1

Amount of Successional Rights (2004)

Mr. XT and Mrs. YT have been married for 20 years. Suppose the wife, YT, died childless, survived only by her husband,
XT. What would be the share of XT from her estate as inheritance? Why? Explain.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Under the Civil Code, the widow or widower is a legal and compulsory heir of the deceased
spouse. If the widow is the only surviving heir, there being no legitimate ascendants, descendants, brothers, and sisters,
nephews and nieces, she gets the entire estate.

Barrier between illegitimate & legitimate relatives (1993)

A is the acknowledged natural child of B who died when A was already 22 years old. When Bs full blood brother, C, died he
(C) was survived by his widow and four children of his other brother D. Claiming that he is entitled to inherit from his fathers
brother C. A brought suit to obtain his share in the estate of C.

Will his action prosper?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: No, the action of A will not prosper. On the premise that B, C and D are legitimate brothers, as
an illegitimate child of B, A cannot inherit in intestacy from C who is a legitimate brother of B. Only the wife of C in her own
right and the

legitimate relatives of C (i.e. the children of D as Cs legitimate nephews inheriting as collateral relatives) can inherit in
intestacy. (Arts. 992, 1001, 1OO5 and 975, Civil Code)

Barrier between illegitimate & legitimate relatives (1996)

Cristina the illegitimate daughter of Jose and Maria, died intestate, without any descendant or ascendant. Her valuable estate
is being claimed by Ana, the legitimate daughter of Jose, and Eduardo, the legitimate son of Maria.
Is either, both, or neither of them entitled to inherit? Explain.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Neither Ana nor Eduardo is entitled to inherit of ab intestato from Cristina. Both are legitimate
relatives of Cristinas illegitimate parents and therefore they fall under the prohibition prescribed by Art. 992, NCC (Manuel
v. Ferrer, 242 SCRA 477; Diaz v. Court of Appeals, 182 SCRA 427).

Collation (1993)

Joaquin Reyes bought from Julio Cruz a residential lot of 300 square meters in Quezon City for which Joaquin paid Julio the
amount of P300,000.00, When the deed was about to be prepared Joaquin told Julio that it be drawn in the name of Joaquina
Roxas, his acknowledged natural child. Thus, the deed was so prepared and executed by Julio. Joaquina then built a house on
the lot where she, her husband and children resided. Upon Joaquins death, his legitimate children sought to recover possession
and ownership of the lot, claiming that Joaquina Roxas was but a trustee of their father.

Will the action against Joaquina Roxas prosper?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes, because there is a presumed donation in favor of Joaquina under Art. 1448 of the Civil
Code (Delos Santos v. Reyes, 27 January 1992, 206 SCRA 437). However, the donation should be collated to the hereditary
estate and the legitime of the other heirs should be preserved.

Disinheritance vs.Preterition (1993)

Maria, to spite her husband Jorge, whom she suspected was having an affair with another woman, executed a will, unknown
to him, bequeathing all the properties she inherited from her parents, to her sister Miguela. Upon her death, the will was
presented for probate. Jorge opposed probate of the will on the ground that the will was executed by his wife without his
knowledge, much less consent, and that it deprived him of his legitime. After all, he had given her no cause for disinheritance,
added Jorge in his opposition.
 2
How will you rule on Jorges opposition to the probate of Marias will? If you were the Judge?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: As Judge, I shall rule as follows: Jorges opposition should be sustained in part and denied in part.
Jorges omission as spouse of Maria is not preterition of a compulsory heir in the direct line. Hence, Art. 854 of the Civil Code
does not apply, and the institution of Miguela as heir is valid, but only to the extent of the free portion of one-half. Jorge is
still entitled to one-half of the estate as his legitime (Art. 1001, Civil Code).

Disinheritance; Ineffective (1999)

Mr. Palma, widower, has three daughters D, D-l and D-2. He executes a Will disinheriting D because she married a man he
did not like, and instituting daughters D-1 and D-2 as his heirs to his entire estate of P 1,000,000.00, Upon Mr, Palmas death,
how should his estate be divided? Explain.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: This is a case of ineffective disinheritance because marrying a man that the father did not approve
of is not a ground for disinheriting D. Therefore, the institution of D-l and D-2 shall be annulled insofar as it prejudices the
legitime of D, and the institution of D-l and D-2 shall only apply on the free portion in the amount of P500,000.00. Therefore,
D, D-l and D-2 will get their legitimes of P500.000.00 divided into three equal parts and D-l and D-2 will get a reduced
testamentary disposition of P250,000.00 each. Hence, the shares will be:

D P166,666.66

D-l P166,666.66 + P250.000.00

D-2 P166,666.66 + P250,000.00

Heirs; Intestate Heirs; Reserva Troncal (1995)

Isidro and Irma, Filipinos, both 18 years of age, were passengers of Flight No. 317 of Oriental Airlines. The plane they
boarded was of Philippine registry. While en route from Manila to Greece some passengers hijacked the plane, held the chief
pilot hostage at the cockpit and ordered him to fly instead to Libya. During the hijacking Isidro suffered a heart attack and
was on the verge of death. Since Irma was already eight months pregnant by Isidro, she pleaded to the hijackers to allow the
assistant pilot to solemnize her marriage with Isidro. Soon after the marriage, Isidro expired. As the plane landed in Libya
Irma gave birth. However, the baby died a few minutes after complete delivery.

Back in the Philippines Irma Immediately filed a claim for inheritance. The parents of Isidro opposed her claim contending
that the marriage between her and Isidro was void ab initio on the following grounds: (a) they had not given their consent to
the marriage of their son; (b) there was no marriage license; (c) the solemnizing officer had no authority to perform the
marriage; and, (d) the solemnizing officer did not file an affidavit of marriage with the proper civil registrar.

2. Does Irma have any successional rights at all? Discuss fully.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: 2. Irma succeeded to the estate of Isidro as his surviving spouse to the estate of her legitimate
child. When Isidro died, he was succeeded by his surviving wife Irma, and his legitimate unborn child. They divided the estate
equally between them, the child excluding the parents of Isidro. An unborn child is considered born for all purposes favorable
to it provided it is born later. The child was considered born because, having an intra-uterine life of more than seven months, it
lived for a few minutes after its complete delivery. It was legitimate because it was born within the valid marriage of the
parents. Succession is favorable to it. When the child died, Irma inherited the share of the child. However, the share of the
child in the hands of Irma is subject to reserva troncal for the benefit of the relatives of the child within the third degree of
consanguinity and who belong to the line of Isidro.

Heirs; Intestate Heirs; Shares (2003)

Luis was survived by two legitimate children, two illegitimate children, his parents, and two brothers. He left an estate
of P1 million. Luis died intestate. Who are his intestate heirs, and how much is the share of each in his estate?
 3
SUGGESTED ANSWER: The intestate heirs are the two (2) legitimate children and the two (2) illegitimate children. In
intestacy the estate of the decedent is divided among the legitimate and illegitimate children such that the share of each
illegitimate child is one half the share of each legitimate child. Their share is:

For each legitimate child P333,333.33

For each illegitimate child P166,666.66

Intestate Succession (1992)

F had three (3) legitimate children: A, B, and C. B has one (1) legitimate child X. C has two (2) legitimate children: Y and Z.

F and A rode together in a car and perished together at the same time in a vehicular accident, F and A died, each of them
leaving substantial estates in intestacy.

a) Who are the intestate heirs of F? What are their respective fractional shares?
b) Who are the intestate heirs of A? What are their respective fractional shares?
c) If B and C both predeceased F, who are Fs intestate heirs? What are their respective fractional shares? Do they
inherit in their own right or by representation? Explain your answer.
d) If B and C both repudiated their shares in the estate of F who are Fs intestate heirs? What are their respective
fractional shares? Do they inherit in their own right or by representation? Explain your answer.

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

(a) B = 1/2

(b) B = 1/2 Z = 1/4 by representation of C C= 1/2

Article 982 of the Civil Code provides that grandchildren inherit by right of representation.

(c) X = 1/2 by representation of B C=l/2 Y = 1/4 by representation of C

(d) X 1/3 in his own right Y- 1/3 in his own right 2 1/3 in his own right

Article 977 of the Civil Code provides that heirs who repudiate their share cannot be represented.

Intestate Succession (1997)

T died intestate on 1 September 1997. He was survived by M (his mother), W (his widow), A and B (his legitimate children),
C (his grandson, being the legitimate son of B), D (his other grandson, being the son of E who was a legitimate son of, and
who predeceased, T), and F (his grandson, being the son of G, a legitimate son who repudiated the inheritance from T).
His distributable net estate is P120.000.00.

How should this amount be shared in intestacy among the surviving heirs?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: The legal heirs are A, B, D, and W. C is excluded by B who is still alive. D inherits in
representation of E who predeceased. F is excluded because of the repudiation of G, the predecessor. M is excluded by the
legitimate children of T. The answer may be premised on two theories: the Theory of Exclusion and the Theory of
Concurrence.

Under the Theory of Exclusion the legitimes of the heirs are accorded them and the free portion will be given exclusively to
the legitimate descendants. Hence under the Exclusion Theory:
 4
A will get P20.000.00. and P 13.333.33 (1/3 of the free portion) B will get P 20,000.00. and P13. 333.33 (1/3 of the free
portion) D will get P20.000.00. and P13. 333.33 (1/3 of the free portion) W, the widow is limited to the legitime of P20.000.00

Under the Theory of Concurrence. In addition to their legitimes, the heirs of A, B, D and W will be given equal shares in
the free portions:

A: P20.000.00 plus P10.000.00 (1 /4 of the free portion)

B: P20,000.00 plus P10.000.00 (l/4 of the free portion) C: P20,000.00 plus P10.000.00 (1/4 of the free portion) W: P20,000.00
plus P10,000.00 (l/4 of the free portion) Alternative Answer: Shares in Intestacy

T decedent Estate: P120.000.00

Survived by:

M Mother. None

W Widow..P 30,000.00

A SonP 30,000.00

B SonP30.000.00

C Grandson (son of B).None

D Grandson (son of E who predeceased T).P 30,000.00

F Grandson (son of G who repudiated the Inheritance

from T)..None

Intestate Succession (1998)

Enrique died, leaving a net hereditary estate of P1.2 million. He is survived by his widow, three legitimate children, two
legitimate grandchildren sired by a legitimate child who predeceased him, and two recognized illegitimate children. Distribute
the estate in intestacy.

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

Under the theory of Concurrence, the shares are as follows: A (legitimate child) = P200,000

B (legitimate child) = P200,000

C (legitimate child) = P200,000

D (legitimate child) = O (predeceased]

E (legitimate child of D) = P100,000 by right of representation

F (legitimate child of D) = P100,000 by right of representation

G (illegitimate child) = P100,000 1/2 share of the legitimate child H (illegitimate child) = P100,000 1/2 share of the
legitimate child W (Widow) = P200.000 same share as legitimate child
 5
Intestate Succession (1998)

Tessie died survived by her husband Mario, and two nieces, Michelle and Jorelle, who are the legitimate children of an elder
sister who had predeceased her. The only property she left behind was a house and lot worth two million pesos, which Tessie
and her husband had acquired with the use of Marios savings from his income as a doctor. How much of the property or its
value, if any, may Michelle and Jorelle claim as their hereditary shares?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Article 1001 of the Civil Code provides, Should brothers and sisters or their children survive
with the widow or widower, the latter shall be entitled to one-half of the inheritance and the brothers and sisters or their
children to the other half.

Tessies gross estate consists of a house and lot acquired during her marriage, making it part of the community property. Thus,
one-half of the said property would have to be set aside as Marios conjugal share from the community property. The other
half, amounting to one million pesos, is her conjugal share (net estate), and should be distributed to her intestate heirs.
Applying the above provision of law, Michelle and Jorelle, Tessies nieces, are entitled to one-half of her conjugal share worth
one million pesos, or 500,000 pesos, while the other one-half amounting to P500,000 will go to Mario, Tessies surviving
spouse. Michelle and Jorelle are then entitled to P250,000 pesos each as their hereditary share.

Intestate Succession (1999)

Mr. and Mrs. Cruz, who are childless, met with a serious motor vehicle accident with Mr. Cruz at the wheel and Mrs. Cruz
seated beside him, resulting in the instant death of Mr. Cruz. Mrs. Cruz was still alive when help came but she also died on
the way to the hospital. The couple acquired properties worth One Million (P1,000,000.00) Pesos during their marriage, which
are being claimed by the parents of both spouses in equal shares. Is the claim of both sets of parents valid and why? (3%)

SUGGESTED ANSWER: No, the claim of both parents is not valid. When Mr. Cruz died, he was succeeded by his wife and
his parents as his intestate heirs who will share his estate equally. His estate was 0.5 Million pesos which is his half share
in the absolute community amounting to 1 Million Pesos. His wife, will, therefore, inherit O.25 Million Pesos and his parents
will inherit 0.25 Million Pesos.

When Mrs. Cruz died, she was succeeded by her parents as her intestate heirs. They will inherit all of her estate consisting of
her 0.5 Million half share in the absolute community and her 0.25 Million inheritance from her husband, or a total of 0.750
Million Pesos.

In sum, the parents of Mr. Cruz will inherit 250,000 Pesos while the parents of Mrs. Cruz will inherit 750,000 Pesos.

Intestate Succession (2000)

Eugenio died without issue, leaving several parcels of land in Bataan. He was survived by Antonio, his legitimate brother;
Martina, the only daughter of his predeceased sister Mercedes; and five legitimate children of Joaquin, another predeceased
brother. Shortly after Eugenios death, Antonio also died, leaving three legitimate children. Subsequently,
Martina, the children of Joaquin and the children of Antonio executed an extrajudicial settlement of the estate of Eugenio,
dividing it among themselves. The succeeding year, a petition to annul the extrajudicial settlement was filed by Antero, an
illegitimate son of Antonio, who claims he is entitled to share in the estate of Eugenio. The defendants filed a motion
to dismiss on the ground that Antero is barred by Article 992 of the Civil Code from inheriting from the legitimate brother
of his father. How will you resolve the motion?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: The motion to dismiss should be granted. Article 992 does not apply. Antero is not claiming any
inheritance from Eugenio. He is claiming his share in the inheritance of his father consisting of his fathers share in the
inheritance of Eugenio

Intestate Succession; Reserva Troncal (1999)

Mr. Luna died, leaving an estate of Ten Million (P10,000,000.00) Pesos. His widow gave birth to a child four months
after Mr. Lunas death, but the child died five hours after birth. Two days after the childs death, the widow of Mr. Luna also
 6
died because she had suffered from difficult childbirth. The estate of Mr. Luna is now being claimed by his parents, and the
parents of his widow. Who is entitled to Mr. Lunaa estate and why?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Half of the estate of Mr. Luna will go to the parents of Mrs. Luna as their inheritance from Mrs.
Luna, while the other half will be inherited by the parents of Mr. Luna as the
reservatarios of the reserved property inherited by Mrs. Luna from her child.

When Mr. Luna died, his heirs were his wife and the unborn child. The unborn child inherited because the inheritance was
favorable to it and it was born alive later though it lived
only for five hours. Mrs. Luna inherited half of the 10 Million estate while the unborn child inherited the other half.
When the child died, it was survived by its mother, Mrs. Luna. As the only heir, Mrs. Luna inherited, by operation of law, the
estate of the child consisting of its 5 Million inheritance from Mr. Luna. In the hands of Mrs.

Luna, what she inherited from her child was subject to reserva troncal for the benefit of the relatives of the child within the
third degree of consanguinity and who belong to the family of Mr. Luna, the line where the property came from.

When Mrs. Luna died, she was survived by her parents as her only heirs. Her parents will inherit her estate consisting of the
5 Million she inherited from Mr. Luna. The other
5 Million she inherited from her child will be delivered to the parents of Mr. Luna as beneficiaries of the reserved
property.

In sum, 5 Million Pesos of Mr. Lunas estate will go to the parents of Mrs. Luna, while the other 5 Million Pesos will go to
the parents of Mr. Luna as reservatarios.

Legitime (1997)

X, the decedent, was survived by W (his widow). A (his son), B (a granddaughter, being the daughter of A) and C and D
(the two acknowledged illegitimate children of the decedent). X died this year (1997) leaving a net estate of
P180,000.00. All were willing to succeed, except A who repudiated the inheritance from his father, and they seek your
legal advice on how much each can expect to receive as their respective shares in the distribution of the estate. Give your
answer.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: The heirs are B, W, C and D. A inherits nothing because of his renunciation. B inherits a legitime
of P90.000.00 as the nearest and only legitimate descendant, inheriting in his own right not by representation because of As
renunciation. W gets a legitime equivalent to one-half (1 / 2) that of B amounting to P45.000. C and D each gets a
legitime equivalent to one-half (1/2) that of B amounting to P45.000.00 each. But since the total exceeds the entire estate,
their legitimes would have to be reduced corresponding to P22.500.00 each (Art. 895. CC). The total of all of these amounts
to P180.000.00.

Legitime; Compulsory Heirs (2003)

Luis was survived by two legitimate children, two illegitimate children, his parents, and two brothers. He left an
estate of P1 million. Who are the compulsory heirs of Luis, how much is the legitime of each, and how much is the free portion
of his estate, if any?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: The compulsory heirs are the two legitimate children and the two illegitimate children. The parents
are excluded by the legitimate children, while the brothers are not compulsory heirs at all.

Their respective legitimate are:

1. The legitime of the two (2) legitimate children is one half (1/2) of the estate (P500,000.00) to be divided between
them equally, or P250,000.00 each.
2. The legitimate of each illegitimate child is one-
half (1/2) the legitime of each legitimate child or P125,000.00.
3. Since the total legitime of the compulsory heirs is P750,000.00, the balance of P250,000.00 is the free portion.
 7
Legitime; Compulsory Heirs vs. Secondary Compulsory Heirs (2005)

Emil, the testator, has three legitimate children, Tom, Henry and Warlito; a wife named Adette; parents named Pepe and
Pilar; an illegitimate child, Ramon; brother, Mark; and a sister, Nanette. Since his wife Adette is well-off, he wants to leave
to his illegitimate child as much of his estate as he can legally do. His estate has an aggregate net amount of
Pl,200,000.00, and all the above-named relatives are still living. Emil now comes to you for advice in making a will. How
will you distribute his estate according to his wishes without violating the law on testamentary succession?

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

P600,000.00 legitime to be divided equally between Tom, Henry and Warlito as the legitimate children. Each will be
entitled to P200,000.00. (Art. 888, Civil Code)

P100,000.00 share of Ramon the illegitimate child. Equivalent to 1/2 of the share of each legitimate child. (Art. 176, Family
Code)

P200,000.00 Adette the wife. Her share is equivalent to the share of one legitimate child. (Art. 892, par. 2, Civil Code)

Pepe and Pilar, the parents are only secondary compulsory heirs and they cannot inherit if the primary compulsory heirs
(legitimate children) are alive. (Art. 887, par. 2, Civil Code)

Brother Mark and sister Nanette are not compulsory heirs since they are not included in the enumeration under Article 887 of
the Civil Code.

The remaining balance of P300,000.00 is the free portion which can be given to the illegitimate child Ramon as an instituted
heir. (Art. 914, Civil Code) If so given by the decedent, Ramon would receive a total of P400,000.00.

Preterition (2001)

Because her eldest son Juan had been pestering her for capital to start a business, Josefa gave him P100,000. Five years later,
Josefa died, leaving a last will and testament in which she instituted only her four younger children as her sole heirs. At the
time of her death, her only properly left was P900,000.00 in a bank. Juan opposed the will on the ground of preterition. How
should Josefas estate be divided among her heirs? State briefly the reason(s) for your answer.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: There was no preterition of the oldest son because the testatrix donated 100,000 pesos to him.
This donation is considered an advance on the sons inheritance. There being no preterition, the institutions in the will shall
be respected but the legitime of the oldest son has to be completed if he received less.

After collating the donation of P100.000 to the remaining property of P900,000, the estate of the testatrix is
P1,000,000. Of this amount, one-half or P500,000, is the legitime of the legitimate children and it follows that the legitime of
one legitimate child is P100,000. The legitime, therefore, of the oldest son is P100,000. However, since the donation given
him was P100,000, he has already received in full his legitime and he will not receive anything anymore from the decedent.
The remaining P900,000, therefore, shall go to the four younger children by institution in the will, to be divided equally among
them. Each will receive P225,000.

Preterition; Compulsory Heir (1999)

(a) Mr, Cruz, widower, has three legitimate children, A, B and C. He executed a Will instituting as his heirs to his
estate of One Million (P1,000,000.00) Pesos his two children A and B, and his friend F. Upon his death, how should Mr.
Cruzs estate be divided? Explain.

(b) In the preceding question, suppose Mr. Cruz instituted his two children A and B as his heirs in his Will, but gave a
legacy of P 100,000.00 to his friend F. How should the estate of Mr, Cruz be divided upon his death? Explain.

SUGGESTED ANSWER:
 8
(a) Assuming that the institution of A, B and F were to the entire estate, there was preterition of C since C is a compulsory
heir in the direct line. The preterition will result in the total annulment of the institution of heirs. Therefore, the
institution of A, B and F will be set aside and Mr. Cuzs estate will be divided, as in intestacy, equally among A, B
and C as follows: A P333,333.33; B P333.333.33; and C P333,333.33.

a) (b) On the same assumption as letter (a), there was preterition of C. Therefore, the institution of A and B is annulled
but the legacy of P100.000.00 to F shall be respected for not being inofficious. Therefore, the remainder of
P900.000.00 will be divided equally among A, B and C.

Proceedings; Intestate Proceedings; Jurisdiction (2004)

In his lifetime, a Pakistani citizen, ADIL, married three times under Pakistani law. When he died an old widower, he left
behind six children, two sisters, three homes, and an estate worth at least 30 million pesos in the Philippines. He was born in
Lahore but last resided in Cebu City, where he had a mansion and where two of his youngest children now live and work. Two
of his oldest children are farmers in Sulu, while the two middle-aged children are employees in Zamboanga City. Finding
that the deceased left no will, the youngest son wanted to file intestate proceedings before the Regional Trial
Court of Cebu City. Two other siblings objected, arguing that it should be in Jolo before a Sharia court since his lands
are in Sulu. But Adils sisters in Pakistan want the proceedings held in Lahore before a Pakistani court.

Which court has jurisdiction and is the proper venue for the intestate proceedings? The law of which country shall govern
succession to his estate?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: In so far as the properties of the decedent located in the Philippines are concerned, they are
governed by Philippine law (Article 16, Civil Code). Under Philippine law, the proper venue for the settlement of the
estate is the domicile of the decedent at the time of his death. Since the decedent last resided in Cebu City, that is the proper
venue for the intestate settlement of his estate.

However, the successional rights to the estate of ADIL are governed by Pakistani law, his national law, under Article 16 of
the Civil Code.

Succession; Death; Presumptive Legitime (1991)

a) For purposes of succession, when is death deemed to occur or take place?

b) May succession be conferred by contracts or acts inter vivos? Illustrate.
c) Is there any law which allows the delivery to compulsory heirs of their presumptive legitimes during the
lifetime of their parents? If so, in what instances?

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

A. Death as a fact is deemed to occur when it actually takes place. Death is presumed to take place in the circumstances
under Arts. 390-391 of the Civil Code. The time of death is presumed to be at the expiration of the 10- year period
as prescribed by Article 390 and at the moment of disappearance under Article 391.
B. Under Art. 84 of the Family Code amending Art 130 of the Civil Code, contractual succession is no longer possible
since the law now requires that donations of future property be governed by the provisions on the testamentary
succession and formalities of wills.

Wills; Codicil; Institution of Heirs; Substitution of Heirs (2002)

By virtue of a Codicil appended to his will, Theodore devised to Divino a tract of sugar land, with the obligation on the
part of Divino or his heirs to deliver to Betina a specified volume of sugar per harvest during Betinas lifetime. It is also stated
in the Codicil that in the event the obligation is not fulfilled, Betina should immediately seize the property from Divino or
latters heirs and turn it over to Theodores compulsory heirs. Divino failed to fulfill the obligation under the Codicil. Betina
brings suit against Divino for the reversion of the tract of land.

a) Distinguish between modal institution and substation of heirs.

 9
(a) b) Distinguish between simple and fideicommissary substitution of heirs.

b) Does Betina have a cause of action against Divino? Explain.

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

(a) A MODAL INSTITUTION is the institution of an heir made for a certain purpose or cause (Arts. 871
and 882, NCC). SUBSTITUTION is the appointment of another heir so that he may enter into the inheritance
in default of the heir originality instituted. (Art. 857, NCC).
(b) In a SIMPLE SUBSTITUTION of heirs, the testator designates one or more persons to substitute the heirs
instituted in case such heir or heirs should die before him, or should not wish or should be incapacitated to
accept the inheritance. In a FIDEICOMMISSARY SUBSTITUTION, the testator institutes a first heir and charges
him to preserve and transmit the whole or part of the inheritance to a second heir. In a simple substitution, only one
heir inherits. In a fideicommissary substitution, both the first and second heirs inherit. (Art. 859 and 869, NCC)
(c) Betina has a cause of action against Divino. This is a case of a testamentary disposition subject to a mode and the will
itself provides for the consequence if the mode is not complied with. To enforce the mode, the will itself gives Betina
the right to compel the return of the property to the heirs of Theodore

Wills; Formalities (1990)

(1) If a will is executed by a testator who is a Filipino citizen, what law will govern if the will is executed in the Philippi
nes? What law will govern if the will is executed in another country? Explain your answers.

(2) If a will is executed by a foreigner, for instance, a Japanese, residing in the Philippines, what law will govern if the
will is executed in the Philippines? And what law will govern if the will is executed in Japan, or some other country,
for instance, the U.S.A.? Explain your answers.

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

(1) a. If the testator who is a Filipino citizen executes his will in the Philippines, Philippine law will govern the formalities.

b. If said Filipino testator executes his will in another country, the law of the country where he maybe or Philippine law
will govern the formalities. (Article 815, Civil Code)

Wills; Holographic Wills; Insertions &Cancellations (1996)

Vanessa died on April 14, 1980, leaving behind a holographic will which is entirely written, dated and signed in her
own handwriting. However, it contains insertions and cancellations which are not authenticated by her signature. For this
reason, the probate of Vanessas will was opposed by her relatives who stood to inherit by her intestacy.

May Vanessas holographic will be probated? Explain.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes, the will as originally written may be probated. The insertions and alterations were void
since they were not authenticated by the full signature of Vanessa, under Art. 814, NCC. The original will, however, remains
valid because a holographic will is not invalidated by the unauthenticated insertions or
alterations (Ajero v. CA, 236 SCRA 468).

Wills; Holographic Wills; Witnesses (1994)

On his deathbed, Vicente was executing a will. In the room were Carissa, Carmela, Comelio and Atty. Cimpo, a notary
public. Suddenly, there was a street brawl which caught Comelios attention, prompting him to look out the window.
Cornelio did not see Vicente sign a will. Is the will valid?

SUGGESTED ANSWERS:
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(a) a) Yes, The will is valid. The law does not require a witness to actually see the testator sign the will. It is sufficient
if the witness could have seen the act of signing had he chosen to do so by casting his eyes to the proper
direction.
(b) b) Yes, the will is valid. Applying the test of position, although Comelio did not actually see Vicente sign the will,
Cornelio was in the proper position to see Vicente sign if Cornelio so wished.

Wills; Joint Wills (2000)

Manuel, a Filipino, and his American wife Eleanor, executed a Joint Will in Boston, Massachusetts when they were residing
in said city. The law of Massachusetts allows the execution of joint wills. Shortly thereafter, Eleanor died. Can the said
Will be probated in the Philippines for the settlement of her estate?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes, the will may be probated in the Philippines insofar as the estate of Eleanor is concerned.
While the Civil Code prohibits the execution of Joint wills here and abroad, such prohibition applies only to Filipinos. Hence,
the joint will which is valid where executed is valid in the Philippines but only with respect to Eleanor. Under Article 819, it
is void with respect to Manuel whose joint will remains void in the Philippines despite being valid where executed.

Wills; Probate; Intrinsic Validity (1990)

H died leaving a last will and testament wherein it is stated that he was legally married to W by whom he had two legitimate
children A and B. H devised to his said forced heirs the entire estate except the free portion which he gave to X who was
living with him at the time of his death.

In said will he explained that he had been estranged from his wife W for more than 20 years and he has been living with X as
man and wife since his separation from his legitimate family.

In the probate proceedings, X asked for the issuance of letters testamentary in accordance with the will wherein she is named
sole executor. This was opposed by W and her children.

(a) Should the will be admitted in said probate proceedings?

(b) Is the said devise to X valid?
(c) Was it proper for the trial court to consider the intrinsic validity of the provisions of said will? Explain your answers.

SUGGESTED ANSWER:

(a) Yes, the will may be probated if executed according to the formalities prescribed by law.

(a) (b) The institution giving X the free portion is not valid, because the prohibitions under Art. 739 of the Civil Code
on donations also apply to testamentary dispositions (Article 1028, Civil Code), Among donations which are
considered void are those made between persons who were guilty of adultery or concubinage at the time of the
donation.
(b) As a general rule, the will should be admitted in probate proceedings if all the necessary requirements for its extrinsic
validity have been met and the court should not consider the intrinsic validity of the provisions of said will. However,
the exception arises when the will in effect contains only one testamentary disposition. In effect, the only
testamentary disposition under the will is the giving of the free portion to X, since legitimes are provided by law.
Hence, the trial court may consider the intrinsic validity of the provisions of said will.

Wills; Probate; Notarial and Holographic Wills (1997)

Johnny, with no known living relatives, executed a notarial will giving all his estate to his sweetheart. One day, he had a
serious altercation with his sweetheart. A few days later, he was introduced to a charming lady who later became a dear friend.
Soon after, he executed a holographic will expressly revoking the notarial will and so designating his new friend as sole heir.
One day when he was clearing up his desk, Johnny mistakenly burned, along with other papers, the only copy
of his holographic will. His business associate, Eduardo knew well the contents of the will which was shown to him
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by Johnny the day it was executed. A few days after the burning incident, Johnny died. Both wills were sought to be
probated in two separate petitions.

Will either or both petitions prosper?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: The probate of the notarial will will prosper. The holographic will cannot be admitted
to probate because a holographic will can only be probated upon evidence of the will itself unless there is a photographic
copy. But since the holographic will was lost and there was no other copy, it cannot be probated and therefore the notarial will
will be admitted to probate because there is no revoking will.

Wills; Revocation of Wills; Dependent Relative Revocation (2003)

Mr. Reyes executed a will completely valid as to form. A week later, however, he executed another will which expressly
revoked his first will, which he tore his first will to pieces. Upon the death of Mr. Reyes, his second will was presented for
probate by his heirs, but it was denied probate due to formal defects. Assuming that a copy of the first will is available, may
it now be admitted to probate and given effect? Why?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes, the first will may be admitted to probate and given effect. When the testator tore first will,
he was under the mistaken belief that the second will was perfectly valid and he would not have destroyed the first will had
he known that the second will is not valid. The revocation by destruction therefore is dependent on the validity of the
second will. Since it turned out that the second will was invalid, the tearing of the first will did not produce the
effect of revocation. This is known as the doctrine of dependent relative revocation (Molo v. Molo, 90 Phil 37).

Wills; Testamentary Disposition (2006)

Don died after executing a Last Will and Testament leaving his estate valued at P12 Million to his common-law wife Roshelle.
He is survived by his brother Ronie and his half- sister Michelle.

(1) Was Dons testamentary disposition of his estate in accordance with the laws on succession? Whether you agree or not,
explain your answer.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes, Dons testamentary disposition of his estate is in accordance with the law on succession.
Don has no compulsory heirs not having ascendants, descendants nor a spouse [Art. 887, New Civil Code]. Brothers and
sisters are not compulsory heirs. Thus, he can bequeath his entire estate to anyone who is not otherwise incapacitated to inherit
from him. A common-law wife is not incapacitated under the law, as Don is not married to anyone.

(2) If Don failed to execute a will during his lifetime, as his lawyer, how will you distribute his estate? Explain.

Wills; Testamentary Intent (1996)

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.

Who is correct? Explain.

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Manuel is correct because under 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. Since Alfonsos intention to devise all properties he owned at the time of his death expressly appears
on the will, then all the 20 parcels of land are included in the devise.
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