SUCCESSION A2010 page 17

Late Digests
ABANGAN v ABANGAN
40 Phil 476
AVANCENA

FACTS
- On September 19, 1917, CFI of Ceb !"mitte" to prob!te An! Ab!n#!n$% &ill e'e(te" )l*, 1916+ From
thi% "e(i%ion the opponent% !ppe!le"+
- ,he &ill (on%i%t% of - %heet%+ ,he fir%t (ont!in% !ll the "i%po%ition of the te%t!tri', "l* %i#ne" !t the
bottom b* .!rtin .ont!lb!n /in the n!me !n" n"er the "ire(tion of the te%t!tri'0 !n" b* three &itne%%e%+
,he follo&in# %heet (ont!in% onl* the !tte%t!tion (l!%e "l* %i#ne" !t the bottom b* the three in%trment!l
&itne%%e%+ Neither of these sheets is signed on the left margin by the testatrix and the three
witnesses, nor nmbered by letters+ ,he%e omi%%ion%, !((or"in# to !ppell!nt%$ (ontention, !re "efe(t%
&hereb* the prob!te of the &ill %hol" h!1e been "enie"+
!SS"#
2ON the &ill &!% "l* !"mitte" to prob!te+
$#LD
3ES+ In re4irin# th!t e!(h !n" e1er* %heet of the &ill be %i#ne" on the left m!r#in b* the te%t!tor !n"
three &itne%%e% in the pre%en(e of e!(h other, A%t No& '()* e1i"entl* h!% for it% ob5e(t the !1oi"!n(e of
%b%tittion of !n* of %!i" %heet% &hi(h m!* (h!n#e the "i%po%ition of the te%t!tri'+ Bt when these
dis+ositions are wholly written on only one sheet /!% in the in%t!nt (!%e0 %i#ne" !t the bottom b* the
te%t!tor !n" three &itne%%e%, their %i#n!tre% on the left m!r#in of %!i" %heet !re not !n*more ne(e%%!r*
!% %(h &ill be prpo%ele%%+
In re4irin# th!t e!(h !n" e1er* p!#e of ! &ill m%t be nmbere" (orrel!ti1el* in letter% pl!(e" on the
pper p!rt of the %heet, it i% li6e&i%e (le!r th!t the ob5e(t of A(t No+ -647 i% to 6no& &hether !n* %heet of
the &ill h!% been remo1e"+ 8t, &hen !ll the "i%po%iti1e p!rt% of ! &ill !re &ritten on one %heet onl*, the
ob5e(t of the %t!tte "i%!ppe!r% be(!%e the remo1!l of thi% %in#le %heet, !ltho#h nnmbere", (!nnot be
hi""en+
In ! &ill (on%i%tin# of t&o %heet% the fir%t of &hi(h (ont!in% !ll the te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition% !n" i% %i#ne" !t the bottom
b* the te%t!tor !n" three &itne%%e% !n" the %e(on" (ont!in% onl* the !tte%t!tion (l!%e !n" i% %i#ne" !l%o !t the bottom
b* the three &itne%%e%, it i% not ne(e%%!r* th!t both %heet% be frther %i#ne" on their m!r#in% b* the te%t!tor !n" the
&itne%%e%, or be p!#e"+
,he ob5e(t of the %olemnitie% %rron"in# the e'e(tion of &ill% i% to (lo%e the "oor !#!in%t b!" f!ith !n" fr!", to !1oi"
%b%tittion of &ill% !n" te%t!ment% !n" to #!r!nt* their trth !n" !thenti(it*+ ,herefore the l!&% on thi% %b5e(t %hol"
be interprete" in %(h ! &!* !% to !tt!in the%e primor"!l en"%+ 8t, on the other h!n", !l%o one m%t not lo%e %i#ht of
the f!(t th!t it i% not the ob5e(t of the l!& to re%tr!in !n" (rt!il the e'er(i%e of the ri#ht to m!6e ! &ill+ So &hen !n
interpret!tion !lre!"* #i1en !%%re% %(h en"%, !n* other interpret!tion &h!t%oe1er, th!t !""% nothin# bt "em!n"%
more re4i%ite% entirel* nne(e%%!r*, %ele%% !n" fr%t!ti1e of the te%t!tor$% l!%t &ill, m%t be "i%re#!r"e"+
S",-.A v $-N,AD-
A+.+ No+ -0-6
A9:INO; <e(ember 19, 19=1
FACTS
- >e%pon"ent 5"#e !"mitte" to prob!te ! &ill, &hi(h on it% f!(e i% 1oi" be(!%e it i% &ritten in En#li%h, ! l!n#!#e not
6no&n to the illiter!te te%t!tri', !n" &hi(h i% prob!bl* for#e"+
- .!ro Sro?!, ! member of the :S Arm* m!rrie" .!r(elin! S!l1!"or+ ,he* &ere (hil"le%% bt the* re!re" ! bo*
n!me" A#!pito+ .!ro "ie" !n" .!r(elin! be(!me ! pen%ioner of the Fe"er!l @o1ernment+
- A#!pito m!rrie" Nenit! !n" h!" ! (hil" Aili!+ A#!pito &!% e1ent!ll* "i%!ble" !n" Nenit! &!% !ppointe" #!r"i!n
&hen he &!% "e(l!re" !% in(ompetent in ! (ort pro(ee"in#+ Ar%eni! "el! Cr? !l%o &!nte" to be A#!pito$% #!r"i!n+
She trie" to pro1e th!t Nenit! &!% nf!ithfl to A#!pito+ ,he %e(on" #!r"i!n%hip pro(ee"in# &!% "i%mi%%e" !n"
Nenit!$% !ppointment &!% (onfirme"+
- Spo%e% Antonio S* !n" Bermo#en! ,!l!n be#ot ! (hil" n!me" .!ril*n S*, &ho &!% entr%te" to Ar%eni! !n" l!ter
"eli1ere" to .!r(elin! S!l1!"or Sro?!+ .!ril*n &!% bro#ht p !% the %ppo%e" "!#hter of A#!pito, bt %he &!% not
le#!ll* !"opte"+ .!rli*n m!rrie" O%(!r .e"r!no
- .!r(elin! %ppo%e"l* e'e(te" ! not!ri!l &ill &hen %he &!% 7C *e!r% ol"+ That will which is in English was
thumbmarked by her+ She was illiterate. .!r(elin! be4e!the" !ll her e%t!te to her %ppo%e" #r!n""!#hter .!ril*n+
2hen .!r(elin! "ie", %he o&ne" ! 170-%4!re meter lot !n" ho%e in th!t pl!(e+
- .!rin! P!5e, !lle#e" to be ! l!n"r*&om!n of .!r(elin! !n" the e'e(tri' in her &ill, file" &ith the Cort ! petition for
the prob!te of .!r(elin!$% !lle#e" &ill+ ,he (!%e &!% !%%i#ne" to )"#e >e*n!l"o P+ Bonr!"o+
- )"#e Bonr!"o !ppointe" .!rin! !% !"mini%tr!tri'+
- :pon motion of .!rin!, )"#e Bonr!"o i%%e" !nother or"er in%tr(tin# ! "ept* %heriff to e5e(t the o((p!nt% of the
te%t!tri'$% ho%e, !mon# &hom &!% Nenit! V+ Sro?!, !n" to pl!(e .!rin! in po%%e%%ion thereof+ ,h!t or"er !lerte"
Nenit! to the e'i%ten(e of the te%t!ment!r* pro(ee"in# for the %ettlement of .!r(elin!$% e%t!te+ She !n" the other
o((p!nt% of the "e(e"ent$% ho%e file" ! motion to %et !%i"e the or"er e5e(tin# them+ ,he* !lle#e" th!t the "e(e"ent$%
%on A#!pito &!% the %ole heir of the "e(e!%e", th!t he h!% ! "!#hter n!me" Aili!, th!t Nenit! &!% A#!pito$% #!r"i!n
!n" th!t .!ril*n &!% not A#!pito$% "!#hter nor the "e(e"ent$% #r!n""!#hter+ A!ter, the* 4e%tione" the prob!te
(ort$% 5ri%"i(tion to i%%e the e5e(tment or"er+
-)"#e Bonr!"o i%%e" !n or"er prob!tin# her %ppo%e" &ill &herein .!ril*n &!% the in%titte" heire%%+
- Nenit! file" in the te%t!te (!%e !n omnib% petition Dto %et !%i"e pro(ee"in#%, !"mit oppo%ition &ith (onter-petition for
!"mini%tr!tion !n" prelimin!r* in5n(tionD+ Nenit! reiter!te" her !lle#!tion th!t .!ril*n &!% ! %tr!n#er to .!r(elin!, th!t
the &ill &!% not "l* e'e(te" !n" !tte%te", th!t it &!% pro(re" b* me!n% of n"e inflen(e emplo*e" b* .!rin! !n"
.!ril*n !n" th!t the thmbm!r6% of the te%t!tri' &ere pro(re" b* fr!" or tri(6+
- .!rin! in her !n%&er !"mitte" th!t .!ril*n &!% not .!r(elin!$% #r!n""!#hter bt &!% the "!#hter of A#!pito ! nd
Arsenia de la Cruz and that Agapito was not Marcelina's son bt merel* !n anak-anakan &ho &!% not le#!ll* !"opte"+
- )"#e Bonr!"o "i%mi%%e" Nenit!$% (onter-petition for the i%%!n(e of letter% of !"mini%tr!tion be(!%e of the non-
!ppe!r!n(e of her (on%el !t the he!rin#+
- In ! motion for the (on%oli"!tion of !ll pen"in# in(i"ent%, Nenit! V+ Sro?! reiter!te" her (ontention th!t the !lle#e" &ill
i% 1oi" be(!%e .!r(elin! "i" not !ppe!r before the not!r* !n" be(!%e it i% &ritten in En#li%h &hi(h i% not 6no&n to
her+
- )"#e Bonr!"o D"enie"D the 1!rio% in(i"ent% Dr!i%e"D b* Nenit!+
- Nenit! Dfile" ! (!%e to !nnlD the prob!te pro(ee"in#% &hi(h &!% !%%i#ne" to )"#e Bonr!"o+ It &!% "i%mi%%e"+
- )"#e Bonr!"o (lo%e" the te%t!ment!r* pro(ee"in#+
- Abot ten month% l!ter, Nenit! (h!r#e" )"#e Bonr!"o &ith h!1in# prob!te" the fr!"lent &ill of .!r(elin!+ Nenit!
frther !lle#e" th!t )"#e Bonr!"o, in %pite of hi% 6no&le"#e th!t the te%t!tri' h!" ! %on n!me" A#!pito, &ho &!%
preterite" in the &ill, "i" not t!6e into !((ont the (on%e4en(e% of %(h ! preterition+
- Nenit! file" in the CA !#!in%t )"#e Bonr!"o ! petition for (ertior!ri !n" prohibition &herein %he pr!*e" th!t the &ill,
the "e(ree of prob!te !n" !ll the pro(ee"in#% in the prob!te (!%e be "e(l!re" 1oi"+ Att!(he" to the petition &!% the
!ffi"!1it of <omin#o P+ A4ino, &ho not!ri?e" the &ill+ e swore that the testatri! and the three attesting witnesses did
not appear be"ore him and that he notarized the will #$ust to accommodate a brother lawyer on the condition# that said
lawyer would bring to the notary the testatri! and the witnesses but the lawyer ne%er complied with his commitment.
- ,he CA "i%mi%%e" the petition be(!%e Nenit!$% reme"* &!% !n !ppe!l !n" her f!ilre to "o %o "i" not entitle her to
re%ort to the %pe(i!l (i1il !(tion of (ertior!ri +
$#LD
- 2e hol" th!t "i%(iplin!r* !(tion %hol" be t!6en !#!in%t re%pon"ent 5"#e for hi% improper "i%po%ition of the te%t!te
(!%e &hi(h mi#ht h!1e re%lte" in ! mi%(!rri!#e of 5%ti(e be(!%e the "e(e"ent$% le#!l heir% !n" not the in%titte"
heire%% in the 1oi" &in %hol" h!1e inherite" the "e(e"ent$% e%t!te+
- A 5"#e m!* be (rimin!ll* li!ble or 6no&in#l* ren"erin# !n n5%t 5"#ment or interlo(tor* or"er or ren"erin# !
m!nife%tl* n5%t 5"#ment or interlo(tor* or"er b* re!%on of ine'(%!ble ne#li#en(e or i#nor!n(e+
- A"mini%tr!ti1e !(tion m!* be t!6en !#!in%t ! 5"#e of the (ort of fir%t in%t!n(e for %erio% mi%(on"(t or ineffi(ien(*+
.i%(on"(t implie% m!li(e or ! &ron#fl intent, not ! mere error of 5"#ment+ DFor %erio% mi%(on"(t to e'i%t, there
m%t be reli!ble e1i"en(e %ho&in# th!t the 5"i(i!l !(t% (ompl!ine" of &ere (orrpt or in%pire" b* !n intention to 1iol!te
the l!&, or &ere in per%i%tent "i%re#!r" of &ell-6no&n le#!l rle%D
SUCCESSION A2010 page 18
- In thi% (!%e, re%pon"ent 5"#e, on per%in# the &ill !n" notin# th!t it &!% &ritten in En#li%h !n" &!% thmbm!r6e" b*
!n ob1io%l* illiter!te te%t!tri', (ol" h!1e re!"il* per(ei1e" th!t the &ill i% 1oi"+
- In the openin# p!r!#r!ph of the &ill, it &!% %t!te" th!t En#li%h &!% ! l!n#!#e Dn"er%too" !n" 6no&nD to the te%t!tri'+
8t in it% (on(l"in# p!r!#r!ph, it &!% %t!te" th!t the &ill &!% re!" to the te%t!tri' D!n" tr!n%l!te" into Filipino
l!n#!#eD+ ,h!t (ol" onl* me!n th!t the &ill &!% &ritten in ! l!n#!#e not 6no&n to the illiter!te te%t!tri' !n",
therefore, it i% 1oi" be(!%e of the m!n"!tor* pro1i%ion of !rti(le =04 of the Ci1il Co"e th!t e1er* &ill m%t be e'e(te"
in ! l!n#!#e or "i!le(t 6no&n to the te%t!tor+ ,h%, ! &ill &ritten in En#li%h, &hi(h &!% not 6no&n to the I#orot te%t!tor,
i% 1oi" !n" &!% "i%!llo&e"+
:n"er the (ir(m%t!n(e%, &e fin" hi% ne#li#en(e !n" "ereli(tion of "t* to be ine'(%!ble+
/ALA0 v ,#L-1A
1C- SC>A -C7
.EAENCIO-BE>>E>A; September -=, 19=4
FACTS
- On September 1, 1971, pri1!te re%pon"ent @>E@O>IO E+ EAAA2, (l!imin# to be the %ole heir of hi% "e(e!%e" %i%ter,
N!ti1i"!" E+ E!l!&, file" ! petition before the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of 8!t!n#!%, 8r!n(h VI, Aip! Cit*, for the prob!te of
her holo#r!phi( 2ill e'e(te" on <e(ember -4, 196=+
- ,he holo#r!phi( 2ill, !% fir%t &ritten, n!me" >OSA E+ E!l!&, ! %i%ter of the te%t!tri' !% her %ole heir+ Ben(e, on
No1ember 10, 1971, petitioner >OSA E+ E!l!& oppo%e" prob!te !lle#in#, in %b%t!n(e, th!t the holo#r!phi( 2ill
(ont!ine" !lter!tion%, (orre(tion%, !n" in%ertion% &ithot the proper !thenti(!tion b* the fll %i#n!tre of the te%t!tri' !%
re4ire" b* Arti(le =14 of the Ci1il Co"e re!"in#F
Art+ =14+ In (!%e of !n* in%ertion, (!n(ell!tion, er!%re or !lter!tion in ! holo#r!phi( &ill the te%t!tor m%t !thenti(!te
the %!me b* hi% fll %i#n!tre+
- >OSA$% po%ition &!% th!t the holo#r!phi( 2ill, !% fir%t &ritten, %hol" be #i1en effe(t !n" prob!te" %o th!t %he (ol"
be the %ole heir theren"er+
- After tri!l, re%pon"ent )"#e "enie" prob!te in !n Or"er, "!te" September C, 197 C, (itin# th!t the N8I reporte" th!t
the h!n"&ritin#, the %i#n!tre, the in%ertion% !n"Gor !""ition% !n" the initi!l &ere m!"e b* one !n" the %!me per%on+
Con%e4entl*, the &ill &!% in the h!n"&ritin# of the "e(e"ent, N!ti1i"!" E+ E!l!&+ Bo&e1er the Cort fin"%, th!t the
pro1i%ion of Arti(le =14 of the Ci1il Co"e i% !ppli(!ble to E'hibit DCD+ Fin"in# the in%ertion%, !lter!tion% !n"Gor !""ition%
in the not to be !thenti(!te" b* the fll %i#n!tre of the te%t!tri' N!ti1i"!" E+ E!l!&, the Cort &ill "en* the !"mi%%ion
to prob!te+
- From th!t Or"er, @>E@O>IO mo1e" for re(on%i"er!tion !r#in# th!t %in(e the !lter!tion% !n"Gor in%ertion% &ere the
te%t!tri', the "eni!l to prob!te of her holo#r!phi( 2ill &ol" be (ontr!r* to her ri#ht of te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition+
>e(on%i"er!tion &!% "enie" in !n Or"er, "!te" No1ember -, 197C, on the #ron" th!t Arti(le =14 of the Ci1il Co"e
bein# (le!r !n" e'pli(it re4ire% no ne(e%%it* for interpret!tion+
- From th!t Or"er, "!te" September C, 197C, "en*in# prob!te, !n" the Or"er "!te" No1ember -, 197C "en*in#
re(on%i"er!tion, >OSA file" thi% Petition for >e1ie& on (ertior!ri
!SS"#
2ON the original unaltered te't !fter %b%e4ent !lter!tion% !n" in%ertion% &ere 1oi"e" b* the ,ri!l Cort for l!(6 of
!thenti(!tion b* the fll %i#n!tre of the te%t!tri'
$#LD
- Or"in!ril*, &hen ! number of er!%re%, (orre(tion%, !n" interline!tion% m!"e b* the te%t!tor in ! holo#r!phi( 2ill litem
not been note" n"er hi% %i#n!tre+++ the 2ill i% not thereb* in1!li"!te" !% ! &hole, bt !t mo%t onl* !% re%pe(t% the
p!rti(l!r &or"% er!%e", (orre(te" or interline"+
- Bo&e1er, &hen !% in thi% (!%e, the holo#r!phi( 2ill in "i%pte h!" onl* one %b%t!nti!l pro1i%ion, &hi(h &!% !ltere" b*
%b%tittin# the ori#in!l heir &ith !nother, bt &hi(h !lter!tion "i" not (!rr* the re4i%ite of fll !thenti(!tion b* the fll
%i#n!tre of the te%t!tor, the effe(t m%t be th!t the entire 2ill i% 1oi"e" or re1o6e" for the %imple re!%on th!t nothin#
rem!in% in the 2ill !fter th!t &hi(h (ol" rem!in 1!li"+ ,o %t!te th!t the 2ill !% fir%t &ritten %hol" be #i1en effi(!(* i% to
"i%re#!r" the %eemin# (h!n#e of min" of the te%t!tri'+ 8t th!t (h!n#e of min" (!n neither be #i1en effe(t be(!%e %he
f!ile" to !thenti(!te it in the m!nner re4ire" b* l!& b* !ffi'in# her fll %i#n!tre+
,-"NDS ' and 2
1!!& ,#1-CAT!-N -F 0!LLS AND T#STA3#NTA,4 D!S5-S!T!-N
L!5ANA v L!5ANA
70 PBIA =67
.O>AN; )ne -=, 1940
NAT",#
Ori#in!l !(tion in the Spreme Cort+ Certior!ri+
FACTS
- Elio"or! Aip!n! file" !n !ppli(!tion for the prob!te of ! &ill %ppo%e"l* e'e(te" b* the "e(e!%e", .!nel! Aip!n!+
- N!ti1i"!" Aip!n! file" !n oppo%ition, !lle#in# th!t e1i"en(e &!% nne(e%%!r* pon the %ppo%e" f!(t% !n" th!t the &ill
&!% not e'e(te" !((or"in# to l!&+
- ,he !ppli(!tion &!% "i%mi%%e" on the #ron" th!t %(h (op* (ol" not be !"mitte" to prob!te, it not h!1in# been
%i#ne" b* the te%t!tri' !n" the !tte%tin# &itne%%e% !t the en" thereof !n" on the left m!r#in of e!(h p!#e+
!SS"#
2ON the "i%mi%%!l b* the re%pon"ent (ort &!% (orre(t
$#LD
NO
Reasoning
- ,he pronon(ement m!"e b* the re%pon"ent (ort th!t the &ill h!" not been e'e(te" in !((or"!n(e &ith l!&, i%
fon"e" n"obte"l* on the erroneo% !%%mption th!t the prob!te of the (!rbon (op* of the &ill &!% bein# !pplie" for+
S(h (op* &!% !tt!(he" to the !ppli(!tion merel* to (orrobor!te the !lle#!tion !% to the e'i%ten(e of it% ori#in!l !n" not
to e%t!bli%h ! fll (ompli!n(e &ith the re4irement% of the l!& !% to the e'e(tion of the &ill+
- :n"er %e(tion 6-C of A(t No+ 190, if ! &ill i% %ho&n to h!1e been torn b* %ome other per%on &ithot the e'pre%%
"ire(tion of the te%t!tor, it m!* be !"mitte" to prob!te, if it% (ontent%, "e e'e(tion !n" it% n!thori?e" "e%tr(tion !re
e%t!bli%he" b* %!ti%f!(tor* e1i"en(e+
- ,he !ppli(!nt, therefore, &!% entitle" to he!rin# to pro1e the "e e'e(tion of the ori#in!l &ill !n" it% lo%% or
"e%tr(tion, !n" the re%pon"ent (ort h!" no %t!ttor* !thorit* to "i%mi%% the !ppli(!tion &ithot %(h he!rin#+
- It i% !lle#e" therein th!t the ori#in!l &!% in the po%%e%%ion of ! thir" per%on or th!t it &!% either lo%t or "e%tro*e" b*
%ome per%on other th!n the te%t!tri'+ ,he !ppli(!nt, therefore, &!% entitle" to he!rin# to pro1e the "e e'e(tion of the
ori#in!l &ill !n" it% lo%% or "e%tr(tion, !n" the re%pon"ent (ort h!" no %t!ttor* !thorit* to "i%mi%% the !ppli(!tion
&ithot %(h he!rin#, !ll in !((or"!n(e &ith Se(+ 6-C of A(t 190+
GAG- v 3A3"4AC
49 Phil 90-
)OBNSON; )!n -9, 19-7
FACTS
- .i#el .!m*!( e'e(te" ! l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment on )l* -7, 191= /fir%t &ill0+ On )!n, 19--, Fr!n(i%(o @!#o
pre%ente" ! petition in the CFI of A! :nion for the prob!tion of th!t &ill+ ,hi% &!% oppo%e" b* Cornelio .!m*!(,
Ambro%io A!rio%!, Feli(i!n! 8!?on, !n" C!t!lin! .!m*!(+ ,he petition for prob!tion &!% "enie" on the #ron" th!t
the "e(e!%e" h!" e'e(te" ! ne& &ill !n" te%t!ment on April 16, 1919 /%e(on" &ill0+ .i#el .!m*!( "ie" on )!n -,
19--+
- ,he pre%ent petition, file" on Feb -1, 19-7, i% inten"e" to %e(re the prob!tion of the %e(on" &ill+ Cornelio .!m*!(,
Ambro%io A!rio%!, Feli(i!n! 8!?on, !n" C!t!lin! .!m*!( pre%ente" their oppo%ition%, !lle#in# / a0 th!t the %!i" &ill i%
SUCCESSION A2010 page 19
! (op* of the %e(on" &ill !n" te%t!ment e'e(te" b* the %!i" .i#el .!m*!(; / b0 th!t the %!me h!" been (!n(elle"
!n" re1o6e" "rin# the lifetime of .i#el .!m*!( !n" /c0 th!t the %!i" &ill &!% not the l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment of the
"e(e!%e" .i#el .!m*!(+
- ,he CFI "enie" the prob!tion of the %e(on" &ill, pon the #ron" th!t the %!me h!" been (!n(elle" !n" re1o6e" in the
*e!r 19-0+
- @!#o (onten"% th!t the lo&er (ort (ommitte" !n error in not fin"in# from the e1i"en(e th!t the &ill in 4e%tion h!"
been e'e(te" &ith !ll the form!litie% re4ire" b* the l!&; th!t the %!me h!" been re1o6e" !n" (!n(elle" in 19-0 before
hi% "e!th; th!t the %!i" &ill &!% ! mere (!rbon (op* !n" th!t the oppo%itor% &ere not e%toppe" from !lle#in# th!t f!(t+
!SS"#
2ON the CFI erre" in not #r!ntin# the prob!tion of .i#el .!m*!(H% %e(on" &ill
$#LD
N-
- A% to the (!n(ell!tion of the &ill, there i% po%iti1e proof, not "enie", &hi(h &!% !((epte" b* the lo&er (ort, th!t &ill in
4e%tion h!" been (!n(elle" in 19-0+ ,he l!& "oe% not re4ire !n* e1i"en(e of the re1o(!tion or (!n(ell!tion of ! &ill to
be pre%er1e"+ ,he f!(t th!t %(h (!n(ell!tion or re1o(!tion h!% t!6en pl!(e m%t either rem!in npro1e" or be inferre"
from e1i"en(e %ho&in# th!t !fter "e %e!r(h the ori#in!l &ill (!nnot be fon"+ 2here ! &ill &hi(h (!nnot be fon" i%
%ho&n to h!1e been in the po%%e%%ion of the te%t!tor, &hen l!%t %een, the pre%mption i%, in the !b%en(e of other
(ompetent e1i"en(e, th!t the %!me &!% (!n(elle" or "e%tro*e"+ ,he %!me pre%mption !ri%e% &here it i% %ho&n th!t
the te%t!tor h!" re!"* !((e%% to the &ill !n" it (!nnot be fon" !fter hi% "e!th+ It &ill not be pre%me" th!t %(h &ill h!%
been "e%tro*e" b* !n* other per%on &ithot the 6no&le"#e or !thorit* of the te%t!tor+ ,he for(e of the pre%mption of
(!n(ell!tion or re1o(!tion b* the te%t!tor, &hile 1!r*in# #re!tl*, bein# &e!6 or %tron# !((or"in# to the (ir(m%t!n(e%, i%
ne1er (on(l%i1e, bt m!* be o1er(ome b* proof th!t the &ill &!% not "e%tro*e" b* the te%t!tor &ith intent to re1o6e it+
- In ! pro(ee"in# to prob!te ! &ill the br"en of proof% i% pon the proponent (le!rl* to e%t!bli%h not onl* it% e'e(tion
bt it% e'i%ten(e+ B!1in# pro1e" it% e'e(tion b* the proponent%, the br"en i% on the (onte%t!nt to %ho& th!t it h!%
been re1o6e"+ In ! #re!t m!5orit* of in%t!n(e% in &hi(h &ill% !re "e%tro*e" for the prpo%e of re1o6in# them there i% no
&itne%% to the !(t of (!n(ell!tion or "e%tr(tion !n" !ll e1i"en(e of it% (!n(ell!tion peri%he% &ith the te%t!tor+ Copie% of
&ill% %hol" be !"mitte" b* the (ort% &ith #re!t (!tion+ 2hen it i% pro1en, ho&e1er, b* proper te%timon* th!t ! &ill &!%
e'e(te" in "pli(!te !n" e!(h (op* &!% e'e(te" &ith !ll the form!litie% !n" re4irement% of the l!&, then the
"pli(!te m!* be !"mitte" in e1i"en(e &hen it i% m!"e to !ppe!r th!t the ori#in!l h!% been lo%t !n" &!% not (!n(elle"
or "e%tro*e" b* the te%t!tor+ /8orromeo %s. C!%4i5o0
3AL-T- v CA
17C SC>A 471
SA>.IEN,O; Febr!r* -9, 19==
FACTS
- O(t+-0, 196C, A"ri!n! .!loto "ie" le!1in# !% heir% her nie(e !n" nephe&%, the petitioner% Al"in! .!loto-C!%i!no !n"
Con%t!n(io .!loto, !n" the pri1!te re%pon"ent% P!nfilo .!loto !n" Felino .!loto+ 8elie1in# th!t the "e(e!%e" "i" not
le!1e behin" ! l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment, the%e for heir% (ommen(e" !n inte%t!te pro(ee"in# for the %ettlement of their
!nt$% e%t!te+ Bo&e1er, &hile the (!%e &!% %till in pro#re%%, the p!rtie% e'e(te" !n !#reement of e'tr!5"i(i!l
%ettlement of A"ri!n!$% e%t!te+ ,he !#reement pro1i"e" for the "i1i%ion of the e%t!te into for e4!l p!rt% !mon# the
p!rtie%+ ,he .!loto% then pre%ente" the e'tr!5"i(i!l %ettlement !#reement to the tri!l (ort for !ppro1!l &hi(h the (ort
"i"+
- C *e!r% l!ter, Att*+ Slpi(io P!lm!, ! former !%%o(i!te of A"ri!n!$% (on%el /Att+Ber1!%0, "i%(o1ere" ! "o(ment
entitle" DEA,AP:SAN N@A PA@8:8:AA,-AN /,e%t!mento0,D "!te" )!n!r* C,1940, !n" prportin# to be the l!%t &ill
!n" te%t!ment of A"ri!n!+ Att*+ P!lm! (l!ime" to h!1e fon" the te%t!ment, the ori#in!l (op*, &hile he &!% #oin#
thro#h %ome m!teri!l% in%i"e the (!binet "r!&er formerl* %e" b* Att*+ Ber1!%+
- ,he "o(ment &!% %bmitte" to the offi(e of the (ler6 of the CFI of Iloilo+ In(i"ent!ll*, &hile P!nfilo !n" Felino !re %till
n!me" !% heir% in the %!i" &ill, Al"in! !n" Con%t!n(io !re be4e!the" m(h bi##er !n" more 1!l!ble %h!re% in the
e%t!te of A"ri!n! th!n &h!t the* re(ei1e" b* 1irte of the !#reement of e'tr!5"i(i!l %ettlement the* h!" e!rlier %i#ne"+
,he &ill li6e&i%e #i1e% "e1i%e% !n" le#!(ie% to other p!rtie%, !mon# them bein# the petitioner% A%ilo "e .olo, the
>om!n C!tholi( Chr(h of .olo, !n" Prifi(!(ion .ir!flor+
- ,h%, Al"in! !n" Con%t!n(io, 5oine" b* the other "e1i%ee% !n" le#!tee% n!me" in the &ill, file" in Spe(i!l Pro(ee"in#
No+ 17C6 ! motion for re(on%i"er!tion !n" !nnlment of the pro(ee"in#% therein !n" for the !llo&!n(e of the &ill+ 2hen
the tri!l (ort "enie" their motion, the petitioner (!me to %+ 2e "i%mi%%e" th!t petition !n" !"1i%e" th!t ! %ep!r!te
pro(ee"in# for the prob!te of the !lle#e" &ill &ol" be the !ppropri!te 1ehi(le+
- Si#nifi(!ntl*, the !ppell!te (ort &hile fin"in# !% in(on(l%i1e the m!tter on 2ON the "o(ment or p!per% !lle#e"l*
brne" b* the ho%ehelp of A"ri!n!, pon in%tr(tion% of the te%t!tri', &!% in"ee" the &ill, (ontr!"i(te" it%elf !n" fon"
th!t the &ill h!" been re1o6e"+ ,he CA %t!te" th!t the pre%en(e of !nim% re1o(!n"i in the "e%tr(tion of the &ill h!",
ne1erthele%%, been %ffi(ientl* pro1en+ ,he !ppell!te (ort b!%e" it% fin"in# on the f!(t% th!t the "o(ment &!% not in
the t&o %!fe% in A"ri!n!$% re%i"en(e, b* the te%t!tri' #oin# to the re%i"en(e of Att*+ Ber1!% to retrie1e ! (op* of the &ill
left in the l!tter$% po%%e%%ion, !n", her %ee6in# the %er1i(e% of Att*+ P!lm! in or"er to h!1e ! ne& &ill "r!&n p+
!SS"#S
1+ 2ON the &ill &!% re1o6e" b* A"ri!n!+
-+ 2ON the (!%e i% b!rre" b* re% 5"i(!t!+
$#LD
1+ NO+
Ratio ,he pro1i%ion% of the NCC pertinent to the i%%e (!n be fon" in Arti(le =C0+
1
It i% (le!r th!t the ph*%i(!l !(t of
"e%tr(tion of ! &ill, li6e brnin# in thi% (!%e, "oe% not per %e (on%titte !n effe(ti1e re1o(!tion, nle%% the "e%tr(tion i%
(ople" &ith !nim% re1o(!n"i on the p!rt of the te%t!tor+ It i% not imper!ti1e th!t the ph*%i(!l "e%tr(tion be "one b*
the te%t!tor him%elf+ It m!* be performe" b* !nother per%on bt n"er the e'pre%% "ire(tion !n" in the pre%en(e of the
te%t!tor+ Of (or%e, it #oe% &ithot %!*in# th!t the "o(ment "e%tro*e" m%t be the &ill it%elf+
Reasoning In thi% (!%e, &hile !nim% re1o(!n"i or the intention to re1o6e, m!* be (on(e"e", for th!t i% ! %t!te of min",
*et th!t re4i%ite !lone &ol" not %ffi(e+ Anim% re1o(!n"i i% onl* one of the ne(e%%!r* element% for the effe(ti1e
re1o(!tion of ! l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment+ ,he intention to re1o6e m%t be !((omp!nie" b* the o1ert ph*%i(!l !(t of
brnin#, te!rin#, obliter!tin#, or (!n(ellin# the &ill (!rrie" ot b* the te%t!tor or b* !nother per%on in hi% pre%en(e !n"
n"er hi% e'pre%% "ire(tion+ ,here i% p!(it* of e1i"en(e to %ho& (ompli!n(e &ith the%e re4irement%+ For one, the
"o(ment or p!per% brne" b* A"ri!n!$% m!i" &!% not %!ti%f!(toril* e%t!bli%he" to be ! &ill !t !ll, m(h le%% the &ill of
A"ri!n!+ For !nother, the brnin# &!% not pro1en to h!1e been "one n"er the e'pre%% "ire(tion of A"ri!n!+ An" then,
the brnin# &!% not in her pre%en(e+ 8oth &itne%%e% &ere one in %t!tin# th!t the* &ere the onl* one% pre%ent !t the
pl!(e &here the %to1e /pre%m!bl* in the 6it(hen0 &!% lo(!te" in &hi(h the p!per% proffere" !% ! &ill &ere brne"+
- ,he re%pon"ent !ppell!te (ort in !%%e%%in# the e1i"en(e pre%ente" b* the pri1!te re%pon"ent%, (on(l"e" th!t the
te%timon* of the t&o &itne%%e% &ho te%tifie" in f!1or of the &ill$% re1o(!tion !ppe!r Din(on(l%i1e+D 2e %h!re the %!me
1ie&+ No&here in the re(or"% before % "oe% it !ppe!r th!t the t&o &itne%%e%, @!"!lpe !n" El!"io, both illiter!te%,
&ere ne4i1o(!bl* po%iti1e th!t the "o(ment brne" &!% in"ee" A"ri!n!$% &ill+
-+ NO+
,he re%pon"ent% (l!im th!t thi% b!r &!% bro#ht !bot b* the petitioner%$ f!ilre to !ppe!l timel* from the or"er of the
tri!l (ort in the inte%t!te pro(ee"in# "en*in# their /petitioner%$0 motion to reopen the (!%e, !n" their pr!*er to !nnl the
pre1io% pro(ee"in#% therein !n" to !llo& the l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment of the l!te A"ri!n!+
,he "o(trine of re% !"5"i(!t! fin"% no !ppli(!tion in the pre%ent (ontro1er%*+ 2e "o not fin" here the pre%en(e of !ll the
re4i%ite% of re% 5"i(!t!+
,here i% *et, %tri(tl* %pe!6in#, no fin!l 5"#ment ren"ere" in%of!r !% the prob!te of A"ri!n! .!loto$% &ill i% (on(erne"+
Neither i% it ! 5"#ment on the merit% of the !(tion for prob!te+ ,here i% li6e&i%e no I"entit* bet&een the (!%e of !(tion
in inte%t!te pro(ee"in# !n" th!t in !n !(tion for prob!te+
3-L- v 3-L-
90 PBIA C7
1
Art+ =C0+ No &ill %h!ll be re1o6e" e'(ept in the follo&in# (!%e%F
/10 8* impli(!tion of l!&; or
/-0 8* %ome &ill, (o"i(il, or other &ritin# e'e(te" !% pro1i"e" in (!%e of &ill%F or
/C0 &y burning' tearing' cancelling' or obliterating the will with the intention o" re%oking it' by the testator himsel"' or by some other person in his presence' and by
his e!press direction. (" burned' torn cancelled' or obliterated by some other person' without the e!press direction o" the testator' the will may still be established'
and the estate distributed in accordance therewith' i" its contents' and due e!ecution' and the "act o" its unauthorized destruction' cancellation' or obliteration are
established according to the )ules o" Court.
SUCCESSION A2010 page 20
AN@EAO; 1971
NAT",#
Appe!l from !n or"er of the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of >i?!l !"mittin# to prob!te the l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment of the
"e(e!%e" .!ri!no .olo * Ae#!%pi e'e(te" on A#%t 17, 191=+
FACTS
.!ri!no .olo * Ae#!%pi "ie" on )!n!r* -4, 1941, in the mni(ip!lit* of P!%!*, pro1in(e of >i?!l, &ithot le!1in# !n*
for(e" heir either in the "e%(en"in# or !%(en"in# line+ Be &!% %r1i1e", ho&e1er, b* hi% &ife, the herein petitioner
)!n! )!n V"!+ "e .olo, !n" b* hi% nie(e% !n" nephe&, the oppo%itor%-!ppell!nt%, A?, @li(eri! !n" Cornelio, !ll
%rn!me" .olo, &ho &ere the le#itim!te (hil"ren of C!n"i"o .olo * Ae#!%pi, "e(e!%e" brother of the te%t!tor+ .!ri!no
.olo * Ae#!%pi left two wills, one e'e(te" on A#%t 17, 191=, !n" !nother e'e(te" on )ne -0, 19C9+ ,BE
AA,,E> 2IAA CON,AINS A CAA:SE 2BICB EIP>ESSA3 >EVOEES ,BE 2IAA EIEC:,E< IN 191=+
On Febr!r* 7, 1941, )!n! )!n V"!+ "e .olo file" in the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of >i?!l ! petition, %ee6in# the
prob!te of the &ill e'e(te" b* the "e(e!%e" on )ne -0, 19C9+ ,here bein# no oppo%ition, the &ill &!% prob!te"+
Bo&e1er, pon petition file" b* the herein oppo%itor%, the or"er of the (ort !"mittin# the &ill to prob!te &!% %et !%i"e
!n" the (!%e &!% reopene"+ After he!rin#, !t &hi(h both p!rtie% pre%ente" their e1i"en(e, the (ort ren"ere" "e(i%ion
denying the +robate of said will on the grond that the +etitioner failed to +rove that the same was exe%ted in
a%%ordan%e with law&
In 1ie& of the "i%!llo&!n(e of the &ill e'e(te" on )ne -0, 19C9, the &i"o& on Febr!r* -4, 1944, filed another
+etition for the +robate of the will exe%ted by the de%eased on Agst 67, 6869, in the %!me (ort+ A#!in, the
%!me oppo%itor% file" !n oppo%ition to the petition b!%e" on three #ron"%F /10 th!t petitioner i% no& e%toppe" from
%ee6in# the prob!te of the &ill of 191=; /-0 th!t %!i" &ill h!% not been e'e(te" in the m!nner re4ire" b* l!& !n" /C0
th!t the &ill h!% been %b%e4entl* re1o6e"+
!SS"#
2ON the "e(l!r!tion of nllit* of ! %b%e4ent &ill b* the prob!te (ort /the 19C9 &ill in thi% (!%e, &hi(h prport% to
re1o6e the 191= &ill0 &ol" h!1e the effe(t of re%rre(tin# the prior &ill+
$#LD
3ES
,hi% i% the <OC,>INE OF <EPEN<EN, >EAA,IVE >EVOCA,ION+ ,he f!ilre of the ne& te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition,
pon &ho%e 1!li"it* the re1o(!tion "epen"%, i% e4i1!lent to the non-flfillment of ! %%pen%i1e (on"ition, !n" BENCE
P>EVEN,S ,BE >EVOCA,ION OF ,BE O>I@INAA 2IAA+ 8t ! mere intent to m!6e !t %ome time ! &ill in pl!(e of
th!t "e%tro*e" &ill not ren"er the "e%tr(tion (on"ition!l+ It m%t !ppe!r th!t the re1o(!tion i% "epen"ent pon the 1!li"
e'e(tion of ! ne& &ill+D
A %b%e4ent &ill, (ont!inin# ! (l!%e re1o6in# ! pre1io% &ill, h!1in# been "i%!llo&e", for the re!%on th!t it &!% not
e'e(te" in (onformit* &ith the pro1i%ion% of %e(tion 61= of the Co"e of Ci1il Pro(e"re !% to the m!6in# of &ill%, (!nnot
pro"(e the effe(t of !nnllin# the pre1io% &ill, in!%m(h !% %!i" re1o(!tor* (l!%e i% 1oi" /S!m%on 1%+ N!1!l, 41 Phil+,
=C=0++
,BE ,BEO>3 ON 2BICB ,BIS P>INCIPAE IS P>E<ICA,E< IS ,BA, ,BE ,ES,A,O> <I< NO, IN,EN< ,O <IE
IN,ES,A,E+ AN< ,BIS IN,EN,ION IS CAEA>A3 .ANIFES, 2BEN BE EIEC:,E< ,2O 2IAAS ON ,2O
<IFFE>EN, OCCASIONS AN< INS,I,:,E< BIS 2IFE AS BIS :NIVE>SAA BEI>+ ,BE>E CAN ,BE>EFO>E 8E
NO .IS,AEE AS ,O BIS IN,EN,ION OF <3IN@ ,ES,A,E+
2e fin" the %!me opinion in the Ameri(!n A!& >eport%, Annot!te", e"ite" in 19C9+ On p!#e 1400, Volme 1-C, there
!ppe!r m!n* !thoritie% on the D!ppli(!tion of rle% &here %e(on" &ill i% in1!li"D, !mon# &hi(h ! t*pi(!l one i% the
follo&in#F
DIt i% ni1er%!ll* !#ree" th!t &here the %e(on" &ill i% in1!li" on !((ont of not bein# e'e(te" in !((or"!n(e &ith the
pro1i%ion% of the %t!tte, or &here the te%t!tor h!% not %ffi(ient ment!l (!p!(it* to m!6e ! &ill or the &ill i% pro(re"
thro#h n"e inflen(e, or the %(h, in other &or"%, &here the %e(on" &ill i% re!ll* no &ill, it "oe% not re1o6e the fir%t
&ill or !ffe(t it in !n* m!nner+D .ort 1%+ 8!6er :ni1er%it* /19C70 --9 .o+ App+, 6C-, 7= S+ 2+ /-"0, 49=+D
,he%e tre!ti%e (!nnot be mi%t!6en+ ,he* phol" the 1ie& on &hi(h the rlin# in the S!m%on (!%e i% pre"i(!te"+ ,he*
refle(t the opinion th!t thi% rlin# i% %on" !n" #oo" !n" for thi% re!%on &e %ee no 5%tifi(!tion for !b!n"onin# it !% no&
%##e%te" b* (on%el for the oppo%itor%+
@r!ntin# for the %!6e of !r#ment th!t the e!rlier &ill &!% 1olnt!ril* "e%tro*e" b* the te%t!tor !fter the e'e(tion of the
%e(on" &ill, &hi(h re1o6e" the fir%t, (ol" there be !n* "obt, n"er thi% theor*, th!t %!i" e!rlier &ill &!% "e%tro*e" b*
the te%t!tor in the hone%t belief th!t it &!% no lon#er ne(e%%!r* be(!%e he h!" e'pre%%l* re1o6e" it in hi% &ill of 19C9J
In other &or"%, (!n &e not %!* th!t the "e%tr(tion of the e!rlier &ill &!% bt the ne(e%%!r* (on%e4en(e of the
te%t!tor$% belief th!t the re1o(!tor* (l!%e (ont!ine" in the %b%e4ent &ill &!% 1!li" !n" the l!tter &ol" be #i1en
effe(tJ If %(h i% the (!%e, then it i% or opinion th!t the e!rlier &ill (!n %till be !"mitte" to prob!te n"er the prin(iple of
D"epen"ent rel!ti1e re1o(!tionD+
D,BIS <OC,>INE IS ENO2N AS ,BA, OF <EPEN<EN, >EAA,IVE >EVOCA,ION, AN< IS :S:AAA3 APPAIE<
2BE>E ,BE ,ES,A,O> CANCEAS O> <ES,>O3S A 2IAA O> EIEC:,ES AN INS,>:.EN, IN,EN<E< ,O
>EVOEE A 2IAA 2I,B A P>ESEN, IN,EN,ION ,O .AEE A NE2 ,ES,A.EN,A>3 <ISPOSI,ION AS A
S:8S,I,:,E FO> ,BE OA<, AN< ,BE NE2 <ISPOSI,ION IS NO, .A<E O>, IF .A<E, FAIAS OF EFFEC, FO>
SO.E >EASON+ ,BE <OC,>INE IS NO, AI.I,E< ,O ,BE EIIS,ENCE OF SO.E O,BE> <OC:.EN,,
BO2EVE>, AN< BAS 8EEN APPAIE< 2BE>E A 2IAA 2AS <ES,>O3E< AS A CONSE9:ENCE OF A .IS,AEE
OF AA2 + + ++D /6= C+ )+F+ 7990+
D,he rle i% e%t!bli%he" th!t &here the !(t of "e%tr(tion i% (onne(te" &ith the m!6in# of !nother &ill %o !% f!irl* to r!i%e
the inferen(e th!t the te%t!tor me!nt the re1o(!tion of the ol" to "epen" pon the effi(!(* of the ne& "i%po%ition
inten"e" to be %b%titte", the re1o(!tion &ill be (on"ition!l !n" "epen"ent pon the effi(!(* of the ne& "i%po%ition;
!n" if, for !n* re!%on, the ne& &ill inten"e" to be m!"e !% ! %b%titte i% inoper!ti1e, the re1o(!tion f!il% !n" the
ori#in!l &ill rem!in% in fll for(e+D /@!r"ner, pp+ -C-, -CC+0
D,hi% i% the "o(trine of "epen"ent rel!ti1e re1o(!tion+ ,he f!ilre of the ne& te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition, pon &ho%e
1!li"it* the re1o(!tion "epen"%, i% e4i1!lent to the non-flfillment of ! %%pen%i1e (on"ition, !n" hen(e pre1ent% the
re1o(!tion of the ori#in!l &ill+ 8t ! mere intent to m!6e !t %ome time ! &ill in pl!(e of th!t "e%tro*e" &ill not ren"er the
"e%tr(tion (on"ition!l+ It m%t !ppe!r th!t the re1o(!tion i% "epen"ent pon the 1!li" e'e(tion of ! ne& &ill+D /1
Ale'!n"er, p+ 771; @!r"ner, p+ -CC+0
2e hol", therefore, th!t e1en in the %ppo%ition th!t the "e%tr(tion of the ori#in!l &ill b* the te%t!tor (ol" be pre%me"
from the f!ilre of the petitioner to pro"(e it in (ort, %(h "e%tr(tion (!nnot h!1e the effe(t of "efe!tin# the prior &ill
of 191= be(!%e of the f!(t th!t it i% fon"e" on the mi%t!6en belief th!t the &ill of 19C9 h!% been 1!li"l* e'e(te" !n"
&ol" be #i1en "e effe(t+
!:& ALL-0ANC# -F 0!LLS
G"#1A,A v G"#1A,A
74 Phil 479
OKAE,A; <e(ember -9, 194C
FACTS
-In 19C1, Vi(torino A+ @e1!r! e'e(te" ! &ill &ith !ll the form!litie% of the l!&, &herein he m!"e be4e%t% to hi%
le#itim!te %on, n!tr!l "!#hter !n" %tep(hil"ren !n" &ife of -
n"
m!rri!#e+
-On )l* 1-, 19CC, Vi(torino A+ @e1!r! e'e(te" ! "ee" of %!le in f!1or of Erne%to .+ @e1!r! (on1e*in# to him the
%othern h!lf of ! l!r#e p!r(el of l!n" in (on%i"er!tion of the %m of P1 !n" other 1!l!ble (on%i"er!tion%+On
September -7, 19CC ! fin!l "e(ree of re#i%tr!tion &!% i%%e" in f!1or of Erne%to .+ @e1!r! o1er the &hole p!r(el of
l!n" "e%(ribe" in the "ee" of %!le !bo1e referre" to+ ,he re#i%tr!tion pro(ee"in# h!" been (ommen(e" b* Vi(torino A+
@e1!r! !n" Erne%to .+ @e1!r! !% !ppli(!nt%, &ith >o%!rio, !mon# other%, !% oppo%itor; bt before the tri!l of the
(!%e Vi(torino A+ @e1!r! &ith"re& !% !ppli(!nt !n" >o%!rio @e1!r! !n" her (o-oppo%itor% !l%o &ith"re& their
oppo%ition, thereb* f!(ilit!tin# the i%%!n(e of the title in the n!me of Erne%to .+ @e1!r! !lone+
On September -7, 19CC, Vi(torino A+ @e1!r! "ie"+ Bi% l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment, ho&e1er, &!% ne1er pre%ente" to the
(ort for prob!te, nor h!% !n* !"mini%tr!tion pro(ee"in# e1er been in%titte" for the %ettlement of hi% e%t!te+ 2hether
the 1!rio% le#!tee% mentione" in the &ill h!1e re(ei1e" their re%pe(ti1e le#!(ie% or h!1e e1en been #i1en "e noti(e of
the e'e(tion of %!i" &ill !n" of the "i%po%ition% therein m!"e in their f!1or, "oe% not !ffirm!ti1el* !ppe!r from the
re(or" of thi% (!%e+ E1er %in(e the "e!th of Vi(torino A+ @e1!r!, hi% onl* le#itim!te %on Erne%to .+ @e1!r! !ppe!r% to
h!1e po%%e%%e" the l!n" !"5"i(!te" to him in the re#i%tr!tion pro(ee"in# !n" to h!1e "i%po%e" of 1!rio% portion%
thereof for the prpo%e of p!*in# the "ebt% left b* hi% f!ther+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 21
->o%!rio @e1!r!, &ho h!" her f!ther$% l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment in her (%to"*, "i" nothin# 5"i(i!ll* to in1o6e the
te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition% m!"e therein in her f!1or, &hereb* the te%t!tor !(6no&le"#e" her !% hi% n!tr!l "!#hter
!n", !%i"e from (ert!in le#!(ie% !n" be4e%t%, "e1i%e" to her ! portion of -1+6171 he(t!re% of the l!r#e p!r(el of l!n"
"e%(ribe" in the &ill+ 8t ! little o1er for *e!r% !fter the te%t!tor$% "emi%e, %he (ommen(e" the pre%ent !(tion !#!in%t
Erne%to .+ @e1!r! !lone for the prpo%e hereinbefore in"i(!te"; !n" it &!% onl* "rin# the tri!l of thi% (!%e th!t %he
pre%ente" the &ill to the (ort, not for the prpo%e of h!1in# it prob!te" bt onl* to pro1e th!t the "e(e!%e" Vi(torino A+
@e1!r! h!" !(6no&le"#e" her !% hi% n!tr!l "!#hter+ :pon th!t proof of !(6no&le"#ment %he (l!ime" her %h!re of
the inherit!n(e from him, bt on the theor* or !%%mption th!t he "ie" inte%t!te, be(!%e the &ill h!" not been
prob!te", for &hi(h re!%on, %he !%%erte", the betterment therein m!"e b* the te%t!tor in f!1or of hi% le#itim!te %on
Erne%to .+ @e1!r! %hol" be "i%re#!r"e"+ 8oth the tri!l (ort !n" the Cort of Appe!l% %%t!ine" th!t theor*+
!SS"#
2ON the pro(e"re !"opte" b* the >o%!rio @e1!r! i% %!n(tione" b* l!&
$#LD
No+ 2e (!nnot %!n(tion the pro(e"re !"opte" b* the re%pon"ent >o%!rio @e1!r!, it bein# in 1iol!tion of pro(e"r!l
l!& !n" !n !ttempt to (ir(m1ent !n" "i%re#!r" the l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment of the "e(e"ent+ ,he Co"e of Ci1il
Pro(e"re, &hi(h &!% in for(e p to the time thi% (!%e &!% "e(i"e" b* the tri!l (ort, (ont!in% the follo&in# pertinent
pro1i%ion%F
DSe(+ 6-7+Allo&!n(e Ne(e%%!r*, !n" Con(l%i1e !% to E'e(tion+ L No &ill %h!ll p!%% either the re!l or per%on!l e%t!te,
nle%% it i% pro1e" !n" !llo&e" in the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e, or b* !ppe!l to the Spreme Cort; !n" the !llo&!n(e b*
the (ort of ! &ill of re!l !n" per%on!l e%t!te %h!ll be (on(l%i1e !% to it% "e e'e(tion+
DSe(+ 6-6+C%to"i!n of 2ill to <eli1er+ L ,he per%on &ho h!% the (%to"* of ! &ill %h!ll, &ithin thirt* "!*% !fter he
6no&% of the "e!th of the te%t!tor, "eli1er the &ill into the (ort &hi(h h!% 5ri%"i(tion, or to the e'e(tor n!me" in the
&ill+
DSe(+ 6-7+E'e(tor to Pre%ent 2ill !n" A((ept or >ef%e ,r%t+ L A per%on n!me" !% e'e(tor in ! &ill, %h!ll &ithin
thirt* "!*% !fter he 6no&% of the "e!th of the te%t!tor, or &ithin thirt* "!*% !fter he 6no&% th!t he i% n!me" e'e(tor, if
he obt!ine" %(h 6no&le"#e !fter 6no&in# of the "e!th of the te%t!tor, pre%ent %(h &ill to the (ort &hi(h h!%
5ri%"i(tion, nle%% the &ill h!% been other&i%e retrne" to %!i" (ort, !n" %h!ll, &ithin %(h perio", %i#nif* to the (ort
hi% !((ept!n(e of the tr%t, or m!6e 6no&n in &ritin# hi% ref%!l to !((ept it+
DSe(+ 6-=+Pen!lt*+ L A per%on &ho ne#le(t% !n* of the "tie% re4ire" in the t&o pre(e"in# %e(tion%, nle%% he #i1e% !
%!ti%f!(tor* e'(%e to the (ort, %h!ll be %b5e(t to ! fine not e'(ee"in# one tho%!n" "oll!r%+
DSe(+ 6-9+Per%on >et!inin# 2ill m!* be Committe"+ L If ! per%on h!1in# (%to"* of ! &ill !fter the "e!th of the te%t!tor
ne#le(t% &ithot re!%on!ble (!%e to "eli1er the %!me to the (ort h!1in# 5ri%"i(tion, !fter noti(e b* the (ort %o to "o,
he m!* be (ommitte" to the pri%on of the pro1in(e b* ! &!rr!nt i%%e" b* the (ort, !n" there 6ept in (lo%e (onfinement
ntil he "eli1er% the &ill+D
-,he pro(ee"in# for the prob!te of ! &ill i% one in rem, &ith noti(e b* pbli(!tion to the &hole &orl" !n" &ith per%on!l
noti(e to e!(h of the 6no&n heir%, le#!tee%, !n" "e1i%ee% of the te%t!tor+ Altho#h not (onte%te" /%e(tion 7, >le 770,
the "e e'e(tion of the &ill !n" the f!(t th!t the te%t!tor !t the time of it% e'e(tion &!% of %on" !n" "i%po%in# min"
!n" not !(tin# n"er "re%%, men!(e, !n" n"e inflen(e or fr!", m%t be pro1e" to the %!ti%f!(tion of the (ort, !n"
onl* then m!* the &ill be le#!li?e" !n" #i1en effe(t b* me!n% of ! (ertifi(!te of it% !llo&!n(e, %i#ne" b* the 5"#e !n"
!tte%te" b* the %e!l of the (ort; !n" &hen the &ill "e1i%e% re!l propert*, !tte%te" (opie% thereof !n" of the (ertifi(!te of
!llo&!n(e m%t be re(or"e" in the re#i%ter of "ee"% of the pro1in(e in &hi(h the l!n" lie% + /Se(tion 1-, >le 77, !n"
%e(tion 6-4, C+ C+ P+0
-It &ill re!"il* be %een from the !bo1e pro1i%ion% of the l!& th!t the pre%ent!tion of ! &ill to the (ort for prob!te i%
m!n"!tor* !n" it% !llo&!n(e b* the (ort i% e%%enti!l !n" in"i%pen%!ble to it% effi(!(*+ ,o !%%re !n" (ompel the
prob!te of ! &ill, the l!& pni%he% ! per%on &ho ne#le(t% hi% "t* to pre%ent it to the (ort &ith ! fine not e'(ee"in#
P-,000, !n" if he %hol" per%i%t in not pre%entin# it, he m!* be (ommitte" to pri%on !n" 6ept there ntil he "eli1er% the
&ill+
-2e hol" th!t if the "e(e"ent left ! &ill !n" no "ebt% !n" the heir% !n" le#!tee% "e%ire to m!6e !n e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition
of the e%t!te, the* m%t fir%t pre%ent th!t &ill to the (ort for prob!te !n" "i1i"e the e%t!te in !((or"!n(e &ith the &ill+
,he* m!* not "i%re#!r" the pro1i%ion% of the &ill nle%% tho%e pro1i%ion% !re (ontr!r* to l!&+ Neither m!* the* "o !&!*
&ith the pre%ent!tion of the &ill to the (ort for prob!te, be(!%e %(h %ppre%%ion of the &ill i% (ontr!r* to l!& !n"
pbli( poli(*+ ,he l!& en5oin% the prob!te of the &ill !n" pbli( poli(* re4ire% it, be(!%e nle%% the &ill i% prob!te" !n"
noti(e thereof #i1en to the &hole &orl", the ri#ht of ! per%on to "i%po%e of hi% propert* b* &ill m!* be ren"ere" n#!tor*,
!% i% !ttempte" to be "one in the in%t!nt (!%e+ Ab%ent le#!tee% !n" "e1i%ee%, or %(h of them !% m!* h!1e no
6no&le"#e of the &ill, (ol" be (he!te" of their inherit!n(e thr the (oll%ion of %ome of the heir% &ho mi#ht !#ree to
the p!rtition of the e%t!te !mon# them%el1e% to the e'(l%ion of other%+
D# B-,;A v 1DA& D# D# B-,;A
@> A--=040
>E3ES, )8A; A#%t 1=, 197-
NAT",#
Appe!l from "e(i%ion% of CFI >i?!l /h!n"lin# prob!te pro(ee"in# of )o%ef!0 !n" CFI N:e1! E(i5! /h!n"lin# prob!te of
Fr!n(i%(o0
FACTS
- C!%t of Ch!r!(ter%F
Fr!n(i%(o "e 8or5! M h%b!n"G f!ther+ <e(e!%e" 1974+
)o%ef! ,!n#(o M 1
%t
&ifeG mother+ <e(e!%e" 1940+
)o%e "e 8or5! M %on of Fr!n(i%(o !n" )o%ef! /of for (hil"ren0, !l%o !"mini%tr!tor of te%t!te e%t!te of )o%ef!
,!%i!n! On#%in#(o M -
n"
&ife of Fr!n(i%(o, !n" !"mini%tr!tri' of te%t!te e%t!te of Fr!n(i%(o+
- ,!%i!n!, !% %r1i1in# %po%e of Fr!n(i%(o, in%titte" prob!te pro(ee"in#% pon hi% "e!th+ Chil"ren of the 1
%t
m!rri!#e
4e%tione" the 1!li"it* of -
n"
m!rri!#e+ >el!tion%hip bet&een -
n"
&ife !n" 6i"% of 1
%t
m!rri!#e %in(e then h!" been
pl!#e" &ith m!n* %it% /1= pen"in#0+
- ,o pt !n" en" to the nmero% liti#!tion%, ! (ompromi%e !#reement &!% entere" into, bet&een )o%e per%on!ll* !n"
!% !"mini%tr!tor of the e%t!te of )o%ef!, !n" ,!%i!n!, !% the %r1i1in# %po%e !n" !"mini%tr!tri' of the e%t!te of
Fr!n(i%(o+ It pro1i"e" th!t &ith the mt!l "e%ire to termin!te !n" %ettle the 1!rio% (ort liti#!tion%, )o%e &ill p!*
,!%i!n! P=00,000 /P-00,000 for e!(h (hil"0 &hi(h !mont %h!ll be (on%i"ere" !% the (omplete !n" fll p!*ment !n"
%ettlement of her here"it!r* %h!re in the e%t!te of Fr!n(i%(o+ ,he (ompromi%e !l%o %er1e" !% 4it (l!im+
- the (ompromi%e !#reement &!% pre%ente" for !ppro1!l to the (ort% &here the prob!te pro(ee"in#% of the e%t!te% of
)o%ef! !n" Fr!n(i%(o &ere pen"in#+ Bo&e1er, ,!%i!n!, !pp!rentl* h!1in# h!" (h!n#e" her min" !bot the
(ompromi%e, oppo%e" %(h %bmi%%ion for !ppro1!l+ She (l!im% th!tF /10 the heir% (!nnot enter into %(h 6in" of
!#reement &ithot fir%t prob!tin# the &ill of Fr!n(i%(o "e 8or5!; /-0 it in1ol1e% ! (ompromi%e on the 1!li"it* of the
m!rri!#e bet&een Fr!n(i%(o !n" ,!%i!n!; !n" /C0 th!t e1en if it &ere 1!li", it h!% (e!%e" to h!1e for(e !n" effe(t
!SS"#
1+ 2ON the (ompromi%e !#reement &!% 1!li" !n" bin"in#
$#LD
1+ 3ES
Reasoning
*+, that probate is "irst re-uired be"ore any agreement may be entered,
- ,!%i!n! relie% on the rlin# in .ue%ara %. .ue%ara, &herein the (ort %!i" th!t Nthe pre%ent!tion of the &ill for prob!te
i% m!n"!tor* !n" th!t the %ettlement !n" "i%tribtion of the e%t!te on the b!%i% of inte%t!(* &hen the "e(e"ent left ! &ill,
i% !#!in%t l!& !n" pbli( poli(*+O ,h%, ,!%i!n! m!in!t!in% th!t %in(e Fr!n(i%(o left ! &ill, the %!me m%t be prob!te"
!n" !n* !#reement to the (ontr!r* i% in1!li"+
- Bo&e1er, SC rle" in thi% (!%e th!t .ue%ara i% not !ppli(!ble %in(e &h!t i% in1ol1e" i% not the "i%tribtion or %ettlement
of the entire e%t!te, bt the %!le of the %h!re of ,!%i!n! in f!1or of the other heir%+
- there i% no le#!l b!r to !n heir /&ith re4i%ite (ontr!(tin# (!p!(it*0 "i%po%in# of hi% here"it!r* %h!re imme"i!tel* !fter
%(h "e!th, e1en if the !(t!l e'tent of %(h %h!re i% not "etermine" ntil the %b%e4ent li4i"!tion of the e%t!te+ Of
(or%e, the effe(t of %(h !lien!tion i% to be "eeme" limite" to &h!t i% ltim!tel* !"5"i(!te" to the 1en"or heir
- bein# the %r1i1in# %po%e of the "e(e"ent, ,!%i!n! nee" not !&!it the ot(ome of the prob!te pro(ee"in#% %in(e %he
&!% (on%i"ere" b* l!& !% ! (ompl%or* heir+ ,h%, the prere4i%ite of ! pre1io% prob!te of the &ill, !% e%t!bli%he" in
.ue%ara (!n not !ppl* to the (!%e of ,!%i!n!
*/, that it in%ol%es compromise o" the %alidity o" the /
nd
marriage
SUCCESSION A2010 page 22
- the m!rri!#e h!% implie"l* been re(o#ni?e" b* )o%e in %i#nin# the (ompromi%e !#reement &hi(h "e%(ribe" ,!%i!n! !%
the N%r1i1in# %po%e of Fr!n(i%(o+O ,hi% %er1e% !% re(o#nition of her (i1il %t!t%
*0, that it ceased to ha%e "orce and e""ect
-thi% &!% r!i%e" be(!%e )o%e file" ! motion AF,E> %bmittin# the (ompromi%e !#reement for !ppro1!l, &hi(h %t!te"
th!t Nno !mi(!ble %ettlement h!" been !rri1e" !tO !n" th!t Nthe (ompromi%e !#reement f!ile" to m!teri!li?e,O !lle#e"l*
%ho&in# !b!n"onment of the (ompromi%e !#reement %i#ne"
-SC %!i" th!t %(h "e(l!r!tion in the motion onl* %ho&% th!t !n* effort to re!(h !n !mi(!ble %ettlement !fter ,!%i!n!
nil!ter!ll* b!(6e" ot of the (ompromi%e h!" f!ile"+ Bo&e1er, thi% "oe% not !ffe(t the 1!li"it* !n" bin"in# for(e of the
(ompromi%e !#reement !lre!"* re!(he", %i#ne", !n" not!ri?e"+ ,he f!ilre to re!(h ! no1!tor* !((or" (!n not
in1!li"!te the ori#in!l (ompromi%e+

GALLAN-SA v A,CANG#L
=C SC>A 676
A9:INO; )ne -1, 197=
NAT",#
Spe(i!l (i1il !(tion of (ertior!ri
FACTS
- Florentino Bito%i% e'e(te" ! &ill in the 8i(ol "i!le(t on )ne 19, 19C= &hen he &!% =1 *o+ Be "ie" on .!* -6, 19C9 !t
Iro%in, Sor%o#on+ A (hil"le%% &i"o&er, he &!% %r1i1e" b* hi% brother, Aeon+ On )ne -4, 19C9 ! petition for the prob!te
of hi% &ill &!% file" in CFI Sor%o#on+ ,he noti(e of he!rin# &!% "l* pbli%he" in th!t &ill+ Florentino be4e!the" hi% P
%h!re in the (on5#!l e%t!te to hi% %e(on" &ife, ,e(l! <ollent!%, !n", %hol" ,e(l! pre"e(e!%e him, !% &!% the (!%e, hi%
P %h!re &ol" be !%%i#ne" to the %po%e% Pe"ro @!ll!no%! !n" Cor!?on @re(i!, the re!%on bein# th!t Pe"ro, ,e(l!$%
%on b* her fir%t m!rri!#e, #re& p n"er the (!re of FlorentinoF he h!" tre!te" Pe"ro !% hi% fo%ter (hil", !n" Pe"ro h!%
ren"ere" %er1i(e% to Florentino !n" ,e(l!+ Florentino li6e&i%e be4e!the" hi% %ep!r!te propertie% to hi% prote#e A"olfo
Fort!5!"!, ! minor+ Oppo%ition to the prob!te of the &ill &!% re#i%tere" b* the te%t!tor$% le#!l heir%, n!mel*, Aeon !n"
hi% nephe&% !n" nie(e%+ After ! he!rin#, &herein the oppo%itor% "i" not pre%ent !n* e1i"en(e, )"#e >i1er!, in hi%
"e(i%ion of O(tober -7, 19C9, !"mitte" the &ill to prob!te !n" !ppointe" @!ll!no%! !% e'e(tor+ )"#e >i1er!
%pe(ifi(!ll* fon" th!t the te%t!tor e'e(te" hi% l!%t &ill Den5o*in# #oo" he!lth !n" ment!l f!(ltie% !n" not !(tin# n"er
thre!t, fr!" or n"e inflen(e D Q6828 D#C,## -F 5,-BAT#<+ ,he te%t!tor$% le#!l heir% "i" not !ppe!l from the
"e(ree of prob!te /19C90 !n" from the or"er of p!rtition !n" "i%tribtion /19410 of 61 p!r(el% of l!n" b* @!ll!no%!
%po%e% !n" Fort!5!"!+
- On Febr!r* -0, 197-, Aeon Bito%i% !n" nephe&% !n" nie(e% in%titte" !n !(tion in CFI Sor%o#on !#!in%t Pe"ro
@!ll!no%! for the re(o1er* of the %!i" 61 p!r(el% of l!n"+ ,he* !lle#e" th!t the* h!" been in (ontino% po%%e%%ion of
tho%e l!n"% en (on(epto "e "eRo !n" th!t @!ll!no%! entere" tho%e l!n"% in 1971 !n" !%%erte" o&ner%hip o1er the
l!n"%+ ,he* pr!*e" th!t the* be "e(l!re" the o&ner% of the l!n"%, be re%tore" to the po%%e%%ion thereof !n" !l%o
(l!ime" "!m!#e% /Ci1il C!%e No+ 6960+ =68*' C-35A!NT<
- CFI: <i%mi%%e" their oppo%ition !n" Or"ere" the prob!te of hi% &ill be(!%e the oppo%itor% "i" not file !n* !ppe!l
&ithin the perio" fi'e" b* l!&, "e%pite the f!(t th!t the* &ere "l* thereof, %o th!t the %!i" "e(i%ion h!" be(ome fin!l
!n" it no& (on%titte% ! b!r to !n* !(tion th!t the pl!intiff% m!* in%titte for the prpo%e of %ee6in# ! re"etermin!tion of
their ri#ht to inherit the propertie% of the l!te Florentino Bito%i%+ In other &or"%, the %!i" "e(i%ion of thi% Cort in 19C9,
&hi(h the* inter1ene" !% p!rtie% oppo%itor%, (on%titte% ! fin!l 5"i(i!l "etermin!tion of the i%%e th!t the* h!1e no le#!l
ri#ht% to %((ee" to !n* of the propertie% of the l!te Florentino Bito%i%; (on%e4entl*, their pre%ent (l!im to the
o&ner%hip !n" po%%e%%ion of the 61 p!r(el% of l!n" in 4e%tion i% &ithot !n* le#!l merit or b!%i%+ =68*' D!S3!SSAL
-F C-35LA!NT<
- On September -1, 1967, or fifteen *e!r% !fter the "i%mi%%!l of Ci1il C!%e No+ 696 !n" t&ent*-ei#ht *e!r% !fter the
prob!te of the &ill, !nother !(tion in the %!me (ort !#!in%t the @!ll!no%! %po%e% !n" A"olfo Fort!5!"! for the
D!nnlmentD of the &ill of Florentino Bito%i% !n" for the re(o1er* of the %!me 61 p!r(el% of l!n"+ ,he* pr!*e" for the
!ppointment of ! re(ei1er+ =68(7 C-35LA!NT<
!SS"#
2ON !llo&!n(e of &ill /pr!*e" for in 1967 (ompl!int0 i% 1!li" #i1en the 19C9 "e(ree of prob!te !n" the 197- or"er of
"i%mi%%!l in Ci1il C!%e No+ 696
$#LD
NO
Ratio After the fin!lit* of the !llo&!n(e of ! &ill, the i%%e !% to the 1olnt!rine%% of it% e'e(tion (!nnot be r!i%e"
!n*more /S!nto% 1%+ <e 8en!1entr!0+
Reasoning
- ,he 19C9 "e(ree of prob!te i% (on(l%i1e !% to the "e e'e(tion or form!l 1!li"it* of the &ill /Se(+ 6-7, A(t 190; %e(+
1, >le 76, no& %e(+ 1, >le 77, >le% of Cort; A!%t p!r+ of !rt+ =C=, Ci1il Co"e0+ ,h!t me!n% th!t the te%t!tor &!% of
%on" !n" "i%po%in# min" !t the time &hen he e'e(te" the &ill !n" &!% not !(tin# n"er "re%%, men!(e, fr!", or
n"e inflen(e; th!t the &ill &!% %i#ne" b* him in the pre%en(e of the re4ire" nmber of &itne%%e%, !n" th!t the &ill i%
#enine !n" i% not ! for#er*+ A((or"in#l*, the%e f!(t% (!nnot !#!in be 4e%tione" in ! %b%e4ent pro(ee"in#, not e1en
in ! (rimin!l !(tion for the for#er* of the &ill+ /C .or!n$% Comment% on the >le% of Cort, 1970 E"ition, p+ C97;
.!n!h!n 1%+ .!n!h!n0+
-Austria vs. Ventenilla S ! Dpetition for !nnlment of ! &illD &!% not entert!ine" !fter the "e(ree of prob!te h!" be(ome
fin!l+
D2ill%; Prob!te; Alle#e" Fr!"lent 2ill; Appe!l+ V+ "ie"+ Bi% &ill &!% !"mitte" to prob!te &ithot ob5e(tion+ No
!ppe!l &!% t!6en from %!i" or"er+ It &!% !"mitte" th!t "e !n" le#!l noti(e h!" been #i1en to !ll p!rtie%+ Fifteen
month% !fter the "!te of %!i" or"er, ! motion &!% pre%ente" in the lo&er (ort to h!1e %!i" &ill "e(l!re" nll !n"
1oi", for the re!%on th!t fr!" h!" been pr!(ti(e" pon the "e(e!%e" in the m!6in# of hi% &ill+
DBel"F ,h!t n"er %e(tion 6-7 of A(t No+ 190, the onl* time #i1en p!rtie% &ho !re "i%ple!%e" &ith the or"er !"mittin#
to prob!te ! &ill, for !n !ppe!l i% the time #i1en for !ppe!l% in or"in!r* !(tion%; bt &ithot "e(i"in# &hether or not
!n or"er !"mittin# ! &ill to prob!te &ill be opene" for fr!", !fter the time !llo&e" for !n !ppe!l h!% e'pire", &hen
no !ppe!l i% t!6en from !n or"er prob!tin# ! &ill, the heir% (!n not, in %b%e4ent liti#!tion in the %!me pro(ee"in#%,
r!i%e 4e%tion% rel!tin# to it% "e e'e(tion+ ,he prob!te of ! &ill i% (on(l%i1e !% to it% "e e'e(tion !n" !% to the
te%t!ment!r* (!p!(it* of the te%t!tor+D /See A%tri! 1%+ Beir% of Ventenill!, 99 Phil+ 10690+
D# LA C#,NA v 5-T-T
1- SC>A 776
>E3ES
NAT",#
Appe!l from the CA "e(i%ion re1er%in# Ceb CFI
FACTS
- Spo%e% 8ern!be "e l! Cern! !n" @er1!%i! >eb!(! e'e(te" ! 5oint l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment in their lo(!l "i!le(t &illin#
t&o p!r(el% of l!n" to#ether &ith !ll the impro1ement% thereon to their nie(e, .!nel! >eb!(!+ ,he (ople &ere
(hil"le%%+ A% ! (on"ition on the 5oint &ill, the frit% of the t&o p!r(el% %h!ll be en5o*e" b* either the te%t!tor% &hile he or
%he i% *et li1in#+
- :pon the "e!th of 8ern!be "e l! Cern! in 19C9 the &ill &!% %bmitte" for prob!te before the CFI of Ceb &hi(h
"e(l!re" %!i" &ill to be le#!l !n" 1!li"+ 2hen @er1!%i! "ie" in 197-, !nother petition for the prob!te of the %!me &ill
&!% %bmitte" before the %!me Ceb CFI+ ,hi% time, ho&e1er, the te%t!ment &% "e(l!re" nll !n" 1oi" for bein#
e'e(te" (ontr!r* to the prohibition of 5oint &ill% in Arti(le 669 of the Ol" Ci1il Co"e !n" Arti(le =1= of the Ne& Ci1il
Co"e+
- On !ppe!l, the CA re1er%e" the rlin# of the Ceb CFI on the #ron" th!t the "e(ree of prob!te in 19C9 &!%
(on(l%i1e on the "e e'e(tion of the te%t!ment+ ,he CA "e(l!re" th!t
DT T T+ It i% tre the l!& /Art+ 669, ol" Ci1il Co"e; Art+ =1=, ne& Ci1il Co"e0 prohibit% the m!6in# of ! &ill 5ointl*
b* t&o or more per%on% either for their re(ipro(!l benefit or for the benefit of ! thir" per%on+ $owever, this form of will
has long been san%tioned by se, and the same has %ontined to be sed> and when, as in the +resent %ase,
one s%h ?oint last will and testament has been admitted to +robate by final order of a Cort of %om+etent
?risdi%tion, there seems to be no alternative ex%e+t to give effe%t to the +rovisions thereof that are not %ontrary
to law, as was done in the %ase of 3a%rohon vs& Saavedra, *6 5hil& '(7, wherein or S+reme Cort gave effe%t
to the +rovisions of the ?oint will therein mentioned, saying @assming that the ?oint will in Aestion is valid@&B
SUCCESSION A2010 page 23
- Ben(e thi% !ppe!l b* the heir% inte%t!te of the "e(e!%e" h%b!n", 8ern!be "e l! Cern!
!SS"#CS
1+ 2ON the 5oint &ill i% le#!l !n" 1!li" in %o f!r !% 8ern!be "e l! Cern! i% (on(erne"
-+ 2ON the 5oint &ill i% le#!l !n" 1!li" in %o f!r !% @er1!%i! >eb!(! i% (on(erne"
$#LD
1+ 3e%+ ,he SC rle" th!t the fin!l "e(ree of prob!te entere" in 19C9 b* the Ceb CFI h!% (on(l%i1e effe(t !% to the
l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment of 8ern!be "e l! Cern! "e%pite the f!(t th!t the Ci1il Co"e !lre!"* "e(re"" the in1!li"it* of 5oint
&ill%, &hether in f!1or of the 5oint te%t!tor%, re(ipro(!ll*, or in f!1or of ! thir" p!rt*+ ,he error (ommitte" b* the prob!te
(ort &!% !n error of l!& th!t %hol" h!1e been (orre(te" b* !ppe!l+ A final ?dgment rendered on a +etition for the
+robate of a will is binding +on the whole world D3analo vs& 5aredes, )7 5hil& 829> !n re #state of ;ohnson, 28
5hil& 6*(E > and +bli% +oli%y and sond +ra%ti%e demand that at the risF of o%%asional errors, ?dgment of
%orts shold be%ome final at some definite date fixed by law& !nterest rei +bli%ae t finis sit litim DDy Cay vs&
Crossfield, 29 5hil& *'6, and other %ases %ited in ' 3oran Comments on the ,les of Cort 68(2 #d&, 5& 2''E& The
dismissal of the a%tion by the heirs and s%%essors of De la Cerna was %orre%t&
-+ No+ ,he pre%ent %b5e(t m!tter of the prob!te i% the l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment of @er1!%i! &ho "ie" m(h l!ter th!n her
h%b!n"+ Ben(e, in %o f!r !% the e%t!te of the &ife i% (on(erne", the 5oint &ill m%t be ree%!mine" !n" !"5"i(!te" "e
no1o %in(e the 5oint &ill i% (on%i"ere" ! %ep!r!te &ill of e!(h te%t!tor+ ,h% re#!r"e", the hol"in# of the Cort of Fir%t
In%t!n(e of Ceb th!t the 5oint &ill i% one prohibite" b* l!& &!% (orre(t !% to the p!rti(ip!tion of the "e(e!%e" @er1!%i!
>eb!(! in the propertie% in 4e%tion, for the re!%on% e'ten%i1el* "i%(%%e" in or "e(i%ion in 8ilb!o 1%+ 8ilb!o, =7 Phil+
144, th!t e'pl!ine" the pre1io% hol"in# in .!(rohon 1%+ S!!1e"r!, 71 Phil+, -67+ Therefore, the ndivided interest of
Gervasia ,eba%a shold +ass +on her death to her heirs intestate, and not ex%lsively to the testamentary
heir, nless some other valid will in her favor is shown to exist, or nless she be the only heir intestate of said
Gervasia&
3AN!NANG v CA D5,-N-1#E
114 SC>A 47=
.EAENCIO-BE>>E>A; )ne 19, 19=-
NAT",#
A Petition to >e1ie& the <e(i%ion CA
FACTS
- Clemen(i! A%enet!, %in#le, "ie" !n" left ! holo#r!phi( &ill %!*in# th!t !ll her re!l propertie% lo(!te" in .!nil!, .!6!ti,
9e?on Cit*, Alb!* !n" Ae#!%pi Cit* !n" !ll her per%on!l propertie% %h!ll be inherite" b* <r!+ Sole"!" A+ .!nin!n# &ith
&ho%e f!mil* %he h!1e li1e" &ith+
- Sole"!" .!nin!n# file" ! Petition for prob!te of the 2ill of the "e(e"ent &ith the CFI+
- 8ern!r"o A%enet!, &ho, !% the !"opte" %on, (l!im% to be the %ole heir of "e(e"ent Clemen(i! A%enet!, in%titte"
inte%t!te pro(ee"in#%+
- ,he t&o (!%e% &ere or"ere" (on%oli"!te"+
- 8ern!r"o then file" ! .otion to <i%mi%% the ,e%t!te C!%e on the #ron" th!t the holo#r!phi( &ill &!% nll !n" 1oi"
be(!%e he, !% the onl* (ompl%or* heir, &!% preterite" !n", therefore, inte%t!(* %hol" en%e+
- ,he lo&er Cort or"ere" the "i%mi%%!l of the ,e%t!te C!%e+ .> "enie"+ .!nin!n# re%orte" to ! (ertior!ri Petition
before CA+
!SS"#
2ON the Cort a -uo ! 4o !(te" in e'(e%% of it% 5ri%"i(tion &hen it "i%mi%%e" the ,e%t!te C!%e+
$#LD
- 3ES+ @ener!ll*, the prob!te of ! 2ill i% m!n"!tor*+ Norm!ll*, the prob!te of ! 2ill "oe% not loo6 into it% intrin%i(
1!li"it*+
- ,he 1uguid !n" the &alanay (!%e% pro1i"e the e'(eption r!ther th!n the rle+ ,he intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the 2ill% in tho%e
(!%e% &!% p!%%e" pon e1en before prob!te be(!%e Dpr!(ti(!l (on%i"er!tion%D %o "em!n"e"+ .oreo1er, for the p!rtie%
in the 1uguid (!%e, the Dme!t of the (ontro1er%*D &!% the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the 2ill; in f!(t, the p!rtie% in th!t (!%e
D%hnte" !%i"e the 4e%tion of &hether or not the 2ill %hol" be !llo&e" prob!te+D Not %o in the (!%e before % no&
&here the prob!te of the 2ill i% in%i%te" on b* petitioner% !n" ! re%oltion on the e'trin%i( 1!li"it* of the 2ill "em!n"e"+
- .oreo1er, in the 1uguid (!%e, thi% Cort rle" th!t the 2ill &!% intrin%i(!ll* in1!li" !% it (ompletel* preterite" the
p!rent% of the te%t!tor+ In the in%t!nt (!%e, ! (r(i!l i%%e th!t (!ll% for re%oltion i% &hether n"er the term% of the
"e(e"ent$% 2ill, pri1!te re%pon"ent h!" been preterite" or "i%inherite", !n" if the l!tter, &hether it &!% ! 1!li"
"i%inherit!n(e+ Preterition !n" "i%inherit!n(e !re t&o "i1er%e (on(ept%+
- 8* 1irte of the "i%mi%%!l of the ,e%t!te C!%e, the "etermin!tion of th!t (ontro1er%i!l i%%e h!% not been thoro#hl*
(on%i"ere"+ 2e #!ther from the !%%!ile" Or"er of the tri!l Cort th!t it% (on(l%ion &!% th!t re%pon"ent 8ern!r"o h!%
been preterite" 2e !re of opinion, ho&e1er, th!t from the f!(e of the 2ill, th!t (on(l%ion i% not in"bit!ble+
5AST-, v CA DG"#3ADAE
40 Phil 476
PAANA ; )ne -4, 19=C
NAT",#
,hi% i% ! (!%e of here"it!r* %((e%%ion+
FACTS
- Al1!ro P!%tor, Sr+ /PAS,O>, S>+0 "ie" in Ceb Cit* on )ne 7, 1966+ Be &!% %r1i1e" b* hi% &ife Sofi!
8o%%io, their t&o le#itim!te (hil"ren Al1!ro P!%tor, )r+ /PAS,O>, )>+0 !n" Sofi! P!%tor "e .i"#el*
/SOFIA0, !n" !n ille#itim!te (hil" Ae&ell*n 8!rlito 9:E.A<A+
- 9:E.A<A file" &ith the CFI ! petition for the prob!te !n" !llo&!n(e of !n !lle#e" holo#r!phi( &ill left b*
PAS,O>, S>+ ,he &ill (ont!ine" onl* one te%t!ment!r* "i%po%itionF ! le#!(* in f!1or of 9:E.A<A
(on%i%tin# of C0U of PAS,O>, S>+$% 4-U %h!re in the oper!tion b* A,AAS of %ome minin# (l!im% in Pin!-
8!rot, Ceb+
- ,he prob!te (ort !ppointe" him %pe(i!l !"mini%tr!tor of the entire e%t!te of PAS,O>, S>+ to &hi(h
P!%tor )r+ An" hi% %i%ter Sofi! oppo%e"+ 9:E.A<A !% %pe(i!l !"mini%tr!tor, in%titte" !#!in%t PAS,O>,
)>+ !n" hi% &ife !n !(tion for re(on1e*!n(e of !lle#e" propertie% of the e%t!te %b5e(t of the le#!(* &hi(h
&ere in the n!me% of PAS,O>, )>+ !n" hi% &ife, &ho (l!ime" to be the o&ner% thereof in their o&n ri#ht%,
!n" not b* inherit!n(e+
- ,he prob!te (ort then i%%e" !n or"er !llo&in# the holo#r!phi( &ill to prob!te+
- For t&o *e!r% !fter rem!n" of the (!%e to the P>O8A,E CO:>,, 9:E.A<A file" ple!"in# !fter
ple!"in# !%6in# for p!*ment of hi% le#!(* !n" %ei?re of the propertie% %b5e(t of %!i" le#!(*+
- PAS,O>, )>+ !n" SOFIA oppo%e" the%e ple!"in#% on the #ron" th!t there i% %till ! re(on1e*!n(e %it
pen"in# &ith !nother br!n(h of CFI+
- ,he P>O8A,E CO:>, then %et ! he!rin# on the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill bt no he!rin# &!% hel"
be(!%e of the oppo%ition of P!%tor )r+ !n" Sofi! !#!in on the %!me #ron" of pen"en(* of the
re(on1e*!n(e %it+ In%te!", the prob!te (ort re4ire" the p!rtie% to %bmit their re%pe(ti1e po%ition
p!per%+
- PAS,O>+ )>+ !n" SOFIA %bmitte" their .emor!n"m &hi(h in effe(t %ho&e" th!t "etermin!tion of ho&
m(h 9:E.A<A %hol" re(ei1e &!% %till prem!tre+ 9:E.A<A !l%o %bmitte" hi% Po%ition p!per+
- So &hile the re(on1e*!n(e %it &!% %till bein# liti#!te", the P>O8A,E CO:>, i%%e" !n Or"er of
E'e(tion !n" @!rni%hment re%ol1in# the 4e%tion of o&ner%hip of the ro*!ltie% from A,AAS !n" rlin#
th!t the le#!(* to 9em!"! &!% not inoffi(io%+ ,he or"er bein# Dimme"i!tel* e'e(tor*D, 9:E.A<A
%((ee"e" in obt!inin# ! 2rit of E'e(tion !n" @!rni%hment !n" in %er1in# the %!me on A,AAS on the
%!me "!*+
- P!%tor )r+ !n" Sofi! file" ! motion for re(on%i"er!tion on the #ron" th!t the P>O8A,E CO:>, #r!1el*
!b%e" it% "i%(retion &hen it re%ol1e" the 4e%tion of o&ner%hip of the ro*!ltie% !n" or"ere" the p!*ment
of 9:E.A<A$% le#!(* !fter prem!trel* p!%%in# pon the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 24
- E1en before the .F> (ol" be re%ol1e", PAS,O>, )>+ !n" hi% &ife file" &ith the CA ! Petition for
(ertior!ri+ ,he petition &!% "enie" on the #ron" th!t it% filin# &!% prem!tre be(!%e there &!% %till !n
.F> pen"in# before the P>O8A,E CO:>,+ ,he %po%e% mo1e" for re(on%i"er!tion+
- 2hile thi% petition &!% pen"in#, the prob!te (ort i%%e" !n or"er &hi(h the (ort (l!im% to h!1e
re%ol1e" the 4e%tion of the in%trin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill !n" of the o&ner%hip of the minin# (l!im%,
ren"erin# moot !n" !(!"emi( the %it for re(on1e*!n(e+
- Ben(e thi% petition !%%!ilin# the or"er% i%%e" b* the prob!te (ort+ ,he petitioner% !re !r#in# th!t
before the pro1i%ion% of the holo#r!phi( &ill (!n be implemente", the 4e%tion% of o&ner%hip of the minin#
propertie% !n" the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the holo#r!phi( &ill m%t fir%t be re%ol1e" &ith fin!lit*+
!SS"#S
2ON the Prob!te Or"er re%ol1e" &ith fin!lit* the 4e%tion% of o&ner%hip !n" intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill+
$#LD
No+
Contrary to the +osition taFen by the +robate %ort, these two issed have not yet been resolved&
Therefore, the 5robate -rder %old not have resolved and a%tally did not de%ide G"#3ADA@s
entitlement to the lega%y& This being so, the -rders for the +ayment of the lega%y in alleged
im+lementation of the 5robate -rder of 687' are nwarranted for la%F of basis&
In ! %pe(i!l pro(ee"in# for the prob!te of ! &ill, the i%%e b* !n" l!r#e i% re%tri(te" to the e'trin%i( 1!li"it*
of the &ill, i+e+, &hether the te%t!tor, bein# of %on" min", freel* e'e(te" the &ill in !((or"!n(e &ith the
form!litie% pre%(ribe" b* l!&+ A% ! rle, the 4e%tion of o&ner%hip i% !n e'tr!neo% m!tter &hi(h the
Prob!te Cort (!nnot re%ol1e &ith fin!lit*+ ,h%, for the prpo%e of "eterminin# &hether ! (ert!in propert*
%hol" or %hol" not be in(l"e" in the in1entor* of e%t!te propertie%, the Prob!te Cort m!* p!%% pon
the title thereto, bt %(h "etermin!tion i% pro1i%ion!l, not (on(l%i1e, !n" i% %b5e(t to the fin!l "e(i%ion in
! %ep!r!te !(tion to re%ol1e title+
2hen PAS,O>, S>+ "ie" in 1966, he &!% %r1i1e" b* hi% &ife+ ,here i% therefore ! nee" to li4i"!te the
(on5#!l p!rtner%hip !n" %et !p!rt the %h!re of PAS,O>, S>+$% &ife in the (on5#!l p!rtner%hip+ 2hen the
"i%pte" or"er &!% i%%e", no li4i"!tion of the (ommnit* propertie" tr!n%pire" *et+ ,h%, there h!"
been no prior "efiniti1e "etermin!tion of the !%%et% of the e%t!te of PAS,O>, S>+ ,here &!% !n in1entor*
of hi% propertie% pre%m!bl* prep!re" b* the %pe(i!l !"mini%tr!tor, bt it "oe% not !ppe!r th!t it &!% e1er
the %b5e(t of ! he!rin# or th!t it &!% 5"i(i!ll* !ppro1e"+ ,he re(on1e*!n(e or re(o1er* of propertie%
!lle#e"l* o&ne" bt not in the n!me of PAS,O>, S>+ &!% %till bein# liti#!te" in !nother (ort+ ,here &!%
no !ppropri!te "etermin!tion, m(h le%% p!*ment, of the "ebt% of the "e(e"ent !n" hi% e%t!te+ Nor h!"
the e%t!te t!' been "etermine" !n" p!i"+ ,he net !%%et% of the e%t!te not h!1in# been "etermine", the
le#itime of the for(e" heir% in (on(rete fi#re% (ol" not be !%(ert!ine"+
All the fore#oin# "efi(ien(ie% (on%i"ere", it &!% not po%%ible to "etermine &hether the le#!(* of
9:E.A<A - ! fi'e" %h!re in ! %pe(ifi( propert* r!ther th!n !n !li4ot p!rt of the entire net e%t!te of the
"e(e!%e" &ol" pro"(e !n imp!irment of the le#itime of the (ompl%or* heir%+
,here !(t!ll* &!% no "etermin!tion of the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill in other re%pe(t%+ It &!% ob1io%l* for
thi% re!%on th!t !% l!te !% .!r(h 7, 19=0 - more th!n 7 *e!r% !fter the or"er &!% i%%e" the Prob!te Cort
%(he"le" on ! he!rin# on the intrinsic 1!li"it* of the &ill+
,-B#,TS v L#-N!DAS
@+>+ No+ A-77709
A9:INO; April -7, 19=4
FACTS
-E"&!r" .+ @rimm !n Ameri(!n re%i"ent of .!nil!, "ie"+Be &!% %r1i1e" b* hi% %e(on" &ife, .!'ine ,!te @rimm !n"
their t&o (hil"ren, n!me" E"&!r" .iller @rimm II /Pete0 !n" Ain"! @rimm !n" b* )!nit! @rimm .orri% !n" Ethel
@rimm >obert% /.(F!""en0, hi% t&o (hil"ren b* ! fir%t m!rri!#e &hi(h en"e" in "i1or(e +
- Be e'e(te" two wills in S!n Fr!n(i%(o, C!liforni!+ One &ill "i%po%e" of hi% Philippine e%t!te &hi(h he "e%(ribe" !%
(on5#!l propert* of him%elf !n" hi% %e(on" &ife+ ,he %e(on" &in "i%po%e" of hi% e%t!te ot%i"e the Philippine%+
In both &ill%, the %e(on" &ife !n" t&o (hil"ren &ere f!1ore"+ ,he t&o (hil"ren of the "irst marriage &ere #i1en their
le#itime% in the &ill "i%po%in# of the e%t!te %it!te" in thi% (ontr*+
- .!'ine !n" her t&o (hil"ren Ain"! !n" Pete, !% the fir%t p!rtie%, !n" Ethel, )!nit! @rimm .orri% !n" their mother
)!nit! Ee#le* @rimm !% the %e(on" p!rtie%, with knowledge o" the intestate proceeding in Manila, entere" into !
compromise agreement in :t!h re#!r"in# the e%t!te+
- In th!t !#reement, .!'ine, Pete !n" Ethel &ol" be "e%i#n!te" !% per%on!l repre%ent!ti1e% /!"mini%tr!tor%0 of
@rimm$% Philippine e%t!te+ It &!% !l%o %tipl!te" th!t .!'ine$% one-h!lf (on5#!l %h!re in the e%t!te %hol" be re%er1e"
for her !n" th!t &ol" not be le%% th!n V1,700,000 pl% the home% in :t!h !n" S!nt! .e%!, .!nil!+ ,he !#reement
in"i(!te" the (ompt!tion of the Dnet "i%tribt!ble e%t!teD+
- It &!% %tipl!te" th!t the "e(e"ent$% for (hil"ren D%h!ll %h!re e4!ll* in the Net <i%tribt!ble E%t!teD !n" th!t Ethel
!n" )!nit! .orri% %hol" e!(h re(ei1e !t le!%t 1--1G-U of the tot!l of the net "i%tribt!ble e%t!te !n" m!rit!l %h!re+
- Ethel file" in the CFI !n intestate proceeding for the %ettlement of hi% e%t!te+ She &!% n!me" %pe(i!l
!"mini%tr!tri'+.!'ine, file" !n opposition and MT2 the intestate proceeding on the #ron" of the pen"en(* of :t!h of !
pro(ee"in# for the prob!te+ She !l%o mo1e" th!t %he be !ppointe" %pe(i!l !"mini%tr!tri', She %bmitte" to the (ort !
(op* of @rimm$% &ill "i%po%in# of hi% Philippine e%t!te+
- ,he inte%t!te (ort note" th!t .!'ine &ith"re& th!t oppo%ition !n" .,< !n", !t the behe%t of .!'ine, Ethel !n" Pete,
!ppointe" them 5oint !"mini%tr!tor%, pr%!nt to the :t!h (ompromi%e !#reement+ The court ignored the will already
"ound in the record.
- ,he three !"mini%tr!tor% %bmitte" !n in1entor*+ 2ith the !thorit* !n" !ppro1!l of the (ort, the* %ol" b%ine%%e% !n"
%h!re% of %to(6 o&ne" b* the "e(e!%e"+
- A(tin# on the "e(l!r!tion of heir% !n" pro5e(t of p!rtition %i#ne" !n" file" b* l!&*er% /not %i#ne" b* .!'ine !n" her t&o
(hil"ren0, the lo&er (ort !"5"i(!te" to .!'ine P of the "e(e"ent$% Philippine e%t!te !n" 1G= e!(h to hi% for (hil"ren+
- For ! period o" more than "i%e months' there &!% no mo1ement or !(ti1it* in the inte%t!te (!%e+ ,hen )!nit! @rimm
.orri%, file" ! motion for !((ontin# D%o th!t the E%t!te propertie% (!n be p!rtitione" !mon# the heir% !n" the pre%ent
inte%t!te e%t!te be (lo%e"+D <el C!ll!r, .!'ine$% l!&*er &!% notifie" of th!t motion+
- 8efore th!t motion (ol" be he!r", .!'ine, Pete !n" Ain"!, file" ! petition pr!*in# for the prob!te of @rimm$% t&o &ill%
/!lre!"* prob!te" in :t!h0, th!t the 1979 p!rtition !ppro1e" b* the inte%t!te (ort be %et !%i"e !n" the letter% of
!"mini%tr!tion re1o6e", th!t .!'ine be !ppointe" e'e(tri' !n" th!t Ethel !n" )!nit! .orri% be or"ere" to !((ont for
the propertie% re(ei1e" b* them !n" to retrn the %!me to .!'ine+
- ,he %e(on" &ife !n" t&o (hil"ren !lle#e" th!t the* &ere "efr!" "e to the m!(hin!tion% of the >obert% %po%e%, th!t
the 197= :t!h (ompromi%e !#reement &!% ille#!l, th!t the inte%t!te pro(ee"in# i% 1oi" be(!%e @rimm "ie" te%t!te !n"
th!t the p!rtition &!% (ontr!r* to the "e(e"ent$% &ill%+
- Ethel file" ! .,<+ )"#e Aeoni"!% "enie" it for l!(6 of merit+ Ethel then file" ! petition for (ertior!ri !n" prohibition in
thi% Cort, pr!*in# th!t the te%t!te pro(ee"in# be "i%mi%%e", or+ !ltern!ti1el* th!t the t&o pro(ee"in#% be (on%oli"!te"
!n" he!r" !n" th!t the m!tter of the !nnlment of the :t!h (ompromi%e !#reement be he!r" prior to the petition for
prob!te+
$#LD
2e hol" th!t re%pon"ent 5"#e "i" not (ommit !n* #r!1e !b%e of "i%(retion, !montin# to l!(6 of 5ri%"i(tion, in
"en*in# Ethel$% .,<+
- A te%t!te pro(ee"in# i% proper in thi% (!%e be(!%e @rimm "ie" &ith t&o &ill% !n" Dno &ill %h!ll p!%% either re!l or
per%on!l propert* nle%% it i% pro1e" !n" !llo&e"D /Art+ =C=, CC0+
- ,he prob!te of the &ill i% m!n"!tor*+ It i% !nom!lo% th!t the e%t!te of ! per%on &ho "ie" testate %hol" be %ettle" in
!n inte%t!te pro(ee"in#+ ,herefore, the inte%t!te (!%e %hol" be (on%oli"!te" &ith the te%t!te pro(ee"in# !n" the 5"#e
!%%i#ne" to the te%t!te pro(ee"in# %hol" (ontine he!rin# the t&o (!%e%+
- Ethel m!* file &ithin t&ent* "!*% from noti(e of the fin!lit* of thi% 5"#ment !n oppo%ition !n" !n%&er to the petition
nle%% %he (on%i"er% her motion to "i%mi%% !n" other ple!"in#% %ffi(ient for the prpo%e+ )!nit! @+ .orri%, &ho
!ppe!re" in the inte%t!te (!%e, %hol" be %er1e" &ith (opie% of or"er%, noti(e% !n" other p!per% in the te%t!te (!%e+
N#5-3"C#N- v CA DG-3#.E
SUCCESSION A2010 page 25
1C9 SC>A -06
O(tober 9, 19=7; @:,IE>>EK
NAT",#
Petition for (ertior!ri
FACTS
.!rtin )#o "ie" &ith l!%t 2ill !n" ,e%t!ment &ith !ll the form!litie% re4ire" b* l!&+ In the %!i" 2ill, the te%t!tor
n!me" !n" !ppointe" herein petitioner Sofi! )+ Nepom(eno !% hi% %ole !n" onl* e'e(tor of hi% e%t!te+ It i% (le!rl*
%t!te" in the 2ill th!t the te%t!tor &!% le#!ll* m!rrie" to ! (ert!in >fin! @ome? b* &hom he h!" t&o le#itim!te
(hil"ren, O%(!r !n" C!rmelit!, bt %in(e 197-, he h!" been e%tr!n#e" from hi% l!&fll* &e""e" &ife !n" h!" been
li1in# &ith petitioner !% h%b!n" !n" &ife+ In f!(t, on <e(ember 7, 197-, the te%t!tor .!rtin )#o !n" the petitioner
herein, Sofi! )+ Nepom(eno &ere m!rrie" in Vi(tori!, ,!rl!( before the )%ti(e of the Pe!(e+ ,he te%t!tor "e1i%e" to hi%
for(e" heir%, n!mel*, hi% le#!l &ife >fin! @ome? !n" hi% (hil"ren O%(!r !n" C!rmelit! hi% entire e%t!te !n" the free
portion thereof to herein petitioner+
,he petitioner file" ! petition for the prob!te of the l!%t 2ill !n" ,e%t!ment of the "e(e!%e" .!rtin )#o in the CFI >i?!l
!n" !%6e" for the i%%!n(e to her of letter% te%t!ment!r*+
,he le#!l &ife of the te%t!tor, >fin! @ome? !n" her (hil"ren file" !n oppo%ition+
,he lo&er (ort "enie" the prob!te of the 2ill on the #ron" th!t !% the te%t!tor !"mitte" in hi% 2ill to (oh!bitin# &ith
the petitioner from <e(ember 197- ntil hi% "e!th on )l* 16, 1974, the 2ill$% !"mi%%ion to prob!te &ill be !n i"le
e'er(i%e be(!%e on the f!(e of the 2ill, the in1!li"it* of it% intrin%i( pro1i%ion% i% e1i"ent+
,he (!%e re!(he" the CA !n" the re%pon"ent (ort %et !%i"e the "e(i%ion of the CFI of >i?!l "en*in# the prob!te of the
&ill+ ,he CA "e(l!re" the 2ill to be 1!li" e'(ept th!t the "e1i%e in f!1or of the petitioner i% nll !n" 1oi" pr%!nt to
Arti(le 7C9
-
in rel!tion &ith Arti(le 10-=
C
+
!SS"#
2ON the re%pon"ent (ort !(te" in e'(e%% of it% 5ri%"i(tion &hen !fter "e(l!rin# the l!%t 2ill !n" ,e%t!ment of the
"e(e!%e" .!rtin )#o 1!li"l* "r!&n, it &ent on to p!%% pon the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the te%t!ment!r* pro1i%ion in f!1or of
herein petitioner+
$#LD
NO+ ,he #ener!l rle i% th!t in prob!te pro(ee"in#%, the (ort$% !re! of in4ir* i% limite" to !n e'!min!tion !n"
re%oltion of the e'trin%i( 1!li"it* of the 2ill+ ,he rle, ho&e1er, i% not infle'ible !n" !b%olte+ @i1en e'(eption!l
(ir(m%t!n(e%, the prob!te (ort i% not po&erle%% to "o &h!t the %it!tion (on%tr!in% it to "o !n" p!%% pon (ert!in
pro1i%ion% of the 2ill+
)easoning,
!+ In N#i" 1+ N#i", the te%t!tor in%titte" the petitioner !% ni1er%!l heir !n" (ompletel* preterite" her
%r1i1in# for(e" heir%+ A &ill of thi% n!tre, no m!tter ho& 1!li" it m!* !ppe!r e'trin%i(!ll*, &ol" be nll !n"
1oi"+ Sep!r!te or l!tter pro(ee"in#% to "etermine the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the te%t!ment!r* pro1i%ion% &ol"
be %perflo%+
b+ ,he prohibition in Arti(le 7C9 of the Ci1il Co"e i% !#!in%t the m!6in# of ! "on!tion bet&een per%on% &ho !re
li1in# in !"lter* or (on(bin!#e+ It i% the "on!tion &hi(h be(ome% 1oi"+ ,he #i1er (!nnot #i1e e1en
!%%min# th!t the re(ipient m!* re(ei1e+ ,he 1er* &or"in#% of the 2ill in1!li"!te the le#!(* be(!%e the
te%t!tor !"mitte" he &!% "i%po%in# the propertie% to ! per%on &ith &hom he h!" been li1in# in
(on(bin!#e+ /NoteF ,he "efen%e of Nepom(eno th!t %he &!% not !&!re th!t )#o &!% m!rrie" &!% not
belie1e" b* the (ort+0
2
,he follo&in# "on!tion% %h!ll be 1oi"F
/10 ,ho%e m!"e bet&een per%on% &ho &ere #ilt* of !"lter* or (on(bin!#e !t the time of the "on!tion;
/-0 ,ho%e m!"e bet&een per%on% fon" #ilt* of the %!me (rimin!l offen%e, in (on%i"er!tion thereof;
/C0 ,ho%e m!"e to ! pbli( offi(er or hi% &ife, "e%(en"!nt% !n" !%(en"!nt%, b* re!%on of hi% offi(e+
In the (!%e referre" to in No+ 1, the !(tion for "e(l!r!tion of nllit* m!* be bro#ht b* the %po%e of the "onor or "onee; !n" the #ilt of the "onor !n" "onee
m!* be pro1e" b* prepon"er!n(e of e1i"en(e in the %!me !(tion+
3
D,he prohibition% mentione" in Arti(le 7C9, (on(ernin# "on!tion% inter 1i1o% %h!ll !ppl* to te%t!ment!r* pro1i%ion%+D
3#,CAD- v SANT-S
@+>+ No+ 476-9
AA:>EA; September --, 19C=
FACTS
In .!* 19C1, the petitioner Atil!no .er(!"o file" in the CFI of P!mp!n#! ! petition for the prob!te of the &ill of hi%
"e(e!%e" &ife, Ine% 8!%!+ ,he prob!te (ort, in )ne 19C1, !"mitte" the &ill to prob!te+ Almo%t C *e!r% l!ter, 7
inter1enor% mo1e" e' p!rte to reopen the pro(ee"in#%, !lle#in# l!(6 of 5ri%"i(tion of the (ort to prob!te the &ill !n" to
(lo%e the pro(ee"in#%, &hi(h motion &!% "enie"+
It !ppe!r% th!t 16 month% !fter the prob!te of the &ill of Ine% 8!%!, inter1enor "e Aeon file" C (ompl!int% !#!in%t
.er(!"o for f!l%ifi(!tion or for#er* of the &ill prob!te" !% !bo1e in"i(!te"+ ,he 1
%t
- (!%e% &ere "i%mi%%e" !t the
in%t!n(e of the (ompl!in!nt, &hile l!%t (!%e &!% "i%mi%%e" on the #ron" th!t the &ill !lle#e" to h!1e been f!l%ifie" h!"
!lre!"* been prob!te" !n" there &!% no e1i"en(e th!t the petitioner h!" for#e" the %i#n!tre of the te%t!tri' !ppe!rin#
thereon+ <i%%!ti%fie" &ith the re%lt, the pro1in(i!l fi%(!l mo1e" for rein1e%ti#!tion of the (!%e+ /f*i- petitioner &!%
!rre%te" 4 time%W0 ,he petitioner mo1e" to "i%mi%% the (!%e (l!imin# th!t the &ill !lle#e" to h!1e been for#e" h!"
!lre!"* been prob!te" !n", frther, th!t the or"er prob!tin# the &ill i% (on(l%i1e !% to the !thenti(it* !n" "e
e'e(tion thereof+ ,he motion &!% o1errle"+
!SS"#
2ON the prob!te of the &ill of hi% "e(e!%e" &ife i% ! b!r to the petitionerH% (rimin!l pro%e(tion for the !lle#e" for#er*
of the %!i" &ill
$#LD
4#S
- Sec.034 o" our Code o" Ci%5ro,
D Effe(t of 5"#ment+ ,he effe(t of ! 5"#ment or fin!l or"er in !n !(tion or %pe(i!l pro(ee"in# before ! (ort or 5"#e of
the Philippine I%l!n"%X m!* be !% follo&%F
I'' in re%pe(t to the prob!te of ! &illX the 5"#ment or or"er i% (on(l%i1e ponX the &ill or !"mini%tr!tionX Pro1i"e",
,h!t the prob!te of ! &ill or #r!ntin# of letter% of !"mini%tr!tion %h!ll onl* be prim! f!(ie e1i"en(e of the "e!th of the
te%t!tor or inte%t!te+O
- SEC. 4/6. N Allo&!n(e Ne(e%%!r*, !n" Con(l%i1e !% to E'e(tion+ No &ill %h!ll p!%% either the re!l or per%on!l
e%t!te, nle%% it i% pro1e" !n" !llo&e" in the CFI, or b* !ppe!l to the SC; !n" the !llo&!n(e b* the (ort of ! &ill of re!l
!n" per%on!l e%t!te %h!ll be (on(l%i1e !% to it% "e e'e(tion+D
- Manahan %s. Manahan,
D+ + + ,he "e(ree of prob!te i% (on(l%i1e &ith re%pe(t to the "e e'e(tion thereof !n" it (!nnot be imp#ne" on !n* of
the #ron"% !thori?e" b* l!&, e'(ept th!t of fr!", in !n* %ep!r!te or in"epen"ent !(tion or pro(ee"in#+ D
- ,he prob!te of ! &ill in thi% 5ri%"i(tion i% ! pro(ee"in# in rem+ ,he pro1i%ion of noti(e b* pbli(!tion !% ! prere4i%ite
to the !llo&!n(e of ! &ill i% (on%tr(ti1e noti(e to the &hole &orl", !n" &hen prob!te i% #r!nte", the 5"#ment of the
(ort i% bin"in# pon e1er*bo"*, e1en !#!in%t the St!te+
- ,he pro(ee"in# for the prob!te of ! &ill i% one in rem !n" the (ort !(4ire% 5ri%"i(tion o1er !ll the per%on%
intere%te", thro#h the pbli(!tion of the noti(e pre%(ribe" b* %e(tion 6C0 of the Co"e of Ci1il Pro(e"re, !n" !n* or"er
th!t m!* be entere" therein i% bin"in# !#!in%t !ll of them+
- Sec. 000' par. 7' o" the Code o" Ci%il 5rocedure e%t!bli%he% !n in(ontro1ertible pre%mption in f!1or of 5"#ment%
"e(l!re" b* it to be (on(l%i1eF
D ,he follo&in# pre%mption% or "e"(tion%, &hi(h the l!& e'pre%%l* "ire(t% to be m!"e from p!rti(l!r f!(t%, !re
"eeme" (on(l%i1eF
''' ''' '''
D4+ ,he 5"#ment or or"er of ! (ort, &hen "e(l!re" b* thi% (o"e to be (on(l%i1e+D
- Con(l%i1e pre%mption% !re inferen(e% &hi(h the l!& m!6e% %o peremptor* th!t it &ill not !llo& them to be
o1ertrne" b* !n* (ontr!r* proof ho&e1er %tron#+ ,he &ill in 4e%tion h!1in# been prob!te" b* ! (ompetent (ort, the
l!& &ill not !"mit !n* proof to o1erthro& the le#!l pre%mption th!t it i% #enine !n" not ! for#er*+
- Ameri(!n !n" En#li%h (!%e% %ho& ! (onfli(t of !thoritie% on the 4e%tion !% to &hether or not the prob!te of ! &ill
b!r% (rimin!l pro%e(tion of the !lle#e" for#er of the prob!te" &ill+ 2e h!1e e'!mine" %ome import!nt (!%e% !n" h!1e
SUCCESSION A2010 page 26
(ome to the (on(l%ion th!t no fi'e" %t!n"!r" m!* be !"opte" or "r!&n therefrom, in 1ie& of the (onfli(t no le%% th!n of
"i1er%it* of %t!ttor* pro1i%ion% obt!inin# in "ifferent 5ri%"i(tion%+ It behoo1e% %, therefore, !% the (ort of l!%t re%ort, to
(hoo%e th!t rle mo%t (on%i%tent &ith or %t!ttor* l!&, h!1in# in 1ie& the nee"e" %t!bilit* of propert* ri#ht% !n" the
pbli( intere%t in #ener!l+ ,o be %re, &e h!1e %erio%l* refle(te" pon the "!n#er% of e1!%ion from pni%hment of
(lprit% "e%er1in# of the %e1erit* of the l!& in (!%e% &here, !% here, for#er* i% "i%(o1ere" !fter the prob!te of the &ill
!n" the pro%e(tion i% h!" before the pre%(ription of the offen%e+ 8* !n" l!r#e, ho&e1er, the b!l!n(e %eem% in(line" in
f!1or of the 1ie& th!t &e h!1e t!6en+ Not onl* "oe% the l!& %rron" the e'e(tion of the &ill &ith the ne(e%%!r*
form!litie% !n" re4ire prob!te to be m!"e !fter !n el!bor!te 5"i(i!l pro(ee"in#, bt %e(tion 11C, not to %pe!6 of
%e(tion 71C, of or Co"e of Ci1il Pro(e"re pro1i"e% for !n !"e4!te reme"* to !n* p!rt* &ho mi#ht h!1e been
!"1er%el* !ffe(te" b* the prob!te of ! for#e" &ill, m(h in the %!me &!* !% other p!rtie% !#!in%t &hom ! 5"#ment i%
ren"ere" n"er the %!me or %imil!r (ir(m%t!n(e%+ ,he !##rie1e" p!rt* m!* file !n !ppli(!tion for relief &ith the proper
(ort &ithin ! re!%on!ble time, bt in no (!%e e'(ee"in# %i' month% !fter %!i" (ort h!% ren"ere" the 5"#ment of
prob!te, on the #ron" of mi%t!6e, in!"1erten(e, %rpri%e or e'(%!ble ne#le(t+ An !ppe!l lie% to re1ie& the !(tion of !
(ort of fir%t in%t!n(e &hen th!t (ort ref%e% to #r!nt relief+ After ! 5"#ment !llo&in# ! &ill to be prob!te" h!% be(ome
fin!l !n" n!ppe!l!ble , !n" !fter the perio" fi'e" b* %e(tion 11C of the Co"e of Ci1il Pro(e"re h!% e'pire", the l!& !%
!n e'pre%%ion of the le#i%l!ti1e &i%"om #oe% no frther !n" the (!%e en"% there+
- ,herefore, th!t in 1ie& of the pro1i%ion% of %e(tion% C06, CCC !n" 6-7 of or Co"e of Ci1il Co"e Pro(e"re, (rimin!l
!(tion &ill not lie in thi% 5ri%"i(tion !#!in%t the for#er of ! &ill &hi(h h!" been "l* !"mitte" to prob!te b* ! (ort of
(ompetent 5ri%"i(tion+ ,he petitioner i% entitle" to h!1e the (rimin!l pro(ee"in#% !#!in%t him 4!%he"+
:& D!SALL-0ANC# -F 0!LLS
5ASC"AL 1 D#LA C,".
'9 SC,A )'6
,#4#S> 3ay 2H, 68(8
NAT",#
Appe!l from the CFI "e(i%ion !"mittin# to prob!te the prporte" &ill of C!t!lin! "e l! Cr?
FACTS
-C!t!lin! "e l! Cr?, %in#le !n" &ithot !n* %r1i1in# "e%(en"!nt or !%(en"!nt, "ie"+ A petition for the prob!te of her
!lle#e" &ill &!% file" b* An"re% P!%(!l, &ho &!% n!me" in the %!i" &ill !% e'e(tor !n" %ole heir of the "e(e"ent+
-Pe"ro "el! Cr? !n" -6 other nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the l!te C!t!lin! "e l! Cr? (onte%te" the 1!li"it* of the &ill on
the #ron"% th!t the form!litie% re4ire" b* l!& &ere not (omplie" &ith; th!t the te%t!tri' &!% ment!ll* in(!p!ble of
"i%po%in# of her propertie% b* &ill !t the time of it% e'e(tion; th!t the &ill &!% pro(re" b* n"e !n" improper
pre%%re !n" inflen(e on the p!rt of the petitioner; !n" th!t the %i#n!tre of the te%t!tri' &!% obt!ine" thro#h fr!"+
-prob!te (ort phel" the "e e'e(tion of the &ill !n" !ppointe" An"re% P!%(!l !% e'e(tor !n" !"mini%tr!tor of the
e%t!te, !% pro1i"e" in the &ill, &ithot bon"+ Oppo%itor% !ppe!le" to SC "ire(tl* /1!le of propertie% in1ol1e" more th!n
PC0060
-Dela Cruz et al. claim: lo&er (ort erre" in #i1in# (re"en(e to the te%timonie% of the %b%(ribin# &itne%%e% !n" the
not!r* th!t the &ill &!% "l* e'e(te", not&ith%t!n"in# the e'i%ten(e of in(on%i%ten(ie% !n" (ontr!"i(tion% in the
te%timonie%, !n" in "i%re#!r"in# their e1i"en(e th!t the &ill &!% not %i#ne" b* !ll the &itne%%e% in the pre%en(e of one
!nother
-CFIH% re%pon%eF !lle#e" (ontr!"i(tion% !n" in(on%i%ten(ie% &ere not %b%t!nti!l in n!tre %ffi(ient to "i%(re"it the
entire te%timon* on the "e e'e(tion of the &ill+ Pl% l!p%e of = *e!r% from e'e(tion of the &ill to the te%timon* in
(ort+ ,here i% n!nimit* !n" (ert!int* in their te%timon* re#!r"in# the i"entit* of the %i#n!tre% of the te%t!tri', the
!tte%tin# &itne%%e%, !n" the Not!r* Pbli(, !n" the f!(t th!t the* &ere !ll pre%ent !t the time tho%e %i#n!tre% &ere
!ffi'e" on the "o(ment
!SS"#S
1+ 2ON the (ontr!"i(tion% !n" in(on%i%ten(ie% pointe" ot b* <el! Cr? &ere %b%t!nti!l !% to "i%(re"it the entire
te%timon* of the %b%(ribin# &itne%%e%
-+ 2ON the e'e(tion of the &ill &!% t!inte" b* fr!" !n" n"e inflen(e
$#LD
1+ NO+
Ratio. For the prpo%e of "eterminin# the "e e'e(tion of ! &ill, it i% not ne(e%%!r* th!t the in%trment!l &itne%%e%
%hol" #i1e !n !((r!te !n" "et!ile" !((ont of the pro(ee"in#, %(h !% re(!llin# the or"er of the %i#nin# of the
"o(ment b* the %!i" &itne%%e%+ It i% %ffi(ient th!t the* h!1e %een or !t le!%t &ere %o %it!te" !t the moment th!t the*
(ol" h!1e %een e!(h other %i#n, h!" the* &!nte" to "o %o+ QE%t!te of 8a%ellana %s. 8a%ellana9
Reasoning. ,he (ontr!"i(tion% !n" in(on%i%ten(ie% !ppe!rin# in the te%timonie% of the &itne%%e% !n" the not!r*,
pointe" ot b* the oppo%itor%-!ppell!nt% /%(h !% the &e!ther (on"ition !t the time the &ill &!% e'e(te"; the %e4en(e
of the %i#nin# b* the &itne%%e%; !n" the len#th of time it too6 to (omplete the !(t0, rel!te to nimport!nt "et!il% of the
impre%%ion% of the &itne%%e% !bot (ert!in "et!il% &hi(h (ol" h!1e been !ffe(te" b* the l!p%e of time !n" the
tre!(her* of hm!n memor*, !n" &hi(h in(on%i%ten(ie%, b* them%el1e%, &ol" not !lter the prob!ti1e 1!le of their
te%timonie% on the "e e'e(tion of the &ill
Ion argment that 5as%al was friends with the witnessesJ the &ill &!% e'e(te" &hen the te%t!tri' &!% !lre!"* =C
*e!r% ol" %fferin# from rhem!ti%m, it &!% li6el* th!t %he h!% entr%te" the t!%6 of re4e%tin# the %b%(ribin#
&itne%%e% to &itne%% in the e'e(tion of the &ill to An"re% P!%(!l him%elf+ Altho#h the &itne%%e% h!" f!ile" to te%tif*
th!t C!t!lin! !%6e" them to &itne%% her te%t!ment /!fter = *e!r%0, the error of re(!ll i% (on%on!nt &ith the &ell 6no&n
1!#!rie% of hm!n memor* !n" re(olle(tion, p!rti(l!rl* %in(e the m!in "et!il th!t m%t h!1e %t(6 in hi% min"% i% th!t
the* "i" &itne%% the %i#nin# of the &ill, pon &hi(h their !ttention m%t h!1e prin(ip!ll* (on(entr!te"+ ,h!t the* "i" %o i%
!tte%te" b* their %i#n!tre% !n" tho%e of the "e(e!%e" te%t!tri', &hi(h !re no&here imp#ne"; nor i% there !n* (l!im b*
!ppell!nt% th!t the l!tter &!% in(!p!ble of re!"in# !n" n"er%t!n"in# the &ill th!t %he %i#ne"+ In f!(t, the e1i"en(e i%
th!t %he "i" re!" it before %i#nin#+ ,he !thoritie% !re to the effe(t th!t frien"l* rel!tion% of the &itne%%e% &ith the
te%t!tor or the benefi(i!rie% "o not !ffe(t the (re"ibilit* of the former,

%o th!t the pro1en frien"%hip bet&een the
proponent !n" the in%trment!l &itne%%e% &ol" h!1e no be!rin# on the l!tter$% 4!lifi(!tion to te%tif* on the
(ir(m%t!n(e% %rron"in# the %i#nin# of the &ill+
-on the alleged ta+eIre%orded testimony of witness 3anel ;iong%o Dre%orded withot the latterKs FnowledgeE
wherein the latter was s++osed to have stated that when he signed the will the other witnesses@ signatres
were already affixed, and were not then +resent, and that he D;iong%oE signed the do%ment in 68*9 or 68*8J /10
no !"e4!te proof th!t the "e(l!r!tion% t!pe re(or"e" &ere in f!(t m!"e b* )ion#(o !% he "enie" th!t f!(t n"er o!th,
th!t the t!pe re(or"in# &!% not %pporte" b* trl* imp!rti!l e1i"en(e, !n" it &!% "one &ithot the 6no&le"#e of the
&itne%%; /-0 In the Not!ri!l >e#i%tr* of the not!r*, the r!tifi(!tion of the te%t!ment !ppe!r% !mon# the entrie% for 1974,
!% &ell !% in (orre%pon"in# (opie% pro"(e" b* the Not!ri!l Se(tion of the Cler6 of CortH% offi(e /%o, !%%min#
re#l!rit* in the perform!n(e of "t*, the "o(ment &!% in"ee" e'e(te" in 1974, not in 197= or 19790+
-+
NO+
Ratio. ,o be %ffi(ient to !1oi" ! &ill, the inflen(e e'erte" m%t be of ! 6in" th!t %o o1erpo&er% !n" %b5#!te% the
min" of the te%t!tor !% to "e%tro* hi% free !#en(* !n" m!6e him e'pre%% the &ill of !nother r!ther th!n hi% o&n; th!t the
(ontention th!t ! &ill &!% obt!ine" b* n"e inflen(e or improper pre%%re (!nnot be %%t!ine" on mere (on5e(tre or
%%pi(ion, !% it i% eno#h th!t there &!% opportnit* to e'er(i%e n"e inflen(e, or ! po%%ibilit* th!t it m!* h!1e been
e'er(i%e"; th!t the e'er(i%e of improper pre%%re !n" n"e inflen(e m%t be %pporte" b* %b%t!nti!l e1i"en(e th!t it
&!% !(t!ll* e'er(i%e"; th!t the br"en i% on the per%on (h!llen#in# the &ill to %ho& th!t %(h inflen(e &!% e'erte" !t
the time of it% e'e(tion; th!t mere #ener!l or re!%on!ble inflen(e i% not %ffi(ient to in1!li"!te ! &ill; nor i% mo"er!te
!n" re!%on!ble %oli(it!tion !n" entre!t* !""re%%e" to the te%t!tor; or omi%%ion of rel!ti1e%, not for(e" heir%, e1i"en(e of
n"e inflen(e
Reasoning. Con%i"erin# th!t te%t!ri' (on%i"ere" proponent !% her o&n %on, to the e'tent th!t %he e'pre%%e" no
ob5e(tion to hi% bein# m!"e the %ole heir of her %i%ter, Florentin! Cr?, in "ero#!tion of her o&n ri#ht%, &e fin" nothin#
!bnorm!lin her in%tittin# proponent !l%o !% her o&n benefi(i!r*+
Ion allegation that 5as%al boght a bilding s++osedly for the testatrix bt +la%ed the title in his name, and
merely +ainted thereon the name of the testatrix to mislead the de%easedJ if C!t!lin!H% min" &!% re!ll* %b5#!te"
b* P!%(!l, then he h!" no nee" to re(or%e to the "e(eption !1erre"+
Ion the %hoi%e of witnessesJ the rhemeti%m of the te%t!ri' m!"e it "iffi(lt for her to loo6 for !ll the &itne%%e%+ ,h!t
%he "i" not re%ort to rel!ti1e% or frien"% i%, li6e&i%e e'pl!in!bleF it &ol" h!1e me!nt the "i%(lo%re of the term% of her
&ill to tho%e intere%te" in her %((e%%ion bt &ho &ere not f!1ore" b* her, thereb* e'po%in# her to nple!%!nt
SUCCESSION A2010 page 27
importnit* !n" re(rimin!tion% th!t !n !#e" per%on &ol" n!tr!ll* %ee6 to !1oi"+ ,he n!tr!l "e%ire to 6eep the m!6in#
of ! &ill %e(ret (!n, li6e&i%e, !((ont for the f!ilre to prob!te the te%t!ment "rin# her lifetime+
Ion allegation that 5as%al +arti%i+ated in the exe%tion of the will, therefore, there is a +resm+tion of nde
inflen%eJ !ltho#h the &ill &!% prep!re" b* the nephe& of P!%(!l, the pre%mption "oe% not !ri%e for in the norm!l
(or%e of e1ent%, %!i" !ttorne* &ol" follo& the in%tr(tion% of the te%t!tri'; !n" ! member of the b!r in #oo" %t!n"in#
m!* not be (on1i(te" of nprofe%%ion!l (on"(t, or of h!1in# (on%pire" to f!l%if* ! %t!tement, e'(ept pon (le!r proof+
,#4#SIBA,,#TT- v BA,,#TT-IDAT"
19 SC>A =C
>E3ES, )+8+A+; )!n!r* -7, 1967
NAT",#
<ire(t !ppe!l from ! 5"#ment of CFI 8l!(!n "i%mi%%in# the (ompl!int of ,ir%o ,+ >e*e% !n" or"erin# him to "eli1er to
A(i! .il!#ro% 8!rretto-<!t, the propertie% re(ei1e" b* hi% "e(e!%e" &ife n"er the term% of the &ill of the l!te 8ibi!no
8!rretto
FACTS
- 8ibi!no 8!rretto &!% m!rrie" to .!ri! @er!r"o+ <rin# their lifetime the* !(4ire" ! 1!%t e%t!te, (on%i%tin# of re!l
propertie% in .!nil!, P!mp!n#!, !n" 8l!(!n+ 2hen 8ibi!no "ie", he left hi% %h!re of the%e propertie% in ! &ill to Sald
Barretto, mother of pl!intiff$% &!r"%, !n" L%ia 3ilagros Barretto !n" ! %m!ll portion !% le#!(ie% to hi% t&o %i%ter%
,osa and Felisa !n" hi% ne+hews and nie%es+ :%fr(t &!% re%er1e" for hi% &i"o&+ ,he &i"o& then prep!re" !
pro5e(t of p!rtition &hi(h %he %i#ne" in her o&n beh!lf, !n" !% #!r"i!n of the minor .il!#ro%+ ,hi% &!% !ppro1e" b*
CFI .!nil!+ A% ! (on%e4en(e, S!l" 8!rretto too6 imme"i!te po%%e%%ion of her %h!re !n" %e(re" the (!n(ell!tion of
the ori#in!l% !n" the i%%!n(e of ne& title% in her o&n n!me+
- :pon the &i"o&H% "e!th, it &!% dis%overed that she had exe%ted two wills, in the fir%t of &hi(h, %he in%titte"
Sald and 3ilagros !% her heir%; !n", in the %e(on", %he re1o6e" the %!me !n" left !ll her propertie% in f!1or of
3ilagros !lone+
- ,h%, the l!ter &ill &!% !llo&e" !n" the fir%t re5e(te"+ In re5e(tin# the fir%t &ill pre%ente" b* ,ir%o >e*e%, !% guardian o"
the children o" Salud &arretto, the lo&er (ort hel" th!t Sald was not the daghter of the de%edent 3aria Gerardo
by her hsband Bibiano Barretto+ SC !ffirme"+
- Pl!intiff then file" !n !(tion for the re(o1er* of one-h!lf portion of propertie% left for them n"er 8ibi!noH% &ill + ,hi%
!(tion !ffor"e" the "efen"!nt !n opportnit* to %et p her right of ownershi+, not onl* of the fi%hpon" n"er liti#!tion,
bt of all the other +ro+erties willed and delivered to Sald, for bein# ! %prio% heir, !n" not entitle" to !n* %h!re in
the e%t!te of 8ibi!no, thereb* dire%tly atta%Fing the validity, not only of the +ro?e%t of +artition, bt of the de%ision
of the %ort b!%e" thereon+
- ,he "efen"!nt (onten"% th!t the 5ro?e%t of 5artition from whi%h Sald a%Aired the fish+ond in Aestion is void
ab initio+
- CFI then "e(l!re" the pro5e(t of p!rtition to be nll !n" 1oi" ab initio /not merel* 1oi"!ble0 be(!%e the "i%tribtee,
S!l" 8!rretto, pre"e(e%%or of pl!intiff%, &!% not ! "!#hter of the %po%e% 8ibi!no !n" .!ri!+ ,hi% &!% b!%e" on
Arti(le 10=1 of the Ci1il Co"e of 1==9F A partition in which a person was believe to be an heir! without being so!
has been inclue! shall be null an voi."
- CFI re5e(te" pl!intiffH% (ontention th!t %in(e 8ibi!no &!% free to "i%po%e of one-thir" /1GC0 of hi% e%t!te n"er the ol"
Ci1il Co"e, hi% &ill &!% 1!li" in f!1or of S!l" to the e'tent, !t le!%t, of %(h free p!rt+ An" it (on(l"e" th!t, !%
"efen"!nt .il!#ro% &!% the onl* tre heir of 8ibi!no 8!rretto, %he &!% entitle" to re(o1er from S!l", !n" from the
l!tter$% (hil"ren !n" %((e%%or%, !ll the Propertie% re(ei1e" b* her from 8ibi!no$% e%t!te, in 1ie& of the pro1i%ion% of Art
1476 of the ne& Ci1il Co"e e%t!bli%hin# th!t +ro+erty a%Aired by frad or mistaFe is held by its a%Airer in
im+lied trst for the real owner+

!SS"#
1+ 2ON the p!rtition bet&een S!l" !n" .il!#ro% in the pro(ee"in#% for the %ettlement of the e%t!te of 8ibi!no /"l*
!ppro1e" b* CFI .!nil!0 i% 1oi"
-+ 2ON there &!% preterition
$#LD
1+ NO
Ratio At !n* r!te, in"epen"entl* of ! pro5e(t of p!rtition &hi(h, !% it% o&n n!me implie%, i% merel* ! propo%!l for
"i%tribtion of the e%t!te, th!t the (ort m!* !((ept or re5e(t, it is the %ort alone that maFes the distribtion of the
estate and determines the +ersons entitled thereto and the +arts to whi%h ea%h is entitled' and it is that $udicial
decree o" distribution' once "inal' that %ests title in the distributees+ If the "e(ree &!% erroneo% or not in (onformit* &ith
l!& or the te%t!ment, the %!me %hol" h!1e been (orre(te" b* opportne !ppe!l; bt on(e it h!" be(ome fin!l, it%
bin"in# effe(t i% li6e th!t of !n* other 5"#ment in rem , nle%% properl* %et !%i"e for la%F of ?risdi%tion or frad+
Reasoning ,he !#reement of p!rtition &!% not only ratified by the %ort@s de%ree of distribtion, bt a%tally
%onsmmated, %o m(h %o th!t the title% in the n!me of the "e(e!%e" &ere (!n(elle", !n" ne& (ertifi(!te% i%%e" in
f!1or of the heir%, lon# before the "e(ree &!% !tt!(6e"+ In f!(t, e1en &ithot the pro5e(t of p!rtition, the "i%tribtion
(ol" %t!n", %in(e it &!% in (onformit* &ith the prob!te" &ill of 8ibi!no, !#!in%t the pro1i%ion% &hereof no ob5e(tion h!"
been m!"e+
- ,he onl* in%t!n(e th!t &e (!n thin6 of in &hi(h ! p!rt* intere%te" in ! prob!te pro(ee"in# m!* h!1e ! fin!l li4i"!tion
%et !%i"e i% when he is left ot by reason of %ir%mstan%es beyond his %ontrol or throgh mistaFe or
inadverten%e not im+table to negligen%e+ E1en then, the better pr!(ti(e to %e(re relief i% reopenin# of the %!me
(!%e by proper motion within the reglementary period, in%te!" of !n in"epen"ent !(tion the effe(t of &hi(h, if %((e%%fl,
&ol" be, for !nother (ort or 5"#e to thro& ot ! "e(i%ion or or"er !lre!"* fin!l !n" e'e(te" !n" re%hffle propertie%
lon# !#o "i%tribte" !n" "i%po%e" of+
- Art+ 10=1 h!% been mi%!pplie"+ S!l" !"mitte"l* h!" been in%titte" heir in the l!te 8ibi!no 8!rretto$% l!%t &ill !n"
te%t!ment to#ether &ith "efen"!nt .il!#ro%; hen(e, the p!rtition h!" bet&een them (ol" not be one %(h h!" &ith !
p!rt* &ho &!% belie1e" to be !n heir &ithot re!ll* bein# one, !n" &!% not nll !n" 1oi" n"er %!i" !rti(le+ ,he le#!l
pre(ept /Arti(le 10=10 "oe% not %pe!6 of (hil"ren, or "e%(en"!nt%, bt of heirs /&ithot "i%tin(tion bet&een for(e",
1olnt!r* or inte%t!te one%0, !n" the fa%t that Sald ha++ened not to be a daghter of the testator does not
+re%lde her being one of the heirs ex+ressly named in his testament ; for 8ibi!no &!% !t libert* to !%%i#n the free
portion of hi% e%t!te to &hom%oe1er he (ho%e+ 2hile the %h!re !%%i#ne" to S!l" impin#e" on .il!#ro%H le#itime, S!l"
"i" not for th!t re!%on (e!%e to be ! te%t!ment!r* heir of 8ibi!no+
-+ NO
Reasoning ,he f!(t th!t .il!#ro% &!% !llotte" in her f!ther$% &ill ! %h!re %m!ller th!n her le#itime "oe% not in1!li"!te
the in%tittion of S!l" !% heir+ ,here &!% no preterition, or total ommission of a for%ed heir+ For thi% re!%on, 1eri %s.
Akutin i% not !t !ll !ppli(!ble, th!t (!%e in1ol1in# !n in%t!n(e of preterition or omi%%ion of (hil"ren of the te%t!tor$% former
m!rri!#e+
A;#,- v CA DSANDE
-C6 SC>A 4==
P:NO; September 17, 1994
NAT",#
Petition for re1ie& on (ertior!ri of the "e(i%ion of the CA
FACTS
-,he holo#r!phi( &ill of the l!te Annie S!n", &ho "ie" on No1ember -7, 19=-, &!% %bmitte" for prob!te b* the
petitioner% A5ero
-N!me" !% "e1i%ee%, &ere the follo&in#F petitioner% >oberto !n" ,helm! A5ero, pri1!te re%pon"ent Clemente S!n",
.eri!m S+ Aron#, Ae!h S!n", Aili! S!n", E"#!r S!n", Fe S!n", Ai%! S+ S!n", !n" <r+ )o%e A5ero, Sr+, !n" their (hil"ren+
-Pri1!te re%pon"ent oppo%e" the petition on the #ron"% th!tF neither the te%t!ment$% bo"* nor the %i#n!tre therein &!%
in "e(e"ent$% h!n"&ritin#; it (ont!ine" !lter!tion% !n" (orre(tion% &hi(h &ere not "l* %i#ne" b* "e(e"ent; !n", the &ill
&!% pro(re" b* petitioner% thro#h improper pre%%re !n" n"e inflen(e+
-,C !"mitte" the "e(e"ent$% holo#r!phi( &ill to prob!te+
-On !ppe!l, %!i" "e(i%ion &!% re1er%e", !n" the petition for prob!te of "e(e"ent$% &ill &!% "i%mi%%e"+ ,he Cort of
Appe!l% fon" th!t, Dthe holo#r!phi( &ill f!il% to meet the re4irement% for it% 1!li"it*+D It hel" th!t the "e(e"ent "i" not
SUCCESSION A2010 page 28
(ompl* &ith Arti(le% =1C
4
!n" =14
7
of the Ne& Ci1il Co"e+ It !ll"e" to (ert!in "i%po%ition% in the &ill &hi(h &ere either
n%i#ne" !n" n"!te", or %i#ne" bt not "!te"+ It !l%o fon" th!t the er!%re%, !lter!tion% !n" (!n(ell!tion% m!"e
thereon h!" not been !thenti(!te" b* "e(e"ent+
!SS"#
2ON the holo#r!phi( &ill %hol" be "i%!llo&e"
$#LD
No+
Se( 9
6
, >le 76 of the >le% of Cort, !n" Arti(le =C9
7
of the Ne& Ci1il Co"e !re the !ppli(!ble pro1i%ion% &ith re#!r" to
"i%!llo&!n(e of &ill%+
-,he%e li%t% !re e'(l%i1e; no other #ron"% (!n %er1e to "i%!llo& ! &ill+
-,h%, in ! petition to !"mit ! holo#r!phi( &ill to prob!te, the onl* i%%e% to be re%ol1e" !reF /10 &hether the in%trment
%bmitte" i%, in"ee", the "e(e"ent$% l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment; /-0 &hether %!i" &ill &!% e'e(te" in !((or"!n(e &ith the
form!litie% pre%(ribe" b* l!&; /C0 &hether the "e(e"ent h!" the ne(e%%!r* te%t!ment!r* (!p!(it* !t the time the &ill &!%
e'e(te"; !n", /40 &hether the e'e(tion of the &ill !n" it% %i#nin# &ere the 1olnt!r* !(t% of the "e(e"ent+
->e%pon"ent (ortH% reli!n(e on f!ilre of the "e(e"ent to (ompl* &ith Art%+ =1C !n" =14 to "i%!llo& the &ill i%
erroneo%+
-In Abangan %s+ Abangan, it &!% hel" th!tF,he ob5e(t of the %olemnitie% %rron"in# the e'e(tion of &ill% i% to (lo%e the
"oor !#!in%t b!" f!ith !n" fr!", to !1oi" %b%tittion of &ill% !n" te%t!ment% !n" to #!r!ntee their trth !n"
!thenti(it*+ 8t, on the other h!n", one m%t not lo%e %i#ht of the f!(t th!t it i% not the ob5e(t of the l!& to re%tr!in !n"
(rt!il the e'er(i%e of the ri#ht to m!6e ! &ill+ So &hen !n interpret!tion !lre!"* #i1en !%%re% %(h en"%, !n* other
interpret!tion &h!t%oe1er, th!t !""% nothin# bt "em!n"% more re4i%ite% entirel* nne(e%%!r*, %ele%% !n" fr%tr!ti1e
of the te%t!tor$% l!%t &ill, m%t be "i%re#!r"e"+
-In the (!%e of holo#r!phi( &ill%, &h!t !%%re% !thenti(it* i% the re4irement th!t the* be tot!ll* !to#r!phi( or
h!n"&ritten b* the te%t!tor him%elf, !% pro1i"e" n"er Arti(le =10
=
of the Ne& Ci1il Co"e
-F!ilre to %tri(tl* ob%er1e other form!litie% &ill not re%lt in the "i%!llo&!n(e of ! holo#r!phi( &ill th!t i% n4e%tion!bl*
h!n"&ritten b* the te%t!tor+
-A re!"in# of Arti(le =1C of the Ne& Ci1il Co"e %ho&% th!t it% re4irement !ffe(t% the 1!li"it* of the "i%po%ition%
(ont!ine" in the holo#r!phi( &ill, bt not it% prob!te+ If the te%t!tor f!il% to %i#n !n" "!te %ome of the "i%po%ition%, the
re%lt i% th!t the%e "i%po%ition% (!nnot be effe(t!te"+ S(h f!ilre, ho&e1er, "oe% not ren"er the &hole te%t!ment 1oi"+
-Ai6e&i%e, ! holo#r!phi( &ill (!n %till be !"mitte" to prob!te, not&ith%t!n"in# non-(ompli!n(e &ith the pro1i%ion% of
Arti(le =14+ In the (!%e of :alaw %s+ )elo%a 1C- SC>A -C7 -4- /19=40, thi% Cort hel"F
Or"in!ril*, &hen ! nmber of er!%re%, (orre(tion%, !n" interline!tion% m!"e b* the te%t!tor in ! holo#r!phi( &ill h!1e
not been note" n"er hi% %i#n!tre, + + + the &ill i% not thereb* in1!li"!te" !% ! &hole, bt !t mo%t onl* !% re%pe(t% the
p!rti(l!r &or"% er!%e", (orre(te" or interline"+
4
Art+ =1CF 2hen ! nmber of "i%po%ition% !ppe!rin# in ! holo#r!phi( &ill !re %i#ne" &ithot bein# "!te", !n" the l!%t "i%po%ition h!% ! %i#n!tre !n" "!te,
%(h "!te 1!li"!te% the "i%po%ition% pre(e"in# it, &h!te1er be the time of prior "i%po%ition%+
5
Art+ =14F In (!%e of in%ertion, (!n(ell!tion, er!%re or !lter!tion in ! holo#r!phi( &ill, the te%t!tor m%t !thenti(!te the %!me b* hi% fll %i#n!tre+
6
Se(tion 9, >le 76 of the >le% of Cort pro1i"e% th!t &ill %h!ll be "i%!llo&e" in !n* of the follo&in# (!%e%F
/!0 If not e'e(te" !n" !tte%te" !% re4ire" b* l!&;
/b0 If the te%t!tor &!% in%!ne, or other&i%e ment!ll* in(!p!ble to m!6e ! &ill, !t the time of it% e'e(tion;
/(0 If it &!% e'e(te" n"er "re%%, or the inflen(e of fe!r, or thre!t%;
/"0 If it &!% pro(re" b* n"e !n" improper pre%%re !n" inflen(e, on the p!rt of the benefi(i!r*, or of %ome other per%on for hi% benefit;
/e0 If the %i#n!tre of the te%t!tor &!% pro(re" b* fr!" or tri(6, !n" he "i" not inten" th!t the in%trment %hol" be hi% &ill !t the time of fi'in# hi% %i#n!tre
thereto+
7
Art+ =C9F ,he &ill %h!ll be "i%!llo&e" in !n* of the follo&in# (!%e%;
/10 If the form!litie% re4ire" b* l!& h!1e not been (omplie" &ith;
/-0 If the te%t!tor &!% in%!ne, or other&i%e ment!ll* in(!p!ble of m!6in# ! &ill, !t the time of it% e'e(tion;
/C0 If it &!% e'e(te" thro#h for(e or n"er "re%%, or the inflen(e of fe!r, or thre!t%;
/40 If it &!% pro(re" b* n"e !n" improper pre%%re !n" inflen(e, on the p!rt of the benefi(i!r* or of %ome other per%on;
/70 If the %i#n!tre of the te%t!tor &!% pro(re" b* fr!";
/60 If the te%t!tor !(te" b* mi%t!6e or "i" not inten" th!t the in%trment he %i#ne" %hol" be hi% &ill !t the time of !ffi'in# hi% %i#n!tre thereto+
8
A per%on m!* e'e(te ! holo#r!phi( &ill &hi(h m%t be entirel* &ritten, "!te", !n" %i#ne" b* the h!n" of the te%t!tor him%elf+ (t is sub$ect to no other "orm,
!n" m!* be m!"e in or ot of the Philippine%, !n" nee" not be &itne%%e"+
:!& !NST!T"T!-N -F 0!LLS
A"ST,!A v ,#4#S
C1 SC>A 774
CAS,>O; Febr!r* -7, 1970
FACTS
-8!%ili! A%tri! 1"!+ "e Cr? file" &ith the CFI ! petition for prob!te, !nte mortem, of her l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment+ ,he
prob!te &!% oppo%e" b* her nephe&% !n" nie(e%+
-,he bl6 of the e%t!te of 8!%ili!, !"mitte"l*, &!% "e%tine" n"er the &ill to p!%% on to tho%e &ho h!" been assmed
and de%lared by Basilia as her own legally ado+ted %hildren+
-8!%ili! "ie" - *e!r% l!ter+
-In the %!me pro(ee"in#%, the nie(e% !n" nephe&% file" ! petition in inter1ention for p!rtition !lle#in# in %b%t!n(e th!t
the* !re the ne!re%t of 6in of 8!%ili!, !n" th!t the N!"opte" (hil"renO h!" not in f!(t been !"opte" b* the "e(e"ent in
!((or"!n(e &ith l!&, in effe(t ren"erin# the%e re%pon"ent% mere %tr!n#er% to the "e(e"ent !n" &ithot !n* ri#ht to
%((ee" !% heir%+
-,he lo&er (ort rle" in f!1or of the N!"opte" (hil"renO, "elimitin# the inter1ention of the nie(e% !n" nephe&% to the
propertie% of the "e(e!%e" &hi(h &ere not dis+osed of in the &ill+ ,he%e nie(e% !n" nephe&% &ent to SC+
-,he nephe&% !n" nie(e in%i%t th!t the entire e%t!te %hol" "e%(en" to them b* inte%t!(* b* re!%on of the intrin%i(
nllit* of the in%tittion of heir% embo"ie" in the "e(e"ent$% &ill+
!SS"#
2ON %(h in%tittion of heir% &ol" ret!in effi(!(* in the e1ent there e'i%t% proof th!t the !"option of the %!me heir% b*
the "e(e"ent i% f!l%e
$#LD
4#S& Arti(le =70 of the Ci1il Co"e re!"%F
#The statement o" a "alse cause "or the institution o" an heir shall be considered as not written' unless it appears "rom
the will that the testator would not ha%e made such institution i" he had known the "alsity o" such cause.#
-Comin# (lo%er to the (enter of the (ontro1er%*, the nie(e% !n" nephe&% h!1e (!lle" the !ttention of thi% Cort to the
follo&in# pertinent portion% of the &ill of the "e(e!%e" &hi(h re(iteF
#Ang aking mga sapilitang tagapagmana ;herederos "orzosos< ay ang aking itinuturing na mga anak na tunay ;i$os
legalmente adoptados< na sina 5er"ecto' Alberto' =uz' &enita at (sagani' na pawang may apelyidong Cruz.
-8efore the in%tittion of heir% m!* be !nnlle" n"er !rti(le =70 of the Ci1il Co"e, the follo&in# re4i%ite% m%t (on(rF
Fir%t, the (!%e for the in%tittion of heir% m%t be %t!te" in the &ill; %e(on", the (!%e m%t be %ho&n to be f!l%e; !n"
thir", it m%t !ppe!r from the f!(e of the &ill th!t the te%t!tor &ol" not h!1e m!"e %(h in%tittion if he h!" 6no&n the
f!l%it* of the (!%e+
-,he nie(e% !n" nephe&% &ol" h!1e the SC impl*, from the %e of the term%, #sapilitang tagapagmana# /(ompl%or*
heir%0 !n" #sapilitang mana# /le#itime0, th!t the impellin# re!%on or (!%e for the in%tittion of the re%pon"ent% &!% the
te%t!tri'$% belief th!t n"er the l!& %he (ol" not "o other&i%e+ If thi% &ere in"ee" &h!t prompte" the te%t!tri' in
in%tittin# the re%pon"ent%, %he "i" not m!6e it 6no&n in her &ill+ Srel* if %he &!% !&!re th!t %((e%%ion to the le#itime
t!6e% pl!(e b* oper!tion of l!&, in"epen"ent of her o&n &i%he%, %he &ol" not h!1e fon" it (on1enient to n!me her
%ppo%e" (ompl%or* heir% to their le#itime%+ Ber e'pre%% !"option of the rle% on le#itime% %hol" 1er* &ell in"i(!te
her (omplete !#reement &ith th!t %t!ttor* %(heme+ 8t e1en thi%, li6e the nephe&% !n" nie(e%$ o&n propo%ition, i%
hi#hl* %pe(l!ti1e of &h!t &!% in the min" of the te%t!tri' &hen %he e'e(te" her &ill+ One f!(t pre1!il%, ho&e1er, !n" it
i% th!t the de%edent@s will does not state in a s+e%ifi% or neAivo%al manner the %ase for s%h instittion of
heirs& 0e %annot annl the same on the basis of gessworF or n%ertain im+li%ations&
-Arti(le =70 of the Ci1il Co"e, 4ote" !bo1e, i% ! po%iti1e in5n(tion to i#nore &h!te1er f!l%e (!%e the te%t!tor m!*
h!1e &ritten in hi% &ill for the in%tittion of heir%+ S(h in%tittion m!* be !nnlle" onl* &hen one i% %!ti%fie", !fter !n
e'!min!tion of the &ill, th!t the te%t!tor (le!rl* &ol" not h!1e m!"e the in%tittion if he h!" 6no&n the (!%e for it to be
f!l%e+ No&, &ol" the l!te 8!%ili! h!1e (!%e" the re1o(!tion of the in%tittion of heir% if %he h!" 6no&n th!t %he &!%
mi%t!6en in tre!tin# the%e heir% !% her le#!ll* !"opte" (hil"renJ Or &ol" %he h!1e in%titte" them nonethele%%J SC
SUCCESSION A2010 page 29
%!i" the &ill i% mte on thi% point+ ,herefore, the &ill &!% phel" be(!%e of thi% (on%tr(tionF ,e%t!(* i% f!1ore" !n"
"obt% !re re%ol1e" on it% %i"e+ Al%o, the le#!lit* of the !"option (!n be !%%!ile" onl* in ! %ep!r!te !(tion bro#ht for
th!t prpo%e, !n" (!nnot be the %b5e(t of ! (oll!ter!l !tt!(6+
:!!& S"BST!T"T!-N -F $#!,S
5C!B v #SC-L!N
76 SC>A -66
8A>>E<O; .!r(h -9, 1974
<ISCAAI.E>+ ,he%e !re the f!(t%, i%%e, !n" rlin# pertinent to or topi(+ ,hi% (!%e, !% !"mitte" b* )+ 8!rre"o i%
n%!ll* e'ten%i1e be(!%e of the 7= !%%i#nment% of error re#!r"in# C0 %ep!r!te or"er% of the lo&er (ort+ Bopefll*,
hin"i ito 6!%!m! %! e1i"en(e otline /m!* %tff !bot admissions by a party related to the e""ects o" "oreign laws' which
ha%e to be pro%en in our courts like any other contro%erted "act' create estoppels+T 8&!h!h!h!W0
FACTS
- ,he %po%e% Bo"#e% !re Ameri(!n (iti?en% li1in# in the Philippine%+
- Ainnie )!ne Bo"#e%H &ill (ont!ine"F
N ''' X I #i1e, "e1i%e !n" be4e!th !ll of the re%t, re%i"e !n" rem!in"er Q!fter p!*ment of "ebt%, t!'e%, !n" fner!l
e'pen%e%Y of m* e%t!te, both per%on!l !n" re!l, &here1er %it!te", or lo(!te", to m* belo1e" h%b!n", Ch!rle% Ne&ton
Bo"#e%, to h!1e !n" to hol" nto him, m* %!i" h%b!n", "rin# hi% n!tr!l lifetime+ '''
At the "e!th of m* %!i" h%b!n", Ch!rle% Ne&ton Bo"#e%, I #i1e, "e1i%e !n" be4e!th !ll of the re%t, re%i"e !n"
rem!in"er of m* e%t!te, both re!l !n" per%on!l, &here1er %it!te" or lo(!te", to be e4!ll* "i1i"e" !mon# m* brother%
!n" %i%ter%, %h!re !n" %h!re !li6e X '''O
- Ch!rle% Ne&ton Bo"#e%H &ill &!% prett* m(h the %!me, in(l"in# the p!rt !bot .r%+ Bo"#e%H brother% !n" %i%ter%+
/A&X he lo1e% herX0
- .r%+ "ie" 7 *r%+ before .r+ 8oth "ie" in the Philippine%+ E!(h e%t!te h!" it% o&n !"mini%tr!tor+
!SS"#
2ON there &!% fi"ei(ommi%!r* %b%tittion+
$#LD
N-& .r%+ Bo"#e% %imlt!neo%l* in%titte" her brother% !n" %i%ter% !% (o-heir% &ith her h%b!n", &ith the (on"ition,
ho&e1er, th!t the l!tter &ol" h!1e (omplete ri#ht% of "ominion o1er the &hole e%t!te "rin# hi% lifetime !n" &h!t &ol"
#o to the former &ol" be onl* the rem!in"er thereof !t the time of .r+ Bo"#e%$ "e!th+ In other &or"%, &here!% the* !re
not to inherit onl* in (!%e of "ef!lt of Bo"#e%, on the other h!n", Bo"#e% &!% not obli#e" to pre%er1e !n*thin# for
them+ Cle!rl* then, the e%%enti!l element% of te%t!ment!r* %b%tittion !re !b%ent; the pro1i%ion in 4e%tion i% ! %imple
(!%e of (on"ition!l %imlt!neo% in%tittion of heir%, &hereb* the in%tittion of Bo"#e% i% %b5e(t to ! p!rti!l re%oltor*
(on"ition the oper!ti1e (ontin#en(* of &hi(h i% (oin(i"ent!l &ith th!t of the %%pen%i1e (on"ition of the in%tittion of hi%
brother% !n" %i%ter%-in-l!&, &hi(h m!nner of in%tittion i% not prohibite" b* l!&+
T 8!%i(!ll*, &h!t the (!%e &!% !ll !bot i% &hether there &!% !n* p!rt of .r%+ Bo"#e% e%t!te left th!t "i"nHt p!%% on to
.r+ Bo"#e% thr %((e%%ion+ It &!% rle" th!t meron n#! n!tir!n# e%t!te ni .r%+ Bo#"e% /forei#n l!& i%%e0+
AESSON+ .!%!6it %! lo m!m!t!* n# m!*!m!n !t m!#-i&!n n# m!#lon# &ill+ O6 fine, m!h!l nil! !n# i%!Ht i%!+
5ALAC!-S v ,A3!,#.
00 SC>A 00
A8A< SAN,OS; Febr!r* 17, 19=-
FACTS
,he m!in i%%e in thi% !ppe!l i% the m!nner of p!rtitionin# the te%t!te e%t!te of )o%e E#enio >!mire? !mon# the
prin(ip!l benefi(i!rie%, n!mel*F hi% &i"o& .!r(elle <emoron "e >!mire?; hi% t&o #r!n"nephe&% >oberto !n" )or#e
>!mire?; !n" hi% (omp!nion 2!n"! "e 2roble%6i+ ,he t!%6 i% not troble-free be(!%e the &i"o& .!r(elle i% ! Fren(h
&ho li1e% in P!ri%, &hile the (omp!nion 2!n"! i% !n A%tri!n &ho li1e% in Sp!in+ .oreo1er, the te%t!tor pro1i"e" for
%b%tittion%+
)o%e E#enio >!mire?, ! Filipino n!tion!l, "ie" in Sp!in on <e(ember 11, 1964, &ith onl* hi% &i"o& !% (ompl%or* heir+
Bi% &ill &!% !"mitte" to prob!te b* the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of .!nil!, 8r!n(h I, on )l* -7, 1967+ .!ri! Ai%!
P!l!(io% &!% !ppointe" !"mini%tr!tri' of the e%t!te+ In "e time %he %bmitte" !n in1entor* of the e%t!te+
On )ne -C, 1966, the !"mini%tr!tri' %bmitte" ! pro5e(t of p!rtition !% follo&%F the propert* of the "e(e!%e" i% to be
"i1i"e" into t&o p!rt%+ One p!rt %h!ll #o to the &i"o& $en pleno "ominioD in %!ti%f!(tion of her le#itime; the other p!rt or
Dfree portionD %h!ll #o to )or#e !n" >oberto >!mire? Den n"! proprie"!"+D Frthermore, 1GC of the free portion i%
(h!r#e" &ith the &i"o&$% %fr(t !n" the rem!inin# -GC &ith ! %fr(t in f!1or of 2!n"!+
One of the #ron"% (ite" b* )or#e !n" >oberto for oppo%in# the pro5e(t of p!rtition i% th!t the pro1i%ion% for
fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion% !re !l%o in1!li" be(!%e the fir%t heir% !re not rel!te" to the %e(on" heir% or %b%titte%
&ithin the fir%t "e#ree, !% pro1i"e" in Arti(le =6C of the Ci1il Co"e+ ,he lo&er (ort, ho&e1er, !ppro1e" the pro5e(t of
p!rtition+
!SS"#
2ON the %b%tittion in it% fi"ei(ommi%%!r* !%pe(t i% 1oi"
$#LD
3ES+ ,he %b%titte% /)!n P!blo )!n6o&%6i !n" Bor!(e V+ >!mire?0 !re not rel!te" to 2!n"!, the heir ori#in!ll*
in%titte"+ Art+ =6C of the Ci1il Co"e 1!li"!te% ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion Dpro1i"e" %(h %b%tittion "oe% not #o
be*on" one "e#ree from the heir ori#in!ll* in%titte"+D
2h!t i% me!nt b* Done "e#reeD from the fir%t heir i% e'pl!ine" b* ,olentino !% follo&%F
S(!e1ol! .!r!, !n" ,r!1ie%!% (on%tre D"e#reeD !% "e%i#n!tion, %b%tittion, or tr!n%mi%%ion+ ,he Spreme Cort of
Sp!in h!% "e(i"e"l* !"opte" thi% (on%tr(tion+ From thi% point of 1ie&, there (!n be onl* one tr!nmi%%ion or %b%tittion,
!n" the %b%titte nee" not be rel!te" to the fir%t heir+ .!nre%!, .orell !n" S!n(he? >om!n, ho&e1er, (on%tre the
&or" D"e#reeD !% #ener!tion, !n" the pre%ent Co"e h!% ob1io%l* follo&e" thi% interpret!tion+ b* pro1i"in# th!t the
%b%tittion %h!ll not #o be*on" one "e#ree Dfrom the heir ori#in!ll* in%titte"+D ,he Co"e th% (le!rl* in"i(!te% th!t the
%e(on" heir m%t be rel!te" to !n" be one #ener!tion from the fir%t heir+
From thi%, it follo&% th!t the fi"ei(ommi%%!r* (!n onl* be either ! (hil" or ! p!rent of the fir%t heir+ ,he%e !re the onl*
rel!ti1e% &ho !re one #ener!tion or "e#ree from the fi"(i!r*
Frther, there i% no !b%olte "t* impo%e" on 2!n"! to tr!n%mit the %fr(t to the %b%titte% !% re4ire" b* Art%+ =67
!n" =67 of the Ci1il Co"e+ In f!(t, the !ppellee !"mit% Dth!t the te%t!tor (ontr!"i(t% the e%t!bli%hment of !
fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion &hen he permit% the propertie% %b5e(t of the %fr(t to be %ol" pon mt!l !#reement of
the %fr(t!rie% !n" the n!6e" o&ner%+D
D# 5#,#. v GATC$!T-,#NA
74 Phil 4C1
>O.:AA<EK> Febr!r* 1C, 19C0
NAT",#
Appe!l
FACTS
- An! .!ri! Al(!nt!r! /"e(e!%e"0 left P-1,4-=+7= on "epo%it in the C!rmen$% n!me &ith the !%%o(i!tion 6no&n !% =a
?rbana in .!nil!, !% the fin!l p!*ment of her li4i"!te" (re"it !#!in%t An"re% @!r(hitoren!, !l%o "e(e!%e", repre%ente"
b* hi% %on, .!ri!no+
- .!ri!no @!r(hitoren! hel" ! 5"#ment for P7,=7-+-C !#!in%t )o!4in, h%b!n" of C!rmen+ ,he %heriff pr%!nt to the
&rit of e'e(tion i%%e" in %!i" 5"#ment le1ie" !n !tt!(hment on %!i" !mont "epo%ite" &ith =a ?rbana.
- C!rmen %e(re" ! prelimin!r* in5n(tion re%tr!inin# the e'e(tion of %!i" 5"#ment on the %m %o !tt!(he" be(!%e
the =a ?rbana "epo%it belon#% to her (hil"ren !% fi"ei(ommi%%!r* heir% of An! .!ri! Al(!nt!r!+
-Pertinent (l!%e% of the 2illF
SUCCESSION A2010 page 30
@1inth. !!!A so that upon my death and a"ter probate o" this will' and a"ter the report o" the committee on
claims and appraisal has been rendered and appro%ed' she will recei%e "rom my e!ecutri! and properties composing my
hereditary estate' that she may en$oy them with .od's blessing and my own.
Tenth. Should my heiress Carmen .architorena die' ( order that my whole estate shall pass unimpaired to
her sur%i%ing children> and should any o" these die' his share shall ser%e to increase the portions o" his sur%i%ing
brothers ;and sisters< by accretion' in such wise that my estate shall ne%er pass out o" the hands o" my heiress or her
children in so "ar as it is legally possible.
Ele%enth. Should my a"oresaid heiress' Carmen .architorena' die a"ter me while her children are still in
their minority' ( order that my estate be administered by my e!ecutri!' Mrs. 8ose"a =aplana' and in her de"ault' by
Attorney )amon Salinas and in his de"ault' by his son )amon Salinas> !!!.B
-,he !ppell!nt% (onten" th!t in the%e (l!%e% the te%t!tri' h!% or"ere" ! %imple %b%tittion, &hile the !ppellee
(onten"% th!t it i% ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion+
!SS"#
2ON ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* e'i%t%
$#LD
3ES+ ,he re4i%ite% for ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion e'i%t%, n!mel*F
1+ At fir%t heir prim!ril* (!lle" to the en5o*ment of the e%t!te+ In thi% (!%e the pl!intiff &!% in%titte" !n heire%%, (!lle" to
the en5o*ment of the e%t!te, !((or"in# to (l!%e II of the &ill+
-+ An obli#!tion (le!rl* impo%e" pon the heir to pre%er1e !n" tr!n%mit to ! thir" per%on the &hole or ! p!rt of the
e%t!te+ S(h !n obli#!tion i% impo%e" in (l!%e I &hi(h pro1i"e% th!t the D&hole e%t!te %h!ll p!%% nimp!ire" to her
/heire%%$%0 %r1i1in# (hil"ren;D th%, in%te!" of le!1in# the heire%% !t libert* to "i%po%e of the e%t!te b* &ill, or of le!1in#
the l!& to t!6e it% (or%e in (!%e %he "ie% inte%t!te, %!i" (l!%e not onl* "i%po%e% of the e%t!te in f!1or of the heire%%
in%titte", bt !l%o pro1i"e% for the "i%po%ition thereof in (!%e %he %hol" "ie !fter the te%t!tri'+
C+ A %e(on" heir+ S(h !re the (hil"ren of the heire%% in%titte", &ho !re referre" to !% %(h %e(on" heir% both in (l!%e
I !n" in (l!%e II+
4+ ,he fi"ei(ommi%%!ri% be entitle" to the e%t!te from the time the te%t!tor "ie%, %in(e he i% to inherit from the l!tter !n"
not from the fi"(i!r*+ ,he (hil"ren in thi% (!%e !re the o&ner% of the inherit!n(e b* 1irte of the te%t!tri'H% "e!th+ /,F,
the "epo%it (!nnot be the %b5e(t of e'e(tion b* @!r(hitoren! !% it "oe%nHt belon# to C!rmen+0
Reasoning,
-,hi% &ill (ert!inl* pro1i"e% for ! %b%tittion of heir% bt not 5%t ! %imple one (on%i"erin# th!t (l!%e II in (onne(tion
&ith (l!%e I pro1i"e% for ! %b%tittion &here the heire%% in%titte" "ie% a"ter the te%t!tri'+
-Cl!%e I "oe%nHt (onfli(t &ith the i"e! of fi"ei(ommi%!r*F
,he &or" sole "oe% not ne(e%%!ril* e'(l"e the i"e! of substitute heir%; !n" t!6in# the%e three (l!%e%
to#ether, %(h &or" me!n% th!t the pl!intiff i% the %ole heire%% instituted in the "irst instance+
,he te%t!tri' h!" in min" ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion, %in(e %he limit% the tr!n%mi%%ion of her e%t!te to
the (hil"ren of the heire%% in !((or"!n(e &ith the limit% fi'e" b* A 7=1 CC &hi(h pre%(ribe" th!t fi"ei(ommi%%!r*
%b%tittion% %h!ll be 1!li" Dpro1i"e" the* "o not #o be*on" the %e(on" "e#ree+D
Another in"i(!tion of fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion i% thi% (l!%e pro1i"e% th!t the whole e%t!te %h!ll p!%%
nimp!ire" to the heire%%$% (hil"ren, th!t i% to %!* the heire%% i% re4ire" to pre%er1e the &hole e%t!te, &ithot
"imintion, in or"er to p!%% it on in "e time to the fi"ei(ommi%%!r* heir%+
- ,he "i%po%ition (ont!ine" in (l!%e II i% not in(omp!tible &ith ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion ;it certainly is
incompatible with the idea o" simple substitution' where the heiress instituted does not recei%e the inheritance<,
In f!(t the en5o*ment of the inherit!n(e i% in (onformit* &ith the i"e! of fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion, b*
1irte of &hi(h the heir in%titte" re(ei1e% the inherit!n(e !n" en5o*% it, !ltho#h !t the %!me time he pre%er1e% it in
or"er to p!%% it on the %e(on" heir+
It %hol" !l%o be note" th!t %!i" (l!%e II 1e%t% in the heire%% onl* the ri#ht to en5o* bt not the ri#ht to
"i%po%e of the e%t!te+ It %!*%, %he m!* en5o* it, bt "oe% not %!* %he m!* "i%po%e of it+ ,hi% i% !n in"i(!tion of the
%fr(t inherent in fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion+
-Cl!%e II more (le!rl* in"i(!te% the i"e! of fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion, &hen ! pro1i%ion i% therein m!"e in the e1ent
the heire%% %hol" "ie a"ter the te%t!tri'+ ,h!t i%, %!i" (l!%e !nti(ip!te% the (!%e &here the in%titte" heire%% %hol" "ie
!fter the te%t!tri' !n" !fter re(ei1in# !n" en5o*in# the inherit!n(e+
C,!S-L-G- v S!NGS-N
@> No+ A-1C=76
<IKON; Febr!r* -=, 196-
NAT",#
A(tion for p!rtition b* Sp% Cri%olo#o !#!in%t Sin#%on
FACTS
- ,hi% in1ol1e% ! lot !n" impro1ement% thereon+ Compl!int !lle#e" th!t Sin#%on o&ne" h!lf pro-in"i1i%o of %!i" prop
!n" th!t Florentino o&ne" the other h!lf b* 1irte of the "l* prob!te" l!%t &ill of Sin#%on /the ori# o&ner0+
- <efen"!nt$% "efen%e &!% th!t Con%ol!(ion Florentino &!% ! mere %fr(t!r* of, !n" not o&ner of one-h!lf pro-
in"i1i%o of the propert* in 4e%tion, !n" th!t, therefore, %he &!% not entitle" to "em!n" p!rtition thereof+
- Ao&er (ort ren"ere" 5"#ment in f!1or of pl!intiff+ Sin#%on !ppe!le"+
- At the time of the e'e(tion of the &ill, the ne!re%t li1in# rel!ti1e% of the ori# o&ner &ere her brother% E1!ri%to, .!nel
!n" <ioni%io Sin#%on, her nie(e% >o%!rio, Emili! !n" ,rini"!", !n" her #r!n"nie(e Con%ol!tion, !ll %rn!me"
Florentino+
!SS"#
2hether the te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition pro1i"e" for %%tit(ion 1l#!r or for %%tit(ion fi"ei(omi%!ri!
$#LD
S:S,I,:CION V:A@A>
- ,hi% (!%e i% #o1erne" b* the ol" Ci1il Co"e+
- ,e%t!tor m!* not onl* "e%i#n!te heir% &hoHll %((ee" him, bt !l%o %b%titte% in the e1ent th!t %!i" heir% "onHt !((ept
or !re in no po%ition to !((ept inherit!n(e or le#!(ie%, or "ie !he!" of him+
- ,e%t!tor m!* !l%o be4e!th hi% propertie% to p!rti(l!r per%on &G obli#!tion, on p!rt of l!tter, to "eli1er the %!me to
!nother, tot!ll* or p!rti!ll*, pon o((rren(e of p!rti(l!r e1ent+
- ,he p!rti(l!r te%t!ment!r* (l!%e pro1i"e% for %b%tittion of heir in thi% m!nnerF pon "e!th of Con%ol!(ion
Florentino, &hether before or !fter th!t of te%t!tri', propert* be4e!the" to her %h!ll be "eli1ere" or %h!ll belon# in e4!l
p!rt% to te%t!tri'$% C bro%, E1!ri%to, .!nel, <ioni%io, or their for(e" heir%, %hol" !n*one of them "ie !he!" of
Con%ol!(ion Florentino+
- If thi% (re!te" %%tit(ion 1l#!r, ne(e%%!r* re%lt &ol" be th!t Con%ol!(ion Florentino, pon "e!th of te%t!tri',
be(!me o&ner of one n"i1i"e" h!lf of the propert*, bt if it pro1i"e" for %%tittion fi"ei(omi%!ri!, %he &ol" h!1e
!(4ire" nothin# more th!n %fr(t!r* ri#ht% o1er %!me h!lf+ In the former, %he &ol" be entitle" to p!rtition, bt not
in the l!tter+ A% .!nre%! %!*%, if fi"(i!r* "i" not !(4ire fll o&ner%hip of propert* be4e!the" b* &ill, bt mere
%fr(t!r* ri#ht% ntil time (!me for him to "eli1er %!i" propert* to the fi"ei(omi%!rio, itH% ob1io% th!t n"e o&ner%hip
o1er propert*, pon "e!th of te%t!tri', p!%%e" to !n" &!% !(4ire" b* !nother per%on, !n" the per%on (!nnot be other
th!n the fi"ei(omi%!rio+
- It %eem% to be of the e%%en(e of ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion th!t !n obli#!tion be (le!rl* impo%e" pon fir%t heir to
pre%er1e Z tr!n%mit to !nother the &hole or p!rt of e%t!te be4e!the" to him, pon hi% "e!th or pon h!ppenin# of
p!rti(l!r e1ent+ For thi% re!%on, Art 7=7 of ol" Ci1il Co"e pro1i"e% th!t fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion h!% no effe(t
nle%% m!"e e'pre%%l* either b* #i1in# it %(h n!me, or b* impo%in# pon fir%t heir the !b%olte obli#!tion to "eli1er the
inherit!n(e to ! %b%titte or %e(on" heir+
- ,he %b%tittion of heir% pro1i"e" for therein i% not e'pre%%l* m!"e of fi"ei(ommi%%!r* 6in", nor "oe% it (ont!in ! (le!r
%t!tement to the effe(t th!t !ppellee, "rin# her lifetime, %h!ll onl* en5o* %fr(t!r* ri#ht% o1er the propert*
be4e!the" to her, n!6e" o&ner%hip thereof bein# 1e%te" in the brother% of the te%t!tri'+ A% !lre!"* %t!te", it merel*
pro1i"e% th!t pon !ppellee$% "e!th, &hether before or !fter th!t of te%t!tri', her %h!re %h!ll belon# to the brother% of the
te%t!tri'+
1DA& D# /!LA4/- v T#NGC-
-07 SC>A 600
>O.E>O; .!r(h -7, 199-
SUCCESSION A2010 page 31
NAT",#
Petition for certiorari !n" prohibition !n"Gor mandamus &ith pr!*er for ! &rit of prelimin!r* in5n(tion+
FACTS
- .!ri! Ai?!re% * Aln!n "ie" !n" left her Dte%t!mentoD in the po%%e%%ion !n" (%to"* of her nie(e, E%t!4i! Ai?!re%,
&ho l!ter file" ! petition for the %ettlement of her e%t!te+ ,he prob!te (ort "e(l!re" the &ill prob!te" !n" !ppointe"
E%t!4i! !% the e'e(tri' of the e%t!te of .!ri! Ai?!re%+
- E%t!4i! file" ! pro5e(t of p!rtition, &hi(h &!% #r!nte" b* the prob!te (ort+ Simlt!neo%l*, %!i" (ort "e(l!re" the
heir%, "e1i%ee%, le#!tee% !n" %fr(t!rie% mentione" in the pro5e(t of p!rtition !% the onl* heir%, "e1i%ee%, le#!tee%
!n" %fr(t!rie% of the e%t!te; !"5"i(!te" to them the propertie% repe(ti1el* !%%i#ne" to them, !n" or"ere" the
>e#i%ter of <ee"% to effe(t the (orre%pon"in# tr!n%fer of propertie%+
- E%t!4i! file" !n r#ent motion to reopen the te%t!te pro(ee"in#% in or"er th!t %ome propertie% of .!ri! Ai?!re%
&hi(h h!" been omitte" in the p!rtition be !"5"i(!te" to her+ ,he Cort #r!nte" the motion !n" !"5"i(!te" to
E%t!4i! (ert!in %h!re% of %to(6%, ! re1ol1in# fn" (ertifi(!te, pl!nt!tion (re"it% !n" %#!r 4ot! !llo(!tion%, !n" re!l
or per%on!l propertie% of .!ri! Ai?!re% &hi(h &ere not #i1en b* her to !n* other per%on in her l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment+
,he heir% e'e(te" !n !#reement of p!rtition !n" %b"i1i%ion, thereb* termin!tin# their (o-o&ner%hip o1er the inherite"
l!n"+
- E%t!4i! Ai?!re% "ie" %in#le &ithot !n* "e%(en"!nt+ >o"olfo !n" Amelo Ai?!re% &ere !ppointe" 5oint !"mini%tr!tor%
of her inte%t!te e%t!te+
- On the %tren#th of the te%t!ment!r* pro1i%ion% (ont!ine" in p!r%+ 10 !n" 11 of the &ill of .!ri! Ai?!re%, &hi(h &ere
!lle#e"l* in the n!tre of ! %imple %b%tittion, Cel%! A+ V"!+ "e Eil!*6o, et !l+ file" ! motion to reopen on(e !#!in the
te%t!te e%t!te pro(ee"in#% of .!ri! Ai?!re%+ ,he* pr!*e" !mon# other% th!t ! %b%titte !"mini%tr!tor be !ppointe"+
- ,he inte%t!te heir% of E%t!4i! oppo%e" the motion, !lle#in# th!t the (ort h!" no more 5ri%"i(tion to reopen the
te%t!te e%t!te pro(ee"in#% of .!ri! Ai?!re% !% the or"er of (lo%re h!" lon# be(ome fin!l !n" th!t the te%t!ment!r*
pro1i%ion% %o#ht to be enfor(e" !re nll !n" 1oi"+

- ,he Cort "enie" the motion to reopen the te%t!te pro(ee"in#%+
- Cel%! A+ V"!+ "e Eil!*6o, et !l+ file" ! (ompl!int for re(o1er* of o&ner%hip !n" po%%e%%ion of re!l propert* !#!in%t the
5oinin# !"mini%tr!tor% of the e%t!te of E%t!4i! Ai?!re%+
- ,he 5oint !"mini%tr!tor% file" the pre%ent petition+ Petitioner% (onten", !mon# other%, th!t the (l!im of petitioner% o1er
the propertie% left b* their nie(e E%t!4i! !n" &hi(h the l!tter h!" inherite" b* &ill from .!ri! Ai?!re%, &!% #ron"le%%
be(!%e p!r!#r!ph% 10 !n" 11 of .!ri!$% &ill on &hi(h Cel%! A+ V"!+ "e Eil!*6o, et !l+ b!%e their (l!im, (on(ei1e" of !
fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion of heir%+ Petitioner% (l!im th!t %!i" pro1i%ion% of the &ill !re not 1!li" be(!%e n"er Arti(le
=6C of the Ci1il Co"e, the* (on%titte !n in1!li" fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion of heir%+
!SS"#S
1+ 2ON the in"epen"ent !(tion for re(on1e*!n(e %hol" pro%per
-+ 2ON petitioner% !re the (on"ition!l %b%titte heir% of E%t!4i! in the te%t!te e%t!te of .!ri! Ai?!re%
$#LD
1+ NO
Ratio A fin!l "e(ree of "i%tribtion of the e%t!te of ! "e(e!%e" per%on 1e%t% the title to the l!n" of the e%t!te in the
"i%tribtee%+ If the "e(ree i% erroneo%, it %hol" be (orre(te" b* opportne !ppe!l, for on(e it be(ome% fin!l, it% bin"in#
effe(t i% li6e !n* other 5"#ment in rem' nle%% properl* %et !%i"e for l!(6 of 5ri%"i(tion or fr!"+
Reasoning
- An* (h!llen#e to the 1!li"it* of ! &ill, !n* ob5e(tion to the !thenti(!tion thereof, !n" e1er* demand or claim which
any heir' legatee or party interested in a testate or intestate succession may make' must be acted upon and decided
within the same special proceedings' not in a separate action' !n" the %!me 5"#e h!1in# 5ri%"i(tion in the
!"mini%tr!tion of the e%t!te %h!ll t!6e (o#ni?!n(e of the 4e%tion r!i%e", in!%m(h !% &hen the "!* (ome% he &ill be
(!lle" pon to m!6e "i%tribtion !n" !"5"i(!tion of the propert* to the intere%te" p!rtie%+
- ,he f!(t% %ho& th!t the petitioner% re(o#ni?e" the "e(ree of p!rtition %!n(tione" b* the prob!te (ort !n" in f!(t
re!pe" the frit% thereof+ Ben(e, the* !re no& pre(l"e" from !tt!(6in# the 1!li"it* of the p!rtition or !n* p!rt of it in the
#i%e of ! (ompl!int for re(on1e*!n(e+ A p!rt* (!nnot, in l!& !n" in #oo" (on%(ien(e be !llo&e" to re!p the frit% of !
p!rtition, !#reement or 5"#ment !n" rep"i!te &h!t "oe% not %it him+ ,h%, &here ! pie(e of l!n" h!% been in(l"e"
in ! p!rtition !n" there i% no !lle#!tion th!t the in(l%ion &!% !ffe(te" thro#h improper me!n% or &ithot petitioner$%
6no&le"#e, the partition barred any "urther litigation on %!i" title !n" oper!te" to brin# the propert* n"er the (ontrol
!n" 5ri%"i(tion of the (ort for it% proper "i%po%ition !((or"in# to the tenor of the p!rtition+
- .oreo1er, &hen petitioner%+ mo1e" for the reopenin# of the te%t!te e%t!te pro(ee"in#% of .!ri! Ai?!re%, the 5"i(i!l
"e(ree of p!rtition !n" or"er of (lo%re of %(h pro(ee"in#% &!% !lre!"* fin!l !n" e'e(tor*, then re#lement!r* perio"
of thirt* "!*% h!1in# el!p%e" from the time of it% i%%!n(e, &ith no timel* !ppe!l h!1in# been file" b* them+
- ,he onl* in%t!n(e &here ! p!rt* intere%te" in ! prob!te pro(ee"in# m!* h!1e ! fin!l li4i"!tion %et !%i"e i% &hen he i%
left ot b* re!%on of (ir(m%t!n(e% be*on" hi% (ontrol or thro#h mi%t!6e or in!"1erten(e not impt!ble to ne#li#en(e+
E1en then, the better pr!(ti(e to %e(re relief i% the openin# of the %!me b* proper motion &ithin the re#lement!r*
perio", in%te!" of !n in"epen"ent !(tion, the effe(t of &hi(h if %((e%%fl, &ol" be for !nother (ort or 5"#e to thro&
ot ! "e(i%ion or or"er !lre!"* fin!l !n" e'e(te" !n" re%hffle propertie% lon# !#o "i%tribte" !n" "i%po%e" of+
-+ NO
Ratio 2hen ! te%t!tor merel* n!me% !n heir !n" pro1i"e% th!t if %(h heir %hol" "ie ! %e(on" heir !l%o "e%i#n!te"
%h!ll %((ee", there i% no fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion+ ,he %b%tittion %hol" then be (on%tre" !% ! 1l#!r or %imple
%b%tittion n"er Art+ =79 of the Ci1il Co"e bt it %h!ll be effe(ti1e onl* if the fir%t heir "ie% be"ore the te%t!tor+
Reasoning
- Altho#h the te%t!tri' inten"e" ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion in p!r!#r!ph% 10 !n" 11 of her &ill, the %b%tittion (!n
h!1e no effe(t be(!%e the re4i%ite% for it to be 1!li", h!" not been %!ti%fie"+ ,he !lle#!tion of the 5oint !"mini%tr!tor%
th!t p!r!#r!ph% 10 !n" 11 of .!ri! Ai?!re%$ l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment (on(ei1e% of ! fi"ei(ommi%%!r* %b%tittion n"er
Arti(le =6C of the Ci1il Co"e i% b!%ele%% !% %!i" p!r!#r!ph% "o not impo%e pon E%t!4i! ! (le!r obli#!tion to
pre%er1e the e%t!te in f!1or of Cel%! A+ V"!+ "e Eil!*6o, et !l+, neither m!* %!i" p!r!#r!ph% be (on%i"ere" !% pro1i"in#
for ! 1l#!r or %imple %b%tittion+
- In thi% (!%e, the in%titte" heir, E%t!4i!, %r1i1e" the te%t!tri', .!ri! Ai?!re%+ Ben(e, there (!n be no %b%tittion of
heir% for, pon .!ri! Ai?!re%$ "e!th, the propertie% in1ol1e" n(on"ition!ll* "e1ol1e" pon E%t!4i!+ :n"er the
(ir(m%t!n(e%, the %i%ter% of .!ri! Ai?!re% (ol" onl* inherit the e%t!te of E%t!4i! b* oper!tion of the l!& of inte%t!(*+
:!1& L#G!T!3#
,-SAL#S v& ,-SAL#S
14= SC>A 69
@ANCA3CO; Febr!r* -7, 19=7
NAT",#
Petition for >e1ie& of - Or"er% of the CFI of Ceb+
FACTS
- Petr! >o%!le% "ie" inte%t!te+ She &!% %r1i1e" b* her h%b!n" Fortn!to !n" their - (hil"ren .!#n! !n" Antonio+
Another (hil", C!rterio, pre"e(e!%e" her, le!1in# behin" ! (hil", .!(i6e4ero', !n" hi% &i"o& Irene!, the petitioner+
,he e%t!te of the "e(e!%e" h!% !n e%tim!te" #ro%% 1!le of !bot PC0,000+
- In the inte%t!te pro(ee"in#%, the tri!l (ort i%%e" !n Or"er "e(l!rin# the follo&in# in"i1i"!l% the le#!l heir% of the
"e(e!%e" !n" pre%(ribin# their re%pe(ti1e %h!re of the e%t!teF Fortn!to /h%b!n"0, 1G4; .!#n! /"!#hter0, 1G4;
.!(i6e4ero' /#r!n"%on0, 1G4; !n" Antonio /%on0, 1G4+
- Irene! in%i%te" in #ettin# ! %h!re of the e%t!te in her (!p!(it* !% the %r1i1in# %po%e of the l!te C!rterio, %on of the
"e(e!%e", (l!imin# th!t %he i% ! (ompl%or* heir of her mother-in-l!& to#ether &ith her %on, .!(i6e4ero'+ ,he tri!l
(ort "enie" her ple!+ Ben(e, thi% petition+
!SS"#
1+ 2ON the &i"o& &ho%e h%b!n" pre"e(e!%e" hi% mother (!n inherit from the l!tter, her mother-in-l!&+
$#LD
1+ NO+
Ratio A %r1i1in# %po%e i% not !n inte%t!te heir of hi%Gher p!rent-in-l!&+
Reasoning Inte%t!te or le#!l heir% !re (l!%%ifie" into - #rop%, n!mel*, tho%e &ho inherit b* their o&n ri#ht, !n" tho%e
&ho inherit b* the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion+ >e%t!te", !n inte%t!te heir (!n onl* inherit either b* hi% o&n ri#ht, !% in the
SUCCESSION A2010 page 32
or"er of inte%t!te %((e%%ion pro1i"e" for in the CC or b* the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion pro1i"e" for in Art 9=1 of the %!me
l!&+
- ,he rele1!nt pro1i%ion% of the CC !re Art%+ 9=0, 9=1, 9=- !n" 999+ ,here i% no pro1i%ion &hi(h %t!te% th!t ! &i"o&
/%r1i1in# %po%e0 i% !n inte%t!te heir of her mother-in-l!&+ ,he entire Co"e i% "e1oi" of !n* pro1i%ion &hi(h entitle% her
to inherit from her mother-in-l!& either b* her o&n ri#ht or b* the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion+ ,he pro1i%ion% of the Co"e
&hi(h rel!te to the or"er of inte%t!te %((e%%ion /Arti(le% 97= to 10140 enmer!te &ith meti(lo% e'!(tit"e the
inte%t!te heir% of ! "e(e"ent, &ith the St!te !% the fin!l inte%t!te heir+ If the le#i%l!tre inten"e" to m!6e the %r1i1in#
%po%e !n inte%t!te heir of the p!rent-in-l!&, it &ol" h!1e %o pro1i"e" in the Co"e+
- Irene! !r#e% th!t %he i% ! (ompl%or* heir in !((or"!n(e &ith the pro1i%ion% of Art ==7+ ,he pro1i%ion refer% to the
e%t!te of the "e(e!%e" %po%e in &hi(h (!%e the %r1i1in# %po%e /&i"o& or &i"o&er0 i% ! (ompl%or* heir+ It "oe% not
!ppl* to the e%t!te of ! p!rent-in-l!&+
- 8* the %!me to6en, the pro1i%ion of Art 999 "oe% not %pport Irene!$% (l!im+ ,he e%t!te (ontempl!te" in the !rti(le i%
the e%t!te of the "e(e!%e" %po%e+ ,he %b5e(t m!tter of the inte%t!te e%t!te pro(ee"in#% in thi% (!%e i% th!t of the
"e(e!%e" Petr! >o%!le%, the mother-in-l!& of Irene!+ It i% from the e%t!te of Petr! th!t .!(i6e4ero' "r!&% ! %h!re of
the inherit!n(e b* the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion !% pro1i"e" b* Art 9=1+
- Art 971 e'pli(itl* "e(l!re% th!t .!(i6e4ero' i% (!lle" to %((e%%ion b* l!& be(!%e of hi% bloo" rel!tion%hip+ Be "oe%
not %((ee" hi% f!ther, C!rterio /the per%on repre%ente"0 &ho pre"e(e!%e" hi% #r!n"mother, Petr!, bt the l!tter &hom
hi% f!ther &ol" h!1e %((ee"e"+ Irene! (!nnot !%%ert the %!me ri#ht of repre%ent!tion !% %he h!% no fili!tion b* bloo"
&ith her mother-in-l!&+
- Irene! !l%o (onten"% th!t !t the time of the "e!th of her h%b!n", he h!" !n in(ho!te or (ontin#ent ri#ht to the
propertie% of Petr! >o%!le% !% (ompl%or* heir+ 8e th!t !% it m!*, %!i" ri#ht of her h%b!n" &!% e'tin#i%he" b* hi%
"e!th th!t i% &h* it i% their %on .!(i6e4ero' &ho %((ee"e" from Petr! b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion+ Be "i" not %((ee"
from hi% "e(e!%e" f!ther C!rterio+
BA,!T"A v CA
/S!r!h0
L-CS!N v CA
-06 SC>A C=C
NA>VASA; Febr!r*
FACTS
.!ri!no Ao(%in m!rrie" C!t!lin! )!(i!n+ ,he* h!" no (hil"ren+ In hi% &ill, .!ri!no in%titte" C!t!lin! !% hi% %ole
ni1er%!l heir+ ,he* both !#ree" th!t !fter "e!th, their propertie% th!t the* h!" from their re%pe(ti1e %i"e% of the f!milie%
&ol" re1ert to their f!milie% /Ao(%in% !n" )!(i!n%0+
9 *e!r% !fter .!ri!noH% "e!th, C!t!lin! be#!n tr!n%ferrin#, b* %!le, "on!tion or !%%i#nment, their propertie% to their
re%pe(ti1e nie(e% !n" nephe&%+
6 *e!r% !fter C!t!lin!H% "e!th, %ome of her )!(i!n nephe&% !n" nie(e% &ho h!" !lre!"* re(ei1e" their le#!(ie% !n"
here"it!r* %h!re% from her e%t!te file" !(tion to re(o1er propertie% th!t C!t!lin! h!" (on1e*e" to the Ao(%in% "rin# her
lifetime, !lle#in# the* &ere inoffi(io%, &Go (on%i"er!tion, !n" inten"e" %olel* to (ir(m1ent l!&% on %((e%%ion+ ,ho%e
(lo%e%t to C!t!lin! "i" not 5oin the !(tion
,he ,C !n" CA "e(l!re" pri1!te re%pon"ent% entitle" to inherit the propert* C!t!lin! h!" "i%po%e" of more th!n 10
*e!r% before her "e!th
!SS"#
2ON re%pon"ent% &ere entitle" to inherit the propert* C!t!lin! h!" "i%po%e" of
$#LD
NO
,he propert* C!t!lin! "i%po%e" of more th!n 10 *e!r% before her "e!th &!% not p!rt of her here"it!r* e%t!te, th!t i%,
Nthe propert* !n" tr!n%mi%%ible ri#ht% !n" obli#!tion% e'i%tin# !t the time of the "e(e"entH% "e!th !n" tho%e &hi(h h!1e
!((re" thereto %in(e the openin# of %((e%%ion+O B!" %he "ie" inte%t!te, onl* the propert* th!t rem!ine" in her e%t!te
!t the time of "e!th &ol" h!1e "e1ol1e" to her le#!l heir%+
E1en if !ll the tr!n%fer% &ere tre!te" !% "on!tion%, the ri#ht !ri%in# n"er (ert!in (ir(m%t!n(e% to imp#n !n" (ompel
re"(tionGre1o(!tion of "e(e"entH% #ift% inter 1i1o% "oe% not inre to re%pon"ent%, &ho !re not (ompl%or* heir%+ So
thereH% no b!%i% for !%%min# intention on her p!rt to (ir(m1ent the l!& in 1iol!tion of re%pon"ent%H ri#ht to %((e%%ion+
In f!(t no le#itime% (ol" (on(ei1!bl* be imp!ire" b* !n* tr!n%fer of her propert* "rin# her life time+ ,he* h!" no 6i"%W
:1& 5,#T#,!T!-N
A.NA, v D"NCAN
17 SC>A 790
.AEAAIN,AA; )ne C0, 1966
FACTS
- E"&!r" E+ Chri%ten%en, ! (iti?en of C!liforni! &ith "omi(ile in the Philippine%, "ie" le!1in# ! &ill e'e(te" on .!r(h 7,
1971+ ,he &ill &!% !"mitte" to prob!te b* CFI <!1!o+ ,here, the (ort "e(l!re" th!t .!ri! Belen Chri%ten%en @!r(i!
/Belen @!r(i!0 &!% ! n!tr!l (hil" of the "e(e!%e"+ ,he "e(l!r!tion &!% !ppe!le" to SC !n" &!% !ffirme"+
- In !nother in(i"ent rel!ti1e to the e%t!teH% p!rtition, the ,C !ppro1e" the pro5e(t %bmitte" b* the e'e(tor in
!((or"!n(e &ith the pro1i%ion% of the &ill, &hi(h %!i" (ort fon" to be 1!li" n"er the l!& of C!liforni!+ Belen @!r(i!
!ppe!le" from the or"er of !ppro1!l, !n" SC re1er%e" the %!me on the #ron" th!t the 1!li"it* of the pro1i%ion% of the
&ill %hol" be #o1erne" b* Philippine l!&, !n" retrne" the (!%e to the lo&er (ort &ith in%tr(tion% th!t the p!rtition be
m!"e !% pro1i"e" b* %!i" l!&+
- CFI <!1!o !ppro1e" the pro5e(t of p!rtition %bmitte" b* the e'e(tor &herein the propertie% of the e%t!te &ere
"i1i"e" e4!ll* bet&een .!ri! A(* Chri%ten%en <n(!n /n!me" in the &ill !% .!ri! A(* Chri%ten%en <!ne*, !n"
herein!fter referre" to !% A(* <n(!n0, &hom the te%t!tor h!" e'pre%%l* re(o#ni?e" in hi% &ill !% hi% "!#hter /n!tr!l0
!n" Belen @!r(i!, &ho h!" been 5"i(i!ll* "e(l!re" !% %(h !fter hi% "e!th+ ,hi% &!% b!%e" on the propo%ition th!t
%in(e Belen @!r(i! h!" been preterite" in the &ill, the in%tittion of A(* <n(!n !% heir &!% !nnlle"+ Ben(e, the
propertie% p!%%e" to both of them !% if the "e(e!%e" h!" "ie" inte%t!te, %!1in# onl* the le#!(ie% left in f!1or of (ert!in
other per%on%, &hi(h le#!(ie% h!1e been "l* !ppro1e" b* the lo&er (ort !n" "i%tribte" to the le#!tee%+ A(* <n(!n
no& !ppe!l%+
- ,he &ill (ont!in%, !mon# other%, the follo&in# (l!%e% &hi(h !re pertinent to the i%%e in thi% (!%eF
C+ I "e(l!re +++ th!t I h!1e bt ONE (hil", n!me" .A>IA A:C3 CB>IS,ENSEN /No& .r%+ 8ern!r" <!ne*0, &ho &!%
born in the Philippine% !bot -= *e!r% !#o, &ho i% no& re%i"in# !t No+ 667 >o"#er 3on# Vill!#e, Ao% An#ele%,
C!liforni!, :+S+A+
4+ I frther "e(l!re th!t I no& h!1e no li1in# !%(en"!nt%, !n" no "e%(en"!nt% e'(ept m* !bo1e-n!me" "!#hter, .A>IA
A:C3 CB>IS,ENSEN <ANE3+
' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
7+ I #i1e, "e1i%e, !n" be4e!th nto .A>IA BEAEN CB>IS,ENSEN, no& m!rrie" to E"!r"o @!r(i!, !bot 1= *e!r% of
!#e !n" &ho, not&ith%t!n"in# the f!(t th!t %he &!% b!pti?e" Chri%ten%en, i% not in !n* &!* rel!te" to me, nor h!% %he
been !t !n* time !"opte" b* me, !n" &ho, from !ll inform!tion I h!1e no& re%i"e% in E#pit, <i#o%, <!1!o, Philippine%,
the %m of PC,600+00, the %!me to be "epo%ite" in tr%t for the %!i" .!ri! Belen Chri%ten%en &ith PN8 <!1!o 8r!n(h,
!n" p!i" to her !t the r!te of P100+00 per month ntil the prin(ip!l thereof !% &ell !% !n* intere%t &hi(h m!* h!1e
!((re" thereon, i% e'h!%te"+
' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
1-+ I hereb* #i1e, "e1i%e !n" be4e!th, nto m* &ell-belo1e" "!#hter, the %!i" .A>IA A:C3 CB>IS,ENSEN <ANE3,
!ll the in(ome from the re%t, rem!in"er, !n" re%i"e of m* propert* !n" e%t!te, re!l, per%on!l !n"Gor mi'e", of
&h!t%oe1er 6in" or (h!r!(ter, !n" &here%oe1er %it!te", of &hi(h I m!* be po%%e%%e" !t m* "e!th !n" &hi(h m!* h!1e
(ome to me from !n* %or(e &h!t%oe1er, "rin# her lifetimeX
- ,he ,C rle", !n" !ppellee no& m!int!in%, th!t there h!% been preterition of Belen @!r(i!, ! (ompl%or* heir in the
"ire(t line, re%ltin# in the !nnlment of the in%tittion of heir pr%!nt to Arti(le =74 of the Ci1il Co"e, &hi(h pro1i"e%F
SUCCESSION A2010 page 33
A>,+ =74+ ,he preterition or omi%%ion of one, %ome, or !ll of the (ompl%or* heir% in the "ire(t line, &hether li1in#
!t the time of the e'e(tion of the &ill or born !fter the "e!th of the te%t!tor, %h!ll !nnl the in%tittion of heir; bt
the "e1i%e% !n" le#!(ie% %h!ll be 1!li" in%of!r !% the* !re not inoffi(io%+
- On the other h!n", !ppell!nt (onten"% th!t thi% i% not ! (!%e of preterition, bt i% #o1erne" b* Arti(le 906 of the Ci1il
Co"e, &hi(h %!*%F DAn* (ompl%or* heir to &hom the te%t!tor h!% left b* !n* title le%% th!n the le#itime belon#in# to him
m!* "em!n" th!t the %!me be fll* %!ti%fie"+D Appell!nt !l%o %##e%t% th!t (on%i"erin# the pro1i%ion% of the &ill
&hereb* the te%t!tor e'pre%%l* "enie" hi% rel!tion%hip &ith Belen @!r(i!, bt left to her ! le#!(* ne1erthele%% !ltho#h
le%% th!n the !mont of her le#itime, %he &!% in effe(t "efe(ti1el* "i%inherite" &ithin the me!nin# of Arti(le 91=, &hi(h
re!"%F
A>,+ 91=+ <i%inherit!n(e &ithot ! %pe(ifi(!tion of the (!%e, or for ! (!%e the trth of &hi(h, if (ontr!"i(te", i%
not pro1e", or &hi(h i% not one of tho%e %et forth in thi% Co"e, %h!ll !nnl the in%tittion of heir% in%of!r !% it m!*
pre5"i(e the per%on "i%inherite"; bt the "e1i(e% !n" le#!(ie% !n" other te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition% %h!ll be 1!li"
to %(h e'tent !% &ill not imp!ir the le#itim!te+
- ,h%, !((or"in# to !ppell!nt, n"er both Arti(le 906 !n" 91=, Belen @!r(i! i% entitle" onl* to her le#itime, !n" not to !
%h!re of the e%t!te e4!l th!t of A(* <n(!n !% if the %((e%%ion &ere inte%t!te+
!SS"#CS
1+ 2ON the e%t!te, !fter "e"(tin# the le#!(ie%, %hol" be "i1i"e" in e4!l %h!re% Qor %hol" the inherit!n(e of A(*
<n(!n !% in%titte" heir be merel* re"(e" to the e'tent ne(e%%!r* to (o1er the le#itime of Belen @!r(i!, e4i1!lent to
1G4 of the entire e%t!teY
$#LD
1+ NO
Ratio 1eri' et al. %. Akutin, (ite" b* !ppellee% in %pport of their theor* of preterition i% not here !ppli(!ble, be(!%e it
referre" to ! &ill &here Dthe te%t!tor left !ll hi% propert* b* ni1er%!l title to the (hil"ren b* hi% %e(on" m!rri!#e, !n"
/th!t0 &ithot e'pre%%l* "i%inheritin# the (hil"ren b* hi% fir%t m!rri!#e, he left nothin# to them or, !t le!%t, %ome of them+D
In the (!%e !t b!r the te%t!tor "i" not entirel* omit oppo%itor-!ppellee Belen @!r(i!, bt left her ! le#!(* of PC,600+00+
Reasoning ,he 4e%tion m!* be po%e"F In or"er th!t the ri#ht of ! for(e" heir m!* be limite" onl* to the (ompletion of
hi% le#itime /in%te!" of the !nnlment of the in%tittion of heir%0 i% it ne(e%%!r* th!t &h!t h!% been left to him in the &ill
Db* !n* title,D !% b* le#!(*, be #r!nte" to him in hi% (!p!(it* !% heir, th!t i%, ! titulo de herederoJ In other &or"%, %hol"
he be re(o#ni?e" or referre" to in the &ill !% heirJ
.!nre%! (ite% p!rti(l!rl* C "e(i%ion% of the SC of Sp!in+ In e!(h (!%e the te%t!tor left to one &ho &!% ! for(e" heir !
le#!(* &orth le%% th!n the le#itime, bt &ithot referrin# to the le#!tee !% !n heir or e1en !% ! rel!ti1e, !n" &ille" the
re%t of the e%t!te to other per%on%+ It &!% hel" th!t Arti(le =17 !pplie", !n" the heir (ol" not !%6 th!t the in%tittion of
heir% be !nnlle" entirel*, bt onl* th!t the le#itime be (omplete"+
,he fore#oin# %oltion i% in"ee" more in (on%on!n(e &ith the e'pre%%e" &i%he% of the te%t!tor in the pre%ent (!%e !%
m!* be #!there" 1er* (le!rl* from the pro1i%ion% of hi% &ill+ Be ref%e" to !(6no&le"#e Belen @!r(i! !% hi% n!tr!l
"!#hter, !n" limite" her %h!re to ! le#!(* of PC,600+00+ ,he f!(t th!t %he &!% %b%e4entl* "e(l!re" 5"i(i!ll* to
po%%e%% %(h %t!t% i% no re!%on to !%%me th!t h!" the 5"i(i!l "e(l!r!tion (ome "rin# hi% lifetime hi% %b5e(ti1e
!ttit"e to&!r"% her &ol" h!1e n"er#one !n* (h!n#e !n" th!t he &ol" h!1e &ille" hi% e%t!te e4!ll* to her !n" to
A(* <n(!n, &ho !lone &!% e'pre%%l* re(o#ni?e" b* him+
,he e%t!te of the "e(e!%e" Chri%ten%en pon hi% "e!th (on%i%te" of C99 %h!re% of %to(6% in the Chri%ten%en Pl!nt!tion
Comp!n* !n" ! (ert!in !mont in (!%h+ 1G4 of %!i" e%t!te "e%(en"e" to Belen @!r(i! !% her le#itime+ Sin(e %he
be(!me the o&ner of her %h!re !% of the moment of the "e!th of the "e(e"ent /Art%+ 774, 777, Ci1il Co"e0, %he i%
entitle" to ! (orre%pon"in# portion of !ll the frit% or in(rement% thereof %b%e4entl* !((rin#+ ,he%e in(l"e the %to(6
"i1i"en"% on the (orpor!te hol"in#%+ ,he (ontention of A(* <n(!n th!t !ll %(h "i1i"en"% pert!in to her !((or"in# to
the term% of the &ill (!nnot be %%t!ine", for it &ol" in effe(t imp!ir the ri#ht of o&ner%hip of Belen @!r(i! &ith re%pe(t
to her le#itime+
N"G"!D v N"G"!D
17 SC>A 449
S!n(he? ); )ne-C, 1966
FACTS
->o%!rio N#i" "ie" on <e(ember C0, 196-, %in#le, &ithot "e%(en"!nt%, le#itim!te or ille#itim!te+ Sr1i1in# her &ere
her le#itim!te p!rent%, Feli' N#i" !n" P!? S!lon#! N#i", !n" %i' brother% !n" %i%ter%
-Petitioner >eme"io% N#i", one of the brother% file" ! holo#r!phi( &ill !lle#e"l* e'e(te" b* >o%!rio N#i" on
No1ember 17, 1971, %ome 11 *e!r% before her "emi%e+ Petitioner pr!*e" th!t %!i" &ill be !"mitte" to prob!te !n" th!t
letter% of !"mini%tr!tion &ith the &ill !nne'e" be i%%e" to her+
On )ne -7, 196C, p!rent% Feli' !n" N#i", (on(e"e"l* the le#itim!te f!ther !n" mother of the "e(e!%e" >o%!rio
N#i", entere" their oppo%ition to the prob!te of her &ill+ @ron" therefor, inter alia, i% th!t b* the in%tittion of
petitioner >eme"io% N#i" !% ni1er%!l heir of the "e(e!%e", oppo%itor% &ho !re (ompl%or* heir% of the "e(e!%e" in
the "ire(t !%(en"in# line+ &ere ille#!ll* preterite" !n" th!t in (on%e4en(e the in%tittion i% 1oi"+
!SS"#
2ON the &ill i% 1oi" "e to preterition
$#LD
3ES
-2ill %t!te" N1o%. +C' +D6+
(' )ESA)(E 1?.?(2' being o" sound and disposing mind and memory' ha%ing amassed a certain amount o" property'
do hereby gi%e' de%ise' and be-ueath all o" the property which ( may ha%e when ( die to my belo%ed sister )emedios
1uguid' age 07' residing with me at 0F-& (riga' G.C. (n witness whereo"' ( ha%e signed my name this se%enth day o"
1o%ember' nineteen hundred and "i"ty-one.
;Sgd.< (llegible
TH )ESA)(E 1?.?(2
-the l!& in the CC pro1i"e%F A)T. F67. The preterition or omission o" one' some' or all o" the compulsory heirs in the
direct line' whether li%ing at the time o" the e!ecution o" the will or born a"ter the death o" the testator' shall annul the
institution o" heir> but the de%ises and legacies shall be %alid inso"ar as they are not ino""icious. ...B
-2e"inition o" A11?=,. To reduce to nothing> annihilate> obliterate> to make %oid or o" no e""ect> to nulli"y> to abolish> to do
away with. E! parte Mitchell
-@The deceased )osario 1uguid le"t no descendants' legitimate or illegitimate. &ut she le"t "orced heirs in the direct
ascending line her parents' now oppositors Ieli! 1uguid and 5az Salonga 1uguid. And' the will completely omits both
o" them, They thus recei%ed nothing by the testament> tacitly' they were depri%ed o" their legitime> neither were they
e!pressly disinherited. This is a clear case o" preteritionA The one-sentence will here institutes petitioner as the sole'
uni%ersal heir J nothing more. 1o speci"ic legacies or be-uests are therein pro%ided "or. (t is in this posture that we say
that the nullity is completeB.
->eme"io% (onten"% th!t !n ineffe(ti1e "i%inherit!n(e &!% m!"e in%te!" of preterition !n" th% Art+ =74 "oe% not !ppl*+
,hi% (ontention &!% hel" in1!li" b* the (ort+
Preterition D(on%i%t% in the omi%%ion in the te%t!tor$% &ill of the for(e" heir% or !n*one of them, either be(!%e the* !re
not mentione" therein, or, tho#h mentione", the* !re neither in%titte" !% heir% nor !re e'pre%%l* "i%inherite"+D
16
<i%inherit!n(e, in trn, Di% ! te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition "epri1in# !n* (ompl%or* heir of hi% %h!re in the le#itime for !
(!%e !thori?e" b* l!&O "i%inherit!n(e m%t e'pre%%l* be %t!te"+ In thi% (!%e, no %(h e'pre%% inherit!n(e &!%
mentione"
-effe(t of preterition 1 "i%inherit!n(eF
Preterition n"er Arti(le =74 of the Ci1il Co"e, &e repe!t, D%h!ll !nnl the in%tittion of heirD+ ,hi% !nnlment i% in toto,
nle%% in the &ill there !re, in !""ition, te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition% in the form of "e1i%e% or le#!(ie%
In "i%inherit!n(e the nllit* i% limite" to th!t portion of the e%t!te of &hi(h the "i%inherite" heir% h!1e been ille#!ll*
"epri1e"
#SC"!N v #SC"!N
11 PBIA CC-
,O>>ES; September -4, 190=
FACTS
- On the 19th of )!n!r*, 1=99, Emilio Antonio E%(in "e lo% S!nto% e'e(te" ! &ill before ! not!r* pbli( of Se1ill!,
Sp!in, %t!tin# therein th!t he &!% ! n!ti1e of C!1ite, the %on Fr!n(i%(o E%(in !n" E#eni! "e lo% S!nto%, the l!tter
bein# "e(e!%e"; th!t he &!% m!rrie" !bot %i' month% pre1io%l* to .!ri! ,ere%! Pon(e "e Aeon, !n" th!t he h!" no
SUCCESSION A2010 page 34
l!&fl "e%(en"!nt%; the te%t!tor, ho&e1er, %t!te" in (l!%e three of hi% &ill, th!t in (!%e he h!% ! "l* re#i%tere"
%((e%%or, hi% (hil" &ol" be hi% %ole !n" ni1er%!l heir; bt th!t if, !% &ol" prob!bl* be the (!%e, there %hol" be no
%(h heir, then in (l!%e for he n!me" hi% %!i" f!ther Fr!n(i%(o E%(in, !n" hi% &ife .!ri! ,ere%! Pon(e "e Aeon !n"
hi% ni1er%!l heir%, the* to "i1i"e the e%t!te in e4!l %h!re% bet&een them+
- ,he te%t!tor "ie" on the -0th of )!n!r*, 1=99
- :pon the &ill h!1in# been !"mitte" to prob!te, (ommi%%ioner% &ere !ppointe" to (on%i"er (l!im% !#!in%t the e%t!te
- On the 10th !n" 1-th of )l* 1907, the !ttorne* for the &i"o&, Pon(e "e Aeon, !n" the !ttorne*% &ho repre%ente" the
#!r"i!n to the minor, Emilio E%(in * 8!t!(, !ppe!le" to the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e from the fin"in#% of the !fore%!i"
(ommi%%ioner%+
- It !ppe!r% in the propo%e" p!rtition th!t, !((or"in# to the opinion of the !"mini%tr!tor b* &hom it &!% %i#ne" in the
re%lt of the pro(ee"in#%, the propert* left b* the e%t!tor, in !((or"!n(e &ith the !((ont% p!%%e" pon b* the (ort,
!monte" to P=,-6=+0-
- From %!i" %m the follo&in# m%t be "e"(te" the (re"it !ll"e" to be !"mitte" b* the (ommi%%ioner%, 10U
remner!tion "e to the !"mini%tr!tor, !ll le#!l e'pen%e% p!i" !n" !ppro1e"+ <e"(tin# the !bo1ementione" !mont%,
there rem!in% ! b!l!n(e of P7,014+=1+
- ,he p!rtition !n" !"5"i(!tion &!% pro(ee"e" &ith of the %m of P7,014+=1 into three %h!re% of P1,671+60 to e!(h one
of the p!rtie% in intere%t, th!t i%, the n!tr!l %on, Emilio E%(in * 8!t!(, in fll (ontrol !% #ener!l heir; the &i"o&, ,ere%!
Pon(e "e Aeon, !% le#!tee of one-h!lf of the t&o-thir"% of the fn"% of free "i%po%ition; !n" the %!i" &i"o& the %fr(t
of the other h!lf of the !fore%!i" t&o-thir"% of free "i%po%ition, the b!re o&ner%hip of the l!%t thir" hel" in %fr(t b* the
&i"o& bein# !"5"i(!te" to Fr!n(i%(o E%(in, !% le#!tee t!6in# into !((ont the pro1i%ion% of !rti(le =17 of the Ci1il
Co"e pon m!6in# the "i1i%ion+
- ,he repre%ent!ti1e of the minor n!tr!l (hil" of the te%t!tor ob5e(te" in &ritin# to the p!rtition propo%e" b* the
!"mini%tr!tor, !n" for the re!%on% he %et forth !%6e" th!t the %!me be "i%!ppro1e", !n" th!t in lie thereof the entire
e%t!te be !"5"i(!te" to Emilio E%(in * 8!t!(, the %!i" minor+
- It &!% !l%o pre%ente" th!t in ! (ertifie" pro(ee"in#, pl!intiff !%6e" on the 1-th of )!n!r*, 1907, th!t !n !llo&!n(e be
#r!nte" to him for %b%i%ten(e for !((ont of the e%t!te of the l!te te%t!tor, Emilio E%(in "e lo% S!nto%, !n" th!t the
%!me be p!i" him monthl* in !"1!n(e; th!t 5"#ment be entere" "e(l!rin# th!t the minor, Emilio E%(in * 8!t!(, i% !
n!tr!l (hil" of the te%t!tor; th!t the %!i" minor, !% the onl* n!tr!l %on of the %!me i% hi% #ener!l heir; th!t it be hel"
th!t the %!i" te%t!tor h!" "ie" &ithot either l!&fl !%(en"!nt% or "e%(en"!nt%; th!t the "e%i#n!tion of heir% m!"e
n"er hi% !bo1e-mentione" &ill be "e(l!re" nll !n" 1oi"; !n" th!t the "efen"!nt% be %enten(e" to p!* the (o%t% in
(!%e the* "i" not (onform to the (ompl!int, &ith !n* frther reme"* th!t the (ort mi#ht (on%i"er 5%t !n" e4it!ble+
- ,he !"mini%tr!tor, >i(!r"o Smmer%, in !n%&er to the (ompl!int "enie" !ll !n" e1er* one of the f!(t% !lle#e" in !ll !n"
e1er* one of it% p!r!#r!ph%+
- ,he (ort belo& fon" th!t E%(in * 8!t!( &!% the re(o#ni?e" n!tr!l (hil" of the l!te Emilio E%(in "e lo% S!nto%,
h!" b* )li! 8!t!(; th!t the te%t!tor &!% !l%o the n!tr!l %on of the "efen"!nt Fr!n(i%(o E%(in !n" E#eni! "e lo%
S!nto%, !n" &!% re(o#ni?e" b* hi% f!ther; !n" th!t the pl!intiff minor, Emilio E%(in * 8!t!(, i% one of the heir% of the
l!te te%t!tor+
- 8* !n or"er of the lo&er (ort, the 5"#e e'pre%%e" !n opinion th!t ! n!tr!l (hil" i% onl* entitle" to one-forth of the
here"it!r* propert*, the (l!%e in the &ill bein# !nnlle" onl* in %o f!r !% the !mont to be "i1i"e" %hol" be re"(e",
t!6in# into !((ont the %h!re "e to the n!tr!l %on !n" the ri#ht of the f!ther !n" the &i"o& of the te%t!tor, e!(h to
one-h!lf of the rem!in"er of the propert* of the e%t!te+
!SS"#S
1+ 2ON there &!% preterition
-+ 2ON the te%t!tor (ol" be (on%i"ere" to h!1e "ie" inte%t!te
$#LD
1+ 3ES
,here i% preterition to 1GC of the e%t!te, &hi(h !mont (on%titte% the le#!l portion of ! n!tr!l (hil"; !n" for the re!%on
th!t mino9r &!% i#nore" in the &ill, the "e%i#n!tion of heir% m!"e therein &!%, !% ! m!tter of f!(t !nnlle" b* for(e of
l!&, in%of!r !% the le#!l portion of the %!i" minor &!% thereb* imp!ire"+ Ae#!(ie%, !n" betterment% %h!ll be 1!li", in%of!r
!% the* !re not ille#!l, for the re!%on th!t ! te%t!tor (!nnot "epri1e the heir% of their le#!l portion%, e'pre%% in the (!%e%
e'pre%%l* in"i(!te" b* l!&+
-+ NO
Not&ith%t!n"in# the f!(t th!t the %!i" "e%i#n!tion of heir% &!% !nnlle" !n" th!t the l!& re(o#ni?e% the title of the minor,
E%(in * 8!t!(, to one-thir" of the propert* of hi% n!tr!l f!ther, !% hi% l!&fl !n" #ener!l heir, it i% not proper to !%%ert
th!t the l!te Emilio E%(in "e lo% S!nto% "ie" inte%t!te in or"er to e%t!bli%h the (on(l%ion th!t hi% %!i" n!tr!l
re(o#ni?e" (hil" i% entitle" to %((ee" to the entire e%t!te n"er the pro1i%ion% of !rti(le 9C9 of the Ci1il Co"e, in!%m(h
in !((or"!n(e &ith the l!& ! (iti?en m!* "ie p!rtl* te%t!te !n" p!rtl* inte%t!te /!rt+ 764, Ci1il Co"e0+ It i% (le!r !n"
n4e%tion!ble th!t it &!% the &i%h of the te%t!tor to f!1or hi% n!tr!l f!ther !n" hi% &ife &ith (ert!in portion% of hi%
propert* &hi(h, n"er the l!&, he h!" the ri#ht to "i%po%e of b* &ill, !% he h!% "one, pro1i"e" the le#!l portion of hi%
#ener!l heir &!% not thereb* imp!ire", the t&o former per%on% bein# (on%i"ere" !% le#!tee% n"er the &ill+
LA;-3 v L#"T#,!-
@+>+ No+ A-1C777
CONCEPCION; April -7, 1960
NAT",#
Petition for ! &rit of certiorari !n" mandamus
FACTS
- .!'imo Viol! "ie" on Sept+r C, 19CC+ )"i(i!l pro(ee"in#% of hi% te%t!te e%t!te &ere in%titte" in the CFI of 8l!(!n,
!n" l!ter on (lo%e"+ An !#reement of p!rtition !n" "i%tribtion &!% e'e(te" b* !n" !mon# the C le#itim!te (hil"ren+
- <on!to A!5om /pl!intiff-!ppellee herein0 file" in CFI of Ne1! E(i5! th!t he be "e(l!re" ! n!tr!l (hil" of .!'imo Viol!,
implie"l* re(o#ni?e" !n" !(6no&le"#e" in !((or"!n(e &ith the l!&% in for(e prior to the Ci1il Co"e, thereb* bein# ! (o-
heir of )o%e, >!f!el !n" Sil1io Viol! /"efen"!nt%-!ppell!nt%0+ After tri!l, CFI of Ne1! E(i5! "e(l!re" A!5om !% n!tr!l
(hil" of the "e(e!%e"+ ,here!fter, A!5om %o#ht to h!1e !ll the propertie% of the "e(e!%e" (oll!te" !n" re"i%tribte" %o
th!t A!5om m!* #et hi% %h!re of the inherit!n(e !% ! (ompl%or* heir+
I A!5om in%titte" the pre%ent (!%e be(!%e pon .>, the (ort i%%e" ! "e(i%ion "!te" O(tober C0, 1977, %!*in# th!tF
N,he propertie% "on!te" to >!f!el Viol! !n" &hi(h !re %o#ht to be (oll!te" b* the pl!intiff !re not in 4e%tion, not
h!1in# been pt in i%%e b* the ple!"in#%+ Neither !re the* mentione" in the in1entor* of the 77 p!r(el% &hi(h !re
!nne'e" to the (ompl!int+O Ben(e, %(h i% e'(l"e" from the (oll!tion+
!SS"#CS
1+ 2ON there &!% preterition in thi% (!%e
-+ 2ON, "e to the preterition, the in%tittion of heir% m!"e b* the "e(e!%e" .!'imo Viol! be(!me ineffe(ti1e, !n" th!t
Ci1il C!%e No+ =077 &!% thereb* (on1erte" into !n inte%t!te pro(ee"in#% for the %ettlement of hi% e%t!te+
$#LD
1+ 3ES
- ,he &ill h!1in# (ompletel* omitte" the pl!intiff &ho i% ! (ompl%or* heir, !n" h!1in# "i%po%e" of !ll the propertie% in
f!1or of the "efen"!nt%, it n!tr!ll* en(ro!(he" pon the le#itime of the pl!intiff+ S(h te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition% m!* not
imp!ir the le#itim!te /Art+ 10C7, Sp!ni%h Ci1il Co"e0+ In !nother %en%e, the pl!intiff, bein# ! (ompl%or* heir in the "ire(t
line, !n" h!1in# been preterite", the in%tittion i% !nnlle" in it% entiret* /Art+ =14, Sp!ni%h Ci1il Co"e no& Art+ =74,
N+C+C+, Neri %s. A6tin, 7- Phil+, C--0 Note th!t thi% Cort %impl* reiter!te" &h!t the re%pon"ent )"#e h!% rle"
re#!r"in# thi% p!rti(l!r i%%e in hi% "e(i%ion "!te O(tober C0, 1976+
-+ NO
- ,here mi#ht h!1e been merit therein if &e &ere "e!lin# &ith %pe(i!l pro(ee"in#% for the %ettlement of the te%t!te
e%t!te of ! "e(e!%e" per%on, &hi(h, in (on%e4en(e of %!i" preterition, &ol" thereb* !(4ire the (h!r!(ter of !
pro(ee"in# for the %ettlement of !n inte%t!te e%t!te, &ith 5ri%"i(tion o1er !n* !n" !ll propertie% of the "e(e!%e"+ 8t,
Ci1il C!%e No+ =077 i% !n or"in!r* (i1il !(tion, !n" the !thorit* of the (ort h!1in# 5ri%"i(tion o1er the %!me i% limite"
to the propertie% "e%(ribe" in the ple!"in#%, &hi(h !"mitte"l* "o not in(l"e the !forementione" ri(el!n"+
BALANA4 v 3A,T!N#.
64 SC>A 47-
A9:INO; )ne -7, 1977
SUCCESSION A2010 page 35
NAT",#
Appe!l b* Certior!ri
FACTS
-Aeo"e#!ri! )li!n "ie" le!1in# her h%b!n" Feli' Sr+, !n" %i' le#itim!te (hil"ren, Feli', )r+ A1elin!, 8e!tri?, C!rolin!,
<eli!, !n" Emili!+
-She left ! not!ri!l &ill !n" in p!r!#r!ph 7 of the &ill %he %!i" th!t !fter the "e!th of Feli' Sr+ her l!n" !n" !ll (on5#!l
l!n"% %hol" be "i1i"e" in the m!nner %et forth in th!t p!rt of her &ill+ She "e1i%e" !n" p!rtitione" of in the &ill her
h%b!n"H% one-h!lf %h!re of the (on5#!l !%%et%+
-Feli' Sr !n" A1elin! oppo%e"+
-Sb%e4entl*, Feli' Sr &ith"re& !n" he (onforme" !n" renon(e" hi% here"it!r* ri#ht%+ Bo&e1er, A1elin! (ontine" on
&ith her oppo%ition+
-,he lo&er (ort "e(l!re" the &ill !% 1oi" !n" (on1erte" the te%t!te pro(ee"in# to !n inte%t!te pro(ee"in#+
-Feli', )r+ !ppe!le"+
!SS"#
1+ 2ON the &ill %hol" fir%t be "etermine" to be intrin%i(!ll* 1!li" prior to the "etermin!tion of it% !llo&!n(e or form!l
1!li"it*
-+ 2ON the "e(l!r!tion th!t the &ill &!% 1oi" i% proper
C+ 2ON the renn(i!tion of Feli', Sr+ of hi% here"it!r* ri#ht% i% 1!li"
4+ 2IN Feli', Sr+ &ill &!% intrin%i(!ll* 1oi" be(!%e it preterite" him
$#LD
1+ 3e%, it &!% (orre(t in p!%%in# pon the 4e%tion of intrin%i( 1!li"it* fir%t+ ,he (ort &!% of the opinion th!t in 1ie& of
(ert!in n%!l pro1i%ion% of the &ill /i+e+ p!r!#r!ph 70, &hi(h !re of "bio% le#!lit*, !n" be(!%e of the motion to
&ith"r!& the petition for prob!te+ It &!% (orre(t to p!%% pon the &illH% intrin%i( 1!li"it* e1en before it% form!l 1!li"it* i%
e%t!bli%he"+ ,he prob!te of ! &ill mi#ht be(ome !n i"le (eremon* if on it% f!(e it !ppe!r% to be intrin%i(!ll* 1oi"+ 2here
pr!(ti(!l (on%i"er!tion "em!n" th!t the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill be p!%%e" pon, e1en before it i% prob!te", the (ort
%hol" meet the i%%e+
-+ No, it &!% not proper+ ,he in1!li"it* of one of the %e1er!l "i%po%ition% "oe% not !ffe(t the 1!li"it* of the other
"i%po%ition%+ E'(ept if the other "i%po%ition% i% "epen"ent on the fir%t in1!li" "i%po%ition th!t h!% been m!"e+ ,he 1!li"
p!rt% %hol" be phel" if the* (!n be %ep!r!te" from the in1!li" &ithot "efe!tin# the intention of the te%t!tor or
interferin# &ith the #ener!l %(heme, or "oin# in5%ti(e to the benefi(i!rie%+
C+ 3e%, it &!% 1!li"+ Art+ 79C of the Ci1il Co"e %t!te% th!t Propert* !(4ire" !fter the m!6in# of ! &ill %h!ll onl* p!%%
thereb*, !% if the te%t!tor h!" po%%e%%e" it !t the time of m!6in# the &ill, %hol" it e'pre%%l* !ppe!r b* the &ill th!t %(h
&!% hi% intention !n" Art+ 9C0 ,he le#!(* or "e1i%e of ! thin# belon#in# to !nother per%on i% 1oi", if the te%t!tor
erroneo%l* belie1e" th!t the thin# pert!ine" to him+ 8t if the thin# be4e!the", tho#h not belon#in# to the te%t!tor
&hen he m!"e the &ill, !fter&!r"% be(ome% hi%, b* &h!te1er title, the "i%po%ition %h!ll t!6e effe(t+ ,he p!rtition then h!%
be(ome 1!li"+
4+ No, Feli', Sr+H% (!%e In the (!%e, the preterite" heir &!% the %r1i1in# %po%e+ Bi% preterition "i" not pro"(e
inte%t!(*+ .oreo1er, he %i#nifie" hi% (onformit* to hi% &ifeH% &ill !n" renon(e" hi% here"it!r* ri#ht%+ ,h% it i% "ifferent
from the N#i" (!%e be(!%e &here the te%t!tri' !% heir her %i%ter !n" preterite" her p!rent%+ Ber &ill &!% intrin%i(!ll*
1oi" be(!%e it preterite" her (ompl%or* heir% in the "ire(t line+ Art+ =74 of the Ci1il Co"e pro1i"e%, N,he preterition or
omi%%ion of one, %ome, or !ll of the (ompl%or* heir% in the "ire(t line, &hether li1in# !t the time of the e'e(tion of the
&ill or born !fter the "e!th of the te%t!tor, %h!ll !nnl the in%tittion of heir; bt the "e1i%e% !n" le#!(ie% %h!ll be 1!li"
in%of!r !% the* !re not inoffi(io%+ If the omitte" (ompl%or* heir% %hol" "ie before the te%t!tor, the in%tittion %h!ll be
effe(t!l, &ithot pre5"i(e to the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion+O Sin(e the preterition of the p!rent% !nnlle" the in%tittion of
the %i%ter !% te%t!tri' !n" there &ere no le#!(ie% !n" "e1i%e%, tot!l inte%t!(* re%lte"+
.oreo1er, te%t!(* i% prefer!ble to inte%t!(*+ <obt% !re re%ol1e" in f!1or of inte%t!(*+ A% f!r !% le#!ll* po%%ible, the
e'pre%%e" "e%ire of the te%t!tor m%t be follo&e" !n" the "i%po%ition% in the &ill %hol" be follo&e"+
S-LAN- v CA
1C6 SC>A 1--
.EAENCIO BE>>E>A; No1ember -9, 19=C
NAT",#
Petition for >e1ie& on (ertior!ri
FACTS
- 8ien1eni"o @!r(i! !n" Emeteri! @!r(i! file" !n !(tion for re(o#nition !#!in%t .eliton Sol!no, (l!imin# to be
ille#itim!te (hil"ren+ Sol!no "ie" "rin# the pen"en(t of the %it+ Koni! Sol!no &!% or"ere" %b%titte" %in(e %he &!%
the onl* %r1i1in# heir mentione" in hi% &ill+
- ,he @!r(i!% file" their D>epl* to KONIA$% Appe!r!n(e !n" Spplement!l C!%e of A(tionD imp#nin# the re(o#nition of
Koni! !% !n !(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l (hil" &ith the pr!*er th!t %he be "e(l!re" in%te!", li6e them, !% !n !"ltero% (hil"+
- ,he tri!l (ort rle" th!t the @!r(i!% !n" Koni! &ere ille#itim!te (hil"ren+ ,he CA !ffirme"+ 8oth (ort% fon" the
follo&in# f!(t%F
Sol!no m!rrie" >io%!+ ,he l!tter "ie"+ On ! &orl" tor, he met @or!n"+ Be m!rrie" her+ Bo&e1er, %he left him in 19-9+
In 19C0, he h!" rel!tion% &ith )!n! @!r(i!+ ,he @!r(i!% &ere then born ot of the !ff!ir+ ,ho#h "o(ment% "o not
n!me him !% f!ther, Sol!no re(o#ni?e" them !% %ho&n b* hi% !(t% of %pport+ In 19C7, he li1e" &ith ,rini"!" ,!#non+
KONIA An! ,!#non &!% born+ In her birth (ertifi(!te, it &!% in"i(!te" th!t %he &!% ille#itim!te+ <rin# the )!p
o((p!tion, Sol!no &!% !ble to obt!in "i1or(e from @or!n"+ A!ter, Sol!no !n" ,rini"!" ,!#non e'e(te" !n DE%(ritr!
"e >e(ono(imiento "e :nit Bi5! N!tr!lD !(6no&le"#in# KONIA !% ! Dn!tr!l (hil"D !n" #i1in# her the ri#ht to %e the
n!me KONIA An! Sol!no * ,!#non+ In 1969, Sol!no e'e(te" ! &ill, m!6in# Koni! !% hi% ni1er%!l heir, e'(ept for
(ert!in p!r(el% of l!n" &herein ,rini"!" &!% #r!nte" %fr(t!r* ri#ht%+
!SS"#CS
1+ 2ON the CA !n" ,C !(te" &ithot 5ri%"i(tion or in e'(e%% of 5ri%"i(tion in "e(l!rin# %b%titte "efen"!nt Koni! An!
Sol!no !n ille#itim!te (hil" of the l!te Sol!no in !n !(tion &here pri1!te re%pon"ent%, %o#ht re(o#nition !% n!tr!l
(hil"ren of Sol!no
-+ 2ON the CA !n" ,C !(te" &ithot 5ri%"i(tion or in e'(e%% of 5ri%"i(tion in "e(l!rin# nll !n" 1oi" the in%tittion of
heir in SOAANO$% &ill; in (on(l"in# th!t tot!l inte%t!(* re%lte" therefrom; !n" "i%tribtin# the %h!re% of the p!rtie% in
SOAANO$% e%t!te &hen %!i" e%t!te &!% n"er the 5ri%"i(tion !n" (ontrol of the Prob!te Cort in Spe(i!l Pro(ee"in#%
No+ =4-
$#LD
1+ NO
Reasoning
-In her DAppe!r!n(e of Sb%titte <efen"!nt Koni! An! ,+ Sol!no +++ Sole !n" :ni1er%!l BeirD, KONIA %pe(ifi(!ll* pr!*e"
th!t %he be !llo&e" to !%%me her "tie% !% e'e(tri' !n" !"mini%tr!tri' of the prob!te" &ill+ In other &or"%, KONIA "i"
not onl* rel* pon SOAANO$% An%&er !lre!"* of re(or" bt !%%erte" ne& ri#ht% in her (!p!(it* !% %ole !n" ni1er%!l
heir, De'e(tri' !n" !"mini%tr!tri', D!n" (h!llen#e" the ri#ht of the @A>CIAS to re(o#nition+ ,h%, %he &!% not
"efen"in# the (!%e !% ! mere repre%ent!ti1e of the "e(e!%e" bt !%%erte" ri#ht% !n" "efen%e% in her o&n per%on!l
(!p!(it*+
- <rin# the tri!l, the @!r(i!% pre%ente" their e1i"en(e to %pport their (l!im+ Koni! "i" not ob5e(t+ She e1en pre%ente"
her o&n e1i"en(e to pro1e %he &!% ! le#itim!te (hil"+ ,h%, !% r!i%e" b* the p!rtie% in their o&n ple!"in#% !n" pr%!nt
to their re%pe(ti1e e1i"en(e "rin# the tri!l, the liti#!tion &!% (on1erte" into ! (onte%t bet&een the @A>CIAS !n"
KONIA pre(i%el* !% to their (orre(t %t!t% !% heir% !n" their re%pe(ti1e ri#ht% !% %(h+
-+ No+
Reasoning
-,he #ener!l rle &ol" be th!t the (ort &ol" h!1e no 5ri%"i(tion+ Bo&e1er, there i% ! pe(li!r %it!tion in the (!%e+
Fir%t, Sol!no him%elf in%titte" the petition for prob!te of the 2ill "rin# hi% lifetime+ 2ith the 2ill !llo&e" to prob!te, the
(!%e &ol" h!1e termin!te" e'(ept th!t it !ppe!r% th!t the p!rtie%, !fter SOAANO$% "e!th, (ontine" to file ple!"in#%
therein+ Se(on", the ,ri!l Cort or"ere" the imple!"in# of the e%t!te of SOAANO !n" pro(ee"e" on th!t b!%i%+ In effe(t,
therefore, the t&o (!%e% &ere (on%oli"!te"+ ,hir", it i% %ettle" th!t the !llo&!n(e of ! 2ill i% (on(l%i1e onl* !% to it% "e
e'e(tion+ A prob!te "e(ree i% not (on(erne" &ith the intrin%i( 1!li"it* or le#!lit* of the pro1i%ion% of the 2ill+
- ,he ,C then h!" 5ri%"i(tion to "e(l!re Koni! !n" the @!r(i!% ille#itim!te+ It fon" th!t the !(6no&le"#ement of Koni!
SUCCESSION A2010 page 36
!% ! n!tr!l (hil" i% erroneo% %in(e Sol!no &!% %till m!rrie" to @or!n"+ ,he @!r(i!% !re (ompl%or* heir%, !n" !% !
re%lt of %(h preterition the in%tittion of KONIA !% %ole heir b* SOAANO i% nll !n" 1oi" pr%!nt to Arti(le =74+
- ,he ,C h!" 5ri%"i(tion in re%ol1in# the i%%e of the here"it!r* %h!re%+ Bo&e1er, the the pretention of the @A>CIAS
%hol" !nnl the in%tittion of KONIA !% heir onl* in%of!r !% the le#itime of the omitte" heir% i% imp!ire"
- ,he (!%e of N#i" 1%+ N#i", et !l+, 14 reiter!tin# the rlin# in Neri, et !l+ 1%+ A6tin, et !l+, 17 &hi(h hel" th!t &here
the in%tittion of ! ni1er%!l heir i% nll !n" 1oi" "e to pretention, the 2ill i% ! (omplete nllit* !n" inte%t!te %((e%%ion
en%e%, i% not !ppli(!ble herein be(!%e in the N#i" (!%e, onl* ! one-%enten(e 2ill &!% in1ol1e" &ith no other
pro1i%ion e'(ept the in%tittion of the %ole !n" ni1er%!l heir; there &!% no %pe(ifi(!tion of in"i1i"!l propert*; there
&ere no %pe(ifi( le#!(ie% or be4e%t%+ In (ontr!%t, in the (!%e !t b!r, there i% ! %pe(ifi( be4e%t or le#!(* %o th!t Arti(le
=74 of the Ci1il Co"e, %pr!, !pplie% merel* !nnllin# the Din%tittion of heir+
- A!%tl*, it %hol" be note" th!t Soni! onl* 4e%tione" the (ortH% 5ri%"i(tion in the SC+ She i% !lre!"* e%toppe"+
ACA!N v CA DF#,NAND#. L D!-NGS-NE
177 SC>A 100
PA>AS; O(tober -7, 1997
NAT",#
,hi% i% ! petition for re1ie& on (ertior!ri of the "e(i%ion of re%pon"ent Cort of Appe!l%+
FACTS
- .!* -9, 19=4F petitioner Con%t!ntino A(!in file" in the >,C of Ceb Cit* ! petition for the prob!te of the &ill of the l!te
Neme%io A(!in !n" for the i%%!n(e of letter% te%t!ment!r*, on the premi%e Neme%io "ie" le!1in# ! &ill in &hi(h
Con%t!ntino !n" hi% %iblin#% &ere in%titte" !% heir% /the &ill &!% in 8i%!*!, &ith En#li%h tr!n%l!tion0+
- ,he &ill (ont!ine" pro1i%ion% on bri!l rite%, p!*ment of "ebt%, !n" the !ppointment of ! (ert!in Att*+ I#n!(io @+
Vill!#on?!lo !% the e'e(tor of the te%t!ment+ On the "i%po%ition of propert* it %t!te"F
NAll m* %h!re% th!t I m!* re(ei1e from or propertie%, ho%e, l!n"% !n" mone* &hi(h I e!rne" 5ointl* &ith m* &ife
>o%! <ion#%on %h!ll be #i1en b* me to m* brother SE@:N<O ACAIN, Filipino, &i"o&er, of le#!l !#e !n" pre%entl*
re%i"in# !t C71C S!n(i!n#6o, Street, Ceb Cit*+ !n %ase my brother Segndo A%ain +rede%eases me, all whi%h
%onstitte my share shall be given by me to his %hildren, namelyJ Anita, Constantino, Con%e+%ion, Girina,
Lara, Flores, Antonio and ;ose, all srnamed A%ain&M
- Se#n"o pre-"e(e!%e" Neme%io+ It i% the (hil"ren of Se#n"o &ho !re (l!imin# to be heir%, &ith Con%t!ntino !% the
petitioner+ ,he oppo%itor% !re re%pon"ent% Vir#ini! A+ Fern!n"e?, Neme%ioH% le#!ll* !"opte" "!#hter, !n" hi% &i"o&
>o%! <ion#%on /oppo%itor% file" ! motion to "i%mi%%0+
- CA #r!nte" re%pon"ent%H petition !n" or"ere" the ,C to "i%mi%% the petition for the prob!te of the &ill of Neme%io+
#etitioner$s Claim
- ,he* !re the in%titte" heir% of Neme%io A(!in+
- ,he &ill of Neme%io i% 1!li" !n" m%t therefore, be !"mitte" to prob!te+ Responents$ Comments
- Petitioner h!% no le#!l (!p!(it*;
- Petitioner i% merel* ! ni1er%!l heir;
- ,he !"opte" "!#hter !n" the &i"o& h!1e been preterite"+
!SS"#DSE
1+ 2ON pri1!te re%pon"ent% h!1e been preterite" /therefore openin# the inherit!n(e to them0+ /3ES0
-+ 2ON Con%t!ntino h!% le#!l %t!n"in# to petition for prob!te+ /NO0
$#LD
1+ 3ES
Ratio Preterition !nnl% the in%tittion of !n heir !n" !nnlment thro&% open to inte%t!te %((e%%ion the entire
inherit!n(e /Art+ =74, Ci1il Co"e0+ ,he nllifi(!tion of %(h in%tittion of ni1er%!l heir%L&ithot !n* other te%t!ment!r*
"i%po%ition in the &illL!mont% to ! "e(l!r!tion th!t nothin# !t !ll &!% &ritten+
Reasoning
Civil Code
Art& 9*)& ,he preterition or omi%%ion of one, %ome, or !ll of the (ompl%or* heir% in the "ire(t line, &hether li1in# !t the
time of the e'e(tion of the &ill or born !fter the "e!th of the te%t!tor, %h!ll !nnl the in%tittion of heir; bt the
"e1i%ee% !n" le#!(ie% %h!ll be 1!li" in%of!r !% the* !re not inoffi(io%+
If the omitte" (ompl%or* heir% %hol" "ie before the te%t!tor, the in%tittion %h!ll be effe(t!l, &ithot
pre5"i(e to the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion+
- Preterition (on%i%t% in the omi%%ion in the te%t!tor$% &ill of the for(e" heir% or !n*one of them either be(!%e the* !re
not mentione" therein, or, tho#h mentione", the* !re neither in%titte" !% heir% nor !re e'pre%%l* "i%inherite"+
- The reAisites of +reterition areF
10 ,he heir omitte" i% ! for(e" heir /in the "ire(t line0;
-0 ,he omi%%ion i% b* mi%t!6e or thr !n o1er%i#ht;
C0 ,he omi%%ion i% (omplete %o th!t the for(e" heir re(ei1e" nothin# in the &ill+
- In%of!r !% the &i"o& i% (on(erne", Art+ =74 of the Ci1il Co"e m!* not !ppl* !% %he "oe% not !%(en" or "e%(en" from
the te%t!tor, !ltho#h %he i% ! (ompl%or* heir+ Preterition !pplie% onl* to Fern!n"e?, !% her !"option b* the te%t!tor
&!% not 4e%tione" b* Con%t!ntino+
- :n"er the Chil" !n" 3oth 2elf!re Co"e, !"option #i1e% to the !"opte" per%on the %!me ri#ht% !n" "tie% !% if he
&ere ! le#itim!te (hil" of the !"opter !n" m!6e% the !"opte" per%on ! le#!l heir of the !"opter+ It (!nnot be "enie" th!t
%he &!% tot!ll* omitte" !n" preterite" in the &ill of the te%t!tor !n" th!t both !"opte" (hil" !n" the &i"o& &ere "epri1e"
of !t le!%t their le#itime+ Neither (!n it be "enie" th!t the* &ere not e'pre%%l* "i%inherite"+ Ben(e, thi% i% ! (le!r (!%e of
preterition of the le#!ll* !"opte" (hil"+
- No le#!(ie% nor "e1i%e% h!1in# been pro1i"e" in the &ill, the &hole propert* of the "e(e!%e" h!% been left b*
ni1er%!l title to petitioner !n" hi% brother% !n" %i%ter%+ Art+ =74 of the Ci1il Co"e i% (le!r !% to thi% point+
-+ NO+
Ratio In or"er th!t ! per%on m!* be !llo&e" to inter1ene in ! prob!te pro(ee"in# he m%t h!1e !n intere%t in the e%t!te,
or in the &ill, or in the propert* to be !ffe(te" b* it either !% e'e(tor or !% ! (l!im!nt of the e%t!te !n" !n intere%te"
p!rt* i% ! one &ho &ol" be benefite" b* the e%t!te %(h !% !n heir or one &ho h!% ! (l!im !#!in%t the e%t!te li6e !
(re"itor+
Reasoning
- Con%t!ntino i% not the !ppointe" e'e(tor, neither ! "e1i%ee nor ! le#!tee there bein# no mention in the te%t!ment!r*
"i%po%ition of !n* #ift of !n in"i1i"!l item of per%on!l or re!l propert* he i% (!lle" pon to re(ei1e+
- Inte%t!(* h!1in# re%lte" from the preterition of re%pon"ent !"opte" (hil" !n" the ni1er%!l in%tittion of heir%,
petitioner i% in effe(t not !n heir of the te%t!tor+ Be h!% no le#!l %t!n"in# to petition for the prob!te of the &ill left b* the
"e(e!%e"+
-n Certiorari and +rohibition as +ro+er remedy for ,es+ondentsJ
- A% ! #ener!l rle (ertior!ri (!nnot be ! %b%titte for !ppe!l, e'(ept &hen the 4e%tione" or"er i% !n oppre%%i1e
e'er(i%e of 5"i(i!l !thorit*+ ,he prob!te (ort$% !thorit* i% limite" onl* to the e'trin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill, the "e
e'e(tion thereof, the te%t!tor$% te%t!ment!r* (!p!(it* !n" the (ompli!n(e &ith the re4i%ite% or %olemnitie% pre%(ribe"
b* l!&+ ,he intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill norm!ll* (ome% onl* !fter the Cort h!% "e(l!re" th!t the &ill h!% been "l*
!thenti(!te"+ S!i" (ort !t thi% %t!#e of the pro(ee"in#% i% not (!lle" pon to rle on the intrin%i( 1!li"it* or effi(!(* of
the pro1i%ion% of the &ill+
- Bo&e1er, n"er e'(eption!l (ir(m%t!n(e%, the prob!te (ort i% not po&erle%% to "o &h!t the %it!tion (on%tr!in% it to
"o !n" p!%% pon (ert!in pro1i%ion% of the &ill+
- ,he ,C (ol" h!1e "enie" it% prob!te otri#ht or (ol" h!1e p!%%e" pon the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the te%t!ment!r*
pro1i%ion% before the e'trin%i( 1!li"it* of the &ill &!% re%ol1e"+ ,he reme"ie% of (ertior!ri !n" prohibition &ere properl*
!1!ile" of b* pri1!te re%pon"ent%+
- 2here the #ron"% for "i%mi%%!l !re in"bit!ble, the "efen"!nt% h!" the ri#ht to re%ort to the more %pee"*, !n"
!"e4!te reme"ie% of (ertior!ri !n" prohibition to (orre(t ! #r!1e !b%e of "i%(retion, !montin# to l!(6 of 5ri%"i(tion,
(ommitte" b* the tri!l (ort in not "i%mi%%in# the (!%e+
3#L#NC!-I$#,,#,A, Con%rringJ
- Preterition in thi% (!%e &!% b* mi%t!6e or in!"1erten(e+ An import!nt "i%tin(tion h!% to be m!"e !% to &hether the
omi%%ion of ! for(e" heir in the 2ill of ! te%t!tor i% b* mi%t!6e or in!"1erten(e, or 1olnt!r* or intention!l+ If b* mi%t!6e
or in!"1erten(e, there i% tre preterition !n" tot!l inte%t!(* re%lt%+
- If the omi%%ion i% intention!l, the effe(t &ol" be ! "efe(ti1e "i%inherit!n(e+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 37
T-L#NT!N-F Preterition i% pre%me" to be onl* !n in1olnt!r* omi%%ion; th!t i%, th!t if the te%t!tor h!" 6no&n of the
e'i%ten(e of the (ompl%or* heir !t the time of the e'e(tion of the &in, he &ol" h!1e in%titte" %(h heir+ On the other
h!n", if the te%t!tor !ttempt% to "i%inherit ! (ompl%or* heir, the pre%mption of the l!& i% th!t he &!nt% %(h heir to
re(ei1e !% little !% po%%ible from hi% e%t!te+
:1!& ,#S#,1A T,-NCAL
#D,-S- v SABLAN
-7 Phil+ -97
A>EAAANO; September 1C 191C
-.!r(elin! E"ro%o &!% m!rrie" to Vi(tori!no S!bl!n ntil hi% "e!th on Sept+ --, 1==-+ In thi% m!rri!#e the* h!" ! %on
n!me" Pe"ro, &ho &!% born on A#%t 1, 1==1, !n" &ho !t hi% f!ther$% "e!th inherite" the t&o %!i" p!r(el%+ Pe"ro !l%o
"ie" on )l* 17, 190-, nm!rrie" !n" &ithot i%%e, !n" b* hi% "e(e!%e the t&o p!r(el% of l!n" in P!#%!n5!n, A!#n!,
p!%%e" thro#h inherit!n(e to hi% mother, .!r(elin! E"ro%o+ Ben(e the here"it!r* title &herepon i% b!%e" the
!ppli(!tion for re#i%tr!tion of her o&ner%hip+
-,&o le#itim!te brother% of Vi(tori!no S!bl!n Qn(le% #erm!n of Pe"roY !ppe!re" in the (!%e to oppo%e the re#i%tr!tion,
(l!imin# either /10 th!t the re#i%tr!tion be "enie" O> /-0 th!t if #r!nte" to her the ri#ht re%er1e" b* l!& to the opponent%
be re(or"e" in the re#i%tr!tion of e!(h p!r(el+
-,he Cort of A!n" >e#i%tr!tion "enie" the re#i%tr!tion !n" the !ppli(!nt !ppe!le" thro#h ! bill of e'(eption%+
>e#i%tr!tion &!% "enie" be(!%e the tri!l (ort hel" th!t the p!r(el% of l!n" in 4e%tion p!rt!6e of the n!tre of propert*
re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e" !n" th!t in %(h ! (!%e !ppli(!tion (ol" onl* be pre%ente" 5ointl* in the n!me% of the
mother !n" the %!i" t&o n(le% of Pe"ro S!bl!n+
NoteF .!ri!no S!bl!n !n" .!ri! >it! Fern!n"e? %on Vi(tori!no S!bl!n %on Pe"ro S!bl!n mother .!r(elin!
E"ro%o
!SS"#
2ON the l!n"% &hi(h !re the %b5e(t m!tter of the !ppli(!tion !re re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e"
$#LD
3ES+
-,he here"it!r* title i% one &ithot ! 1!l!ble (on%i"er!tion Q#r!tito% titleY+ Be &ho !(4ire% b* inherit!n(e #i1e%
nothin# in retrn for &h!t he re(ei1e%
-Art+ =11, OCC pro1i"e%F N,he !%(en"!nt &ho inherit% from hi% "e%(en"!nt propert* &hi(h the l!tter !(4ire" &ithot !
1!l!ble (on%i"er!tion from !nother !%(en"!nt, or from ! brother or %i%ter, i% n"er obli#!tion to re%er1e &h!t he h!%
!(4ire" b* oper!tion of l!& for the rel!ti1e% &ho !re &ithin the thir" "e#ree !n" belon# to the line &hen(e the propert*
pro(ee"e"+O
-.!r(elin! E"ro%o, !%(en"!nt of Pe"ro S!bl!n, inherite" from him the%e t&o p!r(el% of l!n" &hi(h he !(4ire" &ithot
! 1!l!ble (on%i"er!tion M th!t i%, b* inherit!n(e from !nother !%(en"!nt, hi% f!ther Vi(tori!no+ B!1in# !(4ire" them b*
oper!tion of l!&, %he i% obli#!te" to re%er1e them int!(t for the (l!im!nt%, &ho !re n(le% or rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir"
"e#ree !n" belon# to the line of .!ri!no S!bl!n !n" .!ri! >it! Fern!n"e?, &hen(e the l!n"% pro(ee"e"+ ,he tri!l
(ort$% rlin# th!t the* p!rt!6e of the n!tre of propert* re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e" i% therefore in !((or"!n(e &ith
the l!&+
-If Pe"ro S!bl!n h!" in%titte" hi% mother in ! &ill !% the ni1er%!l heire%% of hi% propert*, !ll he left !t "e!th &ol" not
be re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e", bt onl* &h!t he &ol" h!1e perfor(e left her !% the le#!l portion of ! le#itim!te
!%(en"!nt+ QArt+ =09, OCC+Y In %(h (!%e onl* the h!lf (on%tittin# the le#!l portion &ol" be re4ire" b* l!& to be
re%er1e", be(!%e it i% &h!t b* oper!tion of l!& &ol" f!ll to the mother from her %on$% inherit!n(e; the other h!lf !t free
"i%po%!l &ol" not h!1e to be re%er1e"+ ,hi% i% !ll th!t !rti(le =11 of the Ci1il Co"e %!*%+
-Proof of te%t!te %((e%%ion "e1ol1e% pon the heir or heire%% &ho !lle#e% it+ In thi% (!%e, the intere%te" p!rt* h!% not
pro1e" th!t either of the lot% be(!me .!r(elin!H% inherit!n(e thro#h the free "i%po%!l of her %on+
-,&o 6in"% of propert* re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e" !re "i%tin#i%he" in the Ci1il Co"e+ Arti(le 96=F D8e%i"e% the
re%er1!tion impo%e" b* !rti(le =11, the &i"o& or &i"o&er (ontr!(tin# ! %e(on" m!rri!#e %h!ll be obli#e" to %et !p!rt for
the (hil"ren !n" "e%(en"!nt% of the fir%t m!rri!#e the o&ner%hip of !ll the propert* he or %he m!* h!1e !(4ire" from
the "e(e!%e" %po%e b* &ill, b* inte%t!te %((e%%ion, b* #ift, or other tr!n%fer &Got ! 1!l!ble (on%i"er!tion+D
-From prin(iple% of 5ri%pr"en(e l!i" "o&n b* the Spreme Cort of Sp!in, it i% inferre" th!t if from <e(ember, 1==9, to
)l*, 1=9C, ! (!%e h!" o((rre" of ! ri#ht re4ire" to be re%er1e" b* !rti(le =11, the per%on% entitle" to %(h ri#ht &ol"
h!1e been !ble to in%titte, !#!in%t the !%(en"!nt% &ho m%t m!6e the re%er1!tion, pro(ee"in#% for the !%%r!n(e !n"
#!r!nt* th!t !rti(le% 977 !n" 97= #r!nt to the (hil"ren of ! fir%t m!rri!#e !#!in%t their f!ther or mother &ho h!% m!rrie"
!#!in+ ,he pro(ee"in#% for !%%r!n(e, n"er !rti(le 977, !reF In1entor* of the propert* %b5e(t to the ri#ht re%er1e",
!nnot!tion in the propert* re#i%tr* of %(h ri#ht re%er1e" in the re!l propert* !n" !ppr!i%!l of the per%on!l propert*; !n"
the #!r!nt*, n"er !rti(le 97=, i% the !%%r!n(e b* mort#!#e, in the (!%e of re!lt*, of the 1!le of &h!t i% 1!li"l*
!lien!te"+
-Arti(le 199 of !men"e" .ort#!#e A!&F D,he %pe(i!l mort#!#e for #!r!nteein# the ri#ht re%er1e" b* !rti(le =11 of the
Ci1il Co"e (!n onl* be re4ire" b* the rel!ti1e% in &ho%e f!1or the propert* i% to be re%er1e", if the* !re of !#e; if
minor%, it &ill be re4ire" b* the per%on% &ho %hol" le#!ll* repre%ent them+ In either (!%e the ri#ht of the per%on% in
&ho%e f!1or the propert* m%t be re%er1e" &ill be %e(re" b* the %!me re4i%ite% !% %et forth in the pre(e"in# !rti(le%
/rel!ti1e to the ri#ht re%er1e" b* !rti(le 96= of the Ci1il Co"e0, !ppl*in# to the per%on obli#!te" to re%er1e the ri#ht the
pro1i%ion% &ith re%pe(t to the f!ther+D
-,he l!p%e of the ninet* "!*% i% not the e'pir!tion b* pre%(ription of the perio" for the e'er(i%e of thi% ri#ht of !(tion b*
the per%on% in &ho%e f!1or the ri#ht m%t be re%er1e", bt re!ll* the (ommen(ement thereof, !n" en!ble% them to
e'er(i%e it !t !n* time, %in(e no limit i% %et in the l!&+ So, if the !nnot!tion of the ri#ht re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e" in
the t&o p!r(el% of l!n" in 4e%tion m%t be m!"e in the propert* re#i%tr* of the .ort#!#e A!&, the per%on% entitle" to it
m!* no& in%titte pro(ee"in#% to th!t en", !n" !n !lle#!tion of pre%(ription !#!in%t the e'er(i%e of %(h ri#ht of !(tion
(!nnot be %%t!ine"+
N2h!t !re the ri#ht% in the propert* of the per%on &ho hol"% it %b5e(t to the re%er1!tion of !rti(le =11 of the Ci1il Co"eJO
-,he per%on re4ire" b* !rti(le =11 to re%er1e the ri#ht h!%, be*on" !n* "obt !t !ll, the ri#ht% of %e !n" %fr(t+ Be
h!%, moreo1er, the le#!l title !n" "ominion, !ltho#h n"er ! (on"ition %b%e4ent+ Cle!rl* he h!%, n"er !n e'pre%%
pro1i%ion of the l!&, the ri#ht to "i%po%e of the propert* re%er1e", !n" to "i%po%e of i% to !lien!te, !ltho#h n"er !
(on"ition+ Be h!% the ri#ht to re(o1er it, be(!%e he i% the one &ho po%%e%%e% or %hol" po%%e%% it !n" h!1e title to it,
!ltho#h ! limite" !n" re1o(!ble one+ In ! &or", the le#!l title !n" "ominion, e1en tho#h n"er ! (on"ition, re%i"e in
him &hile he li1e%+ After the ri#ht re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e" h!% been !%%re", he (!n "o !n*thin# th!t ! #enine
o&ner (!n "o+
-On the other h!n", the rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree in &ho%e f!1or the ri#ht i% re%er1e" (!nnot "i%po%e of the
propert*, fir%t be(!%e it i% no &!*, either !(t!ll*, (on%tr(ti1el* or form!ll*, in their po%%e%%ion; !n", moreo1er,
be(!%e the* h!1e no title of o&ner%hip or of fee %imple &hi(h the* (!n tr!n%mit to !nother, on the h*pothe%i% th!t onl*
&hen the per%on &ho m%t re%er1e the ri#ht %hol" "ie before them &ill the* !(4ire it, th% (re!tin# ! fee %imple, !n"
onl* then &ill the* t!6e their pl!(e in the %((e%%ion of the "e%(en"!nt of &hom the* !re rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir"
"e#ree, th!t i% to %!*, ! %e(on" (ontin#ent pl!(e in %!i" le#itim!te %((e%%ion in the f!%hion of !%pir!nt% to ! po%%ible
ftre le#!(*+ If !n* of the per%on% in &ho%e f!1or the ri#ht i% re%er1e" %hol", !fter their ri#ht h!% been !%%re" in the
re#i%tr*, "!re to "i%po%e of e1en nothin# more th!n the fee %imple of the propert* to be re%er1e" hi% !(t &ol" be nll
!n" 1oi", for it i% impo%%ible to "etermine the p!rt Dth!t mi#ht pert!in therein to the rel!ti1e !t the time he e'er(i%e" the
ri#ht, be(!%e in 1ie& of the n!tre !n" %(ope of the ri#ht re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e" the e'tent of hi% ri#ht (!nnot
be fore%een, for it m!* "i%!ppe!r b* hi% "*in# before the per%on re4ire" to re%er1e it, 5%t !% it m!* e1en be(ome
!b%olte %hol" th!t per%on "ie+D
-No !(t of "i%po%!l inter 1i1o% of the per%on re4ire" b* l!& to re%er1e the ri#ht (!n be imp#ne" b* him in &ho%e f!1or
it i% re%er1e", be(!%e %(h per%on h!% !ll, !b%oltel* !ll, the ri#ht% inherent in o&ner%hip, e'(ept th!t the le#!l title i%
br"ene" &ith ! (on"ition th!t the thir" p!rt* !(4irer m!* !%(ert!in from the re#i%tr* in or"er to 6no& th!t he i%
!(4irin# ! title %b5e(t to ! (on"ition %b%e4ent+ In (on(l%ion, it %eem% to % th!t onl* !n !(t of "i%po%!l morti% (!%!
in f!1or of per%on% other th!n rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree of the "e%(en"!nt from &hom he #ot the propert* to be
re%er1e" m%t be prohibite" to him, be(!%e thi% !lone h!% been the ob5e(t of the l!&F D,o pre1ent per%on% ot%i"e !
f!mil* from %e(rin#, b* %ome %pe(i!l !((i"ent of life, propert* th!t &ol" other&i%e h!1e rem!ine" therein+D
NC!n the heir of the propert* re4ire" b* l!& to be re%er1e" him%elf !lone re#i%ter the o&ner%hip of the propert* he h!%
inherite"JO
-3ES &hen the per%on% in &ho%e f!1or the re%er1!tion m%t be m!"e !#ree thereto !n" pro1i"e" th!t the ri#ht re%er1e"
to them in the t&o p!r(el% of l!n" i% re(or"e", !% the l!& pro1i"e%+
S!#N#S v #S5A,C!A
1 SC>A 770
SUCCESSION A2010 page 38
<IKON; .!r(h -4, 1966
FACTS
- Aot CC6= ori#in!ll* belon#e" to S!trnino 3!e%o+ 2ith hi% fir%t &ife, ,ere%! >!le%, he h!" for (hil"ren n!me" A#!ton,
Fern!n"o, P!lin! !n" Cipri!n!, &hile &ith hi% %e(on" &ife, An"re! @t!n#, he h!" !n onl* %on n!me" Fr!n(i%(o+
- A((or"in# to the (!"!%tr!l re(or"% of A*4it!n, S!trnino pon hi% "e!th left Aot CC6= /&e%tern portion0 to Fr!n(i%(o+
- A% ! re%lt of the (!"!%tr!l pro(ee"in#%, Ori#in!l Certifi(!te of ,itle No+ 10-77 (o1erin# Aot CC6= &!% i%%e" in the
n!me of Fr!n(i%(o+ 8e(!%e Fr!n(i%(o &!% ! minor !t the time, hi% mother An"re! @t!n# !"mini%tere" the propert* for
him+
- 2hen Fr!n(i%(o "ie", %in#le !n" &ithot !n* "e%(en"!nt, hi% mother, !% hi% %ole heir, e'e(te" the pbli( in%trment
entitle" EI,>A):<ICIAA SE,,AE.EN, AN< SAAE &hereb*, !mon# other thin#%, for !n" in (on%i"er!tion of the %m
of P=00+00 %he %ol" the propert* in 4e%tion to !ppell!nt%+
- 2hen there!fter %!i" 1en"ee% "em!n"e" from P!lin! 3!e%o !n" her h%b!n" )o%e E%p!r(i!, the %rren"er of OC,
No+ 10-77 L &hi(h &!% in their po%%e%%ion L the l!tter ref%e", th% #i1in# ri%e to the filin# of the (orre%pon"in#
motion in the (!"!%tr!l re(or" No+ 707+ ,he %!me, ho&e1er, &!% "enie"+
- ,here!fter, Cipri!n! !n" P!lin! 3!e%o, the %r1i1in# h!lf-%i%ter% of Fr!n(i%(o, !n" &ho !% %(h h!" "e(l!re" the
propert* in their n!me, e'e(te" ! "ee" of %!le in f!1or of the %po%e% Fi"el E%p!r(i! !n" P!lin! Siene%+
- Appell!nt% (ommen(e" thi% !(tion belo& to %e(re 5"#ment /10 "e(l!rin# nll !n" 1oi" the %!le e'e(te" b* P!lin!
!n" Cipri!n! 3!e%o in f!1or of !ppellee%, the %po%e% Fi"el E%p!r(i! !n" P!lin! Siene%; /-0 or"erin# the E%p!r(i!
%po%e% to re(on1e* to !ppell!nt% Aot CC6=; !n" /C0 or"erin# !ll the !ppellee% to p!*, 5ointl* !n" %e1er!ll*, to !ppell!nt%
the %m of P700+00 !% "!m!#e%, pl% the (o%t% of %it+
- Appellee% "i%(l!ime" !n* 6no&le"#e or inform!tion re#!r"in# the %!le !lle#e"l* m!"e b* An"re! @t!n# in f!1or of
!ppell!nt% !n" !lle#e" th!t, if %(h %!le &!% m!"e, the %!me &!% 1oi" on the #ron" th!t An"re! @t!n# h!" no ri#ht
to "i%po%e of the propert* %b5e(t m!tter thereof+
!SS"#
2ON the %!le m!"e b* An"re! @t!n# in f!1or of !ppell!nt% i% 1oi"+
$#LD
A% hel" b* the tri!l (ort, it i% (le!r pon the f!(t% !lre!"* %t!te", th!t the l!n" in 4e%tion &!% re%er1!ble propert*+
Fr!n(i%(o 3!e%o inherite" it b* oper!tion of l!& from hi% f!ther S!trnino, !n" pon Fr!n(i%(o$% "e!th, nm!rrie" !n"
&ithot "e%(en"!nt%, it &!% inherite", in trn, b* hi% mother, An"re! @t!n#+ ,he l!tter &!%, therefore, n"er obli#!tion
to re%er1e it for the benefit of rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree belon#in# to the line from &hi(h %!i" propert* (!me, if !n*
%r1i1e" her+ ,he re(or" "i%(lo%e% in thi% (onne(tion th!t An"re! @t!n# "ie", the lone re%er1ee %r1i1in# her bein#
Cipri!n! 3!e%o+
In (onne(tion &ith re%er1!ble propert*, the &ei#ht of opinion i% th!t the re%er1e (re!te% t&o re%oltor* (on"ition%,
n!mel*, /10 the "e!th of the !%(en"!nt obli#e" to re%er1e !n" /-0 the %r1i1!l, !t the time of hi% "e!th, of rel!ti1e% &ithin
the thir" "e#ree belon#in# to the line from &hi(h the propert* (!me+ ,he Cort h!% hel" in (onne(tion &ith thi% m!tter
th!t the re%er1i%t! h!% the le#!l title !n" "ominion to the re%er1!ble propert* bt %b5e(t to ! re%oltor* (on"ition; th!t
he i% li6e ! life %fr(t!r* of the re%er1!ble propert*; th!t he m!* !lien!te the %!me bt %b5e(t to re%er1!tion, %!i"
!lien!tion tr!n%mittin# onl* the re1o(!ble !n" (on"ition!l o&ner%hip of the re%er1i%t%, the ri#ht% !(4ire" b* the
tr!n%feree bein# re1o6e" or re%ol1e" b* the %r1i1!l of re%er1!t!rio% !t the time of the "e!th of the re%er1i%t!+
,he %!le m!"e b* An"re! @t!n# in f!1or of !ppellee% &!%, therefore, %b5e(t to the (on"ition th!t the 1en"ee% &ol"
"efinitel* !(4ire o&ner%hip, b* 1irte of the !lien!tion, onl* if the 1en"or "ie" &ithot bein# %r1i1e" b* !n* per%on
entitle" to the re%er1!ble propert*+ In!%m(h m(h !% &hen An"re! @t!n# "ie", Cipri!n! 3!e%o &!% %till !li1e, the
(on(l%ion be(ome% ine%(!p!ble th!t the pre1io% %!le m!"e b* the former in f!1or of !ppell!nt% be(!me of no le#!l
effe(t !n" the re%er1!ble propert* %b5e(t m!tter thereof p!%%e" in e'(l%i1e o&ner%hip to Cipri!n!+
On the other h!n", it i% !l%o (le!r th!t the %!le e'e(te" b* the %i%ter% P!lin! !n" Cipri!n! 3!e%o in f!1or of the
%po%e% Fi"el E%p!r(i! !n" P!lin! Siene% &!% %b5e(t to ! %imil!r re%oltor* (on"ition+ ,he re%er1e in%titte" b* l!& in
f!1or of the heir% &ithin the thir" "e#ree belon#in# to the line from &hi(h the re%er1!ble propert* (!me, (on%titte% !
re!l ri#ht &hi(h the re%er1ee m!* !lien!te !n" "i%po%e of, !lbeit (on"ition!ll*, the (on"ition bein# th!t the !lien!tion
%h!ll tr!n%fer o&ner%hip to the 1en"ee onl* if !n" &hen the re%er1ee %r1i1e% the per%on obli#e" to re%er1e+ In the
pre%ent (!%e, Cipri!n! 3!e%o, one of the re%er1ee%, &!% %till !li1e &hen An"re! @t!n#, the per%on obli#e" to re%er1e,
"ie"+ ,h% the former be(!me the !b%olte o&ner of the re%er1!ble propert* pon An"re!$% "e!th+ 2hile it m!* be tre
th!t the %!le m!"e b* her !n" her %i%ter prior to thi% e1ent, be(!me effe(ti1e be(!%e of the o((rren(e of the re%oltor*
(on"ition, &e !re not no& in ! po%ition to re1er%e the !ppe!le" "e(i%ion, in %o f!r !% it or"er% the re1er%ion of the
propert* in 4e%tion to the E%t!te of Cipri!n! 3!e%o, be(!%e the 1en"ee% L the E%p!r(i! %po%e% "i" L not !ppe!l
therefrom+
FL-,#NT!N- v FL-,#NT!N-
40 PBIA 4=0
,O>>ES; No1ember 17, 1919
NAT",#
Appe!l from !n or"er of the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of Ilo(o% Sr
FACTS
- Apolonio )r+H% fir%t m!rri!#e to Antoni! pro"(e" nine (hil"ren+ Antoni! "ie" %o Apolonio (ontr!(te" ! %e(on" m!rri!#e
&ith Se1erin! &ith &hom he h!" t&o (hil"ren .er(e% !n" Apolonio III+
- Ot of ApolonioH% (hil"ren b* Antoni!, three rem!ine" nm!rrie" ntil their re%pe(ti1e "e!th%+ ,he petitioner% in thi%
(!%e !re the %r1i1in# (hil"ren of ApolonioH% (hil"ren b* Antoni! !lon# &ith the heir% of ApolonioH% other m!rrie" (hil"ren
&ho h!" %in(e "ie"+
- Apolonio "ie" on Febr!r* 1C, 1=90, %r1i1e" b* hi% &in"o& Se1erin! !n" hi% ten (hil"ren+ Bi% %e(on" (hil" Apolonio
III b* Se1erin! &!% born !fter hi% "e!th+
- On )!n!r* 17 !n" Febr!r* 1C, 1=90, Apolonio I%!belo Florentino e'e(te" ! &ill before the not!r* pbli( of Ilo(o%
Sr, in%tittin# !% hi% ni1er%!l heir% hi% ten (hil"ren, hi% &i"o& Se1erin! !n" hi% *et nborn %on Apolonio III+ Be
"e(l!re" th!t hi% proper* %hol" be "i1i"e" e4!ll* !mon# hi% (hil"ren+
- Amon# the propertie% re(ei1e" b* Apolonio III &ere the propertie% m!r6e" A, 8, C, <, E !n" F+ Apolonio III "ie" in
1=91 !n" hi% mother %((ee"e" to !ll hi% propert* "e%(ribe" in the (ompl!int+ 2hen Se1erin! "ie", %he left ! &ill
"e%i#n!tin# her "!#hter .er(e"e% !% the ni1er%!l heire%%+
- .er(e"e% too6 po%%e%%ion of her motherH% propert*, in(l"in# the propertie% m!r6e" A to F &hi(h Se1erin! inherite"
from her %on+ .er(e"e% h!" been #!therin# the frit% of the %!i" propertie% for her%elf+
#etitioners$ Claims:
- ,he (ompl!in!nt% !r#e th!t the* %hol" e!(h be entitle" to 1G7 of the frit% of the %!i" propertie% on the #ron" th!t
Se1erin! inherite" the propert* from her %on Apolonio III !% re%er1!ble propert*+ ,he propertie% then p!%%e" on to her
"!#hter .er(e"e% &ho &!% the formerH% for(e" heire%%+
- ,he (ompl!in!nt% !mi(!bl* !%6e" .er(e"e% for their (orre%pon"in# %h!re bt .er(e"e% h!% ref%e" to #i1e them their
!lle#e" portion+
Responent$s Comments:
- ,he (!%e of !(tion i% b!%e" on the obli#!tion of the &i"o& to re%er1e the propert* %he inherite" from her "e(e!%e"
%on &ho, in trn, inherite" the propert* from i% f!ther Apolonio )r+
- ,he ob5e(t of the CC !rti(le% on re%er1!tion /then A=11 !n" no& A=91 in the NCC0 i% to !1oi" he tr!n%fer of %!i"
re%er1!ble propert* to tho%e e'tr!neo% to the f!mil* of the ori#in!l o&ner+
- Sin(e the propert* p!%%e" on to .er(e"e%, ! le#itim!te "!#hter of Apolonio )r+ !n" hi% %e(on" &ife Se1erin!, it
(!nnot be %!i" th!t the propert* p!%%e" on to %tr!n#er%+
- 2hile in the po%%e%%ion of Se1erin!, the propert* h!" (e!%e" to be(ome re%er1!ble be(!%e Se1erin! l!&fll*
inherite" the propert* in 4e%tion !n" .er(e"e%, bein# Se1erin!H% heir, h!" !(4ire" the ri#ht to the %!i" propert*+
- .er(e"e% Florentino i% ! for(e" heire%% of her mother %o there i% no propert* re%er1e" for the pl!intiff% %in(e there i% !
for(e" heire%% entitle" to the propert* left b* the "e!th of the &i"o& Se1erin! &ho ne1er rem!rrie"+
- ,he CFI 5"#e !b%ol1e" .er(e"e% from the (ompl!int+
!SS"#
2ON the propert* in 4e%tion i% re%er1!ble propert*
$#LD
3ES
Ratio An* !%(en"!nt &ho inherit% from hi% "e%(en"!nt !n* propert*, &hile there !re li1in#, &ithin the thir" "e#ree,
rel!ti1e% of the l!tter, i% nothin# bt ! life %fr(t!r* or ! fi"(i!r* of the re%er1!ble propert* re(ei1e"+ Be i%, ho&e1er,
SUCCESSION A2010 page 39
the le#itim!te o&ner of hi% o&n propert* &hi(h i% not re%er1!ble, propert* !n" &hi(h (on%titte% hi% le#itime+ 8t if,
!fter&!r"%, !ll of the rel!ti1e%, &ithin the thir" "e#ree, of the "e%(en"!nt /from &hom (!me the re%er1!ble propert*0 "ie
or "i%!ppe!r, the %!i" propert* be(ome% free propert*, b* oper!tion of l!&, !n" i% thereb* (on1erte" into the le#itime of
the !%(en"!nt heir &ho (!n tr!n%mit it !t hi% "e!th to hi% le#itim!te %((e%%or% or te%t!ment!r* heir%+ ,hi% propert* h!%
no& lo%t it% n!tre of re%er1!ble propert*, pert!inin# thereto !t the "e!th of the rel!ti1e%, (!lle" re%er1!t!rio%, &ho
belon#e" &ithin the thir" "e#ree to the line from &hi(h %(h propert* (!me+
Reasoning
- E1en if Se1erin! left in her &ill %!i" propert*, to#ether &ith her o&n, to her onl* "!#hter !n" for(e" heire%%, .er(e"e%
Florentino, ne1erthele%% thi% propert* h!" not lo%t it% re%er1!ble n!tre in!%m(h !% it ori#in!te" from the (ommon
!n(e%tor of the liti#!nt%, Apolonio )r+
- ,he ri#ht of the ne!re%t rel!ti1e, (!lle" re%er1!t!rio, o1er the propert* &hi(h the re%er1i%t! /per%on hol"in# it %b5e(t to
re%er1!tion0 %hol" retrn to him, e'(l"e% th!t of the one more remote+ ,he ri#ht of repre%ent!tion (!nnot be !lle#e"
&hen the one (l!imin# %!me !% ! re%er1!t!rio of the re%er1!ble propert* i% not !mon# the rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir"
"e#ree belon#in# to the line from &hi(h %(h propert* (!me from+
- Ne1erthele%% there i% ri#ht of repre%ent!tion on the p!rt of re%er1!t!rio% &ho !re &ithin the thir" "e#ree, mentione" b*
l!&, !% in the (!%e of nephe&% of the "e(e!%e" per%on from &hom the re%er1!ble propert* (!me+ ,he%e re%er1!t!rio%
h!1e the ri#ht to repre%ent their !%(en"!nt% /f!ther% !n" mother%0 &ho !re the brother% of the %!i" "e(e!%e" per%on
!n" rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree+
- In thi% (!%e it i% (on(e"e" &ithot "eni!l b* "efen"!nt%, th!t the pl!intiff% !re the le#itim!te (hil"ren of the fir%t
m!rri!#e of the "e(e!%e" Apolonio )r+ to Antoni!+ ,here !re then %e1en Dre%er1!t!rio%D &ho !re entitle" to the
re%er1!ble propert* left !t the "e!th of Apolonio IIIF En(!rn!(ion, @!briel, .!#"!len!; hi% three (hil"ren, )o%e, E%pirit!
!n" Pe"ro &ho !re repre%ente" b* their o&n t&el1e (hil"ren re%pe(ti1el*; !n" .er(e"e% Florentino, hi% "!#hter b* !
%e(on" m!rri!#e+
5AD",A v BALD-1!N-
@+>+ No+ A-11960
>E3ES; <e(ember -7, 197=
NAT",#
Appe!l from or"er of CFI A!#n!
FACTS
- A#%tin P!"r! (ontr!(te" t&o m!rri!#e% "rin# hi% lifetime+ 2ith hi% fir%t &ife @er1!(i! A!n"i#, he h!" one (hil",
.!nel P!"r!+ 2ith the %e(on" &ife, 8enit! @!rin#, he h!" t&o (hil"ren, Fortn!to !n" C!n"el!ri! P!"r!+
- A#%tin "ie" on Apr -6, 190=, le!1in# ! l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment, "l* prob!te", &herein he be4e!the" hi% propertie%
!mon# hi% three (hil"ren !n" hi% %r1i1in# %po%e, 8enit! @!rin#+
- Fortn!to &!% !"5"i(!te" for p!r(el% of l!n"+ Be "ie" nm!rrie" on .!* -=, 190=, &ithot h!1in# e'e(te" ! &ill;
!n" not h!1in# !n* i%%e, the p!r(el% of l!n" &ere inherite" e'(l%i1el* b* hi% mother 8enit!+
- 8enit! &!% i%%e" ! ,orren% Certifi(!te of ,itle in her n!me, %b5e(t to the (on"ition th!t the propertie% &ere re%er1!ble
in f!1or of rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree belon#in# to the line from &hi(h %!i" propert* (!me+
- On A# -6, 19C4, C!n"el!ri! "ie", le!1in# !% her heir% her for le#itim!te (hil"renF Cri%tet!, .el!ni!, Ani(i!, !n"
P!blo 8!l"o1ino /Oppo%itor%-!ppell!nt%0
- On O(t 6, 1940, .!nel !l%o "ie", %r1i1e" b* hi% le#itim!te (hil"ren <ioni%i!, Feli%!, Flor!, Cornelio, Fr!n(i%(o,
)!n!, !n" Se1erino P!"r! /Petitioner%-!ppellee%0
- :pon the "e!th of 8enit! /the re%er1i%t!0 on O(t 17, 197-, the heir% too6 po%%e%%ion of the re%er1!ble propertie%+ CFI
A!#n! "e(l!re" the (hil"ren of .!nel !n" C!n"el!ri! to be the ri#htfl re%er1ee%, !n" !% %(h, entitle" to the
re%er1!ble propertie% /the ori#in!l re%er1ee%, C!n"el!ri! !n" .!nel, h!1in# pre"e(e!%e" the re%er1i%t!0
- ,he 8!l"o1ino heir% file" ! petition %ee6in# to h!1e the propertie% p!rtitione", %(h th!t one-h!lf be !"5"i(!te" to
them, !n" the other h!lf to the !ppellee%, !lle#e"l* on the b!%i% th!t the* inherite" b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion from their
re%pe(ti1e p!rent%, the ori#in!l re%er1ee%+
- P!"r! heir% oppo%e", m!int!inin# th!t the* %hol" !ll be "eeme" !% inheritin# in their o&n ri#ht, n"er &hi(h, the*
(l!im, e!(h %hol" h!1e !n e4!l %h!re+
/In e%%en(e, the 8!l"o1ino heir%, &ho !re &hole bloo" rel!ti1e% of the re%er1i%t!, &ere (onten"in# th!t the* %hol" #et
more th!n their h!lf-bloo" rel!ti1e%, the P!"r! heir%+ ,he* !n(hor their (l!im on Arti(le% 1006 !n" 100= of the Ci1il
Co"e0
- tri!l (ort "e(l!re" !ll the re%er1ee%, &ithot "i%tin(tion, N(o-o&ner%, pro-in"i1i%o, in e4!l %h!re% of the p!r(el% of
l!n"+O
!SS"#
2ON the re%er1e" propertie% %hol", !% the tri!l (ort hel", be !pportione" !mon# the heir% e4!ll*+
$#LD
NO+
,he nephe&% of the &hole bloo" %hol" t!6e ! %h!re t&i(e !% l!r#e !% th!t of the nephe&% of the h!lf bloo"+
- ,he re%er1! tron(!l i% ! %pe(i!l rle "e%i#ne" prim!ril* to !%%re the retrn of the re%er1!ble propert* to the thir"
"e#ree rel!ti1e% belon#in# to the line from &hi(h the propert* ori#in!ll* (!me, !n" !1oi" it% bein# "i%%ip!te" into !n" b*
the rel!ti1e% of the inheritin# !%(en"!nt /re%er1i%t!0+ Arti(le =91 of the Co"e pro1i"e%F
A)T FD+. The ascendant who inherits "rom his descendant any property which the latter may ha%e ac-uired by
gratuitous title "rom another ascendant' or a brother or sister' is obliged to reser%e such property as he may ha%e
ac-uired by operation o" law "or the bene"it o" relati%es who are within the third degree and who belong to the line
"rom which said property came.
- the prpo%e of the re%er1! tron(!l i% !((ompli%he" on(e the propert* h!% "e1ol1e" to the %pe(ifie" rel!ti1e% of the line
of ori#in+ 8t from thi% time on, there i% no frther o((!%ion for it% !ppli(!tion+ In the rel!tion% bet&een one re%er1!t!rio
!n" !nother of the %!me "e#ree, there i% no (!ll for !ppl*in# Art =91 !n* lon#er; the re%pe(ti1e %h!re of e!(h in the
re1er%ion!r* propert* %hol" be #o1erne" b* the or"in!r* rle% of inter%t!te %((e%%ion+
- Florentino 1 Florentino /!% re%t!te" in the (!%e0F pon the "e!th of the !%(en"!nt re%er1i%t!, the re%er1!ble propert*
%hol" p!%%, not to !ll the re%er1!torio% !% ! (l!%%, bt onl* to tho%e ne!re%t in "e#ree to the "e%(en"!nt /prepo%it%0,
e'(l"in# tho%e re%er1!t!rio% of more remote "e#ree+++ An" &ithin the thir" "e#ree of rel!tion%hip from the "e%(en"!nt
/prepo%it%0, the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion oper!te% in f!1or of nephe&%+
- Pro'imit* of "e#ree !n" ri#ht of repre%ent!tion !re b!%i( prin(iple% of or"in!r* inte%t!te %((e%%ion; %o i% the rle th!t
&hole bloo" brother% !n" nephe&% !re entitle" to %h!re "oble th!t of brother% !n" nephe&% of h!lf-bloo"+ If in
"eterminin# the ri#ht% of the re%er1!t!rio% inter %e, pro'imit* of "e#ree !n" the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion of nephe&% !re
m!"e to !pl*, the rle of "oble %h!re for imme"!ite (oll!ter!l% of the &hole bloo" %hol" li6e&i%e be oper!ti1e+
- in other &or"%, re%er1! tron(!l merel* "etermine% the #rop of rel!ti1e% /re%er1!t!rio%0 to &hom the propert* %hol" be
retrne"; bt &ithin th!t #rop, the in"i1i"!l ri#ht to the propert* %hol" be "e(i"e" b* the !ppli(!ble rle% of or"in!r*
inte%t!te %((e%%ion, %in(e Art =91 "oe% not %pe(if* other&i%e+ ,he re%er1! bein# !n e'(eption!l (!%e, it% !ppli(!tion
%hol" be limite" to &h!t i% %tri(tl* nee"e" to !((ompli%h the prpo%e of the l!&+
- e1en "rin# the re%er1i%t!H% lifetime, the re%er1!t!rio%, &ho !re the ltim!te !(4irer% of the propert*, (!n !lre!"*
!%%ert the ri#ht to pre1ent the re%er1i%t! from "oin# !n*thin# th!t mi#ht fr%tr!te their re1er%ion!r* ri#htF !n" for thi%
prpo%e the* (!n (ompel the !nnot!tion of their ri#ht in the >e#i%tr* of Propert* e1en &hile the re%er1i%t! i% !li1e+ ,hi%
ri#ht i% in(omp!tible &ith the mere e'pe(t!n(* th!t (orre%pon"% to the n!tr!l heir% of the re%er1i%t!+ It i% !l%o (le!r th!t
the re%er1!ble propert* i% not p!rt of the e%t!te of the re%er1i%t!, &ho m!* not "i%po%e of them b* &ill, %o lon# !% there
!re re%er1!t!rio% e'i%tin#+ ,he l!tter, therefore, "o not inherit from the re%er1i%t!, bt from the "e%(en"!nt prepo%it%, of
&hom the re%er1!t!rio% !re the heir% morti% (!%!, %b5e(t to the (on"ition th!t the* m%t %r1i1e the re%er1i%t!+
C$"A v CF! DS"SANA D# LA T-,,#E
7= SC>A 406
.A>,IN; A#%t C1, 1977
NAT",#
Petition for re1ie& of the "e(i%ion of CFI &hi(h "i%mi%%e" the (ompl!int of petitioner%
FACTS
- It !ppe!r% th!t in the fir%t m!rri!#e of )o%e Fri!% Ch! &ith P!tri(i! S+ .ilit!r !li!% S* 9io he %ire" three (hil"ren,
n!mel*F I#n!(io, Aoren?o !n" .!nel+ 2hen P!tri(i! "ie", )o%e Fri!% Ch! (ontr!(te" ! %e(on" m!rri!#e &ith
Con%ol!(ion "e l! ,orre &ith &hom he h!" ! (hil" b* the n!me of )!nit! Fri!% Ch!+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 40
- .!nel "ie" &ithot le!1in# !n* i%%e+
- ,hen in 19-9, )o%e "ie" inte%t!te le!1in# hi% &i"o& Con%ol!(ion !n" hi% %on )!nito of the %e(on" m!rri!#e !n" %on%
I#n!(io !n" Aoren?o of hi% fir%t m!rri!#e+
- In the Inte%t!te Pro(ee"in#, the lo&er (ort i%%e" !n or"er !"5"i(!tin#, !mon# other%, the one-h!lf portion of Aot No+
C99 !n" the %m of P=,000+00 in f!1or of )o%e$% &i"o&, Con%ol!(ion, the other h!lf of Aot No+ C99 in f!1or of )!nito;
PC,000+00 in f!1or of Aoren?e; !n" P1,770+00 in f!1or of I#n!(io+ 8* 1irte of %!i" !"5"i(!tion, ! ,C, &!% i%%e" b* the
>e#i%ter of <ee"% in the n!me% of Con%ol!(ion !n" )!nito+
- On Feb+-7, 197-, )!nito "ie" inte%t!te &ithot !n* i%%e+ After hi% "e!th, hi% mother Con%ol!(ion %((ee"e" to hi%
pro-in"i1i%io %h!re of Aot No+ C99+ In ! &ee6$% time, Con%ol!(ion e'e(te" ! "e(l!r!tion of heir%hip !"5"i(!tin# in her
f!1or the pro-in"i1i%o %h!re of her %on )!nito !% ! re%lt of &hi(h ! ,C, (o1erin# the &hole lot &!% i%%e" in her n!me+
,hen on .!r(h 7, 1966, Con%ol!(ion "ie" inte%t!te le!1in# no "ire(t heir either in the "e%(en"in# or !%(en"in# line
e'(ept her brother !n" %i%ter%+
- In the DInte%t!te E%t!te of Con%ol!(ion "e l! ,orreD, the petitioner% herein, I#n!(io, of the fir%t m!rri!#e !n" <omin!"or
!n" >eme"io% Ch!, the %ppo%e" le#itim!te (hil"ren of the "e(e!%e" Aoren?o Ch!, !l%o of the fir%t m!rri!#e file" the
(ompl!int before the re%pon"ent CFI of Ne#ro% O((i"ent!l, pr!*in# th!t the one-h!lf portion of Aot No+ C99 &hi(h
formerl* belon#e" to )!nito bt &hi(h p!%%e" to Con%ol!(ion pon the l!tter$% "e!th, be "e(l!re" !% ! re%er1!ble
propert* for the re!%on th!t the lot in 4e%tion &!% %b5e(t to re%er1!l tron(!l pr%!nt to Arti(le 9=1 of the NCC+
- the re%pon"ent Cort ren"ere" ! "e(i%ion "i%mi%%in# the (ompl!int of petitioner+
!SS"#
2ON the propert* in 4e%tion &!% !(4ire" b* )!nito Fri!% Ch! from hi% f!ther )o%e Fri!% Ch! #r!tito%l* or not+
/In rel!tion to the fir%t re4i%ite of re%er1! tron(!l0
$#LD
3ES+
Ratio In Cabardo %. Killanue%a, D,he tr!n%mi%%ion i% #r!tito% or b* #r!tito% title &hen the re(ipient "oe% not #i1e
!n*thin# in retrn+D It m!tter% not &hether the propert* tr!n%mitte" be or be not %b5e(t to !n* prior (h!r#e%; &h!t i%
e%%enti!l i% th!t the tr!n%mi%%ion be m!"e #r!tito%l*, or b* !n !(t of mere liber!lit* of the per%on m!6in# it, &ithot
impo%in# !n* obli#!tion on the p!rt of the re(ipient; !n" th!t the per%on re(ei1in# the propert* #i1e% or "oe% nothin# in
retrn; or, !% !bl* pt b* !n eminent Filipino (omment!tor, Dthe e%%enti!l thin# i% th!t the per%on &ho tr!n%mit% it "oe%
%o #r!tito%l*, from pre #enero%it*, &ithot re4irin# from the tr!n%feree !n* pre%t!tion+D It i% e1i"ent from the re(or"
th!t the tr!n%mi%%ion of the propert* in 4e%tion to )!nito Fri!% Ch! pon the "e!th of hi% f!ther )o%e Fri!% Ch! &!%
b* me!n% of ! here"it!r* %((e%%ion !n" therefore #r!tito%+
,he obli#!tion of p!*in# the St!n"!r" Oil Co+ of Ne& 3or6 the !mont of PC,971+-0 i% impo%e" pon Con%ol!(ion !n"
)!nito not per%on!ll* b* the "e(e!%e" )o%e in hi% l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment bt b* !n or"er of the (ort in the ,e%t!te
Pro(ee"in#+ A% lon# !% the tr!n%mi%%ion of the propert* to the heir% i% free from !n* (on"ition impo%e" b* the "e(e!%e"
him%elf !n" the propert* i% #i1en ot of pre #enero%it*, it i% #r!tito%+ It "oe% not m!tter if l!ter the (ort or"er% one of
the heir%, in thi% (!%e )!nito, to p!* the St!n"!r" Oil Co+ ,hi% "oe% not (h!n#e the #r!tito% n!tre of the
tr!n%mi%%ion of the propert* to him+ ,hi% bein# the (!%e the lot in 4e%tion i% %b5e(t to re%er1! tron(!l n"er Art, =91+
,easoning
- ,he pertinent pro1i%ion of re%er1! tron(!l pro1i"e%F
A>,+ =91+ ,he !%(en"!nt &ho inherit% from hi% "e%(en"!nt !n* propert* &hi(h the l!tter m!* h!1e !(4ire" b*
#r!tito% title from !nother !%(en"!nt, or ! brother or %i%ter, i% obli#e" to re%er1e %(h propert* !% he m!* h!1e
!(4ire" b* oper!tion of l!& for the benefit of rel!ti1e% &ho !re &ithin the thir" "e#ree !n" belon# to the line from &hi(h
%!i" propert* (!me+
- In or"er th!t ! propert* m!* be impre%%e" &ith ! re%er1!ble (h!r!(ter the follo&in# re4i%ite% m%t e'i%tF /10 th!t the
propert* &!% !(4ire" b* ! "e%(en"!nt from !n !%(en"!nt or from ! brother or %i%ter b* #r!tito% title; /-0 th!t %!i"
"e%(en"!nt "ie" &ithot !n i%%e; /C0 th!t the propert* i% inherite" b* !nother !%(en"!nt b* oper!tion of l!&; !n" /40
th!t there !re rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree belon#in# to the line from &hi(h %!i" propert* (!me+
- In thi% (!%e, !ll of the fore#oin# re4i%ite% !re pre%ent+ )!nito "ie" inte%t!te; he "ie" &ithot le!1in# !n* i%%e; hi%
pro-in"i1i%o of 1G- %h!re of Aot No+ C99 &!% !(4ire" b* hi% mother; )!nito &ho "ie" inte%t!te h!" rel!ti1e% &ithin the
thir" "e#ree+ ,he%e rel!ti1e% !re I#n!(io !n" <omin!"or !n" >emi"io%, the %ppo%e" le#itim!te (hil"ren of the
"e(e!%e" Aoren?o, &ho !re the petitioner% herein+
G-N.AL#. v CF! -F 3AN!LA
8
104 SC>A 161
A9:INO
NAT",#
8e!tri? Ae#!r"! @on?!le? !ppe!le" from the "e(i%ion of the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of .!nil!, "i%mi%%in# her (ompl!int
for p!rtition, !((ontin#, re(on1e*!n(e !n" "!m!#e% !n" hol"in#, !% not %b5e(t to re%er1! tron(!l, the propertie% &hi(h
her mother Filomen! >o(e% inherite" in 194C from Filomen! Ae#!r"!
FACTS
8enito Ae#!r"! * <e l! P!?, the %on of 8enito Ae#!r"! * ,!%on, "ie" in .!nil! on )ne 17, 19CC+ Be &!% %r1i1e" b*
hi% &i"o&, Filomen! >o(e%, !n" their %e1en (hil"renF for "!#hter% n!me" 8e!tri?, >o%!rio, ,ere%! !n" Filomen! !n"
three %on% n!me" 8enito, Ale5!n"ro !n" )o%e+
On )l* 1-, 19C9, the re!l propertie% left b* 8enito Ae#!r"! * ,!%on &ere p!rtitione" in three e4!l portion% b* hi%
"!#hter%, Con%elo !n" >it!, !n" the heir% of hi% "e(e!%e" %on 8enito Ae#!r"! * <e l! P!? &ho &ere repre%ente" b*
8enito F+ Ae#!r"!+
Filomen! Ae#!r"! * >o(e% "ie" inte%t!te !n" &ithot i%%e on .!r(h 19, 194C+ Ber %ole heire%% &!% her mother,
Filomen! >o(e% V"!+ "e Ae#!r"!+
.r%+ Ae#!r"! e'e(te" on .!* 1-, 1947 !n !ffi"!1it !"5"i(!tin# e'tr!5"i(i!ll* to her%elf the propertie% &hi(h %he
inherite" from her "e(e!%e" "!#hter, Filomen! Ae#!r"!+ A% ! re%lt of the !ffi"!1it of !"5"i(!tion, Filomen! >o(e%
%((ee"e" her "e(e!%e" "!#hter Filomen! Ae#!r"! !% (o-o&ner of the propertie% hel" proin"i1i%o b* her other %i'
(hil"ren+
.r%+ Ae#!r"! on .!r(h 6, 197C e'e(te" t&o h!n"-&ritten i"enti(!l "o(ment% &herein %he "i%po%e" of the propertie%,
&hi(h %he inherite" from her "!#hter, in f!1or of the (hil"ren of her %on%, 8enito, Ale5!n"ro !n" )o%e /%i'teen
#r!n"(hil"ren in !ll0+
<rin# the perio" from )l*, 197= to Febr!r*, 1979 .r%+ Ae#!r"! !n" her %i' %r1i1in# (hil"ren p!rtitione" the
propertie% (on%i%tin# of the one-thir" %h!re in the e%t!te of 8enito Ae#!r"! * ,!%on &hi(h the (hil"ren inherite" in
repre%ent!tion of their f!ther, 8enito Ae#!r"! * <e l! P!?+
.r%+ Ae#!r"! "ie" on September --, 1967+ Ber &ill &!% !"mitte" to prob!te !% ! holo#r!phi( &ill in the or"er "!te" )l*
16, 196= of the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of .!nil! in Spe(i!l Pro(ee"in# No+ 70=7=, ,e%t!te E%t!te of Filomen! >o(e%
V"!+ "e Ae#!r"!+
In the te%t!te pro(ee"in#, 8e!tri? Ae#!r"! @on?!le?, ! "!#hter of the te%t!tri', file" on .!* -0, 196= a motion to
ex%lde from the inventory of her mother@s estate the +ro+erties whi%h she inherited from her de%eased
daghter, Filomena, on the grond that said +ro+erties are reservable +ro+erties whi%h shold be inherited by
Filomena Legarda@s three sisters and three brothers and not by the %hildren of Benito, Ale?andro and ;ose, all
srnamed Legarda& ,h!t motion &!% oppo%e" b* the !"mini%tr!tor, 8enito F+ Ae#!r"!+
2ithot !&!itin# the re%oltion on th!t motion, .r%+ @on?!le? file" on )ne -0, 196= !n or"in!r* (i1il !(tion !#!in%t her
brother%, %i%ter%, nephe&% !n" nie(e% !n" her mother$% e%t!te for the prpo%e of %e(rin# ! "e(l!r!tion th!t the %!i"
propertie% !re re%er1!ble propertie% &hi(h .r%+ Ae#!r"! (ol" not be4e!th in her holo#r!phi( &ill to her #r!n"(hil"ren
to the e'(l%ion of her three "!#hter% !n" her three %on% /See P!? 1%+ .!"ri#!l, 100 Phil+ 10=70+
,he lo&er (ort "i%mi%%e" the !(tion of .r%+ @on?!le?+ I
!SS"#S
1+ 2hether the "i%pte" propertie% !re re%er1!ble propertie% n"er !rti(le =91 of the Ci1il Co"e, formerl*
!rti(le =11+
-+ 2hether Filomen! >o(e% V"!+ "e Ae#!r"! (ol" "i%po%e of them in her &ill in f!1or of her #r!n"(hil"ren to
the e'(l%ion of her %i' (hil"ren+
$#LD
6& 4#S
,AT!-
9
>ESE>VA ,>ONCAA IS ,BE .OS, <IFFIC:A, S:CCESSION ,OPIC AN< <E,AIA SPECIFIC, BENCE ,BE AEN@,B OF ,BIS <I@ES,+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 41
,he propertie% in 4e%tion &ere in"bit!bl* re%er1!ble propertie% in the h!n"% of .r%+ Ae#!r"!+ :n"obte"l*, %he &!% !
re%er1or+ ,he re%er1!tion be(!me ! (ert!int* &hen !t the time of her "e!th the re%er1ee% or rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir"
"e#ree of the prepo%it% Filomen! Ae#!r"! &ere li1in# or the* %r1i1e" .r%+ Ae#!r"!
,#AS-N!NG
A% &ill herein!fter be %ho&n th!t i% not ! no1el i%%e or ! 4e%tion of fir%t impre%%ion+ It &!% re%ol1e" in Florentino 1%+
Florentino, 40 Phil+ 4=0+ it m!* be %efl to m!6e ! brief "i%(or%e on the n!tre of re%er1! tron(!l, !l%o (!lle" lineal,
familiar, extraordinaria o semiItron%al&
.(h time, effort !n" ener#* &ere %pent b* the p!rtie% in their fi1e brief% in "e%(!ntin# on the n!tre of re%er1! tron(!l,
&hi(h to#ether &ith the re%er1! 1i"!l !n" re1er%ion le#!l, &!% !boli%he" b* the Co"e Commi%%ion to pre1ent the
"e(e"ent$% e%t!te from bein# ent!ile", to elimin!te the n(ert!int* in o&ner%hip (!%e" b* the re%er1!tion /&hi(h
n(ert!int* impe"e% the impro1ement of the re%er1!ble propert*0 !n" to "i%(or!#e the (onfinement of propert* &ithin !
(ert!in f!mil* for #ener!tion% &hi(h %it!tion !lle#e"l* le!"% to e(onomi( oli#!r(h* !n" i% in(omp!tible &ith the
%o(i!li?!tion of o&ner%hip+
,he Co"e Commi%%ion re#!r"e" the re%er1!% !% remn!nt% of fe"!li%m &hi(h fomente" !#r!ri!n nre%t+ .oreo1er, the
re%er1!%, in%of!r !% the* pen!li?e le#itim!te rel!tion%hip, i% (on%i"ere" n5%t !n" ine4it!ble+
Bo&e1er, the l!&m!6in# bo"*, not !#reein# entirel* &ith the Co"e Commi%%ion, re%tore" the re%er1! tron(!l, ! le#!l
in%tittion &hi(h, !((or"in# to .!nre%! !n" C!%t!n ,obeR!%, h!% pro1o6e" 4e%tion% !n" "obt% th!t !re "iffi(lt to
re%ol1e+
>e%er1! tron(!l i% pro1i"e" for in !rti(le =11 of the Sp!ni%h Ci1il Co"e, no& !rti(le =91, &hi(h re!"%F
DA>,+ =91+ ,he !%(en"!nt &ho inherit% from hi% "e%(en"!nt !n* propert* &hi(h the l!tter m!* h!1e !(4ire" b*
#r!tito% title from !nother !%(en"!nt, or ! brother or %i%ter, i% obli#e" to re%er1e %(h propert* !% he m!* h!1e
!(4ire" b* oper!tion of l!& for the benefit of rel!ti1e% &ho !re &ithin the thir" "e#ree !n" &ho belon# to the line from
&hi(h %!i" propert* (!me+ D
!N ,#S#,1A T,-NCAL,
D60 ! "e%(en"!nt inherite" or !(4ire" b* #r!tito% title propert* from !n !%(en"!nt or from ! brother or %i%ter;
/-0 the %!me propert* i% inherite" b* !nother !%(en"!nt or i% !(4ire" b* him b* oper!tion of l!& from the %!i"
"e%(en"!nt, !n"
/C0 the %!i" !%(en"!nt %hol" re%er1e the %!i" propert* for the benefit of rel!ti1e% &ho !re &ithin the thir" "e#ree from
the "e(e!%e" "e%(en"!nt / prepo%it%0 !n" &ho belon# to the line from &hi(h the %!i" propert* (!me+
S-, T$,## T,ANS3!SS!-NS A,# !N1-L1#DF
10 ! fir%t tr!n%mi%%ion b* l(r!ti1e title /inherit!n(e or "on!tion0 from !n !%(en"!nt or brother or %i%ter to the "e(e!%e"
"e%(en"!nt;
/-0 ! po%terior tr!n%mi%%ion, b* oper!tion of l!& /inte%t!te %((e%%ion or le#itime0 from the "e(e!%e" "e%(en"!nt
/(!%!nte "e l! re%er1!0 in f!1or of !nother !%(en"!nt, the re%er1or or re%er1i%t!, &hi(h t&o tr!n%mi%%ion% pre(e"e the
re%er1!tion, !n"
/C0 ! thir" tr!n%mi%%ion of the %!me propert* /in (on%e4en(e of the re%er1!tion0 from the re%er1or to the re%er1ee%
/re%er1!t!rio%0 or the rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree from the "e(e!%e" "e%(en"!nt belon#in# to the line of the fir%t
!%(en"!nt, brother or %i%ter of the "e(e!%e" "e%(en"!nt /6 C!%t!n ,obeR!%, <ere(ho Ci1il, P!rt I, 1960, 6th E"+, pp+
19=-90+
If there !re onl* t&o tr!n%mi%%ion% there i% no re%er1!+
T$# 5#,S-NS !N1-L1#D !N ,#S#,1A T,-NCAL A,#
/10 the !%(en"!nt or brother or %i%ter from &hom the propert* &!% re(ei1e" b* the "e%(en"!nt b* l(r!ti1e or #r!tito%
title,
/-0 the "e%(en"!nt or prepo%it% / propo%it%0 &ho re(ei1e" the propert*,
/C0 the re%er1or /re%er1i%t!0, the other !%(en"!nt &ho obt!ine" the propert* from the prepo%it% b* oper!tion of l!& !n"
/40 the re%er1ee /re%er1!t!rio0 &ho i% &ithin the thir" "e#ree from the prepo%it% !n" &ho belon#% to the line /line! o
tron(o0 from &hi(h the propert* (!me !n" for &hom the propert* %hol" be re%er1e" b* the re%er1or+
,he re%er1ee% m!* be h!lf-brother% !n" %i%ter% />o"ri#e? 1%+ >o"ri#e?, 101 Phil+ 109=; Ch! 1%+ Cort of Fir%t
In%t!n(e of Ne#ro% O((i"ent!l, A--9901, A#%t C1, 1977, 7= SC>A 41-0+ Forth "e#ree rel!ti1e% !re not in(l"e"
/)!r"in 1%+ Vill!m!*or, 7- Phil+ C9-0+
!LL"ST,AT!-N N6
An ill%tr!tion of re%er1! tron(!l i% fon" in E"ro%o 1%+ S!bl!n, -7 Phil+ -97+ In th!t (!%e, Pe"ro S!bl!n inherite" t&o
p!r(el% of l!n" from hi% f!ther Vi(tori!no+ Pe"ro "ie" in 190-, %in#le !n" &ithot i%%e+ Bi% mother, .!r(elin! E"ro%o,
inherite" from him the t&o p!r(el% of l!n"+
It &!% hel" th!t the l!n" &!% re%er1!ble propert* in the h!n"% of .!r(elin!+ ,he re%er1ee% &ere P!blo S!bl!n !n"
8!%ilio S!bl!n, the p!tern!l n(le% of Pe"ro S!bl!n, the prepo%it%+ .!r(elin! (ol" re#i%ter the l!n" n"er the ,orren%
%*%tem in her n!me bt the f!(t th!t the l!n" &!% reservable +ro+erty in favor of her two brothersIinIlaw, shold
they srvive her, shold be noted in the title&
!LL"ST,AT!-N N'
In !nother (!%e, it !ppe!r% th!t .!ri! A#libot "ie" inte%t!te in 1906+ Ber one-h!lf %h!re of ! p!r(el of (on5#!l l!n" &!%
inherite" b* her "!#hter, )li!n! .!R!l!(+ 2hen )li!n! "ie" inte%t!te in 19-0, %!i" one-h!lf %h!re &!% inherite" b*
her f!ther, An!(leto .!R!l!( &ho o&ne" the other one-h!lf portion+
An!(leto "ie" inte%t!te in 194-, %r1i1e" b* hi% %e(on" &ife !n" their %i' (hil"ren+ It &!% hel" th!t the %!i" one-h!lf
portion &!% re%er1!ble propert* in the h!n"% of An!(leto .!R!l!( !n", pon hi% "e!th, %hol" be inherite" b* Aeon!
A#libot !n" E1!ri%t! A#libot, %i%ter% of .!ri! !n" m!tern!l !nt% of )li!n! .!R!l!(, &ho belon#e" to the line from
&hi(h %!i" one-h!lf portion (!me /A#libot 1%+ .!R!l!(, 114 Phil+ 9640+
,he per%on from &hom the "e#ree %hol" be re(6one" i% the "e%(en"!nt, or the one !t the en" of the line from &hi(h
the propert* (!me !n" pon &hom the propert* l!%t re1ol1e" b* "e%(ent+ Be i% (!lle" the prepo%it% /C!b!r"o 1%+
Vill!ne1!, 44 Phil+ 1=6, 1900+
Fir%t (o%in% of the prepo%it% !re in the forth "e#ree !n" !re not re%er1ee%+ ,he* (!nnot e1en repre%ent their p!rent%
be(!%e repre%ent!tion i% (onfine" to rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree /Florentino 1%+ Florentino, 40 Phil+ 4=00+
2ithin the thir" "e#ree, the ne!re%t rel!ti1e% e'(l"e the more remote %b5e(t to the rle of repre%ent!tion+ 8t the
repre%ent!ti1e %hol" be &ithin the thir" "e#ree from the prepo%it% /P!"r! 1%+ 8!l"o1ino, 104 Phil+ 10670+
>e%er1! tron(!l (ontempl!te% le#itim!te rel!tion%hip+ Ille#itim!te rel!tion%hip !n" rel!tion%hip b* !ffinit* !re e'(l"e"+
@r!tito% title or titlo l(r!ti1o refer% to ! tr!n%mi%%ion &herein the re(ipient #i1e% nothin# in retrn %(h !% "on!tion
!n" %((e%%ion /C!b!r"o 1%+ Vill!ne1!, 44 Phil+ 1=6-1=9-190, (itin# 6 .!nre%!, Co"i#o Ci1il, 7th E"+, 1971, p+ C600+
T$# ,#S#,1A C,#AT#S T0- ,#S-L"T-,4 C-ND!T!-NS, n!mel*,
/10 the "e!th of the !%(en"!nt obli#e" to re%er1e !n"
/-0 the %r1i1!l, !t the time of hi% "e!th, of rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree belon#in# to the line from &hi(h the propert*
(!me /Siene% 1%+ E%p!r(i!, 111 Phil+ C49, C7C0+
,he re%er1or h!% the le#!l title !n" "ominion to the re%er1!ble propert* bt %b5e(t to the re%oltor* (on"ition th!t %(h
title i% e'tin#i%he" if the re%er1or pre"e(e!%e" the re%er1ee+ ,he re%er1or i% ! %fr(t!r* of the re%er1!ble propert*+
Be m!* !lien!te it %b5e(t to the re%er1!tion+ ,he tr!n%feree #et% the re1o(!ble !n" (on"ition!l o&ner%hip of the
re%er1or+ ,he tr!n%feree$% ri#ht% !re re1o6e" pon the %r1i1!l of the re%er1ee% !t the time of the "e!th of the re%er1or
bt be(ome in"efe!%ible &hen the re%er1ee% pre"e(e!%e the re%er1or+ /Siene% 1%+ E%p!r(i!, 111 Phil+ C49, C7C; E"ro%o
1%+ S!bl!n, -7 Phil+ -97; An%o" 1%+ Orte#!, 46 Phil+ 664; Florentino 1%+ Florentino, 40 Phil+ 4=0; <ire(tor of A!n"% 1%+
A#!%, 6C Phil+ -79+0
,he re%er1or$% title h!% been (omp!re" &ith th!t of the 1en"ee ! retro in ! p!(to "e retro %!le or to ! fi"ei(omi%o
(on"i(ion!l+
,he re%er1or$% !lien!tion of the re%er1!ble propert* i% %b5e(t to ! re%oltor* (on"ition, me!nin# th!t if !t the time of the
re%er1or$% "e!th, there !re re%er1ee%, the tr!n%feree of the propert* %hol" "eli1er it to the re%er1ee%+ If there !re no
re%er1ee% !t the time of the re%er1or$% "e!th, the tr!n%feree$% title &ol" be(ome !b%olte /An%o" 1%+ Orte#!, 46 Phil+
664; @e(o 1%+ A!(%on, 11= Phil+ 944; Nono 1%+ Ne4i!, 9C Phil+ 1-00+
On the other h!n", the re%er1ee h!% onl* !n in(ho!te, e'pe(t!nt or (ontin#ent ri#ht+ Bi% e'pe(t!nt ri#ht &ol" "i%!ppe!r
if he pre"e(e!%e" the re%er1or+ It &ol" be(ome !b%olte %hol" the re%er1or pre"e(e!%e the re%er1ee+
,he re%er1ee (!nnot imp#n !n* (on1e*!n(e m!"e b* the re%er1or bt he (!n re4ire th!t the re%er1!ble (h!r!(ter of
the propert* be re(o#ni?e" b* the pr(h!%er />io%! 1%+ >o(h!, 4= Phil+ 7C7; E"ro%o 1%+ S!bl!n, -7 Phil+ -97, C1--C;
@e(o 1%+ A!(%on, 11= Phil+ 9440+
,here i% ! hol"in# th!t the renn(i!tion of the re%er1ee$% ri#ht to the re%er1!ble propert* i% ille#!l for bein# ! (ontr!(t
re#!r"in# ftre inherit!n(e /Vel!*o 8ern!r"o 1%+ Sio5o, 7= Phil+ =9, 960+
An" there i% ! "i(tm th!t the re%er1ee$% ri#ht i% ! re!l ri#ht &hi(h he m!* !lien!te !n" "i%po%e of (on"ition!ll*+ ,he
(on"ition i% th!t the !lien!tion %h!ll tr!n%fer o&ner%hip to the 1en"ee onl* if !n" &hen the re%er1ee %r1i1e% the
re%er1or /Siene% 1%+ E%p!r(i!, 111 Phil+ C49, C7C0+
D,he re%er1!t!rio re(ei1e% the propert* !% ! (on"ition!l heir of the "e%(en"!nt / prepo%it%0, %!i" propert* merel*
re1ertin# to the line of ori#in from &hi(h it h!" tempor!ril* !n" !((i"ent!ll* %tr!*e" "rin# the re%er1i%t!$% lifetime+ ,he
!thoritie% !re !ll !#ree" th!t there bein# re%er1!t!rio% th!t %r1i1e the re%er1i%t!, the l!tter m%t be "eeme" to h!1e
en5o*e" no more th!n ! life intere%t in the re%er1!ble propert*+D /)+ )+8+A+ >e*e% in C!no 1%+ <ire(tor of A!n"%, 107 Phil+
1, 7+0
SUCCESSION A2010 page 42
DE1en "rin# the re%er1i%t!$% lifetime, the re%er1!t!rio%, &ho !re the ltim!te !(4irer% of the propert*, (!n !lre!"*
!%%ert the ri#ht to pre1ent the re%er1i%t! from "oin# !n*thin# th!t mi#ht fr%tr!te their re1er%ion!r* ri#ht, !n", for thi%
prpo%e, the* (!n (ompel the !nnot!tion of their ri#ht in the re#i%tr* of propert* e1en &hile the re%er1i%t! i% !li1eD /Ae*
Bipote(!ri! "e :ltr!m!r, Art%+ 16=, 199; E"ro%o 1%+ S!bl!n, -7 Phil+ -970+
T$!S ,!G$T !S !NC-35AT!BL# 0!T$ T$# 3#,# #:5#CTANC4 T$AT C-,,#S5-NDS T- T$# NAT",AL $#!,S
-F T$# ,#S#,1!STA+ It i% li6e&i%e (le!r th!t the re%er1!ble propert* i% no p!rt of the e%t!te of the re%er1i%t! &ho m!*
not "i%po%e of them /it0 b* &ill, %o lon# !% there !re re%er1!t!rio% e'i%tin# /Arro*o 1%+ @eron!, 7= Phil+ --6, -C70+
D,he l!tter, therefore, "o not inherit from the re%er1i%t! bt from the "e%(en"!nt prepo%it%, of &hom the re%er1!t!rio%
!re the heir% morti% (!%!, %b5e(t to the (on"ition th!t the* m%t %r1i1e the re%er1i%t!+D /S!n(he? >om!n, Vol+ VI,
,omo -, p+ -=6; .!nre%!, Comment!rie%, Vol+ 6, 6th E"+, pp+ -74, C10, (ite" b* )+ )+8+A+ >e*e% in P!"r! 1%+ 8!l"o1ino,
A-11960, <e(ember -7, 197=, 104 Phil+ 10670+
Ben(e, pon the re%er1i%t!$% "e!th, the re%er1!t!rio ne!re%t to the prepo%it% be(ome%, D!tom!ti(!ll* !n" b* oper!tion
of l!&, the o&ner of the re%er1!ble propert*+D /C!no 1%+ <ire(tor of A!n"%, 107 Phil+ 1, 7+0
'& N-
,AT!-
2e hol" th!t .r%+ Ae#!r"! (ol" not (on1e* in her holo#r!phi( &ill to her %i'teen #r!n"(hil"ren the re%er1!ble
propertie% &hi(h %he h!" inherite" from her "!#hter Filomen! be(!%e the re%er1!ble propertie% "i" not form p!rt of
her e%t!te /C!b!r"o 1%+ Vill!ne1!, 44 Phil+ 1=6, 1910+ ,he re%er1or (!nnot m!6e ! "i%po%ition morti% (!%! of the
re%er1!ble propertie% !% lon# !% the re%er1ee% %r1i1e" the re%er1or+
A% repe!te"l* hel" in the C!no !n" P!"r! (!%e%, the re%er1ee% inherit the re%er1!ble propertie% from the prepo%it%,
not from the re%er1or+
Arti(le =91 (le!rl* in"i(!te% th!t the re%er1!ble propertie% %hol" be inherite" b* !ll the ne!re%t rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir"
"e#ree from the prepo%it% &ho in thi% (!%e !re the %i' (hil"ren of .r%+ Ae#!r"!+ She (ol" not %ele(t the re%er1ee% to
&hom the re%er1!ble propert* %hol" be #i1en !n" "epri1e the other re%er1ee% of their %h!re therein+
,o !llo& the re%er1or in thi% (!%e to m!6e ! te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition of the re%er1!ble propertie% in f!1or of the
re%er1ee% in the thir" "e#ree !n", (on%e4entl*, to i#nore the re%er1ee% in the %e(on" "e#ree &ol" be ! #l!rin#
1iol!tion of !rti(le =91+ ,h!t te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition (!nnot be !llo&e"+
,#AS-N!NG
2e h!1e %t!te" e!rlier th!t thi% (!%e i% #o1erne" b* the "o(trine of Florentino 1%+ Florentino, 40 Phil+ 4=0, ! %imil!r
(!%e, &here it &!% rle"F
D>e%er1!ble propert* left, thro#h ! &ill or other&i%e, b* the "e!th of !%(en"!nt /re%er1i%t!0 to#ether &ith hi% o&n
propert* in f!1or of !nother of hi% "e%(en"!nt% !% for(e" heir, form% no p!rt of the l!tter$% l!&fl inherit!n(e nor of the
le#itime, for the re!%on th!t, !% %!i" propert* (ontine" to be re%er1!ble, the heir re(ei1in# the %!me !% !n inherit!n(e
from hi% !%(en"!nt h!% the %tri(t obli#!tion of it% "eli1er* to the rel!ti1e%, &ithin the thir" "e#ree, of the pre"e(e%%or in
intere%t / prepo%it%0, &ithot pre5"i(in# the ri#ht of the heir to !n !li4ot p!rt of the propert*, if he h!% !t the %!me time
the ri#ht of ! re%er1!t!rioD /re%er1ee0+
"nder the rle of stare de%isis et non Aieta movere, we are bond to follow in this %ase the do%trine of the
Florentino %ase+ ,h!t "o(trine me!n% th!t !% lon# !% "rin# the re%er1or$% lifetime !n" pon hi% "e!th there !re
rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree of the prepo%it%, re#!r"le%% of &hether tho%e re%er1ee% !re (ommon "e%(en"!nt% of
the re%er1or !n" the !%(en"!nt from &hom the propert* (!me, the propert* ret!in% it% re%er1!ble (h!r!(ter+ ,he
propert* %hol" #o to the ne!re%t re%er1ee%+ ,he re%er1or (!nnot, b* me!n% of hi% &ill, (hoo%e the re%er1ee to &hom
the re%er1!ble propert* %hol" be !&!r"e"+
It i% (onten"e" b* the !ppellee% herein th!t the propertie% in 4e%tion !re not re%er1!ble propertie% be(!%e onl*
rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree from the p!tern!l line h!1e %r1i1e" !n" th!t &hen .r%+ Ae#!r"! &ille" the %!i"
propertie% to her %i'teen #r!n"(hil"ren, &ho !re thir"-"e#ree rel!ti1e% of Filomen! Ae#!r"! &ho belon# to the p!tern!l
line, the re!%on for the re%er1! tron(!l h!% been %!ti%fie"F Dto pre1ent per%on% ot%i"e ! f!mil* from %e(rin#, b* %ome
%pe(i!l !((i"ent of life, propert* th!t &ol" other&i%e h!1e rem!ine" therein+D
,h!t %!me (ontention &!% !"1!n(e" in the Florentino (!%e &here the re%er1or &ille" the re%er1!ble propertie% to her
"!#hter, ! fll-bloo" %i%ter of the prepo%it% !n" i#nore" the other %i' re%er1or%, the rel!ti1e% of the h!lf-bloo" of the
prepo%it%+
In re5e(tin# th!t (ontention, thi% Cort hel" th!t the re%er1!ble propert* be4e!the" b* the re%er1or to her "!#hter
"oe% not form p!rt of the re%er1or$% e%t!te nor of the "!#hter$% e%t!te bt %hol" be #i1en to !ll the %e1en re%er1ee% or
ne!re%t rel!ti1e% of the prepo%it% &ithin the thir" "e#ree+
,hi% Cort note" th!t, &hile it i% tre th!t b* #i1in# the re%er1!ble propert* to onl* one re%er1ee it "i" not p!%% into the
h!n"% of %tr!n#er%, ne1erthele%%, it i% li6e&i%e tre th!t the heire%% of the re%er1or &!% onl* one of the re%er1ee% !n"
there i% no re!%on fon"e" pon l!& !n" 5%ti(e &h* the other re%er1ee% %hol" be "epri1e" of their %h!re% in the
re%er1!ble propert* /pp+ =94-70+
Appl*in# th!t "o(trine to thi% (!%e, it re%lt% th!t .r%+ Ae#!r"! (ol" not "i%po%e of in her &ill the propertie% in 4e%tion
e1en if the "i%po%ition i% in f!1or of the rel!ti1e% &ithin the thir" "e#ree from Filomen! Ae#!r"!+ ,he %!i" propertie%, b*
oper!tion of !rti(le =91, %hol" #o to .r%+ Ae#!r"!$% %i' (hil"ren !% re%er1ee% &ithin the %e(on" "e#ree from Filomen!
Ae#!r"!+
D# 5A5A v CA3AC$-
@+>+ No+ A--=0C-
NA>VASA; September -4, 19=6
FACTS
,hi% (!%e, &hi(h in1ol1e% the !ppli(!tion of Arti(le =91 of the Ci1il Co"e on re%er1! tron(!l, &!% %bmitte" for 5"#ment
in the lo&er (ort b* !ll the p!rtie% on ! Stipl!tion of F!(t% !n" P!rti!l Compromi%e+
-<efen"!nt <!li%!* <+ ,on#6o-C!m!(ho !n" the Pl!intiff%, Fr!n(i%(o ,io(o "e P!p!, .!nel ,io(o !n" Ni(ol!% ,io(o,
!re le#itim!te rel!ti1e%, pl!intiff% bein# %!i" "efen"!nt$% #r!n"!nt !n" #r!n"n(le%+
-,he* h!1e !% ! (ommon !n(e%tor the l!te 8!lbino ,io(o /&ho h!" ! %i%ter b* the n!me of >om!n! ,io(o0, f!ther of
pl!intiff% !n" #re!t #r!n"f!ther of "efen"!nt+ >om!n! ,io(o "rin# her lifetime #r!tito%l* "on!te" for /40 p!r(el% of
l!n" to her nie(e ,oribi! ,io(o /le#itim!te %i%ter of pl!intiff%0, &hi(h p!r(el% of l!n"+
-,oribi! ,io(o "ie" inte%t!te in l9l7, %r1i1e" b* her h%b!n", E%t!(io <i?on, !n" their t&o le#itim!te (hil"ren, F!%tino
<i?on !n" ,rini"!" <i?on /mother of "efen"!nt <!li%!* <, ,on#6o-C!m!(ho0 !n" le!1in# the !fore-mentione" for /40
p!r(el% of l!n" !% the inherit!n(e of her %!i" t&o (hil"ren in e4!l pro-in"i1i%o %h!re%+
-In 19-=, 8!lbino ,io(o "ie" inte%t!te, %r1i1e" b* hi% le#itim!te (hil"ren b* hi% &ife .!r(i!n! Feli' /!mon# them
pl!intiff%0 !n" le#itim!te #r!n"(hil"ren F!%tino <i?on !n" ,rini"!" <i?on+ In the p!rtition of hi% e%t!te, three /C0 p!r(el%
of l!n" &ere !"5"i(!te" !% the inherit!n(e of the l!te ,oribi! ,io(o, bt !% %he h!" pre"e(e!%e" her f!ther, 8!lbino
,io(o, the %!i" three /C0 p!r(el% of l!n" "e1ol1e" pon her t&o le#itim!te (hil"ren F!%tino <i?on !n" ,rini"!" <i?on in
e4!l pro-in"i1i%o %h!re%+
-In 19C7, F!%tino <i?on "ie" inte%t!te, %in#le !n" &ithot i%%e, le!1in# hi% one-h!lf /1G-0 pro-in"i1i%o %h!re in the
%e1en /70 p!r(el% of l!n" !bo1e-mentione" to hi% f!ther, E%t!(io <i?on, !% hi% %ole inte%t!te heir, &ho re(ei1e" the %!i"
propert* %b5e(t to ! re%er1! tron(!l &hi(h &!% %b%e4entl* !nnot!te" on the ,r!n%fer Certifi(!te%
-In 19C9 ,rini"!" <i?on-,on#6o "ie" inte%t!te, !n" her ri#ht% !n" intere%t% in the p!r(el% of l!n" !bo1ementione" &ere
inherite" b* her onl* le#itim!te (hil", "efen"!nt <!li%!* <+ ,on#6o-C!m!(ho, %b5e(t to the %fr(t!r* ri#ht of her
%r1i1in# h%b!n", "efen"!nt Primo ,on#6o+
-,he* %tipl!te th!t on )ne 14, 1967, E%t!(io <i?on "ie" inte%t!te, %r1i1e" hi% onl* le#itim!te "e%(en"!nt, "efen"!nt
<!li%!* <+ ,on#6o-C!m!(ho+
-,he p!rtie% !#ree th!t "efen"!nt <!li%!* <+ ,on#6o-C!m!(ho no& o&n% one-h!lf /1G-0 of !ll the %e1en /70 p!r(el% of
l!n" !bo1ementione" !% her inherit!n(e from her mother, ,rini"!" <i?on-,on#6o+
- <efen"!nt <!li%!* <+ ,on#6o-C!m!(ho !l%o (l!im%, pon le#!l !"1i(e, the other h!lf of the %!i" %e1en /70 p!r(el% of
l!n" !bo1ementione" b* 1irte of the re%er1! tron(!l impo%e" thereon pon the "e!th of F!%tino <i?on !n" n"er the
l!&% on inte%t!te %((e%%ion; bt the pl!intiff%, !l%o pon le#!l !"1i(e, oppo%e her %!i" (l!im be(!%e the* (l!im three-
forth% /CG40 of the one-h!lf pro-in"i1i%o intere%t in %!i" p!r(el of l!n", &hi(h intere%t &!% inherite" b* E%t!(io <i?on
from F!%tino <i?on, or three-ei#ht% /CG=0 of the %!i" p!r(el% of l!n", b* 1irte of their bein# !l%o thir" "e#ree rel!ti1e% of
F!%tino <i?on+
,he p!rtie% !#ree" to %bmit for 5"i(i!l "etermin!tion the le#!l i%%e of &hether "efen"!nt <!li%!* <+ ,on#6o-C!m!(ho
i% entitle" to the &hole of the %e1en /70 p!r(el% of l!n" in 4e%tion, or &hether the pl!intiff%, !% thir" "e#ree rel!ti1e% of
F!%tino <i?on !re re%er1!t!rio% /to#ether &ith %!i" "efen"!nt0 of the one-h!lf pro-in"i1i%o %h!re therein &hi(h &!%
inherite" b* E%t!(io <i?on from hi% %on F!%tino <i?on, !n" entitle" to three-forth% /CG40 of %!i" one-h!lf pro-in"i1i%o
%h!re, or three ei#ht% /CG=0 of %!i" %e1en /70 p!r(el% of l!n", !n", therefore, to three-ei#ht% /CG=0 of the rent!l% (olle(te"
!n" to be (olle(te" b* "efen"!nt <!li%!* P+ ,on#6o C!m!(ho from the ten!nt% of %!i" p!r(el% of l!n", min% the
e'pen%e% !n"Gor re!l e%t!te t!'e% (orre%pon"in# to pl!intiff%$ %h!re in the rent!l%+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 43
-On the b!%i% thereof, the lo&er Cort "e(l!re" the pl!intiff% Fr!n(i%(o ,io(o, .!nel ,io(o !n" Ni(ol!% ,io(o, !% &ell
!% the "efen"!nt <!li%!* ,on#6o-C!m!(ho, entitle", !% re%er1!t!rio%, to one-h!lf of the %e1en p!r(el% of l!n" in "i%pte,
in e4!l proportion%
Not %!ti%fie", the "efen"!nt !ppe!le" to thi% Cort+
!SS"#
2ON !ll rel!ti1e% of the pr!epo%it% &ithin the thir" "e#ree in the !ppropri!te line %((ee" &ithot "i%tin(tion to the
re%er1!ble propert* pon the "e!th of the re%er1i%t!, !% %eem% to be impli(it in Art+ =91
10
of the Ci1il Co"e, /or0 2ON the
ri#ht% of %!i" rel!ti1e% !re %b5e(t to, !n" %hol" be "etermine" b*, the rle% on inte%t!te %((e%%ion
$#LD
No&
In, &here the re%er1!t!rio &!% %r1i1e" b* ele1en nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the pr!epo%it% in the line of ori#in, for of
&hole bloo" !n" %e1en of h!lf bloo", !n" the (l!im &!% !l%o m!"e th!t !ll ele1en &ere entitle" to the re1er%ion!r*
propert* in e4!l %h!re%+ ,hi% Cort, %pe!6in# thro#h .r+ )%ti(e )+8+A+ >e*e%, "e(l!re" the prin(iple% of inte%t!(* to
be (ontrollin#, !n" rle" th!t the nephe&% !n" nie(e% of &hole bloo" &ere e!(h entitle" to ! %h!re "oble th!t of e!(h
of the nephe&% !n" nie(e% of h!lf bloo" in !((or"!n(e &ith Arti(le 1006 of the Ci1il Co"e+ S!i" the CortF
X,he i%%e in thi% !ppe!l m!* be forml!te" !% follo&%F In ! (!%e of re%er1! tron(!l, &here the onl* re%er1!t!rio%
/re%er1ee%0 %r1i1in# the re%er1i%t!, !n" belon#in# to the fine of ori#in, !re nephe&% of the "e%(en"!nt /prepo%it%0, bt
%ome !re nephe&% of the h!lf bloo" !n" the other% !re nephe&% of the &hole bloo", %hol" the re%er1e" propertie% be
!pportione" !mon# them e4!ll*, or %hol" the nephe&% of the &hole bloo" t!6e ! %h!re t&i(e !% l!r#e !% th!t of the
nephe&% of the h!lf bloo"J ++++,he re%er1! tron(!l i% ! %pe(i!l rle "e%i#ne" prim!ril* to !%%re the retrn of the
re%er1!ble propert* to the thir" "e#ree rel!ti1e% belon#in# to the line from &hi(h the propert* ori#in!ll* (!me, !n" !1oi"
it% bein# "i%%ip!te" into !n" b* the rel!ti1e% of the inheritin# !%(en"!nt /re%er1i%t!0+,he %t!te" prpo%e of the re%er1! i%
!((ompli%he" on(e the propert* h!% "e1ol1e" to the %pe(ifie" rel!ti1e% of the line of ori#in+ 8t from thi% time on, there
i% no frther o((!%ion for it% !ppli(!tion+ In the rel!tion% bet&een one re%er1!t!rio !n" !nother of the %!me "e#ree there
i% no (!ll for !ppl*in# Art+ =91 !n* lon#er; &herefore, the re%pe(ti1e %h!re of e!(h in the re1er%ion!r* propert* %hol" be
#o1erne" b* the or"in!r* rle% of inte%t!te %((e%%ion+ In thi% %pirit the 5ri%pr"en(e of thi% Cort !n" th!t of Sp!in h!%
re%ol1e" th!t pon the "e!th of the !%(en"!nt re%er1i%t!, the re%er1!ble propert* %hol" p!%%, not to !ll the
re%er1!t!rio% !% ! (l!%% bt onl* to tho%e ne!re%t in "e#ree to the "e%(en"!nt /prepo%it%0, e'(l"in# tho%e
re%er1!t!rio% of more remote "e#ree /Florentino 1%+ Florentino, 40 Phil+ 4=9-490; ,+S+ = No1+ 1=94; <ir+ @en+ "e lo%
>e#i%tro%, >e%ol+ -0 .!r(h 19070+ An" &ithin the thir" "e#ree of rel!tion%hip from the "e%(en"!nt /prepo%it%0, the ri#ht
of repre%ent!tion oper!te% in f!1or of nephe&% /Florentino 1%+ Florentino, %pr!0+
Follo&in# the or"er pre%(ribe" b* l!& in le#itim!te %((e%%ion &hen there !re rel!ti1e% of the "e%(en"!nt &ithin the
thir" "e#ree, the ri#ht of the ne!re%t rel!ti1e, (!lle" re%er1!t!rio% o1er the propert* &hi(h the re%er1i%t! /per%on hol"in#
it %b5e(t to re%er1!tion0 %hol" retrn to him, e'(l"e% th!t of the one more remote+ ,he ri#ht of repre%ent!tion (!nnot
be !lle#e" &hen the one (l!imin# %!me !% ! re%er1!t!rio of the re%er1!ble propert* i% not !mon# the rel!ti1e% &ithin the
thir" "e#ree belon#in# to the line from &hi(h %(h propert* (!me, in!%m(h !% the ri#ht #r!nte" b* the Ci1il Co"e in
Arti(le =11 i% in the hi#he%t "e#ree per%on!l !n" for the e'(l%i1e benefit of "e%i#n!te" per%on% &ho !re &ithin the thir"
"e#ree of the per%on from &hom the re%er1!ble propert* (!me+ ,herefore, rel!ti1e% of the forth !n" the %((ee"in#
"e#ree% (!n ne1er be (on%i"ere" !% re%er1!t!rio%, %in(e the l!& "oe% not re(o#ni?e them !% %(h+
-In %pite of &h!t h!% been %!i" rel!ti1e to the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion on the p!rt of one !lle#in# hi% ri#ht !% re%er1!t!rio
&ho i% not &ithin the thir" "e#ree of rel!tion%hip, ne1erthele%% there i% ri#ht of repre%ent!tion on the p!rt of re%er1!t!rio%
&ho !re &ithin the thir" "e#ree mentione" b* l!&, !% in the (!%e of nephe&% of the "e(e!%e" per%on from &hom the
re%er1!ble propert* (!me+ +++ + /Florentino 1%+ Florentino, 40 Phil+ 4=0, 4=9-4900 Pro'imit* of "e#ree !n" ri#ht of
repre%ent!tion !re b!%i( prin(iple% of or"in!r* inte%t!te %((e%%ion; %o i% the rle th!t &hole bloo" brother% !n"
nephe&% !re entitle" to ! %h!re "oble th!t of brother% !n" nephe&% of h!lf bloo"+ If in "eterminin# the ri#ht% of the
10
Art+ =91+ ,he !%(en"!nt &ho inherit% from hi% "e%(en"!nt !n* propert* &hi(h the l!tter m!* h!1e !(4ire" b* #r!tito% title from !nother !%(en"!nt, or !
brother or %i%ter, i% obli#e" to re%er1e %(h propert* !% he m!* h!1e !(4ire" b* oper!tion of l!& for the benefit of rel!ti1e% &ho !re &ithin the thir" "e#ree !n"
&ho belon# to the line from &hi(h %!i" propert* (!me+ /=110,
re%er1!t!rio% inter %e, pro'imit* of "e#ree !n" the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion of nephe&% !re m!"e to !ppl*, the rle of
"oble %h!re for imme"i!te (oll!ter!l% of the &hole bloo" %hol" be li6e&i%e oper!ti1e+
-In other &or"%, the re%er1! tron(!l merel* "etermine% the #rop of rel!ti1e% re%er1!t!rio% to &hom the propert* %hol"
be retrne"; bt &ithin th!t #rop, the in"i1i"!l ri#ht to the propert* %hol" be "e(i"e" b* the !ppli(!ble rle% of
or"in!r* inte%t!te %((e%%ion, %in(e Art+ =91 "oe% not %pe(if* other&i%e+ ,hi% (on(l%ion i% %tren#thene" b* the
(ir(m%t!n(e th!t the re%er1! bein# !n e'(eption!l (!%e, it% !ppli(!tion %hol" be limite" to &h!t i% %tri(tl* nee"e" to
!((ompli%h the prpo%e of the l!&+
I,eversion of the reservable +ro+erty being governed by the rles on intestate s%%ession, the +laintiffsI
a++ellees mst be held withot any right thereto be%ase, as ant and n%les, res+e%tively, of Fastino DiOon
Dthe +rae+ositsE, they are ex%lded from the s%%ession by his nie%e, the defendantIa++ellant, althogh they
are related to him within the same degree as the latter& ,o thi% effe(t i% Abell!n! 1%+ Ferr!ri% &here Art%+ 1001
11
,
1004
1-
1007
1C
!n" 1009
14
of the Ci1il Co"e &ere (ite" !n" !pplie"F
XNe1erthele%%, the tri!l (ort &!% (orre(t &hen it hel" th!t, in (!%e of inte%t!(* nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e (5%
e'(l"e !ll other (oll!ter!l% /!nt% !n" n(le%, fir%t (o%in%, et(+0 from the %((e%%ion+ ,hi% i% re!"il* !pp!rent from
Arti(le% 1001
17
, 1004,
16
1007
17
!n" 1009
1=
of the Ci1il Co"e of the Philippine%+, th!t pro1i"e !% follo&%F
"nder the arti%le 6HH8, the absen%e of brothers, sisters, ne+hews and nie%es of the de%edent is a +re%ondition
to the other %ollaterals Dn%les, %osins, et%&E being %alled to the s%%ession&
IThis %on%lsion is fortified by the observation, also made in 5adra, s+ra, that as to the reservable +ro+erty,
the reservatarios do not inherit from the reservista, bt from the des%endant +rae+ositsJ
+++ + It i% li6e&i%e (le!r th!t the re%er1!ble propert* i% no p!rt of the e%t!te of the re%er1i%t!, &ho m!* not "i%po%e of it b*
&ill, !% lon# !% there !re re%er1!t!rio% e'i%tin# /Arro*o 1%+ @eron!, 7= Phil+ -C70+ ,he l!tter, therefore, "o not inherit
from the re%er1i%t!, bt from the "e%(en"!nt prepo%it%, of &hom the re%er1!t!rio% !re the heir% morti% (!%!, %b5e(t to
the (on"ition th!t the* m%t %r1i1e the re%er1i%t!+ /S!n(he? >om!n, Vol+ VI, ,omo -, p+ -=6; .!nre%!, Comment!rie%,
Vol+ 6, 6th E"+, pp+ -74, C100 +++ +
B!" the re1er%ion!r* propert* p!%%e" "ire(tl* from the pr!epo%it%, there i% no "obt th!t the pl!intiff%-!ppellee% &ol"
h!1e been e'(l"e" b* the "efen"!nt-!ppell!nt n"er the rle% of inte%t!te %((e%%ion+ ,here i% no re!%on &h* !
"ifferent re%lt %hol" obt!in %impl* be(!%e Dthe r!n%mi%%ion of the propert* &!% "el!*e" b* the interre#nm of the
re%er1!;D i+e+, the propert* too6 ! D"etorD thro#h !n !%(en"!nt-thereb* #i1in# ri%e to the re%er1!tion before it%
tr!n%mi%%ion to the re%er1!t!rio+
S"3A4A v !AC DBALANTA/B-E
-01 SC>A 17=
.E<IAA<EA; September -, 1991
NAT",#
Petition for re1ie& on (ertior!ri "e(i%ion of IAC !ffirmin# "e(i%ion of CFI
FACTS
- >!l 8!l!nt!6bo inherite" 1GC intere%t pro-in"i1i%o of ! lot in Aili& from hi% f!ther, !n" 1G7 intere%t pro-in"i1i%o in 10
p!r(el% of l!n" from hi% m!tern!l #r!n"mother+ >!l then "ie" inte%t!te, le!1in# hi% mother Con%elo )o!4in V"!+ <e
8!l!nt!6bo !% hi% %ole %r1i1in# heir+
- Con%elo then !"5"i(!te" nto her%elf the propertie% in !n !ffi"!1it then %b%e4entl* %ol" the %!me to .!ri4it!
11
Art+ 1001+ Shol" brother% !n" %i%ter% or their (hil"ren %r1i1e &ith the &i"o& or &i"o&er, the l!tter %h!ll be entitle to one-h!lf of the inherit!n(e !n" the
brother% !n" %i%ter% or their (hil"ren to the other h!lf+
12
Art+ 1004+ Shol" the onl* %r1i1or% be brother% !n" %i%ter% of the fll bloo", the* %h!ll inherit in e4!l %h!re%
13
Art + 1007+ Shol" brother% !n" %i%ter% %r1i1e to#ether &ith nephe&% !n" nie(e% &ho !re the (hil"ren of the "e(e"ent$% brother% !n" %i%ter% of the fll
bloo", the former %h!ll inherit per (!pit!, !n" the l!tter per %tirpe%+
14
Art+ 1009+ Shol" there be neither brother% nor %i%ter%, nor (hil"ren of brother% !n" %i%ter%, the other (oll!ter!l rel!ti1e% %h!ll %((ee" to the e%t!te+
17
16
17
1=
SUCCESSION A2010 page 44
Sm!*! &ho in trn %ol" them to Vill! Bonorio <e1Ht Corp+ &ho in trn %ol" them to A#ro-In"%tri!l Co(ont Cooper!ti1e
/the pre%ent po%%e%%or% of the propertie%0+
- Con%elo then "ie"+ ,he brother% in Nfll bloo"O of >!l, !n" hi% nie(e !n" nephe&% from ! "e!" brother then file"
%it% to re(o1er the propertie% &hi(h &ere %ol" b* Con%elo, !r#in# th!t the %!me propertie% &ere %b5e(t to ! re%er1!
tron(!l in their f!1or
- ,he* (l!im th!t %in(e there &!% no !nnot!tion in the title, the* %hol" be tre!te" !% inno(ent pr(h!%er% in #oo" f!ith
!n" for 1!le, th% the* m!* not be %trippe" of the propertie%+
- >,C rle" in f!1or of 8!l!nt!6bo (l!n, !n" or"ere" the po%%e%%or of the propertie% to (on1e* the %!me to the
8!l!nt!6bo%+ It %!i" th!t the re#i%tr!tion of !n !ffi"!1it of the %elf-!"5"i(!tion of the e%t!te of >!l, &herein it &!%
(le!rl* %t!te" th!t the propertie% &ere inherite" from >!lH% f!ther !n" m!tern!l #r!n"mother, &!% in it% form,
"e(l!r!tion, !n" %b%t!n(e, ! re(or"in# in the >e#i%tr* of <ee"% of the re%er1!ble (h!r!(ter of the propertie%+
NoteF
Propo%it% >!l
>e%er1i%t!G >e%er1or Con%elo
!SS"#
1+ 2ON the re#i%tr!tion of the !ffi"!1it of %elf-!"5"i(!tion oper!te" !% !n !nnot!tion to the title to the propertie%
-+ 2ON the pr(h!%er% (!n be hel" !% inno(ent pr(h!%er% in #oo" f!ith
$#LD
1+ 3ES
Ratio
Reasoning It &!% !"mitte" th!t the (ertifi(!te% of title% (o1erin# the propertie% in 4e%tion %ho& th!t the* &ere free
from !n* lien% !n" en(mbr!n(e% !t the time of the %!le+ ,he f!(t rem!in% ho&e1er, th!t the !ffi"!1it of %elf-!"5"i(!tion
e'e(te" b* Con%elo %t!tin# the %or(e of the propertie% thereb* %ho&in# the re%er1!ble n!tre thereof &!% re#i%tere"
&ith the >e#i%ter of <ee"% of A!#n!, !n" thi% i% %ffi(ient noti(e to the &hole &orl" in !((or"!n(e &ith Se(tion 7- of
the Propert* >e#i%tr!tion <e(ree /formerl* Se(+ 71 of >+A+ 4960 &hi(h pro1i"e%F
Se(+ 7-+ CE1ST)?CT(KE 1ET(CE ?5E1 )E.(ST)AT(E1+ E1er* (on1e*!n(e, mort#!#e, le!%e, lien !tt!(hment,
or"er, 5"#ment, in%trment or entr* !ffe(tin# re#i%tere" l!n" %h!ll, if re#i%tere", file" or entere" in the Offi(e of the
>e#i%ter of <ee"% for the pro1in(e or (it* &here the l!n" to &hi(h it rel!te% lie%, be (on%tr(ti1e noti(e to !ll per%on%
from the time of %(h re#i%terin#, filin# or enterin#+
- @!tio!n 1 @!ff"F ?nder the rule o" notice' it is presumed that the purchaser has e!amined e%ery instrument o" record
a""ecting the title+ Such presumption is irrebuttable+ Be i% (h!r#e" &ith noti(e of e1er* f!(t %ho&n b* the re(or" !n" i%
pre%me" to 6no& e1er* f!(t &hi(h !n e'!min!tion of the re(or" &ol" h!1e "i%(lo%e"+ ,hi% pre%mption (!nnot be
o1er(ome b* proof of inno(en(e or #oo" f!ith+ X S(h pre%mption (!nnot be "efe!te" b* proof of &!nt of 6no&le"#e
of &h!t the re(or" (ont!in% !n* more th!n one m!* be permitte" to %ho& th!t he &!% i#nor!nt of the pro1i%ion% of the
l!&+ ,he rle th!t !ll per%on% m%t t!6e noti(e of the f!(t% &hi(h the pbli( re(or" (ont!in% i% ! rle of l!&+O
- !ffi"!1it of %elf !"5"i(!tion e'e(te" b* Con%elo &hi(h (ont!ine" ! %t!tement th!t the propert* &!% inherite" from !
"e%(en"!nt, >!l, &hi(h h!% li6e&i%e inherite" b* the l!tter from !nother !%(en"!nt, &!% re#i%tere" &ith the >e#i%tr* of
Propert*+ ,he f!ilre of the >e#i%ter of <ee"% to !nnot!te the re%er1!ble (h!r!(ter of the propert* in the (ertifi(!te of
title (!nnot be !ttribte" to Con%elo+
-+ NO
Ratio ,h!t the propertie% &ere %b5e(t to re%er1! tron(!l &!% m!"e !pp!rent b* the !ffi"!1it of %elf-!"5"i(!tion !n"
"ee" of %!le &hereb* Con%elo e'pli(itl* %t!te" th!t %he inherite" the%e propertie% from her %on &ho in trn inherite"
from hi% f!ther+ S(h f!(t oper!te% !% (on%tr(ti1e noti(e to the b*er%, th% pre1entin# them from bein# inno(ent
pr(h!%er% in #oo" f!ith+
Reasoning Art+ =91+ ,he !%(en"!nt &ho inherit% from hi% "e%(en"!nt !n* propert* &hi(h the l!tter m!* h!1e !(4ire"
b* #r!tito% title from !nother !%(en"!nt or ! brother or %i%ter, i% obliged to reser%e %(h propert* !% he m!* h!1e
!(4ire" b* oper!tion of l!& for the benefit of rel!ti1e% &ho !re &ithin the thir" "e#ree !n" &ho belon# to the line from
&hi(h %!i" propert* (!me+
- ,he obli#!tion to re%er1e re%t% pon the re%er1or, Con%elo+
- <ir+ Of A!n"% 1 A#!% /obiter in th!t (!%e0F ,he re%er1!ble (h!r!(ter of ! propert* i% bt ! re%oltor* (on"ition of the
!%(en"!nt re%er1or$% ri#ht of o&ner%hip+ If the (on"ition i% flfille", th!t i%, if pon the !%(en"!nt re%er1or$% "e!th there
!re rel!ti1e% h!1in# the %t!t% pro1i"e" in Arti(le /=910, the propert* p!%%e%, in !((or"!n(e &ith thi% %pe(i!l or"er of
%((e%%ion, to %!i" rel!ti1e%, or to the ne!re%t of 6in !mon# them++++ 8t if thi% (on"ition i% not flfille", the propert* i%
rele!%e" !n" &ill be !"5"i(!te" in !((or"!n(e &ith the re#l!r or"er of %((e%%ion+ ,he flfillment or non-flfillment of
the re%oltor* (on"ition, the effi(!(* or (e%%!tion of the re%er1!tion, the !(4i%ition of ri#ht% or lo%% of the 1e%te" one%,
!re phenomen! &hi(h h!1e nothin# to "o &ith &hether the re%er1!tion h!% been note" or not in the (ertifi(!te of title to
the propert*+ The purpose o" the notation is nothing more than to a""ord to the persons entitled to the reser%ation' i" any'
due protection against any act o" the reser%or' which may make it ine""ecti%e + + +
- 2izon and 2izon %+ .alang, Nre%er1!ble (h!r!(ter m!* be lo%t to inno(ent pr(h!%er% for 1!le+ ,he obli#!tion
impo%e" on ! &i"o&e" %po%e to !nnot!te the re%er1!ble (h!r!(ter of ! propert* %b5e(t of reser%a %iudal i% !ppli(!ble
to reser%a troncal+ Sin(e the%e p!r(el% of l!n" h!1e been le#!ll* tr!n%ferre" to C
r"
per%on%, Vi(ente @!l!n# h!% lo%t
o&ner%hip thereof !n" (!nnot no& re#i%ter nor re(or" in the >e#i%tr* of <ee"% their re%er1!ble (h!r!(terXO
- Con%i%tent &ith the rle in reser%a %iudal &here the per%on obli#e" to re%er1e /the &i"o&e" %po%e0 h!" the obli#!tion
to !nnot!te in the >e#i%tr* of Propert* the re%er1!ble (h!r!(ter of the propert*, in reser%a troncal, the re%er1or /the
!%(en"!nt &ho inherite" from ! "e%(en"!nt propert* &hi(h the l!tter inherite" from !nother "e%(en"!nt0 h!% the "t* to
re%er1e !n" therefore, the "t* to !nnot!te !l%o+
- 5ri%pr"enti!l rle re4irin# !nnot!tion in the >e#i%tr* of Propert* of the ri#ht re%er1e" in re!l propert* %b5e(t of
reser%a %iudal in%of!r !% it i% !pplie" to reser%a troncal %t!*% "e%pite !bolition of reser%a %iudal in NCC
- ,he propertie% in1ol1e" in thi% (!%e !re !lre!"* (o1ere" b* ! ,orren% title !n" nle%% the re#i%tr!tion of the limit!tion i%
effe(te" /either !(t!l or (on%tr(ti1e0, no thir" per%on% %h!ll be pre5"i(e" thereb*+
:1!!& ,#S#,1A AD-5T!1A
BANA0A v 3!,AN-
97 SC>A 717
FE>NAN<EK; .!* 16, 19=0
NAT",#
Petition for re1ie& b* (ertior!ri of CA "e(i%ion
FACTS
- C!%i!no Amponin !n" hi% &ife @li(eri! Abreni(!, le#!ll* !"opte" "!#hter of one of the "e(e!%e" petitioner% !n"
"onee of the C!r%(he propert*, repre%ent% the %po%e% 8!n!&! !n" .en"o?! /be(!%e the* "ie" "rin# the
pen"en(* of the (!%e0+ .!ri! .ir!no /"e!"0 i% repre%ente" b* her ne!re%t rel!ti1e% !re Primiti1! .ir!no, ! %r1i1in#
%i%ter, !n" @re#ori!, )!n! !n" .!r(i!no .ir!no, (hil"ren of ! "e(e!%e" brother
- in 1911, .!ri! .ir!no, ! nie(e of !ppell!nt .en"o?!, !n" &ho &!% then !bot nine *e!r% ol", &!% t!6en in b* the
!ppell!nt%-%po%e%, 8!n!&! !n" .en"o?!, in the l!tter$% ho%e in ,!!l, 8!t!n#!%+ ,he %po%e% bein# (hil"le%%, tre!te"
!n" re!re" her p li6e their o&n (hil"+ ,he* hire" ! pri1!te ttor to te!(h her the r"iment% of re!"in#, &ritin# !n"
!rithmeti(+ ,he* %pporte" her, #!1e her mone*, (lothe% !n" e1en 5e&elr*+ .!ri! re(ipro(!te" their (!re !n" !ffe(tion b*
helpin# &ith the ho%ehol" (hore%+ ,he %po%e% opene" p ! %tore for #ener!l mer(h!n"i%e in 9e?on, from &hi(h
the* "eri1e" (on%i"er!ble in(ome !n" &hi(h en!ble" them to !(4ire %e1er!l p!r(el% of l!n" /- p!r(el% of %#!r l!n" in
,!!l, 8!t!n#!% - !ba 5ro+erty and Cars%he +ro+erty0
- Iba #ropert% /onl* in (ontention !% to re1er%ion !"opti1!0 &!% ori#in!ll* o&ne" b* Pl!(i"o Pn?!l!n !n" !(4ire" b*
the %po%e% thro#h ! "ee" of %!le (ont!ine" in ! pbli( in%trment %t!tin# th!t the Ib! propert* (on%i%te" formerl* of
t&o p!r(el% of l!n" !n" th!t the* &ere %ol" for the !mont of P-,000+00 in f!1or of .!ri! .ir!no+ <efen"!nt <oroteo
8!n!&! implie"l* !"mitte" the e'e(tion of thi% not!ri!l "o(ment &hen he "e(l!re" th!t in the e'e(tion of the
"o(ment (on(ernin# the pr(h!%e of the Ib! propert* from Pn?!l!n the not!r* pbli( (h!r#e" him P-0+00 !n" !nother
P7+00 for %t!mp% in the n!me of .!ri! .ir!no %in(e 19-C+ 8* (ontr!%t, .ir!no% (l!im of o&ner%hip o1er the Ib!
propert* i% pre"i(!te" pon their !%%ertion th!t the mone* %e" in b*in# %!i" l!n" pert!ine" to the ot%t!n"in# "ebit of
Pn?!l!n to the %po%e% <oroteo 8!n!&! !n" )li!n! .en"o?!+ 8!n!&!% li6e&i%e m!int!in th!t the %!le &!% m!"e to
!ppe!r in f!1or of .!ri! .ir!no be(!%e %!i" %po%e% bein# !lre!"* ol", the* &!nte" to le!1e %omethin# to .!ri!
.ir!no for her to le!n pon &hen the* &ol" h!1e been #one+ ,he*, ho&e1er, m!"e .!ri! n"er%t!n" th!t !ltho#h the
propert* &!% pl!(e" n"er her n!me, the* &ol" (ontine to be the o&ner% thereof, to !"mini%ter !n" en5o* the frit% of
SUCCESSION A2010 page 45
the %!me !% lon# !% the* li1e, !n" th!t %he &ol" be(ome the o&ner of the l!n" onl* !fter their "e!th+ .!ri! %ppo%e"l*
e'pre%%e" her (onformit* to !n" !ppre(i!tion for the %!i" !rr!n#ement+
- CAF #r!nte" Ib! Propert* to .ir!no%
!SS"#S
1+ 2ON the Ib! Propert* in the n!me of .!ri! .ir!no i% ! "on!tion inter 1i1o%
-+ 2ON >le 100 Se( 7 of the Ol" >le% of Cort i% not !ppli(!ble be(!%e .!ri! .ir!no i% not le#!ll* !"opte"
$#LD
1+ 3ES
Reasoning
- If the mone* %e" b* .!ri! .ir!no in pr(h!%in# the propertie% &!% #i1en to her b* the %po%e% then the mone* h!"
belon#e" to her+ .!ri! .ir!no pr(h!%e" !n" p!i" for the %!i" propertie% &ith her mone*+
- It i% !l%o (onten"e" b* the petitioner% th!t the "ee"% of %!le e'e(te" b* the o&ner% of the l!n" in f!1or of .!ri!
.ir!no &ere %iml!te" (ontr!(t% inten"e" to %hort(t t&o "ifferent tr!n%!(tion%F /10 ! %!le in f!1or of the %po%e%
<oroteo 8!n!&! !n" )li!n! .en"o?!; !n" /-0 ! "on!tion of l!n"% b* the %po%e% in f!1or of .!ri! .ir!no+
- ,here !re t&o 6in"% of %iml!te" (ontr!(t%, n!mel*F the !b%oltel* %iml!te" (ontr!(t !n" the rel!ti1el* %iml!te" one+
In both in%t!n(e%, ho&e1er, their nllit* i% b!%e" on the &!nt of tre (on%ent of the p!rtie%+ ,here i% no intent to be
bon" or the tre intent i% hi""en or (on(e!le"+ S(h (ontr!(t% !re e1en #ener!ll* re#!r"e" !% fr!"lent &ith intent of
in5rin# thir" per%on%+ ,he prpo%e, therefore, of ! %iml!te" (ontr!(t &hi(h m!* be !nnlle" i% to (on(e!l the p!rtie%$
tre intent, or to "e(ei1e or "efr!" thir" per%on%+ From the re(or", there i% no %ho&in# of "e(eption or fr!", nor of
(on(e!lment of intent of the p!rtie% !% to the %!le of the Ib! propert* b* the 1en"or% in f!1or of .!ri! .ir!no+ ,he
tr!n%!(tion% &hi(h tr!n%pire" &ere prel*F /10 "on!tion% of mone* or thin#% repre%entin# or e4i1!lent to mone* b* the
%po%e% in f!1or of .!ri! .ir!no &hi(h (ol" be m!"e !n" !((epte" 1erb!ll*; !n" /-0 pr(h!%e of l!n"% b* .!ri!
.ir!no &ith the %e of th!t mone* or (re"it% /pre-e'i%tin# in"ebte"ne%% in f!1or of the %po%e%0 !% (on%i"er!tion
thereof+
-+ 3ES
Reasoning
- Se(tion 7, >le 100 of the Ol" >le% of Cort, the pertinent portion of &hi(h re!"%F D+ + + In (!%e of the "e!th of the
(hil", hi% p!rent% !n" rel!ti1e% b* n!tre, !n" not b* !"option, %h!ll be hi% le#!l heir%, e'(ept !% to propert* re(ei1e" or
inherite" b* the !"opte" (hil" from either of hi% p!rent% b* !"option, &hi(h %h!ll be(ome the propert* of the l!tter or
their le#itim!te rel!ti1e% &ho %h!ll p!rti(ip!te in the or"er e%t!bli%he" b* the Ci1il Co"e for inte%t!te e%t!teD+
- ,he %bmi%%ion of the petitioner% i% th!t e'tr!5"i(i!l !"option i% &ithin the (ontempl!tion !n" %pirit of thi% rle of
re1er%ion !"opti1!+ Bo&e1er, the rle in1ol1e" %pe(ifi(!ll* pro1i"e% for the (!%e of the 5"i(i!ll* !"opte" (hil"+ It i% !n
element!r* rle of (on%tr(tion th!t &hen the l!n#!#e of the l!& i% (le!r !n" ne4i1o(!l, the l!& m%t be t!6en to
me!n e'!(tl* &h!t it %!*%+ .!ri! i% not 5"i(i!ll* !"opte" therefore re1er%ion !"opti1e "oe% not !ppl*
Disposition CA "e(i%ion !ffirme" !% to the Ib! propert*
S#5A,AT# -5!N!-N
3A/AS!A, =dissent<
- I "i%%ent, re the Ib! p!r(el; be(!%e there &!% no 1!li" "on!tion of the l!n" or of the pr(h!%e mone*+
- ,he mone* &ith &hi(h to b* the propert* &!% not "on!te" to .!ri! b* the %po%e%+ S!i" %po%e% &ol" not "on!te
the l!r#e !mont of P4,0=0+00 /!ltho#h the "ee" %t!te% the !mont !% P-,000+000 to .!ri! .ir!no &ho &!% merel*
ttore" to le!rn the C >$% - re!"in#, &ritin# !n" !rithmeti( - !t the e'pen%e of %!i" %po%e%+ 2hile it i% tre th!t the*
%pporte" her, #!1e her mone*, (lothe% !n" e1en 5e&elr*, the* "i" not %en" her to %(hool, m(h le%% #i1e her ! (olle#e
e"(!tion+ It i% nthin6!ble th!t the %!i" %po%e% &ol" #i1e her P4,0=0+00 &here the* (ol" not e1en #i1e her !
prim!r* e"(!tion &hi(h &ol" (o%t 1er* m(h le%% /from 1911 to 19170+ ,he 5e&elr* the* (ol" h!1e #i1en to her (ol"
not be better th!n trin6et%, the (o%t of &hi(h &!% ne#li#ible bt (ol" be ! fon" po%%e%%ion of ! poor, impre%%ion!ble
(hil" in the rr!l !re! li6e .!ri!
- No (!%h !(t!ll* p!%%e" to .!ri! from the %po%e%+
- :p to the time of her "e!th on )l* C1, 1949 !t the !#e of 4=, .!ri! &!% %till li1in# &ith the %po%e% &ho re!re" her+
,hi% f!(t %ho&% th!t .!ri! &!% %till bein# %pporte" b* the %po%e%
- If there &!% ! 1!li" "on!tion of the mone* to p!* for the Ib! %#!r l!n" in ,!!l in 19-1, &hi(h (on%i%t% of 4+4-
he(t!re%, it &ol" %eem th!t .!ri! &ol" h!1e %ffi(ient fn"% "eri1e" from the pro"(e of %(h ! bi# p!r(el &ith &hi(h
to pr(h!%e for her%elf the C!r%(he p!r(el+ 8t it &!% %till the %po%e% &ho p!i" for the C!r%r(he propert*, onl* th!t
the %!le &!% !lle#e"l* m!"e in f!1or of .!ri!, &hom the* "i" not le#!ll* !"opt, to in%re the %r1i1!l of .!ri! lon# !fter
the* &ol" h!1e been "e!" !% the* &ere then !lre!"* ol"+ A#!in, thi% #oe% !#!in%t the #r!in of hm!n n!tre; be(!%e
no %(h "eep (on(ern &!% e'hibite" b* the %po%e% in f!1or of their le#!ll* !"opte" "!#hter @li(eri! Abreni(!; !n"
- ,he %po%e% le#!ll* !"opte" @li(eri! Abreni(! bt ne1er le#!ll* !"opte" .!ri!, nie(e of petitioner )li!n! .en"o?!+ If
the %!i" %po%e% &!nte" to f!1or their nie(e .!ri! for helpin# in their b%ine%%, the* (ol" h!1e e!%il* !"opte" her
le#!ll* !n" thereb* m!6e her their le#!l heir, li6e @li(eri! Abreni(!+
T#-T!C- v D#L 1AL
1C SC>A 406
8A:,IS,A
NAT",#
Appe!l from the .!nil! CFI "e(i%ion
FACTS
- .!ri! .orter! V"! "e A#irre on .!* 17, 1971 e'e(te" ! &ill &ritten in Sp!ni%h m!6in# m!n* le#!(ie% !n" "e1i%e%
in(l"in# Pe%o% -0,000 to >ene ,eoti(o &ho &!% m!rrie" to te%t!tri'H% nie(e, )o%efin! .orter!+ )o%efin! &!% in%titte"
!% the %ole !n" ni1er%!l heir to !ll the rem!in"er of the propertie% not other&i%e "i%po%e" of in the &ill+ ,he te%t!tri'
"ie" on )l* 14, 1977 !n" ! petition for the prob!te &!% file before the .!nil! CFI on )l* 17, 1977+
- An! "el V!l Ch!n, (l!imin# to be !n !"opte" "!#hter of Fr!n(i%(! .orter!, ! "e(e!%e" %i%ter of the te%t!tri', !n" !n
!(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l (hil" of )o%e .orter!, ! "e(e!%e" brother of the %!me te%t!tri', file" !n oppo%ition to the prob!te
!lle#in# th!t the &ill &!% not e'e(te" !% re4ire" b* l!&, th!t the te%t!tri' &!% ph*%i(!ll* !n" ment!ll* in(!p!ble to
e'e(te the &ill !t the time of it% e'e(tion, !n" th!t the &ill &!% e'e(te" n"er "re%%, thre!t or inflen(e of fe!r+ ,he
lo&er (ort !llo&e" An! "el V!l Ch!nH% oppo%ition "e%pite ! motion to h!1e %!i" oppo%ition "i%mi%%e" on the #ron"
th!t An! h!" no le#!l per%on!lit* to inter1ene+
- An! !men"e" her oppo%ition b* !lle#in# th!t the &ill i% inoper!ti1e &ith re#!r" the %h!re of >ene ,eoti(o be(!%e he
&!% the ph*%i(i!n &ho too6 (!re of the te%t!tri' "rin# her l!%t illne%%+
- After the p!rtie% h!" pre%ente" their e1i"en(e, the prob!te (ort ren"ere" it% "e(i%ion on No1ember 10, 1960
!"mittin# the &ill to prob!te bt de%laring the dis+osition made in favor of Dr& ,ene Teoti%o void with the
statement that the +ortion to be va%ated by the annlment shold +ass to the testatrix@s heirs by way of
intestate s%%ession&
I Ben(e thi% !ppe!l
!SS"#CS
1+ 2ON An! <el V!l Ch!n h!% the ri#ht to inter1ene
-+ 2ON the &ill h!% been "l* !"mitte" to prob!te
C+ 2ON prob!te (ort (ommitte" !n error on p!%%in# on the intrin%i( 1!li"it* of the pro1i%ion% of the &ill
$#LD
1+ No+ :n"er the term% of the &ill, oppo%itor h!% no ri#ht to inter1ene be(!%e %he h!% no intere%t in the e%t!te either !%
heir, e'e(tor, or !"mini%tr!tor, nor "oe% %he h!1e !n* (l!im to !n* propert* !ffe(te" b* the &ill, be(!%e it no&here
!ppe!r% therein !n* pro1i%ion "e%i#n!tin# her !% heir, le#!tee or "e1i%ee of !n* portion of the e%t!te+ She h!% !l%o no
intere%t in the &ill either !% !"mini%tr!tri' or e'e(tri'+ Neither h!% %he !n* (l!im !#!in%t !n* portion of the e%t!te
be(!%e %he i% not ! (o-o&ner thereof, !n" &hile %he pre1io%l* h!" !n intere%t in the C!l1o bil"in# lo(!te" in
E%(olt!+, %he h!" !lre!"* "i%po%e" of it lon# before the e'e(tion of the &ill+
In the %ppo%ition th!t the &ill i% "enie" prob!te, &ol" the oppo%itor !(4ire !n* intere%t in !n* portion of the e%t!te left
b* the te%t!tri'J She &ol" !(4ire %(h ri#ht onl* if %he &ere ! le#!l heir of the "e(e!%e", bt %he i% not n"er or Ci1il
Co"e+ It i% tre th!t oppo%itor (l!im% to be !n !(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l (hil" of )o%e .orter!, ! "e(e!%e" brother of the
"e(e!%e", !n" !l%o !n !"opte" "!#hter of Fr!n(i%(! .orter!, ! "e(e!%e" %i%ter of the te%t!tri', bt %(h (l!im (!nnot
SUCCESSION A2010 page 46
#i1e her !n* (omfort for, e1en if it be tre, the law does not give her any right to s%%eed to the estate of the
de%eased sister of both ;ose 3ortera and Fran%is%a 3ortera& And this is so be%ase being an illegitimate %hild
she is +rohibited by law from s%%eeding to the legitimate relatives of her natral father& Ths, Arti%le 88' of or
Civil Code +rovidesJ BAn illegitimate %hild has no right to inherit ab intestato from the legitimate %hildren and
relatives of his father or mother&M
- The o++ositor %annot also derive %omfort from the fa%t that she is an ado+ted %hild of Fran%is%a 3ortera
be%ase nder or law the relationshi+ established by ado+tion is limited solely to the ado+ter and the ado+ted
does not extend to the relatives of the ado+ting +arents or of he ado+ted %hild ex%e+t only as ex+ressly
+rovided for by law& $en%e, no relationshi+ is %reated between the ado+ted and the %ollaterals of the ado+ting
+arents& As a %onseAen%e, the ado+ted is an heir of the ado+ter bt not of the relatives of the ado+ter&
-+ 3e%+ ,he (l!im of the oppo%itor th!t the te%t!tri' &!% of n%on" min" &hen %he e'e(te" the &ill &!% belie" b* the
te%timonie% of the three people &ho &itne%%e" the %i#nin# of the &ill+ ,he (l!im th!t ,eoti(o e'erte" improper pre%%re
!n" n"e inflen(e o1er the te%t!tri' to o1erpo&er !n" %b5#!te her min" to "e%tro* her free !#en(* !n" m!6e her
e'pre%% the &ill of !nother r!ther th!n her o&n &!% not pro1e"+
C+ 3e%+ B-++osition to the intrinsi% validity or legality of the +rovisions of the will %annot be entertained in
5robate +ro%eeding be%ase its only +r+ose is merely to determine if the will has been exe%ted in
a%%ordan%e with the reAirements of the law&B
BTo establish %on%lsively as against everyone, and on%e for all, the fa%ts that a will was exe%ted with the
formalities reAired by law and that the testator was in a %ondition to maFe a will, is the only +r+ose of the
+ro%eedings nder the new %ode for the +robate of a will& DSe%& ('*+0 ,he 5"#ment in %(h pro(ee"in#% "etermine%
!n" (!n "etermine nothin# more+ In them the (ort h!% no po&er to p!%% pon the 1!li"it* of !n* pro1i%ion% m!"e in the
&ill+ It (!n not "e(i"e, for e'!mple, th!t ! (ert!in le#!(* i% 1oi" !n" !nother one 1!li"+D
:!:& L#GAC!#S AND D#1!S##S
F#,NAND#. v D!3A!GBA
@+>+ No+ A--C6C=
>E3ES; O(tober 1-, 1967
NAT",#
Petition for ! re1ie& of the "e(i%ion of the Cort of Appe!l%
FACTS
- I%m!el! <im!#ib! %bmitte" to the CFI ! petition for the prob!te of the prporte" &ill of the l!te 8ene"i(t! "e lo%
>e*e%+ ,he &ill in%titte" the petitioner !% the %ole heir of the e%t!te of the "e(e!%e"+
- ,he petition &!% %et for he!rin#, !n" in "e time, <ioni%io Fern!n"e?, E%ebio >e*e% !n" Ai%! >e*e% !n" one month
l!ter, .!ri!no, Ce%!r, Aeonor !n" P!(ien(i!, !ll %rn!me" >e*e%, !ll (l!imin# to be heir% inte%t!te of the "e(e"ent, file"
oppo%ition% to the prob!te !%6e"+ @ron"% !"1!n(e" for the oppo%ition &ere for#er*, 1i(e% of (on%ent of the te%t!tri',
e%toppel b* l!(he% of the proponent !n" re1o(!tion of the &ill b* t&o "ee"% of (on1e*!n(e of the m!5or portion of the
e%t!te m!"e b* the te%t!tri' in f!1or of the proponent in 194C !n" 1944, bt &hi(h (on1e*!n(e% &ere fin!ll* %et !%i"e
b* thi% Spreme Cort+
- CFI fon" th!t the &ill &!% #enine !n" properl* e'e(te"; bt "eferre" re%oltion on the 4e%tion% of e%toppel !n"
re1o(!tion+
- Fern!n"e? !n" >e*e% petitione" for re(on%i"er!tion, !n"Gor ne& tri!l, in%i%tin# th!t the i%%e% of e%toppel !n"
re1o(!tion be (on%i"ere" !n" re%ol1e"; the Cort o1errle" the (l!im th!t proponent &!% in e%toppel to !%6 for the
prob!te of the &ill, bt Dre%er1in# nto the p!rtie% the ri#ht to r!i%e the i%%e of implie" re1o(!tion !t the opportne
time+D
- CFI !ppointe" >i(!r"o Cr? !% !"mini%tr!tor for the %ole prpo%e of %bmittin# !n in1entor* of the e%t!te+
- ,C re%ol1e" !#!in%t the oppo%itor% !n" hel" the &ill of the l!te 8ene"i(t! "e lo% >e*e% Dn!ffe(te" !n" nre1o6e" b*
the "ee"% of %!le+D ,he oppo%itor% ele1!te" the (!%e to the CA+
- CA hel" th!t the "e(ree !"mittin# the &ill to prob!te, h!" be(ome fin!l for l!(6 of opportne !ppe!l; th!t the %!me &!%
!ppe!l!ble in"epen"entl* of the i%%e of implie" re1o(!tion; th!t there h!" been no le#!l re1o(!tion b* the e'e(tion of
the 194C !n" 1944 "ee"% of %!le+
!SS"#S
1+ 2ON the "e(ree of the CFI !llo&in# the &ill to prob!te h!" be(ome fin!l for l!(6 of !ppe!l
-+ 2ON the or"er of the CFI o1errlin# the e%toppel in1o6e" b* oppo%itor%-!ppell!nt% h!" li6e&i%e be(ome fin!l
C+ 2ON the 19C0 &ill of 8ene"i(t! "e lo% >e*e% h!" been implie"l* re1o6e" b* her e'e(tion of "ee"% of (on1e*!n(e
in f!1or of the proponent +
$#LD
1+ 3ES+ A prob!te "e(ree fin!ll* !n" "efiniti1el* %ettle% !ll 4e%tion% (on(ernin# (!p!(it* of the te%t!tor !n" the proper
e'e(tion !n" &itne%%in# of hi% l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment, irre%pe(ti1e of &hether it% pro1i%ion% !re 1!li" !n" enfor(e!ble
or other&i%e+
- ,here bein# no (ontro1er%* th!t the prob!te "e(ree of the Cort belo& &!% not !ppe!le" on time, the %!me h!"
be(ome fin!l !n" (on(l%i1e+ Ben(e, the !ppell!te (ort% m!* no lon#er re1o6e %!i" "e(ree nor re1ie& the e1i"en(e
pon &hi(h it i% m!"e to re%t+ ,h%, the !ppe!l bel!te"l* lo"#e" !#!in%t the "e(ree &!% (orre(tl* "i%mi%%e"+
-+ NO+ ,he pre%ent!tion !n" prob!te of ! &ill !re re4irement% of pbli( poli(*, bein# prim!ril* "e%i#ne" to prote(t the
te%t!tor$%, e'pre%%e" &i%he%, &hi(h !re entitle" to re%pe(t !% ! (on%e4en(e of the "e(e"ent$% o&ner%hip !n" ri#ht of
"i%po%ition &ithin le#!l limit%+
- E1i"en(e of it i% the duty impo%e" on ! (%to"i!n of ! &ill to "eli1er the %!me to the Cort, !n" the fine !n"
impri%onment pre%(ribe" for it% 1iol!tion />e1i%e" >le 770+ It &ol" be ! non se-uitur to !llo& pbli( poli(* to be
e1!"e" on the prete't of e%toppel+ 2hether or not the or"er o1errlin# the !lle#!tion of e%toppel i% %till !ppe!l!ble or
not, the "efen%e i% p!tentl* nmeritorio% !n" the Cort of Appe!l% (orre(tl* %o rle"+
C+ NO+ ,he e'i%ten(e of !n* %(h (h!n#e or "ep!rtre from the ori#in!l intent of the te%t!tri', e'pre%%e" in her 19C0
te%t!ment, i% ren"ere" "obtfl b* the (ir(m%t!n(e th!t the %b%e4ent !lien!tion% in 194C !n" 1944 &ere e'e(te" in
f!1or of the le#!tee her%elf, !ppellee <im!#ib!+
- 8t e1en if Art 977 &ere !ppli(!ble, the !nnlment of the (on1e*!n(e% &ol" not ne(e%%!ril* re%lt in the re1o(!tion of
the le#!(ie%, if &e be!r in min" th!t the fin"in#% m!"e in the "e(i%ion "e(reein# the !nnlment of the %b%e4ent 194C
!n" 1944 "ee"% of %!le &ere !l%o th!t it &!% the mor!l inflen(e, ori#in!tin# from their (onfi"enti!l rel!tion%hip, &hi(h
&!% the onl* (!%e for the e'e(tion
B#L#N v B5!
@+>+ No+ A-14474
>E3ES; O(tober C1, 1960
NAT",#
Appe!l from !n or"er of the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of .!nil! "en*in# !ppell!nt$% petition
FACTS
I 8eni#no <i!? /<IAK0 e'e(te" ! (o"i(il on September -9, 1944+ On No1ember 7, 1944, he "ie" !n" the
!fore%!i" (o"i(il, to#ether &ith the &ill, &!% !"mitte" to prob!te in Spe(i!l Pro(ee"in#% No+ =94 of the
%!me Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of .!nil!+
- ,he pro(ee"in#% for the !"mini%tr!tion of the e%t!te of <IAK &ere (lo%e" in 1970 !n" the e%t!te &!%
there!fter pt n"er the !"mini%tr!tion of 8PI, !% tr%tee for the benefit of the le#!tee%+
I Filomen! <i!? /FIAO.ENA0 then "ie" in 1974, le!1in# t&o le#itim!te (hil"ren, .IAA@>OS, m!rrie", &ith
7 le#itim!te (hil"ren, !n" ONESI.A, %in#le+
I On .!r(h 19, 197=, ONESI.A file" ! petition in Spe(i!l Pro(ee"in#% No+ 9--6, (onten"in# th!t the
!mont th!t &ol" h!1e !ppert!ine" to FIAO.ENA n"er the (o"i(il %hol" no& be "i1i"e" e4!ll*
bet&een her%elf !n" .IAA@>OS, !% the %r1i1in# (hil"ren, to the e'(l%ion of the 7 le#itim!te (hil"ren of
.IAA@>OS+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 47
I ,he (ort "enie" thi% petition+ It %!i" th!t !fter "e (on%i"er!tion of the petition file" b* ONESI.A+ ,he
%h!re of FIAO.ENA from the (o"i(il "oe% not !n" %hol" not form p!rt of her e%t!te+ ,he !fore%!i" %h!re
of %hol" be "i%tribte" not onl* bet&een her (hil"ren bt !l%o !mon# her other le#itim!te "e%(en"!nt%
&hi(h !l%o in(l"e% her #r!n"(hil"ren, et(+, !n" in thi% (onne(tion+ it i% not !mi%% to ob%er1e th!t one m!*
be ! "e%(en"!nt !n" not *et not be !n heir, !n" %ice %ersa, one m!* be !n heir !n" *et not be !
"e%(en"!nt+
I From thi% or"er ONESI.A !ppe!le" to thi% Cort+ She (onten"% th!t the term D sus descendeintes
legitimos,D !% %e" in the (o"i(il, %hol" be interprete" to me!n "e%(en"!nt% ne!re%t in the "e#ree to the
ori#in!l le#!tee FIAO.ENA, &hi(h !re the t&o "!#hter%+
!SS"#
2ON the &or"% D%% "e%(en"iente% le#itimo%D refer (on5ointl* to !ll the li1in# "e%(en"!nt /(hil"ren !n"
#r!n"(hil"ren0 of the le#!tee !% ! (l!%% or onl* to the "e%(en"!nt% ne!re%t in "e#ree
$#LD
NO
- In her !r#ment, FIAO.ENA in1o6e% Art+ 979 of the CC, &hi(h %!*%F A distribution made in general
terms in "a%or o" the testator's relati%es shall be understood as made in "a%or o" those nearest in degree.
Bo&e1er, the !r#ment f!il% to note th!t thi% !rti(le i% %pe(ifi(!ll* limite" in it% !ppli(!tion in (!%e% &here
the benefi(i!rie% !re rel!ti1e% o" the testator, not tho%e of the le#!tee+ In %(h !n e1ent, the l!& !%%me%
th!t the te%t!tor inten"e" to refer to the rle% of inte%t!(*, in or"er to benefit the rel!ti1e% (lo%e%t to him
b!%e" on the r!tio le#i% th!t !mon# ! te%t!tor$% rel!ti1e the (lo%e%t !re "e!re%t+
- Ob1io%l*, thi% "oe% not !ppl* &here the benefi(i!rie% !re rel!ti1e% of another person /the le#!tee0 !n"
not of the te%t!tor + ,here i% no lo#i(!l re!%on in thi% (!%e to pre%me th!t the te%t!tor inten"e" to refer to
the rle% of inte%t!(*, for he pre(i%el* m!"e ! te%t!ment !n" pro1i"e" %b%titte% for e!(h le#!tee; nor (!n
it be %!i" th!t hi% !ffe(tion% &ol" prefer the ne!re%t rel!ti1e% of the le#!tee to tho%e more "i%t!nt, %in(e
he en1i%!#e% !ll of them in ! #rop, !n" onl* !% mere %b%titte% for ! preferre" benefi(i!r*+
- ,he re%lt of !ppl*in# the Dne!re%t rel!ti1e%D rle of Arti(le 979 i% th!t the inherit!n(e &ol" be limite" to
her (hil"ren e'(l"in# the #r!n"(hil"ren !lto#ether+ ,hi% (ol" h!r"l* be the intention of the te%t!tor &ho in
the %!me (l!%e 10 of hi% (o"i(il %pe!6% of hi% #r!n"(hil"ren in"i(!tin# (le!rl* th!t he n"er%too" &ell th!t
hi$os !n" descendientes !re not %*non*mo% term%+
- 2e (on(l"e th!t in the !b%en(e of other in"i(!tion% of (ontr!r* intent, the proper rle to !ppl* in the
in%t!nt (!%e i% th!t the te%t!tor, b* "e%i#n!tin# ! (l!%% or #rop of le#!tee%, inten"e" !ll member% thereof
to %((ee" per capita+ So th!t the ori#in!l le#!(* to FIAO.ENA %hol" be e4!ll* "i1i"e" !mon# her
%r1i1in# (hil"ren !n" #r!n"(hi"ren+
Disposition ,he or"er !ppe!le" from i% !ffirme", &ith (o%t% to the !ppell!nt+
::& G#N#,AL 5,-1!S!-N -F !NT#STAT#
D# L-S SANT-S v D# LA C,".
@+>+ No+ A--919-
VIAAA.O>; Febr!r* --, 1971
NAT",#
<ire(t !ppe!l to SC on 4e%tion% of l!& from the 5"#ment of the CFI
FACTS
- On .!* -1, 1967, @ertr"e% "e lo% S!nto% file" ! (ompl!int for %pe(ifi( perform!n(e !#!in%t .!'imo "e l! Cr?,
!lle#in#, !mon# other%, th!t on A#%t -4, 196C, %he !n" %e1er!l (o-heir%, in(l"in# the "efen"!nt, e'e(te" !n
e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement o1er ! (ert!in portion of l!n" &ith !n !re! of !ron" -0,000 %4+ m+; th!t the p!rtie%
thereto h!" !#ree" to !"5"i(!te /C0 lot% to the "efen"!nt, in !""ition to hi% (orre%pon"in# %h!re, on (on"ition th!t the
l!tter &ol" n"ert!6e the "e1elopment !n" %b"i1i%ion of the e%t!te &hi(h &!% the %b5e(t m!tter of the !#reement, !ll
e'pen%e% in (onne(tion there&ith to be "efr!*e" from the pro(ee"% of the %!le of the !forementione" /C0 lot%; th!t in
%pite of "em!n"% b* the pl!intiff, b* the (o-heir%, !n" b* the re%i"ent% of the %b"i1i%ion, the "efen"!nt ref%e" to
perform hi% !fore%!i" obli#!tion !ltho#h he h!" !lre!"* %ol" the !fore%!i" lot%+ ,he pl!intiff pr!*e" the (ort to or"er
the "efen"!nt to (ompl* &ith hi% obli#!tion n"er the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement, !(t!l "!m!#e% !n" to p!*
!ttorne*$% fee% !n" (o%t%+
- In hi% !n%&er, the "efen"!nt !"mitte" the "e e'e(tion of the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement, bt %et p the
!ffirm!ti1e "efen%e% th!t the pl!intiff h!" no (!%e of !(tion !#!in%t him be(!%e the %!i" !#reement &!% 1oi" &ith
re%pe(t to her, for the re!%on th!t the pl!intiff &!% not !n heir of Pel!#i! "e l! Cr?, "e(e!%e" o&ner of the propert*,
!n" &!% in(l"e" in the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement b* mi%t!6e; !n" th!t !ltho#h he h!" "i%po%e" of the three lot%
!"5"i(!te" to him, ne1erthele%% the pro(ee"% of the %!le &ere not %ffi(ient to "e1elop !n" impro1e properl* the
%b"i1i"e" e%t!te+ ,he !n%&er (ont!ine" ! (onter(l!im &herein the "efen"!nt !lle#e" th!t the pl!intiff h!" li6e&i%e
%ol" her %h!re in the e%t!te for P10,000+00, !n" th!t the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement bein# 1oi" in%of!r !% the l!tter
&!% (on(erne", he &!% entitle" to /1G40 of the pro(ee"% !% hi% %h!re b* &!* of re1er%ion+ ,he "efen"!nt pr!*e" th!t the
(ompl!int be "i%mi%%e"; th!t the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement be "e(l!re" 1oi" &ith re%pe(t to the pl!intiff; !n", on
hi% (onter(l!im, th!t the pl!intiff be or"ere" to p!* him the %m of P-,700+00+
- ,he pl!intiff &!% fon" in "ef!lt for not !n%&erin# (onter(l!im+
- CFI hel" th!t th!t the "efen"!nt, bein# ! p!rt* to the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement, &!% e%toppe" from r!i%in# in
i%%e the ri#ht of the pl!intiff to inherit from the "e(e"ent Pel!#i! "e l! Cr?; hen(e, he m%t !bi"e b* the term% of the
!#reement+ ,he CFI or"ere" the "efen"!nt Dto perform hi% obli#!tion% to "e1elop Aot% !% p!rt of the E'tr!5"i(i!l
P!rtition A#reementD+ No "i%po%ition &!% m!"e of "efen"!nt$% (onter(l!im+ ,he "efen"!nt file" ! .N, bt the %!me
&!% "enie"+ Ben(e, thi% !ppe!l+
!SS"#S
/10 2ON pl!intiff-!ppellee i% ! heir of the "e(e"ent+
/-0 2ON there &!% e%toppel
/C02ON the "!m!#e% &ere properl* !"5"i(!te"
/402ON (ort erre" in not "e(i"in# on the (onter(l!im
$#LD
/10>!tio
No+ P!rtition of propert* !ffe(te" bet&een ! per%on entitle" to inherit from the "e(e!%e" o&ner thereof !n" !nother
per%on &ho tho#ht he &!% !n heir, &hen he &!% not re!ll* !n" l!&fll* %(h, to the pre5"i(e of the ri#ht% of the tre
heir "e%i#n!te" b* l!& to %((ee" the "e(e!%e", i% nll !n" 1oi"+ /<e ,orre% 1%+ <e ,orre%, et !l+, -= Phil+ 490+
>e!%onin#
Pl!intiff-!ppellee bein# ! mere #r!n"nie(e of Pel!#i! "e l! Cr?, %he (ol" not inherit from the l!tter b* ri#ht of
repre%ent!tion+
19
.(h le%% (ol" pl!intiff-!ppellee inherit in her o&n ri#ht+
-0
In the pre%ent (!%e, the rel!ti1e% Dne!re%t in "e#reeD to Pel!#i! "e l! Cr? !re her nephe&% !n" nie(e%, one of &hom i%
"efen"!nt-!ppell!nt+ Ne(e%%!ril*, pl!intiff-!ppellee, ! #r!n"nie(e i% e'(l"e" b* l!& from the inherit!n(e+ ,he e'pre%%
prpo%e of the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement &!% to "i1i"e the e%t!te !mon# the heir% of Pel!#i! "e l! Cr?+ ,he %!i"
!#reement it%elf %t!te% th!t pl!intiff-!ppellee &!% p!rti(ip!tin# therein in representation of her "e(e!%e" mother+
In e'e(tin# the p!rtition !#reement, the p!rtie% n"er the erroneo% belief th!t pl!intiff-!ppellee &!% one of the le#!l
heir% of Pel!#i! "e l! Cr?+ Pl!intiff-!ppellee not bein# %(h ! heir, the p!rtition i% 1oi" &ith re%pe(t to her, pr%!nt to
Art 1107 CC+
/-0>!tio
No e%toppel !ri%e% &here the repre%ent!tion or (on"(t the p!rt* %o#ht to be e%toppe" i% "e to i#nor!n(e fon"e"
19
A>,+ 97-+ ,he ri#ht of repre%ent!tion t!6e% pl!(e in the "ire(t "e%(en"in# line, bt ne1er in the !%(en"in#+
In the (oll!ter!l line, it t!6e% pl!(e onl* in f!1or of the (hil"ren of brother% or %i%ter%, &hether the* be of the fll or h!lf bloo"+
20
A>,+ 96-+ In e1er* inherit!n(e, the rel!ti1e ne!re%t in "e#ree e'(l"e% the more "i%t!nt one%, %!1in# the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion &hen it properl* t!6e%
pl!(e+ +++ +
SUCCESSION A2010 page 48
pon ! mi%t!6e+ An" &hi(h there i% !thorit* to the (ontr!r*, the &ei#ht of !thorit* i% th!t the !(t% !n" "e(l!r!tion% of !
p!rt* b!%e" pon !n inno(ent mi%t!6e !% to hi% le#!l ri#ht% &ill not e%top him to !%%ert the %!me, e%pe(i!ll* &here e1er*
f!(t 6no&n to the p!rt* %o#ht to be e%toppe" i% e4!ll* &ell 6no&n to the p!rt* %ettin# p the e%toppel+ /-1 C+)+, 11-7,
11-6+0
>e!%onin#
,he e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !#reement bein# 1oi" &ith re%pe(t to pl!intiff-!ppellee, %he m!* not be he!r" to !%%ert
e%toppel !#!in%t "efen"!nt-!ppell!nt+ E%toppel (!nnot be pre"i(!te" on ! 1oi" (ontr!(t, or on !(t% &hi(h !re prohibite"
b* l!& or !re !#!in%t pbli( poli(*+
/C0>e!%onin#
,he !&!r" of !(t!l "!m!#e% in f!1or of pl!intiff-!ppellee (!nnot be %%t!ine" in 1ie& of the (on(l%ion !bo1e+
Frthermore, !(t!l or (ompen%!tor* "!m!#e% m%t be "l* pro1e" /Arti(le -199, Ci1il Co"e0+ Bere, no proof of %(h
"!m!#e% &!% pre%ente" in!%m(h !% the (!%e &!% "e(i"e" on ! %tipl!tion of f!(t% !n" no e1i"en(e &!% !""(e"
before the tri!l (ort+
/403e%+ ,he pl!intiff-!ppellee h!" been "e(l!re" in "ef!lt on "efen"!nt-!ppell!nt$% (onter(l!im; bt the l!tter "i" not
pre%ent !n* e1i"en(e to pro1e the m!teri!l !lle#!tion therein+ Ne1erthele%%, in the %tipl!tion %bmitte" b* the p!rtie%
th!t %!i" pl!intiff-!ppellee !"mitte" h!1in# re(ei1e" ! portion of the e%t!te b* 1irte of the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition
!#reement+
<efen"!nt-!ppell!nt i% (orre(t in hi% (ontention th!t the lo&er (ort erre" in not p!%%in# on hi% (onter(l!im !n",
(on%e4entl*, in not %enten(in# !ppellee to trn o1er to him hi% (orre%pon"in# %h!re of %!i" portion re(ei1e" b*
!ppellee n"er the 1oi" p!rtition+ >emote rel!ti1e% or nrel!te" per%on &ho n"l* re(ei1e" !n" too6 po%%e%%ion of the
propert* of ! "e(e!%e" per%on &ithot !n* ri#ht, b* 1irte of ! nll !n" 1oi" p!rtition, m%t re%tore it to the le#itim!te
%((e%%or in the inherit!n(e+ If %(h %h!re h!% !lre!"* been "i%po%e" of b* !ppellee to ! bona "ide pr(h!%er, !%
%eem% to be in"i(!te" in the npro1en !lle#!tion% of the (onter(l!im+ 2e (!nnot ren"er 5"#ment !&!r"in# !n*
%pe(ifi( !mont to "efen"!nt-!ppell!nt !% hi% proportion!te %h!re of the pro(ee"% of %(h %!le for the re!%on th!t, !%
!lre!"* %t!te" !bo1e, thi% !%pe(t of the (onter(l!im h!% not been to(he" pon in the %tipl!tion of f!(t% nor h!% it
been %pporte" b* e1i"en(e &hi(h !ppell!nt %hol" h!1e pre%ente" in the lo&er (ort bt "i" not+
D!A. v !AC
1=C SC>A 4-7
PA>AS; Febr!r* -1, 1990
NAT",#
Se(on" .otion for >e(on%i"er!tion
FACTS
It i% n"i%pte" 10 th!t Feli%! P!mti )!r"in i% ! nie(e of Simon! P!mti V"!+ "e S!ntero &ho to#ether &ith Feli%!$%
mother )li!n! &ere the onl* le#itim!te (hil"ren of the %po%e% Felipe P!mti !n" Petronil! A%n(ion; -0 th!t )li!n!
m!rrie" Simon )!r"in !n" ot of their nion &ere born Feli%! P!mti !n" !nother (hil" &ho "ie" "rin# inf!n(*; C0 th!t
Simon! P!mti V"!+ "e S!ntero i% the &i"o& of P!%(!l S!ntero !n" the mother of P!blo S!ntero; 40 th!t P!blo
S!ntero &!% the onl* le#itim!te %on of hi% p!rent% P!%(!l S!ntero !n" Simon! P!mti V"!+ "e S!ntero; 70 th!t
P!%(!l S!ntero "ie" in 1970; P!blo S!ntero in 197C !n" Simon! S!ntero in 1976; 60 th!t P!blo S!ntero, !t the time of
hi% "e!th &!% %r1i1e" b* hi% mother Simon! S!ntero !n" hi% %i' minor n!tr!l (hil"ren to &itF for minor (hil"ren &ith
An%elm! <i!? !n" t&o minor (hil"ren &ith Feli'bert! P!(r%!+

!SS"#
2ho !re the le#!l heir% of Simon! P!mti V"!+ "e S!ntero J her nie(e Feli%! P!mti-)!r"in or her #r!n"(hil"ren /the
n!tr!l (hil"ren of P!blo S!ntero0J Col" petitioner% !% ille#itim!te (hil"ren of P!blo S!ntero inherit from Simon!
P!mti V"!+ "e S!ntero, b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion of their f!ther P!blo S!ntero &ho i% ! le#itim!te (hil" of Simon!
P!mti V"!+ "e S!nteroJ
$#LD
Feli%! P!mti-)!r"in i% the le#!l heir of Simon!+
Ratio ,he ri#ht of repre%ent!tion i% not !1!il!ble to ille#itim!te "e%(en"!nt% of legitimate (hil"ren in the inherit!n(e of !
le#itim!te #r!n"p!rent+ ,he "eterminin# f!(tor i% the le#itim!(* or ille#itim!(* of the per%on to be repre%ente"+ If the
per%on to be repre%ente" i% !n ille#itim!te (hil", then hi% "e%(en"!nt%, &hether le#itim!te or ille#itim!te, m!* repre%ent
him; ho&e1er, if the per%on to be repre%ente" i% le#itim!te, hi% ille#itim!te "e%(en"!nt% (!nnot repre%ent him be(!%e
the l!& pro1i"e% th!t onl* hi% le#itim!te "e%(en"!nt% m!* e'er(i%e the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion b* re!%on of the b!rrier
impo%e" Arti(le 99-+
Reasoning:
!+ D,he rle% l!i" "o&n in Arti(le 9=- th!t $#r!n"(hil"ren !n" other "e%(en"!nt% %h!ll inherit b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion
!n" in Arti(le 90- th!t the ri#ht% of ille#itim!te (hil"ren +++ !re tr!n%mitte" pon their "e!th to their "e%(en"!nt%,
&hether le#itim!te or ille#itim!te !re sub$ect to the limitation pre%(ribe" b* Arti(le 99- to the en" th!t !n ille#itim!te
(hil" h!% no ri#ht to inherit ab intestato from the le#itim!te (hil"ren !n" rel!ti1e% of hi% f!ther or mother+D$ /Ami(%
Cri!e$% Opinion b* former )%ti(e .ini%ter >i(!r"o C+ Pno, p+ 1-0 It m!* not be !mi%% to %t!te th!t Arti(le 9=- i%
the #ener!l rle !n" Arti(le 99- the e'(eption+
b+ ,he l!& re(o#ni?e% th!t bet&een the le#itim!te f!mil* !n" the ille#itim!te f!mil* there i% pre%me" to be
!nt!#oni%m !n" in(omp!tibilit*+
(+ It i% (le!r from Arti(le 99- of the Ne& Ci1il Co"e th!t the phr!%e Nle#itim!te rel!ti1e% of hi% f!ther or motherO in(l"e%
Simon! P!mti !% the &or" Nrel!ti1eO i% bro!" eno#h to (omprehen" !ll the 6in"re" of the per%on %po6en of+
G"T!#,,#., ;,&! &.! "i%%entin#F
I !#ree th!t ! (le!r !n" pre(i%e !men"ment i% nee"e" if (oll!ter!l rel!ti1e% %(h !% ille#itim!te (hil"ren !n" le#itim!te
n(le%, !nt%, or (o%in% or ille#itim!te %iblin#% !n" their le#itim!te h!lf-brother% or h!lf-%i%ter% !re to inherit from one
!nother+ 8t I m%t %tre%% th!t the b!rrier i% bet&een the le#itim!te !n" ille#itim!te "amilies+ I %ee no re!%on &h* &e
%hol" in(l"e ! #r!n"mother or #r!n"f!ther !mon# tho%e &here ! firm &!ll of %ep!r!tion %hol" be m!int!ine"+ She
(!nnot be ! %ep!r!te Df!mil*D from her o&n #r!n"(hil"ren+
,he !"option of ! h!r%h !n" !b%r" interpret!tion, pen"in# !n !men"ment of the l!&, "oe% not impre%% me !%
(orre(t+ Pre(i%el*, the &or" Drel!ti1e%D in Art+ 99- (!ll% for reinterpret!tion be(!%e the Co"e h!% been !men"e"+ ,he
me!nin# of rel!ti1e% m%t follo& the (h!n#e% in 1!rio% pro1i%ion% pon &hi(h the &or"$% effe(ti1it* i% "epen"ent+
,he l!& %hol" be interprete" to !((or" &ith &h!t !ppe!r% ri#ht !n" 5%t+ :nle%% the oppo%ite i% pro1e", I &ill !l&!*%
pre%me th!t ! #r!n"mother lo1e% her #r!n"(hil"renLle#itim!te or ille#itim!te+ more th!n the %e(on" (o%in% of %!i"
#r!n"(hil"ren or the p!rent% of %!i" (o%in%+ ,he #r!n"mother m!* be !n#r* !t the in"i%(retion% of her %on bt &h*
%hol" the l!& in(l"e the inno(ent #r!n"(hil"ren !% ob5e(t% of th!t !n#er+ D>el!ti1e%D (!n onl* refer to (oll!ter!l
rel!ti1e%, to member% of ! %ep!r!te #rop of 6in% bt not to one$% o&n #r!n"p!rent%+
AB#LLANA D# BACA4- v D# B-,,-3#-
14 SC>A 9=6
>E3ES; A#%t C1, 1967
FACTS
.elo"i! Ferr!ri% &!% ! re%i"ent of Ceb Cit* ntil 19C7 &hen %he tr!n%ferre" to Intr!mro%, .!nil!+ She &!% 6no&n to
h!1e re%i"e" there (ontino%l* ntil 1944+ ,here!fter, p to the filin# on <e(ember --, 1960 of the petition for the
%mm!r* %ettlement of her e%t!te, %he h!% not been he!r" of !n" her &here!bot% !re %till n6no&n+ .ore th!n 10
*e!r% h!1in# el!p%e" %in(e the l!%t time %he &!% 6no&n to be !li1e, %he &!% "e(l!re" pre%mpti1el* "e!" for prpo%e%
of openin# her %((e%%ion !n" "i%tribtin# her e%t!te !mon# her heir%+
Ferr!ri% left propertie% in Ceb Cit*, (on%i%tin# of one thir" /1GC0 %h!re in the e%t!te of her !nt, >o%! Ferr!ri%, 1!le" !t
P6,000+ ,he "e(e!%e" Ferr!ri% left no %r1i1in# "ire(t "e%(en"!nt, !%(en"!nt, or %po%e, bt &!% %r1i1e" onl* b*
(oll!ter!l rel!ti1e%F Abell!n! "e 8!(!*o, !n !nt, !n" h!lf- %i%ter of "e(e"ent$% f!ther, An(leto; !n" her nie(e% !n"
nephe&, &ho &ere the (hil"ren of .elo"i!$% onl* brother of fll bloo", Artro, &ho pre-"e(e!%e" her+ ,he%e t&o (l!%%e%
of heir% (l!im to be the ne!re%t inte%t!te heir% !n" %ee6 to p!rti(ip!te in the e%t!te of Ferr!ri%+
!SS"#
2ON nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e(e"ent e'(l"e !ll other (oll!ter!l% from the %((e%%ion
$#LD
3ES+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 49
A% !n !nt of the "e(e!%e", "e 8!(!*o i% !% f!r "i%t!nt !% the nephe&% from the "e(e"ent /three "e#ree%0 %in(e in the
(oll!ter!l line to &hi(h both 6in"% of rel!ti1e% belon# "e#ree% !re (onte" b* fir%t !%(en"in# to the (ommon !n(e%tor
!n" then "e%(en"in# to the heir /Ci1il Co"e, Art+ 9660+ Appell!nt i% ri#ht in her (ontention th!t nephe&% !n" nie(e%
!lone "o not inherit b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion /i+e+, per %tirpe%0 nle%% (on(rrin# &ith brother% or %i%ter% of the
"e(e!%e", !% pro1i"e" e'pre%%l* b* Arti(le 977+
Ne1erthele%%, the tri!l (ort &!% (orre(t &hen it hel" th!t, in (!%e of inte%t!(*, nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e (5%
e'(l"e !ll other (oll!ter!l% /!nt% !n" n(le%, fir%t (o%in%, et(+0 from the %((e%%ion+ ,hi% i% re!"il* !pp!rent from
!rti(le% 1001, 1004, 1007, !n" 1009 of the Ci1il Co"e of the Philippine%, th!t pro1i"e" !% follo&%F
A>,+ 1001+ Shol" brother% !n" %i%ter% or their (hil"ren %r1i1e &ith the &i"o& or &i"o&er, the l!tter% %h!ll be entitle"
to one-h!lf of the inherit!n(e !n" the brother% !n" %i%ter% or their (hil"ren to the other h!lf+
A>,+ 1004+ Shol" the onl* %r1i1or% be, brother% !n" %i%ter% of the fll bloo", the* %h!ll inherit in e4!l %h!re%+
A>,+ 1007+ Shol" brother% !n" %i%ter% %r1i1e to#ether &ith nephe&% !n" nie(e% &ho !re the (hil"ren of the
"e(e"ent$% brother% !n" %i%ter% of the fll bloo", the former %h!ll inherit per (!pit!, !n" the l!tter per %tirpe%+
A>,+ 1009+ Shol" there be neither brother% nor %i%ter%, nor (hil"ren of brother% or %i%ter%, the other (oll!ter!l rel!ti1e%
%h!ll %((ee" to the e%t!te+ ,he l!tter %h!ll %((ee" &ithot "i%tin(tion of line% or preferen(e !mon# b* re!%on of
rel!tion%hip b* the &hole bloo"+
:n"er the Art+ 1009, the !b%en(e of brother%, %i%ter%, nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e(e"ent i% ! pre(on"ition to the other
(oll!ter!l% /n(le%, (o%in%, et(+0 bein# (!lle" to the %((e%%ion+ ,hi% &!% !l%o !n" more (le!rl* the (!%e n"er the
Sp!ni%h Ci1il Co"e of 1==9, th!t imme"i!tel* pre(e"e" the Ci1il Co"e+ ,h%, Arti(le% 97- !n" 974 of the Co"e of 1==9
pre%(ribe" !% follo&%F
DA>,+ 97-+ In the !b%en(e of brother% or %i%ter% !n" of nephe&% or nie(e%, (hil"ren of the former, &hether of the &hole
bloo" or not, the %r1i1in# %po%e, if not %ep!r!te" b* ! fin!l "e(ree of "i1or(e %h!ll %((ee" to the entire e%t!te of the
"e(e!%e"+D
DA>,+ 974+ Shol" there be neither brother% nor %i%ter%, nor (hil"ren of brother% or %i%ter%, nor ! %r1i1in# %po%e, the
other (oll!ter!l rel!ti1e% %h!ll %((ee" to the e%t!te of "e(e!%e"+
,he l!tter %h!ll %((ee" &ithot "i%tin(tion of line% or preferen(e !mon# them b* re!%on of the &hole bloo"+D
It &ill be %een th!t n"er the pre(e"in# !rti(le%, brother% !n" %i%ter% !n" nephe&% !n" nie(e% inherite" !b inte%t!to
!he!" of the %r1i1in# %po%e, &hile other (oll!ter!l% %((ee"e" onl* !fter the &i"o&er or &i"o&+ ,he pre%ent Ci1il
Co"e of the Philippine% merel* pl!(e" the %po%e on ! p!r &ith the nephe&% !n" nie(e% !n" brother% !n" %i%ter% of the
"e(e!%e", bt &ithot !lterin# the preferre" po%ition of the l!tter 1i% ! 1i% the other (oll!ter!l%+
,olentino$% (omment!rie% to Art+ 1009F
DOther Coll!ter!l%+L ,he l!%t of the rel!ti1e% of the "e(e"ent to %((ee" in inte%t!te %((e%%ion !re the (oll!ter!l% other
th!n brother% or %i%ter% or (hil"ren of brother% or %i%ter%+ ,he* !re, ho&e1er, limite" to rel!ti1e% &ithin the fifth "e#ree+
8e*on" thi%, &e (!n %!fel* %!*, there i% h!r"l* !n* !ffe(tion to merit the %((e%%ion of (oll!ter!l%+ :n"er the l!&,
therefore, per%on% be*on" the fifth "e#ree !re no lon#er (on%i"ere" !% rel!ti1e%, for %((e%%ion!l prpo%e%+O
DArti(le 1009 "oe% not %t!te !n* or"er of preferen(e+ Bo&e1er, thi% !rti(le %hol" be n"er%too" in (onne(tion &ith the
#ener!l rle th!t the ne!re%t rel!ti1e% e'(l"e the f!rther+ Coll!ter!l% of the %!me "e#ree inherit in e4!l p!rt%, there
bein# no ri#ht of repre%ent!tion+ ,he* %((ee" &ithot "i%tin(tion of line% or preferen(e !mon# them on !((ont of the
&hole bloo" rel!tion%hip+D
,herefore, n"er or l!&% of %((e%%ion, ! "e(e"ent$% n(le% !n" !nt% m!* not %((ee" !b inte%t!to %o lon# !%
nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e(e"ent %r1i1e !n" !re &illin# !n" 4!lifie" to %((ee"+
C-,5"S v C-,5"S
=7 SC>A 767
A9:INO; O(tober -C, 197=
NAT",#
Appe!l from ! 5"#ment of the CFI
FACTS
-,eo"oro >+ 3!n#(o, the %on of Ai% >!f!el 3!n#(o !n" )amona Arguelles ;the widow o" Tomas Corpus< "ie" in .!nil!
on April -0, 19C9
-3!n#(o h!" no for(e" heir%+ At the time of hi% "e!th, hi% ne!re%t rel!ti1e% &ere /10 hi% h!lf brother, Ai% >+ 3!n#(o, /-0
hi% h!lf %i%ter, P!? 3!n#(o /C0 Am!li! Corp%, )o%e A+ V+ Corp%, !n" >!mon A+ Corp%, the (hil"ren of hi% h!lf brother,
P!blo Corp%, !n" /40 8uana ;8uanita< Corpus' the daughter o" his hal" brother 8ose Corpus+ )!nit! "ie" in O(tober,
1944 !t P!l!i#, K!mb!le%+
-Bi% &ill "!te" A#%t -9, 19C4 &!% prob!te" in the CFI of .!nil!, !n" the "e(ree of prob!te &!% !ffirme" b* the SC
-Pr%!nt to the or"er of the prob!te (ort, ! pro5e(t of p!rtition &!% %bmitte" b* the !"mini%tr!tor !n" the le#!tee%
n!me" in the &ill
-S!i" pro5e(t of p!rtition &!% !ppro1e" b* the prob!te (ort
-Pe"ro .!rtine?, )li!n! "e C!%tro , )!nit! Corp% /"e(e!%e"0 !n" the e%t!te of Ai% >+ 3!n#(o !ppe!le" to the SC,
bt the%e &ere "i%mi%%e" !fter the le#!tee% !n" the !ppell!nt% entere" into (ompromi%e !#reement%
-Berein !ppell!nt ,om!% Corp% %i#ne" th!t (ompromi%e %ettlement !% the %ole heir of )!nit! Corp%+
-On September -0, 1949, the le#!tee% e'e(te" !n !#reement for the %ettlement !n" ph*%i(!l p!rtition of the 3!n#(o
e%t!te+ ,he prob!te (ort !ppro1e" th!t !#reement !n" note" th!t the 1947 pro5e(t of p!rtition &!% pro t!nto mo"ifie"+
-On O(tober 7, 1971, ,om!% Corp%, !% the %ole heir of )!nit! (orp%, file" !n !(tion in the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of
.!nil! to re(o1er her %ppo%e" %h!re in 3!n#(o inte%t!te e%t!te+ Be !lle#e" in hi% (ompl!int th!t the "i%po%ition% in hi%
3!n#(oH% &ill impo%in# perpet!l prohibition% pon !lien!tion ren"ere" it 1oi" n"er !rti(le 7=7 of the ol" Ci1il Co"e !n"
th!t the 1949 p!rtition i% in1!li" !n", therefore, the "e(e"ent$% e%t!te %hol" be "i%tribte" !((or"in# to the rle% on
inte%t!(*+
-,he tri!l (ort "i%mi%%e" the !(tion on the #ron"% of re% 5"i(!t! !n" l!(he%+
-,om!% Corp% !ppe!le" to the Cort of Appe!l% &hi(h (ertifie" the !ppe!l to thi% Cort be(!%e it in1ol1e% re!l
propert* 1!le" !t more th!n fift* tho%!n" pe%o%
!SS"#
2ON )!nit! Corp%, the mother of !ppell!nt ,om!% Corp%, &!% ! le#!l heir of 3!n#(o, th% #i1in# ,om!% Corp% !
(!%e of !(tion to re(o1er hi% mother$% %ppo%e" inte%t!te %h!re in 3!n#(o$% e%t!te
$#LD
-,he tri!l (ort fon" th!t ,eo"oro >+ 3!n#(o &!% !n !(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l (hil" !n" not ! le#itim!te (hil" thro#h the
%t!tement in the &ill of hi% f!ther, Ai% >!f!el 3!n#(o, "!te" )ne 14, 1907, th!t ,eo"oro !n" hi% three other (hil"ren
&ere hi% acknowledged natural children.
-On the other h!n", the (hil"ren of >!mon! Ar#elle% !n" ,om!% Corp% !re pre%me" to be le#itim!te+
-Sin(e ,eo"oro >+ 3!n#(o &!% !n !(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l (hil" or &!% ille#itim!te !n" %in(e )!nit! Corp% &!% the
le#itim!te (hil" of )o%e Corp%, him%elf ! le#itim!te (hil", &e hol" th!t !ppell!nt ,om!% Corp% h!% no (!%e of !(tion
for the re(o1er* of the %ppo%e" here"it!r* %h!re of hi% mother, )!nit! Corp%, !% ! le#!l heir, in 3!n#(o$% e%t!te+
- )!nit! Corp% &!% not ! le#!l heir of 3!n#(o be(!%e there i% no re(ipro(!l %((e%%ion bet&een le#itim!te !n"
ille#itim!te rel!ti1e%+
-Arti(le 94C of the ol" Ci1il (o"e Dprohibit% !ll %((e%%or* re(ipro(it* morti% (!%! bet&een le#itim!te !n" ille#itim!te
rel!ti1e%D
-,he rle in !rti(le 94C i% no& fon" in !rti(le 99- of the Ci1il Co"e &hi(h pro1i"e% th!t D!n ille#itim!te (hil" h!% no ri#ht
to inherit ab intestato from the le#itim!te (hil"ren !n" rel!ti1e% of hi% f!ther or mother; nor %h!ll %(h (hil"ren or
rel!ti1e% inherit in the %!me m!nner from the ille#itim!te (hil"D+
-,h!t rle i% b!%e" on the theor* th!t the ille#itim!te (hil" i% "i%#r!(efll* loo6e" pon b* the le#itim!te f!mil* &hile the
le#itim!te f!mil* i%, in trn, h!te" b* the ille#itim!te (hil"+
-,he l!& "oe% not re(o#ni?e the bloo" tie !n" %ee6% to !1o" frther #ron"% of re%entment
-:n"er !rti(le% 944 !n" 947 of the Sp!ni%h Ci1il Co"e, Dif !n !(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l or le#itim!te" (hil" %hol" "ie
&ithot i%%e, either le#itim!te or !(6no&le"#e", the f!ther or mother &ho !(6no&le"#e" %(h (hil" %h!ll %((ee" to it%
entire e%t!te; !n" if both !(6no&le"#e" it !n" !re !li1e, the* %h!ll inherit from it %h!re !n" %h!re !li6e+ In "ef!lt of
n!tr!l !%(en"!nt%, n!tr!l !n" le#itim!te" (hil"ren %h!ll be %((ee"e" b* their natural brother% !n" %i%ter% in
!((or"!n(e &ith the rle% e%t!bli%he" for le#itim!te brother% !n" %i%ter%+D
-Ben(e, ,eo"oro >+ 3!n#(o$% h!lf brother% on the Corp% %i"e, &ho &ere le#itim!te, h!" no ri#ht to %((ee" to hi%
e%t!te n"er the rle% of inte%t!(*+
SA4S-N v CA DSA4S-NE
-07 SC>A C-1
SUCCESSION A2010 page 50
C>:K; )!n!r* -C, 199-
NAT",#
Petition for re1ie& b* (ertior!ri+ At i%%e in thi% (!%e i% the %t!t% of the pri1!te re%pon"ent% !n" their (!p!(it* to inherit
from their !lle#e" p!rent% !n" #r!n"p!rent%+ ,he petitioner% "en* them th!t ri#ht, !%%ertin# if for them%el1e% to the
e'(l%ion of !ll other%+
FACTS
- Eleno !n" >!f!el! S!*%on h!" 7 (hil"renF .!ri(io, >o%!rio, 8!%ili%o, >eme"io% !n" ,eo"oro
- ,eo"oro m!rrie" I%!bel 8!ti%t!
- ,eo"oro !n" I%!bel! h!" C (hil"renF <eli!, E"mn"o !n" <oribel
- Eleno !n" >!f!el! S!*%on "ie", !n" %o "i" ,eo"oro !n" I%!bel!+
- <eli!, E"mn"o !n" <oribel file" ! (ompl!int for the !((ontin# !n" p!rtition of the e%t!te of Eleno !n" >!f!el!
S!*%on, !#!in%t the (opleH% 4 %r1i1in# (hil"ren+ ,he* !%%erte" th!t <eli! !n" E"mn"o &ere the !"opte" (hil"ren !n"
<oribel &!% the le#itim!te "!#hter of ,eo"oro !n" I%!bel !n" th!t, !% %(h, the* &ere entitle" to inherit ,eo"orH% %h!re
in hi% p!rent%H e%t!te b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion
- the lo&er (ort rle" in f!1or of <eli!, E"mn"o !n" <oribel, %!*in# the* &ere entitle" to inherit from Eleno !n"
>!f!el! b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion

!SS"#
2ON <eli!, E"mn"o !n" <oribel h!1e the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion, #i1in# them the ri#ht to repre%ent their "e(e!%e"
f!ther ,eo"oro in the "i%tribtion of the inte%t!te e%t!te of their #r!n"p!rent%
$#LD
1+ 3ES !n" NOF <oribel i% entitle" to her f!therH% %h!re of her #r!n"p!rent%H e%t!te thro#h her ri#ht of repre%ent!tion,
bt <eli! !n" E"mn"o !re not %o entitle"+
Ratio A"opte" (hil"ren "o not h!1e the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion
Reasoning A% the le#itim!te "!#hter of ,eo"oro !n" th% the #r!n""!#hter of Eleno !n" >!f!el!, <oribel h!% ! ri#ht
to repre%ent her "e(e!%e" f!ther in the "i%tribtion of the inte%t!te e%t!te of her #r!n"p!rent%+ :n"er Arti(le 9=1,
Art+ 9=1+ Shol" (hil"ren of the "e(e!%e" !n" "e%(en"!nt% of other (hil"ren &ho !re "e!", %r1i1e, the former
%h!ll inherit in their o&n ri#ht, !n" the l!tter b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion+
%he i% entitle" to the %h!re her f!ther &ol" h!1e "ire(tl* inherite" h!" he %r1i1e", &hi(h %h!ll be e4!l to the %h!re% of
her #r!n"p!rent%$ other (hil"ren+
8t ! "ifferent (on(l%ion m%t be re!(he" in the (!%e of <eli! !n" E"mn"o, to &hom the #r!n"p!rent% &ere tot!l
%tr!n#er%+ 2hile it i% tre th!t the !"opte" (hil" %h!ll be "eeme" to be ! le#itim!te (hil" !n" h!1e the %!me ri#ht !% the
l!tter, the%e ri#ht% "o not in(l"e the ri#ht of repre%ent!tion+ ,he rel!tion%hip (re!te" b* the !"option i% bet&een onl*
the !"optin# p!rent% !n" the !"opte" (hil" !n" "oe% not e'ten" to the bloo" rel!ti1e% of either p!rt*+
::!& -,D#, -F !NT#STAT#
L #-NA,D- v CA
@+>+ No+ A-71-6C
<E CAS,>O; Febr!r* -=, 19=C
FACTS
-Fr!n(i%(! >e*e% "ie" inte%t!te+ She &!% %r1i1e" b* - "!#hter%, .!ri! !n" Sil1e%tr!, !n" ! #r!n"%on, Sotero
Leonardo DSoteroE, the %on of her "!#hter, P!%(!l!, &ho pre"e(e!%e" her+ Sotero !n" Sil1e%tr! both "ie"+
-Cresen%iano Leonardo DCresen%ianoE, (l!imin# to be the %on of the l!te Sotero Aeon!r"o, file" ! (ompl!int for
o&ner%hip of propertie% %ee6in# 5"#ment, !mon# other%, to be "e(l!re" one of the l!&fl heir% of the "e(e!%e"
Fr!n(i%(! >e*e%, entitle" to one-h!lf %h!re in the e%t!te of %!i" "e(e!%e" 5ointl* &ith the other rem!inin# heir .!ri!
-.!ri! !%%erte" e'(l%i1e o&ner%hip %!*in# th!t Cre%en(i!no i% !n illegitimate %hild &ho CANH, %((ee" b* ri#ht of
repre%ent!tion+ ,C rle" in hi% f!1or+ CA re1er%e"+ Ben(e, thi% petition+
!SS"#
2ON Cre%en(i!no i% !n heir in the inherit!n(e in 4e%tion
$#LD
N-& Other th!n hi% b!re !lle#!tion, Cre%en(i!no "i" not %bmit !n* "r!ble e1i"en(e %ho&in# th!t the $Alfre"o
Aeon!r"o$ mentione" in the birth (ertifi(!te i% no other th!n he him%elf+ SC %!fel* (on(l"e" th!t Cre%en(i!no f!ile" to
pro1e hi% fili!tion &hi(h i% ! fn"!ment!l re4i%ite in thi% !(tion &here he i% (l!imin# to be !n heir in the inherit!n(e in
4e%tion+ EVEN IF itH% tre th!t Cre%en(i!no i% the (hil" of Sotero, still he %annot, b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion, (l!im !
%h!re of the e%t!te left b* the "e(e!%e" Fr!n(i%(! >e*e% (on%i"erin# th!t, !% fon" !#!in b* the CA, he &!% born
ot%i"e &e"lo(6 !n" &h!t i% more, hi% !lle#e" f!ther$% fir%t m!rri!#e &!% %till %b%i%tin#+ At mo%t, Cre%en(i!no &ol" be
!n illegitimate %hild who has no right to inherit ab intestato from the legitimate %hildren and relatives of his
father, li6e the "e(e!%e" Fr!n(i%(! >e*e%+ /Arti%le 88', Ci1il Co"e0
5ASC"AL v 5ASC"ALIBA"T!STA
-07 SC>A 761
PA>AS; .!r(h -7, 199-
FACTS
Petitioner% !re !(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l (hil"ren of brother of the "e(e"ent /&ho "ie" inte%t!te0+ ,he* &!nt to repre%ent
their f!ther in hi% %((e%%ion to the inte%t!te e%t!te of the "e(e"ent+ Petitioner% %!* th!t !% !(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l
(hil"ren of the brother of the "e(e"ent, the* !re not e'(l"e" from inheritin#, !% onl* %prio% (hil"ren !re Nille#itim!te
(hil"renO in (ontempl!tion of the l!&+
!SS"#
2ON the Nille#itim!te (hil"renO in(l"e% onl* %prio% (hil"ren, !n" e'(l"e% !(6nH" n!tr!l (hil"ren
$#LD
NO+
- Arti(le 99- of the Ci1il Co"e, pro1i"e%F
An illegitimate child has no right to inherit ab intestato "rom the legitimate children and relati%es o" his "ather or mother>
nor shall such children or relati%es inherit in the same manner "rom the illegitimate child.
- ,he rle% l!i" "o&n in Arti(le 9=- th!t [grandchildren and other descendants shall inherit by right o" representation$
!n" in Arti(le 90- th!t the rights o" illegitimate children . . . are transmitted upon their death to their descendants'
whether legitimate or illegitimate !re sb?e%t to the limitation +res%ribed by Arti%le 88' to the en" th!t !n ille#itim!te
(hil" h!% no ri#ht to inherit !b inte%t!to from the le#itim!te (hil"ren !n" rel!ti1e% of hi% f!ther or mother+
- In <i!? 1+ IACF
DArti(le 99- of the Ci1il Co"e pro1i"e% ! b!rrier or iron (rt!in in th!t it prohibit% !b%oltel* ! %((e%%ion ab intestato
bet&een the ille#itim!te (hil" !n" the le#itim!te (hil"ren !n" rel!ti1e% of the f!ther or mother of %!i" le#itim!te (hil"+
,he* m!* h!1e ! n!tr!l tie of bloo", bt thi% i% not re(o#ni?e" b* l!& for the prpo%e% of Arti(le 99-+ 8et&een the
le#itim!te f!mil* !n" ille#itim!te f!mil* there i% pre%me" to be !n inter1enin# !nt!#oni%m !n" in(omp!tibilit*+ ,he
ille#itim!te (hil" i% "i%#r!(efll* loo6e" "o&n pon b* the le#itim!te f!mil*; the f!mil* i% in trn h!te" b* the ille#itim!te
(hil"; the l!tter (on%i"er% the pri1ile#e" (on"ition of the former, !n" the re%or(e% of &hi(h it i% thereb* "epri1e"; the
former, in trn, %ee% in the ille#itim!te (hil" nothin# bt the pro"(t of %in, p!lp!ble e1i"en(e of ! blemi%h bro6en in life
the l!& "oe% no more th!n re(o#ni?e thi% trth, b* !1oi"in# frther #ron"% of re%entment+D
- Cle!rl* the term BillegitimateB refers to both natral and s+rios+
- :n"er Arti(le 176 of the F!mil* Co"e, !ll ille#itim!te (hil"ren !re #ener!ll* pl!(e" n"er one (!te#or*, &hi(h
n"obte"l* %ettle% the i%%e !% to &hether or not !(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l (hil"ren %hol" be tre!te" "ifferentl*, in the
ne#!ti1e+
- It m!* be %!i" th!t the l!& m!* be h!r%h bt th!t i% the l!&
#,A.- v $ANS#N
EN>I9:EK; ):NE -4, 196C
NAT",#
SUCCESSION A2010 page 51
Appe!l from ! 5"#ment of the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of .!nil!
FACTS
)li! @!l!n# "ie" inte%t!te on September 1, 1960, le!1in# ! re%i"enti!l lot !n" ho%e (o1ere" b* ,C, No+ 6=-C+ ,he lot
&!% !(4ire" in 19-6 "rin# the m!rri!#e of )li! @!l!n# to Font!nill! /19-0-19440 &ho (on%tr(te" ! ho%e thereon in
19-=+ On .!* C1, 1947, pl!intiff Er!?o m!rrie" @!l!n#, &hile (o-pl!intiff% >om!n! @!l!n# !n" )o%e @!l!n# !re the
%i%ter !n" brother, re%pe(ti1el*, of )li!, !n" Feli(i"!" C!%!5e !n" )li!n! C!%!5e !re the (hil"ren of ! "e(e!%e" %i%ter,
)!n! @!l!n#+
After the "e!th of )li! @!l!n#, "efen"!nt An! )li! B!n%en, (l!imin# to be the onl* (hil" !n" le#!l heir of the
"e(e!%e", !"5"i(!te" to her%elf the ho%e !n" lot !forementione" pr%!nt to Se( 1, >le 74 of the >le% of Cort+ In
1irte thereof, the >e#i%ter of <ee"% of .!nil! (!n(elle" ,C, No+ 6=-C !n" i%%e" in f!1or of "efen"!nt ,C, No+
6191-+ ,he Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of .!nil! "i%mi%%e" pl!intiffH% (ompl!int &hi(h pr!*% to "e(l!re them the o&ner% of
the ho%e !n" lot of the "e(e!%e" )li! @!l!n# !n" for re(on1e*!n(e thereof to them+ Ben(e, thi% !ppe!l+
!SS"#
2ON Er!?o i% o&ner of one-h!lf intere%t in the ho%e !n" lot (o1ere" b* ,C, No+ 6191-
$#LD
3ES+ Arti(le 996 of the ne& Ci1il Co"e pro1i"e%F NIf ! &i"o& or &i"o&er !n" le#itim!te (hil"ren or "e%(en"!nt% !re left,
the %r1i1in# %po%e h!% in the %((e%%ion the %!me %h!re !% th!t of e!(h of the (hil"ren+O Profe%%or% ,olentino, P!r!%,
!n" )r!"o belie1e th!t the (!%e i% #o1erne" b* Arti(le 996 n"er the rle of %t!ttor* (on%tr(tion th!t the plr!l (!n be
n"er%too" to in(l"e the %in#l!r, "e%pite the !pp!rent nf!irne%% to the (hil", !% !(6no&le"#e" b* ,olentino, &ho
"oe% not #et !n* in(re!%e o1er hi% le#itime, &hile the %po%e re(ei1e% "oble hi% le#itime &hi(h, moreo1er, h!% been
(on1erte" from %fr(t to fll o&ner%hip+ Ben(e, Nboth &ill #et e4!l inte%t!te %h!re%, in !((or"!n(e &ith the (le!r
intent of the l!& to consider the spouse as a child.B ,he &i"o&er !n" the (hil" e!(h #et% P of the e%t!te+
SANT!LL-N v 3!,ANDA
@+>+ No+ A-19-=1
8EN@KON; )ne C0, 1967
NAT",#
Appe!l
FACTS
- No1+ -1, 197CF Pe"ro S!ntillon "ie" inte%t!te in ,!*#, P!n#!%in!n, hi% re%i"en(e, le!1in# one %on, Cl!ro, !n" hi%
&ife, Perfe(t! .ir!n"!+ <rin# hi% m!rri!#e, Pe"ro !(4ire" %e1er!l p!r(el% of l!n" lo(!te" in th!t pro1in(e+
- Abot 4 *e!r% !fter hi% "e!th, Cl!ro S!ntillon file" ! petition for letter% of !"mini%tr!tion+
-Perfe(t! !n" the %po%e% 8enito :+ .ir!n"! !n" >o%!rio Corr!le% oppo%e" on the ff #ron"%F
/!0 th!t the propertie% enmer!te" in the petition &ere !ll (on5#!l, e'(ept three p!r(el% &hi(h Perfe(t!
.ir!n"! (l!ime" to be her e'(l%i1e propertie%;
/b0 th!t Perfe(t! b* 1irte of - "o(ment% h!" (on1e*e" CG4 of her n"i1i"e" %h!re in mo%t of the propertie%
enmer!te" in the petition to %!i" %po%e% 8enito !n" >o%!rio;
/(0 th!t !"mini%tr!tion of the e%t!te &!% not ne(e%%!r*, there bein# ! (!%e for p!rtition pen"in#; !n"
/"0 th!t if !"mini%tr!tion &!% ne(e%%!r* !t !ll, Perfe(t! !n" not the Cl!ro &!% better 4!lifie" for the po%t+ It
!ppe!r% th!t %b%e4entl*, Perfe(t! &!% !ppointe" !"mini%tr!tri' of the e%t!te+
- .!r(h --, 1961, the (ort !ppointe" (ommi%%ioner% to "r!ft &ithin 60 "!*%, ! pro5e(t of p!rtition !n" "i%tribtion of !ll
the propertie% of the "e(e!%e" Pe"ro+
- Cl!ro file" ! D.otion to <e(l!re Sh!re of Beir%D !n" to re%ol1e the (onfli(tin# (l!im% of the p!rtie% &ith re%pe(t to their
re%pe(ti1e ri#ht% in the e%t!te+ In1o6in# Art+ =9- /NCC0, Cl!ro (l!ime" CG4 of Pe"ro$% inherit!n(e, &hile Perfe(t!
(l!ime" P !% per A996+
- CFI or"ere" th!t in the inte%t!te %((e%%ion of the "e(e!%e" Pe"ro, Perfe(t! %h!ll inherit 1G- %h!re !n" the rem!inin#
1G- %h!re for their onl* %on, Att*+ Cl!ro S!ntillon !fter "e"(tin# the %h!re of the &i"o& !% (o-o&ner of the (on5#!l
propertie%+
- Ben(e, Cl!ro\% !ppe!l to thi% Cort+
!SS"#
Bo& %h!ll the e%t!te of ! per%on &ho "ie% inte%t!te be "i1i"e" &hen the onl* %r1i1or% !re the %po%e !n" one
le#itim!te (hil"J G2ON A+=9- or A+996 !pplie%
$#LD
Sin(e thi% i% !n inte%t!te pro(ee"in#, onl* A+ 996 i% !ppli(!ble+
-Cl!ro (!nnot rel* on Art+ =9- to %pport hi% (l!im to CG4 of hi% f!ther$% e%t!te !% A=9- f!ll% n"er the (h!pter of
,e%t!ment!r* S((e%%ion in the NCC+ Art =9- merel* fi'e% the legitime of the %r1i1in# %po%e !n" Art+ === thereof, the
legitime of (hil"ren in testate succession+ 2hile it m!* in"i(!te the intent of the l!& &ith re%pe(t to the i"e!l %h!re% th!t
! (hil" !n" ! %po%e %hol" #et &hen the* (on(r &ith e!(h other, it "oe% not fi' the !mont of %h!re% th!t %(h (hil"
!n" %po%e !re entitle" to when intestacy occurs+
- On A+ 996, )%ti(e )+8+A+ >e*e%F n"er thi% !rti(le, &hen the &i"o& %r1i1e% &ith onl* one le#itim!te (hil", the* %h!re
the e%t!te in e4!l p!rt%+

Sen+ ,olentino in hi% (omment!rie% &rite% !% follo&%F
One (hil" Sr1i1in#+ If there i% onl* one le#itim!te (hil" %r1i1in# &ith the %po%e, %in(e the* %h!re e4!ll*,
one-h!lf of the e%t!te #oe% to the (hil" !n" the other h!lf #oe% to the %r1i1in# %po%e+ Altho#h the l!&
refer% to D(hil"ren or "e%(en"!nt%,D the rle in %t!ttor* (on%tr(tion th!t the plr!l (!n be n"er%too" to
in(l"e the %in#l!r i% !ppli(!ble in thi% (!%e+ /,olentino, Ci1il Co"e of the Philippine%, Vol+ III, p+ 4C6+0
- ,he theor* of tho%e hol"in# other&i%e %eem% to be premi%e" on the%e propo%ition%F /!0 Art+ 996 %pe!6% of DChil"ren,D
,F it "oe% not !ppl* &hen there i% onl* one D(hil"D; (on%e4entl* Art+ =9- /!n" Art+ ===0 %hol" be !pplie", thr !
pro(e%% of 5"i(i!l (on%tr(tion !n" !n!lo#*; /b0 Art+ 996 i% n5%t or nf!ir be(!%e, &here!% in testate %((e%%ion, the
&i"o& i% !%%i#ne" one-forth onl* /Art+ =9-0, %he &ol" #et 1G- in intestate+
- S,A,CON .AII.F &or"% in plr!l in(l"e the %in#l!r+

So Art+ 996 (ol" or %hol" be re!" /!n" %o !pplie"0 F DIf the
&i"o& or &i"o&er !n" ! le#itim!te child !re left, the %r1i1in# %po%e h!% the %!me %h!re !% th!t of the child+D In"ee", if
&e ref%e to !ppl* the !rti(le to thi% (!%e on the #ron" th!t D(hil"D i% not in(l"e" in D(hil"ren,D the (on%e4en(e%
&ol" be tremen"o%, be(!%e D(hil"renD &ill not in(l"e D(hil"D in Art% ==7, ===, ==6 !n" 901+
- In te%t!te %((e%%ion, &here there i% onl* one (hil" of the m!rri!#e, the (hil" #et% one-h!lf, !n" the &i"o& or &i"o&er
one-forth+ 8t in inte%t!te , if Art+ 996 i% !pplie" no&, the (hil" #et% one-h!lf, and the widow or widower one-hal"+ On
thi% point, it i% not (orre(t to !%%me th!t in te%t!te %((e%%ion the &i"o& or &i"o&er D#et% onl* one-forth+D She or he
may get one-hal" - if the te%t!tor %o &i%he%+ So, the l!& 1irt!ll* le!1e% it to e!(h of the %po%e% to "e(i"e /b* te%t!ment,
&hether hi% or her onl* (hil" %h!ll #et more th!n hi% or her %r1i1or0+
- A=C4 of the Sp!ni%h Ci1il Co"e, from &hi(h Art+ 996 &!% t!6en, (ont!ine" two p!r!#r!ph% #o1ernin# t&o
(ontin#en(ie%, the fir%t, &here the &i"o& or &i"o&er %r1i1e% &ith le#itim!te (hil"ren /#ener!l rle0, !n" the %e(on",
&here the &i"o& or &i"o&er %r1i1e% &ith onl* one (hil" /e'(eption0, &here!% Art+ 996 omitte" to pro1i"e for the %e(on"
%it!tion, thereb* in"i(!tin# the le#i%l!tor$% "e%ire to proml#!te 5%t one #ener!l rle !ppli(!ble to both %it!tion%+
B!C-3-NG v AL3AN.A
=0 SC>A 4-1
@:E>>E>O; No1ember -9, 1977
NAT",#
Appe!l from "e(i%ion of CFI .!nil!
FACTS
SI.EON 8A@SIC !n" SISENAN<>A 8A>CENAS /"ie"0 /fir%t m!rri!#e0
o Perpet! /"ie"0
@!"en(io 8i(omon#
Feli(i"!" 8i(omon#
S!lome 8i(omon#
SUCCESSION A2010 page 52
@er1!(io 8i(omon#
o I#me"i! /"ie"0
<ioni%io ,olentino
.!ri! ,olentino
Petr! ,olentino
o I#n!(io /"ie"0
Fr!n(i%(! 8!#%i(
SI.EON 8A@SIC /"ie"0 !n" SIAVES,>A @AO>IOSO /"ie"0 /%e(on" m!rri!#e0
o Felip! /"ie"0 !n" @eronimo Alm!n?!
Cri%tet! Alm!n?! /"ie"0 !n" En#r!(io .!ne%e
o .!r! /"ie"0
- ,he %b5e(t m!tter i% the h!lf n"i1i"e" %h!re of .!r! 8!#%i( in 7 p!r(el% of l!n" &G( %he inherite" from Sil1e%tr!
@lorio%o+
- ,here !re C %et% of pl!intiff%F the 8i(omon#%+ ,he ,olentino%, !n" Fr!n(i%(! 8!#%i(, for their %h!re% in the propertie%
of .!r! 8!#%i(+
- 2hen .!r! 8!#%i( "ie", the propertie% p!%%e" on to Cri%tet! Alm!n?!, &ho !l%o "ie" &ithot "i1i%ion of the
propertie%+
- ,ri!l (ort ren"ere" 5"#ment in f!1or of pl!intiff%+
- Alm!n?!% !ppe!le" to CA+ It &!% (onten"e" th!t %in(e .!r! "ie" !he!" of Felip!, Felip! %((ee"e" to .!r!H%
e%t!te, to the e'(l%ion of the pl!intiff%+ ,he* %!i" the rel!ti1e% ne!re%t in "e#ree e'(l"e% the more "i%t!nt one%+
- ,he pl!intiff% (l!im th!t Felip! "ie" !he!" of .!r!+
- CA (ertifie" (!%e to SC+
!SS"#CS
2ON .!r! i% %((ee"e" b* Felip! to the e'(l%ion of nephe&% !n" nie(e% of h!lf bloo"
$#LD
NO+
- In the !b%en(e of "e%(en"!nt%, !%(en"!nt%, ille#itim!te (hil"ren, or %r1i1in# %po%e, (oll!ter!l rel!ti1e% %((ee" to
the entire e%t!te of "e(e!%e"+
- Sin(e .!r! "ie" inte%t!te !n" her h%b!n" !n" her !%(en"!nt% "ie" !he!" of her, %he i% %((e"e" b* %r1i1in#
(oll!ter!l rel!ti1e%, n!mel* the "!#hter of her %i%ter of fll bloo" !n" the (hil"ren of her brother !n" %i%ter% of h!lf
bloo", in !((or"!n(e &ith Art 977 of Ne& Ci1il Co"e+
- ,he nephe&% !n" nie(e% !re entitle" to inherit in their o&n ri#ht+ Nephe&% !n" nie(e% !lone "o not inherit b* ri#ht of
repre%ent!tion /th!t i% per %tirpe%0 nle%% (on(rrin# &ith brother% or %i%ter% of the "e(e!%e"+
- ,he (ontention th!t .!r! %hol" be %((ee"e" b* Felip! to the e'(l%ion of the nephe&% !n" nie(e% of h!lf bloo" i%
erroneo%+ A% it &!% %ho&n, Felip! pre"e(e!%e" her %i%ter .!r!+
BACA4- v B-,,-3#-
14 SC>A 9=6
>E3ES, )8A; A#%t C1, 1967
NAT",#
Appe!l from the <e(i%ion of the CFI of Ceb
FACTS
- .ore th!n ten *e!r% h!1in# el!p%e" %in(e the l!%t time .elo"i! Ferr!ri% &!% 6no&n to be !li1e, %he &!% "e(l!re"
pre%mpti1el* "e!" for prpo%e% of openin# her %((e%%ion !n" "i%tribtin# her e%t!te !mon# her heir%+
- ,he "e(e!%e" &!% %r1i1e" onl* b* (oll!ter!l rel!ti1e%, n!mel*, !n !nt, &ho i% the h!lf- %i%ter of "e(e"ent$% f!ther,
!n" b* her nie(e% !n" nephe&, &ho &ere the (hil"ren of her onl* brother of fll bloo", &ho pre-"e(e!%e" her+ ,he%e
t&o (l!%%e% of heir% (l!im to be the ne!re%t inte%t!te heir% !n" %ee6 to p!rti(ip!te in the e%t!te of %!i" .elo"i! Ferr!ri%+
- CFI rle" th!t the (hil"ren of the onl* pre"e(e!%e" brother of the "e(e"ent e'(l"e the !nt of the %!me "e(e"ent,
re!%onin# ot th!t the former !re ne!rer in "e#ree /t&o "e#ree%0 th!n the l!tter %in(e nie(e% !n" nephe& %((ee" b*
ri#ht of repre%ent!tion, &hile petitioner- !ppell!nt i% three "e#ree% "i%t!nt from the "e(e"ent, !n" th!t other (oll!ter!l
rel!ti1e% !re e'(l"e" b* brother% or %i%ter%, or (hil"ren of brother% or %i%ter% of the "e(e"ent in !((or"!n(e &ith !rti(le
1009 of the Ne& Ci1il Co"e+
!SS"#S
2ON the nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e(e"ent &ol" e'(l"e the !nt of the "e(e"ent from inheritin# from the inte%t!te
e%t!te of the "e(e!%e"
$#LD
3ES
Ratio A "e(e"ent$% n(le% !n" !nt% m!* not %((ee" !b inte%t!to %o lon# !% nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e(e"ent
%r1i1e !n" !re &illin# !n" 4!lifie" to %((ee"+
Reasoning
- A% !n !nt of the "e(e!%e", %he i% !% f!r "i%t!nt !% the nephe&% from the "e(e"ent /three "e#ree%0 %in(e in the
(oll!ter!l line to &hi(h both 6in"% of rel!ti1e% belon# "e#ree% !re (onte" b* fir%t !%(en"in# to the (ommon !n(e%tor
!n" then "e%(en"in# to the heir /Ci1il Co"e, Art+ 9660+ Appell!nt i% li6e&i%e ri#ht in her (ontention th!t nephe&% !n"
nie(e% !lone "o not inherit b* ri#ht of repre%ent!tion nle%% (on(rrin# &ith brother% or %i%ter% of the "e(e!%e", !%
pro1i"e" e'pre%%l* b* Arti(le 977F
- Ne1erthele%%, the CFI (orre(tl* hel" th!t, in (!%e of inte%t!(*, nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e (5% e'(l"e !ll other
(oll!ter!l% /!nt% !n" n(le%, fir%t (o%in%, et(+0 from the %((e%%ion+ ,hi% i% re!"il* !pp!rent from !rti(le% 1001, 1004,
1007, !n" 1009 of the Ci1il Co"e of the Philippine%+
- :n"er Art+ 1009, the !b%en(e of brother%, %i%ter%, nephe&% !n" nie(e% of the "e(e"ent i% ! pre(on"ition to the other
(oll!ter!l% /n(le%, (o%in%, et(+0 bein# (!lle" to the %((e%%ion+
- Appell!nt% 4ote ,olentino$% (omment!rie% !% "e(l!rin# th!t Arti(le 1009 "oe% not e%t!bli%h ! rle of preferen(e+
2hi(h i% tre !% to Dother (oll!ter!l%D, %in(e preferen(e !mon# them i% !((or"in# to their pro'imit* to the "e(e"ent, !%
e%t!bli%he" b* Arti(le 96-, p!r!#r!ph 1+ 8t ,olentino "oe% not %t!te th!t nephe&% !n" nie(e% (on(r &ith other
(oll!ter!l% of e4!l "e#ree+ On the (ontr!r*, ,olentino e'pre%%l* %t!te%F NOther Coll!ter!l%+L The last o" the relati%es o"
the decedent to succeed in intestate succession are the collaterals other than brothers or sisters or children o" brothers
or sisters...O
::!!!& CA5AC!T4 T- S"CC##D
5A,!S$ 5,!#ST -F 1!CT-,!A v ,!G-,
=9 SC>A 49C
A9:INO, April C0, 1979
NAT",#
APPEAA from the "e(i%ion of the CA+
FACTS
- F!ther >i#or, the p!ri%h prie%t of Plil!n, 8l!(!n, "ie" in 19C7, le!1in# ! &ill &hi(h &!% prob!te" b* the CFI of ,!rl!(+
N!me" !% "e1i%ee% in the &ill &ere the te%t!tor$% ne!re%t rel!ti1e%F hi% C %i%ter% !n" ! (o%in+
- In !""ition, the &ill (ont!ine" ! (ontro1er%i!l be4e%tF ! "e1i%e of ri(e l!n"% &ith ! tot!l !re! of !ron" 44 he(t!re% in
f!1or of hi% ne!re%t m!le rel!ti1e &ho &ol" %t"* for the prie%thoo"+ ,he p!ri%h prie%t of Vi(tori! &ol" !"mini%ter the
ri(e l!n"% "rin# the inter1!l of time th!t no ne!re%t m!le rel!ti1e of the te%t!tor &!% %t"*in# for the prie%thoo"+
- In!%m(h !% no nephe& of the te%t!tor (l!ime" the "e1i%e !n" !% the !"mini%tr!tri' !n" the le#!l heir% belie1e" th!t
the p!ri%h prie%t of Vi(tori! h!" no ri#ht to !"mini%ter the ri(e l!n"%, the %!me &ere not "eli1ere" to th!t e((le%i!%ti(+
,he te%t!te pro(ee"in# rem!ine" pen"in#+
- In 1977 the p!ri%h prie%t file" ! petition for the "eli1er* of the ri(e l!n"% to the (hr(h !% tr%tee+ ,he inte%t!te heir% of
F!ther >i#or (ontere" &ith ! petition pr!*in# th!t the be4e%t he "e(l!re" inoper!ti1e !n" th!t the* be !"5"#e" !%
the per%on% entitle" to the %!i" ri(e l!n"% %in(e no ne!re%t m!le rel!ti1e of the te%t!tor h!% e1er %t"ie" for the
prie%thoo"+ ,he lo&er (ort "e(l!re" the be4e%t inoper!ti1e !n" !"5"i(!te" the ri(e l!n"% to the te%t!tor$% le#!l$%
heir%+ ,he p!ri%h prie%t file" t&o motion% for re(on%i"er!tion+ ,he %e(on" .> &!% #r!nte" on the #ron" th!t the
SUCCESSION A2010 page 53
te%t!tor h!" ! #r!n"nephe& n!me" E"#!r"o Cn!n!n /hi% (o%inH% #r!n"%on &ho !ppe!r% to h!1e been born !fter hi%
"e!th0 &ho &!% ! %emin!ri!n in the S!n )o%e Semin!r* of the )e%it F!ther% in 9C+ ,he !"mini%tr!tor &!% "ire(te" to
"eli1er the ri(e l!n"% to the p!ri%h prie%t of Vi(tori! !% tr%tee+ /2hile the (!%e &!% pen"in#, in 1961, E"#!r"o (e!%e" to
be ! %emin!ri!n+0
- ,he CA re1er%e" th!t or"er+ It hel" th!t F!ther >i#or h!" (re!te" ! te%t!ment!r* tr%t for hi% ne!re%t m!le rel!ti1e &ho
&ol" t!6e the hol* or"er% bt th!t %(h tr%t (ol" e'i%t onl* for -0 *e!r% be(!%e to enfor(e it be*on" th!t perio"
&ol" 1iol!te Dthe rle !#!in%t perpetitie%D+ It rle" th!t %in(e no le#!tee (l!ime" the ri(e l!n"% &ithin -0 !fter the
te%t!tor$% "e!th, the %!me %hol" p!%% to hi% le#!l heir%, (itin# Art% === !n" 91-/-0 of the ol" CC !n" Art =70 of the ne&
CC+
!SS"#
2ON the te%t!tor (ontempl!te" onl* hi% ne!re%t m!le rel!ti1e !t the time of hi% "e!th !n" not !n* of hi% ne!re%t m!le
rel!ti1e% !t !n*time !fter hi% "e!thJ
$#LD
3ES+ Onl* hi% ne!re%t m!le rel!ti1e !t the time of hi% "e!th+
Ratio In or"er to be (!p!(it!te" to inherit, the heir, "e1i%ee or le#!tee m%t be li1in# !t the moment the %((e%%ion
open%, e'(ept in (!%e of repre%ent!tion, &hen it i% proper+
Reasoning ,he %!i" te%t!ment!r* pro1i%ion% %hol" be %en%ibl* or re!%on!bl* (on%tre"+ ,o (on%tre them !% referrin#
to the te%t!tor$% ne!re%t m!le rel!ti1e !t !n*time !fter hi% "e!th &ol" ren"er the pro1i%ion% "iffi(lt to !ppl* !n" (re!te
n(ert!int* !% to the "i%po%ition of hi% e%t!te+ ,h!t (ol" not h!1e been hi% intention+
- B!" the te%t!tor inten"e" to in(l"e in"efinitel* !n*one of hi% ne!re%t m!le rel!ti1e% born !fter hi% "e!th he (ol" h!1e
%o %pe(ifie" in hi% &ill+ Be m%t h!1e 6no&n th!t %(h ! bro!" pro1i%ion &ol" %%pen" for !n nlimite" perio" of time
the effi(!(io%ne%% of hi% be4e%t+ ,he re!%on!ble 1ie& i% th!t he &!% referrin# to ! %it!tion &hereb* hi% nephe& li1in#
!t the time of hi% "e!th, &ho &ol" li6e to be(ome ! prie%t, &!% %till in #r!"e %(hool or in hi#h %(hool or &!% not *et in
the Semin!r*+ In th!t (!%e, the p!ri%h prie%t of Vi(tori! &ol" !"mini%ter the ri(e l!n"% before the nephe& entere" the
%emin!r*+ 8t the moment the te%t!tor$% nephe& entere" the %emin!r*, he &ol" be entitle" to en5o* !n" !"mini%ter the
ri(e l!n"% !n" re(ei1e the frit%+ In th!t e1ent, the tr%tee%hip &ol" be termin!te"+
- Follo&in# th!t interpret!tion of the &ill, the in4ir* &ol" be &hether !t the time F!ther >i#or "ie" he h!" ! nephe&
&ho &!% %t"*in# for the prie%thoo" or &ho h!" m!nife%te" hi% "e%ire to follo& the e((le%i!%ti(!l (!reer+ ,h!t 4er* i%
(!te#ori(!ll* !n%&ere" in p!r!#r!ph 4 of !ppell!nt prie%t$% petition%+ Be ne4i1o(!ll* !lle#e" therein th!t Nno ne!re%t
m!le rel!ti1e of the l!te F!ther >i#or h!% e1er %t"ie" for the prie%thoo"+O
- In!%m(h !% the te%t!tor &!% not %r1i1e" b* !n* nephe& &ho be(!me ! prie%t, the n!1oi"!ble (on(l%ion i% th!t the
be4e%t in 4e%tion &!% ineffe(t!l or inoper!ti1e+ ,herefore, the !"mini%tr!tion of the ri(e l!n"% b* the p!ri%h prie%t of
Vi(tori!, !% en1i%!#e" in the &ill, &!% li6e&i%e inoper!ti1e+
- ,hi% (!%e i% (o1ere" b* Art 91-/-0 of the ol" CC, no& Art 960/-0, &hi(h pro1i"e% th!t le#!l %((e%%ion t!6e% pie(e
&hen the &ill D"oe% not "i%po%e of !ll th!t belon#% to the te%t!tor+D ,here bein# no %b%tittion or !((retion !% to the %!i"
ri(e l!n"%, it %hol" be "i%tribte" !mon# the te%t!tor$% le#!l heir%+ ,he effe(t i% !% if the te%t!tor h!" m!"e no
"i%po%ition !% to the %!i" ri(e l!n"%+
::!1& ACC#5TANC# AND ,#5"D!AT!-N -F !N$#,!TANC#
D!.- v D!.-N
/S!r!h0D!
::1& C-LLAT!-N
D3A,!NAE D!.-NI,!1#,A v D!.-N
CC SC>A 774
,EEBANEEE; )ne C0, 1970
NAT",#
Appe!l from CFI or"er% !ppro1in# the E'e(tri'-!ppelleeH% pro5e(t of p!rtition in%te!" of Oppo%itor%-Appell!nt%H
propo%e" (onter-pro5e(t of p!rtition
FACTS
- ,he te%t!tri', A#ripin! V!l"e?, ! &i"o&, "ie" !n" &!% %r1i1e" b* 7 (ompl%or* heir%F 6 le#itim!te (hil"ren !n" !
le#itim!te #r!n""!#hter
- 6 of the 7 (ompl%or* heir% !re the oppo%itor%-!ppell!nt%+ ,he rem!inin# 1G7 i% .!rin!, the e'e(tri'-!ppelle
- In her &ill, V!l"e? N(omm!n"e" th!t her propert* be "i1i"e"O in !((or"!n(e &ith her te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition, &hereb*
%he "e1i%e" !n" be4e!the" %pe(ifi( re!l propertie% (ompri%in# pr!(ti(!ll* the entire bl6 of her e%t!te !mon# her %i'
(hil"ren !n" ei#ht #r!n"(hil"ren+
- the e'e(tri' file" her pro5e(t of p!rtitionF ,he e'e(tri' file" her pro5e(t of p!rtition "!te" Febr!r* 7, 1964, in
%b%t!n(e !"5"i(!tin# the e%t!te !% follo&%F
/10 &ith the fi#re of P1-9,-74+96 !% le#itime for ! b!%i% .!rin! /e'!(ltri'-!ppellee0 !n" ,om!% /!ppell!nt0 !re
!"mitte"l* (on%i"ere" to h!1e re(ei1e" in the &ill more th!n their re%pe(ti1e le#itime, &hile the re%t of the !ppell!nt%,
n!mel*, E%tel!, 8ern!r"it!, An#elin!, )o%efin! !n" Aili! re(ei1e" le%% th!n their re%pe(ti1e le#itime;
/-0 th%, to e!(h of the l!tter !re !"5"i(!te" the propertie% re%pe(ti1el* #i1en them in the &ill, pl% (!%h !n"Gor
propertie%, to (omplete their re%pe(ti1e le#itime% to P1-9,-74+96; /C0 on the other h!n", .!rin! !n" ,om!% !re
!"5"i(!te" the propertie% th!t the* re(ei1e" in the &ill le%% the (!%h !n"Gor propertie% ne(e%%!r* to (omplete the
pre5"i(e" le#itime mentione" in nmber - !bo1e;
/40 the !"5"i(!tion% m!"e in the &ill in f!1or of the #r!n"(hil"ren rem!in nto(he"
On the other h!n" oppo%itor% %bmitte" their o&n (onter-pro5e(t of p!rtition "!te" Febr!r* 14, 1964, &herein the*
propo%e" the "i%tribtion of the e%t!te on the follo&in# b!%i%F
/!0 !ll the te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition% &ere proportion!ll* re"(e" to the 1!le of one-h!lf of the entire e%t!te, the 1!le of
the %!i" one-h!lf !montin# to P907,7C4+7=; /b0 the %h!re% of the Oppo%itor%-Appell!nt% %hol" (on%i%t of their le#itime,
pl% the "e1i%e% in their f!1or proportion!ll* re"(e"; /(0 in p!*ment of the tot!l %h!re% of the !ppell!nt% in the entire
e%t!te, the propertie% "e1i%e" to them pl% other propertie% left b* the ,e%t!tri' !n"Gor (!%h !re !"5"i(!te" to them; !n"
/"0 to the #r!n"(hil"ren &ho !re not (ompl%or* heir% !re !"5"i(!te" the propertie% re%pe(ti1el* "e1i%e" to them
%b5e(t to reimbr%ement b* @ilbert <+ @!r(i!, et !l+, of the %m% b* &hi(h the "e1i%e in their f!1or %hol" be
proportion!ll* re"(e"+
:n"er the oppo%itor%$ (onter-pro5e(t of p!rtition, the te%t!ment!r* "i%po%ition m!"e b* the te%t!tri' of pr!(ti(!ll* her
&hole e%t!te of P1,=01,960+01, !% !bo1e %t!te", &ere propo%e" to be re"(e" to the !mont% %et forth !fter the n!me%
of the re%pe(ti1e heir% !n" "e1i%ee% tot!llin# one-h!lf thereof !% follo&%F
1+ E%tel! <i?on +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ P 49,4=7+76
-+ An#elin! <i?on +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 7C,4-1+4-
C+ 8ern!r"it! <i?on +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ -6,117+04
4+ )o%efin! <i?on ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ -6,179+C=
7+ ,om!% V+ <i?on +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 67,=74+04
6+ Aili! <i?on ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ C6,-7C+1C
7+ .!rin! <i?on +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 776,9C=+=-
=+ P!blo >i1er!, )r+ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ C4,=14+70
9+ @r!n"(hil"ren @ilbert @!r(i! et !l ++++++++++ C6,47-+=0
, o t ! l +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ P907,7C4+7=
&hile the other h!lf of the e%t!te /P907,7C4+7=0 &ol" be "eeme" !% (on%tittin# the le#itime of the e'e(tri'-!ppellee
!n" oppo%itor%-!ppell!nt%, to be "i1i"e" !mon# them in %e1en e4!l p!rt% of P1-9,C6-+11 !% their re%pe(ti1e le#itime%+
- ,he lo&er (ort %%t!ine" !n" !ppro1e" the e'e(tri'$ pro5e(t of p!rtition, rlin# th!t D/A0rti(le% 906 !n" 907 of the
Ne& Ci1il Co"e %pe(ifi(!ll* pro1i"e th!t &hen the le#itime i% imp!ire" or pre5"i(e", the %!me %h!ll be (omplete" !n"
%!ti%fie"+ 2hile it i% tre th!t thi% pro(e%% h!% been follo&e" !n" !"here" to in the t&o pro5e(t% of p!rtition, it i% ob%er1e"
that the e!ecutri! and the oppositors di""er in respect to the source "rom which the portion or portions shall be taken in
order to "ully restore the impaired legitime+ ,he proposition o" the oppositors' i" upheld' will substantially result in a
distribution o" intestacy, &hi(h i% in (ontro1er%ion of Arti(le 791 of the Ne& Ci1il Co"eD !""in# th!t Dthe testatri! has
chosen to "a%or certain heirs in her will "or reasons o" her own' cannot be doubted. This is legally permissible within the
limitation o" the law, !% !fore(ite"+D 2ith referen(e to the p!*ment in (!%h of %ome P-C0,77-+C=, prin(ip!ll* b* the
e'e(tri' !% the l!r#e%t benefi(i!r* of the &ill to be p!i" to her fi1e (o-heir%, the oppo%itor% /e'(l"in# ,om!% <i?on0, to
(omplete their imp!ire" le#itime%, the lo&er (ort rle" th!t D/,0he p!*ment in (!%h %o !% to m!6e the proper
!"5%tment to meet &ith the re4irement% of the l!& in re%pe(t to le#itime% &hi(h h!1e been imp!ire" i%, in or opinion,
! pr!(ti(!l !n" 1!li" %oltion in or"er to #i1e effe(t to the l!%t &i%he% of the te%t!tri'+D
SUCCESSION A2010 page 54
- COAAA,IONF oppo%itor% in1o6e A106C D/P0ropert* left b* &ill i% not "eeme" %b5e(t to (oll!tion, if the te%t!tor h!% not
other&i%e pro1i"e", bt the le#itime %h!ll in !n* (!%e rem!in nimp!ire"D
!SS"#CS
2ON A160C !pplie%
$#LD
1+ NO
Ratio 2hen the te%t!tri' h!% not m!"e !n* pre1io% "on!tion% "rin# her lifetime, nor left merel* %ome propertie% b*
&ill, (oll!tion i%nHt ne(e%%!r* to "etermine the le#itime of e!(h heir+
Reasoning Oppo%itor%$ in1o6in# of Arti(le 106C of the Ci1il Co"e th!t D/P0ropert* left b* &ill i% not "eeme" %b5e(t to
(oll!tion, if the te%t!tor h!% not other&i%e pro1i"e", bt the le#itime %h!ll in !n* (!%e rem!in nimp!ire"D !n" in1o6in# of
the (on%tr(tion thereof #i1en b* %ome !thoritie% th!t D$not "eeme" %b5e(t to (oll!tion$ in thi% !rti(le re!ll* me!n% not
impt!ble to or (h!r#e!ble !#!in%t the le#itimeD, &hile it m!* h!1e %ome pl!%ibilit*
68
in !n !ppropri!te (!%e, h!% no
!ppli(!tion in the pre%ent (!%e+ Bere, &e h!1e ! (!%e of ! "i%tribtion !n" p!rtition of the entire e%t!te b* the te%t!tri',
&ithot her h!1in# m!"e !n* pre1io% "on!tion% "rin# her lifetime &hi(h &ol" re4ire (oll!tion to "etermine the
le#itime of e!(h heir nor h!1in# left merel* %ome propertie% b* &ill &hi(h &ol" (!ll for the !ppli(!tion of Arti(le% 1061 to
106C of the Ci1il Co"e on (oll!tion+ ,he !mont of the le#itime of the heir% i% here "etermine" !n" n"i%pte"+
D# ,-3A v CA DCA,!NGALE
17- SC>A -07
C>:K; )l* -C, 19=7
FACTS
- C!n"el!ri! "e >om! h!" - le#!ll* !"opte" "!#hter% M8h!* !n" >o%!lin"!+ She "ie" inte%t!te+
- 8h!* &!% !ppointe" !"mini%tr!tri' !n" in "e time file" !n in1entor* of the e%t!te+ ,hi% &!% oppo%e" b* C!rin#!l /!%
#!r"i!n of >o%!lin"!0 on the #ron" th!t (ert!in propertie% /7 p!r(el% of (o(ont l!n" &orth 1060 e!rlier "on!te" b*
C!n"el!ri! to 8h!*, !n" the frit% thereof, h!" not been in(l"e"+
- C!rin#!l (l!im% th!t the%e m%t be (oll!te"+ 8h!* (l!im% th!t the "e(e"ent prohibite" %(h (oll!tion
- ,C rle" in f!1or of petitioner+ CA re1er%e"+
- Arti(le% relie" ponF
NA>,+ 1061+ E1er* (ompl%or* heir, &ho %((ee"% &ith other (ompl%or* heir%, m%t brin# into the m!%% of the
e%t!te !n* propert* or ri#ht &hi(h he m!* h!1e re(ei1e" from the "e(e"ent "rin# the lifetime of the l!tter, b* &!* of
"on!tion, or !n* other #r!tito% title, in or"er th!t it m!* be (ompte" in the "etermin!tion of the le#itime of e!(h
heir, !n" in the !((ont of the p!rtition+O
NA>,+ 106-+ Coll!tion %h!ll not t!6e pl!(e !mon# (ompl%or* heir% if the "onor %hol" h!1e e'pre%%l* %o
pro1i"e", or if the "one %hol" rep"i!te the inherit!n(e, nle%% the "on!tion %hol" be re"(e" !% inoffi(io%+O
- Pertinent portion% of the "ee" of "on!tionF
NIEAAA2A+ N! !l!n#-!l!n# %! !6in# p!#m!m!h!l, p!#tin#in !t p!#%i%ilbi %! !6in n# !6in# !n!6 n! %i 8:BA3 <E
>O.A, 6!%!l 6!* Ar!bell! C!%t!ne"!, m!* 6!r!mp!t!n# #l!n#, m!m!m!*!n# Pilipino !t n!ninir!h!n !t m!*
p!h!tir!n#-%l!t "in "ito %! An%o" n# S!n P!blo %! p!m!m!#it!n n# 6!%l!t!n# ito !* 6%!n#-loob 6on# ibinibi#!*,
ipin!#6!6!loob !t inililip!t %! n!b!n##it n! 8:BA3 <E >O.A, %! 6!n*!n# m#! 6!h!lili !t t!#!p!#m!n!, %!
p!m!m!#it!n n# p!#bibi#!* n! "i n! m!b!b!&in# mli, !n# l!h!t n# m#! l!#!* n# lp! n! %in!%!bi %! it!!%, %!
il!lim n# 6!%n"!n n! n#!*on p! !* %i*! n! !n# n!#m!m!*-!rin# tn!* n# m#! lp!n# ito !t 6!n*! n!n# m!!rin#
ip!lip!t !n# m#! ho5! "e(l!tori! n# m#! lp!n# ito %! 6!n*!n# p!n#!l!n, "!t!p&!Ht %!m!nt!l!n# !6o !* n!bbh!*,
!* !6o rin !n# m!6i6in!b!n# %! m#! m!ppti !t m!momo%e%ion %! m#! n!%!bin# lp!;
NIEA,AO+ N! pin!#tib!* 6o n! !6o !* m!r!mi p!n# ib!n# m#! p!#-!!ri %!p!t p!n# !6in# i6!bh!* !t %!
p!#bibi#!* 6on# ito !* hin"i m!%i%ir! !n# le#itim! n# m#! t!o n! "!p!t m!#m!n! %! !6in, %!p!#6!t !n# m#! lp!n#
%in!%!bi %! it!!% !* b!h!#i n# !6in# 6!bh!*!n n! !6o !* m!* l!*!n# ip!mi#!* 6!hit n! 6!ninon# t!o n! 6n#
t!&!#in !* AIbre <i%po(i%ion+O
!SS"#
2ON the "on!te" propertie% !re to be (oll!te"
$#LD
3ES+
Ratio An*thin# le%% th!n e'pre%% prohibition &ill not %ffi(e n"er the (le!r l!n#!#e of Art+ 106-+ ,he intention to
e'empt from (oll!tion %hol" be e'pre%%e" pl!inl* !n" ne4i1o(!ll*+
Reasoning CA &!% (orre(t in %!*in# th!t there &!% no pro1i%ion prohibitin# (oll!tion+ ,he phr!%e N%! p!m!m!#it!n n#
p!#bibi#!* n! "in ! m!b!b!&in# mliO merel* "e%(ribe" the "on!tion !% irre1o(!ble+
From the %e of the term% Nle#itimeO !n" Nfree portionO in the "ee" of "on!tion, it m!* be (on(l"e" th!t it &!% prep!re"
b* ! l!&*er, !n" th!t he n"er%too" the le#!l (on%e4en(e% of the "on!tion bein# m!"e+ It i% re!%on!ble to %ppo%e,
#i1en the pre(i%e l!n#!#e of the "o(ment, th!t he &ol" h!1e in(l"e" therein !n e'pre%% prohibition to (oll!te if th!t
&!% the "onorH% intention+
L-CS!N v CA
'H( SC,A 292
NA,1ASA> Febrary 68, 688'
FACTS
-.!ri!no Ao(%in !n" C!t!lin! )!(i!n /Ao(%in0 &ere ! (hil"le%% m!rrie" (ople+ .!ri!no e'e(te" ! &ill+ .!ri!no
Ao(%in e'e(te" ! A!%t 2ill !n" ,e%t!ment in%tittin# hi% &ife, C!t!lin!, !% the %ole !n" ni1er%!l heir of !ll hi%
propertie%+
-,he* h!" !#ree" th!t their propertie%,!fter both of them %h!ll h!1e "ie" %hol" re1ert to their re%pe(ti1e %i"e% of the
f!mil*, i+e+, .!ri!no$% propertie% &ol" #o to hi% DAo(%in rel!ti1e%D /i+e+, brother% !n" %i%ter% or nephe&% !n" nie(e%0,
!n" tho%e of C!t!lin! to her D)!(i!n rel!ti1e%
-9 *e!r% !fter .!ri!noH% "e!th, !n" -= *e!r% before her%, %he %t!rte" tr!n%ferrin# b* %!le or "on!tion, .!ri!noH% !% &ell
!% her propertie%+
-her rel!ti1e% &ho !lre!"* re(ei1e" their here"it!r* %h!re%, file" ! (!%e for re(o1er* of propert* !#!in%t the Ao(%in%
/&ho re(ei1e" propert* "rin# C!t!lin!H% lifetime0 !lle#in# th!t the (on1e*!n(e &!% inoffi(io%, &ithot (on%i"er!tion
!n" inten"e" to (ir(m1ent the l!&
-,C or"ere" the re(on1e*!n(e of propert*+ CA Affirme"
!SS"#
2ON the re(on1e*!n(e &!% proper+
$#LD
No
-,he ri#ht% to ! per%on$% %((e%%ion!re tr!n%mitte" from the moment of hi% "e!th, !n" "o not 1e%t in hi% heir% ntil %(h
time+ Propert* &hi(h <oR! C!t!lin! h!" tr!n%ferre" or (on1e*e" to other per%on% "rin# her lifetime no lon#er forme"
p!rt of her e%t!te !t the time of her "e!th to &hi(h her heir% m!* l!*(l!im+ B!" %he "ie" inte%t!te, onl* the propert* th!t
rem!ine" in here%t!te !t the time of her "e!th "e1ol1e" to her le#!l heir%
-e1en if tho%e tr!n%fer% &ere, one !n" !ll, tre!te" !% "on!tion%, the ri#ht!ri%in# n"er (ert!in (ir(m%t!n(e% to imp#n
!n" (ompel the re"(tion or re1o(!tion of ! "e(e"ent$% #ift% inter 1i1o% "oe% not inre to the re%pon"ent% %in(e neither
the* nor the "onee% !re (ompl%or* /or for(e"0 heir%
-in !""ition to thi%, both the ,C !n" CA pt m(h &ei#ht on the f!(t th!t <oR! C!t!lin! &!% !lre!"* 90 *e!r% ol" &hen
%he "ie" on )l* 6, 1977+ It in%in!te" th!t be(!%e of her !"1!n(e" *e!r% %he m!* h!1e been impo%e" pon, or
n"l*
inflen(e" !n" mor!ll* pre%%re" b* her h%b!n"$% nephe&% !n" nie(e%/the petitioner%0 to tr!n%fer to them the
propertie% &hi(h %he h!" inherite" from <on .!ri!no$% e%t!te+
-thi% i% not %pporte" for !% e!rl* !% -= *r% before her "e!th, %he %t!rte" %(h "i%po%ition% not onl* to .!ri!noH% %i"e bt
!l%o to her%+
::1!& 5A,T!T!-N AND D!ST,!B"T!-N -F T$# #STAT#
SUCCESSION A2010 page 55
!BA,L# v 5-
A-7064
,:ASON; Febr!r* -7, 197C
FACTS
- ,hi% !(tion (ommen(e" in the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of Ceb to !nnl ! "ee" of %!le (on1e*in# to the "efen"!nt, in
(on%i"er!tion of P1,700, one n"i1i"e" h!lf of ! p!r(el of l!n" &hi(h pre1io%l* h!" been %ol", !lon# &ith the other h!lf,
b* the %!me 1en"or to the pl!intiff$% #r!ntor%+ 5"#ment &!% !#!in%t the pl!intiff+
- C!t!lin! N!1!rro %ol" the entire p!r(el of l!n", &hi(h &!% her !n" her "e(e!%e" h%b!n"H% (on5#!l propert* of the
C!no* Spo%e% &ho l!ter %ol" it to 8ien1eni"o Ib!rle+ 8oth %!le% &ere not re#i%tere"+ C!t!lin! %b%e4entl* %ol" !%
her (hil"renH% #!r"i!n, one-h!lf of the %!me l!n" belon#in# to the (hil"ren to E%per!n?! Po+
!SS"#
2ON the %!le to E%per!n?! Po &!% 1!li"
$#LD
- ,he %!le to the C!no* %po%e% &!% 1oi"+ ,herefore, &hen C!t!lin! %ol" the entire p!r(el to the C!no* %po%e%, one-
h!lf of it !lre!"* belon#e" to the %ellerH% (hil"ren+ No form!l or 5"i(i!l bein# nee"e" to (onfirm the (hil"renH% title, it
follo&% th!t the fir%t %ell &!% nll !n" 1oi" in%of!r !% it in(l"e" the (hil"renH% %h!re+
- On the other h!n", the %!le to Po h!1in# been m!"e b* !thorit* of the (ompetent (ort, &!% n"eni!bl* le#!l !n"
effe(ti1e+ ,he f!(t th!t it h!% not been re(or"e" i% of no (on%e4en(e+
ALS"AIB#TTS v CA DB"#N1!A;# AND ALS"AE
9- SC>A CC-
@:E>>E>O; )l* C0, 1979
NAT",#
Appe!l b* (ertior!ri
FACTS
- On No1ember -7, 1949, <on )e%% Al%! !n" hi% &ife, <oR! Florentin! >ell!, both of Ai#!o, Alb!*, to#ether &ith !ll
their li1in# (hil"ren, Fr!n(i%(! Al%!-8ett%, P!blo Al%!, Fern!n"o Al%! thr thi% 5"i(i!l #!r"i!n Clotil"e S!m%on, !n"
Amp!ro Al%! "e 8en1i!5e, entere" into ! "l* not!ri?e" !#reement, Escritura de 5articion E!tra$udicial , o1er the then
pre%ent !n" e'i%tin# propertie% of the %po%e% <on )e%% !n" <oR! Florentin!+
- On )!n+ 7, 1977, <on )e%% !n" <o! Florentin!, !l%o 6no&n !% <oR! ,in!* %ep!r!tel* e'e(te" their re%pe(ti1e
holo#r!phi( &ill%, the pro1i%ion% of &hi(h &ere in (onformit* !n" in implement!tion of the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of No1+
-7, 1949+
- On A#+14, 1976, the %po%e% <on )e%% !n" <oR! ,in!* e'e(te" their mt!l !n" re(ipro(!l (o"i(il% !men"in# !n"
%pplementin# their re%pe(ti1e holo#r!phi( &ill%+ On Feb+ 19, 1977, their re%pe(ti1e holo#r!phi( &in% !n" the (o"i(il%
thereto &ere "l* !"mitte" to prob!te+
- <oR! ,in!* "ie" in O(tober 1979+ In e!rl* No1+ 1979, <on )e%% (!n(elle" hi% holo#r!phi( !n" in%tr(te" hi% !ttorne*
to "r!ft ! ne& &ill+ ,hi% %b%e4ent l!%t 2ill !n" ,e%t!ment of <on )e%% e'e(te" on No1+ 14, 1979 (ont!ine" !n
e'pre%% re1o(!tion of hi% holo#r!phi( &i# of )!n+ 7, 1977 !n" the (o"i(il of A#+14, 1976; ! %t!tement re4irin# th!t !ll
of hi% propertie% "on!te" to hi% (hil"ren in the <ee" of 1949 be (oll!te" !n" t!6en into !((ont in the p!rtition of hi%
e%t!te; the in%tittion of !ll hi% (hil"ren !% "e1i%ee% !n" le#!tee% to (ert!in %pe(ifi( propertie%; ! %t!tement be4e!thin#
the re%t of hi% propertie% !n" !ll th!t m!* be !(4ire" in the ftre, before hi% "e!th, to P!blo !n" Fr!n(e%(!; !n" !
%t!tement n!min# Fr!n(e%(! !% e'e(tri' &ithot bon"+
- <on )e%% Al%! "ie" in 1964+ Petitioner Fr!n(i%(! Al%! 8ett%, !% the e'e(tri' n!me" in the &ill of No1+ 14, 1979,
file" ! petition for the prob!te of %!i" ne& &ill of <on )e%% Al%! before the CFI Alb!* !n" &!% "o(6ete" !%+
Oppo%ition% thereto &ere file" b* re%pon"ent% P!blo, Amp!ro !n" Fern!n"o+ CFI !llo&e" the the prob!te of the &ill of
<on )e%% Al%!+ CA re1er%e"F "enie" the prob!te of the &ill, "e(l!re" nll !n" 1oi" the t&o %!le% %b5e(t of the
(ompl!int !n" or"ere" the "efen"!nt%-petitioner%, to p!* "!m!#e% to the pl!intiff%-pri1!te re%pon"ent%+ Ben(e, thi%
petition+
!SS"#
2ON CA erre" in "en*in# the prob!te of the &ill
$#LD
3ES
- CA erre" in "en*in# prob!te to the &ill of <on )e%% "!te" No1ember 14, 1979; it erre" in hol"in# th!t <on )e%%
bein# ! p!rt* to the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of 1949 &!% (ontr!(t!ll* bon" b* the pro1i%ion% thereof !n" hen(e (ol" not
re1o6e hi% p!rti(ip!tion therein b* the %imple e'pe"ien(e of m!6in# ! ne& &ill &ith (ontr!r* pro1i%ion% or "i%po%ition%+ It
i% !n error be(!%e the %o-(!lle" e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of 1949 i% 1oi" !n" inoper!ti1e !% ! p!rtition; neither i% it ! 1!li"
or enfor(e!ble (ontr!(t be(!%e it in1ol1e" ftre inherit!n(e; it m!* onl* be #i1en effe(t !% ! "on!tion inter 1i1o% of
%pe(ifi( propertie% to the heir% m!"e b* the p!rent%+
- :pon (!refl e'!min!tion of the pro1i%ion% of the holo#r!phi( &ill !n" (o"i(il of <oR! ,in!*, there &!% no in"i(!tion
&h!t%oe1er th!t <oR! ,in!* e'pre%%l* or implie"l* in%titte" both the h%b!n" !n" her (hil"ren !% heir% to her free
portion of her %h!re in the (on5#!l !%%et%+
- >e%pon"ent% in%i%t th!t <on )e%% &!% bon" b* the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of No1ember -7, 1949 !n" h!" in f!(t
(onforme" to %!i" P!rtition b* m!6in# ! holo#r!phi( &ill !n" (o"i(il &ith e'!(tl* the %!me pro1i%ion% !% tho%e of <oR!
,in!*, &hi(h CA %%t!ine"+ Bo&e1er SC rle" th!t <on )e%% &!% not fore1er bon" thereb* for hi% pre1io%
holo#r!phi( &ill !n" (o"i(il !% %(h, &ol" rem!in re1o6!ble !t hi% "i%(retion+ Art+ =-= of the ne& Ci1il Co"e i% (le!rF DA
&ill m!* be re1o6e" b* the te%t!tor !t !n* time before hi% "e!th+ An* &!i1er or re%tri(tion of thi% ri#ht i% 1oi"+D ,here (!n
be no re%tri(tion th!t m!* be m!"e on hi% !b%olte free"om to re1o6e hi% holo#r!phi( &ill !n" (o"i(il pre1io%l* m!"e+
,hi% &ol" %till hol" tre e1en if %(h pre1io% &ill h!" !% in the (!%e !t b!r already been probated
- ,he le#itime% of the for(e" heir% &ere left nimp!ire", !% in f!(t, not one of %!i" for(e" heir% (l!ime" or intim!te"
other&i%e+ ,he propertie% th!t &ere "i%po%e" of in the (onte%te" &ill belon#e" &holl* to <on )e%% Al%!$% free portion
!n" m!* be "i!mon" of b* him to &hom%oe1er he m!* (hoo%e+
- If he no& f!1ore" Fr!n(e%(! more, !% (l!ime" b* pri1!te re%pon"ent%, or P!blo !% in f!(t he &!%, 2e (!nnot !n" m!*
not %it in 5"#ment pon the moti1e% !n" %entiment% of <on )e%% in "oin# %o+
D!3A4"GA v CA
1-9 SC>A 110
A9:INO; April C0, 19=4
FACTS
@en!ro <im!*#! i% m!rrie" to Se#n"! @!*!p!n!o in 1917 !(4ire" ! ,orren% title for th!t home%te!" in 19-=+
Se#n"! "ie" inte%t!te in 1940, %r1i1e" b* her %on, .!nel, !n" her h%b!n", @en!ro+
<rin# their m!rri!#e, @en!ro h!" ! mi%tre%% n!me" Emeren(i!n! P!n#!nib!n b* &hom he be#ot fi1e (hil"ren, n!me"
Filomeno, P!(it!, A"el!i"!, >eme"io% !n" So(orro+ A %i'th (hil", Neli! <im!*#!, &!% born in 1944 or !fter Se#n"!$%
"e!th Emeren(i!n! (lti1!te" ! home%te!" !"5oinin# the thirteen-he(t!re home%te!" in 4e%tion+ So, it &!% not
%rpri%in# th!t %he be(!me the p!r!mor of @en!ro+
@en!ro, 76, m!rrie" Emeren(i!n!, C7, on Febr!r* -6, 1947+ ,h!t m!rri!#e le#itim!te" Neli!, &ho h!" been ! "l*
!(6no&le"#e" n!tr!l (hil", bt it "i" not impro1e the %t!t% of her brother !n" for %i%ter% &ho &ere !"ltero% or
%prio% (hil"ren+ On September 16, 194=, or !bot ! month before @en!ro$% "e!th ! Dp!rtition of re!l propert*D &!%
e'e(te" in En#li%h+ It &!% "l* not!ri?e"+ It &!% %i#ne" b* @en!ro, .!nel, Filomeno !n" P!(it! !n" thmbm!r6e" b*
Emeren(i!n!, in repre%ent!tion of her minor (hil"ren A"el!i"!, >eme"io%, So(orro !n" Neli! /E'h+ A0, tho#h
Emeren(i!n! h!" not been !ppointe" 5"i(i!l #!r"i!n of their propert*+
In th!t p!rtition, &hi(h the petitioner% !l%o re#!r" !% ! "on!tion, @en!ro tre!te" the home%te!" !% hi% %ole propert* !n"
not (on5#!l, &hi(h it !(t!ll* &!%+ .!nel &!% e1en !% %h!re fi1e !n" one-h!lf he(t!re% of the home%te!" /%othern
portion !"5oinin# Emeren(i!n!$% %ep!r!te home%te!"0+ ,he %i' ille#itim!te (hil"ren &ere #i1en %e1en !n" %e1en-tenth
he(t!re% /northern portion !l%o !"5oinin# Emeren(i!n!$% %ep!r!te home%te!"0+ ,he p!rtition &!% not re#i%tere"+
Nineteen *e!r% l!ter, or on .!* -=, 1970, .!nel h!1in# been !"1i%e" th!t the entire home%te!" &!% inherite" b* him
from hi% p!rent% !n" free" from hi% f!ther$% mor!l !%(en"!n(*, e'e(te" !n !ffi"!1it of !"5"i(!tion &hi(h he re#i%tere"+
Be obt!ine" ! ,orren% title for the thirteen-he(t!re home%te!"+ Abot t&o month% l!ter, the %i' ille#itim!te (hil"ren file" !
SUCCESSION A2010 page 56
(ompl!int for the !nnlment of .!nel$% title !n" for the "i1i%ion of the home%te!" e4!ll* !mon# @en!ro$% %e1en
(hil"ren in(l"in# .!nel+ ,he tri!l (ort !nnlle" .!nel$% title, "e(ree" th!t !bot one-h!lf of the home%te!" %hol"
be "i1i"e" e4!ll* !mon# the %i' ille#itim!te (hil"ren !n" or"ere" .!nel to p!* them P-,700 !% mor!l !n" e'empl!r*
"!m!#e% !n" !ttorne*$% fee%+
.!nel !ppe!le" to the Cort of Appe!l% &hi(h !"5"i(!te" to him three-forth of the home%te!" !n" the other one-
forth to Neli!+ ,he %i' ille#itim!te (hil"ren !ppe!le" to the SC+
!SS"#
2ON .!nel %hol" be !&!r"e" three-forth of the home%te!" !n" onl* one-forth to Neli!
$#LD
3e%+ No portion of the home%te!", ! re#i%tere" l!n", m!* be !(4ire" b* pre%(ription+ DNo title to re#i%tere" l!n" in
"ero#!tion to th!t of the re#i%tere" o&ner %h!ll be !(4ire" b* pre%(ription or !"1er%e po%%e%%ion+D
Arti%le 6H*( of the old Civil Code +rovides that Bif the testator shold maFe a +artition of his +ro+erty by an a%t
inter vivos, or by will, s%h +artition shall stand insofar, as it does not +re?di%e the legitime of the for%ed
heirs&B Arti%le 6H*( was %onstred to mean that a +erson who maFes an inter vivos +artition mst first exe%te
a will& !f the will is void, the +artition is void& 0ith more reason wold the +artition be void if there was no will&
The 68)9 +artition was not in %onformity with law& It !%%me" th!t @en!ro &!% the o&ner of the entire home%te!"
&hi(h i% &ron#+ One-h!lf of the home%te!", %b5e(t to the h%b!n"$% %fr(t!r* le#itime, &!% inherite" in 1940 b*
.!nel pon the "e!th of hi% mother &ho &!% m!rrie" to @en!ro for t&ent*-fi1e *e!r%+ @en!ro (ol" "i%po%e b* !n !(t
inter 1i1o% onl* one-h!lf of the home%te!"+ In th!t one-h!lf portion, .!nel !n" Neli!, !% @en!ro$% le#!l !n" for(e"
heir%, h!" ! t&o-thir" le#itime+
In D"on!tin#D the %!i" one-h!lf portion to hi% %i' ille#itim!te (hil"ren, @en!ro "epri1e" .!nel of hi% le#itime in hi% e%t!te
or, in effe(t, m!"e him renon(e hi% ftre inherit!n(e+ ,he 1971 !ffi"!1it (!nnot be (on%tre" !% ! rep"i!tion of hi%
inherit!n(e in hi% f!ther$% e%t!te be(!%e the "o(ment "oe% not h!1e th!t tenor+ For thi% re!%on, .!nel i% not
e%toppe" to i#nore th!t p!rtition+ ,he rle in Alfor4e 1%+ Velo%o, 67 Phil+ -7-, (ite" b* the petitioner%, "oe% not !ppl* to
.!nel+ ,he f!(t% in the Alfor4e (!%e !re r!"i(!ll* "ifferent from the f!(t% of the in%t!nt home%te!" (!%e+ ,he fi1e
ille#itim!te (hil"ren /the %i'th (hil" Neli! &!% le#itim!te"0 h!1e no ri#ht% &h!t%oe1er to the %!i" home%te!"+ A% !lre!"*
%!i", the* &ere !"ltero% or %prio% (hil"ren+
A% %(h, the* !re not entitle" to %((e%%ion!l ri#ht% bt onl* to %pport /Art+ 1C9, ol" Ci1il Co"e0
.!nel !n" Neli!, !% @en!ro$% le#!l !n" for(e" heir%, !re entitle" to inherit @en!ro$% one-h!lf portion+ It (!nnot be %!i"
th!t the fi1e !"ltero% (hil"ren h!1e no re%or(e% &h!t%oe1er+ ,heir mother, Emeren(i!n!, h!% ! home%te!" !"5oinin#
@en!ro$% home%te!" in 4e%tion+
3ANGI-4 v CA
144 SC>A CC
C>:K; September 1-, 19=6
NAT",#
Petition for re1ie& on (ertior!ri n"er >le 47
FACTS
- Ol" .!n ,mp!o h!" ! &ife !n" be#ot C (hil"ren , the re%pon"ent% in thi% (!%e+ After hi% &ife$% "e!th, he m!rrie"
!#!in+ Bi% %e(on" &ife h!" - (hil"ren %he h!" !"opte" !((o"rin# to the pr!(ti(e of i#orot%
- On Sept 4, 19C7, Ol" m!n tmp!o e'e(te" ! Dl!%t &ill !n" te%t!mentD+ A((or"in# to %(h, 8!n"!o ,mp!o %h!ll be
the one to (!rr* or flfill the ,e%t!ment, !n" %h!ll h!1e the po&er to %ee !n" "i%po%e of the Ol" .!n ,mp!o$% propert*+
- ,he &ill &!% re!" to the benefi(i!rie% &ho &ere !lre!"* o((p*in# the l!n"% !llotte" to them+ On Sept 7, 19C7, the*
h!" !n !#reement re(o#ni?in# the &ill !n" 8!n"oH% !ppointment+ - "!*% l!ter, Ol" .!n ,mp!o "ie"+
- ,he p!rtie% rem!ine" in po%%e%%ion of the lot% !%%i#ne" to them, !pp!rentl* in obe"ien(e to the &i%h of Ol" .!n
,mp!o !% e'pre%%e" in hi% l!%t &ill+
- Bo&e1er, in 1960, the re%pon"ent% e'e(te" !n e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of the l!n"% of Ol" .!n ,mp!o+ ,he l!tterH% title
&!% (!n(elle" !n" the re%pon"ent% &ere #i1en ! ne& one+ It i% th!t title &hi(h i% the bein# 4e%tione" b* the petitioner%+
- ,he ,C rle" for the petitioner%+ ,he CA re1er%e" !% it %!i" th!t the &ill &!% 1oi" %in(e it &!% not prob!te"+ ,he
!#reement of p!rtition !mon# the %ppo%e" benefi(i!rie% of the &ill &!% nllifie" be(!%e it &!% ! p!rtition inter 1i1o%
!n" h!" not been !ppro1e" b* the <ire(tor of the 8re! of Non-Chri%ti!n ,ribe%+
!SS"#CS
1+ 2ON the &ill &!% 1!li"
$#LD
1+ NO
Ratio ,he &ill i% not 1!li" %in(e it &!% not prob!te"+ Bo&e1er, the "o(ment m!* be %%t!ine" on the b!%i% of Arti(le
1076 of the Ci1il Co"e of 1=99, &hi(h &!% in for(e !t the time the %!i" "o(ment &!% e'e(te" b* Ol" .!n ,mp!o in
19C7+
Reasoning
- Art+ 1076+ If the te%t!tor %hol" m!6e ! p!rtition of hi% propertie% b* !n !(t inter 1i1o%, or b* &in, %(h p!rtition %h!ll
%t!n" in %o f!r !% it "oe% not pre5"i(e the le#itime of the for(e" heir%
- Arti(le 1076 of the Ci1il Co"e of 1==9 !thori?e% ! te%t!tor to p!rtition inter 1i1o% hi% propert*, !n" "i%tribte them
!mon# hi% heir%, !n" th!t thi% p!rtition i% not ne(e%%!ril* either ! "on!tion nor ! te%t!ment, bt !n in%trment of !
%pe(i!l (h!r!(ter, %i #eneri%, &hi(h i% re1o(!ble !t !n* time b* the (!%!nte "rin# hi% lifetime, !n" "oe% not oper!te
!% ! (on1e*!n(e of title ntil hi% "e!th+ It "eri1e% it% bin"in# for(e on the heir% from the re%pe(t "e to the &ill of the
o&ner of the propert*, limite" onl* b* hi% (re"itor% !n" the int!n#ibilit* of the le#itime of the for(e" heir%
- It &!% %ffi(ient, therefore, th!t the p!rtition %hol" be in &ritin#+ It "oe% not h!1e to be in ! pbli( "o(ment e'(ept to
!ffe(t thir" per%on% /Art+ 1-=00, bein# 1!li" bet&een the p!rtie% &ho %i#ne" it in it% pre%ent form+
- !% the tri!l (ort pt itF
,he &ill !lone, &ol" be inoper!ti1e for the %imple re!%on th!t it &!% not prob!te", Bo&e1er, &hen the per%on% &ho
&ere n!me" therein !% heir% !n" benefi(i!rie% 1olnt!ril* !#ree" in &ritin# to !bi"e b* it% term% prob!bl* to %!1e the
e'pen%e% of prob!te+ !n" frthermore, (!rrie" ot it% term% !fter the "e!th of the te%t!tor ntil no&, then it m%t be hel"
to be bin"in# bet&een them+ S!i" !#reement &!% not ! "i%po%!l of inherit!n(e b* ! pro%pe(ti1e heir before the "e!th of
the te%t!tor, bt !n !#reement to (!rr* ot the &ill+ It &!% not (onte%te" b* the "efen"!nt% !n" !fter the l!p%e of -7
*e!r% their ri#ht, if !n*, to !%%!il it h!% pre%(ribe" n"er Art+ 1144 of the Ci1il Co"e+ An* form!l "efe(t of the "ee", &!%
(re" b* the l!p%e of time+
- ,he !#reement entere" into b* the p!rtie% "i" not h!1e to be !ppro1e" b* the <ire(tor of the 8re! of Non-Chri%ti!n
,ribe% be(!%e the A"mini%tr!ti1e Co"e of .in"!n!o !n" Sl &!% not e'ten"e" to the .ont!in Pro1in(e+ .oreo1er,
the "o(ment &!% not ! (on1e*!n(e of propertie% or propert* ri#ht+
- It rem!in% to %t!te th!t the propert* in "i%pte h!1in# been re#i%tere" in 1917, the pre%mption i% th!t it &!% !(4ire"
"rin# the %e(on" m!rri!#e !n" %o (!nnot be (l!ime" b* the re%pon"ent% !% the (on5#!l propert* of their mother !n"
Ol" .!n ,mp!o+ Ben(e, the* !re not entitle" to ret!in the entire l!n" !% their e'(l%i1e inherit!n(e or to (olle(t rent!l%
for the lot% o((pie" b* the petitioner%
D-,-3AL v CA D;A1#LLANAE
A-C60=C
8A>>E<O; September 7, 1977
NAT",#
Petition for re1ie& of the "e(i%ion of the Cort of Appe!l% in CA &hi(h re1er%e" the "e(i%ion of CFI of Iloilo, th!t h!" in
trn "i%mi%%e" herein pri1!te re%pon"ent Filomen! )!1ell!n!$% !(tion for re"emption of ! (ert!in propert* %ol" b* her
(o-o&ner% to the <orom!l% for h!1in# been m!"e ot of time+
FACTS
- Aot C704 of the (!"!%tr!l %r1e* of Iloilo, %it!te" in the pobl!(ion of A! P!? /-+7 h!+0, &!% ori#in!ll* "e(ree" in the
n!me of the l!te )%ti(e Antonio Borilleno+
- 8efore Antonio "ie", he e'e(te" ! l!%t &ill !n" te%t!ment !tte%tin# to the f!(t th!t it &!% ! (o-o&ner%hip bet&een
him%elf !n" hi% brother% !n" %i%ter%, %o th!t the (o-o&ner% &ere /be%i"e% )%ti(e Borilleno0F Ai%, Sole"!", Fe, >o%it!,
C!rlo% !n" E%per!n?!+
- Sin(e E%per!n?! h!" !lre!"* "ie", %he &!% %((ee"e" b* her onl* "!#hter !n" heir herein pl!intiff, Filomen!
)!1ell!n!, in the proportion of 1G7 n"i1i"e" o&ner%hip e!(h+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 57
- E1en tho#h their ri#ht h!" not *et been !nnot!te" in the title, the (o-o&ner% /le" b* C!rlo% !n" !% to the "e(e!%e"
Antonio, hi% "!#hter .!r*0 %ometime in 1967, h!" &!nte" to %ell their %h!re%, or if Filomena were agreeable, to sell
the entire +ro+erty+
- ,he <orom!l% />!mon Sr+ !n" )r+0 &ere intere%te" in the propert*+ In prep!r!tion for the e'e(tion of the %!le, %in(e
the %iblin#% &ere %(!ttere" in 1!rio% p!rt% of the (ontr*, the* !ll e'e(te" 1!rio% po&er% of !ttorne* in f!1or of their
nie(e, .!r* B+ )imene?+ ,he* !l%o (!%e" prep!r!tion of ! po&er of !ttorne* of i"enti(!l tenor for %i#n!tre b*
Filomen! )!1ell!n!+
- ,hro#h ! letter C!rlo% informe" Filomen! th!t the pri(e &!% P4+00 ! %4!re meter, !ltho#h !% e!rl* !% O(tober --,
1967, C!rlo% h!" re(ei1e" in (he(6 !% e!rne%t mone* from "efen"!nt >!mon <orom!l, )r+, the %m of P7,000+00 !n"
the pri(e therein !#ree" pon &!% fi1e /P7+000 pe%o% ! %4!re meter /In No1ember 1967 C!rlo% tol" Filomen! th!t
P7,000 in e!rne%t mone* &!% p!i" for P6+00 ! %4+m0+
- Filomena did not agree to the sale, and did not sign the +ower of attorney+ ,he re%t of the (o-o&ner% &ent !he!"
&ith their %!le of their 6G7+ C!rlo% %!& to it fir%t th!t the "ee" of %!le /b* their (ommon !ttorne* in f!(t, .!r* B+ )imene?0
be %i#ne" !n" r!tifie" in C!n"on, Ilo(o% Sr, on )!n!r* 17, 196=+
- C!rlo% in the %!me month trie" to re#i%ter the %!le, bt be(!%e the >e#i%ter of <ee"% of Iloilo ref%e" to re#i%ter ri#ht
!&!* /%in(e the ori#in!l re#i%tere" o&ner, )%ti(e Antonio Borilleno &!% !lre!"* "e!"0 he hire" Att*+ Ar!n"el! to file !
petition &ithin the (!"!%tr!l (!%e, on Febr!r* -6, 196=, for th!t prpo%e+ C!rlo% retrne" to A?on, !n" !fter
(ompli!n(e &ith the re4i%ite% of pbli(!tion, he!rin# !n" noti(e, the petition &!% !ppro1e"+
- April -9, 196=F C!rlo%, b!(6 in Iloilo, &ent to the >e#i%ter of <ee"% !n" (!%e" the re#i%tr!tion of the or"er of the
(!"!%tr!l (ort a++roving the issan%e of a new title in the name of the %oIowners, as well as of the deed of sale
to the Doromals, as a reslt of whi%h on that same date, a new title was issed in the name of the $orillenos to
(C7 and +laintiff Filomena ;avellana to 6C7&
- ,he ne't "!* the <orom!l% p!i" C!rlo% b* (he(6, the %m of P97,000+00+ 8e%i"e% thi% !mont p!i" in (he(6, the
<orom!l% /!% e1i"en(e"0 %till p!i" !n !""ition!l !mont in (!%h of P1=,-70+00 %in(e the !#ree" pri(e &!% P7+00 !
%4!re meter, th% (on%mm!tin# the tr!n%!(tion+
- )ne 10, 196=F Filomen!H% l!&*er, Att*+ Vill!ne1!, &ent to the <orom!l%H re%i"en(e !n" pre%ente" ! letter b*
Filomen!+ In it Filomen! offere" to re"eem the 6G7 of the propert* for the %m of PC0,000+00+ ,he <orom!l% ref%e"+
#etitioner$s Claim
- A% ! (o-o&ner %he h!" the ri#ht to re"eem !t the pri(e in"i(!te" in the %!le+
Responent$s Comments
- Filomen! h!" no more ri#ht to re"eem, !n" th!t if e1er %he %hol" h!1e, th!t it %hol" be !t the tre !n" re!l pri(e b*
them p!i", n!mel*, the tot!l %m of P117,-70+00+
!SS"#DSE
1+ 2ON Filomen! &!% %till entitle" to re"eem the propert*+ /3ES0
-+ ,he (orre(t !mont of re"emption+ /PC0,0000
$#LD
1+ 3ES
Ratio The noti%e in writing to be made to other %oIowners reAired by Arti%le 6('2 is not only of a +erfe%ted
sale bt of the a%tal exe%tion and delivery of the deed of sale+ It i% from th!t &hi(h the C0-"!* perio" to re"eem
%hol" be (onte"+
Reasoning
A,T& 6('2+ ,he ri#ht of le#!l pre-emption or re"emption %h!ll not be e'er(i%e" e'(ept &ithin thirt* "!*% from the
noti(e in &ritin# b* the pro%pe(ti1e 1en"or, or b* the 1en"or, !% the (!%e m!* be+ ,he "ee" of %!le %h!ll not be
re(or"e" in the >e#i%tr* of Propert*, nle%% !((omp!nie" b* !n !ffi"!1it of the 1en"or th!t he h!% #i1en &ritten
noti(e thereof to !ll po%%ible re"emptioner%+
,he ri#ht of re"emption of (o-o&ner% e'(l"e% th!t of !"5oinin# o&ner%+
- ,he <orom!l% "o not 4e%tion Filomen!H% ri#ht to re"eem+ ,he* (onten" ho&e1er th!t the re"emption perio" h!%
pre%(ribe" !lre!"*+ ,he* %!* th!t the letter% %ent b* C!rlo% to Filomen! /"!te" O(t+ -- !n" No1+ 7, 19670 (on%titte" the
noti(e re4ire" b* the pro1i%ion+
- Bo&e1er, there i% no %ho&in# th!t %!i" letter% &ere in f!(t re(ei1e" b* re%pon"ent !n" &hen the* &ere !(t!ll*
re(ei1e"+ 8e%i"e%, petitioner% "o not pinpoint &hi(h of the%e t&o letter%, their "!te% bein# more th!n t&o month% !p!rt,
i% the re4ire" noti(e+ In !n* e1ent, !% fon" b* the CA, neither of %!i" letter% referre" to ! (on%mm!te" %!le+
- 2hile the letter% relie" pon b* the <orom!l% (ol" (on1e* the i"e! th!t more or le%% %ome 6in" of (on%en%% h!"
been !rri1e" !t !mon# the other Bomeo&ner% to %ell the propert* in "i%pte, it (!nnot be %!i" "efinitel* th!t %(h ! %!le
h!" e1en been !(t!ll* perfe(te"+ ,he f!(t !lone th!t in the l!ter letter of )!n!r* 1=, 196= the pri(e in"i(!te" &!%
P4+00 per %4!re meter &hile in th!t of No1ember 7, 1967, &h!t &!% %t!te" &!% P7+00 per %4!re meter ne#!ti1e% the
po%%ibilit* th!t ! Dpri(e "efiniteD h!" !lre!"* been !#ree" pon+
- E!rne%t mone* in thi% (!%e m%t be (on%tre" in li#ht of the "efinition n"er the Ol" Ci1il Co"eL! #!r!ntee th!t the
b*er &ol" not b!(6 otL(on%i"erin# th!t it i% not (le!r th!t there &!% !lre!"* ! "efinite !#reement !% to the pri(e
then !n" th!t petitioner% &ere "e(i"e" to b* 6G7 onl* of the propert* %hol" re%pon"ent )!1ell!n! ref%e to !#ree to
p!rt &ith her 1G7 %h!re+
-+ PC0,000+00, !% in"i(!te" in the %!le+
Ratio ,he re"emption in (ontro1er%* %hol" be onl* for the pri(e %tipl!te" in the "ee", re#!r"le%% of &h!t mi#ht h!1e
been !(t!ll* p!i" b* petitioner%+
Reasoning
- ,he tri!l (ort fon" th!t Dthe (on%i"er!tion of PC0,000 onl* &!% pl!(e" in the "ee" of %!le to minimi?e the p!*ment of
the re#i%tr!tion fee%, %t!mp% !n" %!le% t!'+D
- 2ith thi% n"i%pte" f!(t in min", it i% impo%%ible for the Spreme Cort to %!n(tion petitioner%$ pr!#m!ti( bt immor!l
po%tre+ 8ein# p!tentl* 1iol!ti1e of pbli( poli(* !n" in5rio% to pbli( intere%t, the %eemin#l* &i"e pr!(ti(e of
n"er%t!tin# (on%i"er!tion% of tr!n%!(tion% for the prpo%e of e1!"in# t!'e% !n" fee% "e to the #o1ernment m%t be
(on"emne" !n" !ll p!rtie% #ilt* thereof m%t be m!"e to %ffer the (on%e4en(e% of their ill-!"1i%e" !#reement to
"efr!" the %t!te+
- If it be !r#e" th!t fore#oin# %oltion &ol" me!n n5%t enri(hment for pl!intiff, it nee" onl* be remembere" th!t
pl!intiff% ri#ht i% not (ontr!(t!l, bt ! mere le#!l one, the e'er(i%e of ! ri#ht #r!nte" b* the l!&, !n" the l!& i% "efinite
th!t %he (!n %bro#!te her%elf in pl!(e of the b*er+
- thi% %oltion i% not n5%t be(!%e it onl* bin"% the p!rtie% to m!6e #oo" their %olemn repre%ent!tion to po%%ible
re"emptioner% on the pri(e of the %!le, to &h!t the* h!" %olemnl* !1erre" in ! pbli( "o(ment re4ire" b* the l!& to
be the onl* b!%i% for th!t e'er(i%e of re"emption+
GAB!LA v 5#,#.
169 SC>A 717
@>I]O-A9:INO; )!n!r* -7, 19=9
NAT",#
Appe!l from ! "e(i%ion of the CFI <!1!o "i%mi%%in# pl!intiff-!ppell!nt$% (ompl!int, &hi(h the CA (ertifie" to SC be(!%e
onl* ! 4e%tion of l!& i% in1ol1e"+
FACTS
-Sept 16, 194=F P!blo, >!mon !n" .er(e"e%, !ll %rn!me" Pere?, e'e(te" in f!1or of pl!intiff-!ppell!nt C!rlo% @!bil!,
! <ee" of S!le of ! p!r(el of l!n" re#i%tere" in the n!me of their "e(e!%e" f!ther .!ri!no Pere? n"er ,C, No+ =99 of
the >e#i%tr* of <ee"% of <!1!o, &hi(h the* inherite" pon hi% "emi%e+
-In the %!i" "ee" of S!le /E'h+ A0, the 1en"or% "e(l!re" them%el1e% the o&ner% of the %b5e(t p!r(el of !#ri(ltr!l l!n",
h!1in# inherite" the %!me !% the le#itim!te (hil"ren of their "e(e!%e" f!ther+ S!i" in%trment (ont!in%, !mon# other%,
the follo&in# pro1i%ionF NIt i% hereb* !#ree", (o1en!nte" !n" %tipl!te" b* !n" bet&een the p!rtie% hereto th!t the
Ven"or% &ill e'e(te imme"i!tel* !n E'tr!-)"i(i!l P!rtition of !ll the propertie% of their "e(e!%e" f!ther, !n" p!* the
(orre%pon"in# e%t!te !n" inherit!n(e t!'e% %o th!t the !bo1e - "e%(ribe" title (ol" be (!n(elle" !n" in it% %te!" ! ne&
,r!n%fer Certifi(!te of ,itle be i%%e" in f!1or of the Ven"ee+O
-,he <ee" of S!le &!% "l* %i#ne" !n" r!tifie" before ! not!r* pbli( !n" po%%e%%ion of the l!n" &!% imme"i!tel*
"eli1ere" to the 1en"ee+ ,he monthl* in%t!llment% of the pri(e of the %!le &ere (ompletel* p!i" in "e time+ Bo&e1er,
the 1en"or% too6 no %tep% to (ompl* &ith their promi%e to e'e(te !n e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of their f!ther$% propertie% %o
th!t hi% title to the l!n" in 4e%tion (!n be tr!n%ferre" in their n!me% !n" from them, to the 1en"ee @!bil!+
-A#%t -=, 197=F @!bil! file" thi% !(tion pr!*in# th!t the "efen"!nt% be or"ere" to e'e(te !n e'tr!-5"i(i!l p!rtition of
!ll the propertie% of their "e(e!%e" f!ther or other&i%e %ettle hi% e%t!te !n" p!* the (orre%pon"in# e%t!te !n"
inherit!n(e t!'e%, !n" e'e(te the re4i%ite in%trment% for the re#i%tr!tion !n" tr!n%fer of the title to him; !n" to p!*
him !ttorne*$% fee% !n" e'pen%e% of the %it, pl% (o%t%+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 58
-Pere?e%H An%&erF th!t the "ee" of %!le &!% inten"e" merel* to #!r!ntee ! lo!n of P-,700 (ontr!(te" b* one of the
"efen"!nt%; th!t .er(e"e% Pere?, one of the 1en"or%, &!% ! minor &hen the "ee" of %!le &!% m!"e; th!t the "ee" of
%!le &!% not !ppro1e" b* the Se(ret!r* of A#ri(ltre; !n", th!t the (on%i"er!tion of P-,700 &!% n(on%(ion!ble+
-@!bil!H% >epl*F th!t !t the time of the e'e(tion of the "ee" of %!le, .er(e"e% Pere? %t!te" th!t %he &!% of !#e, !n"
pl!intiff h!" no re!%on to "obt th!t %t!tement+ 8t, !%%min# th!t %he &!% n"er !#e !t the time, %he r!tifie" the %!le
b* her f!ilre to rep"i!te it in "e time; th!t the !lle#!tion th!t the "ee" &!% onl* ! #!r!ntee for ! P-,700 lo!n &!%
not tre be(!%e ! p!rt of the pr(h!%e pri(e &!% p!i" to the "efen"!nt% in ten /100 monthl* in%t!llment%; th!t the pri(e
!#ree" pon in 194= &!% f!ir !n" re!%on!ble; !n", th!t the !ppro1!l of the %!le b* the Se(ret!r* of A#ri(ltre !n"
N!tr!l >e%or(e &!% not ne(e%%!r*+
-<e%pite "e noti(e, neither "efen"!nt% nor their (on%el !ppe!re" "rin# the tri!l+ For th!t re!%on, >,C !llo&e" the
pl!intiff to !""(e e1i"en(e e' p!rte before ! (ommi%%ioner+
->,C "e(i%ion, )!n -1, 1961F "i%mi%%e" the (ompl!int !n" hel" th!t the "efen"!nt% (ol" not be or"ere" to e'e(te !n
e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of !ll the propertie% of their "e(e!%e" f!ther be(!%e the propertie% to be p!rtitione" !re not
i"entifie" in the (ompl!int, !n", the "efen"!nt% (!n no lon#er p!rtition the l!n" "e%(ribe" in ,C, No+ =99, be(!%e it
h!% been %ol" to the pl!intiff+ ,he (ort hel" th!t the e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of the propert* %hol" h!1e been "one !t the
time of the %!le, in the %!me in%trment+
-Ben(e thi% !ppe!l+
!SS"#
2ON the "efen"!nt% %hol" be or"ere" to e'e(te !n e'tr!-5"i(i!l p!rtition of !ll the propertie% of their "e(e!%e"
f!ther !n" e'e(te the re4i%ite in%trment% for the re#i%tr!tion !n" tr!n%fer of the title to pl!intiff
$#LD
NO+ ,hi% !(tion i% not one for %pe(ifi( perform!n(e of the %!le of the propert* to the !ppell!nt, &h!t the pl!intiff %ee6%
merel* i% the tr!n%fer of the title of the l!n" in hi% n!me+
-@!bil!, !% 1en"ee of the l!n", h!% ! ri#ht to re(ei1e, !n" the Pere?e% the (orre%pon"in# obli#!tion to tr!n%fer to him,
not onl* the po%%e%%ion !n" en5o*ment of the l!n" bt !l%o the (ertifi(!te of title+ ,he tri!l (ort re(o#ni?e" th!t ri#ht of
@!bil!, bt it profe%%e" to be helple%% to enfor(e it+ In "i%mi%%in# hi% (ompl!int !n", in effe(t, "en*in# him ! reme"*, the
tri!l (ort for#ot ! m!'im &hi(h i% !% ol" !% the l!& it%elfF :bi 5% ibi reme"im+ 2here there i% ! ri#ht, there i% ! reme"*+
-,he Pere?e%, !% the onl* le#!l heir% of their f!ther, the "e(e!%e" .!ri!no Pere?, be(!me the o&ner% of the propert* in
4e%tion pon hi% "emi%e+ ,he ri#ht% to the %((e%%ion &ere tr!n%mitte" to them from the moment of hi% "e!th /Art+ 77,
Ci1il Co"e0+ ,heir %!le to @!bil! of the propert* "e%(ribe" in ,C, No+ =99, &hi(h the* inherite" from their f!ther pt !n
en" to their (o-o&ner%hip o1er it /Art+ 10=- Ci1il Co"e0+ Con%e4entl* there i% no frther nee" for them to p!rtition it, the
prpo%e of p!rtition bein# to %ep!r!te, "i1i"e, !n" !%%i#n ! thin# hel" in (ommon !mon# tho%e to &hom it m!* belon#
/Art+ 1079, Ci1il Co"e0+ ,he Pere?e% m!* no lon#er p!rtition the l!n" in 4e%tion be(!%e the* h!" !lre!"* %ol" it+
-In thi% (!%e, the "ee" of %!le !l%o %er1e% the prpo%e of !n !ffi"!1it of !"5"i(!tion of the lot in 4e%tion to the Pere?e%
!% heir% of the former o&ner .!ri!no Pere?+ ,heir "e(l!r!tion therein th!t the re#i%tere" o&ner of the l!n" "e%(ribe" in
,C, No+ =99 .!ri!no Pere?, &ho "ie" on O(tober 11, 194-, i% the f!ther of the 1en"or%, th!t Dthe 1en"or% inherite" %!i"
l!n" from their "e(e!%e" f!ther, bein# the le#itim!te (hil"renD !n" th!t Dthe Ven"or% !re the o&ner%D of %!i" l!n" i%, in
effe(t, !n !"5"i(!tion of the l!n" to them%el1e%+ S(h !"5"i(!tion ren"er% the %tipl!tion in the "ee" of %!le th!t Dthe
Ven"or% &ill e'e(te imme"i!tel* !n E'tr!5"i(i!l P!rtition of !ll the propertie% of their "e(e!%e" f!therD %perflo% !n"
nne(e%%!r*+ It m!* be o1erloo6e" or "eeme" not &ritten !t !ll+ All th!t nee"% to be "one no& i% to re#i%ter on the ,C,
No+ =99 of the l!te .!ri!no Pere? the "ee" of %!le &hi(h m!* !l%o be tre!te" !% !n !ffi"!1it of !"5"i(!tion of the l!n"
to the 1en"or% in or"er th!t their f!ther$% title m!* be (!n(ele" !n" ! ne& one (!n be i%%e" to their 1en"ee, C!rlo%
@!bil!+
AL-N.- 1 !AC
170 SC>A 717
C>:K; .!* -=, 19=7
FACTS
- 7 brother% !n" %i%ter% inherite" in e4!l pro indi%iso %h!re% ! p!r(el of l!n" re#i%tere" in the n!me of their "e(e!%e"
p!rent%+
- .!r(h 17, 196CF one of them, Cele%tino P!"!, tr!n%ferre" hi% n"i1i"e" %h!re to petitioner% b* &!* of !b%olte %!le+
- April --, 1964F E%t!4i! P!"!, hi% %i%ter, %ol" her o&n %h!re to the %!me 1en"ee%, in !n in%trment "enomin!te"
DCon P!(to "e >etro S!le+D
- 8* 1irte of %(h !#reement%, the petitioner% o((pie", !fter the %!i" %!le%, !n !re! (orre%pon"in# to -G7 of the %!i"
lot, repre%entin# the portion% %ol" to them+ ,he 1en"ee% %b%e4entl* en(lo%e" the %!me &ith ! fen(e+ In 1977, &ith
their (on%ent, their %on E"!r"o Alon?o !n" hi% &ife bilt ! %emi-(on(rete ho%e on ! p!rt of the en(lo%e" !re!+

- Febr!r* -7, 1976F .!ri!no P!"!, one of the fi1e (oheir%, %o#ht to re"eem the !re! %ol" to the %po%e% Alon?o, bt
hi% (ompl!int &!% "i%mi%%e" &hen it !ppe!re" th!t he &!% !n Ameri(!n (iti?en +

- .!* -7, 1977F ,e(l! P!"!, !nother (o-heir, file" her o&n (ompl!int in1o6in# the %!me ri#ht of re"emption (l!ime" b*
her brother+
- ,he tri!l (ort "i%mi%% the (ompl!int on the #ron" th!t the ri#ht h!" l!p%e"
-1
, not h!1in# been e'er(i%e" &ithin thirt*
"!*% from noti(e of the %!le% in 196C !n" 1964+ Altho#h there &!% no &ritten noti(e, it &!% hel" th!t actual 6no&le"#e
of the %!le% b* the (o-heir% %!ti%fie" the re4irement of the l!&+
!SS"#S
1+ 2ON the noti(e re4ire" in Arti(le 10== i% &ritten noti(e+
-+ 2ON the ri#ht of re"emption in thi% (!%e h!" l!p%e" in %pite of the !b%en(e of &ritten noti(e+
$#LD
6& 4#S&
- In re1er%in# the tri!l (ort, the re%pon"ent (ort "e(l!re" th!t the noti(e re4ire" b* the %!i" !rti(le &!% written noti(e
!n" (itin# the 2e Cone$ero %. Court o" Appeals !pplie" b* the tri!l (ort, the re%pon"ent (ort hel" th!t th!t "e(i%ion,
interpretin# ! li6e rle in Arti(le 16-C, %tre%%e" the nee" for &ritten noti(e !ltho#h no p!rti(l!r form &!% re4ire"+
- &utte %. ?y, emph!%i?e" th!t the &ritten noti(e %hol" be #i1en b* the 1en"or !n" not the 1en"ee%, (onform!bl* to !
%imil!r re4irement n"er Arti(le 16-C+
--

'& 4#S& The Court in this case made an e!ception to the rule established in the cases o" 2e Cone$ero and &utte+
- ,he Cort hel" th!t the petition !ppe!r% to be !n ill%tr!tion of the Bolme% "i(tm th!t Dh!r" (!%e% m!6e b!" l!&%D !%
the petitioner% ob1io%l* (!nnot !r#e !#!in%t the f!(t th!t there &!% re!ll* no &ritten noti(e #i1en b* the 1en"or% to
their (o-heir%+ Stri(tl* !pplie" !n" interprete", Arti(le 10== (!n le!" to onl* one (on(l%ion, to &it, th!t in 1ie& of %(h
"efi(ien(*, the C0 "!* perio" for re"emption h!" not be#n to rn, m(h le%% e'pire" in 1977+
- It %t!te" th!t 5"#e% !re not !tom!ton%+ ,he* m%t not nfeelin#l* !ppl* the l!& !% it i% &or"e", *iel"in# li6e robot% to
the liter!l (omm!n" &ithot re#!r" to it% (!%e !n" (on%e4en(e+ 2hile the Cort m!* not re!" into the l!& ! prpo%e
th!t i% not there, it ne1erthele%% h!% the ri#ht to re!" out o" it the re!%on for it% en!(tment+ In "oin# %o, it "efer% not to
Dthe letter th!t 6illethD bt to Dthe %pirit th!t 1i1ifieth,D to #i1e effe(t to the l!& m!6er$% &ill+
- In re4irin# &ritten noti(e, Arti(le 10== %ee6% to en%re th!t the re"emptioner i% properl* notifie" of the %!le !n" to
in"i(!te the "!te of %(h noti(e !% the %t!rtin# time of the C0-"!* perio" of re"emption+ Con%i"erin# the %hortne%% of the
perio", it i% re!ll* ne(e%%!r*, !% ! #ener!l rle, to pinpoint the pre(i%e "!te it i% %ppo%e" to be#in, to ob1i!te !n*
problem of !lle#e" "el!*%, %ometime% (on%i%tin# of onl* ! "!* or t&o+
- ,he in%t!nt (!%e pre%ent% no %(h problem be(!%e the ri#ht of re"emption &!% in1o6e" not days bt years !fter the
%!le% &ere m!"e in 196C !n" 1964+ ,he (ompl!int &!% file" b* ,e(l! P!"! in 1977, 1C *e!r% !fter the fir%t %!le !n" 14
*e!r% !fter the %e(on" %!le+ ,he "el!* in1o6e" b* the petitioner% e'ten"% to more th!n ! "e(!"e, !%%min# of (or%e
th!t there &!% ! 1!li" noti(e th!t tolle" the rnnin# of the perio" of re"emption+
21
Art+ 10==+ Shol" !n* of the heir% %ell hi% here"it!r* ri#ht% to ! %tr!n#er before the p!rtition, !n* or !ll of the (o-heir% m!* be %bro#!te" to the ri#ht% of the
pr(h!%er b* reimbr%in# him for the pri(e of the %!le, pro1i"e" the* "o %o &ithin the perio" of one month from the time the* &ere notifie" in &ritin# of the %!le
b* the 1en"or+
22
Art+ 16-C+ ,he ri#ht of le#!l pre-emption or re"emption %h!ll not be e'er(i%e" e'(ept &ithin thirt* "!*% from the noti(e in &ritin# b* the pro%pe(ti1e 1en"or, or
b* the 1en"or%, !% the (!%e m!* be+ ,he "ee" of %!le %h!ll not be re(or"e" in the >e#i%tr* of Propert*, nle%% !((omp!nie" b* !n !ffi"!1it of the 1en"or th!t he
h!% #i1en &ritten noti(e thereof to !ll po%%ible re"emptioner%+ ,he ri#ht of re"emption of (o-o&ner% e'(l"e% th!t of the !"5oinin# o&ner%+
SUCCESSION A2010 page 59
- ,he Cort rle" th!t in the f!(e of the e%t!bli%he" f!(t%, it (!nnot !((ept the pri1!te re%pon"ent%$ preten%e th!t the*
&ere n!&!re of the %!le% m!"e b* their brother !n" %i%ter in 196C !n" 1964+ 8* re4irin# &ritten proof of %(h noti(e,
it &ol" be (lo%in# it% e*e% to the ob1io% trth in f!1or of their p!lp!bl* f!l%e (l!im of i#nor!n(e, th% e'!ltin# the letter
of the l!& o1er it% prpo%e+ ,he prpo%e i% (le!r eno#hF to m!6e %re th!t the re"emptioner% !re "l* notifie"+ ,he
Cort &!% %!ti%fie" th!t in thi% (!%e the other brother% !n" %i%ter% &ere !(t!ll* informe", !ltho#h not in &ritin#, of the
%!le% m!"e in 196C !n" 1964, !n" th!t %(h noti(e &!% %ffi(ient+
- 2hile the Cort "i" not "e(l!re th!t the perio" of re"emption %t!rte" from the "!te% of %(h %!le% in 196C !n" 1964, it
"i" %!* th!t %ometime bet&een tho%e *e!r% !n" 1976, &hen the fir%t (ompl!int for re"emption &!% file", the other (o-
heir% &ere !(t!ll* informe" of the %!le !n" th!t there!fter the C0-"!* perio" %t!rte" rnnin# !n" ltim!tel* e'pire"+
,hi% (ol" h!1e h!ppene" !n* time "rin# the inter1!l of thirteen *e!r%, &hen none of the (o-heir% m!"e ! mo1e to
re"eem the propertie% %ol"+ 8* 1977, in other &or"%, &hen ,e(l! P!"! file" her (ompl!int, the ri#ht of re"emption h!"
!lre!"* been e'tin#i%he" be(!%e the perio" for it% e'er(i%e h!" !lre!"* e'pire"+
- 2hile the #ener!l rle i%, th!t to (h!r#e ! p!rt* &ith l!(he% in the !%%ertion of !n !lle#e" ri#ht it i% e%%enti!l th!t he
%hol" h!1e 6no&le"#e of the f!(t% pon &hi(h he b!%e% hi% (l!im, *et if the (ir(m%t!n(e% &ere %(h !% %hol" h!1e
in"(e" in4ir*, !n" the me!n% of !%(ert!inin# the trth &ere re!"il* !1!il!ble pon in4ir*, bt the p!rt* ne#le(t% to
m!6e it, he &ill be (h!r#e!ble &ith l!(he%, the %!me !% if he h!" 6no&n the f!(t%+
- It &!% the perfe(tl* n!tr!l thin# for the (o-heir% to &on"er &h* the %po%e% Alon?o, &ho &ere not !mon# them, %hol"
en(lo%e ! portion of the inherite" lot !n" bil" thereon ! ho%e of %tron# m!teri!l%+ ,hi% "efinitel* &!% not the !(t of !
tempor!r* po%%e%%or or ! mere mort#!#ee+ ,hi% (ert!inl* loo6e" li6e !n !(t of o&ner%hip+ 3et, #i1en thi% n%eeml*
%it!tion, none of the (o-heir% %!& fit to ob5e(t or !t le!%t in4ire, to !%(ert!in the f!(t%, &hi(h &ere re!"il* !1!il!ble+ It
too6 !ll of thirteen *e!r% before one of them (ho%e to (l!im the ri#ht of re"emption, bt then it &!% !lre!"* too l!te+
- ,he Cort %t!te" th!t in !rri1in# !t the !bo1ementione" (on(l%ion, it i% "e1i!tin# from the %tri(t letter of the l!&, &hi(h
the re%pon"ent (ort n"er%t!n"!bl* !pplie" pr%!nt to e'i%tin# 5ri%pr"en(e+ ,he %!i" (ort !(te" properl* !% it h!"
no (ompeten(e to re1er%e the "o(trine% l!i" "o&n b* thi% Cort in the !bo1e-(ite" (!%e%+ ,he Cort (le!rl* %tre%%e" th!t
it &!% not !b!n"onin# the <e Cone5ero !n" 8tte "o(trine%+ All it "i" &!% %impl* !"optin# !n e'(eption to the #ener!l
rle, in 1ie& of the pe(li!r (ir(m%t!n(e% of thi% (!%e+
-,he (o-heir% in thi% (!%e &ere n"eni!bl* informe" of the %!le% !ltho#h no noti(e in &ritin# &!% #i1en them+ An" there
i% no "obt either th!t the C0-"!* perio" be#!n !n" en"e" "rin# the 14 *e!r% bet&een the %!le% in 4e%tion !n" the
filin# of the (ompl!int for re"emption in 1977, &ithot the (o-heir% e'er(i%in# their ri#ht of re"emption+ ,he%e !re the
5%tifi(!tion% for thi% e'(eption+
C$A1#. v !AC
191 SC>A -11
@riRo-A4ino; No1ember =+ 1990
NAT",#
,hi% i% ! petition for re1ie& on certiorari of the "e(i%ion of the Interme"i!te Appell!te Cort &hi(h /10 !nnlle" the %!le
m!"e b* .!nel! 8en!1i%t! of her propert* in f!1or of the %po%e% >!4el Ch!1e? !n" @er!r"o @imene? !n" the
%b%e4ent %!le b* %!i" %po%e% of the %!me propert* to Pepito Ferrer, !n" /-0 "e(l!re" th!t the e!rlier "ee"% of %!le
%i#ne" b* .!nel! !n" her (hil"ren (on%titte" ! 1!li" p!rtition of the l!n", %b5e(t to her lifetime %fr(t+
FACTS
,he l!n" in 4e%tion i% the p!r!phern!l propert* of Petitioner .!nel 8en!1i%t! &ho h!" %i' /60 (hil"ren, n!me"
Antonio, >o%!rio, Con(ep(ion, >!4el, Pre%ent!(ion !n" Flo%erpin!+ ,he fir%t three &ere the pl!intiff% !n" the l!%t
three, &ith their mother, &ere the "efen"!nt% in Ci1il C!%e No+ 19C4+
Pre%ent!(ion Ch!1e?, &ith the (onformit* of her mother, .!nel! 8en!1i%t!, e'e(te" ! "ee" of %!le &hereb* %he
%ol" her 1G6 n"i1i"e" %h!re of the l!n" in 4e%tion to her %i%ter, Con(ep(ion Ch!1e?, for P 470+ ,&o *e!r% l!ter, on
.!* -, 1960, Flo%erpin! Ch!1e?, &ith the (onformit* of her mother, !l%o %ol" her 1G6 n"i1i"e" %h!re of the %!me l!n"
to her %i%ter, Con(ep(ion, for the %!me pri(e of P470+ >!4el, &ith the (onformit* of her mother, li6e&i%e %ol" her
n"i1i"e" 1G6 %h!re of the %!me propert* to Con(ep(ion Ch!1e? for P600+ B!1in# !(4ire" the %h!re% of Pre%ent!(ion,
Flo%erpin! !n" >!4el, Con(ep(ion thereb* be(!me the o&ner of ! tot!l n"i1i"e" 4G6 %h!re of the l!n" in 4e%tion
&ith Antonio !n" >o%!rio !% o&ner% of the rem!inin# -G6 %h!re%+
In !ll the "o(ment%, there &!% ! %tipl!tion th!t the o&ner, .!nel! 8en!1i%t!, h!" !%%i#ne" or "i%tribte" to her
(hil"ren, in e4!l pro-in"i1i%o %h!re%, her p!r!phern!l propert* %it!te" !t Sitio A!n#!%, 8!rrio C!l!n#(!&!n Norte,
Vin?on%, C!m!rine% Norte, &ith !n !re! of 4+116C he(t!re% more or le%% n"er ,!' <e(l!r!tion No+ 9C0C !n" !%%e%%e"
!t P1,6C0+00+ ,he o&ner, ho&e1er, re%er1e" for her%elf the po%%e%%ion of the l!n" !n" the en5o*ment of the frit% "rin#
her lifetime+
<e%pite the tr!n%fer% or !%%i#nment% her (hil"ren h!" e'e(te" &ith her (onformit* ten *e!r% e!rlier, .!nel!
8en!1i%t!, %i#ne" ! D8ilih!n# P!tl*!n n# Ap!D of the entire propert* in f!1or of her "!#hter, >!4el Ch!1e?, !n"
her h%b!n", @er!r"o )imene?+ Antonio, >o%!rio !n" Con(ep(ion file" Ci1il C!%e No+ 19C4 !#!in%t their mother
.!nel! !n" their %i%ter >!4el+ ,herepon, .!nel! %ol" the entire propert* to Pepito Ferrer &ith ri#ht to repr(h!%e+
Ferrer &!% l!ter %e" !% !n !""ition!l "efen"!nt in Ci1il C!%e No+ 19C4+ )"#ment &!% ren"ere" b* the tri!l (ort
"i%mi%%in# the (ompl!int, "i%%ol1in# the prelimin!r* in5n(tion it h!" pre1io%l* i%%e", !n" or"erin# the pl!intiff% to p!*
the (o%t%+ ,he (ort "i" not !&!r" "!m!#e%+ Cort of Appe!l% re1er%e" the tri!l (ort "e(l!rin# the "ee"% of %!le in
f!1or of >!4el Ch!1e? !n" @er!r"o )imene? !n" the %!le in f!1or of "efen"!nt-!ppellee Pepito Ferrer !% nll !n" 1oi"
ab initio' !n" "e(l!rin# frther th!t the "o(ment% !re e1i"en(e of ! 1!li" p!rtition of the l!n" in 4e%tion b* !n"
bet&een .!nel! 8en!1i%t! !n" her (hil"ren, %b5e(t to her ri#ht of %fr(t "rin# her lifetime+ Petitioner% file" !
motion for re(on%i"er!tion bt it &!% "enie"+
!SS"#
2ON the IAC erre" in "e(l!rin# 1!li" the "ee"% of %!le !% ! p!rtition b* !n !(t inter %i%os (on%i"erin# th!t e'!minin#
the %!i" e'hibit% &ill re1e!l th!t it i% not ! te%t!ment !montin# to ! will of .!nel! 8en!1i%t!
$#LD
NO
,AT!-
Arti(le 10=0 of the Ne& Ci1il Co"e !llo&% ! per%on to m!6e ! p!rtition of hi% e%t!te either b* !n !(t inter %i%os or b* &ill
!n" %(h p!rtition %h!ll be re%pe(te" in%of!r !% it "oe% not pre5"i(e the le#itim!te of the (ompl%or* heir%+ 2hile the
l!& prohibit% (ontr!(t% pon ftre inherit!n(e, the p!rtition b* the p!rent, !% pro1i"e" in Art+ 10=0, i% ! (!%e e'pre%%l*
!thori?e" b* l!& /Art+ 1C47, p!r+ -, Ci1il Co"e0+ Art+ 10=0 of the Ci1il Co"e (le!rl* #i1e% ! per%on t&o option% in m!6in#
! p!rtition of hi% e%t!te; either b* !n !(t inter %i%os or b* 2IAA+ 2hen ! per%on m!6e% ! p!rtition b* &ill, it i% imper!ti1e
th!t %(h p!rtition m%t be e'e(te" in !((or"!n(e &ith the pro1i%ion% of the l!& on &ill%; ho&e1er, &hen ! per%on
m!6e% the p!rtition of hi% e%t!te b* !n !(t inter %i%os , %(h p!rtition m!* e1en be or!l or &ritten, !n" nee" not be in the
form of ! &ill, pro1i"e" th!t the p!rtition "oe% not pre5"i(e the le#itime of (ompl%or* heir%+
In nmero% (!%e% it h!% been hel" or %t!te" th!t p!rol p!rtition% m!* be %%t!ine" on the #ron" of e%toppel of the
p!rtie% to !%%ert the ri#ht% of ! ten!nt in (ommon !% to p!rt% of l!n" "i1i"e" b* p!rol p!rtition !% to &hi(h po%%e%%ion in
%e1er!lt* &!% t!6en !n" !(t% of in"i1i"!l o&ner%hip &ere e'er(i%e"+ An" ! (ort of e4it* &ill re(o#ni?e the !#reement
!n" "e(ree it to be 1!li" !n" effe(t!l for the prpo%e of (on(l"in# the ri#ht of the p!rtie% !% bet&een e!(h other to
hol" their re%pe(ti1e p!rt% in %e1er!lt*+ A p!rol p!rtition m!* !l%o be %%t!ine" on the #ron" th!t the p!rtie% thereto
h!1e !(4ie%(e" in !n" r!tifie" the p!rtition b* t!6in# po%%e%%ion in %e1er!lt*, e'er(i%in# !(t% of o&ner%hip &ith re%pe(t
thereto, or other&i%e re(o#ni?in# the e'i%ten(e of the p!rtition+
,#AS-N!NG
In the in%t!nt (!%e, the re%pon"ent !ppell!te (ort "e(l!re" the <ee"% of S!le e'e(te" b* Pre%ent!(ion, Flo%erfin!
!n" >!4el, !ll %rn!me" Ch!1e? in f!1or of Con(ep(ion Ch!1e? !% e1i"en(e of ! 1!li" p!rtition of the l!n" in 4e%tion
b* !n" bet&een .!nel! 8en!1i%t! !n" her (hil"ren !% %he not onl* #!1e her !thorit* thereto bt !l%o %i#ne" the
%!le%+ ,he <ee"% of S!le !re not (ontr!(t% entere" into &ith re%pe(t to fe!tre inherit!n(e bt ! (ontr!(t perfe(te" !n"
(on%mm!te" "rin# the lifetime of .!nel! 8en!1i%t! &ho %i#ne" the %!me !n" #!1e her (on%ent thereto+ S(h
p!rtition inter %i%os, e'e(te" b* the propert* o&ner her%elf, i% 1!li"+
++++ A% the "efen"!nt% freel* p!rti(ip!te" in the p!rtition, the* !re no& e%toppe" from "en*in# !n" rep"i!tin# the
(on%e4en(e% of their o&n 1olnt!r* !(t%+ It i% ! #ener!l prin(iple of l!& th!t no one m!* be permitte" to "i%!1o& !n"
#o b!(6 pon hi% o&n !(t%, or to pro(ee" (ontr!r* thereto+ /)o!4in 1%+ .it%mine C4 Phil+ =7=+0
BA"T!STA v G,!P-IAG"!N-
166 SC>A 760
@ANCA3CO; O(tober -=, 19==
FACTS
SUCCESSION A2010 page 60
Petitioner% in%titte" !n !(tion in the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of >i?!l to "e(l!re the "ee" of e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition, "ee" of
!b%olte %!le, ,r!n%fer Certifi(!te% ,itle No%+ 141=-, 141=6 !n" 17667 !ll of >e#i%tr* of <ee"% of P!%!* Cit* !n" ,!'
<e(l!r!tion No+ 7147, nll !n" 1oi"+
8!%e" on the p!rtie% %tipl!tion of f!(t%F
,he l!n" in 4e%tion &!% re#i%tere" in the n!me of petitioner .!nel 8!ti%t! n"er ,C, No+ --10, !n" the l!tter
inherite" thi% l!n" from hi% f!ther, .!ri!no 8!ti%t!+ On <e(+ --, 1966, ! <ee" of E'tr!5"i(i!l P!rtition &!% e'e(te"+
Pri1!te re%pon"ent% &ere %i#n!torie% to the "ee", !n" the %i#n!tre of petitioner .!nel 8!ti%t! &!% %ppo%e" to
!ppe!r in th!t "o(ment, !ltho#h petitioner .!nel 8!ti%t! "enie" h!1in# %i#ne" th!t E'tr!5"i(i!l P!rtition+ :pon
re#i%tr!tion of the <ee" of E'tr!5"i(i!l P!rtition, ,+C+,+ No+ --10 &!% (!n(elle" !n" in lie thereof, ,+C+,+,+ 141=- &!%
i%%e"+ ,he pri1!te re%pon"ent%, &ith the e'(eption of .!nolito 8!ti%t!, e'e(te" ! <ee" of Ab%olte S!le in f!1or of
.!nolito 8!ti%t! of th!t propert*+ :pon re#i%tr!tion of the <ee" of S!le, ,+C+,+ ,-141=- &!% (!n(elle" !n" in lie
thereof, ,+C+,+ No+ ,-141=6 &!% i%%e" to .!nolito 8!ti%t!+
On A#%t 7, 1969, .!nolito 8!ti%t! e'e(te" ! <ee" of S!le in f!1or of the other pri1!te re%pon"ent% !n" pon
re#i%tr!tion of %!i" <ee" of S!le, ,+ C+,+ No%+ ,-1 7667, ,-17666, ,-17667, ,-1766=, ,-17669, ,- 17670, ,-17671, &ere
i%%e" to pri1!te re%pon"ent%+ Petitioner .!nel 8!ti%t! m!rrie" hi% %e(on" &ife Emili!n! ,!m!*o+ .!nel 8!ti%t!
!n" hi% %e(on" &ife, Emili!n! ,!m!*o, h!" onl* ! (hil", E1!n#eline 8!ti%t!, born on April -9,1949+ the propert* in
4e%tion &!% the %b5e(t m!tter of e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of propert* on <e(ember --,1966, !mon# the heir% of the l!te
)li!n! No5!"er!, the fir%t &ife of .!nel 8!ti%t!+ .!nel 8!ti%t! "enie" p!rti(ip!tion in the E'tr!5"i(i!l P!rtition of
Propert*+ On A#%t 1, 1974, !ll the p!rtie% !#ree" to %bmit to the N8I the 4e%tione" %i#n!tre of .!nel 8!ti%t!+
,he N8I (on(l"e" th!t the 4e%tione" "o(ment &!% !thenti(+
,he tri!l (ort "i%mi%%e" the (ompl!int &ith (o%t% !#!in%t pl!intiff%+ CA !ffirme"
!SS"#
2ON the propert* of the %r1i1in# h%b!n" be the %b5e(t of !n e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition of the e%t!te of the "e(e!%e" &ife
$#LD
NO
,AT!-
:n"er Se(tion 1, >le 74 of the >le% of Cort !n e'tr!5"i(i!l %ettlement of the E%t!te !pplie% onl* to the estate le"t by
the decedent &ho "ie" &ithot ! &ill, !n" &ith no (re"itor%, !n" the heir% !re !ll of !#e or the minor% !re repre%ente" b*
their 5"i(i!l or le#!l repre%ent!ti1e%+ If the propert* "oe% not belon# to the e%t!te of the "e(e"ent (ert!inl* it (!nnot be
the %b5e(t m!tter of !n e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition+
A% the %b5e(t propert* "oe% not belon# to the e%t!te of )li!n! No5!"er!, the <ee" of E'tr!5"i(i!l P!rtition, i% %oid ab
initio bein# (ontr!r* to l!&+ ,o in(l"e in !n e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition propert* &hi(h "oe% not pert!in to the e%t!te of the
"e(e!%e" &ol" be to "epri1e the l!&fl o&ner thereof of hi% propert* &ithot "e pro(e%% of l!&+ Onl* propert* of the
e%t!te of the "e(e"ent &hi(h i% tr!n%mitte" b* %((e%%ion (!n be the l!&fl %b5e(t m!tter of !n e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition+ In
thi% (!%e, the %!i" p!rtition ob1io%l* pre5"i(e% the ri#ht of .!nel 8!ti%t! !% e'(l%i1e o&ner of the propert*+
,he %!i" p!rtition !l%o effe(ti1el* re%lte" in the preterition of the ri#ht of E1!n#eline 8!ti%t! !% ! (ompl%or* heir of
.!nel 8!ti%t!, "!#hter of the l!tter b* hi% %e(on" m!rri!#e+ It i% "iffi(lt to belie1e th!t .!nel 8!ti%t! &ol"
&ittin#l* o1erloo6 !n" i#nore the ri#ht of her "!#hter E1!n#eline to %h!re in the %!i" propert*+ It i% not %rpri%in# th!t he
"enie" %i#nin# the %!i" "o(ment+ .oreo1er, pri1!te re%pon"ent% 6ne& E1!n#eline 8!ti%t! &ho i% their h!lf-%i%ter to be
! (ompl%or* heir+ ,he (ort fin"% th!t her preterition &!% !tten"e" &ith b!" f!ith hen(e the %!i" p!rtition m%t be
re%(in"e"+
,he Cort ob%er1e% th!t !fter the e'e(tion of %!i" e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition !n" i%%!n(e of the title in their n!me%, pri1!te
re%pon"ent% e'(ept .!nolito 8!ti%t! in trn e'e(te" ! "ee" of !b%olte %!le of the propert* in f!1or of the l!tter in
&ho%e n!me the title &!% !l%o i%%e"+ An" *et %oon there!fter !nother "ee" of %!le &!% e'e(te" thi% time b* .!nolito
8!ti%t! %ellin# b!(6 the %!me propert* to pri1!te re%pon"ent% in &ho%e n!me% the re%pe(ti1e title% &ere th%
%b%e4entl* i%%e"+ ,hi% %erie% of tr!n%!(tion% bet&een !n" !mon# pri1!te re%pon"ent% i% !n in"i(!tion of ! (le1er
%(heme to pl!(e the propert* be*on" the re!(h of tho%e l!&fll* entitle" thereto+
.oreo1er, %(h e'tr!5"i(i!l p!rtition (!nnot (on%titte ! p!rtition of the propert* "rin# the lifetime of it% o&ner, .!nel
8!ti%t!+ P!rtition of ftre inherit!n(e i% prohibite" b* l!&+
2

A% %!i" E'tr!5"i(i!l P!rtition "!te" <e(ember --, 1966, of propert* belon#in# e'(l%i1el* to petitioner .!nel 8!ti%t!,
i% nll !n" 1oi" ab initio it follo&% th!t !ll %b%e4ent tr!n%!(tion% in1ol1in# the %!me propert* bet&een !n" !mon# the
pri1!te re%pon"ent% !re !l%o nll !n" 1oi"+ Pre%(ription (!nnot be in1o6e" in thi% (!%e !% the petitioner%$ ri#ht to %e
their (o-o&ner% for p!rtition of the propert* i% impre%(riptible+
)
An" e1en !%%min# th!t the pre%ent !(tion m!*
pre%(ribe !% rle" b* the re%pon"ent (ort, petitioner% Emili!n! 8!ti%t! !n" E1!n#eline 8!ti%t! &ho !re not p!rtie% to
the %!i" in%trment !%%erte" th!t the* "i%(o1ere" the %!me onl* %oon before the* file" the (ompl!int in (ort+ Cert!inl*
the !(tion h!% not pre%(ribe"+
G"!LAS v ;"DG#
A-0-6697
.AEASIA>; )!n!r* C1,197-
NAT",#
Petition for certiorari !n" mandamus.
FACTS
-)!(int! Aim%on "e Aope?, of @!#!, P!mp!n#! &!% m!rrie" to Ale5!n"ro Aope? * Sion#(o+ ,he* h!" no (hil"ren+ On
April -=, 19C6, )!(int! e'e(te" ! &ill in%tittin# her h%b!n" Ale5!n"ro !% her %ole heir !n" e'e(tor+
IIn ! >e%oltion "!te" O(tober -6, herein petitioner )!nit! Aope?, then %in#le !n" no& m!rrie" to Fe"eri(o @il!%, &!%
"e(l!re" le#!ll* !"opte" "!#hter !n" le#!l heir of the %po%e% )!(int! !n" Ale5!n"ro+ After !"optin# le#!ll* herein
petitioner )!nit! Aope?, the te%t!tri' <oR! )!(int! "i" not e'e(te !nother &ill or (o"i(il %o !% to in(l"e )!nit! Aope?
!% one of her heir%+ ,he !forementione" &ill &!% !"mitte" to prob!te !n" the %r1i1in# h%b!n", Ale5!n"ro Aope? *
Sion#(o, &!% !ppointe" e'e(tor &ithot bon" b* the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of P!mp!n#!
- Ne1erthele%%, in ! pro5e(t of p!rtition "!te" .!r(h 19, 1960 e'e(te" b* both Ale5!n"ro Aope? !n" )!nit! Aope?
@il!%, the ri#ht of )!nit! Aope? to inherit from )!(int! &!% re(o#ni?e" !n" lot% belon#in# to )!(int!$% p!r!phern!l
propert*, both %it!te" in 8!(olor P!mp!n#!, /t&o lot% then !%%e%%e" re%pe(ti1el* !t PC,070+00 !n" P7,=00+000 &ere
!"5"i(!te" to )!nit! Aope?-@il!% !% her %h!re free from !ll lien%, en(mbr!n(e% !n" (h!r#e%, &ith the e'e(tor
Ale5!n"ro Aope?, bin"in# him%elf to free the %!i" t&o p!r(el% from %(h lien%, en(mbr!n(e% !n" (h!r#e%+ ,he re%t of
the e%t!te of the "e(e!%e" (on%i%tin# of -= other p!r(el% of l!n"% &ith ! tot!l !%%e%%e" 1!l!tion of P69,0-0+00, !% &ell
!% per%on!l propertie% in(l"in# ! 197C 8i(6 (!r 1!le" !t P-,700+00 &ere !llotte" to <on Ale5!n"ro &ho !%%me" !ll
the mort#!#e lien% on the e%t!te+ In !n or"er "!te" April -C, 1960, the lo&er (ort !ppro1e" the %!i" pro5e(t of p!rtition+
On April 10, 1964, herein petitioner )!nit! Aope?-@il!% file" ! %ep!r!te or"in!r* !(tion to %et !%i"e !n" !nnl the
pro5e(t of p!rtition, in the Cort of Fir%t In%t!n(e of P!mp!n#!, on the #ron" of le%ion, perpetr!tion !n" fr!", !n" pr!*
frther th!t Ale5!n"ro Aope? be or"ere" to %bmit ! %t!tement of !((ont% of !ll the (rop% !n" to "eli1er imme"i!tel* to
)!nit! lot% no%+ CC6= !n" C441 of the 8!(olor C!"!%tre, &hi(h &ere !llo(!te" to her n"er the pro5e(t of p!rtition+
.e!n&hile, in ,e%t!te Pro(ee"in#% No+ 14-6, )!nit! file" ! petition "!te" )l* -0, 1964 pr!*in# th!t Ale5!n"ro Aope?
be "ire(te" to "eli1er to her the !(t!l po%%e%%ion of %!i" lot% no%+ CC6= !n" C441 !% &ell !% the 1,-16 (!1ern% of p!l!*
th!t he (olle(te" from the ten /100 ten!nt% or le%%ee% of the %!i" t&o lot%+
In hi% oppo%ition to the %!i" petition, Ale5!n"ro Aope? (l!im% th!t, b* 1irte of the or"er "!te" April -C, 1960 &hi(h
!ppro1e" the pro5e(t of p!rtition %bmitte" b* both Ale5!n"ro !n" )!nit!, !n" the or"er of <e(ember 17, 1960 &hi(h
Dor"ere" (lo%e" !n" termin!te" the pre%ent (!%eD, the te%t!te pro(ee"in#% h!" !lre!"* been (lo%e" !n" termin!te";
!n" th!t he (e!%e" !% ! (on%e4en(e to be the e'e(tor of the e%t!te of the "e(e!%e"; !n" th!t )!nit! Aope? i% #ilt*
of l!(he% !n" ne#li#en(e in filin# the petition of the "eli1er* of her %h!re 4 *e!r% !fter %(h (lo%re of the e%t!te, &hen
%he (ol" h!1e file" ! petition for relief of 5"#ment &ithin %i't* /600 "!*% from <e(ember 17, 1960 n"er >le C= of the
ol" >le% of Cort+
In her repl* to %!i" oppo%ition, )!nit! (onten"% th!t the !(t!l "eli1er* !n" "i%tribtion of the here"it!r* %h!re% to the
heir%, !n" not the or"er of the (ort "e(l!rin# !% (lo%e" !n" termin!te" the pro(ee"in#%, "etermine% the termin!tion of
the prob!te pro(ee"in#% ;citing (ntestate estate o" the deceased Mercedes Cano' Timbol %s. Cano' where it was ruled
that #the probate court loses $urisdiction o" an estate under administration only a"ter the payment o" all the ta!es' and
a"ter the remaining estate is deli%ered to the heirs entitled to recei%e the same#0; th!t the e'e(tor Ale5!n"ro i% e%toppe"
from oppo%in# her petition be(!%e he &!% the one &ho prep!re", file" !n" %e(re" (ort !ppro1!l of, the !fore%!i"
pro5e(t of p!rtition, &hi(h %he %ee6% to be implemente"; th!t %he i% not #ilt* of l!(he%, be(!%e &hen %he file" on )l*
-0, 1964, her petition for he "eli1er* of her %h!re !llo(!te" to her n"er the pro5e(t of p!rtition, le%% th!n C *e!r% h!"
el!p%e" from A#%t -=, 1961 &hen the !men"e" pro5e(t of p!rtition &!% !ppro1e", &hi(h i% &ithin the 7-*e!r perio" for
the e'e(tion of 5"#ment b* motion+
In it% or"er "!te" O(tober -, 1964, the lo&er (ort !fter ! Dpre-tri!lD %t!te" th!t be(!%e the (i1il !(tion for the !nnlment
of the pro5e(t of p!rtition &!% file" on April 1C, 1964, before the filin# on )l* -, 1964 of the petition for "eli1er* of the
%h!re% of )!nit! Aope?, Dthe p!rtie% h!1e !#ree" to %%pen" !(tion or re%oltion pon the %!i" petition for the "eli1er*
SUCCESSION A2010 page 61
of %h!re% ntil; !fter the (i1il !(tion !forementione" h!% been fin!ll* %ettle" !n" "e(i"e"D, !n" forth&ith %et the (i1il
!(tion for !nnlment for tri!l on No1ember -7, !n" <e(ember -, 1964
On )ne 11, 1967, )!nit! file" !n !men"e" (ompl!int in Ci1il C!%e -7C9 /pp+ 7=-110, re(+0, &here %he !(6no&le"#e%
the p!rti!l le#!lit* !n" 1!li"it* of the pro5e(t of p!rtition in%of!r !% the !llo(!tion in her f!1or of the Aot% No%+ CC6= !n"
C441, the "eli1er* of &hi(h %he i% %ee6in#+
In her motion "!te" No1ember 17, 1967, )!nit! %o#ht the %ettin# !%i"e of the or"er "!te" O(tober -, 1964 on the
#ron" th!t &hile the %!i" or"er (on%i"ere" her !(tion for !nnlment of the pro5e(t of p!rtition !% ! pre5"i(i!l 4e%tion,
her filin# !n !men"e" (ompl!int on )ne 11, 1967 in the (i1il (!%e &herein %he !"mitte" the p!rti!l le#!lit* !n" 1!li"it*
of the pro5e(t of p!rtition &ith re%pe(t to the !"5"i(!tion to her of the t&o lot% !% her %h!re, ren"ere" %!i" (i1il (!%e No+
-7C9 no lon#er ! pre5"i(i!l 4e%tion to her petition of )l* -0, 1964 for the "eli1er* of her %h!re
!SS"#
2ON the prob!te (ort lo%e% 5ri%"i(tion o1er the prob!te pro(ee"in#% pon the or"er of %(h (ort termin!tin# %(h
(!%e+
$#LD
No
,AT!-
,he prob!te (ort lo%e% 5ri%"i(tion of !n e%t!te n"er !"mini%tr!tion onl* !fter the p!*ment of !ll the "ebt% !n" the
rem!inin# e%t!te "eli1ere" to the heir% entitle" to re(ei1e the %!me+ ,he fin!lit* of the !ppro1!l of the pro5e(t of p!rtition
b* it%elf !lone "oe% not termin!te the prob!te pro(ee"in#+ A% lon# !% the or"er of the "i%tribtion of the e%t!te h!% not
been (omplie" &ith, the prob!te pro(ee"in#% (!nnot be "eeme" (lo%e" !n" termin!te"; be(!%e ! 5"i(i!l p!rtition i%
not fin!l !n" (on(l%i1e !n" "oe% not pre1ent the heir from brin#in# !n !(tion to obt!in hi% %h!re, pro1i"e" the
pre%(ripti1e perio" therefor h!% not el!p%e"+ ,he better pr!(ti(e, ho&e1er, for the heir &ho h!% not re(ei1e" hi% %h!re, i%
to "em!n" hi% %h!re thro#h ! proper motion in the %!me prob!te or !"mini%tr!tion pro(ee"in#%, or for re-openin# of
the prob!te or !"mini%tr!ti1e pro(ee"in#% if it h!" !lre!"* been (lo%e", !n" not thro#h !n in"epen"ent !(tion, &hi(h
&ol" be trie" b* !nother (ort or )"#e &hi(h m!* th% re1er%e ! "e(i%ion or or"er of the prob!te on inte%t!te (ort
!lre!"* fin!l !n" e'e(te" !n" re-%hffle propertie% lon# !#o "i%tribte" !n" "i%po%e" of
,#AS-N!NG
Se(tion 1 of >le 90 of the >e1i%e" >le% of Cort of 1964 !% &or"e", &hi(h %e(re% for the heir% or le#!tee% the ri#ht
to D"em!n" !n" re(o1er their re%pe(ti1e %h!re% from the e'e(tor or !"mini%tr!tor, or !n* other per%on h!1in# the %!me
in hi% po%%e%%ionD, re-%t!te% the !fore(ite" "o(trine%+
,he (!%e of Austria %s. eirs o" Kentenilla /99 Phil+ 106=0 "oe% not (ontrol the pre%ent (ontro1er%*; be(!%e the motion
file" therein for the remo1!l of the !"mini%tr!tri' !n" the !ppointment of ! ne& !"mini%tr!tor in her pl!(e &!% re5e(te"
b* the (ort on the #ron" of l!(he% !% it &!% file" !fter the l!p%e of !bot C= *e!r% from O(tober 7, 1910 &hen the
(ort i%%e" !n or"er %ettlin# !n" "e(i"in# the i%%e% r!i%e" b* the motion /A-1001=, September 19, 1976, 99 Phil+,
1069-10700+ In the (!%e !t b!r, the motion file" b* petitioner for the "eli1er* of her %h!re &!% file" on )l* -0, 1964,
&hi(h i% 5%t more th!n C *e!r% from A#%t -=, 1961 &hen the !men"e" pro5e(t of p!rtition &!% !ppro1e !n" &ithin 7
*e!r% from April -C, 1960 &hen the ori#in!l pro5e(t of p!rtition &!% !ppro1e"+ Cle!rl*, her ri#ht to (l!im the t&o lot%
!llo(!te" to her n"er the pro5e(t of p!rtition h!" not *et e'pire"+ An" in the li#ht of Se(tion 1 of >le 90 of the >e1i%e"
>le% of Cort of 1964 !n" the 5ri%pr"en(e !bo1e (ite", the or"er "!te" <e(ember 17, 1960 of the prob!te (ort
(lo%in# !n" termin!tin# the prob!te (!%e "i" not le#!ll* termin!te the te%t!te pro(ee"in#%, for her %h!re n"er the
pro5e(t of p!rtition h!% not been "eli1ere" to her+
2hile it i% tre th!t the or"er "!te" O(tober -, 1964 b* !#reement of the p!rtie% %%pen"e" re%oltion of her petition for
the "eli1er* of her %h!re% ntil !fter the "e(i%ion in the (i1il !(tion for the !nnlment of the pro5e(t of p!rtition /Ci1il C!%e
-7C90 %he file" on April 10, 1964; the %!i" or"er lo%t it% 1!li"it* !n" effi(!(* &hen the herein petitioner file" on )ne 11,
1967 !n !men"e" (ompl!int in %!i" Ci1il C!%e -7C9 &herein %he re(o#ni?e" the p!rti!l le#!lit* !n" 1!li"it* of the %!i"
pro5e(t of p!rtition in%of!r !% the !llo(!tion in her f!1or of lot% No%+ CC6= !n" C441 in the "eli1er* of &hi(h %he h!% been
in%i%tin# !ll !lon#