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PDF SUCCESSION Sample Link PDF
PDF SUCCESSION Sample Link PDF
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
1987-2018 BAR EXAMINATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED TOPICS FROM
SUCCESSION
Page | 2
INTRODUCTION… 4
LEGTIME CHART 11
LECTURE PROPER
TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION
WILLS…31
FORMS OF WILL…37
HOLOGRAPHIC WILLS….43
JOINT WILLS…46
WITNESSES TO WILLS…62
CODICILS…64
PROBATE OF WILLS…69
INSTITUTION OF WILLS…73
SUBSTITUTION OF HEIRS…84
LEGTIME…97
RESERVA TRONCAL…101
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
DONATIONS…112
DISINHERITANCE…113
ILLEGETIMATE CHILDREN….134
SURVIVING SPOUSE…137
COLLATERAL RELATIVES…143
RIGHT OF REPRESENTATION…123
COLLATION….154
PARTITION…163
The author is a humble partner to succeed in your quest for a law degree and to clinch the evasive “Attorney” title
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
The BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES 2020 (BLD2020) is designed for self-study/self-review and
primarily aimed to help the nth time examinees to pass the bar exams and for average law students
to fully understand difficult concepts of law as illustrated in our day-to-day activities. The technique
is spoon-feeding and we did much of all the thinking for you to save time. We included all the topics
asked in past 20 years of bar examinations, the bar answers to that bar questions, the relevant
jurisprudence as well as the important codal provisions. And because we believe that no one has the
monopoly of knowledge we plan to make BLD as a “COMMUNITY REVIEWER” where readers are Page | 4
encourage to email BLD2020 for any correction, addition and suggestion to come up with an ultimate
law reviewer. Those who will participate shall be acknowledged as part of the community.
Initially, BLD2020 shall be available in hard copies to cope up with the initial expenses
entailed. In the future, when all the reviewers are complete and as the circumstances may warrant,
a board of trustees shall be formed to guard the integrity of the “community reviewer” and it shall be
available via online subscription for a minimal fee just to keep the system afloat. On that note, we
ask for a lot of prayers for the people who would become part of the community to have good health
and a focused mind to finish the work in time for 2020 bar examination.
You will find that we used Tagalog language and Filipino culture most of the time in
explaining the law. Firstly, it is because we are more equipped in our own native tongue when
expressing our feelings and thoughts, and according to psychology of learning, students learn better
in their native language. Secondly, different concepts of laws are best illustrated with our day-to-day
experiences. And thirdly, we want the readers to laugh and stay awake by using colorful words and
hilarious situations.
By the way, when you avail of BLD2020 you will be added to a Facebook group exclusive for
BLD users. Take note that only veriafiable accounts with email address shall be accepted and
retained as member. We will do all the sharing and updates in that group.
-----------XXXX-------
Please refer to BLD PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS MATERIALS. Nandoon yung
training. It has free link at LAW BOOKS, BOOKSTAND AND REVIEWERS FOR SALE FACEBOOK
PAGE.
And legitimate children Soler, Sulpicio, Segundo, and the twins Sandro and Sandra who
were only 11 years old at the the time of Severino’s death.
He left only one property: a 5,000 sq. meter parcel of land. After his death, the older siblings Soler,
Sulpicio and Segundo sold the land to Dr. Santos for P500,000 with a right to repurchase at the
same price within 5 years from the date of sale. The deed of sale was signed only by three older
siblings, and covered the entire property.
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
Before the five (5) years expired, Soler and sulpicio tendered their respective shares of
P166,666.67 each to redeem the property. Since Segundo did not have the means being
unemployed, Saturnina paid the remaining P166,666.67 to redeem the property.
After the property was redeemed from Dr. Santos, the three (3) older children and
Saturnina, for herself and on behalf of the twins who were still minors, sold the property to Dr.
SAzon for P1M. Page | 5
In representing the twins, Saturnina relied on the fact that she was the natural guardian of
her minor children.
(a) Was the first sale to Dr. Santos, and the subsequent repurchase, valid?
The first sale was valid as to the indiviso share of Soler, Sulpicio and Segundo but as to the
share of Saturnina, and minors Sandro and Sandra, the sale is void. The alienation did not cover the
share of Saturnina and minor Sandro and Sandra. Consequently, the redemption is valid.
(b) Was the second sale to Dr. Sazon valid? May the twins redeem their share after they
reach the age of minority?
The second sale was also valid as to indiviso share of Satunina, Soler, Sulpicio and Segundo,
but unenforceable as to the indiviso share of the Sandro and Sandra who were minors. Saturnina
has the right to administer the property of the minors but it does include the power to dispose. Hence,
there is no need to redeem for the sale insofar as the share of the minors is concern the sale is
unenforceable (Article 1317 and 1403 (1). The twins may ratify the sale when they reach the age of
majority.
V. Sol Soldivino, widow, passed away, leaving two (2) legitimate children:
A 25-year old son, Santino (whom she had not spoken to for five (5) years prior to her death
since he attempted to kill her at that time), and a 20-year old daughter, Sara.
She left an estate worth PPh8,000,000 and a will containing only one provision:
That P1M should be given to “the priest who officiated at my wedding to my children’s late
father.”
Sara, together with two (2) of her friends, acted as attesting witnesses to the will.
On the assumption that the will is admitted for probate and that there are no debts, divide
the estate and indicate the heirs/legatees entitled to inherit, the amount that each of them will
inherit, and where (i.e., legitime/free portion/intestate share) their shares should be charged. 5%
Since Sol died with a valid will and survived by Santino and Sara as compulsory heirs, and
there being no conviction on the alleged crime committed by Santino against Sol, the hereditary
estate shall be distributesd as follow:
Santino and Sarah get ½ or P4M where each will receive P2M as legitime
The free portion is P4M where the P1M legacy shall be taken.
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
The Priest gets P1M
The net free portion is P3M which shall be equally divided between Santino and Sandra.
Hence,
TOTAL P8,000,000
VII. Sydney was a successful lawyer. By her own choice, she remained unmarried and devoted all
her time to taking care of her nephew and two (2) nieces: Socrates, Saffinia, and Sophia.
She wrote a will giving all her properties remaining upon her death only to the two girls,
Saffinia and Sophia. She then tored up the previously probated will. The second will was presented
for probate only after her death. However, the probate court found the second will to be void for
failure to comply with the formal requisites.
No. Under Art. 832 it states that a revocation made in a subsequent will shall take effect, even
if the new will should become inoperative by reason of the incapacity of the heirs, devisees or legatees
designated therein, by their renunciation. Here, the cause of inoperativity of the second will was not
one of the causes stated in the aforesaid article to apply the doctrine. Hence, the second will did not
effectively revoked the frist one. However, the first will was revoked as showed by the testator’s
intentional tearing of such.
(b) Will your answer be the same if the second will was found to be valid but both Saffinia and
Sophia renounce their inheritance?
No, my answer will not be the same. If the cause of the inoperativity of the second will is the
renounciation of all heirs, the revocability of the first will by virtue of the second will shall be effective.
----------XXX-------
Let us start with father X, na syempre namatay with a WILL or without a WILL.
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
If there was a Will, ang tawag ay TESTATE SUCESSION - matapos mamatay ni X, the next
step is probate. It means dadalhin ang Will sa court and the court will examine the formal solemnities
based on Art. 804 if it was a notarial will or based on Art. 810 if it was a holographic will.
If notarial will, it must be duly notarized and witnessed by at least three (3) disintrested
persons, and signed by the testator every page. The pages are alphabetically numbered. Meron din
yang tintatawag na Attestation Clause where the witnesses sworn and subscribed na nakita ng mga Page | 7
mata namin na pinirmahan ni X ang Will every page. We will discuss thoroughly ang formal
solemnities later.
If holographic, dapat the will is in the handwriting ni X – written, numbred and signed. Hindi
pwede computerized. At hindi rin naka-video ang pagbibigay ng mga mana. Hindi pa kasi uso noong
1950’s and video at tape recording – kaya hindi ito pinapayagan ng batas.
If X died without a Will, ang tawag ay INTESTATE SUCCESSION. The first step is for the heirs
to talk to settle the estate amicably. Sila-sila lang ang magdedesisyon kung paano nila hahatiin yung
naiwang nag-iisang kawali ni X. hahahahah! Let say isang ektryang lupa. Pupunta sila sa isang
abogado at magpapagawa sila ng tinatawag ng EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE. Kung
hahatiin nila ang lupa – let say 10 silang anak. So ang title ng dokumento ay Extra-judicial settlement
of estate with partition. If mayroong gustong bumili ng lupa – ang title ng dokumento ay Extra-judicial
Settlement of Estate with Sale or EJS with assignment of Rights. Depende na yan sa arrangment
among the heirs.
Pero let say one of the heirs ay sira ang tuktok at gusto niya mas malaki ang kanya. Sabi ni
A (yung isang heir na sira ang tuktok) – ay doon ako sa tabi ng creek at akin na yung accretion
(alluvial ng lupa). Ayan...nagkakalamang na. Kaysa sila ay magka-barilan they had better go to court
and file a JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE. Bahala na si Judge ang magdecide kung paano
hahatiin ang lupa na fair and square.
IN BOTH CASES, may will (TESTATE SUCCESSION) at judicial settlement of estate (yung
may sira ulong heir si A), the court will always assign an Executor (if may Will) or Administrator (if
walang Will). Ayan....yan ang pagaaralan natin. Ano ba ang ginagawa ng isang executor/adminitrator
– in short ang isang administrator/executor ay isang Tsimoy...hahahahaha ...katulong or katuwang
ng court para alamin ang lahat – mula ng si X ay ipinanganak hanggang sa namatay. Anu-ano ang
mga kayamanang kanyang nai-pundar, minana, ibinigay (noong siya bangag at naka-droga
hahahah), formally donated properties, ibinenta, binili, at mga utang na di pa niya nababayaran or
mga obligasyon na kanyang naiwan gaya ng supporta sa mga maraming panganay sa ibat-ibang
babae or civil obligation sa nasagasaan niya ng bisikleta. LAHAT NG YAMAN AT UTANG sa madaling
salita. So plus and minus lang ito. ASSET less utang = P1. O edi piso hahatiin ng heirs.
Kaya pag namatay ang lolo, wag agad sasaya. Baka piso lang natira.
(a) To make and return to the court, within three (3) months, a true and complete inventory of
all goods, chattels, rights, credits, and estate of the deceased which shall come to his possession or
knowledge or to the possession of any other person for him.
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
(b) To administer according to these rules, and, if an executor, according to the will of the
testator, all goods, chattels, rights, credits, and estate which shall at any time come to his possession
or to the possession of any other person for him, and from the proceeds to pay and discharge all debts,
legacies, and charges on the same, or such dividends thereon as shall be decreed by the court;
(c) To render a true and just account of his administration to the court within one (1) year, and
at any other time when required by the court; Page | 8
So ayun! Nakita ninyo? Sa letter (a) - magkakaroon ng inventory ng assets. Then sa letter
(b), yan na yung administration proper. Aalagaan or aasikasuhin niya ang mga lupa para bayaran
ang mga obligasyon na naiwan ng namatay. At matapos na mabayaran ang lahat ng obligasyon ni X,
saka pa lamang maibibigay ang mga mamanahin kung may matitira.
Let say X died with 100 hectares of land, and he willed them out to his three children. So
tuwang-tuwa ang tatlong ugok. Hindi pa kanila yung 100 hectares....magbabayad muna ng utang
ang estado ni X. Yung matitira lang na 3 sako ng lupa ang kanila if yan ang natira matapos bayaran
ng executor ang mga utang sa bumbay at lending companies na inutangan ni X.
---------xxx--------
INTESTATE
X father – died intestate with P1Million estate, and he is survived by Y, the wife and three
children A, B, and C. Walang utang.
3. Determine the applicable law on intestate succession. Buksan ang codal kung paano
hinahati ang estate when it is survived by a spouse and children. Article 996 states that:
Art. 996. If a widow or widower and legitimate children or descendants are left, the surviving
spouse has in the succession the same share as that of each of the children.
---------xxx------
X father – died intestate with P1Million estate, and he is survived by Y, the wife and three
children A, B, and C. Walang utang.
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
1. Alisin muna ang conjugal share ng Y which is P500,000.
2. Determine the legitime under Testate succession if the decedent X is survived by spouse
and 3 children.
Art. 888. The legitime of legitimate children and descendants consists of one-half of the
hereditary estate of the father and of the mother. Page | 9
The latter may freely dispose of the remaining half, subject to the rights of illegitimate children
and of the surviving spouse as hereinafter provided.
Art. 892. Xxx If there are two or more legitimate children or descendants, the surviving spouse
shall be entitled to a portion equal to the legitime of each of the legitimate children or descendants.
In both cases, the legitime of the surviving spouse shall be taken from the portion that can be
freely disposed of by the testator.
From the preceeding articles, legitimate children shall get ½ of the estate and the suviving
spouse shall get the same portion equal to the legitime of one child.
Thereofore,
X had P1M
Therefore,
The legitime of A, B and C is ½ of P500,000 or P250,000 which shall be equally divided among
them (P83,333 each) The free portion is the other half which is P250,000 where the legitime of Y shall
be taken.
Yung ibang authors adhere that the left over shall be divided equally among the heirs. So
P166.667/4 heirs. Each of the heir shall get ¼ of P166.667. But as for my view, it is submitted that
the remaining shall be distributed by intestate which in this case ay pareho lang ang resulta. But in
other cases, magkakarron na ng variation which you will learn later.
---------xxx-------
Intestate uli.
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
X father – died intestate with P1Million estate, and he is survived by Y, the wife and three
children A, B, and C. May utang si X kay Dr. Z na worth P200,000 n pinang-patangos niya ng ilong
bago siya nabangga ng pison. Hindi pa bayad.
X = P1Million
Y and the 3 children will divide the remaining equally among themselves or P100,000 each.
----------xxx---------
X father – died intestate with P1Million estate, and he is survived by Y, the wife and three
children A, B, and C. May utang si X kay Dr. Z na worth P200,000 n pinang-patangos niya ng ilong
bago siya nabangga ng pison. Hindi pa bayad.
1. X = P1M
4. Buksan ang codal to determine the legtime of the compulsory heirs. Article 888 and 892
uli. Therefore,
A B and C will get ½ of P400,000 or P200,000 which shall be equally divided among them.
The Free portion is P200,000 where the legitime of Y shall be taken
Y will get same as one child or P66,667 taken from the free portion
---------xxx-------
----------xxx--------
In general and simple study, that is succession. Madali lang yan. You have to master these
simple examples before you delve in further. Magkakaroon pa yan ng mga segways, which are madali
The author is a humble partner to succeed in your quest for a law degree and to clinch the evasive “Attorney” title
to your name. He believes that no one has the monopoly of knowledge so you may email him for any correction,
modification and suggestion at barlawfordummies@yahoo.com.ph. Other law subjects will soon be available for
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
lang basta alam mo na yung basic. As I said, magpaturo muna kayo sa isang math teacher about
fractions and least common denominator.
--------xxxx--------
LEGITIME
Page | 11
WHAT IS LEGITIME?
Art. 886. Legitime is that part of the testators property which he cannot dispose of because
th.e law has reserved it for certain heirs who are, therefore called compulsory heirs.
(1) Legitimate children and descendants, with respect to their legitimate parents and
ascendants;
(2) In default of the foregoing, legitimate parents and ascendants, with respect to their
legitimate children and descendants;
(4) Acknowledged natural children, and natural children by legal fiction; (dapat baguhin na ito.
This is already amended by FC and Adoption laws. These are the acknowledged illegtimate children and adopted
children)
(5) Other illegitimate children referred to in Article 287. (amended na ito as illegitimate children)
Compulsory heirs mentioned in Nos. 3,4 and 5 are not excluded by those in Nos. 1 and 2;
neither do they exclude one another.
The father or mother of illegitimate children of the three classes mentioned, shall inherit from
them in the manner and to the extent established by this Code.
For your convenience, here are the corresponding legitimes of the the heirs as per survival.
Memorize this by heart. Lalo na yung surviving spouse. Siya ang nagpapagulo. It means whenever
she/he survives, the legitimes of other heirs varies.
The author is a humble partner to succeed in your quest for a law degree and to clinch the evasive “Attorney” title
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
Legitimate parents ½
Surviving spouse ¼
It s very easy to spot the free portion. The free portion is also 1/3. Sa free portion mo lahat
kukunin lahat ng gifts, devise, legatee etc that the testator bestowed upon. Hindi pwedeng magalaw
ang legitime ng mga heirs.
X died with P1Million estate, with P200,000 obligation. Oooops..tanggalin mo muna yung
conjugal share ng spouse. Pero if sinabi na net estate, it means tanggal na yung conjugal share ni
spouse.
X = P1M gross
Less: P200,000
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
X = P800,000
Hence,
Page | 13
Illegtimate children = 1/3 of P400,0000
1/6 plus ½
4/6 of P800,000
or 1/6 of P800,000
----------xxxx------
The free portion is 1/3 of P400,000 or P133,333. Sa Free Portion ka lang mag-aalis lahat ng
devise/legacy na ginawa ni X. The rule is uunahin mong to satisfy what it is in the will. If may devise
or legacy isatisfy mo muna yun. If may natira pa sa free portion yung naman ang makukuha ng
instituted heir – if meron siyang nilagay na heir. If wala, magiging intestate yung natirang free portion.
But let say kulang ang free portion for the legacy/devise, pwede bang bawasan ang legitime. No.
Let say X gave A (his son) P50,000, B (another son) P50,000 and Z (a friend) P100,000. Eh,
ang free portion na lang niya ay P133,333 na lang. Ipapamigay mo ito by proportion. Pagkakasyahin.
Nakakatuwa pala gumawa ng will ano? Gumawa kaya ako ng Will, tapos lahat ng kaibigan
ko bigyan ko ng tig-P100,000. Eh di lahat yun puro magagandang bagay lang ang sasabihin sa
akin...puro papuri... syempre, ikaw na magkaroon ng P100,000 eh iiyak ka lang naman sa burol ko.
Lagyan ko ng condition na lahat sila kailangang kumanta sa burol hahahahah...tapos sa estate
settlement P10 na lang pala makukuha hahahahahahaha...at least for few days sumaya sila
hahahahahaha....I cant imagine na habang binabasa yung will ko lahat sila present at ngiting-ngiting
hahahahaha....
The author is a humble partner to succeed in your quest for a law degree and to clinch the evasive “Attorney” title
to your name. He believes that no one has the monopoly of knowledge so you may email him for any correction,
modification and suggestion at barlawfordummies@yahoo.com.ph. Other law subjects will soon be available for
2020 Bar Exams. For orders visit FB Page: Law Reviewers, Books and Bookstand for Sale/OR TEXT 09325293595
FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
--------xxx------
Ang laging tinatanong sa exams or bar ay yung letter O and P sa chart. Kaya let us have
some practice.
Let say X died survived by Y spouse, A and B as legtimate children and C, D, and E as
illegitimate children.
Y gets ¼
C = ½ of ¼ or 1/8
D = ½ of ¼ or 1/8
E = ½ of ¼ or 1/8
The adjustment shall be born by the illegitimate children. The legitimes of the legitimate
children and spouse shall not be disturbed. Hence, C, D and E will share equally with the remaining
¼. (1/4 divided by 3 = 1/12 each child)
C = 1/12
D = 1/12
E = 1/12
Take note na wala ng free portion dito. Paano na yung legacy and divise if ever there is? Wala
na yun. The legitime must be respected.
Art. 895. (the first two paragraphs are abolished by the family code) Illegtimate children will
get ½ of that of legit child.
The legitime of the illegitimate children shall taken from the portion of the estate at the free
disposal of the testator, provided that in no case shall the total legitime of such illegitimate children
exceed that free portion, and that the legitime of the surviving spouse must first be fully satisfied.
The free portion is ½ of the estate where the legitime of the spouse is the same as one child
The author is a humble partner to succeed in your quest for a law degree and to clinch the evasive “Attorney” title
to your name. He believes that no one has the monopoly of knowledge so you may email him for any correction,
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FROM Nth BAR CHALLENGER TO ATTORNEY
BAR LAW FOR DUMMIES
SUCCESSION
Spouse – same as one child
Illegitmate children – each will get ½ of that belong to one legitimate child
Illustration:
“S”-Spouse
E – Illegitimate child
Division of Estate:
Net free portion is P2,500,000 (to be divided equally among the legal heirs)
Dahil walang instituted heir for the free portion, intestacy will be the mode (Art. 960 par 2)
Illegitimate children – ½ of one legit child’s share each (Art 983 or 895)
A = 1 share
B = 1 share
C = 1 share
S = 1 share
D = ½ share
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SUCCESSION
Total = 4.5 shares
A= P555,555.55
Page | 16
B= P555,555.55
C= P555,555.55
S= P555,555.55
D= P277,777.50
TOTAL = P2,500,000
---------xxx--------
What if isa (1) lang legitimate child. Eh di si spouse gets ½ din. Wala ng matitira kay
illegitimate child. The best option is to split the other ½ and respect the legitime of the legitimate
child. Kaya we come up with letter P.
Surviving spouse ¼
Illegitimate childre ¼
---------XXX-------
INTESTATE SHARE
IN INTESTACY
If X died without a will or with invalid one, the estate is distributed intestate. Madali lang ito.
Kasi walang free portion. Kahit kalderong butas walang matitira – lahat ibibigay sa mga legal heirs.
Hindi ito legitime but intestate share. Nagiging significant lang ang legitime during intestacy if may
donation (if inofficious - remember the rule on reduction and revocation of donation)
The same procedure. The administrator will have an inventory of all the properties of the
decedent (not testator). Then, less the obligation and credit (utang). You will come up with the net
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estate. The next thing to do is to determine who are the heirs. If may anak, legitimate or illegitimate,
excluded ang parents. If walang anak, the parents are the heirs excluding all the collateral relatives.
If wala ng parents – the sibings, nephews and nieces will inherit up to 5th degree relatives.
Just imagine the line will go down muna – maghahanap ng anak. If wala – tataas,
maghahanap ng parents, if wala – the line will go sideways – maghahanap ng kapatid. If wala ng
kapatid – baba uli, maghahanap ng mga pamangkin. Then, STOP! Hanggang diyan lang ang mga Page | 17
intestate heirs na may representation. Yung anak ng pamangkin – has no right to reperesent the
former. Magmamana sila by exclusion...it means palaputan ng dugo – the nearest relative will exclude
the distant ones. Read Article 1010.
Art. 1010. The right to inherit ob intestato shall not extend beyond the fifth degree of
relationship in the collateral line.
So the heirs are up to fifth degree. The nearest one will exclude all others.
Art. 1011. In default of persons entitled to succeed in accordance with the provision of the
preceding sections, the State shall inherit the whole estate.
---------xxx---------
The spouse is always present yan. Laging naka-sampid yan na parang twalya sa katawan. If
may asawa si decedent X, here is the intestate sharing of the survivors.
Legit parents – ½
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Again, yung letter E and D ang laging tinatanong sa exams at sa bar. If X died without spouse.
Here are the intestate share.
Page | 18
(a) Legitmate Child/children alone – all (e) Legit parents/ascendants – ½
Illegitimate Chidren – ½
Illustration: Letter D
X died with P1,000,000 estate, P100,000 loan to F. He survived by his spouse S, A and B as
legitimate children, and C, D and E as illegitimate children. Determine the intestate share.
What is given?
X estate P1M
Loan = P100,000
What is asked?
A = 1 share
B = 1share
S = 1 share
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C = ½ share
D = ½ share
Solution
Page | 19
X’s estate P1M less P100,000 loan = P900,000
Hence,
A gets ¼ of P450T
B same as A
Observation
There are hierarchy of rights to be followed whenever the estate cannot accommodate the
shares or legitime of the heirs. First compute for the share or legitime of the legitimate children, then
yung spouse, if may matititra pa para sa illegitimate children ang huli-huling may right. Kung ano
lang ang matitira sa kanila. Kaya hindi laging nasusunod ang rule that the legitime or share of an
illegitimate child is ½ of what a legit child could get. Yan ang essence ng Article 895 and 983.
-----------xxx--------
PRETERITION
Preterition happens if the testator failed (by accident or deliberate) to mention or invalidly
disinherited in his will a compulsory heir (except the wife) in the direct line. Yun bang hindi niya
pinamanahan. Tapos naglagay siya ng voluntary heirs to inherit the free portion. So wala na talagang
natira for the preterited heir. The effect is that the will shall not be totally set aside. Rerespetuhin pa
rin yung will. The legitime of the preterited heir shall be restored and the legacy/devise shall be given
effect. Hanga’t maaring gagawan ng paraan, hindi sine-set aside ang will. If may free portion, out of
it, the legitime of the preterited shall be given. If may inofficious donation na pwedeng ma-reduce or
revoke...gagawin yun to satisfy the legitime. The general solution is to satisfy the legitime out of the
free portion. If wala na talagang magagawa, wala ng pagkukuhaan...then the institution of the heir
shall be invalidated. But there are instances na because of preterition, the testate has become
intestate. We will give examples later.
By the way, if the preterited ay nakatanggap ng kahit singkong duling as donation nung
buhay pa testator – he is not really preterited. The remedy is to satisfy his legitime and not to
invalidate the institution of the heir.
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Another thing to remember ay yung exclusion of compulsory heir. If X has a legitimate or
adopted child, ang parents are dislodged as heir. Kaya nga ang mga parents and siblings ng mga baog
ay laging tutol pag si baog ay mag-aampon, kasi mawawalan sila ng mana. So if in the will, X did not
mention his parents, although compulsory heir sila – there is no preterition.
The spouse is a compulsory heir but a stranger at the same time. Sampid lang sa pamilya
ang asawa. They dont belong to the ascending or descending line ni X. So, there is no preterition if Page | 20
the wife was not called in the will.
Example
X died with P1M cash in bank, a house and lot (Lot1 worth P500T), another lot (Lot 2 worth
P300T), a car (worth P200T)at isang bisekleta (worth P50T). He was survived by S (spouse), A B and
C legitimate children, D an illegitimate child. He devise Lot 2 to A (the eldest one), the car to B and
the bike to D. He assigned S as heir and executor. He disinherited C because he always get utter
expletives when drunk.
Observation
Clearly C was preterited because drunkeness and uttering expletives are not one of the
grounds for a valid disinheritance.
What is the effect of preterition? Wala pa. Hindi pa alam. Kasi magiinvestigate pa tayo at
magcocompute ng free portion if may matitira to satisfy C’s legitime. So first thing is to ask the
administrator/executor (S) if nakatanggap ba ng donation si C noong nabubuhay pa si X. If yes, the
remedy is to satisfy the legitime minus the amount of donation made. If None, the institution of heir
is annuled.
WHAT IS PRETERITION
Art. 854. The pretention or omission of one, some, or all of the compulsory heirs in the direct
line, whether living at the time of the execution of the will or born after the death of the testator, shall
annul the institution of heir; but the devises and legacies shall be valid insofar as they are not
inofficious.
If the omitted compulsory heirs should die before the testator, the institution shall be effectual,
without prejudice to the right of representation.
Example
(1) Testator made a will. He instituted all his legtimate children (“A”, “B” and “C”) in his will.
“A” has two children “D” and “E”. “A” predeceased the testator at a time when the will was already
accomplished.
The institution of the heirs will remain, there being no preterition. “A” will be represented by
his children in the distribution of the estate.
(2) Supposing the will was made after the death of “A” who predeceased the testator, will there
be preterition if “A” was not mentioned in the will and had not received anything yet as advance
legitime? There is no preterition. The law explicitly states that the institution shall be effectual or
valid as representation is proper. The children of “A” will represent him in the estate.
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SUCCESSION
Preterition is the omission of the heir in the will. Either by not naming him at all or while
mentioning him as father, son, etc., by not instituting him as heir without disinheriting him expressly,
or not assigning to him some part of the testator’s estate. Whether the testator gave a legacy to a
person, whom he characterized in the testamentary provision as not related to him, but later this
person was judicially declared to be his acknowledged natural child, the case is not a case of
preterition but a case of completion of legitime. The institution in the will would not be annuled. There
Page | 21
would be no intestacy (Aznar VS. Duncan, 17SCRA590).
(1) The heir is mentioned in the will but nothing is given to him,or
(3) The said compulsory heir must come from the direct line, whether ascending or
descending
Lecture
(A) The omisssion must be total. If C (preterited son) has received donation intervivos, the
remedy if to satisfy the legitime. Or if there were still some properties not mentioned in the will, C
may participate by intestacy. Kaya nga, may computation muna if kakasya ba yung “unmentioned
properties” to satisfy his legitime.
(B) The omitted heir must be a compulsory heir enumerated in Art 887.
(1) Legitimate children and descendants, with respect to their legitimate parents and
ascendants;
(2) In default of the foregoing, legitimate parents and ascendants, with respect to their legitimate
children and descendants;
(C) Omitted heir must spring from the direct line; adopted child included in the direct line
but not spouse.—The omitted heir must spring from the direct line whether ascending or descending
line.
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Devises and legacies are respected unless they are inofficious (so may computation muna). If
they are not, there shall be partial intestacy. If they are inoffcious, babawasan lang. If totally
obliterated ang devise and legacies – the will is set aside and succession shall be by intestacy.
(D) Omitted heri must survived the testator. Preterition must always be determined in relation
to persons who are compulsory heirs at the time of the testator’s death.
Page | 22
X died today. After a month hindi na niregla si S at naka-score pa pala si Tatay nung
naghihingalo. Before 300 days, nanganak si S (spouse). The child is preterited. Nakita ninyo
significance ng Art 41 ng Civil Code and the provision ng Family Code.
What if si S ay kabit, so the child is illegitimate. Patay na si X. Under the Family Code the
illegitimacy must be proved in the lifetime of the putative father. So it is a matter of evidence na ito.
But be as it may, if the child was proven to be X’s, the remedy is the completion or satisfaction of
legitime ni child.
Art. 855. The share of a child or descendant omitted in a will must first be taken from the part
estate not disposed of by the will, if any; if that is not sufficient, so much as may be necessary must be
taken proportionally from the shares of the other compulsory heirs.
3. Lastly, from the compulsory heirs by contributing in proportion to their respective shares.
Yes. If they survived alone or with illegitimate children. The illegitimate child does not exclude
parents. If the testator is an illegitimate child, his children whether legitimate or illegitiamate exclude
the illegitimate parents.
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SUCCESSION AND DONATION
The donations contemplated here are donations intervivos, not mortis causa. Yung mortis
causa is really a Will so it has to conform with the formalities and solemnities of a valid will. If not,
the donation mortis causa (will) is void. So, maliwanag na donation inter vivos lang ang tatalakayin
natin dito.
Page | 23
Donations at whatever kind. Pure, renumeratory, conditional and those with obligation. Yung
onerous donation kasama rin but only up to the limit lang ng pagiging onerous.
Nagigng relevant lang ang donation if the legitimes are affected. Paano kung intestate? Di ba
wala namang legitime sa intestate? Di ba ang tawag sa share ng heirs sa intestate ay intestate share?
Yes, correct. But for the sake of knowing if the donation is inofficious kailangan mong bumalik sa
testate. Magcocompute ka na ng Free Portion. If the amount of donation ay hindi pasok sa free
portion, it means the legitime is disturbed. The donation is inofficious. Pwedeng babawasan or totally
revoked.
What if the testator has made several donations. Alin sa mga donations na yun ang
maapektuhan? The rule is “LAST IN FIRST OUT”. The last donation made ang uubusin muna.
Donations made to strangers shall be charged to that part of the estate of which the
testator could have disposed by his last will.
Insofar as they may be inofficious or may exceed the disposable portion, they shall be
reduced according to the rules established by this Code.
If X has donated a sum of money to A his son, aawasin sa kanyang (A’s) legitime. If X had
donated to F (friend) aawasin sa free portion.
If X died intestate, the value of donation at the time it was made shall form part of the donee’s
inheritance. Let say X donated P100,000 to A, his son. X died. Based on the computation, A shall
receive P150,000. Yung P100,000 donated sa kanya ni X shall be considered as advanced share.
Kaya P50,000 na lang ang matatanggap niya sa partition of estate. If the donation ay sumobra – let
say dapat P75,000 lang nag inheritance niya. Yung sobra na P25,000 shall be returned.
If X died testate (merong valid Will), the value of donation at the time it was made shall be
determined if papasok sa free portion. Let say A and B are the compulsory heirs ni X. X donated
P200,000 to A. In partition, the estate was only P100,000. Based on testate succession, A and B shall
get ½ of P100,000 or P50,000 and the other half is the free portion. So, there is a free portion of
P50,000 where the donation of P200,000 shall be charged of. Hence, the remaining P150,000 shall
be returned.
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SUCCESSION
So nakita ninyo? Magcocompute lagi ng free portion. Yung advance legitime ni A ay aawasin
muna sa Free portion. If hindi na kasya yung free portion saka lamang aawasin sa legtime niya (A).
Paano kung may legacy ar devise na naka-charge sa free portion. Tanggal lahat yan. The donation
take preference over legacy and devise (Article 911).
Unlike if the X died without a Will, yung advance intestate share ni A shall be dedducted from
his share agad. Page | 24
Compulsory heirs are direct ascendants or descedants. Anak at apo, kung wala sila lolo or
lola. Ang asawa ay hindi compulsory heir this time. Stranger ang asawa for the sake of our discussion,
and beside bawal ang donation between husband and wife. Kapatid are strangers also.
If X died intestate, the value of donation at the time it was made shall be determined if
inofficious. If the legitime of the compulsory heir is reduced by the effect of that donation, the donation
shall be reduced or revoked. So magkakaroon ng computation as if there was a will.
Let say X donated to a F, a friend, P200,000 in 2001. In 2019, he died with only P100,000
and survived by two compulsory heirs, A and B. Based on testate succession, A and B shall be entitled
to ½ of P300,000 and the other half is the free portion where the value of the donation made can be
charged of. The Free portion is only P150,000. The donation shall be reduced by P50,000.
Donations are deemed advances on the legitimes (if the donees are compulsory heirs) or on
the free portion (if the donees are voluntary heirs or strangers), there is a need to determine whether
they are excessive or not. If they are inofficious or excessive they will be reduced accordingly.
First, determine the value of the properties remaining at the time of the death of the testator;
Second, determine the value of the debts, charges and other obligations of the testator
deductible from the properties or assets left;
Third, determine the difference between the assets and obligations to find out the net
hereditary estate;
Fourth, add to the net value of the hereditary estate, the value of all donations subject to
collation, which value is reckoned at the time of the making of the donations;
Fifth, from the total amount of the above, determine the legitimes of the surviving compulsory
heirs as provided by law:
Sixth deduct the total legitimes from the net hereditaiy estate and the remainder is the free
portion;
Seuenth. Consider the value of the individual donations. If they exceed the free portion, they
are Inofficious;
Eight, the excess shall then be deducted from the shares of the recipient;
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Ninth, there shall be restitution—which could be the actual return of the property or part of
the property donated, or the payment of the excess tn the mass of the hereditary estate or by
agreement, to those who received Incomplete legitimes or incomplete shares from the free portion.
When X was so filthy rich, he donated a parcel of land to F, a friend, the land worth P800,000 Page | 25
in 2000, a friend. He died in 2019 with only P1M estate and with P200,000 obligation. He was survived
by A and B compulsory legitimate children.
First, determine the value of the properties remaining at the time of the death of the testator;
Second, determine the value of the debts, charges and other obligations of the testator
deductible from the properties or assets left;
Third, determine the difference between the assets and obligations to find out the net
hereditary estate;
Fourth, add to the net value of the hereditary estate, the value of all donations subject to
collation, which value is reckoned at the time of the making of the donations;
Fifth, from the total amount of the above, determine the legitimes of the surviving compulsory
heirs as provided by law:
Sixth, deduct the total legitimes from the net hereditary estate and the remainder is the free
portion;
Seventh. Consider the value of the individual donations. If they exceed the free portion, they
are inofficious;
Eight, the excess shall then be deducted from the shares of the recipient;
Ninth, there shall be restitution—which could be the actual return of the property or part of
the property donated, or the payment of the excess tn the mass of the hereditary estate or by
agreement, to those who received incomplete legitimes or incomplete shares from the free portion.
P600,000 the inofficious portion shall be returned subject to the ninth provision above.
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SUCCESSION
---------xxx--------
So there you are. You know now the “meat” of succession. Kayang-kaya mo ng mag partition
ng estate. We will now discuss the subject as they asked in 1987-2018 Bar examinations. Actually,
all other topics except for reserva troncal ay madadali na – a matter of reading na lang.
---------XXX------- Page | 26
LECTURE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS AND BAR REVIEWEES
BAR EXAM BASED FROM 1987-2018
GENERAL PROVISIONS
WHAT IS SUCCESSION?
Ownership and other real rights over property are acquired and transmitted by law, by
donation, by testate and intestate succession, and in consequence of certain contracts, by tradition.
Art. 774. Succession is a mode of acquisition. By virtue of which the property, rights and
obligations to the extent of the value of the inheritance, of a person are transmitted through his death
to another or others either by his will or by operation of law.
Maraming kinds of succession, but in our study we will consider them as either testamentary
(if there was valid will), intestate (no valid will or no will at all), or mixed (if there was a will but the
testator forgot my name to be instituted as heir for the free portion.
(1) X made a will but did not institute an heir for the free portion. So that part of the estate
not inlcuded sa legitime ng mga compulsory heirs shall be subject to intestate succession.
(2) X made a will, but some provisions are invalid. Let say “ I bequeath to my favorite dog my
house and lot in Pasig”...ayan...invalid provision yan. Those other provisions shall be given effect but
those invalid shall be subject to intestate succession.
(3) X made a will in 2000. He died in 2019 with 10times number of properties than in 2000.
The incurred properties shall be subject to intestate succession. If he instituted me as heir, then lahat
ng assets after 2000 shall be mine (subject to the final determination of the compulsory heirs’
legitimes).
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SUCCESSION
Art. 777. The rights to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the
decedent.
Art. 776. The inheritance includes all the property, rights and obligations of a person which are
not extinguished by his death.
Art. 781. The inheritance of a person includes not only the property and the transmissible rights
and obligations existing at the time of his death, but also those which have accrued thereto since the
opening of the succession.
Yung mga interest sa bangko o ng 5-6 kung may lending ang lolo mo. Habang inaayos ang
estado ni lolo, yung mga investments niya sa stocks, deposits, credits, anak ng kambing, anak ng
isda, bunga ng buko – etc etc lahat yan..included sa inheritance.
Intransmissible Rights — some rights are extinguished upon the death of the decedent. These
rights are intransmissible. The heirs could not succeed to intransmissible rights.
(1)If during the period between the making of the will and the actual distribution of the estate
to the heirs, alluvial deposits had been added to the decedent’s land, these alluvial deposits will be
considered part of the inheritance.
(2) If the decedent has a credit which earns interest, this interest although an accession like
alluvium is considered part of the inheritance.
(1) Testamentary;
(3) Mixed
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SUCCESSION
If the decedent died with a valid will, then he is called a testator.
No Valid Will, No Testamentary Succession. – Testamentary succession can arise only when
the decedent left a valid will. The will could either be a notarial will or a holographic will.
A notarial will is one which is executed with the formalities of the law and is duly
acknowledged and notarized bona fide notary public (Art. 805, NCC). Page | 28
A holographic will is one entirely written in the handwriting of the testator from the beginning
to the end, duly dated and signed. It need not be witnessed or notarized [Art. 810. NCC).
Nuncupative wills are oral wills. They are not allowed in the Philippines. A tape-recorded will
is still a nuncupative will.
Mixed Succession Is Allowed. That portion of the inheritance which is covered by the valid
will shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the will and that portion not so covered
shall be governed by the rules on intestacy.
If the will Is void, the entire estate will be disposed of in accordance with the rules on
intestacy.
Art. 782. An heir is a person called, to the succession either by the provision of a will or by
operation of law.
Devisees and legatees are persons to whom gifts of real and personal property are respectively
given by virtue of a will.
Heirs are those persons who succeeds either they are instituted in a will or if there is no will,
they succeeds by operation of law – meaning by intestacy.
X died and instituted you as his heir. So ikaw at yung mga compulsory heirs ang mga co-
heirs mo. If walang will, hindi ka pwedeng maging heir simply because you are not his descendants,
ascendants, or dyowa.
Devisees are those persons na siniwerte. Kasi iniwanan ng lupain (real property) at yung
legatees are those persons na magmmamana ng personal property (movable) gaya ng suklay, bibe,
sintas or alahas.
A, compulsory heir can also be a devisee or legatee. May legitime na si A, plus yung blusang
itim binigay pa ng nanay niya dahil mas kailangan daw niya ito hahahahaha. Kaya ang tawag kay A
is an heir and legatee. If sinamahan pa ni nanay ng libingan (real property) at ataol. Si A is an heir,
a legatee and a divisee.
Art. 777. The rights to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the
decedent.
-----------XXX-------
BAR EXAMINATION
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2000 BAR EXAMINATION
XA. Ambrosio died, leaving his three daughters, Belen, Rosario and Sylvia a hacienda which
was mortgaged to the Philippine National Bank. Due to the failure of the daughters to pay the bank,
the latter foreclosed the mortgage and the hacienda was sold to it as the highest bidder. Six months
later, Sylvia won the grand prize at the lotto and used part of it to redeem the hacienda from the
bank. Thereafter, she took possession of the hacienda and refused to share its fruits with her sisters, Page | 29
contending that it was owned exclusively by her, having bought it from the bank with her own money.
Is she correct or not?
Sylvia is not correct. The 3 daughters are the co-owners of the hacienda being the only heirs of
Ambrosio. When the property was foreclosed, the right of redemption belongs also to the 3
daughters. When Sylvia redeemed the entire property before the lapse of the redemption period,
she also exercised the right of redemption of her co-owners on their behalf. As such she is
holding the shares of her two sisters in the property, and all the fruits corresponding thereto,
in trust for them. Redemption by one co-owner inures to the benefit of all [Adille v. CA, 157
SCRA 455). Sylvia, however, is entitled to be reimbursed the shares of her two sisters in the
redemption price. – UPLC ANSWERS
Sylvia is not correct. Under Article 1078 of the Civil Code, where there are two or more heirs,
the whole estate of the decedent is, before its partition, owned in common by such heirs. Here,
Ambrocio died and the three sisters became co-owners of the mortgaged hacienda. Thereafter, Sylvia
redeemed the property in behalf of the co-heirs. The act of redemption is not partition of the hacienda
but only made her trustee of the property as well as the fruits derived therefrom. Hence, Sylvia is just
entitled for reimbursement of what she paid for less the value of the fruits she appropriated. She did
not become the sole owner of the property.
The co-ownership was still enforced when she redeemed the property. If she bought it back
from the bank after the redemption period of one year, wala ng co-ownership. Hindi na sa kanila yung
hacienda – naging final na yung foreclosure. Kung naghintay lang si Sylvia ng another 6 months, the
property would have been hers.
For the purpose of giving effect to testamentary dispositions, what is the importance of the
distinctions between heirs on the one hand and and legatees/devisees on the other?
If one or some or all of the compulsory heirs in the direct line had been totally preterited in
the testator’s will, the effects are follows:
(2) the legacies and devises shall be valid insofar as they are not inofficious or excessive (Art.
854. NCC).
(1) the institution of heirs is annulled to the extent of the impairment of the legitime of the
disinherited heir;
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(2) the legacies and devises shall be valid insofar as they are not inofficious or excessive (Art.
918)
LECTURE
Ang mga anak ay hindi pwedeng tanggalan ng legitime (mana according sa law). If that
happens, the will is invalid at maaring maging intestate ang mode of succession. Let say X died Page | 30
survived by his wife Y and children A, B and C. He instituted B as heir. If nalimutan ni X na bigyan
ng mana either si A, B or C, or kahit isang singkong duling hindi ito nakatanggap ng donasyon nung
nabubuhay pa siya (X), the institution of B as heir shall be annuled.
If X instituted B as heir. So wala ng free portion – dahil lahat yun mapupunta na kay B. So
B will get his legitime plus the free portion. Si A, hindi nabanggit sa will. He is preterited. The
institution of B shall be invalidated.
But if in the will X gave B a car as legacy – that shall be respected as along as the value of
the car is within the free portion.
Another one. Let say X mentioned A in the will but for the purpose of disinheritance kasi
hindi raw hindi naliligo si A kaya ayaw ng tatay niya pamanahan. The ground is not one of the
grounds provided for in the Civil Code kahit nakakamatay pa amoy ni A. The effect is that the
institution of B as heir shall be annuled only up to the extent if there is an impairment ng legitime ni
A. So, magcocompute tayo.
But if X gave B a car – that shall be respected as long as the value of the car is within the
free portion.
Let say X forgot to mention Y (his wife) sa will. That is ok. Spouses are strangers and they are
not one of the compulsory heirs.
-------------xxx--------
TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION
FORMS OF WILLS
1. WHAT IS A WILL?
Art. 783. A will is an act whereby a person is permitted, with the formalities prescribed by
law, to control to a certain degree the disposition of his estate, to take effect after his death.
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Art. 1080. Should a person make a partition of his estate by an act inter vivos, or by will, such
partition shall be respected, insofar as it does not prejudice the legitime of the compulsory heirs.
A parent who, in the interest of his or her family, desires to keep any agricultural, industrial, or
manufacturing enterprise intact, may avail himself of the right granted him in this article, by ordering
that the legitime of the other children to whom the property is not assigned, be paid in cash.
Page | 31
Laging tinatamong sa exams.
Let say X may 10 anak at may sampung ektaryang lupa. Mag-drawing siya ng mapa ng lupa.
Hahatiiin niya ang sampu. Ilalagay na mga pangalan ng mga anak sa bawat parte ng lupa. Tapos
ibibigay na niya as donation intervivos – pwede yan, or by will – donation mortis cuasa ang tawag sa
partition na yan. When X dies, they 10 sibling shall respect the partition because they are bounded
by that deed.
Pwede rin ba na oral partition? The general rule is no. Exception is when the heirs made an
action to occupy the land and the others kept silence.
Oral conveyances of properties are recognized in the Philippines. Thus, It has been held that
it is not uncommon practice of country folks in the Philippines to convey their properties to their heirs
without executing any private or public document to that effect. Despite express codal provisions,
jurisprudence has recognized oral contracts as valid and efficacious to bring about partition of a
decedent’s estate among his heirs provided such partition does not affect the interest of third persons
(Lasam vs. Lasam, H8184-R March 29. 1962; 58 Off. Gaz. 7232).
4. May the testator delegate to a third person the designation of heirs, legatees or devisees or
the determination of which property shall be given to abovementioned persons?
X said in the will, “F, my friend bahala ka na kung kanino mo ibibigay ang mga property kong
maiiwan at paano ito hahatiin”. The provision is void. Kasi gagawa ka ng away among heirs.
Dapat specified na kung sino ang mga heirs, legatees or devisees at yung particular property
to be given. “F, ibigay mo kay G yung Lot 123, kay H yung bisekleta at P10,000 pesos kong nasa
Banco de Takbo kay I. As you notice, wala ng gagawin pa si F other than to hand out the things. If F
was required to determine to whom to give or what to give, then, that provision in the will is
inoperative. (Article 785, 786, 787)
Art. 785. The duration or efficacy of the designation of heirs, devisees or legatees, or the
determination of the portions which they are to take, when referred to by name, cannot be left to the
discretion of a third person.
Art. 786. The testator may entrust to a third person the distribution of specific property or sums
of money that he may leave in general to specified classes or causes, and also the designation of the
persons, institutions or establishments to which such property or sums of money are to be given or
applied.
Art. 787. The testator may not make a testamentary disposition in such manner that another
person has to determine whether or not it is to be operative.
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Art. 788. If a testamentary disposition admits of different interpretations, in case of doubt, that
interpretation by which the disposition is to be operative shall be preferred.
As much as possible the will is interpreted in its entirety. If the ambiguity cannot be resolved
by reading the entire will, then, parol evidence may be accepted except those oral evidence which
purpotedly came out from the testator’s lips. That is unacceptable. Hindi na pwedeng magsalita ang
bangkay na. Page | 32
So ano lang ang mga acceptable oral evidence? All except those that will put words to the
dead man’s lips. Hindi mo siya pwedeng i-quote.
Art. 789. When there is an imperfect description, or when no person or property exactly
answers the description, mistakes and omissions must be corrected, if the error appears from the
context of the will or from extrinsic evidence, excluding the oral declarations of the testator as to his
intention; and when an uncertainty arises upon the face of the will, as to the application of any of its
provisions, testator’s intention is to be ascertained from the words of the will, taking into consideration
the ircumstances under which it was made, excluding such oral declarations.
Art 792. The invalidity of one of several dispositions contained in a will does not result in the
invalidity of the other dispositions, unless it is to be presumed that the testator would not have made
such other dispositions if the first invalid disposition had not been made.
It covers properties acquired by the testator after the making of the will. It does not only
include properties acquired during his lifetime (l.e., after the will was made) but also properties still
being acquired after his death. The Article does not apply in intestacy. Why?
Kasi sa intestacy – walang future properties. Sa testacy meron. X made a will yesterday,
bought new car today. Then bukas nabangga siya – patay. The car is the future property. If he has
stocks or cash deposits – the dividends are not future porperties. They are accessories ng principal.
Kasama sa yan sa rights inherited at the moment of his death - rights to the civil fruits.
Art. 793. Property acquired after the making of a will shall only pass thereby, as if the testator
had possessed it at the time of making the will, should it expressly appear by the will that such was
his intention.
The general rule ay hindi kasama ang mga future properties except sinabi ni X na kasama.
Dapat explicit not implied. If the testator faied to mention an anticipatory disposition there will be
mixed succession. All properties covered by will shall be distributed according to the provisions of the
will and those after acquired shall be inherited by intestate heirs.
Devise is a gift of real property while a legacy is a gift of personal property given in a will.
Kapag immovable ang gift like bahay, lupa, tangke ng tubig, flagpole, kalsadada, tulay - yan puro
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devise. Ang reciever ang tawag ay devisee. Kung ang gift naman ay movable like suka, kotse, kama ,
singsing – legacy po yan at legatee ang tawag sa receiver.
Art. 794. Every devise or legacy shall convey all the interest which the testator could devise or
bequeath in the property disposed of, unless it clearly appears from the will that he intended to convey
a less interest.
Page | 33
X gives to F the usufruct of fishponds in Bulacan. Here, the testator gives only a lesser interest
because usufruct covers only the use and fruits of the fishponds but not the ownership thereof.
8. Testator made his will on September 16, 1911. He died on August 14, 1913. On July 1, 1916
under Act No. 2645, the formalities for the execution of wills were amended. The new law
cannot be applied to the will in question. The law at the time of the execution of the will, shall
govern its validity.
Art. 795. The validity of a will as to its form depends upon the observance of the law in force
at the time it is made.
Its about the solemnities and formalities ng will. It talks about the extrinsic validity not
intrinsic. However, a will which is void for failure to observe the formalities required at the time of its
execution can not be validated by the passage of a new law changing the formalities which now suit
its form. The exception is when the new law has retroractive effect.
Illustrations:
(a) Facts: Sancho Abadla executed a holographic will in 1923. Such will was not yet allowed
then by law. The will is presented for probate in 1946, the court allowed its probate on the ground
that holographic wills are now authorized under the New Civil Code.
Held. The will should not be allowed probate. He should be regarded and declared as having
died intestate, and his heirs will then inherit by intestate succession.
(b) X made a void will in 1911. A law was passed in 1912 which suited the defective will. X
died in 1913. The will is still void. The applicable law is the one existing in 1911. Kapag extrinsic
validity ganyan ang rule. Paano pag intinsic validity? Iba pag intrinsic. The new law can validate or
change the essence of the will.
Art. 2263. Rights to the inheritance of a person who died, with or without a will, before the
effectivity of this Code, shall be governed by the Civil Code nf 1889, by other previous laws, and by the
Rules of Court. The inheritance of those who, with or without a will, die after the beginning of the
effectivity of this Code, shall be adjudicated and distributed in accordance with this new body of laws
and by the Rules of Court; but the testamentary provisions shall be carried out insofar as they may be
permitted by this Code.
X made a valid will 1990. He gives all his estate sa alaga niyang aso. Kasi nung 1990 the law
on succession allowed such stupidity. The law on succession was amended in 1991 making such
stupid provision unlawful. X died in 1992. The dog cannot inherit. Kasi nagbago na ang batas. The
reckoning point for intrinsic validity is upon X’s death while the reckoning point for the extrinsic
validity is the time the will was made.
WILLS IN GENERAL
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Art. 793. Property acquired after the making of a will shall only pass thereby, as if the testator
had possessed it at the time of making the will, should it expressly appear by the will that such was
his intention.
Art. 795. The validity of a will as to its form depends upon the observance of the law in force
at the time it is made.
Page | 34
1996 BAR EXAMINATION
X. Alfonso, a bachelor without any descendant or ascendant, wrote a last will and testament
in which he devised, “all the properties of which I may be possessed at the time of my death” to his
favorite brother Manuel. At the time he wrote the will, he owned only one parcel of land. But by the
time he died, he owned twenty parcels of land. His other brothers and sisters insist that his will
should pass only the parcel of land he owned at the time it was written, and did not cover his
properties acquired, which should be by intestate succession. Manuel claims otherwise.
Manuel is correct. Acoording to Art. 793. NCC, property acquired after the making of a will
shall only pass thereby, as if the testator had possessed it at the time of making the will, should it
expressly appear by the will that such was his intention. Here, Alfonso’s intention to devise all
properties he owned at the time of his death expressly appears on the will, therefore, all the 20 parcels
of land are included in the devise in favor of Manuel.
VI. On December 1, 2000, Dr. Juanito Fuentes executed a holographic will, wherein he gave
nothing to his recognized illegitimate son, Jay. Dr. Fuentes left for the United States, passed the New
York medical licensure examinations, resided therein, and became a naturalized American citizen.
He died in New York in 2007. The laws of New York do not recognize holographic wills or compulsory
heirs.
[a] Can the holographic will of Dr. Fuentes be admitted to probate in the Philippines? Why or
why not?
Yes, the holographic will of Dr. Fuentes may be admitted to probate in the Philippines because
there is no public policy violated by such probate. The only issue at probate is the due execution
of the will which includes the formal validity of the will. As regards formal validity, the only
issue the court will resolve at probate is whether or not the will was executed in accordance
with the form prescribed by the law observed by the testator in the execution of his will. For
purposes of probate in the Philippines, an alien testator may observe the law of the place where
the will was executed (Article 17, NCC), or the formalities of the law of the place where he
resides, or according to the formalities of the law of his own country, or in accordance with the
Philippine Civil Code (Art. 816).
Since Dr. Fuentes executed his will in accordance with Philippine law, the Philippine court shall
apply the New Civil Code in determining the formal validity of the holographic will. The
subsequent change in the citizenship of Dr. Fuentes did not affect the law governing the validity
of his will. Under the New Civil Code, which was the law used by Dr. Fuentes, the law in force
at the time of execution of the will shall govern the formal validity of the will (Article 795, NCC).
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Art. 796. All persons who are not expressly prohibited by law may make a will.
Page | 35
Art. 797. Persons of either sex under eighteen years of age cannot make a will.
Art. 798. In order to make a will it is essential that the testator be of sound mind at the time of
its execution.
Art. 799. To be of sound mind, it is not necessary that the testator be in full possession of all
his reasoning faculties, or that his mind be wholly unbroken, unimpaired, or unshattered by disease,
injury or other cause.
It shall be sufficient if the testator was able at the time of making the will to know the nature
of the estate to be disposed of, the proper objects of his bounty, and the character of the testamentary
act.
Art. 800. The law presumes that every person is of sound mind, in the absence of proof to the
contrary.
The burden of proof that the testator was not of sound mind at the time of making his
dispositions is on the person who opposes the probate of the will; but if the testator, one month, or less,
before making his will was publicly known to be insane, the person who maintains the validity of the
will must prove that the testator made it during a lucid. interval.
Art 801. Supervening incapacity does not invalidate an effective will, nor is the will of an
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