It also applies to heirs similarl%
situated.
a. spouse
'A<# ?D
*. parents
c. ascendants.
". oes this appl% to preterition1
a. >es.-- According to the 3ode 3ommission. 4heir intent was to ma6e Art. C?? appl%
to preterition.
*. ,o.-- If %ou anal%Be the pro(ision. it does not refer to preterition. It applies when
something is left to an heir *ut is less than his legitime.
(i) Incomplete legitime.-- 5ta6en from part not disposed of *% will5 -- heir will
recei(e something *% intestac% -- no preterition.
(ii) Preterition.+- If the whole estate is disposed of.-- <o to Art. C?).
&. 4wo errors
a. 0h% is it limited onl% to child or descendant1 4his (article) should *e applica*le to
an% compulsor% heir whose legitime is impaired or who recei(es less than his legitime. (4he
latter) ma% institute an action to complete his legitime.
*. 0here do %ou get the share to complete1
1. Hacant portion (undisposed)
". If (acant portion is not enough-- 5compulsor% heirs.5 -- 0R-,<. >ou do
not reduce the shares of compulsor% heirs *ut the shares of testamentar% heirs. If the compulsor%
heir gets more than his legitime. the e$cess can *e reduced. 0h%1 As to the e$cess. he is
considered a testamentar% heir.
Illustration+ A has & children. G. > and Q. 8is will states 5I gi(e G. 17& of m% estate. A.
171" of m% estate. and 2. 17". 4he estate is worth @DD.DDD.
G N 17& N "DD.DDD - e$cess 1DD.DDD
Q N 171" N ?D.DDD - lac6s ?D.DDD
2 N 17" N &DD.DDD
> N D N D - lac6s 1DD.DDD
/egitime - &DD.DDD7 & N 1DD.DDD each.
/ac6s 1?D.DDD (Q O >)
1. Is > preterited1 ,o. 4here is ?D.DDD that he will get *% intestac%. > can demand
completion of his legitime under Art. C??. 8e can get ?D.DDD from the undisposed portion. 8e
=ust lac6s ?D.DDD. 0here do %ou get the deficienc%1
a. If we follow Art. C??. get from the compulsor% heirs. In other words. get from
G and Q proportionatel%. 4he result is that Q will complain *ec. now his legitime would *e
incomplete.
*. <et the deficienc% proportionall% from testamentar% heirs. 0h%1 4he% are not
entitled to an% share if it impairs the legitime of the compulsor% heirs.
4otal lac6 of legitimes -- 1?D.DDD.
1. <et the ?D.DDD undisposed of -- /ac6ing onl% 1DD.DDD.
". <et proportionall% from the shares of testamentar% heirs.
4estamentar% heirs+ G N 1DD.DDD - "?.DDD
2 N &DD.DDD - A?.DDD
1DD.DDD
'A<# ?1
Art. CA(. A vountary %eir $%o dies before t%e testator trans!its not%ing to %is %eirs.
A co!"usory %eir $%o dies before t%e testator; a "erson inca"acitated to succeed;
and one $%o renounces t%e in%eritance; s%a trans!it no rig%t to %is o$n %eirs e?ce"t in
cases e?"ressy "rovided for in t%is Code.
2alane+
Jind of 8eir 'redecease Incapacit% Renunciation
3ompulsor% 4, 4, 4,
Rep. Rep. ,o Rep.
Holuntar% 4, 4, 4,
Rep. ,o Rep. ,o Rep.
Intestate 4, 4, 4,
Rep. Rep. ,o Rep.
/egend+ 4,-- 4ransmits ,othing
Rep.-- 4here is Representation
,o rep.-- 4here is no representation.
-*ser(ations+
1. 4here is no transmission of an% right from an heir to his own heirs for an% of the three cases
('. I and R.) 4here is no e$ception.
". 9or (oluntar%. there is no representation. no matter what the reason for disqualification is
&. 9or renunciation. there is no representation. no matter what 6ind of heir.
Section 8.++ &u"stitution of Heirs.
Art. CA7. Substitution is t%e a""oint!ent of anot%er %eir so t%at %e !ay enter into
t%e in%eritance in defaut of t%e %eir originay instituted.
2alane+
1. 5In default.5 -- failure to inherit *ecause of+ (a) predecease. (*) renunciation or (c)
incapacit%.
'A<# ?"
a. Is it a complete definition1 ,o. It is incomplete *ec. default co(ers or defines onl%
simple su*stitution and not fideicommissary su*stitution.
*. 3omplete definition.-- Su*stitution is the appointment of another heir so that he ma%
enter into the inheritance either in default of the heir originall% instituted or after.
Simple.-- Second heir enters after the default of the first
7ideicommissary.+- Second heir enters after the first.
". 2asis for su*stitution.-- It co(ers the free portion onl%.
2ec. it is possi*le that the testator ma% ha(e a second preference. In relation to the first
heir instituted. the first is preferred o(er the su*stitute. 2ut in default or after the first. the testator
would rather that the inheritance go to the su*stitute than *% intestac%.
Allowing su*stitution is gi(ing respect to the first and second preference of the testator.
4he power to ma6e su*stitution is *ased on the power to ma6e testamentar% dispositions.
4his is reall% a condition imposed on the institution of heirs.
#.g.. A has sons whom he does not want to get the free portion. 8e wants to gi(e it to 2. 2ut 2
ma% die *efore A. After 2. A prefers 3 to get it. As *et. 3 and his children. A would rather that 3
get it. As such. 3 is appointed *% the testator as 2;s su*stitute.
Art. CAC. Substitution of %eirs !ay be:
.&/ Si!"e or co!!on9
.:/ Brief or co!"endious9
.8/ Reci"roca9 or
.>/ Fideicommissary.
2alane+
A. Jinds of Su*stitution+
1. Simple or common (Art. C?E.)
". 7ideicommissary. (Art. C@&.)
2. 0h% did we earlier define su*stitution w7 onl% " 6inds1 2ec. there are onl% " 6inds. 2rief
and reciprocal are =ust (ariations and not 6inds of su*stitutions. >ou cannot ha(e a purel%
reciprocal su*stitution. All su*stitutions are either simple or fideicommissary.
3. In the -33. there were two others+
1. '/emplar.-- A su*stitution a father was allowed to ma6e *ec. his son was insane. 4his
was a 6ind of fideicommissary.
". Popular.-- A su*stitution a father made in *ehalf of a child who died *efore he
reaches 1C.
Art. CA'. )%e testator !ay designate one or !ore "ersons to substitute t%e %eir or
%eirs instituted in case suc% %eir or %eirs s%oud die before %i!; or s%oud not $is%; or
s%oud be inca"acitated to acce"t t%e in%eritance.
A si!"e substitution; $it%out a state!ent of t%e cases to $%ic% it refers; s%a
co!"rise t%e t%ree !entioned in t%e "receding "aragra"%; uness t%e testator %as ot%er$ise
"rovided.
'A<# ?&
2alane+ Simple Su*stitution.
1. 3auses7 grounds for the second heir to inherit in place of the first.
a. 'redecease of the first heir
*. Renunciation of the first heir
c. Incapacit% of the first heir
". 4wo wa%s of ma6ing a simple su*stitution+
a. #numerate all the cases.
#.g.. 5I institute A. in case A predeceases me. or renounces. or is incapacitated to succeed.
then 2 will su*stitute him.5
*. 2% =ust calling it.
#.g.. 5I institute A. and *% wa% of simple su*stitution. I institute 2 as su*stitute.5 In such
a case. all the three causes of su*stitution will appl% unless the testator pro(ides otherwise.
,ote+ 4he testator ma% limit the operation of the & causes. 8e can =ust mention what he wants to
appl%. e.g.. 5I institute A. and if he predeceases me. then 2 will su*stitute him.5 In such a case. 2
will onl% su*stitute A if A dies *efore the testator.
8owe(er. if the cause is not co(ered *% the causes gi(en in this article. then the estate
will pass *% intestac%.
Art. C(D. )$o or !ore "ersons !ay be substituted for one9 and one "erson for t$o
or !ore %eirs.
2alane+
1. 2rief or 3ompendious.-- -ne su*stitutes for two or more heirs or two or more su*stitutes for
one heir. e.g.. 5I institute A to 17C of m% estate and as his su*stitute *% wa% of simple su*stitution.
I designate G and >.5
". 4his is =ust a (ariation of either simple or fideicommissary.
#.g.. simple-- loo6 at the e$ample a*o(e.
7ideicommissary++ 5I institute A to 17" of m% estate and impose upon him the
o*ligation to preser(e and transmit the propert% upon his death to G and >.5
&. Strictl% or technicall% spea6ing. *rief and compendious are not the same. 2rief-- " or more
for one heir! compendious -- one for two or more heirs.
,ote. howe(er. the% are s%non%mous and ma% *e used interchangea*l%.
). 'ro*lem+ 5I institute A. 2 and 3 to 17& each of m% estate and in case the% all die *efore me. I
institute as su*stitute *% wa% of simple su*stitution.5 If A and 2 predecease the testator. will
get their shares1 ,o. 4he su*stitution will ta6e effect onl% upon the death of all the three.
8owe(er. if what the will stated was 5an% or... all die *efore me.5 then will get A and 2;s
shares.
Art. C(&. If %eirs instituted in une,ua s%ares s%oud be reci"rocay substituted; t%e
substitute s%a ac,uire t%e s%are of t%e %eir $%o dies; renounces; or is inca"acitated; uness
it ceary a""ears t%at t%e intention of t%e testator $as ot%er$ise. If t%ere are !ore t%an
'A<# ?)
one substitute; t%ey s%a %ave t%e sa!e s%are in t%e substitution as in t%e institution.
2alane+ Reciprocal su*stitution. 4he heirs are su*stituted for each other *ased on either simple
or fideicommissary su*stitution. If *oth are disqualified. then no su*stitution will ta6e place and
the estate will pass *% intestac%.
#$ample of second sentence+ 5I institute A to 17&. 2 to 17@. and 3 to 17" of m% estate and
*% wa% of simple su*stitution. I institute them as su*stitutes of one another.5 If 3 predeceases the
testator. how will his share *e di(ided if the estate is worth '@D.DDD1
A N 17& N '"D.DDD
2 N 17@ N 1D.DDD
3 N 17" N &D.DDD
8ow will the &D.DDD *e di(ided *etween A and 21
1. <et the /3 of the remaining heirs. In the e$ample. it is @.
". <et the ratio *et. the remaining heirs and the sum of the ratios.
A N "7@. 2 N 17@. 4he ratio *etween A and 2 is " + 1. 4he sum of the ratios is &.
&. 4wo wa%s+
a. i(ide the &D.DDD *% the sum of the ratios (&) and multipl% the result *% the
ratio *et. them of each heir.
&D.DDD7 & N 1D.DDD. A N " $ 1D.DDD N "D.DDD
2 N 1 $ 1D.DDD N 1D.DDD
*. Multipl% &D.DDD *% the ratio of each heir with respect to the total ratio.
A N "7& $ &D.DDD N "D.DDD! 2 N 17& $ &D.DDD N 1D.DDD
). Add the result in num*er & to what the% initiall% recei(ed.
A N "D.DDD O "D.DDD N )D.DDD! 2 N 1D.DDD O 1D.DDD N "D.DDD.
,ote+ If %ou want another wa% to compute+
1. <et the /3 *etween A and 2. In this case @.
A N "7@. 2 N 17@
". <et the ratio *etween A and 2. In this case. " + 1. A N "7&. 2 N 17&
&. Multipl% the original share of 3 *% the ratio in ".
A N "7& $ 17" N "7@. 2 N 17& $ 17" N 17@
). Add the result in num*er & to their original shares.
A N "7@ O "7@ N )7@. 2 N 17@ O 17@ N "7@
?. Multipl% the result in num*er ) *% the (alue of the estate.
A N )7@ $ @D.DDD N )D.DDD! 2 N "7@ $ @D.DDD N "D.DDD.
Art. C(:. )%e substitute s%a be sub6ect to t%e sa!e c%arges and conditions
i!"osed u"on t%e instituted %eir; uness t%e testator %as e?"ressy "rovided t%e contrary; or
t%e c%arges or conditions are "ersonay a""icabe to t%e %eir instituted.
'A<# ??
2alane+ In su*stitution. the "nd heir ta6es the place of the first heir. A 6ind of su*rogation.
As such. the general rule is+ 4he second is su*=ect to the same charges and conditions as the first
heir.
#$ceptions+ 1. 4estator has e$pressl% pro(ided the contrar%.
". 3harges and o*ligations are personall% applica*le to the first heir.
4he article does not onl% co(er charges and conditions *ut also the rights of the first heir.
su*=ect to the same e$ceptions.
Art. C(8. A fideicommissary substitution by virtue of $%ic% t%e fiduciary or first
%eir instituted is entrusted $it% t%e obigation to "reserve and to trans!it to a second %eir
t%e $%oe or "art of t%e in%eritance; s%a be vaid and s%a taEe effect; "rovided suc%
substitution does not go beyond one degree fro! t%e %eir originay instituted; and "rovided;
furt%er; t%at t%e fiduciary or first %eir and t%e second %eir are iving at t%e ti!e of t%e deat%
of t%e testator.
2alane+ 4our Ee!ents of a Fideicommissary Substitution:
&. )%ere !ust be a first %eir or fiduciary.
9or the su*stitution to operate. the first heir recei(es propert%. either upon the death of the
testator or upon the fulfillment of an% suspensi(e condition imposed *% the will. As distinguished
from a simple su*stitution where the second heir recei(es propert% onl% upon default of the first
heir. 9irst heir does not recei(e the propert%.
:. An absoute obigation is i!"osed u"on t%e fiduciary to "reserve and to trans!it to a
second %eir t%e "ro"erty at a given ti!e.
a. #ssence of a fideicommissary su*stitution-- dual o*ligation.
*. 5<i(en time.5-- 'ro(ided *% the testator! if not. then it is understood that the period is
the lifetime of the fudiciar%.
'3I2 (. #scolin.-- In the case. the spouses e$ecuted reciprocal wills. It pro(ided that the
share in the con=ugal assets will pass to the sur(i(ing spouse and that the sur(i(ing spouse can do
whate(er he or she wants with the inheritance. e(en sell it. and if there is an% residue from the
inheritance from the other spouse upon the death of the sur(i(ing spouse. it shall pass to the
*rothers and sisters of the spouse who first died. 4he wife died first. 4he hus*and did not
liquidate the con=ugal assets *ec. he was the sole heir of his wife. :pon the hus*and;s death. it is
now questioned whether there is an% residue from the wife;s estate that could pass to her *rothers
and sisters. '3I2. (and the) administratri$ of the hus*and claims that+ (1) 4here was no
fideicommissary su*stitution *ec. there was no o*ligation upon the hus*and to preser(e and
transmit the prop. to the *rothers and sisters of the wife as seen in his authorit% to sell the
propert%. and (") since there was an in(alid attempt to ma6e a su*stitution. then the testamentar%
disposition is (oid and there can *e no transmission of rights to the *rothers and sisters. 4he S3
agreed w7 contention no. 1 on the same ground. 4he second requisite was a*sent and there could
*e no ficeicommissary su*stitution. 0ith regard to the second contention. the S3 disagreed. 4he
S3 said there was a simultaneous su*stitution. 4he institution of the hus*and was su*=ect to a
resolutor% condition while the institution of the *rothers and sisters was su*=ect to a suspensi(e
'A<# ?@
condition. 2oth conditions are one and the same. It is the e$istence in the hus*and;s estate of
assets he recei(ed from his wife at the time of his death. If there is. the hus*and;s right to the
residue is e$tinguished upon his death while the right of the *rothers and sisters (ests at the same
time.
d. Scae(ola.-- 3haracteriBed the situation as a legac% or de(ise of the residue.
8. )%ere is a second %eir $%o !ust be one degree fro! t%e first %eir.
a. 5-ne generation.5 oes it refer to the degree of relationship or num*er of
su*stitution1 It refers to the degree of relationship. See 'alacios (. RamireB.
8owe(er. fideicommissary su*stitutions are also limited to one transmission. :pon the
lapse of time for the first heir. he transmits the propert% to the second heir. 4he% cannot *e an%
more fideicommissary su*stitution coming from the same testator. In other words. there can onl%
*e one fideicommissary transmission such that after the first. there can *e no second
fideicommissary su*stitution.
'alacios (. RamireB.-- In the case. "7& of the usufruct of the free portion was gi(en to
0anda. w7 " other persons not related to her as her su*stitutes *% wa% of simple and
fideicommissary su*stitution. 8er grandnephews o*=ect on the ground that there could *e no
fideicommissary su*stitution *ec. the su*stitutes were not w7in one degree of each other. 4he S3
agreed w7 the nephews. It said. quoting 4olentino. that one degree refers to one generation. As
such. the fideicommissary can onl% *e either a parent or child of the fiduciar%.
>. )%e first and second %eir !ust bot% be iving and ,uaified at t%e ti!e of t%e deat% of t%e
testator.
a. 9rom the moment of the death of the testator. the rights of the first and second heir are
(ested. (loo6 at Art. C@@.)
*. ,ature of right of first heir.-- Similar to usufruct.-- 'ossessor% and en=o%ment rights
w7o right to alienate.
If fiduciar% is a*le to register the propert% in his name. fideicommissary should annotate
his claim on the land on the title to protect himself against an% alienations in fa(or of innocent
third parties.
Baane disagrees $@ )oentino that there can *e no successi(e fideicommissaries or se(eral
transmissions. If this is allowed. chaos will result if the fideicommissaries die. >ou will not
6now who will get the propert% and that the propert% ma% *e tied up for centuries..
Art. C(>. A fideicommissary substitution can never burden t%e egiti!e.
2alane+ In fact. no testamentar% disposition can *urden the legitime *ec. legitime is transmitted
*% operation of law upon the death of the testator.
Art. C(A. Every fideicommissary substitution !ust be e?"ressy !ade in order t%at it
!ay be vaid.
)%e fiduciary s%a be obiged to deiver t%e in%eritance to t%e second %eir; $it%out
ot%er deductions t%an t%ose $%ic% arise fro! egiti!ate e?"enses; credits and
'A<# ?A
i!"rove!ents; save in t%e case $%ere t%e testator %as "rovided ot%er$ise.
2alane+ 4here are " wa%s of ma6ing a fideicommissary su*stitution+
1. 2% naming it.-- 5I institute A to 17" of m% estate. and *% wa% of fideicommissary
su*stitution. I institute 2 as his su*stitute.5
". 2% imposing upon the fiduciar% the o*ligation to preser(e and transmit.-- 5I institute
A to 17" of m% estate and impose upon him the o*ligation to preser(e and to transmit the same to
2 upon his return.5
Art. C((. )%e second %eir s%a ac,uire a rig%t to t%e succession fro! t%e ti!e of t%e
testatorGs deat%; even t%oug% %e s%oud die before t%e fiduciary. )%e rig%t of t%e second %eir
s%a "ass to %is %eirs.
2alane+ 4his relates to the fourth requisite of fideicommissary.
At the time of the testator;s death. right of the first and second heir *ecome (ested.
Art. C(7. )%e foo$ing s%a not taEe effect:
.&/ Fideicommissary substitutions $%ic% are not !ade in an e?"ress !anner; eit%er
by giving t%e! t%is na!e; or i!"osing u"on t%e fiduciary t%e absoute obigation to deiver
t%e "ro"erty to a second %eir9
.:/ Provisions $%ic% contain a "er"etua "ro%ibition to aienate; and even a
te!"orary one; beyond t%e i!it fi?ed in artice C(89
.8/ )%ose $%ic% i!"ose u"on t%e %eir t%e c%arge of "aying to various "ersons
successivey; beyond t%e i!it "rescribed in artice C(8; a certain inco!e or "ension9
.>/ )%ose $%ic% eave to a "erson t%e $%oe or "art of t%e %ereditary "ro"erty in
order t%at %e !ay a""y or invest t%e sa!e according to secret instructions co!!unicated
to %i! by t%e testator.
2alane+ Reasons $%y t%ey $i not taEe effect:
1. Relate to Art. C@?. par. 1. It will not ta6e effect as a fideicommissary su*stitution *ut ma% ta6e
effect as something else.
". 4his is not a fideicommissary *ut a prohi*ited institution.
a. 'erpetual prohi*ition will freeBe the propert% w7c is against pu*lic polic%.
*. 4emporar% prohi*ition is allowed *ut cannot go *e%ond the limit in Art. C@&-- limit is
the death of the fiduciar%. 3annot prohi*it alienation *e%ond the death of the fiduciar%. 0hen the
propert% goes to the second heir. there is no more prohi*ition.
3ommentators sa% that it refers to Art. CAD rather than Art. C@&. 4he% contend that the
limit is "D %rs. In such a case. the contention is (alid if %ou do not ma6e it applica*le to
su*stitutions.
I+ If %ou prohi*it for &D %rs.. what will happen1
A+ 4here are " answers.
1. 4he whole period is (oid.
". -nl% the first "D %ears is (alid. (2alane agrees w7 this.)
&. Attempt to circum(ent one degree limitation of fideicommissary su*stitution.
'A<# ?C
#.g.. 5I gi(e 17& of m% estate to G and impose upon him the o*ligation to gi(e a '?.DDD
pension to A and in A;s death. to A;s son.5 4his is allowed. 2ut if this is e$tended to the son of
the son of A. then it won;t *e allowed. 4he first and second recipient must *e w7in one degree.
2ut it cannot e$tend *e%ond the second recipient.
). umm% pro(ision. 4his is usuall% used as a means to circum(ent some prohi*ition of law.
#$ample. 'rohi*ition of gi(ing to paramour
A has a paramour G. A gets 2 as a dumm%. 2ecause of the prohi*ition of gi(ing to a
paramour. the% agree *etween themsel(es that A will lea(e to 2 a de(ise and from its profits 2
will gi(e G. So A pretends to name 2 as heir. 2ut in realit%. such institution is for the *enefit of
G.
a. In such a case. the institution will not *enefit G. #(en if G shows a written agreement
*et. A and 2. it cannot *e enforced *ec. it is contrar% to law.
*. As regards 2. he can 6eep the inheritance e(en if he dou*le-crosses A. A instituted 2
at his own ris6 that he ma% *e dou*le-crossed *% 2. 4oo *ad for G.
Art. C(C. )%e nuity of t%e fideicommissary substitution does not "re6udice t%e
vaidity of t%e institutions of t%e %eirs first designated9 t%e fideicommissary cause s%a
si!"y be considered as not $ritten.
2alane+ 4he nullit% of the fideicommissary su*stitution will not affect (alidit% of institution of
the first heir.
#.g.. 5I here*% institute A to 17& of m% estate under o*ligation to preser(e and to transmit
the same to 2 upon his death.5
a. If institution of 2 is in(alid. what will happen to the institution of A1 Halid.
Institution of A is (alid w7o su*stitution.
*. If the institution of A is in(alid. what will happen to the institution of 21 4he law
does not pro(ide. 4hin6 a*out it.
Art. C('. A "rovision $%ereby t%e testator eaves to a "erson t%e $%oe or "art of
t%e in%eritance; and to anot%er t%e usufruct; s%a be vaid. If %e gives t%e usufruct to
various "ersons; not si!utaneousy; but successivey; t%e "rovisions of artice C(8 s%a
a""y.
2alane+ 4his is similar to Art. C@A. par. &
#$ample. 5I gi(e to A na6ed ownership. and to 2 the usufruct and upon 2;s death. to his
son 3.5 4his is (alid. 07in the limit of Art. C@&. If it goes to the son of the son of 2. then it is
in(alid.
,ote+ Fust as there can *e a su*stitution w7 regard to the usufruct. there can also *e a
su*stitution w7 regard to the na6ed ownership.
Art. C7D. )%e dis"ositions of t%e testator decaring a or "art of t%e estate
inaienabe for !ore t%an t$enty years are void.
2alane+ 4his has nothing to do w7 su*stitution. It refers to simple institution of heir. de(isee or
legatee.
'A<# ?E
I+ 3an it go *e%ond "D %rs1
A+ 4here are " answers.
1. ,o. 4he whole period is (oid.
". ,o. 2ut (alid onl% for the first "D %ears.
Section >.++ Conditional Testamentary $ispositions
and Testamentary $ispositions With a Term
Articles CA1-CA? tal6 of three things+ 4estamentar% dispositions with a--
1. 3ondition
". 4erm-- certain as to time or certain as to occurrence
&. Mode
a. Similarit% *etween condition and term.-- 2oth refer to a future e(ent.
ifference *etween condition and term.-- A condition is uncertain! a term is certain.
*. Mode is not included in the title of the section .-- An o(ersight.
c. Rationale for right to ma6e either of the three+
1. Right stems from the right of freedom to dispose of his propert% mortis causa.
If he can dispose of his propert% mortis causa. then he can certainl% impose either a condition.
term or mode.
". Same principle as su*stitution
Simple su*stitution-- special 6ind of condition
7ideicommissary++ Institution su*=ect to some encum*rance
d. 4he arrangement of this Section is disorganiBed. 4o rearrange+
1. <eneral 'ro(isions-- applies to all three-- Articles CA1 and CA".
". 3ondition.-- Articles CA& to CAA. CAE to CC1. CC&. par. ". CC)
&. 4erm.-- Articles CAC. CC?
). Mode.-- Articles CC". CC& par. 1
&. <enera Provisions.
Art. C7&. )%e institution of an %eir !ay be !ade conditionay; or for a certain
"ur"ose or cause.
2alane+ 4his gi(es the testator the right to ma6e these dispositions. 4he article did not include an
institution with a term. 4his is an o(ersight.
Art. C7:. )%e testator cannot i!"ose any c%arge; condition or substitution
$%atsoever u"on t%e egiti!es "rescribed in t%is Code. S%oud %e do so; t%e sa!e s%a be
considered as not i!"osed.
2alane+ <eneral limitation+ 4he testator cannot impair the legitime. 0h%1 2ec. the
'A<# @D
testamentar% disposition is *ased on the power to dispose mortis causa. /egitimes. on the other
hand. are passed *% operation of law.
4his is repeated in Art. ED).
:. Conditions.
2alane+ A suspensi(e condition gi(es rise to the right if it happens. A resolutor%
condition e$tinguishes the right if it happens.
Jinds of 3onditions+
1. Impossi*le 3onditions.
Art. C78. I!"ossibe conditions and t%ose contrary to a$ or good custo!s s%a be
considered as not i!"osed and s%a in no !anner "re6udice t%e %eir; even if t%e testator
s%oud ot%er$ise "rovide.
2alane+ Impossi*le conditions include those w7c are illegal. against pu*lic order and pu*lic
polic%.
#ffect+ It nullifies the condition. 4he condition is deemed as not imposed. 4he
testamentar% disposition *ecomes pure. a*solute and unconditional.
3ompare with donations (Art. A"A.) and onerous o*ligations (Art. 11C&.)
Art. 7:7. Iega or i!"ossibe conditions in si!"e and re!uneratory
donations s%a be considered as not i!"osed.
Art. &&C8. I!"ossibe conditions; t%ose contrary to good custo!s or "ubic
"oicy and t%ose "ro%ibited by a$ s%a annu t%e obigation $%ic% de"ends u"on
t%e!. If t%e obigation is divisibe; t%at "art t%ereof $%ic% is not affected by t%e
i!"ossibe or una$fu condition s%a be vaid.
,ullifies the 3ondition ,ullifies the -*ligation
a. 4estamentar% dispositions a. -nerous o*ligations
*. onations.
0h% the difference1 4estamentar% dispositions and donations are acts of li*eralit%. 4he mo(ing
factor is li*eralit%. If %ou ta6e awa% the impossi*le condition. the mo(ing factor still e$ists. the
li*eralit%. 0hile in onerous donations. the condition is an element of cause. If the condition is
impossi*le. there is a failure of cause. 4his results in a (oid o*ligation. #.g.. 5I sell %ou m% car if
%ou impregnate the great *lue *ear of Antartica and if %ou pa% me '1D.DDD.5 Since there is an
impossi*le condition. there is a failure of cause. Since there is no cause. then the o*ligation is
(oid.

". 3ondition 'rohi*iting Marriage.
Art. C7>. An absoute condition not to contract a first or subse,uent !arriage s%a
be considered as not $ritten uness suc% condition %as been i!"osed on t%e $ido$ or
$ido$er by t%e deceased s"ouse; or by t%e atterGs ascendants or descendants.
Nevert%eess; t%e rig%ts of usufruct; or an ao$ance or so!e "ersona "restation
!ay be devised or be,ueat%ed to any "erson for t%e ti!e during $%ic% %e or s%e s%oud
re!ain un!arried or in $ido$%ood.
'A<# @1
2alane+ istinguish.--
1. If the condition is on the first marriage.-- 4he condition is considered as not imposed.
#.g.. 5I gi(e 17& of m% estate to A if she does not get married.5 4he condition is
considered as not imposed.
". If the condition is imposed on the second marriage.-- <eneral rule+ 4he condition is
deemed as not imposed.
#$ception+ Halid if imposed *%+ (a) spouse! (*) ascendants of spouse! (c) descendants
of spouse.
#$ample+ <eneral rule+ 5I gi(e 17& of m% estate to Mr. A on the condition that if he
should *e widowed. he will not get married.5 4he condition is deemed as not imposed here.
#$ception+ 5I gi(e the entire free portion of m% estate to m% hus*and A on the condition
that if I predecease him. he will not get married.5 4he condition is (alid in this case.
-ther Situations+
1. 0hat a*out a condition to contract marriage1 Halid *ec. it is not prohi*ited and *% contrar%
implication.
". 0hat a*out a condition to enter into religious life1 Halid.
&. 0hat a*out a condition to renounce a religion1 ,ot (alid.
4he second paragraph rela$es the rule to go around the prohi*ition of the first par. #.g..
5I gi(e A a pension of '1D.DDD during the entire time she is single.5 4his is a (alid condition.

Art. C7A. Any dis"osition !ade u"on t%e condition t%at t%e %eir s%a !aEe so!e
"rovision in %is $i in favor of t%e testator or of any ot%er "erson s%a be void.
2alane+ #.g.. 5I gi(e 17& of m% estate to A pro(ided he ma6es a will instituting me (or 2) as heir.5
4he disposition is (oid. 0h%1
a. It is against pu*lic polic% *ec. it impairs the (oluntariness of wills!
*. It is against re(oca*ilit%+ If %ou can alter %our will after recei(ing. then it is a *reach
of good faith. 2ut if the testator is not allowed to alter the will. the condition is against
re(oca*ilit%. #ither option is unaccepta*le.
3onsider (the article) restricti(el%.-- /imit it to cases where the *eneficiar% is to ma6e a
will instituting the testator or a third person.
). Suspensi(e 3onditions.
Art. C7(. Any "urey "otestative condition i!"osed u"on an %eir !ust be fufied
by %i! as soon as %e earns of t%e testatorGs deat%.
)%is rue s%a not a""y $%en t%e condition; aready co!"ied $it%; cannot be
fufied again.
Art. C77. If t%e condition is casua or !i?ed it s%a be sufficient if it %a""en or be
fufied at any ti!e before or after t%e deat% of t%e testator; uness %e %as "rovided
ot%er$ise.
'A<# @"
S%oud it %ave e?isted or s%oud it %ave been fufied at t%e ti!e t%e $i $as
e?ecuted and t%e testator $as una$are t%ereof; it s%a be dee!ed as co!"ied $it%.
If %e %ad Eno$edge t%ereof; t%e condition s%a be considered fufied ony $%en it
is of suc% a nature t%at it can no onger e?ist or be co!"ied $it% again.
. Art. C7'. If t%e "otestative condition i!"osed u"on t%e %eir is negative; or consists
in not doing or not giving so!et%ing; %e s%a co!"y by giving a security t%at %e $i not do
or give t%at $%ic% %as been "ro%ibited by t%e testator; and t%at in case of contravention %e
$i return $%atever %e !ay %ave received; toget%er $it% its fruits and interests.
Art. CC8. ???
If t%e "erson interested in t%e condition s%oud "revent its fufi!ent; $it%out t%e
faut of t%e %eir; t%e condition s%a be dee!ed to %ave been co!"ied $it%.
2alane+ )%ere are )%ree 5inds of Sus"ensive Conditions:
1. 'urel% 'otestati(e.-- 4he fulfillment of the condition depends solel% upon the will of the heir.
de(isee or legatee.
#.g.. 5I gi(e m% entire free portion to #rap should he sha(e his moustache.5
<eneral rule+ 4he condition must *e fulfilled as soon as the heir learns of the testator;s
death.
#$ception+ If the condition has alread% *een fulfilled and it cannot *e fulfilled again. the
condition is deemed fulfilled.
3onstructi(e compliance is applica*le.
". 3asual.-- 4he fulfillment of the condition depends solel% on chance or on the will of a third
person.
#.g.. 5I gi(e G. 17& of m% estate should Ma%on erupt one %ear from now.5
&. Mi$ed.-- 4he fulfillment of the condition depends partl% on chance and partl% on the will of
the heir. de(isee. or legatee.
#.g.. 5I gi(e one million to A pro(ided he sets up a foundation for the (ictims of the ne$t
eruption of Ma%on.5
Rules for casual and mi$ed conditions+
<eneral rule+ 4he condition ma% *e fulfilled an% time. either *efore or after the testator;s
death unless the testator pro(ides otherwise.
0h%1 It is not w7in the heir. de(isee or legatee;s control.
Iualification+ If condition is alread% fulfilled at the time of the e$ecution.
a. 4estator is unaware-- 4he condition is deemed complied w7 or fulfilled.
*. 4estator is aware.-- (1) If the condition can no longer *e fulfilled again. it is deemed
fulfilled! (") If the condition can still *e fulfilled. fulfill it again.
Rules for 3onstructi(e compliance.-- 4hat when the heir. de(isee or legatee has done e(er%thing
to compl% w7 the condition *ut the condition still does not happen.
'A<# @&
1. 'urel% potestati(e.-- Applica*le.
". 3asual.-- ,ot applica*le.
&. Mi$ed.-- a. 2% will - (1) 'erson interested - applica*le
(") 'erson not interested - not applica*le
*. 2% chance.-- ,ot applica*le.
?. -ther 'ro(isions.
Art. CCD. If t%e %eir be instituted under a sus"ensive condition or ter!; t%e estate
s%a be "aced under ad!inistration unti t%e condition is fufied; or unti it beco!es
certain t%at it cannot be fufied; or unti t%e arriva of t%e ter!.
)%e sa!e s%a be done if t%e %eir does not give t%e security re,uired in t%e
"receding artice.
2alane+ If the suspensi(e condition is not fulfilled. place the estate under administration until+
1. 4he condition is fulfilled. in w7c case the estate should *e gi(en to the instituted heir!
". It *ecomes o*(ious that it cannot *e fulfilled. in w7c case. the estate should *e gi(en to
the intestate heirs.
#.g.. 5I gi(e a car to A when he places first in the *ar.5 4estator dies while A is still
ta6ing law. 4he car is put under administration until+ (1) A tops the *ar. in w7c case the car
should *e gi(en to him! or (*) A dies while re(iewing in w7c case. the car should *e gi(en to the
intestate heirs *ec. the condition has *ecome o*(iousl% impossi*le of *eing fulfilled.
Art. CC&. )%e a""oint!ent of t%e ad!inistrator of t%e estate !entioned in t%e
"receding artice; as $e as t%e !anner of t%e ad!inistration and t%e rig%ts and obigations
of t%e ad!inistrator s%a be governed by t%e Rues of Court.
Art. CC>. Conditions i!"osed by t%e testator u"on t%e %eirs s%a be governed by
t%e rues estabis%ed for conditiona obigations in a !atters not "rovided for by t%is
Section.
2alane+ Rules on conditional o*ligations will appl% suppletoril%. Articles 11AE to 11E".
8. )er!.
Art. C7C. A dis"osition $it% a sus"ensive ter! does not "revent t%e instituted %eir
fro! ac,uiring %is rig%ts and trans!itting t%e! to %is %eirs even before t%e arriva of t%e
ter!.
2alane+ 4his is founded on the principle that the right of the heir instituted su*=ect to a term is
(ested at the time of the testator;s death-- he will =ust wait for the term to e$pire.
4he heir must sur(i(e the testator.
If the heir dies after the testator *ut *efore the term e$pires. he transmits his rights to his
'A<# @)
own heirs *ec. of the (ested right.
#.g.. 5I gi(e '1M to G. fi(e %ears after m% death.5
3ompare this w7 conditional.-- Art. 1D&). par. &-- Iualification of heir-- 4he heir must
*e ali(e and qualified at the time of the testator;s death and when the condition happens.
Art. CCA. )%e designation of t%e day or ti!e $%en t%e effects of t%e institution of an
%eir s%a co!!ence or cease s%a be vaid.
In bot% cases; t%e ega %eir s%a be considered as caed to t%e succession unti t%e
arriva of t%e "eriod or its e?"iration. But in t%e first case %e s%a not enter into "ossession
of t%e "ro"erty unti after %aving given sufficient security; $it% t%e intervention of t%e
instituted %eir.
2alane+ 0hat happens when the testator dies1 istinguish *etween+
1. Suspensi(e (e. die)-- gi(e it to the intestate heirs for them to en=o% *ut in order to
protect the right of the instituted heir. intestate heirs must put up a *ond (caucion muciana.)
". Resolutor% (in diem.)-- <i(e it to the instituted heirs *ut when the term arri(es. he
must gi(e it to the intestate heirs. 4he instituted heir does not ha(e to file a *ond.

>. #ode.
Art. CC:. )%e state!ent of t%e ob6ect of t%e institution; or t%e a""ication of t%e
"ro"erty eft by t%e testator; or t%e c%arge i!"osed by %i!; s%a not be considered as a
condition uness it a""ears t%at suc% $as %is intention.
)%at $%ic% %as been eft in t%is !anner !ay be cai!ed at once "rovided t%at t%e
instituted %eir or %is %eirs give security for co!"iance $it% t%e $is%es of t%e testator and
for t%e return of anyt%ing %e or t%ey !ay receive; toget%er $it% its fruits and interests; if %e
or t%ey s%oud disregard t%is obigation.
2alane+ A mode is an o*ligation imposed upon the heir to do or to gi(e something.
#.g.. 5I gi(e 17& of me estate to A *ut impose upon him the o*ligation to pa% for m% son;s
education.5
A condition suspends *ut does not o*ligate while a mode o*ligates *ut does not suspend.
Rules+
1. In case of dou*t *etween a mode and a condition. resol(e in fa(or of mode.
". In case of dou*t whether a mode e$ists. resol(e in fa(or of it *eing a request.
Art. CC8. 2%en $it%out faut of t%e %eir; an institution referred to in t%e "receding
artice cannot taEe effect in t%e e?act !anner stated by t%e testator; it s%a be co!"ied $it%
in a !anner !ost anaogous to and in confor!ity $it% %is $is%es.
???
2alane+ A caucion muciana is a securit% to *e put up to protect the right of the heirs (who would
succeed to the propert%) in case the condition. term or mode is (iolated.
Instances when it is needed+
1. Suspensi(e condition.-- Art. CC?.
'A<# @?
". ,egati(e potestati(e condition.-- Art. CAE.
&. Mode.-- Art. CC". par. ".
Section A.++ Legitime.
2alane+ /egitime comes a 9rench word w7c means 5legitimate share..5 4his was deri(ed from
the Spanish 3i(il 3ode *ut was simplified.
4here are & 6inds of S%stems+
1. 'artial Reser(ation.-- set aside for compulsor% heirs
". 3ommon law-- no reser(ation e$cept for support
&. 4otal reser(ation-- e(er%thing is set aside.
9or the 'hils.. we ha(e partial reser(ation.
,ew 3i(il 3ode Spanish 3i(il 3ode
____________________________________________________________________
/egitimes7 9ree portion L Short Me=ora 9ree 'ortion
L /egitime 2etterment
L ____________________________________
L
L
A*olished me/ora *ec.+ L goes to the goes to the
1. It opened a*uses and ga(e L children in children *ut
parents power to influence7 L equal shares the testator has
*lac6mail their children! L freedom as to
L how the chil-
L dren will share
L it.
". It was a s%stem our people L M 7
ne(er applied nor understood. L M 7
L /ong /egitime
_____________________________L_________________________________________

Art. CC(. Legiti!e is t%at "art of t%e testatorGs "ro"erty $%ic% %e cannot dis"ose of
because t%e a$ %as reserved it for certain %eirs $%o are; t%erefore; caed co!"usory %eirs.
2alane+ 1. 4here is compulsion on the part of the testator to reser(e that part of the estate w7c
corresponds to the legitime.
4he law sets a fractional portion of the estate aside for the compulsor% heirs.
4he law does not specif% w7c prop. to reser(e *ut onl% sets aside a fractional portion of
the estate.
4here is no o*ligation on the compulsor% heirs to accept.
". 4he prohi*ition imposed on the testator is that he is prohi*ited from ma6ing gratuitous
disposition+ (a) testamentar% disposition mortis causa8 (*) donation inter #i#os
-nl% the legitime is reser(ed. 4he free portion ma% *e disposed of *% will.
'A<# @@
#.g.. A is married to 2. 4he% had a child 3. A owns lot worth '?M.
a. A sells the lot to for '?M. 4his is (alid. 4he prohi*ition does not co(er an onerous
disposition *ec. this in(ol(es an e$change of (alues.
*. A donates to . 4his is not (alid if it impairs the legitime of 2 and 3.
Art. CC7. )%e foo$ing are co!"usory %eirs:
.&/ Legiti!ate c%idren and descendants; $it% res"ect to t%eir egiti!ate "arents and
ascendants9
.:/ In defaut of t%e foregoing; egiti!ate "arents and ascendants; $it% res"ect to
t%eir egiti!ate c%idren and descendants9
.8/ )%e $ido$ or $ido$er9
.>/ AcEno$edged natura c%idren; and natura c%idren by ega fiction9
.A/ Ot%er iegiti!ate c%idren referred to in artice :C7.
Co!"usory %eirs !entioned in Nos. 8; > and A are not e?cuded by t%ose in Nos. &
and :9 neit%er do t%ey e?cude one anot%er.
In a cases of iegiti!ate c%idren; t%eir fiiation !ust be duy "roved.
)%e fat%er or !ot%er of iegiti!ate c%idren of t%e t%ree casses !entioned; s%a
in%erit fro! t%e! in t%e !anner and to t%e e?tent estabis%ed by t%is Code.
2alane+ 4here are 9i(e (?) 6inds of 3ompulsor% heirs+
1. /egitimate children and descendants
". /egitimate parents and ascendants
&. 0idow or widower
). Ac6nowledged natural children. and natural children *% legal fiction
?. -ther illegitimate children
:nder the 9amil% 3ode. there is no more distinction *etween ac6nowledged natural
children and illegitimate children. 4he% are all considered as illegitimate.
Rosales (. Rosales.-- In this case. the deceased was the mother-in-law of the plaintiff.
4he plaintiff;s hus*and had predeceased his mother. 4he plaintiff widow see6s a share in her
mother-in-law;s estate claiming she is a compulsor% heir *eing a widow. 4he S3 denied her claim
*ec. the widow in the law refers to the widow of the deceased and not of a relati(e of t he
deceased.
)%ree 5inds of Reations%i" A!ong Co!"usory 1eirs:
1. 'rimar%.-- /egitimate children. and in their a*sence. legitimate descendants.
4he% are primar% *ec. the% are a*solutel% preferred. and the% e$clude the secondar%.
". Secondar%.-- /egitimate parents. and in their a*sence. legitimate ascendants
4he% inherit onl% in the a*sence of default of the primar%.
&. 3oncurring.-- Sur(i(ing spouse and illegitimate children. 4he% get their legitime
together w7 the primar% or secondar% heirs.
,either e$clude primar% or secondar% heirs nor each other.
#$cept+ Illegitimate children e$clude illegitimate parents.
'A<# @A

Artices CCC to 'D8. *ifferent Co!binations
I. According to 4olentino (all shares are w7 respect to the whole estate unless otherwise
pro(ided.)
1. /egitimate children 17". in equal portions. whether the% sur(i(e alone or with
concurring compulsor% heirs. (Art. CCC.)
". -ne legitimate child -- 17" (Art. CCC.)
Sur(i(ing spouse -- 17) (Art. CE". par. 1.)
&. /egitimate children -- 17". in equal portions (Art. CCC.)
Sur(i(ing spouse -- share equal to that of each child (Art. CE". par. ".)
). /egitimate children -- 17". in equal portions. (Art. CCC.)
,atural children -- 17" the share of each legitimate child (Art. CE?. par. 1.)
R ?. /egitimate children -- 17". in equal portions. (Art. CCC.)
Illegitimate children -- "7? the share of each legitimate child (Art. CE?. par. ".)
I @. /egitimate children -- 17". in equal portions.
,atural children -- 17" of the share of a legitimate child. (Art. CE?. par. 1.)
Illegitimate children -- )7? of the share of each natural child. (Art. CE?. par. ".)
I A. -ne legitimate child -- 17" (Art. CCC.)
Illegitimate children -- )7? of the share of a natural child. (Art. CE?. par. ".)
Sur(i(ing spouse -- 17) (Art. CE". par. 1.)
,-4#+ All concurring heirs get their share from the free portion. 4he sur(i(ing spouse
will *e preferred o(er the natural and illegitimate children. whose share ma% suffer reduction pro
rata. (Art. CE?. last par.)
C. /egitimate children -- 17". in equal portions. (Art. CCC.)
Illegitimate children -- )7? of the share of a natural child. (Art. CE?. par. ".)
Sur(i(ing spouse -- share equal to that of a legitimate child. (Art. CE". par. ".
CEA. CEC.)
E. /egitimate parents -- 17". whether the% sur(i(e alone or w7 concurring
compulsor% heirs. (Art. CCE.)
1D. /egitimate parents -- 17" (Art. CCE.)
,atural children -- 17). in equal shares. (Art. CE@.)
11. /egitimate parents -- 17" (Art. CCE.)
Illegitimate children -- 17). in equal shares (Art. CE@.)
R 1". /egitimate parents -- 17" (Art. CCE.)
'A<# @C
,atural children ------- M 17) (Art. CE@) *ut each illegitimate child gets
)7? of the share of each natural child (Art. CE?
Illegitimate children --- 7 par. ".)
1&. /egitimate parents -- 17" (Art CCE.)
Sur(i(ing spouse -- 17) (Art. CE&.)
R 1). /egitimate parents -- 17" (Art. CCE.)
,atural children ------ M 17) (Art. CE@) *ut each illegitimate child gets
)7? of the share of each natural child.
(Art. CE?.
Illegitimate children -- 7 par. ".)
Sur(i(ing spouse -- 17C (Art. CEE.)
1?. ,atural and7 or illegitimate children -- all together get 17" (Art. ED1.) If all natural
or all illegitimate. di(e the portion equall%.
If some are natural and others illegitimate. each of the illegitimate child gets onl% )7? of
the share of each natural child. (Art. CE?. par. ".)
I 1@. ,atural and7 or illegitimate children -- 17& (Art. CE).). di(iding it as in num*er
1?.
Sur(i(ing spouse -- 17& (Art. CE).)
1A. Sur(i(ing spouse alone -- 17" or 17& if the marriage is in articulo mortis and the
deceased dies w7in & months after the marriage. (Art. EDD.)
1C. Illegitimate parents (natural or otherwise) alone -- 17" (Art. ED&.)
1E. Illegitimate parents -- none. (Art. ED&.)
3hildren or an% class -- same as in nos. 1. ). @ and 1?. as the case ma% *e.
"D. Illegitimate parents -- 17)
Sur(i(ing spouse -- 17) (Art. ED&.)
II. According to 2alane (all shares are w7 respect to the whole estate unless otherwise pro(ided.)
1. " legitimate children -- 17" shared equall% N 17) each
Sur(i(ing spouse (hereinafter SS) -- 17)
". ? /egitimate children -- 17" shared equall% N 171D
SS -- same share as in legitimate child N 171D
-2S#RH#+ 4here is an in(erse proportion *etween num*er of children and the
share of the SS.
&. 1 leg. child -- 17"
SS -- 17)
<eneral rule+ SS gets share equal to 1 leg. child.
#$ception+ If onl% 1 leg. child. SS gets 17)
'A<# @E
). " leg. parents -- 17" shared equall%
SS -- 17)
?. " leg. parents -- 17" shared equall%
SS -- 17C
1 illeg. child -- 17)
@. " leg. parents -- 17" shared equall%
& illeg. children -- 17) shared equall%
A. " illeg. parents -- none
& illeg. children -- 17" shared equall%
C. 1 adopted child -- 17"
" leg. parents -- none.
E. SS -- 17&
) illeg. children -- 17& shared equall%
1D. SS -- 17)
) illeg. children -- 17" of the share of a leg. child N 17C each
" leg. children -- 17" shared equall% N 17) each
If it e$ceeds the estate. rata*l% diminish the legitime of the illeg. children N 171@
11. " illeg. parents -- 17) shared equall%
SS -- 17)
1". " leg. children -- 17" shared equall%
SS -- share equal to 1 leg. child N 17)
__ leg. parents -- none
1&. 1 adopted child -- M 17" shared
1 leg. child ------- 7 equall%
SS -- 17)
1). SS -- 17)
Illeg. parents -- none
1 adopted child -- 17"
1?. SS alone -- 17" e$cept if the marriage is in articulo mortis. in w7c case the share
is 17&
a. Marriage is in articulo mortis
*. ies w7in & months
c. ,ot li(ed together for ? %ears
d. 'erson who dies is the sic6 spouse
1@. 1 adopted child -- 17"
1 illeg. child -- 17" of the share of an adopted child N 17)
1A. C leg. children -- 17" shared equall% N 171@
'A<# AD
1 illeg. child -- 17" of the share of a leg. child N 17&"
SS -- same as the share of 1 leg. child N 171@
1C. C leg. children -- M 17" shared equall%
1 adopted child - 7 N 171C each
1 illeg. child -- 17" of the share of a leg. child N 17&@
SS -- same share as 1 leg. child N 171C
1E. 1 leg. parent -- 17"
SS -- 17C
"D. 1 leg. parent -- 17"
SS -- 17)
"1. 1 leg. parent -- 17"
"". 1 adopted child -- M 17" shared equall%
1 leg. child ------- 7 N 17)
SS -- same share as a leg. child N 17)
1 illeg. child -- 17" share of leg. child N 17C
" leg. or illeg. parents -- none
"&. 1 adopted child -- 17"
SS -- 17)
" leg. or illeg. parents -- none
:nder the 9amil% 3ode+
1. If the decedent died *efore the 9amil% 3ode too6 effect -- leg. + natural + illeg. N
1D + ? + )
". If the decedent died after the 93 too6 effect -- leg. + illeg. N " + 1. o not
distinguish *etween natural and spurious.
(conc)urring fraction -- 17" -- called *asic legitime
In most cases. there will *e a group or single heir who will get 17" of the estate.
#$ceptions+ (1) Art. CE). -- Illeg. children (17&) and SS (17&)
(") Art. ED&. -- Illeg. parents (17)) and SS (17))
(&) Articles EDD -- SS alone in case of marriage in articulo mortis with
the following requisites+
a. Marriage in articulo mortis
*. 4he spouse dies w7in & months
c. 4he% ha(e not li(ed together for ? %ears
d. Spouse who dies is the sic6 spouse
#$ample. A. in the I3:. is rich and d%ing of AIS. 2. who has not li(ed w7 A. accepts
A;s proposal of marriage. 4he% get married in the hospital. After getting married. A lapses into a
'A<# A1
coma. 4he doctor sends 2 to *u% the medicine. As 2 is crossing the street. she is run o(er *% a
*us and dies. A is the onl% compulsor% heir of 2. Is this the marriage in articulo mortis
contemplated *% the &rd e$ception1 ,o. 4he one who should die w7in & months should *e A for
the e$ception to appl%.
Rationale for the e$ception in num*er & -- It is the law;s wa% of showing its distaste to
marriages for con(enience or for interest or gain.
#$ception to e$ception+ If the% ha(e li(ed together for at least ? %ears *efore the
marriage. 4his shows that it was not onl% for interest. ,ow that one is d%ing. to reward the other
spouse.
#$ception to num*er & -- Applies onl% if the wife is (the) onl% compulsor% heir. 0h%1
2ec. in other cases. she will alwa%s get less than 17". oes not also appl% to intestac% if the wife
is the onl% intestate heir. She will get the whole estate. In such a case. the testator was not gi(en
a change to ma6e a will. If gi(en a chance. he could ha(e named other people.
Art. CCC. )%e egiti!e of egiti!ate c%idren and descendants consists of one+%af of
t%e %ereditary estate of t%e fat%er and of t%e !ot%er.
)%e atter !ay freey dis"ose of t%e re!aining %af; sub6ect to t%e rig%ts of
iegiti!ate c%idren and of t%e surviving s"ouse as %ereinafter "rovided.
2alane+ 1. If there are legitimate children. the% will get collecti(e legitime of 17" of the estate. It
does not sa% how the% will di(ide the legitime. 3ommentators agree that the% will di(ide the 17"
equall% regardless of age. se$. marriage of origin (whether 1st. "nd. etc.)
". 0h% descendants1 Rule+ ,earer e$cludes more remote.
If there are children. the% will e$clude the more remote descendants. e.g.. grandchildren
0hen descendants1
a. Right of representation e$ists
*. All children renounce. Since all renounce. the ne$t in line will inherit equall% not *%
(irtue of representation *ut *ec. the% are the nearest relati(es in the descending line.
G
7 L M
A 2 3
7 L 7 M L M
e f g h i =
a. If A. 2 and 3 renounce. grandchildren will inherit
*. If onl% 2 renounces. legitime will *e di(ided into " onl%. 2;s children cannot represent
him.
&. -ther half of the estate -- free portion. Su*=ect to the free disposal of the testator. If not
'A<# A"
disposed of *% the testator. then it will go *% intestac%.

Art. CC'. )%e egiti!e of egiti!ate "arents or ascendants consists of one+%af of t%e
%ereditary estates of t%eir c%idren and descendants.
)%e c%idren or descendants !ay freey dis"ose of t%e ot%er %af; sub6ect to t%e
rig%ts of iegiti!ate c%idren and of t%e surviving s"ouse as %ereinafter "rovided.
Art. C'D. )%e egiti!e reserved for t%e egiti!ate "arents s%a be divided bet$een
t%e! e,uay9 if one of t%e "arents s%oud %ave died; t%e $%oe s%a "ass to t%e survivor.
If t%e testator eaves neit%er fat%er nor !ot%er; but is survived by ascendants of
e,ua degree of t%e "aterna and !aterna ines; t%e egiti!e s%a be divided e,uay
bet$een bot% ines. If t%e ascendants s%oud be of different degrees; it s%a "ertain entirey
to t%e ones nearest in degree of eit%er ine.
2alane+ Articles CCE and CED -- /egitimate parents or ascendants alone -- 17" of the estate.
A. 4hree rules+
1. ,earer e$cludes the more remote. ,o representation in the ascending line.
Illustration+
A1 A" 21 2" a. If G dies. the legitime will *e shared *% the parents
M 7 M 7 A and 2 *ec. the nearer e$cludes the more remote.
A 2
M 7 *. If A predeceases G. 2 gets all. A1 and A" will get
M 7 nothing *ec. there is no right of representation in the
J 7 ascending line.
G
". i(ision *% (*etween the) lines -- 17" of legitime each to maternal and paternal
(assuming that the nearest relati(es in *oth sides are of the same degree.)
Illustration (see illustration a*o(e.)
a. If *oth parents predecease G. the nearest ascendants would *e the grandparents.
i(ision *% line will appl%. 4he estate will *e di(ided equall% *et. the maternal and paternal lines
(17) of estate each.) /egitimes+ A1 N 17C. A" N 17C. 21 N 17C. 2" N 17C
*. If A1 predeceases G. there will still *e equal di(ision *% lines. 2oth lines get 17) of
the estate each. /egitimes+ A" N 17). 21 N 17C. 2" N 17C.
,-4#+ If one of the parents. either A or 2. is ali(e. di(ision *% line will not appl%. Rule
1 would appl% where the nearer would e$clude the more remote. 4he parent would e$clude the
grandparent.
'A<# A&
&. #qual di(ision w7in the line.
2. 8ow far up do %ou go1 As far as possi*le as long as all lower ascendants are dead. 4he law
does not limit *ut nature does.
Art. C':. If ony one egiti!ate c%id or descendant of t%e deceased survives; t%e
$ido$ or $ido$er s%a be entited to one+ fourt% of t%e %ereditary estate. In case of a ega
se"aration; t%e surviving s"ouse !ay in%erit if it $as t%e deceased $%o %ad given cause for
t%e sa!e.
If t%ere are t$o or !ore egiti!ate c%idren or descendants; t%e surviving s"ouse
s%a be entited to a "ortion e,ua to t%e egiti!e of eac% of t%e egiti!ate c%idren or
descendants.
In bot% cases; t%e egiti!e of t%e surviving s"ouse s%a be taEen fro! t%e "ortion
t%at can be freey dis"osed of by t%e testator.
2alane+ A. /egitime of Sur(i(ing spouse+
1. If (alid or (oida*le marriage -- Iualified. Spouse ma% inherit.
". If legall% separated. it depends+
a. If innocent spouse -- not disqualified to inherit from the guilt% spouse
*. If guilt% spouse -- disqualified to inherit from the innocent spouse.
2. Rules as to legitime of the sur(i(ing spouse if concurring w7 legitimate children.
1. 1 leg. child -- 17" of estate
SS -- 17) of estate
". " or more leg. children -- 17" of estate shared equall%
SS -- share equal to that of a leg. child.
3. 5-r descendant5 (all portions are in relation to the whole estate unless otherwise pro(ided.)
Illustration+
G ----------- > (spouse)
@ K J
A 2 3
7 L 7 L M L M
1 " & ) ? @ A
1. If 2 predeceases G A N 17@
2;s children N 171C per child
3 N 17@
> N 17@
". If 2 renounces A N 17)
3 N 17)
> N 17)
'A<# A)
&. If A. 2 and 3 predecease 1 and " N 171" each
--- representation &. ) and ? N 171C each
@ and A N 171" each
> N 17@
According to commentaries+ >;s share is *ased on what the children would ha(e recei(ed
if the% were ali(e.
). If A. 2 and 3 renounce legitime of 17" is di(ided equall%
--- no representation *etween the E grandchildren
> N 1
According to 4olentino. > gets 17@. >;s share is *ased on the num*er of children. 4o
allow >;s share to *e equal to a grandchild would gi(e the children the opportunit% to reduce the
legitime of >. especiall% if > is onl% a stepmother. 4he pro*lem in this case is when 5or
descendants5 will appl%. 4his issue is undecided.
Art. C'8. If t%e testator eaves no egiti!ate descendants; but eaves egiti!ate
ascendants; t%e surviving s"ouse s%a %ave a rig%t to one+fourt% of t%e %ereditary estate.
)%is fourt% s%a be taEen fro! t%e free "ortion of t%e estate.
2alane+ 3om*ination+ /egitimate parents or ascendants -- 17" (di(ide according to Art. CCE and
CED.)
Spouse -- 17)
9ree portion -- 17)
Art. C'>. If t%e testator eaves iegiti!ate c%idren; t%e surviving s"ouse s%a be
entited to one+t%ird of t%e %ereditary estate of t%e deceased and t%e iegiti!ate c%idren to
anot%er t%ird. )%e re!aining t%ird s%a be at t%e free dis"osa of t%e testator.
2alane+ 4his is one of the e$ceptions to the *asic rule of 17".
Illeg. children -- 17& collecti(el% N di(ided depending if the decedent died *efore (? +
)) or after (equal) the 9amil% 3ode.
Sur(i(ing spouse -- 17&
9ree portion -- 17&
Art. C'A. )%e egiti!e of eac% of t%e acEno$edged natura c%idren and eac% of t%e
natura c%idren by ega fiction s%a consist of one+%af of t%e egiti!e of eac% of t%e
egiti!ate c%idren or descendants.
)%e egiti!e of an iegiti!ate c%id $%o is neit%er an acEno$edged natura c%id ;
nor a natura c%id by ega fiction; s%a be e,ua in every case to four+fift%s of t%e egiti!e
of an acEno$edged natura c%id.
)%e egiti!e of t%e iegiti!ate c%idren s%a be taEen fro! t%e "ortion of t%e estate
at t%e free dis"osa of t%e testator; "rovided t%at in no case s%a t%e tota egiti!e of suc%
iegiti!ate c%idren e?ceed t%at free "ortion; and t%at t%e egiti!e of t%e surviving s"ouse
'A<# A?
!ust first be fuy satisfied.
Art. &7(. Iegiti!ate c%idren s%a use t%e surna!e and s%a be under t%e
"arenta aut%ority of t%eir !ot%er; and s%a be entited to su""ort in confor!ity
$it% t%is code. )%e egiti!e of eac% iegiti!ate c%id s%a consist of one+%af of t%e
egiti!e of a egiti!ate c%id. .4a!iy Code./
2alane+ 1. /egitime of illeg. children affected *% the 9amil% 3ode.
a. If *efore -- 1D + ? + )
*. If after -- " + 1
". 3om*ination+
/eg. children -- 17" collecti(el%
Illeg. children -- 17" of the share of a leg. child each
SS -- share is equal to that of 1 leg. child.
&. Illustration+
G--------->
7 L
A 2 3
After the 9amil% 3ode.
a. A N 17) *. If there is a third illeg. child. #
2 N 17) A N 17)
> N 17) 2 N 17) /egitime e$ceeds estate
3 N 17C > N 17)
N 17C 3 N 17C M
N 17C - Reduce proportionall%
# N 17C 7
3 N 171"
N 171"
# N 171"
Art. C'(. Iegiti!ate c%idren $%o !ay survive $it% egiti!ate "arents or
ascendants of t%e deceased s%a be entited to one+fourt% of t%e %ereditary estate to be
taEen fro! t%e "ortion at t%e free dis"osa of t%e testator.
2alane+
/eg. parents -- 17" di(ided according to Art. CCE and CED
Illeg. children -- 17) collecti(el% di(ided according to whether decedent died *efore or
after the 9amil% 3ode.
'A<# A@
Art. C'7. 2%en t%e $ido$ or $ido$er survives $it% egiti!ate c%idren or
descendants; and acEno$edged natura c%idren; or natura c%idren by ega fiction; suc%
surviving s"ouse s%a be entited a "ortion e,ua to t%e egiti!e of eac% of t%e egiti!ate
c%idren $%ic% !ust be taEen fro! t%at "art of t%e estate $%ic% t%e testator can freey
dis"ose of.
2alane+ 4his is a repetition of Art. CE?.
Art. C'C. If t%e $ido$ or $ido$er survives $it% egiti!ate c%idren or descendants;
and $it% iegiti!ate c%idren ot%er t%an acEno$edged natura; or natura c%idren by ega
fiction; t%e s%are of t%e surviving s"ouse s%a be t%e sa!e as t%at "rovided in t%e "receding
artice.
2alane+ 4his is the same as Art. CE?. 4he 93 has simplified this.
Art. C''. 2%en t%e $ido$ or $ido$er survives $it% egiti!ate "arents or
ascendants and $it% iegiti!ate c%idren; suc% surviving s"ouse s%a be entited to one+
eig%t% of t%e %ereditary estate of t%e deceased $%ic% !ust be taEen fro! t%e free "ortion;
and t%e iegiti!ate c%idren s%a be entited to one+fourt% of t%e estate $%ic% s%a be taEen
aso fro! t%e dis"osabe "ortion. )%e testator !ay freey dis"ose of t%e re!aining one+
eig%t% of t%e estate.
2alane+ 4his shows how ar*itrar% legitime scheme is with regard to the sur(i(ing spouse.
/eg. parents -- 17" di(ided according to Articles CCE and CED
Illeg. children -- 17) di(ided depending on when the decedent died
SS -- 17C
9ree portion -- 17C
Art. 'DD. If t%e ony survivor is t%e $ido$ or $ido$er; s%e or %e s%a be entited to
one+%af of t%e %ereditary estate of t%e deceased s"ouse; and t%e testator !ay freey dis"ose
of t%e ot%er %af.
If t%e !arriage bet$een t%e surviving s"ouse and t%e testator $as soe!niHed in
articulo mortis; and t%e testator died $it%in t%ree !ont%s fro! t%e ti!e of t%e !arriage; t%e
egiti!e of t%e surviving s"ouse as t%e soe %eir s%a be one+t%ird of t%e %ereditary estate;
e?ce"t $%en t%ey %ave been iving as %usband and $ife for !ore t%an five years. In t%e
atter case; t%e egiti!e of t%e surviving s"ouse s%a be t%at s"ecified in t%e "receding
"aragra"%.
2alane+ /egitime of sur(i(ing spouse when he7 she sur(i(es alone+
<eneral rule -- 17"! 9ree portion -- 17"
#$ception -- Marriage in articulo mortis -- 17&! 9ree portion -- "7&

Art. 'D&. 2%en t%e testator dies eaving iegiti!ate c%idren and no ot%er
co!"usory %eirs; suc% iegiti!ate c%idren s%a %ave a rig%t to one+%af of t%e %ereditary
estate of t%e deceased.
)%e ot%er %af s%a be at t%e free dis"osa of t%e testator.
'A<# AA
2alane+ Illeg. children -- 17" di(ided either equall% (decedent died after the 93) or ? + )
(decedent died *efore the 93.)
Art. 'D:. )%e rig%ts of iegiti!ate c%idren set fort% in t%e "receding artices are
trans!itted u"on t%eir deat% to t%eir descendants; $%et%er egiti!ate or iegiti!ate.
2alane+
Illustration+
G
7
A 2
@ J @
a1 a" *1 *"
1. A is legitimate while 2 is illeg. 2oth A and 2 predeceased G. A left a1. a leg. child
and a". an illeg. child. 2 left *1. a leg. child and *". an illeg. child. 0ho will inherit and not
inherit when G dies1
A1 can inherit from G *% representation.
A" cannot inherit from G in either intestate or compulsor% succession *ecause of Art. EE"
w7c pro(ides that an illegitimate cannot inherit ab intestado from the legitimate relati(es of the
father or mother and (ice-(ersa
4his results in inconsistenc% and unfairness. (Art. ED") read with Art. EE" puts a
premium on *astardness. 'reference is gi(en to *astard children of *astard children as compared
to *astard children of legitimate children.
". If *oth A and 2 are dead. 0ho can G inherit from1
a1 dies -- G can inherit.
a" dies -- G cannot inherit *ecause of Art. EE"
*" dies -- G cannot inherit. In illegitimac%. %ou cannot go *e%ond the parent in
representation.
*1 dies -- :n6nown. 4he law is silent on this.
Art. 'D8. )%e egiti!e of t%e "arents $%o %ave an iegiti!ate c%id; $%en suc% c%id
eaves neit%er egiti!ate descendants; nor a surviving s"ouse; nor iegiti!ate c%idren; is
one+ %af of t%e %ereditary estate of suc% iegiti!ate c%id. If ony egiti!ate or iegiti!ate
c%idren are eft; t%e "arents are not entited to any egiti!e $%atsoever. If ony t%e $ido$
or $ido$er survives $it% "arents of t%e iegiti!ate c%id; t%e egiti!e of t%e "arents is one+
fourt% of t%e %ereditary estate of t%e c%id; and t%at of t%e surviving s"ouse aso one+fourt%
of t%e estate.
2alane+ 4here are " com*inations+
1. Illeg. parents -- 17"
does not go *e%ond illeg. parents unli6e Articles CEE
and CED.
'A<# AC
". Illeg. parents -- none
/eg. or illeg. children -- depending on who is left
Rules+ a. -nl% leg. children e$clude leg. parents
*. An% 6ind of children e$clude illeg. children.
#eserva Troncal.
Art. C'&. )%e ascendant $%o in%erits fro! %is descendant any "ro"erty $%ic% t%e
atter !ay %ave ac,uired by gratuitous tite fro! anot%er ascendant; or a brot%er or sister;
is obiged to reserve suc% "ro"erty as %e !ay %ave ac,uired by o"eration of a$ for t%e
benefit of reatives $%o are $it%in t%e t%ird degree and $%o beong to t%e ine fro! $%ic%
said "ro"erty ca!e.
2alane+ 8istor% of Reser#a Troncal+
In the old law. there were " reser(ations+
1. 9iudal -- 5ordinaria5. Art. E@C. -33
". Troncal -- 5lineal.5 5familial.5 5e$traordinaria.5 Art. C11 of the -33
In addition+ Re#ersiones
1. /egal -- Art. C1"
". Adoption -- Rules of 3ourt
Reser(ations.-- 'ropert% set aside for a group of people who are limited to persons
related from whom it came
Re#ersiones.+- 'ropert% goes *ac6 to the person from whom it came.
4he 3ode 3ommission a*olished all ). In the floor of 3ongress. there was a last minute
amendment to include reser#a troncal. In 1E@&. ' @1& re(i(ed re#ersion adopti#a. 2ut this was
eliminated *% the 9amil% 3ode. ,ow. onl% reser#a troncal remains.
1MS &R
M 7 M
M 7 M
M 7 M
"' )R
1MS (Mediate Source) ---- gratuitous title ---- "' (Prepositus) --- *% operation of law --- &R
(Reser#ista, reser#er) --- )R $Reser#atorios, reser#ees)
I. 'urpose of Reser#a Troncal
<onBales (. 39I.-- 4he purpose of reser#a troncal is to return the propert% to where it
originated and from where it stra%ed due to the accident of marriage. 5Accident5 here means
unforeseen de(elopment.
1. 9eudal
'A<# AE
a. :nderl%ing concept.-- 'ropert% should sta% w7 the famil% *ecause it has
sta%ed w7 them for so long and marriage should not *e allowed to cause that propert% to lea(e that
famil%.
*. 4o pre(ent the propert% from lea(ing the famil% through the accident of
marriage.
#.g.. G ---------- >
L
A
'ropert% from G;s famil%. G dies. propert% goes to A. A dies. propert% goes to >.
4he propert% ma% end up w7 >;s famil%.
". 4his is not good
a. It impairs the free circulation of propert%
*. :nderl%ing philosoph% is *ad-- outdated. aristocratic.
II. Requisites
3hua (. 39I.-- 1. 4he propert% was acquired *% a person from an ascendant of from a
*rother or sister *% gratuitous title.
". Said person died without legitimate issue.
&. 4he propert% is inherited *% another ascendant *% operation of law.
). 4here are relati(es w7in the third degree *elonging to the line from w7c said
propert% came.
3omments+
1. 5descendant5 -- applies onl% if one got it from an ascendant! *ut what if one got it
from a *rother! it should ha(e *een 5*% a person or indi(idual5
". Indi(idual died without legitimate issue.
5Issue5 here means children or descendants.
If w7 legitimate issue. this will not appl% *ut will go to legitimate descendants.
If w7 legitimate issue *ut the% all renounce. the indi(idual dies as if there was no
legitimate issue
&. 5-peration of law5 means legal or compulsor% succession.
III. 'R-3#SS.
1MS &R
M 7 M
'A<# CD
A M 2 7 M 3
M 7 M
"' )R
1. A N 1MS -- "'
a. MS -- either onl% an+ (1) ascendant M
-- of "'
(") *rother or sister 7
*. MS to ' -- *% gratuitous title -- either+ (1) donation
(") succession
3hua (.s 39I.-- As long as the transmission to the heir is free from an% condition
imposed *% the deceased himself and the propert% is gi(en out of pure generosit%. it is gratuitous.
#(en if the 3ourt ordered the heirs to pa% Standard -il. it is still gratuitous. If the e$pense or
charge is =ust incidental. it is still considered gratuitous.
#.g.. 5I gi(e %ou m% house pro(ided %ou pa% the mortgage.5 4his is still gratuitous *ut
%ou su*tract the (alue of what %ou paid.
". 2 N "' -- &R
-peration of law+ (a) compulsor% succession
(*) intestate succession
3annot *e *%+ (a) testate succession
(*) donation
Reser#a troncal commences at this point.
&. 3 N &R -- )R
4his is a consequence of reser#a troncal
4his occurs when the reser#ista dies
Reser#a troncal ends here.
IH. ,A4:R#
1. -f right of the reser#ista o(er the reser(ed propert%.
#droso (. Sa*lan.-- a. Reser(ista;s right o(er the propert% is that of ownership
*. Reser(ista;s right is su*=ect to a resolutor% condition which is that the
reser#atorios e$ist at the time of the reser(ista;s death. If there are. the reser(ista;s right
terminates and the propert% will pass to the reser#atorios.
c. Reser(ista;s ownership is aliena*le *ut su*=ect to the same resolutor%
condition. 4he *u%er;s ownership is su*=ect to the same resolutor% condition.
d. Reser(ista;s right of ownership is registra*le.
S5:ncle <erman+ -- 5germanus5 -- coming from the same seed! later came to mean
5*rother.5T
#rror in the case+ 4he case said 5reser#atorios cannot dispose of the e$pectanc%.5
According to the Sienes case. supra.. which is correct. the e$pectanc% can *e alienated.
'A<# C1
". -f right of the reser#atorios o(er the reser(ed propert%.
Sienes (. #sparcia.-- a. Reser(atorious right o(er the propert% during the life of the
reser(ista is a mere e$pectanc%.
*. 4he e$pectanc% is su*=ect to a suspensi(e condition which is that the reser(atorio is
ali(e at the time the reser#ista dies
c. 4he right of e$pectanc% can *e alienated *ut it will *e su*=ect to the same suspensi(e
condition
d. 4he right of e$pectanc% is registra*le. It must *e annotated at the *ac6 of the title to
protect the reser#atorios from innocent purchasers for (alue.
#rrors in the case+
1. 4he case said the 5right of reser#ista is su*=ect to a dou*le resolutor% condition.5 --
(a) death of the reser#ista! and (*) sur(i(al or reser#atorio
8owe(er. the death of the reser#ista is a term. It should *e the 5right of (the)
reser#atorio is su*=ect to a suspensi(e condition.5
". 4he case said that 5alienation *% (the) reser#atorios is su*=ect to a resolutor%
condition.5 It should read 5suspensi(e condition.5
H. 'AR4I#S.
A. 9our 'arties.
1. Mediate Source.-- #ither an ascendant or a *rother or sister of the prepositus.
a. If ascendant. there is no pro*lem. >ou 6now from what line the propert% came
from.
*. If *rother or sister and full or half *lood.
(i) If half *lood. no pro*lem. >ou 6now what line the propert% came
from.
(ii) If full *lood. there is a pro*lem. 8ow will %ou what line it came
from1
F2/ Re%es.-- Reser#a troncal applies onl% to half *lood *rothers and
sisters. >ou cannot determine the line if it is of full *lood.
Manresa.-- It should appl% regardless of whether it is of full or half
*lood. 4he law does not distinguish.
0hat line do %ou appl% it to1 >ou cannot appl% it to either line as long as
it is within the third degree. 0h%1 4he purpose of the law is not onl% to *ring
*ac6 the propert% to the line (curati(e) *ut also to pre(ent it from lea(ing the
famil%.
#.g. A----------2
7 M
G >
'A<# C"
> to G. A is dead. G dies. so the propert% goes to 2. 2 remarries. 4he propert%
is lost.
Manresa;s (iew is the accepted (iew.
". Prepositus.-- #ither a descendant. or *rother or sister of the mediate source.
8e is the central figure in the reser#a troncal *ecause+
a. At the time he recei(es the propert%. he *ecomes the a*solute owner. 8e can pre(ent
reser(a troncal from happening. 8ow1 2% pre(enting it from going to an ascendant *% operation
of law. 8ow1

1. 2% selling it. ispose of a potentiall% free portion propert% (e(en *% pacto de
retro.)
". <i(e it to an ascendant *% donation. de(ise. legac% or testamentar%
succession.
*. 8e is the *asis or point of reference for the third degree relationship.
,ote+ 4here is no reser#a troncal %et while the propert% is in the hands of the prepositus.
&. Reser#ista-- called 5ascendant reser(ista.5 8e must *e another ascendant other than
the mediate source if the mediate source is an ascendant.
Reser#a troncal *egins once the reser#ista inherits the propert%. 8e is *ound *% the
o*ligations.
I+ Must the ascendant-reser#ista *elong to a line similar to the mediate source or should
he *e from a different line1
#.g.. G----------> G donates to 3. 3 dies and it goes to A.
L 1MS -- G
A----------2 "' -- 3
L &R -- A 1
3
Is there reser#a troncal1
1. ,o. 4he propert% ne(er left the line.
". >es. 4here is no requirement in Art CE1 that the 1MS and &R must *elong to different
lines. 4his is the (iew accepted *% the ma=orit% of commentators.
). Reser#atorios -- class or group
a. Requirements+
'A<# C&
1. Must *e w7in the third degree from the prepositus.
". Must *e from the line from w7c the propert% came
&. Must *e related *% *lood to the mediate source.
(According to commentators.)
#.g.. A----------A1
L
2----------21 (Reser#ista)
L
3 (Prepositus)
2 died. :pon A;s death. 3 inherits from A. :pon 3;s death. the propert% is transmitted to
21. Is A1 a reser#atorio1
9ollowing the & requisites+
1. >es.
". >es.
&. ,o. A1 is not related *% *lood to the mediate source.
*. Reser(ation.-- in fa(or of a class. It is not required that reser(atorios *e
li(ing at the time of the prepositus; death *ut required to *e ali(e at the time of the death
of the reser(ista. :hy; Bec. reser#ation is in fa#or of a class. !s long as you belong to
the class when the reser#ista dies. then %ou are a reser#atorio.
c. 8ow do the% inherit w7in the class1
'adura (. 2aldo(ina.-- Appl% the rules in intestate succession+
a. ,earer e$cludes the more remote.
*. Representation in fa(or or nieces for predeceased *rother
c. 'roportion of " + 1 *etween full and half *lood nephews and *rothers.
8owe(er. there is no representation in the case *ec. there are no other *rothers. 8owe(er.
the ratio of " + 1 is maintained.
9lorentino (. 9lorentino.-- Representation onl% in fa(or of nephews and nieces of
deceased *rothers and sisters of the prepositus. 4he case is wrong. howe(er. when it did not
distinguish *etween full and half *lood nephews and nieces.
2. 4hree relationships
1. Mediate Source.-- Prepositus-- ascendant or *rother or sister
". Prepositus.++ Reser#ista -- descendant - ascendant relationship
&. Reser#atorio ++ Reser#ista
Mediate Source -- *lood relation
Prepositus -- within the &rd degree
All relationship must *e legitimate.
'A<# C)
In effect. this requirement punishes legitimate relations *ec. if the relation is illegitimate.
there is no o*ligation to reser(e.
IH. 'R-'#R4>.
A. In order for reser#a troncal to e$ist. propert% from 1MS --- "' and from ' -- R must *e
the same.
0hat 6ind of propert%1 An% 6ind. whether real or personal. as long as it is the same propert%.
0hat a*out mone%. can it *e reser(ed1 >es. In mone%. the propert% is the purchasing power and
not the *ills. As such. the (alue of the mone% can *e reser(ed.
2. Special 'ro*lems
MS R
M 7
'
MS dontes a piece of land to ' worth '1DD.DDD. ' then dies w7o legitimate issue. R is
the morther of '.
1. If ' had no will and the land is the onl% propert% in his estate. what is reser(ed1 4he
whole land.
,ote+ 17" to R as legitime
17" to R *% intestac%.
". If with a will that said 5I gi(e the free portion to m% mother.5 what is reser(ed1 -ne-
half (17") of the land.
,ote+ 17" to R as legitime
17" to R *% will

0hat is reser(ed is what R recei(ed as legitime (transferred *% operation of law.)
&. If ' acquired another piece of land worth '1DD.DDD *efore he died and he did not ha(e
a will. what is reser(ed1 4he land from MS is reser(ed.
). Same as num*er &. *ut this time ' died w7 a will stating 5I gi(e the free portion to m%
mother.5 0hat is reser(ed1
,ote+ 17" to R as legitime N '1DD.DDD
17" to R *% will N '1DD.DDD
/and from MS -- can *e reser(ed
/and su*sequentl% acquired -- cannot *e reser(ed.
4wo theories+
a. Reser#a ma.ima (ma$imum operation of reser#a troncal) -- fit as
much of reser(a*le propert% as %ou can in the 17" *% legitime. In the e$ample.
the whole land from MS is reser(a*le.
*. Reser#a minima (followed *% most commentators) -- #(er% item will
'A<# C?
pass according to ratios of the properties. In the e$ample. 17" will pass as
legitime and 17" *% will for *oth pieces of land N 17" of land from MS is
reser(a*le.
?. If the land from MS is 1DD.DDD and the land su*sequentl% acquired is @D.DDD. and '
died w7o a will. what is reser(ed1
,ote+ 17" as legitime N CD.DDD
17" *% intestac% N CD.DDD
a. Reser#a -a.ima - C71D of land from MS is reser(a*le
*. Reser#a -inima - 17" of the land from MS is reser(a*le
@. Same as num*er @ *ut ' had a will stating 5I *equeath 17) of m% estate to m%
mother.5 0hat is reser(ed1
,ote+ 17" as legitime N CD.DDDM &7) *% ope-
17) *% intestac% N )D.DDD 7 ration of law
17) *% will N )D.DDD
a. Reser#a ma.ima -- 0hole land from MS is reser(a*le
*. Reser#a minima -- &7) of land from MS is reser(a*le
/oo6 at how much passes *% operation of law.
4his arises onl% if+
1. ' dies lea(ing propert% he got from MS *% gratuitous title and other propert% from
other sources.
". ' made a will instituting the reser#ista to part of the estate.
HI. RI<84S A, -2/I<A4I-,S -9 48# 'AR4I#S.
Rights of Reser#atorio -*ligations of Reser#ista
1. 4o demand in(entor% and appraisal 1. 4o in(entor% and appraise
". 4o demand annotation of reser(a*le ". 4o annotate reser(a*le character of
character of the prop. proper. w7in ED da%s
&. 4o demand securit%7 *ond &. 4o gi(e scurit%7 *ond
Suma%a (. IA3 -- It is =urisprudence onl% that states that there is an o*ligation to
annotate. 4he other rights e$ist *% analog% from the -ld 3ode wherein similar rights e$isted for
reser#a #iudal.
HIII. #$tinguishment
1. eath of reser#ista -- ,o more reser#a troncal. 4he reser#atorios get the propert%. If there
are no reser#atorios. the prop. shall form part of the estate of the reser#ista. It is a 6ind of
dela%ed succession (F2/ Re%es) from the prepositus.
3ano (. irector -- 4he reser(ed prop. does not form part of the reser#ista's estate if
there are reser#atorios
'A<# C@
". eath of all the reser#atorios -- Reser#ista's title to the prop. *ecomes a*solute and
unconditional.
&. 9ortuitous loss of the reser(ed prop. If the loss was due to the fault of the reser#ista. the
securit% will answer for the propert%.
). 0ai(er *% all the reser#atorios pro(ided no reser(atorio is su*sequentl% *orn -- 4his is a
tentati(e e$tinguishment *ec. those su*sequentl% *orn cannot *e *ound *% the wai(er. A wai(er
is personal.
?. Registration of the prop. under the 4orrens s%stem *% an innocent purchaser for (alue wherein
the reser(a*le character of the prop. is not annotated on the title -- not reall% an e$tinguishment
*ut more of a freeing of the prop. 4he reser#ista. howe(er. is lia*le for the (alue of the prop. plus
damages.
@. #$tincti(e prescription -- reser#ista ad(ersel% occupies the prop. or openl% denies the
reser#a.
A. Merger -- Reser#ista can alienate -- *ut must *e to all the reser#atorios or if onl% to one.
then merger ta6es place onl% w7 regard to that share.
In settlement proceedings of the estate of the reser#ista, reser#atorios ma% enter a claim
to e$clude the prop. from the in(entor%. Reser#atorios can also file an accion rei#indicatoria.
8owe(er. this is usuall% consolidated w7 the settlement proceedings.
Art. 'D>. )%e testator cannot de"rive %is co!"usory %eirs of t%eir egiti!e; e?ce"t
in cases e?"ressy s"ecified by a$.
Neit%er can %e i!"ose u"on t%e sa!e any burden; encu!brance; condition; or
substitution of any Eind $%atsoever.
2alane+
'ar. 1.-- 4he testator cannot depri(e his compulsor% heirs of their legitime. -therwise.
he will preterit them or disinherit them ineffecti(el%.
'ar. ".-- See Art. C@) and CA". 4he principle is that the testator has no power o(er the
legitime
#$ceptions+
a. Art. "&C.-- 9amil% home-- 4en (1D) %ears.
*. Art. 1DCD.-- 'artition inter #i#os of will
c. Art. 1DC&.-- Indi(ision for "D %ears
d. Art. CE1.-- Reser#a troncal.

Art. 'DA. Every renunciation or co!"ro!ise as regards a future egiti!e bet$een
t%e "erson o$ing it and %is co!"usory %eirs is void; and t%e atter !ay cai! t%e sa!e
u"on t%e deat% of t%e for!er9 but t%ey !ust bring to coation $%atever t%ey !ay %ave
received by virtue of t%e renunciation or co!"ro!ise.
'A<# CA
2alane+ 4his is the prodigal son pro(ision.
1. Mone% recei(ed *% the compulsor% heir (is) considered as ad(ance on his legitime.
Art. ED? prohi*its an% contract or agreement *etween the predecessor and the successor. #(en if
there is an agreement. the same is not *inding and the heir can still get his legitime minus the
ad(ance.
". If the agreement is *etween the heir and his *rother that he will wai(e his legitime in
fa(or of his *rother. can he later claim his legitime after their father;s death1 ,o. 4he agreement
is (oid under Art. 1&)A that 5,o contract ma% *e entered into upon future inheritance e$cept in
cases e$pressl% authoriBed *% law.5
4wo (iews+
a. 4olentino.-- 4he heir should return mone% to his *rother as a matter of equit%.
4his is not a case of collation *ec. the mone% was not recei(ed from the decedent.
*. o not return the mone% *ec. the% are in pari delicto. 4he% should *e left as
the% are. 4he reason is that the right of the compulsor% heirs is onl% inchoate. the same
principle applied in Art. AAA.
Art. 'D(. Any co!"usory %eir to $%o! t%e testator %as eft any tite ess t%an t%e
egiti!e beonging to %i! !ay de!and t%at t%e sa!e be fuy satisfied.
2alane+ 52% an% title5 means *% gratuitous title. (It also co(ers) donation inter #i#os which are
considered ad(ances on the legitime.
Relate this pro(ision to Articles EDE and E1D.
Relate his also to Art. 1D@" where the testator e$presses otherwise for purposes of
collation onl% and not preterition.
Art. 'D7. )esta!entary dis"ositions t%at i!"air or di!inis% t%e egiti!e of t%e
co!"usory %eirs s%a be reduced on "etition of t%e sa!e; insofar as t%ey !ay be inofficious
or e?cessive.
2alane+ Relate this pro(ision to Art. 1D11.
Art. 'DC. )o deter!ine t%e egiti!e; t%e vaue of t%e "ro"erty eft at t%e deat% of t%e
testator s%a be considered; deducting a debts and c%arges; $%ic% s%a not incude t%ose
i!"osed in t%e $i.
)o t%e net vaue of t%e %ereditary estate; s%a be added t%e vaue of a donations by
t%e testator t%at are sub6ect to coation; at t%e ti!e %e !ade t%e!.
2alane+ 8ow to compute the net estate+
1. In(entor% all gross assets.
". educt unpaid de*ts from the gross assets since the de*ts of the decedent are to *e
'A<# CC
paid *% his estate.
<ross assets - e*ts N A(aila*le assets.
&. Add donations inter #i#os made *% the decedent to an%one. 4he (alue of the donated
propert% is to *e ascertained at the time the donation was made. An% change in the (alue is for
the account of the donee-owner.
A(aila*le assets O onations N ,et 8ereditar% #state.
L
4he *asis for computing the legitime
<ross Assets '".?DD.DDD
-utstanding de*ts ?DD.DDD
A(aila*le assets ".DDD.DDD
onation to eldest son O &DD.DDD
KEE1 stoc6 to *rother O ?DD.DDD
onation to daughter O "DD.DDD
,et #state '&.DDD.DDD
If there are & children - legitime N 1.?DD.DDD
?DD.DDD each.
Spouse - legitime N ?DD.DDD.
Art. 'D'. *onations given to c%idren s%a be c%arged to t%eir egiti!e.
*onations !ade to strangers s%a be c%arged to t%at "art of t%e estate of $%ic% t%e
testator coud %ave dis"osed by %is ast $i.
Insofar as t%ey !ay be inofficious or !ay e?ceed t%e dis"osabe "ortion; t%ey s%a
be reduced according to t%e rues estabis%ed by t%is Code.
Art. '&D. *onations $%ic% an iegiti!ate c%idI !ay %ave received during t%e
ifeti!e of %is fat%er or !ot%er; s%a be c%arged to %is egiti!e.
S%oud t%ey e?ceed t%e "ortion t%at can be freey dis"osed of; t%ey s%a be reduced
in t%e !anner "rescribed by t%is Code.
2alane+ Articles EDE and E1D are ta6en together.
A. 1. onation to child. whether legitimate or illegitimate
onation to parents or ascendants (Art. 1D@".)
<eneral rule+ 3harged to the legitime
#$ception+ If the testator pro(ides otherwise. (Art. 1D@".)
". onation to spouse
'A<# CE
<eneral rule+ ,ot allowed.
#$ception+ <ifts of moderate (alue! treat the same as a donation to a compulsor%
heir.
&. onation to a stranger -- charged to the free portion.
2. 3ollation (Art. 1D@1.)
1. 4hree senses
a. 3omputation.-- Art. EDC. par. "
*. Imputation.-- Articles EDE and E1D.
c. Reduction7 return.-- Articles E11 to E1&.
". #$ample.
G
----------------
L L L +
A 2 3
<ross #state AD.DDD
/ess+ e*ts &?.DDD
A(aila*le assets &?.DDD
Add+ onations+
1ECA to A 1?.DDD
1ECE to M &D.DDD
1EE1 to )D.DDD
,et 8ereditar% #state 1"D.DDD
/egtimes + onation Ad(ance + /ac6 _______
on /egitime
A "D.DDD 1?.DDD ?.DDD
2 "D.DDD D "D.DDD
3 "D.DDD D "D.DDD
1D.DDD )D.DDD (&D.DDD)
')?.DDD is needed to compl% w7 the legitime *ut (we) onl% ha(e &?.DDD a(aila*le assets.
So we need 1D.DDD. Reduce the donations.
a. onation to 2 is considered as donation to a stranger as far as the &D.DDD is concerned
*. onation to M is a donation to a stranger
c. onation to A is not su*=ect to reduction
'A<# ED
4he first to *ear the reduction is the donation to . so deduct 1D.DDD from him
A N "D.DDD
2 N "D.DDD
3 N "D.DDD
N &D.DDD
M N &D.DDD

Art. '&&. After t%e egiti!e %as been deter!ined in accordance $it% t%e t%ree
"receding artices; t%e reduction s%a be !ade as foo$s:
.&/ *onations s%a be res"ected as ong as t%e egiti!e can be covered; reducing or
annuing; if necessary; t%e devise or egacies !ade in t%e $i9
.:/ )%e reduction of t%e devises or egacies s%a be pro rata; $it%out any distinction
$%atever.
If t%e testator %as directed t%at a certain devise or egacy be "aid in "reference to
ot%ers; it s%a not suffer any reduction unti t%e atter %ave been a""ied in fu to t%e
"ay!ent of t%e egiti!e.
.8/ If t%e devise or egacy consists of a usufruct or ife annuity; $%ose vaue !ay be
considered greater t%an t%at of t%e dis"osabe "ortion; t%e co!"usory %eirs !ay c%oose
bet$een co!"ying $it% t%e testa!entary "rovision and deivering to t%e devisee or egatee
t%e "art of t%e in%eritance of $%ic% t%e testator coud freey dis"ose.
2alane+ -rder of reduction
1. /egacies and de(ises. (Art. EDA.)
<eneral rule+ 'ro-rata.
#$ception+ 'referred ones as stated *% the testator will *e the last to *e reduced among
the de(ises and legacies if still needed.
". Reduce donations to strangers.
Rule+ Most recent donation to *e reduced first (earlier donations are preferred.) See Art.
AA&. ,33.
,ote+ 1 and " will *e reduced e(en up to D as long as needed.
&. Reduce the share of illegitimate children.
Art. 'AD. If t%e estate s%oud not be sufficient to cover a t%e egacies or
devises; t%eir "ay!ent s%a be !ade in t%e foo$ing order:
.&/ Re!uneratory egacies or devises9
.:/ Legacies or devises decared by t%e testator to be "referentia9
.8/ Legacies for su""ort9
.>/ Legacies for education9
.A/ Legacies or devises of a s"ecific; deter!inate t%ing $%ic% for!s "art of
t%e estate9
.(/ A ot%ers "ro rata.
Art. '&:. If t%e devise sub6ect to reduction s%oud consist of rea "ro"erty; $%ic%
'A<# E1
cannot be convenienty divided; it s%a go to t%e devisee if t%e reduction does not absorb
one+%af of its vaue9 and in a contrary case; to t%e co!"usory %eirs9 but t%e for!er and t%e
atter s%a rei!burse eac% ot%er in cas% for $%at res"ectivey beongs to t%e!.
)%e devisee $%o is entited to a egiti!e !ay retain t%e entire "ro"erty; "rovided its
vaue does not e?ceed t%at of t%e dis"osabe "ortion and of t%e s%are "ertaining to %i! as
egiti!e.
Art. '&8. If t%e %eirs or devisees do not c%oose to avai t%e!seves of t%e rig%t
granted by t%e "receding artice; any %eir or devisee $%o did not %ave suc% rig%t !ay
e?ercise it9 s%oud t%e atter not !aEe use of it; t%e "ro"erty s%a be sod at "ubic auction
at t%e instance of any one of t%e interested "arties.
Art. '&>. )%e testator !ay devise and be,ueat% t%e free "ortion as %e !ay dee! fit.
Section (.++ $isinheritance.
2alane+ A compulsor% heir cannot depri(e his compulsor% heir of his legitime unless e$pressl%
pro(ided *% law. 4he law e$pressl% pro(ides onl% one wa%. (alid disinheritance.
Requisites+
1. Made in a (alid will. (Art. E1@.)
". Identit% of the heir is clearl% esta*lished
&. 9or a legal cause. (Articles E1E to E"1.)
). #$pressl% made
?. 3ause stated in the will.
@. A*solute or unconditional (not 5if he doesn;t apologiBe.5)
A. 4otal
C. 3ause must *e true and if challenged *% the heir. it must *e pro(ed to *e true
(proponent of disinheritance has the *urden of proof.)
Art. '&A. A co!"usory %eir !ay; in conse,uence of disin%eritance; be de"rived of
%is egiti!e; for causes e?"ressy stated by a$.
Art. '&(. *isin%eritance can be effected ony t%roug% a $i $%erein t%e ega cause
t%erefor s%a be s"ecified.
Art. '&7. )%e burden of "roving t%e trut% of t%e cause for disin%eritance s%a rest
u"on t%e ot%er %eirs of t%e testator; if t%e disin%erited %eir s%oud deny it.
Art. '&C. *isin%eritance $it%out a s"ecification of t%e cause; or for a cause t%e trut%
of $%ic%; if contradicted; is not "roved; or $%ic% is not one of t%ose set fort% in t%is Code;
s%a annu t%e institution of %eirs insofar as it !ay "re6udice t%e "erson disin%erited9 but
t%e devises and egacies and ot%er testa!entary dis"ositions s%a be vaid to suc% e?tent as
'A<# E"
$i not i!"air t%e egiti!e.
Art. '&'. )%e foo$ing s%a be sufficient causes for t%e disin%eritance of c%idren
and descendants; egiti!ate as $e as iegiti!ate:
.&/ 2%en a c%id or descendant %as been found guity of an atte!"t against t%e ife
of t%e testator; %is or %er s"ouse; descendants; or ascendants9
.:/ 2%en a c%id or descendant %as accused t%e testator of a cri!e for $%ic% t%e
a$ "rescribes i!"rison!ent for si? years or !ore; if t%e accusation %as been found
groundess9
.8/ 2%en a c%id or descendant %as been convicted of adutery or concubinage $it%
t%e s"ouse of t%e testator9
.>/ 2%en a c%id or descendant by fraud; vioence; inti!idation; or undue infuence
causes t%e testator to !aEe a $i or to c%ange one aready !ade9
.A/ A refusa $it%out 6ustifiabe cause to su""ort t%e "arent or ascendant $%o
disin%erits suc% c%id or descendant9
.(/ #atreat!ent of t%e testator by $ord or deed; by t%e c%id or descendants9
.7/ 2%en a c%id or descendant eads a dis%onorabe or disgracefu ife9
.C/ Conviction of a cri!e $%ic% carries $it% it t%e "enaty of civi interdiction.
2alane+ 4his is an e$clusi(e list and not illustrati(e.
<rounds+
1. Attempt against the life. etc.-- 9inal con(iction is necessar%.
5Attempt5 is a generic term which includes all 6inds of commission. whether frustrated or
consummated.
Intent to 6ill must *e present.
". Accusation.
#lements+
a. Accusation is a generic term which includes+ (i) filing of an information! (ii)
presenting incriminating e(idence! (iii) acting as a witness against the ascendant.
*. Imprisonment of more than si$ (@) %ears
c. Accusation is groundless.-- Ascendant is acquitted on the finding that+ (i) there is no
crime! or (ii) that the ascendant did not commit it.
If the ascendant was acquitted on reasona*le dou*t. the ascendant cannot disinherit
*ecause the accusation is not groundless.
&. Adulter% and concu*inage.-- 4his needs con(iction. #.g.. 0hen %our parent
remarries someone %oung and %ou ha(e an affair with that person.
). 9raud. (iolence. intimidation or undue influence as regards the will.-- 4his goes into
the (er% essence of will-ma6ing-- the freedom depri(ed *% the child or descendant.
It does not mention pre(ent *ecause if he was pre(ented. how can he ma6e a will of
disinheritance1 're(ention is a ground for unworthiness (Art. 1D&". par. A) which has the same
effect as disinheritance.
?. Refusal to support without =ustifia*le cause.-- Refusal. itself. is not a ground! it must
*e un=ustified. #.g.. In the 93. there is an order of preference for support. 4he person ma% *e
willing to support *ut it is not economicall% feasi*le. A person must support his wife and
children first. 4here is here a =ustified refusal.
'A<# E&
@. Maltreatment.-- ,o con(iction is required as compared to num*er 1 wherein
con(iction is needed. 4his ma% *e pro(en *% preponderance of e(idence. It is possi*le for an act
not to fall in num*er 1 *ut to fall in num*er @.
#.g.. 4he son shoots his father. 4he father is wounded *ut he reco(ers. 4he father does
not want a scandal so he does not file charges against his son. So. he disinherits his son not under
num*er 1 *ut under no. @.
A. /eads a dishonora*le life.-- 4his is a catch-all pro(ision. 5/eads5 denotes ha*itualit%.
ishonora*le and disgraceful are *ased on the sense of the communit% as percei(ed *% the =udge.
It is not limited to se$ual immoralit%. #.g.. drug addict. alcoholic.
E. 3i(il Interdiction.-- 3on(iction is required.
Accessor% penalt% that goes w7 the principal penalt% of reclusion temporal and up.
,otes+ 3on(iction is required in num*ers 1. & and E.
Art. ':D. )%e foo$ing s%a be sufficient causes for t%e disin%eritance of "arents or
ascendants; $%et%er egiti!ate or iegiti!ate:
.&/ 2%en t%e "arents %ave abandoned t%eir c%idren or induced t%eir daug%ters to
ive a corru"t or i!!ora ife; or atte!"ted against t%eir virtue9
.:/ 2%en t%e "arent or ascendant %as been convicted of an atte!"t against t%e ife
of t%e testator; %is or %er s"ouse; descendants; or ascendants9
.8/ 2%en t%e "arent or ascendant %as accused t%e testator of a cri!e for $%ic% t%e
a$ "rescribes i!"rison!ent for si? years or !ore; if t%e accusation %as been found to be
fase9
.>/ 2%en t%e "arent or ascendant %as been convicted of adutery or concubinage
$it% t%e s"ouse of t%e testator9
.A/ 2%en t%e "arent or ascendant by fraud; vioence; inti!idation; or undue
infuence causes t%e testator to !aEe a $i or to c%ange one aready !ade9
.(/ )%e oss of "arenta aut%ority for causes s"ecified in t%is Code9
.7/ )%e refusa to su""ort t%e c%idren or descendants $it%out 6ustifiabe cause9
.C/ An atte!"t by one of t%e "arents against t%e ife of t%e ot%er; uness t%ere %as
been a reconciiation bet$een t%e!.
2alane+ ,um*ers ". ? and A are the same as the grounds in Art. E1E.
<rounds+
1. #numerates & grounds+
a. A*andonment *% parent of his children.-- In a*andonment. there are two (") (iews+
1. Strict.-- /ea(ing them alone while still children under circumstances that
would endanger them.
". Accepted.-- An% case where a parent. without =ustifia*le cause. withholds his
care. #.g.. /ea(ing someone at the doorstep.
*. Induced their daughter to li(e a corrupt or immoral life.-- oes it include
grandparents to granddaughters1 >es. 4he pro(ision co(ers ascendant;s (is-U-(is descendants.
c. Attempt against their (irtues.-- Mere attempt is enough as long as it can *e pro(en.
'A<# E)
,ote+ In all & cases. con(iction is not required.
@. /oss of parental authorit%.-- 93 does not include all causes of loss of parental authorit%.
#$ception+ Adoption. age of ma=orit%.
4he grounds refer to those which in(ol(e the same moral culpa*ilit%. #$ception+
Articles ""E. par. ). "&D and "&1 of 93.
C. Attempt *% a parent against the other.-- 4his does not need con(iction. #$ception+ 0hen
the% reconcile.
4his presupposes that there is no disinheritance %et.
/osses right to disinherit upon reconciliation.
2ut what if alread% disinherited *efore reconciliation1 4his is not clear. 2ut it should *e
considered re(o6ed *ec. in case of dou*t. resol(e against disinheritance.

Art. ':&. )%e foo$ing s%a be sufficient causes for disin%eriting a s"ouse:
.&/ 2%en t%e s"ouse %as been convicted of an atte!"t against t%e ife of t%e testator;
%is or %er descendants; or ascendants9
.:/ 2%en t%e s"ouse %as accused t%e testator of a cri!e for $%ic% t%e a$
"rescribes i!"rison!ent for si? years or !ore; and t%e accusation %as been found to be
fase9
.8/ 2%en t%e s"ouse by fraud; vioence; inti!idation; or undue infuence causes t%e
testator to !aEe a $i or to c%ange one aready !ade9
.>/ 2%en t%e s"ouse %as given cause for ega se"aration9
.A/ 2%en t%e s"ouse %as given grounds for t%e oss of "arenta aut%ority9
.(/ Un6ustifiabe refusa to su""ort t%e c%idren or t%e ot%er s"ouse.
2alane+ Similar grounds found in Articles E1E and E"D.
1. 2oth.
". 2oth.
&. 2oth.
?. Art. E"D onl%.
@. 2oth.
4he onl% new ground is num*er )+
/egal separation is not a ground. If there is legal separation. %ou do not need to
disinherit. isinheritance ta6es place *% operation of law.
As long as there is cause for legal separation. %ou can disinherit pro(ided %ou are the
offended spouse.
Art. '::. A subse,uent reconciiation bet$een t%e offender and t%e offended "erson
de"rives t%e atter of t%e rig%t to disin%erit; and renders ineffectua any disin%eritance t%at
!ay %ave been !ade.
2alane+ 1. Reconciliation.-- 4wo persons who are at odds decide to set aside their differences
and to resume their relations. 4he% need not go *ac6 to their old relation. A handsha6e is not
reconciliation. It has to *e something more. It must *e clear and deli*erate.
". 0hat is the effect of reconciliation1
a. If there is no will.-- It depri(es the offended person of his right to disinherit
'A<# E?
the offending person.
*. If alread% disinherited.-- It sets aside disinheritance alread% made.
&. 4his is inconsistent with Art. 1D&&. In disinheritance. reconciliation is sufficient. It
need not *e in writing. In unworthiness. howe(er. it needs to *e in writing. 4his is inconsistent
*ec. when %ou are dealing w7 the e$press will to disinherit. reconciliation is enough when %ou
are dealing w7 the presumed will. it must *e in writing.
Art. ':8. )%e c%idren and descendants of t%e "erson disin%erited s%a taEe %is or
%er "ace and s%a "reserve t%e rig%ts of co!"usory %eirs $it% res"ect to t%e egiti!e9 but
t%e disin%erited "arent s%a not %ave t%e usufruct or ad!inistration of t%e "ro"erty $%ic%
constitutes t%e egiti!e.
2alane+ Representation in case of disinheritance+
1. #ffect of disinheritance is not e$plicitl% pro(ided for.
4he total e$clusion N loss of legitime. right to intestate succession. and of an%
disposition in a prior will.
". 54a6es place onl% in legitime.5-- 4he law assumes that free portion has *een gi(en
awa%. If not. include the intestate portion.
&. Representation.-- (4his is applica*le onl%) if (the) person disinherited is a child or
descendant.
Includes *oth legitime and intestate share of the disinherited heir.
G
----------
L L
A 2
--------
K K
a1 a"
a. G made a will gi(ing >. a friend. 17" of his estate. 4his co(ered the free portion. G
(alidl% disinherited A. 3an a1 and a" represent A1 >es. 3hildren of A can represent him as to
the legitime onl% *ec. the free portion has *een gi(en to 2.
*. G (alidl% disinherits A. G did not dispose of his free portion. 8ow much will the
children of A inherit from G1 4he% will inherit A;s share in the legitime and in the free portion.
17) -- legitime
17) -- free portion.
4he representati(e of the disinherited person will recei(e *oth the legitime and the free
portion which might ha(e accrued to the person disinherited if he had not *een disinherited.
Section 7.++ Legacies and $evises.
'A<# E@
2alane+ efinition in Art. AC" is not a good definition.
1. 3astan.-- 5A legac% or a de(ise is a gratuitous grant in a will of a specific personal or
real propert%.5
". a. In a de(ise or legac%. 5a person succeeds *% particular title.5 to a specific
propert%.
*. 8eir is 5a person who succeeds *% uni(ersal title.5 to a fractional part of the
estate.
Art. ':>. A t%ings and rig%ts $%ic% are $it%in t%e co!!erce of !an !ay be
be,ueat%ed or devised.
2alane+ 0hat can *e *equeathed or de(ised1 An%thing w7in the commerce of man or w7c is
aliena*le.
Art. ':A. A testator !ay c%arge $it% egacies and devises not ony %is co!"usory
%eirs but aso egatees and devisees.
)%e atter s%a be iabe for t%e c%arge ony to t%e e?tent of t%e vaue of t%e egacy
of t%e devise received by t%e!. )%e co!"usory %eirs s%a not be iabe for t%e c%arge
beyond t%e a!ount of t%e free "ortion given t%e!.
2alane+ 4his pro(ision gi(es a misimpression.
<eneral rule+ /egac% or de(ise is an o*ligation of the estate unless it impairs the
legitimes.
#$ception+ If the o*ligation is imposed *% the testator on a testamentar% heir. de(isee or
legatee. 4he o*ligation *ecomes a su*-de(ise or su*-legac% N mode imposed on the heir. de(isee
or legatee.
#.g.. 5I gi(e A 17) of m% estate *ut I impose upon him the o*ligation to gi(e 2 a car.5
If A wants to accept the 17). he will ha(e to gi(e a car to 2.
Art. ':(. 2%en t%e testator c%arges one of t%e %eirs $it% a egacy or devise; %e
aone s%a be bound.
S%oud %e not c%arge anyone in "articuar; a s%a be iabe in t%e sa!e "ro"ortion
in $%ic% t%ey !ay in%erit.
Art. ':7. If t$o or !ore %eirs taEe "ossession of t%e estate; t%ey s%a be soidariy
iabe for t%e oss or destruction of a t%ing devised or be,ueat%ed; even t%oug% ony one of
t%e! s%oud %ave been negigent.
Art. ':C. )%e %eir $%o is bound to deiver t%e egacy or devise s%a be iabe in
case of eviction; if t%e t%ing is indeter!inate and is indicated ony by its Eind.
2alane+ (4his is a) *ad wa% to put it. As in Art. E"?. it is not the heir. de(isee or legatee who is
lia*le *ut the estate unless su*-legac% is imposed.
#.g.. 5I gi(e a fishpond to G.5 4he fishpond was gi(en to G. If a third person then puts a
'A<# EA
claim on the fishpond and succeeds in ta6ing possession of the fishpond *% winning the suit. then
as a general rule. the estate is lia*le unless it is a su*-de(ise or su*-legatee. in w7c case the
de(isee or legatee is lia*le.

Art. ':'. If t%e testator; %eir; or egatee o$ns ony a "art of; or an interest in t%e
t%ing be,ueat%ed; t%e egacy or devise s%a be understood i!ited to suc% "art or interest;
uness t%e testator e?"ressy decares t%at %e gives t%e t%ing in its entirety.
2alane+ 4he propert% gi(en is owned onl% in part *% the testator.
<eneral rule+ If the testator owns onl% a part. the de(isee or legatee will onl% get that
part.
#$ceptions+
(1) 4estator gi(es more.-- #.g.. <i(ing it in it;s entiret%. 8ow1 4he estate should *u%
out the rest of the propert%. If co-owners don;t li6e to sell. then the estate gi(es him the testator;s
share plus the cash (alue of the rest of the propert%.
(") 4estator gi(es less.-- Art. AE).
Art. '8D. )%e egacy or devise of a t%ing beonging to anot%er "erson is void; if t%e
testator erroneousy beieved t%at t%e t%ing "ertained to %i!. But if t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed;
t%oug% not beonging to t%e testator $%en %e !ade t%e $i; after$ards beco!es %is; by
$%atever tite; t%e dis"osition s%a taEe effect.
Art. '8&. If t%e testator orders t%at a t%ing beonging to anot%er be ac,uired in
order t%at it be given to a egatee or devisee; t%e %eir u"on $%o! t%e obigation is i!"osed
or t%e estate !ust ac,uire it and give t%e sa!e to t%e egatee or devisee9 but if t%e o$ner of
t%e t%ing refuses to aienate t%e sa!e; or de!ands an e?cessive "rice t%erefor; t%e %eir or t%e
estate s%a ony be obiged to give t%e 6ust vaue of t%e t%ing.
2alane+ Articles E&D and E&1.
Art. E&D.-- <eneral rule+ A legac% or de(ise of a thing *elonging to someone else when
the testator thought that he owned it is a (oid legac% or de(ise *ec. it is (itiated *% mista6e.
#$ception+ If the testator acquires it after ma6ing his will.
Art. E&1.-- If the thing gi(en as de(ise or legac% is not owned *% the testator at the time
he made the will *ut he orders his estate to acquire it. it is a (alid legac% or de(ise. 4he testator
6new that he did not own it. 4here is no mista6e.
Middle ground.-- Supposing+
a. 4he testator 6new that he did not own it.-- Art. E&D does not appl%.
*. 4estator does not order his estate to purchase it.-- Art. E&1 does not appl%.
0hat is the status of that legac% or de(ise1 According to 4olentino. when the testator
ga(e the legac% or de(ise 6nowing that it is not his. there is an implied order to the estate to
acquire it. Appl% Art. E&1 *% analog%. At the (er% least. there is a dou*t and dou*ts are resol(ed
in fa(or of (alidit%.
Art. '8:. )%e egacy or devise of a t%ing $%ic% at t%e ti!e of t%e e?ecution of t%e
'A<# EC
$i aready beonged to t%e egatee or devisee s%a be ineffective; even t%oug% anot%er
"erson !ay %ave interest t%erein.
If t%e testator e?"ressy orders t%at t%e t%ing be freed fro! suc% interest or
encu!brance; t%e egacy or devise s%a be vaid to t%at e?tent.
2alane+ /egac% of a thing alread% *elonging to the legatee or de(isee.
Art. '88. If t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed beonged to t%e egatee or devisee at t%e ti!e of
t%e e?ecution of t%e $i; t%e egacy or devise s%a be $it%out effect; even t%oug% it !ay
%ave been subse,uenty aienated by %i!.
If t%e egatee or devisee ac,uires it gratuitousy after suc% ti!e; %e can cai!
not%ing by virtue of t%e egacy or devise9 but if it %as been ac,uired by onerous tite %e can
de!and rei!burse!ent fro! t%e %eir or t%e estate.
2alane+ 4his is the same situation as in Art. E&".
'ar. 1.-- 4he legac% or de(ise is ineffecti(e e(en if the legatee or de(isee alienates the
thing after the will is made.
'ar. ".-- If at the time the legac% or de(ise is made. the thing did not *elong to the
legatee or de(isee *ut later on he acquires it. then+
a. If he acquired it *% gratuitous title. then the legac% or de(ise is (oid
*ec. the purpose of the testator that the propert% go to the de(isee or legatee has
alread% *een accomplished with no e$pense to the legatee or de(isee.
*. If he acquired it *% onerous title. then the legac% or de(ise is (alid and
the estate ma% *e required to reim*urse the amount.
Art. '8>. If t%e testator s%oud be,ueat% or devise so!et%ing "edged or !ortgaged
to secure a recoverabe debt before t%e e?ecution of t%e $i; t%e estate is obiged to "ay t%e
debt; uness t%e contrary intention a""ears.
)%e sa!e rue a""ies $%en t%e t%ing is "edge or !ortgaged after t%e e?ecution of
t%e $i.
Any ot%er c%arge; "er"etua or te!"orary; $it% $%ic% t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed is
burdened; "asses $it% it to t%e egatee or devisee.
2alane+ 'ar. 1.-- 4he purpose of the pa%ment of de*t is so that the legatee or de(isee will get it
free from encum*rance.
<eneral rule+ 'ledge7 mortgage must *e paid *% the estate.
#$ception+ If the testator pro(ides otherwise.
'ar. &.-- #.g.. #asement. usufruct.
Art. '8A. )%e egacy of a credit against a t%ird "erson or of t%e re!ission or reease
of a debt of t%e egatee s%a be effective ony as regards t%at "art of t%e credit or debt
e?isting at t%e ti!e of t%e deat% of t%e testator.
In t%e first case; t%e estate s%a co!"y $it% t%e egacy by assigning to t%e egatee
a rig%ts of action it !ay %ave against t%e debtor. In t%e second case; by giving t%e egatee
an ac,uittance; s%oud %e re,uest one.
In bot% cases; t%e egacy s%a co!"rise a interests on t%e credit or debt $%ic% !ay
be due t%e testator at t%e ti!e of %is deat%.
'A<# EE
Art. '8(. )%e egacy referred to in t%e "receding artice s%a a"se if t%e testator;
after %aving !ade it; s%oud bring an action against t%e debtor for t%e "ay!ent of %is debt;
even if suc% "ay!ent s%oud not %ave been effected at t%e ti!e of %is deat%.
)%e egacy to t%e debtor of t%e t%ing "edged by %i! is understood to disc%arge ony
t%e rig%t of "edge.
2alane+ 4he legac% to the de*tor of the thing pledged *% him is understood to discharge onl% the
right of pledge.
Art. '87. A generic egacy of reease or re!ission of debts co!"rises t%ose e?isting
at t%e ti!e of t%e e?ecution of t%e $i; but not subse,uent ones.
2alane+ /egac% of credit or remission. Articles E&? to E&A.
A. efinitions.
1. /egac% of credit.-- ta6es place when the testator *equeaths to another a credit against
a third person. In effect. it is a no#ation of the credit *% the su*rogation of the legatee in the
place of the original creditor. #.g.. 5I gi(e to A all the de*ts 2 owes me.5
". /egac% of remission.-- a testamentar% disposition of a de*t in fa(or of the de*tor.
4he legac% is (alid onl% to the e$tent of the amount of the credit e$isting at the time of the
testator;s death. In effect. the de*t is e$tinguished. #.g.. 5I gi(e to A as legac% his de*t to me.5
2. Rules applica*le.
1. Art. E&?.-- /egac% applies onl% to the amounts outstanding at the time of the testator;s
death. #.g.. A owes 2 '1.DDD. 2 ma6es a will gi(ing as legac% to A the de*t of A. After the will
is made. A pa%s 2 ?DD. 8ow much is the legac%1 '?DD.
". Art. E&@.-- 4he legac% is re(o6ed if the testator files an action (=udicial suit) against
the de*tor. #.g.. A *equeaths the credit he has against 2 to 2. After ma6ing the will. A sues 2 for
collection. A dies while the suit is pending. oes 2 ha(e a right to the credit1 ,o. 4he filing of
the action re(o6ed the legac%.
&. Art. E&A.-- It applies onl% to credits e$isting at the time the will was made. and not to
su*sequent credits. #.g.. 5I gi(e to A all the credits I ha(e against 2.5 0hen the will was made.
2 had & de*ts. After the will was made. 2 incurs " more de*ts. 0hich ones can A claim1
<eneral rule+ -nl% the first &.
#$ception+ 0hen the testator pro(ides otherwise.
Art. '8C. A egacy or devise !ade to a creditor s%a not be a""ied to %is credit;
uness t%e testator so e?"ressy decares.
In t%e atter case; t%e creditor s%a %ave t%e rig%t to coect t%e e?cess; if any; of t%e
credit or of t%e egacy or devise.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ /egac% or de(ise is not considered pa%ment of a de*t. 0h%1 2ec. if it is.
then it would *e a useless legac% or de(ise since it will reall% *e paid.
#$ception+ If the testator pro(ides otherwise.
'A<# 1DD
Art. '8'. If t%e testator orders t%e "ay!ent of $%at %e beieves %e o$es but does not
in fact o$e; t%e dis"osition s%a be considered as not $ritten. If as regards a s"ecified debt
!ore t%an t%e a!ount t%ereof is ordered "aid; t%e e?cess is not due; uness a contrary
intention a""ears.
)%e foregoing "rovisions are $it%out "re6udice to t%e fufi!ent of natura
obigations.
Art. '>D. In aternative egacies or devises; t%e c%oice is "resu!ed to be eft to t%e
%eir u"on $%o! t%e obigation to give t%e egacy or devise !ay be i!"osed; or t%e e?ecutor
or ad!inistrator of t%e estate if no "articuar %eir is so obiged.
If t%e %eir; egatee or devisee; $%o !ay %ave been given t%e c%oice; dies before
!aEing it; t%is rig%t s%a "ass to t%e res"ective %eirs.
Once !ade; t%e c%oice is irrevocabe.
In aternative egacies or devises; e?ce"t as %erein "rovided; t%e "rovisions of t%is
Code reguating obigations of t%e sa!e Eind s%a be observed; save suc% !odifications as
!ay a""ear fro! t%e intention e?"ressed by t%e testator.
2alane+ 5heir upon whom the o*ligation to gi(e the legac% or de(ise ma% *e imposed.5 (4his is)
not necessar%. /oo6 at the general rule and the e$ception in Art. E"?.
4he same rules as in alternati(e o*ligations appl%. See Articles 11EE to 1"D@.
Art. '>&. A egacy of generic "ersona "ro"erty s%a be vaid if t%ere be no t%ings of
t%e sa!e Eind in t%e estate.
A devise of indeter!inate rea "ro"erty s%a be vaid ony if t%ere be i!!ovabe
"ro"erty of its Eind in t%e estate.
)%e rig%t of c%oice s%a beong to t%e e?ecutor or ad!inistrator $%o s%a co!"y
$it% t%e egacy by t%e deivery of a t%ing $%ic% is neit%er of inferior nor of su"erior ,uaity.
2alane+
<eneric /egac% (s. Indeterminate e(ise
#(en if no thing of the same 6ind 4here must e$ist immo(a*les
e$ist in the estate. the legac% is of the same 6ind in order to *e
(alid. 4he estate will ha(e to *u% it. (alid.
0h% the difference in the rules1 8istoricall%. in Roman /aw. personal propert% was
treated with more li*eralit% *ec. the% were easier to acquire and dispose.
If gi(en a choice. I would amend the law and ma6e the same rule applica*le to *oth.
namel%. the rule on de(ises. 4his would *e more in conformit% with the intent of the testator.
(2alane.)
Right of choice.-- #$ecutor7 administrator. Must gi(e neither inferior nor superior
qualit%.
'A<# 1D1
Art. '>:. 2%enever t%e testator e?"ressy eaves t%e rig%t of c%oice to t%e %eir; or to
t%e egatee or devisee; t%e for!er !ay give or t%e atter !ay c%oose $%ic%ever %e !ay
"refer.
Art. '>8. If t%e %eir; egatee or devisee cannot !aEe t%e c%oice; in case it %as been
granted %i!; %is rig%t s%a "ass to %is %eirs9 but a c%oice once !ade s%a be irrevocabe.
Art. '>>. A egacy for education asts unti t%e egatee is of age; or beyond t%e age of
!a6ority in order t%at t%e egatee !ay finis% so!e "rofessiona; vocationa or genera
course; "rovided %e "ursues %is course diigenty.
A egacy for su""ort asts during t%e ifeti!e of t%e egatee; if t%e testator %as not
ot%er$ise "rovided.
If t%e testator %as not fi?ed t%e a!ount of suc% egacies; it s%a be fi?ed in
accordance $it% t%e socia standing and t%e circu!stances of t%e egatee and t%e vaue of
t%e estate.
If t%e testator during %is ifeti!e used to give t%e egatee a certain su! of !oney or
ot%er t%ings by $ay of su""ort; t%e sa!e a!ount s%a be dee!ed be,ueat%ed; uness it be
!arEedy dis"ro"ortionate to t%e vaue of t%e estate.
2alane+ uration and Amount of the different legacies.
Rules as to amount+
1. Amount prescri*ed *% the testator
". 0hat the testator used to gi(e during his lifetime
&. In accordance with the social standing and circumstances of the legatee. In other
words. according to his needs.
Art. '>A. If a "eriodica "ension; or a certain annua; !ont%y; or $eeEy a!ount is
be,ueat%ed; t%e egatee !ay "etition t%e court for t%e first insta!ent u"on t%e deat% of t%e
testator; and for t%e foo$ing ones $%ic% s%a be due at t%e beginning of eac% "eriod9 suc%
"ay!ent s%a not be returned; even t%oug% t%e egatee s%oud die before t%e e?"iration of
t%e "eriod $%ic% %as co!!enced.
2alane+ #.g.. 4estator dies on March 1. 1EE@. 8e has a will gi(ing A a monthl% pension of
'1.DDD.
1. If we follow Art. E)? literall%. A can compel the estate to gi(e him his pension from
March 1. 1EE@.
". In realit%. A has to wait. 4he estate should *e settled first (will pro*ated. pa%ment of
de*ts. determine if legac% is effectual. etc.) After settlement of the estate. A can demand his
legac% and its effecti(it% will retroact to March 1. 1EE@.
Art. '>(. If t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed s%oud be sub6ect to a usufruct; t%e egatee or
devisee s%a res"ect suc% rig%t unti it is egay e?tinguis%ed.
2alane+ 4his is the same as in Art. E&). par. &.
'A<# 1D"
Art. '>7. t%e egatee or devisee ac,uires a rig%t to t%e "ure and si!"e egacies or
devises fro! t%e deat% of t%e testator; and trans!its it to %is %eirs.
Art. '>C. If t%e egacy or devise is of a s"ecific and deter!inate t%ing "ertaining to
t%e testator; t%e egatee or devisee ac,uires t%e o$ners%i" t%ereof u"on t%e deat% of t%e
testator; as $e as any gro$ing fruits; or unborn offs"ring of ani!as; or uncoected
inco!e9 but not t%e inco!e $%ic% $as due and un"aid before t%e atterGs deat%.
4ro! t%e !o!ent of t%e testatorGs deat%; t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed s%a be at t%e risE of
t%e egatee or devisee; $%o s%a; t%erefore; bear its oss or deterioration; and s%a be
benefitted by its increase or i!"rove!ent; $it%out "re6udice to t%e res"onsibiity of t%e
e?ecutor or ad!inistrator.
Art. '>'. If t%e be,uest s%oud not be of a s"ecific and deter!inate t%ing; but is
generic or of ,uantity; its fruits and interests fro! t%e ti!e of t%e deat% of t%e testator s%a
"ertain to t%e egatee or devisee if t%e testator %as e?"ressy so ordered.
2alane+ Articles E)A to E)E.-- Rules on emanda*ilit%. 9ruits and -wnership.
1. emanda*ilit% depends on whether+
a. 'ure.-- :pon the testator;s death. (Articles E)A. E)?.)
*. 0ith a term.-- :pon arri(al of the term
c. 3onditional.-- :pon the happening of the suspensi(e condition.
". 9ruits w7c depends on whether+
a. 'ure and specific.-- :pon the testator;s death. (Art. E)C.)
*. 'ure and generic.-- :pon determination of what is to *e deli(ered to the de(isee or
legatee unless the testator pro(ides otherwise. (Art. E)E.)
c. 0ith a term.-- :pon arri(al of the term.
d. 3onditional.-- :pon the happening of the suspensi(e condition.
&. -wnership
a. 'ure and specific.-- :pon the death of the testator. (Art. AAA.)
*. 'ure and generic.-- It depends+
(i) if the thing comes from the testator;s estate. upon the testator;s death
(ii) if the thing has to *e acquired from a third person. upon the
acquisition of the thing.
c. 0ith a term.-- :pon the testator;s death (effect retroacts.)
d. 3onditional.-- :pon the testator;s death (effect retroacts.)
Art. 'AD. If t%e estate s%oud not be sufficient to cover a t%e egacies or devises;
t%eir "ay!ent s%a be !ade in t%e foo$ing order:
.&/ Re!uneratory egacies or devises9
.:/ Legacies or devises decared by t%e testator to be "referentia9
.8/ Legacies for su""ort9
'A<# 1D&
.>/ Legacies for education9
.A/ Legacies or devises of a s"ecific; deter!inate t%ing $%ic% for!s "art of t%e
estate9
.(/ A ot%ers pro rata.
2alane+ -rder of preference.
4his conflicts w7 Art. E11.-- 5If %ou reduce legacies. reduce all e$cept those preferred
according to the testator.5-- Inconsistent.
Solution according to commentators.-- <i(e each its own sphere of operation+
1. If %ou ha(e to reduce *ec. legitimes ha(e *een impaired. follow Art. E11.
". If for an% other reason. follow Art. E?D.
Art. 'A&. )%e t%ing be,ueat%ed s%a be deivered $it% a its accessions and
accessories and in t%e condition in $%ic% it !ay be u"on t%e deat% of t%e testator.
Art. 'A:. )%e %eir; c%arged $it% a egacy or devise; or t%e e?ecutor or ad!inistrator
of t%e estate; !ust deiver t%e very t%ing be,ueat%ed if %e is abe to do so and cannot
disc%arge t%is obigation by "aying its vaue.
Legacies of !oney !ust be "aid in cas%; even t%oug% t%e %eir or t%e estate !ay not
%ave any.
)%e e?"enses necessary for t%e deivery of t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed s%a be for t%e
account of t%e %eir or t%e estate; but $it%out "re6udice to t%e egiti!e.
Art. 'A8. )%e egatee or devisee cannot taEe "ossession of t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed
u"on %is o$n aut%ority; but s%a re,uest its deivery and "ossession of t%e %eir c%arged
$it% t%e egacy or devise; or of t%e e?ecutor or ad!inistrator of t%e estate s%oud %e be
aut%oriHed by t%e court to deiver it.
Art. 'A>. )%e egatee or devisee cannot acce"t a "art of t%e egacy or devise and
re"udiate t%e ot%er; if t%e atter be onerous.
S%oud %e die before %aving acce"ted t%e egacy or devise; eaving severa %eirs;
so!e of t%e atter !ay acce"t and t%e ot%ers !ay re"udiate t%e s%are res"ectivey beonging
to t%e! in t%e egacy or devise.
2alane+ 4his applies to a situation where there is onl% one legac% or de(ise.
'ar. ".-- 4he same rule as in accretion. acceptance and renunciation.
Art. 'AA. )%e egatee or devisee of t$o egacies or devises; one of $%ic% is onerous
cannot renounce t%e onerous one and acce"t t%e ot%er. If bot% are onerous or gratuitous; %e
s%a be free to acce"t or renounce bot%; or to renounce eit%er. But if t%e testator intended
t%at t%e t$o egacies or devises s%oud be inse"arabe fro! eac% ot%er; t%e egatee or devisee
!ust eit%er acce"t or renounce bot%.
Any co!"usory %eir $%o is at t%e sa!e ti!e a egatee or devisee !ay $aive t%e
in%eritance and acce"t t%e egacy or devise; or renounce t%e atter and acce"t t%e for!er; or
$aive or acce"t bot%.
'A<# 1D)
2alane+ 4his applies to a situation where there are two or more legacies or de(ises.
<eneral rule+ 4he same rule as in Art. E?).
#$ception+ 4estator pro(ides otherwise.
Art. 'A(. If t%e egatee or devisee cannot or is un$iing to acce"t t%e egacy or
devise; or if t%e egacy or devise for any reason s%oud beco!e ineffective; it s%a be !erged
into t%e !ass of t%e estate; e?ce"t in cases of substitution and of t%e rig%t of accretion.
Art. 'A7. )%e egacy or devise s%a be $it%out effect:
.&/ If t%e testator transfor!s t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed in suc% a !anner t%at it does not
retain eit%er t%e for! or t%e deno!ination it %ad9
.:/ If t%e testator by any tite or for any cause aienates t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed or any
"art t%ereof; it being understood t%at in t%e atter case t%e egacy or devise s%a be $it%out
effect ony $it% res"ect to t%e "art t%us aienated. If after t%e aienation t%e t%ing s%oud
again beong to t%e testator; even if it be by reason of t%e nuity of t%e contract; t%e egacy
or devise s%a not t%ereafter be vaid; uness t%e reac,uisition s%a %ave been effected by
virtue of t%e e?ercise of t%e rig%t of re"urc%ase9
.8/ If t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed is totay ost during t%e ifeti!e of t%e testator; or after
%is deat% $it%out t%e %eirGs faut. Nevert%eess; t%e "erson obiged to "ay t%e egacy or
devise s%a be iabe for eviction if t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed s%oud not %ave been deter!inate
as to its Eind; in accordance $it% t%e "rovisions of artice ':C.
2alane+ <rounds for the re(ocation of legac% or de(ise (ta6es effect *% operation of law.)
1. 4ransformation of the thing.
#.g. a. 5I *equeath m% ring to 2.5 After ma6ing the will. the ring is melted and
turned into a pendant.
*. 0hen a coconut plantation is transformed into a fishpond.
". 4his manifests the intent to re(o6e.
#$ception+ If pacto de retro and reacquired during the testator;s lifetime.
Annulment depends on the *asis+
a. Hitiated consent.-- ,ot re(o6ed *ec. there was no intention to re(o6e
*. All other reasons.-- Re(o6ed.
&. 4otall% lost.
Art. 'AC. A !istaEe as to t%e na!e of t%e t%ing be,ueat%ed or devised; is of no
conse,uence; if it is "ossibe to identify t%e t%ing $%ic% t%e testator intended to be,ueat% or
devise.
2alane+ 4his is similar to Art. ACE.
Art. 'A'. A dis"osition !ade in genera ter!s in favor of t%e testatorGs reatives
s%a be understood to be in favor of t%ose nearest in degree.
'A<# 1D?
2alane+ 4his does not refer to legacies and de(ises
4his article is misplaced. 4his should *e in the 3hapter on Institution of 8eirs
4his applies onl% in fa(or of the testator;s own relati(es.
C%a"ter 8
LE<AL OR IN)ES)A)E SUCCESSION
Section &.++ 'eneral Provisions.
I,4R-:34I-,
I. Intestac%.-- 4hat which ta6es place *% operation of law in default of compulsor% and
testamentar% succession. It is the least preferred among the three modes of succession. *ut is the
most common. It ta6es place onl%+ (a) insofar as it does not impair legitimes! (*) onl% if there is
no will disposing of the propert%.
It applies the principle of e$clusion and concurrence (the same principles as in
compulsor% succession.)
II. 08- AR# I,4#S4A4# 8#IRS1
1. /egitimate children or descendants
". Illegitimate children or descendants
&. /egitimate parents or ascendants
). Illegitimate parents
?. Sur(i(ing spouse
@. 2rothers and sisters. nephews and nieces
A. -ther collateral relati(es up to the fifth degree
C. 4he State.
,otes+ ,um*ers 1 to ? are *oth compulsor% and intestate heirs.
,um*ers @ to C are intestate heirs.
4his shows wh% the rules on legitime are similar to the rules of intestac%.
'A<# 1D@
III. 2ASI3 R:/#S -9 I,4#S4A3>
1. Rule of Relationship.-- Intestate heir must *e related to the deceased.
4here are four 6inds+
a. 9amil%.-- <s familial, ascendants and descendants in the direct line.
*. 2lood.-- <us sanguinis. collaterals up to the fifth degree.
c. Spouse.-- <us con/ugis.
d. State.-- <us imperii. the right of so(ereignt%.
". Rule of 'reference of lines.-- 4his is also true in compulsor% succession. 4he
descending is preferred o(er the ascending.
&. Rule on pro$imit% of degree.-- 4his rule e$cludes the further. (4his qualifies)
representation.
). Rule of equalit% among relati(es of the same degree.-- 4his is corollar% to the third.
9i(e e$ceptions+
a. Relati(es of the full and half *lood.-- Art. 1D"@ (does not refer to *lood
cousins. *ec. the% inherit equall%.)
*. Rule of di(ision *% line in the ascending line.-- Maternal7 paternal
c. Rule on preference of lines.-- Art. E"C if decedent is sur(i(ed *% a father and
son. the father is e$cluded.
d. istri*ution *etween legitimate and illegitimate children.-- " + 1. although in
the same degree.
e. 2% representation.-- 2ecause of this. the% inherit in different shares.
Art. '(D. Lega or intestate succession taEes "ace:
.&/ If a "erson dies $it%out a $i; or $it% a void $i; or one $%ic% %as subse,uenty
ost its vaidity9
.:/ 2%en t%e $i does not institute an %eir to; or dis"ose of a t%e "ro"erty
beonging to t%e testator. In suc% case; ega succession s%a taEe "ace ony $it% res"ect to
t%e "ro"erty of $%ic% t%e testator %as not dis"osed9
.8/ If t%e sus"ensive condition attac%ed to t%e institution of %eir does not %a""en or
is not fufied; of if t%e %eir dies before t%e testator; or re"udiates t%e in%eritance; t%ere
being no substitution; and no rig%t of accretion taEes "ace9
.>/ 2%en t%e %eir instituted is inca"abe of succeeding; e?ce"t in cases "rovided in
t%is Code.
2alane+ 4his enumeration is not e$clusi(e. 4here are other causes.
A. Jinds
1. 4otal - ,o testamentar% disposition at all.
". 'artial - A will that disposes of part of the free portion
2. 3auses
'A<# 1DA
1. a. ,o will.-- 4otal intestac%
*. Hoid will N no will.-- 4otal intestac%
c. #rroneous.-- will. once (alid. alwa%s (alid *ut ma% lose its efficac%. e.g..
when re(o6ed.
". a. 5does not institute an heir.5-- :seless will as far as succession is concerned.
*. 5oes not dispose all.5-- 'artial intestac%
&. 5Suspensi(e condition does not happen.5-- Intestac% as to that specific
institution.
). 5Incapa*le of succeeding-- -nl% specific pro(ision will gi(e rise to intestac%.
?. -thers not in Art. E@D.
a. 4he arri(al of the resolutor% term.
*. Impossi*ilit% of ascertaining the will of the testator.
Art. '(&. In defaut of testa!entary %eirs; t%e a$ vests t%e in%eritance; in
accordance $it% t%e rues %ereinafter set fort%; in t%e egiti!ate and iegiti!ate reatives of
t%e deceased; in t%e surviving s"ouse; and in t%e State.
Art. '(:. In every in%eritance; t%e reative nearest in degree e?cudes t%e !ore
distant ones; saving t%e rig%t of re"resentation $%en it "ro"erty taEes "ace.
Reatives in t%e sa!e degree s%a in%erit in e,ua s%ares; sub6ect to t%e "rovisions of
artice &DD( $it% res"ect to reatives of t%e fu and %af bood; and of artice 'C7; "aragra"%
:; concerning division bet$een t%e "aterna and !aterna ines.
Subsection &.++ #elationship.
Art. '(8. Pro?i!ity of reations%i" is deter!ined by t%e nu!ber of generations.
Eac% generation for!s a degree.
Art. '(>. A series of degrees for!s a ine; $%ic% !ay be eit%er direct or coatera.
A direct ine is t%at constituted by t%e series of degrees a!ong ascendants and
descendants.
A coatera ine is t%at constituted by t%e series of degrees a!ong "ersons $%o are
ascendants and descendants; but $%o co!e fro! a co!!on ancestor.
Art. '(A. )%e direct ine is eit%er descending or ascending.
)%e for!er unites t%e %ead of t%e fa!iy $it% t%ose $%o descend fro! %i!.
)%e atter binds a "erson $it% t%ose fro! $%o! %e descends.
Art. '((. In t%e ine; as !any degrees are counted as t%ere are generations or
'A<# 1DC
"ersons; e?cuding t%e "rogenitor.
In t%e direct ine; ascent is !ade to t%e co!!on ancestor. )%us; t%e c%id is one
degree re!oved fro! t%e "arent; t$o fro! t%e grandfat%er; and t%ree fro! t%e great+
grand"arent.
In t%e coatera ine; ascent is !ade to t%e co!!on ancestor and t%en descent is
!ade to t%e "erson $it% $%o! t%e co!"utation is to be !ade. )%us; a "erson is t$o
degrees re!oved fro! %is brot%er; t%ree fro! %is unce; $%o is t%e brot%er of %is fat%er;
four fro! %is first cousin; and so fort%.
Art. '(7. 4u bood reations%i" is t%at e?isting bet$een "ersons $%o %ave t%e sa!e
fat%er and t%e sa!e !ot%er.
1af bood reations%i" is t%at e?isting bet$een "ersons $%o %ave t%e sa!e fat%er;
but not t%e sa!e !ot%er; or t%e sa!e !ot%er; but not t%e sa!e fat%er.
2alane+ Articles E@& to E@A on relationships.
1. (4hese rules on relationship are) important *ecause of certain principles which ordain in
intestac%. namel%+
a. ,earer e$cludes the more remote!
*. irect line is preferred o(er the collateral!
c. escending line is preferred o(er the ascending.
". 4wo *asic concepts in relationship+
a. 3oncept of degree.-- 4his is the method of computing the pro$imit% of relationship.
#(er% degree is one generation.
*. 3oncept of lines.-- (4hese are) relati(e positions in the famil% *etween " persons
(genealogical chart.)
In intestac%+
a. 4here is no limit.-- irect line-- (i) ascending
(ii) descending
*. /imit of fi(e degrees.-- 3ollateral line-- " persons ha(ing a common ascendant
Illustration+
A
L M
2
L L
3 #
9or 2. A is in the direct line. is in the collateral line.
&. 9ull and half-*lood relations in intestac%.
a. 2rothers and sisters. (Art. 1DD@.)-- " + 1-- 4his is applica*le onl% in intestate
succession.
*. ,ephews and nieces. (Art. 1DDC.)-- " + 1-- ,ephews or nieces of the half *lood--
child of a *rother or sister of the half *lood.
'A<# 1DE
Art. '(C. If t%ere are severa reatives of t%e sa!e degree; and one or so!e of t%e!
are un$iing or inca"acitated to succeed; %is "ortion s%a accrue to t%e ot%ers of t%e sa!e
degree; save t%e rig%t of re"resentation $%en it s%oud taEe "ace.
Art. '('. If t%e in%eritance s%oud be re"udiated by t%e nearest reatives; s%oud
t%ere be one ony; or by a t%e nearest reatives caed by a$ to succeed; s%oud t%ere be
severa; t%ose of t%e foo$ing degree s%a in%erit in t%eir o$n rig%t and cannot re"resent
t%e "erson or "ersons re"udiating t%e in%eritance.

Subsection :.++ #ight of #epresentation.
Art. '7D. Re"resentation is a rig%t created by fiction of a$; by virtue of $%ic% t%e
re"resentative is raised to t%e "ace and t%e degree of t%e "erson re"resented; and ac,uires
t%e rig%ts $%ic% t%e atter $oud %ave if %e $ere iving or %e coud %ave in%erited.
2alane+ 1. 4his article contains the definition of representation. Representation is not a (er%
accurate term *ecause it does not con(e% the full meaning of the process.
Illustration+
G
7 L M
A 2 3
7 M
*1 *"
2 predeceases G. 0hen G dies. *1 and *" are e$cluded *ec. of the rule that the nearer
e$cludes the more remote. -nl% A and 3 should inherit. 2ut *ecause of the right of
representation. *1 and *" will inherit in the place of 2. 4he% are raised to the le(el of 2. 4he%
will onl% get what 2 would ha(e gotten.
4he *etter term is successional subrogation. as F2/ Re%es calls it.
It is a process where*% one person ta6es another;s place. 4he representati(e is su*rogated
(ta6es the place) of the person represented.
". :nder what situations does it operate1
a. 'redecease.-- Articles EC". EA?.
*. isinheritance.-- Art. E"&.
c. Incapacit% or unworthiness to succeed.-- Art. 1D&?.
(4his) does not appl% to renunciation. (See Articles E@C. E@E. EAA.)
&. In what 6inds of succession does it operate1
a. 3ompulsor%
*. Intestate
It does not appl% to testamentar% succession.
#.g.. 5I institute m% son. and if he predeceases me. he will *e represented *% his son.5
4his is su*stitution and not representation.
'A<# 11D
Art. '7&. )%e re"resentative is caed to t%e succession by t%e a$ and not by t%e
"erson re"resented. )%e re"resentative does not succeed t%e "erson re"resented but t%e one
$%o! t%e "erson re"resented $oud %ave succeeded.
Art. '7:. )%e rig%t of re"resentation taEes "ace in t%e direct descending ine; but
never in t%e ascending.
In t%e coatera ine; it taEes "ace ony in favor of t%e c%idren of brot%ers or
sisters; $%et%er t%ey be of t%e fu or %af bood.
2alane+ 1. In legitime. in what direction does it operate1 -nl% in the descending. ne(er in the
ascending.
". In intestac%. in what direction does it operate1
a. In descending line.-- Same as in legitimes.
*. -nl% one instance in the collateral line.-- ,ephews and nieces in
representation of their parents who predeceased their decedent *rother or sister.
G
7 L M
A 2 3
7 M
*1 *"
2 predeceases A. 0hen A dies. *1 and *" can represent 2 in 2;s share in the estate of A.
4eotico (. el Hal.-- An adopted child cannot represent his adopti(e parent *ec. the
fiction is onl% *etween the adopter and the adopted.
Art. '78. In order t%at re"resentation !ay taEe "ace; it is necessary t%at t%e
re"resentative %i!sef be ca"abe of succeeding t%e decedent.
2alane+ 3apacit% to succeed.-- In representation. there are three parties+
1. 4he decedent!
". 4he person represented!
&. 4he representati(e.
Iuestions+
a. Must & ha(e capacit% to succeed from 11 >es. *ec. he is reall% succeeding from 1.
*. Must & ha(e capacit% to succeed from "1 ,o. *ec. & is not succeeding from ".
c. Must " ha(e capacit% to succeed from 11 ,o. 4his is precisel% wh% & succeeds 1.
Art. '7>. 2%enever t%ere is succession by re"resentation; t%e division of t%e estate
s%a be !ade per stirpes; in suc% !anner t%at t%e re"resentative or re"resentatives s%a not
in%erit !ore t%an $%at t%e "erson t%ey re"resent $oud in%erit; if %e $ere iving or coud
'A<# 111
in%erit.
Art. '7A. 2%en c%idren of one of !ore brot%ers or sisters of t%e deceased survive;
t%ey s%a in%erit fro! t%e atter by re"resentation; if t%ey survive $it% t%eir unces or
aunts. But if t%ey aone survive; t%ey s%a in%erit in e,ua "ortions.
2alane+ Representation+
1. In collateral line.
a1
7
A-- a"
7
G-- 2 -- *
M
3-- c1
M
c"
a. If A. 2 and 3 predecease G. all nephews inherit in their son right. per capita.
". In the direct line. (Art. EC".)
G
7 L M
A 2 3
7 L L L M
a1 a" * c1 c"
a. In A. 2 and 3 predecease G. all grandchildren inherit *% representation. per
stirpes.
*. If A. 2 and 3 renounce. all grandchildren inherit *% their own right. per
capita.
Art. '7(. A "erson !ay re"resent %i! $%ose in%eritance %e %as renounced.
Art. '77. 1eirs $%o re"udiate t%eir s%are !ay not be re"resented.
2alane+ Articles EA@ and EAA.
In renunciation+
a. 'erson who renounces cannot *e represented. (Art. EAA.)
*. 'erson who renounces can represent. (Art. EA@.)
Illustration+ A
L
2
L
'A<# 11"
3
L
3 renounces his inheritance from 2. 2 then dies. /ater on. A dies.

#ffect+
1. cannot represent 3 in 2;s estate.
". 3an 3 represent 2 in A;s estate1 >es. 0hen 3 renounced. he onl% renounced his right
to inherit from 2. 8e did not renounce his right to inherit from A.
Section. :.++ (rder of Intestate &uccession.
Subsection &.++ $escending $irect Line.
Art. '7C. Succession "ertains; in t%e first "ace; to t%e descending direct ine.
Art. '7'. Legiti!ate c%idren and t%eir descendants succeed t%e "arents and ot%er
ascendants; $it%out distinction as to se? or age; and even if t%ey s%oud co!e fro! different
!arriages.
An ado"ted c%id succeeds to t%e "ro"erty of t%e ado"ting "arents in t%e sa!e
!anner as a egiti!ate c%id.
Art. 'CD. )%e c%idren of t%e deceased s%a a$ays in%erit fro! %i! in t%eir o$n
rig%t; dividing t%e in%eritance in e,ua s%ares.
Art. 'C&. S%oud c%idren of t%e deceased and descendants of ot%er c%idren $%o
are dead; survive; t%e for!er s%a in%erit in t%eir o$n rig%t; and t%e atter by rig%t of
re"resentation.
Art. 'C:. )%e grandc%idren and ot%er descendants s%a in%erit by rig%t of
re"resentation; and if any one of t%e! s%oud %ave died; eaving severa %eirs; t%e "ortion
"ertaining to %i! s%a be divided a!ong t%e atter in e,ua "ortions.
2a(iera+ -nl% legitimate descendants
<eneral rule+ Art. EC"
#$ception+ Art. EE".-- An illegitimate child has no right to inherit ab intestato from the
legitimate children and relati(es of his father or mother! nor shall such children or relati(es
inherit in the same manner from the illegitimate child.
4his applies onl% to child. not descendant
4his is called the 5iron curtain rule.5
'A<# 11&
Art. 'C8. If iegiti!ate c%idren survive $it% egiti!ate c%idren; t%e s%ares of t%e
for!er s%a be in t%e "ro"ortions "rescribed by artice C'A.
2a(iera+ Article CE? - note article 1A@ 93 - Illegitimate child is entitled to 17" of share of a
legitimate child. 4he legitime of the illegitimate child shall *e ta6en from the free portion.
pro(ided in no case shall the total legitime of illegitimate child e$ceed the free portion. and the
legitime of sur(i(ing spouse must first *e full% satisfied.
Art. 'C>. In case of deat% of an ado"ted c%id; eaving no c%idren or descendants;
%is "arents and reatives by consanguinity and not by ado"tion; s%a be %is ega %eirs.
Subsection:.++ %scending $irect Line.
Art. 'CA. In defaut of egiti!ate c%idren and descendants of t%e deceased; %is
"arents and ascendants s%a in%erit fro! %i!; to t%e e?cusion of coatera reatives.
Art. 'C(. )%e fat%er and !ot%er; if iving; s%a in%erit in e,ua s%ares.
S%oud one ony of t%e survive; %e or s%e s%a succeed to t%e entire estate of t%e
c%id.
Art. 'C7. In defaut of t%e fat%er and !ot%er; t%e ascendants nearest in degree s%a
in%erit.
S%oud t%ere by !ore t%an one of e,ua degree beonging to t%e sa!e ine t%ey s%a
divide t%e in%eritance per capita9 s%oud t%ey be of different ines but of e,ua degree; one+
%af s%a go to t%e "aterna and t%e ot%er %af to t%e !aterna ascendants. In eac% ine t%e
division s%a be !ade per capita.
2a(iera+ Per capita means equall%
Subsection 8.++ Illegitimate Children.
Art. 'CC. In t%e absence of egiti!ate descendants or ascendants; t%e iegiti!ate
c%idren s%a succeed to t%e entire estate of t%e deceased.
Art. 'C'. If; toget%er $it% iegiti!ate c%idren; t%ere s%oud survive descendants of
anot%er iegiti!ate c%id $%o is dead; t%e for!er s%a succeed in t%eir o$n rig%t and t%e
atter by rig%t of re"resentation.
Art. ''D. )%e %ereditary rig%ts granted by t%e t$o "receding artices to iegiti!ate
c%idren s%a be trans!itted u"on t%eir deat% to t%eir descendants; $%o s%a in%erit by
rig%t of re"resentation fro! t%eir deceased grand"arent.
Art. ''&. If egiti!ate ascendants are eft; t%e iegiti!ate c%idren s%a divide t%e
'A<# 11)
in%eritance $it% t%e!; taEing one+%af of t%e estate; $%atever be t%e nu!ber of t%e
ascendants or of t%e iegiti!ate c%idren.
Art. '':. An iegiti!ate c%id %as no rig%t to in%erit a" intestato fro! t%e egiti!ate
c%idren and reatives of %is fat%er or !ot%er9 nor s%a suc% c%idren or reatives in%erit in
t%e sa!e !anner fro! t%e iegiti!ate c%id.
2a(iera+ 4his applies onl% to child. not descendants
4his is called the iron curtain rule
Art. ''8. If an iegiti!ate c%id s%oud die $it%out issue; eit%er egiti!ate or
iegiti!ate; %is fat%er or !ot%er s%a succeed to %is entire estate9 and if t%e c%idGs fiiation
is duy "roved as to bot% "arents; $%o are bot% iving; t%ey s%a in%erit fro! %i! s%are and
s%are aiEe.
Art. ''>. In defaut of t%e fat%er or !ot%er; an iegiti!ate c%id s%a be succeeded
by %is or %er surviving s"ouse; $%o s%a be entited to t%e entire estate.
If t%e $ido$ or $ido$er s%oud survive $it% brot%ers and sisters; ne"%e$s and
nieces; s%e or %e s%a in%erit one+%af of t%e estate; and t%e atter t%e ot%er %af.
Subsection >.++ &urviving &pouse.
Art. ''A. In t%e absence of egiti!ate descendants and ascendants; and iegiti!ate
c%idren and t%eir descendants; $%et%er egiti!ate or iegiti!ate; t%e surviving s"ouse s%a
in%erit t%e entire estate; $it%out "re6udice to t%e rig%ts of brot%ers and sister; ne"%e$s and
nieces; s%oud t%ere by any under artice &DD&.
Art. &DD&. S%oud brot%ers and sisters or t%eir c%idren survive $it% t%e
$ido$ or $ido$er; t%e atter s%a be entited to one+%af of t%e in%eritance and t%e
brot%ers and sisters or t%eir c%idren to t%e ot%er %af.
Art. ''(. If a $ido$ or $ido$er and egiti!ate c%idren or descendants are eft; t%e
surviving s"ouse %as in t%e succession t%e sa!e s%are as t%at of eac% of t%e c%idren.
Art. ''7. 2%en t%e $ido$ or $ido$er survives $it% egiti!ate "arents or
ascendants; t%e surviving s"ouse s%a be entited to one+%af of t%e estate; and t%e egiti!ate
"arents or ascendants to t%e ot%er %af.
Art. ''C. If a $ido$ or $ido$er survives $it% iegiti!ate c%idren; suc% $ido$ or
$ido$er s%a be entited to one+%af of t%e in%eritance; and t%e iegiti!ate c%idren or t%eir
descendants; $%et%er egiti!ate or iegiti!ate; to t%e ot%er %af.
'A<# 11?
Art. '''. 2%en t%e $ido$ or $ido$er survives $it% egiti!ate c%idren or t%eir
descendants and iegiti!ate c%idren or t%eir descendants; $%et%er egiti!ate or
iegiti!ate; suc% $ido$ or $ido$er s%a be entited to t%e sa!e s%are as t%at of a egiti+
!ate c%id.
Art. &DDD. If egiti!ate ascendants; t%e surviving s"ouse; and iegiti!ate c%idren
are eft; t%e ascendants s%a be entited to one+%af of t%e in%eritance; and t%e ot%er %af
s%a be divided bet$een t%e surviving s"ouse and t%e iegiti!ate c%idren so t%at suc%
$ido$ or $ido$er s%a %ave one+fourt% of t%e estate; and t%e iegiti!ate c%idren t%e ot%er
fourt%.
Art. &DD&. S%oud brot%ers and sisters or t%eir c%idren survive $it% t%e $ido$ or
$ido$er; t%e atter s%a be entited to one+%af of t%e in%eritance and t%e brot%ers and
sisters or t%eir c%idren to t%e ot%er %af.
Art. &DD:. In case of a ega se"aration; if t%e surviving s"ouse gave cause for t%e
se"aration; %e or s%e s%a not %ave any of t%e rig%ts granted in t%e "receding artice.
Subsection A.++ Collateral #elatives
Art. &DD8. If t%ere are no descendants; ascendants; iegiti!ate c%idren; or a
surviving s"ouse; t%e coatera reatives s%a succeed to t%e entire estate of t%e deceased in
accordance $it% t%e foo$ing artices.
Art. &DD>. S%oud t%e ony survivors be brot%ers and sisters of t%e fu bood; t%ey
s%a in%erit in e,ua s%ares.
Art. &DDA. S%oud brot%ers and sisters survive toget%er $it% ne"%e$s and nieces;
$%o are t%e c%idren of t%e decedentGs brot%ers and sisters of t%e fu bood; t%e for!er s%a
in%erit per capita; and t%e atter per stirpes.
2a(iera+ Per capita means equall%
per stirpes means *% representation
Art. &DD(. S%oud brot%ers and sisters of t%e fu bood survive toget%er $it%
brot%er and sisters of t%e %af bood; t%e for!er s%a be entited to a s%are doube t%at of
t%e atter.
Art. &DD7. In case brot%ers and sisters of t%e %af bood; so!e on t%e fat%erGs and
so!e on t%e !ot%erGs side; are t%e ony survivors; a s%a in%erit in e,ua s%ares $it%out
'A<# 11@
distinction as to t%e origin of t%e "ro"erty.
Art. &DDC. C%idren of brot%ers and sisters of t%e %af bood s%a succeed per capita
or per stirpes; in accordance $it% t%e rues aid do$n for brot%ers and sisters of t%e fu
bood.
Art. &DD'. S%oud t%ere be neit%er brot%ers nor sisters nor c%idren of brot%ers or
sisters; t%e ot%er coatera reatives s%a succeed to t%e estate.
)%e atter s%a succeed $it%out distinction of ines or "reference a!ong t%e! by
reason of reations%i" by t%e $%oe bood.
Art. &D&D. )%e rig%t to in%erit a" intestato s%a not e?tend beyond t%e fift% degree
of reations%i" in t%e coatera ine.
Subsection (.++ The &tate.
Art. &D&&. In defaut of "ersons entited to succeed in accordance $it% t%e
"rovisions of t%e "receding Sections; t%e State s%a in%erit t%e $%oe estate.
Art. &D&:. In order t%at t%e State !ay taEe "ossession of t%e "ro"erty !entioned in
t%e "receding artice; t%e "ertinent "rovisions of t%e Rues of Court !ust be observed.
Art. &D&8. After t%e "ay!ent of debts and c%arges; t%e "ersona "ro"erty s%a be
assigned to t%e !unici"aity or city $%ere t%e deceased ast resided in t%e P%ii""ines; and
t%e rea estate to t%e !unici"aities or cities; res"ectivey; in $%ic% t%e sa!e is situated.
If t%e deceased never resided in t%e P%ii""ines; t%e $%oe estate s%a be assigned to
t%e res"ective !unici"aities or cities $%ere t%e sa!e is ocated.
Suc% estate s%a be for t%e benefit of "ubic sc%oos; and "ubic c%aritabe
institutions and centers; in suc% !unici"aities or cities. )%e court s%a distribute t%e estate
as t%e res"ective needs of eac% beneficiary !ay $arrant.
)%e court; at t%e instance of an interested "arty; or in its o$n !otion; !ay order t%e
estabis%!ent of a "er!anent trust; so t%at ony t%e inco!e fro! t%e "ro"erty s%a be used.
Art. &D&>. If a "erson egay entited to t%e estate of t%e deceased a""ears and fies
a cai! t%ereto $it% t%e court $it%in five years fro! t%e date t%e "ro"erty $as deivered to
t%e State; suc% "erson s%a be entited to t%e "ossession of t%e sa!e; or if sod; t%e
!unici"aity or city s%a be accountabe to %i! for suc% "art of t%e "roceeds as !ay not
%ave been a$fuy s"ent.
2alane+
Intestate heirs+
1. /egitimate children7 descendants
a. e$cludes ascendants. all collaterals. the State
'A<# 11A
*. concurs with illegitimate children7 descendants. sur(i(ing spouse
c. e$cluded *% no one.

". Illegitimate children7 descendants
a. e$cludes illegitimate parents. collaterals. the State
*. concurs with sur(i(ing spouse. legitimate children. legitimate ascendants
&. /egitimate parents
a. e$cludes collaterals. the State
*. concurs with illegitimate children. sur(i(ing spouse
c. e$cluded *% legitimate children.
). Illegitimate ascendants
a. e$cludes collaterals. the State
*. concurs with the sur(i(ing spouse
c. e$cluded *% legitimate descendants. illegitimate descendants.
?. Sur(i(ing spouse
a. e$cludes collaterals. other than *rothers and sisters. nephews and nieces. the State
*. concurs with legitimate child. illegitimate child. legitimate and illegitimate *rothers
and sisters. nephews and nieces.
@. 2rothers. sisters. nephews and nieces
a. e$cludes all other collaterals. the State
*. concurs with the sur(i(ing spouse
c. e$cluded *% legitimate children. illegitimate children. legitimate parents. illegitimate
parents.
A. -ther collaterals
a. e$ludes collaterals in remote degrees. the State
*. concurs with collaterals in equal degree
c. e$cludes legitimate7 illegitimate children7 parents. sur(i(ing spouse. *rothers and
sisters. nephews and nieces.
C. 4he State
a. e$cludes no one
*. concurs with no one
c. e$cluded *% e(er%*od% else.
Articles EAC to 1D1).-- Harious 3om*inations-- 4otal Intestac%
,ote+ 4he rules on e$clusion and concurrence in legitimes will also appl% to intestac%.
1. /egitimate children and7 or descendants alone.-- #ntire estate di(ided equall% among
them. (Art. EAE.)
". /egitimate children and illegitimate children.-- #ntire estate in proportion of " + 1 or 1D +
? + ) as the case ma% *e. 4his is without pre=udice to the impairment of legitimes. (Art. EC&.)
'A<# 11C
&. /egitimate children and sur(i(ing spouse.-- Sur(i(ing spouse share equal to that of one
legitimate child. If onl% 1 legitimate child. 17" each. (Art. EE@.)
9ormula+ no. of legitimate children O 1 (sur(i(ing spouse) N share of each
#state

). /egitimate children
Sur(i(ing spouse.-- Same share as a legitimate child
Illegitimate children.-- 17" or ) + ? + 1D ratio w7 share of a legitimate child. (Art. EEE.)
?. /egitimate parents alone.-- #ntire estate shared equall%.
@. /egitimate ascendants alone.-- Appl% Articles CCE and CED which are the rules on
legitime.
A. /egitimate parents (or ascendants).-- 1 + "
Illegitimate children.-- 17"
9ree portion N 17) to illegitimate children. (Art. EE1.)
'artial Intestac%
C. /egitimate parents (or ascendants).-- 17"
Sur(i(ing spouse.-- 17"
9ree portion.-- 17) to the sur(i(ing spouse. (Art. EEA.)
'artial Intestac%
E. /egitimate parents (or ascendants.)-- 17"
Sur(i(ing spouse.-- 17)
Illegitimate children.-- 17)
9ree portion.-- 17C to sur(i(ing spouse. (Art. 1DDD.)
1D. Illegitimate children alone.-- #ntire estate di(ided equall% or ? + ) as the case ma% *e.
9ree portion N 17" to illegitimate children. (Art. ECC.)
11. Illegitimate children.-- 17" di(ided as in num*er 1D
Sur(i(ing spouse.-- 17"
9ree portion.-- 17@ to *oth. (Art. EEC.)
'artial intestac%
1". Sur(i(ing spouse alone.-- #ntire estate.
9ree portion.-- 17" to sur(i(ing spouse. (Articles EE) and EE?.)
1&. Sur(i(ing spouse.-- 17"
Illegitimate children.-- 17"
9ree portion N 17) to *oth (no article.)
1). Sur(i(ing spouse.-- 17"
/egitimate *rothers and sisters and nephews and nieces.-- 17"
full + half N " + 1
'A<# 11E
9ree portion N 17" to *rothers and sisters and nephews and nieces
If marriage is in articulo mortis. add 17@ to free portion once the legitime of the wife is
reduced to 17& (Art. 1DD1.)
1?. Sur(i(ing spouse.-- 17"
Illegitimate *rothers and sisters. nephews and nieces (if decedent is illegitimate).-- 17"
9ull + 8alf N " + 1
9ree portion N 17" to illegitimate *rothers and sisters and nephews and nieces (Art. EE).)
1@. Illegitimate parents alone.-- entire estate
9ree portion.-- 17" to illegitimate parents. (Art. EE&.)
1A. Illegitimate parents.-- none.
3hildren of an% 6ind.-- #ntire estate di(ided according to earlier rules. (Art. EE&.)
1C. /egitimate *rothers and sisters alone.-- 0hole estate di(ided in the ratio of " + 1 *etween
full and half *lood. (Articles 1DD) and 1DD@.)
1E. /egitimate *rothers and sisters and nephews and nieces.-- #ntire estate with the ratio of "
+ 1 *etween full and half *lood
a. ,ephews and nieces inherit *% representation.-- per stirpes.
*. ,ephews and nieces inherit *ec. all *rothers and sisters predecease.-- per capita.
(Articles 1DD? and 1DDC.)
"D. ,ephews and nieces.-- #ntire estate.
:ncles and aunts.-- ,one.
2aca%o (. 2orromeo.-- ,ephews and nieces e$clude uncles and aunts e(en if the% ma%
*e *oth onl% three (&) degrees awa% from the decedent. (Art. 1DDE *% inference.)
"1. Illegitimate *rothers and sisters and nephews and nieces.-- #ntire estate with the ratio of
" + 1 *etween full and half *lood.
4his applies onl% if the decedent is also illegitimate.
Appl% the rules for nephews and nieces stated in num*er 1E (none.)
"". ,ephews and nieces alone.-- #ntire estate with the ratio of " + 1 *etween full and half
*lood.
Per capita. (Articles EA? and 1DDC.)
Right of representation.
"&. -ther collaterals.-- #ntire estate in equal shares
Rules+ a. ,o distinction *etween full and half *lood
*. ,o representation
c. ,earer e$cludes the more remote
d. :p to the fifth degree onl%. (Articles 1DDE and 1D1D.)
In case of an illegitimate decedent. collaterals are onl% up to nephews and nieces.
"). 4he State.-- the entire estate. (Art. 1D11.)
'A<# 1"D
,-4#+ 9ollow the rules e$cept num*ers " and ) which requires two (") steps. ,um*ers " and )
are tric6% *ecause %ou ma% end up impairing the legitime.
R#M#M2#R+ /egitimes cannot *e impaired.
<ood ,ews+ Fust follow the rules. the legitimes will ne(er *e impaired. 4he% are
automaticall% co(ered *% the rules.
2ad ,ews+ Art. EC&. which co(ers the com*ination of legitimate and illegitimate
children. might impair the legitime.
Illustration+ G;s estate is worth '1CD.DDD.
G
-------------------------------
L L + + + + +
A 2 3 # 9 <
1. If %ou follow Art. EC& literall%. " + " + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 assuming the decedent died after
the 9amil% 3ode too6 effect.
A N )D.DDD
2 N )D.DDD
3 N "D.DDD
N "D.DDD
# N "D.DDD
9 N "D.DDD
9 N "D.DDD
< N "D.DDD
2ut the legitime of A and 2 is impaired.
/egitime of A and 2 N ED.DDD
Share of A and 2 CD.DDD
/egitime lac6s 1D.DDD
". Since Art. EC& impairs the legitime. follow this two- step process+
a. <i(e the legitime first. (<i(e to the legitimate first *efore the illegitimate.)
*. (i) If there is an e$cess. di(ide it according to the ratio of " + 1 or 1D + ? +
) depending on the circumstances.
(ii) If lac6ing. reduce the share of illegitimate children pro+rata.
In the illustration+
A N )?.DDD
2 N )?.DDD
3 N "".?DD
N "".?DD
# N "".?DD
9 N "".?DD
'A<# 1"1
< N "".?DD
4-4A/ "D".?DD
4he estate lac6s "".?DD
Reduce the shares of illegitimate children pro+rata N "".?DD7 ? N ).?DD each. 4he share
of each illegitimate child will equal 1C.DDD.
,ote+ 1. An adopted child is treated as a legitimate child.
". Spouse recei(es shares if+
a. 4he (alid is marriage
*. Hiola*le *ut not annulled
If legall% separated. appl% the same rules as in legitimes.

'A<# 1""
C%a"ter >
PRO=ISIONS CO##ON )O )ES)A)E
AN* IN)ES)A)E SUCCESSIONS
Section &.++ #ight of %ccretion.
2alane+ (4he right of accretion) ta6es place in+ (1) testamentar% succession
(") intestate succession
2ut not with respect to legitimes.-- Art. 1D"1 par. ". 4his pro(ision was copied from the
-33 and is inapplica*le now *ecause it was used for the me/ora. 8owe(er. it must still *e
applied.
Art. &D&A. Accretion is a rig%t by virtue of $%ic%; $%en t$o or !ore "ersons are
caed to t%e sa!e in%eritance; devise or egacy; t%e "art assigned to t%e one $%o renounces
or cannot receive %is s%are; or $%o died before t%e testator; is added or incor"orated to t%at
of %is co+%eir; co+devisees; or co+egatees.
Art. &D&(. In order t%at t%e rig%t of accretion !ay taEe "ace in a testa!entary
succession; it s%a be necessary:
.&/ )%at t$o or !ore "ersons be caed to t%e sa!e in%eritance; or to t%e sa!e
"ortion t%ereof; pro indiviso; and
.:/ )%at one of t%e "ersons t%us caed die before t%e testator; or renounce t%e
in%eritance; or be inca"acitated to receive it.
2alane+ Articles 1D1? and 1D1@.
Requisites+
1. 4wo or more heirs. de(isees and legatees are called to the same inheritance. de(ise or
legac% pro+indi#iso. Pro indi#iso means without designation of parts or the portions are
undi(ided.
". -ne of the persons called+
a. ie *efore the testator
*. Renounce the inheritance
c. 2e incapacitated to recei(e it.
,ote+ 4hese are the same causes for su*stitution.
Su*stitution Accretion Representation
1. predecease 1. predecease 1. predecease
". incapacit% ". incapacit% ". incapacit%
&. renunciation &. renunciation &. disinheritance
#$amples+
'A<# 1"&
1. 5I gi(e ?DDD to A and 2.5 If A dies and does not ha(e an% children or descendants.
accretion will ta6e place. 2 will get ?.DDD. "?DD *% his own right and ".?DD *% accretion.
". 5I gi(e ?DDD to A and 2 in equal shares.5 Accretion will still appl%. 5#qual shares5
ma6es e$plicit what is implied *ecause if nothing is said. it is presumed that it is in equal shares.
&. 5I gi(e 17" to A. 17) 2 and 17C to 3.5 4his seems to impl% accretion.
a. Is it possi*le to ha(e unequal pro indi#iso shares1 >es. As long as the% are
5undi(ided.5 5aliquot5 or 5a*stract.5 It is not required that the% *e in equal shares. 0hat is
required is that it *e pro indi#iso.
*. Accretion will not appl% according to commentators. Pro indi#iso is not a
good phrase. it should *e 5without an% particular designation of shares.5
If equal shares.-- Art. 1D1A. accretion applies.
If unequal shares. can accretion appl%1
(i) >es.-- Art. 1D1@
(ii) ,o.-- 3ommentators. If sharing is not the same. accretion cannot ta6e place.
Art. &D&7. )%e $ords Bone+%af for eac%B or Bin e,ua s%aresB or any ot%ers $%ic%;
t%oug% designating an ai,uot "art; do not identify it by suc% descri"tion as s%a !aEe eac%
%eir t%e e?cusive o$ner of deter!inate "ro"erty; s%a not e?cude t%e rig%t of accretion.
In case of !oney or fungibe goods; if t%e s%are of eac% %eir is not ear!arEed; t%ere
s%a be a rig%t of accretion.
Art. &D&C. In ega succession t%e s%are of t%e "erson $%o re"udiates t%e in%eritance
s%a a$ays accrue to %is co+%eirs.
2alane+ Accretion ta6es place onl% if there is no representation.
Some rules from Art. 1D1C *% implication+
1. In renunciation. there is alwa%s accretion. 0h%1 2ecause there is no representation
in renunciation. 4his applies onl% to intestac% and testamentar% succession.
". In intestac%. appl% representation first. If there is none. then accretion will appl%.
&. In testamentar% succession. appl% su*stitution first. If there is no su*stitution. then
accretion will appl%.
Art. &D&'. )%e %eirs to $%o! t%e "ortion goes by t%e rig%t of accretion taEe it in t%e
sa!e "ro"ortion t%at t%ey in%erit.
2alane+ 4his implies proportion is different. 4his applies in intestac% and not to testamentar%
(succession.) In testamentar% (succession). shares are alwa%s equal *ec. of designation of shares.
In intestac%. it is possi*le to ha(e different shares. #.g.. full and half *lood.
#$ample.
'A<# 1")
A
G 2
3
#state N @DD.DDD. If 3 predecease G. then

2 N "DD.DDD O )D.DDD N ")D.DDD
3 N "DD.DDD O )D.DDD N ")D.DDD
N 1DD.DDD O "D.DDD N 1"D.DDD
Share of 3 di(ided in the proportion the% were to inherit.

Art. &D:D. )%e %eirs to $%o! t%e in%eritance accrues s%a succeed to a t%e rig%ts
and obigations $%ic% t%e %eir $%o renounced or coud not receive it $oud %ave %ad.
2alane+ 1. 3o-heirs get (their) share with the same o*ligations and conditions.
". 3an representati(es get accretion1 >es. If person represented will get the accretion.
then the representati(e should (also) get the accretion.
Illustration+
a1
------A 7
L M a"
L
L ----2
G ----L
L ----3
L
-----
#state is worth @DD. A predeceased G. 2 renounced.
If all present. then 1?D each.
a1 and a" N 1?D O ?D N "DD
3 N 1?D O ?D N "DD
N 1?D O ?D N "DD
2;s share acquired *% the others *% accretion 1?D
a1 and a" get accretion *ec. the% represent A in A;s rights as if A is still around. 4he%
stand in the same position as a person represented.
a1 and a" get A? each *% right of representation. and "? each *% accretion.

Art. &D:&. A!ong t%e co!"usory %eirs t%e rig%t of accretion s%a taEe "ace ony
$%en t%e free "ortion is eft to t$o or !ore of t%e!; or to any of t%e! and to a stranger.
S%oud t%e "art re"udiated be t%e egiti!e; t%e ot%er co+%eirs s%a succeed to in
t%eir o$n rig%t; and not by t%e rig%t of accretion.
'A<# 1"?
Art. &D::. In testa!entary succession; $%en t%e rig%t of accretion does not taEe
"ace; t%e vacant "ortion of t%e instituted %eirs; if no substitute %as been designated; s%a
"ass to t%e ega %eirs of t%e testator; $%o s%a receive it $it% t%e sa!e c%arges and
obigations.
Art. &D:8. Accretion s%a aso taEe "ace a!ong devisees; egatees and
usufructuaries under t%e sa!e conditions estabis%ed for %eirs.
Section :.++ Capacity to &ucceed "y Will or "y Intestacy.
Art. &D:>. Persons not inca"acitated by a$ !ay succeed by $i or a" intestato.
)%e "rovisions reating to inca"acity by $i are e,uay a""icabe to intestate
succession.
2alane+ 'ar. 1.-- !b intestato refers *oth to legitime and intestac%.
'ar. ".-- Mista6e - not true. Incapacit% to succeed *% will. 1D"A. 1D"C and 1D&". are the%
applica*le to intestac%1 ,ot all.
a. Applies onl% to incapacit% *% will.-- Articles 1D"A. paragraphs 1 to ?. 1D"C
(applica*le onl% in testamentar% succession.)
*. Applies to *oth.-- Articles 1D"A. par. @. 1D&".)
Art. &D:A. In order to be ca"acitated to in%erit; t%e %eir; devisee or egatee !ust be
iving at t%e !o!ent t%e succession o"ens; e?ce"t in case of re"resentation; $%en it is
"ro"er.
A c%id aready conceived at t%e ti!e of t%e deat% of t%e decedent is ca"abe of
succeeding "rovided it be born ater under t%e conditions "rescribed in artice >&.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ Succession opens at the death of the decedent. (Art. AAA.) 4he heir must
*e ali(e when succession opens. 4he same as Art. 1D&).
#$ception+ 5In case of representation. when proper.5 4his is wrong. 4he representati(e
must *e ali(e when the decedent dies.
Illustration+
G
7 L M
A 2 3
L
*1
1. 2 dies on Fan. 1EE@. 2;s wife is pregnant. G dies in March 1EE@. *1 is *orn in Ful%
1EE@. 0as *1 ali(e when G died1 >es. Art. )1. the foetus is considered ali(e from the moment
of conception. 4his is not an e$ception *ec. *1 is ali(e.
". 2 is disinherited in 1EE@. G dies in 1EEA. *1 is *orn in 1EEE.
a. 3an *1 represent 21 ,o. 8e was not li(ing at the time G died.
*. 3an *1 inherit from G1 ,o. Art. 1D"?. par. 1.
'A<# 1"@
'arish 'riest of Hictoria (. Rigor -- In the case. the priest pro(ided that his estate will go
to an% of the nephews who ma% enter the priesthood. 4he nephew claiming. howe(er. was *orn
after the priest had died. As such . the nephew cannot inherit.
Art. &D:(. A testa!entary dis"osition !ay be !ade to t%e State; "rovinces;
!unici"a cor"orations; "rivate cor"orations; organiHations; or associations for reigious;
scientific; cutura; educationa; or c%aritabe "ur"oses.
A ot%er cor"orations or entities !ay succeed under a $i; uness t%ere is a
"rovision to t%e contrary in t%eir c%arter or t%e a$s of t%eir creation; and a$ays sub6ect to
t%e sa!e.
2alane+ I+ 3an %ou ma6e a testamentar% disposition in fa(or of =uridical persons1
A+ >es. if allowed *% their charter. 4he% must e$ist. howe(er. at the time of the death of
the decedent.
#.g.. 5I gi(e 17& of m% estate to a(id-,a(ato -rganiBation. a non-incorporated org.5 Is
this (alid1 ,o. It has no =uridical personalit%
Artice &D:7. )%e foo$ing are inca"abe of succeeding:
.&/ )%e "riest $%o %eard t%e confession of t%e testator during %is ast iness; or t%e
!inister of t%e gos"e $%o e?tended s"iritua aid to %i! during t%e sa!e "eriod9
.:/ )%e reatives of suc% "riest or !inister of t%e gos"e $it%in t%e fourt% degree;
t%e c%urc%; order; c%a"ter; co!!unity; organiHation; or institution to $%ic% suc% "riest or
!inister !ay beong9
.8/ A guardian $it% res"ect to testa!entary dis"ositions given by a $ard in %is
favor before t%e fina accounts of t%e guardians%i" %ave been a""roved; even if t%e testator
s%oud die after t%e a""rova t%ereof9 nevert%eess; any "rovision !ade by t%e $ard in favor
of t%e guardian $%en t%e atter is %is ascendants; descendant; brot%er; sister; or s"ouse; s%a
be vaid9
.>/ Any attesting $itness to t%e e?ecution of a $i; t%e s"ouse; "arents; or c%idren;
or any one cai!ing under suc% $itness; s"ouse; "arents; or c%idren9
.A/ Any "%ysician; surgeon; nurse; %eat% officer or druggist $%o tooE care of t%e
testator during %is ast iness9
.(/ Individuas; associations and cor"orations not "er!itted by a$ to in%erit.
2alane+ ,um*ers 1 to ? ha(e no application to legitimes.
A. #$ample num*er 1. A. a priest. is a friend of 2. 2 regularl% goes to confession to A. 2
then *ecomes seriousl% ill. 8e e$ecutes a will instituting A to 17& to his estate. Is this
testamentar% disposition (alid or is A capacitated to inherit from 21 >es.
#$ample num*er ". -n his death*ed. G ma6es a will instituting >. a priest. 4hin6ing he
will die. G calls > to confess. Is > capacitated to inherit from G1 >es.
1. 0hen does par. 1 appl%. in other words. when is the priest incapacitated to succeed1
a. 0hen the confession is made prior to the ma6ing of a will. If simultaneous.
'A<# 1"A
the priest is still disqualified. If the will is made first. the priest can inherit.
*. If the confession was made *efore the will was made and the priest is the son
of the sic6 person. can the priest inherit upon the death of the sic6 person1 >es. 8e can
get the legitime.
If the priest were a *rother1 >es. 8e can inherit *% intestac%.
isqualification applies onl% to testamentar% dispositions.
". 5'riest or minister of the gospel.5-- espite this apparent restriction to 3hristian
ministers. this applies to all spiritual ministers. e.g.. 2uddhist mon6s.
0h%1 2ecause it is conclusi(el% presumed that the spiritual minister used his moral
influence to induce or influence the sic6 person to ma6e a testamentar% disposition in his fa(or.
&. Requisites+
a. 4he will was made during the last illness
*. 4he spiritual ministration must ha(e *een e$tended during the last illness
c. 4he will was e$ecuted during or after the spiritual ministration.
2. Relati(es of the priest of minister of the gospel
4his widens the disqualification in A.
-mission was made of the spouse of the minister of the gospel. 0hat do %ou do1 Appl%
Art. 1D&1. 4o disqualif% the spouse. %ou ha(e to show that the testamentar% *enefaction gi(en to
the wife was meant to *enefit the minister. 4his is harder to pro(e.
3. <uardian
<eneral rule+ isqualification applies when the disposition is made+
After the guardianship *egan (*eginning of the guardianship) --- 2efore termination of
guardianship (appro(al of final accounts or lifting of guardianship.)

#$ception+ isposition is (alid when the guardian is an ascendant. descendant. *rother.
sister or spouse.
1. 4his e$ception is not present in the case of a priest. 0h%1 4he% were deri(ed
different laws. 4he omission in the case of the priest was stupid.
". Seems to refer onl% to guardian of the propert%. 3ommentators agree that this also
co(ers guardians o(er the person *ec. the latter ha(e more opportunit% to influence the ward.
. Attesting witness.
3orrelate this w7 Art. E"&.
<eneral rule+ 0itness. spouse.... are disqualified.
#$ception+ If there are three (&) other witnesses to the will.
#. 'h%sician. surgeon. nurse. health officer or druggist.
4he latter must ha(e ta6en care of the sic6 person.
Requisites+
1. 4he will was made during the last illness
". 4he sic6 person must ha(e *een ta6en cared of during his last illness. Medical
attendance was made.
'A<# 1"C
&. 4he will was e$ecuted during or after he was *eing ta6en cared of.
Art. &D:C. )%e "ro%ibitions !entioned in artice 78'; concerning donations inter
vivos s%a a""y to testa!entary "rovisions.
Artice 78'. )%e foo$ing donations s%a be void:
.&/ )%ose !ade bet$een "ersons $%o $ere guity of adutery or
concubinage at t%e ti!e of t%e donation9
.:/ )%ose !ade bet$een "ersons found guity of t%e sa!e cri!ina offense;
in consideration t%ereof9
.8/ )%ose !ade to a "ubic officer or %is $ife; descendants and ascendants;
by reason of %is office.
In t%e case referred to in No. &; t%e action for decaration of nuity !ay be
broug%t by t%e s"ouse of t%e donor or donee9 and t%e guit of t%e donor and donee
!ay be "roved by "re"onderance of evidence in t%e sa!e action.
2alane+ 4his applies onl% to testamentar% succession.
Art. &D:'. S%oud t%e testator dis"ose of t%e $%oe or "art of %is "ro"erty for
"rayers and "ious $orEs for t%e benefit of %is sou; in genera ter!s and $it%out s"ecifying
it a""ication; t%e e?ecutor; $it% t%e courtGs a""rova s%a deiver one+%af t%ereof or its
"roceeds to t%e c%urc% or deno!ination to $%ic% t%e testator !ay beong; to be used for
suc% "rayers and "ious $orEs; and t%e ot%er %af to t%e State; for t%e "ur"oses !entioned in
artice &D&8.
2alane+ isposition in fa(or of+ (a) pra%ers! (*) pious wor6s-- for the soul of the testator.
17" to the 3hurch which the testator *elongs and 17" to the State.
4his is *ecause of Art. 1D"E. this is not a disposition in fa(or of an un6nown person.

Art. &D8D. )esta!entary "rovisions in favor of t%e "oor in genera; $it%out
designation of "articuar "ersons or of any co!!unity; s%a be dee!ed i!ited to t%e "oor
iving in t%e do!icie of t%e testator at t%e ti!e of %is deat%; uness it s%oud ceary a""ear
t%at %is intention $as ot%er$ise.
)%e designation of t%e "ersons $%o are to be considered as "oor and t%e distribution
of t%e "ro"erty s%a be !ade by t%e "erson a""ointed by t%e testator for t%e "ur"ose9 in
defaut of suc% "erson; by t%e e?ecutor9 and s%oud t%ere be no e?ecutor; by t%e 6ustice of
t%e "eace; t%e !ayor; and t%e !unici"a treasurer; $%o s%a decide by a !a6ority of votes
a ,uestions t%at !ay arise. In a t%ese cases; t%e a""rova of t%e Court of 4irst Instance
s%a be necessary.
)%e "receding "aragra"% s%a a""y $%en t%e testator %as dis"osed of %is "ro"erty
in favor of t%e "oor of a definite ocaity.
2alane+ 1. 4his is limited to the poor li(ing at the domicile of the testator upon his death. 4his is
not clear. 0hat is the scope of domicile1 oes it refer to countr%. pro(ince. cit% or *aranga%1
". 0ho is to designate1 (In the order of preference)
a. 'erson appointed *% the testator for that purpose
'A<# 1"E
*. #$ecutor
c. M43 =udge. ma%or. municipal treasurer. 4his ne(er happens *ec. if there are
no a and *. the court appoints an administrator.
Art. &D8&. A testa!entary "rovision in favor of a dis,uaified "erson; even t%oug%
!ade under t%e guise of an onerous contract; or !ade t%roug% an inter!ediary; s%a be
void.
2alane+ 0hat %ou cannot do directl%. %ou cannot do indirectl%. 4his is the same as Art. C@A. par.
).-- :se of a (a) dumm%! (*) contract
Artice &D8:. )%e foo$ing are inca"abe of succeeding by reason of un$ort%iness:
.&/ Parents $%o %ave abandoned t%eir c%idren or induced t%eir daug%ters to ead a
corru"t or i!!ora ife; or atte!"ted against t%eir virtues9
.:/ Any "erson $%o %as been convicted of an atte!"t against t%e ife of t%e testator;
%is or %er s"ouse; descendants or ascendants9
.8/ Any "erson $%o %as accused t%e testator of a cri!e for $%ic% t%e a$ "rescribes
i!"rison!ent for si? years or !ore; if t%e accusation %as been found to be groundess9
.>/ Any %eir of fu age $%o; %aving Eno$edge of t%e vioent deat% of t%e testator;
s%oud fai to re"ort it to an officer of t%e a$ $it%in a !ont%; uness t%e aut%orities %ave
aready taEen action9 t%is "ro%ibition s%a not a""y to cases $%erein; according to a$;
t%ere is no obigation to !aEe an accusation9
.A/ Any "erson convicted of adutery or concubinage $it% t%e s"ouse of t%e testator9
.(/ Any "erson $%o by fraud; vioence; inti!idation; or undue infuence s%oud
cause t%e testator to !aEe a $i or to c%ange one aready !ade9
.7/ Any "erson $%o by t%e sa!e !eans "revents anot%er fro! !aEing a $i; or
fro! revoEing one aready !ade; or $%o su""ants; conceas; or aters t%e atterGs $i9
.C/ Any "erson $%o fasifies or forges a su""osed $i of t%e decedent.
2alane+ <rounds 1. ". &. ? and @ are the same as in disinheritance.
,um*er ) has no application *ecause there is no o*ligation to accuse. 4here is no law
that o*ligates to accuse. -nl% a ci(ic or moral dut% *ut not a legal dut%.
,um*ers @. A and C co(er si$ (@) cases of acts relating to a will+
a. 3ausing the testator to ma6e a will
*. 3ausing the testator to change an e$isting will
c. 're(enting the decedent from ma6ing a will
d. 're(enting the testator from re(o6ing his will
e. Supplanting. concealing. or altering the testator;s will.
f. 9alsif%ing or forging a supposed will of the decedent.
4here is no conflict with disinheritance despite similar grounds.
Illustration+ A. son of 2. tries to 6ill 2. 2 ma% disinherit him or not. If 2 disinherits him
under Art. E1E. then A is disqualified to inherit. 8owe(er. e(en if 2 did not disinherit A. A is
incapacitated to inherit *ec. of Art. 1D&". If disinherited under Art. E1E. there is dou*le
disinheritance. isinheritance in the will is redundant. In the common grounds. %ou do not ha(e
to disinherit in Art. E1E since the effect of Articles E1E and 1D&" are the same.

'A<# 1&D

Art. &D88. )%e causes of un$ort%iness s%a be $it%out effect if t%e testator %ad
Eno$edge t%ereof at t%e ti!e %e !ade t%e $i; or if; %aving Eno$n of t%e! subse,uenty;
%e s%oud condone t%e! in $riting.
2alane+ 1. a. 58ad 6nowledge at the time he made the will.5-- In this case. it is presumed that
the testator had pardoned the offender.
*. 5Jnown su*sequentl%.5-- ,eeds written pardon.
". 'ro*lem+ In disinheritance. incapacit% to disinherit is lifted *% reconciliation. 2ut in
Art. 1D&&. there must *e a pardon in writing. 4his is strange.
In Art. E1E - e$press will -- reconciliation is enough
In Art. 1D&& - presumed will -- needs written pardon.
'ro*lem arises if the testator made a will disinheriting. 0hat rule do %ou appl% if the
reason for disinheriting was a common ground1
a. If %ou follow the rules of disinheritance.-- >es.
*. If %ou follow the rules of unworthiness.-- ,o.
3ommentators.-- Rules of disinheritance should appl%. 4o ma6e the rules of
unworthiness appl% would *e gi(ing precedence to the presumed will o(er the e$press will.
Art. &D8>. In order to 6udge t%e ca"acity of t%e %eir; devisee or egatee; %is
,uaification at t%e ti!e of t%e deat% of t%e decedent s%a be t%e criterion.
In cases faing under Nos. :; 8 or A of artice &D8:; it s%a be necessary to $ait unti
fina 6udg!ent is rendered; and in t%e case faing under No. >; t%e e?"irattion of t%e !ont%
ao$ed for t%e re"ort.
If t%e institution; devise or egacy s%oud be conditiona; t%e ti!e of t%e co!"iance
$it% t%e condition s%a aso be considered.
2alane+ 4ime to =udge the capacit% of the heir.
'ar. 1.-- 4ime of death. correlate with par. 1 of Art. 1D"?. 4he time succession opens.
no e$ceptions.
'ar. ".-- <rounds ". & and ?.-- 0ait for final =udgment when con(iction is needed.
'ar. &.-- 3onditional.-- 3onsider *oth time of compliance and time of death of the
decedent.
Art. &D8A. If t%e "erson e?cuded fro! t%e in%eritance by reason of inca"acity
s%oud be a c%id or descendant of t%e decedent and s%oud %ave c%idren or descendant; t%e
atter s%a ac,uire %is rig%t to t%e egiti!e.
)%e "erson so e?cuded s%a not en6oy t%e usufruct and ad!inistration of t%e
"ro"erty t%us in%erited by %is c%idren.
2alane+ 4his grants right of representation to children or descendants of incapacitated children or
descendants.
4his co(ers the legitime and intestac%.
It does not mention intestate share onl% legitime. 0h%1 2ecause Art. 1D&? assumes that
'A<# 1&1
the free portion has *een disposed of completel%. 2ut if not. then intestate share is included.
Art. &D8(. Aienations of %ereditary "ro"erty; and acts of ad!inistration "erfor!ed
by t%e e?cuded %eir; before t%e 6udicia order of e?cusion; are vaid as to t%ird "ersons $%o
acted in good fait%9 but t%e co+%eirs s%a %ave a rig%t to recover da!ages fro! t%e
dis,uaified %eir.
2alane+ 4his applies the doctrine of innocent purchaser for (alue without pre=udice to the right to
damages of the pre=udiced heirs against the incapacitated heir.
Art. &D87. )%e un$ort%y %eir $%o is e?cuded fro! t%e succession %as a rig%t to
de!and inde!nity for any e?"enses incurred in t%e "reservation of t%e %ereditary "ro"erty;
and to enforce suc% credits as %e !ay %ave against t%e estate.
2alane+ 4his is the right gi(en to e(er% possessor. whether he *e in good or *ad faith in Art. ))&.
,ecessar% e$penses for preser(ation.
Art. &D8C. Any "erson inca"abe of succession; $%o; disregarding t%e "ro%ibition
stated in t%e "receding artices; entered into "ossession of t%e %ereditary "ro"erty; s%a be
obiged to return it toget%er $it% its accessions.
1e s%a be iabe for a t%e fruits and rents %e !ay %ave received; or coud %ave
received t%roug% t%e e?ercise of due diigence.
2alane+ 'ossessor in *ad faith means he 6nows that he is incapacitated. 8e must return the
propert%. fruits and rents.
Art. &D8'. Ca"acity to succeed is governed by t%e a$ of t%e nation of t%e decedent.
Art. &D>D. )%e action for a decaration of inca"acity and for t%e recovery of t%e
in%eritance; devise or egacy s%a be broug%t $it%in five years fro! t%e ti!e t%e
dis,uaified "erson tooE "ossession t%ereof. It !ay be broug%t by any one $%o !ay %ave an
interest in t%e succession.
2alane+ Right of heir to reco(er the inheritance must *e e$ercised within fi(e %ears.
Section 8.++ %cceptance and #epudiation of the Inheritance.
Art. &D>&. )%e acce"tance or re"udiation of t%e in%eritance is an act $%ic% is "urey
vountary and free.
2alane+ 1. Acceptance.-- (a) (oluntar%! (*) free
". 2asic Rules
'A<# 1&"
a. Rules for acceptance are more li*eral than the rules of renunciation *ecause
the former are *eneficial to the heir while the latter is pre=udicial to the heir.
*. In case an heir is incompetent7 insane or a minor. acceptance or repudiation
must *e made *% a representati(e. In case of renunciation. court appro(al is necessar% *ec. of a.
Art. &D>:. )%e effects of t%e acce"tance or re"udiation s%a a$ays retroact to t%e
!o!ent of t%e deat% of t%e decedent.
2alane+ 4his is *ecause of Art. AAA which states that 5the right to the succession are transmitted
from the moment of the death of the decedent.5
Art. &D>8. No "erson !ay acce"t or re"udiate an in%eritance uness %e is certain of
t%e deat% of t%e "erson fro! $%o! %e is to in%erit; and of %is rig%t to t%e in%eritance.
2alane+ 4his article requires+ (a) certaint% of death! (*) right to inherit (is esta*lished.)
Art. &D>>. Any "erson %aving t%e free dis"osa of %is "ro"erty !ay acce"t or
re"udiate an in%eritance.
Any in%eritance eft to !inors or inca"acitated "ersons !ay be acce"ted by t%eir
"arents or guardians. Parents or guardians !ay re"udiate t%e in%eritance eft to t%eir
$ards ony by 6udicia aut%oriHation.
)%e rig%t to acce"t an in%eritance eft to t%e "oor s%a beong to t%e "ersons
designated by t%e testator to deter!ine t%e beneficiaries and distribute t%e "ro"erty; or in
t%eir defaut to t%ose !entioned in artice &D8D.
2alane+
'ar. 1.-- Must ha(e capacit% to dispose of the propert%.
a. -f age
*. ,ot restricted in his capacit% to act.
'ar. ".-- Minors or incapacitated can inherit through their parents or legal guardians. 2ut
to renounce. =udicial appro(al is necessar%.
Art. &D>A. )%e a$fu re"resentatives of cor"orations; associations; institutions and
entities ,uaified to ac,uire "ro"erty !ay acce"t any in%eritance eft to t%e atter; but in
order to re"udiate it; t%e a""rova of t%e court s%a be necessary.
2alane+ Acceptance needs a lawful representati(e while renunciation needs court appro(al.
Art. &D>(. Pubic officia estabis%!ents can neit%er acce"t nor re"udiate an
in%eritance $it%out t%e a""rova of t%e govern!ent.
Art. &D>7. A !arried $o!an of age !ay re"udiate an in%eritance $it%out t%e
consent of %er %usband.
'A<# 1&&
2alane+ <eneral rule+ A married woman ma% accept without the consent of her hus*and.
#$ception+ If she is insane. In this case. howe(er. the marriage is not the reason for the
incapacit%.
Art. &D>C. *eaf+!utes $%o can read and $rite !ay acce"t or re"udiate t%e
in%eritance "ersonay or t%roug% an agent. S%oud t%ey not be abe to read and $rite; t%e
in%eritance s%a be acce"ted by t%eir guardians. )%ese guardians !ay re"udiate t%e sa!e
$it% 6udicia a""rova.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ 2eing a deaf-mute is not a restriction on the a*ilit% to accept or renounce
as long as he can read and write. 8e ma% accept or renounce personall% or through an agent.
#$ception+ If he cannot read or write. he can onl% accept through a guardian. If he
renounces. the renunciation needs court appro(al.
Art. &D>'. Acce"tance !ay be e?"ress or tacit.
An e?"ress acce"tance !ust be !ade in a "ubic or "rivate docu!ent.
A tacit acce"tance is one resuting fro! t%e acts by $%ic% t%e intention to acce"t is
necessariy i!"ied; or $%ic% one $oud %ave no rig%t to do e?ce"t in t%e ca"acity of an %eir.
Acts of !ere "reservation or "rovisiona ad!inistration do not i!"y an acce"tance
of t%e in%eritance if; t%roug% suc% acts; t%e tite or ca"acity of an %eir %as not been assu!ed.
2alane+ 9orms of acceptance+
1. #$press.-- In clear and e$plicit terms. In writing. whether in a pri(ate or pu*lic
document.
". 4acit.-- Art. 1D?D.-- Results from acts from which intent to accept is implied.
&. Implied.-- Art. 1D?A.-- If does not do an%thing w7in thirt% (&D) da%s. then it is
deemed accepted.
Art. &DAD. An in%eritance is dee!ed acce"ted:
.&/ If t%e %eirs ses; donates; or assigns %is rig%t to a stranger; or to %is co+%eirs; or
to any of t%e!9
.:/ If t%e %eir renounces t%e sa!e; even t%oug% gratuitousy; for t%e benefit of one
or !ore of %is co+%eirs9
.8/ If %e renounces it for a "rice in favor of a %is co+%eirs indiscri!inatey9 but if
t%is renunciation s%oud be gratuitous; and t%e co+%eirs in $%ose favor it is !ade are t%ose
u"on $%o! t%e "ortion renounced s%oud devove by virtue of accretion; t%e in%eritance
s%a not be dee!ed as acce"ted.
2alane+ 'ar. 1.-- Acts of ownership-- to do these acts. the heir must ha(e accepted the
inheritance.
'ar. ".-- 8eir is reall% gi(ing it-- to do this. the heir must ha(e accepted it first
'ar. &.-- Sells it-- must ha(e acquired something *efore %ou can sell. 8owe(er. if
gratuitous in fa(or of co-heirs indiscriminatel%. to whom it would ha(e de(ol(ed *% accretion.
then true renunciation.
Art. &DA&. )%e re"udiation of an in%eritance s%a be !ade in a "ubic or aut%entic
'A<# 1&)
instru!ent; or by "etition "resented to t%e court %aving 6urisdiction over t%e testa!entary
or intestate "roceedings.
2alane+ 9orms of renunciation+
1. 'u*lic or authentic document
". 'etition presented to the court.
Strict form is required. -ne cannot renounce tacitl% or impliedl%.
Art. &DA:. If t%e %eir re"udiates t%e in%eritance to t%e "re6udice of %is o$n
creditors; t%e atter !ay "etition t%e court to aut%oriHe t%e! to acce"t it in t%e na!e of t%e
%eir.
)%e acce"tance s%a benefit t%e creditors ony to an e?tent sufficient to cover t%e
a!ount of t%eir credits. )%e e?cess; s%oud t%ere be any; s%a in no case "ertain to t%e
renouncer; but s%a be ad6udicated to t%e "ersons to $%o!; in accordance $it% t%e rues
estabis%ed in t%is Code; it !ay beong.
2alane+ !ccion Pauliana.-- 4he right of the creditor to set aside dispositions or renunciations
pre=udicial to them.
8ow much1 4o the e$tent to co(er the de*t onl%. 4he e$cess is gi(en to whom it would
properl% *elong.
4his assumes that %ou do not ha(e enough mone% to pa% %our creditors.
Art. &DA8. If t%e %eir s%oud die $it%out %aving acce"ted or re"udiated t%e
in%eritance %is rig%t s%a be trans!itted to %is %eirs.
2alane+ 0h%1 2ecause the right has (ested in him at the time the decedent died.
Art. &DA>. S%oud t%ere be severa %eirs caed to t%e in%eritance; so!e of t%e! !ay
acce"t and t%e ot%ers !ay re"udiate it.
2alane+ Illustration+
G
----------
L L L
A 2 3
-----
L L L
a * c
G died on Fan. 1. 1EE@. A died on Fan. 1). 1EE@ without ha(ing accepted or repudiated
the inheritance. a. * and c get the rights of A. An% of them ma% renounce. If a and * renounce.
then "7& of A;s share is deemed renounced. ,o accretion ta6es place *etween a. * and c.
'artial acceptance is allowed. #.g.. 2 renounces "7& of what he will get.
'A<# 1&?
Art. &DAA. If a "erson; $%o is caed to t%e sa!e in%eritance as an %eir by $i and
a" intestato; re"udiates t%e in%eritance in %is ca"acity as a testa!entary %eir; %e is
understood to %ave re"udiated it in bot% ca"acities.
S%oud %e re"udiate it as an intestate %eir; $it%out Eno$edge of %is being a
testa!entary %eir; %e !ay sti acce"t it in t%e atter ca"acity.
2alane+ If the heir is *oth a testate and intestate heir+
1. If he renounces in a testate capacit%.-- 8e is deemed to ha(e renounced in *oth
capacities. 0h%1 If the heir re=ected an e$press will. then he is deemed to ha(e re=ected the
implied will.
". If he renounces in an intestate capacit%. whether he had 6nowledge that he was a
testate heir or not. onl% his capacit% to inherit as an intestate heir is renounced. #(en if he had
6nowledge. he ma% want to accept the testate share to show respect for the will of the testator.
'hilosoph% *ehind this is that testamentar% succession is superior to intestate succession.
,ote+ /egitime is treated separatel%.-- 4his ma% *e accepted or renounced separatel%. 4he heir
ma% accept the testate share and re=ect the legitime and (ice (ersa.
Art. &DA(. )%e acce"tance or re"udiation of an in%eritance; once !ade; is
irrevocabe; and cannot be i!"ugned; e?ce"t $%en it $as !ade t%roug% any of t%e causes
t%at vitiate consent; or $%en an unEno$n $i a""ears.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ Irre(oca*ilit% of acceptance or repudiation.
#$ceptions+ 1. Hitiated consent. e.g.. when there is fraud
". 0hen an un6nown will appears.-- >ou cannot renounce what %ou do
not 6now.
Art. &DA7. 2it%in t%irty days after t%e court %as issued an order for t%e distribution
of t%e estate in accordance $it% t%e Rues of Court; t%e %eirs; devisees and egatees s%a
signify to t%e court %aving 6urisdiction $%et%er t%ey acce"t or re"udiate t%e in%eritance.
If t%ey do not do so $it%in t%at ti!e; t%ey are dee!ed to %ave acce"ted t%e
in%eritance.
2alane+ Implied acceptance.-- 4he thirt% da% period is counted from the receipt of the order.
Section >.++ )!ecutors and %dministrators.
Art. &DAC. A !atters reating to t%e a""oint!ent; "o$ers and duties of e?ecutors
and ad!inistrators and concerning t%e ad!inistration of estates of deceased "ersons s%a
be governed by t%e Rues of Court.
'A<# 1&@
Art. &DA'. If t%e assets of t%e estate of a decedent $%ic% can be a""ied to t%e
"ay!ent of debts are not sufficient for t%at "ur"ose; t%e "rovisions of artices ::8' to ::A&
on Preference of Credits s%a be observed; "rovided t%at t%e e?"enses referred to in artice
::>>; No. C; s%a be t%ose invoved in t%e ad!inistration of t%e decedentGs estate.
Art. &D(D. A cor"oration or association aut%oriHed to conduct t%e business of a trust
co!"any in t%e P%ii""ines !ay be a""ointed as an e?ecutor; ad!inistrator; guardian of an
estate; or trustee; in iEe !anner as an individua9 but it s%a not be a""ointed guardian of
t%e "erson of a $ard.
2alane+ Articles 1D?C to 1D@D.-- 9or the procedural aspects. see Rules A& to E1 of the Rules of
3ourt.
Section A.++ Collation.
2alane+ efinition+ Steps ta6en to settle the estate to *e a*le to gi(e it to the heirs.
4hree (&) senses+
1. Computation.-- <et together all assets. su*tract the de*ts and add the donations to get
the net hereditar% estate.
". &mputation.-- etermine if the donation is chargea*le7 imputa*le to the legitime or the
free portion.
<eneral rule+ If compulsor% heir. imputa*le to the legitime.
#$ception+ If testator has pro(ided otherwise.
&. Restoration, return.++ If donation to a stranger e$ceeds the free portion. he would
ha(e to gi(e *ac6 to the estate as much as is needed to complete the legitimes. 4his will not
happen if the legitimes are not impaired.
Art. &D(&. Every co!"usory %eir; $%o succeeds $it% ot%er co!"usory %eirs; !ust
bring into t%e !ass of t%e estate any "ro"erty or rig%t $%ic% %e !ay %ave received fro! t%e
decedent; during t%e ifeti!e of t%e atter; by $ay of donation; or any ot%er gratuitous tite;
in order t%at it !ay be co!"uted in t%e deter!ination of t%e egiti!e of eac% %eir; and in
t%e account of t%e "artition.
2alane+ 9irst sense. computation.
4his is the same as the third step in Art. EDC.
Inaccurac% in the pro(ision.-- 5collation done *% compulsor% heirs.5-- All donations are
collated pro(ided there is at least one compulsor% heir *ec. there will *e a legitime.
Art. &D(:. Coation s%a not taEe "ace a!ong co!"usory %eirs if t%e donor s%oud
%ave so e?"ressy "rovided; or if t%e donee s%oud re"udiate t%e in%eritance; uness t%e
donation s%oud be reduced as inofficious.
2alane+ Second sense. imputation. (Articles EDE. E1D.)
<eneral rule+ onation to a compulsor% heir shall *e collated (imputed) to his legitime.
'A<# 1&A
#$ceptions+ (1) onor pro(ides otherwise. In such a case. it will *e imputed to the
free portion.
(") onee repudiates the inheritance.
Art. &D(8. Pro"erty eft by $i is not dee!ed sub6ect to coation; if t%e testator %as
not ot%er$ise "rovided; but t%e egiti!e s%a in any case re!ain uni!"aired.
2alane+ Second sense. imputation.
4estamentar% isposition. 4his is imputed against the free portion and not against the
legitime. 4he heir gets legitime O testamentar% disposition. 0h%1 If not. what is the use1 8e
will get it an%wa%. :nless. of course. if it impairs the legitime of others.
Art. &D(>. 2%en grandc%idren; $%o survive $it% t%eir unces; aunts; or cousins;
in%erit fro! t%eir grand"arents in re"resentation of t%eir fat%er or !ot%er; t%ey s%a bring
to coation a t%at t%eir "arents; if aive; $oud %ave been obiged to bring; even t%oug%
suc% grandc%idren %ave not in%erited t%e "ro"erty.
)%ey s%a aso bring to coation a t%at t%ey !ay %ave received fro! t%e decedent
during %is ifeti!e; uness t%e testator %as "rovided ot%er$ise; in $%ic% case %is $is%es !ust
be res"ected; if t%e egiti!e of t%e co+%eirs is not "re6udiced.
5<randchildren5 refer to all descendants who inherit *% representation.
Illustration+
G
7 M
A 2
@ J
*1 *"
2 predeceased G.
1. In 1ECC. G donated to 2 'AD.DDD.
". In "DD1. G donated to *1 and *" '?D.DDD
0hat will *1 and *" impute when G dies1
'ar. 1.-- 1ECC donation.-- >es *ec. 2 would ha(e imputed it (if he) were he ali(e.
'ar. ".-- "DD1 donation.-- >es. 4his is not logical *ec. *1 and *" inherit *%
representation. 4he general rule is that onl% persons who recei(e the donation are *ound to
impute it.
Art. &D(A. Parents are not obiged to bring to coation in t%e in%eritance of t%e
ascendants any "ro"erty $%ic% !ay %ave been donated by t%e atter to t%eir c%idren.
Illustration+
'A<# 1&C
G
7 M
A 2
K @ J
a1 *1 *"
In 1EE?. G donated to a1. In "DD1. G dies while A is still ali(e. 0ill A impute the
donation to a11 ,o. a1 is considered a stranger *ec. he is not a compulsor% heir. Impute (s. the
free portion.
Art. &D((. Neit%er s%a donations to t%e s"ouse of t%e c%id be broug%t to coation9
but if t%ey %ave been given by t%e "arent to t%e s"ouses 6ointy; t%e c%id s%a be obiged to
bring to coation one+%af of t%e t%ing donated.
Illustration+
G
K
A; ++++A
4wo cases+
1. G donates to A; onl%. imputed to the free portion.
". G donates to *oth A and A;. impute 17" to legitime of A and 17" to the free portion.
Rule+ onation gi(en to the spouse will not *e imputed to the legitime of the descendant
spouse *ec. the spouse is considered a stranger.
Art. &D(7. E?"enses for su""ort; education; !edica; attendance; even in
e?traordinary iness; a""rentices%i"; ordinary e,ui"!ent; or custo!ary gifts are not
sub6ect to coation.
2alane+ 9irst sense. computation.
1. -(erlap *etween support in the ,33 and in the 93.-- Support in the 93 alread%
includes medical attendance.
". All e$penses in Art. 1D@A are not imputed to the legitime.-- Including @ things in
support in the 93.
Art. &D(C. E?"enses incurred by t%e "arents in giving t%eir c%idren a "rofessiona;
vocationa or ot%er career s%a not be broug%t into coation uness t%e "arents so "rovide;
or uness t%ey i!"air t%e egiti!e9 but $%en t%eir coation is re,uired; t%e su! $%ic% t%e
c%id $oud %ave s"ent if %e %ad ived in t%e %ouse and co!"any of %is "arents s%a be
deducted t%erefro!.
4his qualifies Art. 1D@A.
<eneral rule+ Imputed (ersus the free portion.
#$ceptions+ (1) 0hen parents pro(ide otherwise
(") 0hen it impairs the legitimes of other compulsor% heirs.
'A<# 1&E
2ut if %ou li(ed awa% from home. deduct the li(ing e$penses from what would *e
imputed against %our legitime.
4his is inconsistent *ec. this is included in support under the 9amil% 3ode.
Art. &D('. Any su!s "aid by a "arent in satisfaction of t%e debts of %is c%idren;
eection e?"enses; fines; and si!iar e?"enses s%a be broug%t to coation.
Art. &D7D. 2edding gifts by "arents and ascendants consisting of 6e$ery; cot%ing;
and outfit; s%a not be reduced as inofficious e?ce"t insofar as t%ey !ay e?ceed one+tent% of
t%e su! $%ic% is dis"osabe by $i.
0edding gifts.-- 4wo (iews+
1. /iteral.-- 3annot *e *e%ond 171D of the free portion. If it e$ceeds. return the e$cess.
". /i*eral.-- a. *elow 171D of the free portion. impute to the free portion
*. a*o(e 171D of the free portion. impute to the legitime.
#.g.. #state is worth @DD. 4here are & children. /egitimes N &DD. 0hen A got married.
he was gi(en a gift of )D. 4his is more than 171D of the free portion.
1. /iteral N &D. impute to the legitime
1D. return
". /i*eral N &D. impute to the free portion
1D. impute to the legitime.
Art. &D7&. )%e sa!e t%ings donated are not to be broug%t to coation and "artition;
but ony t%eir vaue at t%e ti!e of t%e donation; even t%oug% t%eir 6ust vaue !ay not t%en
%ave been assessed.
)%eir subse,uent increase or deterioration and even t%eir tota oss or destruction;
be it accidenta or cu"abe; s%a be for t%e benefit or account and risE of t%e donee.
2alane+ 'ar. 1.-- 9irst and second senses. computation and imputation.
0hat do %ou compute1 4he (alue at the time of the donation.
'ar. ".-- An% change in the (alue is for the account of the donee. 0h%1 2ec. the donee
is the owner of the thing donated. (Res perit domino.)
Art. &D7:. In t%e coation of a donation !ade by bot% "arents; one+%af s%a be
broug%t to t%e in%eritance of t%e fat%er; and t%e ot%er %af; to t%at of t%e !ot%er. )%at given
by one aone s%a be broug%t to coation in %is or %er in%eritance.
2alane+ 9irst and second senses. computation and imputation.
4his pro(ision contemplates =oint donation *% parents from their common propert%.
a. 17" computed for determination of the estate of the hus*and.
'A<# 1)D
*. 17" computed for determination of the estate of the wife.
Same rule for imputation w7 respect to the donee. Impute 17" to father and 17" to mother.
Art. &D78. )%e doneeGs s%are of t%e estate s%a be reduced by an a!ount e,ua to
t%at aready received by %i!9 and %is co+ %eirs s%a receive and e,uivaent; as !uc% as
"ossibe; in "ro"erty of t%e sa!e nature; cass and ,uaity.
In partition. there should *e among heirs of the same class. as much as possi*le. equalit%
not onl% as to (alue *ut also as to 6ind and nature. 4his is su*=ect. of course. to a contrar%
agreement of the heirs concerned.

Art. &D7>. S%oud t%e "rovisions of t%e "receding artice be i!"racticabe; if t%e
"ro"erty donated $as i!!ovabe; t%e co+%eirs s%a be entited to receive its e,uivaent in
cas% or securities; at t%e rate of ,uotation9 and s%oud t%ere be neit%er cas% nor !arEetabe
securities in t%e estate; so !uc% of t%e ot%er "ro"erty as !ay be necessary s%a be sod at
"ubic auction.
If t%e "ro"erty donated $as !ovabe; t%e co+%eirs s%a ony %ave a rig%t to seect an
e,uivaent of ot%er "ersona "ro"erty of t%e in%eritance at its 6ust "rice.
Applies if Art. 1DA& is not possi*le.
1. Immo(a*les-- cash or securities
". Mo(a*les-- similarl% (alued mo(a*le
Art. &D7A. )%e fruits and interest of t%e "ro"erty sub6ect to coation s%a not
"ertain to t%e estate e?ce"t fro! t%e day on $%ic% t%e succession is o"ened.
4or t%e "ur"ose of ascertaining t%eir a!ount; t%e fruits and interest of t%e "ro"erty
of t%e estate of t%e sa!e Eind and ,uaity as t%at sub6ect to coation s%a be !ade t%e
standard of assess!ent.
2alane+ 4hird sense. return.
1. Assume that the propert% donated has to *e returned *ec. the legitime has *een
impaired. 4he return ma% *e total or partial.
". onee ma% return+ (a) propert%! (*) cash (alue
&. -*ligation to return arises at the time of death. 4he fruits are also returned from that
time. 4he amount depends on how much of the propert% has to *e returned.
#.g.. A donated to G a mango plantation.
1. If G has to return all. return all the fruits from the time of the death of A.
". If G has to return 17". return 17" of the fruits from the time of the death of A.
2a(iera+ At the moment of death of donor. donee;s right o(er the propert% is modified
'A<# 1)1
Art. &D7(. )%e co+%eirs are bound to rei!burse to t%e donee t%e necessary e?"enses
$%ic% %e %as incurred for t%e "reservation of t%e "ro"erty donated to %i!; t%oug% t%ey !ay
not %ave aug!ented its vaue.
)%e donee $%o coates in Eind an i!!ovabe; $%ic% %as been given to %i!; !ust be
rei!bursed by %is co+%eirs for t%e i!"rove!ents $%ic% %ave increased t%e vaue of t%e
"ro"erty; and $%ic% e?ists at t%e ti!e t%e "artition is effected.
As to $orEs !ade on t%e estate for t%e !ere "easure of t%e donee; no
rei!burse!ent is due %i! for t%e!9 %e %as; %o$ever; t%e rig%t to re!ove t%e!; if %e can do
so $it%out in6uring t%e estate.
2alane+ 4hird sense. return. on the assumption that the donation is totall% inofficious.
'ar. 1.-- 4he donee. *eing the rightful owner. has to *e reim*ursed the necessar%
e$penses. 8ow much1 It depends on how much is collated. (same as Art. 1DA?.)
'ar. ".-- :seful e$penses.-- Appl% the same rules as in necessar% e$penses.
'ar. &.-- -rnamental e$penses.-- ,o right to reim*ursement *ut has the right to remo(e.
4hese are incidental o*ligations arising from collation in the third sense.
Art. &D77. S%oud any ,uestion arise a!ong t%e co+%eirs u"on t%e obigation to
bring to coation or as to t%e t%ings $%ic% are sub6ect to coation; t%e distribution of t%e
estate s%a not be interru"ted for t%is reason; "rovided ade,uate security is given.
Art. A&. ???
)%e deivery of t%e "resu!"tive egiti!es %erein "rescribed s%a in no $ay
"re6udice t%e uti!ate successiona rig%ts of t%e c%idren accruing u"on t%e deat% of
eit%er or bot% of t%e "arents9 but t%e vaue of t%e "ro"erties aready received under
t%e decree of annu!ent or absoute nuity s%a be considered as advances on t%eir
egiti!e. .4a!iy Code; "ar. 8 t%ereof./
Art. ::7. If t%e "arents entrust t%e !anage!ent or ad!inistration of any
of t%eir "ro"erties to an une!anci"ated c%id; t%e net "roceeds of suc% "ro"erty
s%a beong to t%e o$ner. )%e c%id s%a be given a reasonabe !ont%y ao$ance
in an a!ount not ess t%an t%at $%ic% t%e o$ner $oud %ave "aid if t%e ad!in+
istrator $ere a stranger; uness t%e o$ner; grants t%e entire "roceeds to t%e c%id. In
any case; t%e "roceeds t%us given in $%oe or in "art s%a not be c%arged to t%e
c%idGs egiti!e. .4a!iy Code./
2alane+ All three (&) senses.

Section (.++ Partition and $istri"ution of the )state.
Subsection &.++ Partition.
2alane+ 'artition.-- 'rocedural. a special proceeding.
4his is rele(ant if there are two or more heirs.
'A<# 1)"
ecedent dies---V Successional rights ---V 2ut propert%---V 3o-ownership---V #(entuall%. get---V i(ide
(est in the heirs is still there among heirs things together
#state
(first immediate effect (second imme- and compute Among
of death) diate effect of 8eirs
death)
Art. &D7C. 2%ere t%ere are t$o or !ore %eirs; t%e $%oe estate of t%e decedent is;
before its "artition; o$ned in co!!on by suc% %eirs; sub6ect to t%e "ay!ent of debts of t%e
deceased.
Art. &D7'. Partition; in genera; is t%e se"aration; division and assign!ent of a t%ing
%ed in co!!on a!ong t%ose to $%o! it !ay beong. )%e t%ing itsef !ay be divided; or its
vaue.
2alane+ efinition.-- 5Separate. di(ide and assign.5
1. 0a%s to go a*out partition.
a. #$tra=udiciall%.-- ecedent dies intestate and there are no de*ts.
(i) All the heirs agree among themsel(es.-- :pon agreement. partition is alread%
(alid.
(ii) If registered propert% is included. pu*lish the partition in a pu*lic document
(iii) <o to the Register of eeds to ha(e titles transferred
*. Fudicial
(i) Settlement proceeding
(ii) -rdinar% action on co-ownership
". <eneral 'rocedure
a. If with a will. it must first *e pro*ated. After pro*ate. the heirs can choose *etween+
(i) #$tra=udicial
(ii) Fudicial.-- Fudge will di(ide *ut will first gi(e the heirs a chance to su*mit
their own partition.
*. If the heirs do not agree on the partition . the =udge will appoint a commissioner.
c. 3ommissioner will su*mit a pro=ect of partition to the =udge. 4his pro=ect of partition.
howe(er. is not *inding on the =udge.
d. 4he =udge will issue an order of partition. 'ropert% will *e ad=udicated among the
heirs accordingl%.
Art. &DCD. S%oud a "erson !aEe a "artition of %is estate by an act inter vivos; or by
$i; suc% "artition s%a be res"ected; insofar as it does not "re6udice t%e egiti!e of t%e
co!"usory %eirs.
A "arent $%o; in t%e interest of %is or %er fa!iy; desires to Eee" any agricutura;
industria; or !anufacturing enter"rise intact; !ay avai %i!sef of t%e rig%t granted %i! in
'A<# 1)&
t%is artice; by ordering t%at t%e egiti!e of t%e ot%er c%idren to $%o! t%e "ro"erty is not
assigned; be "aid in cas%.
2alane+ 'ar. 1.-- 'erson can ma6e partition. 8ow1
1. 2% will-- ma6ing two things+
a. 4estamentar% disposition.-- State what (alue the person will get.
*. 'artition.-- State specific propert% the heir will get or what comprises the
(alue.
#.g.. G has no compulsor% heirs. 8e states in his will 5I gi(e to A 17& of m% estate. 4o
comprise A;s share. I would li6e her to get m% house in Ala*ang.5
4he testator is allowed to do so e(en if he has compulsor% heirs. 4he partition is (alid as
long as the items gi(en do not impair the legitime.
". Act inter #i#os. e.g.. pri(ate writing not a will.
a. Rule under the -33 -- to do this. there has to *e a prior e$isting will. 0h%1 If no
prior e$isting will. %ou are gi(ing the person power to ma6e dispositions not in the form of a will.
4his is seen in the use of the word 5testator5 in the article.
*. Rules under the ,33. is it (alid1
(i) >es. as long as (it is) strictl% confine(d) to rules of intestate succession since
there is no will. (>ou) can onl% state what properties the% are to recei(e and not ma6e
testamentar% dispositions.
(ii) -therwise. he will ha(e to ma6e a supporting will. 4his is seen in the use of
the word 5person5 in the article.
,ote+ (4his) can still *e done in (the) manner done in the -33.
#$ample+ #state of A consists of R40 factor% and cash. A has & compulsor% heirs G. >
and Q. A wants the factor% to go to G. A ma6es a partition 59actor% to G. > and Q are to get
their legitime in cash.5
4his is (alid. 2ec. legitimes are onl% (alues and not specific properties. Also. the
legitimes are not impaired.
3ha(eB (. IA3.-- In the case. Manuela assigned or distri*uted her estate equall% among
her si$ (@) children. 4hree of those sold their share to a sister. 3oncepcion. with the consent of
Manuela. Manuela then sold the entire propert% to 9errer. 0as the partition *% an act inter #i#os
(alid1 >es. Art. 1DCD allows the person to ma6e a partition. If the partition is *% will. it must *e
with the formalities on wills. If the partition is *% an act inter #i#os. the partition ma% *e oral or
written. and need not *e in the form of a will. pro(ided the partition does not pre=udice the
legitime of the compulsor% heirs. 4he deeds of sale *etween 3oncepcion and her sisters are (alid
*ec. the% are not contracts with respect to future inheritance *ut rather a contract perfected and
consummated during the lifetime of Manuela. who signed and ga(e her consent.
Art. &DC&. A "erson !ay; by an act inter vivos or mortis causa; intrust t%e !ere
"o$er to !aEe t%e "artition after %is deat% to any "erson $%o is not one of t%e co+%eirs.
)%e "rovisions of t%is and of t%e "receding artice s%a be observed even s%oud
t%ere be a!ong t%e co+%eirs a !inor or a "erson sub6ect to guardians%i"9 but t%e
!andatary; in suc% case; s%a !aEe an inventory of t%e "ro"erty of t%e estate; after
notifying t%e co+%eirs; t%e creditors; and t%e egatees or devisees.
'A<# 1))
2alane+ 1. :nder this article. partition ma% *e made *%+ (a) the testator himself! (*) 4hird
person who is not an heir.
". oes this article also prohi*it a de(isee or legatee from *eing appointed1 It is not
certain. If he is gi(en a specific portion. then there is no temptation to fa(or himself. 2ut if his
share *e a generic portion. then the temptation e$ists.
&. -andatary refers to a person entrusted to ma6e the partition.

Art. &DC:. Every act $%ic% is intended to "ut an end to indivision a!ong co+%eirs
and egatees or devisees is dee!ed to be a "artition; at%oug% it s%oud "ur"ort to be a sae;
an e?c%ange; a co!"ro!ise; or any ot%er transaction.
2alane+ An% act or an% mode of distri*ution that ends the co-ownership is a partition. 4he rules
on co-ownership appl%.
1. 'h%sical partition. e.g.. actuall% di(iding the land.
". 3onstructi(e partition- Art. 1DC@
If indi(isi*le (e.g.. a house) or if it will *e greatl% impaired if partitioned. 8ow do %ou
partition1 *% constructi(e partition.
a. Assign the propert% to the one who will gi(e the other share in cash.
*. If an% o*=ect. the propert% is sold at pu*lic auction. 0h% will an% o*=ect1
'u*lic auction will usuall% *ring a higher selling price.
I+ 8ow do %ou determine if the propert% is indi(isi*le or not1
A+ 2% agreement *etween the co-owners. If none. the courts will decide.
Art. &DC8. Every co+%eir %as a rig%t to de!and t%e division of t%e estate uness t%e
testator s%oud %ave e?"ressy forbidden its "artition; in $%ic% case t%e "eriod of indivision
s%a not e?ceed t$enty years as "rovided in artice >'>. )%is "o$er of t%e testator to
"ro%ibit division a""ies to t%e egiti!e.
Even t%oug% forbidden by t%e testator; t%e co+o$ners%i" ter!inates $%en one of t%e
causes for $%ic% "artners%i" is dissoved taEes "ace; or $%en t%e court finds for co!"eing
reasons t%at division s%oud be ordered; u"on "etition of one of t%e co+%eirs.
2alane+ <eneral rule+ An% of the co-heirs can demand a partition at an% time.
#$ception+ 'artition is for*idden *% the testator in his will. 4his applies e(en to the
legitime. 2ut it cannot e$ceed twent% ("D) %ears.
'ar. ".-- espite the prohi*ition. if an% ground in Articles 1C&D or 1C&1 (grounds for
dissolution of a partnership e$ists). partition will happen.
Art. &DC>. =ountary %eirs u"on $%o! so!e condition %as been i!"osed cannot
de!and a "artition unti t%e condition %as been fufied9 but t%e ot%er co+%eirs !ay
de!and it by giving sufficient security for t%e rig%ts $%ic% t%e for!er !ay %ave in case t%e
condition s%oud be co!"ied $it%; and unti it is Eno$n t%at t%e condition %as not been
fufied or can never be co!"ied $it%; t%e "artition s%a be understood to be "rovisiona.
2alane+ 0h%1 Right as heir (ests onl% when the suspensi(e condition happens.
'A<# 1)?
0hat a*out the other heirs1 4he% can as6 that the propert% *e partitioned *ut the% must
gi(e securit%.
Art. &DCA. In t%e "artition of t%e estate; e,uaity s%a be observed as far as "ossibe;
dividing t%e "ro"erty into ots; or assigning to eac% of t%e co+%eirs t%ings of t%e sa!e nature;
,uaity and Eind.
2alane+ 0e alread% saw this in Articles 1DA& and 1DA).
It applies to heirs similarl% situated.
It is su*=ect to agreement *etween the parties.
Art. &DC(. S%oud a t%ing be divisibe; or $oud be !uc% i!"aired by its being
divided; it !ay be ad6udicated to one of t%e %eirs; "rovided %e s%a "ay t%e ot%ers t%e
e?cess in cas%.
Nevert%eess; if any of t%e %eirs s%oud de!and t%at t%e t%ings be sod at "ubic
auction and t%at strangers be ao$ed to bid; t%is !ust be done.
2alane+ If one or more of the heirs demand that the propert% *e sold pu*licl%. then this pre(ails
o(er the offer of one to gi(e the others their share in cash *ecause he will *u% it.
Art. &DC7. In t%e "artition t%e co+%eirs s%a rei!burse one anot%er for t%e inco!e
and fruits $%ic% eac% one of t%e! !ay %ave received fro! any "ro"erty of t%e estate; for
any usefu and necessary e?"enses !ade u"on suc% "ro"erty; and for any da!age t%ereto
t%roug% !aice or negect.
Illustration+ A. 2 and 3 are heirs. A. 2 and 3 ta6e possession and manage a fishpond. citrus
plantation and apartment house respecti(el%. /ater. the% decide to partition the propert%.
Assuming the% ha(e equal shares. the% must each account for the fruits actuall% recei(ed and
these fruits will *e di(ided equall% among them.
A recei(ed &D as fruits
2 recei(ed ?D as fruits
3 recei(ed "D as fruits
Add this and di(ide equall% among them.
Art. &DCC. S%oud any of t%e %eirs se %is %ereditary rig%ts to a stranger before t%e
"artition; any or a of t%e co+%eirs !ay be subrogated to t%e rig%ts of t%e "urc%aser by
rei!bursing %i! for t%e "rice of t%e sae; "rovided t%ey do so $it%in t%e "eriod of one
!ont% fro! t%e ti!e t%ey $ere notified in $riting of t%e sae by t%e vendor.
Art. &(:D. A co+o$ner of a t%ing !ay e?ercise t%e rig%t of rede!"tion in
case t%e s%ares of a t%e ot%er co+o$ners or of any of t%e!; are sod to a t%ird
"erson. If t%e "rice of t%e aienation is grossy e?cessive; t%e rede!"tioner s%a "ay
ony a reasonabe one.
S%oud t$o or !ore co+o$ners desire to e?ercise t%e rig%t of rede!"tion;
'A<# 1)@
t%ey !ay ony do so in "ro"ortion to t%e s%are t%ey !ay res"ectivey %ave in t%e
t%ing o$ned in co!!on.
Art. &(&'. Lega rede!"tion is t%e rig%t to be subrogated; u"on t%e sa!e
ter!s and conditions sti"uated in t%e contract; in t%e "ace of one $%o ac,uires a
t%ing by "urc%ase or dation in payment; or by any ot%er transaction $%ereby
o$ners%i" is trans!itted by onerous tite.
2alane+ A. 4he right of redemption gi(en to the co-heir pro(ided the co-heir7 (endor sold his
undi(ided share or a portion thereof in the estate.
Article 1@"D on legal redemption and Art. 1DCC are the same. 4he onl% difference is in
the application.
1. Art. 1@"D applies to specific propert%
". Art. 1DCC applies to hereditar% mass
2. 8ow will the right of redemption *e e$ercised1
1. If onl% one will redeem. he will pa% the purchase price.
". If more than one will redeem. the% will pa% purchase price proportionall% to their
share in the propert%.
,ote+ Share must ha(e *een sold to a stranger. If sold to a co-heir. the right of
redemption does not e$ist. 0h%1 4he purpose is to 6eep the proprietar% mass w7in the co-
owners.
Art. &DC'. )%e tites of ac,uisition or o$ners%i" of eac% "ro"erty s%a be deivered
to t%e co+%eir to $%o! said "ro"erty %as been ad6udicated.
2alane+ -nce partition is made. respecti(e titles are gi(en to the respecti(e heirs. 0h%1 So that
the% can transfer the titles in their names.
Art. &D'D. 2%en t%e tite co!"rises t$o or !ore "ieces of and $%ic% %ave been
assigned to t$o or !ore co+%eirs; or $%en it covers one "iece of and $%ic% %as been divided
bet$een t$o or !ore co+%eirs; t%e tite s%a be deivered to t%e one %aving t%e argest
interest; and aut%entic co"ies of t%e tite s%a be furnis%ed to t%e ot%er co+%eirs at t%e
e?"ense of t%e estate. If t%e interest of eac% co+%eir s%oud be t%e sa!e; t%e odest s%a %ave
t%e tite.
2alane+ (4his is) to ena*le e(er%*od% to get their respecti(e properties
:suall% %ou must ha(e the land resur(e%ed.
Subsection :.++ )ffects of Partition.
Art. &D'&. A "artition egay !ade confers u"on eac% %eir t%e e?cusive o$ners%i"
of t%e "ro"erty ad6udicated to %i!.
2alane+ #ffect of partition.-- Art. 1DE1 or to terminate co-ownership.
'A<# 1)A
Art. &D':. After t%e "artition %as been !ade; t%e co+%eirs s%a be reci"rocay
bound to $arrant t%e tite to; and t%e ,uaity of; eac% "ro"erty ad6udicated.
2alane+ 0arranties are the same as in sales+
1. #(iction (title.)
". 8idden defects (qualit%.)
#.g.. 4hree co-heirs A. 2 and 3 di(ided the land the% inherited equall%. 2ut part of the
land gi(en to A did not reall% *elong to the predecessor so A losses part of his share. 0hat
happens1
2 and 3 will *e lia*le for the warrant% for the part lost. 4he% will either+ (a) gi(e cash!
or (*) gi(e land.
Art. &D'8. )%e reci"roca obigation of $arranty referred to in t%e "receding artice
s%a be "ro"ortionate to t%e res"ective %ereditary s%ares of t%e co+%eirs9 but if any of one of
t%e! s%oud be insovent; t%e ot%er co+%eirs s%a be iabe for %is "art in t%e sa!e
"ro"ortion; deducting t%e "art corres"onding to t%e one $%o s%oud be inde!nified.
)%ose $%o "ay for t%e insovent %eir s%a %ave a rig%t of action against %i! for
rei!burse!ent; s%oud %is financia condition i!"rove.
2alane+ Illustration+ A. 2. 3 and . A lost part (as in Art. 1DE") worth ED.
1. 2. 3 and will share equall% in the ED. &D each
". If is insol(ent. A. 2 and 3 will shoulder his &D share. 1D each
&. <eneral rule+ A. 2 and 3 ha(e a right of reim*ursement against should his financial
situation impro(e.
#$ception+ If gets a =udicial declaration of insol(enc%. 4his wipes out all his de*ts.
Art. &D'>. An action to enforce t%e $arranty a!ong co+%eirs !ust be broug%t
$it%in ten years fro! t%e date t%e rig%t of action accrues.
2alane+ 4he ten (1D) %ears is counted from the time the portion was lost or the hidden defect was
disco(ered.
Art. &D'A. If a credit s%oud be assigned as coectibe; t%e co+%eirs s%a not be
iabe for t%e subse,uent insovency of t%e debtor of t%e estate; but ony for %is insovency at
t%e ti!e t%e "artition is !ade.
)%e $arranty of t%e sovency of t%e debtor can ony be enforced during t%e five
years foo$ing t%e "artition.
Co+%eirs do not $arrant bad debts; if so Eno$n to; and acce"ted by t%e distributee.
But if suc% debts are not assigned to a co+%eir; and s%oud be coected; in $%oe or in "art;
t%e a!ount coected s%a be distributed "ro"ortionatey a!ong t%e %eirs.
2alane+ 1. 3an %ou assign a credit1 >es. A credit is a propert%.
". 4ime of insol(enc% of the de*tor is important.
a. If the de*tor was originall% sol(ent (sol(ent *efore the assignment). then later
on *ecomes insol(ent. the co-heirs are not lia*le.
*. If the de*tor was insol(ent *efore the partition.
<eneral rule+ 0arrant% holds and co-heirs are lia*le.
'A<# 1)C
#$ception+ If co-heir7 distri*utee 6new of the insol(enc% and still accepted the
*ad de*t. then the co-heirs are not lia*le.
Art. &D'(. )%e obigation of $arranty a!ong co+%eirs s%a cease in t%e foo$ing
cases:
.&/ 2%en t%e testator %i!sef %as !ade t%e "artition; uness it a""ears; or it !ay be
reasonaby "resu!ed; t%at %is intention $as ot%er$ise; but t%e egiti!e s%a a$ays re!ain
uni!"aired9
.:/ 2%en it %a$s been so e?"ressy sti"uated in t%e agree!ent of "artition; uness
t%ere %as been bad fait%9
.8/ 2%en t%e eviction is due to a cause subse,uent to t%e "artition; or %as been
caused by t%e faut of t%e distributee of t%e "ro"erty.
2alane+ 4he warrant% does not e$ist in the situations gi(en.
9or par. 1.-- <eneral rule+ 0arrant% does not appl%.
#$ception+ If legitimes are impaired.
Subsection 8.++ #escission and Nullity of Partition.
Art. &D'7. A "artition !ay be rescinded or annued for t%e sa!e causes as
contracts.
2alane+
A. Rescission.-- Articles 1&C1 to 1&C".
2. Annulment.-- Art. 1&ED.
1. 'art% incapa*le of gi(ing consent
". Hitiated consent
a. Mista6e
*. Hiolence
c. Intimidation
d. :ndue Influence
e. 9raud.
Art. &D'C. A "artition; 6udicia or e?tra+6udicia; !ay aso be rescinded on account
of esion; $%en any one of t%e co+%eirs received t%ings $%ose vaue is ess; by at east one+
fourt%; t%an t%e s%are to $%ic% %e is entited; considering t%e vaue of t%e t%ings at t%e ti!e
t%ey $ere ad6udicated.
2alane+ /esion is the same as that in Art. 1&C1. paragraphs 1 and ". 4his applies whether the
partition was =udicial or e$tra=udicial.
#.g.. A is a co-heir of 2 and 3. A is entitled to recei(e 1DD. In partition. he recei(es+
1. 'ropert% worth CD. ,o rescission of partition *ec. the lesion is less then 17). 2ut A
has rights under the warranties. So he can as6 for completion.
". 'ropert% is worth A?. 4here is lesion so A can demand for the rescission of the
partition.
In actualit%. (this is) hard to do-- how do %ou pro(e (alues. the% are (er% su*=ecti(e.
4his is not loo6ed upon w7 fa(or *% 3i(il /aw commentators.
Art. &D''. )%e "artition !ade by t%e testator cannot be i!"ugned on t%e ground of
'A<# 1)E
esion; e?ce"t $%en t%e egiti!e of t%e co!"usory %eirs is t%ereby "re6udiced; or $%en it
a""ears or !ay reasonaby be "resu!ed; t%at t%e intention of t%e testator $as ot%er$ise.
2alane+ If partition was done *% the testator.-- <eneral rule+ 4he heirs cannot demand rescission
on the ground of lesion.
#$ceptions+ (1) when the legitime of an% compulsor% heir was impaired.
(") when the testator;s intent was not carried out.
Art. &&DD. )%e action for rescission on account of esion s%a "rescribe after four
years fro! t%e ti!e t%e "artition $as !ade.
2alane+ 'rescripti(e period.-- 9our ()) %ears from the time the partition was made.
Art. &&D&. )%e %eir $%o is sued s%a %ave t%e o"tion of inde!nifying t%e "aintiff
for t%e oss; or consenting to a ne$ "artition.
Inde!nity !ay be !ade by "ay!ent in cas% or by t%e deivery of a t%ing of t%e
sa!e Eind and ,uaity as t%at a$arded to t%e "aintiff.
If a ne$ "artition is !ade; it s%a affect neit%er t%ose $%o %ave not been "re6udiced
nor t%ose $%o %ave not received !ore t%an t%eir 6ust s%are.
2alane+ If there is lesion. there are two (") options+
1. Ma6e a new partition
". <i(e the pre=udiced heir the monetar% equi(alent of the damage.
0ho can choose1 4he heir sued.
#.g. A. 2 and 3. A is supposed to recei(e 1DD.DDD. 8e recei(es onl% AD.DDD. A sues 2
and 3. 2 and 3 has the choice of which option to follow.
Art. &&D:. An %eir $%o %as aienated t%e $%oe or a considerabe "art of t%e rea
"ro"erty ad6udicated to %i! cannot !aintain an action for rescission on t%e ground of
esion; but %e s%a %ave a rig%t to be inde!nified in cas%.
2alane+ 4his pro(ision does not mean much.
Art. &&D8. )%e o!ission of one or !ore ob6ects or securities of t%e in%eritance s%a
not cause t%e rescission of t%e "artition on t%e ground of esion; but t%e "artition s%a be
co!"eted by t%e distribution of t%e ob6ects or securities $%ic% %ave been o!itted.
2alane+ 4his contemplates a case where there is an incomplete partition. 0h%1 #.g.. It was not
6nown that the% e$isted. 4he solution is to partition the newl% disco(ered o*=ects.
Art. &&D>. A "artition !ade $it% preterition of any of t%e co!"usory %eirs s%a not
be rescinded; uness it be "roved t%at t%ere $as bad fait% or fraud on t%e "art of t%e ot%er
"ersons interested9 but t%e atter s%a be "ro"ortionatey obiged to "ay to t%e "erson
o!itted t%e s%are $%ic% beongs to %i!.
'A<# 1?D
2alane+ 4his refers to omission of heir in partition and not to preterition. 4he heir omitted has
the right to demand his share.
Art. &&DA. A "artition $%ic% incudes a "erson beieved to be an %eir; but $%o is not;
s%a be void ony $it% res"ect to suc% "erson.
2alane+ 4his is the opposite of Art. 11D). It does not nullif% the partition. It ma6es the recipient
return what was mista6enl% gi(en to him.
RAM
1"7&D7E?
'A<# 1?1

Notes and Cases On SUCCESSION

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Notes and Cases On SUCCESSION

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Notes And Cases On SUCCESSION

Based on Lectures given by:

3 renounces his inheritance from 2. 2 then dies. /ater on. A dies.

#state N @DD.DDD. If 3 predecease G. then

You might also like