1

Republic of the Philippines

SUPREME COURT
Manila
EN BANC
G.R. No. L-!"# $anua%& '!( )!*#
MAR+A USON( plaintiff-appellee(
,s.
MAR+A -EL ROSAR+O( CONCEPC+ON NEBRE-A(
CONRA-O NEBRE-A( -OM+NA-OR NEBRE-A( AN-
.AUST+NO NEBRE-A( $%.( /efen/ants-appellants.
P%iscilo E,an0elista fo% appellee.
B%i0i/o G. Est%a/a fo% appellant.
BAUT+STA ANGELO( $.1
This is an action fo% %eco,e%& of the o2ne%ship an/ possession
of fi,e 3*4 pa%cels of lan/ situate/ in the Municipalit& of
Lab%a/o%( P%o,ince of Pan0asinan( file/ b& Ma%ia Uson a0ainst
Ma%ia /el Rosa%io an/ he% fou% chil/%en na5e/ Concepcion(
Con%a/o( -o5ina/o%( an/ .austino( su%na5e/ Neb%e/a( 2ho
a%e all of 5ino% a0e( befo%e the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of
Pan0asinan.
Ma%ia Uson 2as the la2ful 2ife of .austino Neb%e/a 2ho upon
his /eath in )!* left the lan/s in,ol,e/ in this liti0ation.
.austino Neb%e/a left no othe% hei% e6cept his 2i/o2 Ma%ia
Uson. 7o2e,e%( plaintiff clai5s that 2hen .austino Neb%e/a
/ie/ in )!*( his co55on-la2 2ife Ma%ia /el Rosa%io too8
possession ille0all& of sai/ lan/s thus /ep%i,in0 he% of thei%
possession an/ en9o&5ent.
-efen/ants in thei% ans2e% set up as special /efense that on
.eb%ua%& ')( )!#)( Ma%ia Uson an/ he% husban/( the late
.austino Neb%e/a( e6ecute/ a public /ocu5ent 2he%eb& the&
a0%ee/ to sepa%ate as husban/ an/ 2ife an/( in consi/e%ation
of thei% sepa%ation( Ma%ia Uson 2as 0i,en a pa%cel of lan/ b&
2a& of ali5on& an/ in %etu%n she %enounce/ he% %i0ht to inhe%it
an& othe% p%ope%t& that 5a& be left b& he% husban/ upon his
/eath 3E6hibit )4.
Afte% t%ial( at 2hich both pa%ties p%esente/ thei% %especti,e
e,i/ence( the cou%t %en/e%e/ /ecision o%/e%in0 the /efen/ants
to %esto%e to the plaintiff the o2ne%ship an/ possession of the
lan/s in /ispute 2ithout special p%onounce5ent as to costs.
-efen/ants inte%pose/ the p%esent appeal.
The%e is no /ispute that Ma%ia Uson( plaintiff-appellee( is the
la2ful 2ife of .austino Neb%e/a( fo%5e% o2ne% of the fi,e
pa%cels of lan/s liti0ate/ in the p%esent case. The%e is li8e2ise
no /ispute that Ma%ia /el Rosa%io( one of the /efen/ants-
appellants( 2as 5e%el& a co55on-la2 2ife of the late .austino
Neb%e/a 2ith 2ho5 she ha/ fou% ille0iti5ate chil/%en( he% no2
co-/efen/ants. +t li8e2ise appea%s that .austino Neb%e/a /ie/
in )!* 5uch p%io% to the effecti,it& of the ne2 Ci,il Co/e. :ith
this bac80%oun/( it is e,i/ent that 2hen .austino Neb%e/a /ie/
in )!* the fi,e pa%cels of lan/ he 2as sei;e/ of at the ti5e
passe/ f%o5 the 5o5ent of his /eath to his onl& hei%( his
2i/o2 Ma%ia Uson 3A%ticle "*<( ol/ Ci,il Co/e4.As this Cou%t
aptl& sai/( =The p%ope%t& belon0s to the hei%s at the 5o5ent of
the /eath of the ancesto% as co5pletel& as if the ancesto% ha/
e6ecute/ an/ /eli,e%e/ to the5 a /ee/ fo% the sa5e befo%e his
/eath= 3+lust%e ,s. Ala%as .%on/osa( )< Phil.( #')4. .%o5 that
5o5ent( the%efo%e( the %i0hts of inhe%itance of Ma%ia Uson o,e%
the lan/s in >uestion beca5e ,este/.
The clai5 of the /efen/ants that Ma%ia Uson ha/ %elin>uishe/
he% %i0ht o,e% the lan/s in >uestion because she e6p%essl&
%enounce/ to inhe%it an& futu%e p%ope%t& that he% husban/ 5a&
ac>ui%e an/ lea,e upon his /eath in the /ee/ of sepa%ation
the& ha/ ente%e/ into on .eb%ua%& ')( )!#)( cannot be
ente%taine/ fo% the si5ple %eason that futu%e inhe%itance cannot
be the sub9ect of a cont%act no% can it be %enounce/ 3)
Man%esa( )'#( si6th e/ition? Tolentino on Ci,il Co/e( p. )'?
Oso%io ,s. Oso%io an/ @nchausti Stea5ship Co.( ) Phil.( *#)4.
But /efen/ants conten/ that( 2hile it is t%ue that the fou% 5ino%
/efen/ants a%e ille0iti5ate chil/%en of the late .austino
Neb%e/a an/ un/e% the ol/ Ci,il Co/e a%e not entitle/ to an&
successional %i0hts( ho2e,e%( un/e% the ne2 Ci,il Co/e 2hich
beca5e in fo%ce in $une( )!*A( the& a%e 0i,en the status an/
%i0hts of natu%al chil/%en an/ a%e entitle/ to the successional
%i0hts 2hich the la2 acco%/s to the latte% 3a%ticle ''" an/
a%ticle 'B<( ne2 Ci,il Co/e4( an/ because these successional
%i0hts 2e%e /ecla%e/ fo% the fi%st ti5e in the ne2 co/e( the&
shall be 0i,en %et%oacti,e effect e,en thou0h the e,ent 2hich
0a,e %ise to the5 5a& ha,e occu%%e/ un/e% the p%io% le0islation
3A%ticle ''*#( ne2 Ci,il Co/e4.
The%e is no 5e%it in this clai5. A%ticle ''*# abo,e %efe%%e/ to
p%o,i/es in/ee/ that %i0hts 2hich a%e /ecla%e/ fo% the fi%st ti5e
shall ha,e %et%oacti,e effect e,en thou0h the e,ent 2hich 0a,e
%ise to the5 5a& ha,e occu%%e/ un/e% the fo%5e% le0islation(
but this is so onl& 2hen the ne2 %i0hts /o not p%e9u/ice an&
,este/ o% ac>ui%e/ %i0ht of the sa5e o%i0in. Thus( sai/ a%ticle
p%o,i/es that =if a %i0ht shoul/ be /ecla%e/ fo% the fi%st ti5e in
this Co/e( it shall be effecti,e at once( e,en thou0h the act o%
e,ent 2hich 0i,es %ise the%eto 5a& ha,e been /one o% 5a&
ha,e occu%%e/ un/e% the p%io% le0islation( p%o,i/e/ sai/ ne2
%i0ht /oes not p%e9u/ice o% i5pai% an& ,este/ o% ac>ui%e/ %i0ht(
of the sa5e o%i0in.= As al%ea/& state/ in the ea%l& pa%t of this
/ecision( the %i0ht of o2ne%ship of Ma%ia Uson o,e% the lan/s in
>uestion beca5e ,este/ in )!* upon the /eath of he% late
husban/ an/ this is so because of the i5pe%ati,e p%o,ision of
the la2 2hich co55an/s that the %i0hts to succession a%e
t%ans5itte/ f%o5 the 5o5ent of /eath 3A%ticle "*<( ol/ Ci,il
Co/e4. The ne2 %i0ht %eco0ni;e/ b& the ne2 Ci,il Co/e in
fa,o% of the ille0iti5ate chil/%en of the /ecease/ cannot(
the%efo%e( be asse%te/ to the i5pai%5ent of the ,este/ %i0ht of
Ma%ia Uson o,e% the lan/s in /ispute.
2
As %e0a%/s the clai5 that Ma%ia Uson( 2hile he% /ecease/
husban/ 2as l&in0 in state( in a 0estu%e of pit& o% co5passion(
a0%ee/ to assi0n the lan/s in >uestion to the 5ino% chil/%en fo%
the %eason that the& 2e%e ac>ui%e/ 2hile the /ecease/ 2as
li,in0 2ith thei% 5othe% an/ Ma%ia Uson 2ante/ to assua0e
so5e2hat the 2%on0 she has /one to the5( this 5uch can be
sai/? apa%t f%o5 the fact that this clai5 is /ispute/( 2e a%e of
the opinion that sai/ assi0n5ent( if an&( pa%ta8es of the natu%e
of a /onation of %eal p%ope%t&( inas5uch as it in,ol,es no
5ate%ial consi/e%ation( an/ in o%/e% that it 5a& be ,ali/ it shall
be 5a/e in a public /ocu5ent an/ 5ust be accepte/ eithe% in
the sa5e /ocu5ent o% in a sepa%ate one 3A%ticle "##( ol/ Ci,il
Co/e4. +nas5uch as this essential fo%5alit& has not been
follo2e/( it %esults that the alle0e/ assi0n5ent o% /onation has
no ,ali/ effect.
:7ERE.ORE( the /ecision appeale/ f%o5 is affi%5e/( 2ithout
costs.
Pa%as( C.$.( Pablo( Ben0;on( Pa/illa( Tuason( Monte5a&o%(
Re&es( $u0o an/ Lab%a/o%( $$.( concu%.
Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila
EN BANC
G.R. No. L-B#< No,e5be% '#( )!#B
SOCORRO LE-ESMA an/ ANA CU+TCO LE-ESMA(
plaintiffs-appellees(
,s.
CONC7+TA MCLAC7L+N( ET AL.( /efen/ants-appellants.
A/%iano T. /e la C%u; fo% appellants.
Si5eon Bitan0a fo% appellees.
D+LLA-REAL( $.1
This case is befo%e us b& ,i%tue of an appeal ta8en b&
the /efen/ants Conchita McLachlin( Lo%en;o Cuitco( $%.(
Sabina Cuitco( Rafael Cuitco an/ Ma%cela Cuitco( f%o5 the
/ecision of the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Occi/ental Ne0%os(
the /ispositi,e pa%t of 2hich %ea/s1
.o% the fo%e0oin0 consi/e%ations( the cou%t %en/e%s
9u/05ent in this case /ecla%in0 Ana Cuitco Le/es5a an
ac8no2le/0e/ natu%al /au0hte% of the /ecease/ Lo%en;o M.
Cuitco( fo% le0al pu%poses( but absol,in0 the /efen/ants as to
the p%a&e% in the fi%st cause of action that the sai/ Ana Cuitco
Le/es5a be /ecla%e/ entitle/ to sha%e in the p%ope%ties left b&
the /ecease/ Eusebio Cuitco.
As to the secon/ cause of action( the sai/ /efen/ants
a%e o%/e%e/ to pa& to the plaintiff Soco%%o Le/es5a( 9ointl& an/
se,e%all&( onl& the su5 of one thousan/ fi,e hun/%e/
pesos3P)(*AA4( 2ith le0al inte%est the%eon f%o5 the filin0 of this
co5plaint until full& pai/. No p%onounce5ent is 5a/e as to the
costs. So o%/e%e/.
+n suppo%t of thei% appeal( the appellants assi0n the
follo2in0 e%%o%s alle0e/l& co55itte/ b& the t%ial cou%t in its
afo%esai/ /ecision1
). That the t%ial cou%t e%%e/ in hol/in0( that the action fo% the
%eco,e%& of the su5 of P)(*AA( %ep%esentin0 the last
install5ent of the note E6hibit C has not &et p%esc%ibe/.
'. That the t%ial cou%t e%%e/ in hol/in0 that the p%ope%t&
inhe%ite/ b& the /efen/ants f%o5 thei% /ecease/ 0%an/fathe% b&
the %i0ht of %ep%esentation is sub9ect to the /ebts an/
obli0ations of thei% /ecease/ fathe% 2ho /ie/ 2ithout an&
p%ope%t& 2hatsoe,e%.la2phi).net
#. That the t%ial cou%t e%%e/ in con/e5nin0 the /efen/ants to
pa& 9ointl& an/ se,e%all& the plaintiff Soco%%o Le/es5a the su5
of P)(*AA.
The onl& facts to be consi/e%e/ in the /ete%5ination of
the le0al >uestions %aise/ in this appeal a%e those set out in the
appeale/ /ecision( 2hich ha,e been establishe/ at the t%ial(
na5el&1
+n the &ea% )!)"( the plaintiff Soco%%o Le/es5a li,e/
5a%itall& 2ith Lo%en;o M. Cuitco( 2hile the latte% 2as still
sin0le( of 2hich %elation( lastin0 until the &ea% )!')( 2as bo%n a
/au0hte% 2ho is the othe% plaintiff Ana Cuitco Le/es5a. +n
)!')( it see5s hat the %elation bet2een Soco%%o Le/es5a an/
Lo%en;o M. Cuitco ca5e to an en/( but the latte% e6ecute/ a
/ee/ 3E6hibit A4( ac8no2le/0in0 the plaintiff Ana Cuitco
Le/es5a as his natu%al /au0hte% an/ on $anua%& ')( )!''( he
issue/ in fa,o% of the plaintiff Soco%%o Le/es5a a p%o5isso%&
note 3E6hibit C4( of the follo2in0 teno%1
P'(AAA. .o% ,alue %ecei,e/ + p%o5ise to pa& Miss
Soco%%o Le/es5a the su5 of t2o thousan/ pesos 3P'(AAA4.
Philippine cu%%enc& un/e% the follo2in0 te%5s1 T2o hun/%e/
an/ fift& pesos 3P'*A4 to be pai/ on the fi%st /a& of Ma%ch
)!''? anothe% t2o hun/%e/ an/ fift& pesos 3P'*A4to be pai/ on
the fi%st /a& of No,e5be% )!''? the %e5ainin0 one
thousan/ an/ fi,e hun/%e/ 3P)(*AA4 to be pai/ t2o &ea%s f%o5
the /ate of the e6ecution of this note. San En%i>ue( Occ.
Ne0%os( P. +.( $an. ')( )!''.
Subse>uentl&( Lo%en;o M. Cuitco 5a%%ie/ the /efen/ant
Conchita McLachlin( 2ith 2ho5 he ha/ fou% chil/%en( 2ho a%e
the othe% /efen/ants. On Ma%ch !( )!#A( Lo%en;o M. Cuitco
/ie/ 3E6hibit *4( an/( still late%( that is( on -ece5be% )*( )!#'(
his fathe% Eusebio Cuitco also /ie/( an/ as the latte% left %eal
an/ pe%sonal p%ope%ties upon his /eath( a/5inist%ation
p%ocee/in0s of sai/ p%ope%ties 2e%e institute/ in this cou%t( the
sai/ case bein0 8no2n as the =+ntestate of the /ecease/
Eusebio Cuitco(= ci,il case No. ")*# of this cou%t.
3
Upon the institution of the intestate of the /ecease/
Eusebio Cuitco an/ the appoint5ent of the co55ittee on
clai5s an/ app%aisal( the plaintiff Soco%%o Le/es5a( on Au0ust
'"( )!#*( file/ befo%e sai/ co55ittee the afo%e>uote/
p%o5isso%& note fo% pa&5ent( an/ the co55issione%s( upon
%eceipt of sai/ p%o5isso%& note( instea/ of passin0 upon it(
ele,ate/ the sa5e to this cou%t en consulta 3E6hibit .4( an/ as
the 7ono%able $ose Lope; Dito( p%esi/in0 o,e% the .i%st
B%anch( %etu%ne/ sai/ consulta an/ %ef%aine/ f%o5 0i,in0 his
opinion the%eon 3E6hibit C4( the afo%esai/ co55issione%s on
clai5s an/ app%aisal( alle0in0 lac8 of 9u%is/iction to pass upon
the clai5( /enie/ he sa5e 3E6hibit 74.
On No,e5be% )( )!## 3E6hibit +4( the cou%t
issue/ an o%/e% of /ecla%ation of hei%s in the intestate of the
/ecease/ Eusebio Cuitco( an/ as Ana Cuitco Le/es5a 2as
not inclu/e/ a5on0 the /ecla%e/ hei%s( Soco%%o Le/es5a( as
5othe% of Ana Cuitco Le/es5a( as8e/ fo% the %econsi/e%ation
of sai/ o%/e%( a petition 2hich the cou%t /enie/. .%o5 the o%/e%
/en&in0 the sai/ petition no appeal 2as ta8en( an/ in lieu
the%eof the%e 2as file/ the co5plaint 2hich 0i,es %ise to this
case.
The fi%st >uestion to be /eci/e/ in this appeal( %aise/ in
the fi%st assi0n5ent of alle0e/ e%%o%( is 2hethe% o% not the
action to %eco,e% the su5 of P)(*AA( %ep%esentin0 the last
install5ent fo% the pa&5ent of the p%o5isso%& note E6hibit C(
has p%esc%ibe/.
Acco%/in0 to the p%o5isso%& note E6hibit C( e6ecute/ b&
the /ecease/ Lo%en;o M. Cuitco( on $anua%& ')( )!''( the last
install5ent of P)(*AA shoul/ be pai/ t2o &ea%s f%o5 the /ate of
the e6ecution of sai/ p%o5isso%& note( that is( on $anua%& ')(
)!'. The co5plaint in the p%esent case 2as file/ on $une '"(
)!#( that is( 5o%e than ten &ea%s afte% he e6pi%ation of the
sai/ pe%io/. The fact that the plaintiff Soco%%o Le/es5a file/
he% clai5( on Au0ust '"( )!##( 2ith the co55ittee on clai5s
an/ app%aisal appointe/ in the intestate of Eusebio Cuitco(
/oes not suspen/ the %unnin0 of the p%esc%ipti,e pe%io/ of the
9u/icial action fo% the %eco,e%& of sai/ /ebt( because the clai5
fo% the unpai/ balance of the a5ount of the p%o5isso%& note
shoul/ no ha,e been p%esente/ in the intestate of Eusebio
Cuitco( the sai/ /ecease/ not bein0 the one 2ho e6ecute/ the
sa5e( but in the intestate of Lo%en;o M. Cuitco( 2hich shoul/
ha,e been institute/ b& the sai/ Soco%%o Le/es5a as p%o,i/e/
in section "' of the Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e( autho%i;in0 a
c%e/ito% to institute sai/ case th%ou0h the appoint5ent of an
a/5inist%ato% fo% the pu%pose of collectin0 his c%e/it. Mo%e than
ten &ea%s ha,in0 thus elapse/ f%o5 the e6pi%ation of the pe%io/
fo% the pa&5ent of sai/ /ebt of P)(*AA( the action fo% its
%eco,e%& has p%esc%ibe/ un/e% section #( No. )( of the Co/e
of Ci,il P%oce/u%e.
The fi%st assi0n5ent of alle0e/ e%%o% is( the%efo%e( 2ell-
foun/e/.
As to the secon/ assi0n5ent of alle0e/ e%%o%( consistin0
in that the t%ial cou%t e%%e/ in hol/in0 that the p%ope%ties
inhe%ite/ b& the /efen/ants f%o5 thei% /ecease/ 0%an/fathe% b&
%ep%esentation a%e sub9ect to the pa&5ent of /ebts an/
obli0ations of thei% /ecease/ fathe%( 2ho /ie/ 2ithout lea,in0
an& p%ope%t&( 2hile it is t%ue that un/e% the p%o,isions of a%ticles
!' to !'< of the Ci,il Co/e( a chil/%en p%esents his fathe% o%
5othe% 2ho /ie/ befo%e hi5 in the p%ope%ties of his 0%an/fathe%
o% 0%an/5othe%( this %i0ht of %ep%esentation /oes not 5a8e the
sai/ chil/ ans2e%able fo% the obli0ations cont%acte/ b& his
/ecease/ fathe% o% 5othe%( because( as 5a& be seen f%o5 the
p%o,isions of the Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e %efe%%in0 to pa%tition
of inhe%itances( the inhe%itance is %ecei,e/ 2ith the benefit of
in,ento%&( that is to sa&( the hei%s onl& ans2e% 2ith the
p%ope%ties %ecei,e/ f%o5 thei% p%e/ecesso%. The he%ein
/efen/ants( as hei%s of Eusebio Cuitco( in %ep%esentation of
thei% fathe% Lo%en;o M. Cuitco( a%e not boun/ to pa& the
in/ebte/ness of thei% sai/ fathe% f%o5 2ho5 the& /i/ not inhe%it
an&thin0.
The secon/ assi0n5ent of alle0e/ e%%o% is also 2ell-
foun/e/.
Bein0 a 5e%e se>uel of the fi%st t2o assi0n5ents of
alle0e/ e%%o%s( the thi%/ assi0n5ent of e%%o% is also 2ell-
foun/e/.
.o% the fo%e0oin0 consi/e%ations( 2e a%e of the opinion
an/ so hol/1 3)4 That the filin0 of a clai5 befo%e the co55ittee
on clai5s an/ app%aisal( appointe/ in the intestate of the
fathe%( fo% a 5oneta%& obli0ation cont%acte/ b& a son 2ho /ie/
befo%e hi5( /oes not suspen/ the p%esc%ipti,e pe%io/ of the
9u/icial action fo% the %eco,e%& of sai/ in/ebte/ness? 3'4 that
the clai5 fo% the pa&5ent of an in/ebte/ness cont%acte/ b& a
/ecease/ pe%son cannot be file/ fo% its collection befo%e the
co55ittee on clai5s an/ app%aisal( appointe/ in the intestate
of his fathe%( an/ the p%ope%tiesinhe%ite/ f%o5 the latte% b& the
chil/%en of sai/ /ecease/ /o not ans2e% fo% the pa&5ent of the
in/ebte/ness cont%acte/ /u%in0 the lifeti5e of sai/ pe%son.
:he%efo%e( the appeale/ 9u/05ent is %e,e%se/( an/ the
/efen/ants a%e absol,e/ f%o5 the co5plaint( 2ith the costs to
the appellees. So o%/e%e/.
A,anceEa( C.$.( +5pe%ial( -ia;( Lau%el an/ Concepcion( $$.(
concu%.
T7+R- -+D+S+ON
FG.R. No. ))#<'*. $une '!( 'AAAG
$O7NN@ S. RABA-+LLA( petitione%( ,s. COURT O. APPEALS
AN- MAR+A MARLENA COSCOLUELLA @ BELLEHA
D+LLACARLOS( %espon/ents.
- E C + S + O N
PUR+S+MA( $.1
4
This is a petition fo% %e,ie2 of the /ecision of the Cou%t of
Appeals( /ate/ -ece5be% '#( )!!#( in CA-G.R. No. CD-#****(
2hich set asi/e the /ecision of B%anch *' of the Re0ional T%ial
Cou%t in Bacolo/ Cit&( an/ o%/e%e/ the /efen/ants-appellees
3inclu/in0 he%ein petitione%4( as hei%s of -%. $o%0e Raba/illa( to
%econ,e& title o,e% Lot No. )#!'( to0ethe% 2ith its f%uits an/
inte%ests( to the estate of Ale9a Belle;a.
The antece/ent facts a%e as follo2s1
+n a Co/icil appen/e/ to the Last :ill an/ Testa5ent of
testat%i6 Ale9a Belle;a( -%. $o%0e Raba/illa( p%e/ecesso%-in-
inte%est of the he%ein petitione%( $ohnn& S. Raba/illa( 2as
institute/ as a /e,isee of *))( B** s>ua%e 5ete%s of that pa%cel
of lan/ su%,e&e/ as Lot No. )#!' of the Bacolo/ Ca/ast%e. The
sai/ Co/icil( 2hich 2as /ul& p%obate/ an/ a/5itte/ in Special
P%ocee/in0s No. A" befo%e the then Cou%t of .i%st +nstance
of Ne0%os Occi/ental( containe/ the follo2in0 p%o,isions1
=.+RST
+ 0i,e( lea,e an/ be>ueath the follo2in0 p%ope%t& o2ne/ b& 5e
to -%. $o%0e Raba/illa %esi/ent of )) P. Dillanue,a( Pasa&
Cit&1
3a4 Lot No. )#!' of the Bacolo/ Ca/ast%e( co,e%e/ b& T%ansfe%
Ce%tificate of Title No. RT-AA' 3)A!'4( 2hich is %e0iste%e/ in
5& na5e acco%/in0 to the %eco%/s of the Re0iste% of -ee/s of
Ne0%os Occi/ental.
3b4 That shoul/ $o%0e Raba/illa /ie ahea/ of 5e( the
afo%e5entione/ p%ope%t& an/ the %i0hts 2hich + shall set fo%th
he%einbelo2( shall be inhe%ite/ an/ ac8no2le/0e/ b& the
chil/%en an/ spouse of $o%0e Raba/illa.
666
.OURT7
3a4....+t is also 5& co55an/( in this 5& a//ition 3Co/icil4( that
shoul/ + /ie an/ $o%0e Raba/illa shall ha,e al%ea/& %ecei,e/
the o2ne%ship of the sai/ Lot No. )#!' of the Bacolo/
Ca/ast%e( co,e%e/ b& T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title No. RT-AA'
3)A!'4( an/ also at the ti5e that the lease of Balbinito G.
Guan;on of the sai/ lot shall e6pi%e( $o%0e Raba/illa shall ha,e
the obli0ation until he /ies( e,e%& &ea% to 0i,e to Ma%ia Ma%lina
Coscolluela & Belle;a( Se,ent& 3<*4 3sic4 piculs of E6po%t su0a%
an/ T2ent& .i,e 3'*4 piculs of -o5estic su0a%( until the sai/
Ma%ia Ma%lina Coscolluela & Belle;a /ies.
.+.T7
3a4 Shoul/ $o%0e Raba/illa /ie( his hei% to 2ho5 he shall 0i,e
Lot No. )#!' of the Bacolo/ Ca/ast%e( co,e%e/ b& T%ansfe%
Ce%tificate of Title No. RT-AA' 3)A!'4( shall ha,e the
obli0ation to still 0i,e &ea%l&( the su0a% as specifie/ in the
.ou%th pa%a0%aph of his testa5ent( to Ma%ia Ma%lina
Coscolluela & Belle;a on the 5onth of -ece5be% of each &ea%.
S+IT7
+ co55an/( in this 5& a//ition 3Co/icil4 that the Lot No. )#!'(
in the e,ent that the one to 2ho5 + ha,e left an/ be>ueathe/(
an/ his hei% shall late% sell( lease( 5o%t0a0e this sai/ Lot( the
bu&e%( lessee( 5o%t0a0ee( shall ha,e also the obli0ation to
%espect an/ /eli,e% &ea%l& ONE 7UN-RE- 3)AA4 piculs of
su0a% to Ma%ia Ma%lina Coscolluela & Belle;a( on each 5onth
of -ece5be%( SEDENT@ .+DE 3<*4 piculs of E6po%t an/
T:ENT@ .+DE 3'*4 piculs of -o5estic( until Ma%ia Ma%lina
shall /ie( lastl& shoul/ the bu&e%( lessee o% the 5o%t0a0ee of
this lot( not ha,e %especte/ 5& co55an/ in this 5& a//ition
3Co/icil4( Ma%ia Ma%lina Coscolluela & Belle;a( shall
i55e/iatel& sei;e this Lot No. )#!' f%o5 5& hei% an/ the
latte%Js hei%s( an/ shall tu%n it o,e% to 5& nea% /esen/ants( 3sic4
an/ the latte% shall then ha,e the obli0ation to 0i,e the ONE
7UN-RE- 3)AA4 piculs of su0a% until Ma%ia Ma%lina shall /ie. +
fu%the% co55an/ in this 5& a//ition 3Co/icil4 that 5& hei% an/
his hei%s of this Lot No. )#!'( that the& 2ill obe& an/ follo2 that
shoul/ the& /eci/e to sell( lease( 5o%t0a0e( the& cannot
ne0otiate 2ith othe%s than 5& nea% /escen/ants an/ 5&
siste%.=
Pu%suant to the sa5e Co/icil( Lot No. )#!' 2as t%ansfe%%e/ to
the /ecease/( -%. $o%0e Raba/illa( an/ T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of
Title No. !B the%eto issue/ in his na5e.
-%. $o%0e Raba/illa /ie/ in )!B# an/ 2as su%,i,e/ b& his 2ife
Rufina an/ chil/%en $ohnn& 3petitione%4( Au%o%a( Ofelia an/
Henai/a( all su%na5e/ Raba/illa.
On Au0ust ')( )!B!( Ma%ia Ma%lena Coscolluela & Belle;a
Dillaca%los b%ou0ht a co5plaint( /oc8ete/ as Ci,il Case No.
**BB( befo%e B%anch *' of the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t in Bacolo/
Cit&( a0ainst the abo,e-5entione/ hei%s of -%. $o%0e Raba/illa(
to enfo%ce the p%o,isions of sub9ect Co/icil. The Co5plaint
alle0e/ that the /efen/ant-hei%s ,iolate/ the con/itions of the
Co/icil( in that1
). Lot No. )#!' 2as 5o%t0a0e/ to the Philippine National Ban8
an/ the Republic Plante%s Ban8 in /is%e0a%/ of the testat%i6Js
specific inst%uction to sell( lease( o% 5o%t0a0e onl& to the nea%
/escen/ants an/ siste% of the testat%i6.
'. -efen/ant-hei%s faile/ to co5pl& 2ith thei% obli0ation to
/eli,e% one hun/%e/ 3)AA4 piculs of su0a% 3<* piculs e6po%t
su0a% an/ '* piculs /o5estic su0a%4 to plaintiff Ma%ia Ma%lena
Coscolluela & Belle;a f%o5 su0a% c%op &ea%s )!B* up to the
filin0 of the co5plaint as 5an/ate/ b& the Co/icil( /espite
%epeate/ /e5an/s fo% co5pliance.
#. The ban8s faile/ to co5pl& 2ith the "th pa%a0%aph of the
Co/icil 2hich p%o,i/e/ that in case of the sale( lease( o%
5o%t0a0e of the p%ope%t&( the bu&e%( lessee( o% 5o%t0a0ee shall
li8e2ise ha,e the obli0ation to /eli,e% )AA piculs of su0a% pe%
c%op &ea% to he%ein p%i,ate %espon/ent.
The plaintiff then p%a&e/ that 9u/05ent be %en/e%e/ o%/e%in0
/efen/ant-hei%s to %econ,e&K%etu%n-Lot No. )#!' to the
5
su%,i,in0 hei%s of the late Ale9a Belle;a( the cancellation of TCT
No. !B in the na5e of the /ecease/( -%. $o%0e Raba/illa(
an/ the issuance of a ne2 ce%tificate of title in the na5es of the
su%,i,in0 hei%s of the late Ale9a Belle;a.
On .eb%ua%& '"( )!!A( the /efen/ant-hei%s 2e%e /ecla%e/ in
/efault but on Ma%ch 'B( )!!A the O%/e% of -efault 2as lifte/(
2ith %espect to /efen/ant $ohnn& S. Raba/illa( 2ho file/ his
Ans2e%( acco%/in0l&.
-u%in0 the p%e-t%ial( the pa%ties a/5itte/ that1
On No,e5be% )*( )!!B( the plaintiff 3p%i,ate %espon/ent4 an/ a
ce%tain Alan A;u%in( son-in-la2 of the he%ein petitione% 2ho 2as
lessee of the p%ope%t& an/ actin0 as atto%ne&-in-fact of
/efen/ant-hei%s( a%%i,e/ at an a5icable settle5ent an/ ente%e/
into a Me5o%an/u5 of A0%ee5ent on the obli0ation to /eli,e%
one hun/%e/ piculs of su0a%( to the follo2in0 effect1
=That fo% c%op &ea% )!BB-B!( the annuit& 5entione/ in Ent%&
No. !A< of TCT No. B! 2ill be /eli,e%e/ not late% than
$anua%& of )!B!( 5o%e specificall&( to 2it1
<* piculs of JAJ su0a%( an/ '* piculs of JBJ su0a%( o% then
e6istin0 in an& of ou% na5es( Ma%& Rose Raba/illa & A;u%in o%
Alan A;u%in( /u%in0 -ece5be% of each su0a% c%op &ea%( in
A;uca% Su0a% Cent%al? an/( this is consi/e%e/ co5pliance of
the annuit& as 5entione/( an/ in the sa5e 5anne% 2ill
co5pliance of the annuit& be in the ne6t succee/in0 c%op
&ea%s.
That the annuit& abo,e state/ fo% c%op &ea% )!B*-B"( )!B"-B<(
an/ )!B<-BB( 2ill be co5plie/ in cash e>ui,alent of the nu5be%
of piculs as 5entione/ the%ein an/ 2hich is as he%ein a0%ee/
upon( ta8in0 into consi/e%ation the co5posite p%ice of su0a%
/u%in0 each su0a% c%op &ea%( 2hich is in the total a5ount of
ONE 7UN-RE- .+DE T7OUSAN- PESOS 3P)A*(AAA.AA4.
That the abo,e-5entione/ a5ount 2ill be pai/ o% /eli,e%e/ on
a sta00e%e/ cash install5ent( pa&able on o% befo%e the en/ of
-ece5be% of e,e%& su0a% c%op &ea%( to 2it1
.o% )!B*-B"( T:ENT@ S+I T7OUSAN- T:O 7UN-RE-
.+.T@ 3P'"('*A.AA4 Pesos( pa&able on o% befo%e -ece5be% of
c%op &ea% )!BB-B!?
.o% )!B"-B<( T:ENT@ S+I T7OUSAN- T:O 7UN-RE-
.+.T@ 3P'"('*A.AA4 Pesos( pa&able on o% befo%e -ece5be% of
c%op &ea% )!B!-!A?
.o% )!B<-BB( T:ENT@ S+I T7OUSAN- T:O 7UN-RE-
.+.T@ 3P'"('*A.AA4 Pesos( pa&able on o% befo%e -ece5be% of
c%op &ea% )!!A-!)? an/
.o% )!BB-B!( T:ENT@ S+I T7OUSAN- T:O 7UN-RE-
.+.T@ 3P'"('*A.AA4 Pesos( pa&able on o% befo%e -ece5be% of
c%op &ea% )!!)-!'.=
7o2e,e%( the%e 2as no co5pliance 2ith the afo%esai/
Me5o%an/u5 of A0%ee5ent e6cept fo% a pa%tial /eli,e%& of
*A.BA piculs of su0a% co%%espon/in0 to su0a% c%op &ea% )!BB
-)!B!.
On $ul& ''( )!!)( the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t ca5e out 2ith a
/ecision( /is5issin0 the co5plaint an/ /isposin0 as follo2s1
=:7ERE.ORE( in the li0ht of the afo%e0oin0 fin/in0s( the
Cou%t fin/s that the action is p%e5atu%el& file/ as no cause of
action a0ainst the /efen/ants has as &et a%ose in fa,o% of
plaintiff. :hile the%e 5a&be the non-pe%fo%5ance of the
co55an/ as 5an/ate/ e6action f%o5 the5 si5pl& because
the& a%e the chil/%en of $o%0e Raba/illa( the title hol/e%Ko2ne%
of the lot in >uestion( /oes not 2a%%ant the filin0 of the p%esent
co5plaint. The %e5e/& at ba% 5ust fall. +nci/entall&( bein0 in
the cate0o%& as c%e/ito% of the left estate( it is opine/ that
plaintiff 5a& initiate the intestate p%ocee/in0s( if onl& to
establish the hei%s of $o%0e Raba/illa an/ in o%/e% to 0i,e full
5eanin0 an/ se5blance to he% clai5 un/e% the Co/icil.
+n the li0ht of the afo%e0oin0 fin/in0s( the Co5plaint bein0
p%e5atu%el& file/ is -+SM+SSE- 2ithout p%e9u/ice.
SO OR-ERE-.=
On appeal b& plaintiff( the .i%st -i,ision of the Cou%t of Appeals
%e,e%se/ the /ecision of the t%ial cou%t? %atiocinatin0 an/
o%/e%in0 thus1
=The%efo%e( the e,i/ence on %eco%/ ha,in0 establishe/ plaintiff-
appellantJs %i0ht to %ecei,e )AA piculs of su0a% annuall& out of
the p%o/uce of Lot No. )#!'? /efen/ants-appelleeJs obli0ation
un/e% Ale9a Belle;aJs co/icil( as hei%s of the 5o/al hei%( $o%0e
Raba/illa( to /eli,e% such a5ount of su0a% to plaintiff-appellant?
/efen/ants-appelleeJs a/5itte/ non-co5pliance 2ith sai/
obli0ation since )!B*? an/( the puniti,e conse>uences
en9oine/ b& both the co/icil an/ the Ci,il Co/e( of sei;u%e of
Lot No. )#!' an/ its %e,e%sion to the estate of Ale9a Belle;a in
case of such non-co5pliance( this Cou%t /ee5s it p%ope% to
o%/e% the %econ,e&ance of title o,e% Lot No. )#!' f%o5 the
estates of $o%0e Raba/illa to the estate of Ale9a Belle;a.
7o2e,e%( plaintiff-appellant 5ust institute sepa%ate
p%ocee/in0s to %e-open Ale9a Belle;aJs estate( secu%e the
appoint5ent of an a/5inist%ato%( an/ /ist%ibute Lot No. )#!' to
Ale9a Belle;aJs le0al hei%s in o%/e% to enfo%ce he% %i0ht(
%ese%,e/ to he% b& the co/icil( to %ecei,e he% le0ac& of )AA
piculs of su0a% pe% &ea% out of the p%o/uce of Lot No. )#!' until
she /ies.
Acco%/in0l&( the /ecision appeale/ f%o5 is SET AS+-E an/
anothe% one ente%e/ o%/e%in0 /efen/ants-appellees( as hei%s of
$o%0e Raba/illa( to %econ,e& title o,e% Lot No. )#!'( to0ethe%
2ith its f%uits an/ inte%ests( to the estate of Ale9a Belle;a.
SO OR-ERE-.=
-issatisfie/ 2ith the afo%esai/ /isposition b& the Cou%t of
Appeals( petitione% foun/ his 2a& to this Cou%t ,ia the p%esent
6
petition( conten/in0 that the Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in o%/e%in0
the %e,e%sion of Lot )#!' to the estate of the testat%i6 Ale9a
Belle;a on the basis of pa%a0%aph " of the Co/icil( an/ in %ulin0
that the testa5enta%& institution of -%. $o%0e Raba/illa is a
5o/al institution 2ithin the pu%,ie2 of A%ticle BB' of the Ne2
Ci,il Co/e.
The petition is not i5p%esse/ 2ith 5e%it.
Petitione% conten/s that the Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in %esol,in0
the appeal in acco%/ance 2ith A%ticle BB' of the Ne2 Ci,il
Co/e on 5o/al institutions an/ in /e,iatin0 f%o5 the sole issue
%aise/ 2hich is the absence o% p%e5atu%it& of the cause of
action. Petitione% 5aintains that A%ticle BB' /oes not fin/
application as the%e 2as no 5o/al institution an/ the testat%i6
inten/e/ a 5e%e si5ple substitution - i.e. the institute/ hei%( -%.
$o%0e Raba/illa( 2as to be substitute/ b& the testat%i6Js =nea%
/escen/ants= shoul/ the obli0ation to /eli,e% the f%uits to
he%ein p%i,ate %espon/ent be not co5plie/ 2ith. An/ since the
testat%i6 /ie/ sin0le an/ 2ithout issue( the%e can be no ,ali/
substitution an/ such testa5enta%& p%o,ision cannot be 0i,en
an& effect.
The petitione% theo%i;es fu%the% that the%e can be no ,ali/
substitution fo% the %eason that the substitute/ hei%s a%e not
/efinite( as the substitute/ hei%s a%e 5e%el& %efe%%e/ to as =nea%
/escen/ants= 2ithout a /efinite i/entit& o% %efe%ence as to 2ho
a%e the =nea% /escen/ants= an/ the%efo%e( un/e% A%ticles B#
an/ B* of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e( the substitution shoul/ be
/ee5e/ as not 2%itten.
The contentions of petitione% a%e untenable. Cont%a%& to his
supposition that the Cou%t of Appeals /e,iate/ f%o5 the issue
pose/ befo%e it( 2hich 2as the p%op%iet& of the /is5issal of the
co5plaint on the 0%oun/ of p%e5atu%it& of cause of action(
the%e 2as no such /e,iation. The Cou%t of Appeals foun/ that
the p%i,ate %espon/ent ha/ a cause of action a0ainst the
petitione%. The /is>uisition 5a/e on 5o/al institution 2as(
p%ecisel&( to st%ess that the p%i,ate %espon/ent ha/ a le0all&
/e5an/able %i0ht a0ainst the petitione% pu%suant to sub9ect
Co/icil? on 2hich issue the Cou%t of Appeals %ule/ in
acco%/ance 2ith la2.
+t is a 0ene%al %ule un/e% the la2 on succession that
successional %i0hts a%e t%ans5itte/ f%o5 the 5o5ent of /eath
of the /ece/ent an/ co5pulso%& hei%s a%e calle/ to succee/ b&
ope%ation of la2. The le0iti5ate chil/%en an/ /escen/ants( in
%elation to thei% le0iti5ate pa%ents( an/ the 2i/o2 o% 2i/o2e%(
a%e co5pulso%& hei%s. Thus( the petitione%( his 5othe% an/
siste%s( as co5pulso%& hei%s of the institute/ hei%( -%. $o%0e
Raba/illa( succee/e/ the latte% b& ope%ation of la2( 2ithout
nee/ of fu%the% p%ocee/in0s( an/ the successional %i0hts 2e%e
t%ans5itte/ to the5 f%o5 the 5o5ent of /eath of the /ece/ent(
-%. $o%0e Raba/illa.
Un/e% A%ticle <<" of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e( inhe%itance inclu/es
all the p%ope%t&( %i0hts an/ obli0ations of a pe%son( not
e6tin0uishe/ b& his /eath. Confo%5abl&( 2hate,e% %i0hts -%.
$o%0e Raba/illa ha/ b& ,i%tue of sub9ect Co/icil 2e%e
t%ans5itte/ to his fo%ce/ hei%s( at the ti5e of his /eath. An/
since obli0ations not e6tin0uishe/ b& /eath also fo%5 pa%t of
the estate of the /ece/ent? co%olla%il&( the obli0ations i5pose/
b& the Co/icil on the /ecease/ -%. $o%0e Raba/illa( 2e%e
li8e2ise t%ans5itte/ to his co5pulso%& hei%s upon his /eath.
+n the sai/ Co/icil( testat%i6 Ale9a Belle;a /e,ise/ Lot No. )#!'
to -%. $o%0e Raba/illa( sub9ect to the con/ition that the usuf%uct
the%eof 2oul/ be /eli,e%e/ to the he%ein p%i,ate %espon/ent
e,e%& &ea%. Upon the /eath of -%. $o%0e Raba/illa( his
co5pulso%& hei%s succee/e/ to his %i0hts an/ title o,e% the sai/
p%ope%t&( an/ the& also assu5e/ his 3/ece/entJs4 obli0ation to
/eli,e% the f%uits of the lot in,ol,e/ to he%ein p%i,ate
%espon/ent. Such obli0ation of the institute/ hei% %ecip%ocall&
co%%espon/s to the %i0ht of p%i,ate %espon/ent o,e% the
usuf%uct( the fulfill5ent o% pe%fo%5ance of 2hich is no2 bein0
/e5an/e/ b& the latte% th%ou0h the institution of the case at
ba%. The%efo%e( p%i,ate %espon/ent has a cause of action
a0ainst petitione% an/ the t%ial cou%t e%%e/ in /is5issin0 the
co5plaint belo2.
Petitione% also theo%i;es that A%ticle BB' of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e
on 5o/al institutions is not applicable because 2hat the
testat%i6 inten/e/ 2as a substitution - -%. $o%0e Raba/illa 2as
to be substitute/ b& the testat%i6Js nea% /escen/ants shoul/
the%e be nonco5pliance 2ith the obli0ation to /eli,e% the piculs
of su0a% to p%i,ate %espon/ent.
A0ain( the contention is 2ithout 5e%it.
Substitution is the /esi0nation b& the testato% of a pe%son o%
pe%sons to ta8e the place of the hei% o% hei%s fi%st institute/.
Un/e% substitutions in 0ene%al( the testato% 5a& eithe% 3)4
p%o,i/e fo% the /esi0nation of anothe% hei% to 2ho5 the
p%ope%t& shall pass in case the o%i0inal hei% shoul/ /ie befo%e
hi5Khe%( %enounce the inhe%itance o% be incapacitate/ to inhe%it(
as in a si5ple substitution( o% 3'4 lea,e hisKhe% p%ope%t& to one
pe%son 2ith the e6p%ess cha%0e that it be t%ans5itte/
subse>uentl& to anothe% o% othe%s( as in a fi/eico55issa%&
substitution. The Co/icil sue/ upon conte5plates neithe% of the
t2o.
+n si5ple substitutions( the secon/ hei% ta8es the inhe%itance in
/efault of the fi%st hei% b& %eason of incapacit&( p%e/ecease o%
%enunciation. +n the case un/e% consi/e%ation( the p%o,isions of
sub9ect Co/icil /o not p%o,i/e that shoul/ -%. $o%0e Raba/illa
/efault /ue to p%e/ecease( incapacit& o% %enunciation( the
testat%i6Js nea% /escen/ants 2oul/ substitute hi5. :hat the
Co/icil p%o,i/es is that( shoul/ -%. $o%0e Raba/illa o% his hei%s
not fulfill the con/itions i5pose/ in the Co/icil( the p%ope%t&
%efe%%e/ to shall be sei;e/ an/ tu%ne/ o,e% to the testat%i6Js
nea% /escen/ants.
Neithe% is the%e a fi/eico55issa%& substitution he%e an/ on this
point( petitione% is co%%ect. +n a fi/eico55issa%& substitution(
the fi%st hei% is st%ictl& 5an/ate/ to p%ese%,e the p%ope%t& an/
to t%ans5it the sa5e late% to the secon/ hei%. +n the case un/e%
consi/e%ation( the institute/ hei% is in fact allo2e/ un/e% the
Co/icil to alienate the p%ope%t& p%o,i/e/ the ne0otiation is 2ith
7
the nea% /escen/ants o% the siste% of the testat%i6. Thus( a ,e%&
i5po%tant ele5ent of a fi/eico55issa%& substitution is lac8in0?
the obli0ation clea%l& i5posin0 upon the fi%st hei% the
p%ese%,ation of the p%ope%t& an/ its t%ans5ission to the secon/
hei%. =:ithout this obli0ation to p%ese%,e clea%l& i5pose/ b& the
testato% in his 2ill( the%e is no fi/eico55issa%& substitution.=
Also( the nea% /escen/antsJ %i0ht to inhe%it f%o5 the testat%i6 is
not /efinite. The p%ope%t& 2ill onl& pass to the5 shoul/ -%.
$o%0e Raba/illa o% his hei%s not fulfill the obli0ation to /eli,e%
pa%t of the usuf%uct to p%i,ate %espon/ent.
Anothe% i5po%tant ele5ent of a fi/eico55issa%& substitution is
also 5issin0 he%e. Un/e% A%ticle B"#( the secon/ hei% o% the
fi/eico55issa%& to 2ho5 the p%ope%t& is t%ans5itte/ 5ust not
be be&on/ one /e0%ee f%o5 the fi%st hei% o% the fi/ucia%&. A
fi/eico55issa%& substitution is the%efo%e( ,oi/ if the fi%st hei% is
not %elate/ b& fi%st /e0%ee to the secon/ hei%. +n the case un/e%
sc%utin&( the nea% /escen/ants a%e not at all %elate/ to the
institute/ hei%( -%. $o%0e Raba/illa.
The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ not in %ulin0 that the institution of
-%. $o%0e Raba/illa un/e% sub9ect Co/icil is in the natu%e of a
5o/al institution an/ the%efo%e( A%ticle BB' of the Ne2 Ci,il
Co/e is the p%o,ision of la2 in point. A%ticles BB' an/ BB# of
the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e p%o,i/e1
A%t. BB'. The state5ent of the ob9ect of the institution o% the
application of the p%ope%t& left b& the testato%( o% the cha%0e
i5pose/ on hi5( shall not be consi/e%e/ as a con/ition unless
it appea%s that such 2as his intention.
That 2hich has been left in this 5anne% 5a& be clai5e/ at
once p%o,i/e/ that the institute/ hei% o% his hei%s 0i,e secu%it&
fo% co5pliance 2ith the 2ishes of the testato% an/ fo% the %etu%n
of an&thin0 he o% the& 5a& %ecei,e( to0ethe% 2ith its f%uits an/
inte%ests( if he o% the& shoul/ /is%e0a%/ this obli0ation.
A%t. BB#. :hen 2ithout the fault of the hei%( an institution
%efe%%e/ to in the p%ece/in0 a%ticle cannot ta8e effect in the
e6act 5anne% state/ b& the testato%( it shall be co5plie/ 2ith in
a 5anne% 5ost analo0ous to an/ in confo%5it& 2ith his 2ishes.
The institution of an hei% in the 5anne% p%esc%ibe/ in A%ticle
BB' is 2hat is 8no2n in the la2 of succession as an institucion
sub 5o/o o% a 5o/al institution. +n a 5o/al institution( the
testato% states 3)4 the ob9ect of the institution( 3'4 the pu%pose
o% application of the p%ope%t& left b& the testato%( o% 3#4 the
cha%0e i5pose/ b& the testato% upon the hei%. A =5o/e=
i5poses an obli0ation upon the hei% o% le0atee but it /oes not
affect the efficac& of his %i0hts to the succession. On the othe%
han/( in a con/itional testa5enta%& /isposition( the con/ition
5ust happen o% be fulfille/ in o%/e% fo% the hei% to be entitle/ to
succee/ the testato%. The con/ition suspen/s but /oes not
obli0ate? an/ the 5o/e obli0ates but /oes not suspen/. To
so5e e6tent( it is si5ila% to a %esoluto%& con/ition.
.%o5 the p%o,isions of the Co/icil liti0ate/ upon( it can be
0leane/ une%%in0l& that the testat%i6 inten/e/ that sub9ect
p%ope%t& be inhe%ite/ b& -%. $o%0e Raba/illa. +t is li8e2ise
clea%l& 2o%/e/ that the testat%i6 i5pose/ an obli0ation on the
sai/ institute/ hei% an/ his successo%s-in-inte%est to /eli,e% one
hun/%e/ piculs of su0a% to the he%ein p%i,ate %espon/ent(
Ma%lena Coscolluela Belle;a( /u%in0 the lifeti5e of the latte%.
7o2e,e%( the testat%i6 /i/ not 5a8e -%. $o%0e Raba/illaJs
inhe%itance an/ the effecti,it& of his institution as a /e,isee(
/epen/ent on the pe%fo%5ance of the sai/ obli0ation. +t is clea%(
thou0h( that shoul/ the obli0ation be not co5plie/ 2ith( the
p%ope%t& shall be tu%ne/ o,e% to the testat%i6Js nea%
/escen/ants. The 5anne% of institution of -%. $o%0e Raba/illa
un/e% sub9ect Co/icil is e,i/entl& 5o/al in natu%e because it
i5poses a cha%0e upon the institute/ hei% 2ithout( ho2e,e%(
affectin0 the efficac& of such institution.
Then too( since testa5enta%& /ispositions a%e 0ene%all& acts of
libe%alit&( an obli0ation i5pose/ upon the hei% shoul/ not be
consi/e%e/ a con/ition unless it clea%l& appea%s f%o5 the :ill
itself that such 2as the intention of the testato%. +n case of
/oubt( the institution shoul/ be consi/e%e/ as 5o/al an/ not
con/itional.
Neithe% is the%e tenabilit& in the othe% contention of petitione%
that the p%i,ate %espon/ent has onl& a %i0ht of usuf%uct but not
the %i0ht to sei;e the p%ope%t& itself f%o5 the institute/ hei%
because the %i0ht to sei;e 2as e6p%essl& li5ite/ to ,iolations
b& the bu&e%( lessee o% 5o%t0a0ee.
+n the inte%p%etation of :ills( 2hen an unce%taint& a%ises on the
face of the :ill( as to the application of an& of its p%o,isions(
the testato%Js intention is to be asce%taine/ f%o5 the 2o%/s of
the :ill( ta8in0 into consi/e%ation the ci%cu5stances un/e%
2hich it 2as 5a/e. Such const%uction as 2ill sustain an/
uphol/ the :ill in all its pa%ts 5ust be a/opte/.
Sub9ect Co/icil p%o,i/es that the institute/ hei% is un/e%
obli0ation to /eli,e% One 7un/%e/ 3)AA4 piculs of su0a% &ea%l&
to Ma%lena Belle;a Coscuella. Such obli0ation is i5pose/ on
the institute/ hei%( -%. $o%0e Raba/illa( his hei%s( an/ thei%
bu&e%( lessee( o% 5o%t0a0ee shoul/ the& sell( lease( 5o%t0a0e
o% othe%2ise ne0otiate the p%ope%t& in,ol,e/. The Co/icil
fu%the% p%o,i/es that in the e,ent that the obli0ation to /eli,e%
the su0a% is not %especte/( Ma%lena Belle;a Coscuella shall
sei;e the p%ope%t& an/ tu%n it o,e% to the testat%i6Js nea%
/escen/ants. The non-pe%fo%5ance of the sai/ obli0ation is
thus 2ith the sanction of sei;u%e of the p%ope%t& an/ %e,e%sion
the%eof to the testat%i6Js nea% /escen/ants. Since the sai/
obli0ation is clea%l& i5pose/ b& the testat%i6( not onl& on the
institute/ hei% but also on his successo%s-in-inte%est( the
sanction i5pose/ b& the testat%i6 in case of non-fulfill5ent of
sai/ obli0ation shoul/ e>uall& appl& to the institute/ hei% an/
his successo%s-in-inte%est.
Si5ila%l& unsustainable is petitione%Js sub5ission that b& ,i%tue
of the a5icable settle5ent( the sai/ obli0ation i5pose/ b& the
Co/icil has been assu5e/ b& the lessee( an/ 2hate,e%
obli0ation petitione% ha/ beco5e the obli0ation of the lessee?
that petitione% is /ee5e/ to ha,e 5a/e a substantial an/
const%ucti,e co5pliance of his obli0ation th%ou0h the
8
consu55ate/ settle5ent bet2een the lessee an/ the p%i,ate
%espon/ent( an/ ha,in0 consu55ate/ a settle5ent 2ith the
petitione%( the %ecou%se of the p%i,ate %espon/ent is the
fulfill5ent of the obli0ation un/e% the a5icable settle5ent an/
not the sei;u%e of sub9ect p%ope%t&.
Suffice it to state that a :ill is a pe%sonal( sole5n( %e,ocable
an/ f%ee act b& 2hich a pe%son /isposes of his p%ope%t&( to ta8e
effect afte% his /eath.
)
F'*G Since the :ill e6p%esses the 5anne%
in 2hich a pe%son inten/s ho2 his p%ope%ties be /ispose/( the
2ishes an/ /esi%es of the testato% 5ust be st%ictl& follo2e/.
Thus( a :ill cannot be the sub9ect of a co5p%o5ise a0%ee5ent
2hich 2oul/ the%eb& /efeat the ,e%& pu%pose of 5a8in0 a :ill.
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is he%eb& -+SM+SSE- an/ the
/ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals( /ate/ -ece5be% '#( )!!#( in
CA-G.R. No. CD-#**** A..+RME-. No p%onounce5ent as to
costs
SO OR-ERE-.
Melo( $.( 3Chai%5an4( concu% in the sepa%ate opinion of $ustice
Ditu0.
Ditu0( $.( see sepa%ate opinion.
Pan0aniban( $.( 9oin the sepa%ate opinion of $ustice Ditu0.
Gon;a0a-Re&es( $.( no pa%t.
Republic of the Philippines
Sup%e5e Cou%t
Ba0uio Cit&
SECON- -+D+S+ON
ATT@. PE-RO M.
.ERRER(
G.R. No. )"*#AA
Petitione%(
P%esent1
- ,e%sus -
CARP+O( $.(
Chai%pe%son(
BR+ON(
SPOUSES AL.RE-O -+AH ABA-(
an/ +MEL-A -+AH( -EL CAST+LLO( an/
RE+NA COMAN-ANTE an/ PEREH( $$.
SPOUSES B+ENDEN+-O
PANGAN an/ EL+HABET7
PANGAN( P%o5ul0ate/1
Respon/ents. Ap%il '#( 'A)A
6 - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6
- E C + S + O N
1
-el Castillo( $.1
The basic >uestions to be %esol,e/ in this case a%e1 +s a
2ai,e% of he%e/ita%& %i0hts in fa,o% of anothe% e6ecute/ b& a
futu%e hei% 2hile the pa%ents a%e still li,in0 ,ali/L +s an a/,e%se
clai5 annotate/ on the title of a p%ope%t& on the basis of such
2ai,e% li8e2ise ,ali/ an/ effecti,e as to bin/ the subse>uent
o2ne%s an/ hol/ the5 liable to the clai5antL
This Petition fo% Re,ie2 on Ce%tio%a%i un/e% Rule * of the
Rules of Cou%t assails the -ece5be% )'( 'AA# -ecision of the
Cou%t of Appeals 3CA4 in CA-G.R. CD No. <ABBB. Sai/
-ecision 5o/ifie/ the $une )( 'AA) Su55a%& $u/05ent of
the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t 3RTC4 of Cue;on Cit& in Ci,il Case
No. C-!!-#BB<" b& hol/in0 %espon/ents Spouses Bien,eni/o
an/ Eli;abeth Pan0an 3the Pan0ans4 not soli/a%il& liable 2ith
the othe% %espon/ents( Spouses Alf%e/o an/ +5el/a -ia; 3the
-ia;es4 an/ Reina Co5an/ante 3Co5an/ante4( to petitione%
Att&. Pe/%o M. .e%%e% 3Att&. .e%%e%4. Li8e2ise assaile/ is the
CA Resolution /ate/ Septe5be% )A( 'AA 2hich /enie/
petitione%Ms as 2ell as %espon/ents Spouses -ia; an/
Co5an/anteMs %especti,e 5otions fo% %econsi/e%ation.
The pa%tiesM %especti,e ,e%sions of the factual antece/ents a%e
as follo2s1
De%sion of the Petitione%
Petitione% Att&. .e%%e% clai5e/ in his o%i0inal Co5plaint that on
Ma& <( )!!!( the -ia;es( as %ep%esente/ b& thei% /au0hte%
Co5an/ante( th%ou0h a Special Po2e% of Atto%ne& 3SPA4(
obtaine/ f%o5 hi5 a loan of P)())B(''B.AA. The loan 2as
secu%e/ b& a Real Estate Mo%t0a0e Cont%act
'
FBG b& 2a& of
secon/ 5o%t0a0e o,e% T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title 3TCT4 No.
RT-""A
#
F!G an/ a P%o5isso%& Note pa&able 2ithin si6 5onths
o% up to No,e5be% <( )!!!. Co5an/ante also issue/ to
petitione% post/ate/ chec8s to secu%e pa&5ent of sai/ loan.
Petitione% fu%the% clai5e/ that p%io% to this o% on Ma& '!( )!!B(
Co5an/ante( fo% a ,aluable consi/e%ation of P"AA(AAA.AA(
2hich a5ount fo%5e/ pa%t of the abo,e5entione/ secu%e/
loan( e6ecute/ in his fa,o% an inst%u5ent entitle/ :ai,e% of
7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%ests O,e% a Real P%ope%t& 3Still
Un/i,i/e/4( the pe%tinent po%tions of 2hich %ea/1
+( RE+NA -. COMAN-ANTE( of le0al a0e( .ilipino( 5a%%ie/(
2ith %esi/ence an/ postal a//%ess at No. "( Roa/ 'A( P%o9ect
B( Cue;on Cit&( Met%o Manila( Philippines( fo% a ,aluable
consi/e%ation of S+I 7UN-RE- T7OUSAN- PESOS
3P"AA(AAA.AA4 2hich constitutes 5& le0al obli0ationKloan to
Pe/%o M. .e%%e%( li8e2ise of le0al a0e( .ilipino( 5a%%ie/ to
E%lin/a B. .e%%e%( 2ith %esi/ence an/ postal a//%ess at No. !(
Lot ( Pue%to Rico St%eet( Lo&ola G%an/ Dillas( Cue;on Cit&(
Met%o Manila( Philippines( b& ,i%tue of these p%esents( /o
he%eb& :A+DE( an/Ko% REPU-+ATE all 5& he%e/ita%& %i0hts
2
3
9
an/ inte%ests as a le0iti5ate hei%K/au0hte% of Sps. Alf%e/o T.
-ia; an/ +5el/a G. -ia; in fa,o% of sai/ Pe/%o M. .e%%e%( his
hei%s an/ assi0ns o,e% a ce%tain pa%cel of lan/ to0ethe% 2ith all
the i5p%o,e5ents foun/ the%eon an/ 2hich p%ope%t& is 5o%e
pa%ticula%l& /esc%ibe/ as follo2s1
TRANS.ER CERT+.+CATE O. T+TLE
NO. RT-""A 3B'A'A4 PR-)BBB<
6 6 6 6
an/ 2hich p%ope%t& is title/ an/ %e0iste%e/ in the na5e of 5&
pa%ents Alf%e/o T. -ia; an/ +5el/a G. -ia;( as e,i/ence/ b&
T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title No. RT ""A 3B'A'A4 PR-)BBB<.

3s0/.
RE+NA -. COMAN-ANTE
Affiant
On the basis of sai/ 2ai,e%( petitione% e6ecute/ an Affi/a,it of
A/,e%se Clai5

F)'G 2hich he cause/ to be annotate/ at the

bac8 of TCT No. RT-""A on Ma& '"( )!!!.
The -ia;es( ho2e,e%( %ene0e/ on thei% obli0ation as the
chec8s issue/ b& Co5an/ante 2e%e /ishono%e/ upon
p%esent5ent. -espite %epeate/ /e5an/s( sai/ %espon/ents
still faile/ an/ %efuse/ to settle the loan. Thus( petitione% file/
on Septe5be% '!( )!!! a Co5plaint fo% Collection of Su5 of
Mone& Secu%e/ b& Real Estate Mo%t0a0e Cont%act a0ainst the
-ia;es an/ Co5an/ante /oc8ete/ as Ci,il Case No. C-!!-
#BB<" an/ %affle/ to B%anch '' of RTC( Cue;on Cit&.
Petitione% t2ice a5en/e/ his co5plaint. .i%st( b& inclu/in0 as
an alte%nati,e %elief the $u/icial .o%eclosu%e of Mo%t0a0e an/(
secon/( b& i5plea/in0 as a//itional /efen/ants the Pan0ans
as the 5o%t0a0e/ p%ope%t& co,e%e/ b& TCT No. RT-""A 2as
al%ea/& t%ansfe%%e/ un/e% thei% na5es in TCT No. N-'A!A!.
Petitione% p%a&e/ in his secon/ a5en/e/ co5plaint that all the
%espon/ents be o%/e%e/ to 9ointl& an/ soli/a%il& pa& hi5 the
su5 of P)())B(''B.AA( e6clusi,e of inte%ests( an/Ko% fo% the
9u/icial fo%eclosu%e of the p%ope%t& pu%suant to the Real Estate
Mo%t0a0e Cont%act.
De%sion of the Respon/ents
+n he% Ans2e% to petitione%Ms o%i0inal co5plaint( Co5an/ante
alle0e/ that petitione% an/ his 2ife 2e%e he% fello2 5e5be%s in
the Couples fo% Ch%ist Mo,e5ent. So5eti5e in )!!B( she
sou0ht the help of petitione% 2ith %e0a%/ to the 5o%t0a0e 2ith a
ban8 of he% pa%entsM lot locate/ at No. "( R/. 'A( P%o9ect B(
Cue;on Cit& an/ co,e%e/ b& TCT No. RT-""A. She also
sou0ht financial acco55o/ations f%o5 the couple on se,e%al
occasions 2hich totale/ P*AA(AAA.AA. Co5an/ante( ho2e,e%(
4
clai5e/ that these loans 2e%e secu%e/ b& chattel 5o%t0a0es
o,e% he% ta6i units in a//ition to se,e%al post/ate/ chec8s she
issue/ in fa,o% of petitione%.
As she coul/ not p%acticall& co5pl& 2ith he% obli0ation(
petitione% an/ his 2ife( p%esente/ to Co5an/ante so5eti5e in
Ma& )!!B a /ocu5ent /eno5inate/ as :ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%&
Ri0hts an/ +nte%ests O,e% a Real P%ope%t& 3Still Un/i,i/e/4
pe%tainin0 to a 2ai,e% of he% he%e/ita%& sha%e o,e% he% pa%entsM
abo,e5entione/ p%ope%t&. Pu%po%te/l&( the e6ecution of sai/
2ai,e% 2as to secu%e Co5an/anteMs loan 2ith the couple
2hich at that ti5e ha/ al%ea/& balloone/ to P"AA(AAA.AA /ue
to inte%ests.
A &ea% late%( the couple a0ain %e>ui%e/ Co5an/ante to si0n the
follo2in0 /ocu5ents1 3)4 a Real Estate Mo%t0a0e Cont%act o,e%
he% pa%entsM p%ope%t&? an/( 3'4 an un/ate/ P%o5isso%& Note(
both co%%espon/in0 to the a5ount of P)())B(''B.AA( 2hich
petitione% clai5e/ to be the total a5ount of Co5an/anteMs
5oneta%& obli0ation to hi5 e6clusi,e of cha%0es an/ inte%ests.
Co5an/ante alle0e/ that she %e5in/e/ petitione% that she 2as
not the %e0iste%e/ o2ne% of the sub9ect p%ope%t& an/ that
althou0h he% pa%ents 0%ante/ he% SPA( sa5e onl& pe%tains to
he% autho%it& to 5o%t0a0e the p%ope%t& to ban8s an/ othe%
financial institutions an/ not to in/i,i/uals. Petitione%
nonetheless assu%e/ Co5an/ante that the SPA 2as also
applicable to thei% t%ansaction. As Co5an/ante 2as still
hesitant( petitione% an/ his 2ife th%eatene/ to fo%eclose the
fo%5e%Ms ta6i units an/ p%esent the post/ate/ chec8s she
issue/ to the ban8 fo% pa&5ent. .o% fea% of losin0 he% ta6i units
2hich 2e%e the onl& sou%ce of he% li,elihoo/( Co5an/ante 2as
thus const%aine/ to si0n the 5o%t0a0e a0%ee5ent as 2ell as
the p%o5isso%& note. Petitione%( ho2e,e%( /i/ not fu%nish he%
2ith copies of sai/ /ocu5ents on the p%ete6t that the& still
ha,e to be nota%i;e/( but( as can be 0leane/ f%o5 the %eco%/s(
the /ocu5ents 2e%e ne,e% nota%i;e/. Mo%eo,e%( Co5an/ante
clai5e/ that the SPA allu/e/ to b& petitione% in his co5plaint
2as not the sa5e SPA un/e% 2hich she thou0ht she /e%i,e/
the autho%it& to e6ecute the 5o%t0a0e cont%act.
Co5an/ante li8e2ise alle0e/ that on Septe5be% '!( )!!! at
)A1AA oN cloc8 in the 5o%nin0( she e6ecute/ an Affi/a,it of
Repu/iationKRe,ocation of :ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/
+nte%ests O,e% A 3Still Un/i,i/e/4 Real P%ope%t&( 2hich she
cause/ to be annotate/ on the title of the sub9ect p%ope%t& 2ith
the Re0ist%& of -ee/s of Cue;on Cit& on the sa5e /a&.
+nte%estin0l&( petitione% file/ his co5plaint late% that /a& too.
B& 2a& of special an/ affi%5ati,e /efenses( Co5an/ante
asse%te/ in he% Ans2e% to the a5en/e/ co5plaint that sai/
co5plaint states no cause of action a0ainst he% because the
Real Estate Mo%t0a0e Cont%act an/ the 2ai,e% %efe%%e/ to b&
petitione% in his co5plaint 2e%e not /ul&( 8no2in0l& an/ ,ali/l&
e6ecute/ b& he%? that the :ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/
+nte%ests O,e% a Real P%ope%t& 3Still Un/i,i/e/4 is a useless
/ocu5ent as its e6ecution is p%ohibite/ b& A%ticle )#< of the
Ci,il Co/e( hence( it cannot be the sou%ce of an& %i0ht o%
obli0ation in petitione%Ms fa,o%? that the Real Estate Mo%t0a0e
10
2as of /oubtful ,ali/it& as she e6ecute/ the sa5e 2ithout ,ali/
autho%it& f%o5 he% pa%ents? an/( that the p%a&e% fo% collection
an/Ko% 9u/icial fo%eclosu%e 2as i%%e0ula% as petitione% cannot
see8 sai/ %e5e/ies at the sa5e ti5e.
Apa%t f%o5 e6ecutin0 the affi/a,it of %epu/iation( Co5an/ante
also file/ on Octobe% ( )!!! a Petition fo% Cancellation of
A/,e%se Clai5 3P.E. '"B4 Un/e% The Me5o%an/u5 of
Encu5b%ances of TCT No. RT-""A 3B'A'A4 PR-)BBB<
*
F)!G
/oc8ete/ as LRC Case No. C-)'AA! 3!!4 an/ %affle/ to B%anch
''A of RTC( Cue;on Cit&. Petitione% 2ho 2as i5plea/e/ as
%espon/ent the%ein 5o,e/ fo% the consoli/ation of sai/ case
2ith Ci,il Case No. C-!!-#BB<". On $une '( 'AAA( B%anch
''A of RTC( Cue;on Cit& o%/e%e/ the consoli/ation of LRC
Case No. C-)'AA! 3!!4 2ith Ci,il Case No. C-!!-#BB<".
Acco%/in0l&( the %eco%/s of the fo%5e% case 2as fo%2a%/e/ to
B%anch ''.
.o% thei% pa%t( the -ia;es asse%te/ that petitione% has no cause
of action a0ainst the5. The& clai5e/ that the& /o not e,en
8no2 petitione% an/ that the& /i/ not e6ecute an& SPA in fa,o%
of Co5an/ante autho%i;in0 he% to 5o%t0a0e fo% the secon/
ti5e the sub9ect p%ope%t&. The& also conteste/ the /ue
e6ecution of the SPA as it 2as neithe% authenticate/ befo%e the
Philippine Consulate in the Unite/ States no% nota%i;e/ befo%e
a nota%& public in the State of Ne2 @o%8 2he%e the -ia;es ha,e
been %esi/in0 fo% )" &ea%s. The& clai5e/ that the& /o not o2e
petitione% an&thin0. The -ia;es also pointe/ out that the
co5plaint 5e%el& %efe%s to Co5an/anteMs pe%sonal obli0ation
to petitione% 2ith 2hich the& ha/ nothin0 to /o. The& thus
p%a&e/ that the co5plaint a0ainst the5 be /is5isse/.
At the Pan0ansM en/( the& alle0e/ that the& ac>ui%e/ the
sub9ect p%ope%t& b& pu%chase in 0oo/ faith an/ fo% a
consi/e%ation of P#(AAA(AAA.AA on No,e5be% ))( )!!! f%o5
the -ia;es th%ou0h the latte%Ms /au0hte% Co5an/ante 2ho 2as
clothe/ 2ith SPA ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e the Consul of Ne2
@o%8. The Pan0ans i55e/iatel& too8 actual possession of the
p%ope%t& 2ithout an&one co5plainin0 o% p%otestin0. Soon
the%eafte%( the& 2e%e issue/ TCT No. N-'A!A! in lieu of TCT
No. RT-""A 2hich 2as cancelle/.
7o2e,e%( on -ece5be% ')( )!!!( the& 2e%e su%p%ise/ upon
bein0 info%5e/ b& petitione% that the sub9ect lan/ ha/ been
5o%t0a0e/ to hi5 b& the -ia;es. Upon in>ui%& f%o5
Co5an/ante( the latte% %ea/il& a/5itte/ that she has a
pe%sonal loan 2ith petitione% fo% 2hich the 5o%t0a0e of the
p%ope%t& in petitione%Ms fa,o% 2as e6ecute/. She a/5itte/(
thou0h( that he% pa%ents 2e%e not a2a%e of such 5o%t0a0e an/
that the& /i/ not autho%i;e he% to ente% into such cont%act.
Co5an/ante also info%5e/ the Pan0ans that the si0natu%es of
he% pa%ents appea%in0 on the SPA a%e fictitious an/ that it 2as
petitione% 2ho p%epa%e/ such /ocu5ent.
As affi%5ati,e /efense( the Pan0ans asse%te/ that the
annotation of petitione%Ms a/,e%se clai5 on TCT No. RT-""A
cannot i5pai% thei% %i0hts as ne2 o2ne%s of the sub9ect
5
p%ope%t&. The& clai5e/ that the :ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts
an/ +nte%ests O,e% a Real P%ope%t& 3Still Un/i,i/e/4 upon
2hich petitione%Ms a/,e%se clai5 is ancho%e/ cannot be the
sou%ce of an& %i0ht o% inte%est o,e% the p%ope%t& consi/e%in0
that it is null an/ ,oi/ un/e% pa%a0%aph ' of A%ticle )#< of the
Ci,il Co/e.
Mo%eo,e%( the Pan0ans asse%te/ that the Real Estate
Mo%t0a0e Cont%act cannot bin/ the5 no% in an& 2a& i5pai%
thei% o2ne%ship of sub9ect p%ope%t& because it 2as not
%e0iste%e/ befo%e the Re0iste% of -ee/s.
All the %espon/ents inte%pose/ thei% %especti,e counte%clai5s
an/ p%a&e/ fo% 5o%al an/ e6e5pla%& /a5a0es an/ atto%ne&Ms
fees in ,a%&in0 a5ounts.
Afte% the pa%ties ha,e sub5itte/ thei% %especti,e p%e-t%ial b%iefs(
the -ia;es file/ on Ma%ch '!( 'AA) a Motion fo% Su55a%&
$u/05ent alle0in0 that1 fi%st( since the /ocu5ents allu/e/ to
b& petitione% in his co5plaint 2e%e /efecti,e( he 2as not
entitle/ to an& le0al %i0ht o% %elief? an/( secon/( it 2as clea%
f%o5 the plea/in0s that it is Co5an/ante 2ho has an
outstan/in0 obli0ation 2ith petitione% 2hich the latte% ne,e%
/enie/. :ith these( the -ia;es belie,e/ that the%e is no
0enuine issue as to an& 5ate%ial fact a0ainst the5 an/( hence(
the& 2e%e entitle/ to su55a%& 9u/05ent.
On Ma& <( 'AA)( petitione% also file/ a Motion fo% Su55a%&
$u/05ent( clai5in0 that his suit a0ainst the %espon/ents is
5e%ito%ious an/ 2ell-foun/e/ an/ that sa5e is /ocu5ente/
an/ suppo%te/ b& la2 an/ 9u%isp%u/ence. 7e a,e%%e/ that his
a/,e%se clai5 annotate/ at the bac8 of TCT No. RT-""A(
2hich 2as ca%%ie/ o,e% in TCT No. 'A!A! un/e% the na5es of
the Pan0ans( is not 5e%el& ancho%e/ on the :ai,e% of
7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%ests O,e% a Real P%ope%t& 3Still
Un/i,i/e/4 e6ecute/ b& Co5an/ante( but also on the Real
Estate Mo%t0a0e li8e2ise e6ecute/ b& he% in %ep%esentation of
he% pa%ents an/ in fa,o% of petitione%. Petitione% insiste/ that
sai/ a/,e%se clai5 is not f%i,olous an/ in,ali/ an/ is %e0ist%able
un/e% Section <A of P%esi/ential -ec%ee 3P-4 No. )*'!. +n
fact( the Re0ist%a% of -ee/s of Cue;on Cit& ha/ al%ea/&
/ete%5ine/ the sufficienc& an/Ko% ,ali/it& of such %e0ist%ation
b& annotatin0 sai/ clai5( an/ this( %espon/ents faile/ to
>uestion. Petitione% fu%the% a,e%%e/ that e,en befo%e the sale
an/ t%ansfe% to the Pan0ans of the sub9ect p%ope%t&( the latte%
2e%e al%ea/& a2a%e of the e6istence of his a/,e%se clai5. +n
,ie2 of these( petitione% p%a&e/ that his Motion fo% Su55a%&
$u/05ent be 0%ante/.
Rulin0 of the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t
Afte% the filin0 of the pa%tiesM %especti,e Oppositions to the sai/
5otions fo% su55a%& 9u/05ent( the t%ial cou%t( in an O%/e%
/ate/ Ma& #)( 'AA)( /ee5e/ both 5otions fo% su55a%&
9u/05ent sub5itte/ fo% %esolution. Cuotin0 substantiall&
petitione%Ms alle0ations in his Motion fo% Su55a%& $u/05ent( it
the%eafte% %en/e%e/ on $une )( 'AA) a Su55a%& $u/05ent in
fa,o% of petitione%( the /ispositi,e po%tion of 2hich %ea/s1
11
:7ERE.ORE( p%e5ises consi/e%e/( su55a%& 9u/05ent is
he%eb& %en/e%e/ in fa,o% of plaintiff an/ a0ainst /efen/ants b&1
a4 OR-ER+NG all /efen/ants 9ointl& an/ soli/a%il& to
pa& plaintiff the su5 of ONE M+LL+ON ONE 7UN-RE-
E+G7TEEN T7OUSAN- T:O 7UN-RE- T:ENT@ E+G7T
PESOS 3P)())B(''B.AA4 2hich is bloo/ 5one& of plaintiff?
b4 OR-ER+NG the 7ono%able Re0ist%a% of -ee/s of
Cue;on Cit& that the %i0hts an/ inte%est of the plaintiff o,e%
sub9ect p%ope%t& be annotate/ at the bac8 of T.C.T. No. N-
'A!A!?
c4 SENTENC+NG all /efen/ants to pa& plaintiffMs
e6penses of TEN T7OUSAN- PESOS 3P)A(AAA.AA4 an/ to
pa& the costs of suit.
+T +S SO OR-ERE-.
The Pan0ans( the -ia;es( an/ Co5an/ante appeale/
to the CA.
"
F'!G The Pan0ans faulte/ the t%ial cou%t in hol/in0
the5 9ointl& an/ se,e%all& liable 2ith the -ia;es an/
Co5an/ante fo% the satisfaction of the latte%Ms pe%sonal
obli0ation to petitione% in the total a5ount of P)())B(''B.AA.
The -ia;es an/ Co5an/ante( on the othe% han/( i5pute/ e%%o%
upon the t%ial cou%t in %en/e%in0 su55a%& 9u/05ent in fa,o% of
petitione%. The& a,e%%e/ that assu5in0 the su55a%& 9u/05ent
2as p%ope%( the t%ial cou%t shoul/ not ha,e consi/e%e/ the Real
Estate Mo%t0a0e Cont%act an/ the P%o5isso%& Note as the&
2e%e /efecti,e( as 2ell as petitione%Ms f%i,olous an/ non-
%e0ist%able a/,e%se clai5.
+n its -ecision /ate/ -ece5be% )'( 'AA#( the CA
/ecla%e/ Co5an/anteMs 2ai,e% of he%e/ita%& %i0hts null an/
,oi/. 7o2e,e%( it foun/ the Real Estate Mo%t0a0e e6ecute/ b&
Co5an/ante on behalf of he% pa%ents as bin/in0 bet2een the
pa%ties the%eto.
As %e0a%/s the Pan0ans( the CA %ule/ that the
5o%t0a0e cont%act 2as not bin/in0 upon the5 as the& 2e%e
pu%chase%s in 0oo/ faith an/ fo% ,alue. The p%ope%t& 2as f%ee
f%o5 the 5o%t0a0e encu5b%ance of petitione% 2hen the&
ac>ui%e/ it as the& onl& ca5e to 8no2 of the a/,e%se clai5
th%ou0h petitione%Ms phone call 2hich ca5e %i0ht afte% the
fo%5e%Ms ac>uisition of the p%ope%t&. The CA fu%the% %ule/ that
as Co5an/anteMs 2ai,e% of he%e/ita%& %i0hts an/ inte%ests
upon 2hich petitione%Ms a/,e%se clai5 2as base/ is a nullit&( it
coul/ not be a sou%ce of an& %i0ht in his fa,o%. 7ence( the
Pan0ans 2e%e not boun/ to ta8e notice of such clai5 an/ a%e
thus not liable to petitione%.
Noticeabl&( the appellate cou%t /i/ not %ule on the
p%op%iet& of the issuance of the Su55a%& $u/05ent as %aise/
b& the -ia;es an/ Co5an/ante. +n the ulti5ate( the CA 5e%el&
5o/ifie/ the assaile/ Su55a%& $u/05ent of the t%ial cou%t b&
e6clu/in0 the Pan0ans a5on0 those soli/a%il& liable to
6
petitione%( in effect affi%5in0 in all othe% %espects the assaile/
su55a%& 9u/05ent( ,i;1
:7ERE.ORE( fo%e0oin0 p%e5ises consi/e%e/( the
-ecision of the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of Cue;on Cit&( B%anch
'' in Ci,il Case No. C-!!-#BB<" is he%eb& MO-+.+E-( as
follo2s1
). O%/e%in0 /efen/ants-appellants Co5an/ante an/
Spouses -ia; to 9ointl& an/ se,e%all& pa& plaintiff the su5 of
Php )())B( ''B.AA? an/
'. O%/e%in0 /efen/ants-appellants Co5an/ante an/
Spouses -ia; to 9ointl& an/ se,e%all& pa& plaintiff the a5ount
of Php)A(AAA.AA plus cost of suit.
SO OR-ERE-.
Petitione%Ms Motion fo% Reconsi/e%ation
<
F#'G ha,in0 been
/enie/ b& the CA in its Resolution /ate/ Septe5be% )A( 'AA(
he no2 co5es to us th%ou0h this petition fo% %e,ie2 on
ce%tio%a%i insistin0 that the Pan0ans shoul/( to0ethe% 2ith the
othe% %espon/ents( be hel/ soli/a%il& liable to hi5 fo% the
a5ount of P)())B(''B.AA.
Ou% Rulin0
The petition lac8s 5e%it.
Petitione% 5e%el& %eite%ates his contentions in the Motion fo%
Su55a%& $u/05ent he file/ befo%e the t%ial cou%t. 7e insists
that his A/,e%se Clai5 annotate/ at the bac8 of TCT No. RT-
""A is not 5e%el& ancho%e/ on Co5an/anteMs :ai,e% of
7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%ests O,e% A Real P%ope%t& 3Still
Un/i,i/e/4 but also on he% bein0 the atto%ne&-in-fact of the
-ia;es 2hen she e6ecute/ the 5o%t0a0e cont%act in fa,o% of
petitione%. 7e a,e%s that his a/,e%se clai5 is not f%i,olous o%
in,ali/ an/ is %e0ist%able as the Re0ist%a% of -ee/s of Cue;on
Cit& e,en allo2e/ its annotation. 7e also clai5s that e,en
p%io% to the sale of sub9ect p%ope%t& to the Pan0ans( the latte%
al%ea/& 8ne2 of his ,ali/ an/ e6istin0 a/,e%se clai5 the%eon
an/ a%e( the%efo%e( not pu%chase%s in 0oo/ faith. Thus(
petitione% 5aintains that the Pan0ans shoul/ be hel/( to0ethe%
2ith the -ia;es an/ Co5an/ante( 9ointl& an/ se,e%all& liable to
hi5 in the total a5ount of P)())B(''B.AA.
Petitione%Ms contentions a%e untenable.
The Affi/a,it of A/,e%se Clai5 e6ecute/ b& petitione% %ea/s in
pa%t1
6 6 6 6
). That + a5 the RecipientKBenefacto% of co5pulso%& hei%Ms
sha%e o,e% an un/i,i/e/ ce%tain pa%cel of lan/ to0ethe% 2ith all
the i5p%o,e5ents foun/ the%ein 6 6 6 as e,i/ence/ b& :ai,e%
of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%ests O,e% A Real P%ope%t&(
e6ecute/ b& RE+NA -. COMAN-ANTE 3a
7
12
co5pulso%&Kle0iti5ate hei% of Sps. Alf%e/o T. -ia; an/ +5el/a
G. -ia;4( 6 6 6.
'. That in o%/e% to p%otect 5& inte%est o,e% sai/ p%ope%t& as a
RecipientKBenefacto%( fo% the %e0iste%e/ o2ne%sKpa%ents 5i0ht
/ispose 3of4 an/Ko% encu5be% the sa5e in a f%au/ulent 5anne%
2ithout 5& 8no2le/0e an/ consent( fo% the o2ne%Ms /uplicate
title 2as not su%%en/e%e/ to 5e( it is petitione/ that this Affi/a,it
of A/,e%se Clai5 be ANNOTATE- at the bac8 of the sai/ title
pa%ticula%l& on the o%i0inal cop& of T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title
No. RT-""A 3B'A'A4 PR-)BBB< 2hich is on file 2ith the
Re0iste% of -ee/s of Cue;on Cit&.
#. That + a5 e6ecutin0 this Affi/a,it in o%/e% to attest 3to4 the
t%uth of the fo%e0oin0 facts an/ to petition the 7ono%able
Re0ist%a% of -ee/s( Cue;on Cit&( to annotate this Affi/a,it of
A/,e%se Clai5 at the bac8 of the sai/ title pa%ticula%l& the
o%i0inal cop& of T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title No. RT-""A
3B'A'A4 PR-)BBB< 2hich is on file 2ith the sai/ office( so that
5& inte%est as RecipientKBenefacto% of the sai/ p%ope%t& 2ill be
p%otecte/ especiall& the %e0iste%e/ o2ne%Kpa%ents( in a
f%au/ulent 5anne% 5i0ht /ispose 3of4 an/Ko% encu5be% the
sa5e 2ithout 5& 8no2le/0e an/ consent. 3E5phasis ou%s4
Clea%l&( petitione%Ms Affi/a,it of A/,e%se Clai5 2as base/ solel&
on the 2ai,e% of he%e/ita%& inte%est e6ecute/ b& Co5an/ante.
This fact cannot be an& clea%e% especiall& so 2hen the
insc%iption of his a/,e%se clai5 at the bac8 of TCT No. RT-
""A %ea/s as follo2s1
P.E. '"BKT-3B'A'A4RT-""A - - A..+-AD+T O. A-DERSE
CLA+M - - E6ecute/ un/e% oath b& PE-RO M. .ERRER(
5a%%ie/ to E%lin/a B. .e%%e%( clai5in0 a5on0 othe%s that the&
ha,e a clai5( the inte%est o,e% sai/ p%ope%t& as
RecipientKBenefacto%( b& ,i%tue of a 2ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts
an/ +nte%est o,e% a %eal p%ope%t& 6 6 6 3E5phasis ou%s4
The%efo%e( the%e is no basis fo% petitione%Ms asse%tion
that the a/,e%se clai5 2as also ancho%e/ on the 5o%t0a0e
cont%act alle0e/l& e6ecute/ b& Co5an/ante on behalf of he%
pa%ents.
The >uestions ne6t to be %esol,e/ a%e1 +s Co5an/anteMs 2ai,e%
of he%e/ita%& %i0hts ,ali/L +s petitione%Ms a/,e%se clai5 base/
on such 2ai,e% li8e2ise ,ali/ an/ effecti,eL
:e note at the outset that the ,ali/it& of petitione%Ms a/,e%se
clai5 shoul/ ha,e been /ete%5ine/ b& the t%ial cou%t afte% the
petition fo% cancellation of petitione%Ms a/,e%se clai5 file/ b&
Co5an/ante 2as consoli/ate/ 2ith Ci,il Case No. C-!!-
#BB<". This is in consonance 2ith Section <A of P- )*'!
2hich p%o,i/es1
Section <A. A/,e%se Clai5. O :hoe,e% clai5s an& pa%t o%
inte%est in %e0iste%e/ lan/ a/,e%se to the %e0iste%e/ o2ne%(
a%isin0 subse>uent to the /ate of the o%i0inal %e0ist%ation( 5a&(
if no othe% p%o,ision is 5a/e in this -ec%ee fo% %e0iste%in0 the
sa5e( 5a8e a state5ent in 2%itin0 settin0 fo%th full& his alle0e/
%i0ht o% inte%est( an/ ho2 o% un/e% 2ho5 ac>ui%e/( a %efe%ence
to the nu5be% of the ce%tificate of title of the %e0iste%e/ o2ne%(
the na5e of the %e0iste%e/ o2ne%( an/ a /esc%iption of the lan/
in 2hich the %i0ht o% inte%est is clai5e/.
The state5ent shall be si0ne/ an/ s2o%n to( an/ shall state
the a/,e%se clai5antMs %esi/ence( an/ a place at 2hich all
notices 5a& be se%,e/ upon hi5. This state5ent shall be
entitle/ to %e0ist%ation as an a/,e%se clai5 on the ce%tificate of
title. The a/,e%se clai5 shall be effecti,e fo% a pe%io/ of thi%t&
/a&s f%o5 the /ate of %e0ist%ation. Afte% the lapse of sai/
pe%io/( the annotation of a/,e%se clai5 5a& be cancelle/ upon
filin0 of a ,e%ifie/ petition the%efo% b& the pa%t& in inte%est1
P%o,i/e/( ho2e,e%( That afte% cancellation( no secon/ a/,e%se
clai5 base/ on the sa5e 0%oun/ shall be %e0iste%e/ b& the
sa5e clai5ant.
Befo%e the lapse of thi%t& /a&s afo%esai/( an& pa%t& in inte%est
5a& file a petition in the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance 2he%e the lan/
is situate/ fo% the cancellation of the a/,e%se clai5( an/ the
cou%t shall 0%ant a spee/& hea%in0 upon the >uestion of ,ali/it&
of such a/,e%se clai5( an/ shall %en/e% 9u/05ent as 5a& be
9ust an/ e>uitable. +f the a/,e%se clai5 is a/9u/0e/ to be
in,ali/( the %e0ist%ation the%eof shall be o%/e%e/ cancelle/. +f(
in an& case( the cou%t( afte% notice an/ hea%in0( shall fin/ that
the a/,e%se clai5 thus %e0iste%e/ 2as f%i,olous( it 5a& fine the
clai5ant in an a5ount not less than one thousan/ pesos no%
5o%e than fi,e thousan/ pesos( in its /isc%etion. Befo%e the
lapse of thi%t& /a&s( the clai5ant 5a& 2ith/%a2 his a/,e%se
clai5 b& filin0 2ith the Re0iste% of -ee/s a s2o%n petition to
that effect. 3E5phasis ou%s4
Pu%suant to the thi%/ pa%a0%aph of the afo%e->uote/ p%o,ision( it
has been hel/ that the ,ali/it& o% efficaciousness of an a/,e%se
clai5 5a& onl& be /ete%5ine/ b& the Cou%t upon petition b& an
inte%este/ pa%t&( in 2hich e,ent( the Cou%t shall o%/e% the
i55e/iate hea%in0 the%eof an/ 5a8e the p%ope% a/9u/ication
as 9ustice an/ e>uit& 5a& 2a%%ant. An/( it is onl& 2hen such
clai5 is foun/ un5e%ito%ious that the %e0ist%ation of the a/,e%se
clai5 5a& be cancelle/.
B
F#"G
As co%%ectl& pointe/ out b& %espon/ents( the %eco%/s is be%eft
of an& sho2in0 that the t%ial cou%t con/ucte/ an& hea%in0 on
the 5atte%. +nstea/( 2hat the t%ial cou%t /i/ 2as to inclu/e this
5ate%ial issue a5on0 those fo% 2hich it has %en/e%e/ its
su55a%& 9u/05ent as sho2n b& the follo2in0 po%tion of the
9u/05ent1
6 6 6 it 2ill be NOTE- that sub9ect A/,e%se Clai5 annotate/ at
the bac8 of T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title No. RT-""A 3B'A'A4
PR-)BBB<( an/ ca%%ie/ o,e% to /efen/ants-Sps. Pan0anMs Title
No. N-'A!A!( is not 5e%el& ancho%e/ on /efen/ant Reina
Co5an/anteMs P:ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%est O,e%
a Real P%ope%t&Q but also on he% bein0 the Atto%ne&-+n-.act of
the p%e,ious %e0iste%e/ o2ne%sKpa%entsK/efen/ants Sps.
Alf%e/o an/ +5el/a -ia; about the Real Estate Mo%t0a0e
Cont%act fo% a loan of P)())B(''B.AA 2hich is a bloo/ 5one& of
the plaintiff. Mo%eo,e%( sub9ect A/,e%se Clai5 in LRC Case
8
13
No. C-)'AA! 3!!4 is NOT f%i,olous an/ in,ali/ an/
conse>uentl&( REG+STRABLE b& ,i%tue of Section ))A of the
Lan/ Re0ist%ation Act 3no2 Section <A of P%esi/ential -ec%ee
No. )*'!4. 3E5phasis ou%s4
+t /oes not escape ou% attention that the t%ial cou%t
5e%el& echoe/ the clai5 of petitione% that his a/,e%se clai5
sub9ect of LRC Case No. C-)'AA! 3!!4 is not f%i,olous( in,ali/
an/ is conse>uentl& %e0ist%able. :e li8e2ise la5ent the
appa%ent lac8 of effo%t on the pa%t of sai/ cou%t to 5a8e e,en a
sho%t %atiocination as to ho2 it ca5e up 2ith sai/ conclusion.
+n fact( 2hat follo2e/ the abo,e->uote/ po%tion of the su55a%&
9u/05ent a%e 5e%e %ecitals of the a%0u5ents %aise/ b&
petitione% in his 5otion fo% su55a%& 9u/05ent. An/ in the
/ispositi,e po%tion( the t%ial cou%t 5e%el& casuall& o%/e%e/ that
petitione%Ms a/,e%se clai5 be insc%ibe/ at the bac8 of the title of
the Pan0ans. :hat is 2o%se is that /espite this 0la%in0 /efect(
the CA 5anifestl& o,e%loo8e/ the 5atte% e,en if %espon/ents
,i0o%ousl& %aise/ the sa5e befo%e it.
Be that as it 5a&( %espon/entsM effo%ts of pointin0 out this fla2(
2hich 2e fin/ si0nificant( ha,e not 0one to nau0ht as 2ill be
he%einafte% /iscusse/.
All the %espon/ents conten/ that the :ai,e% of
7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%est O,e% a Real P%ope%t& 3Still
Un/i,i/e/4 e6ecute/ b& Co5an/ante is null an/ ,oi/ fo% bein0
,iolati,e of A%ticle )#< of the Ci,il Co/e( hence( petitione%Ms
a/,e%se clai5 2hich 2as base/ upon such 2ai,e% is li8e2ise
,oi/ an/ cannot confe% upon the latte% an& %i0ht o% inte%est o,e%
the p%ope%t&.
:e a0%ee 2ith the %espon/ents.
Pu%suant to the secon/ pa%a0%aph of A%ticle )#< of
the Ci,il Co/e( no cont%act 5a& be ente%e/ into upon a futu%e
inhe%itance e6cept in cases e6p%essl& autho%i;e/ b& la2. .o%
the inhe%itance to be consi/e%e/ Pfutu%eQ( the succession 5ust
not ha,e been opene/ at the ti5e of the cont%act. A cont%act
5a& be classifie/ as a cont%act upon futu%e inhe%itance(
p%ohibite/ un/e% the secon/ pa%a0%aph of A%ticle )#<( 2he%e
the follo2in0 %e>uisites concu%1
3)4 That the succession has not &et been opene/.
3'4 That the ob9ect of the cont%act fo%5s pa%t of the
inhe%itance? an/(
3#4 That the p%o5isso% has( 2ith %espect to the ob9ect( an
e6pectanc& of a %i0ht 2hich is pu%el& he%e/ita%& in natu%e.
!
F#BG
+n this case( the%e is no >uestion that at the ti5e of e6ecution
of Co5an/anteMs :ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%est
O,e% a Real P%ope%t& 3Still Un/i,i/e/4( succession to eithe% of
he% pa%entMs p%ope%ties has not &et been opene/ since both of
the5 a%e still li,in0. :ith %espect to the othe% t2o %e>uisites(
both a%e li8e2ise p%esent consi/e%in0 that the p%ope%t& sub9ect
9
5atte% of Co5an/anteMs 2ai,e% conce/e/l& fo%5s pa%t of the
p%ope%ties that she e6pect to inhe%it f%o5 he% pa%ents upon thei%
/eath an/( such e6pectanc& of a %i0ht( as sho2n b& the facts(
is un/oubte/l& pu%el& he%e/ita%& in natu%e.
.%o5 the fo%e0oin0( it is clea% that Co5an/ante an/ petitione%
ente%e/ into a cont%act in,ol,in0 the fo%5e%Ms futu%e inhe%itance
as e5bo/ie/ in the :ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%est
O,e% a Real P%ope%t& 3Still Un/i,i/e/4 e6ecute/ b& he% in
petitione%Ms fa,o%.
+n TaEe/o ,. Cou%t of Appeals( 2e in,ali/ate/ the cont%act of
sale bet2een La;a%o TaEe/o an/ the%ein p%i,ate %espon/ents
since the sub9ect 5atte% the%eof 2as a Pone hecta%e of
2hate,e% sha%e the fo%5e% shall ha,e o,e% Lot )!) of the
ca/ast%al su%,e& of Ge%ona( P%o,ince of Ta%lac an/ co,e%e/ b&
Title T-)#B'! of the Re0iste% of -ee/s of Ta%lac.Q +t constitutes
a pa%t of TaEe/oMs futu%e inhe%itance f%o5 his pa%ents( 2hich
cannot be the sou%ce of an& %i0ht no% the c%eato% of an&
obli0ation bet2een the pa%ties.
Gui/e/ b& the abo,e /iscussions( 2e si5ila%l& /ecla%e in this
case that the :ai,e% of 7e%e/ita%& Ri0hts an/ +nte%est O,e% a
Real P%ope%t& 3Still Un/i,i/e/4 e6ecute/ b& Co5an/ante in
fa,o% of petitione% as not ,ali/ an/ that sa5e cannot be the
sou%ce of an& %i0ht o% c%eate an& obli0ation bet2een the5 fo%
bein0 ,iolati,e of the secon/ pa%a0%aph of A%ticle )#< of the
Ci,il Co/e.
Anent the ,ali/it& an/ effecti,it& of petitione%Ms a/,e%se clai5( it
is p%o,i/e/ in Section <A of P- )*'!( that it is necessa%& that
the clai5ant has a %i0ht o% inte%est in the %e0iste%e/ lan/
a/,e%se to the %e0iste%e/ o2ne% an/ that it 5ust a%ise
subse>uent to %e0ist%ation. 7e%e( as no %i0ht o% inte%est on the
sub9ect p%ope%t& flo2s f%o5 Co5an/anteMs in,ali/ 2ai,e% of
he%e/ita%& %i0hts upon petitione%( the latte% is thus not entitle/ to
the %e0ist%ation of his a/,e%se clai5. The%efo%e( petitione%Ms
a/,e%se clai5 is 2ithout an& basis an/ 5ust conse>uentl& be
a/9u/0e/ in,ali/ an/ ineffecti,e an/ pe%fo%ce be cancelle/.
Albeit 2e ha,e al%ea/& %esol,e/ the issues %aise/ b&
petitione%( 2e shall not stop he%e as the -ia;es an/
Co5an/ante in thei% Co55ent call ou% attention to the failu%e
of the CA to pass upon the issue of the p%op%iet& of the
issuance b& the t%ial cou%t of the Su55a%& $u/05ent in fa,o%
of petitione% /espite the fact that the& ha,e %aise/ this issue
befo%e the appellate cou%t. The& a%0ue that su55a%& 9u/05ent
is p%ope% onl& 2hen the%e is clea%l& no 0enuine issue as to an&
5ate%ial fact in the action. Thus( 2he%e the /efen/ant
p%esente/ /efenses ten/e%in0 factual issue 2hich call fo%
p%esentation of e,i/ence( as 2hen he specificall& /enies the
5ate%ial alle0ations in the co5plaint( su55a%& 9u/05ent
cannot be %en/e%e/.
The -ia;es an/ Co5an/ante then enu5e%ate the 0enuine
issues in the case 2hich the& clai5 shoul/ ha,e p%eclu/e/ the
t%ial cou%t f%o5 issuin0 a su55a%& 9u/05ent in petitione%Ms
fa,o%. .i%st( the e6ecution of the SPA in fa,o% of Co5an/ante
%efe%%e/ to b& petitione% in his co5plaint 2as ne,e% a/5itte/ b&
14
the -ia;es. The& asse%t that as such fact is /ispute/( t%ial
shoul/ ha,e been con/ucte/ to /ete%5ine the t%uth of the
5atte%( sa5e bein0 a 0enuine issue. -espite this( the t%ial
cou%t 5e%el& too8 the 2o%/ of the plaintiff an/ assu5e/ that
sai/ /ocu5ent 2as in/ee/ e6ecute/ b& the5. Secon/(
althou0h Co5an/ante ac8no2le/0es that she has a pe%sonal
obli0ation 2ith petitione%( she ne,e%theless( /i/ not a/5it that it
2as in the a5ount of P)())B(''B.AA. +nstea/( she clai5s onl&
the a5ount of P*AA(AAA.AA o% P"AA(AAA.AA 3if inclusi,e of
inte%est4 as he% obli0ation. Mo%eo,e%( the -ia;es /en&
bo%%o2in0 an& 5one& f%o5 petitione% an/ neithe% /i/ the
Pan0ans o2e hi5 a sin0le centa,o. Thus( the t%ue a5ount of
the obli0ation /ue the petitione% an/ ho2 each of the
%espon/ents a%e %esponsible fo% such a5ount a%e 0enuine
issues 2hich nee/ fo%5al p%esentation of e,i/ence. Lastl&(
the& a,e% that the t%ial cou%t i0no%e/ factual an/ 5ate%ial issues
such as the lac8 of p%obati,e ,alue of Co5an/anteMs 2ai,e% of
he%e/ita%& %i0hts as 2ell as of the SPA? the fact that
Co5an/ante si0ne/ the 5o%t0a0e cont%act an/ p%o5isso%&
note in he% pe%sonal capacit&? an/( that all such /ocu5ents
2e%e p%epa%e/ b& petitione% 2ho acte/ as a la2&e% an/ the
c%e/ito% of Co5an/ante at the sa5e ti5e.
Rule #* of the Rules of Cou%t p%o,i/es fo% su55a%& 9u/05ent(
the pe%tinent p%o,isions of 2hich a%e the follo2in01
Section ). Su55a%& $u/05ent fo% clai5ant. A pa%t& see8in0
to %eco,e% upon a clai5( counte%clai5( o% c%oss-clai5 o% to
obtain a /ecla%ato%& %elief 5a&( at an& ti5e afte% the plea/in0 in
ans2e% the%eto has been se%,e/( 5o,e 2ith suppo%tin0
affi/a,its( /epositions o% a/5issions fo% a su55a%& 9u/05ent
in his fa,o% upon all o% an& pa%t the%eof.
Section '. Su55a%& $u/05ent fo% the /efen/in0 pa%t&. A
pa%t& a0ainst 2ho5 a clai5( counte%clai5 o% c%oss-clai5 is
asse%te/ o% a /ecla%ato%& %elief is sou0ht 5a&( at an& ti5e(
5o,e 2ith suppo%tin0 affi/a,its( /epositions o% a/5issions fo%
a su55a%& 9u/05ent in his fa,o% as to all o% an& pa%t the%eof.
Section #. Motion an/ p%ocee/in0s the%eon. The 5otion shall
be se%,e/ at least ten 3)A4 /a&s befo%e the ti5e specifie/ fo%
the hea%in0. The a/,e%se pa%t& 5a& se%,e opposin0 affi/a,its(
/epositions( o% a/5issions at least th%ee 3#4 /a&s befo%e the
hea%in0. Afte% the hea%in0( the 9u/05ent sou0ht shall be
%en/e%e/ fo%th2ith if the plea/in0s( suppo%tin0 affi/a,its(
/epositions an/ a/5issions on file( sho2 that( e6cept as to the
a5ount of /a5a0es( the%e is no 0enuine issue as to an&
5ate%ial fact an/ that the 5o,in0 pa%t& is entitle/ to a 9u/05ent
as a 5atte% of la2.
As can be /e/uce/ f%o5 the abo,e p%o,isions( su55a%&
9u/05ent is a p%oce/u%al /e,ise %eso%te/ to in o%/e% to a,oi/
lon0 /%a2n out liti0ations an/ useless /ela&s. :hen the
plea/in0s on file sho2 that the%e a%e no 0enuine issues of facts
to be t%ie/( the Rules of Cou%t allo2s a pa%t& to obtain
i55e/iate %elief b& 2a& of su55a%& 9u/05ent. That is( 2hen
the facts a%e not in /ispute( the cou%t is allo2e/ to /eci/e the
case su55a%il& b& appl&in0 the la2 to the 5ate%ial facts.
Con,e%sel&( 2he%e the plea/in0s ten/e% a 0enuine issue(
su55a%& 9u/05ent is not p%ope%. A 0enuine issue is such fact
2hich %e>ui%es the p%esentation of e,i/ence as /istin0uishe/
f%o5 a sha5( fictitious( cont%i,e/ o% false clai5.
7e%e( 2e fin/ the e6istence of 0enuine issues 2hich %e5o,es
the case f%o5 the co,e%a0e of su55a%& 9u/05ent. The
,a%iance in the alle0ations of the pa%ties in thei% plea/in0s is
e,i/ent.
Petitione% ancho%s his co5plaint fo% su5 of 5one& an/Ko%
9u/icial fo%eclosu%e on the alle0e/ %eal estate 5o%t0a0e o,e%
the sub9ect p%ope%t& alle0e/l& ente%e/ into b& Co5an/ante in
behalf of he% pa%ents to secu%e pa&5ent of a loan a5ountin0 to
P)())B(''B.AA. To suppo%t this clai5( petitione% attache/ to his
co5plaint 3)4 the SPA alle0e/ to ha,e been e6ecute/ b& the
-ia;es? 3'4 the Real Estate Mo%t0a0e Cont%act pe%tainin0 to
the a5ount of P)())B(''B.AA? an/( 3#4 a P%o5isso%& Note.
Co5an/ante( in he% Ans2e% to petitione%Ms A5en/e/
Co5plaint( assaile/ the ,ali/it& an/ /ue e6ecution of the
abo,e5entione/ /ocu5ents. She asse%te/ that the sa5e
2e%e not /ul&( 8no2in0l& an/ ,ali/l& e6ecute/ b& he% an/ that it
2as petitione% 2ho p%epa%e/ all of the5. Also( althou0h she
a/5itte/ o2in0 petitione%( sa5e 2as not an absolute
a/5ission as she li5ite/ he%self to an obli0ation a5ountin0
onl& to P"AA(AAA.AA inclusi,e of cha%0es an/ inte%ests. She
li8e2ise clai5e/ that such obli0ation is he% pe%sonal obli0ation
an/ not of he% pa%ents.
The -ia;es( fo% thei% pa%t( also /enie/ that the& e6ecute/ the
SPA autho%i;in0 thei% /au0hte% to 5o%t0a0e thei% p%ope%t& to
petitione% as 2ell as ha,in0 an& obli0ation to the latte%.
Clea%l&( the%e a%e 0enuine issues in this case 2hich %e>ui%e the
p%esentation of e,i/ence. .o% one( it is necessa%& to asce%tain
in a full blo2n t%ial the ,ali/it& an/ /ue e6ecution of the SPA(
the Real Estate Mo%t0a0e an/ the P%o5isso%& Notes because
the /ete%5ination of the follo2in0 e>uall& si0nificant >uestions
/epen/s on the5( to 2it1 3)4 A%e the -ia;es obli0ate/ to
petitione% o% is the obli0ation a pu%el& pe%sonal obli0ation of
Co5an/anteL an/( 3'4 +s the su5 of P)())B(''B.AA as sho2n
in the Real Estate Mo%t0a0e an/ the P%o5isso%& Note( the
a5ount 2hich is %eall& /ue the petitione%L
To st%ess( t%ial cou%ts ha,e li5ite/ autho%it& to %en/e%
su55a%& 9u/05ents an/ 5a& /o so onl& 2hen the%e is clea%l&
no 0enuine issue as to an& 5ate%ial fact. :hen the facts as
plea/e/ b& the pa%ties a%e /ispute/ o% conteste/( p%ocee/in0s
fo% su55a%& 9u/05ent cannot ta8e the place of t%ial. .%o5 the
fo%e0oin0( it is appa%ent that the t%ial cou%t shoul/ ha,e
%ef%aine/ f%o5 issuin0 the su55a%& 9u/05ent but instea/
p%ocee/e/ to con/uct a full blo2n t%ial of the case. +n ,ie2 of
this( the p%esent case shoul/ be %e5an/e/ to the t%ial cou%t fo%
fu%the% p%ocee/in0s an/ p%ope% /isposition acco%/in0 to the
%u/i5ents of a %e0ula% t%ial on the 5e%its an/ not th%ou0h an
abb%e,iate/ te%5ination of the case b& su55a%& 9u/05ent.
15
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is -EN+E-. The assaile/
-ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals /ate/ -ece5be% )'( 'AA#
insofa% as it e6clu/e/ the %espon/ents Spouses Bien,eni/o
Pan0an an/ Eli;abeth Pan0an f%o5 a5on0 those soli/a%il&
liable to petitione% Att&. Pe/%o M. .e%%e%( is A..+RME-. The
insc%iption of the a/,e%se clai5 of petitione% Att&. Pe/%o M.
.e%%e% on T.C.T. No. N-'A!A! is he%eb& o%/e%e/
CANCELLE-. +nsofa% as its othe% aspects a%e conce%ne/( the
assaile/ -ecision is SET AS+-E an/ DACATE-. The case is
REMAN-E- to the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of Cue;on Cit&(
B%anch '' fo% fu%the% p%ocee/in0s in acco%/ance 2ith this
-ecision.
SO OR-ERE-.
IN RE: PETITION FOR PROBATE OF LAST WILL AND
TESTAMENT OF BASILIO SANTIAGO,

MA. PILAR SANTIAGO and CLEMENTE SANTIAGO,
Petitioners,

- versus -


ZOILO S. SANTIAGO, FELICIDAD SANTIAGO-RIVERA,
EIRS OF RICARDO SANTIAGO, EIRS OF
CIPRIANO SANTIAGO, EIRS OF TOMAS SANTIAGO,
Respondents.


FILEMON SOCO, LEONILA SOCO, ANANIAS SOCO,
!RBANO SOCO, GERTR!DES SOCO AND EIRS OF
CONSOLACION
SOCO,
Oppositors.

CARP+O MORALES( $.1
Basilio Santia0o 3Basilio4 cont%acte/ th%ee 5a%%ia0esRthe fi%st
to Bibiana Lope;( the secon/ to +%ene Santia0o( an/ the thi%/
to Cecilia Lo5otan. Basilio an/ his fi%st 2ife bo%e t2o
offsp%in0s( +%ene an/ Ma%ta( the 5othe% of he%ein opposito%s
.eli5on( Leonila( Consolacion( Ananias( U%bano( an/
Ge%t%u/es( all su%na5e/ Soco.
Basilio an/ his secon/ 2ife ha/ si6 offsp%in0s( To5as(
Cip%iano( Rica%/o( %espon/ents Hoilo an/ .elici/a/( an/
petitione% Ma. Pila%( all su%na5e/ Santia0o.
Basilio an/ his thi%/ 2ife bo%e th%ee chil/%en( Eu0enia he%ein
petitione% Cle5ente( an/ Cleotil/e( all su%na5e/ Santia0o.
Afte% Basilio /ie/ testate on Septe5be% )"( )!<#( his /au0hte%
b& the secon/ 5a%%ia0e petitione% Ma. Pila% file/ befo%e the
Re0ional T%ial Cou%t 3RTC4 of Bulacan a petition fo% the p%obate
of BasilioMs 2ill( /oc8ete/ as SP No. )*!-M. The 2ill 2as
a/5itte/ to p%obate b& B%anch )A of the RTC an/ Ma. Pila%
2as appointe/ e6ecut%i6.

The 2ill containe/ the follo2in0 p%o,isions( a5on0 othe%s1
. An0 50a a%i-a%ian 8o na nasasa&sa& sa itaas a& +N+:AN(
+P+NAGSASALOOB( +B+N+B+GA@( at +P+NAMAMANA 8o sa
a8in0 50a nasabin0 ta0apa05ana sa ilali5 n0 0a&a n0
su5usuno/1
6 6 6 6
c4 an0 a8in0 ana8 na si Ma. Pila% an0 5a0papala8a/ at
5a5a5ahala n0 balutan na nasa Santia0o( Malolos( Bulacan(
na nasasa&sa& sa itaas na '3&4?
/4 Sa pa5a5ahala n0 bi0asan( pa0a2aan n0 pa08ain n0
ha&op at lupaMt baha& sa Ma&nila( an0 lahat n0 sola% sa /ana&
n0 /aan0 Malolos-Pao5bon0 na nasa Malolos( Bulacan( 8asali
at 8asa5a an0 palais/aan na nasa li8u%an ni&on( a& ililipat sa
pan0alan nila Ma. Pila% at Cle5ente? n0uniMt an0 8ita n0
palais/aan a& si&an0 0a0a5itin nila sa lahat at ano5an0
8ailan0an0 0u0ol( 5a0in0 5a9o%a o %ope%acion FsicG( sa lupaMt
baha& sa Lunso/ n0 Ma&nila na nasasa&sa& sa itaas na '3c4?
e4 An0 lupaMt baha& sa Lunso/ n0 Ma&nila na nasasa&sa& sa
itaas na '3c4 a& ililipat at ilala0a& sa pan0alan nila Ma. Pila% at
Cle5ente hin/i bilan0 pa5ana 8o sa 8anila 8un/i upan0
pa5ahalaan at pan0ala0aan la5an0 nila at nan0 an0 sino5an
sa a8in0 50a ana8 sa5pu n0 apo at 8aapuapuhan 8o sa
haban0 panahon a& 5a& tutulu&an 8un0 5a0nanais na 5a0-
a%al sa Ma&nila o 8alapit na 50a lunso/ 6 6 6.
f4 An0 bi0asan( 50a 5a8ina at pa0a2aan n0 pa08ain n0
ha&op a& ipina5a5ana 8o sa a8in0 asa2a( Cecilia Lo5otan( at
50a ana8 na Hoilo( Ma. Pila%( Rica%/o( Cip%iano( .elici/a/(
Eu0enia( Cle5ente( at Cleotil/e nan0 pa%e-pa%eho. N0unit( sa
loob n0 /ala2a5pon0 3'A4 taon 5ula sa a%a2 n0 a8in0
8a5ata&an( hin/i nila papa%tihin ito at pa5a5ahalaan ito ni
Cle5ente at an0 5a0haha2a8 n0 salapin0 8i8itain a& si Ma.
Pila% na si&an0 5a0papa%te. An0 papa%tihin la5an0 a& an0
8ita n0 50a i&on 5atapos na an0 0u0ol na 8a8ailan0anin
ni&on( bilan0 %epa%acion( pa0papalit o pa0papala8i a& 5aa2as
na. Ninais 8o an0 0anito sa a8in0 pa05a5ahal sa 8anila at
pa0aa%in0 ibinubuha& 8o sa 8anila lahat( bu8o/ sa &aon a& sa
8anila /in0 8apa8inaban0an at 8abutihan.
04 An0 lahat n0 lupa( liban sa lupaMt baha& sa Lunso/ n0
Ma&nila( a& ipinapa5ana 8o sa a8in0 nasabin0 asa2a( Cecilia
Lo5otan( at 50a ana8 na To5as( Hoilo( Ma. Pila%( Rica%/o(
Cip%iano( .elici/a/( Eu0enia( Cle5ente at Cleotil/e nan0 pa%e-
pa%eho. -atap2aMt( 0a&a /in n0 50a bi0asan( 5a8ina at
0a2aan n0 pa08ain n0 ha&op( ito a& hin/i papa%tihin sa loob n0
/ala2a5pon0 3'A4 taon 5ula sa a8in0 pa0pana2( at
pa5a5ahalaan /in nila Ma. Pila% at Cle5ente. An0 5apapa%te
la5an0 a& an0 8ita o ani n0 nasabin0 50a pa0-aa%i 5atapos
ba&a%an an0 bu2is atKo patubi0 at iba pan0 50a 0u0ol na
8ailan0an. Si Ma. Pila% /in an0 haha2a8 n0 ani o salapin0
5an00a0alin0 /ito. 3e5phasis an/ un/e%sco%in0 supplie/4
The opposito%s-chil/%en of Ma%ta( a /au0hte% of Basilio an/ his
fi%st 2ife( 2e%e( on thei% 5otion( allo2e/ to inte%,ene.
16
Afte% the e6ecut%i6-petitione% Ma. Pila% file/ a P.inal
Accountin0( Pa%tition an/ -ist%ibution in Acco%/ance 2ith the
:ill(Q the p%obate cou%t app%o,e/ the 2ill b& O%/e% of Au0ust
)( )!<B an/ /i%ecte/ the %e0iste%s of /ee/s of Bulacan an/
Manila to %e0iste% the ce%tificates of title in/icate/ the%ein.
Acco%/in0l&( the titles to Lot Nos. <B"( B#<( <!''( B#" an/ B#B
in Malolos( Bulacan an/ Lot No. B-C in Manila 2e%e t%ansfe%%e/
in the na5e of petitione%s Ma. Pila% an/ Cle5ente.
The opposito%s the%eafte% file/ a Co5plaint-in-+nte%,ention 2ith
the p%obate cou%t( alle0in0 that BasilioMs secon/ 2ife 2as not
+%ene but a ce%tain Ma%ia A%ellano 2ith 2ho5 he ha/ no chil/?
an/ that BasilioMs 2ill ,iolates A%ticles !<!-!B) of the Ci,il
Co/e.
The p%obate cou%t /is5isse/ the Co5plaint-in-+nte%,ention(
citin0 its p%e,ious app%o,al of the P.inal Accountin0( Pa%tition(
an/ -ist%ibution in Acco%/ance 2ith the :ill.Q
The opposito%s-hei%s of the fi%st 5a%%ia0e the%eupon file/ a
co5plaint fo% co5pletion of le0iti5e befo%e the Bulacan RTC(
/oc8ete/ as Ci,il Case No. *"'-M-!A( a0ainst the hei%s of the
secon/ an/ thi%/ 5a%%ia0es.
+n thei% co5plaint( opposito%s-hei%s of the fi%st 5a%%ia0e
essentiall& 5aintaine/ that the& 2e%e pa%tiall& p%ete%ite/ b&
BasilioMs 2ill because thei% le0iti5e 2as %e/uce/. The& thus
p%a&e/( inte% alia( that an in,ento%& an/ app%aisal of all the
p%ope%ties of Basilio be con/ucte/ an/ that Ma. Pila% an/
Cle5ente be %e>ui%e/ to sub5it a f%esh accountin0 of all the
inco5es of the p%ope%ties f%o5 the ti5e of BasilioMs /eath up to
the ti5e of the filin0 of Ci,il Case No. *"'-M-!A.
RTC-B%anch )< /eci/e/ Ci,il Case No. *"'-M-!A 3fo%
co5pletion of le0iti5e4 in fa,o% of the opposito%s-hei%s of the
fi%st 5a%%ia0e.
On appeal 3/oc8ete/ as CA G.R. No. *BA)4( the Cou%t of
Appeals( b& -ecision of $anua%& '*( 'AA'( annulle/ the
/ecision of RTC-B%anch )<( hol/in0 that the RTC B%anch )<
/is5issal of the Co5plaint-in-+nte%,ention in SP No. )*!-M
an/ its Au0ust )( )!<B O%/e% app%o,in0 the p%obate of the 2ill
constitute %es 9u/icata 2ith %espect to Ci,il Case No. *"'-M-!A.
Thus the appellate cou%t /ispose/1
:7ERE.ORE( p%e5ises consi/e%e/( the Appeal is he%eb&
GRANTE-. The -ecision in Ci,il Case No. *"'-M-!A is
he%eb& ANNULLE- on the 0%oun/ of %es 9u/icata. Let the
-ec%ee of -ist%ibution of the Estate of Basilio Santia0o %e5ain
UN-+STURBE-.
SO OR-ERE-. 3e5phasis in the o%i0inal? un/e%sco%in0
supplie/4
Opposito%s-hei%s of the fi%st 5a%%ia0e challen0e/ the appellate
cou%tMs /ecision in CA G.R. No. *BA) b& petition fo% %e,ie2(
/oc8ete/ as G.R. No. )**"A"( 2hich this Cou%t /enie/. The
/enial beca5e final an/ e6ecuto%& on Ap%il !( 'AA#.
+n the inte%%e0nu5( o% on Octobe% )<( 'AAA( %espon/ent-hei%s
of the secon/ 5a%%ia0e file/ befo%e the p%obate cou%t 3RTC-
B%anch )A4 a Motion fo% Te%5ination of A/5inist%ation( fo%
Accountin0( an/ fo% T%ansfe% of Titles in the Na5es of the
Le0atees. Citin0 the ea%lie% >uote/ po%tions of BasilioMs 2ill(
the& alle0e/ that1
6 6 6 6 the t2ent& 3'A4 &ea% pe%io/ 2ithin 2hich sub9ect
p%ope%ties shoul/ be un/e% a/5inist%ation of FMa.G Pila%
Santia0o an/ Cle5ente Santia0o e6pi%e/ on Septe5be% )"(
)!!#.
Conse>uentl&( FMa.G Pila% Santia0o an/ Cle5ente Santia0o
shoul/ ha,e cease/ as such a/5inist%ato%FsG 2a& bac8 on
Septe5be% )"( )!!# an/ the& shoul/ ha,e t%ansfe%%e/ the
abo,e sai/ titles to the na5e/ le0atees in the Last :ill an/
Testa5ent of the testato% b& then. Sai/ na5e/ le0atees in the
Last :ill an/ Testa5ent a%e noFneG othe% than the follo2in01
6 6 6 6
Sai/ FMa.G Pila% Santia0o an/ Cle5ente Santia0o shoul/ ha,e
also %en/e%e/ an accountin0 of thei% a/5inist%ation f%o5 such
/eath of the testato% up to the p%esent o% until t%ansfe% of sai/
p%ope%ties an/ its a/5inist%ation to the sai/ le0atees.
6 6 6 6
Respon/ents p%a&e/ that petitione%s be o%/e%e/1
)4 To su%%en/e% the abo,e-enu5e%ate/ titles p%esentl& in
thei% na5es to FtheG 7ono%able Cou%t an/ to t%ansfe% the sa5e
in the na5es of the /esi0nate/ le0atees in the Last :ill an/
Testa5ent( to 2it1
)4 asa2a( Cecilia Lo5otan( at 50a ana8 na
'4 To5as
#4 Hoilo
4 Ma. Pila%
*4 Rica%/o
"4 Cip%iano
<4 .elici/a/
B4 Eu0enia
!4 Cle5ente at
)A4 Cleotil/e
3all su%na5e/ SANT+AGO4
'4 To peacefull& su%%en/e% possession an/ a/5inist%ation
of sub9ect p%ope%ties( inclu/in0 an& an/ all i5p%o,e5ents
the%eon( to sai/ le0atees.
17
#4 To %en/e% an accountin0 of thei% a/5inist%ation of sai/
p%ope%ties an/ othe% p%ope%ties of the testato% un/e% thei%
a/5inist%ation( f%o5 /eath of testato% Basilio Santia0o on
Septe5be% )"( )!<# up to the p%esent an/ until possession
an/ a/5inist%ation the%eof is t%ansfe%%e/ to sai/ le0atees.
Opposin0 the 5otion( petitione%s a%0ue/ that 2ith the app%o,al
of the .inal Accountin0( Pa%tition an/ -ist%ibution in
Acco%/ance 2ith the :ill( an/ 2ith the subse>uent issuance of
ce%tificates of title co,e%in0 the p%ope%ties in,ol,e/( the case
ha/ lon0 since been close/ an/ te%5inate/.
The p%obate cou%t( fin/in0 that the p%ope%ties in >uestion 2oul/
be t%ansfe%%e/ to petitione%s Ma. Pila% an/ Cle5ente fo%
pu%poses of a/5inist%ation onl&( 0%ante/ the 5otion( b& O%/e%
of Septe5be% *( 'AA#( /isposin0 as follo2s1
:7ERE.ORE( p%e5ises consi/e%e/( the Motion fo%
Te%5ination of A/5inist%ation( fo% Accountin0( an/ fo% T%ansfe%
of Titles in the Na5es of the Le0atees /ate/ Octobe% #( 'AAA
file/ b& so5e hei%s of the testato% Basilio Santia0o 666 is
he%eb& GRANTE-. Acco%/in0l&( the a/5inist%at%i6 FsicG Ma.
Pila% Santia0o an/ M%. Cle5ente Santia0o a%e he%eb&
-+RECTE-( as follo2s1
a.4 To su%%en/e% the abo,e-enu5e%ate/ titles p%esentl& in
thei% na5es to this 7ono%able Cou%t an/ to t%ansfe% the sa5e in
the na5es of the /esi0nate/ le0atees in the Last :ill an/
Testa5ent( to 2it1 ).4 asa2a( Cecilia Lo5otan at 50a ana8 na
'.4 To5as #4. Hoilo .4 Ma. Pila% *.4 Rica%/o ".4 Cip%iano <.4
.elici/a/ B.4 Eu0enia !.4 Cle5ente an/ )A.4 Cleotil/e all
na5e/ SANT+AGO.
b.4 To peacefull& su%%en/e% possession an/ a/5inist%ation of
sub9ect p%ope%ties inclu/in0 an& an/ all i5p%o,e5ents the%eon(
to sai/ le0atees? an/
c.4 To %en/e% an accountin0 of thei% a/5inist%ation of sub9ect
p%ope%ties( inclu/in0 an& an/ all i5p%o,e5ents the%eon( to sai/
le0atees? an/
/.4 To sub5it an accountin0 of thei% a/5inist%ation of the
abo,e-5entione/ estate of the testato% o% all the abo,e sai/
lots inclu/in0 the %ice 5ill( ani5al fee/s facto%&( an/ all
i5p%o,e5ents the%eon f%o5 Au0ust )( )!<B up to the p%esent.
e.4 To sub5it a p%opose/ P%o9ect of Pa%tition( in/icatin0 ho2
the pa%ties 5a& actuall& pa%tition o% a/9u/icate all the abo,e
sai/ p%ope%ties inclu/in0 the p%ope%ties al%ea/& in the na5e of
all the sai/ le0atees 666.
6 6 6 6.
.u%the%( the Re0iste% of -ee/s of Bulacan a%e he%eb&
-+RECTE- to cancel an/ consi/e% as no fo%ce an/ effects
T%ansfe% Ce%tificates of Title Nos. T-'!)<< 3RT-"'!4 FLot
No. <B"G( T-'!)<* 3RT-"'!*4 FLot No. B#<G( T-'!)< 3RT-
"'!"4 FLot No. <!''G( T-'!)<# 3RT-"'!<4 FLot No. B#"G( an/
T-'!)<" 3RT-"'!#4 FLot No. B#BG in the na5es of Ma. Pila%
Santia0o an/ Cle5ente Santia0o an/ to issue ne2 ones in the
lieu the%eof in the na5es of Cecilia Lo5otan-Santia0o( To5as
Santia0o( Hoilo Santia0o( Ma. Pila% Santia0o( Rica%/o
Santia0o( Cip%iano Santia0o( .elici/a/ Santia0o( Eu0enia
Santia0o( Cle5ente Santia0o( an/ Cleotil/e Santia0o.
Mo%eo,e%( the Re0iste% of -ee/s of Manila is he%eb&
-+RECTE- to cancel an/ consi/e% as no fo%ce an/ effect
T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title No. )#)A FLot No. B-CG in the
na5es of Ma. Pila% Santia0o an/ Cle5ente Santia0o an/ to
issue ne2 ones in lieu the%eof in the na5es of the 7ei%s of
Bibiana Lope;( the 7ei%s of +%ene Santia0o( an/ the 7ei%s of
Cecilia Lo5otan.
The Motion to Suspen/ P%ocee/in0s file/ b& .ile5on( Leonila(
Ma. Concepcion( Ananias( U%bano an/ Ge%t%u/es( all
su%na5e/ Soco( /ate/ -ece5be% #( 'AA'( is he%eb& -EN+E-
fo% lac8 of 5e%it.
Respectin0 petitione%sM a%0u5ent that the case ha/ lon0 been
close/ an/ te%5inate/( the t%ial cou%t hel/1
6 6 6 6 F+Gt is clea% f%o5 the Last :ill an/ Testa5ent that
sub9ect p%ope%ties cannot actuall& be pa%titione/ until afte% 'A
&ea%s f%o5 the /eath of the testato% Basilio Santia0o 6 6 6 6. +t
is( the%efo%e( clea% that so5ethin0 5o%e has to be /one afte%
the app%o,al of sai/ .inal Accountin0( Pa%tition( an/
-ist%ibution. The testato% Basilio Santia0o /ie/ on Septe5be%
)"( )!<#( hence( the p%esent action can onl& be file/ afte%
Septe5be% )"( )!!#. Mo,antMs cause of action acc%ues onl&
f%o5 the sai/ /ate an/ fo% 2hich no p%esc%iption of action has
set in.
The p%inciple of %es 9u/icata /oes not appl& in the p%esent
p%obate p%ocee/in0 2hich is continuin0 in cha%acte%( an/
te%5inates onl& afte% an/ until the final /ist%ibution o%
settle5ent of the 2hole estate of the /ecease/ in acco%/ance
2ith the p%o,ision of the 2ill of the testato%. The O%/e% /ate/
Au0ust )( )!<B %efe%s onl& to the accountin0( pa%tition( an/
/ist%ibution of the estate of the /ecease/ fo% the pe%io/
co,e%in0 f%o5 the /ate of the filin0 of the petition fo% p%obate on
-ece5be% '<( )!<# up to Au0ust )( )!<B. An/ in the sai/
Au0ust )( )!<B o%/e% it /oes not te%5inate the appoint5ent of
petitione%FsG Ma. Pila% Santia0o an/ Cle5ente Santia0o as
e6ecut%i6 an/ a/5inist%ato%( %especti,el&( of the estate of the
/ecease/ pa%ticula%l& of those p%ope%ties 2hich 2e%e p%ohibite/
b& the testato% to be pa%titione/ 2ithin 'A &ea%s f%o5 his /eath.
Since then up to the p%esent( Ma. Pila% Santia0o an/ Cle5ente
Santia0o %e5ain the e6ecuto% an/ a/5inist%ato% of the estate of
the /ecease/ an/ as such( the& a%e %e>ui%e/ b& la2 to %en/e%
an accountin0 the%eof f%o5 Au0ust )( )!<B up to the p%esent?
the%e is also no2 a nee/ to pa%tition an/ /ist%ibute the
afo%esai/ p%ope%ties as the p%ohibition pe%io/ to /o so has
elapse/. 3e5phasis an/ un/e%sco%in0 supplie/4
Petitione%s( to0ethe% 2ith the opposito%s( file/ a 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation( 2hich the p%obate cou%t /enie/( /%a2in0 the5
to appeal to the Cou%t of Appeals 2hich /oc8ete/ it as CA G.R.
No. B#A!.
18
The Cou%t of Appeals affi%5e/ the /ecision of the p%obate
cou%t( hence( the petition 2hich %aises the follo2in0 0%oun/s1
+.
PCAN T7E 7ONORABLE COURT O. APPEALS REDERSE
+TSEL.Q

A. T7E COURT O. APPEALS ERRE- +N NOT B+N-+NG
+TSEL. :+T7 +TS PRED+OUS -EC+S+ON +NDOLD+NG T7E
SAME PART+ES AN- SAME PROPERT+ES?
B. T7E COURT O. APPEALS ERRE- +N A..+RM+NG T7E
RTC AS +T AGREE- :+T7 T7E RTC T7AT T7+S CASE +S
NOT BARRE- B@ RES $U-+CATA?
C. +N C.A.-G.R. NO. *BA)( T7E 7ONORABLE COURT O.
APPEALS 7EL- T7AT T7ERE :AS RES $U-+CATA? +N C.A.-
G.R. CD NO. B#A!( T7ERE :AS NO RES $U-+CATA.
++.
PGRANT+NG T7AT T7E COURT O. APPEALS 7AS ALL T7E
COMPETENCE AN- $UR+S-+CT+ON TO REDERSE +TSEL.(
ST+LL T7E COURT O. APPEALS ERRE- +N A..+RM+NG
T7E RTCMS OR-ER TO TRANS.ER T7E MAN+LA
PROPERT@ CODERE- B@ TCT NO. )#)AA TO T7E NAMES
O. CEC+L+A LOMOTAN( TOMAS( HO+LO( MA. P+LAR(
R+CAR-O( C+PR+ANO .EL+C+-A-( EUGEN+A( CLEMENTE
AN- CLEOT+L-E( ALL SURNAME- SANT+AGO.Q 3e5phasis
in the o%i0inal4
The petition lac8s 5e%it.
Petitione%sM a%0u5ent that the /ecision of the appellate cou%t in
the ea%lie% CA-G.R. NO. *BA) 3uphel/ b& this Cou%t in G.R.
No. )**"A"4 constitutes %es 9u/icata to the subse>uent CA
G.R. No. B#A! 3the sub9ect of the p%esent petition fo% %e,ie24
fails.
Res 9u/icata has t2o aspects( 2hich a%e e5bo/ie/ in Sections
< 3b4 an/ < 3c4 of Rule #! of the Rules of Ci,il P%oce/u%e.
The fi%st( 8no2n as Pba% b& p%io% 9u/05ent(Q p%osc%ibes the
p%osecution of a secon/ action upon the sa5e clai5( /e5an/
o% cause of action al%ea/& settle/ in a p%io% action. The secon/(
8no2n as Pconclusi,eness of 9u/05ent(Q o%/ains that issues
actuall& an/ /i%ectl& %esol,e/ in a fo%5e% suit cannot a0ain be
%aise/ in an& futu%e case bet2een the sa5e pa%ties in,ol,in0 a
/iffe%ent cause of action.
Both aspects of %es 9u/icata( ho2e,e%( /o not fin/ application
in the p%esent case. The final 9u/05ent %e0a%/in0 opposito%sM
co5plaint on the %e/uction of thei% le0iti5e in CA-G.R. NO.
*BA) /oes not /ent the p%esent petition( 2hich solel& tac8les
the p%op%iet& of the te%5ination of a/5inist%ation( accountin0
an/ t%ansfe% of titles in the na5es of the le0atees-hei%s of the
secon/ an/ thi%/ 5a%%ia0es. The%e is clea%l& no si5ila%it& of
clai5( /e5an/ o% cause of action bet2een the p%esent petition
an/ G.R. No. )**"A".

:hile as bet2een the t2o cases the%e is i/entit& of pa%ties(
Pconclusi,eness of 9u/05entQ cannot li8e2ise be in,o8e/.
A0ain( the 9u/05ent in G.R. No. )**"A" 2oul/ onl& se%,e as
an estoppel as %e0a%/s the issue on opposito%sM suppose/
p%ete%ition an/ %e/uction of le0iti5e( 2hich issue is not e,en a
sub9ect( o% at the ,e%& least e,en in,o8e/( in the p%esent
petition.
:hat is clea% is that petitione%s can in,o8e %es 9u/icata insofa%
as the 9u/05ent in G.R. No. )**"A" is conce%ne/ a0ainst the
opposito%s onl&. The %eco%/s %e,eal( ho2e,e%( that the
opposito%s /i/ not appeal the /ecision of the appellate cou%t in
this case an/ 2e%e onl& i5plea/e/ p%o fo%5a pa%ties.
Appa%entl&( petitione%s e5phasi;e on the /i%ecti,e of the
appellate cou%t in CA G.R. No. *BA) that the /ec%ee of
/ist%ibution of the estate of Basilio shoul/ %e5ain un/istu%be/.
But this /i%ecti,e 0oes onl& so fa% as to p%ohibit the inte%fe%ence
of the opposito%s in the /ist%ibution of BasilioMs estate an/ /oes
not pe%tain to %espon/entsM supe%,enin0 %i0ht to /e5an/ the
te%5ination of a/5inist%ation( accountin0 an/ t%ansfe% of titles
in thei% na5es.
Thus( the O%/e% of Septe5be% *( 'AA# b& the p%obate cou%t
0%antin0 %espon/entsM Motion fo% Te%5ination of A/5inist%ation(
fo% Accountin0( an/ fo% T%ansfe% of Titles in the Na5es of the
Le0atees is a p%ope% an/ necessa%& continuation of the Au0ust
)( )!<B O%/e% that app%o,e/ the accountin0( pa%tition an/
/ist%ibution of BasilioMs estate. As /i/ the appellate cou%t( the
Cou%t notes that the Au0ust )( )!<B O%/e% 2as &et to beco5e
final pen/in0 the 2hole settle5ent of the estate. An/ final
settle5ent of the estate( in this case( 2oul/ cul5inate afte% 'A
&ea%s o% on Septe5be% )"( )!!#( 2hen the p%ohibition to
pa%tition the p%ope%ties of the /ece/ent 2oul/ be lifte/.
.inall&( petitione%s ob9ect to the inclusion of the house an/ lot
in Manila( co,e%e/ b& TCT No. )#)A( a5on0 those to be
t%ansfe%%e/ to the le0atees-hei%s as it 2oul/ cont%a,ene the
testato%Ms intent that no one is to o2n the sa5e.
The Cou%t is not pe%sua/e/. +t is clea% f%o5 BasilioMs 2ill that
he inten/e/ the house an/ lot in Manila to be t%ansfe%%e/ in
petitione%sM na5es fo% a/5inist%ation pu%poses onl&( an/ that
the p%ope%t& be o2ne/ b& the hei%s in co55on( thus1
e4 An0 lupaMt baha& sa Lunso/ n0 Ma&nila na nasasa&sa& sa
itaas na '3c4 a& ililipat at ilala0a& sa pan0alan nila Ma. Pila% at
Cle5ente hin/i bilan0 pa5ana 8o sa 8anila 8un/i upan0
pa5ahalaan at pan0ala0aan la5an0 nila at nan0 an0 sino5an
sa a8in0 50a ana8 sa5pu n0 apo at 8aapuapuhan 8o sa
haban0 panahon a& 5a& tutulu&an 8un0 5a0nanais na 5a0-
a%al sa Ma&nila o 8alapit na 50a lunso/ sa 5e/alin0 salita(
an0 baha& at lupan0 itoM& 2alan0 5a05a5a&-a%i ba08us a&
0a0a5itin haban0 panahon n0 sino5an0 5a0nanais sa a8in0
19
8aapuapuhan na tu5u8las n0 8a%unun0an sa paa%alan sa
Ma&nila at 8atabin0 50a lunso/ 6 6 6 6 3e5phasis an/
un/e%sco%in0 supplie/4
But the con/ition set b& the /ece/ent on the p%ope%t&Ms
in/i,isibilit& is sub9ect to a statuto%& li5itation. On this point(
the Cou%t a0%ees 2ith the %ulin0 of the appellate cou%t( ,i;1
.o% this Cou%t to sustain 2ithout >ualification( Fpetitione%sGMs
contention( is to 0o a0ainst the p%o,isions of la2( pa%ticula%l&
A%ticles !( B<A( an/ )AB# of the Ci,il Co/e( 2hich p%o,i/e
that the p%ohibition to /i,i/e a p%ope%t& in a co-o2ne%ship can
onl& last fo% t2ent& 3'A4 &ea%s 6 6 6 6
6 6 6 6 Althou0h the Ci,il Co/e is silent as to the effect of the
in/i,ision of a p%ope%t& fo% 5o%e than t2ent& &ea%s( it 2oul/ be
cont%a%& to public polic& to sanction co-o2ne%ship be&on/ the
pe%io/ e6p%essl& 5an/ate/ b& the Ci,il Co/e 6 6 6 6
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is -EN+E-.
Costs a0ainst petitione%s.
SO OR-ERE-.
SPOUSES C7ARL+TO CO$A an/ ANN+E MESA CO$A(
Petitione%s(
-,e%sus-
7ON. COURT O. APPEALS an/ 7E+RS O. .EL+C+ANO
ACU+LLO( SR.( na5el&1 CU+NC+ANO D+CTOR( SR.( LORNA A.
D+CTOR( ANTON+O D+CTOR( CU+NC+ANO A. D+CTOR( $R.(
SUSANA A. D+CTOR( CLARA ACU+LLO( CARMENC+TA
ACU+LLO( AGAP+TO ACU+LLO( NOEL ACU+LLO( A-ON+S
ACU+LLO( .EL+C+ANO ACU+LLO( $R.( RONAL- ACU+LLO
an/ AL-R+N ACU+LLO(
Respon/ents.
-EC+S+ON
AHCUNA( $.1
Befo%e us is a petition fo% %e,ie2 on ce%tio%a%iF)G assailin0 the
-ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals 3CA4 in CA-G.R. CD No.
#<*B# /ate/ .eb%ua%& *( 'AA) an/ the
ResolutionF'G /ate/ No,e5be% *( 'AA) /en&in0 petitione%sM
5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation.
The facts of the case a%e as follo2s1
Lu; A>uillo Dicto% 3he%eafte% Lu;4 an/ .eliciano A>uillo(
$%. 3he%eafte% .eliciano $%.4( both /ecease/( 2e%e the le0iti5ate
chil/%en of the late spouses .eliciano A>uillo( S%. 3he%eafte%
.eliciano S%.4 an/ Lo%en;a Man0a%in A>uillo 3he%eafte%
Lo%en;a4.F#G -u%in0 thei% 5a%%ia0e( .eliciano S%. an/ Lo%en;a
ac>ui%e/ a )'A-s>ua%e 5ete% lot locate/ at Poblacion(
Man/aon( Masbate( upon 2hich the& built thei% con9u0al
ho5e. The sub9ect lot 2as co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No.
))*) issue/ in the na5e of .eliciano S%.
Afte% the /eath of Lo%en;a( .eliciano S%. cohabite/ 2ith Pa;
Lachica an/ li,e/ at the afo%esai/ house. 7o2e,e%( afte%
Lo%en;aMs /eath( he% hei%s faile/ to pa%tition thei% he%e/ita%&
sha%es in thei% inhe%itance.
On .eb%ua%& '<( )!"A( 2hile Lo%en;a 2as cohabitin0 2ith
.eliciano S%.( Pa; Lachica pu%chase/ a )!'-s>ua%e 5ete% lot
co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. A'))* f%o5 the hei%s of $uan
Ri,as. She late% sol/ A.)A s>ua%e 5ete%s of the p%ope%t& to
+sabel L. /e Real lea,in0 he% 2ith onl& )*).! s>ua%e 5ete%s.
On $ul& <( )!"*( o% t2o 3'4 /a&s befo%e he /ie/( .eliciano S%.
5a%%ie/ Pa; Lachica. Afte% .eliciano S%. /ie/( his hei%s also
faile/ to pa%tition a5on0 the5sel,es thei% he%e/ita%& sha%es in
thei% inhe%itance.
So5eti5e in )!"!( Pa; Lachica 2as issue/ Ta6 -ecla%ation
No. ' o,e% the %e5ainin0 )*).! s>ua%e 5ete%s of the
p%ope%t& co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. A'))*. The afo%esai/
Ta6 -ecla%ation 2as late% cancelle/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No.
##-Re,. On Septe5be% )A( )!<#( Ta6 -ecla%ation No.
#*) 2as issue/( effecti,el& cancelin0 Ta6 -ecla%ation No.
##-Re,. Also( in sai/ Ta6 -ecla%ation No. #*)( the a%ea
o%i0inall& co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. ##-Re, 2as
inc%ease/ f%o5 )*).! s>ua%e 5ete%s to ##" s>ua%e 5ete%s(
an/ it inclu/e/ the )'A-s>ua%e 5ete% p%ope%t& o%i0inall&
co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. ))*). +t also containe/ an
annotation at the bac8 statin0 PRe,ise/ as pe% %e>uest of the
o2ne% to inclu/e the e6cess a%ea fo% ta6ation
pu%poses.Q The%eafte%( Ta6 -ecla%ation No. #*) 2as cancelle/
b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. )**B( 2hich 2as late% cancelle/ b& Ta6
-ecla%ation No. )!"( an/ late% cancelle/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation
No. 'A#B.
On -ece5be% )B( )!B"( Pa; Lachica an/ he%ein
petitione%s( Spouses Cha%lito Co9a an/ Annie Mesa Co9a(
e6ecute/ a -ee/ of Absolute Sale 2he%ein the fo%5e% sol/ the
##"-s>ua%e 5ete% pa%cel of lan/ co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation
No. 'A#B to the latte%. Conse>uentl&( Ta6 -ecla%ation No.
!" 2as issue/ in the na5e of petitione%s( cancelin0 Ta6
-ecla%ation No. 'A#B.
So5eti5e in )!B<( Cha%lito Co9a file/ an application fo%
the issuance of title 2ith the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t 3RTC4(
B%anch "(Masbate( Masbate 3no2 Masbate Cit&4 /oc8ete/ as
LRC No. N-#"*. Lu;( bein0 one of the hei%s of .eliciano S%.(
oppose/ the application fo% %e0ist%ation. Li8e2ise( the Office of
the Solicito% Gene%al 3OSG4 oppose/ the application. The
OSG alle0e/( a5on0 othe% thin0s( that the applicant o% his
p%e/ecesso%s-in- inte%est ha/ not been in open( continuous(
e6clusi,e( an/ noto%ious possession of the sub9ect lan/ 2ithin
the pe%io/ %e>ui%e/ b& la2? an/ that the /ocu5ents attache/ to
o% alle0e/ in the application /o not constitute co5petent an/
sufficient e,i/ence of a bona fi/e ac>uisition of the lan/ o% of
20
an open( continuous( e6clusi,e( an/ noto%ious possession an/
occupation the%eof in the concept of an o2ne%.
-u%in0 the pen/enc& of the case( Lu; /ie/. She 2as
substitute/ b& he% spouse( Cuinciano Dicto%( S%.( an/ he%
chil/%en( Lo%na( Antonio( Cuinciano $%.( an/ Susana( all
su%na5e/ Dicto%.
On No,e5be% #( )!B!( %espon/ents file/ an action fo%
%eco,e%& of possession an/ o2ne%ship 2ith /a5a0es(
/oc8ete/ as Ci,il Case No. #!A( a0ainst the petitione%s an/
Pa; Lachica. Respon/ents clai5e/ that the& a%e the t%ue an/
la2ful hei%s of the Spouses .eliciano S%. an/ Lo%en;a? that Pa;
Lachica %efuse/ to /eli,e% the p%ope%t& to its %i0htful o2ne%s
/espite %epeate/ /e5an/s? that Pa; Lachica app%op%iate/ the
sub9ect p%ope%t& to he%self an/ ha/ the ta6 /ecla%ation
t%ansfe%%e/ to he% na5e? that Pa; Lachica sol/ the p%ope%t& to
the Spouses Co9a? an/ that the Spouses Co9a faile/ to /eli,e%
the sub9ect p%ope%t& to the %i0htful hei%s /espite %epeate/
/e5an/s.
Upon 5otion b& the plaintiffs( LRC No. N-#"* an/ Ci,il
Case No. #!A 2e%e consoli/ate/.
+n thei% Ans2e%( /efen/ants the%ein alle0e/ that Pa;
Lachica ac>ui%e/ the sub9ect p%ope%t& befo%e he% 5a%%ia0e to
.eliciano S%. an/ that she ha/ been in actual an/ ph&sical
possession of the sa5e fo% 5o%e than fifteen 3)*4 &ea%s befo%e
she sol/ the p%ope%t& to the Spouses Co9a? that the& ac>ui%e/
the p%ope%t& b& pu%chasin0 it f%o5 Pa; Lachica? that the& a%e
bu&e%s in 0oo/ faith an/ fo% ,alue? an/ that the p%ope%t& in
>uestion 2as the pa%aphe%nal p%ope%t& of Pa; Lachica an/(
the%efo%e( plaintiffs the%ein ha,e no %i0ht an/ inte%est o,e% the
sa5e.
The pa%ties faile/ to settle thei% %especti,e /iffe%ences
an/ a 9oint t%ial ensue/.
On Ma%ch ))( )!!'( the RTC %en/e%e/ a
/ecision a0ainst the plaintiffs-opposito%s an/ in fa,o% of the
/efen/ants-applicants( the /ec%etal po%tion of 2hich %ea/s1
:7ERE.ORE( p%e5ises consi/e%e/( /ecision is he%eb&
%en/e%e/ in fa,o% of the /efen/ants-applicants( to 2it1
). O%/e%in0 the /is5issal of the co5plaint in Ci,il Case
No. #!A 2ith costs a0ainst the plaintiffs-opposito%s?
'. -ecla%in0 the /efen/ants-applicants spouses Cha%lito
Co9a an/ Annie Mesa( the absolute o2ne% of the lan/ sub9ect
of thei% application in L.R.C. No. N-#"*?
#. -ecla%in0 the title of the applicants( spouses Cha%lito
Co9a an/ Annie Mesa an/ Sancho Mesa( o,e% the p%ope%t&
/esi0nate/ as Psu-A*-AA*<#" to0ethe% 2ith all the
i5p%o,e5ents the%eon( CON.+RME- an/ REG+STERE-
pu%suant to the p%o,isions of P.-. )*'!.
Once this /ecision beco5es final an/ e6ecuto%&( let the
co%%espon/in0 /ec%ee of %e0ist%ation issue.
SO OR-ERE-.
The RTC opine/ that since the lan/ in >uestion is
%e0iste%e/ in the na5e of Pa; Lachica alone( it is assu5e/ that
it is not pa%t of the con9u0al pa%tne%ship p%ope%ties of .eliciano
S%.( an/ Lo%en;a( fo% if it 2as thei% con9u0al p%ope%t&( it shoul/
ha,e been %e0iste%e/ in thei% na5es. As such( 2hen the
Spouses Co9a pu%chase/ the p%ope%t& f%o5 Pa; Lachica( the&
2e%e of the honest belief that the latte% 2as the t%ue an/ la2ful
o2ne%. Li8e2ise( on the basis of the e,i/ence a//uce/( the
RTC hel/ that /efen/ants-applicants possess 0oo/ title p%ope%
fo% %e0ist%ation an/ confi%5ation.
A00%ie,e/( plaintiffs-opposito%s appeale/ f%o5 the /ecision to
the CA( assi0nin0 the follo2in0 e%%o%s1
F)G T7E TR+AL COURT GRADEL@ ERRE- +N 7OL-+NG
T7AT T7E -E.EN-ANTS-APPL+CANTS( SPOUSES
C7ARL+TO CO$A AN- ANN+E MESA CO$A ARE T7E TRUE
AN- LA:.UL O:NERS O. T7E LAN- SUB$ECT O. T7E+R
APPL+CAT+ON.
F'G T7E TR+AL COURT GRADEL@ ERRE- +N
CONCLU-+NG T7AT T7E LAN- +N CUEST+ON +S NOT T7E
CON$UGAL PARTNERS7+P PROPERT@ O. T7E COUPLE(
T7E LATE SPOUSES .EL+C+ANO ACU+LLO AN- LORENHA
MANGAR+N
F#G T7E TR+AL COURT GRADEL@ ERRE- +N 7OL-+NG
T7AT -E.EN-ANTS-APPL+CANTS POSSESS GOO- T+TLE(
PROPER .OR REG+STRAT+ON.
On .eb%ua%& *( 'AA)( the CA %en/e%e/ a
-ecision %e,e%sin0 an/ settin0 asi/e the /ecision of the RTC(
the pe%tinent po%tion of 2hich %ea/s1
:7ERE.ORE( p%e5ises consi/e%e/( the /ecision
/ate/ Ma%ch ))( )!!' is he%eb& REDERSE- an/ SET AS+-E(
an/ a ne2 one ente%e/( as follo2s1
). The sale of the p%ope%t& b& Pa; Lachica to
Spouses Cha%lito Co9a an/ Annie Mesa Co9a insofa% as the
sha%es of appellants is 3sic4 conce%ne/ is NULL+.+E-?
'. Appellees-applicants a%e o%/e%e/ to /eli,e%
possession of the p%ope%t& o%i0inall& co,e%e/ b& Ta6
-ecla%ation No. ))*) to appellants( to the e6tent of !#.####
s>ua%e 5ete%s?
#. Appellee-applicants a%e o%/e%e/ to pa& appellants
P#AA.AA pe% 5onth as %easonable %ent fo% the use of the
p%ope%t&( f%o5 the /ate of filin0 of the co5plaint an/ until
possession the%eof is %esto%e/ to appellants?
. The application fo% %e0ist%ation of title b& Cha%lito
an/ Annie Co9a in L.R.C. No. N-#"* is /enie/? an/
21
*. Costs a0ainst appellees.
SO OR-ERE-.
The CA conclu/e/ that the p%ope%t& fo%5e%l& co,e%e/ b&
Ta6 -ecla%ation No. ))*)( 2ith an a%ea of )'A s>ua%e 5ete%s(
is the con9u0al p%ope%t& of .eliciano S%. an/ Lo%en;a ha,in0
been ac>ui%e/ /u%in0 thei% 5a%%ia0e. Un/e% the la2( upon the
/eath of Lo%en;a( one-half of sai/ p%ope%t&( o% "A s>ua%e
5ete%s( 2as t%ans5itte/ to he% hei%s( na5el& .eliciano S%.(
.eliciano $%.( an/ Lu;( at 'A s>ua%e 5ete%s each( 2hile the
%e5ainin0 one-half pe%taine/ to .eliciano S%. alone as his
sha%e in the con9u0al p%ope%t&. Upon the /eath of .eliciano S%.(
his %i0hts o,e% the p%ope%t&( consistin0 of his inhe%itance f%o5
his 2ife an/ his sha%e in the con9u0al pa%tne%ship( o% a total of
BA s>ua%e 5ete%s( 2e%e t%ans5itte/ to his hei%s( .eliciano $%.(
Lu;( an/ his 2i/o2( Pa; Lachica. Thus( Pa; Lachica is entitle/
to onl& '"."""" s>ua%e 5ete%s an/ the hei%s of .eliciano $%.
an/ Lu; a%e entitle/ to the %e5ainin0 !#.#### s>ua%e 5ete%s of
the sub9ect p%ope%t&. The%efo%e( Pa; Lachica ha/ no autho%it&
to sell thei% po%tions of the p%ope%t&.
Applicants-appellees the%ein file/ a 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation but it 2as /enie/ in the
Resolution /ate/ No,e5be% *( 'AA).
7ence( this petition( assi0nin0 the follo2in0 e%%o%s1
F)G T7E 7ONORABLE COURT O. APPEALS ERRE- +N
REDERS+NG AN- SETT+NG AS+-E T7E -EC+S+ON O. T7E
REG+ONAL TR+AL COURT( BRANC7 "( AT MASBATE NO:
MASBATE C+T@ 3ANNEI P7Q4 AS T7E SAME +S +N
ACCOR-ANCE :+T7 LA: AN- $UR+SPRU-ENCE? AN-
F'G T7E 7ONORABLE COURT O. APPEALS ERRE- +N
-EN@+NG T7E APPL+CAT+ON .OR LAN- REG+STRAT+ON
O. T+TLE O. T7E PET+T+ONERS ODER T7E+R
RES+-ENT+AL AN- COMMERC+AL LAN- S+TUATE- AT
POBLAC+ON( MAN-AON( MASBATE :7+C7 S7OUL- BE
CON.+RME- AN- REG+STERE- PURSUANT TO LAN-
REG+STRAT+ON LA: +N RELAT+ON TO P- NO. )*'!.
Petitione%s a%0ue that %espon/ents faile/ to establish
thei% case on the basis of the e,i/ence the& p%esente/ /u%in0
the t%ial. Respon/ents onl& p%esente/ Ta6 -ecla%ation No. ))*)
2hich ha/ ne,e% been up/ate/ since )!* up to .eliciano S%.Ms
/eath. +n a//ition( his alle0e/ successo%s-in-inte%est ha,e not
cause/ the %e,ision of the sai/ ta6 /ecla%ation no% pai/ the
ta6es to the 0o,e%n5ent up to the p%esent an/ hence the sa5e
cannot be consi/e%e/ p%oof of o2ne%ship. Since .eliciano S%.
is not the o2ne% of the p%ope%t& in >uestion( the sa5e cannot
be inhe%ite/ b& the %espon/ents. Mo%eo,e%( no su%,e& of the
p%ope%t& ha/ been 5a/e in the na5e of .eliciano S%.
Petitione%s a// that the sub9ect p%ope%t& 2as the
pa%aphe%nal p%ope%t& of Pa; Lachica since she pu%chase/ the
p%ope%t& befo%e she 5a%%ie/ .eliciano S%. .inall&( petitione%s
5aintain that the& a%e pu%chase%s in 0oo/ faith an/ fo% ,alue
since the sub9ect p%ope%t& 2as co,e%e/ b& a ta6 /ecla%ation in
Pa; LachicaMs na5e 2hen the& bou0ht it f%o5 he%.
The petition lac8s 5e%it.
The p%ope%t& sub9ect 5atte% of the cont%act of sale
bet2een the Spouses Co9a an/ Pa; Lachica( is a ##"-s>ua%e
5ete% pa%cel of lan/ co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. 'A#B. This
inclu/es the p%ope%t& bou0ht b& Pa; Lachica f%o5 the hei%s of
$uan Ri,as( so5e othe% pa%cels of lan/( an/ the )'A-s>ua%e
5ete% lot pu%chase/ b& .eliciano S%. an/ Lo%en;a /u%in0 thei%
5a%%ia0e.
A%ticle )"A of the Ci,il Co/e p%o,i/es1
A%ticle )"A. All p%ope%t& of the 5a%%ia0e is p%esu5e/ to
belon0 to the con9u0al pa%tne%ship( unless it be p%o,e/ that it
pe%tains e6clusi,el& to the husban/ o% to the 2ife.
All p%ope%ties ac>ui%e/ /u%in0 the 5a%%ia0e a%e thus /isputabl&
p%esu5e/ to belon0 to the con9u0al pa%tne%ship. As a
con/ition fo% the ope%ation of abo,e a%ticle( in fa,o% of the
con9u0al pa%tne%ship( the pa%t& 2ho in,o8es the p%esu5ption
5ust fi%st p%o,e that the p%ope%t& 2as ac>ui%e/ /u%in0 the
5a%%ia0e.
The CA /ecla%e/ that the )'A-s>ua%e 5ete% lot belon0e/ to the
con9u0al pa%tne%ship of .eliciano S%. an/ Lo%en;a because the
spouses ac>ui%e/ it /u%in0 the subsistence of thei% 5a%%ia0e
an/ the p%ope%t& 2as in fact /ecla%e/ fo% ta6ation pu%poses
/u%in0 the sai/ pe%io/. Thus( the statuto%& p%esu5ption set
fo%th in A%ticle )"A of the Ci,il Co/e beca5e ope%ati,e. 7a,in0
been ac>ui%e/ /u%in0 the 5a%ital union of .eliciano S%. an/
Lo%en;a( the sub9ect )'A-s>ua%e 5ete% po%tion of the p%ope%t&
sol/ b& Pa; Lachica to the Spouses Co9a is p%esu5e/ to be
the con9u0al p%ope%t& of .eliciano S%. an/ Lo%en;a.
The p%esu5ption 5a& be %ebutte/ onl& 2ith st%on0( clea%(
cate0o%ical an/ con,incin0 e,i/ence. The%e 5ust be st%ict
p%oof of the e6clusi,e o2ne%ship of one of the spouses( an/
the bu%/en of p%oof %ests upon the pa%t& asse%tin0 it.
Petitione%s insist that the p%ope%t& sub9ect of the sale 2as
e6clusi,el& o2ne/ b& Pa; Lachica ha,in0 been pu%chase/
p%io% to he% 5a%%ia0e 2ith .eliciano S%. The a%0u5ent is not
suppo%te/ b& e,i/ence. :hile it 5a& be co%%ect to a%0ue that
the ')"-s>ua%e 5ete% po%tion of the ##"-s>ua%e 5ete% sub9ect
of the sale 2as e6clusi,el& o2ne/ b& Pa; Lachica( the sa5e
cannot be sustaine/ as to the )'A-s>ua%e 5ete% po%tion
o%i0inall& co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. ))*). Pa; Lachica
clai5s o2ne%ship o,e% the p%ope%t& in >uestion on the basis
onl& of a ta6 /ecla%ation issue/ in he% na5e. But that is Ta6
-ecla%ation No. #*) 2hich 2as belate/l& issue/ in the na5e
of Pa; Lachica to inclu/e the )'A-s>ua%e 5ete% lot o%i0inall&
co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. ))*). Re,ision 2as /one
upon Pa; LachicaMs %e>uest afte% the /eath of .eliciano
S%. The %e,ision of the ta6 /ecla%ation o% the issuance of a ne2
one in he% na5e( /i/ not ope%ate an/ t%ansfe% title of the
sub9ect p%ope%t& to he%. The p%ope%t& %e5aine/ as one that
22
fo%5e/ pa%t of the con9u0al p%ope%t& of .eliciano S%. an/
Lo%en;a.
Upon the /eath of Lo%en;a( the con9u0al pa%tne%ship 2as
te%5inate/. As a %esult( one half of the p%ope%t& 2as
auto5aticall& %ese%,e/ in fa,o% of the su%,i,in0 spouse(
.eliciano S%. as his sha%e in the con9u0al pa%tne%ship. The
othe% half( 2hich is the sha%e of Lo%en;a( 2as t%ans5itte/ to
Lo%en;aMs hei%s( .eliciano $%.( Lu;( an/ he% husban/ .eliciano
S%.( 2ho is entitle/ to the sa5e sha%e as that of a le0iti5ate
chil/.
The Cou%t a0%ees in toto 2ith the CAMs conclusion1
6 6 6. Un/e% A%ticle !!" of the Ci,il Co/e( upon the /eath of
Lo%en;a Man0a%in( one-half of sai/ p%ope%t&( o% "A s>ua%e
5ete%s( is t%ans5itte/ to he% hei%s( na5el&1 .eliciano A>uillo(
S%.( .eliciano A>uillo( $%.( an/ Lu; A>uillo( at 'A s>ua%e 5ete%s
each( 2hile the %e5ainin0 one-half is t%ans5itte/ to .eliciano
A>uillo( S%. Upon the /eath of .eliciano A>uillo( S%.( his %i0hts
o,e% the p%ope%t&( consistin0 of the 'A s>ua%e 5ete%-
inhe%itance f%o5 his late 2ife an/ his "A s>ua%e 5ete%-sha%e in
the con9u0al pa%tne%ship( o% a total of BA s>ua%e 5ete%s 2e%e
t%ans5itte/ to his hei%s( na5el&1 .eliciano A>uillo( $%.( Lu;
A>uillo( an/ his 2i/o2( Pa; Lachica. The su%,i,in0 spouse is
entitle/ to the sa5e sha%e as that of the le0iti5ate chil/%en( to
the po%tion of one-thi%/ each o% '"."""" s>ua%e 5ete%s each 6
6 6. Thus( as a %esult of the /eath of .eliciano A>uillo( S%.( a
%e0i5e of co-o2ne%ship e6ists a5on0 .eliciano( $%.( Lu;
A>uillo( an/ Pa; Lachica( 2ith %espect to the un/i,i/e/ BA
s>ua%e 5ete%s of the p%ope%t& co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No.
))*).
The )'A s>ua%e 5ete%s less the he%e/ita%& sha%e of Pa;
Lachica 2hich is '"."""" s>ua%e 5ete%s( o% the !#.####
s>ua%e 5ete%s of the p%ope%t& co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No.
))*)( belon0 to the appellants( bein0 the hei%s of the late
.eliciano A>uillo( $%. an/ Lu; A>uillo. 6 6 6.
Consi/e%in0 that Pa; Lachica o2ns onl& '"."""" s>ua%e
5ete%s of the )'A-s>ua%e 5ete% p%ope%t& an/ the %e5ainin0
!#.####-s>ua%e 5ete% po%tion the%eof is o2ne/ b& the
%espon/ents( the fo%5e% coul/ onl& ,ali/l& sell the po%tion
2hich %i0htfull& belon0e/ to he%. 7o2e,e%( consi/e%in0 that Pa;
Lachica( the p%e/ecesso%-in-inte%est of the Spouses Co9a( 2as
a co-o2ne% of the sub9ect )'A-s>ua%e 5ete% p%ope%t&? an/
consi/e%in0 fu%the% that pa%tition of the p%ope%t& is 2antin0( this
Cou%t is p%eclu/e/ f%o5 /i%ectin0 the Spouses Co9a to %etu%n
specific po%tions of the p%ope%t& to %espon/ents. Note2o%th& is
the p%onounce5ent on this issue in -e Guia ,. Cou%t of
Appeals citin0 7e%5o0ena G. En0%eso 2ith Spouse $ose
En0%eso ,. Nesto%ia /e la C%u; an/ 7e%5inio /e la C%u;1
+t is a basic p%inciple in ci,il la2 that befo%e a p%ope%t& o2ne/ in
co55on is actuall& pa%titione/( all that the co-o2ne% has is an
i/eal o% abst%act >uota o% p%opo%tionate sha%e in the enti%e
p%ope%t&. A co-o2ne% has no %i0ht to /e5an/ a conc%ete(
specific o% /ete%5inate pa%t of the thin0 o2ne/ in co55on
because until /i,ision is effecte/ his %i0ht o,e% the thin0 is
%ep%esente/ onl& b& an i/eal po%tion.

As such( the onl& effect of an action b%ou0ht b& a co-
o2ne% a0ainst a co-o2ne% 2ill be to obtain %eco0nition of the
co-o2ne%ship? the /efen/ant cannot be e6clu/e/ f%o5 a
specific po%tion of the p%ope%t& because as a co-o2ne% he has
a %i0ht to possess an/ the plaintiff cannot %eco,e% an& 5ate%ial
o% /ete%5inate pa%t of the p%ope%t&. 6 6 6.
A co-o2ne% 5a& file an action fo% %eco,e%& of possession
a0ainst a co-o2ne% 2ho ta8es e6clusi,e possession of the
enti%e co-o2ne/ p%ope%t&. 7o2e,e%( the onl& effect of such
action is a %eco0nition of the co-o2ne%ship. The cou%ts cannot
p%ocee/ 2ith the actual pa%titionin0 of the co-o2ne/
p%ope%t&. +n fine( 9u/icial o% e6t%a9u/icial pa%tition is necessa%&
to effect ph&sical /i,ision of the sub9ect )'A-s>ua%e 5ete%
p%ope%t&.
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is PART+ALL@
GRANTE-. The -ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals /ate/
.eb%ua%& *( 'AA) in CA-G.R. CD No. #<*B# is A..+RME- 2ith
the MO-+.+CAT+ON that the po%tion o%/e%in0 petitione%s to
/eli,e% possession to %espon/ents of the p%ope%t& o%i0inall&
co,e%e/ b& Ta6 -ecla%ation No. ))*) to the e6tent of !#.####
s>ua%e 5ete%s is -ELETE-. +n lieu the%eof( the co-o2ne%ship
bet2een the pa%ties o,e% the sub9ect )'A-s>ua%e 5ete%
p%ope%t& is %eco0ni;e/( to the e6tent of un/i,i/e/ sha%es of
!#.#### s>ua%e 5ete%s fo% %espon/ents an/ '"."""" s>ua%e
5ete%s fo% petitione%s.
No costs.
SO OR-ERE-.
SECOND DIVISION
"G.R. N#. $%&'((. O)*#+er ,', $((-.
MAN!EL G. RE/ES, MILA G. RE/ES, DANILO G. RE/ES,
L/N AGAPE, MARITES AGAPE, ESTABANA GALOLO, and
CELSA AGAPE, 0e*1*1#ners, vs. CO!RT OF APPEALS AND
2!LIO VIVARES, res0#nden*s.
- E C + S + O N
TORRES( $R.( $.1
Unless le0all& fla2e/( a testato%Ms intention in his last 2ill an/
testa5ent is its Plife an/ soulQ 2hich /ese%,es %e,e%ential
obse%,ance.
The cont%o,e%s& befo%e us /eals 2ith such a case.
Petitione%s Manuel G. Re&es( Mila G. Re&es( -anilo G. Re&es(
L&n A0ape( Ma%ites A0ape( Estebana Galolo an/ Celsa A0ape(
the opposito%s in Special P%ocee/in0s No. ))' fo% the p%obate
of the 2ill of To%cuato $. Re&es( assail in this petition fo% %e,ie2
23
the /ecision of the Cou%t of AppealsF)G /ate/ No,e5be% '!(
)!!*( the /ispositi,e po%tion of 2hich %ea/s1
P:7ERE.ORE( p%e5ises consi/e%e/( the 9u/05ent appeale/
f%o5 allo2in0 o% a/5ittin0 the 2ill of To%cuato $. Re&es to
p%obate an/ /i%ectin0 the issuance of Lette% Testa5enta%& in
fa,o% of petitione% $ulio A. Di,a%es as e6ecuto% 2ithout bon/ is
A..+RME- but 5o/ifie/ in that the /ecla%ation that pa%a0%aph
++ of the To%cuato Re&esJ last 2ill an/ testa5ent( inclu/in0
subpa%a0%aphs 3a4 an/ 3b4 a%e null an/ ,oi/ fo% bein0 cont%a%&
to la2 is he%eb& SET AS+-E( sai/ pa%a0%aphs 3a4 an/ 3b4 a%e
/ecla%e/ DAL+-. E6cept as abo,e 5o/ifie/( the 9u/05ent
appeale/ f%o5 is A..+RME-.
SO OR-ERE-.=F'G
The antece/ent facts1
On $anua%& #( )!!'( To%cuato $. Re&es e6ecute/ his last 2ill
an/ testa5ent /ecla%in0 the%ein in pa%t( to 2it1
P666
++. + 0i,e an/ be>ueath to 5& 2ife Asuncion POnin0Q R. Re&es
the follo2in0 p%ope%ties to 2it1
a. All 5& sha%es of ou% pe%sonal p%ope%ties consistin0 a5on0
othe%s of 9e2el%ies( coins( anti>ues( statues( table2a%es(
fu%nitu%es( fi6tu%es an/ the buil/in0?
b. All 5& sha%es consistin0 of one half 3)K'4 o% *AT of all the
%eal estates + o2n in co55on 2ith 5& b%othe% $ose( situate/ in
Municipalities of Ma5ba9ao( Mahino0( Guinsiliban( Sa0a& all in
Ca5i0uin? %eal estates in Lunao( Ginoon0( Caa5ulan(
Su0bon0co0on( Boloc-Boloc( Sino0uinatan( Balin0oan( Sta.
+nes( Caesta( Talisa&an( all in the p%o,ince of Misa5is
O%iental.QF#G
The 2ill consiste/ of t2o pa0es an/ 2as si0ne/ b& To%cuato
Re&es in the p%esence of th%ee 2itnesses1 Antonio Deloso(
Glo%ia Bo%%o5eo( an/ Sole/a/ Gaputan. P%i,ate %espon/ent
$ulio A. Di,a%es 2as /esi0nate/ the e6ecuto% an/ in his /efault
o% incapacit&( his son Roch Alan S. Di,a%es.
Re&es /ie/ on Ma& )'( )!!' an/ on Ma& ')( )!!'( p%i,ate
%espon/ent file/ a petition fo% p%obate of the 2ill befo%e the
Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of Ma5ba9ao( Ca5i0uin. The petitione%
2as set fo% hea%in0 an/ the o%/e% 2as publishe/ in the
Min/anao -ail& Post( a ne2spape% of 0ene%al ci%culation( once
a 2ee8 fo% th%ee consecuti,e 2ee8s. Notices 2e%e li8e2ise
sent to all the pe%sons na5e/ in the petition.
On $ul& ')( )!!'( the %eco0ni;e/ natu%al chil/%en of To%cuato
Re&es 2ith Estebana Galolo( na5el& Manuel( Mila( an/ -anilo
all su%na5e/ Re&es( an/ the /ecease/Ms natu%al chil/%en 2ith
Celsa A0ape( na5el& L&n an/ Ma%ites A0ape( file/ an
opposition 2ith the follo2in0 alle0ations1 a4 that the last 2ill
an/ testa5ent of Re&es 2as not e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ in
acco%/ance 2ith the fo%5alities of la2? an/ b4 that Asuncion
Re&es Eba%le e6e%te/ un/ue an/ i5p%ope% influence upon the
testato% at the ti5e of the e6ecution of the 2ill. The opposition
fu%the% a,e%%e/ that Re&es 2as ne,e% 5a%%ie/ to an/ coul/
ne,e% 5a%%& Asuncion Re&es( the 2o5an he clai5e/ to be his
2ife in the 2ill( because the latte% 2as al%ea/& 5a%%ie/ to Lupo
Eba%le 2ho 2as still then ali,e an/ thei% 5a%%ia0e 2as ne,e%
annulle/. Thus Asuncion can not be a co5pulso%& hei% fo% he%
open cohabitation 2ith Re&es 2as ,iolati,e of public 5o%als.
On $ul& ''( )!!'( the t%ial cou%t issue/ an o%/e%in0 /ecla%in0
that it ha/ ac>ui%e/ 9u%is/iction o,e% the petition an/( the%efo%e(
allo2e/ the p%esentation of e,i/ence. Afte% the p%esentation of
e,i/ence an/ sub5ission of the %especti,e 5e5o%an/a( the
t%ial cou%t issue/ its /ecision on Ap%il '#( )!!#.
The t%ial cou%t /ecla%e/ that the 2ill 2as e6ecute/ in
acco%/ance 2ith the fo%5alities p%esc%ibe/ b& la2. +t( ho2e,e%(
%ule/ that Asuncion Re&es( base/ on the testi5onies of the
2itnesses( 2as ne,e% 5a%%ie/ to the /ecease/ Re&es( an/(
the%efo%e( thei% %elationship 2as an a/ulte%ous one. Thus1
PThe a/5ission in the 2ill b& the testato% to the illicit
%elationship bet2een hi5 an/ ASUNC+ON RE@ES EBARLE
2ho is so5ebo/& elseMs( 2ife( is fu%the% bolste%e/(
st%en0thene/( an/ confi%5e/ b& the /i%ect testi5onies of the
petitione% hi5self an/ his t2o Pattestin0Q 2itnesses /u%in0 the
t%ial.
+n both cases( the co55on /eno5inato% is the i55o%al
5e%et%ecious( a/ulte%ous an/ a/ulte%ous an/ illicit %elationship
e6istin0 bet2een the testato% an/ the /e,isee p%io% to the /eath
of the testato%( 2hich constitute/ the sole an/ p%i5a%&
consi/e%ation fo% the /e,ise o% le0ac&( thus 5a8in0 the 2ill
int%insicall& in,ali/.QFG
The 2ill of Re&es 2as a/5itte/ to p%obate e6cept fo%
pa%a0%aph ++ 3a4 an/ 3b4 of the 2ill 2hich 2as /ecla%e/ null an/
,oi/ fo% bein0 cont%a%& to la2 an/ 5o%als. 7ence( $ulio Di,a%es
file/ an appeal befo%e the Cou%t of Appeals 2ith the alle0ation
that the opposito%s faile/ to p%esent an& co5petent e,i/ence
that Asuncion Re&es 2as le0all& 5a%%ie/ to anothe% pe%son
/u%in0 the pe%io/ of he% cohabitation 2ith To%cuato Re&es.
On No,e5be% '!( )!!*( the Cou%t of Appeals p%o5ul0ate/ the
assaile/ /ecision 2hich affi%5e/ the t%ial cou%tMs /ecision
a/5ittin0 the 2ill fo% p%obate but the 5o/ification that
pa%a0%aph ++ inclu/in0 subpa%a0%aphs 3a4 an/ 3b4 2e%e
/ecla%e/ ,ali/. The appellee cou%t state/1
PConsi/e%in0 that the opposito%s ne,e% sho2e/ an& co5petent(
/ocu5enta%& o% othe%2ise /u%in0 the t%ial to sho2 that
Asuncion POnin0Q Re&esM 5a%%ia0e to the testato% 2as
ine6istent o% ,oi/( eithe% because of a p%e-e6istin0 5a%%ia0e o%
a/ulte%ous %elationship( the t%ial cou%t 0%a,el& e%%e/ in st%i8in0
/o2n pa%a0%aph ++ 3a4 an/ 3b4 of the sub9ect Last :ill an/
Testa5ent( as ,oi/ fo% bein0 cont%a%& to la2 an/ 5o%als. Sai/
/ecla%ations a%e not sufficient to /est%o& the p%esu5ption of
5a%%ia0e. No% is it enou0h to o,e%co5e the ,e%& /ecla%ation of
the testato% that Asuncion Re&es is his 2ife.QF*G
24
-issatisfie/ 2ith the /ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals( the
opposito%s file/ this petition fo% %e,ie2.
Petitione%s conten/ that the fin/in0s an/ conclusion of the
Cou%t of Appeals 2as cont%a%& to la2( public polic& an/
e,i/ence on %eco%/. To%cuato Re&es an/ Asuncion POnin0Q
Re&es 2e%e collate%al %elati,es up to the fou%th ci,il
/e0%ee. :itness Glo%ia Bo%%o5eo testifie/ that Onin0 Re&es
2as he% cousin as he% 5othe% an/ the latte%Ms fathe% 2e%e siste%
an/ b%othe%. The& 2e%e also nieces of the late To%cuato
Re&es. Thus( the pu%po%te/ 5a%%ia0e of the /ecease/ Re&es
an/ Onin0 Re&es 2as ,oi/ ab initio as it 2as a0ainst public
polic& pu%suant to A%ticle #B 3)4 of the .a5il& Co/e. Petitione%s
fu%the% alle0e/ that Onin0 Re&es 2as al%ea/& 5a%%ie/ to Lupo
Eba%le at the ti5e she 2as cohabitin0 2ith the testato% hence(
she coul/ ne,e% contact an& ,ali/ 5a%%ia0e 2ith the
latte%. Petitione%s a%0ue/ that the testi5onies of the 2itnesses
as 2ell as the pe%sonal /ecla%ation of the testato%( hi5self(
2e%e sufficient to /est%o& the p%esu5ption of 5a%%ia0e. To
fu%the% suppo%t thei% contention( petitione%s attache/ a cop& of
the 5a%%ia0e ce%tificate of Asuncion Re&es an/ Lupo Eba%le.F"G
The petition is /e,oi/ of 5e%it.
As a 0ene%al %ule( cou%ts in p%obate p%ocee/in0s a%e li5ite/ to
pass onl& upon the e6t%insic ,ali/it& of the 2ill sou0ht to be
p%obate/.F<G Thus( the cou%t 5e%el& in>ui%es on its /ue
e6ecution( 2hethe% o% not it co5plies 2ith the fo%5alities
p%esc%ibe/ b& la2( an/ the testa5enta%& capacit& of the
testato%. +t /oes not /ete%5ine no% e,en b& i5plication
p%e9u/0e the ,ali/it& o% efficac& of the 2illMs p%o,isions.FBG The
int%insic ,ali/it& is not consi/e%e/ since the consi/e%ation
the%eof usuall& co5es onl& afte% the 2ill has been p%o,e/ an/
allo2e/. The%e a%e( ho2e,e%( notable ci%cu5stances 2he%ein
the int%insic ,ali/it& 2as fi%st /ete%5ine/ as 2hen the /efect of
the 2ill is appa%ent on its face an/ the p%obate of the 2ill 5a&
beco5e a useless ce%e5on& if it is int%insicall& in,ali/.F!G The
int%insic ,ali/it& of a 2ill 5a& be passe/ upon because
Pp%actical consi/e%ationsQ /e5an/e/ it as 2hen the%e is
p%ete%ition of hei%s o% the testa5enta%& p%o,isions a%e /oubtful
le0alit&.F)AG :he%e the pa%ties a0%ee that the int%insic ,ali/it&
be fi%st /ete%5ine/( the p%obate cou%t 5a& also /o so.
F))G Pa%entheticall&( the %ule on p%obate is not infle6ible an/
absolute. Un/e% e6ceptional ci%cu5stances( the p%obate cou%t
is not po2e%less to /o 2hat the situation const%ains it to /o an/
pass upon ce%tain p%o,isions of the 2ill.F)'G
The case at ba% a%ose f%o5 the institution of the petition fo% the
p%obate of the 2ill of the late To%cuato Re&es. Pe%fo%ce( the
onl& issues to be settle/ in the sai/ p%ocee/in0 2e%e1 3)4
2hethe% o% not the testato% ha/ ani5us testan/i? 3'4 2hethe% o%
not ,ices of consent atten/e/ the e6ecution of the 2ill? an/ 3#4
2hethe% o% not the fo%5alities of the 2ill ha/ been co5plie/
2ith. Thus( the lo2e% cou%t 2as not as8e/ to %ule upon the
int%insic ,ali/it& o% efficac& of the p%o,isions of the 2ill. As a
%esult( the /ecla%ation of the testato% that Asuncion POnin0Q
Re&es 2as his 2ife /i/ not ha,e to be sc%utini;e/ /u%in0 the
p%obate p%ocee/in0s. The p%op%iet& of the institution of Onin0
Re&es as one of the /e,iseesKle0atees al%ea/& in,ol,e/ in>ui%&
on the 2illMs int%insic ,ali/it& an/ 2hich nee/ not be in>ui%e/
upon b& the p%obate cou%t.
The lo2e% cou%t e%%oneousl& in,o8e/ the %ulin0 in Nepo5uceno
,s. Cou%t of Appeals 3)#! SCRA 'A"4 in the instant case. +n
the case afo%esai/( the testato% hi5self( ac8no2le/0e/ his illicit
%elationship 2ith the /e,isee( to 2it1
PA%t. +D. That since )!*'( + ha,e been li,in0( as 5an an/ 2ife(
2ith one Sofia $. Nepo5uceno( 2ho5 + /ecla%e an/ a,o2 to be
entitle/ to 5& lo,e an FsicG affection( fo% all the thin0s 2hich she
has /one fo% 5e( no2 an/ in the past? that 2hile Sofia $.
Nepo5uceno has 2ith 5& full 8no2le/0e an/ consent( /i/
co5fo%t an/ %ep%esent 5&self as he% o2n husban/( in t%uth an/
in fact( as 2ell as in the e&es of the la2( + coul/ not bin/ he% to
5e in the hol& bon/s of 5at%i5on& because of 5&
afo%e5entione/ p%e,ious 5a%%ia0e.Q
Thus( the ,e%& teno% of the 2ill in,ali/ates the le0ac& because
the testato% a/5itte/ he 2as /isposin0 of the p%ope%ties to a
pe%son 2ith 2ho5 he ha/ been li,in0 in concubina0e.F)#G To
%e5an/ the case 2oul/ onl& be a 2aste of ti5e an/ 5one&
since the ille0alit& o% /efect 2as al%ea/& patent. This case is
/iffe%ent f%o5 the Nepo5uceno case. Testato% To%cuato Re&es
5e%el& state/ in his 2ill that he 2as be>ueathin0 so5e of his
pe%sonal an/ %eal p%ope%ties to his 2ife( Asuncion POnin0Q
Re&es. The%e 2as ne,e% an open a/5ission of an& illicit
%elationship. +n the case of Nepo5uceno( the testato% a/5itte/
that he 2as al%ea/& p%e,iousl& 5a%%ie/ an/ that he ha/ an
a/ulte%ous %elationship 2ith the /e,isee.
:e a0%ee 2ith the Cou%t of Appeals that the t%ial cou%t %elie/ on
unco%%obo%ate/ testi5onial e,i/ence that Asuncion Re&es 2as
still 5a%%ie/ to anothe% /u%in0 the ti5e she cohabite/ 2ith the
testato%. The testi5onies of the 2itnesses 2e%e 5e%el&
hea%sa& an/ e,en unce%tain as to the 2he%eabouts o%
e6istence of Lupo Eba%le( the suppose/ husban/ of
Asuncion. Thus1
PThe fo%e0oin0 testi5on& cannot 0o a0ainst the /ecla%ation of
the testato% that Asuncion POnin0Q Re&es is his 2ife. +n
Al,a%a/o ,. Cit& Go,e%n5ent of Tacloban 3sup%a4 the Sup%e5e
Cou%t state/ that the /ecla%ation of the husban/ is co5petent
e,i/ence to sho2 the fact of 5a%%ia0e.
Consi/e%in0 that the opposito%s ne,e% sho2e/ an& co5petent
e,i/ence( /ocu5enta%& o% othe%2ise /u%in0 the t%ial to sho2
that Asuncion POnin0Q Re&esM 5a%%ia0e to the testato% 2as
ine6istent o% ,oi/( eithe% because of a p%e-e6istin0 5a%%ia0e o%
a/ulte%ous %elationship( the t%ial cou%t 0%a,el& e%%e/ in st%i8in0
/o2n pa%a0%aph ++ 3a4 an/ 3b4 of the sub9ect Last :ill an/
Testa5ent( as ,oi/ fo% bein0 cont%a%& to la2 an/ 5o%als. Sai/
/ecla%ations a%e not sufficient to /est%o& the p%esu5ption of
5a%%ia0e. No% is it enou0h to o,e%co5e the ,e%& /ecla%ation of
the testato% that Asuncion Re&es is his 2ife.QF)G
+n the ele0ant lan0ua0e of $ustice Mo%elan/ 2%itten /eca/es
a0o( he sai/-
25
PA 2ill is the testato% spea8in0 afte% /eath. +ts p%o,isions ha,e
substantiall& the sa5e fo%ce an/ effect in the p%obate cou%t as
if the testato% stoo/ befo%e the cou%t in full life 5a8in0 the
/ecla%ations b& 2o%/ of 5outh as the& appea% in the 2ill. That
2as the special pu%pose of the la2 in the c%eation of the
inst%u5ent 8no2n as the last 2ill an/ testa5ent. Men 2ishe/
to spea8 afte% the& 2e%e /ea/ an/ the la2( b& the c%eation of
that inst%u5ent( pe%5itte/ the5 to /o so. 666 All /oubts 5ust
be %esol,e/ in fa,o% of the testato%Ms ha,in0 5eant 9ust 2hat he
sai/.Q 3Santos ,s. Mana%an0( '< Phil. 'A!4.
Petitione%s t%ie/ to %efute this conclusion of the Cou%t of
Appeals b& p%esentin0 belate/l& a cop& of the 5a%%ia0e
ce%tificate of Asuncion Re&es an/ Lupo Eba%le. Thei% failu%e to
p%esent the sai/ ce%tificate befo%e the p%obate cou%t to suppo%t
thei% position that Asuncion Re&es ha/ an e6istin0 5a%%ia0e
2ith Eba%le constitute/ a 2ai,e% an/ the sa5e e,i/ence can no
lon0e% be ente%taine/ on appeal( 5uch less in this petition fo%
%e,ie2. This Cou%t 2oul/ no t%& the case a ne2 o% settle
factual issues since its 9u%is/iction is confine/ to %esol,in0
>uestions of la2 2hich ha,e been passe/ upon b& the lo2e%
cou%ts. The settle/ %ule is that the factual fin/in0s of the
appellate cou%t 2ill not be /istu%be/ unless sho2n to be
cont%a%& to the e,i/ence on the %eco%/( 2hich petitione%s ha,e
not sho2n in this case.F)*G
Consi/e%in0 the fo%e0oin0 p%e5ises( 2e sustain the fin/in0s of
the appellate cou%t it appea%in0 that it /i/ not co55it a
%e,e%sible e%%o% in issuin0 the challen0e/ /ecision.
ACCOR-+NGL@( /ecision appeale/ f%o5 /ate/ No,e5be% '!(
)!!*( is he%eb& A..+RME- an/ the instant petition fo% %e,ie2
is -EN+E- fo% lac8 of 5e%it.
SO OR-ERE-.
Re0ala/o( 3Chai%5an4( Ro5e%o( Puno( an/ Men/o;a(
$$.( concu%.
Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila
.+RST -+D+S+ON
G.R. No. L-"'!*' Octobe% !( )!B*
SO.+A $. NEPOMUCENO Petitione%( ,s. T7E 7ONORABLE
COURT O. APPEALS( RU.+NA GOMEH( OSCAR $UGO ANG(
CARMEL+TA $UGO( Respon/ents.chan%obles ,i%tual la2 lib%a%&
GUT+ERREH( $R.( $.1
This is a petition fo% ce%tio%a%i to set asi/e that po%tion of the
/ecision of the %espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals 3no2 inte%5e/iate
Appellate Cou%t4 /ate/ $une #( )!B'( as a5en/e/ b& the
%esolution /ate/ Au0ust )A( )!B'( /ecla%in0 as null an/ ,oi/
the /e,ise in fa,o% of the petitione% an/ the %esolution /ate/
-ece5be% 'B( )!B' /en&in0 petitione%Js 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation.
Ma%tin $u0o /ie/ on $ul& )"( )!< in Malabon( Ri;al. 7e left a
last :ill an/ Testa5ent /ul& si0ne/ b& hi5 at the en/ of the
:ill on pa0e th%ee an/ on the left 5a%0in of pa0es )( ' an/
the%eof in the p%esence of Celestina Ale9an/%o( M&%na C.
Co%te;( an/ Lean/%o Leano( 2ho in tu%n( affi6e/ thei%
si0natu%es belo2 the attestation clause an/ on the left 5a%0in
of pa0es )( ' an/ of the :ill in the p%esence of the testato%
an/ of each othe% an/ the Nota%& Public. The :ill 2as
ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e the Nota%& Public Ro5eo Esca%eal b&
the testato% an/ his th%ee attestin0 2itnesses.
+n the sai/ :ill( the testato% na5e/ an/ appointe/ he%ein
petitione% Sofia $. Nepo5uceno as his sole an/ onl& e6ecuto%
of his estate. +t is clea%l& state/ in the :ill that the testato% 2as
le0all& 5a%%ie/ to a ce%tain Rufina Go5e; b& 2ho5 he ha/ t2o
le0iti5ate chil/%en( Osca% an/ Ca%5elita( but since )!*'( he
ha/ been est%an0e/ f%o5 his la2full& 2e//e/ 2ife an/ ha/
been li,in0 2ith petitione% as husban/ an/ 2ife. +n fact( on
-ece5be% *( )!*'( the testato% Ma%tin $u0o an/ the petitione%
he%ein( Sofia $. Nepo5uceno 2e%e 5a%%ie/ in Dicto%ia( Ta%lac
befo%e the $ustice of the Peace. The testato% /e,ise/ to his
fo%ce/ hei%s( na5el&( his le0al 2ife Rufina Go5e; an/ his
chil/%en Osca% an/ Ca%5elita his enti%e estate an/ the f%ee
po%tion the%eof to he%ein petitione%. The :ill %ea/s in pa%t1
A%t. +++. That + ha,e the follo2in0 le0al hei%s( na5el&1 5&
afo%e5entione/ le0al 2ife( Rufina Go5e;( an/ ou% son( Osca%(
an/ /au0hte% Ca%5elita( both su%na5e/ $u0o( 2ho5 + /ecla%e
an/ a/5it to be le0all& an/ p%ope%l& entitle/ to inhe%it f%o5 5e?
that 2hile + ha,e been est%an0e/ f%o5 5& abo,e-na5e/ 2ife
fo% so 5an& &ea%s( + cannot /en& that + 2as le0all& 5a%%ie/ to
he% o% that 2e ha,e been sepa%ate/ up to the p%esent fo%
%easons an/ 9ustifications 8no2n full& 2ell b& the51 chan%obles
,i%tual la2 lib%a%&
A%t. +D. That since )!*'( ) ha,e been li,in0( as 5an an/ 2ife
2ith one Sofia $. Nepo5uceno( 2ho5 + /ecla%e an/ a,o2 to be
entitle/ to 5& lo,e an/ affection( fo% all the thin0s 2hich she
has /one fo% 5e( no2 an/ in the past? that 2hile Sofia $.
Nepo5uceno has 2ith 5& full 8no2le/0e an/ consent( /i/
co5po%t an/ %ep%esent 5&self as he% o2n husban/( in t%uth
an/ in fact( as 2ell as in the e&es of the la2( + coul/ not bin/
he% to 5e in the hol& bon/s of 5at%i5on& because of 5&
afo%e5entione/ p%e,ious 5a%%ia0e?
On Au0ust ')( )!<( the petitione% file/ a petition fo% the
p%obate of the last :ill an/ Testa5ent of the /ecease/ Ma%tin
$u0o in the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Ri;al( B%anch III+D(
Caloocan Cit& an/ as8e/ fo% the issuance to he% of lette%s
testa5enta%&.
On Ma& )#( )!<*( the le0al 2ife of the testato%( Rufina Go5e;
an/ he% chil/%en file/ an opposition alle0in0 inte% alia that the
e6ecution of the :ill 2as p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue an/ i5p%ope%
influence on the pa%t of the petitione%? that at the ti5e of the
e6ecution of the :ill( the testato% 2as al%ea/& ,e%& sic8 an/
26
that petitione% ha,in0 a/5itte/ he% li,in0 in concubina0e 2ith
the testato%( she is 2antin0 in inte0%it& an/ thus( lette%s
testa5enta%& shoul/ not be issue/ to he%.
On $anua%& "( )!<"( the lo2e% cou%t /enie/ the p%obate of the
:ill on the 0%oun/ that as the testato% a/5itte/ in his :ill to
cohabitin0 2ith the petitione% f%o5 -ece5be% )!*' until his
/eath on $ul& )"( )!<( the :illJs a/5ission to p%obate 2ill be
an +/le e6e%cise because on the face of the :ill( the in,ali/it&
of its int%insic p%o,isions is e,i/ent.
The petitione% appeale/ to the %espon/ent-appellate cou%t.
On $une '( )!B'( the %espon/ent cou%t set asi/e the /ecision
of the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Ri;al /en&in0 the p%obate of
the 2ill. The %espon/ent cou%t /ecla%e/ the :ill to be ,ali/
e6cept that the /e,ise in fa,o% of the petitione% is null an/ ,oi/
pu%suant to A%ticle <#! in %elation 2ith A%ticle )A'B of the Ci,il
Co/e of the Philippines. The /ispositi,e po%tion of the /ecision
%ea/s1
:7ERE.ORE( the /ecision a >uo is he%eb& set asi/e( the 2ill
in >uestion /ecla%e/ ,ali/ e6cept the /e,ise in fa,o% of the
appellant 2hich is /ecla%e/ null an/ ,oi/. The p%ope%ties so
/e,ise/ a%e instea/ passe/ on in intestac& to the appellant in
e>ual sha%es( 2ithout p%onounce5ent as to cost.
On $une )*( )!B'( opposito%s Rufina Go5e; an/ he% chil/%en
file/ a =Motion fo% Co%%ection of Cle%ical E%%o%= p%a&in0 that the
2o%/ =appellant= in the last sentence of the /ispositi,e po%tion
of the /ecision be chan0e/ to =appellees= so as to %ea/1 =The
p%ope%ties so /e,ise/ a%e instea/ passe/ on intestac& to the
appellees in e>ual sha%es( 2ithout p%onounce5ent as to costs.=
The 5otion 2as 0%ante/ b& the %espon/ent cou%t on Au0ust )A(
)!B'.
On Au0ust '#( )!B'( the petitione% file/ a 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation. This 2as /enie/ b& the %espon/ent cou%t in a
%esolution /ate/ -ece5be% 'B( )!B'.
The 5ain issue %aise/ b& the petitione% is 2hethe% o% not the
%espon/ent cou%t acte/ in e6cess of its 9u%is/iction 2hen afte%
/ecla%in0 the last :ill an/ Testa5ent of the /ecease/ Ma%tin
$u0o ,ali/l& /%a2n( it 2ent on to pass upon the int%insic ,ali/it&
of the testa5enta%& p%o,ision in fa,o% of he%ein petitione%.
The petitione% sub5its that the ,ali/it& of the testa5enta%&
p%o,ision in he% fa,o% cannot be passe/ upon an/ /eci/e/ in
the p%obate p%ocee/in0s but in so5e othe% p%ocee/in0s
because the onl& pu%pose of the p%obate of a :ill is to
establish conclusi,el& as a0ainst e,e%&one that a :ill 2as
e6ecute/ 2ith the fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ b& la2 an/ that the
testato% has the 5ental capacit& to e6ecute the sa5e. The
petitione% fu%the% conten/s that e,en if the p%o,isions of
pa%a0%aph ) of A%ticle <#! of the Ci,il Co/e of the Philippines
2e%e applicable( the /ecla%ation of its nullit& coul/ onl& be
5a/e b& the p%ope% cou%t in a sepa%ate action b%ou0ht b& the
le0al 2ife fo% the specific pu%pose of obtainin0 a /ecla%ation of
the nullit& of the testa5enta%& p%o,ision in the :ill in fa,o% of
the pe%son 2ith 2ho5 the testato% 2as alle0e/l& 0uilt& of
a/ulte%& o% concubina0e.
The %espon/ents on the othe% han/ conten/ that the fact that
the last :ill an/ Testa5ent itself e6p%essl& a/5its in/ubitabl&
on its face the 5e%et%icious %elationship bet2een the testato%
an/ the petitione% an/ the fact that petitione% he%self initiate/
the p%esentation of e,i/ence on he% alle0e/ i0no%ance of the
t%ue ci,il status of the testato%( 2hich le/ p%i,ate %espon/ents to
p%esent cont%a%& e,i/ence( 5e%its the application of the
/oct%ine enunciate/ in Nu0ui/ ,. .eli6 Nu0ui/( et al. 3)< SCRA
!4 an/ .eli6 Balana&( $%. ,. 7on. Antonio Ma%tine;( et al.
3G.R. No. L- #!'<( $une '<( )!<*4. Respon/ents also sub5it
that the a/5ission of the testato% of the illicit %elationship
bet2een hi5 an/ the petitione% put in issue the le0alit& of the
/e,ise. :e a0%ee 2ith the %espon/ents.
The %espon/ent cou%t acte/ 2ithin its 9u%is/iction 2hen afte%
/ecla%in0 the :ill to be ,ali/l& /%a2n( it 2ent on to pass upon
the int%insic ,ali/it& of the :ill an/ /ecla%e/ the /e,ise in fa,o%
of the petitione% null an/ ,oi/.
The 0ene%al %ule is that in p%obate p%ocee/in0s( the cou%tJs
a%ea of in>ui%& is li5ite/ to an e6a5ination an/ %esolution of
the e6t%insic ,ali/it& of the :ill. The %ule is e6p%esse/ thus1
666 666 666
... +t is ele5enta%& that a p%obate /ec%ee finall& an/ /efiniti,el&
settles all >uestions conce%nin0 capacit& of the testato% an/ the
p%ope% e6ecution an/ 2itnessin0 of his last :ill an/ testa5ent(
i%%especti,e of 2hethe% its p%o,isions a%e ,ali/ an/ enfo%ceable
o% othe%2ise. 3.e%nan/e; ,. -i5a0iba( ') SCRA 'B4
chan%obles ,i%tual la2 lib%a%&
The petition belo2 bein0 fo% the p%obate of a :ill( the cou%tJs
a%ea of in>ui%& is li5ite/ to the e6t%insic ,ali/it& the%eof. The
testato%s testa5enta%& capacit& an/ the co5pliance 2ith the
fo%5al %e>uisites o% sole5nities p%esc%ibe/ b& la2 a%e the onl&
>uestions p%esente/ fo% the %esolution of the cou%t. An& in>ui%&
into the int%insic ,ali/it& o% efficac& of the p%o,isions of the 2ill
o% the le0alit& of an& /e,ise o% le0ac& is p%e5atu%e.
666 666 666
T%ue o% not( the alle0e/ sale is no 0%oun/ fo% the /is5issal of
the petition fo% p%obate. P%obate is one thin0? the ,ali/it& of the
testa5enta%& p%o,isions is anothe%. The fi%st /eci/es the
e6ecution of the /ocu5ent an/ the testa5enta%& capacit& of
the testato%? the secon/ %elates to /escent an/ /ist%ibution
3Su5ilan0 ,. Ra5a0osa( ') SCRA )#"!4
666 666 666
To establish conclusi,el& as a0ainst e,e%&one( an/ once fo% all(
the facts that a 2ill 2as e6ecute/ 2ith the fo%5alities %e>ui%e/
b& la2 an/ that the testato% 2as in a con/ition to 5a8e a 2ill( is
the onl& pu%pose of the p%ocee/in0s un/e% the ne2 co/e fo%
the p%obate of a 2ill. 3Sec. "'*4. The 9u/05ent in such
27
p%ocee/in0s /ete%5ines an/ can /ete%5ine nothin0 5o%e. +n
the5 the cou%t has no po2e% to pass upon the ,ali/it& of an&
p%o,isions 5a/e in the 2ill. +t can not /eci/e( fo% e6a5ple( that
a ce%tain le0ac& is ,oi/ an/ anothe% one ,ali/. ... 3Castane/a ,.
Ale5an&( # Phil. '"4
The %ule( ho2e,e%( is not infle6ible an/ absolute. Gi,en
e6ceptional ci%cu5stances( the p%obate cou%t is not po2e%less
to /o 2hat the situation const%ains it to /o an/ pass upon
ce%tain p%o,isions of the :ill.
+n Nu0ui/ ,. Nu0ui/ 3)< SCRA !4 cite/ b& the t%ial cou%t( the
testato% institute/ the petitione% as uni,e%sal hei% an/
co5pletel& p%ete%ite/ he% su%,i,in0 fo%ce/ hei%s. A 2ill of this
natu%e( no 5atte% ho2 ,ali/ it 5a& appea% e6t%insicall&( 2oul/
be null an/ ,oi/. Sepa%ate o% latte% p%ocee/in0s to /ete%5ine
the int%insic ,ali/it& of the testa5enta%& p%o,isions 2oul/ be
supe%fluous.
E,en befo%e establishin0 the fo%5al ,ali/it& of the 2ill( the
Cou%t in Balana& .$%. ,. Ma%tine; 3" SCRA *'4 passe/ upon
the ,ali/it& of its int%insic p%o,isions.
+n,o8in0 =p%actical consi/e%ations=( 2e state/1
The basic issue is 2hethe% the p%obate cou%t e%%e/ in passin0
upon the int%insic ,ali/it& of the 2ill( befo%e %ulin0 on its
allo2ance o% fo%5al ,ali/it&( an/ in /ecla%in0 it ,oi/.
:e a%e of the opinion that in ,ie2 of ce%tain unusual
p%o,isions of the 2ill( 2hich a%e of /ubious le0alit&( an/
because of the 5otion to 2ith/%a2 the petition fo% p%obate
32hich the lo2e% cou%t assu5e/ to ha,e been file/ 2ith the
petitione%Js autho%i;ation4 the t%ial cou%t acte/ co%%ectl& in
passin0 upon the 2illJs int%insic ,ali/it& e,en befo%e its fo%5al
,ali/it& ha/ been establishe/. The p%obate of a 2ill 5i0ht
beco5e an +/le ce%e5on& if on its face it appea%s to be
int%insicall& ,oi/. :he%e p%actical consi/e%ations /e5an/ that
the int%insic ,ali/it& of the 2ill be passe/ upon( e,en befo%e it is
p%obate/( the cou%t shoul/ 5eet the issue 3Nu0ui/ ,. Nu0ui/(
" O.G. )*'<( )< SCRA !. Co5pa%e 2ith Su5ilan0 ,s.
Ra5a0osa L-'#)#*( -ece5be% '"( )!"<( ') SCRA )#"!?
Cacho ,. U/an L-)!!!"( Ap%il #A( )!"*( )# SCRA "!#4.
The%e appea%s to be no 5o%e /ispute at this ti5e o,e% the
e6t%insic ,ali/it& of the :ill. Both pa%ties a%e a0%ee/ that the
:ill of Ma%tin $u0o 2as e6ecute/ 2ith all the fo%5alities
%e>ui%e/ b& la2 an/ that the testato% ha/ the 5ental capacit& to
e6ecute his :ill. The petitione% states that she co5pletel&
a0%ees 2ith the %espon/ent cou%t 2hen in %esol,in0 the
>uestion of 2hethe% o% not the p%obate cou%t co%%ectl& /enie/
the p%obate of Ma%tin $u0oJs last :ill an/ Testa5ent( it %ule/1
This bein0 so( the 2ill is /ecla%e/ ,ali/l& /%a2n. 3Pa0e (
-ecision( Anne6 A of Petition.4
On the othe% han/ the %espon/ents p%a& fo% the affi%5ance of
the Cou%t of AppealsJ /ecision in toto.
The onl& issue( the%efo%e( is the 9u%is/iction of the %espon/ent
cou%t to /ecla%e the testa5enta%& p%o,ision in fa,o% of the
petitione% as null an/ ,oi/.
:e sustain the %espon/ent cou%tJs 9u%is/iction. As state/ in
Nu0ui/ ,. Nu0ui/( 3sup%a41
:e pause to %eflect. +f the case 2e%e to be %e5an/e/ fo%
p%obate of the 2ill( nothin0 2ill be 0aine/. On the cont%a%&( this
liti0ation 2ill be p%ot%acte/. An/ fo% au0ht that appea%s in the
%eco%/( in the %eco%/( in the e,ent of p%obate o% if the cou%t
%e9ects the 2ill( p%obabilit& e6ists that the case 2ill co5e up
once a0ain befo%e us on the sa5e issue of the int%insic ,ali/it&
o% nullit& of the 2ill. Result( 2aste of ti5e( effo%t( e6pense( plus
a//e/ an6iet&. These a%e the p%actical consi/e%ations that
in/uce us to a belief that 2e 5i0ht as 2ell 5eet hea/-on the
issue of the ,ali/it& of the p%o,isions of the 2ill in >uestion.
3Section '( Rule )( Rules of Cou%t. Case( et al. ,. $u0o( et al.(
<< Phil. *)<( *''4. Afte% all( the%e e6ists a 9usticiable
cont%o,e%s& c%&in0 fo% solution.
:e see no useful pu%pose that 2oul/ be se%,e/ if 2e %e5an/
the nullifie/ p%o,ision to the p%ope% cou%t in a sepa%ate action
fo% that pu%pose si5pl& because( in the p%obate of a 2ill( the
cou%t /oes not o%/ina%il& loo8 into the int%insic ,ali/it& of its
p%o,isions.
A%ticle <#! of the Ci,il Co/e p%o,i/es1
The follo2in0 /onations shall be ,oi/1 chan%obles ,i%tual la2
lib%a%&
3)4 Those 5a/e bet2een pe%sons 2ho 2e%e 0uilt& of a/ulte%&
o% concubina0e at the ti5e of the /onation?
3'4 Those 5a/e bet2een pe%sons foun/ 0uilt& of the sa5e
c%i5inal offense( in consi/e%ation the%eof?
3#4 Those 5a/e to a public office% o% his 2ife( /escen/ants an/
ascen/ants( b& %eason of his office.
+n the case %efe%%e/ to in No. )( the action fo% /ecla%ation of
nullit& 5a& be b%ou0ht b& the spouse of the /ono% o% /onee?
an/ the 0uilt of the /ono% an/ /onee 5a& be p%o,e/ b&
p%epon/e%ance of e,i/ence in the sa5e action.
A%ticle )A'B of the Ci,il Co/e p%o,i/es1
The p%ohibitions 5entione/ in A%ticle <#!( conce%nin0
/onations inte% ,i,os shall appl& to testa5enta%& p%o,isions.
+n A%ticle +++ of the /ispute/ :ill( e6ecute/ on Au0ust )*( )!"B(
o% al5ost si6 &ea%s befo%e the testato%Js /eath on $ul& )"(
)!<( Ma%tin $u0o state/ that %espon/ent Rufina Go5e; 2as
his le0al 2ife f%o5 2ho5 he ha/ been est%an0e/ =fo% so 5an&
&ea%s.= 7e also /ecla%e/ that %espon/ents Ca%5elita $u0o an/
Osca% $u0o 2e%e his le0iti5ate chil/%en. +n A%ticle +D( he state/
that he ha/ been li,in0 as 5an an/ 2ife 2ith the petitione%
since )!*'. Testato% $u0o /ecla%e/ that the petitione% 2as
28
entitle/ to his lo,e an/ affection. 7e state/ that Nepo5uceno
%ep%esente/ $u0o as he% o2n husban/ but =in t%uth an/ in fact(
as 2ell as in the e&es of the la2( + coul/ not bin/ he% to 5e in
the hol& bon/s of 5at%i5on& because of 5& afo%e5entione/
p%e,ious 5a%%ia0e.
The%e is no >uestion f%o5 the %eco%/s about the fact of a p%io%
e6istin0 5a%%ia0e 2hen Ma%tin $u0o e6ecute/ his :ill. The%e is
also no /ispute that the petitione% an/ M%. $u0o li,e/ to0ethe%
in an ostensible 5a%ital %elationship fo% '' &ea%s until his /eath.
+t is also a fact that on -ece5be% '( )!*'( Ma%tin $u0o an/
Sofia $. Nepo5uceno cont%acte/ a 5a%%ia0e befo%e the $ustice
of the Peace of Dicto%ia( Ta%lac. The 5an 2as then *) &ea%s
ol/ 2hile the 2o5an 2as B. Nepo5uceno no2 conten/s that
she acte/ in 0oo/ faith fo% '' &ea%s in the belief that she 2as
le0all& 5a%%ie/ to the testato%.
The %eco%/s /o not sustain a fin/in0 of innocence o% 0oo/ faith.
As a%0ue/ b& the p%i,ate %espon/ents1
.i%st. The last 2ill an/ testa5ent itself e6p%essl& a/5its
in/ubitabl& on its face the 5e%et%icious %elationship bet2een
the testato% an/ petitione%( the /e,isee.
Secon/. Petitione% he%self initiate/ the p%esentation of
e,i/ence on he% alle0e/ i0no%ance of the t%ue ci,il status of the
testato%( 2hich le/ p%i,ate %espon/ents to p%esent cont%a%&
e,i/ence.
+n sho%t( the pa%ties the5sel,es /uele/ on the int%insic ,ali/it&
of the le0ac& 0i,en in the 2ill to petitione% b& the /ecease/
testato% at the sta%t of the p%ocee/in0s.
:hethe% o% not petitione% 8ne2 that testato% Ma%tin $u0o( the
5an he ha/ li,e/ 2ith as 5an an/ 2ife( as al%ea/& 5a%%ie/(
2as an i5po%tant an/ specific issue b%ou0ht b& the pa%ties
befo%e the t%ial cou%t( an/ passe/ upon b& the Cou%t of
Appeals.
+nstea/ of li5itin0 he%self to p%o,in0 the e6t%insic ,ali/it& of the
2ill( it 2as petitione% 2ho opte/ to p%esent e,i/ence on he%
alle0e/ 0oo/ faith in 5a%%&in0 the testato%. 3Testi5on& of
Petitione%( TSN of Au0ust )( )!B'( pp. *"-*< an/ pp. "'-"4.
P%i,ate %espon/ents( natu%all&( p%esente/ e,i/ence that 2oul/
%efute the testi5on& of petitione% on the point.
Sebastian $u0o( &oun0e% b%othe% of the /ecease/ testato%(
testifie/ at len0th on the 5e%et%icious %elationship of his b%othe%
an/ petitione%. 3TSN of Au0ust )B()!<*4. Clea%l&( the 0oo/ faith
of petitione% 2as b& option of the pa%ties 5a/e a /ecisi,e issue
%i0ht at the inception of the case.
Conf%onte/ b& the situation( the t%ial cou%t ha/ to 5a8e a %ulin0
on the >uestion.
:hen the cou%t a >uo hel/ that the testato% Ma%tin $u0o an/
petitione% J2e%e /ee5e/ 0uilt& of a/ulte%& o% concubina0eJ( it
2as a fin/in0 that petitione% 2as not the innocent 2o5an she
p%eten/e/ to be.
666 666 666
#. +f a %e,ie2 of the e,i/ence 5ust be 5a/e nonetheless( then
p%i,ate %espon/ents %espectfull& offe% the follo2in0 anal&sis1
.+RST1 The sec%ec& of the 5a%%ia0e of petitione% 2ith the
/ecease/ testato% in a to2n in Ta%lac 2he%e neithe% she no% the
testato% e,e% %esi/e/. +f the%e 2as nothin0 to hi/e f%o5( 2h& the
conceal5entJ L Of cou%se( it 5a&be a%0ue/ that the 5a%%ia0e of
the /ecease/ 2ith p%i,ate %espon/ent Rufina Go5e; 2as
li8e2ise /one in sec%ec&. But it shoul/ be %e5e5be%e/ that
Rufina Go5e; 2as al%ea/& in the fa5il& 2a& at that ti5e an/ it
2oul/ see5 that the pa%ents of Ma%tin $u0o 2e%e not in fa,o% of
the 5a%%ia0e so 5uch so that an action in cou%t 2as b%ou0ht
conce%nin0 the 5a%%ia0e. 3Testi5on& of Sebastian $u0o( TSN
of Au0ust )B( )!<*( pp. '!-#A4 chan%obles ,i%tual la2 lib%a%&
SECON-1 Petitione% 2as a s2eethea%t of the /ecease/
testato% 2hen the& 2e%e still both sin0le. That 2oul/ be in )!''
as Ma%tin $u0o 5a%%ie/ %espon/ent Rufina Go5e; on
No,e5be% '!( )!'# 3E6h. #4. Petitione% 5a%%ie/ the testato%
onl& on -ece5be% *( )!*'. The%e 2as a space of about #A
&ea%s in bet2een. -u%in0 those #A &ea%s( coul/ it be belie,e/
that she /i/ not e,en 2on/e% 2h& Ma%tin $u0o /i/ not 5a%%&
he% no% contact he% an&5o%e afte% No,e5be%( )!'# - facts that
shoul/ i5pel he% to as8 he% 0%oo5 befo%e she 5a%%ie/ hi5 in
sec%ec&( especiall& so 2hen she 2as al%ea/& about *A &ea%s
ol/ at the ti5e of 5a%%ia0e.
T7+R-1 The fact that petitione% b%o8e off f%o5 Ma%tin $u0o in
)!'# is b& itself conclusi,e /e5onst%ation that she ne2 that
the 5an she ha/ openl& li,e/ fo% '' &ea%s as 5an an/ 2ife
2as a 5a%%ie/ 5an 2ith al%ea/& t2o chil/%en.
.OURT71 7a,in0 a/5itte/ that she 8ne2 the chil/%en of
%espon/ent Rufina Go5e;( is it possible that she 2oul/ not
ha,e as8e/ Ma%tin $u0o 2hethe% o% not the& 2e%e his
ille0iti5ate o% le0iti5ate chil/%en an/ b& 2ho5L That is un-
.ilipino.
.+.T71 7a,in0 often 0one to Pasi0 to the %esi/ence of the
pa%ents of the /ecease/ testato%( is it possible that she 2oul/
not ha,e 8no2n that the 5othe% of p%i,ate %espon/ent Osca%
$u0o an/ Ca%5elita $u0o 2as %espon/ent Rufina Go5e;(
consi/e%in0 that the houses of the pa%ents of Ma%tin $u0o
32he%e he ha/ li,e/ fo% 5an& &ea%s4 an/ that of %espon/ent
Rufina Go5e; 2e%e 9ust a fe2 5ete%s a2a&L
Such p%etentions of petitione% Sofia Nepo5uceno a%e
unbelie,able. The& a%e( to sa& the least( inhe%entl& i5p%obable(
fo% the& a%e a0ainst the e6pe%ience in co55on life an/ the
o%/ina%& instincts an/ p%o5ptin0s of hu5an natu%e that a
2o5an 2oul/ not bothe% at all to as8 the 5an she 2as 0oin0 to
5a%%& 2hethe% o% not he 2as al%ea/& 5a%%ie/ to anothe%(
8no2in0 that he% 0%oo5 ha/ chil/%en. +t 2oul/ be a sto%& that
2oul/ st%ain hu5an c%e/ulit& to the li5it if petitione% /i/ not
29
8no2 that Ma%tin $u0o 2as al%ea/& a 5a%%ie/ 5an in ,ie2 of
the i%%efutable fact that it 2as p%ecisel& his 5a%%ia0e to
%espon/ent Rufina Go5e; that le/ petitione% to b%ea8 off 2ith
the /ecease/ /u%in0 thei% &oun0e% &ea%s.
Mo%eo,e%( the p%ohibition in A%ticle <#! of the Ci,il Co/e is
a0ainst the 5a8in0 of a /onation bet2een pe%sons 2ho a%e
li,in0 in a/ulte%& o% concubina0e. +t is the /onation 2hich
beco5es ,oi/. The 0i,e% cannot 0i,e e,en assu5in0 that the
%ecipient 5a& %ecei,e. The ,e%& 2o%/in0s of the :ill in,ali/ate
the le0ac& because the testato% a/5itte/ he 2as /isposin0 the
p%ope%ties to a pe%son 2ith 2ho5 he ha/ been li,in0 in
concubina0e.
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is -+SM+SSE- fo% lac8 of 5e%it.
The /ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals( no2 +nte%5e/iate
Appellate Cou%t( is A..+RME-. No costs.
SO OR-ERE-.
Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila
EN BANC
G.R. No. L-<)BB Au0ust !( )!*
+n %e1 :ill an/ Testa5ent of the /ecease/ REDEREN-
SANC7O ABA-+A.
SEDER+NA A. D-A. -E ENR+CUEH( ET AL.( petitione%s-
appellees(
,s.
M+GUEL ABA-+A( ET AL.( opposito%s-appellants.
Manuel A. Hosa( Luis B. La/on0a( Ma%iano A. Hosa an/ B. G.
A/,incula fo% appellants.
C. /e la Dicto%ia fo% appellees.
MONTEMA@OR( $.1
On Septe5be% "( )!'#( .athe% Sancho Aba/ia( pa%ish p%iest of
Talisa&( Cebu( e6ecute/ a /ocu5ent pu%po%tin0 to be his Last
:ill an/ Testa5ent no2 5a%8e/ E6hibit =A=. Resi/ent of the
Cit& of Cebu( he /ie/ on $anua%& )( )!#( in the 5unicipalit&
of Alo0uinsan( Cebu( 2he%e he 2as an e,acuee. 7e left
p%ope%ties esti5ate/ at PB(AAA in ,alue. On Octobe% '( )!"(
one An/%es En%i>ue;( one of the le0atees in E6hibit =A=( file/ a
petition fo% its p%obate in the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu.
So5e cousins an/ nephe2s 2ho 2oul/ inhe%it the estate of the
/ecease/ if he left no 2ill( file/ opposition.
-u%in0 the hea%in0 one of the attestin0 2itnesses( the othe%
t2o bein0 /ea/( testifie/ 2ithout cont%a/iction that in his
p%esence an/ in the p%esence of his co-2itnesses( .athe%
Sancho 2%ote out in lon0han/ E6hibit =A= in Spanish 2hich the
testato% spo8e an/ un/e%stoo/? that he 3testato%4 si0ne/ on he
left han/ 5a%0in of the f%ont pa0e of each of the th%ee folios o%
sheets of 2hich the /ocu5ent is co5pose/( an/ nu5be%e/ the
sa5e 2ith A%abic nu5e%als( an/ finall& si0ne/ his na5e at the
en/ of his 2%itin0 at the last pa0e( all this( in the p%esence of
the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses afte% tellin0 that it 2as his last 2ill
an/ that the sai/ th%ee 2itnesses si0ne/ thei% na5es on the
last pa0e afte% the attestation clause in his p%esence an/ in the
p%esence of each othe%. The opposito%s /i/ not sub5it an&
e,i/ence.
The lea%ne/ t%ial cou%t foun/ an/ /ecla%e/ E6hibit =A= to be a
holo0%aphic 2ill? that it 2as in the han/2%itin0 of the testato%
an/ that althou0h at the ti5e it 2as e6ecute/ an/ at the ti5e of
the testato%Js /eath( holo0%aphic 2ills 2e%e not pe%5itte/ b&
la2 still( because at the ti5e of the hea%in0 an/ 2hen the case
2as to be /eci/e/ the ne2 Ci,il Co/e 2as al%ea/& in fo%ce(
2hich Co/e pe%5itte/ the e6ecution of holo0%aphic 2ills( un/e%
a libe%al ,ie2( an/ to ca%%& out the intention of the testato%
2hich acco%/in0 to the t%ial cou%t is the cont%ollin0 facto% an/
5a& o,e%%i/e an& /efect in fo%5( sai/ t%ial cou%t b& o%/e% /ate/
$anua%& '( )!*'( a/5itte/ to p%obate E6hibit =A=( as the Last
:ill an/ Testa5ent of .athe% Sancho Aba/ia. The opposito%s
a%e appealin0 f%o5 that /ecision? an/ because onl& >uestions
of la2 a%e in,ol,e/ in the appeal( the case 2as ce%tifie/ to us
b& the Cou%t of Appeals.
The ne2 Ci,il Co/e 3Republic Act No. #B"4 un/e% a%ticle B)A
the%eof p%o,i/es that a pe%son 5a& e6ecute a holo0%aphic 2ill
2hich 5ust be enti%el& 2%itten( /ate/ an/ si0ne/ b& the testato%
hi5self an/ nee/ not be 2itnesse/. +t is a fact( ho2e,e%( that at
the ti5e that E6hibit =A= 2as e6ecute/ in )!'# an/ at the ti5e
that .athe% Aba/ia /ie/ in )!#( holo0%aphic 2ills 2e%e not
pe%5itte/( an/ the la2 at the ti5e i5pose/ ce%tain
%e>ui%e5ents fo% the e6ecution of 2ills( such as nu5be%in0
co%%elati,el& each pa0e 3not folio o% sheet4 in lette%s an/
si0nin0 on the left han/ 5a%0in b& the testato% an/ b& the th%ee
attestin0 2itnesses( %e>ui%e5ents 2hich 2e%e not co5plie/
2ith in E6hibit =A= because the bac8 pa0es of the fi%st t2o
folios of the 2ill 2e%e not si0ne/ b& an& one( not e,en b& the
testato% an/ 2e%e not nu5be%e/( an/ as to the th%ee f%ont
pa0es( the& 2e%e si0ne/ onl& b& the testato%.
+nte%p%etin0 an/ appl&in0 this %e>ui%e5ent this Cou%t in the
case of +n %e Estate of Sa0uinsin( ) Phil.( B<*( B<!( %efe%%in0
to the failu%e of the testato% an/ his 2itnesses to si0n on the left
han/ 5a%0in of e,e%& pa0e( sai/1
. . . . This /efect is %a/ical an/ totall& ,itiates the testa5ent. +t
is not enou0h that the si0natu%es 0ua%anteein0 authenticit&
shoul/ appea% upon t2o folios o% lea,es? th%ee pa0es ha,in0
been 2%itten on( the authenticit& of all th%ee of the5 shoul/ be
0ua%antee/ b& the si0natu%e of the alle0e/ testat%i6 an/ he%
2itnesses.
An/ in the case of Aspe ,s. P%ieto( " Phil.( <AA( %efe%%in0 to
the sa5e %e>ui%e5ent( this Cou%t /ecla%e/1
.%o5 an e6a5ination of the /ocu5ent in >uestion( it appea%s
that the left 5a%0ins of the si6 pa0es of the /ocu5ent a%e
si0ne/ onl& b& Dentu%a P%ieto. The nonco5pliance 2ith section
' of Act No. '"* b& the attestin0 2itnesses 2ho o5itte/ to
30
si0n 2ith the testato% at the left 5a%0in of each of the fi,e
pa0es of the /ocu5ent alle0e/ to be the 2ill of Dentu%a P%ieto(
is a fatal /efect that constitutes an obstacle to its p%obate.
:hat is the la2 to appl& to the p%obate of E6h. =A=L Ma& 2e
appl& the p%o,isions of the ne2 Ci,il Co/e 2hich not allo2s
holo0%aphic 2ills( li8e E6hibit =A= 2hich p%o,isions 2e%e
in,o8e/ b& the appellee-petitione% an/ applie/ b& the lo2e%
cou%tL But a%ticle <!* of this sa5e ne2 Ci,il Co/e e6p%essl&
p%o,i/es1 =The ,ali/it& of a 2ill as to its fo%5 /epen/s upon the
obse%,ance of the la2 in fo%ce at the ti5e it is 5a/e.= The
abo,e p%o,ision is but an e6p%ession o% state5ent of the 2ei0ht
of autho%it& to the affect that the ,ali/it& of a 2ill is to be 9u/0e/
not b& the la2 enfo%ce at the ti5e of the testato%Js /eath o% at
the ti5e the suppose/ 2ill is p%esente/ in cou%t fo% p%obate o%
2hen the petition is /eci/e/ b& the cou%t but at the ti5e the
inst%u5ent 2as e6ecute/. One %eason in suppo%t of the %ule is
that althou0h the 2ill ope%ates upon an/ afte% the /eath of the
testato%( the 2ishes of the testato% about the /isposition of his
estate a5on0 his hei%s an/ a5on0 the le0atees is 0i,en
sole5n e6p%ession at the ti5e the 2ill is e6ecute/( an/ in
%ealit&( the le0ac& o% be>uest then beco5es a co5plete/ act.
This %ulin0 has been lai/ /o2n b& this cou%t in the case of +n %e
:ill of Riosa( #! Phil.( '#. +t is a 2holeso5e /oct%ine an/
shoul/ be follo2e/.
Of cou%se( the%e is the ,ie2 that the intention of the testato%
shoul/ be the %ulin0 an/ cont%ollin0 facto% an/ that all a/e>uate
%e5e/ies an/ inte%p%etations shoul/ be %eso%te/ to in o%/e% to
ca%%& out sai/ intention( an/ that 2hen statutes passe/ afte%
the e6ecution of the 2ill an/ afte% the /eath of the testato%
lessen the fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ b& la2 fo% the e6ecution of 2ills(
sai/ subse>uent statutes shoul/ be applie/ so as to ,ali/ate
2ills /efecti,el& e6ecute/ acco%/in0 to the la2 in fo%ce at the
ti5e of e6ecution. 7o2e,e%( 2e shoul/ not fo%0et that f%o5 the
/a& of the /eath of the testato%( if he lea,es a 2ill( the title of
the le0atees an/ /e,isees un/e% it beco5es a ,este/ %i0ht(
p%otecte/ un/e% the /ue p%ocess clause of the constitution
a0ainst a subse>uent chan0e in the statute a//in0 ne2 le0al
%e>ui%e5ents of e6ecution of 2ills 2hich 2oul/ in,ali/ate such
a 2ill. B& pa%it& of %easonin0( 2hen one e6ecutes a 2ill 2hich is
in,ali/ fo% failu%e to obse%,e an/ follo2 the le0al %e>ui%e5ents
at the ti5e of its e6ecution then upon his /eath he shoul/ be
%e0a%/e/ an/ /ecla%e/ as ha,in0 /ie/ intestate( an/ his hei%s
2ill then inhe%it b& intestate succession( an/ no subse>uent
la2 2ith 5o%e libe%al %e>ui%e5ents o% 2hich /ispenses 2ith
such %e>ui%e5ents as to e6ecution shoul/ be allo2e/ to
,ali/ate a /efecti,e 2ill an/ the%eb& /i,est the hei%s of thei%
,este/ %i0hts in the estate b& intestate succession. The 0ene%al
%ule is that the Le0islatu%e can not ,ali/ate ,oi/ 2ills 3*< A5.
$u%.( :ills( Sec. '#)( pp. )!'-)!#4.
+n ,ie2 of the fo%e0oin0( the o%/e% appeale/ f%o5 is %e,e%se/(
an/ E6hibit =A= is /enie/ p%obate. :ith costs.
Pa%as( C.$.( Pablo( Ben0;on( Pa/illa( Re&es( A.( $u0o( Bautista
An0elo( Lab%a/o%( Concepcion an/ Re&es $.B.L.( $$.( concu%.
Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila
SECON- -+D+S+ON
G.R. No. L-"#" Ap%il "( )!!A
SULP+C+A $+MENEH an/ TOR+B+O MAT+AS( petitione%s(
,s.
D+CENTE .ERNAN-EH alias 7OSP+C+O .ERNAN-EH an/
TEO-ORA GRA-O( %espon/ents.
Antonio E. Ben0;on +++ fo% petitione%s.
A0ustin U. C%u; fo% p%i,ate %espon/ents.

PARAS( $.1
Befo%e Us is a petition fo% %e,ie2 on ce%tio%a%i of the follo2in0
-ecision ) an/ Resolution ' of the 7ono%able Cou%t of
Appeals1 3)4 -ecision( /ate/ Ma%ch )( )!<< in C.A.-G.R. No.
!)<B-R entitle/ =Sulpicia $i5ene;( et al.( ,. Dicente
.e%nan/e;( et al.= affi%5in0 in toto the 9u/05ent of the Cou%t of
.i%st +nstance of Pan0asinan( Thi%/ $u/icial -ist%ict in Ci,il
Case No. )BA'-+ bet2een the sa5e pa%ties an/ 3'4
Resolution /ate/ $une #( )!<< /en&in0 plaintiffs-appellantsJ
5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation.
As 0athe%e/ f%o5 the %eco%/s( the factual bac80%oun/ of this
case is as follo2s1
The lan/ in >uestion is the Easte%n po%tion 2ith an a%ea of .ou%
7un/%e/ Thi%t& Si6 3#"4 s>ua%e 5ete%s of that pa%cel of
%esi/ential lan/ situate/ in Ba%%io -uli0 3no2 Ma0sa&sa&4(
Municipalit& of Lab%a/o%( Pan0asinan actuall& co,e%e/ b&
T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title No. B''<* 3E6hibit A4 issue/ in the
na5e of Sulpicia $i5ene;.
The enti%e pa%cel of lan/ 2ith an a%ea of '(!#' s>ua%e 5ete%s(
fo%5e%l& belon0e/ to .e%5in $i5ene;. .e%5in $i5ene; has t2o
3'4 sons na5e/ .o%tunato an/ Ca%los $i5ene;. This .o%tunato
$i5ene; 2ho p%e/ecease/ his fathe% has onl& one chil/( the
petitione% Sulpicia $i5ene;. Afte% the /eath of .e%5in $i5ene;(
the enti%e pa%cel of lan/ 2as %e0iste%e/ un/e% Act !" in the
na5e of Ca%los $i5ene; an/ Sulpicia $i5ene; 3uncle an/
niece4 in e>ual sha%es p%o-in/i,iso. As a %esult of the
%e0ist%ation case O%i0inal Ce%tificate of Title No. *A!## 3E6hibit
B4 2as issue/ on .eb%ua%& 'B( )!##( in the na5es of Ca%los
$i5ene; an/ Sulpicia $i5ene;( in e>ual sha%es p%o-in/i,iso.
Ca%los $i5ene; /ie/ on $ul& !( )!#" an/ his ille0iti5ate
/au0hte%( Melecia Ca&ab&ab( also 8no2n as Melecia $i5ene;(
too8 possession of the easte%n po%tion of the p%ope%t&
consistin0 of #" s>ua%e 5ete%s.
31
On $anua%& 'A( )!( Melecia $i5ene; sol/ sai/ #" s>ua%e
5ete%-po%tion of the p%ope%t& to E/ilbe%to Ca0a5pan an/
/efen/ant Teo/o%a G%a/o e6ecute/ a cont%act entitle/
=E6chan0e of Real P%ope%ties= 2he%eb& the fo%5e% t%ansfe%%e/
sai/ #" s>ua%e 5ete%-po%tion to the latte%( 2ho has been in
occupation since.
On Au0ust '!( )!"!( plaintiff Sulpicia $i5ene; e6ecute/ an
affi/a,it a/9u/icatin0 unto he%self the othe% half of the p%ope%t&
appe%tainin0 to Ca%los $i5ene;( upon 5anifestation that she is
the onl& hei% of he% /ecease/ uncle. Conse>uentl& T%ansfe%
Ce%tificate of Title No. B''<* 2as issue/ on Octobe% )( )!"! in
petitione%Js na5e alone o,e% the enti%e '(!#' s>ua%e 5ete%
p%ope%t&.
On Ap%il )( )!<A( Sulpicia $i5ene;( 9oine/ b& he% husban/(
institute/ the p%esent action fo% the %eco,e%& of the easte%n
po%tion of the p%ope%t& consistin0 of #" s>ua%e 5ete%s
occupie/ b& /efen/ant Teo/o%a G%a/o an/ he% son.
Afte% t%ial on the 5e%its( the lo2e% cou%t %en/e%e/ 9u/05ent( the
/ispositi,e po%tion of 2hich %ea/s1
:7ERE.ORE( /ecision is he%eb& %en/e%e/ /is5issin0 the
co5plaint an/ hol/in0 the /efen/ant( Teo/o%a G%a/o( the
absolute o2ne% of the lan/ in >uestion? o%/e%in0 the plaintiffs to
pa& to the /efen/ant the a5ount of P*AA.AA as /a5a0es( as
atto%ne&Js fees( an/ to pa& the costs of suit.
SO OR-ERE-. 3Rollo( p. 'A4
Petitione% appeale/ the abo,e 9u/05ent to the %espon/ent
Cou%t of Appeals an/ on Ma%ch )( )!<<( %espon/ent Cou%t of
Appeals %en/e%e/ a /ecision affi%5in0 the sa5e in toto. Sai/
/ecision 2as %en/e%e/ b& a special /i,ision of fi,e 3*4 9ustices(
2ith the 7on. Lou%/es San -ie0o( /issentin0.
Petitione%s 2ithin the %e0le5enta%& pe%io/ 0%ante/ b& the
7ono%able Cou%t of Appeals( file/ the%e2ith a 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation. But sai/ 5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation 2as
/enie/ b& the Cou%t of Appeals in its %esolution /ate/ $une #(
)!<<.
+n thei% appeal to the %espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals f%o5 the
afo%e>uote/ /ecision of the t%ial cou%t( he%ein petitione% %aise/
the follo2in0 assi0n5ents of e%%o% to 2it1
ASS+GNMENTS O. ERROR
+
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N NOT -ECLAR+NG T7AT
MELEC+A CA@AB@AB( ALSO SNO:N AS MELEC+A
$+MENEH( +S NOT T7E -AUG7TER O. CARLOS $+MENEH.
++
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N NOT -ECLAR+NG T7AT
MELEC+A CA@AB@AB( ALSO SNO:N AS MELEC+A
$+MENEH( 7AS NO R+G7T TO SELL T7E LAN- +N
CUEST+ON TO E-+LBERTO CAGAMPAN.
+++
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N NOT -ECLAR+NG T7AT
E-+LBERTO CAGAMPAN -+- NOT BECOME T7E O:NER
O. T7E LAN- +N CUEST+ON B@ D+RTUE O. T7E -EE- O.
SALE 3EI7. =)=4 EIECUTE- B@ MELEC+A CA@AB@AB(
AL+AS MELEC+A $+MENEH( +N 7+S .ADOR.
+D
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N NOT -ECLAR+NG T7AT
TEO-ORA GRA-O -+- NOT BECOME T7E O:NER O.
T7E LAN- +N CUEST+ON B@ D+RTUE O. T7E -EE- O.
EIC7ANGE 3EI7. =<=4 EIECUTE- B@ 7ER AN-
E-+LBERTO CAGAMPAN.
D
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N NOT -ECLAR+NG T7AT
T7E T+TLE O. APPELLANT SULP+C+A $+MENEH ODER T7E
LAN- +N CUEST+ON CAN NOT BE -E.EATE- B@ T7E
A-DERSE OPEN AN- NOTOR+OUS POSSESS+ON O.
APPELLEE TEO-ORA GRA-O.
D+
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N -ECLAR+NG T7AT T7E
APPELLEE TEO-ORA GRA-O +S T7E ABSOLUTE O:NER
O. T7E LAN- +N CUEST+ON +N T7E L+G7T O. T7E
-EC+S+ON O. T7E SUPREME COURT +N T7E CASE O.
LOUR-ES ARCU+NO( ET AL.( D. RU.+NA APAR+S AN-
CAS+ANO PURA@( G.R. NO. L-'#'( PROMULGATE-
$ANUAR@ #)( )!"B( :7+C7 CASE +S NOT APPL+CABLE TO
T7E CASE AT BAR.
D++
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N -+SM+SS+NG T7E
COMPLA+NT AN- OR-ER+NG T7E APPELLANTS TO PA@
T7E APPELLEES T7E SUM O. P*AA.AA AS ATTORNE@S
.EES PLUS T7E COSTS.
.%o5 the fo%e0oin0( this petition fo% %e,ie2 2as file/.
:e fin/ 5e%it in the petition.
.%o5 the sta%t the %espon/ent cou%t e%%e/ in not /ecla%in0 that
Melecia $i5ene; Ca&ab&ab also 8no2n as Melecia $i5ene;( is
not the /au0hte% of Ca%los $i5ene; an/ the%efo%e( ha/ no %i0ht
o,e% the p%ope%t& in >uestion. Respon/ents faile/ to p%esent
conc%ete e,i/ence to p%o,e that Melecia Ca&ab&ab 2as %eall&
the /au0hte% of Ca%los $i5ene;. Nonetheless( assu5in0 fo% the
sa8e of a%0u5ent that Melecia Ca&ab&ab 2as the ille0iti5ate
/au0hte% of Ca%los $i5ene; the%e can be no >uestion that
Melecia Ca&ab&ab ha/ no %i0ht to succee/ to the estate of
Ca%los $i5ene; an/ coul/ not ha,e ,ali/l& ac>ui%e/( no% le0all&
32
t%ansfe%%e/ to E/ilbe%to Ca0a5pan that po%tion of the p%ope%t&
sub9ect of this petition.
+t is 2ell-settle/ in this 9u%is/iction that the %i0hts to the
succession a%e t%ans5itte/ f%o5 the 5o5ent of the /eath of
the /ece/ent 3A%t. <<<( Ci,il Co/e4. Mo%eo,e%( A%t. ''"# of the
Ci,il Co/e p%o,i/es as follo2s1
Ri0hts to the inhe%itance of a pe%son 2ho /ie/ 2ith o% 2ithout a
2ill( befo%e the effecti,it& of this Co/e( shall be 0o,e%ne/ b& the
Ci,il Co/e of )BB!( b& othe% p%e,ious la2s( an/ b& the Rules of
Cou%t . . . 3Rollo( p. )<4
Thus( since Ca%los $i5ene;( o2ne% of one-half p%o-in/i,iso
po%tion of that pa%cel of lan/ then co,e%e/ b& O%i0inal
Ce%tificate of title No. *A!##( /ie/ on $ul& !( )!#" 3E6hibit =.=4
2a& befo%e the effecti,it& of the Ci,il Co/e of the Philippines(
the successional %i0hts pe%tainin0 to his estate 5ust be
/ete%5ine/ in acco%/ance 2ith the Ci,il Co/e of )BB!.
Citin0 the case of Ci/ ,. Bu%na5an 3' SCRA #4 2he%ein
this Cou%t cate0o%icall& hel/ that1
To be an hei% un/e% the %ules of Ci,il Co/e of )BB! 32hich 2as
the la2 in fo%ce 2hen Ca%los $i5ene; /ie/ an/ 2hich shoul/
be the 0o,e%nin0 la2 in so fa% as the %i0ht to inhe%it f%o5 his
estate 2as conce%ne/4( a chil/ 5ust be eithe% a chil/
le0iti5ate( le0iti5ate/( o% a/opte/( o% else an ac8no2le/0e/
natu%al chil/ R fo% ille0iti5ate not natu%al a%e /is>ualifie/ to
inhe%it. 3Ci,il Co/e of )BB!( A%t. BA<( !#*4
E,en assu5in0 that Melecia Ca&ab&ab 2as bo%n out of the
co55on-la2-%elationship bet2een he% 5othe% 3Ma%ia
Ca&ab&ab4 an/ Ca%los $i5ene;( she coul/ not e,en be
consi/e%e/ an ac8no2le/0e/ natu%al chil/ because Ca%los
$i5ene; 2as then le0all& 5a%%ie/ to Susana Abalos an/
the%efo%e not >ualifie/ to 5a%%& Ma%ia Ca&ab&ab an/
conse>uentl& Melecia Ca&ab&ab 2as an ille0iti5ate spu%ious
chil/ an/ not entitle/ to an& successional %i0hts in so fa% as the
estate of Ca%los $i5ene; 2as conce%ne/.
Melecia Ca&ab&ab in the absence of an& ,olunta%& con,e&ance
to he% b& Ca%los $i5ene; o% Sulpicia $i5ene; of the liti0ate/
po%tion of the lan/ coul/ not e,en le0all& t%ansfe% the pa%cel of
lan/ to E/ilbe%to Ca0a5pan 2ho acco%/in0l&( coul/ not also
le0all& t%ansfe% the sa5e to he%ein p%i,ate %espon/ents.
Anal&;in0 the case befo%e Us in this 5anne%( :e can
i55e/iatel& /isce%n anothe% e%%o% in the /ecision of the
%espon/ent cou%t( 2hich is that the sai/ cou%t sustaine/ an/
5a/e applicable to the case at ba% the %ulin0 in the case of
A%cuino( et al.( ,. Apa%is an/ Pu%a&( No. L-'#'( $anua%& #)(
)!"B( '' SCRA A<( 2he%ein :e hel/ that1
. . . it is t%ue that the lan/s %e0iste%e/ un/e% the To%%ens S&ste5
5a& not be ac>ui%e/ b& p%esc%iption but plaintiffs he%ein a%e not
the %e0iste%e/ o2ne%s. The& 5e%el& clai5 to ha,e ac>ui%e/ b&
succession( thei% alle0e/ title o% inte%est in lot No. #**. At an&
%ate plaintiffs he%ein a%e 0uilt& of laches.
The %espon/ent cou%t %el&in0 on the A%cuino case( conclu/e/
that %espon/ents ha/ ac>ui%e/ the p%ope%t& un/e% liti0ation b&
p%esc%iption. :e cannot a0%ee 2ith such conclusion( because
the%e is one ,e%& 5a%8e/ an/ i5po%tant /iffe%ence bet2een the
case at ba% an/ that of the A%cuino case( an/ that is( that since
)!## petitione% Sulpicia $i5ene; 2as a title hol/e%( the
p%ope%t& then bein0 %e0iste%e/ in he% an/ he% uncle Ca%los
$i5ene;J na5e. +n the A%cuino case( this Sup%e5e Cou%t hel/.
=3+4t is t%ue that lan/s %e0iste%e/ un/e% the To%%ens S&ste5 5a&
not be ac>ui%e/ b& p%esc%iption but plaintiffs he%ein a%e not the
%e0iste%e/ o2ne%s.= 3Rollo( p. #B4 E,en in the sai/ cite/ case
the p%inciple of i5p%esc%iptibilit& of To%%ens Titles 2as
%especte/.
Melecia Ca&ab&abJs possession o% of he% p%e/ecesso%s-in-
inte%est 2oul/ be una,ailin0 a0ainst the petitione% Sulpicia
$i5ene; 2ho 2as the hol/e% p%o-in/i,iso 2ith Ca%los $i5ene;
of the To%%ens Ce%tificate of Title co,e%in0 a t%act of lan/ 2hich
inclu/es the po%tion no2 in >uestion( f%o5 .eb%ua%& 'B( )!##(
2hen the O%i0inal Ce%tificate of Title No. *A!## 3E6hibit B4 2as
issue/.
No possession b& an& pe%son of an& po%tion of the lan/
co,e%e/ b& sai/ o%i0inal ce%tificate of titles( coul/ /efeat the
title of the %e0iste%e/ o2ne% of the lan/ co,e%e/ b& the
ce%tificate of title. 3Benin ,. Tuason( L-'")'<( $une 'B( )!<(
*< SCRA *#)4
SulpiciaJs title o,e% he% one-half un/i,i/e/ p%ope%t& %e5aine/
0oo/ an/ continue/ to be 0oo/ 2hen she se0%e0ate/ it into a
ne2 title 3T.C.T No. B''<*( E6hibit =A=4 in )!"!. SulpiciaJs
o2ne%ship o,e% he% one-half of the lan/ an/ 2hich is the lan/
in /ispute 2as al2a&s co,e%e/ b& a To%%ens title( an/ the%efo%e(
no a5ount of possession the%eof b& the %espon/ents( coul/
e,e% /efeat he% p%op%ieta%& %i0hts the%eon. +t is appa%ent( that
the %i0ht of plaintiff 3no2 petitione%4 to institute this action to
%eco,e% possession of the po%tion of the lan/ in >uestion base/
on the To%%ens Title of Sulpicia $i5ene;( T.C.T. No. B''<*
3E6hibit =A=4 is i5p%esc%iptible an/ not ba%%e/ un/e% the
/oct%ine of laches. 3$.M. Tuason U Co. ,. Macalin/on0( L-
)*#!B( -ece5be% '!( )!"'( .%ancisco ,. C%u;( et al.( # O.G.
*)A*4 Rollo( p. #!4
The %espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals /ecla%e/ the petitione%
Sulpicia $i5ene; 0uilt& of laches an/ citin0 the %ulin0 in the
case of 7ei%s of Laca5en ,. 7ei%s of La%uan 3"* SCRA "A*4(
hel/ that( since petitione% Sulpicia $i5ene; e6ecute/ he%
Affi/a,it of Self-A/9u/ication onl& in )!"!( she lost the %i0ht to
%eco,e% possession of the pa%cel of lan/ sub9ect of the
liti0ation.
+n this instance( a0ain :e %ule fo% the petitione%. The%e is no
absolute %ule as to 2hat constitutes laches o% staleness of
/e5an/? each case is to be /ete%5ine/ acco%/in0 to its
pa%ticula% ci%cu5stances. The >uestion of laches is a//%esse/
to the soun/ /isc%etion of the cou%t an/ since laches is an
e>uitable /oct%ine( its application is cont%olle/ b& e>uitable
consi/e%ations. +t cannot be 2o%8e/ to /efeat 9ustice o% to
33
pe%pet%ate f%au/ an/ in9ustice. +t 2oul/ be %an8 in9ustice an/
patentl& ine>uitous to /ep%i,e the la2ful hei%s of thei% %i0htful
inhe%itance.
Petitione% Sulpicia $i5ene; is entitle/ to the %elief p%a&e/ fo%(
/ecla%in0 he% to be the sole an/ absolute o2ne% of the lan/ in
>uestion 2ith %i0ht to its possession an/ en9o&5ent. Since he%
uncle Ca%los $i5ene; /ie/ in )!#"( his p%o-in/i,iso sha%e in
the p%ope%ties then o2ne/ in co-o2ne%ship 2ith his niece
Sulpicia /escen/e/ b& intestac& to Sulpicia $i5ene; alone
because Ca%los /ie/ 2ithout an& issue o% othe% hei%s.
Afte% all( the p%ofesse/ ob9ecti,e of Act No. !"( othe%2ise
8no2n as the Lan/ Re0ist%ation Act o% the la2 2hich
establishe/ the To%%ens S&ste5 of Lan/ Re0ist%ation in the
Philippines is that the stabilit& of the lan/hol/in0 s&ste5 in the
Philippines /epen/s on the confi/ence of the people in the
titles co,e%in0 the p%ope%ties. An/ to this en/( this Cou%t has
in,a%iabl& uphel/ the in/efeasibilit& of the To%%ens Title an/ in(
a5on0 othe%s( $.M. Tuason an/ Co.( +nc. ,. Macalin/on0 3"
SCRA !#B4( hel/ that =the %i0ht of the appellee to file an action
to %eco,e% possession base/ on its To%%ens Title is
i5p%esc%iptible an/ not ba%%e/ un/e% the /oct%ine of laches.
:7ERE.ORE( the Petition fo% Re,ie2 is he%eb& GRANTE-.
The -ecision an/ Resolution /ate/ Ma%ch )( )!<< an/ $une #(
)!<< in CA G.R. No. L-!)<B-R a%e SET AS+-E.
SO OR-ERE-
Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila
EN BANC
G.R. No. L-)"<! $anua%& #)( )!"#
+N T7E MATTER O. T7E TESTATE ESTATE O. E-:AR- E.
C7R+STENSEN( -ECEASE-.
A-OL.O C. AHNAR( E6ecuto% an/ LUC@ C7R+STENSEN(
7ei% of the /ecease/( E6ecuto% an/ 7ei%-appellees(
,s.
7ELEN C7R+STENSEN GARC+A( opposito%-appellant.
M. R. Sotelo fo% e6ecuto% an/ hei%-appellees.
Leopol/o M. Abelle%a an/ $o,ito Salon0a fo% opposito%-
appellant.
LABRA-OR( $.1
This is an appeal f%o5 a /ecision of the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance
of -a,ao( 7on. Dicente N. Cusi( $%.( p%esi/in0( in Special
P%ocee/in0 No. "'' of sai/ cou%t( /ate/ Septe5be% )( )!!(
app%o,in0 a5on0 thin0s the final accounts of the e6ecuto%(
/i%ectin0 the e6ecuto% to %ei5bu%se Ma%ia Luc& Ch%istensen the
a5ount of P#("AA pai/ b& he% to 7elen Ch%istensen Ga%cia as
he% le0ac&( an/ /ecla%in0 Ma%ia Luc& Ch%istensen entitle/ to
the %esi/ue of the p%ope%t& to be en9o&e/ /u%in0 he% lifeti5e(
an/ in case of /eath 2ithout issue( one-half of sai/ %esi/ue to
be pa&able to M%s. Ca%%ie Louise C. Bo%ton( etc.( in acco%/ance
2ith the p%o,isions of the 2ill of the testato% E/2a%/ E.
Ch%istensen. The 2ill 2as e6ecute/ in Manila on Ma%ch *(
)!*) an/ contains the follo2in0 p%o,isions1
#. + /ecla%e ... that + ha,e but ONE 3)4 chil/( na5e/ MAR+A
LUC@ C7R+STENSEN 3no2 M%s. Be%na%/ -ane&4( 2ho 2as
bo%n in the Philippines about t2ent&-ei0ht &ea%s a0o( an/ 2ho
is no2 %esi/in0 at No. ""* Ro/0e% @oun0 Dilla0e( Los An0eles(
Califo%nia( U.S.A.
. + fu%the% /ecla%e that + no2 ha,e no li,in0 ascen/ants( an/
no /escen/ants e6cept 5& abo,e na5e/ /au0hte%( MAR+A
LUC@ C7R+STENSEN -ANE@.
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
<. + 0i,e( /e,ise an/ be>ueath unto MAR+A 7ELEN
C7R+STENSEN( no2 5a%%ie/ to E/ua%/o Ga%cia( about
ei0hteen &ea%s of a0e an/ 2ho( not2ithstan/in0 the fact that
she 2as bapti;e/ Ch%istensen( is not in an& 2a& %elate/ to 5e(
no% has she been at an& ti5e a/opte/ b& 5e( an/ 2ho( f%o5 all
info%5ation + ha,e no2 %esi/es in E0pit( -i0os( -a,ao(
Philippines( the su5 of T7REE T7OUSAN- S+I 7UN-RE-
PESOS 3P#("AA.AA4( Philippine Cu%%enc& the sa5e to be
/eposite/ in t%ust fo% the sai/ Ma%ia 7elen Ch%istensen 2ith the
-a,ao B%anch of the Philippine National Ban8( an/ pai/ to he%
at the %ate of One 7un/%e/ Pesos 3P)AA.AA4( Philippine
Cu%%enc& pe% 5onth until the p%incipal the%eof as 2ell as an&
inte%est 2hich 5a& ha,e acc%ue/ the%eon( is e6hauste/..
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
)'. + he%eb& 0i,e( /e,ise an/ be>ueath( unto 5& 2ell-belo,e/
/au0hte%( the sai/ MAR+A LUC@ C7R+STENSEN -ANE@ 3M%s.
Be%na%/ -ane&4( no2 %esi/in0 as afo%esai/ at No. ""* Ro/0e%
@oun0 Dilla0e( Los An0eles( Califo%nia( U.S.A.( all the inco5e
f%o5 the %est( %e5ain/e%( an/ %esi/ue of 5& p%ope%t& an/
estate( %eal( pe%sonal an/Ko% 5i6e/( of 2hatsoe,e% 8in/ o%
cha%acte%( an/ 2he%esoe,e% situate/( of 2hich + 5a& be
possesse/ at 5& /eath an/ 2hich 5a& ha,e co5e to 5e f%o5
an& sou%ce 2hatsoe,e%( /u%in0 he% lifeti5e1 ....
+t is in acco%/ance 2ith the abo,e->uote/ p%o,isions that the
e6ecuto% in his final account an/ p%o9ect of pa%tition %atifie/ the
pa&5ent of onl& P#("AA to 7elen Ch%istensen Ga%cia an/
p%opose/ that the %esi/ue of the estate be t%ansfe%%e/ to his
/au0hte%( Ma%ia Luc& Ch%istensen.
Opposition to the app%o,al of the p%o9ect of pa%tition 2as file/
b& 7elen Ch%istensen Ga%cia( insofa% as it /ep%i,es he% 37elen4
of he% le0iti5e as an ac8no2le/0e/ natu%al chil/( she ha,in0
been /ecla%e/ b& Us in G.R. Nos. L-))B#-B an
ac8no2le/0e/ natu%al chil/ of the /ecease/ E/2a%/ E.
Ch%istensen. The le0al 0%oun/s of opposition a%e 3a4 that the
/ist%ibution shoul/ be 0o,e%ne/ b& the la2s of the Philippines(
an/ 3b4 that sai/ o%/e% of /ist%ibution is cont%a%& the%eto insofa%
as it /enies to 7elen Ch%istensen( one of t2o ac8no2le/0e/
34
natu%al chil/%en( one-half of the estate in full o2ne%ship. +n
a5plification of the abo,e 0%oun/s it 2as alle0e/ that the la2
that shoul/ 0o,e%n the estate of the /ecease/ Ch%istensen
shoul/ not be the inte%nal la2 of Califo%nia alone( but the enti%e
la2 the%eof because se,e%al fo%ei0n ele5ents a%e in,ol,e/(
that the fo%u5 is the Philippines an/ e,en if the case 2e%e
/eci/e/ in Califo%nia( Section !" of the Califo%nia Ci,il Co/e(
2hich %e>ui%es that the /o5icile of the /ece/ent shoul/ appl&(
shoul/ be applicable. +t 2as also alle0e/ that Ma%ia 7elen
Ch%istensen ha,in0 been /ecla%e/ an ac8no2le/0e/ natu%al
chil/ of the /ece/ent( she is /ee5e/ fo% all pu%poses le0iti5ate
f%o5 the ti5e of he% bi%th.
The cou%t belo2 %ule/ that as E/2a%/ E. Ch%istensen 2as a
citi;en of the Unite/ States an/ of the State of Califo%nia at the
ti5e of his /eath( the successional %i0hts an/ int%insic ,ali/it&
of the p%o,isions in his 2ill a%e to be 0o,e%ne/ b& the la2 of
Califo%nia( in acco%/ance 2ith 2hich a testato% has the %i0ht to
/ispose of his p%ope%t& in the 2a& he /esi%es( because the %i0ht
of absolute /o5inion o,e% his p%ope%t& is sac%e/ an/ in,iolable
3+n %e Mc-anielJs Estate( << Cal. Appl. '/ B<<( )<" P. '/ !*'(
an/ +n %e Sauf5an( ))< Cal. 'B"( ! Pac. )!'( cite/ in pa0e
)<!( Reco%/ on Appeal4. Opposito% Ma%ia 7elen Ch%istensen(
th%ou0h counsel( file/ ,a%ious 5otions fo% %econsi/e%ation( but
these 2e%e /enie/. 7ence( this appeal.
The 5ost i5po%tant assi0n5ents of e%%o% a%e as follo2s1
+
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N +GNOR+NG T7E -EC+S+ON
O. T7E 7ONORABLE SUPREME COURT T7AT 7ELEN +S
T7E ACSNO:LE-GE- NATURAL C7+L- O. E-:AR- E.
C7R+STENSEN AN-( CONSECUENTL@( +N -EPR+D+NG 7ER
O. 7ER $UST S7ARE +N T7E +N7ER+TANCE.
++
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N ENT+REL@ +GNOR+NG
AN-KOR .A+L+NG TO RECOGN+HE T7E EI+STENCE O.
SEDERAL .ACTORS( ELEMENTS AN- C+RCUMSTANCES
CALL+NG .OR T7E APPL+CAT+ON O. +NTERNAL LA:.
+++
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N .A+L+NG TO RECOGN+HE
T7AT UN-ER +NTERNAT+ONAL LA:( PART+CULARL@
UN-ER T7E RENDO+ -OCTR+NE( T7E +NTR+NS+C DAL+-+T@
O. T7E TESTAMENTAR@ -+SPOS+T+ON O. T7E
-+STR+BUT+ON O. T7E ESTATE O. T7E -ECEASE-
E-:AR- E. C7R+STENSEN S7OUL- BE GODERNE- B@
T7E LA:S O. T7E P7+L+PP+NES.
+D
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N NOT -ECLAR+NG T7AT
T7E SC7E-ULE O. -+STR+BUT+ON SUBM+TTE- B@ T7E
EIECUTOR +S CONTRAR@ TO T7E P7+L+PP+NE LA:S.
D
T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N NOT -ECLAR+NG T7AT
UN-ER T7E P7+L+PP+NE LA:S 7ELEN C7R+STENSEN
GARC+A +S ENT+TLE- TO ONE-7AL. 3)K'4 O. T7E ESTATE
+N .ULL O:NERS7+P.
The%e is no >uestion that E/2a%/ E. Ch%istensen 2as a citi;en
of the Unite/ States an/ of the State of Califo%nia at the ti5e of
his /eath. But the%e is also no >uestion that at the ti5e of his
/eath he 2as /o5icile/ in the Philippines( as 2itness the
follo2in0 facts a/5itte/ b& the e6ecuto% hi5self in appelleeJs
b%ief1
+n the p%ocee/in0s fo% a/5ission of the 2ill to p%obate( the
facts of %eco%/ sho2 that the /ecease/ E/2a%/ E. Ch%istensen
2as bo%n on No,e5be% '!( )B<* in Ne2 @o%8 Cit&( N.@.(
U.S.A.? his fi%st a%%i,al in the Philippines( as an appointe/
school teache%( 2as on $ul& )( )!A)( on boa%/ the U.S. A%5&
T%anspo%t =She%i/an= 2ith Po%t of E5ba%8ation as the Cit& of
San .%ancisco( in the State of Califo%nia( U.S.A. 7e sta&e/ in
the Philippines until )!A.
+n -ece5be%( )!A( M%. Ch%istensen %etu%ne/ to the Unite/
States an/ sta&e/ the%e fo% the follo2in0 nine &ea%s until )!)#(
/u%in0 2hich ti5e he %esi/e/ in( an/ 2as teachin0 school in
Sac%a5ento( Califo%nia.
M%. Ch%istensenJs ne6t a%%i,al in the Philippines 2as in $ul& of
the &ea% )!)#. 7o2e,e%( in )!'B( he a0ain /epa%te/ the
Philippines fo% the Unite/ States an/ ca5e bac8 he%e the
follo2in0 &ea%( )!'!. So5e nine &ea%s late%( in )!#B( he a0ain
%etu%ne/ to his o2n count%&( an/ ca5e bac8 to the Philippines
the follo2in0 &ea%( )!#!.
:he%efo%e( the pa%ties %espectfull& p%a& that the fo%e0oin0
stipulation of facts be a/5itte/ an/ app%o,e/ b& this 7ono%able
Cou%t( 2ithout p%e9u/ice to the pa%ties a//ucin0 othe% e,i/ence
to p%o,e thei% case not co,e%e/ b& this stipulation of facts.
)V2phW).EXt
Bein0 an A5e%ican citi;en( M%. Ch%istensen 2as inte%ne/ b&
the $apanese Milita%& .o%ces in the Philippines /u%in0 :o%l/
:a% ++. Upon libe%ation( in Ap%il )!*( he left fo% the Unite/
States but %etu%ne/ to the Philippines in -ece5be%( )!*.
Appellees Collecti,e E6hibits ="=( C.+ -a,ao( Sp. P%oc. "''( as
E6hibits =AA=( =BB= an/ =CC--ane&=? E6hs. =MM=( =MM-l=(
=MM-'--ane&= an/ p. <#( t.s.n.( $ul& ')( )!*#.4
+n Ap%il( )!*)( E/2a%/ E. Ch%istensen %etu%ne/ once 5o%e to
Califo%nia sho%tl& afte% the 5a8in0 of his last 2ill an/ testa5ent
3no2 in >uestion he%ein4 2hich he e6ecute/ at his la2&e%sJ
offices in Manila on Ma%ch *( )!*). 7e /ie/ at the St. Lu8eJs
7ospital in the Cit& of Manila on Ap%il #A( )!*#. 3pp. '-#4
+n a%%i,in0 at the conclusion that the /o5icile of the /ecease/
is the Philippines( 2e a%e pe%sua/e/ b& the fact that he 2as
bo%n in Ne2 @o%8( 5i0%ate/ to Califo%nia an/ %esi/e/ the%e fo%
nine &ea%s( an/ since he ca5e to the Philippines in )!)# he
35
%etu%ne/ to Califo%nia ,e%& %a%el& an/ onl& fo% sho%t ,isits
3pe%haps to %elati,es4( an/ consi/e%in0 that he appea%s ne,e%
to ha,e o2ne/ o% ac>ui%e/ a ho5e o% p%ope%ties in that state(
2hich 2oul/ in/icate that he 2oul/ ulti5atel& aban/on the
Philippines an/ 5a8e ho5e in the State of Califo%nia.
Sec. )". Resi/ence is a te%5 use/ 2ith 5an& sha/es of
5eanin0 f%o5 5e%e te5po%a%& p%esence to the 5ost
pe%5anent abo/e. Gene%all&( ho2e,e%( it is use/ to /enote
so5ethin0 5o%e than 5e%e ph&sical p%esence. 3Goo/%ich on
Conflict of La2s( p. '!4
As to his citi;enship( ho2e,e%( :e fin/ that the citi;enship that
he ac>ui%e/ in Califo%nia 2hen he %esi/e/ in Sac%a5ento(
Califo%nia f%o5 )!A to )!)#( 2as ne,e% lost b& his sta& in the
Philippines( fo% the latte% 2as a te%%ito%& of the Unite/ States
3not a state4 until )!" an/ the /ecease/ appea%s to ha,e
consi/e%e/ hi5self as a citi;en of Califo%nia b& the fact that
2hen he e6ecute/ his 2ill in )!*) he /ecla%e/ that he 2as a
citi;en of that State? so that he appea%s ne,e% to ha,e inten/e/
to aban/on his Califo%nia citi;enship b& ac>ui%in0 anothe%. This
conclusion is in acco%/ance 2ith the follo2in0 p%inciple
e6poun/e/ b& Goo/%ich in his Conflict of La2s.
The te%5s =J%esi/ence= an/ =/o5icile= 5i0ht 2ell be ta8en to
5ean the sa5e thin0( a place of pe%5anent abo/e. But
/o5icile( as has been sho2n( has ac>ui%e/ a technical
5eanin0. Thus one 5a& be /o5icile/ in a place 2he%e he has
ne,e% been. An/ he 5a& %esi/e in a place 2he%e he has no
/o5icile. The 5an 2ith t2o ho5es( bet2een 2hich he /i,i/es
his ti5e( ce%tainl& %esi/es in each one( 2hile li,in0 in it. But if
he 2ent on business 2hich 2oul/ %e>ui%e his p%esence fo%
se,e%al 2ee8s o% 5onths( he 5i0ht p%ope%l& be sai/ to ha,e
sufficient connection 2ith the place to be calle/ a %esi/ent. +t is
clea%( ho2e,e%( that( if he t%eate/ his settle5ent as continuin0
onl& fo% the pa%ticula% business in han/( not 0i,in0 up his
fo%5e% =ho5e(= he coul/ not be a /o5icile/ Ne2 @o%8e%.
Ac>uisition of a /o5icile of choice %e>ui%es the e6e%cise of
intention as 2ell as ph&sical p%esence. =Resi/ence si5pl&
%e>ui%es bo/il& p%esence of an inhabitant in a 0i,en place(
2hile /o5icile %e>ui%es bo/il& p%esence in that place an/ also
an intention to 5a8e it oneJs /o5icile.= Resi/ence( ho2e,e%( is
a te%5 use/ 2ith 5an& sha/es of 5eanin0( f%o5 the 5e%est
te5po%a%& p%esence to the 5ost pe%5anent abo/e( an/ it is not
safe to insist that an& one use et the onl& p%ope% one.
3Goo/%ich( p. '!4
The la2 that 0o,e%ns the ,ali/it& of his testa5enta%&
/ispositions is /efine/ in A%ticle )" of the Ci,il Co/e of the
Philippines( 2hich is as follo2s1
ART. )". Real p%ope%t& as 2ell as pe%sonal p%ope%t& is sub9ect
to the la2 of the count%& 2he%e it is situate/.
7o2e,e%( intestate an/ testa5enta%& successions( both 2ith
%espect to the o%/e% of succession an/ to the a5ount of
successional %i0hts an/ to the int%insic ,ali/it& of testa5enta%&
p%o,isions( shall be %e0ulate/ b& the national la2 of the pe%son
2hose succession is un/e% consi/e%ation( 2hate,e% 5a& be
the natu%e of the p%ope%t& an/ %e0a%/less of the count%& 2he%e
sai/ p%ope%t& 5a& be foun/.
The application of this a%ticle in the case at ba% %e>ui%es the
/ete%5ination of the 5eanin0 of the te%5 =national la2= is use/
the%ein.
The%e is no sin0le A5e%ican la2 0o,e%nin0 the ,ali/it& of
testa5enta%& p%o,isions in the Unite/ States( each state of the
Union ha,in0 its o2n p%i,ate la2 applicable to its citi;ens onl&
an/ in fo%ce onl& 2ithin the state. The =national la2= in/icate/
in A%ticle )" of the Ci,il Co/e abo,e >uote/ can not( the%efo%e(
possibl& 5ean o% appl& to an& 0ene%al A5e%ican la2. So it can
%efe% to no othe% than the p%i,ate la2 of the State of Califo%nia.
The ne6t >uestion is1 :hat is the la2 in Califo%nia 0o,e%nin0
the /isposition of pe%sonal p%ope%t&L The /ecision of the cou%t
belo2( sustains the contention of the e6ecuto%-appellee that
un/e% the Califo%nia P%obate Co/e( a testato% 5a& /ispose of
his p%ope%t& b& 2ill in the fo%5 an/ 5anne% he /esi%es( citin0
the case of Estate of Mc-aniel( << Cal. Appl. '/ B<<( )<" P. '/
!*'. But appellant in,o8es the p%o,isions of A%ticle !" of the
Ci,il Co/e of Califo%nia( 2hich is as follo2s1
+f the%e is no la2 to the cont%a%&( in the place 2he%e pe%sonal
p%ope%t& is situate/( it is /ee5e/ to follo2 the pe%son of its
o2ne%( an/ is 0o,e%ne/ b& the la2 of his /o5icile.
The e6istence of this p%o,ision is alle0e/ in appellantJs
opposition an/ is not /enie/. :e ha,e chec8e/ it in the
Califo%nia Ci,il Co/e an/ it is the%e. Appellee( on the othe%
han/( %elies on the case cite/ in the /ecision an/ testifie/ to b&
a 2itness. 3Onl& the case of Sauf5an is co%%ectl& cite/.4 +t is
a%0ue/ on e6ecuto%Js behalf that as the /ecease/ Ch%istensen
2as a citi;en of the State of Califo%nia( the inte%nal la2 the%eof(
2hich is that 0i,en in the abo,ecite/ case( shoul/ 0o,e%n the
/ete%5ination of the ,ali/it& of the testa5enta%& p%o,isions of
Ch%istensenJs 2ill( such la2 bein0 in fo%ce in the State of
Califo%nia of 2hich Ch%istensen 2as a citi;en. Appellant( on the
othe% han/( insists that A%ticle !" shoul/ be applicable( an/ in
acco%/ance the%e2ith an/ follo2in0 the /oct%ine of the %en,oi(
the >uestion of the ,ali/it& of the testa5enta%& p%o,ision in
>uestion shoul/ be %efe%%e/ bac8 to the la2 of the /ece/entJs
/o5icile( 2hich is the Philippines.
The theo%& of /oct%ine of %en,oi has been /efine/ b& ,a%ious
autho%s( thus1
The p%oble5 has been state/ in this 2a&1 =:hen the Conflict of
La2s %ule of the fo%u5 %efe%s a 9u%al 5atte% to a fo%ei0n la2 fo%
/ecision( is the %efe%ence to the pu%el& inte%nal %ules of la2 of
the fo%ei0n s&ste5? i.e.( to the totalit& of the fo%ei0n la2 5inus
its Conflict of La2s %ulesL=
On lo0ic( the solution is not an eas& one. The Michi0an cou%t
chose to accept the %en,oi( that is( applie/ the Conflict of La2s
%ule of +llinois 2hich %efe%%e/ the 5atte% bac8 to Michi0an la2.
But once ha,in0 /ete%5ine/ the the Conflict of La2s p%inciple
is the %ule loo8e/ to( it is /ifficult to see 2h& the %efe%ence bac8
36
shoul/ not ha,e been to Michi0an Conflict of La2s. This 2oul/
ha,e %esulte/ in the =en/less chain of %efe%ences= 2hich has
so often been c%itici;e/ be le0al 2%ite%s. The opponents of the
%en,oi 2oul/ ha,e loo8e/ 5e%el& to the inte%nal la2 of +llinois(
thus %e9ectin0 the %en,oi o% the %efe%ence bac8. @et the%e
see5s no co5pellin0 lo0ical %eason 2h& the o%i0inal %efe%ence
shoul/ be the inte%nal la2 %athe% than to the Conflict of La2s
%ule. +t is t%ue that such a solution a,oi/s 0oin0 on a 5e%%&-0o-
%oun/( but those 2ho ha,e accepte/ the %en,oi theo%& a,oi/
this ine6t%icabilis ci%culas b& 0ettin0 off at the secon/ %efe%ence
an/ at that point appl&in0 inte%nal la2. Pe%haps the opponents
of the %en,oi a%e a bit 5o%e consistent fo% the& loo8 al2a&s to
inte%nal la2 as the %ule of %efe%ence.
St%an0el& enou0h( both the a/,ocates fo% an/ the ob9ecto%s to
the %en,oi plea/ that 0%eate% unifo%5it& 2ill %esult f%o5 a/option
of thei% %especti,e ,ie2s. An/ still 5o%e st%an0e is the fact that
the onl& 2a& to achie,e unifo%5it& in this choice-of-la2 p%oble5
is if in the /ispute the t2o states 2hose la2s fo%5 the le0al
basis of the liti0ation /isa0%ee as to 2hethe% the %en,oi shoul/
be accepte/. +f both %e9ect( o% both accept the /oct%ine( the
%esult of the liti0ation 2ill ,a%& 2ith the choice of the fo%u5. +n
the case state/ abo,e( ha/ the Michi0an cou%t %e9ecte/ the
%en,oi( 9u/05ent 2oul/ ha,e been a0ainst the 2o5an? if the
suit ha/ been b%ou0ht in the +llinois cou%ts( an/ the& too
%e9ecte/ the %en,oi( 9u/05ent 2oul/ be fo% the 2o5an. The
sa5e %esult 2oul/ happen( thou0h the cou%ts 2oul/ s2itch 2ith
%espect to 2hich 2oul/ hol/ liabilit&( if both cou%ts accepte/ the
%en,oi.
The Restate5ent accepts the %en,oi theo%& in t2o instances1
2he%e the title to lan/ is in >uestion( an/ 2he%e the ,ali/it& of a
/ec%ee of /i,o%ce is challen0e/. +n these cases the Conflict of
La2s %ule of the situs of the lan/( o% the /o5icile of the pa%ties
in the /i,o%ce case( is applie/ b& the fo%u5( but an& fu%the%
%efe%ence 0oes onl& to the inte%nal la2. Thus( a pe%sonJs title to
lan/( %eco0ni;e/ b& the situs( 2ill be %eco0ni;e/ b& e,e%&
cou%t? an/ e,e%& /i,o%ce( ,ali/ b& the /o5icile of the pa%ties(
2ill be ,ali/ e,e%&2he%e. 3Goo/%ich( Conflict of La2s( Sec. <(
pp. )#-).4
I( a citi;en of Massachusetts( /ies intestate( /o5icile/ in
.%ance( lea,in0 5o,able p%ope%t& in Massachusetts( En0lan/(
an/ .%ance. The >uestion a%ises as to ho2 this p%ope%t& is to
be /ist%ibute/ a5on0 IJs ne6t of 8in.
Assu5e 3)4 that this >uestion a%ises in a Massachusetts cou%t.
The%e the %ule of the conflict of la2s as to intestate succession
to 5o,ables calls fo% an application of the la2 of the
/ecease/Js last /o5icile. Since b& h&pothesis IJs last /o5icile
2as .%ance( the natu%al thin0 fo% the Massachusetts cou%t to /o
2oul/ be to tu%n to .%ench statute of /ist%ibutions( o% 2hate,e%
co%%espon/s the%eto in .%ench la2( an/ /ec%ee a /ist%ibution
acco%/in0l&. An e6a5ination of .%ench la2( ho2e,e%( 2oul/
sho2 that if a .%ench cou%t 2e%e calle/ upon to /ete%5ine ho2
this p%ope%t& shoul/ be /ist%ibute/( it 2oul/ %efe% the
/ist%ibution to the national la2 of the /ecease/( thus appl&in0
the Massachusetts statute of /ist%ibutions. So on the su%face of
thin0s the Massachusetts cou%t has open to it alte%nati,e
cou%se of action1 3a4 eithe% to appl& the .%ench la2 is to
intestate succession( o% 3b4 to %esol,e itself into a .%ench cou%t
an/ appl& the Massachusetts statute of /ist%ibutions( on the
assu5ption that this is 2hat a .%ench cou%t 2oul/ /o. +f it
accepts the so-calle/ %en,oi /oct%ine( it 2ill follo2 the latte%
cou%se( thus appl&in0 its o2n la2.
This is one t&pe of %en,oi. A 9u%al 5atte% is p%esente/ 2hich the
conflict-of-la2s %ule of the fo%u5 %efe%s to a fo%ei0n la2( the
conflict-of-la2s %ule of 2hich( in tu%n( %efe%s the 5atte% bac8
a0ain to the la2 of the fo%u5. This is %en,oi in the na%%o2e%
sense. The Ge%5an te%5 fo% this 9u/icial p%ocess is
JRuc8,e%2eisun0.J= 37a%,a%/ La2 Re,ie2( Dol. #)( pp. *'#-
*<).4
Afte% a /ecision has been a%%i,e/ at that a fo%ei0n la2 is to be
%eso%te/ to as 0o,e%nin0 a pa%ticula% case( the fu%the% >uestion
5a& a%ise1 A%e the %ules as to the conflict of la2s containe/ in
such fo%ei0n la2 also to be %eso%te/ toL This is a >uestion
2hich( 2hile it has been consi/e%e/ b& the cou%ts in but a fe2
instances( has been the sub9ect of f%e>uent /iscussion b&
te6t2%ite%s an/ essa&ists? an/ the /oct%ine in,ol,e/ has been
/esc%ipti,el& /esi0nate/ b& the5 as the =Ren,o&e%= to sen/
bac8( o% the =Ruch,e%s2eisun0=( o% the =:eite%,e%2eisun0=(
since an affi%5ati,e ans2e% to the >uestion postulate/ an/ the
ope%ation of the a/option of the fo%ei0n la2 in toto 2oul/ in
5an& cases %esult in %etu%nin0 the 5ain cont%o,e%s& to be
/eci/e/ acco%/in0 to the la2 of the fo%u5. ... 3)" C.$.S. B<'.4
Anothe% theo%&( 8no2n as the =/oct%ine of %en,oi=( has been
a/,ance/. The theo%& of the /oct%ine of %en,oi is that the cou%t
of the fo%u5( in /ete%5inin0 the >uestion befo%e it( 5ust ta8e
into account the 2hole la2 of the othe% 9u%is/iction( but also its
%ules as to conflict of la2s( an/ then appl& the la2 to the actual
>uestion 2hich the %ules of the othe% 9u%is/iction p%esc%ibe. This
5a& be the la2 of the fo%u5. The /oct%ine of the %en,oi has
0ene%all& been %epu/iate/ b& the A5e%ican autho%ities. 3' A5.
$u%. '!"4
The scope of the theo%& of %en,oi has also been /efine/ an/
the %easons fo% its application in a count%& e6plaine/ b& P%of.
Lo%en;en in an a%ticle in the @ale La2 $ou%nal( Dol. '<( )!)<-
)!)B( pp. *'!-*#). The pe%tinent pa%ts of the a%ticle a%e >uote/
he%ein belo21
The %eco0nition of the %en,oi theo%& i5plies that the %ules of the
conflict of la2s a%e to be un/e%stoo/ as inco%po%atin0 not onl&
the o%/ina%& o% inte%nal la2 of the fo%ei0n state o% count%&( but
its %ules of the conflict of la2s as 2ell. Acco%/in0 to this theo%&
Jthe la2 of a count%&J 5eans the 2hole of its la2.
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Don Ba% p%esente/ his ,ie2s at the 5eetin0 of the +nstitute of
+nte%national La2( at Neuchatel( in )!AA( in the fo%5 of the
follo2in0 theses1
37
3)4 E,e%& cou%t shall obse%,e the la2 of its count%& as %e0a%/s
the application of fo%ei0n la2s.
3'4 P%o,i/e/ that no e6p%ess p%o,ision to the cont%a%& e6ists(
the cou%t shall %espect1
3a4 The p%o,isions of a fo%ei0n la2 2hich /isclai5s the %i0ht to
bin/ its nationals ab%oa/ as %e0a%/s thei% pe%sonal statute( an/
/esi%es that sai/ pe%sonal statute shall be /ete%5ine/ b& the
la2 of the /o5icile( o% e,en b& the la2 of the place 2he%e the
act in >uestion occu%%e/.
3b4 The /ecision of t2o o% 5o%e fo%ei0n s&ste5s of la2(
p%o,i/e/ it be ce%tain that one of the5 is necessa%il&
co5petent( 2hich a0%ee in att%ibutin0 the /ete%5ination of a
>uestion to the sa5e s&ste5 of la2.
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
+f( fo% e6a5ple( the En0lish la2 /i%ects its 9u/0e to /ist%ibute the
pe%sonal estate of an En0lish5an 2ho has /ie/ /o5icile/ in
Bel0iu5 in acco%/ance 2ith the la2 of his /o5icile( he 5ust
fi%st in>ui%e 2hethe% the la2 of Bel0iu5 2oul/ /ist%ibute
pe%sonal p%ope%t& upon /eath in acco%/ance 2ith the la2 of
/o5icile( an/ if he fin/s that the Bel0ian la2 2oul/ 5a8e the
/ist%ibution in acco%/ance 2ith the la2 of nationalit& R that is
the En0lish la2 R he 5ust accept this %efe%ence bac8 to his
o2n la2.
:e note that A%ticle !" of the Califo%nia Ci,il Co/e is its
conflict of la2s %ule( 2hile the %ule applie/ in +n %e Sauf5an(
Sup%a( its inte%nal la2. +f the la2 on succession an/ the conflict
of la2s %ules of Califo%nia a%e to be enfo%ce/ 9ointl&( each in its
o2n inten/e/ an/ app%op%iate sphe%e( the p%inciple cite/ +n %e
Sauf5an shoul/ appl& to citi;ens li,in0 in the State( but A%ticle
!" shoul/ appl& to such of its citi;ens as a%e not /o5icile/ in
Califo%nia but in othe% 9u%is/ictions. The %ule lai/ /o2n of
%eso%tin0 to the la2 of the /o5icile in the /ete%5ination of
5atte%s 2ith fo%ei0n ele5ent in,ol,e/ is in acco%/ 2ith the
0ene%al p%inciple of A5e%ican la2 that the /o5icilia%& la2
shoul/ 0o,e%n in 5ost 5atte%s o% %i0hts 2hich follo2 the pe%son
of the o2ne%.
:hen a 5an /ies lea,in0 pe%sonal p%ope%t& in one o% 5o%e
states( an/ lea,es a 2ill /i%ectin0 the 5anne% of /ist%ibution of
the p%ope%t&( the la2 of the state 2he%e he 2as /o5icile/ at the
ti5e of his /eath 2ill be loo8e/ to in /eci/in0 le0al >uestions
about the 2ill( al5ost as co5pletel& as the la2 of situs is
consulte/ in >uestions about the /e,ise of lan/. +t is lo0ical
that( since the /o5icilia%& %ules cont%ol /e,olution of the
pe%sonal estate in case of intestate succession( the sa5e %ules
shoul/ /ete%5ine the ,ali/it& of an atte5pte/ testa5enta%&
/ispostion of the p%ope%t&. 7e%e( also( it is not that the
/o5icilia%& has effect be&on/ the bo%/e%s of the /o5icilia%&
state. The %ules of the /o5icile a%e %eco0ni;e/ as cont%ollin0
b& the Conflict of La2s %ules at the situs p%ope%t&( an/ the
%eason fo% the %eco0nition as in the case of intestate
succession( is the 0ene%al con,enience of the /oct%ine. The
Ne2 @o%8 cou%t has sai/ on the point1 JThe 0ene%al p%inciple
that a /ispostiton of a pe%sonal p%ope%t&( ,ali/ at the /o5icile of
the o2ne%( is ,ali/ an&2he%e( is one of the uni,e%sal
application. +t ha/ its o%i0in in that inte%national co5it& 2hich
2as one of the fi%st f%uits of ci,ili;ation( an/ it this a0e( 2hen
business inte%cou%se an/ the p%ocess of accu5ulatin0 p%ope%t&
ta8e but little notice of boun/a%& lines( the p%actical 2is/o5
an/ 9ustice of the %ule is 5o%e appa%ent than e,e%. 3Goo/%ich(
Conflict of La2s( Sec. )"( pp. '-#.4
Appellees a%0ue that 2hat A%ticle )" of the Ci,il Co/e of the
Philippines pointe/ out as the national la2 is the inte%nal la2 of
Califo%nia. But as abo,e e6plaine/ the la2s of Califo%nia ha,e
p%esc%ibe/ t2o sets of la2s fo% its citi;ens( one fo% %esi/ents
the%ein an/ anothe% fo% those /o5icile/ in othe% 9u%is/ictions.
Reason /e5an/s that :e shoul/ enfo%ce the Califo%nia
inte%nal la2 p%esc%ibe/ fo% its citi;ens %esi/in0 the%ein( an/
enfo%ce the conflict of la2s %ules fo% the citi;ens /o5icile/
ab%oa/. +f 2e 5ust enfo%ce the la2 of Califo%nia as in co5it&
2e a%e boun/ to 0o( as so /ecla%e/ in A%ticle )" of ou% Ci,il
Co/e( then 2e 5ust enfo%ce the la2 of Califo%nia in
acco%/ance 2ith the e6p%ess 5an/ate the%eof an/ as abo,e
e6plaine/( i.e.( appl& the inte%nal la2 fo% %esi/ents the%ein( an/
its conflict-of-la2s %ule fo% those /o5icile/ ab%oa/.
+t is a%0ue/ on appelleesJ behalf that the clause =if the%e is no
la2 to the cont%a%& in the place 2he%e the p%ope%t& is situate/=
in Sec. !" of the Califo%nia Ci,il Co/e %efe%s to A%ticle )" of
the Ci,il Co/e of the Philippines an/ that the la2 to the
cont%a%& in the Philippines is the p%o,ision in sai/ A%ticle )" that
the national la2 of the /ecease/ shoul/ 0o,e%n. This
contention can not be sustaine/. As e6plaine/ in the ,a%ious
autho%ities cite/ abo,e the national la2 5entione/ in A%ticle )"
of ou% Ci,il Co/e is the la2 on conflict of la2s in the Califo%nia
Ci,il Co/e( i.e.( A%ticle !"( 2hich autho%i;es the %efe%ence o%
%etu%n of the >uestion to the la2 of the testato%Js /o5icile. The
conflict of la2s %ule in Califo%nia( A%ticle !"( Ci,il Co/e(
p%ecisel& %efe%s bac8 the case( 2hen a /ece/ent is not
/o5icile/ in Califo%nia( to the la2 of his /o5icile( the
Philippines in the case at ba%. The cou%t of the /o5icile can not
an/ shoul/ not %efe% the case bac8 to Califo%nia? such action
2oul/ lea,e the issue incapable of /ete%5ination because the
case 2ill then be li8e a football( tosse/ bac8 an/ fo%th bet2een
the t2o states( bet2een the count%& of 2hich the /ece/ent 2as
a citi;en an/ the count%& of his /o5icile. The Philippine cou%t
5ust appl& its o2n la2 as /i%ecte/ in the conflict of la2s %ule of
the state of the /ece/ent( if the >uestion has to be /eci/e/(
especiall& as the application of the inte%nal la2 of Califo%nia
p%o,i/es no le0iti5e fo% chil/%en 2hile the Philippine la2( A%ts.
BB<34 an/ B!( Ci,il Co/e of the Philippines( 5a8es natu%al
chil/%en le0all& ac8no2le/0e/ fo%ce/ hei%s of the pa%ent
%eco0ni;in0 the5.
The Philippine cases 3+n %e Estate of $ohnson( #! Phil. )*"?
Rie%a ,s. Pal5a%oli( A Phil. )A*? Miciano ,s. B%i5o( *A Phil.
B"<? Babcoc8 Te5pleton ,s. Ri/e% Babcoc8( *' Phil. )#A? an/
Gibbs ,s. Go,e%n5ent( *! Phil. '!#.4 cite/ b& appellees to
suppo%t the /ecision can not possibl& appl& in the case at ba%(
fo% t2o i5po%tant %easons( i.e.( the sub9ect in each case /oes
38
not appea% to be a citi;en of a state in the Unite/ States but
2ith /o5icile in the Philippines( an/ it /oes not appea% in each
case that the%e e6ists in the state of 2hich the sub9ect is a
citi;en( a la2 si5ila% to o% i/entical 2ith A%t. !" of the
Califo%nia Ci,il Co/e.
:e the%efo%e fin/ that as the /o5icile of the /ecease/
Ch%istensen( a citi;en of Califo%nia( is the Philippines( the
,ali/it& of the p%o,isions of his 2ill /ep%i,in0 his ac8no2le/0e/
natu%al chil/( the appellant( shoul/ be 0o,e%ne/ b& the
Philippine La2( the /o5icile( pu%suant to A%t. !" of the Ci,il
Co/e of Califo%nia( not b& the inte%nal la2 of Califo%nia..
:7ERE.ORE( the /ecision appeale/ f%o5 is he%eb& %e,e%se/
an/ the case %etu%ne/ to the lo2e% cou%t 2ith inst%uctions that
the pa%tition be 5a/e as the Philippine la2 on succession
p%o,i/es. $u/05ent %e,e%se/( 2ith costs a0ainst appellees.
Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila
EN BANC
G.R. No. L-''*!* No,e5be% )( )!'<
Testate Estate of $oseph G. B%i5o( $UAN M+C+ANO(
a/5inist%ato%( petitione%-appellee(
,s.
AN-RE BR+MO( opponent-appellant.
Ross( La2%ence an/ Selph fo% appellant.
Ca5us an/ -el0a/o fo% appellee.

ROMUAL-EH( $.1
The pa%tition of the estate left b& the /ecease/ $oseph
G. B%i5o is in >uestion in this case.
The 9u/icial a/5inist%ato% of this estate file/ a sche5e of
pa%tition. An/%e B%i5o( one of the b%othe%s of the /ecease/(
oppose/ it. The cou%t( ho2e,e%( app%o,e/ it.
The e%%o%s 2hich the opposito%-appellant assi0ns a%e1
3)4 The app%o,al of sai/ sche5e of pa%tition? 3'4 /enial of
his pa%ticipation in the inhe%itance? 3#4 the /enial of the 5otion
fo% %econsi/e%ation of the o%/e% app%o,in0 the pa%tition? 34 the
app%o,al of the pu%chase 5a/e b& the Piet%o Lana of the
/ecease/Js business an/ the /ee/ of t%ansfe% of sai/ business?
an/ 3*4 the /ecla%ation that the Tu%8ish la2s a%e i5pe%tinent to
this cause( an/ the failu%e not to postpone the app%o,al of the
sche5e of pa%tition an/ the /eli,e%& of the /ecease/Js
business to Piet%o Lan;a until the %eceipt of the /epositions
%e>ueste/ in %efe%ence to the Tu%8ish la2s.
The appellantJs opposition is base/ on the fact that the
pa%tition in >uestion puts into effect the p%o,isions of $oseph G.
B%i5oJs 2ill 2hich a%e not in acco%/ance 2ith the la2s of his
Tu%8ish nationalit&( fo% 2hich %eason the& a%e ,oi/ as bein0 in
,iolation o% a%ticle )A of the Ci,il Co/e 2hich( a5on0 othe%
thin0s( p%o,i/es the follo2in01
Ne,e%theless( le0al an/ testa5enta%& successions( in
%espect to the o%/e% of succession as 2ell as to the a5ount of
the successional %i0hts an/ the int%insic ,ali/it& of thei%
p%o,isions( shall be %e0ulate/ b& the national la2 of the pe%son
2hose succession is in >uestion( 2hate,e% 5a& be the natu%e
of the p%ope%t& o% the count%& in 2hich it 5a& be situate/.
But the fact is that the opposito% /i/ not p%o,e that sai/
testi5enta%& /ispositions a%e not in acco%/ance 2ith the
Tu%8ish la2s( inas5uch as he /i/ not p%esent an& e,i/ence
sho2in0 2hat the Tu%8ish la2s a%e on the 5atte%( an/ in the
absence of e,i/ence on such la2s( the& a%e p%esu5e/ to be
the sa5e as those of the Philippines. 3Li5 an/ Li5 ,s.
Collecto% of Custo5s( #" Phil.( <'.4
+t has not been p%o,e/ in these p%ocee/in0s 2hat the
Tu%8ish la2s a%e. 7e( hi5self( ac8no2le/0es it 2hen he
/esi%es to be 0i,en an oppo%tunit& to p%esent e,i/ence on this
point? so 5uch so that he assi0ns as an e%%o% of the cou%t in not
ha,in0 /efe%%e/ the app%o,al of the sche5e of pa%tition until
the %eceipt of ce%tain testi5on& %e>ueste/ %e0a%/in0 the
Tu%8ish la2s on the 5atte%.
The %efusal to 0i,e the opposito% anothe% oppo%tunit& to
p%o,e such la2s /oes not constitute an e%%o%. +t is /isc%etiona%&
2ith the t%ial cou%t( an/( ta8in0 into consi/e%ation that the
opposito% 2as 0%ante/ a5ple oppo%tunit& to int%o/uce
co5petent e,i/ence( 2e fin/ no abuse of /isc%etion on the pa%t
of the cou%t in this pa%ticula%. The%e is( the%efo%e( no e,i/ence in
the %eco%/ that the national la2 of the testato% $oseph G. B%i5o
2as ,iolate/ in the testa5enta%& /ispositions in >uestion
2hich( not bein0 cont%a%& to ou% la2s in fo%ce( 5ust be
co5plie/ 2ith an/ e6ecute/. la2phil.net
The%efo%e( the app%o,al of the sche5e of pa%tition in this
%espect 2as not e%%oneous.
+n %e0a%/ to the fi%st assi0n5ent of e%%o% 2hich /eals 2ith
the e6clusion of the he%ein appellant as a le0atee( inas5uch as
he is one of the pe%sons /esi0nate/ as such in 2ill( it 5ust be
ta8en into consi/e%ation that such e6clusion is base/ on the
last pa%t of the secon/ clause of the 2ill( 2hich sa&s1
Secon/. + li8e /esi%e to state that althou0h b& la2( + a5 a
Tu%8ish citi;en( this citi;enship ha,in0 been confe%%e/ upon 5e
b& con>uest an/ not b& f%ee choice( no% b& nationalit& an/( on
the othe% han/( ha,in0 %esi/e/ fo% a consi/e%able len0th of
ti5e in the Philippine +slan/s 2he%e + succee/e/ in ac>ui%in0
all of the p%ope%t& that + no2 possess( it is 5& 2ish that the
/ist%ibution of 5& p%ope%t& an/ e,e%&thin0 in connection 2ith
this( 5& 2ill( be 5a/e an/ /ispose/ of in acco%/ance 2ith the
la2s in fo%ce in the Philippine islan/s( %e>uestin0 all of 5&
39
%elati,es to %espect this 2ish( othe%2ise( + annul an/ cancel
befo%ehan/ 2hate,e% /isposition foun/ in this 2ill fa,o%able to
the pe%son o% pe%sons 2ho fail to co5pl& 2ith this %e>uest.
The institution of le0atees in this 2ill is con/itional( an/
the con/ition is that the institute/ le0atees 5ust %espect the
testato%Js 2ill to /ist%ibute his p%ope%t&( not in acco%/ance 2ith
the la2s of his nationalit&( but in acco%/ance 2ith the la2s of
the Philippines.
+f this con/ition as it is e6p%esse/ 2e%e le0al an/ ,ali/(
an& le0atee 2ho fails to co5pl& 2ith it( as the he%ein opposito%
2ho( b& his attitu/e in these p%ocee/in0s has not %especte/ the
2ill of the testato%( as e6p%esse/( is p%e,ente/ f%o5 %ecei,in0
his le0ac&.
The fact is( ho2e,e%( that the sai/ con/ition is ,oi/(
bein0 cont%a%& to la2( fo% a%ticle <!' of the ci,il Co/e p%o,i/es
the follo2in01
+5possible con/itions an/ those cont%a%& to la2 o% 0oo/
5o%als shall be consi/e%e/ as not i5pose/ an/ shall not
p%e9u/ice the hei% o% le0atee in an& 5anne% 2hatsoe,e%( e,en
shoul/ the testato% othe%2ise p%o,i/e.
An/ sai/ con/ition is cont%a%& to la2 because it
e6p%essl& i0no%es the testato%Js national la2 2hen( acco%/in0 to
a%ticle )A of the ci,il Co/e abo,e >uote/( such national la2 of
the testato% is the one to 0o,e%n his testa5enta%& /ispositions.
Sai/ con/ition then( in the li0ht of the le0al p%o,isions
abo,e cite/( is consi/e%e/ un2%itten( an/ the institution of
le0atees in sai/ 2ill is uncon/itional an/ conse>uentl& ,ali/
an/ effecti,e e,en as to the he%ein opposito%.
+t %esults f%o5 all this that the secon/ clause of the 2ill
%e0a%/in0 the la2 2hich shall 0o,e%n it( an/ to the con/ition
i5pose/ upon the le0atees( is null an/ ,oi/( bein0 cont%a%& to
la2.
All of the %e5ainin0 clauses of sai/ 2ill 2ith all thei%
/ispositions an/ %e>uests a%e pe%fectl& ,ali/ an/ effecti,e it not
appea%in0 that sai/ clauses a%e cont%a%& to the testato%Js
national la2.
The%efo%e( the o%/e%s appeale/ f%o5 a%e 5o/ifie/ an/ it
is /i%ecte/ that the /ist%ibution of this estate be 5a/e in such a
5anne% as to inclu/e the he%ein appellant An/%e B%i5o as one
of the le0atees( an/ the sche5e of pa%tition sub5itte/ b& the
9u/icial a/5inist%ato% is app%o,e/ in all othe% %espects( 2ithout
an& p%onounce5ent as to costs.
So o%/e%e/.
St%eet( Malcol5( A,anceEa( Dilla5o% an/ Ost%an/( $$.( concu%.
.+RST -+D+S+ON
FG.R. No. )'#<). No,e5be% '#( 'AAAG
PAULA T. LLORENTE( petitione%( ,s. COURT O. APPEALS
an/ AL+C+A .. LLORENTE( %espon/ents.
- E C + S + O N
PAR-O( $.1
The Case
The case %aises a conflict of la2s issue.
:hat is befo%e us is an appeal f%o5 the /ecision of the Cou%t of
Appeals 5o/if&in0 that of the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t( Ca5a%ines
Su%( B%anch #*( +%i0a Cit& /ecla%in0 %espon/ent Alicia ..
Llo%ente 3he%inafte% %efe%%e/ to as PAliciaQ4( as co-o2ne%s of
2hate,e% p%ope%t& she an/ the /ecease/ Lo%en;o N. Llo%ente
3he%einafte% %efe%%e/ to as PLo%en;oQ4 5a& ha,e ac>ui%e/
/u%in0 the t2ent&-fi,e 3'*4 &ea%s that the& li,e/ to0ethe% as
husban/ an/ 2ife.
The .acts
The /ecease/ Lo%en;o N. Llo%ente 2as an enliste/ se%,ice5an
of the Unite/ States Na,& f%o5 Ma%ch )A( )!'< to Septe5be%
#A( )!*<.
On .eb%ua%& ''( )!#<( Lo%en;o an/ petitione% Paula Llo%ente
3he%einafte% %efe%%e/ to as PPaulaQ4 2e%e 5a%%ie/ befo%e a
pa%ish p%iest( Ro5an Catholic Chu%ch( in Nabua( Ca5a%ines
Su%.
Befo%e the outb%ea8 of the Pacific :a%( Lo%en;o /epa%te/ fo%
the Unite/ States an/ Paula sta&e/ in the con9u0al ho5e in
ba%%io Antipolo( Nabua( Ca5a%ines Su%.
On No,e5be% #A( )!#( Lo%en;o 2as a/5itte/ to Unite/
States citi;enship an/ Ce%tificate of Natu%ali;ation No.
**<!B)" 2as issue/ in his fa,o% b& the Unite/ States -ist%ict
Cou%t( Southe%n -ist%ict of Ne2 @o%8.
Upon the libe%ation of the Philippines b& the A5e%ican .o%ces
in )!*( Lo%en;o 2as 0%ante/ an acc%ue/ lea,e b& the U. S.
Na,&( to ,isit his 2ife an/ he ,isite/ the Philippines. 7e
/isco,e%e/ that his 2ife Paula 2as p%e0nant an/ 2as Pli,in0 inQ
an/ ha,in0 an a/ulte%ous %elationship 2ith his b%othe%( Cefe%ino
Llo%ente.
On -ece5be% ( )!*( Paula 0a,e bi%th to a bo& %e0iste%e/ in
the Office of the Re0ist%a% of Nabua as PC%isolo0o Llo%ente(Q
2ith the ce%tificate statin0 that the chil/ 2as not le0iti5ate an/
the line fo% the fathe%Ms na5e 2as left blan8.
Lo%en;o %efuse/ to fo%0i,e Paula an/ li,e 2ith he%. +n fact( on
.eb%ua%& '( )!"( the couple /%e2 a 2%itten a0%ee5ent to the
effect that 3)4 all the fa5il& allo2ances allotte/ b& the Unite/
States Na,& as pa%t of Lo%en;oMs sala%& an/ all othe%
obli0ations fo% PaulaMs /ail& 5aintenance an/ suppo%t 2oul/ be
suspen/e/? 3'4 the& 2oul/ /issol,e thei% 5a%ital union in
acco%/ance 2ith 9u/icial p%ocee/in0s? 3#4 the& 2oul/ 5a8e a
sepa%ate a0%ee5ent %e0a%/in0 thei% con9u0al p%ope%t& ac>ui%e/
40
/u%in0 thei% 5a%ital life? an/ 34 Lo%en;o 2oul/ not p%osecute
Paula fo% he% a/ulte%ous act since she ,olunta%il& a/5itte/ he%
fault an/ a0%ee/ to sepa%ate f%o5 Lo%en;o peacefull&. The
a0%ee5ent 2as si0ne/ b& both Lo%en;o an/ Paula an/ 2as
2itnesse/ b& PaulaMs fathe% an/ step5othe%. The a0%ee5ent
2as nota%i;e/ b& Nota%& Public Pe/%o Osabel.
Lo%en;o %etu%ne/ to the Unite/ States an/ on No,e5be% )"(
)!*) file/ fo% /i,o%ce 2ith the Supe%io% Cou%t of the State of
Califo%nia in an/ fo% the Count& of San -ie0o. Paula 2as
%ep%esente/ b& counsel( $ohn Rile&( an/ acti,el& pa%ticipate/ in
the p%ocee/in0s. On No,e5be% '<( )!*)( the Supe%io% Cou%t
of the State of Califo%nia( fo% the Count& of San -ie0o foun/ all
factual alle0ations to be t%ue an/ issue/ an inte%locuto%&
9u/05ent of /i,o%ce.
On -ece5be% ( )!*'( the /i,o%ce /ec%ee beca5e final.
+n the 5eanti5e( Lo%en;o %etu%ne/ to the Philippines.
On $anua%& )"( )!*B( Lo%en;o 5a%%ie/ Alicia .. Llo%ente in
Manila. Appa%entl&( Alicia ha/ no 8no2le/0e of the fi%st
5a%%ia0e e,en if the& %esi/e/ in the sa5e to2n as Paula( 2ho
/i/ not oppose the 5a%%ia0e o% cohabitation.
.%o5 )!*B to )!B*( Lo%en;o an/ Alicia li,e/ to0ethe% as
husban/ an/ 2ife. Thei% t2ent&-fi,e 3'*4 &ea% union p%o/uce/
th%ee chil/%en( Raul( Lu; an/ Be,e%l&( all su%na5e/ Llo%ente.
On Ma%ch )#( )!B)( Lo%en;o e6ecute/ a Last :ill an/
Testa5ent. The 2ill 2as nota%i;e/ b& Nota%& Public Sal,a/o%
M. Occiano( /ul& si0ne/ b& Lo%en;o 2ith attestin0 2itnesses
.%ancisco 7u0o( .%ancisco Neib%es an/ Tito T%a9ano. +n the
2ill( Lo%en;o be>ueathe/ all his p%ope%t& to Alicia an/ thei%
th%ee chil/%en( to 2it1
P3)4 + 0i,e an/ be>ueath to 5& 2ife AL+C+A R. .ORTUNO
e6clusi,el& 5& %esi/ential house an/ lot( locate/ at San
.%ancisco( Nabua( Ca5a%ines Su%( Philippines( inclu/in0 ALL
the pe%sonal p%ope%ties an/ othe% 5o,ables o% belon0in0s that
5a& be foun/ o% e6istin0 the%ein?
P3'4 + 0i,e an/ be>ueath e6clusi,el& to 5& 2ife Alicia R.
.o%tuno an/ to 5& chil/%en( Raul .. Llo%ente( Lu; .. Llo%ente
an/ Be,e%l& .. Llo%ente( in e>ual sha%es( all 5& %eal p%ope%ties
2hatsoe,e% an/ 2he%esoe,e% locate/( specificall& 5& %eal
p%ope%ties locate/ at Ba%an0a& A%o-Al/ao( Nabua( Ca5a%ines
Su%? Ba%an0a& Palo&on( Nabua( Ca5a%ines Su%? Ba%an0a&
Ba%as( Sitio Pu0a( Nabua( Ca5a%ines Su%? an/ Ba%an0a&
Palo&on( Sitio Nalili/on0( Nabua( Ca5a%ines Su%?
P3#4 + li8e2ise 0i,e an/ be>ueath e6clusi,el& unto 5& 2ife
Alicia R. .o%tuno an/ unto 5& chil/%en( Raul .. Llo%ente( Lu; ..
Llo%ente an/ Be,e%l& .. Llo%ente( in e>ual sha%es( 5& %eal
p%ope%ties locate/ in Cue;on Cit& Philippines( an/ co,e%e/ b&
T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of Title No. )BB"*'? an/ 5& lan/s in
Antipolo( Ri;al( Philippines( co,e%e/ b& T%ansfe% Ce%tificate of
Title Nos. )')!" an/ )"*)BB( both of the Re0ist%& of -ee/s of
the p%o,ince of Ri;al( Philippines?
P34 That thei% %especti,e sha%es in the abo,e-5entione/
p%ope%ties( 2hethe% %eal o% pe%sonal p%ope%ties( shall not be
/ispose/ of( ce/e/( sol/ an/ con,e&e/ to an& othe% pe%sons(
but coul/ onl& be sol/( ce/e/( con,e&e/ an/ /ispose/ of b&
an/ a5on0 the5sel,es?
P3*4 + /esi0nate 5& 2ife AL+C+A R. .ORTUNO to be the sole
e6ecuto% of this 5& Last :ill an/ Testa5ent( an/ in he% /efault
o% incapacit& of the latte% to act( an& of 5& chil/%en in the o%/e%
of a0e( if of a0e?
P3"4 + he%eb& /i%ect that the e6ecuto% na5e/ he%ein o% he%
la2ful substitute shoul/ se%,e/ 3sic4 2ithout bon/?
P3<4 + he%eb& %e,o8e an& an/ all 5& othe% 2ills( co/icils( o%
testa5enta%& /ispositions he%etofo%e e6ecute/( si0ne/( o%
publishe/( b& 5e?
P3B4 +t is 5& final 2ish an/ /esi%e that if + /ie( no %elati,es of
5ine in an& /e0%ee in the Llo%enteMs Si/e shoul/ e,e% bothe%
an/ /istu%b in an& 5anne% 2hatsoe,e% 5& 2ife Alicia R.
.o%tunato an/ 5& chil/%en 2ith %espect to an& %eal o% pe%sonal
p%ope%ties + 0a,e an/ be>ueathe/ %especti,el& to each one of
the5 b& ,i%tue of this Last :ill an/ Testa5ent.Q
On -ece5be% )( )!B#( Lo%en;o file/ 2ith the Re0ional T%ial
Cou%t( +%i0a( Ca5a%ines Su%( a petition fo% the p%obate an/
allo2ance of his last 2ill an/ testa5ent 2he%ein Lo%en;o
5o,e/ that Alicia be appointe/ Special A/5inist%at%i6 of his
estate.
On $anua%& )B( )!B( the t%ial cou%t /enie/ the 5otion fo% the
%eason that the testato% Lo%en;o 2as still ali,e.
On $anua%& '( )!B( fin/in0 that the 2ill 2as /ul& e6ecute/(
the t%ial cou%t a/5itte/ the 2ill to p%obate.
On $une ))( )!B*( befo%e the p%ocee/in0s coul/ be
te%5inate/( Lo%en;o /ie/.
On Septe5be% ( )!B*( Paula file/ 2ith the sa5e cou%t a
petition fo% lette%s of a/5inist%ation o,e% Lo%en;oMs estate in
he% fa,o%. Paula conten/e/ 3)4 that she 2as Lo%en;oMs
su%,i,in0 spouse( 3'4 that the ,a%ious p%ope%t& 2e%e ac>ui%e/
/u%in0 thei% 5a%%ia0e( 3#4 that Lo%en;oMs 2ill /ispose/ of all his
p%ope%t& in fa,o% of Alicia an/ he% chil/%en( enc%oachin0 on he%
le0iti5e an/ )K' sha%e in the con9u0al p%ope%t&.
On -ece5be% )#( )!B*( Alicia file/ in the testate p%ocee/in0
3Sp. P%oc. No. +R-<**4( a petition fo% the issuance of lette%s
testa5enta%&.
On Octobe% )( )!B*( 2ithout te%5inatin0 the testate
p%ocee/in0s( the t%ial cou%t 0a,e /ue cou%se to PaulaMs petition
in Sp. P%oc. No. +R-BBB.
On No,e5be% "( )# an/ 'A( )!B*( the o%/e% 2as publishe/ in
the ne2spape% PBicol Sta%Q.
41
On Ma& )B( )!B<( the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t issue/ a 9oint
/ecision( thus1
P:he%efo%e( consi/e%in0 that this cou%t has so foun/ that the
/i,o%ce /ec%ee 0%ante/ to the late Lo%en;o Llo%ente is ,oi/ an/
inapplicable in the Philippines( the%efo%e the 5a%%ia0e he
cont%acte/ 2ith Alicia .o%tunato on $anua%& )"( )!*B at Manila
is li8e2ise ,oi/. This bein0 so the petition of Alicia .. Llo%ente
fo% the issuance of lette%s testa5enta%& is /enie/. Li8e2ise(
she is not entitle/ to %ecei,e an& sha%e f%o5 the estate e,en if
the 2ill especiall& sai/ so he% %elationship 2ith Lo%en;o ha,in0
0aine/ the status of pa%a5ou% 2hich is un/e% A%t. <#! 3)4.
POn the othe% han/( the cou%t fin/s the petition of Paula Titula%
Llo%ente( 5e%ito%ious( an/ so /ecla%es the int%insic /isposition
of the 2ill of Lo%en;o Llo%ente /ate/ Ma%ch )#( )!B) as ,oi/
an/ /ecla%es he% entitle/ as con9u0al pa%tne% an/ entitle/ to
one-half of thei% con9u0al p%ope%ties( an/ as p%i5a%&
co5pulso%& hei%( Paula T. Llo%ente is also entitle/ to one-thi%/
of the estate an/ then one-thi%/ shoul/ 0o to the ille0iti5ate
chil/%en( Raul( Lu; an/ Be,e%l&( all su%na5e 3sic4 Llo%ente( fo%
the5 to pa%tition in e>ual sha%es an/ also entitle/ to the
%e5ainin0 f%ee po%tion in e>ual sha%es.
PPetitione%( Paula Llo%ente is appointe/ le0al a/5inist%ato% of
the estate of the /ecease/( Lo%en;o Llo%ente. As such let the
co%%espon/in0 lette%s of a/5inist%ation issue in he% fa,o% upon
he% filin0 a bon/ in the a5ount 3sic4 of P)AA(AAA.AA
con/itione/ fo% he% to 5a8e a %etu%n to the cou%t 2ithin th%ee
3#4 5onths a t%ue an/ co5plete in,ento%& of all 0oo/s( chattels(
%i0hts( an/ c%e/its( an/ estate 2hich shall at an& ti5e co5e to
he% possession o% to the possession of an& othe% pe%son fo%
he%( an/ f%o5 the p%ocee/s to pa& an/ /ischa%0e all /ebts(
le0acies an/ cha%0es on the sa5e( o% such /i,i/en/s the%eon
as shall be /ec%ee/ o% %e>ui%e/ b& this cou%t? to %en/e% a t%ue
an/ 9ust account of he% a/5inist%ation to the cou%t 2ithin one
3)4 &ea%( an/ at an& othe% ti5e 2hen %e>ui%e/ b& the cou%t an/
to pe%fo%5 all o%/e%s of this cou%t b& he% to be pe%fo%5e/.
POn the othe% 5atte%s p%a&e/ fo% in %especti,e petitions fo%
2ant of e,i/ence coul/ not be 0%ante/.
PSO OR-ERE-.Q
+n ti5e( Alicia file/ 2ith the t%ial cou%t a 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation of the afo%e>uote/ /ecision.
On Septe5be% )( )!B<( the t%ial cou%t /enie/ AliciaMs 5otion
fo% %econsi/e%ation but 5o/ifie/ its ea%lie% /ecision( statin0 that
Raul an/ Lu; Llo%ente a%e not chil/%en Ple0iti5ate o% othe%2iseQ
of Lo%en;o since the& 2e%e not le0all& a/opte/ b& hi5.
A5en/in0 its /ecision of Ma& )B( )!B<( the t%ial cou%t /ecla%e/
Be,e%l& Llo%ente as the onl& ille0iti5ate chil/ of Lo%en;o(
entitlin0 he% to one-thi%/ 3)K#4 of the estate an/ one-thi%/ 3)K#4
of the f%ee po%tion of the estate.
On Septe5be% 'B( )!B<( %espon/ent appeale/ to the Cou%t of
Appeals.
On $ul& #)( )!!*( the Cou%t of Appeals p%o5ul0ate/ its
/ecision( affi%5in0 2ith 5o/ification the /ecision of the t%ial
cou%t in this 2ise1
P:7ERE.ORE( the /ecision appeale/ f%o5 is he%eb&
A..+RME- 2ith the MO-+.+CAT+ON that Alicia is /ecla%e/ as
co-o2ne% of 2hate,e% p%ope%ties she an/ the /ecease/ 5a&
ha,e ac>ui%e/ /u%in0 the t2ent&-fi,e 3'*4 &ea%s of cohabitation.
PSO OR-ERE-.Q
On Au0ust '*( )!!*( petitione% file/ 2ith the Cou%t of Appeals a
5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation of the /ecision.
On Ma%ch ')( )!!"( the Cou%t of Appeals( /enie/ the 5otion
fo% lac8 of 5e%it.
7ence( this petition.
The +ssue
St%ippin0 the petition of its le0alese an/ so%tin0 th%ou0h the
,a%ious a%0u5ents %aise/( the issue is si5ple. :ho a%e
entitle/ to inhe%it f%o5 the late Lo%en;o N. Llo%enteL
:e /o not a0%ee 2ith the /ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals. :e
%e5an/ the case to the t%ial cou%t fo% %ulin0 on the int%insic
,ali/it& of the 2ill of the /ecease/.
The Applicable La2
The fact that the late Lo%en;o N. Llo%ente beca5e an A5e%ican
citi;en lon0 befo%e an/ at the ti5e of1 3)4 his /i,o%ce f%o5
Paula? 3'4 5a%%ia0e to Alicia? 3#4 e6ecution of his 2ill? an/ 34
/eath( is /ul& establishe/( a/5itte/ an/ un/ispute/.
Thus( as a %ule( issues a%isin0 f%o5 these inci/ents a%e
necessa%il& 0o,e%ne/ b& fo%ei0n la2.
The Ci,il Co/e clea%l& p%o,i/es1
PA%t. )*. La2s %elatin0 to fa5il& %i0hts an/ /uties( o% to the
status( con/ition an/ le0al capacit& of pe%sons a%e bin/in0
upon citi;ens of the Philippines( e,en thou0h li,in0 ab%oa/.
PA%t. )". Real p%ope%t& as 2ell as pe%sonal p%ope%t& is sub9ect
to the la2 of the count%& 2he%e it is situate/.
P7o2e,e%( intestate an/ testa5enta%& succession( both 2ith
%espect to the o%/e% of succession an/ to the a5ount of
successional %i0hts an/ to the int%insic ,ali/it& of testa5enta%&
p%o,isions( shall be %e0ulate/ b& the national la2 of the pe%son
2hose succession is un/e% consi/e%ation( 2hate,e% 5a& be
the natu%e of the p%ope%t& an/ %e0a%/less of the count%&
2he%ein sai/ p%ope%t& 5a& be foun/.Q 3e5phasis ou%s4
T%ue( fo%ei0n la2s /o not p%o,e the5sel,es in ou% 9u%is/iction
an/ ou% cou%ts a%e not autho%i;e/ to ta8e 9u/icial notice of
the5. Li8e an& othe% fact( the& 5ust be alle0e/ an/ p%o,e/.
42
:hile the substance of the fo%ei0n la2 2as plea/e/( the Cou%t
of Appeals /i/ not a/5it the fo%ei0n la2. The Cou%t of Appeals
an/ the t%ial cou%t calle/ to the fo%e the %en,oi /oct%ine( 2he%e
the case 2as P%efe%%e/ bac8Q to the la2 of the /ece/entMs
/o5icile( in this case( Philippine la2.
:e note that 2hile the t%ial cou%t state/ that the la2 of Ne2
@o%8 2as not sufficientl& p%o,en( in the sa5e b%eath it 5a/e
the cate0o%ical( albeit e>uall& unp%o,en state5ent that
PA5e%ican la2 follo2s the N/o5icilia%& theo%&M hence( Philippine
la2 applies 2hen /ete%5inin0 the ,ali/it& of Lo%en;oMs 2ill.
.i%st( the%e is no such thin0 as one A5e%ican la2. The
=national la2= in/icate/ in A%ticle )" of the Ci,il Co/e cannot
possibl& appl& to 0ene%al A5e%ican la2. The%e is no such la2
0o,e%nin0 the ,ali/it& of testa5enta%& p%o,isions in the Unite/
States. Each State of the union has its o2n la2 applicable to
its citi;ens an/ in fo%ce onl& 2ithin the State. +t can the%efo%e
%efe% to no othe% than the la2 of the State of 2hich the
/ece/ent 2as a %esi/ent. Secon/( the%e is no sho2in0 that the
application of the %en,oi /oct%ine is calle/ fo% o% %e>ui%e/ b&
Ne2 @o%8 State la2.
The t%ial cou%t hel/ that the 2ill 2as int%insicall& in,ali/ since it
containe/ /ispositions in fa,o% of Alice( 2ho in the t%ial cou%tMs
opinion 2as a 5e%e pa%a5ou%. The t%ial cou%t th%e2 the 2ill
out( lea,in0 Alice( an/ he% t2o chil/%en( Raul an/ Lu;( 2ith
nothin0.
The Cou%t of Appeals also /is%e0a%/e/ the 2ill. +t /ecla%e/
Alice entitle/ to one half 3)K'4 of 2hate,e% p%ope%t& she an/
Lo%en;o ac>ui%e/ /u%in0 thei% cohabitation( appl&in0 A%ticle )
of the Ci,il Co/e of the Philippines.
The hast& application of Philippine la2 an/ the co5plete
/is%e0a%/ of the 2ill( al%ea/& p%obate/ as /ul& e6ecute/ in
acco%/ance 2ith the fo%5alities of Philippine la2( is fatal(
especiall& in li0ht of the factual an/ le0al ci%cu5stances he%e
obtainin0.
Dali/it& of the .o%ei0n -i,o%ce
+n Dan -o%n ,. Ro5illo( $%. 2e hel/ that o2in0 to the nationalit&
p%inciple e5bo/ie/ in A%ticle )* of the Ci,il Co/e( onl&
Philippine nationals a%e co,e%e/ b& the polic& a0ainst absolute
/i,o%ces( the sa5e bein0 consi/e%e/ cont%a%& to ou% concept of
public polic& an/ 5o%alit&. +n the sa5e case( the Cou%t %ule/
that aliens 5a& obtain /i,o%ces ab%oa/( p%o,i/e/ the& a%e ,ali/
acco%/in0 to thei% national la2.
Citin0 this lan/5a%8 case( the Cou%t hel/ in Cuita ,. Cou%t of
Appeals( that once p%o,en that %espon/ent 2as no lon0e% a
.ilipino citi;en 2hen he obtaine/ the /i,o%ce f%o5 petitione%(
the %ulin0 in Dan -o%n 2oul/ beco5e applicable an/ petitione%
coul/ P,e%& 2ell lose he% %i0ht to inhe%itQ f%o5 hi5.
+n Pilapil ,. +ba&-So5e%a( 2e %eco0ni;e/ the /i,o%ce obtaine/
b& the %espon/ent in his count%&( the .e/e%al Republic of
Ge%5an&. The%e( 2e state/ that /i,o%ce an/ its le0al effects
5a& be %eco0ni;e/ in the Philippines insofa% as %espon/ent is
conce%ne/ in ,ie2 of the nationalit& p%inciple in ou% ci,il la2 on
the status of pe%sons.
.o% failin0 to appl& these /oct%ines( the /ecision of the Cou%t of
Appeals 5ust be %e,e%se/. :e hol/ that the /i,o%ce obtaine/
b& Lo%en;o 7. Llo%ente f%o5 his fi%st 2ife Paula 2as ,ali/ an/
%eco0ni;e/ in this 9u%is/iction as a 5atte% of co5it&. No2( the
effects of this /i,o%ce 3as to the succession to the estate of the
/ece/ent4 a%e 5atte%s best left to the /ete%5ination of the t%ial
cou%t.
Dali/it& of the :ill
The Ci,il Co/e p%o,i/es1
PA%t. )<. The fo%5s an/ sole5nities of cont%acts( 2ills( an/
othe% public inst%u5ents shall be 0o,e%ne/ b& the la2s of the
count%& in 2hich the& a%e e6ecute/.
P:hen the acts %efe%%e/ to a%e e6ecute/ befo%e the /iplo5atic
o% consula% officials of the Republic of the Philippines in a
fo%ei0n count%&( the sole5nities establishe/ b& Philippine la2s
shall be obse%,e/ in thei% e6ecution.Q 3un/e%sco%in0 ou%s4
The clea% intent of Lo%en;o to be>ueath his p%ope%t& to his
secon/ 2ife an/ chil/%en b& he% is 0la%in0l& sho2n in the 2ill
he e6ecute/. :e /o not 2ish to f%ust%ate his 2ishes( since he
2as a fo%ei0ne%( not co,e%e/ b& ou% la2s on Pfa5il& %i0hts an/
/uties( status( con/ition an/ le0al capacit&.Q
:hethe% the 2ill is int%insicall& ,ali/ an/ 2ho shall inhe%it f%o5
Lo%en;o a%e issues best p%o,e/ b& fo%ei0n la2 2hich 5ust be
plea/e/ an/ p%o,e/. :hethe% the 2ill 2as e6ecute/ in
acco%/ance 2ith the fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ is ans2e%e/ b&
%efe%%in0 to Philippine la2. +n fact( the 2ill 2as /ul& p%obate/.
As a 0ui/e ho2e,e%( the t%ial cou%t shoul/ note that 2hate,e%
public polic& o% 0oo/ custo5s 5a& be in,ol,e/ in ou% s&ste5 of
le0iti5es( Con0%ess /i/ not inten/ to e6ten/ the sa5e to the
succession of fo%ei0n nationals. Con0%ess specificall& left the
a5ount of successional %i0hts to the /ece/entJs national la2.
7a,in0 thus %ule/( 2e fin/ it unnecessa%& to pass upon the
othe% issues %aise/.
The .allo
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is GRANTE-. The /ecision of the
Cou%t of Appeals in CA-G. R. SP No. )<" p%o5ul0ate/ on
$ul& #)( )!!* is SET AS+-E.
+n lieu the%eof( the Cou%t REDERSES the /ecision of the
Re0ional T%ial Cou%t an/ RECOGN+HES as DAL+- the /ec%ee
of /i,o%ce 0%ante/ in fa,o% of the /ecease/ Lo%en;o N.
Llo%ente b& the Supe%io% Cou%t of the State of Califo%nia in an/
fo% the Count& of San -ie0o( 5a/e final on -ece5be% ( )!*'.
.u%the%( the Cou%t REMAN-S the cases to the cou%t of o%i0in
fo% /ete%5ination of the int%insic ,ali/it& of Lo%en;o N.
43
Llo%enteMs 2ill an/ /ete%5ination of the pa%tiesM successional
%i0hts allo2in0 p%oof of fo%ei0n la2 2ith inst%uctions that the
t%ial cou%t shall p%ocee/ 2ith all /elibe%ate /ispatch to settle the
estate of the /ecease/ 2ithin the f%a5e2o%8 of the Rules of
Cou%t.
No costs.
SO OR-ERE-.
-a,i/e( $%.( C.$.( 3Chai%5an4( Puno( Sapunan( an/ @na%es-
Santia0o( $$.( concu%.
.+RST -+D+S+ON
"G.R. N#. $'343$. De)e5+er 3, $(((.
LO!RDES L. DOROTEO, petitioner, vs. CO!RT OF
APPEALS, NILDA D. 6!INTANA, 7#r erse87 and
as A**#rne9-1n-Fa)* #7 VICENTE DOROTEO and
2OSE DOROTEO, respondents.
D E C I S I O N
/NARES-SANTIAGO, J.:
Ma& a last 2ill an/ testa5ent a/5itte/ to p%obate but
/ecla%e/ int%insicall& ,oi/ in an o%/e% that has beco5e final an/
e6ecuto%& still be 0i,en effectL This is the issue that a%ose f%o5
the follo2in0 antece/ents1
P%i,ate %espon/ents 2e%e the le0iti5ate chil/%en of
Ale9an/%o -o%otheo an/ Aniceta Re&es. The latte% /ie/ in
)!"! 2ithout he% estate bein0 settle/. Ale9an/%o /ie/
the%eafte%. So5eti5e in )!<<( afte% Ale9an/%oMs /eath(
petitione%( 2ho clai5s to ha,e ta8en ca%e of Ale9an/%o befo%e
he /ie/( file/ a special p%ocee/in0 fo% the p%obate of the latte%Ms
last 2ill an/ testa5ent. +n )!B)( the cou%t issue/ an o%/e%
a/5ittin0 Ale9an/%oMs 2ill to p%obate. P%i,ate %espon/ents /i/
not appeal f%o5 sai/ o%/e%. +n )!B#( the& file/ a PMotion To
-ecla%e The :ill +nt%insicall& Doi/.Q The t%ial cou%t 0%ante/ the
5otion an/ issue/ an o%/e%( the /ispositi,e po%tion of 2hich
%ea/s1
P:7ERE.ORE( in ,ie2 of the fo%e0oin0( O%/e% is he%eb&
issue/ /ecla%in0 Lou%/es Le0aspi not the 2ife of the late
Ale9an/%o -o%otheo( the p%o,isions of the last 2ill an/
testa5ent of Ale9an/%o -o%otheo as int%insicall& ,oi/( an/
/ecla%in0 the opposito%s Dicente -o%otheo( $ose -o%otheo an/
Nil/a -o%otheo Cuintana as the onl& hei%s of the late spouses
Ale9an/%o -o%otheo an/ Aniceta Re&es( 2hose %especti,e
estates shall be li>ui/ate/ an/ /ist%ibute/ acco%/in0 to the
la2s on intestac& upon pa&5ent of estate an/ othe% ta6es /ue
to the 0o,e%n5ent.Q
F)G
Petitione% 5o,e/ fo% %econsi/e%ation a%0uin0 that she is
entitle/ to so5e co5pensation since she too8 ca%e of
Ale9an/%o p%io% to his /eath althou0h she a/5itte/ that the&
2e%e not 5a%%ie/ to each othe%. Upon /enial of he% 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation( petitione% appeale/ to the Cou%t of Appeals(
but the sa5e 2as /is5isse/ fo% failu%e to file appellantMs b%ief
2ithin the e6ten/e/ pe%io/ 0%ante/.
F'G
This /is5issal beca5e
final an/ e6ecuto%& on .eb%ua%& #( )!B! an/ a co%%espon/in0
ent%& of 9u/05ent 2as fo%th2ith issue/ b& the Cou%t of Appeals
on Ma& )"( )!B!. A 2%it of e6ecution 2as issue/ b& the lo2e%
cou%t to i5ple5ent the final an/ e6ecuto%&
O%/e%. Conse>uentl&( p%i,ate %espon/ents file/ se,e%al
5otions inclu/in0 a 5otion to co5pel petitione% to su%%en/e% to
the5 the T%ansfe% Ce%tificates of Titles 3TCT4 co,e%in0 the
p%ope%ties of the late Ale9an/%o. :hen petitione% %efuse/ to
su%%en/e% the TCTMs( p%i,ate %espon/ents file/ a 5otion fo%
cancellation of sai/ titles an/ fo% issuance of ne2 titles in thei%
na5es. Petitione% oppose/ the 5otion.
An O%/e% 2as issue/ on No,e5be% '!( )!!A b& $u/0e
Hain B. An0as settin0 asi/e the final an/ e6ecuto%& O%/e%
/ate/ $anua%& #A( )!B"( as 2ell as the O%/e% /i%ectin0 the
issuance of the 2%it of e6ecution( on the 0%oun/ that the o%/e%
2as 5e%el& Pinte%locuto%&Q( hence not final in cha%acte%. The
cou%t a//e/ that the /ispositi,e po%tion of the sai/ O%/e% e,en
/i%ects the /ist%ibution of the estate of the /ecease/
spouses. P%i,ate %espon/ents file/ a 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation 2hich 2as /enie/ in an O%/e% /ate/ .eb%ua%&
)( )!!). Thus( p%i,ate %espon/ents file/ a petition befo%e the
Cou%t of Appeals( 2hich nullifie/ the t2o assaile/ O%/e%s /ate/
No,e5be% '!( )!!A an/ .eb%ua%& )( )!!).
A00%ie,e/( petitione% institute/ a petition fo% %e,ie2
a%0uin0 that the case file/ b& p%i,ate %espon/ents befo%e the
Cou%t of Appeals 2as a petition un/e% Rule "* on the 0%oun/ of
0%a,e abuse of /isc%etion o% lac8 of 9u%is/iction. Petitione%
conten/s that in issuin0 the t2o assaile/ o%/e%s( $u/0e An0as
cannot be sai/ to ha,e no 9u%is/iction because he 2as
pa%ticula%l& /esi0nate/ to hea% the case. Petitione% li8e2ise
assails the O%/e% of the Cou%t of Appeals uphol/in0 the ,ali/it&
of the $anua%& #A( )!B" O%/e% 2hich /ecla%e/ the int%insic
in,ali/it& of Ale9an/%oMs 2ill that 2as ea%lie% a/5itte/ to
p%obate.
Petitione% also file/ a 5otion to %einstate he% as e6ecut%i6
of the estate of the late Ale9an/%o an/ to 5aintain the status
quo o% lease of the p%e5ises the%eon to thi%/ pa%ties.
F#G
P%i,ate
%espon/ents oppose/ the 5otion on the 0%oun/ that petitione%
has no inte%est in the estate since she is not the la2ful 2ife of
the late Ale9an/%o.
The petition is 2ithout 5e%it. A final an/ e6ecuto%&
/ecision o% o%/e% can no lon0e% be /istu%be/ o% %eopene/ no
5atte% ho2 e%%oneous it 5a& be. +n settin0 asi/e the $anua%&
#A( )!B" O%/e% that has attaine/ finalit&( the t%ial cou%t in effect
nullifie/ the ent%& of 9u/05ent 5a/e b& the Cou%t of Appeals. +t
is 2ell settle/ that a lo2e% cou%t cannot %e,e%se o% set asi/e
/ecisions o% o%/e%s of a supe%io% cou%t( fo% to /o so 2oul/ be to
ne0ate the hie%a%ch& of cou%ts an/ nullif& the essence of
%e,ie2. +t has been %ule/ that a final 9u/05ent on p%obate/ 2ill(
albeit e%%oneous( is bin/in0 on the 2hole 2o%l/.
FG
+t has been consistentl& hel/ that if no appeal is ta8en in
/ue ti5e f%o5 a 9u/05ent o% o%/e% of the t%ial cou%t( the sa5e
attains finalit& b& 5e%e lapse of ti5e. Thus( the o%/e% allo2in0
the 2ill beca5e final an/ the >uestion /ete%5ine/ b& the cou%t
in such o%/e% can no lon0e% be %aise/ ane2( eithe% in the sa5e
p%ocee/in0s o% in a /iffe%ent 5otion. The 5atte%s of /ue
e6ecution of the 2ill an/ the capacit& of the testato% ac>ui%e/
the cha%acte% of %es 9u/icata an/ cannot a0ain be b%ou0ht into
>uestion( all 9u%i/ical >uestions in connection the%e2ith bein0
44
fo% once an/ fo%e,e% close/.
F*G
Such final o%/e% 5a8es the 2ill
conclusi,e a0ainst the 2hole 2o%l/ as to its e6t%insic ,ali/it&
an/ /ue e6ecution.
F"G
+t shoul/ be note/ that p%obate p%ocee/in0s /eals
0ene%all& 2ith the e6t%insic ,ali/it& of the 2ill sou0ht to be
p%obate/(
F<G
pa%ticula%l& on th%ee aspects1
Y 2hethe% the 2ill sub5itte/ is in/ee/( the /ece/entMs last 2ill
an/ testa5ent?
Y co5pliance 2ith the p%esc%ibe/ fo%5alities fo% the e6ecution
of 2ills?
Y the testa5enta%& capacit& of the testato%?
FBG
Y an/ the /ue e6ecution of the last 2ill an/ testa5ent.
F!G
Un/e% the Ci,il Co/e( /ue e6ecution inclu/es a
/ete%5ination of 2hethe% the testato% 2as of soun/ an/
/isposin0 5in/ at the ti5e of its e6ecution( that he ha/ f%eel&
e6ecute/ the 2ill an/ 2as not actin0 un/e% /u%ess( f%au/(
5enace o% un/ue influence an/ that the 2ill is 0enuine an/ not
a fo%0e%&(
F)AG
that he 2as of the p%ope% testa5enta%& a0e an/
that he is a pe%son not e6p%essl& p%ohibite/ b& la2 f%o5 5a8in0
a 2ill.
F))G
The int%insic ,ali/it& is anothe% 5atte% an/ >uestions
%e0a%/in0 the sa5e 5a& still be %aise/ e,en afte% the 2ill has
been authenticate/.
F)'G
Thus( it /oes not necessa%il& follo2 that
an e6t%insicall& ,ali/ last 2ill an/ testa5ent is al2a&s
int%insicall& ,ali/. E,en if the 2ill 2as ,ali/l& e6ecute/( if the
testato% p%o,i/es fo% /ispositions that /ep%i,es o% i5pai%s the
la2ful hei%s of thei% le0iti5e o% %i0htful inhe%itance acco%/in0 to
the la2s on succession(
F)#G
the unla2ful p%o,isionsK/ispositions
the%eof cannot be 0i,en effect. This is speciall& so 2hen the
cou%ts ha/ al%ea/& /ete%5ine/ in a final an/ e6ecuto%&
/ecision that the 2ill is int%insicall& ,oi/. Such /ete%5ination
ha,in0 attaine/ that cha%acte% of finalit& is bin/in0 on this Cou%t
2hich 2ill no lon0e% be /istu%be/. Not that this Cou%t fin/s the
2ill to be int%insicall& ,ali/( but that a final an/ e6ecuto%&
/ecision of 2hich the pa%t& ha/ the oppo%tunit& to challen0e
befo%e the hi0he% t%ibunals 5ust stan/ an/ shoul/ no lon0e% be
%ee,aluate/. .ailu%e to a,ail of the %e5e/ies p%o,i/e/ b& la2
constitutes 2ai,e%. An/ if the pa%t& /oes not a,ail of othe%
%e5e/ies /espite its belief that it 2as a00%ie,e/ b& a /ecision
o% cou%t action( then it is /ee5e/ to ha,e full& a0%ee/ an/ is
satisfie/ 2ith the /ecision o% o%/e%. As ea%l& as )!)B( it has
been /ecla%e/ that public polic& an/ soun/ p%actice /e5an/
that( at the %is8 of occasional e%%o%s( 9u/05ents of cou%ts 5ust
at so5e point of ti5e fi6e/ b& la2
F)G
beco5e final othe%2ise
the%e 2ill be no en/ to liti0ation. Interes rei publicae ut finis sit
litium - the ,e%& ob9ect of 2hich the cou%ts 2e%e constitute/ 2as
to put an en/ to cont%o,e%sies.
F)*G
To fulfill this pu%pose an/ to
/o so spee/il&( ce%tain ti5e li5its( 5o%e o% less a%bit%a%&( ha,e
to be set up to spu% on the slothful.
F)"G
The onl& instance 2he%e
a pa%t& inte%este/ in a p%obate p%ocee/in0 5a& ha,e a final
li>ui/ation set asi/e is 2hen he is left out b& %eason of
ci%cu5stances be&on/ his cont%ol o% th%ou0h 5ista8e o%
ina/,e%tence not i5putable to ne0li0ence(
F)<G
2hich
ci%cu5stances /o not concu% he%ein.
Petitione% 2as p%i,& to the suit callin0 fo% the /ecla%ation
of the int%insic in,ali/it& of the 2ill( as she p%ecisel& appeale/
f%o5 an unfa,o%able o%/e% the%ef%o5. Althou0h the final an/
e6ecuto%& O%/e% of $anua%& #A( )!B" 2he%ein p%i,ate
%espon/ents 2e%e /ecla%e/ as the onl& hei%s /o not bin/ those
2ho a%e not pa%ties the%eto such as the alle0e/ ille0iti5ate son
of the testato%( the sa5e constitutes res judicata 2ith %espect to
those 2ho 2e%e pa%ties to the p%obate p%ocee/in0s. Petitione%
cannot a0ain %aise those 5atte%s ane2 fo% %eliti0ation
othe%2ise that 2oul/ a5ount to fo%u5-shoppin0. +t shoul/ be
%e5e5be%e/ that fo%u5 shoppin0 also occu%s 2hen the sa5e
issue ha/ al%ea/& been %esol,e/ a/,e%sel& b& so5e othe%
cou%t.
F)BG
+t is clea% f%o5 the e6ecuto%& o%/e% that the estates of
Ale9an/%o an/ his spouse shoul/ be /ist%ibute/ acco%/in0 to
the la2s of intestate succession.
Petitione% posits that the $anua%& #A( )!B" O%/e% is
5e%el& inte%locuto%&( hence it can still be set asi/e b& the t%ial
cou%t. +n suppo%t the%eof( petitione% a%0ues that Pan o%/e%
5e%el& /ecla%in0 2ho a%e hei%s an/ the sha%es to 2hich set of
hei%s is entitle/ cannot be the basis of e6ecution to %e>ui%e
/eli,e%& of sha%es f%o5 one pe%son to anothe% pa%ticula%l& 2hen
no p%o9ect of pa%tition has been file/.Q
F)!G
The t%ial cou%t /ecla%e/
in the $anua%& #A( )!B" O%/e% that petitione% is not the le0al
2ife of Ale9an/%o( 2hose onl& hei%s a%e his th%ee le0iti5ate
chil/%en 3petitione%s he%ein4( an/ at the sa5e ti5e it nullifie/
the 2ill. But it shoul/ be note/ that in the sa5e O%/e%( the t%ial
cou%t also sai/ that the estate of the late spouses be
/ist%ibute/ acco%/in0 to the la2s of intestac&. Acco%/in0l&( it
has no option but to i5ple5ent that o%/e% of intestate
/ist%ibution an/ not to %eopen an/ a0ain %e-e6a5ine the
int%insic p%o,isions of the sa5e 2ill.
+t can be clea%l& infe%%e/ f%o5 A%ticle !"A of the Ci,il
Co/e( on the la2 of successional %i0hts that testac& is
p%efe%%e/ to intestac&.
F'AG
But befo%e the%e coul/ be testate
/ist%ibution( the 2ill 5ust pass the sc%utini;in0 test an/
safe0ua%/s p%o,i/e/ b& la2 consi/e%in0 that the /ecease/
testato% is no lon0e% a,ailable to p%o,e the ,olunta%iness of his
actions( asi/e f%o5 the fact that the t%ansfe% of the estate is
usuall& one%ous in natu%e an/ that no one is p%esu5e/ to 0i,e
- Nemo praesumitur donare.
F')G
No intestate /ist%ibution of the
estate can be /one until an/ unless the 2ill ha/ faile/ to pass
both its e6t%insic an/ int%insic ,ali/it&. +f the 2ill is e6t%insicall&
,oi/( the %ules of intestac& appl& %e0a%/less of the int%insic
,ali/it& the%eof. +f it is e6t%insicall& ,ali/( the ne6t test is to
/ete%5ine its int%insic ,ali/it& O that is 2hethe% the p%o,isions of
the 2ill a%e ,ali/ acco%/in0 to the la2s of succession. +n this
case( the cou%t ha/ %ule/ that the 2ill of Ale9an/%o 2as
e6t%insicall& ,ali/ but the int%insic p%o,isions the%eof 2e%e
,oi/. Thus( the %ules of intestac& appl& as co%%ectl& hel/ b& the
t%ial cou%t.
.u%the%5o%e( Ale9an/%oMs /isposition in his 2ill of the
alle0e/ sha%e in the con9u0al p%ope%ties of his late spouse(
2ho5 he /esc%ibe/ as his Ponl& belo,e/ 2ifeQ( is not a ,ali/
%eason to %e,e%se a final an/ e6ecuto%& o%/e%. Testa5enta%&
/ispositions of p%ope%ties not belon0in0 e6clusi,el& to the
testato% o% p%ope%ties 2hich a%e pa%t of the con9u0al %e0i5e
cannot be 0i,en effect. Matte%s 2ith %espect to 2ho o2ns the
p%ope%ties that 2e%e /ispose/ of b& Ale9an/%o in the ,oi/ 2ill
5a& still be p%ope%l& ,entilate/ an/ /ete%5ine/ in the intestate
p%ocee/in0s fo% the settle5ent of his an/ that of his late
spouseMs estate.
Petitione%Ms 5otion fo% appoint5ent as a/5inist%at%i6 is
%en/e%e/ 5oot consi/e%in0 that she 2as not 5a%%ie/ to the late
Ale9an/%o an/( the%efo%e( is not an hei%.
WEREFORE( the petition is -EN+E- an/ the /ecision
appeale/ f%o5 is A..+RME-.
45
SO ORDERED.
Davide, Jr., C.J., (Chairman), Puno,
apunan, an/ Pardo, JJ., concu%.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
EN BANC
G.R. N#. L-;3'$ Mar)< $&, $($%
2!LIANA BAGTAS, plaintiffs-appellee(
,s.
ISIDRO PAG!IO, ET AL., /efen/ants-appellants.
!alas and ala" for appellants.
Jose !antia#o for appellee.
TRENT, J.1
This is an appeal f%o5 an o%/e% of the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of
the P%o,ince of Bataan( a/5ittin0 to p%obate a /ocu5ent 2hich
2as offe%e/ as the last 2ill an/ testa5ent of Pio>uinto Pa0uio
& Pi;a%%o. The 2ill pu%po%ts to ha,e been e6ecute/ in the
pueblo of Pila%( P%o,ince of Bataan( on the )!th /a& of Ap%il(
)!AB. The testato% /ie/ on the 'Bth of Septe5be%( )!A!( a &ea%
an/ fi,e 5onths follo2in0 the /ate of the e6ecution of the 2ill.
The 2ill 2as p%opoun/e/ b& the e6ecut%i6( $uliana Ba0tas(
2i/o2 of the /ece/ent( an/ the opponents a%e a son an/
se,e%al 0%an/chil/%en b& a fo%5e% 5a%%ia0e( the latte% bein0 the
chil/%en of a /ecease/ /au0hte%.
The basis of the opposition to the p%obation of the 2ill is that
the sa5e 2as not e6ecute/ acco%/in0 to the fo%5alities an/
%e>ui%e5ents of the la2 touchin0 2ills( an/ fu%the% that the
testato% 2as not in the full of en9o&5ent an/ use of his 5ental
faculties an/ 2as 2ithout the 5ental capacit& necessa%& to
e6ecute a ,ali/ 2ill.
The %eco%/ sho2s that the testato%( Pio>uinto Pa0uio( fo% so5e
fou%teen of fifteen &ea%s p%io% to the ti5e of his /eath suffe%e/
f%o5 a pa%al&sis of the left si/e of his bo/&? that a fe2 &ea%s
p%io% to his /eath his hea%in0 beca5e i5pai%e/ an/ that he lost
the po2e% of speech. O2in0 to the pa%al&sis of ce%tain 5uscles
his hea/ fell to one si/e( an/ sali,a %an f%o5 his 5outh. 7e
%etaine/ the use of his %i0ht han/( ho2e,e%( an/ 2as able to
2%ite fai%l& 2ell. Th%ou0h the 5e/iu5 of si0ns he 2as able to
in/icate his 2ishes to his 2ife an/ to othe% 5e5be%s of his
fa5il&.
At the ti5e of the e6ecution of the 2ill the%e 2e%e p%esent the
fou% testa5enta%& 2itnesses( A0ustin Pa0uio( Anacleto Pa0uio(
an/ Pe/%o Pa0uio( an/ atto%ne&( SeEo% Ma%co( an/ one
.lo%entino Ra5os. Anacleto Pa0uio an/ the atto%ne& ha,e
since /ie/( an/ conse>uentl& thei% testi5on& 2as not a,ailable
upon the t%ial of the case in the lo2e% cou%t. The othe% th%ee
testa5enta%& 2itnesses an/ the 2itness .lo%entino Ra5os
testifie/ as to the 5anne% in 2hich the 2ill 2as e6ecute/.
Acco%/in0 to the uncont%o,e%te/ testi5on& of these 2itnesses
the 2ill 2as e6ecute/ in the follo2in0 5anne%1
Pio>uinto Pa0uio( the testato%( 2%ote out on pieces of pape%
notes an/ ite5s %elatin0 to the /isposition of his p%ope%t&( an/
these notes 2e%e in tu%n /eli,e%e/ to SeEo% Ma%co( 2ho
t%ansc%ibe/ the5 an/ put the5 in fo%5. The 2itnesses testif&
that the pieces of pape% upon 2hich the notes 2e%e 2%itten a%e
/eli,e%e/ to atto%ne& b& the testato%? that the atto%ne& %ea/
the5 to the testato% as8in0 if the& 2e%e his testa5enta%&
/ispositions? that the testato% assente/ each ti5e 2ith an
affi%5ati,e 5o,e5ent of his hea/? that afte% the 2ill as a 2hole
ha/ been thus 2%itten b& the atto%ne&( it 2as %ea/ in a lou/
,oice in the p%esence of the testato% an/ the 2itnesses? that
SeEo% Ma%co 0a,e the /ocu5ent to the testato%? that the latte%(
afte% loo8in0 o,e% it( si0ne/ it in the p%esence of the fou%
subsc%ibin0 2itnesses? an/ that the& in tu%n si0ne/ it in the
p%esence of the testato% an/ each othe%.
These a%e the facts of %eco%/ 2ith %efe%ence to the e6ecution of
the 2ill an/ 2e a%e in pe%fect acco%/ 2ith the 9u/05ent of the
lo2e% cou%t that the fo%5alities of the Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e
ha,e been full& co5plie/ 2ith.
This b%in0s us no2 to a consi/e%ation of appellantsJ secon/
assi0n5ent of e%%o%( ,i;( the testato%Js alle0e/ 5ental
incapacit& at the ti5e of the e6ecution of the 2ill. Upon this
point consi/e%able e,i/ence 2as a//uce/ at the t%ial. One of
the attestin0 2itnesses testifie/ that at the ti5e of the
e6ecution of the 2ill the testato% 2as in his %i0ht 5in/( an/ that
althou0h he 2as se%iousl& ill( he in/icate/ b& 5o,e5ents of his
hea/ 2hat his 2ishes 2e%e. Anothe% of the attestin0 2itnesses
state/ that he 2as not able to sa& 2hethe% /ece/ent ha/ the
full use of his 5ental faculties o% not( because he ha/ been ill
fo% so5e &ea%s( an/ that he 3the 2itnesses4 2as not a
ph&sician. The othe% subsc%ibin0 2itness( Pe/%o Pa0uio(
testifie/ in the lo2e% cou%t as a 2itness fo% the opponents. 7e
2as unable to state 2hethe% o% not the 2ill 2as the 2ish of the
testato%. The onl& %easons he 0a,e fo% his state5ent 2e%e the
infi%5it& an/ a/,ance/ a0e of the testato% an/ the fact that he
2as unable to spea8. The 2itness state/ that the testato%
si0ne/ the 2ill( an/ he ,e%ifie/ his o2n si0natu%e as a
subsc%ibin0 2itness.
.lo%entino Ra5os( althou0h not an attestin0 2itness( state/
that he 2as p%esent 2hen the 2ill 2as e6ecute/ an/ his
testi5on& 2as cu5ulati,e in co%%obo%ation of the 5anne% in
2hich the 2ill 2as e6ecute/ an/ as to the fact that the testato%
si0ne/ the 2ill. This 2itness also state/ that he ha/ f%e>uentl&
t%ansacte/ 5atte%s of business fo% the /ece/ent an/ ha/
2%itten lette%s an/ 5a/e in,ento%ies of his p%ope%t& at his
%e>uest( an/ that i55e/iatel& befo%e an/ afte% the e6ecution of
the 2ill he ha/ pe%fo%5e/ offices of his cha%acte%. 7e state/
that the /ece/ent 2as able to co55unicate his thou0hts b&
2%itin0. The testi5on& of this 2itness clea%l& in/icates the
p%esence of 5ental capacit& on the pa%t of the testato%. A5on0
othe% 2itnesses fo% the opponents 2e%e t2o ph&sician( -octo%
Basa an/ -octo% Dia/o. -octo% Basa testifie/ that he ha/
atten/e/ the testato% so5e fou% o% fi,e &ea%s p%io% to his /eath
an/ that the latte% ha/ suffe%e/ f%o5 a ce%eb%al con0estion
f%o5 2hich the pa%al&sis %esulte/. The follo2in0 >uestion 2as
p%opoun/e/ to -octo% Basa1
C. Refe%%in0 to 5ental con/ition in 2hich &ou
foun/ hi5 the last ti5e &ou atten/e/ hi5( /o &ou thin8
he 2as in his %i0ht 5in/L
46
A. + can not sa& e6actl& 2hethe% he 2as in his
%i0ht 5in/( but + note/ so5e 5ental /iso%/e%( because
2hen + spo8e to hi5 he /i/ not ans2e% 5e.
-octo% Basa testifie/ at 5o%e len0th( but the substance of his
testi5on& is that the testato% ha/ suffe%e/ a pa%al&sis an/ that
he ha/ notice/ so5e 5ental /iso%/e%. 7e /oes not sa& that the
testato% 2as not in his %i0ht 5in/ at the ti5e of the e6ecution of
the 2ill( no% /oes he 0i,e it at his opinion that he 2as 2ithout
the necessa%& 5ental capacit& to 5a8e a ,ali/ 2ill. 7e /i/ not
state in 2hat 2a& this 5ental /iso%/e% ha/ 5anifeste/ itself
othe% than that he ha/ notice/ that the testato% /i/ not %epl& to
hi5 on one occasion 2hen he ,isite/ hi5.
-octo% Dia/o( the othe% ph&sician( ha,e ne,e% seen the
testato%( but his ans2e% 2as in %epl& to a h&pothetical >uestion
as to 2hat be the 5ental con/ition of a pe%son 2ho 2as <!
&ea%s ol/ an/ 2ho ha/ suffe%e/ f%o5 a 5ala/& such as the
testato% 2as suppose/ to ha,e ha/ acco%/in0 to the testi5on&
of -octo% Basa( 2hose testi5on& -octo% Dia/o ha/ hea%/. 7e
%eplie/ an/ /iscusse/ at so5e len0th the s&5pto5s an/
conse>uences of the /ecease f%o5 2hich the testato% ha/
suffe%e/? he %ea/ in suppo%t of his state5ents f%o5 a 2o%8 b& a
Ge%5an Ph&sician( -%. 7e%5an Eichost. +n ans2e%( ho2e,e%( to
a /i%ect >uestion( he state/ that he 2oul/ be unable to ce%tif&
to the 5ental con/ition of a pe%son 2ho 2as suffe%in0 f%o5
such a /isease.
:e /o not thin8 that the testi5on& of these t2o ph&sicians in
an& 2a& st%en0thens the contention of the appellants. Thei%
testi5on& onl& confi%5s the fact that the testato% ha/ been fo% a
nu5be% of &ea%s p%io% to his /eath afflicte/ 2ith pa%al&sis( in
conse>uence of 2hich his ph&sician an/ 5ental st%en0th 2as
0%eatl& i5pai%e/. Neithe% of the5 atte5pte/ to state 2hat 2as
the 5ental con/ition of the testato% at the ti5e he e6ecute/ the
2ill in >uestion. The%e can be no /oubt that the testato%Js
infi%5ities 2e%e of a ,e%& se%ious cha%acte%( an/ it is >uite
e,i/ent that his 5in/ 2as not as acti,e as it ha/ been in the
ea%lie% &ea%s of his life. 7o2e,e%( 2e can not inclu/e f%o5 this
that he 2antin0 in the necessa%& 5ental capacit& to /ispose of
his p%ope%t& b& 2ill.
The cou%ts ha,e been calle/ upon f%e>uentl& to nullif& 2ills
e6ecute/ un/e% such ci%cu5stances( but the 2ei0ht of the
autho%it& is in suppo%t if the p%inciple that it is onl& 2hen those
see8in0 to o,e%th%o2 the 2ill ha,e clea%l& establishe/ the
cha%0e of 5ental incapacit& that the cou%ts 2ill inte%,ene to set
asi/e a testa5enta%& /ocu5ent of this cha%acte%. +n the case
of $u#nao vs. %ba# 3) Phil. Rep.( )"#4( the >uestion of
testa5enta%& capacit& 2as /iscusse/ b& this cou%t. The
nu5e%ous citations the%e 0i,en f%o5 the /ecisions of the Unite/
States cou%ts a%e especiall& applicable to the case at ba% an/
ha,e ou% app%o,al. +n this 9u%is/iction the p%esu5ption of la2 is
in fa,o% of the 5ental capacit& of the testato% an/ the bu%/en is
upon the contestants of the 2ill to p%o,e the lac8 of
testa5enta%& capacit&. 3+n the 5atte% of the 2ill of Cabi0tin0( )
Phil. Rep.( "#? in the 5atte% of the 2ill of Butali/( )A Phil.
Rep.( '<? 7e%nae; vs. 7e%nae;( ) Phil. Rep.( "B!.4
The %ule of la2 %elatin0 to the p%esu5ption of 5ental
soun/ness is 2ell establishe/( an/ the testato% in the case at
ba% ne,e% ha,in0 been a/9u/0e/ insane b& a cou%t of
co5petent 9u%is/iction( this p%esu5ption continues( an/ it is
the%efo%e incu5bent upon the opponents to o,e%co5e this
le0al p%esu5ption b& p%ope% e,i/ence. This 2e thin8 the& ha,e
faile/ to /o. The%e a%e 5an& cases an/ autho%ities 2hich 2e
5i0ht cite to sho2 that the cou%ts ha,e %epeate/l& hel/ that
5e%e 2ea8ness of 5in/ an/ bo/&( in/uce/ b& a0e an/ /isease
/o not %en/e% a pe%son incapable of 5a8in0 a 2ill. The la2
/oes not %e>ui%e that a pe%son shall continue in the full
en9o&5ent an/ use of his p%istine ph&sical an/ 5ental po2e%s
in o%/e% to e6ecute a ,ali/ 2ill. +f such 2e%e the le0al stan/a%/(
fe2 in/ee/ 2oul/ be the nu5be% of 2ills that coul/ 5eet such
e6actin0 %e>ui%e5ents. The autho%ities( both 5e/ical an/ le0al(
a%e uni,e%sal in state5ent that the >uestion of 5ental capacit&
is one of /e0%ee( an/ that the%e a%e 5an& 0%a/ations f%o5 the
hi0hest /e0%ee of 5ental soun/ness to the lo2est con/itions of
/isease/ 5entalit& 2hich a%e /eno5inate/ as insanit& an/
i/ioc&.
The %i0ht to /ispose of p%ope%t& b& testa5enta%& /isposition is
as sac%e/ as an& othe% %i0ht 2hich a pe%son 5a& e6e%cise an/
this %i0ht shoul/ not be nullifie/ unless 5ental incapacit& is
establishe/ in a positi,e an/ conclusi,e 5anne%. +n /iscussin0
the >uestion of testa5enta%& capacit&( it is state/ in ,olu5e 'B(
<A( of the A5e%ican an/ En0lish Enc&clope/ia of La2( that R
Cont%a%& to the ,e%& p%e,alent la& i5p%ession( pe%fect
soun/ness of 5in/ is not essential to testa5enta%&
capacit&. A testato% 5a& be afflicte/ 2ith a ,a%iet& of
5ental 2ea8nesses( /iso%/e%s( o% peculia%ities an/
still be capable in la2 of e6ecutin0 a ,ali/ 2ill. 3See
the nu5e%ous cases the%e cite/ in suppo%t of this
state5ent.4
The %ule %elatin0 to testa5enta%& capacit& is state/ in Bus2ell
on +nsanit&( section #"*( an/ >uote/ 2ith app%o,al inCampbell
vs. Campbell 3)#A +ll.( ""4( as follo2s1
To constitute a soun/ an/ /isposin0 5in/( it is not
necessa%& that the 5in/ shall be 2holl& unb%o8en(
uni5pai%e/( o% unshatte%e/ b& /isease o% othe%2ise(
o% that the testato% shoul/ be in the full possession of
his %easonin0 faculties.
+n note( ) $a%5an on :ills( #B( the %ule is thus state/1
The >uestion is not so 5uch( that 2as the /e0%ee of
5e5o%& possesse/ b& the testato%( as( ha/ he a
/isposin0 5e5o%&L :as he able to %e5e5be% the
p%ope%t& he 2as about to be>ueath( the 5anne% of
/istu%bin0 it( an/ the ob9ects of his bount&L +n a 2o%/(
2e%e his 5in/ an/ 5e5o%& sufficientl& soun/ to
enable hi5 to 8no2 an/ un/e%stan/ the business in
2hich he 2as en0a0e/ at the ti5e 2hen he e6ecute/
his 2ill. 3See autho%ities the%e cite/.4
+n &ilson vs. 'itchell 3)A) Penn.( !*4( the follo2in0 facts
appea%e/ upon the t%ial of the case1 The testato% /ie/ at the
a0e of nea%l& )A' &ea%s. +n his ea%l& &ea%s he 2as an intelli0ent
an/ 2ell info%5e/ 5an. About se,en &ea%s p%io% to his /eath he
suffe%e/ a pa%al&tic st%o8e an/ f%o5 that ti5e his 5in/ an/
5e5o%& 2e%e 5ush enfeeble/. 7e beca5e ,e%& /ull of hea%in0
an/ in conse>uence of the sh%in8in0 of his b%ain he 2as
affecte/ 2ith senile cata%act causin0 total blin/ness. 7e
beca5e filth& an/ obscene in his habits( althou0h fo%5e%l& he
2as obse%,ant of the p%ope%ties of life. The cou%t( in
co55entin0 upon the case( sai/1
47
Neithe% a0e( no% sic8ness( no% e6t%e5e /ist%ess( no%
/ebilit& of bo/& 2ill affect the capacit& to 5a8e a 2ill(
if sufficient intelli0ence %e5ains. The failu%e of
5e5o%& is not sufficient to c%eate the incapacit&(
unless it be total( o% e6ten/ to his i55e/iate fa5il& o%
p%ope%t&. . . .
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
-ou0al 3the testato%4 ha/ li,e/ o,e% one hun/%e/
&ea%s befo%e he 5a/e the 2ill( an/ his ph&sical an/
5ental 2ea8ness an/ /efecti,e 5e5o%& 2e%e in
st%i8in0 cont%ast 2ith thei% st%en0th in the 5e%i/ian of
his life. 7e 2as blin/? not /eaf( but hea%in0 i5pai%e/?
his 5in/ acte/ slo2l&( he 2as fo%0etful o% %ecent
e,ents( especiall& of na5es( an/ %epeate/ >uestions
in con,e%sation? an/ so5eti5es( 2hen a%ouse/ fo%
sleep o% slu5be%( 2oul/ see5 be2il/e%e/. +t is not
sin0ula% that so5e of those 2ho ha/ 8no2n hi5 2hen
he 2as %e5a%8able fo% ,i0o% an/ intelli0ence( a%e of
the opinion that his %eason 2as so fa% 0one that he
2as incapable of 5a8in0 a 2ill( althou0h the& ne,e%
hea%/ hi5 utte% an i%%ational e6p%ession.
+n the abo,e case the 2ill 2as sustaine/. +n the case at ba% 2e
5i0ht /%a2 the sa5e cont%ast as 2as pictu%e/ b& the cou%t in
the case 9ust >uote/. The st%i8in0 chan0e in the ph&sical an/
5ental ,i0o% of the testato% /u%in0 the last &ea%s of his life 5a&
ha,e le/ so5e of those 2ho 8ne2 hi5 in his ea%lie% /a&s to
ente%tain /oubts as to his 5ental capacit& to 5a8e a 2ill( &et
2e thin8 that the state5ents of the 2itnesses to the e6ecution
of the 2ill an/ state5ents of the con/uct of the testato% at that
ti5e all in/icate that he un>uestionabl& ha/ 5ental capacit&
an/ that he e6e%cise/ it on this occasion. At the ti5e of the
e6ecution of the 2ill it /oes not appea% that his con/uct 2as
i%%ational in an& pa%ticula%. 7e see5s to ha,e co5p%ehen/e/
clea%l& 2hat the natu%e of the business 2as in 2hich he 2as
en0a0e/. The e,i/ence sho2 that the 2%itin0 an/ e6ecution of
the 2ill occupie/ a pe%io/ se,e%al hou%s an/ that the testato%
2as p%esent /u%in0 all this ti5e( ta8in0 an acti,e pa%t in all the
p%ocee/in0s. A0ain( the 2ill in the case at ba% is pe%fectl&
%easonable an/ its /ispositions a%e those of a %ational pe%son.
.o% the %easons abo,e state/( the o%/e% p%obatin0 the 2ill
shoul/ be an/ the sa5e is he%eb& affi%5e/( 2ith costs of this
instance a0ainst the appellants.
(rellano, C.J., )orres, 'apa, Johnson, Carson and 'oreland,
JJ., concu%.
Republic of the Philippines
Su0re5e C#ur*
Ba0uio Cit&

FIRST DIVISION

ANTONIO B. BALTAZAR, G.R. N#. $-&&3(
SEBASTIAN M. BALTAZAR,
ANTONIO L. MANGALINDAN,
ROSIE M. MATEO, P%esent1
NENITA A. PACECO,
VIRGILIO REGALA, 2R., CORONA(
and RAFAEL TITCO, LEONAR-O--E CASTRO(
Petitioners, BERSAM+N(
-EL CAST+LLO(
- ,e%sus - D+LLARAMA( $R.(

LORENZO LA=A, P%o5ul0ate/1
*espondent. (pril ++, ,-+,
6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6

D E C I S I O N

DEL CASTILLO, J.:

+t is incu5bent upon those 2ho oppose the p%obate of a 2ill
to clea%l& establish that the /ece/ent 2as not of soun/ an/ /isposin0
5in/ at the ti5e of the e6ecution of sai/ 2ill. Othe%2ise( the state is
/ut&-boun/ to 0i,e full effect to the 2ishes of the testato% to /ist%ibute
his estate in the 5anne% p%o,i/e/ in his 2ill so lon0 as it is le0all&
tenable.
F)G

Befo%e us is a Petition fo% Re,ie2 on Certiorari
F'G
of the $une
)*( 'AA" -ecision
F#G
of the Cou%t of Appeals 3CA4 in CA-G.R. CD No.
BA!<! 2hich %e,e%se/ the Septe5be% #A( 'AA# -ecision
FG
of the
Re0ional T%ial Cou%t 3RTC4( B%anch *'( Gua0ua( Pa5pan0a in
Special P%ocee/in0s No. G-))B". The assaile/ CA -ecision 0%ante/
the petition fo% p%obate of the nota%ial 2ill of Paciencia Re0ala
3Paciencia4( to 2it1
:7ERE.ORE( p%e5ises consi/e%e/(
fin/in0 the appeal to be i5p%esse/ 2ith 5e%it( the
/ecision in SP. PROC. NO. G-))B" /ate/ #A
Septe5be% 'AA#( is he%eb& SET AS+-E an/ a
ne2 one ente%e/ GRANT+NG the petition fo% the
p%obate of the 2ill of PAC+ENC+A REGALA.

SO OR-ERE-.
F*G


Also assaile/ he%ein is the Au0ust #)( 'AA" CA
Resolution
F"G
2hich /enie/ the Motion fo% Reconsi/e%ation the%eto.

Petitione%s call us to %e,e%se the CAMs assaile/ -ecision an/
instea/ affi%5 the -ecision of the RTC 2hich /isallo2e/ the nota%ial
2ill of Paciencia.

48
Factual Antecedents

Paciencia 2as a <B &ea% ol/ spinste% 2hen she 5a/e he% last
2ill an/ testa5ent entitle/ P)auli Nan# $ilin o )estamento 'iss
Paciencia *e#alaQ
F<G
3:ill4 in the Pa5pan0o /ialect on Septe5be% )#(
)!B). The :ill( e6ecute/ in the house of %eti%e/ $u/0e E%nestino G.
Li5pin 3$u/0e Li5pin4( 2as %ea/ to Paciencia t2ice. Afte% 2hich(
Paciencia e6p%esse/ in the p%esence of the inst%u5ental 2itnesses
that the /ocu5ent is he% last 2ill an/ testa5ent. She the%eafte%
affi6e/ he% si0natu%e at the en/ of the sai/ /ocu5ent on pa0e #
FBG
an/
then on the left 5a%0in of pa0es )( ' an/ the%eof.
F!G

The 2itnesses to the :ill 2e%e -%a. Ma%ia Lioba A. Li5pin
3-%a. Li5pin4( .%ancisco Ga%cia 3.%ancisco4 an/ .austino R. Me%ca/o
3.austino4. The th%ee atteste/ to the :illMs /ue e6ecution b& affi6in0
thei% si0natu%es belo2 its attestation clause
F)AG
an/ on the left 5a%0in of
pa0es )( ' an/ the%eof(
F))G
in the p%esence of Paciencia an/ of one
anothe% an/ of $u/0e Li5pin 2ho acte/ as nota%& public.
Chil/less an/ 2ithout an& b%othe%s o% siste%s( Paciencia
be>ueathe/ all he% p%ope%ties to %espon/ent Lo%en;o R. La6a
3Lo%en;o4 an/ his 2ife Co%a;on .. La6a an/ thei% chil/%en Luna
Lo%ella La6a an/ Sathe%ine Ross La6a( thus1

6 6 6 6

.ou%th - +n consi/e%ation of thei%
,aluable se%,ices to 5e since then up to the
p%esent b& the spouses LORENHO LAIA an/
CORAHON .. LAIA( + he%eb& BECUEAT7(
CONDE@ an/ G+DE all 5& p%ope%ties
enu5e%ate/ in pa%cels ) to * unto the spouses
LORENHO R. LAIA an/ CORAHON ..
LAIA an/ thei% chil/%en( LUNA LORELLA LAIA
an/ SAT7ER+NE LAIA( an/ the spouses
Lo%en;o R. La6a an/ Co%a;on .. La6a both of
le0al a0e( .ilipinos( p%esentl& %esi/in0 at Ba%%io
Sta. Monica( FSas5uanG( Pa5pan0a an/ thei%
chil/%en( LUNA LORELLA an/ SAT7ER+NE
ROSS LAIA( 2ho a%e still not of le0al a0e an/
li,in0 2ith thei% pa%ents 2ho 2oul/ /eci/e to
be>ueath since the& a%e the chil/%en of the
spouses?

6 6 6 6

FSi6thG - Shoul/ othe% p%ope%ties of 5ine
5a& be /isco,e%e/ asi/e f%o5 the p%ope%ties
5entione/ in this last 2ill an/ testa5ent( + a5
also be>ueathin0 an/ 0i,in0 the sa5e to the
spouses Lo%en;o R. La6a an/ Co%a;on .. La6a
an/ thei% t2o chil/%en an/ + also co55an/ the5
to offe% 5asses &ea%l& fo% the %epose of 5& soul
an/ that of -FEGa Nico5e/a Re0ala( Epifania
Re0ala an/ thei% spouses an/ 2ith %espect to the
fishpon/ situate/ at San Antonio( + li8e2ise
co55an/ to fulfill the 2ishes of -FEGa Nico5e/a
Re0ala in acco%/ance 2ith he% testa5ent as
state/ in 5& testa5ent. 6 6 6
F)'G



The filial %elationship of Lo%en;o 2ith Paciencia %e5ains
un/ispute/. Lo%en;o is PacienciaMs nephe2 2ho5 she t%eate/ as he%
o2n son. Con,e%sel&( Lo%en;o ca5e to 8no2 an/ t%eate/ Paciencia
as his o2n 5othe%.
F)#G
Paciencia li,e/ 2ith Lo%en;oMs fa5il& in
Sas5uan( Pa5pan0a an/ it 2as she 2ho %aise/ an/ ca%e/ fo%
Lo%en;o since his bi%th. Si6 /a&s afte% the e6ecution of the :ill o% on
Septe5be% )!( )!B)( Paciencia left fo% the Unite/ States of A5e%ica
3USA4. The%e( she %esi/e/ 2ith Lo%en;o an/ his fa5il& until he% /eath
on $anua%& ( )!!".

+n the inte%i5( the :ill %e5aine/ in the custo/& of $u/0e
Li5pin.

Mo%e than fou% &ea%s afte% the /eath of Paciencia o% on Ap%il
'<( 'AAA( Lo%en;o file/ a petition
F)G
2ith the RTC of Gua0ua(
Pa5pan0a fo% the p%obate of the :ill of Paciencia an/ fo% the
issuance of Lette%s of A/5inist%ation in his fa,o%( /oc8ete/ as Special
P%ocee/in0s No. G-))B".

The%e bein0 no opposition to the petition afte% its /ue
publication( the RTC issue/ an O%/e% on $une )#( 'AAA
F)*G
allo2in0
Lo%en;o to p%esent e,i/ence on $une ''( 'AAA. On sai/ /ate( -%a.
Li5pin testifie/ that she 2as one of the inst%u5ental 2itnesses in the
e6ecution of the last 2ill an/ testa5ent of Paciencia on Septe5be%
)#( )!B).
F)"G
The :ill 2as e6ecute/ in he% fathe%Ms 3$u/0e Li5pin4
ho5e office( in he% p%esence an/ of t2o othe% 2itnesses( .%ancisco
an/ .austino.
F)<G
-%a. Li5pin positi,el& i/entifie/ the :ill an/ he%
si0natu%es on all its fou% pa0es.
F)BG
She li8e2ise positi,el& i/entifie/ the
si0natu%e of he% fathe% appea%in0 the%eon.
F)!G
Cuestione/ b& the
p%osecuto% %e0a%/in0 $u/0e Li5pinMs p%esent 5ental fitness( -%a.
Li5pin testifie/ that he% fathe% ha/ a st%o8e in )!!) an/ ha/ to
49
un/e%0o b%ain su%0e%&.
F'AG
The 9u/0e can 2al8 but can no lon0e% tal8
an/ %e5e5be% he% na5e. Because of this( -%a. Li5pin state/ that
he% fathe% can no lon0e% testif& in cou%t.
F')G

The follo2in0 /a& o% on $une '#( 'AAA( petitione% Antonio
Balta;a% 3Antonio4 file/ an opposition
F''G
to Lo%en;oMs petition. Antonio
a,e%%e/ that the p%ope%ties sub9ect of PacienciaMs :ill belon0 to
Nico5e/a Re0ala Man0alin/an( his p%e/ecesso%-in-inte%est? hence(
Paciencia ha/ no %i0ht to be>ueath the5 to Lo%en;o.
F'#G

Ba%el& a 5onth afte% o% on $ul& 'A( 'AAA( Antonio( no2
9oine/ b& petitione%s Sebastian M. Balta;a%( Di%0ilio Re0ala( $%.( Nenita
A. Pacheco( .eli6 B. .lo%es( Rafael Titco( Rosie M. Mateo 3Rosie4 an/
Antonio L. Man0alin/an file/ a Supple5ental
Opposition
F'G
conten/in0 that PacienciaMs :ill 2as null an/ ,oi/
because o2ne%ship of the p%ope%ties ha/ not been t%ansfe%%e/ an/Ko%
title/ to Paciencia befo%e he% /eath pu%suant to A%ticle )A!(
pa%a0%aph # of the Ci,il Co/e.
F'*G
Petitione%s also oppose/ the
issuance of Lette%s of A/5inist%ation in Lo%en;oMs fa,o% a%0uin0 that
Lo%en;o 2as /is>ualifie/ to be appointe/ as such( he bein0 a citi;en
an/ %esi/ent of the USA.
F'"G
Petitione%s p%a&e/ that Lette%s of
A/5inist%ation be instea/ issue/ in fa,o% of Antonio.
F'<G

Late% still on Septe5be% '"( 'AAA( petitione%s file/ an
A5en/e/ Opposition
F'BG
as8in0 the RTC to /en& the p%obate of
PacienciaMs :ill on the follo2in0 0%oun/s1 the :ill 2as not e6ecute/
an/ atteste/ to in acco%/ance 2ith the %e>ui%e5ents of the la2? that
Paciencia 2as 5entall& incapable to 5a8e a :ill at the ti5e of its
e6ecution? that she 2as fo%ce/ to e6ecute the :ill un/e% /u%ess o%
influence of fea% o% th%eats? that the e6ecution of the :ill ha/ been
p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence b& Lo%en;o
o% b& so5e othe% pe%sons fo% his benefit? that the si0natu%e of
Paciencia on the :ill 2as fo%0e/? that assu5in0 the si0natu%e to be
0enuine( it 2as obtaine/ th%ou0h f%au/ o% t%ic8e%&? an/( that Paciencia
/i/ not inten/ the /ocu5ent to be he% :ill. Si5ultaneousl&(
petitione%s file/ an Opposition an/ Reco55en/ation
F'!G
%eite%atin0
thei% opposition to the appoint5ent of Lo%en;o as a/5inist%ato% of the
p%ope%ties an/ %e>uestin0 fo% the appoint5ent of Antonio in his stea/.

On $anua%& '!( 'AA)( the RTC issue/ an O%/e%
F#AG
/en&in0
the %e>uests of both Lo%en;o an/ Antonio to be appointe/
a/5inist%ato% since the fo%5e% is a citi;en an/ %esi/ent of
the USA 2hile the latte%Ms clai5 as a co-o2ne% of the p%ope%ties
sub9ect of the :ill has not &et been establishe/.

Mean2hile( p%ocee/in0s on the petition fo% the p%obate of
the :ill continue/. -%a. Li5pin 2as %ecalle/ fo% c%oss-e6a5ination b&
the petitione%s. She testifie/ as to the a0e of he% fathe% at the ti5e the
latte% nota%i;e/ the :ill of Paciencia?

the li,in0 a%%an0e5ents of
Paciencia at the ti5e of the e6ecution of the :ill? an/ the lac8 of
photo0%aphs 2hen the e,ent too8 place.
F#)G

Asi/e f%o5 -%a. Li5pin( Lo%en;o an/ Monico Me%ca/o
3Monico4 also too8 the 2itness stan/. Monico( son of .austino(
testifie/ on his fathe%Ms con/ition. Acco%/in0 to hi5 his fathe% can no
lon0e% tal8 an/ e6p%ess hi5self /ue to b%ain /a5a0e. A 5e/ical
ce%tificate 2as p%esente/ to the cou%t to suppo%t this alle0ation.
F#'G


.o% his pa%t( Lo%en;o testifie/ that1 f%o5 )! until his
/epa%tu%e fo% the USA in Ap%il )!BA( he li,e/ in Sas5uan( Pa5pan0a
2ith his fa5il& an/ his aunt( Paciencia? in )!B) Paciencia 2ent to the
USA an/ li,e/ 2ith hi5 an/ his fa5il& until he% /eath in $anua%& )!!"?
the %elationship bet2een hi5 an/ Paciencia 2as li8e that of a 5othe%
an/ chil/ since Paciencia too8 ca%e of hi5 since bi%th an/ too8 hi5 in
as an a/opte/ son? Paciencia 2as a spinste% 2ithout chil/%en( an/
2ithout b%othe%s an/ siste%s? at the ti5e of PacienciaMs /eath( she /i/
not suffe% f%o5 an& 5ental /iso%/e% an/ 2as of soun/ 5in/( 2as not
blin/( /eaf o% 5ute? the :ill 2as in the custo/& of $u/0e Li5pin an/
2as onl& 0i,en to hi5 afte% PacienciaMs /eath th%ou0h .austino? an/
he 2as al%ea/& %esi/in0 in the USA 2hen the :ill 2as e6ecute/.
F##G
Lo%en;o positi,el& i/entifie/ the si0natu%e of Paciencia in th%ee
/iffe%ent /ocu5ents an/ in the :ill itself an/ state/ that he 2as
fa5ilia% 2ith PacienciaMs si0natu%e because he acco5panie/ he% in
he% t%ansactions.
F#G
.u%the%( Lo%en;o belie/ an/ /enie/ ha,in0 use/
fo%ce( inti5i/ation( ,iolence( coe%cion o% t%ic8e%& upon Paciencia to
e6ecute the :ill as he 2as not in the Philippines 2hen the sa5e 2as
50
e6ecute/.
F#*G
On c%oss-e6a5ination( Lo%en;o cla%ifie/ that Paciencia
info%5e/ hi5 about the :ill sho%tl& afte% he% a%%i,al in the USA but
that he sa2 a cop& of the :ill onl& afte% he% /eath.
F#"G

As to .%ancisco( he coul/ no lon0e% be p%esente/ in cou%t
as he al%ea/& /ie/ on Ma& ')( 'AAA.

.o% petitione%s( Rosie testifie/ that he% 5othe% an/
Paciencia 2e%e fi%st cousins.
F#<G
She clai5e/ to ha,e helpe/ in the
househol/ cho%es in the house of Paciencia the%eb& allo2in0 he% to
sta& the%ein f%o5 5o%nin0 until e,enin0 an/ that /u%in0 the pe%io/ of
he% se%,ice in the sai/ househol/( Lo%en;oMs 2ife an/ his chil/%en
2e%e sta&in0 in the sa5e house.
F#BG
She se%,e/ in the sai/ househol/
f%o5 )!BA until PacienciaMs /epa%tu%e fo% the USA on Septe5be% )!(
)!B).
F#!G

On Septe5be% )#( )!B)( Rosie clai5e/ that she sa2
.austino b%in0 Pso5ethin0Q fo% Paciencia to si0n at the latte%Ms house.
FAG
Rosie a/5itte/( thou0h( that she /i/ not see 2hat that Pso5ethin0Q
2as as sa5e 2as place/ insi/e an en,elope.
F)G
7o2e,e%( she
%e5e5be%e/ Paciencia inst%uctin0 .austino to fi%st loo8 fo% 5one&
befo%e she si0ns the5.
F'G
A fe2 /a&s afte% o% on Septe5be% )"(
)!B)( Paciencia 2ent to the house of AntonioMs 5othe% an/ b%ou0ht
2ith he% the sai/ en,elope.
F#G
Upon 0oin0 ho5e( ho2e,e%( the
en,elope 2as no lon0e% 2ith Paciencia.
FG
Rosie fu%the% testifie/ that
Paciencia 2as %efe%%e/ to as Pma#ul.anQ o% Pfo%0etfulQ because she
2oul/ so5eti5es lea,e he% 2allet in the 8itchen then sta%t loo8in0 fo%
it 5o5ents late%.
F*G
On c%oss e6a5ination( it 2as establishe/ that
Rosie 2as neithe% a /octo% no% a ps&chiat%ist( that he% conclusion that
Paciencia 2as Pma#ul.anQ 2as base/ on he% pe%sonal assess5ent(
F"G
an/ that it 2as Antonio 2ho %e>ueste/ he% to testif& in cou%t.
F<G

+n his /i%ect e6a5ination( Antonio state/ that Paciencia 2as
his aunt.
FBG
7e i/entifie/ the :ill an/ testifie/ that he ha/ seen the
sai/ /ocu5ent befo%e because Paciencia b%ou0ht the sa5e to his
5othe%Ms house an/ sho2e/ it to hi5 alon0 2ith anothe% /ocu5ent on
Septe5be% )"( )!B).
F!G
Antonio alle0e/ that 2hen the /ocu5ents
2e%e sho2n to hi5( the sa5e 2e%e still unsi0ne/.
F*AG
Acco%/in0 to
hi5( Paciencia thou0ht that the /ocu5ents pe%taine/ to a lease of
one of he% %ice lan/s(
F*)G
an/ it 2as he 2ho e6plaine/ that the
/ocu5ents 2e%e actuall& a special po2e% of atto%ne& to lease an/ sell
he% fishpon/ an/ othe% p%ope%ties upon he% /epa%tu%e fo% the USA(
an/ a :ill 2hich 2oul/ t%ansfe% he% p%ope%ties to Lo%en;o an/ his
fa5il& upon he% /eath.
F*'G
Upon hea%in0 this( Paciencia alle0e/l&
utte%e/ the follo2in0 2o%/s1 /&h. "ill I never 0return1, "h. "ill I sell all
m. properties23 &ho is 4oren5o2 Is he the onl. 0son1 of 6od2 I
have other relatives 0"ho should1 benefit from m. properties. &h.
should I die alread.23
F*#G
The%eafte%( Antonio a/,ise/ Paciencia not to
si0n the /ocu5ents if she /oes not 2ant to( to 2hich the latte%
pu%po%te/l& %eplie/( /I 7no" nothin# about those, thro" them a"a. or
it is up to .ou. )he more I "ill not si#n them.3
F*G
Afte% 2hich(
Paciencia left the /ocu5ents 2ith Antonio. Antonio 8ept the unsi0ne/
/ocu5ents
an/ e,entuall& tu%ne/ the5 o,e% to .austino on Septe5be% )B( )!B).
F**G

Ruling of the Regional Trial ourt

On Septe5be% #A( 'AA#( the RTC %en/e%e/ its
-ecision
F*"G
/en&in0 the petition thus1

:7ERE.ORE( this cou%t he%eb& 3a4
/enies the petition /ate/ Ap%il '( 'AAA? an/ 3b4
/isallo2s the nota%i;e/ 2ill /ate/ Septe5be% )#(
)!B) of Paciencia Re0ala.

SO OR-ERE-.
F*<G


The t%ial cou%t 0a,e consi/e%able 2ei0ht to the testi5on& of
Rosie an/ conclu/e/ that at the ti5e Paciencia si0ne/ the :ill( she
2as no lon0e% possesse/ of sufficient %eason o% st%en0th of 5in/ to
ha,e testa5enta%& capacit&.
F*BG

Ruling of the ourt of Appeals

On appeal( the CA %e,e%se/ the RTC -ecision an/ 0%ante/
the p%obate of the :ill of Paciencia. The appellate cou%t /i/ not a0%ee
2ith the RTCMs conclusion that Paciencia 2as of unsoun/ 5in/ 2hen
51
she e6ecute/ the :ill. +t %atiocinate/ that Pthe state of bein0
Nma#ul.an8/oes not 5a8e a pe%son 5entall& unsoun/ so FasG to
%en/e% FPacienciaG unfit fo% e6ecutin0 a :ill.Q
F*!G
Mo%eo,e%( the
opposito%s in the p%obate p%ocee/in0s 2e%e not able to o,e%co5e the
p%esu5ption that e,e%& pe%son is of soun/ 5in/. .u%the%( no conc%ete
ci%cu5stances o% e,ents 2e%e 0i,en to p%o,e the alle0ation that
Paciencia 2as t%ic8e/ o% fo%ce/ into si0nin0 the :ill.
F"AG
Petitione%s 5o,e/ fo% %econsi/e%ation
F")G
but the 5otion 2as
/enie/ b& the CA in its Resolution
F"'G
/ate/ Au0ust #)( 'AA".

7ence( this petition.

Issues

Petitione%s co5e befo%e this Cou%t b& 2a& of Petition fo%
Re,ie2 on Certiorari asc%ibin0 upon the CA the follo2in0 e%%o%s9

+.
T7E 7ONORABLE COURT O. APPEALS
SER+OUSL@ ERRE- :7EN +T ALLO:E- T7E
PROBATE O. PAC+ENC+AMS :+LL -ESP+TE
RESPON-ENTMS UTTER .A+LURE TO
COMPL@ :+T7 SECT+ON ))( RULE <" O. T7E
RULES O. COURT?

++.
T7E 7ONORABLE COURT O. APPEALS
GRADEL@ ERRE- +N MAS+NG CONCLUS+ONS
NOT +N ACCOR-ANCE :+T7 T7E ED+-ENCE
ON RECOR-?

+++.
T7E 7ONORABLE COURT O. APPEALS
GRADEL@ ERRE- +N RUL+NG T7AT
PET+T+ONERS .A+LE- TO PRODE T7AT
PAC+ENC+A :AS NOT O. SOUN- M+N- AT
T7E T+ME T7E :+LL :AS ALLEGE-L@
EIECUTE-
F"#G


The pi,otal issue is 2hethe% the authenticit& an/ /ue
e6ecution of the nota%ial :ill 2as sufficientl& establishe/ to 2a%%ant its
allo2ance fo% p%obate.

Our Ru81n>

:e /en& the petition.

:aithful
complian
ce "ith
the
formalitie
s
laid do"n
b. la" is
apparent
from the
face of
the &ill.


Cou%ts a%e tas8e/ to /ete%5ine nothin0 5o%e than the
e6t%insic ,ali/it& of a
:ill in p%obate p%ocee/in0s.
F"G
This is e6p%essl& p%o,i/e/ fo% in Rule
<*( Section ) of the Rules of Cou%t( 2hich states1

Ru8e -4
PROD!CTION OF WILL.
ALLOWANCE OF WILL
NECESSAR/.

Section ). (llo"ance
necessar.. Conclusive as to e;ecution.
< No 2ill shall pass eithe% %eal o%
pe%sonal estate unless it is p%o,e/ an/
allo2e/ in the p%ope% cou%t. Sub9ect to
the %i0ht of appeal( such allo2ance of
the 2ill shall be conclusi,e as to its /ue
e6ecution.


-ue e6ecution of the 2ill o% its e6t%insic ,ali/it& pe%tains to
2hethe% the testato%( bein0 of soun/ 5in/( f%eel& e6ecute/ the 2ill in
acco%/ance 2ith the fo%5alities p%esc%ibe/ b& la2.
F"*G
These
fo%5alities a%e ensh%ine/ in A%ticles BA* an/ BA" of the Ne2 Ci,il
Co/e( to 2it1

A%t. BA*. E,e%& 2ill( othe% than a
holo0%aphic 2ill( 5ust be subsc%ibe/ at the en/
the%eof b& the testato% hi5self o% b& the testato%Js
na5e 2%itten b& so5e othe% pe%son in his
p%esence( an/ b& his e6p%ess /i%ection( an/
atteste/ an/ subsc%ibe/ b& th%ee o% 5o%e c%e/ible
2itnesses in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of
one anothe%.

The testato% o% the pe%son %e>ueste/ b&
hi5 to 2%ite his na5e an/ the inst%u5ental
2itnesses of the 2ill( shall also si0n( as afo%esai/(
each an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof( e6cept the last( on
the left 5a%0in( an/ all the pa0es shall be
nu5be%e/ co%%elati,el& in lette%s place/ on the
uppe% pa%t of each pa0e.

52
The attestation shall state the nu5be%
of pa0es use/ upon 2hich the 2ill is 2%itten( an/
the fact that the testato% si0ne/ the 2ill an/ e,e%&
pa0e the%eof( o% cause/ so5e othe% pe%son to
2%ite his na5e( un/e% his e6p%ess /i%ection( in the
p%esence of the inst%u5ental 2itnesses( an/ that
the latte% 2itnesse/ an/ si0ne/ the 2ill an/ all the
pa0es the%eof in the p%esence of the testato% an/
of one anothe%.

+f the attestation clause is in a lan0ua0e
not 8no2n to the 2itnesses( it shall be inte%p%ete/
to the5.
A%t. BA". E,e%& 2ill 5ust be
ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e a nota%& public b& the
testato% an/ the 2itnesses. The nota%& public shall
not be %e>ui%e/ to %etain a cop& of the 2ill( o% file
anothe% 2ith the Office of the Cle%8 of Cou%t.


7e%e( a ca%eful e6a5ination of the face of the :ill sho2s
faithful co5pliance 2ith the fo%5alities lai/ /o2n b& la2. The
si0natu%es of the testat%i6( Paciencia( he% inst%u5ental 2itnesses an/
the nota%& public( a%e all p%esent an/ e,i/ent on the :ill. .u%the%( the
attestation clause e6plicitl& states the c%itical %e>ui%e5ent that the
testat%i6 an/ he% inst%u5ental 2itnesses si0ne/ the :ill in the
p%esence of one anothe% an/ that the 2itnesses atteste/ an/
subsc%ibe/ to the :ill in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of one
anothe%. +n fact( e,en the petitione%s acce/e/ that the si0natu%e of
Paciencia in the :ill 5a& be authentic althou0h the& >uestion he%
state of 5in/ 2hen she si0ne/ the sa5e as 2ell as the ,olunta%&
natu%e of sai/ act.

)he
burden to
prove
that
Pacienci
a "as of
unsound
mind at
the time
of the
e;ecutio
n of the
"ill lies
on the
shoulder
s of the
petitioner
s.


Petitione%s( th%ou0h thei% 2itness Rosie( clai5 that
Paciencia 2as Pma#ul.anQ o% fo%0etful so 5uch so that it effecti,el&
st%ippe/ he% of testa5enta%& capacit&. The& li8e2ise clai5e/ in thei%
Motion fo% Reconsi/e%ation
F""G
file/ 2ith the CA that Paciencia 2as not
onl& Pma#ul.anQ but 2as actuall& suffe%in0 f%o5 pa%anoia.
F"<G


:e a%e not con,ince/.

:e a0%ee 2ith the position of the CA that the state of bein0
fo%0etful /oes not necessa%il& 5a8e a pe%son 5entall& unsoun/ so as
to %en/e% hi5 unfit to e6ecute a :ill.
F"BG
.o%0etfulness is not e>ui,alent
to bein0 of unsoun/ 5in/. Besi/es( A%ticle <!! of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e
states1

A%t. <!!. To be of soun/ 5in/( it is
not necessa%& that the testato% be in full
possession of all his %easonin0 faculties( o% that
his 5in/ be 2holl& unb%o8en( uni5pai%e/( o%
unshatte%e/ b& /isease( in9u%& o% othe% cause.

+t shall be sufficient if the testato% 2as
able at the ti5e of 5a8in0 the 2ill to 8no2 the
natu%e of the estate to be /ispose/ of( the p%ope%
ob9ects of his bount&( an/ the cha%acte% of the
testa5enta%& act.


+n this case( apa%t f%o5 the testi5on& of Rosie pe%tainin0 to
PacienciaMs fo%0etfulness( the%e is no substantial e,i/ence( 5e/ical o%
othe%2ise( that 2oul/ sho2 that Paciencia 2as of unsoun/ 5in/ at
the ti5e of the e6ecution of the :ill. On the othe% han/( 2e fin/ 5o%e
2o%th& of c%e/ence -%a. Li5pinMs testi5on& as to the soun/ness of
5in/ of Paciencia 2hen the latte% 2ent to $u/0e Li5pinMs house an/
,olunta%il& e6ecute/ the :ill. PThe testi5on& of subsc%ibin0 2itnesses
to a :ill conce%nin0 the testato%Ms 5ental con/ition is entitle/ to 0%eat
2ei0ht 2he%e the& a%e t%uthful an/ intelli0ent.Q
F"!G
Mo%e i5po%tantl&( a
testato% is p%esu5e/ to be of soun/ 5in/ at the ti5e of the e6ecution
of the :ill an/ the bu%/en to p%o,e othe%2ise lies on the
opposito%. A%ticle BAA of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e states1

A%t. BAA. The la2 p%esu5es that e,e%&
pe%son is of soun/ 5in/( in the absence of p%oof
to the cont%a%&.

The bu%/en of p%oof that the testato%
2as not of soun/ 5in/ at the ti5e of 5a8in0 his
/ispositions is on the pe%son 2ho opposes the
p%obate of the 2ill? but if the testato%( one 5onth(
o% less( befo%e 5a8in0 his 2ill 2as publicl& 8no2n
to be insane( the pe%son 2ho 5aintains the
53
,ali/it& of the 2ill 5ust p%o,e that the testato%
5a/e it /u%in0 a luci/ inte%,al.


7e%e( the%e 2as no sho2in0 that Paciencia 2as publicl&
8no2n to be insane one 5onth o% less befo%e the 5a8in0 of the
:ill. Clea%l&( thus( the bu%/en to p%o,e that Paciencia 2as of
unsoun/ 5in/ lies upon the shoul/e%s of petitione%s. 7o2e,e% an/
as ea%lie% 5entione/( no substantial e,i/ence 2as p%esente/ b& the5
to p%o,e the sa5e( the%eb& 2a%%antin0 the CAMs fin/in0 that petitione%s
faile/ to /ischa%0e such bu%/en.

.u%the%5o%e( 2e a%e con,ince/ that Paciencia 2as a2a%e of
the natu%e of he% estate to be /ispose/ of( the p%ope% ob9ects of he%
bount& an/ the cha%acte% of the testa5enta%& act. As aptl& pointe/
out b& the CA1

A sc%utin& of the :ill /iscloses that
FPacienciaG 2as a2a%e of the natu%e of the
/ocu5ent she e6ecute/. She speciall&
%e>ueste/ that the custo5s of he% faith be
obse%,e/ upon he% /eath. She 2as 2ell a2a%e of
ho2 she ac>ui%e/ the p%ope%ties f%o5 he% pa%ents
an/ the p%ope%ties she is be>ueathin0 to
LORENHO( to his 2ife CORAHON an/ to his t2o
3'4 chil/%en. A thi%/ chil/ 2as bo%n afte% the
e6ecution of the 2ill an/ 2as not inclu/e/ the%ein
as /e,isee.
F<AG


$are
alle#ation
s of
duress or
influence
of fear or
threats,
undue
and
improper
influence
and
pressure,
fraud and
tric7er.
cannot
be used
as basis
to den.
the
probate
of a "ill.


An essential ele5ent of the ,ali/it& of the :ill is the
2illin0ness of the testato% o% testat%i6 to e6ecute the /ocu5ent that 2ill
/ist%ibute hisKhe% ea%thl& possessions upon hisKhe% /eath. Petitione%s
clai5 that Paciencia 2as fo%ce/ to e6ecute the :ill un/e% /u%ess o%
influence of fea% o% th%eats? that the e6ecution of the :ill ha/ been
p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence b& Lo%en;o
o% b& so5e othe% pe%sons fo% his benefit? an/ that assu5in0
PacienciaMs si0natu%e to be 0enuine( it 2as obtaine/ th%ou0h f%au/ o%
t%ic8e%&. These a%e 0%oun/e/ on the alle0e/ con,e%sation bet2een
Paciencia an/ Antonio on Septe5be% )"( )!B) 2he%ein the fo%5e%
pu%po%te/l& %epu/iate/ the :ill an/ left it unsi0ne/.

:e a%e not pe%sua/e/.
:e ta8e into consi/e%ation the un%ebutte/ fact that
Paciencia lo,e/ an/ t%eate/ Lo%en;o as he% o2n son an/ that lo,e
e,en e6ten/e/ to Lo%en;oMs 2ife an/ chil/%en. This 8in/ of
%elationship is not unusual. +t is in fact not unhea%/ of in ou% cultu%e fo%
ol/ 5ai/s o% spinste%s to ca%e fo% an/ %aise thei% nephe2s an/ nieces
an/ t%eat the5 as thei% o2n chil/%en. Such is a p%e,alent an/
accepte/ cultu%al p%actice that has %esulte/ in 5an& fa5il& /isco%/s
bet2een those fa,o%e/ b& the testa5enta%& /isposition of a testato%
an/ those 2ho stan/ to benefit in case of intestac&.

+n this case( e,i/ence sho2s the ac8no2le/0e/ fact that
PacienciaMs %elationship 2ith Lo%en;o an/ his fa5il& is /iffe%ent f%o5
he% %elationship 2ith petitione%s. The ,e%& fact that she ca%e/ fo% an/
%aise/ Lo%en;o an/ li,e/ 2ith hi5 both he%e an/ ab%oa/( e,en if the
latte% 2as al%ea/& 5a%%ie/ an/ al%ea/& has chil/%en( hi0hli0hts the
special bon/ bet2een the5. This un>uestione/ %elationship bet2een
Paciencia an/ the /e,isees ten/s to suppo%t the authenticit& of the
sai/ /ocu5ent as a0ainst petitione%sM alle0ations of /u%ess( influence
of fea% o% th%eats( un/ue an/ i5p%ope% influence( p%essu%e( f%au/( an/
t%ic8e%& 2hich( asi/e f%o5 bein0 factual in natu%e( a%e not suppo%te/ b&
conc%ete( substantial an/ c%e/ible e,i/ence on %eco%/. +t is 2o%th
st%essin0 that ba%e a%0u5ents( no 5atte% ho2 fo%ceful( if not base/ on
conc%ete an/ substantial e,i/ence cannot suffice to 5o,e the Cou%t to
uphol/ sai/ alle0ations.
F<)G
.u%the%5o%e( Pa pu%po%te/ 2ill is not Fto beG
/enie/ le0ali;ation on /ubious 0%oun/s. Othe%2ise( the ,e%&
54
institution of testa5enta%& succession 2ill be sha8en to its foun/ation(
fo% e,en if a 2ill has been /ul& e6ecute/ in fact( 2hethe% 6 6 6 it 2ill be
p%obate/ 2oul/ ha,e to /epen/ la%0el& on the attitu/e of those
inte%este/ in Fthe estate of the /ecease/G.Q
F<'G

Court
should
be
convince
d b. the
evidence
presente
d before
it that the
&ill "as
dul.
e;ecuted
.


Petitione%s /ispute the authenticit& of PacienciaMs :ill on the
0%oun/ that Section )) of Rule <" of the Rules of Cou%t 2as not
co5plie/ 2ith. +t p%o,i/es1

R!LE -;
ALLOWANCE OR DISALLOWANCE OF WILL
Se)*1#n $$. !ubscribin# "itnesses
produced or accounted for "here "ill contested.
O +f the 2ill is conteste/( all the subsc%ibin0
2itnesses( an/ the nota%& in the case of 2ills
e6ecute/ un/e% the Ci,il Co/e of the Philippines(
if p%esent in the Philippines an/ not insane( 5ust
be p%o/uce/ an/ e6a5ine/( an/ the /eath(
absence( o% insanit& of an& of the5 5ust be
satisfacto%il& sho2n to the cou%t. +f all o% so5e of
such 2itnesses a%e p%esent in the Philippines but
outsi/e the p%o,ince 2he%e the 2ill has been file/(
thei% /eposition 5ust be ta8en. +f an& o% all of
the5 testif& a0ainst the /ue e6ecution of the 2ill(
o% /o not %e5e5be% ha,in0 atteste/ to it( o% a%e
othe%2ise of /oubtful c%e/ibilit&( the 2ill 5a&
ne,e%theless( be allo2e/ if the cou%t is satisfie/
f%o5 the testi5on& of othe% 2itnesses an/ f%o5 all
the e,i/ence p%esente/ that the 2ill 2as e6ecute/
an/ atteste/ in the 5anne% %e>ui%e/ b& la2.

+f a holo0%aphic 2ill is conteste/( the
sa5e shall be allo2e/ if at least th%ee 3#4
2itnesses 2ho 8no2 the han/2%itin0 of the
testato% e6plicitl& /ecla%e that the 2ill an/ the
si0natu%e a%e in the han/2%itin0 of the testato%? in
the absence of an& co5petent 2itnesses( an/ if
the cou%t /ee5 it necessa%&( e6pe%t testi5on&
5a& be %eso%te/ to. 3E5phasis supplie/.4


The& insist that all subsc%ibin0 2itnesses an/ the nota%&
public shoul/ ha,e been p%esente/ in cou%t since all but one 2itness(
.%ancisco( a%e still li,in0.

:e cannot a0%ee 2ith petitione%s.

:e note that the inabilit& of .austino an/ $u/0e Li5pin to
appea% an/ testif& befo%e the cou%t 2as satisfacto%il& e6plaine/ /u%in0
the p%obate p%ocee/in0s. As testifie/ to b& his son( .austino ha/ a
hea%t attac8( 2as al%ea/& be/%i//en an/ coul/ no lon0e% tal8 an/
e6p%ess hi5self /ue to b%ain /a5a0e. To p%o,e this( sai/ 2itness
p%esente/ the co%%espon/in0 5e/ical ce%tificate. .o% he% pa%t( -%a.
Li5pin testifie/ that he% fathe%( $u/0e Li5pin( suffe%e/ a st%o8e in )!!)
an/ ha/ to un/e%0o b%ain su%0e%&. At that ti5e( $u/0e Li5pin coul/
no lon0e% tal8 an/ coul/ not e,en %e5e5be% his /au0hte%Ms na5e so
that -%a. Li5pin state/ that 0i,en such con/ition( he% fathe% coul/ no
lon0e% testif&. +t is 2ell to note that at that point( /espite a5ple
oppo%tunit&( petitione%s neithe% inte%pose/ an& ob9ections to the
testi5onies of sai/ 2itnesses no% challen0e/ the sa5e on c%oss
e6a5ination. :e thus hol/ that fo% all intents an/ pu%poses( Lo%en;o
2as able to satisfacto%il& account fo% the incapacit& an/ failu%e of the
sai/ subsc%ibin0 2itness an/ of the nota%& public to testif& in
cou%t. Because of this the p%obate of PacienciaMs :ill 5a& be allo2e/
on the basis of -%a. Li5pinMs testi5on& p%o,in0 he% sanit& an/ the /ue
e6ecution of the :ill( as 2ell as on the p%oof of he% han/2%itin0. +t is
an establishe/ %ule that PFaG testa5ent 5a& not be /isallo2e/ 9ust
because the attestin0 2itnesses /ecla%e a0ainst its /ue e6ecution?
neithe% /oes it ha,e to be necessa%il& allo2e/ 9ust because all the
attestin0 2itnesses /ecla%e in fa,o% of its le0ali;ation? 2hat is /ecisi,e
is that the cou%t is con,ince/ b& e,i/ence befo%e it( not necessa%il&
f%o5 the attestin0 2itnesses( althou0h the& 5ust testif&( that the 2ill
2as o% 2as not /ul& e6ecute/ in the 5anne% %e>ui%e/ b& la2.Q
F<#G

Mo%eo,e%( it bea%s st%essin0 that PFiG%%especti,e 6 6 6 of the
postu%e of an& of the pa%ties as %e0a%/s the authenticit& an/ /ue
e6ecution of the 2ill 6 6 6 in >uestion( it is the 5an/ate of the la2 that it
is the e,i/ence befo%e the cou%t an/Ko% Fe,i/ence thatG ou0ht to be
befo%e it that is cont%ollin0.Q
F<G
PThe ,e%& e6istence of Fthe :illG is in
55
itself prima facie p%oof that the suppose/ Ftestat%i6G has 2ille/ that
Fhe%G estate be /ist%ibute/ in the 5anne% the%ein p%o,i/e/( an/ it is
incu5bent upon the state that( if le0all& tenable( such /esi%e be 0i,en
full effect in/epen/ent of the attitu/e of the pa%ties affecte/
the%eb&.Q
F<*G
This( couple/ 2ith Lo%en;oMs establishe/ %elationship 2ith
Paciencia( the e,i/ence an/ the testi5onies of /isinte%este/
2itnesses( as oppose/ to the total lac8 of e,i/ence p%esente/ b&
petitione%s apa%t f%o5 thei% self-se%,in0 testi5onies( const%ain us to tilt
the balance in fa,o% of the authenticit& of the :ill an/ its allo2ance fo%
p%obate.

WEREFORE( the petition is DENIED. The -ecision
/ate/ $une )*( 'AA" an/ the Resolution /ate/ Au0ust #)( 'AA" of the
Cou%t of Appeals in CA-G.R. CD No. BA!<! a%e AFFIRMED.
SO ORDERED.

Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
T7+R- -+D+S+ON
G.R. N#. $%%33' A0r18 $%, %'';
FELI= AZ!ELA, Petitione%(
,s.
CO!RT OF APPEALS, GERALDA AIDA CASTILLO
su+s*1*u*ed +9 ERNESTO G. CASTILLO, Respon/ents.
- E C + S + O N
TINGA, J.:
The co%e of this petition is a hi0hl& /efecti,e nota%ial 2ill(
pu%po%te/l& e6ecute/ b& Eu0enia E. +0solo 3/ece/ent4( 2ho
/ie/ on )" -ece5be% )!B' at the a0e of BA. +n %efusin0 to 0i,e
le0al %eco0nition to the /ue e6ecution of this /ocu5ent( the
Cou%t is p%o,i/e/ the oppo%tunit& to asse%t a fe2 i5po%tant
/oct%inal %ules in the e6ecution of nota%ial 2ills( all self-e,i/ent
in ,ie2 of A%ticles BA* an/ BA" of the Ci,il Co/e.
A ?188 ?<#se a**es*a*1#n )8ause d#es n#* )#n*a1n *<e
nu5+er #7 0a>es #n ?<1)< *<e ?188 1s ?r1**en 1s 7a*a889
de7e)*1ve. A ?188 ?<#se a**es*a*1#n )8ause 1s n#* s1>ned +9
*<e 1ns*ru5en*a8 ?1*nesses 1s 7a*a889 de7e)*1ve. And
0er<a0s 5#s* 150#r*an*89, a ?188 ?<1)< d#es n#* )#n*a1n
an a)@n#?8ed>5en*, +u* a 5ere !urat, 1s 7a*a889 de7e)*1ve.
An9 #ne #7 *<ese de7e)*s 1s su771)1en* *# den9 0r#+a*e. A
n#*ar1a8 ?188 ?1*< a88 *<ree de7e)*s 1s Aus* a)<1n> 7#r Aud1)1a8
reAe)*1#n.
The%e is a /istinct an/ conse>uential %eason the Ci,il Co/e
p%o,i/es a co5p%ehensi,e catalo0 of i5pe%ati,es fo% the p%ope%
e6ecution of a nota%ial 2ill. .ull an/ faithful co5pliance 2ith all
the /etaile/ %e>uisites un/e% A%ticle BA* of the Co/e lea,e little
%oo5 fo% /oubt as to the ,ali/it& in the /ue e6ecution of the
nota%ial 2ill. A%ticle BA" li8e2ise i5poses anothe% safe0ua%/ to
the ,ali/it& of nota%ial 2ills R that the& be ac8no2le/0e/
befo%e a nota%& public b& the testato% an/ the 2itnesses. A
nota%ial 2ill e6ecute/ 2ith in/iffe%ence to these t2o co/al
p%o,isions opens itself to na00in0 >uestions as to its
le0iti5ac&.
The case ste5s f%o5 a petition fo% p%obate file/ on )A Ap%il
)!B 2ith the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t 3RTC4 of Manila. The
petition file/ b& petitione% .eli6 A;uela sou0ht to a/5it to
p%obate the nota%ial 2ill of Eu0enia E. +0solo( 2hich 2as
nota%i;e/ on )A $une )!B). Petitione% is the son of the cousin
of the /ece/ent.
The 2ill( consistin0 of t2o 3'4 pa0es an/ 2%itten in the
,e%nacula% Pilipino( %ea/ in full1
7UL+NG 7AB+L+N N+ EUGEN+A E. +GSOLO
SA NGALAN NG MA@SAPAL( AMEN1
ASO( si EUGEN+A E. +GSOLO( na8ati%a sa *AA San -ie0o St.(
Sa5paloc( Manila( piton0put si&a5 3<!4 na 0ulan0( nasa
huston0 pa0i-isip( pa0-una2a at 5e5o%ia a& na0-haha&a0 na
ito na an0 a8in0 hulin0 habilin at testa5ento( at binabali 2ala
8o lahat an0 naunan0 0ina2an0 habilin o testa5ento1
Una-7inihilin0 8o na a8o a& 5ailibin0 sa Se5ente%io /el No%te(
La Lo5a san0-a&on0 sa 8au0alian at pata8a%an n0 si5bahan0
8atoli8o at an0 ta0a-pa0-in0at 3E6ecuto%4 n0 habilin0 ito a&
5a0tata&o n0 banta&o0 upan0 silbin0 ala-ala sa a8in n0 a8in0
pa5il&a at 8aibi0an?
Pan0ala2a-A8in0 ipina08a8aloob at isinasalin an0 lahat n0
8a%apatan sa a8in0 pa5an08in na si .eli6 A;uela( na si&an0
na0-ala0a sa a8in sa 5ahaban0 panahon( &aon0 50a baha&
na na8ati%i8 sa lote nu5e%o 'B( Bloc8 ' at na8apan0alan sa
Pechaten So%po%as&on( 0anoon /in ibinibi0a& 8o an0 lahat n0
8a%apatan sa baha& na na8ati%i8 sa inoopahan 8on0 lote(
nu5e%o #( Bloc8 ' na pa0-aa%i n0 Pechaten Co%po%ation.
+pina08a8aloob 8on0 buon0 buo an0 lahat n0 8a%apatan sa
baha& at lupa na nasa *AA San -ie0o St.( Lot '( Bloc8 '(
Sa5paloc( Manila 8a& .eli6 A;uela at an0 pa08a8aloob 8on0
ito a& 2alan0 pasubaliMt at 8on/iciones?
Pan0atlo- Na ninunu5b%ahan 8o si DART PAGUE na si&an0
na0papatupa/ n0 hulin0 habilin0 ito at 8a0ustuhan 8o %in na
hin/i na 8ailan5an si&an0 5a0-la0a8 n0 pi&ansi&a.
A8in0 nila0/aan an0 7ulin0 7abilin na ito /ito sa Ma&nila i8a
)A n0 7un&o( )!B).
3S0/.4
EUGEN+A E. +GSOLO
3Ta0apa05ana4
PATUNA@ NG MGA SASS+
56
An0 8asulatan0 ito( na binubuo n0 ZZZZ /ahon pati an0 hulin0
/ahon0 ito( na ipinaha&a0 sa a5in ni Eu0enia E. +0solo(
ta0apa05ana na si&a ni&an0 7ulin0 7abilin( n0a&on i8a-)A n0
7un&o )!B)( a& nila0/aan n0 nasabin0 ta0apa05ana sa ilali5
n0 8asulatan0 naban00it at sa 8ali2an0 pani0 n0 lahat at
ba2aMt /ahon( sa ha%ap n0 lahat at ba2aMt sa a5in( at 8a5i
na5an0 50a sa8si a& lu5a0/a sa ha%ap n0 nasabin0
ta0apa05ana at sa ha%ap n0 lahat at ba2aMt isa sa a5in( sa
ilali5 n0 nasabin0 8asulatan at sa 8ali2an0 pani0 n0 lahat at
ba2aMt /ahon n0 8asulatan ito.
EUGEN+A E. +GSOLO
a//%ess1 *AA San -ie0o St.
Sa5paloc( Manila Res. Ce%t. No. A-<<)<-#<
+ssue/ at Manila on Ma%ch )A( )!B).
CU+R+NO AGRADA
a//%ess1 )''B-+nt. #( Sahilu5
Pan/acan( Manila Res. Ce%t. No. A-*B#"*
+ssue/ at Manila on $an. ')( )!B)
LAMBERTO C. LEA[O
a//%ess1 A,enue '( Blco8 <(
Lot ")( San Gab%iel( G.MA.( Ca,ite Res.
Ce%t. No. A-<"B'<< issue/ at Ca%5ona( Ca,ite on .eb. <( )!B)
$UAN+TO ESTRERA
a//%ess1 Cit& Cou%t Co5poun/(
Cit& of Manila Res. Ce%t. No. A*<B'!
+ssue/ at Manila on Ma%ch '( )!B).
Nila0/aan 8o at ninota%io 8o n0a&on0 )A n0 7un&o )A( )!B)
/ito sa Lun0so/ n0 Ma&nila.
3S0/.4
PETRON+O @. BAUT+STA
-oc. No. )'#' ? NOTAR+O PUBL+SO
Pa0e No. B" ? Until -ec. #)( )!B)
Boo8 No. # ? PTR-)*'A)-)K'KB)-Manila
Se%ies of )!B) TAN \ )#<-!<<-B
)
The th%ee na5e/ 2itnesses to the 2ill affi6e/ thei% si0natu%es
on the left-han/ 5a%0in of both pa0es of the 2ill( but not at the
botto5 of the attestation clause.
The p%obate petition a/,e%te/ to onl& t2o 3'4 hei%s( le0atees
an/ /e,isees of the /ece/ent( na5el&1 petitione% hi5self( an/
one +%ene L&nn +0solo( 2ho 2as alle0e/ to ha,e %esi/e/
ab%oa/. Petitione% p%a&e/ that the 2ill be allo2e/( an/ that
lette%s testa5enta%& be issue/ to the /esi0nate/ e6ecuto%( Da%t
P%a0ue.
The petition 2as oppose/ b& Ge%al/a Ai/a Castillo 3Ge%al/a
Castillo4( 2ho %ep%esente/ he%self as the atto%ne&-in-fact of =the
)' le0iti5ate hei%s= of the /ece/ent.
'
Ge%al/a Castillo clai5e/
that the 2ill is a fo%0e%&( an/ that the t%ue pu%pose of its
e5e%0ence 2as so it coul/ be utili;e/ as a /efense in se,e%al
cou%t cases file/ b& opposito% a0ainst petitione%( pa%ticula%l& fo%
fo%cible ent%& an/ usu%pation of %eal p%ope%t&( all cente%in0 on
petitione%Ms %i0ht to occup& the p%ope%ties of the /ece/ent.
#
+t
also asse%te/ that cont%a%& to the %ep%esentations of petitione%(
the /ece/ent 2as actuall& su%,i,e/ b& )' le0iti5ate hei%s(
na5el& he% 0%an/chil/%en( 2ho 2e%e then %esi/in0 ab%oa/. Pe%
%eco%/s( it 2as subse>uentl& alle0e/ that /ece/ent 2as the
2i/o2 of Bonifacio +0solo( 2ho /ie/ in )!"*(

an/ the 5othe%

of a le0iti5ate chil/( Asuncion E. +0solo( 2ho p%e/ecease/ he%
5othe% b& th%ee 3#4 5onths.
*
Opposito% Ge%al/a Castillo also a%0ue/ that the 2ill 2as not
e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ to in acco%/ance 2ith la2. She pointe/
out that /ece/entMs si0natu%e /i/ not appea% on the secon/
pa0e of the 2ill( an/ the 2ill 2as not p%ope%l& ac8no2le/0e/.
These t2in a%0u5ents a%e a5on0 the cent%al 5atte%s to this
petition.
Afte% /ue t%ial( the RTC a/5itte/ the 2ill to p%obate( in an
O%/e% /ate/ )A Au0ust )!!'.
"
The RTC fa,o%abl& too8 into
account the testi5on& of the th%ee 3#4 2itnesses to the 2ill(
Cui%ino A0%a,a( La5be%to Leano( an/ $uanito Est%a/a. The
RTC also calle/ to fo%e =the 5o/e%n ten/enc& in %espect to the
fo%5alities in the e6ecution of a 2ill 6 6 6 2ith the en/ in ,ie2 of
0i,in0 the testato% 5o%e f%ee/o5 in e6p%essin0 his last
2ishes?=
<
an/ f%o5 this pe%specti,e( %ebutte/ opposito%Ms
a%0u5ents that the 2ill 2as not p%ope%l& e6ecute/ an/ atteste/
to in acco%/ance 2ith la2.
Afte% a ca%eful e6a5ination of the 2ill an/ consi/e%ation of the
testi5onies of the subsc%ibin0 an/ attestin0 2itnesses( an/
ha,in0 in 5in/ the 5o/e%n ten/enc& in %espect to the
fo%5alities in the e6ecution of a 2ill( i.e.( the libe%ali;ation of the
inte%p%etation of the la2 on the fo%5al %e>ui%e5ents of a 2ill
2ith the en/ in ,ie2 of 0i,in0 the testato% 5o%e f%ee/o5 in
e6p%essin0 his last 2ishes( this Cou%t is pe%sua/e/ to %ule that
the 2ill in >uestion is authentic an/ ha/ been e6ecute/ b& the
testat%i6 in acco%/ance 2ith la2.
On the issue of lac8 of ac8no2le/0e5ent( this Cou%t has note/
that at the en/ of the 2ill afte% the si0natu%e of the testat%i6( the
follo2in0 state5ent is 5a/e un/e% the sub-title( =Patuna& N0
M0a Sa8si=1
=An0 8asulatan0 ito( na binubuo n0 ZZZZZ /ahon pati an0
hulin0 /ahon0 ito( na ipinaha&a0 sa a5in ni Eu0enia N. +0solo(
ta0apa05ana na si&a ni&an0 7ulin0 7abilin( n0a&on0 i8a-)A
n0 7un&o )!B)( a& nila0/aan n0 nasabin0 ta0apa05ana sa
ilali5 n0 8asulatan0 naban00it at sa 8ali2an0 pani0 n0 lahat at
ba2aMt /ahon( sa ha%ap n0 lahat at ba2aMt sa a5in( at 8a5i
na5an0 50a sa8si a& lu5a0/a sa ha%ap n0 nasabin0
ta0apa05ana at sa ha%ap n0 lahat at ba2aMt isa sa a5in( sa
ilali5 n0 nasabin0 8asulatan at sa 8ali2an0 pani0 n0 lahat at
ba2aMt /ahon n0 8asulatan ito.=
The afo%e>uote/ /ecla%ation co5p%ises the attestation clause
an/ the ac8no2le/0e5ent an/ is consi/e%e/ b& this Cou%t as a
substantial co5pliance 2ith the %e>ui%e5ents of the la2.
On the opposito%Ms contention that the attestation clause 2as
not si0ne/ b& the subsc%ibin0 2itnesses at the botto5 the%eof(
this Cou%t is of the ,ie2 that the si0nin0 b& the subsc%ibin0
2itnesses on the left 5a%0in of the secon/ pa0e of the 2ill
containin0 the attestation clause an/ ac8no2le/05ent( instea/
of at the botto5 the%eof( substantiall& satisfies the pu%pose of
i/entification an/ attestation of the 2ill.
57
:ith %e0a%/ to the opposito%Ms a%0u5ent that the 2ill 2as not
nu5be%e/ co%%elati,el& in lette%s place/ on uppe% pa%t of each
pa0e an/ that the attestation /i/ not state the nu5be% of pa0es
the%eof( it is 2o%th& to note that the 2ill is co5pose/ of onl& t2o
pa0es. The fi%st pa0e contains the enti%e te6t of the
testa5enta%& /ispositions( an/ the secon/ pa0e contains the
last po%tion of the attestation clause an/ ac8no2le/0e5ent.
Such bein0 so( the /efects a%e not of a se%ious natu%e as to
in,ali/ate the 2ill. .o% the sa5e %eason( the failu%e of the
testat%i6 to affi6 he% si0natu%e on the left 5a%0in of the secon/
pa0e( 2hich contains onl& the last po%tion of the attestation
clause an/ ac8no2le/05ent is not a fatal /efect.
As %e0a%/s the opposito%Ms asse%tion that the si0natu%e of the
testat%i6 on the 2ill is a fo%0e%&( the testi5onies of the th%ee
subsc%ibin0 2itnesses to the 2ill a%e con,incin0 enou0h to
establish the 0enuineness of the si0natu%e of the testat%i6 an/
the /ue e6ecution of the 2ill.
B
The O%/e% 2as appeale/ to the Cou%t of Appeals b& E%nesto
Castillo( 2ho ha/ substitute/ his since /ecease/ 5othe%-in-
la2( Ge%al/a Castillo. +n a -ecision /ate/ )< Au0ust )!!*( the
Cou%t of Appeals %e,e%se/ the t%ial cou%t an/ o%/e%e/ the
/is5issal of the petition fo% p%obate.
!
The Cou%t of Appeals
note/ that the attestation clause faile/ to state the nu5be% of
pa0es use/ in the 2ill( thus %en/e%in0 the 2ill ,oi/ an/
un/ese%,in0 of p%obate.
)A
7ence( the p%esent petition.
Petitione% a%0ues that the %e>ui%e5ent un/e% A%ticle BA* of the
Ci,il Co/e that =the nu5be% of pa0es use/ in a nota%ial 2ill be
state/ in the attestation clause= is 5e%el& /i%ecto%&( %athe% than
5an/ato%&( an/ thus susceptible to 2hat he te%5e/ as =the
substantial co5pliance %ule.=
))
The solution to this case calls fo% the application of A%ticles BA*
an/ BA" of the Ci,il Co/e( 2hich 2e %eplicate in full.
A%t. BA*. E,e%& 2ill( othe% than a holo0%aphic 2ill( 5ust be
subsc%ibe/ at the en/ the%eof b& the testato% hi5self o% b& the
testato%Js na5e 2%itten b& so5e othe% pe%son in his p%esence(
an/ b& his e6p%ess /i%ection( an/ atteste/ an/ subsc%ibe/ b&
th%ee o% 5o%e c%e/ible 2itnesses in the p%esence of the testato%
an/ of one anothe%.
The testato% o% the pe%son %e>ueste/ b& hi5 to 2%ite his na5e
an/ the inst%u5ental 2itnesses of the 2ill( shall also si0n( as
afo%esai/( each an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof( e6cept the last( on the
left 5a%0in( an/ all the pa0es shall be nu5be%e/ co%%elati,el&
in lette%s place/ on the uppe% pa%t of each pa0e.
The attestation shall state the nu5be% of pa0es use/ upon
2hich the 2ill is 2%itten( an/ the fact that the testato% si0ne/
the 2ill an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof( o% cause/ so5e othe% pe%son
to 2%ite his na5e( un/e% his e6p%ess /i%ection( in the p%esence
of the inst%u5ental 2itnesses( an/ that the latte% 2itnesse/ an/
si0ne/ the 2ill an/ all the pa0es the%eof in the p%esence of the
testato% an/ of one anothe%.
+f the attestation clause is in a lan0ua0e not 8no2n to the
2itnesses( it shall be inte%p%ete/ to the5.
A%t. BA". E,e%& 2ill 5ust be ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e a nota%&
public b& the testato% an/ the 2itnesses. The nota%& public
shall not be %e>ui%e/ to %etain a cop& of the 2ill( o% file anothe%
2ith the office of the Cle%8 of Cou%t.
The appellate cou%t( in its -ecision( consi/e%e/ onl& one
/efect( the failu%e of the attestation clause to state the nu5be%
of pa0es of the 2ill. But an e6a5ination of the 2ill itself %e,eals
se,e%al 5o%e /eficiencies.
As a/5itte/ b& petitione% hi5self( the attestation clause fails to
state the nu5be% of pa0es of the 2ill.
)'
The%e 2as an
inco5plete atte5pt to co5pl& 2ith this %e>uisite( a space
ha,in0 been allotte/ fo% the inse%tion of the nu5be% of pa0es in
the attestation clause. @et the blan8 2as ne,e% fille/ in? hence(
the %e>uisite 2as left unco5plie/ 2ith.
The Cou%t of Appeals pounce/ on this /efect in %e,e%sin0 the
t%ial cou%t( citin0 in the p%ocess %. Coque v. Navas 4.
!ioca
)#
an/ In re9 &ill of (ndrada.
)
+n %. Coque( the Cou%t
note/ that a5on0 the /efects of the 2ill in >uestion 2as the
failu%e of the attestation clause to state the nu5be% of pa0es
containe/ in the 2ill.
)*
+n %ulin0 that the 2ill coul/ not be
a/5itte/ to p%obate( the Cou%t 5a/e the follo2in0
consi/e%ation 2hich %e5ains hi0hl& %ele,ant to this /a&1 =The
pu%pose of %e>ui%in0 the nu5be% of sheets to be state/ in the
attestation clause is ob,ious? *<e d#)u5en* 51><* eas189 +e
s# 0re0ared *<a* *<e re5#va8 #7 a s<ee* ?#u8d )#508e*e89
)<an>e *<e *es*a5en*ar9 d1s0#s1*1#ns #7 *<e ?188 and 1n *<e
a+sen)e #7 a s*a*e5en* #7 *<e *#*a8 nu5+er #7 s<ee*s su)<
re5#va8 51><* +e e77e)*ed +9 *a@1n> #u* *<e s<ee* and
)<an>1n> *<e nu5+ers a* *<e *#0 #7 *<e 7#88#?1n> s<ee*s #r
0a>es. +f( on the othe% han/( the total nu5be% of sheets is
state/ in the attestation clause the falsification of the /ocu5ent
2ill in,ol,e the inse%tin0 of ne2 pa0es an/ the fo%0in0 of the
si0natu%es of the testato% an/ 2itnesses in the 5a%0in( a 5atte%
atten/e/ 2ith 5uch 0%eate% /ifficult&.=
)"
The case of In re &ill of (ndrada conce%ne/ a 2ill the
attestation clause of 2hich faile/ to state the nu5be% of sheets
o% pa0es use/. This consi/e%ation alone 2as sufficient fo% the
Cou%t to /ecla%e =unani5Fit&G upon the point that the /efect
pointe/ out in the attestin0 clause is fatal.=
)<
+t 2as fu%the%
obse%,e/ that =it cannot be /enie/ that the 6 6 6 %e>ui%e5ent
affo%/s a//itional secu%it& a0ainst the /an0e% that the 2ill 5a&
be ta5pe%e/ 2ith? an/ as the Le0islatu%e has seen fit to
p%esc%ibe this %e>ui%e5ent( it 5ust be consi/e%e/ 5ate%ial.=
)B
A0ainst these cite/ cases( petitione% cites !in#son v.
:lorentino
)!
an/ )aboada v. =on. *osal(
'A
2he%ein the Cou%t
allo2e/ p%obate to the 2ills conce%ne/ the%ein /espite the fact
that the attestation clause /i/ not state the nu5be% of pa0es of
the 2ill. @et the appellate cou%t itself consi/e%e/ the i5po%t of
these t2o cases( an/ 5a/e the follo2in0 /istinction 2hich
petitione% is unable to %ebut( an/ 2hich 2e a/opt 2ith app%o,al1
E,en a cu%so%& e6a5ination of the :ill 3E6hibit =-=4( 2ill %ea/il&
sho2 that the attestation /oes not state the nu5be% of pa0es
use/ upon 2hich the 2ill is 2%itten. 7ence( the :ill is ,oi/ an/
un/ese%,in0 of p%obate.
:e a%e not i5pe%,ious of the -ecisions of the Sup%e5e Cou%t
in =Manuel Sin0son ,e%sus E5ilia .lo%entino( et al.( !' Phil.
)") an/ Apolonio FTaboa/aG ,e%sus 7on. A,elino Rosal( et al.(
58
))B SCRA )!*(= to the effect that a 2ill 5a& still be ,ali/ e,en if
the attestation /oes not contain the nu5be% of pa0es use/
upon 2hich the :ill is 2%itten. 7o2e,e%( the -ecisions of the
Sup%e5e Cou%t a%e not applicable in the afo%e5entione/
appeal at bench. This is so because( in the case of =Manuel
Sin0son ,e%sus E5ilia .lo%entino( et al.( sup%a(= althou0h the
attestation in the sub9ect :ill /i/ not state the nu5be% of pa0es
use/ in the 2ill( ho2e,e%( the sa5e 2as foun/ in the last pa%t
of the bo/& of the :ill1
=6 6 6
The la2 %efe%%e/ to is a%ticle ")B of the Co/e of Ci,il
P%oce/u%e( as a5en/e/ b& Act No. '"*( 2hich %e>ui%es that
the attestation clause shall state the nu5be% of pa0es o%
sheets upon 2hich the 2ill is 2%itten( 2hich %e>ui%e5ent has
been hel/ to be 5an/ato%& as an effecti,e safe0ua%/ a0ainst
the possibilit& of inte%polation o% o5ission of so5e of the pa0es
of the 2ill to the p%e9u/ice of the hei%s to 2ho5 the p%ope%t& is
inten/e/ to be be>ueathe/ 3+n %e :ill of An/%a/a( ' Phil. )BA?
U& Co>ue ,s. Na,as L. Sioca( # Phil.( A*? Gu5ban ,s.
Go%cho( *A Phil. #A? Cuinto ,s. Mo%ata( * Phil. B)?
Eche,a%%ia ,s. Sa%5iento( "" Phil. "))4. The %atio /eci/en/i of
these cases see5s to be that the attestation clause 5ust
contain a state5ent of the nu5be% of sheets o% pa0es
co5posin0 the 2ill an/ that if this is 5issin0 o% is o5itte/( it 2ill
ha,e the effect of in,ali/atin0 the 2ill if the /eficienc& cannot
be supplie/( not b& e,i/ence aliun/e( but b& a consi/e%ation o%
e6a5ination of the 2ill itself. But he%e the situation is /iffe%ent.
:hile the attestation clause /oes not state the nu5be% of
sheets o% pa0es upon 2hich the 2ill is 2%itten( ho2e,e%( the
last pa%t of the bo/& of the 2ill contains a state5ent that it is
co5pose/ of ei0ht pa0es( 2hich ci%cu5stance in ou% opinion
ta8es this case out of the %i0i/ %ule of const%uction an/ places it
2ithin the %eal5 of si5ila% cases 2he%e a b%oa/ an/ 5o%e
libe%al ,ie2 has been a/opte/ to p%e,ent the 2ill of the testato%
f%o5 bein0 /efeate/ b& pu%el& technical consi/e%ations.= 3pa0e
)"*-)"*( sup%a4 3Un/e%sco%in0 supplie/4
+n =Apolonio Tabao/a ,e%sus 7on. A,elino Rosal( et al.= sup%a(
the nota%ial ac8no2le/0e5ent in the :ill states the nu5be% of
pa0es use/ in the1
=6 6 6
:e ha,e e6a5ine/ the 2ill in >uestion an/ notice/ that the
attestation clause faile/ to state the nu5be% of pa0es use/ in
2%itin0 the 2ill. This 2oul/ ha,e been a fatal /efect 2e%e it not
fo% the fact that( in this case( it is /isce%nible f%o5 the enti%e 2ill
that it is %eall& an/ actuall& co5pose/ of onl& t2o pa0es /ul&
si0ne/ b& the testat%i6 an/ he% inst%u5ental 2itnesses. As
ea%lie% state/( the fi%st pa0e 2hich contains the enti%et& of the
testa5enta%& /ispositions is si0ne/ b& the testat%i6 at the en/
o% at the botto5 2hile the inst%u5ental 2itnesses si0ne/ at the
left 5a%0in. The othe% pa0e 2hich is 5a%8e/ as =Pa0ina /os=
co5p%ises the attestation clause an/ the ac8no2le/05ent. The
ac8no2le/05ent itself states that =this Last :ill an/ Testa5ent
consists of t2o pa0es inclu/in0 this pa0e= 3pa0es 'AA-'A)(
sup%a4 3Un/e%sco%in0 supplie/4.
7o2e,e%( in the appeal at bench( the nu5be% of pa0es use/ in
the 2ill is not state/ in an& pa%t of the :ill. The 2ill /oes not
e,en contain an& nota%ial ac8no2le/05ent 2he%ein the
nu5be% of pa0es of the 2ill shoul/ be state/.
')
Both %. Coque an/ (ndrada 2e%e /eci/e/ p%io% to the
enact5ent of the Ci,il Co/e in )!*A( at a ti5e 2hen the
statuto%& p%o,ision 0o,e%nin0 the fo%5al %e>ui%e5ent of 2ills
2as Section
")B of the Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e.
''
Reliance on these cases
%e5ains ap%opos( consi/e%in0 that the %e>ui%e5ent that the
attestation state the nu5be% of pa0es of the 2ill is e6tant f%o5
Section ")B.
'#
7o2e,e%( the enact5ent of the Ci,il Co/e in
)!*A /i/ put in fo%ce a %ule of inte%p%etation of the %e>ui%e5ents
of 2ills( at least insofa% as the attestation clause is conce%ne/(
that 5a& ,a%& f%o5 the philosoph& that 0o,e%ne/ these t2o
cases. A%ticle BA! of the Ci,il Co/e states1 =+n the absence of
ba/ faith( fo%0e%&( o% f%au/( o% un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e
an/ influence( /efects an/ i5pe%fections in the fo%5 of
attestation o% in the lan0ua0e use/ the%ein shall not %en/e% the
2ill in,ali/ if it is p%o,e/ that the 2ill 2as in fact e6ecute/ an/
atteste/ in substantial co5pliance 2ith all the %e>ui%e5ents of
a%ticle BA*.=
+n the sa5e ,ein( petitione% cites the %epo%t of the Ci,il Co/e
Co55ission( 2hich state/ that =the un/e%l&in0 an/
fun/a5ental ob9ecti,e pe%5eatin0 the p%o,isions on the Fla2G
on F2illsG in this p%o9ect consists in the Flibe%ali;ationG of the
5anne% of thei% e6ecution 2ith the en/ in ,ie2 of 0i,in0 the
testato% 5o%e Ff%ee/o5G in Fe6p%essin0G his last 2ishes. This
ob9ecti,e is in acco%/ 2ith the F5o/e%n ten/enc&G in %espect to
the fo%5alities in the e6ecution of 2ills.=
'
7o2e,e%( petitione%
con,enientl& o5its the >ualification offe%e/ b& the Co/e
Co55ission in the ,e%& sa5e pa%a0%aph he cites f%o5 thei%
%epo%t( that such libe%ali;ation be =but 2ith sufficient safe0ua%/s
an/ %est%ictions to p%e,ent the co55ission of f%au/ an/ the
e6e%cise of un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence upon
the testato%.=
'*
Caneda v. Court of (ppeals
'"
featu%es an e6tensi,e /iscussion
5a/e b& $ustice Re0ala/o( spea8in0 fo% the Cou%t on the
conflictin0 ,ie2s on the 5anne% of inte%p%etation of the le0al
fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ in the e6ecution of the attestation clause in
2ills.
'<
%. Coque an/ (ndrada a%e cite/ the%ein( alon0 2ith
se,e%al othe% cases( as e6a5ples of the application of the %ule
of st%ict const%uction.
'B
7o2e,e%( the Co/e Co55ission opte/
to %eco55en/ a 5o%e libe%al const%uction th%ou0h the
=substantial co5pliance %ule= un/e% A%ticle BA!. A cautiona%&
note 2as st%uc8 thou0h b& $ustice $.B.L. Re&es as to ho2
A%ticle BA! shoul/ be applie/1
6 6 6 The %ule 5ust be li5ite/ to /is%e0a%/in0 those /efects
that can be supplie/ b& an e6a5ination of the 2ill itself1
2hethe% all the pa0es a%e consecuti,el& nu5be%e/? 2hethe%
the si0natu%es appea% in each an/ e,e%& pa0e? 2hethe% the
subsc%ibin0 2itnesses a%e th%ee o% the 2ill 2as nota%i;e/. All
these a%e facts that the 2ill itself can %e,eal( an/ /efects o%
e,en o5issions conce%nin0 the5 in the attestation clause can
be safel& /is%e0a%/e/. Bu* *<e *#*a8 nu5+er #7 0a>es, and
?<e*<er a88 0ers#ns reBu1red *# s1>n d1d s# 1n *<e
0resen)e #7 ea)< #*<er 5us* su+s*an*1a889 a00ear 1n *<e
a**es*a*1#n )8ause, +e1n> *<e #n89 )<e)@ a>a1ns* 0erAur9 1n
*<e 0r#+a*e 0r#)eed1n>s.
'!
3E5phasis supplie/.4
The Cou%t of Appeals /i/ cite these co55ents b& $ustice
$.B.L. Re&es in its assaile/ /ecision( consi/e%in0 that the
failu%e to state the nu5be% of pa0es of the 2ill in the attestation
clause is one of the /efects 2hich cannot be si5pl&
59
/is%e0a%/e/. +n Caneda itself( the Cou%t %efuse/ to allo2 the
p%obate of a 2ill 2hose attestation clause faile/ to state that
the 2itnesses subsc%ibe/ thei% %especti,e si0natu%es to the 2ill
in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of each othe%(
#A
the othe%
o5ission cite/ b& $ustice $.B.L. Re&es 2hich to his esti5ation
cannot be li0htl& /is%e0a%/e/.
Caneda su00este/1 =F+Gt 5a& thus be state/ that the %ule( as it
no2 stan/s( is that o5ission 2hich can be supplie/ b& an
e6a5ination of the 2ill itself( 2ithout the nee/ of %eso%tin0 to
e6t%insic e,i/ence( 2ill not be fatal an/( co%%espon/in0l&( 2oul/
not obst%uct the allo2ance to p%obate of the 2ill bein0 assaile/.
7o2e,e%( those o5issions 2hich cannot be supplie/ e6cept b&
e,i/ence aliunde 2oul/ %esult in the in,ali/ation of the
attestation clause an/ ulti5atel&( of the 2ill itself.=
#)
Thus( a
failu%e b& the attestation clause to state that the testato% si0ne/
e,e%& pa0e can be libe%all& const%ue/( since that fact can be
chec8e/ b& a ,isual e6a5ination? 2hile a failu%e b& the
attestation clause to state that the 2itnesses si0ne/ in one
anothe%Ms p%esence shoul/ be consi/e%e/ a fatal fla2 since the
attestation is the onl& te6tual 0ua%antee of co5pliance.
#'
The failu%e of the attestation clause to state the nu5be% of
pa0es on 2hich the 2ill 2as 2%itten %e5ains a fatal fla2(
/espite A%ticle BA!. The pu%pose of the la2 in %e>ui%in0 the
clause to state the nu5be% of pa0es on 2hich the 2ill is 2%itten
is to safe0ua%/ a0ainst possible inte%polation o% o5ission of
one o% so5e of its pa0es an/ to p%e,ent an& inc%ease o%
/ec%ease in the pa0es.
##
The failu%e to state the nu5be% of
pa0es e>uates 2ith the absence of an a,e%5ent on the pa%t of
the inst%u5ental 2itnesses as to ho2 5an& pa0es consiste/
the 2ill( the e6ecution of 2hich the& ha/ ostensibl& 9ust
2itnesse/ an/ subsc%ibe/ to. .ollo2in0 Caneda( the%e is
substantial co5pliance 2ith this %e>ui%e5ent if the 2ill states
else2he%e in it ho2 5an& pa0es it is co5p%ise/ of( as 2as the
situation in !in#son an/)aboada. 7o2e,e%( in this case( the%e
coul/ ha,e been no substantial co5pliance 2ith the
%e>ui%e5ents un/e% A%ticle BA* since the%e is no state5ent in
the attestation clause o% an&2he%e in the 2ill itself as to the
nu5be% of pa0es 2hich co5p%ise the 2ill.
At the sa5e ti5e( A%ticle BA! shoul/ not /e,iate f%o5 the nee/
to co5pl& 2ith the fo%5al %e>ui%e5ents as enu5e%ate/ un/e%
A%ticle BA*. :hate,e% the inclinations of the 5e5be%s of the
Co/e Co55ission in inco%po%atin0 A%ticle BA*( the fact %e5ains
that the& sa2 fit to p%esc%ibe substantiall& the sa5e fo%5al
%e>uisites as enu5e%ate/ in Section ")B of the Co/e of Ci,il
P%oce/u%e( con,ince/ that these %e5aine/ effecti,e
safe0ua%/s a0ainst the fo%0e%& o% inte%calation of nota%ial
2ills.
#
Co5pliance 2ith these %e>ui%e5ents( ho2e,e% pica&une
in i5p%ession( affo%/s the public a hi0h /e0%ee of co5fo%t that
the testato% hi5self o% he%self ha/ /eci/e/ to con,e&
p%ope%t& post mortem in the 5anne% establishe/ in the
2ill.
#*
T<e *rans)enden* 8e>1s8a*1ve 1n*en*, even as
eC0ressed 1n *<e )1*ed )#55en*s #7 *<e C#de
C#551ss1#n, 1s 7#r *<e 7ru1*1#n #7 *<e *es*a*#rDs
1n)#n*es*a+8e des1res, and n#* 7#r *<e 1ndu8>en* ad51ss1#n
#7 ?188s *# 0r#+a*e.
The Cou%t coul/ thus en/ he%e an/ affi%5 the Cou%t of Appeals.
7o2e,e%( an e6a5ination of the 2ill itself %e,eals a couple of
e,en 5o%e c%itical /efects that shoul/ necessa%il& lea/ to its
%e9ection.
F#r #ne, *<e a**es*a*1#n )8ause ?as n#* s1>ned +9 *<e
1ns*ru5en*a8 ?1*nesses. :hile the si0natu%es of the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses appea% on the left-han/ 5a%0in of the
2ill( the& /o not appea% at the botto5 of the attestation clause
2hich afte% all consists of thei% a,e%5ents befo%e the nota%&
public.
Ca#ro v. Ca#ro
#"
is 5ate%ial on this point. As in this case( =the
si0natu%es of the th%ee 2itnesses to the 2ill /o not appea% at
the botto5 of the attestation clause( althou0h the pa0e
containin0 the sa5e is si0ne/ b& the 2itnesses on the left-
han/ 5a%0in.=
#<
:hile th%ee 3#4 $ustices
#B
consi/e%e/ the
si0natu%e %e>ui%e5ent ha/ been substantiall& co5plie/ 2ith( a
5a9o%it& of si6 3"4( spea8in0 th%ou0h Chief $ustice Pa%as( %ule/
that the attestation clause ha/ not been /ul& si0ne/( %en/e%in0
the 2ill fatall& /efecti,e.
The%e is no >uestion that the si0natu%es of the th%ee 2itnesses
to the 2ill /o not appea% at the botto5 of the attestation clause(
althou0h the pa0e containin0 the sa5e is si0ne/ b& the
2itnesses on the left-han/ 5a%0in.
:e a%e of the opinion that the position ta8en b& the appellant is
co%%ect. The attestation clause is =a 5e5o%an/u5 of the facts
atten/in0 the e6ecution of the 2ill= %e>ui%e/ b& la2 to be 5a/e
b& the attestin0 2itnesses( an/ it 5ust necessa%il& bea% thei%
si0natu%es. An unsi0ne/ attestation clause cannot be
consi/e%e/ as an act of the 2itnesses( since the o5ission of
thei% si0natu%es at the botto5 the%eof ne0ati,es thei%
pa%ticipation.
The petitione% an/ appellee conten/s that si0natu%es of the
th%ee 2itnesses on the left-han/ 5a%0in confo%5 substantiall&
to the la2 an/ 5a& be /ee5e/ as thei% si0natu%es to the
attestation clause. This is untenable( because sai/ si0natu%es
a%e in co5pliance 2ith the le0al 5an/ate that the 2ill be
si0ne/ on the left-han/ 5a%0in of all its pa0es. +f an attestation
clause not si0ne/ b& the th%ee 2itnesses at the botto5 the%eof(
be a/5itte/ as sufficient( it 2oul/ be eas& to a// such clause
to a 2ill on a subse>uent occasion an/ in the absence of the
testato% an/ an& o% all of the 2itnesses.
#!
The Cou%t to/a& %eite%ates the continue/ efficac& of Ca#ro.
A%ticle BA* pa%ticula%l& se0%e0ates the %e>ui%e5ent that the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses si0n each pa0e of the 2ill( f%o5 the
%e>uisite that the 2ill be =atteste/ an/ subsc%ibe/ b& Fthe
inst%u5ental 2itnessesG.= The %especti,e intents behin/ these
t2o classes of si0natu%e a%e /istinct f%o5 each othe%. The
si0natu%es on the left-han/ co%ne% of e,e%& pa0e si0nif&( a5on0
othe%s( that the 2itnesses a%e a2a%e that the pa0e the& a%e
si0nin0 fo%5s pa%t of the 2ill. On the othe% han/( the si0natu%es
to the attestation clause establish that the 2itnesses a%e
%efe%%in0 to the state5ents containe/ in the attestation clause
itself. +n/ee/( the attestation clause is sepa%ate an/ apa%t f%o5
the /isposition of the 2ill. An unsi0ne/ attestation clause
%esults in an unatteste/ 2ill. E,en if the inst%u5ental 2itnesses
si0ne/ the left-han/ 5a%0in of the pa0e containin0 the
unsi0ne/ attestation clause( such si0natu%es cannot
/e5onst%ate these 2itnessesM un/e%ta8in0s in the clause( since
the si0natu%es that /o appea% on the pa0e 2e%e /i%ecte/
to2a%/s a 2holl& /iffe%ent a,o2al.
The Cou%t 5a& be 5o%e cha%itabl& /ispose/ ha/ the 2itnesses
in this case si0ne/ the attestation clause itself( but not the left-
60
han/ 5a%0in of the pa0e containin0 such clause. :ithout
/i5inishin0 the ,alue of the inst%u5ental 2itnessesM si0natu%es
on each an/ e,e%& pa0e( the fact 5ust be note/ that it is the
attestation clause 2hich contains the utte%ances %e/uce/ into
2%itin0 of the testa5enta%& 2itnesses the5sel,es. +t is the
2itnesses( an/ not the testato%( 2ho a%e %e>ui%e/ un/e% A%ticle
BA* to state the nu5be% of pa0es use/ upon 2hich the 2ill is
2%itten? the fact that the testato% ha/ si0ne/ the 2ill an/ e,e%&
pa0e the%eof? an/ that the& 2itnesse/ an/ si0ne/ the 2ill an/
all the pa0es the%eof in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of one
anothe%. The onl& p%oof in the 2ill that the 2itnesses ha,e
state/ these ele5ental facts 2oul/ be thei% si0natu%es on the
attestation clause.
Thus( the sub9ect 2ill cannot be consi/e%e/ to ha,e been
,ali/l& atteste/ to b& the inst%u5ental 2itnesses( as the& faile/
to si0n the attestation clause.
@et( the%e is anothe% fatal /efect to the 2ill on 2hich the /enial
of this petition shoul/ also hin0e. The %e>ui%e5ent un/e% A%ticle
BA" that =e,e%& 2ill 5ust be ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e a nota%&
public b& the testato% an/ the 2itnesses= has also not been
co5plie/ 2ith. The i5po%tance of this %e>ui%e5ent is
hi0hli0hte/ b& the fact that it ha/ been se0%e0ate/ f%o5 the
othe% %e>ui%e5ents un/e% A%ticle BA* an/ ent%uste/ into a
sepa%ate p%o,ision( A%ticle BA". The non-obse%,ance of A%ticle
BA" in this case is e>uall& as c%itical as the othe% cite/ fla2s in
co5pliance 2ith A%ticle BA*( an/ shoul/ be t%eate/ as of
e>ui,alent i5po%t.
+n lieu of an ac8no2le/05ent( the nota%& public( Pet%onio @.
Bautista( 2%ote =Nila#daan 7o at ninotario 7o n#a.on#+- n#
=un.o +- (sic), +>?+ dito sa 4un#sod n# 'a.nila.=
A
B& no
5anne% of conte5plation can those 2o%/s be const%ue/ as an
ac8no2le/05ent. An ac8no2le/05ent is the act of one 2ho
has e6ecute/ a /ee/ in 0oin0 befo%e so5e co5petent office%
o% cou%t an/ /ecla%in0 it to be his act o% /ee/.
)
+t in,ol,es an
e6t%a step un/e%ta8en 2he%eb& the si0no% actuall& /ecla%es to
the nota%& that the e6ecuto% of a /ocu5ent has atteste/ to the
nota%& that the sa5e is hisKhe% o2n f%ee act an/ /ee/.
+t 5i0ht be possible to const%ue the a,e%5ent as a jurat( e,en
thou0h it /oes not he2 to the usual lan0ua0e the%eof. A jurat is
that pa%t of an affi/a,it 2he%e the nota%& ce%tifies that befo%e
hi5Khe%( the /ocu5ent 2as subsc%ibe/ an/ s2o%n to b& the
e6ecuto%.
'
O%/ina%il&( the lan0ua0e of the jurat shoul/ a,o2
that the /ocu5ent 2as subsc%ibe/ an/ s2o%n befo%e the nota%&
public( 2hile in this case( the nota%& public a,e%%e/ that he
hi5self =si0ne/ an/ nota%i;e/= the /ocu5ent. Possibl& thou0h(
the 2o%/ =ninotario= o% =nota%i;e/= enco5passes the si0nin0 of
an/ s2ea%in0 in of the e6ecuto%s of the /ocu5ent( 2hich in this
case 2oul/ in,ol,e the /ece/ent an/ the inst%u5ental
2itnesses.
@et e,en if 2e consi/e% 2hat 2as affi6e/ b& the nota%& public
as a jurat( the 2ill 2oul/ nonetheless %e5ain in,ali/( as the
e6p%ess %e>ui%e5ent of A%ticle BA" is that the 2ill be
=ac8no2le/0e/=( an/ not 5e%el& subsc%ibe/ an/ s2o%n to. The
2ill /oes not p%esent an& te6tual p%oof( 5uch less one un/e%
oath( that the /ece/ent an/ the inst%u5ental 2itnesses
e6ecute/ o% si0ne/ the 2ill as thei% o2n f%ee act o% /ee/. The
ac8no2le/05ent 5a/e in a 2ill p%o,i/es fo% anothe% all-
i5po%tant le0al safe0ua%/ a0ainst spu%ious 2ills o% those 5a/e
be&on/ the f%ee consent of the testato%. An ac8no2le/0e5ent
is not an e5pt& 5eanin0less act.
#
The ac8no2le/05ent
coe%ces the testato% an/ the inst%u5ental 2itnesses to /ecla%e
befo%e an office% of the la2 that the& ha/ e6ecute/ an/
subsc%ibe/ to the 2ill as thei% o2n f%ee act o% /ee/. Such
/ecla%ation is un/e% oath an/ un/e% pain of pe%9u%&( thus
allo2in0 fo% the c%i5inal p%osecution of pe%sons 2ho pa%ticipate
in the e6ecution of spu%ious 2ills( o% those e6ecute/ 2ithout the
f%ee consent of the testato%. +t also p%o,i/es a fu%the% /e0%ee of
assu%ance that the testato% is of ce%tain 5in/set in 5a8in0 the
testa5enta%& /ispositions to those pe%sons heKshe ha/
/esi0nate/ in the 2ill.
+t 5a& not ha,e been sai/ befo%e( but 2e can asse%t the %ule(
self-e,i/ent as it is un/e% A%ticle BA". A n#*ar1a8 ?188 *<a* 1s
n#* a)@n#?8ed>ed +e7#re a n#*ar9 0u+81) +9 *<e *es*a*#r
and *<e ?1*nesses 1s 7a*a889 de7e)*1ve, even 17 1* 1s
su+s)r1+ed and s?#rn *# +e7#re a n#*ar9 0u+81).
The%e a%e t2o othe% %e>ui%e5ents un/e% A%ticle BA* 2hich 2e%e
not full& satisfie/ b& the 2ill in >uestion. :e nee/ not /iscuss
the5 at len0th( as the& a%e no lon0e% 5ate%ial to the
/isposition of this case. The p%o,ision %e>ui%es that the testato%
an/ the inst%u5ental 2itnesses si0n each an/ e,e%& pa0e of
the 2ill on the left 5a%0in( e6cept the last? an/ that all the
pa0es shall be nu5be%e/ co%%elati,el& in lette%s place/ on the
uppe% pa%t of each pa0e. +n this case( the /ece/ent( unli8e the
2itnesses( faile/ to si0n both pa0es of the 2ill on the left
5a%0in( he% onl& si0natu%e appea%in0 at the so-calle/ =lo0ical
en/=

of the 2ill on its fi%st pa0e. Also( the 2ill itself is not
nu5be%e/ co%%elati,el& in lette%s on each pa0e( but instea/
nu5be%e/ 2ith A%abic nu5e%als. The%e is a line of thou0ht that
has /isabuse/ the notion that these t2o %e>ui%e5ents be
const%ue/ as 5an/ato%&.
*
Ta8en in isolation( these o5issions(
b& the5sel,es( 5a& not be sufficient to /en& p%obate to a 2ill.
@et e,en as these o5issions a%e not /ecisi,e to the
a/9u/ication of this case( the& nee/ not be /2elt on( thou0h
in/icati,e as the& 5a& be of a 0ene%al lac8 of /ue %e0a%/ fo%
the %e>ui%e5ents un/e% A%ticle BA* b& 2hoe,e% e6ecute/ the
2ill.
All tol/( the st%in0 of 5o%tal /efects 2hich the 2ill in >uestion
suffe%s f%o5 5a8es the p%obate /enial ine6o%able.
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is -EN+E-. Costs a0ainst
petitione%.
SO OR-ERE-.
DANTE O. TINGA
Associate $ustice

TIRD DIVISION


LETICIA VALMONTE ORTEGA, G.R. N#. $4-&4$
Pe*1*1#ner,


- versus -

61
2OSEFINA C. VALMONTE, Pr#5u8>a*ed:
Res0#nden*.
De)e5+er $;, %''4
C -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- C
DECISION
PANGANIBAN, J.:
The la2 fa,o%s the p%obate of a 2ill. Upon those 2ho
oppose it %ests the bu%/en of sho2in0 2h& it shoul/ not be
allo2e/. +n the p%esent case( petitione% has faile/ to
/ischa%0e this bu%/en satisfacto%il&. .o% this %eason( the
Cou%t cannot att%ibute an& %e,e%sible e%%o% on the pa%t of the
appellate t%ibunal that allo2e/ the p%obate of the 2ill.
T<e Case
Befo%e the Cou%t is a Petition fo% Re,ie2
F)G
un/e% Rule
* of the Rules of Cou%t( see8in0 to %e,e%se an/ set asi/e the
-ece5be% )'( 'AA' -ecision
F'G
an/ the Ma%ch <( 'AA#
Resolution
F#G
of the Cou%t of Appeals 3CA4 in CA-GR CD No.
'!". The assaile/ -ecision /ispose/ as follo2s1

P:7ERE.ORE( the appeal
is GRANTED( an/ the -ecision appeale/
f%o5 is REVERSED an/ SET ASIDE. +n its
place 9u/05ent is %en/e%e/ app%o,in0 an/
allo2in0 p%obate to the sai/ last 2ill an/
testa5ent of Placi/o Dal5onte an/ o%/e%in0
the issuance of lette%s testa5enta%& to the
petitione% $osefina Dal5onte. Let this case
be %e5an/e/ to the cou%t a quo fo% fu%the%
an/ conco5itant p%ocee/in0s.Q
FG

The assaile/ Resolution /enie/ petitione%Ms Motion fo%
Reconsi/e%ation.
T<e Fa)*s
The facts 2e%e su55a%i;e/ in the assaile/ -ecision
of the CA( as follo2s1

P6 6 61 Li8e so 5an& othe%s befo%e
hi5( Placi/o toile/ an/ li,e/ fo% a lon0 ti5e
in the Unite/ States until he finall& %eache/
%eti%e5ent. +n )!BA( Placi/o finall& ca5e
ho5e to sta& in the Philippines( an/ he li,e/
in the house an/ lot locate/ at \!'AA
Cat5on St.( San Antonio Dilla0e( Ma8ati(
2hich he o2ne/ in co55on 2ith his siste%
Ci%iaca Dal5onte an/ title/ in thei% na5es in
TCT )'#"B. T2o &ea%s afte% his a%%i,al
f%o5 the Unite/ States an/ at the a0e of BA
he 2e/ $osefina 2ho 2as then 'B &ea%s ol/(
in a ce%e5on& sole5ni;e/ b& $u/0e Pe%fecto
La0uio( $%. on .eb%ua%& *( )!B'. But in a
little 5o%e than t2o &ea%s of 2e//e/ bliss(
Placi/o /ie/ on Octobe% B( )!B of a cause
2%itten /o2n as C@* P%4'@N(4A.

PPlaci/o e6ecute/ a nota%ial last 2ill
an/ testa5ent 2%itten in En0lish an/
consistin0 of t2o 3'4 pa0es( an/ /ate/ $une
)*( )!B# but ac8no2le/0e/ onl& on Au0ust
!( )!B#. The fi%st pa0e contains the enti%e
testa5enta%& /ispositions an/ a pa%t of the
attestation clause( an/ 2as si0ne/ at the
en/ o% botto5 of that pa0e b& the testato%
an/ on the left han/ 5a%0in b& the th%ee
inst%u5ental 2itnesses. The secon/ pa0e
contains the continuation of the attestation
clause an/ the ac8no2le/05ent( an/ 2as
si0ne/ b& the 2itnesses at the en/ of the
attestation clause an/ a0ain on the left han/
5a%0in. +t p%o,i/es in the bo/& that1

NLAST :+LL AN- TESTAMENT O. PLAC+-O
DALMONTE +N T7E NAME O. T7E LOR-
AMEN1

N+( PLAC+-O DALMONTE( of le0al a0e(
5a%%ie/ to $osefina Cabansa0 Dal5onte( an/ a
%esi/ent of !'AA Cat5on St%eet( Ma8ati( Met%o
Manila( B# &ea%s of a0e an/ bein0 of soun/
an/ /isposin0 5in/ an/ 5e5o%&( /o he%eb&
/ecla%e this to be 5& last 2ill an/ testa5ent1
). +t is 5& 2ill that + be bu%ie/ in the Catholic
Ce5ete%&( un/e% the auspices of the Catholic
Chu%ch in acco%/ance 2ith the %ites an/ sai/
Chu%ch an/ that a suitable 5onu5ent to be
e%ecte/ an/ p%o,i/e/ 5& b& e6ecut%i6 32ife4 to
pe%petuate 5& 5e5o%& in the 5in/s of 5&
fa5il& an/ f%ien/s?
'. + 0i,e( /e,ise an/ be>ueath unto 5&
lo,in0 2ife( $OSE.+NA C. DALMONTE( one
half 3)K'4 po%tion of the follo2-/esc%ibe/
p%ope%ties( 2hich belon0s to 5e as Fco-o2ne%G1
a. Lot -A( Bloc8 )# /esc%ibe/ on plan
Ps/-'B*<*( LRC( 3GLRO4( situate/ in Ma8ati(
62
Met%o Manila( /esc%ibe/ an/ co,e%e/ b& TCT
No. )'#"B of the Re0iste% of -ee/s of Pasi0(
Met%o-Manila %e0iste%e/ 9ointl& as co-o2ne%s
2ith 5& /ecease/ siste% 3Ci%iaca Dal5onte4(
ha,in0 sha%e an/ sha%e ali8e?
b. '-sto%e& buil/in0 stan/in0 on the abo,e-
/esc%ibe/ p%ope%t&( 5a/e of st%on0 an/ 5i6e/
5ate%ials use/ as 5& %esi/ence an/ 5& 2ife
an/ locate/ at No. !'AA Cat5on St%eet(
Ma8ati( Met%o Manila also co,e%e/ b& Ta6
-ecla%ation No. A-A'*-AAB'( Ma8ati( Met%o-
Manila( 9ointl& in the na5e of 5& /ecease/
siste%( Ci%iaca Dal5onte an/ 5&self as co-
o2ne%s( sha%e an/ sha%e ali8e o% e>ual co-
o2ne%s the%eof?
#. All the %est( %esi/ue an/ %e5ain/e%
of 5& %eal an/ pe%sonal p%ope%ties(
inclu/in0 5& sa,in0s account ban8 boo8
in USA 2hich is in the possession of 5&
nephe2( an/ all othe%s 2hatsoe,e% an/
2he%e,e% foun/( + 0i,e( /e,ise an/
be>ueath to 5& sai/ 2ife( $osefina C.
Dal5onte?
. + he%eb& appoint 5& 2ife( $osefina
C. Dal5onte as sole e6ecut%i6 of 5& last
2ill an/ testa5ent( an/ it is 5& 2ill that
sai/ e6ecut%i6 be e6e5pt f%o5 filin0 a
bon/?
+N :+TNESS :7EREO.( + ha,e
he%eunto set 5& han/ this )*
th
/a& of $une
)!B# in Cue;on Cit&( Philippines.M
PThe allo2ance to p%obate of this 2ill 2as
oppose/ b& Leticia on the 0%oun/s that1
). Petitione% faile/ to alle0e all assets
of the testato%( especiall& those foun/
in the USA?
'. Petitione% faile/ to state the na5es(
a0es( an/ %esi/ences of the hei%s of
the testato%? o% to 0i,e the5 p%ope%
notice pu%suant to la2?
#. :ill 2as not e6ecute/ an/ atteste/
as %e>ui%e/ b& la2 an/ le0al
sole5nities an/ fo%5alities 2e%e not
co5plie/ 2ith?
. Testato% 2as 5entall& incapable to
5a8e a 2ill at the ti5e of the alle0e/
e6ecution he bein0 in an a/,ance sate
of senilit&?
*. :ill 2as e6ecute/ un/e% /u%ess(
o% the influence of fea% o% th%eats?
". :ill 2as p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue an/
i5p%ope% influence an/ p%essu%e on the
pa%t of the petitione% an/Ko% he% a0ents
an/Ko% assistants? an/Ko%
<. Si0natu%e of testato% 2as
p%ocu%e/ b& f%au/( o% t%ic8( an/ he /i/
not inten/ that the inst%u5ent shoul/
be his 2ill at the ti5e of affi6in0 his
si0natu%e the%eto?M


an/ she also oppose/ the appoint5ent as
E6ecut%i6 of $osefina alle0in0 he% 2ant of
un/e%stan/in0 an/ inte0%it&.
PAt the hea%in0( the petitione%
$osefina testifie/ an/ calle/ as 2itnesses the
nota%& public Att&. .lo%o Sa%5iento 2ho
p%epa%e/ an/ nota%i;e/ the 2ill( an/ the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses spouses Eu0enio
Go5e;( $%. an/ .eli;a Go5e; an/ $osie
Colla/o. .o% the opposition( the opposito%
Leticia an/ he% /au0hte% Ma%& $ane O%te0a
testifie/.
PAcco%/in0 to $osefina afte% he%
5a%%ia0e 2ith the testato% the& li,e/ in he%
pa%ents house at Salin0cob( Bacnotan( La
Union but the& ca5e to Manila e,e%& 5onth
to 0et his ]#"".AA 5onthl& pension an/
sta&e/ at the sai/ Ma8ati %esi/ence. The%e
2e%e ti5es thou0h 2hen to sha,e off on
e6penses( the testato% 2oul/ t%a,el alone.
An/ it 2as in one of his t%a,els b& his
loneso5e self 2hen the nota%ial 2ill 2as
5a/e. The 2ill 2as 2itnesse/ b& the
spouses Eu0enio an/ .eli;a Go5e;( 2ho
2e%e thei% 2e//in0 sponso%s( an/ b& $osie
Colla/o. $osefina sai/ she ha/ no
8no2le/0e of the e6istence of the last 2ill
an/ testa5ent of he% husban/( but 9ust
se%en/ipitousl& foun/ it in his attache case
afte% his /eath. +t 2as onl& then that she
lea%ne/ that the testato% be>ueathe/ to he%
his p%ope%ties an/ she 2as na5e/ the
e6ecut%i6 in the sai/ 2ill. To he% esti5ate(
the ,alue of p%ope%t& both %eal an/ pe%sonal
left b& the testato% is 2o%th 5o%e o% less
P)AA(AAA.AA. $osefina /ecla%e/ too that the
testato% ne,e% suffe%e/ 5ental infi%5it&
because /espite his ol/ a0e he 2ent alone
to the 5a%8et 2hich is t2o to th%ee
63
8ilo5ete%s f%o5 thei% ho5e coo8e/ an/
cleane/ the 8itchen an/ so5eti5es if she
coul/ not acco5pan& hi5( e,en t%a,ele/ to
Manila alone to clai5 his 5onthl& pension.
$osefina also asse%ts that he% husban/ 2as
in 0oo/ health an/ that he 2as hospitali;e/
onl& because of a col/ but 2hich e,entuall&
%esulte/ in his /eath.
PNota%& Public .lo%o Sa%5iento( the
nota%& public 2ho nota%i;e/ the testato%Ms
2ill( testifie/ that it 2as in the fi%st 2ee8 of
$une )!B# 2hen the testato% to0ethe% 2ith
the th%ee 2itnesses of the 2ill 2ent to his
house cu5 la2 office an/ %e>ueste/ hi5 to
p%epa%e his last 2ill an/ testa5ent. Afte% the
testato% inst%ucte/ hi5 on the te%5s an/
/ispositions he 2ante/ on the 2ill( the nota%&
public tol/ the5 to co5e bac8 on $une )*(
)!B# to 0i,e hi5 ti5e to p%epa%e it. Afte% he
ha/ p%epa%e/ the 2ill the nota%& public 8ept it
safel& hi//en an/ loc8e/ in his /%a2e%. The
testato% an/ his 2itnesses %etu%ne/ on the
appointe/ /ate but the nota%& public 2as out
of to2n so the& 2e%e inst%ucte/ b& his 2ife to
co5e bac8 on Au0ust !( )!B#( an/ 2hich
the& /i/. Befo%e the testato% an/ his
2itnesses si0ne/ the p%epa%e/ 2ill( the
nota%& public e6plaine/ to the5 each an/
e,e%& te%5 the%eof in +locano( a /ialect 2hich
the testato% spo8e an/ un/e%stoo/. 7e
li8e2ise e6plaine/ that thou0h it appea%s that
the 2ill 2as si0ne/ b& the testato% an/ his
2itnesses on $une )*( )!B#( the /a& 2hen it
shoul/ ha,e been e6ecute/ ha/ he not 0one
out of to2n( the fo%5al e6ecution 2as
actuall& on Au0ust !( )!B#. 7e %easone/
that he no lon0e% chan0e/ the t&pe2%itten
/ate of $une )*( )!B# because he /i/ not
li8e the /ocu5ent to appea% /i%t&. The
nota%& public also testifie/ that to his
obse%,ation the testato% 2as ph&sicall& an/
5entall& capable at the ti5e he affi6e/ his
si0natu%e on the 2ill.
PThe attestin0 2itnesses to the 2ill
co%%obo%ate/ the testi5on& of the nota%&
public( an/ testifie/ that the testato% 2ent
alone to the house of spouses Eu0enio an/
.eli;a Go5e; at GS+S Dilla0e( Cue;on Cit&
an/ %e>ueste/ the5 to acco5pan& hi5 to
the house of Att&. .lo%o Sa%5iento pu%posel&
fo% his inten/e/ 2ill? that afte% 0i,in0 his
inst%uctions to Att&. .lo%o Sa%5iento( the&
2e%e tol/ to %etu%n on $une )*( )!B#? that
the& %etu%ne/ on $une )*( )!B# fo% the
e6ecution of the 2ill but 2e%e as8e/ to co5e
bac8 instea/ on Au0ust !( )!B# because of
the absence of the nota%& public? that the
testato% e6ecute/ the 2ill in >uestion in thei%
p%esence 2hile he 2as of soun/ an/
/isposin0 5in/ an/ that he 2as st%on0 an/
in 0oo/ health? that the contents of the 2ill
2as e6plaine/ b& the nota%& public in the
+locano an/ Ta0alo0 /ialect an/ that all of
the5 as 2itnesses atteste/ an/ si0ne/ the
2ill in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of
each othe%. An/ that /u%in0 the e6ecution(
the testato%Ms 2ife( $osefina 2as not 2ith
the5.
PThe opposito% Leticia /ecla%e/ that
$osefina shoul/ not inhe%it alone because
asi/e f%o5 he% the%e a%e othe% chil/%en f%o5
the siblin0s of Placi/o 2ho a%e 9ust as
entitle/ to inhe%it f%o5 hi5. She attac8e/ the
5ental capacit& of the testato%( /ecla%in0 that
at the ti5e of the e6ecution of the nota%ial
2ill the testato% 2as al%ea/& B# &ea%s ol/ an/
2as no lon0e% of soun/ 5in/. She 8ne2
2he%eof she spo8e because in )!B# Placi/o
li,e/ in the Ma8ati %esi/ence an/ as8e/
LeticiaMs fa5il& to li,e 2ith hi5 an/ the& too8
ca%e of hi5. -u%in0 that ti5e( the testato%Ms
ph&sical an/ 5ental con/ition sho2e/
/ete%io%ation( abe%%ations an/ senilit&. This
2as co%%obo%ate/ b& he% /au0hte% Ma%& $ane
O%te0a fo% 2ho5 Placi/o too8 a fanc& an/
2ante/ to 5a%%&.
PSiftin0 th%ou0h the e,i/ence( the
cou%t a quo hel/ that 0t1he evidence
adduced, reduces the opposition to t"o
#rounds, namel.9
+. NonBcompliance "ith the le#al
solemnities and formalities in
the e;ecution and attestation of
the "illC and
,. 'ental incapacit. of the
testator at the time of the
e;ecution of the "ill as he "as
then in an advanced state of
senilit.
P+t then foun/ these 0%oun/s e6tant
an/ p%o,en( an/ acco%/in0l& /isallo2e/
p%obate.Q
F*G
64
Ru81n> #7 *<e C#ur* #7 A00ea8s
Re,e%sin0 the t%ial cou%t( the appellate cou%t a/5itte/ the
2ill of Placi/o Dal5onte to p%obate. The CA uphel/ the
c%e/ibilit& of the nota%& public an/ the subsc%ibin0 2itnesses
2ho ha/ ac8no2le/0e/ the /ue e6ecution of the 2ill.
Mo%eo,e%( it hel/ that the testato% ha/ testa5enta%& capacit& at
the ti5e of the e6ecution of the 2ill. +t a//e/ that his Pse6ual
e6hibitionis5 an/ unh&0ienic( c%u/e an/ i5polite 2a&sQ
F"G
/i/
not 5a8e hi5 a pe%son of unsoun/ 5in/.
7ence( this Petition.
F<G
Issues
Petitione% %aises the follo2in0 issues fo% ou%
consi/e%ation1

P+.

:hethe% o% not the fin/in0s of the p%obate
cou%t a%e entitle/ to 0%eat %espect.

P++.

:hethe% o% not the si0natu%e of Placi/o
Dal5onte in the sub9ect 2ill 2as p%ocu%e/ b&
f%au/ o% t%ic8e%&( an/ that Placi/o Dal5onte
ne,e% inten/e/ that the inst%u5ent shoul/ be
his last 2ill an/ testa5ent.

P+++.

:hethe% o% not Placi/o Dal5onte has
testa5enta%& capacit& at the ti5e he
alle0e/l& e6ecute/ the sub9ect 2ill.Q
FBG


+n sho%t( petitione% assails the CAMs allo2ance of the
p%obate of the 2ill of Placi/o Dal5onte.
T<1s C#ur*Ds Ru81n>
The Petition has no 5e%it.

Ma1n Issue:
Pro"ate of a #ill
At the outset( 2e st%ess that onl& >uestions of la2 5a& be
%aise/ in a Petition fo% Re,ie2 un/e% Section ) of Rule * of
the Rules of Cou%t. As an e6ception( ho2e,e%( the e,i/ence
p%esente/ /u%in0 the t%ial 5a& be e6a5ine/ an/ the factual
5atte%s %esol,e/ b& this Cou%t 2hen( as in the instant case( the
fin/in0s of fact of the appellate cou%t /iffe% f%o5 those of the
t%ial cou%t.
F!G

The fact that public polic& fa,o%s the p%obate of a 2ill
/oes not necessa%il& 5ean that e,e%& 2ill p%esente/ fo%
p%obate shoul/ be allo2e/. The la2 la&s /o2n the p%oce/u%es
an/ %e>uisites that 5ust be satisfie/ fo% the p%obate of a 2ill.
F)AG

De%il&( A%ticle B#! of the Ci,il Co/e states the instances 2hen a
2ill 5a& be /isallo2e/( as follo2s1
PA%ticle B#!. The 2ill shall be
/isallo2e/ in an& of the follo2in0 cases1

3)4 +f the fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ b&
la2 ha,e not been co5plie/ 2ith?

3'4 +f the testato% 2as insane(
o% othe%2ise 5entall& incapable of 5a8in0 a
2ill( at the ti5e of its e6ecution?

3#4 +f it 2as e6ecute/ th%ou0h
fo%ce o% un/e% /u%ess( o% the influence of
fea%( o% th%eats?

34 +f it 2as p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue
an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence( on the
pa%t of the beneficia%& o% of so5e othe%
pe%son?

3*4 +f the si0natu%e of the
testato% 2as p%ocu%e/ b& f%au/?

65
3"4 +f the testato% acte/ b&
5ista8e o% /i/ not inten/ that the inst%u5ent
he si0ne/ shoul/ be his 2ill at the ti5e of
affi6in0 his si0natu%e the%eto.Q
+n the p%esent case( petitione% assails the ,ali/it& of
Placi/o Dal5onteMs 2ill b& i5putin0 f%au/ in its e6ecution an/
challen0in0 the testato%Ms state of 5in/ at the ti5e.

E$istence of Fraud in the
E$ecution of a #ill
Petitione% /oes not /ispute the /ue obse%,ance of the
fo%5alities in the e6ecution of the 2ill( but 5aintains that the
ci%cu5stances su%%oun/in0 it a%e in/icati,e of the e6istence of
f%au/. Pa%ticula%l&( she alle0es that %espon/ent( 2ho is the
testato%Ms 2ife an/ sole beneficia%&( conspi%e/ 2ith the nota%&
public an/ the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses in /ecei,in0 Placi/o to
si0n it. -eception is alle0e/l& %eflecte/ in the ,a%&in0 /ates of
the e6ecution an/ the attestation of the 2ill.
Petitione% conten/s that it 2as Phi0hl& /ubious fo% a 2o5an at
the p%i5e of he% &oun0 life FtoG al5ost i55e/iatel& plun0e into
5a%%ia0e 2ith a 5an 2ho F2asG th%ice he% a0e 6 6 6 an/ 2ho
happene/ to be FaG .il-A5e%ican pensiona/o(Q
F))G
thus castin0
/oubt on the intention of %espon/ent in see8in0 the p%obate of
the 2ill. Mo%eo,e%( it suppose/l& P/efies hu5an %eason( lo0ic
an/ co55on e6pe%ienceQ
F)'G
fo% an ol/ 5an 2ith a se,e%e
ps&cholo0ical con/ition to ha,e 2illin0l& si0ne/ a last 2ill an/
testa5ent.

:e a%e not con,ince/. .%au/ Pis a t%ic8( sec%et /e,ice(
false state5ent( o% p%etense( b& 2hich the sub9ect of it is
cheate/. +t 5a& be of such cha%acte% that the testato% is 5isle/
o% /ecei,e/ as to the natu%e o% contents of the /ocu5ent 2hich
he e6ecutes( o% it 5a& %elate to so5e e6t%insic fact( in
conse>uence of the /eception %e0a%/in0 2hich the testato% is
le/ to 5a8e a ce%tain 2ill 2hich( but fo% the f%au/( he 2oul/ not
ha,e 5a/e.Q
F)#G
:e st%ess that the pa%t& challen0in0 the 2ill bea%s the
bu%/en of p%o,in0 the e6istence of f%au/ at the ti5e of its
e6ecution.
F)G
The bu%/en to sho2 othe%2ise shifts to the
p%oponent of the 2ill onl& upon a sho2in0 of c%e/ible e,i/ence
of f%au/.
F)*G
Unfo%tunatel& in this case( othe% than the self-
se%,in0 alle0ations of petitione%( no e,i/ence of f%au/ 2as e,e%
p%esente/.

+t is a settle/ /oct%ine that the o5ission of so5e
%elati,es /oes not affect the /ue e6ecution of a 2ill.
F)"G
That the
testato% 2as t%ic8e/ into si0nin0 it 2as not sufficientl& establishe/
b& the fact that he ha/ institute/ his 2ife( 2ho 2as 5o%e than
fift& &ea%s his 9unio%( as the sole beneficia%&? an/ /is%e0a%/e/
petitione% an/ he% fa5il&( 2ho 2e%e the ones 2ho ha/ ta8en Pthe
cu/0els of ta8in0 ca%e of Fthe testato%G in his t2ili0ht &ea%s.Q
F)<G


Mo%eo,e%( as co%%ectl& %ule/ b& the appellate cou%t(
the conflict bet2een the /ates appea%in0 on the 2ill /oes not
in,ali/ate the /ocu5ent( Pbecause the la2 /oes not e,en
%e>ui%e that a Fnota%ialG 2ill 6 6 6 be e6ecute/ an/
ac8no2le/0e/ on the sa5e occasion.Q
F)BG
Mo%e i5po%tant( the
2ill 5ust be subsc%ibe/ b& the testato%( as 2ell as b& th%ee o%
5o%e c%e/ible 2itnesses 2ho 5ust also attest to it in the
p%esence of the testato% an/ of one anothe%.
F)!G
.u%the%5o%e(
the testato% an/ the 2itnesses 5ust ac8no2le/0e the 2ill
befo%e a nota%& public.
F'AG
+n an& e,ent( 2e a0%ee 2ith the CA
that Pthe ,a%iance in the /ates of the 2ill as to its suppose/
e6ecution an/ attestation 2as satisfacto%il& an/ pe%suasi,el&
e6plaine/ b& the nota%& public an/ the inst%u5ental
2itnesses.Q
F')G
The pe%tinent t%ansc%ipt of steno0%aphic notes ta8en
on $une ))( )!B*( No,e5be% '*( )!B*( Octobe% )#( )!B"( an/
Octobe% ')( )!B< -- as >uote/ b& the CA -- a%e %ep%o/uce/
%especti,el& as follo2s1

PAtt&. .lo%o Sa%5iento1
C @ou t&pe/ this /ocu5ent e6hibit C(
specif&in0 the /ate $une )* 2hen
the testato% an/ his 2itnesses 2e%e
suppose/ to be in &ou% officeL
A @es si%.
C On $une )*( )!B#( /i/ the testato% an/
his 2itnesses co5e to &ou% houseL
A The& /i/ as of a0%ee5ent but
unfo%tunatel&( + 2as out of to2n.

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
C The /ocu5ent has been
ac8no2le/0e/ on Au0ust !( )!B#
as pe% ac8no2le/0e5ent appea%in0
the%ein. :as this the actual /ate
2hen the /ocu5ent 2as
ac8no2le/0e/L
A @es si%.
C :hat about the /ate 2hen the testato%
an/ the th%ee 2itnesses affi6e/ thei%
%especti,e si0natu%e on the fi%st an/
secon/ pa0es of e6hibit CL
A On that pa%ticula% /ate 2hen it 2as
ac8no2le/0e/( Au0ust !( )!B#.
C :h& /i/ &ou not 5a8e the necessa%&
co%%ection on the /ate appea%in0 on
the bo/& of the /ocu5ent as 2ell as
the attestation clauseL
A Because + /o not li8e an&5o%e to 5a8e
so5e alte%ations so + put it in 5&
o2n han/2%itin0 Au0ust !( )!B# on
the ac8no2le/0e5ent. 3tsn( $une
))( )!B*( pp. B-)A4
66
Eu0enio Go5e;1
C +t appea%s on the fi%st pa0e M%.
:itness that it is /ate/ $une )*(
)!B#( 2he%eas in the
ac8no2le/0e5ent it is /ate/ Au0ust
!( )!B#( 2ill &ou loo8 at this
/ocu5ent an/ tell us this
/isc%epanc& in the /ateL
A :e 2ent to Att&. Sa%5iento to0ethe%
2ith Placi/o Dal5onte an/ the t2o
2itnesses? that 2as fi%st 2ee8 of
$une an/ Att&. Sa%5iento tol/ us to
%etu%n on the )*
th
of $une but 2hen
2e %etu%ne/( Att&. Sa%5iento 2as
not the%e.
C :hen &ou /i/ not fin/ Att&. Sa%5iento
on $une )*( )!B#( /i/ &ou a0ain 0o
bac8L
A :e %etu%ne/ on the !
th
of Au0ust an/
the%e 2e si0ne/.
C This Au0ust !( )!B# 2he%e &ou sai/ it
is the%e 2he%e &ou si0ne/( 2ho
2e%e &ou% co5panionsL
A The t2o 2itnesses( 5e an/ Placi/o
Dal5onte. 3tsn( No,e5be% '*( )!B*(
pp. <-B4

.elisa Go5e; on c%oss-e6a5ination1
C :h& /i/ &ou ha,e to 0o to the office of
Att&. .lo%o Sa%5iento( th%ee ti5esL
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
A The %eason 2h& 2e 2ent the%e th%ee
ti5es is that( the fi%st 2ee8 of $une
2as out fi%st ti5e. :e 2ent the%e to
tal8 to Att&. Sa%5iento an/ Placi/o
Dal5onte about the last 2ill an/
testa5ent. Afte% that 2hat the&
ha,e tal8e/ 2hat 2ill be place/ in
the testa5ent( 2hat Att&. Sa%5iento
sai/ 2as that he 2ill 0o bac8 on the
)*
th
of $une. :hen 2e %etu%ne/ on
$une )*( Att&. Sa%5iento 2as not
the%e so 2e 2e%e not able to si0n it(
the 2ill. That is 2h&( fo% the thi%/
ti5e 2e 2ent the%e on Au0ust ! an/
that 2as the ti5e 2e affi6e/ ou%
si0natu%e. 3tsn( Octobe% )#( )!B"(
pp. -"4
$osie Colla/o1
C :hen &ou /i/ not fin/ Att&. Sa%5iento
in his house on $une )*( )!B#(
2hat t%anspi%e/L
A The 2ife of Att&. Sa%5iento tol/ us that
2e 2ill be bac8 on Au0ust !( )!B#.

C An/ on Au0ust !( )!B# /i/ &ou 0o
bac8 to the house of Att&.
Sa%5ientoL
A @es( Si%.

C .o% 2hat pu%poseL
A Ou% pu%pose is 9ust to si0n the 2ill.

C :e%e &ou able to si0n the 2ill &ou
5entione/L
A @es si%. 3tsn( Octobe% ')( )!B<( pp. -
*4Q
F''G
Notabl&( petitione% faile/ to substantiate he% clai5 of a
P0%an/ conspi%ac&Q in the co55ission of a f%au/. The%e 2as no
sho2in0 that the 2itnesses of the p%oponent stoo/ to %ecei,e
an& benefit f%o5 the allo2ance of the 2ill. The testi5onies of
the th%ee subsc%ibin0 2itnesses an/ the nota%& a%e c%e/ible
e,i/ence of its /ue e6ecution.
F'#G
Thei% testi5on& fa,o%in0 it
an/ the fin/in0 that it 2as e6ecute/ in acco%/ance 2ith the
fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ b& la2 shoul/ be affi%5e/( absent an&
sho2in0 of ill 5oti,es.
F'G

C apacit% to &a'e a #ill
+n /ete%5inin0 the capacit& of the testato% to 5a8e a
2ill( the Ci,il Co/e 0i,es the follo2in0 0ui/elines1
PA%ticle <!B. +n o%/e% to 5a8e a 2ill
it is essential that the testato% be of soun/
5in/ at the ti5e of its e6ecution.
PA%ticle <!!. To be of soun/ 5in/( it
is not necessa%& that the testato% be in full
possession of all his %easonin0 faculties( o%
that his 5in/ be 2holl& unb%o8en(
67
uni5pai%e/( o% shatte%e/ b& /isease( in9u%&
o% othe% cause.
P+t shall be sufficient if the testato%
2as able at the ti5e of 5a8in0 the 2ill to
8no2 the natu%e of the estate to be /ispose/
of( the p%ope% ob9ects of his bount&( an/ the
cha%acte% of the testa5enta%& act.
PA%ticle BAA. The la2 p%esu5es that
e,e%& pe%son is of soun/ 5in/( in the
absence of p%oof to the cont%a%&.
PThe bu%/en of p%oof that the
testato% 2as not of soun/ 5in/ at the ti5e of
5a8in0 his /ispositions is on the pe%son 2ho
opposes the p%obate of the 2ill? but if the
testato%( one 5onth( o% less( befo%e 5a8in0
his 2ill 2as publicl& 8no2n to be insane( the
pe%son 2ho 5aintains the ,ali/it& of the 2ill
5ust p%o,e that the testato% 5a/e it /u%in0 a
luci/ inte%,al.Q

Acco%/in0 to A%ticle <!!( the th%ee thin0s that the
testato% 5ust ha,e the abilit& to 8no2 to be consi/e%e/ of
soun/ 5in/ a%e as follo2s1 3)4 the natu%e of the estate to be
/ispose/ of( 3'4 the p%ope% ob9ects of the testato%Ms bount&( an/
3#4 the cha%acte% of the testa5enta%& act. Appl&in0 this test to
the p%esent case( 2e fin/ that the appellate cou%t 2as co%%ect
in hol/in0 that Placi/o ha/ testa5enta%& capacit& at the ti5e of
the e6ecution of his 2ill.
+t 5ust be note/ that /espite his a/,ance/ a0e( he
2as still able to i/entif& accu%atel& the 8in/s of p%ope%t& he
o2ne/( the e6tent of his sha%es in the5 an/ e,en thei%
locations. As %e0a%/s the p%ope% ob9ects of his bount&( it 2as
sufficient that he i/entifie/ his 2ife as sole beneficia%&. As 2e
ha,e state/ ea%lie%( the o5ission of so5e %elati,es f%o5 the 2ill
/i/ not affect its fo%5al ,ali/it&. The%e bein0 no sho2in0 of
f%au/ in its e6ecution( intent in its /isposition beco5es
i%%ele,ant.
:o%th %eite%atin0 in /ete%5inin0 soun/ness of 5in/
is (lsuaB$etts v. C(,
F'*G
2hich hel/ thus1

=Bet2een the hi0hest /e0%ee of
soun/ness of 5in/ an/ 5e5o%& 2hich
un>uestionabl& ca%%ies 2ith it full
testa5enta%& capacit&( an/ that /e0%ees of
5ental abe%%ation 0ene%all& 8no2n as
insanit& o% i/ioc&( the%e a%e nu5be%less
/e0%ees of 5ental capacit& o% incapacit& an/
2hile on one han/ it has been hel/ that 5e%e
2ea8ness of 5in/( o% pa%tial i5becilit& f%o5
/isease of bo/&( o% f%o5 a0e( 2ill not %en/e%
a pe%son incapable of 5a8in0 a 2ill? a 2ea8
o% feeble5in/e/ pe%son 5a& 5a8e a ,ali/
2ill( p%o,i/e/ he has un/e%stan/in0 an/
5e5o%& sufficient to enable hi5 to 8no2
2hat he is about to /o an/ ho2 o% to 2ho5
he is /isposin0 of his p%ope%t&. To constitute
a soun/ an/ /isposin0 5in/( it is not
necessa%& that the 5in/ be unb%o8en o%
uni5pai%e/ o% unshatte%e/ b& /isease o%
othe%2ise. +t has been hel/ that testa5enta%&
incapacit& /oes not necessa%il& %e>ui%e that
a pe%son shall actuall& be insane o% of
unsoun/ 5in/.=
F'"G

:7ERE.ORE( the Petition is (ENIE(( an/ the
assaile/ -ecision an/ Resolution of the Cou%t of Appeals a%e
AFFIR&E(. Costs a0ainst petitione%.
SO OR-ERE-.
Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila
EN BANC
$anua%& )!( )!A"
G.R. No. )")
GERMAN $ABONETA( plaintiff-appellant(
,s.
R+CAR-O GUST+LO( ET AL.( /efen/ants-appellees.
Le/es5a( Su5ulon0 an/ Cuintos fo% appellant.
-el-Pan( O%ti0as an/ .ishe% fo% appellees.
CARSON( $.1
+n these p%ocee/in0s p%obate 2as /enie/ the last 2ill an/
testa5ent of Maca%io $aboneta( /ecease/( because the lo2e%
cou%t 2as of the opinion f%o5 the e,i/ence a//uce/ at the
hea%in0 that $ulio $a,ellana( one of the 2itnesses( /i/ not
attach his si0natu%e the%eto in the p%esence of +sabelo $ena(
anothe% of the 2itnesses( as %e>ui%e/ b& the p%o,isions of
section ")B of the Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e.
The follo2in0 is a cop& of the e,i/ence 2hich appea%s of
%eco%/ on this pa%ticula% point( bein0 a pa%t of the testi5on& of
the sai/ +sabeo $ena1
C. )") :ho fi%st si0ne/ the 2illL
A. )") + si0ne/ it fi%st( an/ afte%2a%/s Aniceto an/ the
othe%s.
68
C. )") :ho 2e%e those othe%s to 2ho5 &ou ha,e 9ust
%efe%%e/L
A. )") Afte% the 2itness Aniceto si0ne/ the 2ill + left the
house( because + 2as in a hu%%&( an/ at the 5o5ent 2hen +
2as lea,in0 + sa2 $ulio $a,ellana 2ith the pen in his han/ in
position %ea/& to si0n 3en actitu/ /e fi%5a%4. + belie,e he
si0ne/( because he 2as at the table. . . .
C. )") State positi,el& 2hethe% $ulio $a,ellana /i/ o%
/i/ not si0n as a 2itness to the 2ill.
A. )") + canJt sa& ce%tainl&( because as + 2as lea,in0
the house + sa2 $ulio $a,ellana 2ith the pen in his han/( in
position %ea/& to si0n. + belie,e he si0ne/.
C. )") :h& /o &ou belie,e $ulio $a,ellana si0ne/L
A. )") Because he ha/ the pen in his han/( 2hich 2as
%estin0 on the pape%( thou0h + /i/ not actuall& see hi5 si0n.
C. )") E6plain this cont%a/icto%& state5ent.
A. )") Afte% + si0ne/ + as8e/ pe%5ission to lea,e(
because + 2as in a hu%%&( an/ 2hile + 2as lea,in0 $ulio ha/
al%ea/& ta8en the pen in his han/( as it appea%e/( fo% the
pu%pose of si0nin0( an/ 2hen + 2as nea% the /oo% + happene/
to tu%n 5& face an/ + sa2 that he ha/ his han/ 2ith the pen
%estin0 on the 2ill( 5o,in0 it as if fo% the pu%pose of si0nin0.
C. )") State positi,el& 2hethe% $ulio 5o,e/ his han/
2ith the pen as if fo% the pu%pose of si0nin0( o% 2hethe% he 2as
si0nin0
A. + belie,e he 2as si0nin0.
The t%uth an/ accu%ac& of the testi5on& of this 2itness /oes
not see5 to ha,e been >uestione/ b& an& of the pa%ties to the
p%ocee/in0s( but the cou%t( ne,e%theless( foun/ the follo2in0
facts1
On the '"th /a& of -ece5be%( )!A)( Maca%io $aboneta
e6ecute/ un/e% the follo2in0 ci%cu5stances the /ocu5ent in
>uestion( 2hich has been p%esente/ fo% p%obate as his 2ill1
Bein0 in the house of A%ca/io $a%an/illa( in $a%o( in this
p%o,ince( he o%/e%e/ that the /ocu5ent in >uestion be 2%itten(
an/ callin0 $ulio $a,ellana( Aniceto $albuena( an/ +sabelo $ena
as 2itnesses( e6ecute/ the sai/ /ocu5ent as his 2ill. The&
2e%e all to0ethe%( an/ 2e%e in the %oo5 2he%e $aboneta 2as(
an/ 2e%e p%esent 2hen he si0ne/ the /ocu5ent( +sabelo $ena
si0nin0 afte%2a%/s as a 2itness( at his %e>uest( an/ in his
p%esence an/ in the p%esence of the othe% t2o 2itnesses.
Aniceto $albuena then si0ne/ as a 2itness in the p%esence of
the testato%( an/ in the p%esence of the othe% t2o pe%sons 2ho
si0ne/ as 2itnesses. At that 5o5ent +sabelo $ena( bein0 in a
hu%%& to lea,e( too8 his hat an/ left the %oo5. As he 2as
lea,in0 the house $ulio $a,ellana too8 the pen in his han/ an/
put hi5self in position to si0n the 2ill as a 2itness( but /i/ not
si0n in the p%esence of +sabelo $ena? but ne,e%theless( afte%
$ena ha/ left the %oo5 the sai/ $ulio $a,ellana si0ne/ as a
2itness in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of the 2itness
Aniceto $albuena.
:e can not a0%ee 2ith so 5uch of the abo,e fin/in0 of facts as
hol/s that the si0natu%e of $a,ellana 2as not si0ne/ in the
p%esence of $ena( in co5pliance 2ith the p%o,isions of section
")B of the Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e. The fact that $ena 2as still
in the %oo5 2hen he sa2 $a,ellana 5o,in0 his han/ an/ pen
in the act of affi6in0 his si0natu%e to the 2ill( ta8en to0ethe%
2ith the testi5on& of the %e5ainin0 2itnesses 2hich sho2s
that $a,ellana /i/ in fact the%e an/ then si0n his na5e to the
2ill( con,inces us that the si0natu%e 2as affi6e/ in the
p%esence of $ena. The fact that he 2as in the act of lea,in0(
an/ that his bac8 2as tu%ne/ 2hile a po%tion of the na5e of the
2itness 2as bein0 2%itten( is of no i5po%tance. 7e( 2ith the
othe% 2itnesses an/ the testato%( ha/ asse5ble/ fo% the
pu%pose of e6ecutin0 the testa5ent( an/ 2e%e to0ethe% in the
sa5e %oo5 fo% that pu%pose( an/ at the 5o5ent 2hen the
2itness $a,ellana si0ne/ the /ocu5ent he 2as actuall& an/
ph&sicall& p%esent an/ in such position 2ith %elation to
$a,ellana that he coul/ see e,e%&thin0 2hich too8 place b&
5e%el& castin0 his e&es in the p%ope% /i%ection( an/ 2ithout an&
ph&sical obst%uction to p%e,ent his /oin0 so( the%efo%e 2e a%e
of opinion that the /ocu5ent 2as in fact si0ne/ befo%e he
finall& left the %oo5.
The pu%pose of a statuto%& %e>ui%e5ent that the 2itness si0n in
the p%esence of the testato% is sai/ to be that the testato% 5a&
ha,e ocula% e,i/ence of the i/entit& of the inst%u5ent
subsc%ibe/ b& the 2itness an/ hi5self( an/ the 0ene%all&
accepte/ tests of p%esence a%e ,ision an/ 5ental
app%ehension. 3See A5. U En0. Enc. of La2( ,ol. #A( p. *!!(
an/ cases the%e cite/.4
+n the 5atte% of Be/ell 3' Connol& 3N.@.4( #'B4 it 2as hel/ that it
is sufficient if the 2itnesses a%e to0ethe% fo% the pu%pose of
2itnessin0 the e6ecution of the 2ill( an/ in a position to actuall&
see the testato% 2%ite( if the& choose to /o so? an/ the%e a%e
5an& cases 2hich la& /o2n the %ule that the t%ue test of ,ision
is not 2hethe% the testato% actuall& sa2 the 2itness si0n( but
2hethe% he 5i0ht ha,e seen hi5 si0n( consi/e%in0 his 5ental
an/ ph&sical con/ition an/ position at the ti5e of the
subsc%iption. 3Spoone5o%e ,s. Cables( "" Mo.( *<!.4
The p%inciples on 2hich these cases %est an/ the tests of
p%esence as bet2een the testato% an/ the 2itnesses a%e
e>uall& applicable in /ete%5inin0 2hethe% the 2itnesses si0ne/
the inst%u5ent in the p%esence of each othe%( as %e>ui%e/ b&
the statute( an/ appl&in0 the5 to the facts p%o,en in these
p%ocee/in0s 2e a%e of opinion that the statuto%& %e>uisites as
to the e6ecution of the inst%u5ent 2e%e co5plie/ 2ith( an/ that
the lo2e% cou%t e%%e/ in /en&in0 p%obate to the 2ill on the
0%oun/ state/ in the %ulin0 appeale/ f%o5.
:e a%e of opinion f%o5 the e,i/ence of %eco%/ that the
inst%u5ent p%opoun/e/ in these p%ocee/in0s 2as satisfacto%il&
69
p%o,en to be the last 2ill an/ testa5ent of Maca%io $aboneta(
/ecease/( an/ that it shoul/ the%efo%e be a/5itte/ to p%obate.
The 9u/05ent of the t%ial cou%t is %e,e%se/( 2ithout especial
con/e5nation of costs( an/ afte% t2ent& /a&s the %eco%/ 2ill be
%etu%ne/ to the cou%t fo%5 2hence it ca5e( 2he%e the p%ope%
o%/e%s 2ill be ente%e/ in confo%5ance he%e2ith. So o%/e%e/.
A%ellano( C.$.( To%%es( Mapa( an/ $ohnson( $$.( concu%.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
SECON- -+D+S+ON
G.R. N#. $',44& Ma9 %3, $((,
TEODORO CANEDA, LORENZA CANEDA, TERESA
CANEDA, 2!AN CABALLERO, A!REA CABALLERO,
OSCAR LAROSA, ELEN CABALLERO, SANTOS
CABALLERO, PABLO CABALLERO, VICTOR RAGA,
MA!RICIA RAGA, 6!IRICA RAGA, R!PERTO ABAPO,
re0resen*ed <ere1n +9 <1s A**#rne9-1n-Fa)*, ARMSTICIA E
ABAPO VELANO, and CONSESO CANEDA, re0resen*ed
<ere1n +9 <1s <e1rs, 2ES!S CANEDA, NATIVIDAD CANEDA
and ART!RO CANEDA, petitione%s(
,s.
ON. CO!RT OF APPEALS and WILLIAM CABRERA, as
S0e)1a8 Ad51n1s*ra*#r #7 *<e Es*a*e #7 Ma*e#
Ca+a88er#, %espon/ents.
REGALADO, J.:
P%esente/ fo% %esolution b& this Cou%t in the p%esent petition fo%
%e,ie2 on certiorari is the issue of 2hethe% o% not the
attestation clause containe/ in the last 2ill an/ testa5ent of
the late Mateo Caballe%o co5plies 2ith the %e>ui%e5ents of
A%ticle BA*( in %elation to A%ticle BA!( of the Ci,il Co/e.
The %eco%/s sho2 that on -ece5be% *( )!<B( Mateo Caballe%o(
a 2i/o2e% 2ithout an& chil/%en an/ al%ea/& in the t2ili0ht &ea%s
of his life( e6ecute/ a last 2ill an/ testa5ent at his %esi/ence in
Talisa&( Cebu befo%e th%ee attestin0 2itnesses( na5el&(
Cip%iano Labuca( G%e0o%io Caban/o an/ .la,iano To%e0osa.
The sai/ testato% 2as /ul& assiste/ b& his la2&e%( Att&. E5ilio
Lu5onta/( an/ a nota%& public( Att&. .iloteo Mani0os( in the
p%epa%ation of that last 2ill.
$
+t 2as /ecla%e/ the%ein( a5on0
othe% thin0s( that the testato% 2as lea,in0 b& 2a& of le0acies
an/ /e,ises his %eal an/ pe%sonal p%ope%ties to P%esentacion
Ga,iola( An0el Abata&o( Ro0elio Abata&o( +sabelito Abata&o(
Benoni G. Cab%e%a an/ Ma%cosa Alcanta%a( all of 2ho5 /o not
appea% to be %elate/ to the testato%.
%
.ou% 5onths late%( o% on Ap%il ( )!<!( Mateo Caballe%o hi5self
file/ a petition /oc8ete/ as Special P%ocee/in0 No. #B!!-R
befo%e B%anch ++ of the then Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu
see8in0 the p%obate of his last 2ill an/ testa5ent. The p%obate
cou%t set the petition fo% hea%in0 on Au0ust 'A( )!<! but the
sa5e an/ subse>uent sche/ule/ hea%in0s 2e%e postpone/ fo%
one %eason to anothe%. On Ma& '!( )!BA( the testato% passe/
a2a& befo%e his petition coul/ finall& be hea%/ b& the p%obate
cou%t.
,
On .eb%ua%& '*( )!B)( Benoni Cab%e%a( on of the
le0atees na5e/ in the 2ill( sou0h his appoint5ent as special
a/5inist%ato% of the testato%Js estate( the esti5ate/ ,alue of
2hich 2as P'(AAA.AA( an/ he 2as so appointe/ b& the
p%obate cou%t in its o%/e% of Ma%ch "( )!B).
&
The%eafte%( he%ein petitione%s( clai5in0 to be nephe2s an/
nieces of the testato%( institute/ a secon/ petition( entitle/ =+n
the Matte% of the +ntestate Estate of Mateo Caballe%o= an/
/oc8ete/ as Special P%ocee/in0 No. #!"*-R( befo%e B%anch +I
of the afo%esai/ Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu. On Octobe%
)B( )!B'( he%ein petitione%s ha/ thei% sai/ petition intestate
p%ocee/in0 consoli/ate/ 2ith Special P%ocee/in0 No. #B!!-R
in B%anch ++ of the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu an/ oppose/
the%eat the p%obate of the Testato%Js 2ill an/ the appoint5ent of
a special a/5inist%ato% fo% his estate.
4
Benoni Cab%e%a /ie/ on .eb%ua%& B( )!B' hence the p%obate
cou%t( no2 8no2n as B%anch ID of the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of
Cebu( appointe/ :illia5 Cab%e%a as special a/5inist%ato% on
$une ')( )!B#. The%eafte%( on $ul& 'A( )!B#( it issue/ an o%/e%
fo% the %etu%n of the %eco%/s of Special P%ocee/in0 No. #!"*-R
to the a%chi,es since the testate p%ocee/in0 fo% the p%obate of
the 2ill ha/ to be hea%/ an/ %esol,e/ fi%st. On Ma%ch '"( )!B
the case 2as %e%affle/ an/ e,entuall& assi0ne/ to B%anch I++ of
the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of Cebu 2he%e it %e5aine/ until the
conclusion of the p%obate p%ocee/in0s.
;
+n the cou%se of the hea%in0 in Special P%ocee/in0 No. #B!!-R(
he%ein petitione%s appea%e/ as opposito%s an/ ob9ecte/ to the
allo2ance of the testato%Js 2ill on the 0%oun/ that on the
alle0e/ /ate of its e6ecution( the testato% 2as al%ea/& in the
poo% state of health such that he coul/ not ha,e possibl&
e6ecute/ the sa5e. Petitione%s li8e2ise %eite%ate/ the issue as
to the 0enuineness of the si0natu%e of the testato% the%ein.
-
On the othe% han/( one of the attestin0 2itnesses( Cip%iano
Labuca( an/ the nota%& public Att&. .iloteo Mani0os( testifie/
that the testato% e6ecute/ the 2ill in >uestion in thei% p%esence
2hile he 2as of soun/ an/ /isposin0 5in/ an/ that( cont%a%& to
the asse%tions of the opposito%s( Mateo Caballe%o 2as in 0oo/
health an/ 2as not un/ul& influence/ in an& 2a& in the
e6ecution of his 2ill. Labuca also testifie/ that he an/ the othe%
2itnesses atteste/ an/ si0ne/ the 2ill in the p%esence of the
testato% an/ of each othe%. The othe% t2o attestin0 2itnesses
2e%e not p%esente/ in the p%obate hea%in0 as the ha/ /ie/ b&
then.
3
On Ap%il *( )!BB( the p%obate cou%t %en/e%e/ a /ecision
/ecla%in0 the 2ill in >uestion as the last 2ill an/ testa5ent of
the late Mateo Caballe%o( on the %atiocination that1
. . . The self-se%,in0 testi5on& of the t2o
2itnesses of the opposito%s cannot
o,e%co5e the positi,e testi5onies of Att&.
.iloteo Mani0os an/ Cip%iano Labuca 2ho
clea%l& tol/ the Cou%t that in/ee/ Mateo
Caballe%o e6ecute/ the Last :ill an/
Testa5ent no2 5a%8e/ E6hibit =C= on
-ece5be% *( )!<B. Mo%eo,e%( the fact that it
2as Mateo Caballe%o 2ho initiate/ the
p%obate of his :ill /u%in0 his lifeti5e 2hen
70
he cause/ the filin0 of the o%i0inal petition
no2 5a%8e/ E6hibit =-= clea%l& un/e%sco%es
the fact that this 2as in/ee/ his Last :ill. At
the sta%t( counsel fo% the opposito%s
5anifeste/ that he 2oul/ 2ant the si0natu%e
of Mateo Caballe%o in E6hibit =C= e6a5ine/
b& a han/2%itin0 e6pe%t of the NB+ but it
2oul/ see5 that /espite thei% a,o2al an/
intention fo% the e6a5ination of this si0natu%e
of Mateo Caballe%o in E6hibit =C=( nothin0
ca5e out of it because the& aban/one/ the
i/ea an/ instea/ p%esente/ Au%ea Caballe%o
an/ 7elen Caballe%o Ca5po as 2itnesses
fo% the opposito%s.
All tol/( it is the fin/in0 of this Cou%t that
E6hibit =C= is the Last :ill an/ Testa5ent of
Mateo Caballe%o an/ that it 2as e6ecute/ in
acco%/ance 2ith all the %e>uisites of the la2.
(
Un/aunte/ b& the sai/ 9u/05ent of the p%obate cou%t(
petitione%s ele,ate/ the case in the Cou%t of Appeals in CA-
G.R. CD No. )!""!. The& asse%te/ the%ein that the 2ill in
>uestion is null an/ ,oi/ fo% the %eason that its attestation
clause is fatall& /efecti,e since it fails to specificall& state that
the inst%u5ental 2itnesses to the 2ill 2itnesse/ the testato%
si0nin0 the 2ill in thei% p%esence an/ that the& also si0ne/ the
2ill an/ all the pa0es the%eof in the p%esence of the testato%
an/ of one anothe%.
On Octobe% )*( )!!)( %espon/ent cou%t p%o5ul0ate/ its
/ecision
$'
affi%5in0 that of the t%ial cou%t( an/ %ulin0 that the
attestation clause in the last 2ill of Mateo Caballe%o
substantiall& co5plies 2ith A%ticle BA* of the Ci,il Co/e( thus1
The >uestion the%efo%e is 2hethe% the
attestation clause in >uestion 5a& be
consi/e%e/ as ha,in0 substantial& co5plie/
2ith the %e>ui%e5ents of A%t. BA* of the Ci,il
Co/e. :hat appea%s in the attestation clause
2hich the opposito%s clai5 to be /efecti,e is
=2e /o ce%tif& that the testa5ent 2as %ea/ b&
hi5 an/ the attestato%( Mateo Caballe%o( has
publishe/ unto us the fo%e0oin0 2ill
consistin0 of T7REE PAGES( inclu/in0 the
ac8no2le/05ent( each pa0e nu5be%e/
co%%elati,el& in lette%s of the uppe% pa%t of
each pa0e( as his Last :ill an/
Testa5ent( and he has si#ned the same and
ever. pa#e thereof, on the spaces provided
for his si#nature and on the left hand mar#in
in the presence of the said testator and in
the presence of each and all of us 3e5phasis
supplie/4.
To ou% thin8in0( this is sufficient co5pliance
an/ no e,i/ence nee/ be p%esente/ to
in/icate the 5eanin0 that the sai/ 2ill 2as
si0ne/ b& the testato% an/ b& the5 3the
2itnesses4 in the p%esence of all of the5 an/
of one anothe%. O% as the lan0ua0e of the
la2 2oul/ ha,e it that the testato% si0ne/ the
2ill =in the p%esence of the inst%u5ental
2itnesses( an/ that the latte% 2itnesse/ an/
si0ne/ the 2ill an/ all the pa0es the%eof in
the p%esence of the testato% an/ of one
anothe%.= +f not co5pletel& o% i/eall& pe%fect
in acco%/ance 2ith the 2o%/in0s of A%t. BA*
but 3sic4 the ph%ase as fo%5ulate/ is in
substantial co5pliance 2ith the %e>ui%e5ent
of the la2.=
$$
Petitione%s 5o,e/ fo% the %econsi/e%ation of the sai/ %ulin0 of
%espon/ent cou%t( but the sa5e 2as /enie/ in the latte%Js
%esolution of $anua%& )( )!!'(
$%
hence this appeal no2
befo%e us. Petitione%s asse%t that %espon/ent cou%t has %ule/
upon sai/ issue in a 5anne% not in acco%/ 2ith the la2 an/
settle/ 9u%isp%u/ence on the 5atte% an/ a%e no2 >uestionin0
once 5o%e( on the sa5e 0%oun/ as that %aise/ befo%e
%espon/ent cou%t( the ,ali/it& of the attestation clause in the
last 2ill of Mateo Caballe%o.
:e fin/ the p%esent petition to be 5e%ito%ious( as 2e shall
sho%tl& he%eafte%( afte% so5e p%efato%& obse%,ations 2hich 2e
feel shoul/ be 5a/e in ai/ of the %ationale fo% ou% %esolution of
the cont%o,e%s&.
). A 2ill has been /efine/ as a species of con,e&ance 2he%eb&
a pe%son is pe%5itte/( 2ith the fo%5alities p%esc%ibe/ b& la2( to
cont%ol to a ce%tain /e0%ee the /isposition of his estate afte% his
/eath.
$,
Un/e% the Ci,il Co/e( the%e a%e t2o 8in/s of 2ills
2hich a testato% 5a& e6ecute.
$&
the fi%st 8in/ is the o%/ina%& o%
atteste/ 2ill( the e6ecution of 2hich is 0o,e%ne/ b& A%ticles BA
to BA! of the Co/e. A%ticle BA* %e>ui%es that1
A%t. BA*. E,e%& 2ill( othe% than a holo0%aphic
2ill( 5ust be subsc%ibe/ at the en/ the%eof
b& the testato% hi5self o% b& the testato%Js
na5e 2%itten b& so5e othe% pe%son in his
p%esence( an/ b& his e6p%ess /i%ection( an/
atteste/ an/ subsc%ibe/ b& th%ee o% 5o%e
c%e/ible 2itnesses in the p%esence of the
testato% an/ of one anothe%.
The testato% o% the pe%son %e>ueste/ b& hi5
to 2%ite his na5e an/ the inst%u5ental
2itnesses of the 2ill( shall also si0n( as
afo%esai/( each an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof(
e6cept the last( on the left 5a%0in( an/ all the
pa0es shall be nu5be%e/ co%%elati,el& in
lette%s place/ on the uppe% pa%t of each
pa0e.
The attestation shoul/ state the nu5be% of
pa0es use/ upon 2hich the 2ill is 2%itten(
an/ the fact that the testato% si0ne/ the 2ill
an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof( o% cause/ so5e
othe% pe%son to 2%ite his na5e( un/e% his
e6p%ess /i%ection( in the p%esence of the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses( an/ that the latte%
2itnesse/ an/ si0ne/ the 2ill an/ all the
pa0es the%eof in the p%esence of the testato%
an/ of one anothe%.
+f the attestation clause is in a lan0ua0e not
8no2n to the 2itness( it shall be inte%p%ete/
to the5.
71
+n a//ition( the o%/ina%& 2ill 5ust be ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e a
nota%& public b& a testato% an/ the attestin0 2itness.
$4
hence it
is li8e2ise 8no2n as nota%ial 2ill. :he%e the attestato% is /eaf
o% /eaf-5ute( A%ticle BA< %e>ui%es that he 5ust pe%sonall& %ea/
the 2ill( if able to /o so. Othe%2ise( he shoul/ /esi0nate t2o
pe%sons 2ho 2oul/ %ea/ the 2ill an/ co55unicate its contents
to hi5 in a p%acticable 5anne%. On the othe% han/( if the
testato% is blin/( the 2ill shoul/ be %ea/ to hi5 t2ice? once( b&
an&one of the 2itnesses the%eto( an/ then a0ain( b& the nota%&
public befo%e 2ho5 it is ac8no2le/0e/.
$;
The othe% 8in/ of 2ill is the holo0%aphic 2ill( 2hich A%ticle B)A
/efines as one that is enti%el& 2%itten( /ate/( an/ si0ne/ b& the
testato% hi5self. This 8in/ of 2ill( unli8e the o%/ina%& t&pe(
%e>ui%es no attestation b& 2itnesses. A co55on %e>ui%e5ent in
both 8in/s of 2ill is that the& shoul/ be in 2%itin0 an/ 5ust
ha,e been e6ecute/ in a lan0ua0e o% /ialect 8no2n to the
testato%.
$-
7o2e,e%( in the case of an o%/ina%& o% atteste/ 2ill( its
attestation clause nee/ not be 2%itten in a lan0ua0e o% /ialect
8no2n to the testato% since it /oes not fo%5 pa%t of the
testa5enta%& /isposition. .u%the%5o%e( the lan0ua0e use/ in
the attestation clause li8e2ise nee/ not e,en be 8no2n to the
attestin0 2itnesses.
$3
The last pa%a0%aph of A%ticle BA* 5e%el&
%e>ui%es that( in such a case( the attestation clause shall be
inte%p%ete/ to sai/ 2itnesses.
An attestation clause %efe%s to that pa%t of an o%/ina%& 2ill
2he%eb& the attestin0 2itnesses ce%tif& that the inst%u5ent has
been e6ecute/ befo%e the5 an/ to the 5anne% of the e6ecution
the sa5e.
$(
+t is a sepa%ate 5e5o%an/u5 o% %eco%/ of the
facts su%%oun/in0 the con/uct of e6ecution an/ once si0ne/ b&
the 2itnesses( it 0i,es affi%5ation to the fact that co5pliance
2ith the essential fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ b& la2 has been
obse%,e/.
%'
+t is 5a/e fo% the pu%pose of p%ese%,in0 in a
pe%5anent fo%5 a %eco%/ of the facts that atten/e/ the
e6ecution of a pa%ticula% 2ill( so that in case of failu%e of the
5e5o%& of the attestin0 2itnesses( o% othe% casualt&( such
facts 5a& still be p%o,e/.
%$
Un/e% the thi%/ pa%a0%aph of A%ticle BA*( such a clause( the
co5plete lac8 of 2hich 2oul/ %esult in the in,ali/it& of the
2ill(
%%
shoul/ state 3)4 the number of the pa#es used upon
2hich the 2ill is 2%itten? 3'4 that the testator si#ned( o%
e6p%essl& cause/ anothe% to si0n( the 2ill an/ e,e%& pa0e
the%eof in the presence of the attestin# "itnesses? an/ 3#4 that
theattestin# "itnesses "itnessed the si#nin# b. the testator of
the "ill an/ all its pa0es( and that said "itnesses also si#ned
the "ill an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof in the presence of the testator
and of one another.
The pu%pose of the la2 in %e>ui%in0 the clause to state the
nu5be% of pa0es on 2hich the 2ill is 2%itten is to safe0ua%/
a0ainst possible inte%polation o% o5ission of one o% so5e of its
pa0es an/ to p%e,ent an& inc%ease o% /ec%ease in the
pa0es?
%,
2he%eas the subsc%iption of the si0natu%e of the
testato% an/ the attestin0 2itnesses is 5a/e fo% the pu%pose of
authentication an/ i/entification( an/ thus in/icates that the 2ill
is the ,e%& sa5e inst%u5ent e6ecute/ b& the testato% an/
atteste/ to b& the 2itnesses.
%&
.u%the%( b& attestin0 an/ subsc%ibin0 to the 2ill( the 2itnesses
the%eb& /ecla%e the /ue e6ecution of the 2ill as e5bo/ie/ in
the attestation clause.
%4
The attestation clause( the%efo%e(
p%o,i/e st%on0 le0al 0ua%anties fo% the /ue e6ecution of a 2ill
an/ to insu%e the authenticit& the%eof.
%;
As it appe%tains onl& to
the 2itnesses an/ not to the testato%( it nee/ be si0ne/ onl& b&
the5.
%-
:he%e it is left unsi0ne/( it 2oul/ %esult in the
in,ali/ation of the 2ill as it 2oul/ be possible an/ eas& to a//
the clause on a subse>uent occasion in the absence of the
testato% an/ its 2itnesses.
%3
+n its %epo%t( the Co/e Co55ission co55ente/ on the %easons
of the la2 fo% %e>ui%in0 the fo%5alities to be follo2e/ in the
e6ecution of 2ills( in the follo2in0 5anne%1
The un/e%l&in0 an/ fun/a5ental ob9ecti,es
pe%5eatin0 the p%o,isions on the la2 on 2ills
in this P%o9ect consists in the libe%ali;ation of
the 5anne% of thei% e6ecution 2ith the en/ in
,ie2 of 0i,in0 the testato% 5o%e f%ee/o5 in
e6p%essin0 his last 2ishes( but 2ith sufficient
safe0ua%/s an/ %est%ictions to p%e,ent the
co55ission of f%au/ an/ the e6e%cise of
un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence
upon the testato%.
This ob9ecti,e is in acco%/ 2ith the 5o/e%n
ten/enc& 2ith %espect to the fo%5alities in
the e6ecution of 2ills. . . .
%(
'. An e6a5ination of the last 2ill an/ testa5ent of Mateo
Caballe%o sho2s that it is co5p%ise/ of th%ee sheets all of
2hich ha,e been nu5be%e/ co%%elati,el&( 2ith the left 5a%0in of
each pa0e the%eof bea%in0 the %especti,e si0natu%es of the
testato% an/ the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses. The pa%t of the 2ill
containin0 the testa5enta%& /ispositions is e6p%esse/ in the
Cebuano-Disa&an /ialect an/ is si0ne/ at the foot the%eof b&
the testato%. The attestation clause in >uestion( on the othe%
han/( is %ecite/ in the En0lish lan0ua0e an/ is li8e2ise si0ne/
at the en/ the%eof b& the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses
he%eto.
,'
Since it is the p%o,e%bial bone of contention( 2e
%ep%o/uce it a0ain fo% facilit& of %efe%ence1
:e( the un/e%si0ne/ attestin0 :itnesses(
2hose Resi/ences an/ postal a//%esses
appea% on the Opposite of ou% %especti,e
na5es( 2e /o he%eb& ce%tif& that the
Testa5ent 2as %ea/ b& hi5 an/ the testato%(
MATEO CABALLERO? has publishe/ unto
us the fo%e0oin0 :ill consistin0 of T7REE
PAGES( inclu/in0 the Ac8no2le/05ent(
each pa0e nu5be%e/ co%%elati,el& in the
lette%s on the uppe% pa%t of each pa0e( as his
Last :ill an/ Testa5ent an/ he has the
sa5e an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof( on the spaces
p%o,i/e/ fo% his si0natu%e an/ on the left
han/ 5a%0in( in the p%esence of the sai/
testato% an/ in the p%esence of each an/ all
of us.
+t 2ill be note/ that A%ticle BA* %e>ui%es that the 2itness shoul/
both attest an/ subsc%ibe to the 2ill in the p%esence of the
testato% an/ of one anothe%. =Attestation= an/ =subsc%iption=
/iffe% in 5eanin0. Attestation is the act of senses( 2hile
subsc%iption is the act of the han/. The fo%5e% is 5ental( the
latte% 5echanical( an/ to attest a 2ill is to 8no2 that it 2as
72
publishe/ as such( an/ to ce%tif& the facts %e>ui%e/ to constitute
an actual an/ le0al publication? but to subsc%ibe a pape%
publishe/ as a 2ill is onl& to 2%ite on the sa5e pape% the
na5es of the 2itnesses( fo% the sole pu%pose of i/entification.
,$
+n )aboada vs. *i5al(
,%
2e cla%ifie/ that attestation consists in
2itnessin0 the testato%Js e6ecution of the 2ill in o%/e% to see
an/ ta8e note 5entall& that those thin0s a%e /one 2hich the
statute %e>ui%es fo% the e6ecution of a 2ill an/ that the
si0natu%e of the testato% e6ists as a fact. On the othe% han/(
subsc%iption is the si0nin0 of the 2itnessesJ na5es upon the
sa5e pape% fo% the pu%pose of i/entification of such pape% as
the 2ill 2hich 2as e6ecute/ b& the testato%. As it in,ol,es a
5ental act( the%e 2oul/ be no 5eans( the%efo%e( of
asce%tainin0 b& a ph&sical e6a5ination of the 2ill 2hethe% the
2itnesses ha/ in/ee/ si0ne/ in the p%esence of the testato%
an/ of each othe% unless this is substantiall& e6p%esse/ in the
attestation.
+t is conten/e/ b& petitione%s that the afo%e>uote/ attestation
clause( in cont%a,ention of the e6p%ess %e>ui%e5ents of the
thi%/ pa%a0%aph of A%ticle BA* of the Ci,il Co/e fo% attestation
clauses( fails to specificall& state the fact that the attestin0
2itnesses the testato% si0n the 2ill an/ all its pa0es in thei%
p%esence an/ that the&( the 2itnesses( li8e2ise si0ne/ the 2ill
an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of
each othe%. :e a0%ee.
:hat is fai%l& appa%ent upon a ca%eful %ea/in0 of the attestation
clause he%ein assaile/ is the fact that 2hile it %ecites that the
testato% in/ee/ si0ne/ the 2ill an/ all its pa0es in the p%esence
of the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses an/ states as 2ell the nu5be%
of pa0es that 2e%e use/( the sa5e /oes not e6p%essl& state
the%ein the ci%cu5stance that sai/ 2itnesses subsc%ibe/ thei%
%especti,e si0natu%es to the 2ill in the p%esence of the testato%
an/ of each othe%.
The ph%ase =an/ he has si0ne/ the sa5e an/ e,e%& pa0e
the%eof( on the spaces p%o,i/e/ fo% his si0natu%e an/ on the
left han/ 5a%0in(= ob,iousl& %efe%s to the testato% an/ not the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses as it is i55e/iatel& p%ece/e/ b& the
2o%/s =as his Last :ill an/ Testa5ent.= On the othe% han/(
althou0h the 2o%/s =in the p%esence of the testato% an/ in the
p%esence of each an/ all of us= 5a&( at fi%st blush( appea% to
li8e2ise si0nif& an/ %efe% to the 2itnesses( it 5ust( ho2e,e%( be
inte%p%ete/ as %efe%%in0 onl& to the testato% si0nin0 in the
p%esence of the 2itnesses since sai/ ph%ase i55e/iatel&
follo2s the 2o%/s =he has si0ne/ the sa5e an/ e,e%& pa0e
the%eof( on the spaces p%o,i/e/ fo% his si0natu%e an/ on the
left han/ 5a%0in.= :hat is then clea%l& lac8in0( in the final
lo0ical anal&sis ( is the statement that the "itnesses si#ned the
"ill and ever. pa#e thereof in the presence of the testator and
of one another.
+t is ou% consi/e%e/ ,ie2 that the absence of that state5ent
%e>ui%e/ b& la2 is a fatal /efect o% i5pe%fection 2hich 5ust
necessa%il& %esult in the /isallo2ance of the 2ill that is he%e
sou0ht to be a/5itte/ to p%obate. Petitione%s a%e co%%ect in
pointin0 out that the afo%estate/ /efect in the attestation clause
ob,iousl& cannot be cha%acte%i;e/ as 5e%el& in,ol,in0 the fo%5
of the 2ill o% the lan0ua0e use/ the%ein 2hich 2oul/ 2a%%ant
the application of the substantial co5pliance %ule( as
conte5plate/ in the pe%tinent p%o,ision the%eon in the Ci,il
Co/e( to 2it1
A%t. BA!. +n the absence of ba/ faith( fo%0e%&(
o% f%au/( o% un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e
an/ influence( /efects an/ i5pe%fections in
the form of attestation o% in the
lan#ua#e use/ the%ein shall not %en/e% the
2ill in,ali/ if it is not p%o,e/ that the 2ill 2as
in fact e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ in substantial
co5pliance 2ith all the %e>ui%e5ents of
a%ticle BA*= 3E5phasis supplie/.4
:hile it 5a& be t%ue that the attestation clause is in/ee/
subsc%ibe/ at the en/ the%eof an/ at the left 5a%0in of each
pa0e b& the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses( it ce%tainl& cannot be
conclusi,el& infe%%e/ the%ef%o5 that the sai/ 2itness affi6e/
thei% %especti,e si0natu%es in the p%esence of the testato% an/
of each othe% since( as petitione%s co%%ectl& obse%,e/( the
p%esence of sai/ si0natu%es onl& establishes the fact that it 2as
in/ee/ si0ne/( but it /oes not p%o,e that the attestin0
2itnesses /i/ subsc%ibe to the 2ill in the p%esence of the
testato% an/ of each othe%. The e6ecution of a 2ill is suppose/
to be one act so that 2he%e the testato% an/ the 2itnesses si0n
on ,a%ious /a&s o% occasions an/ in ,a%ious co5binations( the
2ill cannot be sta5pe/ 2ith the i5p%i5atu% of effecti,it&.
,,
:e belie,e that the fu%the% co55ent of fo%5e% $ustice $.B.L.
Re&es
,&
%e0a%/in0 A%ticle BA!( 2he%ein he u%0e/ caution in the
application of the substantial co5pliance %ule the%ein( is co%%ect
an/ shoul/ be applie/ in the case un/e% consi/e%ation( as 2ell
as to futu%e cases 2ith si5ila% >uestions1
. . . The %ule 5ust be li5ite/ to /is%e0a%/in0
those /efects that can be supplie/ b& an
e6a5ination of the 2ill itself1 2hethe% all the
pa0es a%e consecuti,el& nu5be%e/? 2hethe%
the si0natu%es appea% in each an/ e,e%&
pa0e? 2hethe% the subsc%ibin0 2itnesses a%e
th%ee o% the 2ill 2as nota%i;e/. All theses a%e
facts that the 2ill itself can %e,eal( an/
/efects o% e,en o5issions conce%nin0 the5
in the attestation clause can be safel&
/is%e0a%/e/. But the total nu5be% of
pa0es( and "hether all persons required to
si#n did so in the presence of each other
must substantiall. appear in the attestation
clause, bein# the onl. chec7 a#ainst perjur.
in the probate proceedin#s. 3E5phasis ou%s.4
#. :e st%ess once 5o%e that un/e% A%ticle BA!( the /efects an/
i5pe%fections 5ust onl& be 2ith %espect to the fo%5 of the
attestation o% the lan0ua0e e5plo&e/ the%ein. Such /efects o%
i5pe%fections 2oul/ not %en/e% a 2ill in,ali/ shoul/ it be
p%o,e/ that the 2ill 2as %eall& e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ in
co5pliance 2ith A%ticle BA*. +n this %e0a%/( ho2e,e%( the
5anne% of p%o,in0 the /ue e6ecution an/ attestation has been
hel/ to be li5ite/ to 5e%el& an e6a5ination of the 2ill itself
2ithout %eso%tin0 to e,i/ence aliunde( 2hethe% o%al o% 2%itten.
The fo%e0oin0 consi/e%ations /o not appl& 2he%e the
attestation clause totall& o5its the fact that the attestin0
2itnesses si0ne/ each an/ e,e%& pa0e of the 2ill in the
p%esence of the testato% an/ of each othe%.
,4
+n such a
situation( the /efect is not onl& in the fo%5 o% lan0ua0e of the
attestation clause but the total absence of a specific ele5ent
%e>ui%e/ b& A%ticle BA* to be specificall& state/ in the
73
attestation clause of a 2ill. That is p%ecisel& the /efect
co5plaine/ of in the p%esent case since the%e is no plausible
2a& b& 2hich 2e can %ea/ into the >uestione/ attestation
clause state5ent( o% an i5plication the%eof( that the attestin0
2itness /i/ actuall& bea% 2itness to the si0nin0 b& the testato%
of the 2ill an/ all of its pa0es an/ that sai/ inst%u5ental
2itnesses also si0ne/ the 2ill an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof in the
p%esence of the testato% an/ of one anothe%.
.u%the%5o%e( the %ule on substantial co5pliance in A%ticle BA!
cannot be %e,o8e/ o% %elie/ on b& %espon/ents since it
p%esupposes that the /efects in the attestation clause can be
cu%e/ o% supplie/ b& the te6t of the 2ill o% a consi/e%ation of
5atte%s appa%ent the%ef%o5 2hich 2oul/ p%o,i/e the /ata not
e6p%esse/ in the attestation clause o% f%o5 2hich it 5a&
necessa%il& be 0leane/ o% clea%l& infe%%e/ that the acts not
state/ in the o5itte/ te6tual %e>ui%e5ents 2e%e actuall&
co5plie/ 2ithin the e6ecution of the 2ill. +n othe% 2o%/s(
/efects 5ust be %e5e/ie/ b& int%insic e,i/ence supplie/ b& the
2ill itself.
+n the case at ba%( cont%a%il&( p%oof of the acts %e>ui%e/ to ha,e
been pe%fo%5e/ b& the attestin0 2itnesses can be supplie/ b&
onl& e6t%insic e,i/ence the%eof( since an o,e%all app%eciation of
the contents of the 2ill &iel/s no basis 2hatsoe,e% f%o5 2ith
such facts 5a& be plausibl& /e/uce/. :hat p%i,ate %espon/ent
insists on a%e the testi5onies of his 2itnesses alle0in0 that
the& sa2 the co5pliance 2ith such %e>ui%e5ents b& the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses( obli,ious of the fact that he is the%eb&
%eso%tin0 to e6t%insic e,i/ence to p%o,e the sa5e an/ 2oul/
acco%/in0l& be /oin0 b& the in/i%ection 2hat in la2 he cannot
/o /i%ectl&.
. P%io% to the a/,ent of the Ci,il Co/e on Au0ust #A( )!*A(
the%e 2as a /i,e%0ence of ,ie2s as to 2hich 5anne% of
inte%p%etation shoul/ be follo2e/ in %esol,in0 issues cente%in0
on co5pliance 2ith the le0al fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ in the
e6ecution of 2ills. The fo%5al %e>ui%e5ents 2e%e at that ti5e
e5bo/ie/ p%i5a%il& in Section ")B of Act No. )!A( the Co/e of
Ci,il P%oce/u%e. Sai/ section 2as late% a5en/e/ b& Act No.
'"*( but the p%o,isions %espectin0 sai/ fo%5alities foun/ in
Act. No. )!A an/ the a5en/5ent the%eto 2e%e p%acticall&
%ep%o/uce/ an/ a/opte/ in the Ci,il Co/e.
One ,ie2 a/,ance the libe%al o% substantial co5pliance %ule.
This 2as fi%st lai/ /o2n in the case of (ban#an vs.
(ban#an(
,;
2he%e it 2as hel/ that the ob9ect of the sole5nities
su%%oun/in0 the e6ecution of 2ills is to close the /oo% a0ainst
ba/ faith an/ f%au/( to a,oi/ substitution of 2ills an/
testa5ents an/ to 0ua%antee thei% t%uth an/ authenticit&.
The%efo%e( the la2s on this sub9ect shoul/ be inte%p%ete/ in
such a 2a& as to attain these p%i5o%/ial en/s. Nonetheless( it
2as also e5phasi;e/ that one 5ust not lose si0ht of the fact
that it is not the ob9ect of the la2 to %est%ain an/ cu%tail the
e6e%cise of the %i0ht to 5a8e a 2ill( hence 2hen an
inte%p%etation al%ea/& 0i,en assu%es such en/s( an& othe%
inte%p%etation 2hatsoe,e% that a//s nothin0 but /e5an/s 5o%e
%e>uisites enti%el& unnecessa%&( useless an/ f%ust%ati,e of the
testato%Js last 2ill( 5ust be /is%e0a%/e/. The subse>uent cases
of (vera vs. 6arcia(
,-
(ldaba vs. *oque(
,3
%nson vs.
(bella(
,(
Pecson vs. Coronel(
&'
:ernande5 vs. Der#el de Dios,
et al.(
&$
an/ Na.ve vs. 'ojal, et al.
&%
all a/he%e/ to this
position.
The othe% ,ie2 2hich a/,ocate/ the %ule that statutes 2hich
p%esc%ibe the fo%5alities that shoul/ be obse%,e/ in the
e6ecution of 2ills a%e 5an/ato%& in natu%e an/ a%e to be st%ictl&
const%ue/ 2as follo2e/ in the subse>uent cases of In the
'atter of the Astate of !a#uinsin(
&,
In re &ill of (ndrada(
&&
%.
Coque vs. !ioca(
&4
+n re Astate of Neumar7(
&;
an/ !ano vs.
Euintana.
&-
6umban vs. 6orecho, et al.(
&3
p%o,i/e/ the Cou%t 2ith the
occasion to cla%if& the see5in0l& conflictin0 /ecisions in the
afo%e5entione/ cases. +n sai/ case of 6umban( the attestation
clause ha/ faile/ to state that the 2itnesses si0ne/ the 2ill an/
each an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof on the left 5a%0in in the p%esence
of the testato%. The 2ill in >uestion 2as /isallo2e/( 2ith these
%easons the%efo%1
+n suppo%t of thei% a%0u5ent on the
assi0n5ent of e%%o% abo,e-5entione/(
appellants %el& on a se%ies of cases of this
cou%t be0innin0 2ith 3+4n the Matte% of the
3E4state of Sa0uinsin 3F)!'AG( ) Phil.( B<*4(
continuin0 2ith In re :ill of An/%a/a F)!')G(
' Phil.( )BA4( U& Co>ue ,s. Na,as L. Sioca
F)!''G( # Phil.( A*4( an/ In re Estate of
Neu5a%8 3F)!'#G( " Phil.( B)4( an/ en/in0
2ith !ano vs. Euintana3F)!'*G( B Phil.(
*A"4. Appellee counte%s 2ith the citation of a
se%ies of cases be0innin0 2ith(ban#an vs.
(ban#an 3F)!)!G( A Phil.( <"4( continuin0
th%ou0h (ldaba vs. *oque 3F)!''G( # Phil.(
#<B4( an/ :ernande5 vs. Der#el de
Dios 3F)!'G( " Phil.( !''4( an/ cul5inatin0
in Na.ve vs. 'ojal and (#uilar 3F)!'G( <
Phil.( )*'4. +n its last anal&sis( ou% tas8 is to
cont%ast an/( if possible( conciliate the last
t2o /ecisions cite/ b& opposin0 counsel(
na5el&( those of !ano vs. Euintana(supra(
an/ Na.ve vs. 'ojal and (#uilar( supra.
+n the case of !ano vs. Euintana( supra( it
2as /eci/e/ that an attestation clause 2hich
/oes not %ecite that the 2itnesses si0ne/ the
2ill an/ each an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof on the
left 5a%0in in the p%esence of the testato% is
/efecti,e( an/ such a /efect annuls the 2ill.
The case of %. Coque vs. !ioca( supra( 2as
cite/( but the case of Na.ve vs. 'ojal and
(#uilar( supra( 2as not 5entione/. +n
cont%ast( is the /ecision in Na.ve vs. 'ojal
and (#uilar( supra( 2he%ein it 2as hel/ that
the attestation clause 5ust estate the fact
that the testato% an/ the 2itnesses
%ecip%ocall& sa2 the si0nin0 of the 2ill( fo%
such an act cannot be p%o,e/ b& the 5e%e
e6hibition of the 2ill( if it is not state/ the%ein.
+t 2as also hel/ that the fact that the testato%
an/ the 2itnesses si0ne/ each an/ e,e%&
pa0e of the 2ill can be p%o,e/ also b& the
5e%e e6a5ination of the si0natu%es
appea%in0 on the /ocu5ent itself( an/ the
o5ission to state such e,i/ent facts /oes not
in,ali/ate the 2ill.
+t is a habit of cou%ts to %eaffi%5 o% /istin0uish
p%e,ious cases? sel/o5 /o the& a/5it
74
inconsistenc& in /oct%ine. @et he%e( unless
ai/e/ i5possible to %econcile the Mo9al an/
Cuintana /ecisions. The& a%e fun/a5entall&
at ,a%iance. +f 2e %el& on one( 2e affi%5. +f
2e %el& on the othe%( 2e %e,e%se.
+n %esol,in0 this pu;;lin0 >uestion of
autho%it&( th%ee outstan/in0 points 5a& be
5entione/. +n the fi%st place( the Mo9al(
/ecision 2as concu%%e/ in b& onl& fou%
5e5be%s of the cou%t( less than a 5a9o%it&(
2ith t2o st%on0 /issentin0 opinions? the
Cuintana /ecision 2as concu%%e/ in b&
se,en 5e5be%s of the cou%t( a clea% 5a9o%it&(
2ith one fo%5al /issent. +n the secon/ place(
the Mo9al /ecision 2as p%o5ul0ate/ in
-ece5be%( )!'( 2hile the Cuintana
/ecision 2as p%o5ul0ate/ in -ece5be%(
)!'*? the Cuintana /ecision 2as thus
subse>uent in point of ti5e. An/ in the thi%/
place( the Cuintana /ecision is belie,e/
5o%e nea%l& to confo%5 to the applicable
p%o,isions of the la2.
The %i0ht to /ispose of p%ope%t& b& 2ill is
0o,e%ne/ enti%el& b& statute. The la2 of the
case is he%e foun/ in section ") of the Co/e
of Ci,il P%oce/u%e as a5en/e/ b& Act No.
'"*( an/ in section "# of the sa5e Co/e(
as una5en/e/. +t is in pa%t p%o,i/e/ in
section ")( as a5en/e/ that
=No "ill . . . shall be valid . . . unless . . ..= +t is
fu%the% p%o,i/e/ in the sa5e section that
=The attestation shall state the nu5be% of
sheets o% pa0es use/( upon 2hich the 2ill is
2%itten( an/ the fact that the testato% si0ne/
the 2ill an/ e,e%& pa0e the%eof( o% cause/
so5e othe% pe%son to 2%ite his na5e( un/e%
his e6p%ess /i%ection( in the p%esence of
th%ee 2itnesses( an/ the latte% 2itnesse/
an/ si0ne/ the 2ill an/ all pa0es the%eof in
the p%esence of the testato% an/ of each
othe%.= Co/al section "# p%o,i/es that =The
2ill shall be /isallo2e/ in eithe% of the
follo2in0 case1 ). +f not e6ecute/
an/ attested as in this Act p%o,i/e/.= The la2
not alone ca%efull& 5a8es use of the
i5pe%ati,e( but cautiousl& 0oes fu%the% an/
5a8es use of the ne0ati,e( to enfo%ce
le0islati,e intention. +t is not 2ithin the
p%o,ince of the cou%ts to /is%e0a%/ the
le0islati,e pu%pose so e5phaticall& an/
clea%l& e6p%esse/.
:e a/opt an/ %eaffi%5 the /ecision in the
case of !ano vs. Euintana( supra( an/( to
the e6tent necessa%&( 5o/if& the /ecision in
the case of Na.ve vs. 'ojal and
(#uilar( supra. 3E5phases in the o%i0inal
te6t4.
But afte% the 6umban cla%ificato%& p%onounce5ent( the%e 2e%e
/ecisions of the Cou%t that once 5o%e appea%e/ to %e,i,e the
see5in0 /i,e%sit& of ,ie2s that 2as ea%lie% th%eshe/ out
the%ein. The cases of Euinto vs. 'orata(
&(
*odri#ue5 vs.
(lcala(
4'
Anchevarria vs. !armiento(
4$
an/ )estate Astate of
)ora.
4%
2ent the 2a& of the %ulin0 as %estate/ in 6umban.
But De 6ala vs. 6on5ales, et al.(
4,
*e. vs. Carta#ena(
4&
De
)icson vs. De 6orosti5a(
44
!ebastian vs.
Pan#aniban(
4;
*odri#ue5 vs. Fap(
4-
6re. vs. :abia(
43
4e.ne5
vs. 4e.ne5(
4(
'artir vs. 'artir(
;'
(lcala vs. De Dilla(
;$
!abado
vs.
:ernande5(
;%
'endo5a vs. Pilapil(
;,
an/ 4ope5 vs.
4iboro(
;&
,ee%e/ a2a& f%o5 the st%ict inte%p%etation %ule an/
establishe/ a t%en/ to2a%/ an application of the libe%al ,ie2.
The Co/e Co55ission( co0ni;ant of such a conflictin0 2elte%
of ,ie2s an/ of the un/eniable inclination to2a%/s a libe%al
const%uction( %eco55en/e/ the co/ification of the substantial
co5pliance %ule( as it belie,e/ this %ule to be in acco%/ 2ith the
5o/e%n ten/enc& to 0i,e a libe%al app%oach to the
inte%p%etation of 2ills. Sai/ %ule thus beca5e 2hat is no2
A%ticle BA! of the Ci,il Co/e( 2ith this e6planation of the Co/e
Co55ission1
The p%esent la2 p%o,i/es fo% onl& one fo%5
of e6ecutin0 a 2ill( an/ that is( in acco%/ance
2ith the fo%5alities p%esc%ibe/ b& Section
")B of the Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e as
a5en/e/ b& Act No. '"*. The Sup%e5e
Cou%t of the Philippines ha/ p%e,iousl&
uphel/ the st%ict co5pliance 2ith the le0al
fo%5alities an/ ha/ e,en sai/ that the
p%o,isions of Section ")B of the Co/e of Ci,il
P%oce/u%e( as a5en/e/ %e0a%/in0 the
contents of the attestation clause 2e%e
5an/ato%&( an/ non-co5pliance the%e2ith
in,ali/ate/ the 2ill 3U& Co>ue ,s. Sioca( #
Phil. A*4. These /ecisions necessa%il&
%est%aine/ the f%ee/o5 of the testato% in
/isposin0 of his p%ope%t&.
7o2e,e%( in %ecent &ea%s the Sup%e5e Cou%t
chan0e/ its attitu/e an/ has beco5e 5o%e
libe%al in the inte%p%etation of the fo%5alities
in the e6ecution of 2ills. This libe%al ,ie2 is
enunciate/ in the cases of*odri#ue5 vs. Fap(
G.R. No. *!'( Ma& )B( )!#!? 4e.ne5 vs.
4e.ne5( G.R. No. "A!<( Octobe% )B(
)!#!? 'artir vs. 'artir( G.R. No. "!!*( $une
')( )!A? an/ (lcala vs. Dilla( G.R. No.
<#*)( Ap%il )B( )!).
+n the abo,e 5entione/ /ecisions of ou%
Sup%e5e Cou%t( it has p%acticall& 0one bac8
to the o%i0inal p%o,isions of Section ")B of
the Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e befo%e its
a5en/5ent b& Act No. '"* in the &ea%
)!)". To tu%n this attitu/e into a le0islati,e
/ecla%ation an/ to attain the 5ain ob9ecti,e
of the p%opose/ Co/e in the libe%ali;ation of
the 5anne% of e6ecutin0 2ills( a%ticle B'! of
the P%o9ect is %eco55en/e/( 2hich %ea/s1
=A%t. B'!. +n the absence of ba/ faith(
fo%0e%&( o% f%au/( o% un/ue an/ i5p%ope%
p%essu%e an/ influence( /efects an/
i5pe%fections in the fo%5 of attestation o%
in the lan0ua0e use/ the%ein shall not
75
%en/e% the 2ill in,ali/ if it is p%o,e/ that
the 2ill 2as in fact e6ecute/ an/ atteste/
in substantial co5pliance 2ith all the
%e>ui%e5ents of a%ticle B'!.=
;4
The so-calle/ libe%al %ule( the Cou%t sai/ in 6il vs.
'urciano(
;;
=/oes not offe% an& pu;;le o% /ifficult&( no% /oes it
open the /oo% to se%ious conse>uences. The late% /ecisions /o
tell us 2hen an/ 2he%e to stop? the& /%a2 the /i,i/in0 line 2ith
p%ecision. The& /o not allo2 e,i/ence aliunde to fill a ,oi/ in
an& pa%t of the /ocu5ent o% suppl& 5issin0 /etails that shoul/
appea% in the 2ill itself. The& onl& pe%5it a p%obe into the 2ill(
an e6plo%ation into its confines( to asce%tain its 5eanin0 o% to
/ete%5ine the e6istence o% absence of the %e>uisite fo%5alities
of la2. This clea%( sha%p li5itation eli5inates unce%taint& an/
ou0ht to banish an& fea% of /i%e %esults.=
+t 5a& thus be state/ that the %ule( as it no2 stan/s( is that
o5issions 2hich can be supplie/ b& an e6a5ination of the 2ill
itself( 2ithout the nee/ of %eso%tin0 to e6t%insic e,i/ence( 2ill
not be fatal an/( co%%espon/in0l&( 2oul/ not obst%uct the
allo2ance to p%obate of the 2ill bein0 assaile/. 7o2e,e%( those
o5issions 2hich cannot be supplie/ e6cept b&
e,i/ence aliunde 2oul/ %esult in the in,ali/ation of the
attestation clause an/ ulti5atel&( of the 2ill itself.
;-
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is he%eb& GRANTE- an/ the
i5pu0ne/ /ecision of %espon/ent cou%t is he%eb& REDERSE-
an/ SET AS+-E. The cou%t a quo is acco%/in0l& /i%ecte/ to
fo%th2ith -+SM+SS its Special P%ocee/in0 No. #B!!-R 3Petition
fo% the P%obate of the Last :ill an/ Testa5ent of Mateo
Caballe%o4 an/ to RED+DE Special P%ocee/in0 No. #!"*-R 3+n
the 5atte% of the +ntestate Estate of Mateo Caballe%o4 as an
acti,e case an/ the%eafte% /ul& p%ocee/ 2ith the settle5ent of
the estate of the sai/ /ece/ent.
SO OR-ERE-.
Narvasa, C.J., Padilla, *e#alado, and Nocon, JJ., concur.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
T7+R- -+D+S+ON
G.R. N#. $(%($; O)*#+er $$, %'$'
MAN!EL A. ECAVEZ, Petitione%(
,s.
DOZEN CONSTR!CTION AND DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION and TE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF CEB!
CIT/, Respon/ents.
R E S O L U T + O N
BRION, J.:
Dicente Echa,e; 3Dicente4 2as the absolute o2ne% of se,e%al
lots in Cebu Cit&( 2hich inclu/es Lot No. )!*"-A an/ Lot No.
)!*! 3sub9ect lots4. On Septe5be% <( )!B*( Dicente /onate/
the sub9ect lots to petitione% Manuel Echa,e; 3Manuel4 th%ou0h
a -ee/ of -onation Mo%tis Causa.
)
Manuel accepte/ the
/onation.
+n Ma%ch )!B"( Dicente e6ecute/ a Cont%act to Sell o,e% the
sa5e lots in fa,o% of -o;en Const%uction an/ -e,elop5ent
Co%po%ation 3-o;en Co%po%ation4. +n Octobe% )!B"( the&
e6ecute/ t2o -ee/s of Absolute Sale o,e% the sa5e p%ope%ties
co,e%e/ b& the p%e,ious Cont%act to Sell.
On No,e5be% "( )!B"( Dicente /ie/. E5iliano Cabani0(
DicenteMs nephe2( file/ a petition fo% the settle5ent of DicenteMs
intestate estate. On the othe% han/( Manuel file/ a petition to
app%o,e DicenteMs /onation 5o%tis causa in his fa,o% an/ an
action to annul the cont%acts of sale Dicente e6ecute/ in fa,o%
of -o;en Co%po%ation. These cases 2e%e 9ointl& hea%/.
The Re0ional T%ial Cou%t 3RTC4 /is5isse/ ManuelMs petition to
app%o,e the /onation an/ his action fo% annul5ent of the
cont%acts of sale.
'
The RTC foun/ that the e6ecution of a
Cont%act to Sell in fa,o% of -o;en Co%po%ation( afte% Dicente
ha/ /onate/ the lots to Manuel( 2as an e>ui,ocal act that
%e,o8e/ the /onation. The Cou%t of Appeals 3CA4 affi%5e/ the
RTCMs /ecision.
#
The CA hel/ that since the /onation in fa,o%
of Manuel 2as a /onation 5o%tis causa( co5pliance 2ith the
fo%5alities fo% the ,ali/it& of 2ills shoul/ ha,e been obse%,e/.
The CA foun/ that the /ee/ of /onation /i/ not contain an
attestation clause an/ 2as the%efo%e ,oi/.
The Petition fo% Re,ie2 on Ce%tio%a%i
Manuel clai5s that the CA shoul/ ha,e applie/ the %ule on
substantial co5pliance in the const%uction of a 2ill to DicenteMs
/onation 5o%tis causa. 7e insists that the st%ict const%uction of
a 2ill 2as not 2a%%ante/ in the absence of an& in/ication of
ba/ faith( f%au/( o% substitution in the e6ecution of the -ee/ of
-onation Mo%tis Causa. 7e a%0ues that the CA i0no%e/ the
Ac8no2le/05ent po%tion of the /ee/ of /onation( 2hich
contains the =i5po%t an/ pu%pose= of the attestation clause
%e>ui%e/ in the e6ecution of 2ills. The Ac8no2le/05ent %ea/s1
BE.ORE ME( Nota%& Public( this <th /a& of Septe5be% )!B* at
Talisa&( Cebu( pe%sonall& appea%e/ D+CENTE S. Echa,e; 2ith
Res. Ce%t. No. )"B""A! issue/ on Ap%il )A( )!B* at FsicG
Talisa&( Cebu 8no2n to 5e to be the sa5e pe%son 2ho
e6ecute/ the fo%e0oin0 inst%u5ent of -ee/ of -ona%tion Mo%tis
Causa befo%e the Nota%& Public an/ in the p%esence of the
fo%e0oin0 th%ee 3#4 2itnesses 2ho si0ne/ this inst%u5ent
befo%e an/ in the p%esence of each othe% an/ of the Nota%&
Public an/ all of the5 ac8no2le/0e to 5e that the sa5e is
thei% ,olunta%& act an/ /ee/. FE5phasis in the o%i0inal.G
T7E COURTMS RUL+NG
The CA co%%ectl& /ecla%e/ that a /onation 5o%tis causa 5ust
co5pl& 2ith the fo%5alities p%esc%ibe/ b& la2 fo% the ,ali/it& of
2ills(

=othe%2ise( the /onation is ,oi/ an/ 2oul/ p%o/uce no

effect.=
*
A%ticles BA* an/ BA" of the Ci,il Co/e shoul/ ha,e
been applie/.
As the CA co%%ectl& foun/( the pu%po%te/ attestation clause
e5bo/ie/ in the Ac8no2le/05ent po%tion /oes not contain the
nu5be% of pa0es on 2hich the /ee/ 2as 2%itten.lavvphilThe
e6ception to this %ule in Sin0son ,. .lo%entino
"
an/ Taboa/a ,.
76
7on. Rosal(
<
cannot be applie/ to the p%esent case( as the
facts of this case a%e not si5ila% 2ith those of Sin0son an/
Taboa/a. +n those cases( the Cou%t foun/ that althou0h the
attestation clause faile/ to state the nu5be% of pa0es upon
2hich the 2ill 2as 2%itten( the nu5be% of pa0es 2as state/ in
one po%tion of the 2ill. This is not the factual situation in the
p%esent case.
E,en 0%antin0 that the Ac8no2le/05ent e5bo/ies 2hat the
attestation clause %e>ui%es( 2e a%e not p%epa%e/ to hol/ that an
attestation clause an/ an ac8no2le/05ent can be 5e%0e/ in
one state5ent.
That the %e>ui%e5ents of attestation an/ ac8no2le/05ent a%e
e5bo/ie/ in t2o sepa%ate p%o,isions of the Ci,il Co/e 3A%ticles
BA* an/ BA"( %especti,el&4 in/icates that the la2 conte5plates
t2o /istinct acts that se%,e /iffe%ent pu%poses. An
ac8no2le/05ent is 5a/e b& one e6ecutin0 a /ee/( /ecla%in0
befo%e a co5petent office% o% cou%t that the /ee/ o% act is his
o2n. On the othe% han/( the attestation of a 2ill %efe%s to the
act of the inst%u5ental 2itnesses the5sel,es 2ho ce%tif& to the
e6ecution of the inst%u5ent befo%e the5 an/ to the 5anne% of
its e6ecution.
B
+avvphi+
Althou0h the 2itnesses in the p%esent case ac8no2le/0e/ the
e6ecution of the -ee/ of -onation Mo%tis Causa befo%e the
nota%& public( this is not the a,o2al the la2 %e>ui%es f%o5 the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses to the e6ecution of a /ece/entMs 2ill. An
attestation 5ust state all the /etails the thi%/ pa%a0%aph of
A%ticle BA* %e>ui%es. +n the absence of the %e>ui%e/ a,o2al b&
the 2itnesses the5sel,es( no attestation clause can be
/ee5e/ e5bo/ie/ in the Ac8no2le/0e5ent of the -ee/ of
-onation Mo%tis Causa.
.in/in0 no %e,e%sible e%%o% co55itte/ b& the CA( the Cou%t
he%eb& -EN+ES ManuelMs petition fo% %e,ie2 on ce%tio%a%i.
SO OR-ERE-.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
EN BANC
G.R. N#. L-%',4- N#ve5+er %4, $(;-
IN TE MATTER OF TE PETITION FOR TE ALLOWANCE
OF TE WILL OF GREGORIO GATCALIAN, de)eased.
PEDRO RE/ES GARCIA, petitione%-appellant(
,s.
FELIPE GATCALIAN, A!RORA G. CAMINS, ANGELES G.
COSCA, FEDERICO G. T!BOG, VIRGINIA G. TALANA/ and
ANGELES G. TALANA/, opposito%s-appellees.
A. Debuque for petitionerBappellant.
A. 4. !e#ovia for oppositorsBappellees.
DIZON, J.:
This is an appeal ta8en b& Pe/%o Re&es Ga%cia f%o5 the
/ecision of the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Ri;al in Special
P%ocee/in0s No. '"'# /en&in0 the allo2ance of the 2ill of the
late G%e0o%io Gatchalian( on the 0%oun/ that the attestin0
2itnesses /i/ not ac8no2le/0e it befo%e a nota%& public( as
%e>ui%e/ b& la2.
On Ma%ch )*( )!"<( G%e0o%io Gatchalian( a 2i/o2e% of <)
&ea%s of a0e( /ie/ in the 5unicipalit& of Pasi0( P%o,ince of
Ri;al( lea,in0 no fo%ce/ hei%s. On Ap%il ' of the sa5e &ea%(
appellant file/ a petition 2ith the abo,e na5e/ cou%t fo% the
p%obate of sai/ alle0e/ 2ill 3E6hibit =C=4 2he%ein he 2as
institute/ as sole hei%. .elipe Gatchalian( Au%o%a G. Ca5ins(
An0eles G. Cosca( .e/e%ico G. Tubo0( Di%0inia G. Talana& an/
An0eles G. Talana&( appellees he%ein( oppose/ the petition on
the 0%oun/( a5on0 othe%s( that the 2ill 2as p%ocu%e/ b& f%au/?
that the /ecease/ /i/ not inten/ the inst%u5ent si0ne/ b& hi5
to be as his 2ill? an/ that the /ecease/ 2as ph&sicall& an/
5entall& incapable of 5a8in0 a 2ill at the ti5e of the alle0e/
e6ecution of sai/ 2ill.
Afte% /ue t%ial( the cou%t %en/e%e/ the appeale/ /ecision fin/in0
the /ocu5ent E6hibit =C= to be the authentic last 2ill of the
/ecease/ but /isallo2in0 it fo% failu%e to co5pl& 2ith the
5an/ato%& %e>ui%e5ent of A%ticle BA" of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e R
that the 2ill 5ust be ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e a nota%& public b&
the testato% an/ the 2itnesses.
An e6a5ination of the /ocu5ent 3E6hibit =C=4 sho2s that the
sa5e 2as ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e a nota%& public b& the testato%
but not b& the inst%u5ental 2itnesses.
A%ticle BA" of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e %ea/s as follo2s1
E,e%& 2ill 5ust be ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e a nota%&
public b& the testato% an/ the 2itnesses. The nota%&
public shall not be %e>ui%e/ to %etain a cop& of the 2ill(
o% file anothe% 2ith the office of the Cle%8 of Cou%t.
:e ha,e hel/ he%etofo%e that co5pliance 2ith the %e>ui%e5ent
containe/ in the abo,e le0al p%o,ision to the effect that a 2ill
5ust be ac8no2le/0e/ befo%e a nota%& public b& the testato%
an/ also b& the 2itnesses is in/ispensable fo% its ,ali/it& 3+n %e1
Testate Estate of Albe%to( G. R. No. L-))!B( Ap%il '!( )!*!4.
As the /ocu5ent un/e% consi/e%ation /oes not co5pl& 2ith
this %e>ui%e5ent( it is ob,ious that the sa5e 5a& not be
p%obate/.
:7ERE.ORE( the /ecision appeale/ f%o5 is affi%5e/( 2ith
costs.
'a7alintal, $en#5on, J.P., Galdivar, !anche5, Castro, (n#eles
and :ernando, JJ., concu%.
Concepcion, C.J., and *e.es, J.$.4., J., too8 no pa%t.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
.+RST -+D+S+ON

77
G.R. N#. L-,%%$, N#ve5+er %;, $(-,
AGAPITA N. CR!Z, petitione%(
,s.
ON. 2!DGE G!ILLERMO P. VILLASOR, Pres1d1n> 2ud>e
#7 Bran)< I, C#ur* #7 F1rs* Ins*an)e #7 Ce+u, and MAN!EL
B. L!GA/, %espon/ents.
Paul 6. 6orre5 for petitioner.
'ario D. @rti5 for respondent 'anuel $. 4u#a..
ESG!ERRA, J.:
Petition to %e,ie2 on certiorari the 9u/05ent of the Cou%t .i%st
+nstance of Cebu allo2in0 the p%obate of the last 2ill a
testa5ent of the late Dalente H. C%u;. Petitione%-appellant
A0apita N. C%u;( the su%,i,in0 spouse of the sai/ /ecease
oppose/ the allo2ance of the 2ill 3E6hibit =E=4( alle0in0 the 2ill
2as e6ecute/ th%ou0h f%au/( /eceit( 5is%ep%esentation an/
un/ue influence? that the sai/ inst%u5ent 2as e6ecute 2ithout
the testato% ha,in0 been full& info%5e/ of the content the%eof(
pa%ticula%l& as to 2hat p%ope%ties he 2as /isposin0 an/ that the
suppose/ last 2ill an/ testa5ent 2as not e6ecute/ in
acco%/ance 2ith la2. Not2ithstan/in0 he% ob9ection( the Cou%t
allo2e/ the p%obate of the sai/ last 2ill an/ testa5ent 7ence
this appeal b& ce%tio%a%i 2hich 2as 0i,en /ue cou%se.
The onl& >uestion p%esente/ fo% /ete%5ination( on 2hich the
/ecision of the case hin0es( is 2hethe% the suppose/ last 2ill
an/ testa5ent of Dalente H. C%u; 3E6hibit =E=4 2as e6ecute/ in
acco%/ance 2ith la2( pa%ticula%l& A%ticles BA* an/ BA" of the
ne2 Ci,il Co/e( the fi%st %e>ui%in0 at least th%ee c%e/ible
2itnesses to attest an/ subsc%ibe to the 2ill( an/ the secon/
%e>ui%in0 the testato% an/ the 2itnesses to ac8no2le/0e the
2ill befo%e a nota%& public.
Of the th%ee inst%u5ental 2itnesses the%eto( na5el&
-eo0%acias T. $a5aloas $%.( -%. .%ancisco PaEa%es an/ Att&.
An0el 7. Te,es( $%.( one of the5( the last na5e/( is at the
sa5e ti5e the Nota%& Public befo%e 2ho5 the 2ill 2as
suppose/ to ha,e been ac8no2le/0e/. Re/uce/ to si5ple%
te%5s( the >uestion 2as atteste/ an/ subsc%ibe/ b& at least
th%ee c%e/ible 2itnesses in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of
each othe%( consi/e%in0 that the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses 5ust
appea% befo%e the nota%& public to ac8no2le/0e the sa5e. As
the thi%/ 2itness is the nota%& public hi5self( petitione% a%0ues
that the %esult is that onl& t2o 2itnesses appea%e/ befo%e the
nota%& public to ac8no2le/0e the 2ill. On the othe% han/(
p%i,ate %espon/ent-appellee( Manuel B. Lu0a&( 2ho is the
suppose/ e6ecuto% of the 2ill( follo2in0 the %easonin0 of the
t%ial cou%t( 5aintains that the%e is substantial co5pliance 2ith
the le0al %e>ui%e5ent of ha,in0 at least th%ee attestin0
2itnesses e,en if the nota%& public acte/ as one of the5(
bolste%in0 up his stan/ 2ith *< A5e%ican $u%isp%u/ence( p. ''<
2hich( insofa% as pe%tinent( %ea/s as follo2s1
+t is sai/ that the%e a%e( p%actical %easons fo%
uphol/in0 a 2ill as a0ainst the pu%el& technical
%eason that one of the 2itnesses %e>ui%e/ b& la2
si0ne/ as ce%tif&in0 to an ac8no2le/05ent of the
testato%Js si0natu%e un/e% oath %athe% than as
attestin0 the e6ecution of the inst%u5ent.
Afte% 2ei0hin0 the 5e%its of the conflictin0 clai5s of the pa%ties(
:e a%e incline/ to sustain that of the appellant that the last 2ill
an/ testa5ent in >uestion 2as not e6ecute/ in acco%/ance
2ith la2. The nota%& public befo%e 2ho5 the 2ill 2as
ac8no2le/0e/ cannot be consi/e%e/ as the thi%/ inst%u5ental
2itness since he cannot ac8no2le/0e befo%e hi5self his
ha,in0 si0ne/ the 2ill. To ac8no2le/0e befo%e 5eans to a,o2
3$a,ellana ,. Le/es5a( !< Phil. '*B( '"'? Cast%o ,. Cast%o( )AA
Phil. '#!( '<4? to o2n as 0enuine( to assent( to a/5it? an/
=befo%e= 5eans in f%ont o% p%ece/in0 in space o% ahea/ of. 3The
Ne2 :ebste% Enc&clope/ic -ictiona%& of the En0lish
Lan0ua0e( p. <'? .un8 U :a0nalls Ne2 Stan/a%/ -ictiona%& of
the En0lish Lan0ua0e( p. '*'? :ebste%Js Ne2 +nte%national
-ictiona%& '/. p. '*.4 Conse>uentl&( if the thi%/ 2itness 2e%e
the nota%& public hi5self( he 2oul/ ha,e to a,o2 assent( o%
a/5it his ha,in0 si0ne/ the 2ill in f%ont of hi5self. This cannot
be /one because he cannot split his pe%sonalit& into t2o so
that one 2ill appea% befo%e the othe% to ac8no2le/0e his
pa%ticipation in the 5a8in0 of the 2ill. To pe%5it such a situation
to obtain 2oul/ be sanctionin0 a shee% absu%/it&.
.u%the%5o%e( the function of a nota%& public is( a5on0 othe%s(
to 0ua%/ a0ainst an& ille0al o% i55o%al a%%an0e5ent Balinon ,.
-e Leon( *A A. G. *B#.4 That function 2oul/ /efeate/ if the
nota%& public 2e%e one of the attestin0 inst%u5ental 2itnesses.
.o% the5 he 2oul/ be inte%este/ sustainin0 the ,ali/it& of the
2ill as it /i%ectl& in,ol,es hi5 an/ the ,ali/it& of his o2n act. +t
2oul/ place hi5 in inconsistent position an/ the ,e%& pu%pose
of ac8no2le/05ent( 2hich is to 5ini5i;e f%au/ 3Repo%t of
Co/e Co55ission p. )A"-)A<4( 2oul/ be th2a%te/.
A/5itte/l&( the%e a%e A5e%ican p%ece/ents hol/in0 that nota%&
public 5a&( in a//ition( act as a 2itness to the e6ecuti,e of the
/ocu5ent he has nota%i;e/. 3Mahilu5 ,. Cou%t Appeals( " A.
G. A)<? )< SCRA B'? Sa2&e% ,. Co6( # +ll. )#A4. The%e a%e
othe%s hol/in0 that his si0nin0 5e%el& as nota%& in a 2ill
nonetheless 5a8es hi5 a 2itness the%eon 3.e%0uson ,.
.e%0uson( < S. E. '/. #"? +n Re -ou0las :ill( N. @. S. '/.
")? Ra0s/al ,. 7ill( '"! S. :. '/. !))( T&son Utte%bac8( )''
So. !"? +n Re Ba&beeJs Estate )"A N. !AA? :. Me%ill ,. Boal(
)#' A. <')?!ee also T%en2ith ,. S5all2oo/( )* So. )A#A4. But
these autho%ities /o not se%,e the pu%pose of the la2 in this
9u%is/iction o% a%e not /ecisi,e of the issue he%ein because the
nota%ies public an/ 2itnesses %efe%%e/ to afo%ecite/ cases
5e%el& acte/ as inst%u5ental( subsc%ibin0 attestin0 2itnesses(
an/ not as ac7no"led#in# 2itnesses. 7e the nota%& public
acte/ not onl& as attestin0 2itness but also ac8no2le/0in0
2itness( a situation not en,isa0e/ b& A%ticle BA* of the Ci,il
Co/e 2hich %ea/s1
ART. BA". E,e%& 2ill 5ust be ac7no"led#ed
before a notar. public b. the testator and the
"itnesses. The nota%& public shall not be %e>ui%e/
to %etain a cop& of the 2ill o% file anothe% 2ith the
office of the Cle%8 of Cou%t. FE5phasis supplie/G
To allo2 the nota%& public to act as thi%/ 2itness( o% one the
attestin0 an/ ac8no2le/0in0 2itnesses( 2oul/ ha,e the effect
of ha,in0 onl& t2o attestin0 2itnesses to the 2ill 2hich 2oul/
be in cont%a,ention of the p%o,isions of A%ticle BA be %e>ui%in0
at least th%ee c%e/ible 2itnesses to act as such an/ of A%ticle
BA" 2hich %e>ui%es that the testato% an/ the %e>ui%e/ nu5be% of
2itnesses 5ust appea% befo%e the nota%& public to
ac8no2le/0e the 2ill. The %esult 2oul/ be( as has been sai/(
that onl& t2o 2itnesses appea%e/ befo%e the nota%& public fo%
78
o% that pu%pose. +n the ci%cu5stances( the la2 2oul/ not be
/ul& in obse%,e/.
.OR ALL T7E .OREGO+NG( the 9u/05ent appeale/ f%o5 is
he%eb& %e,e%se/ an/ the p%obate of the last 2ill an/ testa5ent
of Dalente H. C%u; 3E6hibit =E=4 is /ecla%e/ not ,ali/ an/ he%eb&
set asi/e.
Cost a0ainst the appellee.
'a7alintal, C.J., Castro, )eehan7ee, 'a7asiar and 'uHo5
Palma, JJ., concur.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
.+RST -+D+S+ON
G.R. N#. -&;(4 Se0*e5+er $&, $((,
In *<e Ma**er #7 *<e Pr#+a*e #7 *<e Las* W188 and Tes*a5en*
#7 *<e De)eased Br1>1d# A8varad#, CESAR
ALVARADO, petitione%(
,s.
ON. RAMON G. GAVIOLA, 2R., Pres1d1n> 2us*1)e, ON.
MA. ROSARIO 6!ET!LIO LOSA and ON. LEONOR INES
L!CIANO, Ass#)1a*e 2us*1)es, In*er5ed1a*e A00e88a*e
C#ur*, F1rs* D1v1s1#n FC1v18 CasesG, and BA/ANI MA.
RINO, %espon/ents.
Dicente *. *edor for petitioner.
$a.ani 'a. *ino for and in his o"n behalf.
BELLOSILLO, J.:
Befo%e us is an appeal f%o5 the -ecision /ate/ )) Ap%il
)!B"
$
of the .i%st Ci,il Cases -i,ision of the then +nte%5e/iate
Appellate Cou%t( no2 Cou%t of Appeals( 2hich affi%5e/ the
O%/e% /ate/ '< $une )!B#
%
of the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of Sta.
C%u;( La0una( a/5ittin0 to p%obate the last 2ill an/
testa5ent
,
2ith co/icil
&
of the late B%i0i/o Al,a%a/o.
On * No,e5be% )!<<( the <!-&ea% ol/ B%i0i/o Al,a%a/o
e6ecute/ a nota%ial 2ill entitle/ =7ulin0 7abilin= 2he%ein he
/isinhe%ite/ an ille0iti5ate son 3petitione%4 an/ e6p%essl&
%e,o8e/ a p%e,iousl& e6ecute/ holo0%aphic 2ill at the ti5e
a2aitin0 p%obate befo%e B%anch of the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of
sta. C%u;( La0una.
As testifie/ to b& the th%ee inst%u5ental 2itnesses( the nota%&
public an/ b& p%i,ate %espon/ent 2ho 2e%e p%esent at the
e6ecution( the testato% /i/ not %ea/ the final /%aft of the 2ill
hi5self. +nstea/( p%i,ate %espon/ent( as the la2&e% 2ho /%afte/
the ei0ht-pa0e/ /ocu5ent( %ea/ the sa5e alou/ in the
p%esence of the testato%( the th%ee inst%u5ental 2itnesses an/
the nota%& public. The latte% fou% follo2e/ the %ea/in0 2ith thei%
o2n %especti,e copies p%e,iousl& fu%nishe/ the5.
Mean2hile( B%i0i/oJs holo0%aphic 2ill 2as subse>uentl&
a/5itte/ to p%obate on ! -ece5be% )!<<. On the '!th /a& of
the sa5e 5onth( a co/icil entitle/ =Sasulatan n0 Pa0baba0o
sa +lan0 Pa0papasi&a na Nasasaa/ sa 7ulin0 7abilin na 5a&
Petsa Nobie5b%e *( )!<< ni B%i0i/o Al,a%a/o= 2as e6ecute/
chan0in0 so5e /ispositions in the nota%ial 2ill to 0ene%ate cash
fo% the testato%Js e&e ope%ation. B%i0i/o 2as then suffe%in0 f%o5
0lauco5a. But the /isinhe%itance an/ %e,ocato%& clauses 2e%e
unchan0e/. As in the case of the nota%ial 2ill( the testato% /i/
not pe%sonall& %ea/ the final /%aft of the co/icil. +nstea/( it 2as
p%i,ate %espon/ent 2ho %ea/ it alou/ in his p%esence an/ in the
p%esence of the th%ee inst%u5ental 2itnesses 3sa5e as those
of the nota%ial 2ill4 an/ the nota%& public 2ho follo2e/ the
%ea/in0 usin0 thei% o2n copies.
A petition fo% the p%obate of the nota%ial 2ill an/ co/icil 2as
file/ upon the testato%Js /eath on # $anua%& )!<! b& p%i,ate
%espon/ent as e6ecuto% 2ith the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance( no2
Re0ional T%ial Cou%t( of Siniloan( La0una.
4
Petitione%( in tu%n(
file/ an Opposition on the follo2in0 0%oun/s1 that the 2ill
sou0ht to be p%obate/ 2as not e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ as
%e>ui%e/ b& la2? that the testato% 2as insane o% othe%2ise
5entall& incapacitate/ to 5a8e a 2ill at the ti5e of its
e6ecution /ue to senilit& an/ ol/ a0e? that the 2ill 2as
e6ecute/ un/e% /u%ess( o% influence of fea% an/ th%eats? that it
2as p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence
on the pa%t of the beneficia%& 2ho stan/s to 0et the lionJs sha%e
of the testato%Js estate? an/ lastl&( that the si0natu%e of the
testato% 2as p%ocu%e/ b& f%au/ o% t%ic8.
:hen the opposito% 3petitione%4 faile/ to substantiate the
0%oun/s %elie/ upon in the Opposition( a P%obate O%/e% 2as
issue/ on '< $une )!B# f%o5 2hich an appeal 2as 5a/e to
%espon/ent cou%t. The 5ain th%ust of the appeal 2as that the
/ecease/ 2as blin/ 2ithin the 5eanin0 of the la2 at the ti5e
his =7ulin0 7abilin= an/ the co/icil attache/ the%eto 2as
e6ecute/? that since the %ea/in0 %e>ui%e/ b& A%t. BAB of the
Ci,il Co/e 2as a/5itte/l& not co5plie/ 2ith( p%obate of the
/ecease/Js last 2ill an/ co/icil shoul/ ha,e been /enie/.
On )) Ap%il )!B"( the Cou%t of Appeals %en/e%e/ the /ecision
un/e% %e,ie2 2ith the follo2in0 fin/in0s1 that B%i0i/o Al,a%a/o
2as not blin/ at the ti5e his last 2ill an/ co/icil 2e%e e6ecute/?
that assu5in0 his blin/ness( the %ea/in0 %e>ui%e5ent of A%t.
BAB 2as substantiall& co5plie/ 2ith 2hen both /ocu5ents
2e%e %ea/ alou/ to the testato% 2ith each of the th%ee
inst%u5ental 2itnesses an/ the nota%& public follo2in0 the
%ea/in0 2ith thei% %especti,e copies of the inst%u5ents. The
appellate cou%t then conclu/e/ that althou0h A%t. BAB 2as not
follo2e/ to the lette%( the%e 2as substantial co5pliance since
its pu%pose of 5a8in0 8no2n to the testato% the contents of the
/%afte/ 2ill 2as se%,e/.
The issues no2 befo%e us can be state/ thus1 :as B%i0i/o
Al,a%a/o blin/ fo% pu%pose of A%t( BAB at the ti5e his =7ulin0
7abilin= an/ its co/icil 2e%e e6ecute/L +f so( 2as the /ouble-
%ea/in0 %e>ui%e5ent of sai/ a%ticle co5plie/ 2ithL
Re0a%/in0 the fi%st issue( the%e is no /ispute on the follo2in0
facts1 B%i0i/o Al,a%a/o 2as not totall& blin/ at the ti5e the 2ill
an/ co/icil 2e%e e6ecute/. 7o2e,e%( his ,ision on both e&es
2as onl& of =countin0 fin0e%s at th%ee 3#4 feet= b& %eason of the
0lauco5a 2hich he ha/ been suffe%in0 f%o5 fo% se,e%al &ea%s
79
an/ e,en p%io% to his fi%st consultation 2ith an e&e specialist on
) -ece5be% )!<<.
The point of /ispute is 2hethe% the fo%e0oin0 ci%cu5stances
2oul/ >ualif& B%i0i/o as a =blin/= testato% un/e% A%t. BAB 2hich
%ea/s1
A%t. BAB. +f the testato% is blin/( the 2ill shall be
%ea/ to hi5 t2ice? once( b& one of the subsc%ibin0
2itnesses( an/ a0ain( b& the nota%& public befo%e
2ho5 the 2ill is ac8no2le/0e/.
Petitione% conten/s that althou0h his fathe% 2as not totall&
blin/ 2hen the 2ill an/ co/icil 2e%e e6ecute/( he can be so
consi/e%e/ 2ithin the scope of the te%5 as it is use/ in A%t.
BAB. To suppo%t his stan/( petitione% p%esente/ befo%e the t%ial
cou%t a 5e/ical ce%tificate issue/ b& -%. Sal,a/o% R. Salce/a(
-i%ecto% of the +nstitute of Opthal5olo0& 3Philippine E&e
Resea%ch +nstitute4(
;
the contents of 2hich 2e%e inte%p%ete/ in
la&5anJs te%5s b& -%. Rupe%to Roasa( 2hose e6pe%tise 2as
a/5itte/ b& p%i,ate %espon/ent.
-
-%. Roasa e6plaine/ that
althou0h the testato% coul/ ,isuali;e fin0e%s at th%ee 3#4 feet( he
coul/ no lon0e% %ea/ eithe% p%inte/ o% han/2%itten 5atte%s as of
) -ece5be% )!<<( the /a& of his fi%st consultation.
3
On the othe% han/( the Cou%t of Appeals( cont%a%& to the
5e/ical testi5on&( hel/ that the testato% coul/ still %ea/ on the
/a& the 2ill an/ the co/icil 2e%e e6ecute/ but chose not to /o
so because of =poo% e&esi0ht.=
(
Since the testato% 2as still
capable of %ea/in0 at that ti5e( the cou%t a quo conclu/e/ that
A%t. BAB nee/ not be co5plie/ 2ith.
:e a0%ee 2ith petitione% in this %espect.
Re0a%/less of %espon/entJs staunch contention that the
testato% 2as still capable of %ea/in0 at the ti5e his 2ill an/
co/icil 2e%e p%epa%e/( the fact %e5ains an/ this 2as testifie/ to
b& his 2itnesses( that B%i0i/o /i/ not /o so because of his
=poo%(=
$'
=/efecti,e(=
$$
o% =blu%%e/=
$%
,ision 5a8in0 it
necessa%& fo% p%i,ate %espon/ent to /o the actual %ea/in0 fo%
hi5.
The follo2in0 p%onounce5ent in 6arcia
vs. Dasque5
$,
p%o,i/es an insi0ht into the scope of the te%5
=blin/ness= as use/ in A%t. BAB( to 2it1
The %ationale behin/ the %e>ui%e5ent of
%ea/in0 the 2ill to the testato% if he is blind or
incapable of readin# the "ill himself (as
"hen he is illiterate)( is to 5a8e the
p%o,isions the%eof 8no2n to hi5( so that he
5a& be able to ob9ect if the& a%e not in
acco%/ance 2ith his 2ishes . . .
Clea% f%o5 the fo%e0oin0 is that A%t. BAB applies not onl& to
blin/ testato%s but also to those 2ho( fo% one %eason o%
anothe%( a%e =incapable of %ea/in0 the3i%4 2ill3s4.= Since B%i0i/o
Al,a%a/o 2as incapable of %ea/in0 the final /%afts of his 2ill
an/ co/icil on the sepa%ate occasions of thei% e6ecution /ue to
his =poo%(= =/efecti,e(= o% =blu%%e/= ,ision( the%e can be no othe%
cou%se fo% us but to conclu/e that B%i0i/o Al,a%a/o co5es
2ithin the scope of the te%5 =blin/= as it is use/ in A%t. BAB.
Unless the contents 2e%e %ea/ to hi5( he ha/ no 2a& of
asce%tainin0 2hethe% o% not the la2&e% 2ho /%afte/ the 2ill an/
co/icil /i/ so confo%tabl& 2ith his inst%uctions. 7ence( to
consi/e% his 2ill as ,ali/l& e6ecute/ an/ entitle/ to p%obate( it
is essential that 2e asce%tain 2hethe% A%t. BAB ha/ been
co5plie/ 2ith.
A%ticle BAB %e>ui%es that in case of testato%s li8e B%i0i/o
Al,a%a/o( the 2ill shall be %ea/ t2ice? once( b& one of the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses an/( a0ain( b& the nota%& public befo%e
2ho5 the 2ill 2as ac8no2le/0e/. The pu%pose is to 5a8e
8no2n to the incapacitate/ testato% the contents of the
/ocu5ent befo%e si0nin0 an/ to 0i,e hi5 an oppo%tunit& to
ob9ect if an&thin0 is cont%a%& to his inst%uctions.
That A%t. BAB 2as not follo2e/ st%ictl& is be&on/ ca,il. +nstea/
of the nota%& public an/ an inst%u5ental 2itness( it 2as the
la2&e% 3p%i,ate %espon/ent4 2ho /%afte/ the ei0ht-pa0e/ 2ill
an/ the fi,e-pa0e/ co/icil 2ho %ea/ the sa5e alou/ to the
testato%( an/ %ea/ the5 onl& once( not t2ice as A%t. BAB
%e>ui%es.
P%i,ate %espon/ent ho2e,e% insists that the%e 2as substantial
co5pliance an/ that the sin0le %ea/in0 suffices fo% pu%poses of
the la2. On the othe% han/( petitione% 5aintains that the onl&
,ali/ co5pliance o% co5pliance to the lette% an/ since it is
a/5itte/ that neithe% the nota%& public no% an inst%u5ental
2itness %ea/ the contents of the 2ill an/ co/icil to B%i0i/o(
p%obate of the latte%Js 2ill an/ co/icil shoul/ ha,e been
/isallo2e/.
:e sustain p%i,ate %espon/entJs stan/ an/ necessa%il&( the
petition 5ust be /enie/.
This Cou%t has hel/ in a nu5be% of occasions that substantial
co5pliance is acceptable 2he%e the pu%pose of the la2 has
been satisfie/( the %eason bein0 that the sole5nities
su%%oun/in0 the e6ecution of 2ills a%e inten/e/ to p%otect the
testato% f%o5 all 8in/s of f%au/ an/ t%ic8e%& but a%e ne,e%
inten/e/ to be so %i0i/ an/ infle6ible as to /est%o& the
testa5enta%& p%i,ile0e.
$&
+n the case at ba%( p%i,ate %espon/ent %ea/ the testato%Js 2ill
an/ co/icil alou/ in the p%esence of the testato%( his th%ee
inst%u5ental 2itnesses( an/ the nota%& public. P%io% an/
subse>uent the%eto( the testato% affi%5e/( upon bein0 as8e/(
that the contents %ea/ co%%espon/e/ 2ith his inst%uctions. Onl&
then /i/ the si0nin0 an/ ac8no2le/0e5ent ta8e place. The%e is
no e,i/ence( an/ petitione% /oes not so alle0e( that the
contents of the 2ill an/ co/icil 2e%e not sufficientl& 5a/e
8no2n an/ co55unicate/ to the testato%. On the cont%a%&( 2ith
%espect to the =7ulin0 7abilin(= the /a& of the e6ecution 2as
not the fi%st ti5e that B%i0i/o ha/ affi%5e/ the t%uth an/
authenticit& of the contents of the /%aft. The uncont%a/icte/
testi5on& of Att&. Rino is that B%i0i/o Al,a%a/o al%ea/&
ac8no2le/0e/ that the 2ill 2as /%afte/ in acco%/ance 2ith his
e6p%esse/ 2ishes e,en p%io% to * No,e5be% )!<< 2hen Att&.
Rino 2ent to the testato%Js %esi/ence p%ecisel& fo% the pu%pose
of secu%in0 his confo%5it& to the /%aft.
$4
Mo%eo,e%( it 2as not onl& Att&. Rino 2ho %ea/ the /ocu5ents
on * No,e5be% an/ '! -ece5be% )!<<. The nota%& public
an/ the th%ee inst%u5ental 2itnesses li8e2ise %ea/ the 2ill an/
co/icil( albeit silentl&. Afte%2a%/s( Att&. Nonia /e la Pena 3the
nota%& public4 an/ -%. C%escente O. E,i/ente 3one of the th%ee
80
inst%u5ental 2itnesses an/ the testato%Js ph&sician4 as8e/ the
testato% 2hethe% the contents of the /ocu5ent 2e%e of his o2n
f%ee 2ill. B%i0i/o ans2e%e/ in the affi%5ati,e.
$;
:ith fou%
pe%sons follo2in0 the %ea/in0 2o%/ fo% 2o%/ 2ith thei% o2n
copies( it can be safel& conclu/e/ that the testato% 2as
%easonabl& assu%e/ that 2hat 2as %ea/ to hi5 3those 2hich he
affi%5e/ 2e%e in acco%/ance 2ith his inst%uctions4( 2e%e the
te%5s actuall& appea%in0 on the t&pe2%itten /ocu5ents. This is
especiall& t%ue 2hen 2e consi/e% the fact that the th%ee
inst%u5ental 2itnesses 2e%e pe%sons 8no2n to the testato%(
one bein0 his ph&sician 3-%. E,i/ente4 an/ anothe%
3Potenciano C. Ranieses4 bein0 8no2n to hi5 since chil/hoo/.
The spi%it behin/ the la2 2as se%,e/ thou0h the lette% 2as not.
Althou0h the%e shoul/ be st%ict co5pliance 2ith the substantial
%e>ui%e5ents of the la2 in o%/e% to insu%e the authenticit& of the
2ill( the fo%5al i5pe%fections shoul/ be b%ushe/ asi/e 2hen
the& /o not affect its pu%pose an/ 2hich( 2hen ta8en into
account( 5a& onl& /efeat the testato%Js 2ill.
$-
As a final 2o%/ to con,ince petitione% of the p%op%iet& of the t%ial
cou%tJs P%obate O%/e% an/ its affi%5ance b& the Cou%t of
Appeals( 2e >uote the follo2in0 p%onounce5ent in (ban#an
v. (ban#an(
$3
to 2it1
The ob9ect of the sole5nities su%%oun/in0 the
e6ecution of 2ills is to close the /oo% a0ainst
ba/ faith an/ f%au/( to a,oi/ the substitution
of 2ills an/ testa5ents an/ to 0ua%ant& thei%
t%uth an/ authenticit&. The%efo%e the la2s on
the sub9ect shoul/ be inte%p%ete/ in such a
2a& as to attain these p%i5o%/ial en/s. But(
on the othe% han/( also one 5ust not lose
si0ht of the fact that it is not the object of the
la" to restrain and curtail the e;ercise of the
ri#ht to ma7e a "ill. !o "hen an
interpretation alread. #iven assures such
ends, an. other interpretation "hatsoever,
that adds nothin# but demands more
requisites entirel. unnecessar., useless and
frustrative of the testatorIs "ill, must be
disre#arded 3e5phasis supplie/4.
B%i0i/o Al,a%a/o ha/ e6p%esse/ his last 2ishes in clea% an/
un5ista8able te%5s in his =7ulin0 7abilin= an/ the co/icil
attache/ the%eto. :e a%e un2illin0 to cast these asi/e f%o the
5e%e %eason that a le0al %e>ui%e5ent inten/e/ fo% his
p%otection 2as not follo2e/ st%ictl& 2hen such co5pliance ha/
been %en/e%e/ unnecessa%& b& the fact that the pu%pose of the
la2( i.e.( to 5a8e 8no2n to the incapacitate/ testato% the
contents of the /%aft of his 2ill( ha/ al%ea/& been
acco5plishe/. To %eite%ate( substantial co5pliance suffices
2he%e the pu%pose has been se%,e/.
:7ERE.ORE( the petition is -EN+E- an/ the assaile/
-ecision of %espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals /ate/ )) Ap%il )!B" is
A..+RME-. Consi/e%in0 the len0th of ti5e that this case has
%e5aine/ pen/in0( this /ecision is i55e/iatel& e6ecuto%&.
Costs a0ainst petitione%.
SO OR-ERE-.
Cru5, 6riHoB(quino, Davide, Jr. and Euiason, JJ., concur.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
SECON- -+D+S+ON

G.R. N#. $';-%' Se0*e5+er $4, $((&
SPO!SES ROBERTO AND TELMA A2ERO, petitione%s(
,s.
TE CO!RT OF APPEALS AND CLEMENTE
SAND, %espon/ents.
'i#uel D. 4arida for petitioners.
'ontilla 4a" @ffice for private respondent.

P!NO, J.:
This is an appeal b& certiorari f%o5 the -ecision of the Cou%t
of
Appeals
$
in CA-G.R. CD No. ''BA( /ate/ Ma%ch #A( )!!'(
the /ispositi,e po%tion of 2hich %ea/s?
PREM+SES CONS+-ERE-( the >uestione/
/ecision of No,e5be% )!( )!BB of the t%ial
cou%t is he%eb& REDERSE- an/ SET AS+-E(
an/ the petition fo% p%obate is he%eb&
-+SM+SSE-. No costs.
The ea%lie% -ecision 2as %en/e%e/ b& the RTC of
Cue;on Cit&( B%anch !(
%
in Sp. P%oc. No. C-#<)<)(
an/ the inst%u5ent sub5itte/ fo% p%obate is the
holo0%aphic 2ill of the late Annie San/( 2ho /ie/ on
No,e5be% '*( )!B'.
+n the 2ill( /ece/ent na5e/ as /e,isees( the follo2in01
petitione%s Robe%to an/ Thel5a A9e%o( p%i,ate %espon/ent
Cle5ente San/( Me%ia5 S. A%on0( Leah San/( Lilia San/(
E/0a% San/( .e San/( Lisa S. San/( an/ -%. $ose A9e%o( S%.(
an/ thei% chil/%en.
On $anua%& 'A( )!B#( petitione%s institute/ Sp. P%oc. No. C-
#<)<)( fo% allo2ance of /ece/entJs holo0%aphic 2ill. The&
alle0e/ that at the ti5e of its e6ecution( she 2as of soun/ an/
/isposin0 5in/( not actin0 un/e% /u%ess( f%au/ o% un/ue
influence( an/ 2as in e,e%& %espect capacitate/ to /ispose of
he% estate b& 2ill.
P%i,ate %espon/ent oppose/ the petition on the 0%oun/s that1
neithe% the testa5entJs bo/& no% the si0natu%e the%ein 2as in
/ece/entJs han/2%itin0? it containe/ alte%ations an/ co%%ections
2hich 2e%e not /ul& si0ne/ b& /ece/ent? an/( the 2ill 2as
p%ocu%e/ b& petitione%s th%ou0h i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ un/ue
influence. The petition 2as li8e2ise oppose/ b& -%. $ose A9e%o.
81
7e conteste/ the /isposition in the 2ill of a house an/ lot
locate/ in Caba/ba%an( A0usan -el No%te. 7e clai5e/ that
sai/ p%ope%t& coul/ not be con,e&e/ b& /ece/ent in its enti%et&(
as she 2as not its sole o2ne%.
Not2ithstan/in0 the oppositions( the t%ial cou%t a/5itte/ the
/ece/entJs holo0%aphic 2ill to p%obate. +t foun/( inter alia1
Consi/e%in0 then that the p%obate
p%ocee/in0s he%ein 5ust /eci/e onl& the
>uestion of i/entit& of the 2ill( its /ue
e6ecution an/ the testa5enta%& capacit& of
the testat%i6( this p%obate cou%t fin/s no
%eason at all fo% the /isallo2ance of the 2ill
fo% its failu%e to co5pl& 2ith the fo%5alities
p%esc%ibe/ b& la2 no% fo% lac8 of
testa5enta%& capacit& of the testat%i6.
.o% one( no e,i/ence 2as p%esente/ to sho2
that the 2ill in >uestion is /iffe%ent f%o5 the
2ill actuall& e6ecute/ b& the testat%i6. The
onl& ob9ections %aise/ b& the opposito%s . . .
a%e that the 2ill 2as not 2%itten in the
han/2%itin0 of the testat%i6 2hich p%ope%l&
%efe%s to the >uestion of its /ue e6ecution(
an/ not to the >uestion of i/entit& of 2ill. No
othe% 2ill 2as alle0e/ to ha,e been e6ecute/
b& the testat%i6 othe% than the 2ill he%ein
p%esente/. 7ence( in the li0ht of the
e,i/ence a//uce/( the i/entit& of the 2ill
p%esente/ fo% p%obate 5ust be accepte/( i.e.(
the 2ill sub5itte/ in Cou%t 5ust be /ee5e/
to be the 2ill actuall& e6ecute/ b& the
testat%i6.
666 666 666
:hile the fact that it 2as enti%el& 2%itten(
/ate/ an/ si0ne/ in the han/2%itin0 of the
testat%i6 has been /ispute/( the petitione%s(
ho2e,e%( ha,e satisfacto%il& sho2n in Cou%t
that the holo0%aphic 2ill in >uestion 2as
in/ee/ 2%itten enti%el&( /ate/ an/ si0ne/ in
the han/2%itin0 of the testat%i6. Th%ee 3#4
2itnesses 2ho ha,e con,incin0l& sho2n
8no2le/0e of the han/2%itin0 of the testat%i6
ha,e been p%esente/ an/ ha,e e6plicitl& an/
cate0o%icall& i/entifie/ the han/2%itin0 2ith
2hich the holo0%aphic 2ill in >uestion 2as
2%itten to be the 0enuine han/2%itin0 an/
si0natu%e of the testat%i6. Gi,en then the
afo%esai/ e,i/ence( the %e>ui%e5ent of the
la2 that the holo0%aphic 2ill be enti%el&
2%itten( /ate/ an/ si0ne/ in the han/2%itin0
of the testat%i6 has been co5plie/ 2ith.
666 666 666
As to the >uestion of the testa5enta%&
capacit& of the test%ati6( 3p%i,ate %espon/ent4
Cle5ente San/ hi5self has testifie/ in Cou%t
that the testat%i6 2as co5pletel& in he%
soun/ 5in/ 2hen he ,isite/ he% /u%in0 he%
bi%th/a& celeb%ation in )!B)( at o% a%oun/
2hich ti5e the holo0%aphic 2ill in >uestion
2as e6ecute/ b& the testat%i6. To be of soun/
5in/( it is sufficient that the testat%i6( at the
ti5e of 5a8in0 the 2ill( 8ne2 the value of the
estate to be /ispose/ of( the p%ope% object of
he% bount&( an/ thecharacter of the
testa5enta%& act . . . The 2ill itself sho2s
that the testat%i6 e,en ha/ /etaile/
8no2le/0e of the natu%e of he% estate. She
e,en i/entifie/ the lot nu5be% an/ s>ua%e
5ete%s of the lots she ha/ con,e&e/ b& 2ill.
The ob9ects of he% bount& 2e%e li8e2ise
i/entifie/ e6plicitl&. An/ consi/e%in0 that she
ha/ e,en 2%itten a nu%sin0 boo8 2hich
containe/ the la2 an/ 9u%isp%u/ence on 2ill
an/ succession( the%e is 5o%e than sufficient
sho2in0 that she 8no2s the cha%acte% of the
testa5enta%& act.
+n this 2ise( the >uestion of i/entit& of the
2ill( its /ue e6ecution an/ the testa5enta%&
capacit& of the testat%i6 has to be %esol,e/ in
fa,o% of the allo2ance of p%obate of the 2ill
sub5itte/ he%ein.
Li8e2ise( no e,i/ence 2as p%esente/ to
sho2 sufficient %eason fo% the /isallo2ance
of he%ein holo0%aphic 2ill. :hile it 2as
alle0e/ that the sai/ 2ill 2as p%ocu%e/ b&
un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence
on the pa%t of the beneficia%& o% of so5e
othe% pe%son( the e,i/ence a//uce/ ha,e
not sho2n an& instance 2he%e i5p%ope%
p%essu%e o% influence 2as e6e%te/ on the
testat%i6. 3P%i,ate %espon/ent4 Cle5ente
San/ has testifie/ that the testat%i6 2as still
ale%t at the ti5e of the e6ecution of the
2ill( i.e.( at o% a%oun/ the ti5e of he% bi%th
anni,e%sa%& celeb%ation in )!B). +t 2as also
establishe/ that she is a ,e%& intelli0ent
pe%son an/ has a 5in/ of he% o2n. 7e%
in/epen/ence of cha%acte% an/ to so5e
e6tent( he% sense of supe%io%it&( 2hich has
been testifie/ to in Cou%t( all sho2 the
unli8elihoo/ of he% bein0 un/ul& influence/
o% i5p%ope%l& p%essu%e/ to 5a8e the
afo%esai/ 2ill. +t 5ust be note/ that the
un/ue influence o% i5p%ope% p%essu%e in
>uestion he%ein onl& %efe% to the 5a8in0 of a
2ill an/ not as to the specific testa5enta%&
p%o,isions the%ein 2hich is the p%ope% sub9ect
of anothe% p%ocee/in0. 7ence( un/e% the
ci%cu5stances( this Cou%t cannot fin/
con,incin0 %eason fo% the /isallo2ance of the
2ill he%ein.
Consi/e%in0 then that it is a 2ell-establishe/
/oct%ine in the la2 on succession that in
case of /oubt( testate succession shoul/ be
p%efe%%e/ o,e% intestate succession( an/ the
fact that no con,incin0 0%oun/s 2e%e
p%esente/ an/ p%o,en fo% the /isallo2ance of
the holo0%aphic 2ill of the late Annie San/(
the afo%esai/ 2ill sub5itte/ he%ein 5ust be
a/5itte/ to p%obate.
,
3Citations o5itte/.4
82
On appeal( sai/ -ecision 2as %e,e%se/( an/ the petition fo%
p%obate of /ece/entJs 2ill 2as /is5isse/. The Cou%t of Appeals
foun/ that( =the holo0%aphic 2ill fails to 5eet the %e>ui%e5ents
fo% its ,ali/it&.=
&
+t hel/ that the /ece/ent /i/ not co5pl& 2ith
A%ticles B)# an/ B) of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e( 2hich %ea/( as
follo2s1
A%t. B)#1 :hen a nu5be% of /ispositions
appea%in0 in a holo0%aphic 2ill a%e si0ne/
2ithout bein0 /ate/( an/ the last /isposition
has a si0natu%e an/ /ate( such /ate
,ali/ates the /ispositions p%ece/in0 it(
2hate,e% be the ti5e of p%io% /ispositions.
A%t. B)1 +n case of inse%tion( cancellation(
e%asu%e o% alte%ation in a holo0%aphic 2ill( the
testato% 5ust authenticate the sa5e b& his
full si0natu%e.
+t allu/e/ to ce%tain /ispositions in the 2ill 2hich 2e%e eithe%
unsi0ne/ an/ un/ate/( o% si0ne/ but not /ate/. +t also foun/
that the e%asu%es( alte%ations an/ cancellations 5a/e the%eon
ha/ not been authenticate/ b& /ece/ent.
Thus( this appeal 2hich is i5p%esse/ 2ith 5e%it.
Section !( Rule <" of the Rules of Cou%t p%o,i/es that 2ill shall
be /isallo2e/ in an& of the follo2in0 cases1
3a4 +f not e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ as %e>ui%e/
b& la2?
3b4 +f the testato% 2as insane( o% othe%2ise
5entall& incapable to 5a8e a 2ill( at the ti5e
of its e6ecution?
3c4 +f it 2as e6ecute/ un/e% /u%ess( o% the
influence of fea%( o% th%eats?
3/4 +f it 2as p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue an/ i5p%ope%
p%essu%e an/ influence( on the pa%t of the
beneficia%&( o% of so5e othe% pe%son fo% his
benefit?
3e4 +f the si0natu%e of the testato% 2as
p%ocu%e/ b& f%au/ o% t%ic8( an/ he /i/ not
inten/ that the inst%u5ent shoul/ be his 2ill
at the ti5e of fi6in0 his si0natu%e the%eto.
+n the sa5e ,ein( A%ticle B#! of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e
%ea/s1
A%t. B#!1 The 2ill shall be /isallo2e/ in an&
of the follo2in0 cases?
3)4 +f the fo%5alities %e>ui%e/ b& la2
ha,e not been co5plie/ 2ith?
3'4 +f the testato% 2as insane( o%
othe%2ise 5entall& incapable of 5a8in0
a 2ill( at the ti5e of its e6ecution?
3#4 +f it 2as e6ecute/ th%ou0h fo%ce o%
un/e% /u%ess( o% the influence of fea%( o%
th%eats?
34 +f it 2as p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue an/
i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence( on the
pa%t of the beneficia%& o% of so5e othe%
pe%son?
3*4 +f the si0natu%e of the testato% 2as
p%ocu%e/ b& f%au/?
3"4 +f the testato% acte/ b& 5ista8e o% /i/
not inten/ that the inst%u5ent he si0ne/
shoul/ be his 2ill at the ti5e of affi6in0
his si0natu%e the%eto.
These lists a%e e6clusi,e? no othe% 0%oun/s can se%,e to
/isallo2 a 2ill.
4
Thus( in a petition to a/5it a holo0%aphic 2ill
to p%obate( the onl& issues to be %esol,e/ a%e1 3)4 2hethe% the
inst%u5ent sub5itte/ is( in/ee/( the /ece/entJs last 2ill an/
testa5ent? 3'4 2hethe% sai/ 2ill 2as e6ecute/ in acco%/ance
2ith the fo%5alities p%esc%ibe/ b& la2? 3#4 2hethe% the
/ece/ent ha/ the necessa%& testa5enta%& capacit& at the ti5e
the 2ill 2as e6ecute/? an/( 34 2hethe% the e6ecution of the 2ill
an/ its si0nin0 2e%e the ,olunta%& acts of the /ece/ent.
;
+n the case at bench( %espon/ent cou%t hel/ that the
holo0%aphic 2ill of Anne San/ 2as not e6ecute/ in acco%/ance
2ith the fo%5alities p%esc%ibe/ b& la2. +t hel/ that A%ticles B)#
an/ B) of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e( ante( 2e%e not co5plie/ 2ith(
hence( it /isallo2e/ the p%obate of sai/ 2ill. This is e%%oneous.
:e %eite%ate 2hat 2e hel/ in (ban#an vs. (ban#an( A Phil.
<"( <! 3)!)!4( that1
The ob9ect of the sole5nities su%%oun/in0 the
e6ecution of 2ills is to close the /oo% a0ainst
ba/ faith an/ f%au/( to a,oi/ substitution of
2ills an/ testa5ents an/ to 0ua%ant& thei%
t%uth an/ authenticit&. The%efo%e( the la2s on
this sub9ect shoul/ be inte%p%ete/ in such a
2a& as to attain these p%i5o%/ial en/s. But(
on the othe% han/( also one 5ust not lose
si0ht of the fact that it is not the ob9ect of the
la2 to %est%ain an/ cu%tail the e6e%cise of the
%i0ht to 5a8e a 2ill. So 2hen an
inte%p%etation al%ea/& 0i,en assu%es such
en/s( an& othe% inte%p%etation 2hatsoe,e%(
that a//s nothin0 but /e5an/s 5o%e
%e>uisites enti%el& unnecessa%&( useless an/
f%ust%ati,e of the testato%Js last 2ill( 5ust be
/is%e0a%/e/.
.o% pu%poses of p%obatin0 non-holo0%aphic 2ills( these fo%5al
sole5nities inclu/e the subsc%iption( attestation( an/
ac8no2le/05ent %e>ui%e5ents un/e% A%ticles BA* an/ BA" of
the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e.
+n the case of holo0%aphic 2ills( on the othe% han/( 2hat
assu%es authenticit& is the %e>ui%e5ent that the& be totall&
auto0%aphic o% han/2%itten b& the testato% hi5self(
-
as
p%o,i/e/ un/e% A%ticle B)A of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e( thus1
83
A pe%son 5a& e6ecute a holo0%aphic 2ill
2hich 5ust be enti%el& 2%itten( /ate/( an/
si0ne/ b& the han/ of the testato% hi5self. It
is subject to no other form( an/ 5a& be
5a/e in o% out of the Philippines( an/ nee/
not be 2itnesse/. 3E5phasis supplie/.4
.ailu%e to st%ictl& obse%,e othe% fo%5alities 2ill not
%esult in the /isallo2ance of a holo0%aphic 2ill that is
un>uestionabl& han/2%itten b& the testato%.
A %ea/in0 of A%ticle B)# of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e sho2s that its
%e>ui%e5ent affects the ,ali/it& of the /ispositions containe/ in
the holo0%aphic 2ill( but not its p%obate. +f the testato% fails to
si0n an/ /ate so5e of the /ispositions( the %esult is that these
/ispositions cannot be effectuate/. Such failu%e( ho2e,e%( /oes
not %en/e% the 2hole testa5ent ,oi/.
Li8e2ise( a holo0%aphic 2ill can still be a/5itte/ to p%obate(
not2ithstan/in0 non-co5pliance 2ith the p%o,isions of A%ticle
B). +n the case of ala" vs. *elova )#' SCRA '#<
'' 3)!B4( this Cou%t hel/1
O%/ina%il&( 2hen a nu5be% of e%asu%es(
co%%ections( an/ inte%lineations 5a/e b& the
testato% in a holo0%aphic :ill ha,e not been
note/ un/e% his si0natu%e( . . . the :ill is not
the%eb& in,ali/ate/ as a 2hole( but at 5ost
onl& as %espects the pa%ticula% 2o%/s e%ase/(
co%%ecte/ o% inte%line/. Man%esa 0a,e an
i/entical co55enta%& 2hen he sai/ =la
o5ission /e la sal,e/a/ no anula el
testa5ento( se0un la %e0la /e 9u%isp%u/encia
estableci/a en la sentencia /e /e Ab%il /e
)!B*.=
3
3Citations o5itte/.4
Thus( unless the unauthenticate/ alte%ations( cancellations o%
inse%tions 2e%e 5a/e on the /ate of the holo0%aphic 2ill o% on
testato%Js si0natu%e(
(
thei% p%esence /oes not in,ali/ate the 2ill
itself.
$'
The lac8 of authentication 2ill onl& %esult in
/isallo2ance of such chan0es.
+t is also p%ope% to note that the %e>ui%e5ents of authentication
of chan0es an/ si0nin0 an/ /atin0 of /ispositions appea% in
p%o,isions 3A%ticles B)# an/ B)4 sepa%ate f%o5 that 2hich
p%o,i/es fo% the necessa%& con/itions fo% the ,ali/it& of the
holo0%aphic 2ill 3A%ticle B)A4. The /istinction can be t%ace/ to
A%ticles "<B an/ "BB of the Spanish Ci,il Co/e( f%o5 2hich the
p%esent p%o,isions co,e%in0 holo0%aphic 2ills a%e ta8en. The&
%ea/ as follo2s1
A%t. "<B1 A 2ill is calle/ holo0%aphic 2hen the
testato% 2%ites it hi5self in the fo%5 an/ 2ith the
%e>uisites %e>ui%e/ in A%ticle "BB.
A%t. "BB1 7olo0%aphic 2ills 5a& be e6ecute/ onl& b&
pe%sons of full a0e.
+n o%/e% that the 2ill be ,ali/ it 5ust be /%a2n on
sta5pe/ pape% co%%espon/in0 to the &ea% of its
e6ecution( 2%itten in its enti%et& b& the testato% an/
si0ne/ b& hi5( an/ 5ust contain a state5ent of the
&ea%( 5onth an/ /a& of its e6ecution.
+f it shoul/ contain an& e%ase/( co%%ecte/( o%
inte%line/ 2o%/s( the testato% 5ust i/entif& the5
o,e% his si0natu%e.
.o%ei0ne%s 5a& e6ecute holo0%aphic 2ills in thei%
o2n lan0ua0e.
This sepa%ation an/ /istinction a//s suppo%t to the
inte%p%etation that onl& the %e>ui%e5ents of A%ticle B)A of the
Ne2 Ci,il Co/e R an/ not those foun/ in A%ticles B)# an/ B)
of the sa5e Co/e R a%e essential to the p%obate of a
holo0%aphic 2ill.
The Cou%t of Appeals fu%the% hel/ that /ece/ent Annie San/
coul/ not ,ali/l& /ispose of the house an/ lot locate/ in
Caba/ba%an( A0usan /el No%te( in its enti%et&. This is co%%ect
an/ 5ust be affi%5e/.
As a 0ene%al %ule( cou%ts in p%obate p%ocee/in0s a%e li5ite/ to
pass onl& upon the e6t%insic ,ali/it& of the 2ill sou0ht to be
p%obate/. 7o2e,e%( in e6ceptional instances( cou%ts a%e not
po2e%less to /o 2hat the situation const%ains the5 to /o( an/
pass upon ce%tain p%o,isions of the 2ill.
$$
+n the case at bench(
/ece/ent he%self in/ubitabl& state/ in he% holo0%aphic 2ill that
the Caba/ba%an p%ope%t& is in the na5e of he% late fathe%( $ohn
7. San/ 32hich le/ opposito% -%. $ose A9e%o to >uestion he%
con,e&ance of the sa5e in its enti%et&4. Thus( as co%%ectl& hel/
b& %espon/ent cou%t( she cannot ,ali/l& /ispose of the 2hole
p%ope%t&( 2hich she sha%es 2ith he% fathe%Js othe% hei%s.
+N D+E: :7EREO.( the instant petition is GRANTE-. The
-ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals in CA-G.R. CD No. ''BA(
/ate/ Ma%ch #A( )!!'( is REDERSE- an/ SET AS+-E( e6cept
2ith %espect to the in,ali/it& of the /isposition of the enti%e
house an/ lot in Caba/ba%an( A0usan /el No%te. The -ecision
of the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of Cue;on Cit&( B%anch ! in Sp.
P%oc. No. C-#<)<)( /ate/ No,e5be% )!( )!BB( a/5ittin0 to
p%obate the holo0%aphic 2ill of /ece/ent Annie San/( is he%eb&
RE+NSTATE-( 2ith the abo,e >ualification as %e0a%/s the
Caba/ba%an p%ope%t&. No costs.
SO OR-ERE-.
Narvasa, C.J., Padilla, *e#alado and 'endo5a, JJ.,
concur.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
.+RST -+D+S+ON
G.R. N#. L-&'%'- Se0*e5+er %3, $(3&
ROSA H. HALAW, petitione%(
,s.
ON. 2!DGE BEN2AMIN RELOVA, Pres1d1n> 2ud>e #7 *<e
CFI #7 Ba*an>as, Bran)< VI, L10a C1*9, and GREGORIO H.
HALAW, %espon/ents.
4eandro =. :ernande5 for petitioner.
84
(ntonio Euintos and Jose '. Facat for respondents.
MELENCIO-ERRERA, J.:
On Septe5be% )( )!<)( p%i,ate %espon/ent GREGOR+O S.
SALA:( clai5in0 to be the sole hei% of his /ecease/ siste%(
Nati,i/a/ S. Sala2( file/ a petition befo%e the Cou%t of .i%st
+nstance of Batan0as( B%anch D+( Lipa Cit&( fo% the p%obate of
he% holo0%aphic :ill e6ecute/ on -ece5be% '( )!"B.
The holo0%aphic :ill %ea/s in full as follo2s1
M& Last 2ill an/ Testa5ent
+n the na5e of Go/( A5en.
+ Nati,i/a/ S. Sala2 .ilipino "#&ea%s of a0e( sin0le( an/ a
%esi/ent of Lipa Cit&( bein0 of soun/ an/ /isposin0 5in/ an/
5e5o%&( /o he%eb& /ecla%e thus to be 5& last 2ill an/
testa5ent.
). +t is 5& 2ill that +Jll be bu%%ie/ in the ce5ete%& of the catholic
chu%ch of Lipa Cit&. +n acco%/ance 2ith the %i0hts of sai/
Chu%ch( an/ that 5& e6ecut%i6 he%einafte% na5e/ p%o,i/e an/
e%ect at the e6pose of 5& state a suitable 5onu5ent to
pe%petuate 5& 5e5o%&.
666 666 666
The holo0%aphic :ill( as fi%st 2%itten( na5e/ ROSA S. Sala2( a
siste% of the testat%i6 as he% sole hei%. 7ence( on No,e5be% )A(
)!<)( petitione% ROSA S. Sala2 oppose/ p%obate alle0in0( in
substance( that the holo0%aphic :ill containe/ alte%ations(
co%%ections( an/ inse%tions 2ithout the p%ope% authentication b&
the full si0natu%e of the testat%i6 as %e>ui%e/ b& A%ticle B) of
the Ci,il Co/e %ea/in01
A%t. B). +n case of an& inse%tion(
cancellation( e%asu%e o% alte%ation in a
holo0%aphic 2ill the testato% 5ust
authenticate the sa5e b& his full si0natu%e.
ROSAJs position 2as that the holo0%aphic :ill( as fi%st 2%itten(
shoul/ be 0i,en effect an/ p%obate/ so that she coul/ be the
sole hei% the%eun/e%.
Afte% t%ial( %espon/ent $u/0e /enie/ p%obate in an O%/e%( /ate/
Septe5be% #( )!< #( %ea/in0 in pa%t1
The /ocu5ent E6hibit =C= 2as sub5itte/ to
the National Bu%eau of +n,esti0ation fo%
e6a5ination. The NB+ %epo%te/ that the
han/2%itin0( the si0natu%e( the inse%tions
an/Ko% a//itions an/ the initial 2e%e 5a/e b&
one an/ the sa5e pe%son. Conse>uentl&(
E6hibit =C= 2as the han/2%itin0 of the
/ece/ent( Nati,i/a/ S. Sala2. The onl&
>uestion is 2hethe% the 2in( E6hibit JCJ(
shoul/ be a/5itte/ to p%obate althou0h the
alte%ations an/Ko% inse%tions o% a//itions
abo,e-5entione/ 2e%e not authenticate/ b&
the full si0natu%e of the testat%i6 pu%suant to
A%t. B) of the Ci,il Co/e. The petitione%
conten/s that the opposito%s a%e estoppe/ to
asse%t the p%o,ision of A%t. B) on the 0%oun/
that the& the5sel,es a0%ee/ th%u thei%
counsel to sub5it the -ocu5ent to the NB+
.OR EIAM+NAT+ONS. This is untenable.
The pa%ties /i/ not a0%ee( no% 2as it
i5plie/l& un/e%stoo/( that the opposito%s
2oul/ be in estoppel.
The Cou%t fin/s( the%efo%e( that the p%o,ision
of A%ticle B) of the Ci,il Co/e is applicable
to E6hibit =C=. .in/in0 the inse%tions(
alte%ations an/Ko% a//itions in E6hibit =C= not
to be authenticate/ b& the full si0natu%e of
the testat%i6 Nati,i/a/ S. Sala2( the Cou%t
2ill /en& the a/5ission to p%obate of E6hibit
=C=.
:7ERE.ORE( the petition to p%obate
E6hibit =C= as the holo0%aphic 2ill of
Nati,i/a/ S. Sala2 is he%eb& /enie/.
SO OR-ERE-.
.%o5 that O%/e%( GREGOR+O 5o,e/ fo% %econsi/e%ation
a%0uin0 that since the alte%ations an/Ko% inse%tions 2e%e the
testat%i6( the /enial to p%obate of he% holo0%aphic :ill 2oul/ be
cont%a%& to he% %i0ht of testa5enta%& /isposition.
Reconsi/e%ation 2as /enie/ in an O%/e%( /ate/ No,e5be% '(
)!<#( on the 0%oun/ that =A%ticle B) of the Ci,il Co/e bein0 (
clea% an/ e6plicit( 3it4 %e>ui%es no necessit& fo% inte%p%etation.=
.%o5 that O%/e%( /ate/ Septe5be% #( )!<#( /en&in0 p%obate(
an/ the O%/e% /ate/ No,e5be% '( )!<# /en&in0
%econsi/e%ation( ROSA file/ this Petition fo% Re,ie2 on
ce%tio%a%i on the sole le0al >uestion of 2hethe% o% not
theori#inal unaltered te6t afte% subse>uent alte%ations an/
inse%tions 2e%e ,oi/e/ b& the T%ial Cou%t fo% lac8 of
authentication b& the full si0natu%e of the testat%i6( shoul/ be
p%obate/ o% not( 2ith he% as sole hei%.
O%/ina%il&( 2hen a number of e%asu%es( co%%ections( an/
inte%lineations 5a/e b& the testato% in a holo0%aphic :ill lite5
not been note/ un/e% his si0natu%e( ... the :ill is not the%eb&
in,ali/ate/ as a 2hole( but at 5ost onl& as %espects the
pa%ticula% 2o%/s e%ase/( co%%ecte/ o% inte%line/.$ Man%esa
0a,e an +/entical co55enta%& 2hen he sai/ =la o5ision /e la
sal,e/a/ no anula el testa5ento( se0un la %e0la /e
9u%isp%u/encia estableci/a en la sentencia /e /e Ab%il /e
)B!*.=
%
7o2e,e%( 2hen as in this case( the holo0%aphic :ill in /ispute
ha/ onl& one substantial p%o,ision( 2hich 2as alte%e/ b&
substitutin0 the o%i0inal hei% 2ith anothe%( but 2hich alte%ation
/i/ not ca%%& the %e>uisite of full authentication b& the full
si0natu%e of the testato%( the effect 5ust be that the enti%e :ill
is ,oi/e/ o% %e,o8e/ fo% the si5ple %eason that nothin0 %e5ains
in the :ill afte% that 2hich coul/ %e5ain ,ali/. To state that the
:ill as fi%st 2%itten shoul/ be 0i,en efficac& is to /is%e0a%/ the
see5in0 chan0e of 5in/ of the testat%i6. But that chan0e of
5in/ can neithe% be 0i,en effect because she faile/ to
authenticate it in the 5anne% %e>ui%e/ b& la2 b& affi6in0 he% full
si0natu%e(
85
The %ulin0 in Delasco, supra, 5ust be hel/ confine/ to such
inse%tions( cancellations( e%asu%es o% alte%ations in a
holo0%aphic :ill( 2hich affect onl& the efficac& of the alte%e/
2o%/s the5sel,es but not the essence an/ ,ali/it& of the :ill
itself. As it is( 2ith the e%asu%es( cancellations an/ alte%ations
5a/e b& the testat%i6 he%ein( he% %eal intention cannot be
/ete%5ine/ 2ith ce%titu/e. As Man%esa ha/ state/ in his
co55enta%& on A%ticle "BB of the Spanish Ci,il Co/e( 2hence
A%ticle B) of the ne2 Ci,il Co/e 2as /e%i,e/1
... No inf%in0e lo /ispuesto en este a%ticulo
/el Co/i0o 3el "BB4 la sentencia >ue no
/ecla%a la nuli/a/ /e un testa5ento olo0%afo
>ue conten0a palab%as tacha/as(
en5en/a/as o ent%e %en0lones no sal,a/as
po% el testa/o% ba9o su fi%nia se0un p%e,iene
el pa%%afo te%ce%o /el 5is5o( po%>ue( en
%eali/a/( tal omision solo puede afectar a la
valide5 o eficacia de tales palabras, . nunca
al testamento mismo( &a po% esta% esa
/isposicion en pa%%afo apa%te /e a>uel >ue
/ete%5ine las con/iciones necesa%ias pa%a
la ,ali/e; /el testa5ento olo0%afo( &a
po%>ue( /e a/5iti% lo cont%a%io( se +le0a%ia al
absu%/o /e >ue pe>uefias en5ien/as no
sal,a/as( >ue en na/a afectasen a la pa%te
esencial & %especti,a /el testa5ento(
,inie%an a anula% este( & &a po%>ue el
p%ecepto conteni/o en /icho pa%%afo ha /e
enten/e%se en pe%fecta a%5onia &
con0%uencia con el a%t. '" /e la le& /el
Nota%ia/o >ue /ecla%a nulas las a/iciones
apostillas ent%e%%en0lona/os( %aspa/u%as &
tacha/os en las esc%itu%as 5at%ices( sie5p%e
>ue no se sal,en en la fo%5a p%e,eni/a(
pa%o no el /ocu5ento >ue las conten0a( &
con 5a&o% 5oti,o cuando las palabras
enmendadas, tachadas, o
entrerren#lonadas no ten#an importancia ni
susciten duda al#una acerca del
pensamiento del testador( o constitu&an
5e%os acci/entes /e o%to0%afia o /e pu%e;
esc%itu%a%ia( sin t%ascen/encia al0una3l4.
Mas pa%a >ue sea aplicable la /oct%ina /e
e6cepcion conteni/a en este ulti5o fallo( es
preciso que las tachaduras, enmiendas o
entrerren#lonados sin salvar saan de pala
bras que no afecterJ alteren ni uarien de
modo substancial la e;press voluntad del
testador manifiesta en el documento. Asi lo
a/,ie%te la sentencia /e '! /e No,ie5b%e /e
)!)"( >ue /ecla%a nulo un testa5ento
olo0%afo po% no esta% sal,a/a po% el testa/o%
la en5ien/a /el 0ua%is5o ulti5o /el aEo en
>ue fue e6ten/i/o
,
3E5phasis ou%s4.
:7ERE.ORE( this Petition is he%eb& /is5isse/ an/ the
-ecision of %espon/ent $u/0e( /ate/ Septe5be% #( )!<#( is
he%eb& affi%5e/ in toto. No costs.
SO OR-ERE-.
Plana, 6utierre5, Jr. and De la :uente, JJ., concur.
*elova, J., too7 no part.
Se0ara*e O01n1#ns
TEEANHEE, J., concu%%in01
+ concu%. Rosa( ha,in0 appeale/ to this Cou%t on a sole
>uestion of la2( is boun/ b& the t%ial cou%tJs factual fin/in0 that
the peculia% alte%ations in the holo0%aphic 2ill c%ossin0 out
RosaJs na5e an/ instea/ inse%tin0 he% b%othe% G%e0o%ioJs
na5e as sole hei% an/ =sole e6ecut%i6= 2e%e 5a/e b& the
testat%i6 in he% o2n han/2%itin0. 3+ fin/ it peculia% that the
testat%i6 2ho 2as ob,iousl& an e/ucate/ pe%son 2oul/
unthin8in0l& 5a8e such c%u/e alte%ations instea/ of consultin0
he% la2&e% an/ 2%itin0 an enti%el& ne2 holo0%aphic 2i0 in o%/e%
to a,oi/ an& /oubts as to he% chan0e of hei%. +t shoul/ be note/
that the fi%st alte%ation c%ossin0 out =siste% Rosa S. Sala2= an/
inse%tin0 =b%othe% G%e0o%io Sala2= as sole hei% is not e,en
initiale/ b& the testat%i6. Onl& the secon/ alte%ation c%ossin0
out =siste% Rosa S. Sala2= an/ inse%tin0 =b%othe% G%e0o%io
Sala2= as =sole e6ecut%i6= is initiale/.4 P%obate of the %a/icall&
alte%e/ 2ill %eplacin0 G%e0o%io fo% Rosa as sole hei% is p%ope%l&
/enie/( since the sa5e 2as not /ul& authenticate/ b& the full
si0natu%e of the e6ecut%i6 as 5an/ato%il& %e>ui%e/ b& A%ticle
B) of the Ci,il Co/e. The o%i0inal unalte%e/ 2ill na5in0 Rosa
as sole hei% cannot( ho2e,e%( be 0i,en effect in ,ie2 of the t%ial
cou%tJs factual fin/in0 that the testat%i6 ha/ b& he% o2n
han/2%itin0 substitute/ G%e0o%io fo% Rosa( so that the%e is no
lon0e% an& 2ill na5in0 Rosa as sole hei%. The net %esult is that
the testat%i6 left no ,ali/ 2ill an/ both Rosa an/ G%e0o%io as
he% ne6t of 8ill succee/ to he% intestate estate.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
.+RST -+D+S+ON
G.R. N#. L-434'( De)e5+er -, $(3%
IN TE MATTER OF TE PETITION TO APPROVE TE
WILL OF RICARDO B. BONILLA de)eased, MARCELA
RODELAS, petitione%-appellant(
,s.
AMPARO ARANZA, ET AL., opposito%s-appellees( ATT/.
LORENZO S!M!LONG, inte%,eno%.
4uciano (. Joson for petitionerBappellant.
Cesar Paralejo for oppositorBappellee.
RELOVA, J.:
This case 2as ce%tifie/ to this T%ibunal b& the Cou%t of Appeals
fo% final /ete%5ination pu%suant to Section #( Rule *A of the
Rules of Cou%t.
As foun/ b& the Cou%t of Appeals1
... On $anua%& ))( )!<<( appellant file/ a petition 2ith
the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Ri;al fo% the p%obate of
the holo0%aphic 2ill of Rica%/o B. Bonilla an/ the
86
issuance of lette%s testa5enta%& in he% fa,o%. The
petition( /oc8ete/ as Sp. P%oc. No. B#'( 2as oppose/
b& the appellees A5pa%o A%an;a Bonilla( :ilfe%ine
Bonilla T%e&es E6pe/ita Bonilla .%ias an/ Eph%ai5
Bonilla on the follo2in0 0%oun/s1
3)4 Appellant 2as estoppe/ f%o5 clai5in0 that the
/ecease/ left a 2ill b& failin0 to p%o/uce the 2ill 2ithin
t2ent& /a&s of the /eath of the testato% as %e>ui%e/ b&
Rule <*( section ' of the Rules of Cou%t?
3'4 The alle0e/ cop& of the alle0e/ holo0%aphic 2ill
/i/ not contain a /isposition of p%ope%t& afte% /eath an/
2as not inten/e/ to ta8e effect afte% /eath( an/
the%efo%e it 2as not a 2ill
3#4 The alle0e/ hollo0%aphic 2ill itself(an/ not an
alle0e/ cop& the%eof( 5ust be p%o/uce/( othe%2ise it
2oul/ p%o/uce no effect( as hel/ in Ga5 ,. @ap( )A
Phil. *A!? an/
3 4 The /ecease/ /i/ not lea,e an& 2ill(
holo0%aphic o% othe%2ise( e6ecute/ an/ atteste/
as %e>ui%e/ b& la2.
The appellees li8e2ise 5o,e/ fo% the
consoli/ation of the case 2ith anothe% case Sp.
P%oc. No( B'<*4. Thei% 5otion 2as 0%ante/ b& the
cou%t in an o%/e% /ate/ Ap%il ( )!<<.
On No,e5be% )#( )!<B( follo2in0 the
consoli/ation of the cases( the appellees 5o,e/
a0ain to /is5iss the petition fo% the p%obate of the
2ill. The& a%0ue/ that1
3)4 The alle0e/ holo0%aphic 2as not a last 2ill but
5e%el& an inst%uction as to the 5ana0e5ent an/
i5p%o,e5ent of the schools an/ colle0es foun/e/
b& /ece/ent Rica%/o B. Bonilla? an/
3'4 Lost o% /est%o&e/ holo0%aphic 2ills cannot be
p%o,e/ b& secon/a%& e,i/ence unli8e o%/ina%&
2ills.
Upon opposition of the appellant( the 5otion to
/is5iss 2as /enie/ b& the cou%t in its o%/e% of
.eb%ua%& '#( )!<!.
The appellees then file/ a 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation on the 0%oun/ that the o%/e% 2as
cont%a%& to la2 an/ settle/ p%onounce5ents an/
%ulin0s of the Sup%e5e Cou%t( to 2hich the
appellant in tu%n file/ an opposition. On $ul& '#(
)!<!( the cou%t set asi/e its o%/e% of .eb%ua%& '#(
)!<! an/ /is5isse/ the petition fo% the p%obate of
the 2ill of Rica%/o B. Bonilla. The cou%t sai/1
... +t is ou% consi/e%e/ opinion that once the
o%i0inal cop& of the holo0%aphic 2ill is lost( a cop&
the%eof cannot stan/ in lieu of the o%i0inal.
+n the case of Ga5 ,s. @ap( )A Phil. *A!( *''(
the Sup%e5e Cou%t hel/ that Jin the 5atte% of
holo0%aphic 2ills the la2( it is %easonable to
suppose( %e0a%/s the /ocu5ent itself as the
5ate%ial p%oof of authenticit& of sai/ 2ills.
MOREODER( this Cou%t notes that the alle0e/
holo0%aphic 2ill 2as e6ecute/ on $anua%& '*(
)!"' 2hile Rica%/o B. Bonilla /ie/ on Ma& )#(
)!<". +n ,ie2 of the lapse of 5o%e than ) &ea%s
f%o5 the ti5e of the e6ecution of the 2ill to the
/eath of the /ece/ent( the fact that the o%i0inal of
the 2ill coul/ not be locate/ sho2s to ou% 5in/
that the /ece/ent ha/ /isca%/e/ befo%e his /eath
his alle0e/l& 5issin0 7olo0%aphic :ill.
AppellantJs 5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation 2as /enie/. 7ence( an
appeal to the Cou%t of Appeals in 2hich it is conten/e/ that the
/is5issal of appellantJs petition is cont%a%& to la2 an/ 2ell-
settle/ 9u%isp%u/ence.
On $ul& <( )!BA( appellees 5o,e/ to fo%2a%/ the case to this
Cou%t on the 0%oun/ that the appeal /oes not in,ol,e >uestion
of fact an/ alle0e/ that the t%ial cou%t co55itte/ the follo2in0
assi0ne/ e%%o%s1
+. T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N 7OL-+NG T7AT
A LOST 7OLOGRAP7+C :+LL MA@ NOT BE
PRODE- B@ A COP@ T7EREO.?
++. T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N 7OL-+NG T7AT
T7E -ECE-ENT 7AS -+SCAR-E- BE.ORE 7+S
-EAT7 T7E M+SS+NG 7OLOGRAP7+C :+LL?
+++. T7E LO:ER COURT ERRE- +N -+SM+SS+NG
APPELLANTJS :+LL.
The onl& >uestion he%e is 2hethe% a holo0%aphic 2ill 2hich 2as
lost o% cannot be foun/ can be p%o,e/ b& 5eans of a
photostatic cop&. Pu%suant to A%ticle B)) of the Ci,il Co/e(
p%obate of holo0%aphic 2ills is the allo2ance of the 2ill b& the
cou%t afte% its /ue e6ecution has been p%o,e/. The p%obate
5a& be unconteste/ o% not. +f unconteste/( at least one
+/entif&in0 2itness is %e>ui%e/ an/( if no 2itness is a,ailable(
e6pe%ts 5a& be %eso%te/ to. +f conteste/( at least th%ee
+/entif&in0 2itnesses a%e %e>ui%e/. 7o2e,e%( if the holo0%aphic
2ill has been lost o% /est%o&e/ an/ no othe% cop& is a,ailable(
the 2ill can not be p%obate/ because the best an/ onl&
e,i/ence is the han/2%itin0 of the testato% in sai/ 2ill. +t is
necessa%& that the%e be a co5pa%ison bet2een sa5ple
han/2%itten state5ents of the testato% an/ the han/2%itten 2ill.
But( a photostatic cop& o% 6e%o6 cop& of the holo0%aphic 2ill
5a& be allo2e/ because co5pa%ison can be 5a/e 2ith the
stan/a%/ 2%itin0s of the testato%. +n the case of Ga5 ,s. @ap(
)A P7+L. *A!( the Cou%t %ule/ that =the e6ecution an/ the
contents of a lost o% /est%o&e/ holo0%aphic 2ill 5a& not be
p%o,e/ b& the ba%e testi5on& of 2itnesses 2ho ha,e seen
an/Ko% %ea/ such 2ill. The 2ill itself 5ust be p%esente/?
othe%2ise( it shall p%o/uce no effect. The la2 %e0a%/s the
/ocu5ent itself as 5ate%ial p%oof of authenticit&.= But( in
.ootnote B of sai/ /ecision( it sa&s that =Pe%haps it 5a& be
p%o,e/ b& a photo0%aphic o% photostatic cop&. E,en a
5i5eo0%aphe/ o% ca%bon cop&? o% b& othe% si5ila% 5eans( if
an&( 2he%eb& the authenticit& of the han/2%itin0 of the
87
/ecease/ 5a& be e6hibite/ an/ teste/ befo%e the p%obate
cou%t(= E,i/entl&( the photostatic o% 6e%o6 cop& of the lost o%
/est%o&e/ holo0%aphic 2ill 5a& be a/5itte/ because then the
authenticit& of the han/2%itin0 of the /ecease/ can be
/ete%5ine/ b& the p%obate cou%t.
:7ERE.ORE( the o%/e% of the lo2e% cou%t /ate/ Octobe% #(
)!<!( /en&in0 appellantJs 5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation /ate/
Au0ust !( )!<!( of the O%/e% /ate/ $ul& '#( )!<!( /is5issin0
he% petition to app%o,e the 2ill of the late Rica%/o B. Bonilla( is
he%eb& SET AS+-E.
SO OR-ERE-.
)eehan7ee, (ct#. C.J., 'elencioB=errera, Plana, Dasque5 and
6utierre5, Jr., JJ., concur.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
.+RST -+D+S+ON
G.R. N#. L-,3,,3 2anuar9 %3, $(34
IN TE MATTER OF TE INTESTATE ESTATE OF ANDRES
G. DE 2ES!S AND BIBIANA RO=AS DE 2ES!S, SIMEON R.
RO=AS I PEDRO RO=AS DE 2ES!S, petitione%s(
,s.
ANDRES R. DE 2ES!S, 2R., %espon/ent.
*aul !. !ison 4a" @ffice for petitioners.
*afael Din#lasan, Jr. for heir '. *o;as.
4edesma, 6u.tin#co Delasco and (ssociates for 4edesa and
(. *. de Jesus.
G!TIERREZ, 2R., J.:
This is a petition fo% ce%tio%a%i to set asi/e the o%/e% of
%espon/ent 7on. $ose C. Cola&co( P%esi/in0 $u/0e Cou%t of
.i%st +nstance of Manila( B%anch II+ /isallo2in0 the p%obate of
the holo0%aphic :ill of the /ecease/ Bibiana Ro6as /e $esus.
The antece/ent facts 2hich le/ to the filin0 of this petition a%e
un/ispute/.
Afte% the /eath of spouses An/%es G. /e $esus an/ Bibiana
Ro6as /e $esus( Special P%ocee/in0 No. B)*A# entitle/ =+n the
Matte% of the +ntestate Estate of An/%es G. /e $esus an/
Bibiana Ro6as /e $esus= 2as file/ b& petitione% Si5eon R.
Ro6as( the b%othe% of the /ecease/ Bibiana Ro6as /e $esus.
On Ma%ch '"( )!<#( petitione% Si5eon R. Ro6as 2as
appointe/ a/5inist%ato%. Afte% Lette%s of A/5inist%ation ha/
been 0%ante/ to the petitione%( he /eli,e%e/ to the lo2e% cou%t a
/ocu5ent pu%po%tin0 to be the holo0%aphic :ill of the
/ecease/ Bibiana Ro6as /e $esus. On Ma& '"( )!<#(
%espon/ent $u/0e $ose Cola&co set the hea%in0 of the p%obate
of the holo0%aphic :in on $ul& ')( )!<#.
Petitione% Si5eon R. Ro6as testifie/ that afte% his appoint5ent
as a/5inist%ato%( he foun/ a noteboo8 belon0in0 to the
/ecease/ Bibiana R. /e $esus an/ that on pa0es ')( ''( '#
an/ ' the%eof( a lette%-2in a//%esse/ to he% chil/%en an/
enti%el& 2%itten an/ si0ne/ in the han/2%itin0 of the /ecease/
Bibiana R. /e $esus 2as foun/. The 2ill is /ate/ =.EB.K") =
an/ states1 =This is 5& 2in 2hich + 2ant to be %especte/
althou0h it is not 2%itten b& a la2&e%. ...
The testi5on& of Si5eon R. Ro6as 2as co%%obo%ate/ b& the
testi5onies of Pe/%o Ro6as /e $esus an/ Manuel Ro6as /e
$esus 2ho li8e2ise testifie/ that the lette% /ate/ =.EB.K") = is
the holo0%aphic :ill of thei% /ecease/ 5othe%( Bibiana R. /e
$esus. Both %eco0ni;e/ the han/2%itin0 of thei% 5othe% an/
positi,el& +/entifie/ he% si0natu%e. The& fu%the% testifie/ that
thei% /ecease/ 5othe% un/e%stoo/ En0lish( the lan0ua0e in
2hich the holo0%aphic :ill is 2%itten( an/ that the /ate
=.EB.K") = 2as the /ate 2hen sai/ :ill 2as e6ecute/ b& thei%
5othe%.
Respon/ent Lu; R. 7enson( anothe% co5pulso%& hei% file/ an
=opposition to p%obate= assailin0 the pu%po%te/ holo0%aphic :ill
of Bibiana R. /e $esus because a it 2as not e6ecute/ in
acco%/ance 2ith la2( 3b4 it 2as e6ecute/ th%ou0h fo%ce(
inti5i/ation an/Ko% un/e% /u%ess( un/ue influence an/
i5p%ope% p%essu%e( an/ 3c4 the alle0e/ testat%i6 acte/ b&
5ista8e an/Ko% /i/ not inten/( no% coul/ ha,e inten/e/ the sai/
:ill to be he% last :ill an/ testa5ent at the ti5e of its
e6ecution.
On Au0ust '( )!<#( %espon/ent $u/0e $ose C. Cola&co
issue/ an o%/e% allo2in0 the p%obate of the holo0%aphic :ill
2hich he foun/ to ha,e been /ul& e6ecute/ in acco%/ance 2ith
la2.
Respon/ent Lu; Ro6as /e $esus file/ a 5otion fo%
%econsi/e%ation alle0in0 inte% alia that the alle0e/ holo0%aphic
:ill of the /ecease/ Bibiana R. /e $esus 2as not /ate/ as
%e>ui%e/ b& A%ticle B)A of the Ci,il Co/e. She conten/s that the
la2 %e>ui%es that the :ill shoul/ contain the /a&( 5onth an/
&ea% of its e6ecution an/ that this shoul/ be st%ictl& co5plie/
2ith.
On -ece5be% )A( )!<#( %espon/ent $u/0e Cola&co
%econsi/e%e/ his ea%lie% o%/e% an/ /isallo2e/ the p%obate of
the holo0%aphic :ill on the 0%oun/ that the 2o%/ =/ate/= has
0ene%all& been hel/ to inclu/e the 5onth( /a&( an/ &ea%. The
/ispositi,e po%tion of the o%/e% %ea/s1
:7ERE.ORE( the /ocu5ent pu%po%tin0 to be the
holo0%aphic :ill of Bibiana Ro6as /e $esus( is he%eb&
/isallo2e/ fo% not ha,in0 been e6ecute/ as %e>ui%e/
b& the la2. The o%/e% of Au0ust '( )!<# is he%eb& set
asi/e.
The onl& issue is 2hethe% o% not the /ate =.EB.K") = appea%in0
on the holo0%aphic :ill of the /ecease/ Bibiana Ro6as /e
$esus is a ,ali/ co5pliance 2ith the A%ticle B)A of the Ci,il
Co/e 2hich %ea/s1
88
ART. B)A. A pe%son 5a& e6ecute a holo0%aphic 2ill
2hich 5ust be enti%el& 2%itten( /ate/( an/ si0ne/ b&
the han/ of the testato% hi5self. +t is sub9ect to no
othe% fo%5( an/ 5a& be 5a/e in o% out of the
Philippines( an/ nee/ not be 2itnesse/.
The petitione%s conten/ that 2hile A%ticle "B* of the Spanish
Ci,il Co/e an/ A%ticle "BB of the Ol/ Ci,il Co/e %e>ui%e the
testato% to state in his holo0%aphic :in the =&ea%( 5onth( an/
/a& of its e6ecution(= the p%esent Ci,il Co/e o5itte/ the ph%ase
AEo 5es & /ia an/ si5pl& %e>ui%es that the holo0%aphic :ill
shoul/ be /ate/. The petitione%s sub5it that the libe%al
const%uction of the holo0%aphic :ill shoul/ p%e,ail.
Respon/ent Lu; 7enson on the othe% han/ sub5its that the
pu%po%te/ holo0%aphic :ill is ,oi/ fo% non-co5pliance 2ith
A%ticle B)A of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e in that the /ate 5ust contain
the &ea%( 5onth( an/ /a& of its e6ecution. The %espon/ent
conten/s that A%ticle B)A of the Ci,il Co/e 2as patte%ne/ afte%
Section )'<< of the Califo%nia Co/e an/ Section )*BB of the
Louisiana Co/e 2hose Sup%e5e Cou%ts ha/ consistentl& %ule/
that the %e>ui%e/ /ate inclu/es the &ea%( 5onth( an/ /a&( an/
that if an& of these is 2antin0( the holo0%aphic :ill is in,ali/.
The %espon/ent fu%the% conten/s that the petitione% cannot
plea/ libe%al const%uction of A%ticle B)A of the Ci,il Co/e
because statutes p%esc%ibin0 the fo%5alities to be obse%,e/ in
the e6ecution of holo0%aphic :ills a%e st%ictl& const%ue/.
:e a0%ee 2ith the petitione%.
This 2ill not be the fi%st ti5e that this Cou%t /epa%ts f%o5 a st%ict
an/ lite%al application of the statuto%& %e>ui%e5ents %e0a%/in0
the /ue e6ecution of :ills. :e shoul/ not o,e%loo8 the libe%al
t%en/ of the Ci,il Co/e in the 5anne% of e6ecution of :ills( the
pu%pose of 2hich( in case of /oubt is to p%e,ent intestac& R
The un/e%l&in0 an/ fun/a5ental ob9ecti,es
pe%5eatin0 the p%o,isions of the la2 on 2i0s
in this P%o9ect consists in the libe%ali;ation of
the 5anne% of thei% e6ecution 2ith the en/ in
,ie2 of 0i,in0 the testato% 5o%e f%ee/o5 in
e6p%essin0 his last 2ishes( but 2ith sufficien
safe0ua%/s an/ %est%ictions to p%e,ent the
co55ission of f%au/ an/ the e6e%cise of
un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence
upon the testato%.
This ob9ecti,e is in acco%/ 2ith the 5o/e5
ten/enc& 2ith %espect to the fo%5alities in
the e6ecution of 2ills. 3Repo%t of the Co/e
Co55ission( p. )A#4
+n $ustice Capist%anoJs concu%%in0 opinion in 7ei%s
of *a.mundo Castro v. $ustos 3'< SCRA #'<4 he e5phasi;e/
that1
666 666 666
... The la2 has a ten/e% %e0a%/ fo% the 2ill of
the testato% e6p%esse/ in his last 2ill an/
testa5ent on the 0%oun/ that an& /isposition
5a/e b& the testato% is bette% than that 2hich
the la2 can 5a8e. .o% this %eason( intestate
succession is nothin0 5o%e than a
/isposition base/ upon the p%esu5e/ 2ill of
the /ece/ent.
Thus( the p%e,ailin0 polic& is to %e>ui%e satisfaction of the le0al
%e>ui%e5ents in o%/e% to 0ua%/ a0ainst f%au/ an/ ba/ faith but
2ithout un/ue o% unnecessa%& cu%tail5ent of testa5enta%&
p%i,ile0e Icasiano v. Icasiano( )) SCRA ''4. +f a :ill has been
e6ecute/ in substantial co5pliance 2ith the fo%5alities of the
la2( an/ the possibilit& of ba/ faith an/ f%au/ in the e6e%cise
the%eof is ob,iate/( sai/ :in shoul/ be a/5itte/ to p%obate
3Re& ,. Ca%ta0ena *" Phil. 'B'4. Thus(
666 666 666
... Mo%e than an&thin0 else( the facts an/
ci%cu5stances of %eco%/ a%e to be
consi/e%e/ in the application of an& 0i,en
%ule. +f the su%%oun/in0 ci%cu5stances point
to a %e0ula% e6ecution of the 2ilt an/ the
inst%u5ent appea%s to ha,e been e6ecute/
substantiall& in acco%/ance 2ith the
%e>ui%e5ents of the la2( the inclination
shoul/( in the absence of an& su00estion of
ba/ faith( fo%0e%& o% f%au/( lean to2a%/s its
a/5ission to p%obate( althou0h the
/ocu5ent 5a& suffe% f%o5 so5e
i5pe%fection of lan0ua0e( o% othe% non-
essential /efect. ... 3Le&ne; ,. Le&ne; "B
Phil. <*4.
+f the testato%( in e6ecutin0 his :ill( atte5pts to co5pl& 2ith all
the %e>uisites( althou0h co5pliance is not lite%al( it is sufficient
if the ob9ecti,e o% pu%pose sou0ht to be acco5plishe/ b& such
%e>uisite is actuall& attaine/ b& the fo%5 follo2e/ b& the
testato%.
The pu%pose of the sole5nities su%%oun/in0 the e6ecution of
:ills has been e6poun/e/ b& this Cou%t in (ban#an v.
(ban#a A Phil. <"( 2he%e 2e %ule/ that1
The ob9ect of the sole5nities su%%oun/in0 the
e6ecution of 2ills is to close the /oo% a0ainst
ba/ faith an/ f%au/( to a,oi/ substitution of
2ills an/ testa5ents an/ to 0ua%ant& thei%
t%uth an/ authenticit&. ...
+n pa%ticula%( a co5plete /ate is %e>ui%e/ to p%o,i/e a0ainst
such contin0encies as that of t2o co5petin0 :ills e6ecute/ on
the sa5e /a&( o% of a testato% beco5in0 insane on the /a& on
2hich a :ill 2as e6ecute/ 3Delasco ,. Lope;( ) Phil. <'A4.
The%e is no such contin0enc& in this case.
:e ha,e ca%efull& %e,ie2e/ the %eco%/s of this case an/ foun/
no e,i/ence of ba/ faith an/ f%au/ in its e6ecution no% 2as
the%e an& substitution of :ins an/ Testa5ents. The%e is no
>uestion that the holo0%aphic :ill of the /ecease/ Bibiana
Ro6as /e $esus 2as enti%el& 2%itten( /ate/( an/ si0ne/ b& the
testat%i6 he%self an/ in a lan0ua0e 8no2n to he%. The%e is also
no >uestion as to its 0enuineness an/ /ue e6ecution. All the
chil/%en of the testat%i6 a0%ee on the 0enuineness of the
holo0%aphic :ill of thei% 5othe% an/ that she ha/ the
testa5enta%& capacit& at the ti5e of the e6ecution of sai/ :ill.
89
The ob9ection inte%pose/ b& the opposito%-%espon/ent Lu;
7enson is that the holo0%aphic :ill is fatall& /efecti,e because
the /ate =.EB.K") = appea%in0 on the holo0%aphic :ill is not
sufficient co5pliance 2ith A%ticle B)A of the Ci,il Co/e. This
ob9ection is too technical to be ente%taine/.
As a 0ene%al %ule( the =/ate= in a holo0%aphic :ill shoul/
inclu/e the /a&( 5onth( an/ &ea% of its e6ecution. 7o2e,e%(
2hen as in the case at ba%( the%e is no appea%ance of f%au/(
ba/ faith( un/ue influence an/ p%essu%e an/ the authenticit& of
the :ill is establishe/ an/ the onl& issue is 2hethe% o% not the
/ate =.EB.K")= appea%in0 on the holo0%aphic :ill is a ,ali/
co5pliance 2ith A%ticle B)A of the Ci,il Co/e( p%obate of the
holo0%aphic :ill shoul/ be allo2e/ un/e% the p%inciple of
substantial co5pliance.
:7ERE.ORE( the instant petition is GRANTE-. The o%/e%
appeale/ f%o5 is REDERSE- an/ SET AS+-E an/ the o%/e%
allo2in0 the p%obate of the holo0%aphic :ill of the /ecease/
Bibiana Ro6as /e $esus is %einstate/.
SO OR-ERE-.
)eehan7ee (Chairman), 'elencioB=errera, Plana, *elova and
De la :uente, JJ., concur.
TIRD DIVISION
)* +IAO EN,,
Petitioner,
B versus B
NI-ON .EE,
*espondent
D E C I S I O N
NAC!RA, J.:
Befo%e the Cou%t is a petition fo% %e,ie2
on certiorari un/e% Rule * of the Rules of Cou%t( assailin0 the
Au0ust '#( 'AA" A5en/e/ -ecision
F)G
of the Cou%t of Appeals
3CA4 in CA-G.R. SP No. !)<'* an/ the .eb%ua%& '#( 'AA<
Resolution(
F'G
/en&in0 the 5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation the%eof.
The %ele,ant facts an/ p%ocee/in0s follo2.

Alle0in0 that his fathe% passe/ a2a& on $une ''( )!!' in
Manila an/ left a holo0%aphic 2ill( 2hich is no2 in the custo/&
of petitione% U& Siao En0( his 5othe%( %espon/ent Ni6on Lee
file/( on Ma& 'B( 'AA)( a petition fo% 5an/a5us 2ith /a5a0es(
/oc8ete/ as Ci,il Case No. A))AA!#!( befo%e the Re0ional
T%ial Cou%t 3RTC4 of Manila( to co5pel petitione% to p%o/uce the
2ill so that p%obate p%ocee/in0s fo% the allo2ance the%eof coul/
be institute/. Alle0e/l&( %espon/ent ha/ al%ea/& %e>ueste/ his
5othe% to settle an/ li>ui/ate the pat%ia%chMs estate an/ to
/eli,e% to the le0al hei%s thei% %especti,e inhe%itance( but
petitione% %efuse/ to /o so 2ithout an& 9ustifiable %eason.
F#G

+n he% ans2e% 2ith counte%clai5( petitione% t%a,e%se/ the
alle0ations in the co5plaint an/ posite/ that the sa5e be
/is5isse/ fo% failu%e to state a cause of action( fo% lac8 of
cause of action( an/ fo% non-co5pliance 2ith a con/ition
p%ece/ent fo% the filin0 the%eof. Petitione% /enie/ that she 2as
in custo/& of the o%i0inal holo0%aphic 2ill an/ that she 8ne2 of
its 2he%eabouts. She( 5o%eo,e%( asse%te/ that photocopies of
the 2ill 2e%e 0i,en to %espon/ent an/ to his siblin0s. As a
5atte% of fact( %espon/ent 2as able to int%o/uce( as an e6hibit(
a cop& of the 2ill in Ci,il Case No. ''-D-AA befo%e the RTC of
Dalen;uela Cit&. Petitione% fu%the% conten/e/ that %espon/ent
shoul/ ha,e fi%st e6e%te/ ea%nest effo%ts to a5icabl& settle the
cont%o,e%s& 2ith he% befo%e he file/ the suit.
FG

The RTC hea%/ the case. Afte% the p%esentation an/
fo%5al offe% of %espon/entMs e,i/ence( petitione% /e5u%%e/(
conten/in0 that he% son faile/ to p%o,e that she ha/ in he%
custo/& the o%i0inal holo0%aphic 2ill. +5po%tantl&( she asse%te/
that the pieces of /ocu5enta%& e,i/ence p%esente/( asi/e f%o5
bein0 hea%sa&( 2e%e all i55ate%ial an/ i%%ele,ant to the issue
in,ol,e/ in the petitionRthe& /i/ not p%o,e o% /isp%o,e that she
unla2full& ne0lecte/ the pe%fo%5ance of an act 2hich the la2
specificall& en9oine/ as a /ut& %esultin0 f%o5 an office( t%ust o%
station( fo% the cou%t to issue the 2%it of 5an/a5us.
F*G

The RTC( at fi%st( /enie/ the /e5u%%e% to e,i/ence.
F"G
+n
its .eb%ua%& ( 'AA* O%/e%(
F<G
ho2e,e%( it 0%ante/ the sa5e on
petitione%Ms 5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation. Respon/entMs 5otion
fo% %econsi/e%ation of this latte% o%/e% 2as /enie/ on
Septe5be% 'A( 'AA*.
FBG
7ence( the petition 2as /is5isse/.

A00%ie,e/( %espon/ent sou0ht %e,ie2 f%o5 the appellate
cou%t. On Ap%il '"( 'AA"( the CA initiall& /enie/ the appeal fo%
lac8 of 5e%it. +t %ule/ that the 2%it of 5an/a5us 2oul/ issue
onl& in instances 2hen no othe% %e5e/& 2oul/ be a,ailable
an/ sufficient to affo%/ %e/%ess. Un/e% Rule <"( in an action fo%
the settle5ent of the estate of his /ecease/ fathe%( %espon/ent
coul/ as8 fo% the p%esentation o% p%o/uction an/ fo% the
app%o,al o% p%obate of the holo0%aphic 2ill. The CA fu%the%
%ule/ that %espon/ent( in the p%ocee/in0s befo%e the t%ial cou%t(
faile/ to p%esent sufficient e,i/ence to p%o,e that his 5othe%
ha/ in he% custo/& the o%i0inal cop& of the 2ill.
F!G

Respon/ent 5o,e/ fo% %econsi/e%ation. The appellate
cou%t( in the assaile/ Au0ust '#( 'AA" A5en/e/ -ecision(
F)AG
0%ante/ the 5otion( set asi/e its ea%lie% %ulin0( issue/ the
2%it( an/ o%/e%e/ the p%o/uction of the 2ill an/ the pa&5ent of
atto%ne&Ms fees. +t %ule/ this ti5e that %espon/ent 2as able to
sho2 b& testi5onial e,i/ence that his 5othe% ha/ in he%
possession the holo0%aphic 2ill.
-issatisfie/ 2ith this tu%n of e,ents( petitione% file/ a
5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation. The appellate cou%t /enie/ this
5otion in the fu%the% assaile/ .eb%ua%& '#( 'AA< Resolution.
F))G
Left 2ith no othe% %ecou%se( petitione% b%ou0ht the 5atte%
befo%e this Cou%t( conten/in0 in the 5ain that the petition fo%
5an/a5us is not the p%ope% %e5e/& an/ that the testi5onial
e,i/ence use/ b& the appellate cou%t as basis fo% its %ulin0 is
ina/5issible.
F)'G
The Cou%t cannot sustain the CAMs issuance of the 2%it.
The fi%st pa%a0%aph of Section # of Rule "* of the Rules
of Cou%t pe%tinentl& p%o,i/es thatR

SEC. #. Petition for mandamus.R
&hen an. tribunal, corporation, board,
officer or person unla"full. ne#lects the
performance of an act "hich the la"
specificall. enjoins as a dut. resultin# from
an office, trust, or station, or unla"full.
90
e;cludes another from the use and
enjo.ment of a ri#ht or office to "hich such
other is entitled, and there is no other plain,
speed. and adequate remed. in the ordinar.
course of la"( the pe%son a00%ie,e/ the%eb&
5a& file a ,e%ifie/ petition in the p%ope% cou%t(
alle0in0 the facts 2ith ce%taint& an/ p%a&in0
that 9u/05ent be %en/e%e/ co55an/in0 the
%espon/ent( i55e/iatel& o% at so5e othe%
ti5e to be specifie/ b& the cou%t( to /o the
act %e>ui%e/ to be /one to p%otect the %i0hts
of the petitione%( an/ to pa& the /a5a0es
sustaine/ b& the petitione% b& %eason of the
2%on0ful acts of the %espon/ent.
F)#G
Man/a5us is a co55an/ issuin0 f%o5 a cou%t of la2
of co5petent 9u%is/iction( in the na5e of the state o% the
so,e%ei0n( /i%ecte/ to so5e infe%io% cou%t( t%ibunal( o% boa%/( o%
to so5e co%po%ation o% pe%son %e>ui%in0 the pe%fo%5ance of a
pa%ticula% /ut& the%ein specifie/( 2hich /ut& %esults f%o5 the
official station of the pa%t& to 2ho5 the 2%it is /i%ecte/ o% f%o5
ope%ation of la2.
F)G
This /efinition %eco0ni;es the public
cha%acte% of the %e5e/&( an/ clea%l& e6clu/es the i/ea that it
5a& be %eso%te/ to fo% the pu%pose of enfo%cin0 the
pe%fo%5ance of /uties in 2hich the public has no inte%est.
F)*G
The 2%it is a p%ope% %ecou%se fo% citi;ens 2ho see8 to
enfo%ce a public %i0ht an/ to co5pel the pe%fo%5ance of a
public /ut&( 5ost especiall& 2hen the public %i0ht in,ol,e/ is
5an/ate/ b& the Constitution.
F)"G
As the >uote/ p%o,ision
inst%ucts( 5an/a5us 2ill lie if the t%ibunal( co%po%ation( boa%/(
office%( o% pe%son unla2full& ne0lects the pe%fo%5ance of an act
2hich the la2 en9oins as a /ut& %esultin0 f%o5 an office( t%ust o%
station.
F)<G
The 2%it of 5an/a5us( ho2e,e%( 2ill not issue to co5pel
an official to /o an&thin0 2hich is not his /ut& to /o o% 2hich it
is his /ut& not to /o( o% to 0i,e to the applicant an&thin0 to
2hich he is not entitle/ b& la2.
F)BG
No% 2ill 5an/a5us issue to
enfo%ce a %i0ht 2hich is in substantial /ispute o% as to 2hich a
substantial /oubt e6ists( althou0h ob9ection %aisin0 a 5e%e
technical >uestion 2ill be /is%e0a%/e/ if the %i0ht is clea% an/
the case is 5e%ito%ious.
F)!G
As a %ule( mandamus 2ill not lie in
the absence of an& of the follo2in0 0%oun/s1 FaG that the cou%t(
office%( boa%/( o% pe%son a0ainst 2ho5 the action is ta8en
unla2full& ne0lecte/ the pe%fo%5ance of an act 2hich the la2
specificall& en9oins as a /ut& %esultin0 f%o5 office( t%ust( o%
station? o% FbG that such cou%t( office%( boa%/( o% pe%son has
unla2full& e6clu/e/ petitione%K%elato% f%o5 the use an/
en9o&5ent of a %i0ht o% office to 2hich he is entitle/.
F'AG
On the
pa%t of the %elato%( it is essential to the issuance of a 2%it of
5an/a5us that he shoul/ ha,e a clea% le0al %i0ht to the thin0
/e5an/e/ an/ it 5ust be the i5pe%ati,e /ut& of %espon/ent to
pe%fo%5 the act %e>ui%e/.
F')G
Reco0ni;e/ fu%the% in this 9u%is/iction is the p%inciple that
5an/a5us cannot be use/ to enfo%ce cont%actual obli0ations.
F''G
Gene%all&( 5an/a5us 2ill not lie to enfo%ce pu%el& p%i,ate
cont%act %i0hts( an/ 2ill not lie a0ainst
an in/i,i/ual unless so5e obli0ation in the natu%e of a
public o% >uasi-public /ut& is i5pose/.
F'#G
The 2%it is not
app%op%iate to enfo%ce a p%i,ate %i0ht a0ainst an in/i,i/ual.
F'G
The 2%it of 5an/a5us lies to enfo%ce the e6ecution of an
act( 2hen( othe%2ise( 9ustice 2oul/ be obst%ucte/? an/(
%e0ula%l&( issues onl& in cases %elatin0 to the public an/ to the
0o,e%n5ent? hence( it is calle/ a p%e%o0ati,e 2%it.
F'*G
To
p%ese%,e its p%e%o0ati,e cha%acte%( 5an/a5us is not use/ fo%
the %e/%ess of p%i,ate 2%on0s( but onl& in 5atte%s %elatin0 to the
public.
F'"G
Mo%eo,e%( an i5po%tant p%inciple follo2e/ in the issuance
of the 2%it is that the%e shoul/ be no plain( spee/& an/
a/e>uate %e5e/& in the o%/ina%& cou%se of la2 othe% than the
%e5e/& of 5an/a5us bein0 in,o8e/.
F'<G
+n othe% 2o%/s(
5an/a5us can be issue/ onl& in cases 2he%e the usual
5o/es of p%oce/u%e an/ fo%5s of %e5e/& a%e po2e%less to
affo%/ %elief.
F'BG
Althou0h classifie/ as a le0al %e5e/&(
5an/a5us is e>uitable in its natu%e an/ its issuance is
0ene%all& cont%olle/ b& e>uitable p%inciples.
F'!G
+n/ee/( the 0%ant
of the 2%it of 5an/a5us lies in the soun/ /isc%etion of the
cou%t.
+n the instant case( the Cou%t( 2ithout unnecessa%il&
asce%tainin0 2hethe% the obli0ation in,ol,e/ he%eRthe
p%o/uction of the o%i0inal holo0%aphic 2illRis in the natu%e of a
public o% a p%i,ate /ut&( %ules that the %e5e/& of 5an/a5us
cannot be a,aile/ of b& %espon/ent Lee because the%e lies
anothe% plain( spee/& an/ a/e>uate %e5e/& in the o%/ina%&
cou%se of la2. Let it be note/ that %espon/ent has a photocop&
of the 2ill an/ that he see8s the p%o/uction of the o%i0inal fo%
pu%poses of p%obate. The Rules of Cou%t( ho2e,e%( /oes not
p%e,ent hi5 f%o5 institutin0 p%obate p%ocee/in0s fo% the
allo2ance of the 2ill 2hethe% the sa5e is in his possession o%
not. Rule <"( Section ) %ele,antl& p%o,i/es1
Section ). &ho ma. petition for the
allo"ance of "ill.RAn& e6ecuto%( /e,isee( o%
le0atee na5e/ in a 2ill( o% an& othe% pe%son
inte%este/ in the estate( 5a&( at an& ti5e(
afte% the /eath of the testato%( petition the
cou%t ha,in0 9u%is/iction to ha,e the 2ill
allo2e/( 2hethe% the sa5e be in his
possession o% not( o% is lost o% /est%o&e/.
An a/e>uate %e5e/& is fu%the% p%o,i/e/ b& Rule <*( Sections '
to *( fo% the p%o/uction of the o%i0inal holo0%aphic 2ill. ThusR
SEC. '. Custodian of "ill to deliver.R
The pe%son 2ho has custo/& of a 2ill shall(
2ithin t2ent&3'A4 /a&s afte% he 8no2s of
the /eath of the testato%( /eli,e% the 2ill to
the cou%t ha,in0 9u%is/iction( o% to the
e6ecuto% na5e/ in the 2ill.
SEC. #. A;ecutor to present "ill and
accept or refuse trust.RA pe%son na5e/ as
e6ecuto% in a 2ill shall 2ithin t2ent& 3'A4
/a&s afte% he 8no2s of the /eath of the
testato%( o% 2ithin t2ent& 3'A4 /a&s afte% he
8no2s that he is na5e/ e6ecuto% if he
obtaine/ such 8no2le/0e afte% the /eath of
the testato%( p%esent such 2ill to the cou%t
ha,in0 9u%is/iction( unless the 2ill has
%eache/ the cou%t in an& othe% 5anne%( an/
shall( 2ithin such pe%io/( si0nif& to the cou%t
in 2%itin0 his acceptance of the t%ust o% his
%efusal to accept it.

SEC. . Custodian and e;ecutor
subject to fine for ne#lect.RA pe%son 2ho
ne0lects an& of the /uties %e>ui%e/ in the t2o
last p%ece/in0 sections 2ithout e6cuse
satisfacto%& to the cou%t shall be fine/ not
e6cee/in0 t2o thousan/ pesos.
91
SEC. *. Person retainin# "ill ma. be
committed.RA pe%son ha,in0 custo/& of a
2ill afte% the /eath of the testato% 2ho
ne0lects 2ithout %easonable cause to /eli,e%
the sa5e( 2hen o%/e%e/ so to /o( to the
cou%t ha,in0 9u%is/iction( 5a& be co55itte/
to p%ison an/ the%e 8ept until he /eli,e%s the
2ill.
F#AG
The%e bein0 a plain( spee/& an/ a/e>uate %e5e/& in
the o%/ina%& cou%se of la2 fo% the p%o/uction of the sub9ect 2ill(
the %e5e/& of 5an/a5us cannot be a,aile/ of. Suffice it to
state that %espon/ent Lee lac8s a cause of action in his
petition. Thus( the Cou%t 0%ants the /e5u%%e%.

WEREFORE( p%e5ises consi/e%e/( the petition fo%
%e,ie2 on certiorari is GRANTED. The Au0ust '#( 'AA"
A5en/e/ -ecision an/ the .eb%ua%& '#( 'AA< Resolution of
the Cou%t of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. !)<'*
a%e REVERSED an/ SET ASIDE. Ci,il Case No. A))AA!#!
befo%e the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t of Manila is DISMISSED.

SO ORDERED.

.+RST -+D+S+ON
"G.R. N#. $%,&3;. Au>us* $%, $(((.
E!GENIA RAMONAL CODO/, and MAN!EL
RAMONAL, petitioners, vs. EVANGELINE R.
CAL!GA/, 2OSEPINE SALCEDO, and E!FEMIA
PATIGAS, respondents.
D E C I S I O N
PARDO, J.:
Befo%e us is a petition fo% %e,ie2 on certiorari of the
/ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals
F)G
an/ its %esolution /en&in0
%econsi/e%ation( %ulin01
PUpon the un%ebutte/ testi5on& of appellant E,an0eline
Calu0a& an/ 2itness Matil/e Ra5onal Binana&( the
authenticit& of testato%s holo0%aphic 2ill has been establishe/
an/ the han/2%itin0 an/ si0natu%e the%ein 3e6hibit S4 a%e he%s(
enou0h to p%obate sai/ 2ill. Re,e%sal of the
9u/05ent

appeale/ f%o5 an/ the p%obate of the holo0%aphic 2ill
in >uestion be calle/ fo%. The %ule is that afte% plaintiff has
co5plete/ p%esentation of his e,i/ence an/ the /efen/ant files
a 5otion fo% 9u/05ent on /e5u%%e% to e,i/ence on the 0%oun/
that upon the facts an/ the la2 plaintiff has sho2n no %i0ht to
%elief( if the 5otion is 0%ante/ an/ the o%/e% to /is5issal is
%e,e%se/ on appeal( the 5o,ant loses his %i0ht to p%esent
e,i/ence in his behalf 3Sec. ) Rule #* Re,ise/ Rules of
Cou%t4. $u/05ent 5a&( the%efo%e( be %en/e%e/ fo% appellant in
the instant case.
P:he%efo%e( the o%/e% appeale/ f%o5 is REDERSE- an/
9u/05ent %en/e%e/ allo2in0 the p%obate of the holo0%aphic 2ill
of the testato% Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal.Q
F'G
The facts a%e as follo2s1
On Ap%il "( )!!A( E,an0eline Calu0a&( $osephine Salce/o
an/ Eufe5ia Pati0as( /e,isees an/ le0atees of the holo0%aphic
2ill of the /ecease/ Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal( file/ 2ith
the Re0ional T%ial Cou%t( Misa5is O%iental( B%anch )B( a
petition
F#G
fo% p%obate of the holo0%aphic 2ill of the /ecease/(
2ho /ie/ on $anua%& )"( )!!A.
+n the petition( %espon/ents clai5e/ that the /ecease/
Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal( 2as of soun/ an/ /isposin0
5in/ 2hen she e6ecute/ the 2ill on Au0ust #A( )!<B( that
the%e 2as no f%au/( un/ue influence( an/ /u%ess e5plo&e/ in
the pe%son of the testato%( an/ the 2ill 2as 2%itten ,olunta%il&.
The assesse/ ,alue of the /ece/entMs p%ope%t&( inclu/in0
all %eal an/ pe%sonal p%ope%t& 2as about PAA(AAA.AA( at the
ti5e of he% /eath.
FG
On $une 'B( )!!A( Eu0enia Ra5onal Co/o& an/ Manuel
Ra5onal file/ an opposition
F*G
to the petition fo% p%obate(
alle0in0 that the holo0%aphic 2ill 2as a fo%0e%& an/ that the
sa5e is e,en ille0ible. This 0i,es an i5p%ession that a Pthi%/
han/Q of an inte%este/ pa%t& othe% than the Pt%ue han/Q of
Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal e6ecute/ the holo0%aphic 2ill.
Petitione%s a%0ue/ that the %epeate/ /ates inco%po%ate/
o% appea%in0 on the 2ill afte% e,e%& /isposition is out of the
o%/ina%&. +f the /ecease/ 2as the one 2ho e6ecute/ the 2ill(
an/ 2as not fo%ce/( the /ates an/ the si0natu%e shoul/ appea%
at the botto5 afte% the /ispositions( as %e0ula%l& /one an/ not
afte% e,e%& /isposition. An/ assu5in0 that the holo0%aphic 2ill
is in the han/2%itin0 of the /ecease/( it 2as p%ocu%e/ b& un/ue
an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence on the pa%t of the
beneficia%ies( o% th%ou0h f%au/ an/ t%ic8e%&.
Respon/ents p%esente/ si6 3"4 2itnesses an/ ,a%ious
/ocu5enta%& e,i/ence. Petitione%s instea/ of p%esentin0 thei%
e,i/ence( file/ a /e5u%%e%
F"G
to e,i/ence( clai5in0 that
%espon/ents faile/ to establish sufficient factual an/ le0al basis
fo% the p%obate of the holo0%aphic 2ill of the /ecease/ Matil/e
SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal.
On No,e5be% '"( )!!A( the lo2e% Cou%t issue/ an o%/e%(
the /ispositi,e po%tion of 2hich %ea/s1
P:7ERE.ORE( in ,ie2 of the fo%e0oin0 consi/e%ation( the
-e5u%%e% to E,i/ence ha,in0 bein0 2ell ta8en( sa5e is
0%ante/( an/ the petition fo% p%obate of the /ocu5ent 3E6hibit
PSQ4 on the pu%po%te/ 7olo0%aphic :ill of the late Matil/e SeEo
D/a. /e Ra5onal( is /enie/ fo% insufficienc& of e,i/ence an/
lac8 of 5e%its.Q
F<G
On -ece5be% )'( )!!A( %espon/ents file/ a notice of
appeal(
FBG
an/ in suppo%t of thei% appeal( the %espon/ents once
a0ain %eite%ate/ the testi5on& of the follo2in0 2itnesses(
na5el&1 3)4 Au0usto Ne%i? 3'4 Gene%osa Senon? 3#4 Matil/e
Ra5onal Binana&? 34 Te%esita De/a/? 3*4 .iscal Ro/olfo
:a0a? an/ 3"4 E,an0eline Calu0a&.
To ha,e a clea% un/e%stan/in0 of the testi5onies of the
2itnesses( 2e %ecite an account of thei% testi5onies.
92
Au>us*# Ner1( Cle%8 of Cou%t( Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of
Misa5is O%iental( 2he%e the special p%ocee/in0s fo% the
p%obate of the holo0%aphic 2ill of the /ecease/ 2as file/. 7e
p%o/uce/ an/ i/entifie/ the. %eco%/s of the case. The
/ocu5ents p%esente/ bea% the si0natu%e of the /ecease/(
Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal( fo% the pu%pose of la&in0 the
basis fo% co5pa%ison of the han/2%itin0 of the testat%i6( 2ith the
2%itin0 t%eate/ o% a/5itte/ as 0enuine b& the pa%t& a0ainst
2ho5 the e,i/ence is offe%e/.
Gener#sa Sen#n( election %e0ist%a% of Ca0a&an /e O%o(
2as p%esente/ to p%o/uce an/ i/entif& the ,ote%Ms affi/a,it of
the /ece/ent. 7o2e,e%( the ,ote%sM affi/a,it 2as not p%o/uce/
fo% the sa5e 2as al%ea/& /est%o&e/ an/ no lon0e% a,ailable.
Ma*18de Ra5#na8 B1nana9( testifie/ that the /ecease/
Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal 2as he% aunt( an/ that afte% the
/eath of Matil/eMs husban/( the latte% li,e/ 2ith he% in he%
pa%entMs house fo% ele,en 3))4 &ea%s( f%o5 )!*B to
)!"!. -u%in0 those ele,en 3))4 &ea%s of close association 2ith
the /ecease/( she ac>ui%e/ fa5ilia%it& 2ith he% si0natu%e an/
han/2%itin0 as she use/ to acco5pan& he% 3/ecease/ Matil/e
SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal4 in collectin0 %entals f%o5 he% ,a%ious
tenants of co55e%cial buil/in0s( an/ the /ecease/ al2a&s
issue/ %eceipts. +n a//ition to this( she 32itness Matil/e
Binana&4 assiste/ the /ecease/ in postin0 the %eco%/s of the
accounts( an/ ca%%ie/ pe%sonal lette%s of the /ecease/ to he%
c%e/ito%s.
Ma*18de Ra5#na8 B1nana9 fu%the% testifie/ that at the
ti5e of the /eath of Matil/e D/a. /e Ra5onal( she left a
holo0%aphic 2ill /ate/ Au0ust #A( )!<B( 2hich 2as pe%sonall&
an/ enti%el& 2%itten( /ate/ an/ si0ne/( b& the /ecease/ an/
that all the /ispositions the%ein( the /ates( an/ the si0natu%es in
sai/ 2ill( 2e%e that of the /ecease/.
F1s)a8 R#d#87# Wa>a testifie/ that befo%e he 2as
appointe/ Cit& .iscal of Ca0a&an /e O%o( he 2as a p%acticin0
la2&e%( an/ han/le/ all the plea/in0s an/ /ocu5ents si0ne/
b& the /ecease/ in connection 2ith the intestate p%ocee/in0s
of he% late husban/( as a %esult of 2hich he is fa5ilia% 2ith the
han/2%itin0 of the latte%. 7e testifie/ that the si0natu%e
appea%in0 in the holo0%aphic 2ill 2as si5ila% to that of the
/ecease/( Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal( but he can not be
su%e.
The fifth 2itness p%esente/ 2as Mrs. Teres1*a Vedad( an
e5plo&ee of the -epa%t5ent of En,i%on5ent an/ Natu%al
Resou%ces( Re0ion )A. She testifie/ that she p%ocesse/ the
application of the /ecease/ fo% pastu%e pe%5it an/ 2as fa5ilia%
2ith the si0natu%e of the /ecease/( since the /ecease/ si0ne/
/ocu5ents in he% p%esence( 2hen the latte% 2as appl&in0 fo%
pastu%e pe%5it.
.inall&( Evan>e81ne Ca8u>a9( one of the %espon/ents(
testifie/ that she ha/ li,e/ 2ith the /ecease/ since bi%th( an/
2as in fact a/opte/ b& the latte%. That afte% a lon0 pe%io/ of
ti5e she beca5e fa5ilia% 2ith the si0natu%e of the
/ecease/. She testifie/ that the si0natu%e appea%in0 in the
holo0%aphic 2ill is the t%ue an/ 0enuine si0natu%e of Matil/e
SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal.
The holo0%aphic 2ill 2hich 2as 2%itten in Disa&an( is
t%anslate/ in En0lish as follo2s1
P+nst%uction
PAu0ust #A( )!<B
P). M& sha%e at Co0on( Ra5inal St%eet( fo% E,an0eline
Calu0a&.
P3S0/4 Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal
PAu0ust #A( )!<B
P'. $osefina Salce/o 5ust be 0i,en )(*AA s>ua%e 5ete%s at
Pini8itan St%eet.
P3S0/4 Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal
PAu0ust #A( )!<B
P#. M& 9e2el%&Ms shall be /i,i/e/ a5on01
P). Eufe5ia Pati0as
P'. $osefina Salce/o
P#. E,an0eline Calu0a&
P3S0/4Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal
PAu0ust #A( )!<B
P. + be>ueath 5& one 3)4 hecta%e lan/ at Man/u5ol( +n/aha0
to E,an0eline R. Calu0a&
P3S0/4 Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal
=Au0ust #A( )!<B
P*. Gi,e the '(*AA S>ua%e Mete%s at Sta. C%u; Ra5onal
Dilla0e in fa,o% of E,an0eline R. Calu0a&( 7elen 5ust continue
2ith the Sta. C%u;( once + a5 no lon0e% a%oun/.
P3S0/4 Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal
PAu0ust #A( )!<B
P". Bu%& 5e 2he%e 5& husban/ $usto is e,e% bu%ie/.
P3S0/4 Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal
=Au0ust #A()!<B
PGene an/ Manuel1
=.ollo2 5& inst%uction in o%/e% that + 2ill %est peacefull&.
PMa5a
PMatil/e D/a /e Ra5onal
On Octobe% !( )!!*( the Cou%t of Appeals( %en/e%e/
/ecision
F!G
%ulin0 that the appeal 2as 5e%ito%ious. Citin0 the
93
/ecision in the case of A;aola ,s. Sin0son( )A! Phil. )A'(
penne/ b& M%. $ustice $. B. L. Re&es( a %eco0ni;e/ autho%it& in
ci,il la2( the Cou%t of Appeals hel/1
P6 6 6 even 17 *<e >enu1neness #7 *<e <#8#>ra0<1) ?188
?ere )#n*es*ed, 2e a%e of the opinion that A%ticle B)) of ou%
p%esent ci,il co/e can not be inte%p%ete/ as to %e>ui%e the
co5pulso%& p%esentation of th%ee 2itnesses to i/entif& the
han/2%itin0 of the testato%( un/e% penalt& of ha,in0 the p%obate
/enie/. Since no 2itness 5a& ha,e been p%esent at the
e6ecution of the holo0%aphic 2ill( none bein0 %e>ui%e/ b& la2
3a%t. B)A( ne2 ci,il co/e4( it beco5es ob,ious that the
e6istence of 2itnesses possessin0 the %e>uisite >ualifications
is a 5atte% be&on/ the cont%ol of the p%oponent. .o% it is not
5e%el& a >uestion of fin/in0 an/ p%o/ucin0 an& th%ee
2itnesses? the& 5ust be 2itnesses P2ho 8no2 the han/2%itin0
an/ si0natu%e of the testato%Q an/ 2ho can /ecla%e 3t%uthfull&(
of cou%se( e,en if the la2 /oes not e6p%ess4 Pthat the 2ill an/
the si0natu%e a%e in the han/2%itin0 of the testato%.Q The%e 5a&
be no a,ailable 2itness ac>uainte/ 2ith the testato%Ms han/? o%
e,en if so fa5ilia%i;e/( the 2itness 5a& be un2illin0 to 0i,e a
positi,e opinion. Co5pliance 2ith the %ule of pa%a0%aph ) of
a%ticle B)) 5a& thus beco5e an i5possibilit&. That is e,i/entl&
the %eason 2h& the secon/ pa%a0%aph of a%ticle B)) p%esc%ibes
thatR
Pin the absence of an& co5petent 2itness %efe%%e/ to in the
p%ece/in0 pa%a0%aph( an/ if the cou%t /ee5s it necessa%&(
e6pe%t testi5on& 5a& be %eso%te/ to.Q
PAs can be seen( the la2 fo%esees the possibilit& that no
>ualifie/ 2itness 5a& be foun/ 3o% 2hat a5ounts to the sa5e
thin0( that no co5petent 2itness 5a& be 2illin0 to testif& to the
authenticit& of the 2ill4( an/ p%o,i/es fo% %eso%t to e6pe%t
e,i/ence to suppl& the /eficienc&.
P+t 5a& be t%ue that the %ule of this a%ticle 3%e>ui%in0 that th%ee
2itnesses be p%esente/ if the 2ill is conteste/ an/ onl& one if
no contest is ha/4 2as /e%i,e/ f%o5 the %ule establishe/ fo%
o%/ina%& testa5ents 3C. Caban0 ,s. -elfina/o( * P7+L '!)?
Tolentino ,. .%ancisco( *< P7+L <'4. But it can not be i0no%e/
that the %e>ui%e5ent can be consi/e%e/ 5an/ato%& onl& in case
of o%/ina%& testa5ents( p%ecisel& because the p%esence of at
least th%ee 2itnesses at the e6ecution of o%/ina%& 2ills is 5a/e
b& la2 essential to thei% ,ali/it& 3A%t. BA*4. #here the /ill is
holographic, no /itness need "e present 0art.123, and the
rule re4uiring production of three /itnesses 5ust "e
dee5ed 5erel% per5issive if a"surd results are to "e
avoided.
PA0ain( un/e% A%t.B))( the %eso%t to e6pe%t e,i/ence is
con/itione/ b& the 2o%/s Pif the cou%t /ee5 it necessa%&Q(
2hich %e,eal that 2hat the la2 /ee5s essential is that the cou%t
shoul/ be con,ince/ of the 2illMs authenticit&. :he%e the
p%esc%ibe/ nu5be% of 2itnesses is p%o/uce/ an/ the cou%t is
con,ince/ b& thei% testi5on& that the 2ill is 0enuine( it 5a&
consi/e% it unnecessa%& to call fo% e6pe%t e,i/ence. On the
othe% han/( if no co5petent 2itness is a,ailable( o% none of
those p%o/uce/ is con,incin0( the cou%t 5a& still( an/ in fact it
shoul/ %eso%t to han/2%itin0 e6pe%ts. The /ut& of the cou%t( in
fine( is to e6haust all a,ailable lines of in>ui%&( fo% the state is
as 5uch inte%este/ as the p%oponent that the t%ue intention of
the testato% be ca%%ie/ into effect.
PPa%aph%asin0 A;aola ,s. Sin0son( e,en if the 0enuineness of
the holo0%aphic 2ill 2e%e conteste/( A%ticle B)) of the ci,il co/e
cannot be inte%p%ete/ as to %e>ui%e the co5pulso%&
p%esentation of th%ee 2itnesses to i/entif& the han/2%itin0 of
the testato%( un/e% penalt& of the ha,in0 the p%obate
/enie/. No 2itness nee/ be p%esent in the e6ecution of the
holo0%aphic 2ill. And the rule re4uiring the production of
three /itnesses is 5erel% per5issive. :hat the la2 /ee5s
essential is that the cou%t is con,ince/ of the authenticit& of the
2ill. +ts /ut& is to e6haust all a,ailable lines of in>ui%&( fo% the
state is as 5uch inte%este/ in the p%oponent that the t%ue
intention of the testato% be ca%%ie/ into effect. An/ because the
la2 lea,es it to the t%ial cou%t to /eci/e if e6pe%ts a%e still
nee/e/( no unfa,o%able infe%ence can be /%a2n f%o5 a pa%t&Ms
failu%e to offe% e6pe%t e,i/ence( until an/ unless the cou%t
e6p%esses /issatisfaction 2ith the testi5on& of the la&
2itnesses.
F)AG
Acco%/in0 to the Cou%t of Appeals( E,an0eline Calu0a&(
Matil/e Ra5onal Binana& an/ othe% 2itnesses /efinitel& an/ in
no unce%tain te%5s testifie/ that the han/2%itin0 an/ si0natu%e
in the holo0%aphic 2ill 2e%e those of the testato% he%self.
Thus( upon the un%ebutte/ testi5on& of appellant
E,an0eline Calu0a& an/ 2itness Matil/e Ra5onal Binana&(
the Cou%t of Appeals sustaine/ the authenticit& of the
holo0%aphic 2ill an/ the han/2%itin0 an/ si0natu%e the%ein( an/
allo2e/ the 2ill to p%obate.
7ence( this petition.
The petitione%s %aise the follo2in0 issues1
3)4 :hethe% o% not the %ulin0 of the case of A;aola
,s. Sin0son( )A! Phil. )A'( %elie/ upon b& the
%espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals( 2as applicable to
the case.
3'4 :hethe% o% not the Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in
hol/in0 that p%i,ate %espon/ents ha/ been able
to p%esent c%e/ible e,i/ence to p%o,e that the
/ate( te6t( an/ si0natu%e on the holo0%aphic 2ill
2e%e 2%itten enti%el& in the han/ of the testat%i6.
3#4 :hethe% o% not the Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in not
anal&;in0 the si0natu%es in the holo0%aphic 2ill
of Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal.
+n this petition( the petitione%s as8 2hethe% the p%o,isions
of A%ticle B)) of the Ci,il Co/e a%e pe%5issi,e o%
5an/ato%&. The a%ticle p%o,i/es( as a %e>ui%e5ent fo% the
p%obate of a conteste/ holo0%aphic 2ill( that at least th%ee
2itnesses e6plicitl& /ecla%e that the si0natu%e in the 2ill is the
0enuine si0natu%e of the testato%.
:e a%e con,ince/( base/ on the lan0ua0e use/( that
A%ticle B)) of the Ci,il Co/e is 5an/ato%&. The 2o%/ PshallQ
connotes a 5an/ato%& o%/e%. :e ha,e %ule/ that PshallQ in a
statute co55onl& /enotes an i5pe%ati,e obli0ation an/ is
inconsistent 2ith the i/ea of /isc%etion an/ that the
p%esu5ption is that the 2o%/ Pshall(Q 2hen use/ in a statute is
5an/ato%&.Q
F))G
La2s a%e enacte/ to achie,e a 0oal inten/e/ an/ to
0ui/e a0ainst an e,il o% 5ischief that ai5s to p%e,ent. +n the
case at ba%( the 0oal to achie,e is to 0i,e effect to the 2ishes
of the /ecease/ an/ the e,il to be p%e,ente/ is the possibilit&
94
that unsc%upulous in/i,i/uals 2ho fo% thei% benefit 2ill e5plo&
5eans to /efeat the 2ishes of the testato%.
So( 2e belie,e that the pa%a5ount consi/e%ation in the
p%esent petition is to /ete%5ine the t%ue intent of the
/ecease/. An e6hausti,e an/ ob9ecti,e consi/e%ation of the
e,i/ence is i5pe%ati,e to establish the t%ue intent of the
testato%.
+t 2ill be note/ that not all the 2itnesses p%esente/ b& the
%espon/ents testifie/ e6plicitl& that the& 2e%e fa5ilia% 2ith the
han/2%itin0 of the testato%. +n the case of Au0usto Ne%i( cle%8
of cou%t( Cou%t of .i%st +nstance( Misa5is O%iental( he 5e%el&
i/entifie/ the %eco%/ of Special P%ocee/in0s No. '< befo%e
sai/ cou%t. 7e 2as not p%esente/ to /ecla%e e6plicitl& that the
si0natu%e appea%in0 in the holo0%aphic 2as that of the
/ecease/.
Gener#sa E. Sen#n( the election %e0ist%a% of Ca0a&an /e
O%o Cit&( 2as p%esente/ to i/entif& the si0natu%e of the
/ecease/ in the ,ote%sM affi/a,it( 2hich 2as not e,en p%o/uce/
as it 2as no lon0e% a,ailable.
Ma*18de Ra5#na8 B1nana9( on the othe% han/( testifie/
that1
C. An/ &ou sai/ fo% ele,en 3))4 &ea%s Matil/e D/a /e
Ra5onal %esi/e/ 2ith &ou% pa%ents at Pini8itan(
Ca0a&an /e O%o Cit&. :oul/ &ou tell the cou%t 2hat
2as &ou% occupation o% ho2 /i/ Matil/e D/a /e
Ra5onal 8eep he%self bus& that ti5eL
A. Collectin0 %entals.
C. .%o5 2he%eL
A. .%o5 the lan/ %entals an/ co55e%cial buil/in0s at
Paba&o-Go5e; st%eets.
F)'G
6 6 6
C. :ho so5eti5e acco5pan& he%L
A. + so5eti5es acco5pan& he%
C. +n collectin0 %entals /oes she issue %eceiptsL
A. @es( si%.
F)#G
6 6 6
C. Sho2in0 to &ou the %eceipt /ate/ '# Octobe% )!<!( is
this the one &ou a%e %efe%%in0 to as one of the %eceipts
2hich she issue/ to the5L
A. @es( si%.
6. N#? *<ere 1s *<a* s1>na*ure #7 Ma*18de vda. De
Ra5#na8, ?<#se s1>na*ure 1s *<a* Mrs. B1nana9J
A. Ma*18de vda. De Ra5#na8.
6. W<9 d# 9#u sa9 *<a* *<a* 1s a s1>na*ure #7 Ma*18de
vda. De Ra5#na8J
A. I a5 7a5181ar ?1*< <er s1>na*ure.
C. No2( &ou tell the cou%t M%s. Binana&( 2hethe% &ou 8no2
Matil/e ,/a /e Ra5onal 8ept %eco%/s of the accounts
of he% tenantsL
A. @es( si%.
C. :h& /o &ou sa& soL
A. Because 2e so5eti5es post a %eco%/ of accounts in
behalf of Matil/e D/a. -e Ra5onal.
C. 7o2 is this %eco%/ of accounts 5a/eL 7o2 is this
%eflecte/L
A. +n han/2%itten.
F)G
6 6 6
C. +n a//ition to collection of %entals( postin0 %eco%/s of
accounts of tenants an/ /ee/ of sale 2hich &ou sai/
2hat else /i/ &ou /o to ac>ui%e fa5ilia%it& of the
si0natu%e of Matil/e D/a -e Ra5onalL
A. Postin0 %eco%/s.
C. Asi/e f%o5 thatL
A. Ca%%&in0 lette%s.
C. Lette%s of 2ho5L
A. Matil/e
C. To 2ho5L
A. To he% c%e/ito%s.
F)*G
6 6 6
C. @ou testifie/ that at the ti5e of he% /eath she left a
2ill. + a5 sho2in0 to &ou a /ocu5ent 2ith its title
Ptu0onQ is this the /ocu5ent &ou a%e %efe%%in0 toL
A. @es( si%.
6. S<#?1n> *# 9#u *<1s eC<1+1* KSL, *<ere 1s *<a*
<and?r1**en K*u>#nL, ?<#se <and?r1*1n> 1s *<1sJ
A. M9 aun*.
6. W<9 d# 9#u sa9 *<1s 1s *<e <and?r1*1n> #7 9#ur
aun*J
A. Be)ause I a5 7a5181ar ?1*< <er s1>na*ure.
F)"G
:hat Ms. Binana& sa2 2e%e p%e-p%epa%e/ %eceipts an/
lette%s of the /ecease/( 2hich she eithe% 5aile/ o% 0a,e to he%
tenants. She /i/ not /ecla%e that she sa2 the /ecease/ si0n a
/ocu5ent o% 2%ite a note.
.u%the%( /u%in0 the c%oss-e6a5ination( the counsel fo%
petitione%s elicite/ the fact that the 2ill 2as not foun/ in the
pe%sonal belon0in0s of the /ecease/ but 2as in the
possession of Ms. Binana&. She testifie/ that1
C. M%s. Binana&( 2hen &ou 2e%e as8e/ b& counsel fo% the
petitione%s if the late Matil/e Seno ,/a /e Ra5onal
left a 2ill &ou sai/( &esL
A. @es( si%.
C. :ho 2as in possession of that 2illL
A. +.
C. Since 2hen /i/ &ou ha,e the possession of the 2illL
A. +t 2as in 5& 5othe%Ms possession.
C. So( it 2as not in &ou% possessionL
95
A. So%%&( &es.
C. An/ 2hen /i/ &ou co5e into possession since as &ou
sai/ this 2as o%i0inall& in the possession of &ou%
5othe%L
A. )!B*.
F)<G
6 6 6
C. No2( M%s. Binana& 2as the%e an& pa%ticula% %eason
2h& &ou% 5othe% left that 2ill to &ou an/ the%efo%e &ou
ha,e that in &ou% possessionL
A. +t 2as not 0i,en to 5e b& 5& 5othe%( + too8 that in the
apa%a/o% 2hen she /ie/.
C. Afte% ta8in0 that /ocu5ent &ou 8ept it 2ith &ouL
A. + p%esente/ it to the fiscal.
C. .o% 2hat pu%poseL
A. $ust to see8 a/,ice.
C. A/,ice of 2hatL
A. About the 2ill.
F)BG
+n he% testi5on& it 2as also e,i/ent that Ms. Binana& 8ept
the fact about the 2ill f%o5 petitione%s( the le0all& a/opte/
chil/%en of the /ecease/. Such actions put in issue he% 5oti,e
of 8eepin0 the 2ill a sec%et to petitione%s an/ %e,ealin0 it onl&
afte% the /eath of Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal.
+n the testi5on& of Ms. Binana&( the follo2in0 2e%e
establishe/1
C. No2( in )!<B Matil/e Seno D/a /e Ra5onal 2as not
&et a sic8l& pe%son is that co%%ectL
A. @es( si%.
C. She 2as up an/ about an/ 2as still up%i0htl& an/ she
coul/ 2al8 a0ilel& an/ she coul/ 0o to he% buil/in0 to
collect %entals( is that co%%ectL
A. @es( si%.
F)!G
6 6 6
C. No2( let us 0o to the thi%/ si0natu%e of Matil/e
Ra5onal. -o &ou 8no2 that the%e a%e %et%acin0s in
the 2o%/ D/a.L
A. @es( a little. The lette% L is continuous.
C. An/ also in Matil/e the lette% L is continue/ to lette% -L
A. @es( si%.
C. A0ain the thi%/ si0natu%e of Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal
the lette% L in Matil/e is continue/ to2a%/s lette% -.
A. @es( si%.
C. An/ the%e is a %et%acin0 in the 2o%/ D/a.L
A. @es( si%.
F'AG
6 6 6
C. No2( that 2as )!<!( %e5e5be% one &ea% afte% the
alle0e/ holo0%aphic 2ill. No2( &ou i/entifie/ a
/ocu5ent 5a%8e/ as E6hibit R. This is /ate/ $anua%&
B()!<B 2hich is onl& about ei0ht 5onths f%o5 Au0ust
#A()!<B. -o &ou notice that the si0natu%e Matil/e
D/a /e Ra5onal is beautifull& 2%itten an/ le0ibleL
A. @es( si% the han/2%itin0 sho2s that she 2as ,e%&
e6hauste/.
C. @ou 9ust sa& that she 2as ,e%& e6hauste/ 2hile that in
)!<B she 2as health& 2as not sic8l& an/ she 2as
a0ile. No2( &ou sai/ she 2as e6hauste/L
A. +n 2%itin0.
C. 7o2 /i/ &ou 8no2 that she 2as e6hauste/ 2hen &ou
2e%e not p%esent an/ &ou 9ust t%ie/ to e6plain &ou%self
out because of the appa%ent inconsistenciesL
A. That 2as + thin8. 3sic4
C. No2( &ou al%ea/& obse%,e/ this si0natu%e /ate/ )!<B(
the sa5e &ea% as the alle0e/ holo0%aphic 2ill. +n
e6hibit +( &ou 2ill notice that the%e is no %et%acin0?
the%e is no hesitanc& an/ the si0natu%e 2as 2%itten on
a flui/ 5o,e5ent. 6 6 6 An/ in fact ( the na5e
Eufe5ia R. Pati0as he%e %efe%s to one of the
petitione%sL
A. @es( si%.
C. @ou 2ill also notice M%s. Binana& that it is not onl& 2ith
the >uestione/ si0natu%e appea%in0 in the alle0e/
holo0%aphic 2ill 5a%8e/ as E6hibit I but in the
han/2%itin0 the5sel,es( he%e &ou 2ill notice the
hesitanc& an/ t%e5o%s( /o &ou notice thatL
A. @es( si%.
F')G
E,an0eline Calu0a& /ecla%e/ that the holo0%aphic 2ill
2as 2%itten( /ate/ an/ si0ne/ in the han/2%itin0 of the
testato%. She testifie/ that1
C. @ou testifie/ that &ou sta&e/ 2ith the house of the
spouses Matil/e an/ $usto Ra5onal fo% the pe%io/ of
'' &ea%s. Coul/ &ou tell the cou%t the se%,ices if an&
2hich &ou %en/e%e/ to Matil/e Ra5onalL
A. -u%in0 5& sta& + use/ to 0o 2ith he% to the chu%ch( to
the 5a%8et an/ then to he% t%ansactions.
C. :hat elseL :hat se%,ices that &ou %en/e%e/L
A. Afte% 5& colle0e /a&s + assiste/ he% in 0oin0 to the
ban8( pa&in0 ta6es an/ to he% la2&e%.
C. :hat 2as &ou% pu%pose of 0oin0 to he% la2&e%L
A. + use/ to be he% pe%sonal /%i,e%.
C. +n the cou%se of &ou% sta& fo% '' &ea%s /i/ &ou ac>ui%e
fa5ilia%it& of the han/2%itin0 of Matil/e D/a /e
Ra5onalL
A. @es( si%.
C. 7o2 co5e that &ou ac>ui%e/ fa5ilia%it&L
A. Because + li,e/ 2ith he% since bi%th.
F''G
6 6 6
C. No2( + a5 sho2in0 to &ou E6hibit S 2hich is captione/
Ptu0onQ /ate/ A0osto #A( )!<B the%e is a si0natu%e
96
he%e belo2 ite5 No. )( 2ill &ou tell this cou%t 2hose
si0natu%e is thisL
A. @es( si%( that is he% si0natu%e.
C. :h& /o &ou sa& that is he% si0natu%eL
A. + a5 fa5ilia% 2ith he% si0natu%e.
F'#G
So( the onl& %eason that E,an0eline can 0i,e as to 2h&
she 2as fa5ilia% 2ith the han/2%itin0 of the /ecease/ 2as
because she li,e/ 2ith he% since bi%th. She ne,e% /ecla%e/
that she sa2 the /ecease/ 2%ite a note o% si0n a /ocu5ent.
The fo%5e% la2&e% of the /ecease/( .iscal :a0a( testifie/
that1
C. -o &ou 8no2 Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onalL
A. @es( si% + 8no2 he% because she is 5& 0o/5othe% the
husban/ is 5& 0o/fathe%. Actuall& + a5 %elate/ to the
husban/ b& consan0uinit&.
C. Can &ou tell the na5e of the husban/L
A. The late husban/ is $usto Ra5onal.
F'G
6 6 6
C. Can &ou tell this cou%t 2hethe% the spouses $usto
Ra5onal an/ Matil/e Ra5onal ha,e le0iti5ate
chil/%enL
A. As fa% as + 8no2 the& ha,e no le0iti5ate chil/%en.
F'*G
6 6 6
C. @ou sai/ afte% beco5in0 a la2&e% &ou p%actice &ou%
p%ofessionL :he%eL
A. 7e%e in Ca0a&an /e O%o Cit&.
C. -o &ou ha,e se%,ices %en/e%e/ 2ith the /ecease/
Matil/e ,/a /e Ra5onalL
A. + assiste/ he% in te%5inatin0 the pa%tition( of p%ope%ties.
C. :hen &ou sai/ assiste/( &ou acte/ as he% counselL
An& so%t of counsel as in 2hat case is that( .iscalL
A. +t is about the p%o9ect pa%tition to te%5inate the p%ope%t&(
2hich 2as un/e% the cou%t befo%e.
F'"G
6 6 6
C. Appea%in0 in special p%ocee/in0 no. '< is the
a5en/e/ in,ento%& 2hich is 5a%8e/ as e6hibit N of
the estate of $usto Ra5onal an/ the%e appea%s a
si0natu%e o,e% the t&pe 2%itten 2o%/ Matil/e ,/a /e
Ra5onal( 2hose si0natu%e is thisL
A. That is the si0natu%e of Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal.
C. Also in e6hibit n-#( 2hose si0natu%e is thisL
A. This one he%e that is the si0natu%e of M%s. Matil/e ,/a
/e Ra5onal.
F'<G
6 6 6
C. Asi/e f%o5 atten/in0 as counsel in that Special
P%ocee/in0 Case No. '< 2hat 2e%e the othe%
assistance 2he%ein &ou 2e%e %en/e%in0 p%ofessional
se%,ice to the /ecease/ Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onalL
A. + can not %e5e5be% if + ha,e assiste/ he% in othe%
5atte%s but if the%e a%e /ocu5ents to sho2 that + ha,e
assiste/ then + can %ecall.
F'BG
6 6 6
C. No2( + a5 sho2in0 to &ou e6hibit S 2hich is title/
Ptu0onQ( 8in/l& 0o o,e% this /ocu5ent( .iscal :a0a
an/ tell the cou%t 2hethe% &ou a%e fa5ilia% 2ith the
han/2%itin0 containe/ in that /ocu5ent 5a%8e/ as
e6hibit PSQL
A. + a5 not fa5ilia% 2ith the han/2%itin0.
C. This one( Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal( 2hose si0natu%e is
thisL
A. + thin8 this si0natu%e he%e it see5s to be the si0natu%e
of M%s. Matil/e ,/a /e Ra5onal.
C. No2( in ite5 No. ' the%e is that si0natu%e he%e of
Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal( can &ou tell the cou%t 2hose
si0natu%e is thisL
A. :ell( that is si5ila% to that si0natu%e appea%in0 in the
p%o9ect of pa%tition.
C. Also in ite5 no. # the%e is that si0natu%e Matil/e D/a
/e Ra5onal( can &ou tell the cou%t 2hose si0natu%e is
thatL
A. As + sai/( this si0natu%e also see5s to be the si0natu%e
of Matil/e ,/a /e Ra5onal.
C. :h& /o &ou sa& thatL
A. Because the%e is a si5ila%it& in the 2a& it is bein0
2%itten.
C. 7o2 about this si0natu%e in ite5 no. ( can &ou tell the
cou%t 2hose si0natu%e is thisL
A. The sa5e is t%ue 2ith the si0natu%e in ite5 no. . +t
see5s that the& a%e si5ila%.
F'!G
6 6 6
C. M%. P%osecuto%( + hea%/ &ou 2hen &ou sai/ that the
si0natu%e of Matil/e D/a /e Ra5onal Appea%in0 in
e6hibit S see5s to be the si0natu%e of Matil/e ,/a /e
Ra5onalL
A. @es( it is si5ila% to the p%o9ect of pa%tition.
6. S# 9#u are n#* de71n1*e *<a* *<1s 1s *<e s1>na*ure #7
Ma*18de vda de Ra5#na8. /#u are 5ere89
su00#s1n> *<a* 1* see5s *# +e <er s1>na*ure
+e)ause 1* 1s s1518ar *# *<e s1>na*ure #7 *<e 0r#Ae)*
#7 0ar*1*1#n ?<1)< 9#u <ave 5adeJ
A. T<a* 1s *rue.
F#AG
.%o5 the testi5onies of these 2itnesses( the Cou%t of
Appeals allo2e/ the 2ill to p%obate an/ /is%e0a%/ the
%e>ui%e5ent of th%ee 2itnesses in case of conteste/
holo0%aphic 2ill( citin0 the /ecision in A;aola ,s. Sin0son(
F#)G
%ulin0 that the %e>ui%e5ent is 5e%el& /i%ecto%& an/ not
5an/ato%&.
+n the case of A9e%o ,s. Cou%t of Appeals(
F#'G
2e sai/ that
Pthe ob9ect of the sole5nities su%%oun/in0 the e6ecution of 2ills
is to close the /oo% a0ainst ba/ faith an/ f%au/( to a,oi/
97
substitution of 2ills an/ testa5ents an/ to 0ua%ant& thei% t%uth
an/ authenticit&. The%efo%e( the la2s on this sub9ect shoul/ be
inte%p%ete/ in such a 2a& as to attain these p%i5o%/ial
en/s. But( on the othe% han/( also one 5ust not lose si0ht of
the fact that it is not the ob9ect of the la2 to %est%ain an/ cu%tail
the e6e%cise of the %i0ht to 5a8e a 2ill.Q
7o2e,e%( 2e cannot eli5inate the possibilit& of a false
/ocu5ent bein0 a/9u/0e/ as the 2ill of the testato%( 2hich is
2h& if the holo0%aphic 2ill is conteste/( that la2 %e>ui%es th%ee
2itnesses to /ecla%e that the 2ill 2as in the han/2%itin0 of the
/ecease/.
The 2ill 2as foun/ not in the pe%sonal belon0in0s of the
/ecease/ but 2ith one of the %espon/ents( 2ho 8ept it e,en
befo%e the /eath of the /ecease/. +n the testi5on& of Ms.
Binana&( she %e,eale/ that the 2ill 2as in he% possession as
ea%l& as )!B*( o% fi,e &ea%s befo%e the /eath of the /ecease/.
The%e 2as no oppo%tunit& fo% an e6pe%t to co5pa%e the
si0natu%e an/ the han/2%itin0 of the /ecease/ 2ith othe%
/ocu5ents si0ne/ an/ e6ecute/ b& he% /u%in0 he%
lifeti5e. The onl& chance at co5pa%ison 2as /u%in0 the c%oss-
e6a5ination of Ms. Binana& 2hen the la2&e% of petitione%s
as8e/ Ms. Binana& to co5pa%e the /ocu5ents 2hich
containe/ the si0natu%e of the /ecease/ 2ith that of the
holo0%aphic 2ill an/ she is not a han/2%itin0 e6pe%t. E,en the
fo%5e% la2&e% of the /ecease/ e6p%esse/ /oubts as to the
authenticit& of the si0natu%e in the holo0%aphic 2ill.
A ,isual e6a5ination of the holo0%aphic 2ill con,ince us
that the st%o8es a%e /iffe%ent 2hen co5pa%e/ 2ith othe%
/ocu5ents 2%itten b& the testato%. The si0natu%e of the
testato% in so5e of the /isposition is not %ea/able. The%e 2e%e
une,en st%o8es( %et%acin0 an/ e%asu%es on the 2ill.
Co5pa%in0 the si0natu%e in the holo0%aphic 2ill /ate/
Au0ust #A( )!<B(
F##G
an/ the si0natu%es in se,e%al /ocu5ents
such as the application lette% fo% pastu%e pe%5it /ate/
-ece5be% #A( )!BA(
F#G
an/ a lette% /ate/ $une )"( )!<B(
F#*G
the
st%o8es a%e /iffe%ent. +n the lette%s( the%e a%e continuous flo2s
of the st%o8es( e,i/encin0 that the%e is no hesitation in 2%itin0
unli8e that of the holo0%aphic 2ill. :e( the%efo%e( cannot be
ce%tain that the holo0%aphic 2ill 2as in the han/2%itin0 b& the
/ecease/.
IN VIEW WEREOF( the /ecision appeale/ f%o5 is SET
AS+-E. The %eco%/s a%e o%/e%e/ %e5an/e/ to the cou%t of
o%i0in 2ith inst%uctions to allo2 petitione%s to a//uce e,i/ence
in suppo%t of thei% opposition to the p%obate of the holo0%aphic
2ill of the /ecease/ Matil/e SeEo D/a. /e Ra5onal.
No costs.
SO ORDERED.
Davide Jr., C.J., (Chairman), Puno,
apunan, an/ FnaresB!antia#o, JJ., concu%.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
EN BANC
G.R. N#. L-%'%,& De)e5+er %,, $(;&
PA!LA DE LA CERNA, ET AL., petitione%s(
,s.
MAN!ELA REBACA POTOT, ET AL., and TE
ONORABLE CO!RT OF APPEALS, %espon/ents.
Philip '. (lo and Crispin '. 'enchave5 for petitioners.
Nicolas Jumapao for respondents.
RE/ES, 2.B.L., J.:
Appeal b& Paula /e la Ce%na an/ othe%s f%o5 a /ecision of the
Cou%t of Appeals( Si6th -i,ision 3C.A.-G.R. No. '#<"#-R4
%e,e%sin0 that of the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu 3Ci,. Case
No. R-#B)!4 an/ o%/e%in0 the /is5issal of an action fo%
pa%tition.
The factual bac80%oun/ appea%s in the follo2in0 po%tion of the
/ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals 3Petition( Anne6 A( pp. '-41
+t appea%s that on Ma& !( )!#!( the spouses( Be%nabe
/e la Se%na an/ Ge%,asia Rebaca( e6ecute/ a 9oint
last 2ill an/ testa5ent in the local /ialect 2he%eb&
the& 2ille/ that =ou% t2o pa%cels of lan/ ac>ui%e/
/u%in0 ou% 5a%%ia0e to0ethe% 2ith all i5p%o,e5ents
the%eon shall be 0i,en to Manuela Rebaca( ou% niece(
2ho5 2e ha,e nu%tu%e/ since chil/hoo/( because
Go/ /i/ not 0i,e us an& chil/ in ou% union( Manuela
Rebaca bein0 5a%%ie/ to Nicolas Potot=( an/ that
=2hile each of the testato%s is &et li,in0( he o% she 2ill
continue to en9o& the f%uits of the t2o lan/s
afo%e5entione/=( the sai/ t2o pa%cels of lan/ bein0
co,e%e/ b& Ta6 No. "<" an/ Ta6 No. ""<<( both
situate/ in sitio Bucao( ba%%io Lu0o( 5unicipalit& of
Bo%bon( p%o,ince of Cebu. Be%nabe /ela Se%na /ie/
on Au0ust #A( )!#!( an/ the afo%esai/ 2ill 2as
sub5itte/ to p%obate b& sai/ Ge%,asia an/ Manuela
befo%e the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu 2hich( afte%
/ue publication as %e>ui%e/ b& la2 an/ the%e bein0 no
opposition( hea%/ the e,i/ence( an/( b& O%/e% of
Octobe% #)( )!#!? in Special P%ocee/in0s No. !!(
=/ecla%a le0ali;a/o el /ocu5ento E6hibit A co5o el
testa5ento & ulti5a ,olunta/ /el fina/o Be%nabe /e la
Se%na con /e%echo po% pa%te /u su ,iu/a supe%stite
Ge%,asia Rebaca & ot%a testa/o%a al p%opio tie5po
se0un el E6hibit A /e 0o;a% /e los f%utos /e los
te%%anos /esc%itos en /icho /ocu5ents? & habi/o
consi/e%acion /e la cuantia /e /ichos bienes( se
/ec%eta la /ist%ibucion su5a%ia /e los 5is5os en
fa,o% /e la lo0ata%ia uni,e%sal Manuela Rebaca /e
Potot p%e,ia p%estacion po% pa%te /e la 5is5a /e una
fian;a en la su5 /e P*AA.AA pa%a %espon/e% /e
cuales>uie%a %ecla5aciones >ue se p%esenta%e cont%a
los bienes /el fina/o Be%nabe /e la Se%na /e los aEos
/es/e esta fecha= 3Act Esp. !!( Testa5enta%ia
.ina/o Be%nabe /e la Se%na4 Upon the /eath of
Ge%,asia Rebaca on Octobe% )( )!*'( anothe%
petition fo% the p%obate of the sa5e 2ill insofa% as
Ge%,asia 2as conce%ne/ 2as file/ on No,e5be% "(
)!*'( bein0 Special P%ocee/in0s No. )A)"-R of the
sa5e Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu( but fo% failu%e of
the petitione%( Manuela R. Potot an/ he% atto%ne&(
Manuel Potot to appea%( fo% the hea%in0 of sai/
98
petition( the case 2as /is5isse/ on Ma%ch #A( )!*
Spec. P%oc. No. )A)"-R( +n the 5atte% of the P%obate
of the :ill of Ge%,asia Rebaca4.
The Cou%t of .i%st +nstance o%/e%e/ the petition hea%/ an/
/ecla%e/ the testa5ent null an/ ,oi/( fo% bein0 e6ecute/
cont%a%& to the p%ohibition of 9oint 2ills in the Ci,il Co/e 3A%t.
""!( Ci,il Co/e of )BB! an/ A%t. B)B( Ci,il Co/e of the
Philippines4? but on appeal b& the testa5enta%& hei%( the Cou%t
of Appeals %e,e%se/( on the 0%oun/ that the /ec%ee of p%obate
in )!#! 2as issue/ b& a cou%t of p%obate 9u%is/iction an/
conclusi,e on the /ue e6ecution of the testa5ent. .u%the%( the
Cou%t of Appeals /ecla%e/ that1
... . +t is t%ue the la2 3A%t. ""!( ol/ Ci,il Co/e? A%t. B)B(
ne2 Ci,il Co/e4. p%ohibits the 5a8in0 of a 2ill 9ointl&
b& t2o o% 5o%e pe%sons eithe% fo% thei% %ecip%ocal
benefit o% fo% the benefit of a thi%/ pe%son. 7o2e,e%(
this fo%5 of 2ill has lon0 been sanctione/ b& use( an/
the sa5e has continue/ to be use/? an/ 2hen( as in
the p%esent case( one such 9oint last 2ill an/
testa5ent has been a/5itte/ to p%obate b& final o%/e%
of a Cou%t of co5petent 9u%is/iction( the%e see5s to
be no alte%nati,e e6cept to 0i,e effect to the
p%o,isions the%eof that a%e not cont%a%& to la2( as 2as
/one in the case of 'acrohon vs. !aavedra( *) Phil.
'"<( 2he%ein ou% Sup%e5e Cou%t 0a,e effect to the
p%o,isions of the 9oint 2ill the%ein 5entione/( sa&in0(
=assu5in0 that the 9oint 2ill in >uestion is ,ali/.=
:hence this appeal b& the hei%s intestate of the /ecease/
husban/( Be%nabe /e la Ce%na.
The appeale/ /ecision co%%ectl& hel/ that the final /ec%ee of
p%obate( ente%e/ in )!#! b& the Cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu
32hen the testato%( Be%nabe /e la Ce%na( /ie/4( has conclusi,e
effect as to his last 2ill an/ testa5ent /espite the fact that
e,en then the Ci,il Co/e al%ea/& /ec%ee/ the in,ali/it& of 9oint
2ills( 2hethe% in fa,o% of the 9oint testato%s( %ecip%ocall&( o% in
fa,o% of a thi%/ pa%t& 3A%t. ""!( ol/ Ci,il Co/e4. The e%%o% thus
co55itte/ b& the p%obate cou%t 2as an e%%o% of la2( that shoul/
ha,e been co%%ecte/ b& appeal( but 2hich /i/ not affect the
9u%is/iction of the p%obate cou%t( no% the conclusi,e effect of its
final /ecision( ho2e,e% e%%oneous. A final 9u/05ent %en/e%e/
on a petition fo% the p%obate of a 2ill is bin/in0 upon the 2hole
2o%l/ 3Manalo ,s. Pa%e/es( < Phil. !#B? +n %e Estates of
$ohnson( #! Phil. )*"4? an/ public polic& an/ soun/ p%actice
/e5an/ that at the %is8 of occasional e%%o%s 9u/05ent of cou%ts
shoul/ beco5e final at so5e /efinite /ate fi6e/ b& la2. Interest
rei publicae ut finis set litium 3-& Ca& ,s. C%ossfiel/( #B Phil(
*')( an/ othe% cases cite/ in ' Mo%an( Co55ents on the
Rules of Cou%t 3)!"# E/.( p. #''4.
Petitione%s( as hei%s an/ successo%s of the late Be%nabe /e la
Ce%na( a%e conclu/e/ b& the )!#! /ec%ee a/5ittin0 his 2ill to
p%obate. The contention that bein0 ,oi/ the 2ill cannot be
,ali/ate/( o,e%loo8s that the ulti5ate /ecision on :hethe% an
act is ,ali/ o% ,oi/ %ests 2ith the cou%ts( an/ he%e the& ha,e
spo8en 2ith finalit& 2hen the 2ill 2as p%obate/ in )!#!. On this
cou%t( the /is5issal of thei% action fo% pa%tition 2as co%%ect.
But the Cou%t of Appeals shoul/ ha,e ta8en into account also(
to a,oi/ futu%e 5isun/e%stan/in0( that the p%obate /ec%ee in
)!B! coul/ onl& affect the sha%e of the /ecease/ husban/(
Be%nabe /e la Ce%na. +t coul/ not inclu/e the /isposition of the
sha%e of the 2ife( Ge%,asia Rebaca( 2ho 2as then still ali,e(
an/ o,e% 2hose inte%est in the con9u0al p%ope%ties the p%obate
cou%t ac>ui%e/ no 9u%is/iction( p%ecisel& because he% estate
coul/ not then be in issue. Be it %e5e5be%e/ that p%io% to the
ne2 Ci,il Co/e( a 2ill coul/ not be p%obate/ /u%in0 the
testato%Js lifeti5e.
+t follo2s that the ,ali/it& of the 9oint 2ill( in so fa% as the estate
of the 2ife 2as conce%ne/( 5ust be( on he% /eath( %ee6a5ine/
an/ a/9u/icate/ de novo( since a 9oint 2ill is consi/e%e/ a
sepa%ate 2ill of each testato%. Thus %e0a%/e/( the hol/in0 of the
cou%t of .i%st +nstance of Cebu that the 9oint 2ill is one
p%ohibite/ b& la2 2as co%%ect as to the pa%ticipation of the
/ecease/ Ge%,asia Rebaca in the p%ope%ties in >uestion( fo%
the %easons e6tensi,el& /iscusse/ in ou% /ecision in $ilbao vs.
$ilbao( B< Phil. )( that e6plaine/ the p%e,ious hol/in0
in 'acrohon vs. !aavedra( *) Phil. '"<.
The%efo%e( the un/i,i/e/ inte%est of Ge%,asia Rebaca shoul/
pass upon he% /eath to he% hei%s intestate( an/ not e6clusi,el&
to the testa5enta%& hei%( unless so5e othe% ,ali/ 2ill in he%
fa,o% is sho2n to e6ist( o% unless she be the onl& hei% intestate
of sai/ Ge%,asia.
+t is unnecessa%& to e5phasi;e that the fact that 9oint 2ills
shoul/ be in co55on usa0e coul/ not 5a8e the5 ,ali/ 2hen
ou% Ci,il Co/es consistentl& in,ali/ate/ the5( because la2s
a%e onl& %epeale/ b& othe% subse>uent la2s( an/ no usa0e to
the cont%a%& 5a& p%e,ail a0ainst thei% obse%,ance 3A%t. *( Ci,.
Co/e of )BB!? A%t. <( Ci,il Co/e of the Philippines of )!*A4.
:+T7 T7E .OREGO+NG MO-+.+CAT+ON( the 9u/05ent of the
Cou%t of Appeals in CA-G.R. No. '#<"#-R is affi%5e/. No
Costs.
$en#5on, C.J., $autista, (n#elo, Concepcion, $arrera,
Paredes, Di5on *e#ala, 'a7alintal, $en#5on, J.P., and
Galdivar, JJ., concu%.
Republic of the Philippines
S!PREME CO!RT
Manila
.+RST -+D+S+ON
G.R. N#. L-,-&4, Ma9 %4, $(-(
RIZALINA GABRIEL GONZALES, petitione%(
,s.
ONORABLE CO!RT OF APPEALS and L!TGARDA
SANTIAGO, %espon/ents.
:rancisco D. *illora5a, Jr. for petitioners.
(n#el (. !ison for private respondent.

99
G!ERRERO, J.:
This is a petition fo% %e,ie2 of the /ecision of the Cou%t of
Appeals( .i%st -i,ision(
$
p%o5ul0ate/ on Ma& ( )!<# in CA
G.R. No. #"*'#-R 2hich %e,e%se/ the /ecision of the Cou%t of
.i%st +nstance of Ri;al /ate/ -ece5be% )*( )!" an/ allo2e/
the p%obate of the last 2ill an/ testa5ent of the /ecease/
+sabel Gab%iel. E
+t appea%s that on $une '( )!")( he%ein p%i,ate %espon/ent
Lut0a%/a Santia0o file/ a petition 2ith the Cou%t of .i%st
+nstance of Ri;al /oc8ete/ as Special P%ocee/in0s No. #")<(
fo% the p%obate of a 2ill alle0e/ to ha,e been e6ecute/ b& the
/ecease/ +sabel Gab%iel an/ /esi0natin0 the%ein petitione% as
the p%incipal beneficia%& an/ e6ecut%i6.
The%e is no /ispute in the %eco%/s that the late +sabel An/%es
Gab%iel /ie/ as a 2i/o2 an/ 2ithout issue in the 5unicipalit& of
Na,otas( p%o,ince of Ri;al he% place of %esi/ence( on $une <(
)!") at the a0e of ei0ht&-fi,e 3B*4( ha,in0 been bo%n in )B<". +t
is li8e2ise not cont%o,e%te/ that he%ein p%i,ate %espon/ent
Lut0a%/a Santia0o an/ petitione% Ri;alina Gab%iel Gon;ales
a%e nieces of the /ecease/( an/ that p%i,ate %espon/ent( 2ith
he% husban/ an/ chil/%en( li,e/ 2ith the /ecease/ at the
latte%s %esi/ence p%io% an- / up to the ti5e of he% /eath.
The 2ill sub5itte/ fo% p%obate( E6hibit =.=( 2hich is t&pe2%itten
an/ in Ta0alo0( appea%s to ha,e been e6ecute/ in Manila on
the )*th /a& of Ap%il( )!")( o% ba%el& t2o 3'4 5onths p%io% to
the /eath of +sabel Gab%iel. +t consists of fi,e 3*4 pa0es(
inclu/in0 the pa0es 2he%eon the attestation clause an/ the
ac8no2le/05ent of the nota%& public 2e%e 2%itten. The
si0natu%es of the /ecease/ +sabel Gab%iel appea% at the en/ of
the 2ill on pa0e fou% an/ at the left 5a%0in of all the pa0es. The
attestation clause( 2hich is foun/ on pa0e fou%( %ea/s as
follo2s1
PATUNA@ NG MGA SASS+
Sa5in0 50a na8ala0/an0 50a sa8si o testi0o na an0
a5in0 50a tiniti%ahan a& na8asulat sa 0a2in0 8anan
at 8ahili%a n0 a5in0 50a pan0alan sa ibaba nito( a&
pa0papatutuo na ipina8ilala ipinaala5 at ipinaha&a0
sa a5in ni +sabel Gab%iel na an0 8asulatan0 ito na
binubuo n0 Li5an0 -ahon 3.i,e Pa0es4 pati na an0
/ahon0 ito( na si&a ni&an0 TESTAMENTO AT
7UL+NG 7AB+L+N( n0a&on0 i8a )* n0 Ab%il( )!")( a&
nila0/aan n0 nasabin0 testa/o%a na si +sabel Gab%iel
an0 nasabin0 testa5ento sa ibaba o ilali5 n0
8asulatan na nasa i8a apat na /ahon 3pa0e fou%4 at
nasa itaas n0 patuna& na5in0 ito( at sa 8ali2an0
pani0 n0 lahat at ba2at /ahon 3an/ on the left han/
5a%0in of each an/ e,e%& pa0e4( sa ha%ap n0 lahat at
ba2at isa sa a5in( at 8a5i na5an0 50a sa8si a&
lu5a0/a sa ha%ap n0 nasabin0 testa/o%a( at sa ha%ap
n0 lahat at ba2at isa sa a5in( sa ilali5 n0 patuna& n0
50a sa8si at sa 8ali2an0 pani0 n0 lahat at ba2aJt
/ahon n0 testa5enton0 ito.
At the botto5 the%eof( un/e% the hea/in0 =Pan0alan=( a%e
2%itten the si0natu%es of Matil/e -. O%obia( Celso -. Gi5pa&a
an/ Ma%ia R. Gi5pa&a( an/ opposite the sa5e( un/e% the
hea/in0 =Ti%ahan=( a%e thei% %especti,e places of %esi/ence(
!") 7i0h2a& *( Phila5life( fo% Miss O%obia( an/ )' -a0ala
St.( Na,otas( Ri;al( fo% the t2o Gi5pa&as. Thei% si0natu%es
also appea% on the left 5a%0in of all the othe% pa0es. The ::
is pa0e/ b& t&pe2%itten 2o%/s as follo2s1 =Unan0 -ahon= an/
un/e%neath =3Pa0e One4=( =+8ala2an0 -ahon= an/ un/e%neath
=3Pa0e T2o4=( etc.( appea%in0 at the top of each pa0e.
The 2ill itself p%o,i/es that the testat%i6 /esi%e/ to be bu%ie/ in
the Catholic Ce5ete%& of Na,otas( Ri;al in acco%/ance 2ith the
%ites of the Ro5an Catholic Chu%ch( all e6penses to be pai/
f%o5 he% estate? that all he% obli0ations( if an&( be pai/? that
le0acies in specifie/ a5ounts be 0i,en to he% siste%( P%a6i/es
Gab%iel D/a. /e Santia0o( he% b%othe% Santia0o Gab%iel( an/
he% nephe2s an/ nieces( Ben9a5in( Salu/( Ri;alina 3he%ein
petitione%4( Dicto%ia( Este%( An/%es( all su%na5e/ Gab%iel( an/
E,an0eline( Ru/&a%/o Rosa( An/%ea( Ma%cial( Nu5ancia(
De%ena an su%na5e/ Santia0o. To he%ein p%i,ate %espon/ent
Lut0a%/a Santia0o( 2ho 2as /esc%ibe/ in the 2ill b& the
testat%i6 as =a8in0 5ahal na pa5an08in na a8in0 pinala8i(
inala0aan at 5inahal na 8atula/ n0 isan0 tuna& na ana8= an/
na5e/ as uni,e%sal hei% an/ e6ecuto%( 2e%e be>ueathe/ all
p%ope%ties an/ estate( %eal o% pe%sonal al%ea/& ac>ui%e/( o% to
be ac>ui%e/( in he% testat%i6 na5e( afte% satisf&in0 the
e6penses( /ebts an/ le0acies as afo%e5entione/.
The petition 2as oppose/ b& Ri;alina Gab%iel Gon;ales( he%ein
petitione%( assailin0 the /ocu5ent pu%po%tin0 to be the 2ill of
the /ecease/ on the follo2in0 0%oun/s1
). that the sa5e is not 0enuine? an/ in the
alte%nati,e
'. that the sa5e 2as not e6ecute/ an/
atteste/ as %e>ui%e/ b& la2?
#. that( at the ti5e of the alle0e/ e6ecution of
the pu%po%te/ 2ilt the /ece/ent lac8e/
testa5enta%& capacit& /ue to ol/ a0e an/
sic8ness? an/ in the secon/ alte%nati,e
. That the pu%po%te/ :: 2as p%ocu%e/
th%ou0h un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/
influence on the pa%t of the p%incipal
beneficia%&( an/Ko% of so5e othe% pe%son fo%
he% benefit.
Lut0a%/a Santia0o file/ he% Ans2e% to the Opposition on
.eb%ua%& )( )!"'. Afte% t%ial( the cou%t a quo %en/e%e/
9u/05ent( the su55a%& an/ /ispositi,e po%tions of 2hich %ea/1
Passin0 in su55a%& upon the 0%oun/s
a/,ance/ b& the opposito%( this Cou%t fin/s1
). That the%e is no iota of e,i/ence to
suppo%t the contentio that the pu%po%te/ 2ill
of the /ecease/ 2as p%ocu%e/ th%ou0h
un/ue an/ i5p%ope% p%essu%e an/ influence
on the pa%t of the petitione%( o% of so5e othe%
pe%son fo% he% benefit?
'. That the%e is insufficient e,i/ence to
sustain the contention that at the ti5e of the
alle0e/ e6ecution of the pu%po%te/ 2ill( the
100
/ecease/ lac8e/ testa5enta%& capacit& /ue
to ol/ a0e an/ sic8ness?
#. That sufficient an/ abun/ant e,i/ence
2a%%ants conclusi,el& the fact that the
pu%po%te/ 2ill of the /ecease/ 2as not
e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ as %e>ui%e/ b& la2?
. That the e,i/ence is li8e2ise conclusi,e
that the /ocu5ent p%esente/ fo% p%obate(
E6hibit J.J is not the pu%po%te/ 2in alle0e/l&
/ictate/ b& the /ecease/( e6ecute/ an/
si0ne/ b& he%( an/ atteste/ b& he% th%ee
attestin0 2itnesses on Ap%il )*( )!").
:7ERE.ORE( E6hibit =.=( the /ocu5ent
p%esente/ fo% p%obate as the last 2i0 an/
testa5ent of the /ecease/ +sabel Gab%iel is
he%e b& -+SALLO:E-.
.%o5 this 9u/05ent of /isallo2ance( Lut0a%/a Santia0o
appeale/ to %espon/ent Cou%t( hence( the onl& issue /eci/e/
on appeal 2as 2hethe% o% not the 2ill in >uestion 2as e6ecute/
an/ atteste/ as %e>ui%e/ b& la2. The Cou%t of Appeals( upon
consi/e%ation of the e,i/ence a//uce/ b& both pa%ties(
%en/e%e/ the /ecision no2 un/e% %e,ie2( hol/in0 that the 2ill in
>uestion 2as si0ne/ an/ e6ecute/ b& the /ecease/ +sabel
Gab%iel on Ap%il )*( )!") in the p%esence of the th%ee attestin0
2itnesses( Matil/e O%obia( Celso Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia
Gi5pa&a( si0nin0 an/ 2itnessin0 the /ocu5ent in the
p%esence of the /ecease/ an/ of each othe% as %e>ui%e/ b&
la2( hence allo2 e/ p%obate.
Opposito% Ri;alina Gab%iel Gon;ales 5o,e/ fo%
%econsi/e%ation
,
of the afo%esai/ /ecision an/ such 5otion
2as oppose/
&
b& petitione%-appellant Lut0a%/a Santia0o.
The%eafte%. pa%ties sub5itte/ thei% %especti,e
Me5o%an/a(
4
an/ on Au0ust 'B( )!<#( %espon/ent Cou%t(
.o%5e% Special .i%st -i,ision( b& Resolution
;
/enie/ the
5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation statin0 that1
The opposito%-appellee conten/s that the
p%epon/e%ance of e,i/ence sho2s that the
suppose/ last 2i0 an/ testa5ent of +sabel
Gab%iel 2as not e6ecute/ in acco%/ance 2ith
la2 because the sa5e 2as si0ne/ on
se,e%al occasions( that the testat%i6 /i/ not
si0n the 2ill in the p%esence of all the
inst%u5ental 2itnesses /i/ not si0n the 2ill in
the p%esence of each othe%.
The %esolution of the factual issue %aise/ in
the 5otion fo% %econsi/e%ation hin0es on the
app%eciation of the e,i/ence. :e ha,e
ca%efull& %e-e6a5ine/ the o%al an/
/ocu5enta%& e,i/ence of %eco%/( The%e is no
%eason to alte% the fin/in0s of fact in the
/ecision of this Cou%t sou0ht to be set
asi/e.
-
+n he% petition befo%e this Cou%t( opposito% Ri;alina Gab%iel
Gon;ales conten/s that %espon/ent Cou%t abuse/ its /isc%etion
an/Ko% acte/ 2ithout o% in e6cess of its 9u%is/iction in %e,e%ssin0
the fin/in0s of fact an/ conclusions of the t%ial cou%t. The
Cou%t( afte% /elibe%atin0 on the petition but 2ithout 0i,in0 /ue
cou%se %esol,e/( in the Resolution /ate/ Oct. ))( )!<# to
%e>ui%e the %espon/ents to co55ent the%eon( 2hich co55ent
2as file/ on No,. )( )!<#. Upon consi/e%ation of the
alle0ations( the issues %aise/ an/ the a%0u5ents a//uce/ in
the petition( as 2ell as the Co55ent
3
of p%i,ate %espon/ent
the%eon( :e /enie/ the petition b& Resolution on No,e5be%
'"( )!<#(
(
the >uestion %aise/ bein0 factual an/ fo% insufficient
sho2in0 that the fin/in0s of fact b& %espon/ent Cou%t 2e%e
unsuppo%te/ b& substantial e,i/ence.
Subse>uentl&( o% on -ece5be% )<( )!<#( petitione% Ri5
Gab%iel Goes f%ie/ a Motion fo% Reconsi/e%ation
$'
2hich
p%i,ate %espon/ent ans2e%e/ b& 2a& of he% Co55ent o%
Opposition
$$
file/ on $anua%& )*( )!<. A Repl& an/ Re9oin/e%
to Repl& follo2e/. .inall&( on Ma%ch '<( )!<( :e %esol,e/ to
0i,e /ue cou%se to the petition.
The petitione% in he% b%ief 5a8es the follo2in0 assi0n5ent of
e%%o%s1
+. The %espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in hol/in0 that the
/ocu5ent( E6hibit =.= 2as e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ as %e>ui%e/
b& la2 2hen the%e 2as absolutel& no p%oof that the th%ee
inst%u5ental 2itnesses 2e%e c%e/ible 2itness
++. The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in %e,e%sin0 the fin/in0 of the
lo2e% cou%t that the p%epa%ation an/ e6ecution of the 2in
E6hibit =.=( 2as une6pecte/ an/ coinci/ental.
+++. The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in fin/in0 that Att&( Pa%aiso 2as
not p%e,iousl& fu%nishe/ 2ith the na5es an/ %esi/ence
ce%tificates of the 2itnesses as to enable hi5 to t&pe such /ata
into the /ocu5ent E6hibit =.=.
+D. The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in hol/in0 that the fact that the
th%ee t&pe2%itten lines un/e% the t&pe2%itten 2o%/s =Pan0alan=
an/ =Tiniti%ahan= 2e%e left blan8 sho2s be&on/ ca,il that the
th%ee attestin0 2itnesses 2e%e all p%esent in the sa5e
occasion.
D. The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in %e,e%sin0 the t%ial cou%tJs
fin/in0 that it 2as inc%e/ible that +sabel Gab%iel coul/ ha,e
/ictate/ the 2ilt E6hibit =. ( 2ithout an& note o% /ocu5ent( to
Att&. Pa%aiso.
D+. The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in %e,e%sin0 the fin/in0 of the
t%ial cou%t that Matil/e O%obia 2as not ph&sicall& p%esent 2hen
the :ill E6hibit =.= 2as alle0e/l& si0ne/ on Ap%il )*( )!") b&
the /ecease/ +sabel Gab%iel an/ the othe% 2itnesses Celso
Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a.
D++. The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in hol/in0 that the t%ial cou%t
0a,e un/ue i5po%tance to the pictu%e ta8in0s as p%oof that the
2in 2as i5p%ope%l& e6ecute/.
D+++. The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in hol/in0 that the 0%a,e
cont%a/ictions( e,asions( an/ 5is%ep%esentations of 2itnesses
3subsc%ibin0 an/ nota%&4 p%esente/ b& the petitione% ha/ been
e6plaine/ a2a&( an/ that the t%ial cou%t e%%e/ in %e9ectin0 sai/
testi5onies.
101
+I. The Cou%t of Appeals acte/ in e6cess of its appellate
9u%is/iction o% has so fa% /epa%te/ f%o5 the accepte/ an/ usual
cou%se of 9u/icial p%ocee/in0s( as to call fo% an e6e%cise of the
po2e% of supe%,ision.
I. The Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in %e,e%sin0 the /ecision of the
t%ial cou%t an/ a/5ittin0 to p%obate E6hibit =.=( the alle0e/ last
2ill an/ testa5ent of the /ecease/ +sabel Gab%iel.
+t 2ill be note/ f%o5 the abo,e assi0n5ents of e%%o%s that the
sa5e a%e substantiall& factual in cha%acte% an/ content. 7ence(
at the ,e%& outset( :e 5ust a0ain state the oft-%epeate/ an/
2ell-establishe/ %ule that in this 9u%is/iction( the factual fin/in0s
of the Cou%t of Appeals a%e not %e,ie2able( the sa5e bein0
bin/in0 an/ conclusi,e on this Cou%t. This %ule has been state/
an/ %eite%ate/ in a lon0 line of cases enu5e%ate/ in Chan vs.
C( 3L-'<BB( $une #A( )!<A( ## SCRA <#<( <#4
$%
an/ )apas
vs. C( 3L-'''A'( .eb%ua%& '<? )!<"( "! SCRA #!#4(
$,
an/ in
the 5o%e %ecent cases of $aptisia vs. Carillo and C( 3L#')!'(
$ul& #A( )!<"( <' SCRA ')( ')<4 an/ Dda. de Catindi# vs.
=eirs of Catalina *oque 3L-'*<<<( No,e5be% '"( )!<"( <
SCRA B#( BB4. +n the case of Chan vs. C(( this Cou%t sai/1
... f%o5 6uico v. 'a.u#a( a )!#" /ecision( the opinion bein0
penne/ b& the then $ustice Recto( it has been 2ell-settle/ that
the 9u%is/iction of tills Cou%t in cases b%ou0ht to us f%o5 the
Cou%t of Appeals is li5ite/ to %e,ie2in0 an/ %e,isin0 the e%%o%s
of la2 i5pute/ to it( its fin/in0s of fact bein0 conclusi,e. Mo%e
specificall&( in a /ecision e6actl& a 5onth late%( this Cou%t(
spea8in0 th%ou0h the then $ustice Lau%el( it 2as hel/ that the
sa5e p%inciple is applicable( e,en if the Cou%t of Appeals 2as
in /isa0%ee5ent 2ith the lo2e% cou%t as to the 2ei0ht of the
e,i/ence 2ith a conse>uent %e,e%sal of its fin/in0s of fact ...
State/ othe%2ise( fin/in0s of facts b& the Cou%t of Appeals(
2hen suppo%te/ b& substanti,e e,i/ence a%e not %e,ie2able on
appeal b& ce%tio%a%i. Sai/ fin/in0s of the appellate cou%t a%e
final an/ cannot be /istu%be/ b& Us pa%ticula%l& because its
p%e5ises a%e bo%ne out b& the %eco%/ o% base/ upon
substantial e,i/ence an/ 2hat is 5o%e( 2hen such fin/in0s a%e
co%%ect. Assi0n5ents of e%%o%s in,ol,in0 factual issues cannot
be ,entilate/ in a %e,ie2 of the /ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals
because onl& le0al >uestions 5a& be %aise/. The Sup%e5e
Cou%t is not at libe%t& to alte% o% 5o/if& the facts as set fo%th in
the /ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals sou0ht to be %e,e%se/.
:he%e the fin/in0s of the Cou%t of Appeals a%e cont%a%& to
those of the t%ial cou%t( a 5inute sc%utin& b& the Sup%e5e Cou%t
is in o%/e%( an/ %eso%t to /ul&-p%o,en e,i/ence beco5es
necessa%&. The 0ene%al %ule :e ha,e thus state/ abo,e is not
2ithout so5e %eco0ni;e/ e6ceptions.
7a,in0 lai/ /o2n the abo,e le0al p%ecepts as Ou% foun/ation(
:e no2 p%ocee/ to consi/e% petitione%Js assi0n5ents of e%%o%s.
Petitione%( in he% fi%st assi0n5ent( conten/s that the
%espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals e%%e/ in hol/in0 that the
/ocu5ent( E6hibit =.=( 2as e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ as %e>ui%e/
b& la2 2hen the%e 2as absolutel& no p%oof that the th%ee
inst%u5ental 2itnesses 2e%e c%e/ible 2itnesses. She a%0ues
that the %e>ui%e. 5ent in A%ticle BA"( Ci,il Co/e( that the
2itnesses 5ust be c%e/ible is an absolute %e>ui%e5ent 2hich
5ust be co5plie/ 2ith befo%e an alle0e/ last 2ill an/
testa5ent 5a& be a/5itte/ to p%obate an/ that to be a c%e/ible
2itness( the%e 5ust be e,i/ence on %eco%/ that the 2itness has
a 0oo/ stan/in0 in his co55unit&( o% that he is honest an/
up%i0ht( o% %epute/ to be t%ust2o%th& an/ %eliable. Acco%/in0 to
petitione%( unless the >ualifications of the 2itness a%e fi%st
establishe/( his testi5on& 5a& not be fa,o%abl& consi/e%e/.
Petitione% conten/s that the te%5 =c%e/ible= is not s&non&5ous
2ith =co5petent= fo% a 2itness 5a& be co5petent un/e% A%ticle
B'A an/ B') of the Ci,il Co/e an/ still not be c%e/ible as
%e>ui%e/ b& A%ticle BA* of the sa5e Co/e. +t is fu%the% u%0e/
that the te%5 =c%e/ible= as use/ in the Ci,il Co/e shoul/
%ecei,e the sa5e settle/ an/ 2ell- 8no2n 5eanin0 it has un/e%
the Natu%ali;ation La2( the latte% bein0 a 8in/%e/ le0islation
2ith the Ci,il Co/e p%o,isions on 2i0s 2ith %espect to the
>ualifications of 2itnesses.
:e fin/ no 5e%it to petitione%Js fi%st assi0n5ent of e%%o%. A%ticle
B'A of the Ci,il Co/e p%o,i/es the >ualifications of a 2itness to
the e6ecution of 2ills 2hile A%ticle B') sets fo%th the
/is>ualification f%o5 bein0 a 2itness to a 2in. These A%ticles
state1
A%t. B'A. An& pe%son of soun/ 5in/ an/ of
the a0e of ei0hteen &ea%s o% 5o%e( an/ not
blin/( /eaf o% /u5b( an/ able to %ea/ an/
2%ite( 5a& be a 2itness to the e6ecution of a
2ill 5entione/ in a%ticle BA" of this Co/e.
=A%t. B'). The follo2in0 a%e /is>ualifie/ f%o5
bein0 2itnesses to a 2ill1
3)4 An& pe%son not /o5icile/ in the
Philippines(
3'4 Those 2ho ha,e been con,icte/ of
falsification of a /ocu5ent( pe%9u%& o% false
testi5on&.
Un/e% the la2( the%e is no 5an/ato%& %e>ui%e5ent that the
2itness testif& initiall& o% at an& ti5e /u%in0 the t%ial as to his
0oo/ stan/in0 in the co55unit&( his %eputation fo%
t%ust2o%th&thiness an/ %eliableness( his honest& an/
up%i0htness in o%/e% that his testi5on& 5a& be belie,e/ an/
accepte/ b& the t%ial cou%t. +t is enou0h that the >ualifications
enu5e%ate/ in A%ticle B'A of the Ci,il Co/e a%e co5plie/ 2ith(
such that the soun/ness of his 5in/ can be sho2n b& o%
/e/uce/ f%o5 his ans2e%s to the >uestions p%opoun/e/ to hi5(
that his a0e 3)B &ea%s o% 5o%e4 is sho2n f%o5 his appea%ance(
testi5on& ( o% co5petentl& p%o,e/ othe%2ise( as 2ell as the
fact that he is not blin/( /eaf o% /u5b an/ that he is able to
%ea/ an/ 2%ite to the satisfaction of the Cou%t( an/ that he has
none of the /is>ualifications un/e% A%ticle B') of the Ci,il
Co/e. :e %e9ect petitione%Js contention that it 5ust fi%st be
establishe/ in the %eco%/ the 0oo/ stan/in0 of the 2itness in
the co55unit&( his %eputation fo% t%ust2o%thiness an/
%eliableness( his honest& an/ up%i0htness( because such
att%ibutes a%e p%esu5e/ of the 2itness unless the cont%a%& is
p%o,e/ othe%2ise b& the opposin0 pa%t&.
:e also %e9ect as 2ithout 5e%it petitione%Js contention that the
te%5 =c%e/ible= as use/ in the Ci,il Co/e shoul/ be 0i,en the
sa5e 5eanin0 it has un/e% the Natu%ali;ation La2 2he%e the
la2 is 5an/ato%& that the petition fo% natu%ali;ation 5ust be
suppo%te/ b& t2o cha%acte% 2itnesses 2ho 5ust p%o,e thei%
0oo/ stan/in0 in the co55unit&( %eputation fo% t%ust2o%thiness
an/ %eliableness( thei% honest& an/ up%i0htness. The t2o
2itnesses in a petition fo% natu%ali;ation a%e cha%acte%
102
2itnesses in that bein0 citi;ens of the Philippines( the&
pe%sonall& 8no2 the petitione% to be a %esi/ent of the
Philippines fo% the pe%io/ of ti5e %e>ui%e/ b& the Act an/ a
pe%son of 0oo/ %epute an/ 5o%all& i%%ep%oachable an/ that sai/
petitione% has in thei% opinion all the >ualifications necessa%& to
beco5e a citi;en of the Philippines an/ is not in an& 2a&
/is>ualifie/ un/e% the p%o,isions of the Natu%ali;ation La2
3Section <( Co55on2ealth Act No. <# as a5en/e/4.
+n p%obate p%ocee/in0s( the inst%u5ental 2itnesses a%e not
cha%acte% 2itnesses fo% the& 5e%el& attest the e6ecution of a
2ill o% testa5ent an/ affi%5 the fo%5alities atten/ant to sai/
e6ecution. An/ :e a0%ee 2ith the %espon/ent that the %ulin0s
lai/ /o2n in the cases cite/ b& petitione% conce%nin0 cha%acte%
2itnesses in natu%ali;ation p%ocee/in0s a%e not applicable to
inst%u5ental 2itnesses to 2ills e6ecute/ un/e% the Ci,il Co/e
of the Philippines.
+n the case at ba%( the fin/in0 that each an/ e,e%&one of the
th%ee inst%u5ental 2itnesses( na5el&( Matil/e O%obia( Celso
Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a( a%e co5petent an/ c%e/ible is
satisfacto%il& suppo%te/ b& the e,i/ence as foun/ b& the
%espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals( 2hich fin/in0s of fact this
T%ibunal is boun/ to accept an/ %el& upon. Mo%eo,e%( petitione%
has not pointe/ to an& /is>ualification of an& of the sai/
2itnesses( 5uch less has it been sho2n that an&one of the5 is
belo2 )B &ea%s of a0e( of unsoun/ 5in/( /eaf o% /u5b( o%
cannot %ea/ o% 2%ite.
+t is t%ue that un/e% A%ticle BA* of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e( e,e%&
2ill( othe% than a holo0%aphic 2ill( 5ust be subsc%ibe/ at the
en/ the%eof b& the testato% hi5self o% b& the testato%Js na5e
2%itten b& so5e othe% pe%son in his p%esence( an/ b& his
e6p%ess /i%ection( an/ atteste/ an/ subsc%ibe/ b& th%ee o%
5o%e credible 2itnesses in the p%esence of the testato% an/ of
one anothe%( :hile the petitione% sub5its that A%ticle B'A an/
B') of the Ne2 Ci,il Co/e spea8 of the competenc. of a
"itness /ue to his >ualifications un/e% the fi%st A%ticle an/ none
of the /is>ualifications un/e% the secon/ A%ticle( 2he%eas
A%ticle BA* %e>ui%es the attestation of th%ee o% 5o%e c%e/ible
2itnesses( petitione% conclu/es that the te%5 credible %e>ui%es
so5ethin0 5o%e than 9ust bein0 co5petent an/( the%efo%e( a
2itness in a//ition to bein0 competent un/e% A%ticles B'A an/
B') 5ust also be a c%e/ible 2itness un/e% A%ticle BA*.
Petitione% cites A5e%ican autho%ities that co5petenc& an/
c%e/ibilit& of a 2itness a%e not s&non&5ous te%5s an/ one 5a&
be a co5petent 2itness an/ &et not a c%e/ible one. She
e6ace%bates that the%e is no e,i/ence on %eco%/ to sho2 that
the inst%u5ental 2itnesses a%e c%e/ible in the5sel,es( that is(
that the& a%e of 0oo/ stan/in0 in the co55unit& since one 2as
a fa5il& /%i,e% b& p%ofession an/ the secon/ the 2ife of the
/%i,e%( a house8eepe%. +t is t%ue that Celso Gi5pa&a 2as the
/%i,e% of the testat%i6 an/ his 2ife Ma%ia Gi5pa&a( 5e%el& a
house8eepe%( an/ that Matil/e O%obia 2as a piano teache% to a
0%an/chil/ of the testat%i6 But the %elation of e5plo&e% an/
e5plo&ee 5uch less the hu5ble o% financial position of a
pe%son /o not /is>ualif& hi5 to be a co5petent testa5enta%&
2itness. 3Molo Pe8son an/ Pe%e; Nable ,s. Tanchuco( et al.(
)AA Phil. #? Testate Estate of Ra&5un/o( Off. Ga;.( Ma%ch
)B()!)( p. <BB4.
P%i,ate %espon/ent 5aintains that the >ualifications of the th%ee
o% 5o%e c%e/ible 2itnesses 5entione/ in A%ticle BA* of the Ci,il
Co/e a%e those 5entione/ in A%ticle B'A of the sa5e Co/e(
this bein0 ob,ious f%o5 that po%tion of A%ticle B'A 2hich sa&s
=5a& be C 2itness to the e6ecution of a 2ill 5entione/ in
A%ticle BA* of this Co/e(= an/ cites autho%ities that the 2o%/
=c%e/ible= insofa% as 2itnesses to a 2ill a%e conce%ne/ si5pl&
5eans = co5petent.= Thus( in the case of !unta. vs. !unta.(
!* Phil. *AA( the Sup%e5e Cou%t hel/ that =G%antin0 that a 2ill
2as /ul& e6ecute/ an/ that it 2as in e6istence at the ti5e of(
an/ not %e,o8e/ befo%e( the /eath of the testato%( still the
p%o,isions of the lost 2i0 5ust be clea%l& an/ /istinctl& p%o,e/
b& at least t2o c%e/ible 2itnesses. ICredible "itnessesI mean
competent "itnesses and not those "ho testif. to facts from or
upon hearsa.. K e5phasis supplie/4.
+n 'olo Pe7son and Pere5 Nable vs. )anchuco, et al.( )AA Phil.
#( the Sup%e5e Cou%t hel/ that =Section "'A of the sa5e
Co/e of Ci,il P%oce/u%e p%o,i/es that an& pe%son of soun/
5in/( an/ of the a0e of ei0hteen &ea%s o% 5o%e( an/ not blin/(
/eaf( o% /u5b an/ able to %ea/ an/ 2%ite( 5a& be a 2itness to
the e6ecution of a 2ill. This sa5e p%o,ision is %ep%o/uce/ in
ou% Ne2 Ci,il Co/e of )!*A( un/e% A%t. B'A. The %elation of
e5plo&e% an/ e5plo&ee( o% bein0 a %elati,e to the beneficia%&
in a 2in( /oes not /is>ualif& one to be a 2itness to a 2ill. The
5ain >ualification of a 2itness in the attestation of 2ills( if othe%
>ualifications as to a0e( 5ental capacit& an/ lite%ac& a%e
p%esent( is that sai/ 2itness 5ust be c%e/ible( that is to sa&( his
testi5on& 5a& be entitle/ to c%e/ence. The%e is a lon0 line of
autho%ities on this point( a fe2 of 2hich 2e 5a& cite1
A Jc%e/ible 2itness is one 2ho is not is not to
testif& b& 5ental incapacit&( c%i5e( o% othe%
cause. 7isto%ical Soc of -auphin Count& ,s.
Sel8e% < A. ")!( ''" Pi6 )"( )# A5. St.
Rep. )A)A. 3:o%/s an/ Ph%ases( Dol. )A( p.
#A4.
As const%ue/ b& the co55on la2( a Jc%e/ible
2itnessJ to a 2ill 5eans a Jco5petent
2itness.J Appeal of Cla%8( !* A. *)<( )) Me.
)A*( Ann. Cas. )!)<A( B#<. 3lbi/( p. #)4.
E6p%ession Jc%e/ible 2itnessJ in %elation to
attestation of 2ins 5eans Jco5petent
2itness that is( one co5petent un/e% the la2
to testif& to fact of e6ecution of 2ill. De%nonJs
Ann. Ci, St. a%t. B'B#. 'oos vs. :irst !tate
$an7 of %valde( Te6 . Ci,. App. "A S.:. 'n/
BBB( BB!. 3Ibid( p. #'4
The te%5 Jc%e/ibleJ( use/ in the statute of
2ills %e>ui%in0 that a 2ill shall be atteste/ b&
t2o c%e/ible 2itnesses 5eans co5petent?
2itnesses 2ho( at the ti5e of attestin0 the
2ill( a%e le0all& co5petent to testif&( in a
cou%t of 9ustice( to the facts atteste/ b&
subsc%ibin0 the 2ill( the co5petenc& bein0
/ete%5ine/ as of the /ate of the e6ecution of
the 2ill an/ not of the ti5% it is offe%e/ fo%
p%obate( !mith vs. 6oodell )A) N.E. '**(
'*"( '*B ))). )*. 3Ibid.4
C%e/ible 2itnesses as use/ in the statute
%elatin0 to 2ills( 5eans co5petent 2itnesses
R that is( such pe%sons as a%e not le0all&
103
/is>ualifie/ f%o5 testif&in0 in cou%ts of
9ustice( b& %eason of 5ental incapacit&(
inte%est( o% the co55ission of c%i5es( o%
othe% cause e6clu/in0 the5 f%o5 testif&in0
0ene%all&( o% %en/e%in0 the5 inco5petent in
%espect of the pa%ticula% sub9ect 5atte% o% in
the pa%ticula% suit. 7ill ,s. Chica0o Title U
T%ust co )*' N.E. **( *"( #'' ))). '.
3Ibid. p( ##4
+n the st%ict sense( the co5petenc& of a pe%son to be an
inst%u5ental 2itness to a 2ill is /ete%5ine/ b& the statute( that
is A%t. B'A an/ B')( Ci,il Co/e( 2he%eas his c%e/ibilit& /epen/s
On the app%eciation of his testi5on& an/ a%ises f%o5 the belief
an/ conclusion of the Cou%t that sai/ 2itness is tellin0 the t%uth.
Thus( in the case of Dda. de (ro.o v. Al $eaterio del
!antissimo *osario de 'olo, No. L-''AA*( Ma& #( )!"B( the
Sup%e5e Cou%t hel/ an/ %ule/ that1 =Co5petenc& as a 2itness
is one thin0( an/ it is anothe% to be a c%e/ible 2itness( so
c%e/ible that the Cou%t 5ust accept 2hat he sa&s. T%ial cou%ts
5a& allo2 a pe%son to testif& as a 2itness upon a 0i,en 5atte%
because he is co5petent( but 5a& the%eafte% /eci/e 2hethe% to
belie,e o% not to belie,e his testi5on&.= +n fine( :e state the
%ule that the inst%u5ental 2itnesses in O%/e% to be co5petent
5ust be sho2n to ha,e the >ualifications un/e% A%ticle B'A of
the Ci,il Co/e an/ none of the /is>ualifications un/e% A%ticle
B') an/ fo% thei% testi5on& to be c%e/ible( that is 2o%th& of
belief an/ entitle/ to c%e/ence( it is not 5an/ato%& that
e,i/ence be fi%st establishe/ on %eco%/ that the 2itnesses ha,e
a 0oo/ stan/in0 in the co55unit& o% that the& a%e honest an/
up%i0ht o% %epute/ to be t%ust2o%th& an/ %eliable( fo% a pe%son is
p%esu5e/ to be such unless the cont%a%& is establishe/
othe%2ise. +n othe% 2o%/s( the inst%u5ental 2itnesses 5ust be
co5petent an/ thei% testi5onies 5ust be c%e/ible befo%e the
cou%t allo2s the p%obate of the 2ill the& ha,e atteste/. :e(
the%efo%e( %e9ect petitione%Js position that it 2as fatal fo%
%espon/ent not to ha,e int%o/uce/ p%io% an/ in/epen/ent p%oof
of the fact that the 2itnesses 2e%e =c%e/ible 2itnesses that is(
that the& ha,e a 0oo/ stan/in0 in the co55unit& an/ %epute/
to be t%ust2o%th& an/ %eliable.
Un/e% the secon/( thi%/( fou%th( fifth( si6th( se,enth an/ ei0hth
assi0n5ents of e%%o%s( petitione% /isputes the fin/in0s of fact of
the %espon/ent cou%t in fin/in0 that the p%epa%ation an/
e6ecution of the 2ill 2as e6pecte/ an/ not coinci/ental( in
fin/in0 that Att&. Pa%aiso 2as not p%e,iousl& fu%nishe/ 2ith the
na5es an/ %esi/ence ce%tificates of the 2itnesses as to enable
hi5 to t&pe such /ata into the /ocu5ent E6hibit =.=( in hol/in0
that the fact that the th%ee t&pe2%itten lines un/e% the
t&pe2%itten 2o%/s =pan0alan= an/ =tiniti%ahan= 2e%e left blan8
sho2s be&on/ ca,il that the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses 2e%e all
p%esent in the sa5e occasion( in hol/in0 c%e/ible that +sabel
Gab%iel coul/ ha,e /ictate/ the 2ill 2ithout note o% /ocu5ent
to Att&. Pa%aiso( in hol/in0 that Matil/e O%obia 2as ph&sicall&
p%esent 2hen the 2ill 2as si0ne/ on Ap%il )*( )!") b& the
/ecease/ +sabel Gab%iel an/ the othe% 2itnesses Celso
Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a( in hol/in0 that the t%ial cou%t
0a,e un/ue i5po%tance to the pictu%e ta8in0s as p%oof that the
2ill 2as i5p%ope%l& e6ecute/( an/ in hol/in0 that the 0%a,e
cont%a/ictions( e,asions an/ 5is%ep%esentations of the
2itnesses 3subsc%ibin0 an/ nota%&4 p%esente/ b& the petitione%
ha/ been e6plaine/ a2a&.
Since the abo,e e%%o%s a%e factual :e 5ust %epeat 2hat :e
ha,e p%e,iousl& lai/ /o2n that the fin/in0s of fact of the
appellate cou%t a%e bin/in0 an/ cont%ollin0 2hich :e cannot
%e,ie2( sub9ect to ce%tain e6ceptions 2hich :e 2in consi/e%
an/ /iscuss he%einafte%. :e a%e con,ince/ that the appellate
cou%tJs fin/in0s a%e sufficientl& 9ustifie/ an/ suppo%te/ b& the
e,i/ence on %eco%/. Thus( the alle0e/ unnatu%alness
cha%acte%i;in0 the t%ip of the testat%i6 to the office of Att&.
Pa%aiso an/ b%in0in0 all the 2itnesses 2ithout p%e,ious
appoint5ent fo% the p%epa%ation an/ e6ecution of the 2in an/
that it 2as coinci/ental that Att&. Pa%aiso 2as a,ailable at the
5o5ent i5pu0ns the fin/in0 of the Cou%t of Appeals that
althou0h Att&. Pa%aiso a/5itte/ the ,isit of +sabel Gab%iel an/
of he% co5panions to his office on Ap%il )*( )!") 2as
une6pecte/ as the%e 2as no p%io% appoint5ent 2ith hi5( but he
e6plaine/ that he 2as a,ailable fo% an& business t%ansaction
on that /a& an/ that +sabel Gab%iel ha/ ea%lie% %e>ueste/ hi5
to help he% p%epa%e he% 2ill. The fin/in0 of the appellate cou%t is
a5pl& base/ on the testi5on& of Celso Gi5pa&a that he 2as
not onl& info%5e/ on the 5o%nin0 of the /a& that he 2itnesse/
the 2ill but that it 2as the thi%/ ti5e 2hen +sabel Gab%iel tol/
hi5 that he 2as 0oin0 to 2itness the 5a8in0 of he% 2ill( as 2ell
as the testi5on& of Ma%ia Gi5pa&a that she 2as calle/ b& he%
husban/ Celso Gi5pa&a to p%ocee/ to +sabel Gab%ielJs house
2hich 2as nea%b& an/ f%o5 sai/ house( the& left in a ca% to the
la2&e%Js office( 2hich testi5onies a%e %ecite/ in the %espon/ent
Cou%tJs /ecision.
The %espon/ent Cou%t fu%the% foun/ the follo2in0 facts1 that
Celso Gi5pa&a an/ his 2ife Ma%ia Gi5pa&a obtaine/
%esi/ence ce%tificates a fe2 /a&s befo%e E6hibit =.= 2as
e6ecute/. Celso Gi5pa&aJs %esi/ence ce%tificate No. A-
*))!' 2as issue/ at Na,otas( Ri;al on Ap%il )#( )!") 2hile
Ma%ia Gi5pa&aJs %esi/ence ce%tificate No. A-*))!< 2as
issue/ also at Na,otas( Ri;al on Ap%il )( )!"). The
%espon/ent Cou%t co%%ectl& obse%,e/ that the%e 2as nothin0
su%p%isin0 in these facts an/ that the secu%in0 of these
%esi/ence ce%tificates t2o /a&s an/ one /a&( %especti,el&(
befo%e the e6ecution of the 2ill on Ap%il )*( )!")( fa% f%o5
sho2in0 an a5a;in0 coinci/ence( %e,eals that the spouses
2e%e ea%lie% notifie/ that the& 2oul/ be 2itnesses to the
e6ecution of +sabel Gab%ielJs 2ill.
:e also a0%ee 2ith the %espon/ent Cou%tJs conclusion that the
e6cu%sion to the office of Att&. Pa%aiso 2as planne/ b& the
/ecease/( 2hich conclusion 2as co%%ectl& /%a2n f%o5 the
testi5on& of the Gi5pa&a spouses that the& sta%te/ f%o5 the
Na,otas %esi/ence of the /ecease/ 2ith a photo0%aphe% an/
+sabel Gab%iel he%self( then the& p%ocee/e/ b& ca% to Matil/e
O%obiaJs house in Phila5life( Cue;on Cit& to fetch he% an/ f%o5
the%e( all the th%ee 2itnesses 3the Gi5pa&as an/ O%obia4
passe/ b& a place 2he%e +sabel Gab%iel sta&e/ fo% about ten to
fifteen 5inutes at the clinic of -%. Chi8ia5co befo%e the&
p%ocee/e/ to Att&. Cip%iano Pa%aisoJs office.
+t is also e,i/ent f%o5 the %eco%/s( as testifie/ to b& Att&.
Pa%aiso( that p%e,ious to the /a& that. the 2ill 2as e6ecute/ on
Ap%il )*( )!")( +sabel Gab%iel ha/ %e>ueste/ hi5 to help he% in
the e6ecution of he% 2ill an/ that he tol/ he% that if she %eall&
2ante/ to e6ecute he% 2ill( she shoul/ b%in0 2ith he% at least
the Ma&o% of Na,otas( Ri;al an/ a Councilo% to be he%
2itnesses an/ that he 3Att&. Pa%aiso4 2ante/ a 5e/ical
ce%tificate f%o5 a ph&sician not2ithstan/in0 the fact that he
belie,e/ he% to be of soun/ an/ /isposition 5in/. .%o5 this
e,i/ence( the appellate cou%t %i0htl& conclu/e/( thus1 =+t is(
the%efo%e( clea% that the p%esence of +sabel Gab%iel an/ he%
2itnesses Matil/e O%obia( Celso Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a
104
inclu/in0 the photo0%aphe% in the la2 office of Att&. Pa%aiso 2as
not coinci/ental as thei% 0athe%in0 2as p%e-a%%an0e/ b& +sabel
Gab%iel he%self.=
As to the appellate cou%tJs fin/in0 that Att&. Pa%aiso 2as not
p%e,iousl& fu%nishe/ 2ith the na5es an/ %esi/ence ce%tificates
of the 2itnesses as to enable hi5 to t&pe such /ata into the
/ocu5ent E6hibit J L 2hich the petitione% assails as
cont%a/icto%& an/ i%%econcilable 2ith the state5ent of the Cou%t
that Att&. Pa%aiso 2as han/e/ a list 3containin0 the na5es of
the 2itnesses an/ thei% %especti,e %esi/ence ce%tificates4
i55e/iatel& upon thei% a%%i,al in the la2 office b& +sabel
Gab%iel an/ this 2as co%%obo%ate/ b& Att&. Pa%aiso hi5self 2ho
testifie/ that it 2as onl& on sai/ occasion that he %ecei,e/ such
list f%o5 +sabel Gab%iel( :e cannot a0%ee 2ith petitione%Js
contention. :e fin/ no cont%a/iction fo% the( %espon/ent Cou%t
hel/ that on the occasion of the 2ill 5a8in0 on Ap%il )*( )!")(
the list 2as 0i,en i55e/iatel& to Att&. Pa%aiso an/ that no such
list 2as 0i,en the la2&e% in an& p%e,ious occasion o% /ate p%io%
to Ap%il )*( )!").
But 2hethe% Att&. Pa%aiso 2as p%e,iousl& fu%nishe/ 2ith the
na5es an/ %esi/ence ce%tificates of the 2itnesses on a p%io%
occasion o% on the ,e%& occasion an/ /ate in Ap%il )*( )!")
2hen the 2ill 2as e6ecute/( is of no 5o5ent fo% such /ata
appea% in the nota%ial ac8no2le/05ent of Nota%& Public
Cip%iano Pa%aiso( subsc%ibe/ an/ s2o%n to b& the 2itnesses on
Ap%il )*( )!") follo2in0 the attestation clause /ul& e6ecute/
an/ si0ne/ on the sa5e occasion( Ap%il )*( )!"). An/ since
E6hibit =.= is a nota%ial 2ill /ul& ac8no2le/0e/ b& the testat%i6
an/ the 2itnesses befo%e a nota%& public( the sa5e is a public
/ocu5ent e6ecute/ an/ atteste/ th%ou0h the inte%,ention of
the nota%& public an/ as such public /ocu5ent is e,i/ence of
the facts in clea%( une>ui,ocal 5anne% the%ein e6p%esse/. +t
has in its fa,o% the p%esu5ption of %e0ula%it&. To cont%a/ict all
these( the%e 5ust be e,i/ence that is clea%( con,incin0 an/
5o%e than 5e%el& p%epon/e%ant. 3@tu%al/e ,s. A;u%in( 'B SCRA
A<4. :e fin/ no such e,i/ence pointe/ b& petitione% in the
case at ba%.
Li8e2ise( the conclusion of the Cou%t of Appeals in hol/in0 that
the fact that the th%ee t&pe2%itten lines un/e% the t&pe2%itten
2o%/s =pan0alan J an/ =tiniti%ahan= 2e%e left blan8 sho2s
be&on/ ca,il that the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses 2e%e all p%esent
in the sa5e occasion 5e%its Ou% app%o,al because tills
conclusion is suppo%te/ an/ bo%ne out b& the e,i/ence foun/
b& the appellate cou%t( thus1 =On pa0e * of E6hibit =.=( beneath
the t&pe2%itten 2o%/s =na5es=( =Res. Ta6 Ce%t. /ate issue/=
an/ place issue/ the onl& na5e of +sabel Gab%iel 2ith
Resi/ence Ta6 ce%tificate No. A-*))#'< issue/ on .eb%ua%&
'( )!") at Na,otas Ri;al appea%s to be in t&pe2%itten fo%5
2hile the na5es( %esi/ence ta6 ce%tificate nu5be%s( /ates an/
places of issuance of sai/ ce%tificates pe%tainin0 to the th%ee
3#4 2itnesses 2e%e pe%sonall& han/2%itten b& Att&. Pa%aiso.
A0ain( this coinci/es 2ith Att&. Pa%aisoJs e,en the sale 5ust be
5a/e to close %elati,es? an/ the se,enth 2as the appoint5ent
of the appellant Santia0o as e6ecut%i6 of the 2ill 2ithout bon/.
The technical /esc%iption of the p%ope%ties in pa%a0%aph * of
E6hibit . 2as not 0i,en an/ the nu5be%s of the ce%tificates of
title 2e%e onl& supplie/ b& Att&. Pa%aiso. =
+t is t%ue that in one /isposition( the nu5be%s of the To%%ens
titles of the p%ope%ties /ispose/ an/ the /oc8et nu5be% of a
special p%ocee/in0 a%e in/icate/ 2hich Att&. Pa%aiso can/i/l&
a/5itte/ 2e%e supplie/ b& hi5( 2he%eupon petitione% conten/s
that it 2as inc%e/ible that +sabel Gab%iel coul/ ha,e /ictate/
the 2ill E6hibit =.= 2ithout an& note o% /ocu5ent to Att&.
Pa%aiso( consi/e%in0 that +sabel Gab%iel 2as an ol/ an/ sic8l&
2o5an 5o%e than ei0ht&-one &ea%s ol/ an/ ha/ been suffe%in0
f%o5 a b%ain in9u%& cause/ b& t2o se,e%e blo2s at he% hea/
an/ /ie/ of te%5inal cance% a fe2 2ee8s afte% the e6ecution of
E6hibit =.=. :hile 2e can %ule that this is a fin/in0 of fact 2hich
is 2ithin the co5petenc& of the %espon/ent appellate cou%t in
/ete%5inin0 the testa5enta%& capacit& of the testat%i6 an/ is(
the%efo%e( be&on/ Ou% po2e% to %e,ise an/ %e,ie2( :e
ne,e%theless hol/ that the conclusion %eache/ b& the Cou%t of
Appeals that the testat%i6 /ictate/ he% 2ill 2ithout an& note o%
5e5o%an/u5 appea%s to be full& suppo%te/ b& the follo2in0
facts o% e,i/ence appea%in0 on %eco%/. Thus( +sabel Gab%iel(
/espite he% a0e( 2as pa%ticula%l& acti,e in he% business affai%s
as she acti,el& 5ana0e/ the affai%s of the 5o,ie business
+SABEL+TA Theate%( pa&in0 the apa%atistas he%self until $une (
)!")( # /a&s befo%e he% /eath. She 2as the 2i/o2 of the late
Eli0io Na,al( fo%5e% Go,e%no% of Ri;al P%o,ince an/ acte/ as
coa/5inist%at%i6 in the +ntestate Estate of he% /ecease/
husban/ Eli0io Na,al. The te6t of the 2in 2as in Ta0alo0( a
/ialect 8no2n an/ un/e%stoo/ b& he% an/ in the li0ht of all the
ci%cu5stances( :e a0%ee 2ith the %espon/ent Cou%t that the
testat%i6 /ictate/ he% 2ill 2ithout an& note o% 5e5o%an/u5( a
fact unani5ousl& testifie/ to b& the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses
an/ the nota%& public hi5self.
Petitione%Js si6th assi0n5ent of e%%o% is also be%eft of 5e%it. The
e,i/ence( both testi5onial an/ /ocu5enta%& is( acco%/in0 to
the %espon/ent cou%t( o,e%2hel5in0 that Matil/e O%obia 2as
ph&sicall& p%esent 2hen the 2ill 2as si0ne/ on Ap%il )*( )!")
b& the testat%i6 an/ the othe% t2o 2itnesses( Celso Gi5pa&a
an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a. Such factual fin/in0 of the appellate cou%t
is ,e%& clea%( thus1 =On the cont%a%&( the %eco%/ is %eplete 2ith
p%oof that Matil/e O%obia 2as ph&sicall& p%esent 2hen the 2ill
2as si0ne/ b& +sabel Gab%iel on Ap%il J)*( )!") alon0 2ith he%
co-2itnesses Celso Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a. The t%ial
cou%tJs conclusion that O%obiaJs a/5ission that she 0a,e piano
lessons to the chil/ of the appellant on :e/nes/a&s an/
Satu%/a&s an/ that Ap%il )*( )!") happene/ to be a Satu%/a&
fo% 2hich %eason O%obia coul/ not ha,e been p%esent to
2itness the 2ill on that R /a& is pu%el& con9ectu%al. :itness
O%obia /i/ not a/5it ha,in0 0i,en piano lessons to the
appellantJs chil/ e,e%& :e/nes/a& an/ Satu%/a& 2ithout fail. +t
is hi0hl& p%obable that e,en if Ap%il )*( )!") 2e%e a Satu%/a&(
she 0a,e no piano lessons on that /a& fo% 2hich %eason she
coul/ ha,e 2itnesse/ the e6ecution of the 2ill. O%obia spo8e of
occasions 2hen she 5isse/ 0i,in0 piano lessons an/ ha/ to
5a8e up fo% the sa5e. An&2a&( he% p%esence at the la2 office
of Att&. Pa%aiso 2as in the 5o%nin0 of Ap%il )*( )!") an/ the%e
2as nothin0 to p%eclu/e he% f%o5 0i,in0 piano lessons on the
afte%noon of the sa5e /a& in Na,otas( Ri;al.=
+n a//ition to the testi5on& of Matil/e O%obia( Celso Gi5pa&a
an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a that Matil/e 2as p%esent on Ap%il )*( )!")
an/ that she si0ne/ the attestation clause to the 2ill an/ on the
left-han/ 5a%0in of each of the pa0es of the 2ill( the
/ocu5enta%& e,i/ence 2hich is the 2ill itself( the attestation
clause an/ the nota%ial ac8no2le/05ent o,e%2hel5in0l& an/
con,incin0l& p%o,e such fact that Matil/e O%obia 2as p%esent
on that /a& of Ap%il )*( )!") an/ that she 2itnesse/ the 2ill b&
si0nin0 he% na5e the%eon an/ ac8no2le/0e/ the sa5e befo%e
the nota%& public( Att&. Cip%iano P. Pa%aiso. The attestation
clause 2hich Matil/e O%obia si0ne/ is the best e,i/ence as to
the /ate of si0nin0 because it p%ese%,es in pe%5anent fo%5 a
105
%ecital of all the 5ate%ial facts atten/in0 the e6ecution of the
2ill. This is the ,e%& pu%pose of the attestation clause 2hich is
5a/e fo% the pu%pose of p%ese%,in0 in pe%5anent fo%5 a %eco%/
of the facts atten/in0 the e6ecution of the 2ill( so that in case
of failu%e in the 5e5o%& of the subsc%ibin0 2itnesses( o% othe%
casualt& the& 5a& still be p%o,e/. 3Tho5pson on :ills( 'n/
e/.( Sec. )#'? Le&ne; ,s. Le&ne;( "B Phil. <*4.
As to the se,enth e%%o% assi0ne/ b& petitione% faultin0 the
Cou%t of Appeals in hol/in0 that the t%ial cou%t 0a,e un/ue
i5po%tance to the pictu%e-ta8in0s as p%oof that the 2in 2as
i5p%ope%l& e6ecute/( :e a0%ee 2ith the %easonin0 of the
%espon/ent cou%t that1 =Matil/e O%obiaJs +/entification of the
photo0%aphe% as =Cesa% Men/o;a=( cont%a%& to 2hat the othe%
t2o 2itnesses 3Celso an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a4 an/ Att&. Pa%aiso
sai/ that the photo0%aphe% 2as Ben9a5in Cif%a( $%.( is at 2o%st
a 5ino% 5ista8e att%ibutable to lapse of ti5e. The la2 /oes not
%e>ui%e a photo0%aphe% fo% the e6ecution an/ attestation of the
2ill. The fact that Miss O%obia 5ista8enl& +/entifie/ the
photo0%aphe% as Cesa% Men/o;a sca%cel& /et%acts f%o5 he%
testi5on& that she 2as p%esent 2hen the 2ill 2as si0ne/
because 2hat 5atte%s he%e is not the photo0%aphe% but the
photo0%aph ta8en 2hich clea%l& po%t%a&s Matil/e O%obia
he%self( he% co-2itnesses Celso Gi5pa&a. = .u%the%( the
%espon/ent Cou%t co%%ectl& hel/1 =The t%ial cou%t 0a,e un/ue
i5po%tance to the pictu%e ta8in0s( 9u5pin0 the%ef%o5 to the
conclusion that the 2ill 2as i5p%ope%l& e6ecute/. The e,i/ence
ho2e,e%( hea,il& points to onl& one occasion of the e6ecution
of the 2ill on Ap%il )*( )!") 2hich 2as 2itnesse/ b& Matil/e
O%obia( Celso Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a. These 2itnesses
2e%e >uite e5phatic an/ positi,e 2hen the& spo8e of this
occasion. 7ence( thei% +/entification of so5e photo0%aphs
2he%ein the& all appea%e/ alon0 2ith +sabel Gab%iel an/ Att&.
Pa%aiso 2as supe%fluous.=
Continuin0( the %espon/ent Cou%t /ecla%e/1 =+t is t%ue that the
secon/ pictu%e-ta8in0 2as /isclose/ at the c%oss e6a5ination
of Celso Gi5pa&a. But this 2as e6plaine/ b& Att&. Pa%aiso as a
%eenact5ent of the fi%st inci/ent upon the insistence of +sabel
Gab%iel. Such %eenact5ent 2he%e Matil/e O%obia 2as
a/5itte/l& no lon0e% p%esent 2as 2holl& unnecessa%& if not
pointless. :hat 2as i5po%tant 2as that the 2ill 2as /ul&
e6ecute/ an/ 2itnesse/ on the fi%st occasion on Ap%il )*(
)!") ( = an/ :e a0%ee 2ith the Cou%tJs %ationali;ation in
confo%5it& 2ith lo0ic( la2 an/ 9u%isp%u/ence 2hich /o not
%e>ui%e pictu%e-ta8in0 as one of the le0al %e>uisites fo% the
e6ecution o% p%obate of a 2ill.
Petitione% points to alle0e/ 0%a,e cont%a/ictions( e,asions an/
5is%ep%esentations of 2itnesses in thei% %especti,e testi5onies
befo%e the t%ial cou%t. On the othe% han/( the %espon/ent Cou%t
of Appeals hel/ that sai/ cont%a/ictions( e,asions an/
5is%ep%esentations ha/ been e6plaine/ a2a&. Such
/isc%epancies as in the /esc%iption of the t&pe2%ite% use/ b&
Att&. Pa%aiso 2hich he /esc%ibe/ as =elite= 2hich to hi5 5eant
bi0 lette%s 2hich a%e of the t&pe in 2hich the 2ill 2as
t&pe2%itten but 2hich 2as +/entifie/ b& 2itness $oll& Bu0a%in of
the N.B.+. as pica the 5ista8e in 5entionin0 the na5e of the
photo0%aphe% b& Matil/e O%obia to be Cesa% Men/o;a 2hen
actuall& it 2as Ben9a5in Cif%a( $%.R these a%e in/ee/
uni5po%tant /etails 2hich coul/ ha,e been affecte/ b& the
lapse of ti5e an/ the t%eache%& of hu5an 5e5o%& such that b&
the5sel,es 2oul/ not alte% the p%obati,e ,alue of thei%
testi5onies on the t%ue e6ecution of the 2ill( 3Pascual ,s. /ela
C%u;( 'B SCRA ')( '4 fo% it cannot be e6pecte/ that the
testi5on& of e,e%& pe%son 2in be +/entical an/ coinci/in0 2ith
each othe% 2ith %e0a%/ to /etails of an inci/ent an/ that
2itnesses a%e not e6pecte/ to %e5e5be% all /etails. 7u5an
e6pe%ience teach us =that cont%a/ictions of 2itnesses 0ene%all&
occu% in the /etails of ce%tain inci/ents( afte% a lon0 se%ies of
>uestionin0s( an/ fa% f%o5 bein0 an e,i/ence of falsehoo/
constitute a /e5onst%ation of 0oo/ faith. +n as 5uch as not all
those 2ho 2itness an inci/ent a%e i5p%esse/ in li8e 5anne%( it
is but natu%al that in %elatin0 thei% i5p%essions( the& shoul/ not
a0%ee in the 5ino% /etails? hence the cont%a/ictions in thei%
testi5on&.= 3Lope; ,s. Libo%o( B) Phil. '!4.
+t is u%0e/ of Us b& the petitione% that the fin/in0s of the t%ial
cou%t shoul/ not ha,e been /istu%be/ b& the %espon/ent
appellate cou%t because the t%ial cou%t 2as in a bette% position
to 2ei0h an/ e,aluate the e,i/ence p%esente/ in the cou%se of
the t%ial. As a 0ene%al %ule( petitione% is co%%ect but it is sub9ect
to 2ell-establishe/ e6ceptions. The %i0ht of the Cou%t of
Appeals to %e,ie2( alte% an/ %e,e%se the fin/in0s of the t%ial
cou%t 2he%e the appellate cou%t( in %e,ie2in0 the e,i/ence has
foun/ that facts an/ ci%cu5stances of 2ei0ht an/ influence
ha,e been i0no%e/ an/ o,e%loo8e/ an/ the si0nificance of
2hich ha,e been 5isinte%p%ete/ b& the t%ial cou%t( cannot be
/ispute/. .in/in0s of facts 5a/e b& t%ial cou%ts pa%ticula%l&
2hen the& a%e base/ on conflictin0 e,i/ence 2hose e,aluation
hin0es on >uestions of c%e/ibilit& of conten/in0 2itnesses hes
peculia%l& 2ithin the p%o,ince of t%ial cou%ts an/ 0ene%all&( the
appellate cou%t shoul/ not inte%fe%e 2ith the sa5e. +n the
instant case( ho2e,e%( the Cou%t of Appeals foun/ that the t%ial
cou%t ha/ o,e%loo8e/ an/ 5isinte%p%ete/ the facts an/
ci%cu5stances establishe/ in the %eco%/. :he%eas the
appellate cou%t sai/ that =Nothin0 in the %eco%/ suppo%ts the
t%ial cou%tJs unbelief that +sabel Gab%iel /ictate/ he% 2ill 2ithout
an& note o% /ocu5ent to Att&. Pa%aiso?= that the t%ial cou%tJs
conclusion that Matil/e O%obia coul/ not ha,e 2itnesse/
an&bo/& si0nin0 the alle0e/ 2ill o% that she coul/ not ha,e
2itnesse/ Celso Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a si0n the sa5e
o% that she 2itnesse/ onl& the /ecease/ si0nin0 it( is a
conclusion base/ not on facts but on infe%ences? that the t%ial
cou%t 0a,e un/ue i5po%tance to the pictu%e-ta8in0s( 9u5pin0
the%ef%o5 to the conclusion that the 2ill 2as i5p%ope%l&
e6ecute/ an/ that the%e is nothin0 in the enti%e %eco%/ to
suppo%t the conclusion of the cou%t a >uo that the 2ill si0nin0
occasion 2as a 5e%e coinci/ence an/ that +sabel Gab%iel
5a/e an appoint5ent onl& 2ith Matil/e O%obia to 2itness the
si0nin0 of he% 2ill( then it beco5es the /ut& of the appellate
cou%t to %e,e%se fin/in0s of fact of the t%ial cou%t in the e6e%cise
of its appellate 9u%is/iction o,e% the lo2e% cou%ts.
Still the petitione% insists that the case at ba% is an e6ception to
the %ule that the 9u/05ent of the Cou%t of Appeals is conclusi,e
as to the facts an/ cannot be %e,ie2e/ b& the Sup%e5e Cou%t.
A0ain :e a0%ee 2ith the petitione% that a5on0 the e6ceptions
a%e1 3)4 2hen the conclusion is a fin/in0 0%oun/e/ enti%el& on
speculations( su%5ises o% con9ectu%es? 3'4 2hen the infe%ence
is 5anifestl& 5ista8en( absu%/ o% i5possible? 3#4 2hen the%e is
a 0%a,e abuse of /isc%etion? 34 2hen the p%esence of each
othe% as %e>ui%e/ b& la2. = Specificall&( :e affi%5 that on Ap%il
)*( )!") the testat%i6 +sabel Gab%iel( to0ethe% 2ith Matil/e
O%obia( Celso Gi5pa&a an/ his 2ife Ma%ia Gi5pa&a( an/ a
photo0%aphe% p%ocee/e/ in a ca% to the office of Att&. Cip%iano
Pa%aiso at the Ban8 of P.+. Buil/in0( Manila in the 5o%nin0 of
that /a&? that on the 2a&( +sabel Gab%iel obtaine/ a 5e/ical
ce%tificate f%o5 one -%. Chi8ia58o 2hich she 0a,e to Att&.
Pa%aiso upon a%%i,in0 at the latte%Js office an/ tol/ the la2&e%
106
that she 2ante/ he% 2ill to be 5a/e? that Att&. Pa%aiso as8e/
+sabel Gab%iel to /ictate 2hat she 2ante/ to be 2%itten in the
2ill an/ the atto%ne& 2%ote /o2n the /ictation of +sabel Gab%iel
in Ta0alo0( a lan0ua0e 8no2n to an/ spo8en b& he%? that Att&.
Pa%aiso %ea/ bac8 to he% 2hat he 2%ote as /ictate/ an/ she
affi%5e/ thei% co%%ectness? the la2&e% then t&pe/ the 2ill an/
afte% finishin0 the /ocu5ent( he %ea/ it to he% an/ she tol/ hi5
that it 2as al%i0ht? that the%eafte%( +sabel Gab%iel si0ne/ he%
na5e at the en/ of the 2ill in the p%esence of the th%ee
2itnesses Matil/e O%obia( Celso Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a
an/ also at the left-han/ 5a%0in of each an/ e,e%& pa0e of the
/ocu5ent in the p%esence also of the sai/ th%ee 2itnesses? that
the%eafte% Matil/e O%obia atteste/ the 2ill b& si0nin0 he% na5e
at the en/ of the attestation clause an/ at the left-han/ 5a%0in
of pa0es )( '( # an/ * of the /ocu5ent in the p%esence of
+sabel Gab%iel an/ the othe% t2o 2itnesses( Celso Gi5pa&a
an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a? then( Celso Gi5pa&a si0ne/ also the 2ill
at the botto5 of the attestation clause an/ at the left-han/
5a%0in of the othe% pa0es of the /ocu5ent in the p%esence of
+sabel Gab%iel( Matil/e O%obia an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a? that Ma%ia
Gi5pa&a follo2e/ suit( si0nin0 he% na5e at the foot of the
attestation clause an/ at the left-han/ 5a%0in of e,e%& pa0e in
the p%esence of +sabel Gab%iel( Matil/e O%obia an/ Celso
Gi5pa&a? that the%eafte%( Att&. Pa%aiso nota%i;e/ the 2ill as
Pa0e No. !( Boo8 No. +D( Se%ies of )!")( in his Nota%ial
Re0iste%. On the occasion of the e6ecution an/ attestation of
the 2ill( a photo0%aphe% too8 pictu%es( one E6hibit =G=(
/epictin0 Matil/e O%obia( the testat%i6 +sabel Gab%iel( Celso
Gi5pa&a( Ma%ia Gi5pa&a an/ Att&. Pa%aiso( ta8en on sai/
occasion of the si0nin0 of the 2ill( an/ anothe%( E6hibit =7=(
sho2in0 Matil/e O%obia si0nin0 testi5on& that he ha/ ea%lie%
a/,ise/ +sabel Gab%iel to b%in0 2ith he% at least the Ma&o% an/
a Councilo% of Na,otas( Ri;al to be he% 2itnesses fo% he /i/ not
8no2 befo%ehan/ the +/entities of the th%ee attestin0 2itnesses
until the latte% sho2e/ up at his la2 office 2ith +sabel Gab%iel
on Ap%il )*( )!"). Att&. Pa%aisoJs clai5 2hich 2as not
cont%o,e%te/ that he 2%ote /o2n in his o2n han/ the /ate
appea%in0 on pa0e * of E6hibit =.= /issipates an& lin0e%in0
/oubt that he p%epa%e/ an/ %atifie/ the 2ill on the /ate in
>uestion.=
+t is also a factual fin/in0 of the Cou%t of Appeals in hol/in0 that
it 2as c%e/ible that +sabel Gab%iel coul/ ha,e /ictate/ the 2ill(
E6hibit =.=( 2ithout an& note o% /ocu5ent to Att&. Pa%aiso as
a0ainst the contention of petitione% that it 2as inc%e/ible. This
%ulin0 of the %espon/ent cou%t is full& suppo%te/ b& the
e,i/ence on %eco%/ as state/ in the /ecision un/e% %e,ie2(
thus1 =Nothin0 in the %eco%/ suppo%ts the t%ial cou%tJs unbelief
that +sabel Gab%iel /ictate/ he% 2ill 2ithout an& note o%
/ocu5ent to Att&. Pa%aiso. On the cont%a%&( all the th%ee
attestin0 2itnesses unifo%5l& testifie/ that +sabel Gab%iel
/ictate/ he% 2ill to Att&. Pa%aiso an/ that othe% than the piece of
pape% that she han/e/ to sai/ la2&e% she ha/ no note o%
/ocu5ent. This fact 9ibes 2ith the e,i/ence R 2hich the t%ial
cou%t itself belie,e/ 2as unsha8en R that +sabel Gab%iel 2as
of soun/ /isposin0 5e5o%& 2hen she e6ecute/ he% 2ill.
E6hibit =.= %e,eals onl& se,en 3<4 /ispositions 2hich a%e not
co5plicate/ but >uite si5ple. The fi%st 2as +sabel Gab%ielJs
2ish to be inte%%e/ acco%/in0 to Catholic %ites the secon/ 2as
a 0ene%al /i%ecti,e to pa& he% /ebts if an&? the thi%/ p%o,i/e/
fo% P)(AAA.AA fo% he% siste% P%a6i/es Gab%iel D/a. /e Santia0o
an/ P'(AAA.AA fo% he% b%othe% Santia0o Gab%iel? the fou%th 2as
a listin0 of he% )# nephe2s an/ nieces inclu/in0 opposito%-
appellee Ri;alina Gab%iel an/ the a5ount fo% each le0atee the
fifth 2as the institution of the petitione%-appellant( Lut0a%/a
Santia0o as the p%incipal hei% 5entionin0 in 0ene%al te%5s
se,en 3<4 t&pes of p%ope%ties? the si6th /ispose/ of the
%e5ain/e% of he% estate 2hich she 2ille/ in fa,o% of appellant
Lut0a%/a Santia0o but p%ohibitin0 the sale of such p%ope%ties to
an&one e6cept in e6t%e5e situations in 2hich 9u/05ent is
base/ on a 5isapp%ehension of facts? 3*4 2hen the fin/in0s of
fact a%e conflictin0( 3"4 2hen the Cou%t of Appeals( in 5a8in0 its
fin/in0s( 2ent be&on/ the issues of the case an/ the sa5e is
cont%a%& to the a/5issions of both appellant an/ appellee.
3Ro>ue ,s. Buan( et al.( G.R. No. L-''*!( Oct. #)( )!"<?
Ra5os ,s. Pepsi Cola Bottlin0 Co.( G.R. No. L-''*##( .eb. !(
)!"<? 7ila%ion $%. ,s. Cit& of Manila( G.R. No. L-)!*<A? Sept.
)( )!"<4.
Petitione%Js insistence is 2ithout 5e%it. :e hol/ that the case at
ba% /oes not fall 2ithin an& of the e6ceptions enu5e%ate/
abo,e. :e li8e2ise hol/ that the fin/in0s of fact of the
%espon/ent appellate cou%t a%e full& suppo%te/ b& the e,i/ence
on %eco%/. The conclusions a%e full& sustaine/ b& substantial
e,i/ence. :e fin/ no abuse of /isc%etion an/ :e /isce%n no
5isapp%ehension of facts. The %espon/ent Cou%tJs fin/in0s of
fact a%e not conflictin0. 7ence( the 2ell-establishe/ %ule that
the /ecision of the Cou%t of Appeals an/ its fin/in0s of fact a%e
bin/in0 an/ conclusi,e an/ shoul/ not be /istu%be/ b& this
T%ibunal an/ it 5ust be applie/ in the case at ba% in its full fo%ce
an/ effect( 2ithout >ualification o% %ese%,ation. The abo,e
hol/in0 si5pl& s&nthesi;e the %esolutions 2e ha,e he%etofo%e
5a/e in %espect J to petitione%Js p%e,ious assi0n5ents of e%%o%
an/ to 2hich :e ha,e /isa0%ee/ an/( the%efo%e( %e9ecte/.
The last assi0n5ents of e%%o% of petitione% 5ust necessa%il& be
%e9ecte/ b& Us as :e fin/ the %espon/ent Cou%t acte/ p%ope%l&
an/ co%%ectl& an/ has not /epa%te/ f%o5 the accepte/ an/
usual cou%se of 9u/icial p%ocee/in0s as to call fo% the e6e%cise
of the po2e% of supe%,ision b& the Sup%e5e Cou%t( an/ as :e
fin/ that the Cou%t of Appeals /i/ not e%% in %e,e%sin0 the
/ecision of the t%ial cou%t an/ a/5ittin0 to p%obate E6hibit =.=(
the last 2ill an/ testa5ent of the /ecease/ +sabel Gab%iel.
:e %ule that the %espon/ent Cou%tJs factual fin/in0s upon its
su55ation an/ e,aluation of the e,i/ence on %eco%/ is
unassailable that1 =.%o5 the 2elte% of e,i/ence p%esente/( 2e
a%e con,ince/ that the 2ill in >uestion 2as e6ecute/ on Ap%il
)*( )!") in the p%esence of Matil/e O%obia( Celso Gi5pa&a
an/ Ma%ia Gi5pa&a si0nin0 an/ 2itnessin0 the sa5e in the the
2ill on a table 2ith +sabel Gab%iel( Celso Gi5pa&a an/ Ma%ia
Gi5pa&a sittin0 a%oun/ the table. Att&. Pa%aiso( afte% finishin0
the nota%ial act( then /eli,e%e/ the o%i0inal to +sabel Gab%iel
an/ %etaine/ the othe% copies fo% his file an/ nota%ial %e0iste%. A
fe2 /a&s follo2in0 the si0nin0 of the 2ill( +sabel Gab%iel( Celso
Gi5pa&a an/ anothe% photo0%aphe% a%%i,e/ at the office of Att&.
Pa%aiso an/ tol/ the la2&e% that she 2ante/ anothe% pictu%e
ta8en because the fi%st pictu%e /i/ not tu%n out 0oo/. The
la2&e% tol/ he% that this cannot be /one because the 2ill 2as
al%ea/& si0ne/ but +sabel Gab%iel insiste/ that a pictu%e be
ta8en( so a si5ulate/ si0nin0 2as pe%fo%5e/ /u%in0 2hich
inci/ent Matil/e O%obia 2as not p%esent.
Petitione%Js e6ace%bation cente%s on the suppose/ inc%e/ibilit&
of the testi5onies of the 2itnesses fo% the p%oponent of the 2ill(
thei% alle0e/ e,asions( inconsistencies an/ cont%a/ictions. But
in the case at ba%( the th%ee inst%u5ental 2itnesses 2ho
constitute the best e,i/ence of the 2ill 5a8in0 ha,e testifie/ in
fa,o% of the p%obate of the 2ill. So has the la2&e% 2ho
107
p%epa%e/ it( one lea%ne/ in the la2 an/ lon0 in the p%actice
the%eof( 2ho the%eafte% nota%i;e/ it. All of the5 a%e
/isinte%este/ 2itnesses 2ho stan/ to %ecei,e no benefit f%o5
the testa5ent. The si0natu%e
s of the 2itnesses an/ the testat%i6 ha,e been i/entifie/ on the
2ill an/ the%e is no clai5 2hatsoe,e% an/ b& an&one( 5uch
less the petitione%( that the& 2e%e not 0enuine. +n the last an/
final anal&sis( the he%ein conflict is factual an/ 2e 0o bac8 to
the %ule that the Sup%e5e Cou%t cannot %e,ie2 an/ %e,ise the
fin/in0s of facts of the %espon/ent Cou%t of Appeals.
:7ERE.ORE( +N D+E: O. T7E .OREGO+NG( the 9u/05ent
appeale/ f%o5 is he%eb& A..+RME-( 2ith costs a0ainst the
petitione%.
SO OR-ERE-.
)eehan7ee, 'a7asiar, De Castro and =errera, JJ., concur.