Succession Reviewer - Provisions

SUCCESSION REVIEWER (4th Year : 2008-2009)
Prepared
by: Jazzie M. Sarona
Sources & References: Notes of Atty. Lielanie Yangyang-Espejo; Lectures of Atty. Lielanie Yangyang-Espejo (as transcribed by Jo Anne Beltran,
Edin Ann Buiser, Karla Deles, Rey Mar Ondi and Jazzie Sarona); Wills and Succession by Paras
WILLS & SUCCESSION

b.
TITLE IV
Succession
CHAPTER 1
General Provisions
ARTICLE 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. (n)
Succession is a derivative mode of acquisition
Bases of Succession
1. Natural Law
2. Socio-economic postulate prevents wealth from
being stagnant
3. Attribute of ownership
Foreigners can acquire lands in the Philippines

only in case of hereditary succession, which is
succession by operation of law and not by a will
Kinds of Succession
I. As to effectivity:
a. Inter vivos (donation) effective during the
lifetime of the person
b. Mortis causa (succession) effective upon
the death of the person
If a deed is a donation, there are certain

formalities that must be observed
If a deed is succession, the formalities
will be different. If it is a will, the person
intended it to be a succession and the
formalities shall comply with the formalities
of a will
2 Types of Will:
i. Notarial Will
ii. Holographic Will
3 distinguishing characteristics of a donation

mortis causa:
1. It conveys no title or ownership to the transferee
before the death of the transferor; or what amounts
to the same thing: the transferor should retain
ownership (full or naked) and control of the
property
2. Before his death, the transfer should be
revocable by the transferor at will, ad nutum but
revocability may be provided for indirectly by
means of a reserved power in the donor to dispose
of the properties conveyed
3. The transfer should be void if the transferor
should survive the transferee
If these 3 characteristics are present, the
document is not a deed of donation but rather, it is
a will. It must comply with the formalities of a will
II. As to whether or not there is a will:
a. Testamentary or Testate Succession if a
person leaves a will
b. Intestate or Legal Succession if a person
dies without leaving a will
III. As to the transferee or the recipient of the property
a. Compulsory succession or succession to
the legitime Part of property which cannot
be disposed of to anybody because that portion
is
reserved
to
his
compulsory
heirs.
Compulsory heirs are the persons who cannot
be deprived of their inheritance regardless of

the will of their decedent.
Voluntary succession or the succession
to the free portion If a person dies, his
estate shall be divided into 2 parts. One part
is the legitime which is reserved for his
compulsory heirs and the other part is the
free portion which he can give to anybody
IV. As to the extent of right and obligations involved:

a. Universal succession or succession by an
heir is the succession to the universality or
the aliquot portion of the estate of the
decedent
b. Particular succession which is succession
to the specific portion of the property of the
decedent
c. Contractual succession happens when
future husbands and wives give to each other
in their marriage settlement future property,
which shall be effective upon their death
d. Freak succession is where there is still
succession even without the intervening
effect of succession. This happens when in a
decree of annulment or separation or nullity
of the marriage, the spouses are ordered to
deliver to their children their presumptive
legitime.
ARTICLE 775.
In this Title, "decedent" is the general
term applied to the person whose property is transmitted
through succession, whether or not he left a will. If he left a
will, he is also called the testator. (n)
The decedent is the person who died

whether or not he left a will
The testator is the person who died who left
a will
ARTICLE 776.
The inheritance includes all the property,
rights and obligations of a person which are not
extinguished by his death. (659)
Inheritance is different from succession because

the latter is a mode of acquisition, by virtue of
which the property, rights and obligations are
transmitted.
Property, as defined by law, may be subject of
succession except the following:
1.
Those which are outside the
commerce of men or which are not owned by
men (res nullus)
2.
Those which are owned by
everyone (res communes)
3.
Those which are prohibited by
law
4.
Any property which is not
capable of appropriation
The ownership of organs may be transferred by
donation or by will. Even if the formalities of the
will are not complied with, as long as the
donation was made in good faith, the will or
donation is not valid. It shall be given effect
since the important element is that the will was
made in good faith.
RIGHTS
Purely Personal Rights
GENERAL RULE: It is not transmissible since it is
extinguished by death
EXCEPTION: It is transmissible:
Article 173 Family Code The action to claim
legitimacy may be brought by the child during
his lifetime and shall be transmitted to the
heirs should the child die during minority or in
Prepared
a state of insanity. In these cases, the heirs

shall have a period of five years within which to
institute the action.
Examples:
right to parental authority
marital rights
right of a Chinese merchant
right to vote
Patrimonial rights
These are rights which refer to property

GENERAL RULE: Transmissible
Examples: action
for
forcible
entry/unlawful
detainer
action to recover property
EXCEPTIONS:
Extinguished by death as provided by law or
agreement by the parties (ex. agency, commodatum,
contract of lease)
OBLIGATIONS
GENERAL RULE: Transmissible
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Purely personal
2. Non-transferable by law
3. Non-transferable by contract or agreement
between the parties.
Examples of obligations extinguished by death:
1. Obligation to pay taxes
2. Criminal liability
3. Right to give support
Debts (2 views)
1. Not transmissible since it is actually the estate
of the deceased which pays the debts
2. Transmissible because the shares of the heirs
are reduced by the payment of the debts
(preferred view)
ARTICLE 777.
The rights to the succession are transmitted
from the moment of the death of the decedent. (657a)
Death is a condition for the transmission of a right

by succession.
While your parents are still alive, their properties
are still owned by them. What you have is merely
an inchoate right or an expectancy. It is not an
absolute right.
ARTICLE 391 (New Civil Code). The following shall

be presumed dead for all purposes, including the
division of the estate among the heirs:
(1) A person on board a vessel lost during a sea
voyage, or an aeroplane which is missing, who has
not been heard of for four years since the loss of
the vessel or aeroplane;
(2) A person in the armed forces who has taken
part in war, and has been missing for four years;
(3) A person who has been in danger of death
under other circumstances and his existence has
not been known for four years. (n)
ARTICLE 43 (New Civil Code). If there is a doubt,
as between two or more persons who are called to
succeed each other, as to which of them died first,
whoever alleges the death of one prior to the
other, shall prove the same; in the absence of
proof, it is presumed that they died at the same
time and there shall be no transmission of rights
from one to the other. (33)
If there are circumstances which point to the

time of the actual death of the person, then,
that time wherein there is proof should be
flowed and not the presumptions.
In theory, the heirs can immediately dispose

of their properties when the decedent dies
because of Article 777. But in reality, you cannot
since the will has to be probated first.
If you are the sole heir, all you have to do is
execute an Affidavit of Self-Adjudication and
follow the process provided by law
If there is more than one heir, they may
execute and Extrajudicial settlement among
themselves and follow the process provided by
law
ARTICLE 778.
Succession may be:
(1)
Testamentary;
(2)
Legal or intestate; or
(3)
Mixed. (n)
ARTICLE 779.
Testamentary succession is that which
results from the designation of an heir, made in a will
executed in the form prescribed by law. (n)
Conditions for the transmission of a successional

right:
1. There should be death (actual or presumed) of the
transferor
2. The rights or properties are transmissible
3. The transferee is alive
Conditions for Testamentary Succession:

1. There must be a will
2. There should be a designation of heir
3. There must be observance of the formalities
required
by law.
Presumed Death
Under ordinary circumstances, 10 years
After the age of 75, 5 years

In these 2 instances, the moment of death
is reckoned after 5 or 10 years, whichever is
applicable.
PRINCIPLES IN TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION
1.
TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION IS PREFERRED

OVER INTESTATE SUCCESSION
When there is a will, the will has to undergo
probate. Probate is a proceeding wherein you
determine whether or not the will was validly
executed and whether or not the will was
executed by person who has testamentary
capacity.
There is no prescriptive period in the probate
of will as long as there is a will.
2.
DOUBTS MUST BE RESOLVED IN FAVOR OF

TESTACY
If there is doubt as to the validity of a will, the
interpretation wherein the will is given effect
should be preferred.
Under extraordinary circumstances, 4

years
In this instance, the moment of death is
reckoned
from the moment of disappearance.
ARTICLE 390 (New Civil Code). After an absence of
seven years, it being unknown whether or not the
absentee still lives, he shall be presumed dead for all
purposes, except for those of succession.
The absentee shall not be presumed dead for
the purpose of opening his succession till after an
absence of ten years. If he disappeared after the age
of seventy-five years, an absence of five years shall
be sufficient in order that his succession may be
opened. (n)
Legal or Intestate Succession

1. There is no will
2. The will is not valid at all
Prepared
ARTICLE 780.
Mixed succession is that effected partly by
will and partly by operation of law. (n)
Distinctions between Heirs & Legatees and

Devisees:
When mixed succession occurs:

1. When the testator fails to dispose all of his
properties in a will
2. When the will does not validly dispose of all the
property of the testator
HEIRS
1. Succeed by general
right or universal title to
all or an aliquot part of
the estate
2.
Heirs exist both in
testamentary succession
and intestate succession
3.
The
heir,
if
compulsory, succeeds to
the
inheritance
regardless of the will of
the decedent
4.
Quantity cannot be
determined until after
liquidation of properties
of the estate
5.
Heirs represent the
juridical personality of
the deceased, acquiring
his property, rights and
obligations
6. Heirs succeed to the
remainder of the estate
after
all
the
debts,
devisees and legatees
have been paid
ARTICLE 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. (n)
This article refers to after-acquired properties.

Those are acquired from the moment of death
onwards will belong to the devisee, legatee or the
heir to whom the property was given.
Inheritance includes:
The property, transmissible rights and the

transmissible obligations of the decedent to the
extent of the value of the inheritance; and
Those properties, or rights or

obligations, if any, which have accrued since the
opening of the succession.
ARTICLE 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. (n)
Heirs
Those who succeed to the universality of the

rights, properties and obligations of the decedent
They are not given specific portions of the

property but aliquot shares
Kinds of Heirs:
Compulsory or forced heirs

are persons who are not deprived of their
inheritance unless there are causes to disinherit
them and the causes are provided by law.
LEGITIME is that portion of the property, rights and
obligations of the decedent which you cannot just
dispose of because the law reserved it for the
compulsory heirs.
Legal or intestate heirs are

heirs who inherit by operation of law. The person
dies without a will. Voluntary, testamentary or
testate heirs are heirs who will inherit because of
the will of the decedent.
All compulsory heirs are legal

heirs. But not all legal heirs are compulsory heirs.
When a person dies without a will, then, the
compulsory heirs succeed by operation of law. If
there is a will but the will is not valid, then, the
compulsory heirs succeed by operation of law since
the will is disregarded.
The free portion may be given to anybody
except those who are prohibited by law to inherit
from the decedent. If there is a will, the free
portion is given to the voluntary heirs
PRETERITION happens when a direct line or a
compulsory heir is omitted form the will. The effect
is the will cannot be given effect. So, there shall be
intestacy wherein the will is disregarded and as if
the person died without a will.
Legatee or Devisee
Legatee succeeds to personal properties
Devisee succeeds to real properties

immovable properties of the decedent
or
LEGATEES & DEVISEES

1. Succeed by special or
particular title
2. Legatees and devisees
exist
only
in
testamentary succession
succeed
only
by
testators will
4. Quantity can easily be
determined
do not represent the
juridical personality of
the deceased because it
acquires only properties
succeed only to the
determinate
thing
or
amount given
Importance
of
distinguishing
heirs
from
legatees and devisees:
1.
When there is preterition, the
instituted voluntary heirs do not get anything.
The legatees/devisees retain the properties given
to them as long as the legitime is not impaired.
2.
When there is invalid disinheritance,
the instituted voluntary heir gets nothing while
the one who received properties by way of legacy
or devise retains the property given to them as
long as the legitimes of the compulsory heirs are
not impaired.
CHAPTER 2
Testamentary Succession
SECTION 1
Wills
SUBSECTION 1
Wills in General
ARTICLE 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. (667a)
The making of a will is an act by which a

person is permitted by law to repose his property
effective upon his death. It is not a mode of
transferring property because that is succession.
It does not also consist of property, rights and
obligations because that is inheritance.
A will is an instrument wherein certain
dispositions are made by persons to effect mortis
causa
Thus, it may be an or an instrument
Elements of a Will:
1. It is strictly a personal act
It cannot be delegated to a third person. The
disposition of the will should be the disposition of
the person. Since it is personal, will-making shall
not be made in public.
Even if a will is
acknowledged before a notary public, a will is not a
Prepared
public document.
Even a notary public is not
required to keep a copy of the will.
2. There must be animus testandi (intent to make a
will)
One should know that the effect of such
document is to transfer ones properties to a
particular person mentioned in the document.
3.The making of a will is a statutory right, not a natural
right
4.It is a solemn or formal act
For the will to be valid, each form shall comply
with the rules prescribed by the New Civil Code.
5.It is a unilateral act
The testator cannot condition the validity of his
will upon the consent of another.
6.The testator must be capacitated to make a will
7.It is free from vitiated consent
8.It is essentially revocable and ambulatory
9.It is an individual act, as distinguished from a joint act
The will must contain the act of only one
person. Joint will are prohibited.
10. It disposes of the testators estate in accordance to
his wishes
11. It is effective mortis causa
ARTICLE 784.
The making of a will is a strictly personal act;
it cannot be left in whole or in part to the discretion of a third
person, or accomplished through the instrumentality of an
agent or attorney. (670a)
Holographic wills are supposed to be entirely

written, dated and signed in the hands of the
testator. Even the mechanical act of drafting the
will cannot be delegated to a third person
As to notarial wills, the mechanical act of
drafting the will can be delegated to a third person.
But the content of the will must be the disposition
of the testator himself
ARTICLE 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. (670a)
Testamentary acts which cannot be delegated to

third persons:
1. The duration of designation of the heirs,
devisees or legatees
2. The efficacy of the designation of the heirs,
devisees or legatees
3. The determination of the portions which the
heirs, devisees, or legatees are to take, when
refereed to by name
ARTICLE 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 are to be given or applied.
(671a)
What is entrusted to a third person is the

distribution of specific property or sums of money
Requisites of Article 786:

1.
The testator entrusts to a third person
2.
3.
4.
The distribution of specific property or sums of

money
These specific property or sums of money are
left in general to specific classes or causes
There is the designation of the persons,
institutions or establishments to whom such
property or sums of money are to be given or
applied
Distinction between Article 785 and Article 786:

Article 785
The heirs, legatees
devisees are named.
or
There is no specific
property or sums of
money.
What is delegated is the
determination
of
the
portion which shall go to
the named heir, legatee
or devisee.
Article 786
There is no such heir,
legatee or devisee that is
named
There is specific property
or sums of money.
There is a determination
of
the
persons,
establishments
or
institution or to whom the
specific property or sums
of money is to be given or
applied.
ARTICLE 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.
(n)
Article 785
This refers more to the
institution of the heirs.
Article 787
This refers more on the
designation or disposition
of the properties. This is
not valid because the
disposition is subject to
the will of a 3rd person.
Whether
or
not
a
disposition shall be valid
cannot be left to the will
of a 3rd person.
ARTICLE 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. (n)
The will must be interpreted liberally in favor

of validity
In the interpretation of the will, the wishes of
the testator is the first and principal law
ARTICLE 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,
the testator's intention is to be ascertained from the words
of the will, taking into consideration the circumstances
under which it was made, excluding such oral declarations.
(n)
2 KINDS OF AMBIGUITY
1.
PATENT OR EXTRINSIC AMBIGUITY
appears on the face of the will itself.
2. LATENT OR INTRINSIC AMBIGUITY does
not appear on the face of the will. Ambiguity is
discovered by examination outside the will.
4 kinds of Latent or intrinsic ambiguity
1. Imperfect description of the heirs, legatees or
devisees
2. Imperfection description of the property to be
given
3. When 2 or more persons meet the description
4. When 2 or more things/properties meets the
description
How to resolve the ambiguities?
1. Intrinsic Evidence You cure the ambiguity
by examining the will.
You examine the
words used in the will.
Prepared
Extrinsic Evidence/Evidence Aliunde

Evidence that is not found in the will but found
outside of the will, such as letters, documents,
persons or investigation
Oral evidence
Supposed oral declarations of the

testator cannot be used because the testator is
already dead
Oral testimonies of other persons can

be used for as long as they are not testifying on the
supposed oral declarations of the testator
2.
Dead Mans Statute
In an action where a claim is filed against the

estate, where the plaintiff is the claimant and the
defendant is the executor of the deceased person,
both parties are prohibited to testify as to
something which the deceased said in his lifetime
ARTICLE 790.
The words of a will are to be taken in their
ordinary and grammatical sense, unless a clear intention to
use them in another sense can be gathered, and that other
can be ascertained.
Technical words in a will are to be taken in their technical
sense, unless the context clearly indicates a contrary
intention, or unless it satisfactorily appears that the will was
drawn solely by the testator, and that he was unacquainted
with such technical sense. (675a)
Ordinary Terms
GENERAL RULE: Give it an ordinary or literal meaning
EXCEPTION: If there is an intention to give it another
meaning
Technical Terms
These are used by persons engaged in

specialized activities in certain fields or profession
GENERAL RULE: Give it a technical meaning
EXCEPTIONS:
1) If the testator himself made the will and it is very
clear that he is unacquainted or unfamiliar with the
term
2) If it is really the intention of the testator to give the
technical word an ordinary meaning
ARTICLE 791.
The words of a will are to receive an
interpretation which will give to every expression some effect,
rather than one which will render any of the expressions
inoperative; and of two modes of interpreting a will, that is to
be preferred which will prevent intestacy. (n)
2 parts of Article 791:

1. The will must be interpreted as a whole
2. Testacy favored over intestacy
ARTICLE 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. (n)
GENERAL RULE: The invalid dispositions will not affect

the valid ones. The will remains valid.
EXCEPTION:
Entire will is invalidated or the valid
dispositions are invalidated is if it is the intention of the
testator that both the valid and invalid dispositions are
to be indivisible, such that the other dispositions cannot
be given effect if the other dispositions turn out to be
invalid.
ARTICLE 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. (n)
Article 793 covers those after-acquired properties

after the execution of the will up to the time of
the death
Article 78 covers properties arising from the
moment of death onwards
Article 793 only applies to devices and legacies
and not to inheritance because inheritance
comprises the universality or an aliquot portion of
the estate
GENERAL RULE: Only those properties owned by the

testator at the time of the execution of the will are
included. Those acquired after the execution of the
will are excluded.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. If the testator expressly provides in his will that
properties acquired AFTER the execution of the
will are included.
2. Article 836 the effect of the execution of a
codicil
3. Article 930 legacy or device belonging to
another person is void as a general rule because
the testator cannot give what he does not own.
But if the testator later acquires the ownership,
the legacy or devise can be given effect
4. Article 935 legacy of credit or remission of debt
ARTICLE 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. (n)
GENERAL RULE: All of the testators rights in a

property are transmitted because it is presumed that
the testator intended to dispose his whole interest in
the property.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. If it clearly appears in the will that the testator
merely intend to convey a less interest
2. If the testator clearly provided that he conveys a
greater interest
3. The testator can also give property which he
knows is not owned by him
ARTICLE 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. (n)
Kinds of validity of wills:

1. FORMAL or EXTRINSIC VALIDITY refers to the
forms and solemnities and the formalities that have
to be conformed and complied with in the execution
of the will.
2. INTRINSIC VALIDITY refers to the legalities of
the provisions of wills.
EXTRINSIC VALIDITY
ARTICLE 17 NEW CIVIL CODE. The
forms
and
solemnities of contracts, wills, and other public
instruments shall be governed by the laws of the
country in which they are executed.
When the acts referred to are executed before
the diplomatic or consular officials of the Republic
of the Philippines in a foreign country, the
solemnities established by Philippine laws shall be
observed in their execution.
Prohibitive laws concerning persons, their acts
or property, and those which have for their object
public order, public policy and good customs shall
not be rendered ineffective by laws or judgments
promulgated, or by determinations or conventions
agreed upon in a foreign country. (11a)
Extrinsic Validity can be viewed from 2 points:

a. Viewpoint of TIME the extrinsic validity of a
will depends upon the observance of the law enforced
Prepared
at the time the will is made, not at the time of death

and not at the time of probate.
Testator cannot
possibly and is not expected to know what laws will
govern in the future.
b. Viewpoint of PLACE/COUNTRY
i.
Testator is a Filipino who
executes a will in the Philippines
Philippine laws shall be applied
ii.
executes a will abroad before the
diplomatic or consular officials of the
Philippines Philippine laws shall be applied
iii.
executes a will abroad not before a
diplomatic or consular officials of the
Philippines
A.
Law of the place where
he may be Article 815
B.
he executes the will Article 17
C.
Philippine law Article
815
iv.
Testator is an alien who
executes a will abroad
A.
the will is executed Article 17
B.
Law of the place of his
residence or domicile Article 816
C.
Law of his own country
or nationality Article 816
D.
Philippine law Article
816
v.
Testator is an alien who
executes a will in the Philippines
A.
the will is executed (Philippines)
Article 17
B.
Law of his own country
or nationality Article 817
ARTICLE 815.
When a Filipino is in a foreign country, he is
authorized to make a will in any of the forms established by
the law of the country in which he may be. Such will may be
probated in the Philippines. (n)
ARTICLE 816.
The will of an alien who is abroad produces
effect in the Philippines if made with the formalities prescribed
by the law of the place in which he resides, or according to the
formalities observed in his country, or in conformity with those
which this Code prescribes. (n)
ARTICLE 817.
A will made in the Philippines by a citizen or
subject of another country, which is executed in accordance
with the law of the country of which he is a citizen or subject,
and which might be proved and allowed by the law of his own
country, shall have the same effect as if executed according to
the laws of the Philippines. (n)
The legislature cannot validate a void will
INTRINSIC VALIDITY
Intrinsic Validity can be viewed from 2 points:
a. Viewpoint of TIME law enforced at the time of
the death of the decedent
ARTICLE 2263 NEW CIVIL CODE.
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 of 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.
Therefore, legitimes, betterments, legacies and
bequests shall be respected; however, their amount
shall be reduced if in no other manner can every
compulsory heir be given his full share according

to this Code. (Rule 12a)
Example: A will was executed in 1910 without

giving anything to his illegitimate child. If he died
under the Old Civil Code, the illegitimate child does
not have a successional right. If he died under the
New
Civil
Code,
illegitimate
children
have
successional rights. Since the testator died during
the effectivity of the New Civil Code, the will is
intrinsically void.
b. Viewpoint of PLACE/COUNTRY law enforced
is the national law of the decedent
ARTICLE 16 NEW CIVIL CODE. Real property as
well as personal property is subject to the law of
the country where it is situated. iatdc2005
However,
intestate
and
testamentary
successions, both with respect to the order of
succession and to the amount of successional
rights and to the intrinsic validity of testamentary
provisions, shall be regulated by the national law
of the person whose succession is under
consideration, whatever may be the nature of the
property and regardless of the country wherein
said property may be found. (10a)
2 Proceedings if a person dies with a will:

1. Probate proper proceeding instituted to
determine the genuineness and authenticity
of a will.
It is concerned only with the
extrinsic validity of the will.
2. Distribution proceedings intrinsic validity of
the will is considered
GENERAL RULE: Foreign laws may not be taken
judicial notice of and has to be proven like any other
fact in dispute between the parties in any proceeding
EXCEPTIONS:
1.
If the foreign laws are within the actual
knowledge of the court; or
2.
When these laws have been considered
before by the court in a previous case and the
parties do not oppose as to the consideration of
the court as to the existence of the foreign law.
Instances when the intrinsic validity of wills of
foreigners is governed by Philippine laws
1. DOCTRINE OF PROCESSUAL PRESUMPTION
In the absence of evidence of foreign laws, it
is presumed that it is the same as Philippine law.
2. RENVOI DOCTRINE (referring back)
The testator is a Philippine resident and a
national of another country. The national law of
the decedent says that the intrinsic validity of a
will should be governed by the domiciliary law or
the law of his residence or domicile. Hence,
Philippine law will be applied.
SUBSECTION 2
Testamentary Capacity and Intent
Testamentary power refers to the right or

privilege given by the state to the individual to
execute wills.
Testamentary capacity refers to the
qualification of a person to execute a will.
A person may have testamentary power but
no testamentary capacity
There are persons who have testamentary
capacity but they do not have testamentary
power, like in some other countries
But they may be used interchangeably
KINDS OF TESTAMENTARY CAPACITY

1.
Active Testamentary Capacity refers to
the qualifications of persons to execute wills
Prepared
2.
Passive Testamentary Capacity refers to

the qualifications of persons to receive by virtue of
a will. This would be discussed more exhaustively
under the chapter on the capacity to succeed.
ARTICLE 796.
All persons who are not expressly prohibited
by law may make a will.
Testamentary capacity is the general rule
ARTICLE 797.
Persons of either sex under eighteen years
of age cannot make a will. (n)
How do you compute 18 years?

Theory under the Spanish Law
Under the Spanish law, the 18th birthday should
have passed or commenced before the person can
execute a will. We follow Spanish Law
2.
Theory under the American Law
It is sufficient that the day preceding ones
birthday has already commenced.
3.
Theory under the Civil Code
You are already 18 years old 4 days before your
birthday because under the Civil Code, 1 year is
365 days. And in 18 years, there are 4 leap years.
So, 4 days prior to your birthday, under the Civil
Code, you are already 18 years of age.
(3) When the testator has Insanity of a general or

permanent nature shown to have existed at one time.
How to establish evidence of soundness of
mind?
1. You may use the testimony of the notary
public
2. The testimony of the attesting witnesses
3. The testimony of the attending physician
4. The testimony of other witnesses
ARTICLE 801.
Supervening
incapacity
does
not
invalidate an effective will, nor is the will of an incapable
validated by the supervening of capacity. (n)
1.
ARTICLE 798.
In order to make a will it is essential that the
testator be of sound mind at the time of its execution.
ARTICLE 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. (n)
ARTICLE 802.
A married woman may make a will without
the consent of her husband, and without the authority of the
court. (n)
ARTICLE 803.
A married woman may dispose by will of
all her separate property as well as her share of the conjugal
partnership or absolute community property. (n)
What can the married woman or man disposed

of in a will?
1. He/she may dispose of his/her separate property;
or
2. He/she may dispose of his/her share in the
conjugal/community property.
3 Requisites of a sound mind:

1. The testator must know the nature of the estate to
be disposed of
2. He must know the proper objects of his bounty
3. He must know the character of the testamentary act
Degrees of Mental Incapacity or Incapacity
1.
Idiots IQ average of 25; congenitally and
intellectually deficient; considered as of unsound
mind in succession
2.
Imbecile IQ average of 26 to 50; mentally
deficient; considered as of unsound mind in
succession
3.
Moron IQ average of 51 to 70; they can do
reading and writing; they can be self-supporting;
considered as of sound mind in succession
GENERAL RULE: Testamentary incapacity invalidates
the whole will
EXCEPTION: If the incapacity proceeds from a delusion
on a particular subject and the product of such delusion
might be declared invalid without affecting other
portions of the will
ARTICLE 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. (n)
When testator is presumed of unsound mind:

(1) When the testator, one month, or less, before
making his will was publicly known to be insane;
(2) When the testator was judicially declared insane
before making his will;
Testator must be of unsound mind AT THE

TIME of the execution of the will
This is the PRINCIPLE OF SUPERVENING
CAPACITY
If the spouse disposes of the entire community

property, the disposition is only valid with respect
to the portion pertaining to the share of the
spouse who is the testator.
The remaining
portion becomes invalid. But if the spouse knows
that he or she has no right to dispose of the share
or his or her spouse but still he or she provides in
the will that such portion or the entire portion be
given to a certain person, in that case, you will
learn later on that it is valid. What is to be done
is for the estate to acquire the other portion.
SUBSECTION 3
Forms of Wills
2 Kinds of Wills:
1. ORDINARY OR NOTARIAL WILL that which
requires, among other things, an attestation
clause and acknowledgement before a notary
public. This will is ordinarily executed with the aid
of a lawyer. There are witnesses and attestation
clause.
2. HOLOGRAPH OR HOLOGRAPHIC WILL wills
which are ENTIRELY written, dated and signed in
the handwriting of the testator.
This also
requires NO attestation clause or witnesses or
acknowledgment.
ARTICLE 804.
Every will must be in writing and executed
in a language or dialect known to the testator. (n)
No such thing as oral wills in the Philippines

Nuncupative Wills are wills orally made by
testator in contemplation of death and before
competent witnesses. Nuncupative wills are not
recognized in the Philippines.
The presumption is that the testator knew the
language used in writing the will
There is no statutory requirement that the will
should allege that the language used therein is
understood by the testator
Prepared
There is no need to state in the Attestation

clause that the will is in the language or dialect
known to the testator
That the will is in a language known to the
testator can be proved by extrinsic evidence or
even by parol or oral evidence
If the will is executed in the locality where the
testator lives, it is presumed that indeed the
testator during his lifetime knew or understood the
language or dialect in that locality
The testator must know the language or dialect.
No amount of interpretation or explanation will cure
the defect
Attesting witnesses are not required to know
the language used in the body of the will
ARTICLE 805.
Every will, other than a holographic will,
must be subscribed at the end thereof by the testator himself
or by the testator's name written by some other person in his
presence, and by his express direction, and attested and
subscribed by three or more credible witnesses in the
presence of the testator and of one another.
The testator or the person requested by him to write his
name and the instrumental witnesses of the will, shall also
sign, as aforesaid, each and every page thereof, except the
last, on the left margin, and all the pages shall be numbered
correlatively in letters placed on the upper part of each page.
The attestation shall state the number of pages used upon
which the will is written, and the fact that the testator signed
the will and every page thereof, or caused some other person
to write his name, under his express direction, in the presence
of the instrumental witnesses, and that the latter witnessed
and signed the will and all the pages thereof in the presence of
the testator and of one another.
If the attestation clause is in a language not known to the
witnesses, it shall be interpreted to them. (n)
1.
2.
The purpose is to render

available proof of the
authenticity of the will and
its due execution.
The act of the witnesses
To attest a will is to know

that it was published as
such and to certify the fact
required to constitute an
actual or legal publication.
ATTESTATION
Consists in witnessing the
testators execution of the
will in order to see and
take note mentally that
those things are done
which the statutes require
for the execution of the will
and that the signature of
the testator exist as a fact.
Mental act of the senses.
You see, smell, feel etc.
SUBSCRIPTION
The signing of the
witnesses name upon
the same paper for the
purpose
of
identification of such
paper
as
a
will
executed
by
the
testator.
Mechanical act of the
hand.
is
May be the act of the

testator
when
the
testator signs the will
or the witnesses if the
witnesses affixed their
signature in the will.
To subscribe a paper
published as a will is
only to write on the
same
paper
then
names of the witnesses
for the sole purpose of
identification.
Tests of Presence
a. Test of vision
b. Test of position
c. Test of mental apprehension
d. Test of available senses
3.
The testator or the person

requested by him to write his name and the
credible witnesses of the will shall sign
each and every page of the will, on the left
margin, except the last page
Marginal witnesses are also

the subscribing witnesses
Purpose of the signing at the

left-hand margin of the will is to identify the
pages and to prevent fraud
GENERAL RULE: Absence of signature on the first
page of the will invalidates the will.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. If the will contains only one page, then
logically that one page already has the signature
of the testator because he is required to sign at
the end of the disposition and that also contains
the signatures of the witnesses in the attestation
clause.
2. Inadvertent lifting of pages.
4.
All the pages shall be numbered

correlatively in letters placed on the upper
part of each page
As long as it the page number

has a physical location, the will is still valid.
The page number may even be incorporated
in the text of the document itself
If the will has only one page,

the will is valid because you can easily detect
whether there is loss of pages because if the
one page is lost then there is no will to speak
of
Purpose of numbering the

pages of a will:
a)
To
guard
against
fraud;
b)
To
forestall
any
attempt to suppress or substitute any of
the pages;
c)
To afford means of
detecting the loss of any of its pages;
d)
To
prevent
any
increase or decrease in the pages.
Article 805 only applies to notarial wills

The requirements under Article 805 are to be
strictly construed
Formal Requirements under Article 805:

1.
Subscribed at the end by the
testator himself or the testators name is
written by some other person in the presence
and under the express direction of the
testator
Subscription
means
the
physical act of signing
E-signatures cannot be affixed

in a will because e-signatures are applicable
only to transactions and contracts
Signature must appear not the

physical end but at the logical end of the will
The presence of additional

dispositions in a notarial will after the signature
of the testator invalidates the entire will
because it affects the form
2.
Attested and subscribed by three
or more credible witnesses in the presence of
the testator and of one another
in the presence of the testator

and of one another not actually seeing but in
a position to see if you want to see without any
physical obstruction
The
purpose
identification.
ATTESTATION
It is the act of
witnessing the execution of the will. It is a mental
act.
Attestation
clause is that clause of an ordinary or notarial
will wherein the witnesses certify that the
Prepared
instrument has been executed before them and the

manner of execution of the same
What do the
subscribing witnesses attest to?
1. They attest to the genuineness of the signature
of the testator
2. They attest to the due execution of the will
What
should the attestation clause state?
1.
The number
of pages used upon which the will is written
2.
The
fact
that the testator signed the will and every page
thereof, or caused some other person to write
his name, under his express direction;
3.
The signing
by the testator or by the person requested by
him in the presence of the instrumental
witnesses; and
4.
That
the
instrumental witnesses witnessed and signed
the will and all he pages thereof in the
presence of the testator and of one another.
ARTICLE 806.
Every will must be acknowledged before a
notary public by the testator and the witnesses. The notary
public shall not be required to retain a copy of the will, or file
another with the office of the Clerk of Court. (n)
Acknowled
gment is a statement made by the notary public
that the testator and the witnesses have personally
come before him, that they voluntarily executed
the will and that they understood the contents.
To
acknowledge means to admit, to avow, to own
as genuine
A
holographic will need not be acknowledged before
a notary public
The testator
acknowledges the execution of the will.
The
witnesses acknowledge the attestation clause.
Acknowledg
ment need not be made in the presence of the
testator and each and everyone of the witnesses. It
is just required that the testator and the witnesses
appear before the notary public, not actually at the
same time
It
is
not
required that the notary public before whom the
will is acknowledged be present during the
execution of the will
Absence of
an acknowledgment is a fatal defect
ARTICLE 807.
If the testator be deaf, or a deaf-mute, he
must personally read the will, if able to do so; otherwise, he
shall designate two persons to read it and communicate to
him, in some practicable manner, the contents thereof. (n)
ARTICLE 808.
If the testator is blind, the will shall be read
to him twice; once, by one of the subscribing witnesses, and
again, by the notary public before whom the will is
acknowledged. (n)
ARTICLE 809.
In the absence of bad faith, forgery, or fraud,
or undue and improper pressure and influence, defects and
imperfections in the form of attestation or in the language
used therein shall not render the will invalid if it is proved that
the will was in fact executed and attested in substantial
compliance with all the requirements of article 805. (n)
Article 809
gives the rule on substantial compliance with
respect to the attestation clause
There
is
substantial compliance when there has been
an HONEST ATTEMPT on the part of the testator
to comply with the formal requisites provided by
law but the compliance is only substantial and
not literal but the purpose of the law is
substantially accomplished although not strictly
followed
As
to
marginal signatures, there is no particular
requirement that it should really appear on the
left margin because the only purpose of marginal
signatures is for identification.
As
to
attesting signatures, the attesting witnesses are
supposed to own the statements mentioned in
the attestation clause.
Therefore, their
signatures should appear at the bottom of the
attestation clause.
If you just write on the
margin, the purpose here is not to own the
statements mentioned here but just to identify
this page, later on, as the same page which you
attested before.
Requisites of Article 809:

1. The defects and imperfections refer to the
form of the attestation or the language used
therein;
2. There is no bad faith, forgery or fraud, or
undue or improper pressure and influence;
3. The will was executed and attested in
substantial
compliance
with
all
the
requirements; and
4. The fact of such execution and attestation is
proved.
Defects or imperfections excused under Article
809:
1. Defects/imperfections in the form of
attestation clause;
2. Defects/imperfections in the language used in
the attestation clause.
Formal requisites to be observed in the
execution of Notarial Wills:
1.
The will must be in writing (Article 804);
2.
It must be in the language or dialect known to
the testator;
3.
The will must be signed by the testator or by
another person in his presence or under his
express direction (Article 805);
4.
That the signing by the testator or by the
person under his express direction and in his
presence must be done in the presence of at
least 3 instrumental witnesses;
5.
That the will is attested and subscribed by at
least 3 credible witnesses in the presence of the
testator and of each and every one of them;
6.
That the will must be signed by the testator
and by at least 3 credible witnesses on the left
hand margin on each and every page;
7.
That the will must be numbered correlatively
in letters;
8.
That the signing by the 3 witnesses must be
done in the presence of the testator and each
and every one of them;
9.
There must be an Attestation clause stating
therein the number of pages upon which the will
is written, a statement that the testator signed
the will or another person signed the will under
the express direction of the testator;
10.
The will is signed at the left margin by the
testator and the 3 instrumental witnesses in the
presence of the testator and of one another;
11.
The will must be acknowledged before a
notary public (Article 806);
Prepared
12.
The will must be read twice by 2 persons

designated by the testator if the testator is deaf or
deaf-mute (Article 807);
13.
If the testator is blind the will must be read to
him once, by one of the subscribing witnesses, and
again, by the notary public (Article 808); and
14.
There must be substantial compliance with all
the requirements of the law (Article 809).
ARTICLE 810.
A person may execute a holographic will
which must be entirely written, dated, and signed by the hand
of the testator himself. It is subject to no other form, and may
be made in or out of the Philippines, and need not be
witnessed. (678, 688a)
A holographic will is a will that is entirely

written, dated and signed by the hand of the
testator himself
It is important to know the date of execution
because after the effectivity of the Spanish Civil
Code, which was overtaken by the Code of Civil
Procedure August 7, 1901 August 1950
holographic wills, during that period, were not
allowed.
Strictly speaking, in notarial wills, attestation
clause is not part of the will because it contains no
dispositions. The fact that the attestation clause is
typewritten will not invalidate the will.
Requisites in the execution of holographic wills:

1. It must be written in a language or dialect
known to the testator
2. It must be ENTIRELY written by the testator;
3. It must be dated in the hand writing of the
testator;
4. It must be signed in the hand writing of the
testator; and
5. It must be with animus testandi.
ARTICLE 811.
In the probate of a holographic will, it shall
be necessary that at least one witness who knows the
handwriting and signature of the testator explicitly declare
that the will and the signature are in the handwriting of the
testator. If the will is contested, at least three of such
witnesses shall be required.
In the absence of any competent witness referred to in
the preceding paragraph, and if the court deem it necessary,
expert testimony may be resorted to. (691a)
Probate is the allowance of the will by the

court after its due execution is proved
Questions
addressed
during
probate
proceedings: question of identity, question of
testamentary capacity and question of due
execution
If probate is UNCONTESTED, one witness who
knows the hand writing of the testator must be
presented and who must explicitly declare that the
will and the signature are in the handwriting of the
testator. EXPLICIT meaning you must possibly and
unconditionally declare
If probate is CONTESTED, at least 3 of such
witnesses should be presented
A photocopy or carbon copy of a holographic is
allowed
GENERAL RULE: The requirement of presenting an

expert witness is discretionary on the part of the court.
EXCEPTION: It is mandatory when after the presenting
witnesses who allegedly know the hand writing of the
testator, the court still is not convince as to the
authenticity and genuineness of the will then the court
should require expert testimony.
ARTICLE 812.
In holographic wills, the dispositions of the
testator written below his signature must be dated and signed
by him in order to make them valid as testamentary
dispositions. (n)
If there is no signature and date, then it is

presumed that the testator has no testamentary
intent as to his additional dispositions
If dated without signature, the additional
disposition is void. If signed only without date,
the additional disposition is void.
But the
holographic will itself is not affected
With respect to notarial wills, the presence of
these additional dispositions will invalidate the
entire will because in a notarial will, the signature
should appear at the logical end.
Those
additional dispositions after the signature will
invalidate the entire will.
ARTICLE 813.
When a number of dispositions appearing
in a holographic will are signed without being dated, and the
last disposition has a signature and a date, such date
validates the dispositions preceding it, whatever be the time
of prior dispositions. (n)
If the dispositions are merely signed without

the date, and the last disposition is signed and
dated, the effect is that it validates the
disposition preceding it.
If the additional dispositions in a holographic
will are not in the handwriting of the testator and
they are not signed by the testator, then, these
additional dispositions are not valid but the will
itself remains valid.
But, if these additional dispositions are signed
by the testator, the testator is owning or adopting
the additional dispositions as his own. They will
now form part of the will because it now owned
by the testator or adopted. In that case, the
entire will is void. The will now is not entirely in
the handwriting of the testator.
Signed but not dated and the last disposition
is signed and dated validated
Date only and the last disposition is dated
and signed only the last disposition is valid, all
the previous dispositions are void because the
law says signed not dated. Only the disposition
unsigned is invalid.
Not signed and not dated even if the last
disposition is signed and dated void
ARTICLE 814.
In case of any insertion, cancellation,
erasure or alteration in a holographic will, the testator must
authenticate the same by his full signature. (n)
The insertion, cancellation erasure or

alteration mentioned in Article 814 are the ones
written in the hand writing of the testator
Insertion, cancellation, erasure or alteration,
is not per se prohibited as long as they are
authenticated by the full signature of the testator
If the insertion, cancellation, erasure or
alteration does not bear the signature of the
testator:
GENERAL RULE: Only the erasure or insertion is
void. The entire will itself is valid.
EXCEPTION: When this insertion, cancellation,
erasure or alteration is made in an essential part
of the will. When this insertion, cancellation,
erasure or alteration will affect the essence of the
will then not only the insertion, cancellation,
erasure or alteration is void but the entire will
itself.
*** Articles 815, 816 and 817 were previously

discussed under extrinsic validity of wills from the
viewpoint of place or country
ARTICLE 818.
Two or more persons cannot make a will
jointly, or in the same instrument, either for their reciprocal
benefit or for the benefit of a third person. (669)
Prepared
JOINT WILL is one wherein the same

testamentary instrument is made as the will of 2 or
more persons and it is jointly executed and signed
by them.
MUTUAL WILLS or RECIPROCAL WILLS are
wills of 2 persons wherein the disposition of one is
made in favor of the other and the other also
makes dispositions in favor of the other. This is
also called TWIN WILLS. The Mutual or reciprocal
wills are embodied in separate instruments.
When the 2 dispositions are made in the same
will, it becomes a joint will. Now, we have a Joint
and Mutual will. When you have a Joint and Mutual
will, it is prohibited under Article 818.
Article 818 may cover a joint and mutual will or
joint will wherein the benefit is not for the 2 parties
who execute the will but for a third person.
Not all mutual and reciprocal wills are joint
wills.
Why are joint wills not allowed?

1. It tends to convert a will into a contract
2. It destroys the character of wills as a strictly
personal act
3. It runs counter to the idea that wills are
essentially revocable or ambulatory;
4. It may subject one to undue influence.
It
induces Parricide.
5. It makes probate more difficult especially if the
testators dies at different times.
Qualification of witnesses to a will:

1. He must be of sound mind
2. At least 18 yrs of age
3. Not blind, deaf or dumb
4. Able to read and write;
5. Domiciled in the Philippines
6. Not convicted of falsification of document, perjury
of false testimony
Essential elements of domicile:
1. The fact of residing, or the physical presence in a
fixed place
2. The intention of remaining permanently, or the
animus manendi
These disqualifications apply only if the will is

executed in the Philippines
Conviction here should be by final judgment
If pardoned and the pardon is by reason of
innocence then you become qualified again to
become a witness to a will because when you
were acquitted because of innocence, that means
you are trustworthy as witness.
If the pardon is by reason of an executive
clemency, you are still disqualified because the
pardon erases only the penalty or the civil
consequences of the conviction but it does not
change the fact that you are dishonest and
untrustworthy.
A notary public cannot be one of the attesting
witnesses
ARTICLE 819.
Wills, prohibited by the preceding article,
executed by Filipinos in a foreign country shall not be valid in
the Philippines, even though authorized by the laws of the
country where they may have been executed. (733a)
ARTICLE 822.
If the witnesses attesting the execution of
a will are competent at the time of attesting, their becoming
subsequently incompetent shall not prevent the allowance
of the will. (n)
Joint wills executed by a Filipino in a foreign

country are not valid in the Philippines, even
though allowed in the place of execution
Article 819 is not applicable to foreigners
executing their will. If a joint will is executed by a
foreigner abroad and it is valid in the place of
execution, it shall be recognized by our courts,
because of lex loci celebrationes (law of the place
of execution). If it is valid in the place of execution
it is valid here in the Philippines.
If a joint will is executed by a Filipino and a
foreigner, the will is void as to the Filipino and valid
with respect to the foreigner.
If a foreigner executes a joint will in the
Philippines:
1st view: It is valid because if it is allowed under
his national law, it should be allowed here in the
Philippines under Art 817.
2nd view: By reason of public policy, it is void
because under Article 17, our laws cannot be
subrogated by the laws promulgated in other
countries.
SUBSECTION 4
Witnesses to Wills
ARTICLE 820.
Any person of sound mind and of the age of
eighteen years or more, and not blind, deaf or dumb, and able
to read and write, may be a witness to the execution of a will
mentioned in article 805 of this Code. (n)
A blind person, under Article 808, can be a

testator. But he cannot be a witness
ARTICLE 821.
The following are disqualified from being
witnesses to a will:
(1) Any person not domiciled in the Philippines;
(2) Those who have been convicted of falsification of a
document, perjury or false testimony. (n)
As long as the witness is qualified at the time

of the execution of the will, it does not matter if
subsequently he becomes incapacitated.
The
validity of the will remains.
ARTICLE 823.
If a person attests the execution of a will,
to whom or to whose spouse, or parent, or child, a devise or
legacy is given by such will, such devise or legacy shall, so
far only as concerns such person, or spouse, or parent, or
child of such person, or any one claiming under such person
or spouse, or parent, or child, be void, unless there are three
other competent witnesses to such will. However, such
person so attesting shall be admitted as a witness as if such
devise or legacy had not been made or given. (n)
This article refers to an attesting witness to

the execution of the will but at the same time he
is a devisee or legatee in that will
The will is still valid but he is disqualified from
receiving the devise or legacy
Even if the attesting witness is not the
devisee or legatee himself but his spouse, the
parents, the child of that witness, so the mother
of the attesting witness, the will is still valid but
such person cannot receive the legacy or devise
But this article will not apply if there are more
than 3 witnesses.
In voluntary heirs, the inheritance which they
are to receive under the will is void. Voluntary
heirs are those who receive by virtue of the
liberality by the testator but they do not receive
something if the testator does not provide for
them.
As to compulsory heirs, they may still get
their legitime.
But with respect to the free
portion accorded to the compulsory heirs in the
will, it is void if such compulsory heir is also one
of the 3 witnesses.
Prepared
ARTICLE 824. A mere charge on the estate of the testator for

the payment of debts due at the time of the testator's death
does not prevent his creditors from being competent witnesses
to his will. (n)
A creditor is not disqualified to receive if the

testator provides in the will that such portion shall
be given to the said creditor as payment for an
obligation. Whether or not he is instituted in the
will, the creditor is entitled to be paid for his credit.
SUBSECTION 5
Codicils and Incorporation by Reference
ARTICLE 825.
A codicil is a supplement or addition to a
will, made after the execution of a will and annexed to be
taken as a part thereof, by which any disposition made in the
original will is explained, added to, or altered. (n)
The validity of the codicil depends upon the

validity of the will
If the provisions of the will and the codicil are
inconsistent, the codicil should prevail because the
purpose of a codicil is to amend, alter, or add to a
previously executed will.
CODICIL
When you execute a
codicil after you execute
a will, the codicil is taken
as a part of the will.
The codicil explains, adds

to, supplements, and
alters the provisions in
the original will.
The codicil may revoke
only a PART of the
original will.
Because a codicil is taken
as a part of the original
will, then the original will
and the codicil are taken
as one.
NEW WILL
When you say after
executing the first will,
you
again
execute
another will then the new
will exists independently
of the original will and
without reference to the
original will.
Has no regard to the
previous will, it does not
explain, or add to, or
supplement the original
will. .
When you execute a new
will, the ENTIRE previous
will is revoke as a general
rule.
When you execute a new
will, they are separate.
The one revoking the
other.
ARTICLE 826.
In order that a codicil may be effective, it
shall be executed as in the case of a will.
2 kinds of Codicil:
1.
NOTARIAL CODICIL it follow the rules required
by law for notarial will.
2.
HOLOGRAPHIC CODICIL it follow the rules
required by law for holographic will
If the codicil does not follow the requirements

of the law, the codicil is void. But the invalidity of
the codicil will not affect the validity of the will.
ARTICLE 827.
If a will, executed as required by this Code,
incorporates into itself by reference any document or paper,
such document or paper shall not be considered a part of the
will unless the following requisites are present:
(1) The document or paper referred to in the will must be in
existence at the time of the execution of the will;
(2) The will must clearly describe and identify the same,
stating among other things the number of pages thereof;
(3) It must be identified by clear and satisfactory proof as the
document or paper referred to therein; and
(4) It must be signed by the testator and the witnesses on

each and every page, except in case of voluminous books of
account or inventories. (n)
This is the Rule on Incorporation by

Reference. It is incorporation of an intrinsic or
separate document or paper into a will by
reference so as to become a part thereof and
probated as such.
Requisites of Incorporation by Reference:

1.
The document or paper referred to in
the will must be in existence at the time of the
execution of the will.
2.
The will must clearly describe and
identify the same, stating among other things the
number of pages thereof
3.
It must be identified by clear and
satisfactory proof as the document or paper
referred to therein
4.
It must be signed by the testator and
the witnesses on each and every page, except in
case of voluminous books of account or
inventories
Requirements to be stated in the face of the
will:
1. The fact that you are referring to the document or
paper
2. The clear description and identification of the
document
3. The number of pages
Requirements to appear on the face of the
document to be incorporated or being referred
to:
1. The signature of the testator;
2. The signature of the witnesses
Requirements that can be proved by extrinsic
evidence:
1. That the document is inexistence at the time of
the execution of the will;
2. That the document is the one being referred to in
the will.
GENERAL RULE: Only notarial wills shall have
incorporation by inference because:
1.
These documents under Article 827
have to be signed by the testator and the
witnesses. In notarial wills, there are witnesses.
In holographic wills, there are no witnesses.
2.
In a notarial will, the contents can
either be in the handwriting of the testator,
typewritten or a combination. When you say
documents to be incorporated into the will, these
documents may either be typewritten or in the
hand of the testator.
EXCEPTION: It may be a holographic will:
1.
When the holographic will has at least 3
witnesses, there can be incorporation by
reference because by then, the subscribing
witnesses in the holographic will, although a
surplusage, can sign the document to be
incorporated.
2.
Even if there are no witnesses but the
document to be incorporated are entirely written,
signed and dated in the hand of the testator. In
this case, what we have is a purely holographic
will.
You may have a valid incorporation by
reference.
SUBSECTION 6
Revocation of Wills and Testamentary
Dispositions
Prepared
inconsistent with the provisions in the previous

will.
ARTICLE 828.
A will may be revoked by the testator at any
time before his death. Any waiver or restriction of this right is
void. (737a)
Revocation is an act of the mind terminating

the potential capacity of a will to operate at the
death of the testator manifested by some outward
and visible act or sign symbolic thereof
GENERAL RULE: The testator can always revoke his will
during his lifetime
EXCEPTION: If the testator during his lifetime loses
testamentary capacity or becomes of unsound mind.
ARTICLE 829.
A revocation done outside the Philippines, by
a person who does not have his domicile in this country, is
valid when it is done according to the law of the place where
the will was made, or according to the law of the place in
which the testator had his domicile at the time; and if the
revocation takes place in this country, when it is in accordance
with the provisions of this Code. (n)
If the revocation is made within the Philippines

we only have to comply with the Philippine law
regardless of the nationality or domicile
If the revocation is made outside the Philippines
by a non-resident (Filipino or foreigner):
1.
The law of the place where the will was
MADE (not where the will is revoke)
2.
The law of the place of the place of
DOMICILE of the testator
If the revocation is made outside the Philippines
by a resident (Filipino or foreigner):
1.
The law of the place of the
REVOCATION
2.
The law of the place of DOMICILE
In revocation, the national law has no
revocation
ARTICLE 830.
No will shall be revoked except in the
following cases:
(1) By implication of law; or
(2) By some will, codicil, or other writing executed as
provided in case of wills; or
(3) By burning, tearing, cancelling, or obliterating the will with
the intention of revoking it, by the testator himself, or by some
other person in his presence, and by his express direction. If
burned, torn, cancelled, or obliterated by some other person,
without the express direction of the testator, the will may still
be established, and the estate distributed in accordance
therewith, if its contents, and due execution, and the fact of its
unauthorized destruction, cancellation, or obliteration are
established according to the Rules of Court. (n)
3 ways of revocation:
1.
By implication of law
2.
By some will, codicil, or other writing
executed as provided in case of will (by subsequent
instrument)
3.
By means of an overt act
Acts considered by law as an act of revocation:
1.
Article 957 of the NCC When after the
testator has made a will, he sells, donate the legacy
or devise
2.
Article 106 of the FC Provisions in the
will in favor of the spouse who has given cause to
legal separation
3.
Article 1032 of the NCC - When an heir,
legatee or devisee commits an act of unworthiness
4.
Article 936 of the NCC When a credit
has been given as a legacy is judicially demanded
by the testator
5.
Article 854 of the NCC Preterition
Kinds of Revocation by Subsequent Instrument:
1.
EXPRESS REVOCATION When the new will or
codicil contains a revocatory clause.
2.
IMPLIED REVOCATION When the provisions in
the subsequent wills or codicil are completely
Requisites for the application of revocation by

subsequent instrument:
1.
There must be testamentary capacity
AT THE TIME of revocation
2.
The subsequent instrument must be
valid
3.
The subsequent will or instrument
must contain a revocatory clause or be
incompatible with the former will thereby showing
intent to revoke
4.
The subsequent will or instrument
must be admitted to probate
Requisites for the application of revocation by
an overt act:
1.
The
testator
has
testamentary
capacity AT THE TIME of performing the act
2.
The act must be any of the overt act
mentioned under Article 830:
a.
BURNING
It is not required that the whole instrument is
completely burned. Even if only a portion of
the document is burned, it is considered to
be an act of revocation.
b.
TEARING
either you tear or cut by means of your

hands or scissors. A slight cut or a slight tear
is sufficient to be considered an act of
revocation. The greater the cut the greater is
the presumption that there is animu
revocandi on the part of the testator. If the
codicil is torn, it is an act of tearing and both
the will and codicil are revoked because a
codicil is part of the will.
c.
CANCELING
when you place a mark or a line across the
writings. If you place a mark or a line on the
spaces, there is no cancellation.
d.
OBLITERATI
NG it is when you erase thru eraser or like
you blot out. If what is blotted out is just
some provisions, these provisions are
considered to be revoked but the will remains
valid
3. The act must be a completed act (at least a
completion of the subjective phase of the overt
act)
GENERAL RULE: Even if the tearing is not
complete or the burning is not complete then
there is an act of revocation.
EXCEPTION: When the testator starts burning his
will but he realized that he really does not want
to revoke his will.
So before the will is
completely burned, he desists from burning and
that is voluntary desistance on his part. In this
case, even if the will contains a slight burn or
slight tear there is NO ACT OF REVOCATION
because of the voluntary desistance by the
testator.
4. There must be intent to revoke or animus
revocandi
5. The revocation must be done by the testator
himself or by some other persons in his presence
and under his express direction
PRESUMPTION: A duly executed will has not

been revoked
Burden of proof that the will is revoked lies
upon the one who opposes the probate of the will
which that person alleges has been revoked
What should be proven during the probate of a

lost or destroyed notarial will:
Prepared
1.
2.
3.
Establish compliance with the formalities

required by law under Articles 804-809 of the NCC
Prove that the will was inexistent at the time of
the death of the testator or that it was fraudulently
destroyed or lost without the knowledge of the
testator or it was accidentally lost or destroyed by
the testator without intent to revoke.
Prove the contents clearly and distinctly by
copies or without copy by recital of content by
some document or the testimony of the witnesses
revoked will or one invalid

for want of proper execution
as to form or for other
reasons so as to give
validity to said will
It involves the act of the
testator.
There is a will previously
revoked or a will valid as to
form or a will invalid for any
other cause
validity by operation
of law of a previously
revoked will.
It involves the act of
law, operation of law.
A
will
previously
revoked.
ARTICLE 831.
Subsequent wills which do not revoke the
previous ones in an express manner, annul only such
dispositions in the prior wills as are inconsistent with or
contrary to those contained in the later wills. (n)
ARTICLE 835.
The testator cannot republish, without
reproducing in a subsequent will, the dispositions contained
in a previous one which is void as to its form. (n)
Article 831 talks about Implied Revocation

made in a subsequent instrument
There is IMPLIED REVOCATION when the
testator, after having executed a will executes
another will or codicil which the will or codicil does
not contain a revocatory clause but its contents are
inconsistent with the former will then there is
implied revocation
ARTICLE 832.
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, or by their renunciation. (740a)
Article 832 is the DOCTRINE OF ABSOLUTE

REVOCATION
On the other hand, the DOCTRINE OF
DEPENDENT RELATIVE REVOCATION is where
the act or destruction is connected to the making of
a will so as squarely to raise the inference that the
testator meant the revocation of the old would
depend upon the efficacy of the new disposition
and if for any reason the new will intended to be
made as a substitute is inoperative, the revocation
fails and the original will is in full force and effect
There is no revocation by overt act if the
destruction of the first will was prompted by a false
belief that the subsequent will executed was valid
If the destruction is AFTER the execution of the
subsequent will, the Doctrine of Dependent Relative
Revocation applies. He destroyed the 1st will after
having executed the 2nd will.
But if he destroyed the 1st will LONG BEFORE
the execution of the subsequent will, you can no
longer apply the doctrine. The will here was
destroyed by an overt act, so it is absolute.
2 Kinds of Republication:
1)
EXPRESS REPUBLICATION/
REPUBLICATION BY RE-EXECUTION is a
republication in a subsequent will a previous one
which is void as to form (Article 835)
2)
IMPLIED
REPUBLICATION/REPUBLICATION
BY
REFERENCE is the execution by a codicil
referring to a previously revoked will or a will
valid as to form but void because of some
extrinsic defects like lack of testamentary
capacity (Article 836)
ARTICLE 836.
The execution of a codicil referring to a
previous will has the effect of republishing the will as
modified by the codicil. (n)
ARTICLE 833.
A revocation of a will based on a false cause
or an illegal cause is null and void. (n)
Article 833 is another aspect of the Doctrine of

Dependent Relative Revocation. You revoke the will
based on a false belief
When the revocation is made by a subsequent
instrument the false cause must be stated in
the face of the will
ARTICLE 834.
The recognition of an illegitimate child does
not lose its legal effect, even though the will wherein it was
made should be revoked. (741)
Recognition takes place immediately upon the

execution of the will
Recognition is not disposition of property
SUBSECTION 7
Republication and Revival of Wills
REPUBLICATION
It is the re-establishment by
the testator of previously
REVIVAL
It
is
the
establishment
reto
Article 835 gives the rule on express

republication
or
republication
by
reexecution
Republication is the re-establishment by the
testator of a previously revoked will or one invalid
for want of proper execution as to form or for
other reasons so as to give validity to said will
If the testator previously executed a void will
and he would want to give life to this void will,
then he has to republish his will.
Or, if previously, the testator revoked his will
and he would like to give life to this revoked will.
So, he has to republish his will.
If the old will is void as to form, the only way

to republish it is by re-execution.
If old will is void but not as to form because
the testator lacks testamentary capacity, it can
be republished by re-execution or it can be
republished by reference.
ARTICLE 837.
If after making a will, the testator makes a
second will expressly revoking the first, the revocation of the
second will does not revive the first will, which can be
revived only by another will or codicil. (739a)
There is no revival if the first will is expressly

revoked by the 2nd will
There is revival if the first will is IMPLIEDLY
REVOKED by a second will
PRINCIPLE OF INSTANTER states that when
the will is EXPRESSLY revoked by a 2 nd will, the
revocation of the 2nd will by the 3rd will will not
revive the 1st will. This is because revocation
takes effect immediately. It does not wait for the
death of the testator to become effective because
revocation does not take the form of
testamentary disposition.
SUBSECTION 8
Allowance and Disallowance of Wills
Prepared
ARTICLE 838.
No will shall pass either real or personal
property unless it is proved and allowed in accordance with
the Rules of Court.
The testator himself may, during his lifetime, petition the
court having jurisdiction for the allowance of his will. In such
case, the pertinent provisions of the Rules of Court for the
allowance of wills after the testator's death shall govern. i
The Supreme Court shall formulate such additional Rules
of Court as may be necessary for the allowance of wills on
petition of the testator.
Subject to the right of appeal, the allowance of the will,
either during the lifetime of the testator or after his death,
shall be conclusive as to its due execution. (n)
Probate is the act or process of proving before

a competent court the due execution of an
instrument purported to be the last will and
testament of a deceased for its allowance by the
said court, that is, for its official recognition and the
carrying out of its provision in so far as they are in
accordance with law.
A probate proceeding is a special proceeding.
It is a proceeding in rem.
In a probate proceeding, the inquiry as a
General Rule is limited only to the EXTRINSIC
VALIDITY of the will
Extrinsic validity means:
1.
whether or not the testator was of
sound mind when he executed the will
2.
whether or not he is 18 years or above
3.
whether or not the will complied with
the formalities under Articles 804-809 with
respect to notarial will
4.
whether or not the will is entirely
written, dated and signed in the handwriting of
the testator with respect to holographic will
The rule on ESTOPPEL and the STATUTE OF
LIMITATION do not apply in probate
Probate is MANDATORY
Extrajudicial Settlement is NOT allowed when
there is a will
ANTE MORTEM PROBATE means a probate done
during the lifetime of the testator
POST MORTEM PROBATE means a probate done
after the death of the testator
2 aspects of POST MORTEM PROBATE:

1.
PROBATE PROPER is only concerned on
the due execution of the will and the testamentary
capacity of the testator
2.
DETERMINATION OF THE LEGALITY OF
THE PROVISION AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE
ESTATE.
GENERAL RULE: During probate proper, the probate
court HAS NO JURISDICTION to entertain other issues
except on issues on whether or not the will was duly
probated in compliance with the formalities required by
law and whether or not the testator has testamentary
capacity at the time he executed the will
EXCEPTION:
Summary on issues that may be passed
upon by the probate court (intrinsic validity):
1. Ownership
a. when the testator has disposed of
property which is not his; or
b. whether or not a certain property is
included in the estate.
2. Filiation
a. whether or not the oppositor has
personality to intervene; or
b. whether or not the will has been
revoked
3. Whether or not there was preterition
But decisions of the court pertaining to

these questions are only provisional.
Matters that may be passed upon by the

probate court:
1) Questions of identity
2) Due Execution
3) Question as to the testamentary capacity
PROBATE OF
HOLOGRAPHIC WILL
In the probate of
holographic wills, if there
is no contest, it is enough
that at least 1 witness
explicitly declares that
the
will
is
in
the
handwriting
and
signature of the testator.
When
the
will
is
contested, there must be
at least 3 of witnesses.
In the absence of such
witnesses,
expert
testimony
may
be
resorted to or even if
there is no contest, still
expert testimony may be
resorted to.
PROBATE OF NOTARIAL
WILL
In the probate of
notarial wills, when there
is no contest, at least 1
subscribing
witness
should testify as to the
execution of the will.
When
there
it
is
contested, ALL of the
subscribing
witnesses
plus the notary public
must testify. If all of the
subscribing
witnesses
and the notary public are:
1.dead;
2.insane; or
3.they are all absent in
the Philippines or
4.testify against the due
execution of the will; or
5.they do not remember
having
attested
the
execution of the will; or
6.they are of doubtful
credibility
then, other witnesses
may be resorted to.
LOST/DESTROYED
HOLOGRAPHIC WILL
When it comes to a
holographic will, there
must be a photocopy or
carbon
copy
of
the
holographic will. If there
is no copy of the
holographic will, even if
the reason why the
holographic will was lost
or destroyed was due to
the act of another person
without intent to revoke
on the part of the
testator still, no probate
of the holographic will
may be allowed because
there is no copy.
LOST/DESTROYED
NOTARIAL WILL
In notarial wills, even if
there is no copy, the
notarial will may be
probated because the
contents of a notarial will
may be proved by the
testimonies of at least 2
witnesses to clearly and
distinctly
proved
the
contents of the notarial
will.
NB: As long as there is no
animus revocandi on the
part of the testator.
ARTICLE 839.
The will shall be disallowed in any of the
following cases:
(1) If the formalities required by law have not been
complied with;
(2) If the testator was insane, or otherwise mentally
incapable of making a will, at the time of its execution;
(3) If it was executed through force or under duress, or the
influence of fear, or threats;
(4) If it was procured by undue and improper pressure and
influence, on the part of the beneficiary or of some other
person;
(5) If the signature of the testator was procured by fraud;
(6) If the testator acted by mistake or did not intend that
the instrument he signed should be his will at the time of
affixing his signature thereto. (n)
These grounds are exclusive. However,

despite the exclusivity given, it seems that there
are other grounds which are minority, revocation
and forgery.
1st ground:
Prepared
In case of notarial wills, formalities under

Articles 804-809
In case of holographic wills it must be:
a.
entirely written, signed and dated in the

handwriting of the testator
b.
in the language known to the testator
c.
must be executed at the time when
holographic wills are allowed
2nd ground:
This ground refers to the soundness of mind

of the testator at the time of execution of the will
3rd ground:
This connotes the idea of coercion, mental

or physical
4th ground:
Undue Influence connotes the idea of

coercion by virtue of which the judgment of the
testator is displaced, and he is induced to do that
which he otherwise would not have done.
5th ground:
Fraud is the use of insidious words or

machinations to convince a person to do what
ordinarily he would not have done.
There is an intent to make a will

6th ground:
The testator is acting because of his

mistake and the testator has no intent to make a
will
There is no intent to make a will

REVOCATION
A voluntary act of the
testator.
May be with or without
cause.
May be partial or total.
ARTICLE 842.
One who has no compulsory heirs may
dispose by will of all his estate or any part of it in favor of
any person having capacity to succeed.
One who has compulsory heirs may dispose of his
estate provided he does not contravene the provisions of
this Code with regard to the legitime of said heirs. (763a)
ARTICLE 843.
The testator shall designate the heir by his
name and surname, and when there are two persons having
the same names, he shall indicate some circumstance by
which the instituted heir may be known.
Even though the testator may have omitted the name
of the heir, should he designate him in such manner that
there can be no doubt as to who has been instituted, the
institution shall be valid. (772)
Must always be for legal a

cause.
Always total.
ARTICLE 840. Institution of heir is an act by virtue of

which a testator designates in his will the person or persons
who are to succeed him in his property and transmissible
rights and obligations. (n)
Institution refers to the free portion
Characteristics of an instituted heir?

1. The instituted heir constitutes the relation of the
personality, to continue the personality of the testator
but only in relation to the inheritance without being
personally liable for the death of the testator.
2. The instituted heir acquires the right limited to the
disposable portion and he cannot impair the legitime.
Requisites for an institution to be valid:
1. The will must be extrinsically valid
2. The institution must be intrinsically valid
3. The institution must be effective
ARTICLE 841.
A will shall be valid even though it should
not contain an institution of an heir, or such institution should
not comprise the entire estate, and even though the person so
instituted should not accept the inheritance or should be
incapacitated to succeed.
In such cases the testamentary dispositions made in
accordance with law shall be complied with and the remainder
of the estate shall pass to the legal heirs. (764)
A will is valid even though it does not contain an

institution of an heir
Such institution should not comprise the entire
estate
Even though the person so instituted should not
accept the inheritance or should be incapacitated
to succeed
The best way to designate the heir is by name or

surname
Even if the name is omitted, the designation is
still valid as long as such person can be identified
If there are 2 or more 2 persons instituted and
they have the same name or corresponds to the
same description, Article 789 can be applied:
ARTICLE 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, the
testator's intention is to be ascertained from
the words of the will, taking into
consideration the circumstances under
which it was made, excluding such oral
declarations. (n)
DISALLOWANCE
Given by judicial order
SECTION 2
Institution of Heir
This article is called the freedom of disposition

But this freedom of disposition is not absolute
because when there are compulsory heirs, the
testator has to observe the portion pertaining to
the compulsory heirs
ARTICLE 844.
An error in the name, surname, or
circumstances of the heir shall not vitiate the institution
when it is possible, in any other manner, to know with
certainty the person instituted.
If among persons having the same names and
surnames, there is a similarity of circumstances in such a
way that, even with the use of other proof, the person
instituted cannot be identified, none of them shall be an
heir. (773a)
Article 843 mentions omissions.

Article 844
mentions errors.
Errors in the name, surname or circumstances
would not matter as long as ultimately the court
can identify who are really the heirs intended by
the testator
Any manner maybe resorted to determine the
person instituted except oral declaration made by
the testator
ARTICLE 845.
Every disposition in favor of an unknown
person shall be void, unless by some event or circumstance
his identity becomes certain. However, a disposition in favor
of a definite class or group of persons shall be valid. (750a)
An unknown person is one that cannot be

identified. He is not necessarily a stranger
A disposition in favor of an unknown person who
cannot be identified cannot be given effect
ARTICLE 846.
Heirs instituted without designation of
shares shall inherit in equal parts. (765)
Prepared
Article 846 refers to PRINCIPLE OF EQUALITY

It is presumed that the testator intended to give
equal shares to the heirs instituted. Otherwise, he
would have specifically mentioned the shares of the
heirs had he intended that each heir shall get
different portion or unequal portions
the liberality or generosity of the testator not he false

cause.
EXCEPTION: Unless it appears from the will that the
testator would not have made such institution if he
had known the falsity of such cause.
GENERAL RULE: Heirs instituted without designation of

shares shall inherit in equal parts.
EXCEPTION: Article 846 cannot apply when there are
compulsory heirs.
According to some authorities in succession, the

statement of Illegal cause for the institution will
not invalidate the institution. The illegal cause is
deemed not written.
ARTICLE 847.
When the testator institutes some heirs
individually and others collectively as when he says, "I
designate as my heirs A and B, and the children of C," those
collectively designated shall be considered as individually
instituted, unless it clearly appears that the intention of the
testator was otherwise. (769a)
ARTICLE 851.
If the testator has instituted only one heir,
and the institution is limited to an aliquot part of the
inheritance, legal succession takes place with respect to the
remainder of the estate.
The same rule applies, if the testator has instituted
several heirs each being limited to an aliquot part, and all
the parts do not cover the whole inheritance. (n)
This article refers to the PRINCIPLE OF

INDIVIDUALITY
As long as the intention to have the estate
collectively distributed does not appear in the will,
the presumption is individual institution
When there are compulsory heirs, you have to first
satisfy the portion pertaining to the legitime of the
compulsory heirs.
INSTITUTION refers to FREE PORTION
ARTICLE 848.
If the testator should institute his brothers
and sisters, and he has some of full blood and others of half
blood, the inheritance shall be distributed equally unless a
different intention appears. (770a)
Remember that brothers and sisters are not

compulsory heirs although they are legal heirs
When the testator institutes his brothers and sisters
whether or full blood or half blood they are deemed
to have been instituted equally
INTESTATE
SUCCESSION
The
shares
of
the
brothers or sisters of the
full blood, is twice as
much as those of the half
blood. So here there is a
presumption
that
the
affection of the testator
for the brothers and
sisters of the full blood is
greater than those of the
half blood
TESTATE SUCCESSION
There
is
NO
presumption.
such
ARTICLE 849.
When the testator calls to the succession a
person and his children they are all deemed to have been
instituted simultaneously and not successively. (771)
This article is known as the PRINCIPLE OF

SIMULTANEITY
There is only a presumption. There is nothing
which can prevent the testator from providing in his
will that the institution shall be successive and not
simultaneous.
ARTICLE 850.
The statement of a false cause for the
institution of an heir shall be considered as not written, unless
it appears from the will that the testator would not have made
such institution if he had known the falsity of such cause.
(767a)
GENERAL RULE: The statement of a false cause for the

institution of an heir shall not vitiate the institution.
The false cause shall always be considered as not
written.
The law presumes that in giving a legacy or devise
or inheritance, the real motivation or the real cause is
Aliquot part means a fraction or undivided

interest
Article 851 should be applied when there is NO
INTENTION on the part of the testator to give the
remaining part of the estate. So, only the specific
portions mentioned.
ARTICLE 852.
If it was the intention of the testator that
the instituted heirs should become sole heirs to the whole
estate, or the whole free portion, as the case may be, and
each of them has been instituted to an aliquot part of the
inheritance and their aliquot parts together do not cover the
whole inheritance, or the whole free portion, each part shall
be increased proportionally. (n)
In Article 852, the intention of the testator is to

give the entire estate to the instituted heir or
heirs but the shares given to the instituted heirs
when added do not comprise the entirety of the
estate
Problem1
Q: A, B and C are instituted as heirs: A = 1/4, B = 1/4 and C
= 1/4. The testator says that he is giving the entire estate to
A, B and C. The estate is worth P120,000. Does the
institution comprise the entire estate? No, because the
institution only amounts to 3/4. How do we divide the estate
among A, B and C?
A: A = P30,000
B = P30,000
C = P30,000
------------P90,000
P120,000 - 90,000 = P30,000
P30,000 / 3 = P10,000
Total share of:
A = P30,000 + 10,000 = P40,000
B = P30,000 + 10,000 = P40,000
C = P30,000 + 10,000 = P40,000
-----------P120,000
Problem2
Q: A = 1/6, B = 1/8, C = 2/3. The estate is worth P120,000.
A: A = (P120,000 / 6) * 1 = P20,000
B = (P120,000 / 8) * 1 = P15,000
C = (P120,000 / 3) * 2 = P80,000
------------P115,000
A = (20,000 / 115,000) * 5,000 = P 869.565
B = (15,000 / 115,000) * 5,000 = P 652.179
C = (80,000 / 115,000) * 5,000 = P3,478.826
---------------P5,000.00
Total share of:
A = P20,000 + 869.565 = P20,869.565
B = P15,000 + 652.179 = P15,652.179
C = P80,000 + 3,478.862 = P83,478.862
Prepared
-----------------P120,000.00
ARTICLE 853.
If each of the instituted heirs has been given
an aliquot part of the inheritance, and the parts together
exceed the whole inheritance, or the whole free portion, as the
case may be, each part shall be reduced proportionally. (n)
3.
Article 853 is the reverse of Article 852
Problem1
Q: A =1/4, B = 1/8, C = 2/3. The estate is worth P120,000.
A: A = 1/4 * P120,000 = P30,000
B = 1/8 * P120,000 = P15,000
C = 2/3 * P120,000 = P80,000
-----------P125,000
A = (P30,000 / 125,000) * 5,000 = P1,200

B = (P15,000 / 125,000) * 5,000 = P600
C = (P80,000 / 125,000) * 5,000 = P3,200
By fiction of law, an
adopted child is a compulsory heir in
the direct line
The omitted compulsory heir must survive the
testator.
If the omitted heir died ahead of the testator,
there is no preterition because by reason of his
early death, he is deemed not to have inherited
from the testator
However, the omitted compulsory heir dies ahead
and he has children who can represent him.
There
is
representation
wherein
the
representative is exalted to the position of the
one they are representing. In this case, there is
preterition.
If there was a donation given to the compulsory
heir during the lifetime of the testator, and such
heir is omitted from the will, there is no
preterition because he is not omitted from the
inheritance. There must be omission from the
inheritance, not merely from the will.
The donations made to compulsory heirs during
the lifetime of the testator, upon the death of the
testator, the values of these donations are
brought back to the value of the estate through
collation.
Total share of:

A = P30,000 - 1,200 = P28,800
B = P15,000 - 600 = P14,400
C = P80,000 - 3,200 = P76,800
------------P120,000
ARTICLE 854.
The preterition 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. (814a)
Effects of Preterition
1. It shall annul the institution of heir (Article
854)
2. The legacy or devise shall be valid in so far as
they are not inofficious (do not impair the
legitime).
PRETERITION is the total omission generally due

to mistake or oversight by the testator in his will of
one, some or all of the compulsory heirs in the
direct line living at the time of the testators death.
The omission may be voluntary or involuntary
Requisites of Preterition
1. The omission from the inheritance must be total or
complete
No preterition in the following situations:

a. If the compulsory heir is given a devise
or a legacy, he is not considered
preterited even if the legacy or devise
is worth less than the legitime of the
compulsory heirs.
b. If the estate is worth P100T but the
testator says, I hereby institute my
heir to one-half of my estate. That is
the only provision in the will.
For
example, A is a son, an heir. There is no
preterition even if A is not mentioned
because something is being left for A in
the inheritance.
c. As long as there is still a balance after
all the provisions in the will have been
given effect, there are still undisposed
properties
which
the
omitted
compulsory heir may partake so there
is no preterition.
2. The omission must be the compulsory heir in the
direct line
Compulsory heirs:
1.
The children whether legitimate or
illegitimate
2.
The parents in the absence of the
children
A spouse is a compulsory
heir but NOT in the direct line
ARTICLE 855.
The share of a child or descendant omitted
in a will must first be taken from the part of the 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. (1080a)
Article 855 talks about the share of a child or

descendant omitted in the will.
This article can also be applied when what is at
hand is merely an impairment of the legitime, so,
you just have to complete the legitime.
Article 855 talks only of the legitime. It has no
concern of the Free Portion.
ARTICLE 856.
A voluntary heir who dies before the
testator transmits nothing to his heirs.
A compulsory heir who dies before the testator, a
person incapacitated to succeed, and one who renounces
the inheritance, shall transmit no right to his own heirs
except in cases expressly provided for in this Code. (766a)
The term voluntary heir here covers

also legacies or devises. So, if a legacy or devise
is given, it transmits nothing to the heir of the
voluntary heir if the voluntary heir dies before the
testator
GENERAL RULE: If a compulsory heir is

predeceases, is incapacitated or renounces or
repudiates the inheritance, he transmits nothing to
his own heirs.
EXCEPTION : Right of Representation
This article speaks of an heir who

predeceased the testator, incapacity and one who
renounces the inheritance.
But this article
applies by analogy to DISINHERITANCE.
A
compulsory heir who is disinherited shall transmit
no right to his own heirs except when there is
Right of Representation.
SECTION 3
Prepared
Substitution of Heirs
ARTICLE 857.
Substitution is the appointment of another
heir so that he may enter into the inheritance in default of the
heir originally instituted. (n)
Article 857 speaks of substitution where there is

appointment of another heir in default of another
heir instituted. If the first heir cannot inherit for
reasons provided for by law, then the testator may
appoint a substitute in place of the original heir.
The substitute will instead get the inheritance
which should have pertained to the original heir
In substitution, there are also instances wherein
both heirs, the original heir and the substitute
inherit. That is covered by the case of what we call
the FIDEICOMMISSARY SUBSTITUTION
As such, substitution is the appointment of
another heir so that he may enter into the
inheritance in default of the heir originally
instituted or AFTER SUCH HEIR either one after the
other or all at the same time.
2 Concepts of Substitution:
1. Direct Substitution only one inherits. If the
original heir defaults, then the substitutes
inherit. (Article 857)
2. Indirect Substitution the inheritance is
assumed by 2 heirs. So, one inherits after the
other. (Fideicommissary substitution Article
863)
Purposes of substitution
1.
To avoid intestate succession
2.
To prevent the descent of the estate of
the testator to whom the testator does not want to
succeed him in his property whether by right of
representation, or by right of accretion or by right
of intestate succession
3.
To allow the testator greater freedom to
help or reward those who by reasons of services
rendered are more worthy of his affection and
deserving of his bounty than intestate heirs
4.
To enable the testator to make
arrangements for his succession in the manner
most convenient for him
5.
To realize some honorable purpose of
the testator like the maintenance of the property
within his property because in substitution, the
testator to some extent may preserve the property
within the confines of his own immediate family
and prevent the estate from descending to the
other legal heirs like the brothers or sisters
You can have a substitute for a legatee or devisee

because Article 857 applies to the free portion and
not to the legitime
ARTICLE 858.
Substitution of heirs may be:
(1)
Simple or common;
(2)
Brief or compendious;
(3)
Reciprocal; or
(4)
Fideicommissary. (n)
Simple or Common - Article 859

Brief or Compendious Article 860
Reciprocal Article 861
Fideicommissary Article 863
ARTICLE 859.
The testator may designate one or more
persons to substitute the heir or heirs instituted in case such
heir or heirs should die before him, or should not wish, or
should be incapacitated to accept the inheritance.
A simple substitution, without a statement of the cases to
which it refers, shall comprise the three mentioned in the
preceding paragraph, unless the testator has otherwise
provided. (774)
The substitute inherits from testator, not from the

person substituted
Under Article 859, if the original heir dies ahead
of the testator or renounces the inheritance or
becomes incapacitated then the substitution shall
be effective even if the disposition is silent as to
the cause of the substitution.
Unless the testator has otherwise provide :
thus, the testator here is not precluded from
providing other causes other than predecease,
incapacity and renunciation
But if the disposition is silent, then it is presumed
that the 3 causes mentioned under Article 859
are the ones being referred to by the testator
Substitution must be EXPRESSLY provided by the
testator.
No presumption that there is
substitution.
Article 860. Two or more persons may be substituted for

one, and one person for two or more heirs.
Article 860 talks about Brief or Compendious

Substitution
BRIEF SUBSTITUTION is when 2 or more
persons may be substituted for one heir (plurality
of substitutes)
COMPENDIOUS SUBSTITUTION is when 2 or
more heirs are instituted and one is appointed as
substitute for all heirs originally instituted.
(plurality of persons substituted)
But in compendious substitution, the substitute is
for ALL the heirs. The substitute inherits if all the
heirs die ahead of the testator, renounces the
inheritance or becomes incapacitated.
If only one dies, renounces or is incapacitated,
the concept of accretion is applied unless there
are representatives
ARTICLE 861.
If heirs instituted in unequal shares should
be reciprocally substituted, the substitute shall acquire the
share of the heir who dies, renounces, or is incapacitated,
unless it clearly appears that the intention of the testator
was otherwise. If there are more than one substitute, they
shall have the same share in the substitution as in the
institution. (779a)
Article 861 refers to Reciprocal Substitution

where all the heirs are constituted as the
substitutes of one another.
Example 1: If the share of A is P 30,000 and the

share of B is P 10,000, if A dies ahead of the
testator, B will get As share even if As share is
greater than B, unless the testator EXPRESSLY
provides that the substitution of B to the share of
A is only to the extent of the inheritance by B.
Example 2: If there are more than 2 persons

instituted where the estate is P 300,000 and the
heirs are A, B and C. As share is P 100,000, Bs
share is P 50,000 and Cs share is P 150,000. If A
dies ahead of the testator, B and C shall have the
same share in substitution as in the institution.
Institution
Substitution
Total
A
(100T)
B
P 50T 50/200 * 100T = P 25T
P
75T
C
P150T 150/200 * 100T = P 75T
P 225T
ARTICLE 862.
The substitute shall be subject to the
same charges and conditions imposed upon the instituted
heir, unless the testator has expressly provided the
contrary, or the charges or conditions are personally
applicable only to the heir instituted. (780)
Prepared
GENERAL RULE: The substitute shall be subject to the

same charges and conditions imposed upon the
instituted heir.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. When the testator has expressly provided the
contrary
2. When the charges or conditions are only
personally applicable to the person instituted
increase in the value of

the property by reason
of its improvements
3.
There must be a second heir

(fideicommissary or fideicomisario or beneficiary
or cestui que trust)
The second heir receives the property from

the first heir but the 2nd heir actually inherits
from the testator, not from the first heir
The 2nd heir must be capacitated to inherit

from the testator. He must not die ahead of
the testator, must not be unworthy, and must
not repudiate the inheritance from the
testator.
4.
The second heir must not be beyond one

degree from the first heir or the heir
originally instituted
ARTICLE 863.
A fideicommissary substitution by virtue
of which the fiduciary or first heir instituted is entrusted with
the obligation to preserve and to transmit to a second heir the
whole or part of the inheritance, shall be valid and shall take
effect, provided such substitution does not go beyond one
degree from the heir originally instituted, and provided further,
that the fiduciary or first heir and the second heir are living at
the time of the death of the testator. (781a)
Simple
substitution,
brief
or
compendious
substitution and reciprocal substitution are
examples of direct substitution, where the
substitute inherits in default of the heir originally
instituted. Their enjoyment of the property is in the
alternative.
Fideicommissary substitution is an indirect
substitution, where both heirs inherit one after
the other
Example of a fideicommissary substitution:

The testator has 2 heirs A and B. A first
succeeds to the property, first acquired or enjoyed the
property. But the enjoyment of A is subject to the
condition that he should preserve the property and
later on, upon conditions given by the testator, either
upon death or repudiation or upon certain period, A will
now transmit the property to B, the second heir. Both A
and B enjoy the property. Although A here merely
enjoy uses of the property, he is like a usufructuary
because he cannot own the property because of his
obligation to transmit the property to B. Aside from
enjoying the property, B also owns the property with all
the rights pertaining to an owner. Because of the
obligation of A to preserve and transmit, A:
1. cannot absolutely alienate the property inter
vivos or mortis causa
2. cannot make a will providing that the properties
is given to another person
Requisites of fideicommissary substitution:
1.
The fideicommissary substitution
must be expressly made
How?
a. By providing the name of the
fideicommissary substitute or that this
is a fideicommissary substitution
b. By providing the obligation to preserve
and obligation to transmit
2.
There must be a first heir (fiduciary,
fiduciaro, heredero or trustee)
The first heir must have the

capacity to inherit and has the obligation to
preserve and transmit the estate in whole or in
part
TRUSTEE (TRUST)
A trustee or a trust has
no right to enjoy the
property
USUFRUCTUARY
Required to furnish a bond
Not entitled to refund.
FIDUCIARY (FIRST
HEIR)
A fiduciary, although he
has
the
obligation
pertaining to a trustee in
a trust, he can enjoy the
property
FIDUCIARY
The fiduciary is not
required to furnish a
bond or security.
Entitled to refund for
expenses and for the
2 views as to what one degree means:

a.
Some
authorities
before
interpreted one degree as one transfer.
b.
Later on, it was clarified that
degree means generation.
One degree
means one generation apart. The 1st heir and
the 2nd heir must not be beyond one degree
or one generation apart. You count one
generation from the first heir not from the
testator. The 2nd heir must either be child or a
parent of the first heir.
There is only fideicommissary substitution

in natural persons
There can be no fideicommissary
substitution in juridical persons because there
is no generation to speak of when it comes to
juridical persons
5. Both of the 1st heir and the 2nd heir must be

living at the time of the death of the
testator or at least conceived.
ARTICLE 41 NEW CIVIL CODE.
For
civil
purposes, the foetus is considered born if it is
alive at the time it is completely delivered from
the mother's womb. However, if the foetus had
an intra-uterine life of less than seven months, it
is not deemed born if it dies within twenty-four
hours after its complete delivery from the
maternal womb. (30a)
ARTICLE 864.
A fideicommissary substitution can never
burden the legitime. (782a)
Legitime is imposed by law so the testator cannot

deprive his heirs of their legitime and he cannot
circumvent the law on legitime by imposing
conditions, charges, burdens and substitutions
upon the legitime
The rights of the compulsory heirs to their
legitime are absolute except when there is a
cause for disinheritance
The fideicommissary substitution is only limited
to the free portion
ARTICLE 865.
Every fideicommissary substitution must
be expressly made in order that it may be valid.
The fiduciary shall be obliged to deliver the inheritance
to the second heir, without other deductions than those
which arise from legitimate expenses, credits and
improvements, save in the case where the testator has
provided otherwise. (783)
Prepared
Obligations of the fiduciary:

1. to preserve the property
2. to deliver the property to the 2nd heir
If the institution is SILENT as to the date when

the delivery should be made, it should be MADE
AT THE TIME OF DEATH OF THE FIDUCIARY or
1ST HEIR. If there is a period stated by the
testator, then, that period should be followed.
3. to make an inventory of the property
Deductions the fiduciary can make out of the
property:
1. legitimate expenses
2. credits
3. improvements
ARTICLE 866.
The second heir shall acquire a right to the
succession from the time of the testator's death, even though
he should die before the fiduciary. The right of the second heir
shall pass to his heirs. (784)
As long as the first heir and the second heir did not
predecease the testator, then, their rights become
vested upon the death of the testator
Whether the 2nd heir dies ahead or after the 1st heir,
this would not defeat the right of the 2 nd heir to
inherit.
If the 2nd heir dies ahead of the 1 st heir, his rights
shall pass to his own heirs
The second heir can sell the property even if he still
cannot enjoy the property because the usufruct still
belongs to the 1st heir. This is because the second
heir acquired his title as naked owner upon the
death of the testator. But the buyer is also subject
to the right of the first heir to enjoy the property.
ARTICLE 867.
The following shall not take effect:
(1) Fideicommissary substitutions which are not made in an
express manner, either by giving them this name, or imposing
upon the fiduciary the absolute obligation to deliver the
property to a second heir;
(2) Provisions which contain a perpetual prohibition to
alienate, and even a temporary one, beyond the limit fixed in
Article 863;
(3) Those which impose upon the heir the charge of paying to
various persons successively, beyond the limit prescribed in
Article 863, a certain income or pension;
(4) Those which leave to a person the whole or part of the
hereditary property in order that he may apply or invest the
same according to secret instructions communicated to him by
the testator. (785a)
(1) Fideicommissary substitutions which are not made

in an express manner, either by giving them this
name, or imposing upon the fiduciary the absolute
obligation to deliver the property to a second heir
The fideicommissary substitution must be an

obligation. If it is just a suggestion or an
advice, then that is not fideicommissary
substitution. When we say obligation, the heir
has no choice but to comply.
(2) Provisions which contain a perpetual prohibition to
alienate, and even a temporary one, beyond the
limit fixed in article 863
Any perpetual prohibition on the fiduciary to

alienate the property is just okay because in
the first place he is prohibited from alienating
the property
If only for a period example 10 years, he is

prohibited from disposing the property for 10
years but after 10 years he can alienate BUT
ONLY to the 2ND HEIR
If the testator says in his will that he is

prohibiting his heirs from alienating the
property forever, it is void insofar as it exceeds
the 20th year. If it is up to 100 years, it is valid
only up to 20 years.
Prohibition to alienate is only up to the first

degree
(3) Those which impose upon the heir the charge of

paying to various persons successively, beyond
the limit prescribed in Article 863, a certain
income or pension
The successive payments shall only be

limited to those heirs one degree from the
first heir
This paragraph applies if the obligation to pay

is successive, not simultaneous
(4) Those which leave to a person the whole or part
of the hereditary property in order that he may
apply or invest the same according to secret
instructions communicated to him by the testator
This is not allowed because we do not know

what were the instructions made by the
testator to such person
ARTICLE 868.
The nullity of the fideicommissary
substitution does not prejudice the validity of the institution
of the heirs first designated; the fideicommissary clause
shall simply be considered as not written. (786)
If the fideicommissary substitution is not valid

because the obligation to preserve and transmit
were not expressly made or because the second
heir dies ahead of the testator, there is no more
fideicommissary substitution. The first heir will
still get the property. It becomes a simple
substitution.
ARTICLE 869.
A provision whereby the testator leaves to
a person the whole or part of the inheritance, and to another
the usufruct, shall be valid. If he gives the usufruct to
various persons, not simultaneously, but successively, the
provisions of article 863 shall apply. (787a)
If the testator gives the usufruct to A and the

naked ownership to B, this is valid
If the testator gives the naked ownership to A and
to B and C the usufruct, remember in Property
that the usufruct in favor of as many persons who
will claim successively is not allowed
If the testator gives to A the naked ownership
and the usufruct to B and when B dies, C will
succeed B to the usufruct and if C dies, D will
succeed to the usufruct, then, the transfer from B
to C is valid. But C to D is no longer valid
because it is beyond the limit under Article 863.
If B, C and D are just friends, from B to C and C to
D, all are not valid because are not one degree.
If he gives the usufruct to various persons
successively, then, it will partake the nature of a
fideicommissary substitution. The heirs will be
bound by the provisions of Article 863 insofar as
the degree is concerned.
The first person who enjoys the usufruct and the
second person enjoying the usufruct should not
be beyond one degree, if we are talking of
successive enjoyment of property.
If it is simultaneous, we do not have to observe
the rules on fideicommissary substitution
ARTICLE 870. The dispositions of the testator declaring

all or part of the estate inalienable for more than twenty
years are void. (n)
Article 870 provides the period within

which the testator may limit the disposition of his
property which is only up to 20 years only.
If 20 years valid.
If MORE than 20 years, what is void is merely
the excess.
Prepared
If the prohibition is silent, it is considered as 20

years. The same is true if the prohibition is
forever.
SECTION 4
Conditional Testamentary Dispositions and
Testamentary Dispositions With a Term
prescribed in this Code. Should he do so, the same shall be

considered as not imposed. (813a)
ARTICLE 871.
The institution of an heir may be made
conditionally, or for a certain purpose or cause. (790a)
There is no need of institution in the case of

legitime because regardless of the intention of the
testator, the compulsory heirs are entitled to their
legitimes
Institution refers to the free portion
4 Kinds of Institution:
1.
Simple or Pure Institution It is an
institution that takes immediately after the death of
the testator. It is absolute and not subject to any
condition, charge or burden.
2.
Conditional Institution It is an
institution which is subject to a condition. There
are different kinds of condition, e.g. as to cause, as
to effect, as to mode. Conditional institution can be
found in Articles 871-877 and Articles 883-884
3.
Institution with a Term It is an
institution that which is subject to a term which
must necessarily come, although not known when.
An example is when the testator institutes A as an
heir but A will only receive the inheritance 5 years
after the death of the testator. It is sure that A will
receive the inheritance but only upon the death of
the testator.
4.
Modal Institution It is an institution
that which for a certain purpose or cause or that
which is provided under Articles 882 and 883.
CONDITION in Obligations and Contracts is a future

or uncertain event or a past event unknown to the
parties
CONDITION in Succession is a future or uncertain
event or a past event unknown to the parties upon
which the acquisition or extinguishment of a right
under a testamentary disposition is made subject
The condition must be express
A TERM is a day or time which necessarily comes
although it may not be known when
Kinds of Condition:
1. As to Cause
a. Potestative Condition - the fulfillment
depends exclusively upon the will of the heir,
devisee or legatee.
b. Casual Condition - depends upon chance or
the will of a third person
c. Mixed Condition - depends partly upon the
will of the heir and partly upon chance or the
will of a third person.
2. As to Effect
a. Suspensive Condition - the happening of
which gives rise to the inheritance
b. Resolutory Condition - the happening of
which extinguishes the right to the inheritance.
3. As to Mode
a. Positive Condition - to do something that
would happen.
b. Negative Condition - to do something that
will not happen or that should not be done.
4.
As to Form
a. Express Condition
b. Implied Condition
ARTICLE 872.
The testator cannot impose any charge,
condition, or substitution whatsoever upon the legitimes
The legitime should not be impaired

There is only one prohibition which can be
imposed upon the legitime and that is, the
testator can validly provide that the legitime
should not be partitioned/divided for a period not
exceeding 20 years. Although it is not really
considered an impairment because the properties
are still properties of the compulsory heirs
although they shall not divide the properties for
more than 20 years.
ARTICLE 873.
Impossible conditions and those contrary
to law or good customs shall be considered as not imposed
and shall in no manner prejudice the heir, even if the
testator should otherwise provide. (792a)
Article 873 talks of impossible conditions imposed

in the institution of heirs
In succession, when there is an impossible or
illegal condition then, the institution is still valid.
Just disregard the impossible or illegal condition.
This is because in succession, the underlying
reason for the institution is the liberality of the
testator and not really the illegal or impossible
condition.
The legality or illegality of the condition is to be
determined at the time when the condition is to
be performed
ARTICLE 874.
An absolute condition not to contract a
first or subsequent marriage shall be considered as not
written unless such condition has been imposed on the
widow or widower by the deceased spouse, or by the latter's
ascendants or descendants.
Nevertheless, the right of usufruct, or an allowance or
some personal prestation may be devised or bequeathed to
any person for the time during which he or she should
remain unmarried or in widowhood. (793a)
Article 874 refers to the prohibition to marry or

remarry
RELATIVE PROHIBITION is allowed. But if this
would amount to an absolute prohibition like to
marry for 60 years then it is not allowed. An
example is prohibition to marry or re-marry a
particular person or prohibited to marry a
particular time
ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION is not allowed. An
example is prohibition to marry or re-marry
anybody or prohibited to marry at all
The effect of an absolute prohibition is that it will
be considered as not written and shall be
disregarded
Exceptions to Absolute Prohibition

a.
When
the
condition
is
imposed upon the spouse by a deceased spouse
b.
If imposed by the ascendants
or descendants of a deceased spouse to the
spouse of a deceased spouse
Even if it is the deceased spouse who provides for

the prohibition, that prohibition will not apply to
the legitime of the spouse. Only that which
pertains to her as a voluntary heir (free portion) is
forfeited
In the 1st paragraph of Article 874, the property is

not yet enjoyed. In the 2nd paragraph, there is
already the right of usufruct or allowance or some
personal prestation. That is allowed but it is only
limited to usufruct, allowance or personal
prestation. If it is not among these 3, it is not
considered as a valid prohibition.
Prepared
ARTICLE 875.
Any disposition made upon the condition
that the heir shall make some provision in his will in favor of
the testator or of any other person shall be void. (794a)
Article 875 is what we call DISPOSITION

CAPTATORIA
Disposition Captatoria is when the testator in his
will institutes A as his heir provided that A will also
give the testator a certain property or give to the
son of the testator certain property
It is prohibited the controlling motive or the main
consideration in succession is the liberality of the
testator. If you make that kind of provision, then
you are making testamentary privilege as a
contractual privilege. You are turning your will into
a contract.
Both the institution and the condition are VOID
If it is a Deed of Donation, there is no disposition
captatoria since the law refers to a will
ARTICLE 876.
Any purely potestative condition imposed
upon an heir must be fulfilled by him as soon as he learns of
the testator's death.
This rule shall not apply when the condition, already
complied with, cannot be fulfilled again.
POTESTATIVE CONDITION is the condition the

fulfillment of which depends upon the sole will of
the debtor (in obligations and contracts) or of the
heir (succession)
Potestative Condition
in Obligations and
Contract
Valid
But when it is
suspensive at the same
time on the part of the
debtor, it is not valid.
This means that the
obligation will arise if
subject to a condition
which is to be fulfilled by
the debtor. That is what is
potestative
and
suspensive. It is not valid
because naturally the
debtor would not fulfill
the condition because if
the condition is fulfilled
then he is obliged already
because he is the debtor
ARTICLE 878.
A disposition with a suspensive term does
not prevent the instituted heir from acquiring his rights and
transmitting them to his heirs even before the arrival of the
term. (799a)
Potestative Condition
in Succession
Valid because the heir is
naturally interested in
fulfilling the condition.
So even if potestative
and
suspensive,
the
condition is still valid.
The potestative condition is to be complied with as

soon as the heir learns of the testators death
because since the will is revocable during the
lifetime of the testator, it would be useless for the
heir to comply with the condition knowing that it
may be revoked by the testator anytime
Only substantial compliance is required because it
is presumed that by imposing a purely potestative
condition the testator trusted the heirs enough to
comply with the condition
As a general rule, if already complied with by the
heir, it must be complied with again unless it is of
such a nature that it cannot be complied with again
ARTICLE 877.
If the condition is casual or mixed, it shall be
sufficient if it happen or be fulfilled at any time before or after
the death of the testator, unless he has provided otherwise.
Should it have existed or should it have been fulfilled at
the time the will was executed and the testator was unaware
thereof, it shall be deemed as complied with.
If he had knowledge thereof, the condition shall be
considered fulfilled only when it is of such a nature that it can
no longer exist or be complied with again. (796)
Article 877 talks about casual or mixed

condition
CASUAL CONDITION is a condition which
depends upon chance and/or upon the will of a
third person
MIXED CONDITION is a condition which
depends upon
1.
the will of the heir AND
upon chance; or
2.
the will of the heir AND
upon the will of a 3rd person
Example of a mixed and casual condition: I
hereby give to A my jewelry provided that A will
bear a child
There must be actual or strict compliance
because by subordinating the condition upon
chance, the testator presumably did not trust the
heir enough
Article 878 talks about suspensive term

A term is a day certain which must necessarily
come although it may not be known when
When the disposition is subject to a suspensive
term, it means that the heir is sure to inherit but
the demandability of the inheritance is just
suspended. The heir is not prevented from
acquiring his right when the institution is subject
to a suspensive term. The right of the instituted
heir becomes vested from the moment of the
death of the testator, although the enjoyment of
the property is just suspended.
What is
suspended is just the demandability of the
inheritance but his right to demand becomes
vested upon the moment of death.
In a suspensive condition, unless the condition
is fulfilled, the instituted heir acquires no right to
the inheritance.
In TERM, the rights will pass
In CONDITION, until after the condition is fulfilled,
then the heir instituted has no right to demand.
When institution is subject to a condition, the
acquisition of rights must be determined AT THE
TIME OF THE FULFILLMENT OF THE CONDITION.
So, at the time of the fulfillment of the condition
when the heir is already dead then, there is no
right to speak of.
The testator can institute can heir subject to a
resolutory term because the law does not prohibit
it
ARTICLE 879.
If the potestative condition imposed upon
the heir is negative, or consists in not doing or not giving
something, he shall comply by giving a security that he will
not do or give that which has been prohibited by the
testator, and that in case of contravention he will return
whatever he may have received, together with its fruits and
interests. (800a)
Article 879 talks of NEGATIVE POTESTATIVE

CONDITION, a condition that is purely
dependent upon the will of the heir, devisee or
legatee which consists of not doing or not giving
something
Under this article, inheritance is immediately
demandable from the moment of death of the
testator
But, the heir or devisee must give a caucion
muciana
CAUCION MUCIANA is the security given by an
heir who is subject to a potestative condition
which is negative or who is subject to the
Prepared
condition which consist in not doing or not giving

something
If the heir contravenes the condition, the heir will
now return what he or she received by way of
inheritance and all the fruits and interest
When monthly allowance, monthly pension,
monthly income, usufruct or personal prestation are
given by way of inheritance and the heir is
prohibited from doing something, otherwise, he
shall forfeit the inheritance, there is no requirement
of giving a security. If the heir contravenes the
condition, the heir is not obliged to return the fruits
and interest because in this example we apply by
analogy Article 874 wherein no security is required
and the heir is not required to return the fruits and
interest.
ARTICLE 880.
If the heir be instituted under a suspensive
condition or term, the estate shall be placed under
administration until the condition is fulfilled, or until it
becomes certain that it cannot be fulfilled, or until the arrival
of the term.
The same shall be done if the heir does not give the
security required in the preceding article. (801a)
Article 880 refers to a situation wherein the

institution is subject to a suspensive condition or
term
When the institution is subject to a suspensive term
or a suspensive condition, the heir instituted will
NOT get the inheritance right away. The heir
instituted still will have to wait for the arrival of the
term or for the happening of the condition. Pending
the arrival of the term or the happening of the
condition, the property but shall be placed under
administration.
As to who will be selected as the administrator, the
provisions of the Rules of Court in Special
Proceedings must be complied with. Those who are
preferred in the appointment as administrators are
also the legal heirs.
The property is also placed under administration if
is bond is not furnished
ARTICLE 881.
The appointment of
estate mentioned in the preceding
manner of the administration and the
the administrator shall be governed
(804a)
the administrator of the

article, as well as the
rights and obligations of
by the Rules of Court.
This article speaks for the appointment of

administrator, which are discussed in Special
Proceedings
Administrator is a person appointed by the court
to take care of the properties of the testator who
died without a will
Executor is the person provided by the testator in
his will who will take care of his properties pending
settlement of his estate
ARTICLE 882.
The statement of the object of the
institution, or the application of the property left by the
testator, or the charge imposed by him, shall not be
considered as a condition unless it appears that such was his
intention.
That which has been left in this manner may be claimed
at once provided that the instituted heir or his heirs give
security for compliance with the wishes of the testator and for
the return of anything he or they may receive, together with
its fruits and interests, if he or they should disregard this
obligation. (797a)
Article 882 refers to MODAL INSTITUTION (2001

Bar Question)
MODAL INSTITUTION is the institution wherein
the statement of the object of the institution, or the
application of the property left by the testator, or
the charge imposed by him, shall not be considered
as a condition unless it appears that such was his

intention.
If the heir does not comply with the object or the
attestation and the purpose of the institution, the
heir forfeits the inheritance
If the institution is subject to a mode, the heir
immediately enjoys the property
The heir is required to furnish a security so that
he will do what has been imposed by the testator
If there is doubt as to whether the institution is a
mode or condition, it is resolved in favor of a
mode because we have to consider that the real
reason in the institution is the liberality of the
testator
According to Paras, if there is a doubt as to
whether it is a mode or a suggestion, it is
considered as a suggestion because it is less
burdensome
MODE
This refers to:
a.
t
he object of the
institution;
b.
t
he application of
the property; and
c.
c
harge
Heir immediately enjoys
the property upon the
death of the testator,
provided he has furnished
security
It is obligatory upon the
instituted heir and so, he
has to comply with the
object of the institution or
the burden imposed by
the testator. The failure
to do so would result in
the forfeiture of the
inheritance
When you are in doubt,
treat the same as a mode
because when there is a
condition, the burden is
heavier. A mode merely
obligates but does not
suspend.
CONDITION
If it refers to other
things, you can say that
they are conditions.
Heirs do not enjoy the

property after the death
of the testator but only
upon the fulfillment of
the condition
It is not obligatory upon
the part of the heir
because the condition
may or may not happen
But if the condition

happens, the burden is
heavier
because
a
condition obligates AND
suspends.
ARTICLE 883.
When without the fault of the heir, an
institution referred to in the preceding article cannot take
effect in the exact manner stated by the testator, it shall be
complied with in a manner most analogous to and in
conformity with his wishes.
If the person interested in the condition should prevent
its fulfillment, without the fault of the heir, the condition
shall be deemed to have been complied with. (798a)
Article 883 talks about substantial compliance

or constructive fulfillment
Without the fault of the heir instituted, the
obligation cannot be fulfilled by the heir exactly
in the manner stated by the testator.
But as long as it is substantially in accordance
with the obligation imposed then the institution
will take effect.
Example of substantial compliance is when the
heir is obligated to paint a portrait of the testator
but the portrait is not an exact resemblance of
the testator. Nevertheless, there is substantial
compliance.
Even if the obligation cannot be fulfilled with, still,
it is as if it is fulfilled by constructive fulfillment.
The instituted heir should not be prejudiced by
Prepared
the fact that other persons prevented him from

fulfilling his obligation.
Example of constructive fulfillment is when a third
person cuts the hand of the heir so that such heir
cannot paint a portrait of the testator anymore.
ARTICLE 884.
Conditions imposed by the testator upon the
heirs shall be governed by the rules established for conditional
obligations in all matters not provided for by this Section.
(791a)
An example of the same rule on conditions applied

both to succession and obligations and contracts is
an institution subject to a resolutory condition. Just
like in obligations and contracts, the heir
immediately enjoys the property. But upon the
fulfillment of the resolutory condition the heir
ceases to enjoy the property. The happening of the
condition gives rise to the extinguishment of the
right to the inheritance
If there are specific provisions in succession
referring to conditions and these conditions are not
the same as in obligations and contracts, the
provisions in succession shall prevail
In succession, an impossible condition shall be
considered as not written and so, the institution
shall still be given effect.
In obligations and contracts, if the obligation is
subject to an impossible condition both the
condition and the obligation are annulled
ARTICLE 885.
The designation of the day or time when the
effects of the institution of an heir shall commence or cease
shall be valid.
In both cases, the legal heir shall be considered as called
to the succession until the arrival of the period or its
expiration. But in the first case he shall not enter into
possession of the property until after having given sufficient
security, with the intervention of the instituted heir. (805)
This article talks about an institution subject to

either a suspensive term or resolutory term
If it is subject to a suspensive term, the
demandability of the property inherited shall be
suspended until after the arrival of the term. If in
the meantime the instituted heir dies before the
arrival of the term, his rights shall pass on to his
own heirs because the heir already acquired rights
to the property from the moment of death although
the demandability is just postponed.
If the institution is subject to a resolutory term,
immediately after the death of the testator, the heir
enjoys the property and upon arrival of the term
the heir shall return the property.
Instances wherein the legal heirs or the

instituted heirs are to give a security:
1. When the institution is subject to a suspensive
term, the legal heirs can enjoy the property
pending the arrival of the term provided that
the legal heirs shall give security (Article 885);
2. In modal institution, the heir instituted subject
to a mode shall give security before the heir
can enjoy the property (Article 882); and
3. When the institution is subject to a negative
potestative condition or consists in not doing or
not giving then the heir instituted must also
give a security which is called caucion muciana
(Article 879).
Illegitimate children
Surviving Spouse 1/8
Legitimate Parents
Illegitimate Children
Legitimate Parents
Legitimate Parents
Surviving Spouse
Illegitimate Parents
Surviving Spouse
Illegitimate Child alone
Legitimate Parents alone
Illegitimate Children 1/3

Surviving Spouses 1/3
Legitimate Child alone
1 Legitimate Child
Surviving spouse
2 or more legitimate
children
Surviving spouse - same
as 1 legitimate child
Legitimate Child
Illegitimate child of
each legitimate child
ARTICLE 886.
Legitime is that part of the testator's
property which he cannot dispose of because the law has
reserved it for certain heirs who are, therefore, called
compulsory heirs. (806)
When it comes to foreigners, the intrinsic validity

of the will shall be governed by the national law
of the decedent. So, if in their country there is no
system of legitime, the will is still valid.
Philippines follows a system of legitime
The purpose of providing for legitimes is to
protect the compulsory heirs of the testator
because the testator by his passion, prejudice
might just omit his compulsory heirs.
ARTICLE 887.
The following are 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;
(3) The widow or widower;
(4) Acknowledged natural children, and natural children by
legal
fiction;
(5) Other illegitimate children referred to in article 287.
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.
In all cases of illegitimate children, their filiation must
be duly proved.
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. (807a)
SECTION 5
Legitime
Simpler Table of Legitime (from the book of
Paras)
Surviving Spouse ,
1/3,
This has been already qualified by the Family

Code because the Family code does not mention
acknowledged natural children or natural children
by legal fiction. We only have legitimate children
and illegitimate children.
Article 887 enumerate who are the compulsory
heirs
The word compulsory means that the testator
cannot deprive the heir of their share but the heir
has the liberty whether or not to accept the
inheritance. It is not compulsory upon the heirs to
accept but is compulsory upon the testator to
provide something for his heirs.
The primary compulsory heirs the legitimate
children, widow or widower, and illegitimate
children. They inherit all at the same time. They
concur with each other.
The
legitimate
parents
are
secondary
compulsory heirs. In the absence of legitimate
children, it is when the ascendants or parents
inherit. It is either the legitimate children or
descendants, parents or ascendants. They will
not concur.
Illegitimate children concur with legitimate
children. They concur with the parents or
ascendants. They concur with the surviving
spouse.
Illegitimate children are concurring
compulsory heirs
Prepared
Brothers and sisters are not compulsory heirs
ARTICLE 888.
The legitime of legitimate children and
descendants consists of one-half of the hereditary estate of
the father and of the mother.
The latter may freely dispose of the remaining half,
subject to the rights of illegitimate children and of the
surviving spouse as hereinafter provided. (808a)
The legitime of legitimate children is of the net

hereditary estate
The legitime of the surviving spouse and
illegitimate children shall be taken from the free
portion. What remains is the free disposal
Tip: Compute first the legitime of the children
before the spouse provided there are 2 or more
legitimate children
ARTICLE 889.
The legitime of legitimate parents or
ascendants consists of one-half of the hereditary estates of
their children and descendants.
The children or descendants may freely dispose of the
other half, subject to the rights of illegitimate children and of
the surviving spouse as hereinafter provided. (809a)
The legitime of legitimate parents is of the net

hereditary estate.
It is the same because
legitimate parents inherit in the absence of
legitimate children.
If the parents are legitimate, they are excluded only
by the presence of legitimate children. They concur
with illegitimate children.
But if the parents or ascendants are illegitimate,
they are excluded even by the presence of
illegitimate children or descendants.
ARTICLE 890.
The legitime reserved for the legitimate
parents shall be divided between them equally; if one of the
parents should have died, the whole shall pass to the survivor.
If the testator leaves neither father nor mother, but is
survived by ascendants of equal degree of the paternal and
maternal lines, the legitime shall be divided equally between
both lines. If the ascendants should be of different degrees, it
shall pertain entirely to the ones nearest in degree of either
line. (810)
This is the inheritance of the parents or ascendants

Observe the rule on proximity the nearer
relatives exclude those who are farther
In the ascending line, there is no right of
representation
Always remember to divide equally between the
maternal side and the paternal side
ARTICLE 891.
The ascendant who inherits from his
descendant any property which the latter may have acquired
by gratuitous title from another ascendant, or a brother or
sister, is obliged to reserve such property as he may have
acquired by operation of law for the benefit of relatives who
are within the third degree and who belong to the line from
which said property came. (871)
Article 891 talks about RESERVA TRONCAL

The purpose of reserve troncal is to prevent the
property of one family from falling into the hands of
another family
The concepts of reserve troncal is to return the
property from where it originally came from
The concept of reserva troncal is actually a burden
or restriction or a charge on the legitime of the
ascendant.
Parties involved in Reserva Troncal:

1. Origin of the property
2. Propositus
3 Reservor or reservista
4. Reservees or reservatorios
Origin
Reservor
Reservees
Propositus
ORIGIN
The origin must be a legitimate relative, either

the legitimate mother or father or ascendant or
legitimate half-brother or half-sister
It cannot be full blood brothers and sisters

because there would be no distinction as to the
line.
The property transferred from the origin to the

propositus must be OWNED by the origin
PROPOSITUS
The propositus must be a descendant of the

origin or of the half brother or half sister. It must
be a legitimate relationship.
The transfer from the origin to the propositus

should be by gratuitous title, which is either the
origin donated the property to the propositus or
the propositus inherited the property from the
origin.
The propositus, there being no obligation to

reserve yet on his part, can just dispose the
property to anybody. He can use the property or
he can destroy the property. That is why the
propositus is called the ARBITER of the reserve
because it is within the hands of the propositus
whether or not the reserve will arise. If the
propositus will destroy the property, then reserva
troncal cannot arise. If the propositus reserves
the property until his death, then reserve troncal
may arise. If the propositus has children of his
own, then reserve troncal cannot arise.
Upon the death of the propositus, the obligation

to reserve will now arise. The propositus died with
no issues and no children, then, the same
property received from the origin is transferred to
the reservor (ascendant) by OPERATION OF LAW.
When the propositus died with a will, what is

transferred by operation of law is the portion
corresponding to the legitime of the reservor. If
there is NO will, the entire property is transmitted
to the reservor by operation of law.
The very same property received by the

propositus from the origin must be the same
property transferred to the reservor
If the origin (ascendant) left an insurance policy

where the propositus was the beneficiary, there is
no reserve if the cash received by the propositus
was inherited by his mother because the
proceeds from the insurance policy were not
received by the propositus from the origin but
from the insurance company.
RESERVOR
The reservor is not merely a usufructuary. He is

the full owner of the property. He can alienate,
donate or pledge the property. He owns the
property but his ownership is subject to a
RESOLUTORY CONDITION. Upon the happening of
the resolutory condition, the ownership of the
reservor will be extinguished.
The resolutory condition is that upon the death of

the reservor, there must be reservees or relatives
of the descendant propositus who are LIVING AND
WITHIN THE 3RD DEGREE OF CONSANGUINITY
from the descendant propositus. Upon the
happening of this resolutory condition, the
ownership of the reservor is extinguished.
Prepared
But the disposition again is also subject to the

resolutory condition that upon the death of the
reservor (ascendant), if there are living reservees,
then the effect of the alienation becomes
ineffective.
If the reservor sold the property to a third person,
the obligation of the reservor, if it is a personal
property, is not to return but the estate of the
reservor must pay the value to the reservees.
If what was sold was a real property, if the 3 rd party
is NOT innocent, as such that he knows that the
property is subject to the reserve troncal, then that
3rd party is obliged to return the properties to the
reservees.
But if the 3rd party is an innocent purchaser or
innocent mortgagor, then the right of the reservees
consists of demanding payment from the estate of
the reservor or demanding payment from the
Assurance Fund under the Land Registration
Authority.
Obligations of the reservor during the
subsistence of the reserve:
1. The reservor must make an inventory of the
property received by operation of law from the
descendant;
2. He must register the inventory with the
Registry of Property;
3. If the property received from the descendant is
Real property, then the reservor has the
obligation to furnish a bond, mortgage or
security to insure the safe delivery of the
property to the reservees who might be living
at the time of the death of the reservor;
4. If the real property is already registered, then
the reservor is obliged to annotate the reserve.
He must do this within 90 days from the time
he received the property from the descendant
or from the time the court makes a decision
that the reservor is entitled to receive the
property. If the reservor does not make the
annotation, then the reservees have the right
to file an action to compel the reservor to make
the annotation but they must wait after the
lapse of 90 days.
The annotation itself is
sufficient protection or if there is no annotation,
bond, security, or mortgage must be furnished.
5. The reservor also must not substitute the
property with another. The same property
received from the origin and from the
descendant must be same properties to be
given to the reservees
Exceptions:
1. If the property is sold to the innocent
purchaser for value, in effect the obligation
of the reservor is substituted with the
obligation to pay money to reserve;
2. If the property is lost or destroyed without
the fault of the reservor, then the obligation
is extinguished.
The reservees may intervene in the land
registration proceeding not for the purpose of
opposing the registration but for the purpose of
having their claim to the reserva being annotated
to the title
If the reservees did not intervene in the said
proceedings, within 1 year, they can file for a
review of decree of registration so that they can
cause the annotation thereof. But they can no
longer do so beyond the 1-year period if the
purchaser is innocent.
If the purchaser is not
innocent, the 1-year period does not apply. The
purchaser may still be obliged to return the
property because knowledge is equivalent to
registration.
RESERVEES
Reservees are 3rd degree relatives of the

propositus.
Upon the death of the reservor, if there are still
relatives within the 3rd degree of the propositus
who are still living, then the ownership of the
reservor is extinguished and the property will now
go to the reservees.
The reservees inherit from the propositus, not
from the reservor. The reservor is actually a
conditional heir of the propositus.
The reservees already have rights to the property
but their inheritance is subject to the condition
that they must be living at the time of the death
of the reservor.
During the lifetime of the reservor the reservees
can compel the reservor to furnish bond, security,
mortgage or to annotate the reserva because
they already inherit such property although
conditional. But the right of action of the
reservees commences only from the death of the
reservor. As long as the reservor is alive, if the
reservor sells the property to the 3 rd person, the
reservees cannot impugn the sale made by the
reservor. They only have the right to demand that
the reservor annotate the reserva or that the
reservor give security, bond or mortgage.
Reservees can sell the property themselves even
if the reservor is still alive.
This is not a case of future inheritance because
the reservees inherit not from the reservor but
from the propositus. This is a case of sale of
future property or emptio rei speratae. The sale
of future property is valid subject to the condition
that it should exist.
ARTICLE 1461 NEW CIVIL CODE. Things having a
potential existence may be the object of the
contract of sale.
The efficacy of the sale of a mere hope or
expectancy is deemed subject to the condition
that the thing will come into existence.
The sale of a vain hope or expectancy is
void. (n)
How to know that a relative is within 1 st, 2nd or

3rd degree?
1st degree: parents,
2nd degree: grandparents, brothers and sisters
3rd degree:
great grandparents, uncles and
aunts, nephews and nieces
Collateral relatives are uncles & aunts,

brothers & sisters, nephews & nieces
Relatives in the direct line are parents,
grandparents and the great grandparents
Reserva troncal determines only a class of
relatives who would be entitled to the property
after the death of the testator. But as to who will
specifically be entitled to the property, follow the
rule on legal or intestate succession
In legal or intestate succession, the nearer
relatives exclude the farther. Those who are in
the descending line are favored than those who
are in the ascending line. And those who are in
the direct line are favored other than those who
are in the collateral line.
The obligation of the reservors estate upon his

death if the property deteriorates includes:
1. reimburse the reservees for the value of the
deterioration from the security furnished by
the reservor; or
2. claim reimbursement from the estate of the
reservor.
2 theories on the value of the reserva:
Prepared
1.
2.
Under the theory of RESERVA MAXIMA, all

that can be embraced or included in the legitime
shall be considered as reservable property.
Under the theory of RESERVA MINIMA, only
HALF of the property received from the origin to the
descendant is transferred to the ascendant reservor
as legitime.
Example: Propositus inherits a land worth P500,000.

Upon his death, he also has P 1M worth of properties
aside from the P 500,000.The descendant propositus
has no issues and thus, all his properties will go to his
father (ascendant). The descendant made a will giving
all his properties to his father. If the father has no other
properties, how much should be the value of the
properties came from the propositus should the
reservor (father) reserve in favor of the reservees?
The legitime of the ascendant is P750,000, which is

from P 1.5 M divided by 2. Under the theory of
reserve maxima, the reservable property is that
which can be embraced in the legitime. As such,
the entire P 500,000 is reservable because it can be
embraced in the whole legitime worth P 750,000.
Out of the legitime,
P 500,000 is reservable
and P 250,000 is property owned by the
descendant.
Under the theory of reserva minima, only half of

the property received from the origin to the
descendant is reservable. So, half of P 500,000 and
half of P 1M will be part of the legitime, which is
equal to P 750,000. Thus, the reservable property is
only P 250,000, which is half of the property
received from the origin to the descendant.
Example: Propositus inherits a land worth P 1M. Upon
his death, he also has P 500,00 worth of properties
aside from the P 1M.The descendant propositus has no
issues and thus, all his properties will go to his father
(ascendant). The descendant made a will giving all his
properties to his father. If the father has no other
properties, how much should be the value of the
properties came from the propositus should the
reservor (father) reserve in favor of the reservees?
The legitime of the ascendant is P750,000, which is

from P 1.5 M divided by 2. Under the theory of
reserve maxima, the reservable property is that
which can be embraced in the legitime. As such,
only P 750,000 is reservable because it is only up to
such amount that can be embraced in the whole
legitime worth P 750,000.
Under the theory of reserva minima, only half of

the property received from the origin to the
descendant is reservable. So, half of P 1M and half
of P 500,00 will be part of the legitime, which is
equal to P 750,000. Thus, the reservable property is
only P 500,000, which is half of the property
received from the origin to the descendant.
The reserva maxima theory is more in keeping with

Article 891. Reserva minima is more in keeping
with equity and justice. What is followed is
reserva minima.
If there is no will:
The entire property which came from the other

ascendant is reservable because the entire
property was transferred to the ascendant by
operation of law because there is no will. So, the
entire P 500,000 is reservable from the first
example and the entire P 1M is reservable from the
second example if there was no will.
When there is a will, only that part which

corresponds to the legitime is transferred by
operation of law.
But if there is no will then everything is reservable
How is reserva maxima extinguished?

1.
Upon the death of reservoir
2.
Upon the death of ALL the would-be
reservees ahead of the reservoir
3.
Upon the loss of the reservable properties
without the fault or negligence of the reservoir
4.
Upon prescription Adverse possession as
against reservees by the reservoir or a stranger
of the reservable property as free from reserva
for 30 years if it is a real property and 8 years if
it is a personal property. In order for prescription
to run, the fact that the reservor repudiates or
hold the property free from the reserva must be
communicated to the reservees, the reservees
must know that the reservor is holding the
property as free from the reserva otherwise there
will be no prescription.
5.
Upon registration under the Torrens System
as free from the reservation.
6.
Upon renunciation or waiver by ALL reservees
AFTER the death of the reservoir
Reservable property is not extinguished by the

government.
It will just continue on the
indemnity or just compensation
If the reservable property is insured and then,
destroyed, there is reserve on the insurance
indemnity or proceeds thereof
Bar Question: What do you understand by the

DELAYED INTESTACY THEORY?
This is the theory that is applied in RESERVA
TRONCAL. Remember, in RESERVA TRONCAL, the
reservor inherits from the propositus. The reservee
also inherit from the propositus.
However, the inheritance by the reservee from
the propositus is delayed until after the death of the
reservor. The inheritance of the reservee from the
propositus is by virtue of legal or intestate
succession. Remember, even if the propositus dies
testate or with a will, that only refers to the
inheritance of the reservor. But, with respect to the
reservee, what governs is the law on legal or
intestate succession.
That is the concept of DELAYED INTESTACY
when the resolutory condition of the reservor is
fulfilled, the properties are distributed to the
reservees as if they are inheriting from the propositus
at the time of the fulfillment of the condition. Since
there is no will, then, the reservees inherit by virtue
of intestate succession, the decedent being the
propositus. The inheritance of the reservees are
delayed.
ARTICLE 892.
If only one legitimate child or descendant
of the deceased survives, the widow or widower shall be
entitled to one-fourth of the hereditary estate. In case of a
legal separation, the surviving spouse may inherit if it was
the deceased who had given cause for the same.
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. (834a)
If there is only one legitimate child, the legitime

of the surviving spouse would be of the net
hereditary estate to be taken from the free
portion
The guilty spouse shall be disqualified from

inheriting from the innocent spouse but the
innocent spouse can still inherit from the guilty
spouse.
If there are 2 or more legitimate children, the
surviving spouse can inherit from the deceased
Prepared
even if there was legal separation and the

deceased spouse gave cause for the legal
separation
ARTICLE 893.
If the testator leaves no legitimate
descendants, but leaves legitimate ascendants, the surviving
spouse shall have a right to one-fourth of the hereditary
estate.
This fourth shall be taken from the free portion of the
estate. (836a)
In here, the surviving spouse concurs with the

legitimate ascendants. There are no legitimate
children
The share of the legitimate ascendant is one-half.
The share of the surviving spouse is to be taken
from the free portion
In order to memorize effectively, you have to
memorize first the share of the surviving spouse.
ARTICLE 894.
If the testator leaves illegitimate children,
the surviving spouse shall be entitled to one-third of the
hereditary estate of the deceased and the illegitimate children
to another third. The remaining third shall be at the free
disposal of the testator. (n)
In this scenario, the survivors are the spouse and

the illegitimate children.
The share would be 1/3 each. The remaining 1/3
would be the free portion.
The share of the surviving spouse is not taken from
the free portion
The legitimes of the legitimate children and the
legitimate parents would always be
The legitimes of the surviving spouse and the
illegitimate children may vary.
ARTICLE 895.
The legitime of each of the acknowledged
natural children and each of the natural children by legal
fiction shall consist of one-half of the legitime of each of the
legitimate children or descendants.
The legitime of an illegitimate child who is neither an
acknowledged natural, nor a natural child by legal fiction, shall
be equal in every case to four-fifths of the legitime of an
acknowledged natural child.
The legitime of the illegitimate children shall be 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. (840a)
Note that under the Family Code, there are no

longer acknowledged natural, natural child by legal
fiction. We only have legitimate or illegitimate
children.
With respect to illegitimate children, they are
entitled to one-half of the share of one legitimate
child
In the distribution of legitimes, you first have to
satisfy the legitime of legitimate children and then,
the surviving spouse which should be taken from
the free portion. And whatever remains, divide it
equally among the illegitimate children
ARTICLE 896.
Illegitimate children who may survive with
legitimate parents or ascendants of the deceased shall be
entitled to one-fourth of the hereditary estate to be taken from
the portion at the free disposal of the testator. (841a)
In this scenario, the illegitimate children survive

with the legitimate parents of the testator
to the parents and to the illegitimate children
Illegitimate children DO NOT exclude the legitimate
parents or ascendants whereas legitimate children
excludes legitimate parents or ascendants
ARTICLE 897.
When the widow or widower survives with
legitimate children or descendants, and acknowledged
natural children, or natural children by legal fiction, such
surviving spouse shall be entitled to a portion equal to the
legitime of each of the legitimate children which must be
taken from that part of the estate which the testator can
freely dispose of. (n)
The widow or the surviving spouse concur with

legitimate children and illegitimate children
If there is only 1 legitimate children, the surviving
spouse gets
If there are 2 or more legitimate children, the
spouse shall be entitled to a share which is
equivalent to a share of one of the legitimate
child
For the illegitimate children, the share would be
of the share of 1 legitimate child
ARTICLE 898.
If the widow or widower survives with
legitimate children or descendants, and with illegitimate
children other than acknowledged natural, or natural
children by legal fiction, the share of the surviving spouse
shall be the same as that provided in the preceding article.
(n)
ARTICLE 899.
legitimate parents or ascendants and with illegitimate
children, such surviving spouse shall be entitled to oneeighth of the hereditary estate of the deceased which must
be taken from the free portion, and the illegitimate children
shall be entitled to one-fourth of the estate which shall be
taken also from the disposable portion. The testator may
freely dispose of the remaining one-eighth of the estate. (n)
The survivors here are the legitimate parents,

illegitimate children and the spouse.
To the legitimate parents , to the illegitimate
children to be taken from the free portion and
to the surviving spouse 1/8 to be taken from the
free portion.
ARTICLE 900.
If the only survivor is the widow or
widower, she or he shall be entitled to one-half of the
hereditary estate of the deceased spouse, and the testator
may freely dispose of the other half. (837a)
If the marriage between the surviving spouse and the
testator was solemnized in articulo mortis, and the testator
died within three months from the time of the marriage, the
legitime of the surviving spouse as the sole heir shall be
one-third of the hereditary estate, except when they have
been living as husband and wife for more than five years. In
the latter case, the legitime of the surviving spouse shall be
that specified in the preceding paragraph. (n)
The only survivor here is the spouse
GENERAL RULE: The spouse shall be entitled to of

the net hereditary estate if he/she is the only
survivor.
EXCEPTION: The spouse shall be entitled to 1/3 if:
1. The marriage was celebrated in articulo mortis
and
2. the other spouse died within 3 months from the
celebration of the marriage
The spouse who is at the point of death

during the marriage must be the one who
should die
The cause of death must be the very same

reason why the marriage was in articulo
mortis
EXCEPTION TO THE EXCEPTION: Surviving spouse
gets 1/2 even if the testator or the testatrix died
within 3 months from time of celebration of marriage
Prepared
wherein the couple had been living previously as

husband and wife for more than 5 years
This provision is only true with respect to

testate succession. When it comes to intestate or
legal succession, this provision does not apply.
ARTICLE 901.
When the testator dies leaving illegitimate
children and no other compulsory heirs, such illegitimate
children shall have a right to one-half of the hereditary estate
of the deceased.
The other half shall be at the free disposal of the testator.
(842a)
The only survivors here are the illegitimate

children. They are entitled to of the estate. The
other half is considered as the free portion.
ARTICLE 902.
The rights of illegitimate children set forth in
the preceding articles are transmitted upon their death to their
descendants, whether legitimate or illegitimate. (843a)
If the illegitimate child died ahead of his

parents and he also has his own children legitimate
or illegitimate, all of these children will inherit by
Right of Representation. They will get whatever
rights their parents have.
The right of an illegitimate child passes to his
children whether legitimate or illegitimate.
In the case of a legitimate child, his own
illegitimate child cannot represent.
ARTICLE 903.
The legitime of the parents who have an
illegitimate child, when such child leaves neither legitimate
descendants, nor a surviving spouse, nor illegitimate children,
is one-half of the hereditary estate of such illegitimate child. If
only legitimate or illegitimate children are left, the parents are
not entitled to any legitime whatsoever. If only the widow or
widower survives with parents of the illegitimate child, the
legitime of the parents is one-fourth of the hereditary estate of
the child, and that of the surviving spouse also one-fourth of
the estate. (n)
The parents under this article are the

illegitimate parents (parents of an illegitimate child)
The presence of legitimate children will exclude
the legitimate parents. But legitimate parents, in
the absence of legitimate children, will concur with
the illegitimate children.
With respect to the illegitimate parents of the
testator, they are excluded by the presence of the
children of the testator whether his children are
legitimate or illegitimate.
The illegitimate parents are only secondary
compulsory heirs because they inherit their
legitimes only in the absence of the legitimate or
illegitimate children or descendants of the
decedent
Article 903 refers to only to illegitimate parents
and not to other ascendants like the parents of the
illegitimate parents.
Thus, the rule here is different from the case of
the grandparents of a legitimate child, for they may
inherit in default of both legitimate parents
ARTICLE 904.
The testator cannot deprive his compulsory
heirs of their legitime, except in cases expressly specified by
law.
Neither can he impose upon the same any burden,
encumbrance, condition, or substitution of any kind
whatsoever. (813a)
Even without the will of the testator, the

compulsory heirs are always entitled to their
legitimes
The only way to deprive the compulsory heirs
of their legitime is by expressly disinheriting them
in a will, wherein the legal cause therefore shall

be specified.
Only the Free portion of the estate that the
testator can give away is subject to certain
condition, substitution or burden.
But the law states except in cases expressly
specified by law.
Burdens that the testator may impose on the

legitime:
In accordance with law:
1. A prohibition to partition the legitime is valid
for a period not exceeding 20 years
2. Reserva Troncal is also a burden insofar as
the legitime of the reservor or reservista is
concerned.
ARTICLE 905.
Every renunciation or compromise as
regards a future legitime between the person owing it and
his compulsory heirs is void, and the latter may claim the
same upon the death of the former; but they must bring to
collation whatever they may have received by virtue of the
renunciation or compromise. (816)
During the lifetime of the testator, the heirs

only have inchoate right over the properties of
the testator as well as to their legitime
The right to their legitime only becomes
vested when the testator dies
There can be no renunciation or compromise
that can be made based upon a right that is yet
an expectancy or an inchoate right
Even if the compromise is made among the
compulsory heirs themselves, such compromise
would still not be valid.
There can be renunciation of or compromise
on present legitime because the subject matter is
no longer a future inheritance
To reconcile with a waiver of a hereditary
right, a waiver of hereditary right is executed
after the death of the testator. Hereditary right
means your right to the inheritance.
But in
Article 905, we are talking here of future
inheritance or future legitime executed during the
lifetime of the testator.
You can waive your right to the inheritance
and that can be executed because from the
moment of death of the testator, the right of heirs
to the estate already becomes vested even if
there is still no distribution.
ARTICLE 906.
Any compulsory heir to whom the testator
has left by any title less than the legitime belonging to him
may demand that the same be fully satisfied. (815)
Article 906 talks about completion of

legitime
In this case, a compulsory heir has been
given his legitime by means of donation,
condonation, remission, devise, legacy as long as
the giving of the title is gratuitous
COMPLETION OF
LEGITIME (Article 906)
Part of the estate is given
to the compulsory heirs
although the amount is
equivalent
to
the
legitime but less than the
legitime.
All you have to do is to
give whatever amount
that is lacking.
The will remains
PRETERITION
There is total omission so
nothing is given to the
compulsory heir during
the lifetime or in the will,
nothing at all in the
inheritance.
We annul the institution
of heirs.
The will is invalidated but
legacies
and
devises
which are not inofficious
Prepared
shall be respected.
the law assures that the compulsory heirs would

still receive their inheritance.
Collation where even if the
testator already dispose all his properties during
his lifetime, still, the compulsory heirs are
assured of their legitime.
ARTICLE 907.
Testamentary dispositions that impair or
diminish the legitime of the compulsory heirs shall be reduced
on petition of the same, insofar as they may be inofficious or
excessive. (817)
2.
ARTICLE 909.
Donations given to children shall be
charged to their legitime.
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. (819a)
Article 907 talks about testamentary disposition

that impair or diminish the legitime of compulsory
heirs
By analogy, this article applies to donation inter
vivos.
Donations which impair (donation inter
vivos) the legitime shall be reduced on petition of
the compulsory heirs.
When you apply inofficious donation, only the
compulsory heirs can assail that the donation shall
be reduced because it impairs their legitime.
The creditor cannot petition that donation inter
vivos which are inofficious be reduced
ARTICLE 908.
To determine the legitime, the value of the
property left at the death of the testator shall be considered,
deducting all debts and charges, which shall not include those
imposed in the will.
To the net value of the hereditary estate, shall be
added the value of all donations by the testator that are
subject to collation, at the time he made them. (818a)
If you do not arrive at the correct net hereditary

estate, all your computation of the legitimes would
be wrong
You add the donations made during the lifetime
of the testator. That is the process of COLLATION.
In collation, you do not actually return the
property physically but only the value thereof is
considered as part of the estate
Donations are collated because it would be
easy for the testator to circumvent the law on
legitime by donating all his properties during his
lifetime so that nothing would be left for his
compulsory heirs at the time of his death.
Donations which are inofficious cannot be
assailed by creditors except when the donation is in
fraud of the creditor
The value to be considered is the value of the
property donated at the time it was donated, not
the value upon the death of the testator
Remember that donations to spouses are void.
Since it is void, it is still part of the estate and so,
there is nothing to collate because it was not
deducted
Example:
Donations
X
P 100,000
Y
P 350,000
Estate:
Less:
Debts
Taxes
Add:
Donations (X)
Donations (Y)
NET HEREDITARY
Estate: P2,500,000
Debts:
250,000
Taxes:
150,000
P 2,500,000
( 250,000)
(
50,000)
---------------P 2,100,000
100,000
350,000
---------------ESTATEP 2,550,000
========
Remedies provided for by law in assuring that

the compulsory heirs would receive their
legitime:
1.
Preterition where even if the
testator omits the compulsory heirs in his estate,
Remember that in succession, a stranger is

one who is not a compulsory heir of the testator
Donations made to strangers during the
lifetime of the testator are charged to the free
portion.
Donations to strangers should be collated,
otherwise, the legitime of the compulsory heirs
will be impaired
If there is no free portion to speak of, the
donation becomes inofficious. As such, there has
to be a reduction or a return of the property
donated.
Example: Same data as in the previous example in

Article 908
Legitime = P 2,550,000 / 2
= P 1,275,000
Donation made to X is considered as an advance.
Upon distribution, he will only receive P 1,175,000.
Donation made to Y shall be charged to the free
portion:
P 1,275,000 350,000 = P 925,000
The remaining free portion is P 925,000 because
the testator already disposed P 350,000 in advance.
This is not inofficious because it can be
accommodated in the free portion.
Assuming that the testator in his will made a
legacy to M worth P 500,000. The testator is survived
a by a spouse, a legitimate child and an illegitimate
child. A donation to Y worth P 350,000 was also
made.
Legitimate child
P 1,275,000
Spouse
637,500 (1,275,000/2)
Y
350,000
Illegitimate child
637,500
The estate is already consumed with what due to
the legitimate child, the spouse and the illegitimate
child. In this case, there is no more free portion left.
Thus, the donation becomes inofficious. In addition,
the legacy to M cannot be given effect because there
is no free portion anymore
ARTICLE 910.
Donations which an illegitimate child may
have received during the lifetime of his father or mother,
shall be charged to his legitime.
Should they exceed the portion that can be freely
disposed of, they shall be reduced in the manner prescribed
by this Code. (847a)
ARTICLE 911. After the legitime has been determined in
accordance with the three preceding articles, the reduction
shall be made as follows:
(1) Donations shall be respected as long as the legitime
can be covered, reducing or annulling, if necessary, the
devises or
legacies made in the will;
(2) The reduction of the devises or legacies shall be pro
rata, without
any distinction whatever.
If the testator has directed that a certain devise or
legacy be
paid in preference to others, it shall not
suffer any reduction until the latter have been applied in
full to the payment of the legitime.
Prepared
(3) If the devise or legacy consists of a usufruct or life

annuity, whose value may be considered greater than that
of the disposable portion, the compulsory heirs may choose
between complying
with the testamentary provision and
delivering to the devisee or
legatee the part of the
inheritance of which the testator could
freely
dispose.
(820a)
Order of priority:
1. Legitime
2. Donations
3. Preferred legacy or devise; and
4. All other pro-rata
Steps to be followed under Article 911:
1.
Determine the Net Hereditary Estate (NHE);
How?
Gross Estate
Less: Debts & charges
Plus: Donations subject to Collation
2.
Determine the legitime of the compulsory heirs
based on #1;
3.
Add total value of all of all the legitimes of all
the compulsory heirs;
4.
Deduct the total value of the legitimes in #3
from the Net Hereditary Estate in #1 to arrive at
the free disposal;
5.
Charge the donations to compulsory heirs to
their legitimes. In case of excess of donations over
the legitime, charge excess to free disposal;
6.
Charge the donations to strangers to the free
disposal;
7.
Charge PREFERRED legacies/devises to free
disposal;
8.
Charge all other legacies/devises to free
disposal;
9.
In case free disposal is insufficient, reduce the
legacies, donations etc in the order of priority.
How?
1. Donation to strangers;
2. If there is still an excess, then you charge the
legacies & devises;
3. If still insufficient, all others.
Article 911 is when there are compulsory heirs

AND/OR there are donations subject to collations
Example:
Net Hereditary Estate
P 2,550,000
Donations: Legitimate child
P 100,000
X (friend)
350,000
M (legacy)
500,000
N (devise)
200,000
Testator is survived by a spouse and a legitimate
child.
Legitimate child
Spouse
Free Portion
P 1,275,000
637,500
--------------P 637,500
The free portion is not sufficient to accommodate

the donation, the legacy, and the devise.
Donations are preferred as long as the legitime can
be covered, reducing or annulling, if necessary, the
devises or legacies made in the will.
Free Portion
Donation to X (friend)
Remaining Free Portion
P 637,500
350,000
-----------P 287,500
The remaining free portion is to be distributed prorata since the testator did not prefer a certain devise or
legacy.
Legacy: 5/7 x 287,500 = P 205, 357.14
Devise: 2/7 x 287,500 = P 82, 142.86
If there are preferred legacy or devise, for

example, the testator says that the legacy to M is
preferred, therefore, of the P287,500 remaining,
this will all be given as legacy to M. The whole P
500,000 cannot be given because the net estate
is not sufficient. But because it is preferred, it
shall be given ahead of the devise. In that case,
the devise will not be given anymore.
If there were 2 or more donations, they shall
be respected equally if made at the same time. It
shall be apportioned the same with the legacy
and devise, which means pro-rata.
If there were 2 or more donations made on
different dates, the earlier one shall be respected.
The more recent donations are less preferred
than the donations earlier made because there is
a presumption that it was made first. This means
that the testator has more preference or affection
for that person to whom he made that first
donation. That is if the donations are made on
different dates.
ARTICLE 912.
If the devise subject to reduction should
consist of real property, which cannot be conveniently
divided, it shall go to the devisee if the reduction does not
absorb one-half of its value; and in a contrary case, to the
compulsory heirs; but the former and the latter shall
reimburse each other in cash for what respectively belongs
to them.
The devisee who is entitled to a legitime may retain the
entire property, provided its value does not exceed that of
the disposable portion and of the share pertaining to him as
legitime. (821)
In this case, the devise subject to reduction

cannot be conveniently divided
According to Article 912, if the reduction does
not absorb of its value, it shall go to the
devisee and the devisee will just pay the
compulsory heirs for such value
If the reduction absorbs more than of its
value, it shall go to the compulsory heirs and the
compulsory heirs will just pay the devisee for
such value
If it is exactly of its value, the real property
shall go to the devisee if you apply the article
literally, you would be defeating the intent of the
testator.
The devisee will just pay the
compulsory heirs for the value
ARTICLE 913.
If the heirs or devisees do not choose to
avail themselves of the right granted by the preceding
article, any heir or devisee who did not have such right may
exercise it; should the latter not make use of it, the property
shall be sold at public auction at the instance of any one of
the interested parties. (822)
If the legatee or devisee does not want to

exercise the right under Article 912, the other
parties (heir or devisee) may exercise the right
on behalf of the party who does not wish to
exercise the right
If none of the parties have the interest to
exercise the right or reimbursement or retention,
the property may just be sold at a public auction
at the instance of any interested party such as a
creditor of the estate
ARTICLE 914.
The testator may devise and bequeath the
free portion as he may deem fit. (n)
After all the legitimes of the compulsory heirs

have been satisfied, including the surviving
spouse and the illegitimate children, the free
disposal may be given by the testator to anybody
provided that there is no prohibition by law.
Prepared
If he gives the free disposal to his concubine,

that is not allowed
Review on LEGITIME
1.
MEMORIZE the legitime of the compulsory

heirs
For easy memorization, maybe, you first start
with the legitime of the surviving spouse because
the legitime of the surviving spouse varies
according to the other concurring heirs.
Surviving spouse with 1 legitimate child
Legitimate child
=
2. If there are 2 or more legitimate children, the share

of the surviving spouse changes:
Surviving spouse = share of 1 legitimate child
Legitimate child
= 1/2
3.
Spouse surviving with the parents of the testator:

Surviving spouse =
Parents
=
If there are illegitimate children:
Surviving spouse = 1/8
4.
Spouse survives with illegitimate children only:

Surviving spouse = 1/3
Illegitimate children= 1/3
5.
If the spouse is the only survivor

=
If marriage celebrated articulo mortis and the other
spouse died within 3 months
= 1/3
If they have been living together for 5 years =
Legitimate children always

Legitimate parents always
Illegitimate children always of the share of 1
legitimate child unless there are many illegitimate
children and the estate is not enough to
accommodate their share. In that case, divide the
remainder among the illegitimate children.
SECTION 6
Disinheritance
ARTICLE 915.
A compulsory heir may, in consequence of
disinheritance, be deprived of his legitime, for causes
expressly stated by law. (848a)
Article 915 talks about the consequence of

being disinherited
DISINHERITANCE is the process or act, thru a
testamentary disposition of depriving in a will any
compulsory heir of his legitime for true and lawful
causes.
Disinheritance refers only to a compulsory heir
Disinheritance is made through a testamentary
disposition. There must be a will.
There is no disinheritance in legal or intestate
succession, only in testate succession
Disinheritance can be made only for causes
expressly stated by law
Ways of depriving the compulsory heir of his

legitime
1.
Disinheritance (Article 915)
2.
Repudiation of the inheritance - the act of the
heir himself
3.
Incapacity by reason of unworthiness
4.
Predecease - the actual or presumptive death
of the heir
5.
Loss of the estate
6.
When the death or charges are equal to or

more than the value of the estate
ARTICLE 916.
Disinheritance can be effected only
through a will wherein the legal cause therefor shall be
specified. (849)
Requisites for a valid disinheritance:

1. The disinheritance must be made in valid will
The disinheritance can also be effected by

virtue of a codicil
Disinheritance can also be made in a

separate will
Disinheritance can also be made in

Incorporation By Reference
2. The disinheritance must be made expressly, not
impliedly
3. There must be a legal cause for the
disinheritance
4. The disinheritance must be made for a true cause
5. The disinheritance must be for and existing cause
A conditional disinheritance is not allowed:

I will disinherit my son if he will kill me in the
future
But a conditional revocation of disinheritance

is allowed:
My son attempted for my life.
I will
disinherit him.
But if he will ask for my
forgiveness, I will revoke
the disinheritance
6. The disinheritance must be total or complete
7. The cause must be stated in the will itself
8. The heir disinherited must be clearly identified,
so that there will be no doubt as to who is really
being disinherited
9. The will in which the disinheritance is stated must
not have been revoked, at least in so far as the
disinheritance is concerned
ARTICLE 917.
The burden of proving the truth of the
cause for disinheritance shall rest upon the other heirs of
the testator, if the disinherited heir should deny it. (850)
ARTICLE 918.
Disinheritance without a specification of
the cause, or for a cause the truth of which, if contradicted,
is not proved, or which is not one of those set forth in this
Code, shall annul the institution of heirs insofar as it may
prejudice the person disinherited; but the devises and
legacies and other testamentary dispositions shall be valid
to such extent as will not impair the legitime. (851a)
Article 918 talks of invalid disinheritance
Instances
wherein
there
is
ineffective
disinheritance:
1. Disinheritance without specification of the cause
2. For a cause which is not a true cause
3. For a cause not given in law
Consequence
if
there
is
an
invalid
disinheritance
It shall annul the institution of the heirs but in

so far as only for the purpose of completing the
legitime of the compulsory heir
But the devises and legacies and other

testamentary dispositions shall be valid to such
extent as will not impair the legitime
EXAMPLE # 1:
The testator instituted A and B in his will and
disinherited C for the reason that C is ugly . A, B
and C are all his legitimate children. His estate is
worth P 120,000.
The effect is it shall annul the institution of heirs
insofar as only it may prejudice the legitime of the
invalidly disinherited heir.
Legitime = P 120,000 / 2
Prepared
= P 60,000
Legitime of each child = P 60,000 / 3
= P 20,000
Distribution:
C
=
P 20,000 (legitime)
A
=
P 20,000 + 30,000 = P 50,000
B
=
P 20,000 + 30,000 = P 50,000
EXAMPLE # 2:
Same example with additional data that X is given
a legacy of P 30,000 cash.
C = P 20,000
A = P 20,000 + P 15,000
B = P 20,000 + P 15,000
X = P 30,000
Remember, in the order of distribution, the

devise or legacy shall be given ahead of the
inheritance.
PRETERITION
The omission may be
either
intentional
or
unintentional as long as
the deprivation is total.
With cause or without
cause
Annuls the institution
May
exist
with
or
without a will.
Q: How does preterition
exist without a will?
A: During the lifetime of
the testator, he can
make donations and the
donations
will
be
collated later on.
If
during his lifetime, he
gave all his properties
to one of his children.
So upon his death, there
is nothing left. So upon
his death, there is no
will but still there is
preterition
because
there is omission.
The institution is always
void
PRETERITION
The institution of heirs
is completely annulled
If there is
legacy, he
the devise
long as
inofficious
a devise or
will receive
or legacy as
it is not
It
is
important
to
distinguish whether the
person is an instituted
heir or a devisee or
legatee
VALID DISINHERITANCE
Disinheritance is always
intentional because it has
to be provided for in the
will.
The
cause
must
be
provided
for
by
law.
(Articles 920 & 921 NCC)
The
disinherited
heir
inherits nothing from the
legitime & the free portion.
There must always be a
will
The institution will be

followed unless there is
another cause for not
following the institution
which is not because of the
disinheritance
but
for
other causes.
IMPERFECT
DISINHERITANCE
The institution remains
valid, but must be reduced
insofar as the legitime has
been impaired
Devises, legacies or other
testamentary dispositions
shall be valid. Even if the
person is just an instituted
heir, he will still receive his
share or inheritance.
Even if the person is just
an instituted heir, as long
as the institution does not
prejudice the legitime of
the invalidly disinherited
heir, then, that heir shall
receive the inheritance
ARTICLE 919.
The following shall be sufficient causes for
the disinheritance of children and descendants, legitimate
as well as illegitimate:
(1) When a child or descendant has been found guilty of an
attempt against the life of the testator, his or her
spouse, descendants, or ascendants;
(2) When a child or descendant has accused the testator of
a crime for which the law prescribes imprisonment for six
years or more, if the accusation has been found groundless;
(3) When a child or descendant has been convicted of
adultery or
concubinage with the spouse of the
testator;
(4) When a child or descendant by fraud, violence,
intimidation, or undue influence causes the testator to
make a will or to change one already made;
(5) A refusal without justifiable cause to support the parent
or ascendant who disinherits such child or descendant;
(6) Maltreatment of the testator by word or deed, by the
child or descendant;
(7) When a child or descendant leads a dishonorable or
disgraceful
life;
(8) Conviction of a crime which carries with it the penalty of
civil
interdiction. (756, 853, 674a)
Article 919 talks about the grounds for

disinheritance
Under Article 919, the person who is
disinherited is a child or descendant of the
testator, whether that child is legitimate or
illegitimate
(1) When a child or descendant has been found

guilty of an attempt against the life of the testator,
his or her spouse, descendants, or ascendants
There is final judgment or conviction already
At the time of the execution of the will, it is

not necessary that the judgment is final
He can be found guilty and the judgment may

become final after the death as long as it
becomes final. Disinheritance can be given
effect once the judgment becomes final
already. There must be an intent to kill.
Even if the descendant is just an accomplice

or accessory, this paragraph applies
Even if the law says attempt, the more reason

that frustrated and consummated stages are
to be included
(2) When a child or descendant has accused the
testator of
a crime for which the law prescribes
imprisonment for
six years or more, if the
accusation has been found
groundless
The accusation be groundless
The crime being referred here is against

anybody
Accusations referred in this paragraph:
1. It may include the institution of a criminal
action
2. You testify in a case against your parents or
ascendants involving a crime which carries a
penalty of 6 years or more
3. Statements
wherein
you
affirm
the
accusations made against your parents,
ascendants.
(3) When a child or descendant has been convicted
of adultery
or concubinage with the spouse of
the testator
The law here says convicted of adultery or

concubinage, unlike the ground in legal
separation where preponderance of evidence
is sufficient
There has to be conviction

(4) When a child or descendant by fraud, violence,
intimidation, or undue influence causes the
testator to
make a will or to change one already
made
There has to be another will made
Prepared
(5) A refusal without justifiable cause to support the

parent or
ascendant who disinherits such child or
descendant
The determination whether or not the refusal of

the child is without just cause will depend upon
the means of the child and the necessity of the
ascendant
(6) Maltreatment of the testator by word or deed, by
the child
or descendant
This ground of maltreatment is present only

with respect to disinheritance of a descendant
(7) When a child or descendant leads a dishonorable or
disgraceful life
What is dishonorable or disgraceful life is a

question which is addressed to the judgment of
the court but generally, the act must not be an
isolated or single act
It has to be a way of life
The child or descendant may be a male or a

female
(8) Conviction of a crime which carries with it the
penalty of
civil interdiction
Generally, crimes which are punishable by

death penalty, reclusion perpertua and
reclusion temporal, all of these carry with it the
accessory penalty of civil interdiction
ARTICLE 920.
the disinheritance of parents or ascendants, whether
legitimate or illegitimate:
(1) When the parents have abandoned their children or
induced their
daughters to live a corrupt or immoral life, or
attempted against
their virtue;
(2) When the parent or ascendant has been convicted of an
attempt against the life of the testator, his or her spouse,
descendants, or ascendants;
(3) When the parent or ascendant has accused the testator of
a crime for which the law prescribes imprisonment for six
years or more, if the accusation has been found to be false;
(4) When the parent or ascendant has been convicted of
adultery or
concubinage with the spouse of the testator;
(5) When the parent or ascendant by fraud, violence,
intimidation, or undue influence causes the testator to make
a will or to change
one already made;
(6) The loss of parental authority for causes specified in this
Code;
(7) The refusal to support the children or descendants without
justifiable cause;
(8) An attempt by one of the parents against the life of the
other,
unless there has been a reconciliation between them.
(756, 854,
674a)
This
article
deals
with
disinheriting an ascendant
The disinherited heir may
grounds stated in the will
the
causes
controvert
the
(1) When the parents have abandoned their children or

induced their daughters to live a corrupt or
immoral life, or attempted against their virtue
Abandonment here does not even have to

amount to a crime as long as he has already
deprived his child of the basic necessity or he
has not been seen for a number of years
Abandonment refers to either physical,

educational or moral as long as you neglect
your child
This may be applied by analogy to sons

(2) When the parent or ascendant has been convicted
of an attempt against the life of the testator, his or
her spouse, descendants, or ascendants
(3) When the parent or ascendant has accused the
testator
of a crime for which the law prescribes
imprisonment for
six years or more, if the
accusation has been found to be false
(4) When the parent or ascendant has been
convicted of
adultery or concubinage with the
spouse of the testator
(5) When the parent or ascendant by fraud, violence,
intimidation, or undue influence causes the
testator to
make a will or to change one already
made
Numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5 are the same as those

in Article 919
(6) The loss of parental authority for causes specified
in this Code
In this case, this should refer to those causes

by which the parent or ascendant is at fault.
These causes are provided for in Article 330
and 332 of the Civil Code.
ARTICLE 330 NEW CIVIL CODE. The father and in a
proper case the mother, shall lose authority over
their children:
(1) When by final judgment in a criminal case the
penalty of deprivation of said authority is imposed
upon him or her;
(2) When by a final judgment in legal separation
proceedings such loss of authority is declared.
(169a)
ARTICLE 332 NEW CIVIL CODE. The courts may
deprive the parents of their authority or suspend
the exercise of the same if they should treat their
children with excessive harshness or should give
them corrupting orders, counsels, or examples, or
should make them beg or abandon them. In these
cases, the courts may also deprive the parents, in
whole or in part, of the usufruct over the child's
property, or adopt such measures as they may
deem advisable in the interest of the child. (171a)
A child under parental authority cannot

execute a will
If the parent regains parental authority, there
are 2 views:
1.
The
disinheritance
will
remain
notwithstanding that the parent has
regain his or her parental authority
because the reason for the disinheritance
is not really the loss of parental authority
but the cause for the loss of parental
authority.
2.
The disinheritance is already deemed
ineffective because upon the death of the
child there is really no more loss of
parental authority.
(7) The refusal to support the children

descendants
without justifiable cause
The same with Article 919
or
(8) An attempt by one of the parents against the life

of the other, unless there has been a reconciliation
between
them.
The child, the son, the daughter or the

grandchild may disinherit his parent who has
attempted against the life of the other parent
No need for conviction because the law says

attempt, so mere attempt
But if there is a reconciliation between the

parents, then, the child cannot anymore
disinherit because if the offended party has
deemed it proper to forgive the other spouse,
then, with more reason the child because he
is not the party directly offended
ARTICLE 921.
disinheriting a spouse:
Prepared
(1) When the spouse has been convicted of an attempt

against the
life of the testator, his or her descendants,
or ascendants;
(2) When the spouse has accused the testator of a crime for
which
the law prescribes imprisonment of six years or more,
and the accusation has been found to be false;
(3) When the spouse by fraud, violence, intimidation, or
undue influence cause the testator to make a will or to
change one
already made;
(4) When the spouse has given cause for legal separation;
(5) When the spouse has given grounds for the loss of
parental authority;
(6) Unjustifiable refusal to support the children or the other
spouse. (756, 855, 674a)
When the spouse has given cause for legal separation
In this case, there is yet no decree of legal

separation but only the occurrence of the cause
for legal separation.
You do not have to secure a decree of legal

separation first before you can disinherit your
spouse who has given ground
Grounds for Legal Separation:
ARTICLE 55 NEW CIVIL CODE. A petition for legal
separation may be filed on any of the following
grounds:
(1) Repeated physical violence or grossly abusive
conduct
directed against the petitioner, a
common child, or a
child of the petitioner;
(2) Physical violence or moral pressure to compel
the petitioner to change religious or political
affiliation;
(3) Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the
petitioner, a common child, or a child of the
petitioner,
to engage in prostitution, or connivance
in such
corruption or inducement;
(4) Final judgment sentencing the respondent to
imprisonment of more than six years, even if
pardoned;
(5) Drug addiction or habitual alcoholism of the
respondent;
(6) Lesbianism or homosexuality of the respondent;
(7) Contracting by the respondent of a subsequent
bigamous marriage, whether in the Philippines or
abroad;
(8) Sexual infidelity or perversion;
(9) Attempt by the respondent against the life of the
petitioner; or
(10) Abandonment of petitioner by respondent
without
justifiable cause for more than one
year.
For purposes of this Article the term "child" shall
include a child by nature or by adoption. (97a)
Note that even if there is merely an attempt

against the life of the other spouse, it can be a
ground for disinheritance because it is a ground
for legal separation. In this ground, there is no
conviction, but mere attempt
But under Article 921, paragraph 1, take note
that what it provides is conviction: When the
spouse has been convicted of an attempt
against the life of the testator, his or her
descendants, or ascendants
If one of the spouses attempt against the life of
a common child or descendant, there has to be
conviction in order that it may constitute a
ground for disinheritance because it is not a
ground for legal separation
If there already has been a decree of legal

separation, there is no more need to disinherit the
offending spouse because by operation of law, the
inheritance given to the other spouse is revoked
and he or she is also disqualified from inheriting
from the innocent spouse.
ARTICLE 922.
A subsequent reconciliation between the
offender and the offended person deprives the latter of the
right to disinherit, and renders ineffectual any disinheritance

that may have been made. (856)
Reconciliation is the mutual restoration of

feelings to the status quo. It is a bilateral act.
The offended party must be able to forgive and
the offender must be able to accept the
forgiveness.
If there is disinheritance and subsequently
there is reconciliation, then the disinheritance
becomes ineffectual
There is no reconciliation if it is merely a
general pardon wherein the testator forgives all
who have offended him because such is a
unilateral act of the testator
How is disinheritance revoked?

1.
There is subsequent reconciliation (so
the disinheritance shall be ineffective)
2.
By making the disinherited heir an
instituted heir
3.
By the revocation of a will containing
disinheritance
4.
By the disallowance of a will
containing the disinheritance
ARTICLE 923.
The children and descendants of the
person disinherited shall take his or her place and shall
preserve the rights of compulsory heirs with respect to the
legitime; but the disinherited parent shall not have the
usufruct or administration of the property which constitutes
the legitime. (857)
Article 923 talks about the

representation
of
the
heirs
disinherited heir
right of
of
the
EXAMPLE: Testator has 2 children, A and B. A has 2

children, C and D. A is disinherited. Even if A can no
longer inherit, C and D will now represent A but only
with respect to the legitime of A. The fault of A
should not be imputed against As heirs.
An heir who has been disinherited can be

represented
PER CAPITA means one inherits in his own
right. In the example, B inherits in his own right.
PER STIRPES means one inherits by virtue
of representation.
In the example, C and D
inherit as representatives of A
When there is a will, representation takes
place only with respect to the legitime
But if there is no will, representation pertains
to the ENTIRE portion
A will containing only a disinheritance is an

indirect disposition. It is a valid will
PRINCIPLE: When there is a will, the

representation of the heir of the disinherited heir
will only be to the EXTENT OF THE LEGITIME. But
with respect to the free portion, that goes to the
instituted heir UNLESS the will does not dispose
of the entire property and that there is intestacy
the own heirs of the disinherited heir may still
part of the free portion
The disinherited heir who is represented has

no usufruct or administration of the property
which constitutes the legitime. Even if his own
children will get the property which he should
have gotten had he not been disinherited, he
cannot use it and he cannot administer it
Prepared
There is no representation with respect to the

spouse. right of representation pertains only to the
descending and direct line
There is no right of representation in the
ascending line
ARTICLE 928.
The heir who is bound to deliver the
legacy or devise shall be liable in case of eviction, if the
thing is indeterminate and is indicated only by its kind. (860)
SECTION 7
Legacies and Devises
ARTICLE 924.
All things and rights which are within the
commerce of man may be bequeathed or devised. (865a)
Everything can be bequeathed or devise as

long as within the commerce of man
Things which cannot be bequeathed or devised:

1. Res Communes
2. Property of Public Dominion
3. Property of Public Use
4. Res Nullus
5. Illicit things
6. Purely Personal or Intransmissible Rights
ARTICLE 925.
A testator may charge with legacies and
devises not only his compulsory heirs but also the legatees
and devisees.
The latter shall be liable for the charge only to the extent of
the value of the legacy or the devise received by them. The
compulsory heirs shall not be liable for the charge beyond the
amount of the free portion given them. (858a)
ARTICLE 929.
If the testator, heir, or legatee owns only a
part of, or an interest in the thing bequeathed, the legacy or
devise shall be understood limited to such part or interest,
unless the testator expressly declares that he gives the
thing in its entirety. (864a)
GENERAL RULE: The legacy or devise shall be valid

only to that portion which is owned by the testator
EXCEPTION: If the testator EXPRESSLY declares that
he gives the thing in its entirety
GENERAL RULE: When the will is silent, the estate has

the duty of effecting the legacy or devise
EXCEPTION: If the testator charges his heirs with the
legacy or devise, then ALL of the heirs, including the
legatees or devisees, has the duty of effecting the
legacy or devise. The value of the legacy or devise
given by the heirs shall be proportion to the shares
which they received.
EXCEPTION TO THE EXCEPTION: But is a SPECIFIC HEIR
or LEGATEE OR DEVISES is charged with the burden of
giving this legacy or devise, then that legatee, devisee,
or heir alone shall bear the burden of giving out the
legacy or devise. Even the compulsory heirs may be
charged with the burden of the legacy or devise but it
should not exceed the amount of the free portion given
Kinds of Legacy
1.
LEGACY PROPER The estate has the duty to
give the legacy.
2.
PRE-LEGACY The duty is given to the estate
but the gift is given to a specific heir or legatee.
The legacy is made specific or determinate so a
car, a house and lot but still the duty to give the
legacy or devise is upon the estate.
3.
SUB-LEGACY/SUB-DEVISE this is the one
referred to under Article 925, when a legacy is
charged to an heir, or a legatee or a devisee.
ARTICLE 926.
When the testator charges one of the heirs
with a legacy or devise, he alone shall be bound.
Should he not charge anyone in particular, all shall be
liable in the same proportion in which they may inherit. (859)
ARTICLE 927.
If two or more heirs take possession of the
estate, they shall be solidarily liable for the loss or destruction
of a thing devised or bequeathed, even though only one of
them should have been negligent. (n)
Even if they are solidarily liable, the heir who is

not negligent can demand reimbursement form the
one who was negligent
If the thing is lost through a fortuitous event,
the heirs do not have any obligation to deliver.
If it is intentional, there is no solidary liability.
The one who is at fault is the only one liable.
If indeterminate or generic, the heir bound to

deliver is liable for eviction. There is warranty
against eviction because being indeterminate or
being generic, the heir charged should not have
delivered thing which is defective.
If specific, the heir is not liable because his
duty is merely to deliver what the testator has
chosen. It is beyond the power of the heir,
legatee or devisee charged.
He is merely
charged with he duty of delivering the very same
thing mentioned by the testator. He has no
liability for eviction.
Article 929 presupposes that the testator

knows that he is not the full owner of the thing
but still he has interest or he is a part owner
The knowledge of the testator can be proved
by the will itself or by evidence aliunde (evidence
oustside the will).
But if the testator wants to give the property
in its entirety, he must expressly provide it in the
will.
ARTICLE 930.
The legacy or devise of a thing belonging
to another person is void, if the testator erroneously
believed that the thing pertained to him. But if the thing
bequeathed, though not belonging to the testator when he
made the will, afterwards becomes his, by whatever title,
the disposition shall take effect. (862a)
ARTICLE 929
The testator is a partowner or has a part
interest AND he knows
that he a part interest or
ownership in the thing
bequeathed or devise.
ARTICLE 930
The testator has no
interest whatsoever but
he erroneously believed
that
he
owns
the
property.
ARTICLE 931.
If the testator orders that a thing
belonging to another be acquired in order that it be given to
a legatee or devisee, the heir upon whom the obligation is
imposed or the estate must acquire it and give the same to
the legatee or devisee; but if the owner of the thing refuses
to alienate the same, or demands an excessive price
therefor, the heir or the estate shall only be obliged to give
the just value of the thing. (861a)
Article 930
The testator does not own
the property but he
erroneously believed that
he owns the property
If the owner of the
property
demands
an
excessive price or refuses
to alienate the property
then, that is the time
when the estate, or the
heir, legatee or devisee
charged with the duty of
giving
shall
give
a
reasonable or just value
Article 931
The testator knows that
the property is not his
and he makes an ORDER
that the property shall
be given to the devisee
or to the legatee.
If theres an order, the
estate, or the heir,
legatee
or
devisee
charged MUST ACQUIRE
it and give it to the
legatee or devisee.
Prepared
of the thing.
If the testator knows that he does not own the

property but gives it to the devisee or legatee and
there is no order that it shall be acquired by the
estate, the devise or legacy is still valid but the
estate, or the heir, legatee or devisee charged with
the duty of giving the property has a choice. He
may have or acquire the property and give it to the
legatee or devisee or he may just pay the just
value.
If there is an order, follow the order
But if the owner of the property does not want
to alienate the property, the heir or the estate must
pay the just value
If there is no order that it shall be acquired by
the estate, the estate has the choice. He may just
acquire the property or pay the just value thereof.
The order that the thing belonging to another
be acquired NEED NOT BE EXPRESS. It may be
implied.
Remember the difference:
Article 929 he owns only a part of the thing
Article 930 he does not own the thing and he does

not know that he does not own the thing
Article 931 he does not own the thing but at the

time of the execution of the will, he knew that he
was not the owner of the thing
What should be reimbursed?

1. If thru sale the price paid therefore
2. If thru barter the value of the thing
exchanged
3. If thru an onerous donation (there is
consideration, not pure liberality) the value
of the burden imposed
4. If thru adjudicacion en pago the value of the
credit, interest and cost
Who reimburses?
1. The estate if no one has been charged in
particular
2. The heir, legatee, or devisee who has been
charged
ARTICLE 934.
If the testator should bequeath or devise
something pledged or mortgaged to secure a recoverable
debt before the execution of the will, the estate is obliged to
pay the debt, unless the contrary intention appears.
The same rule applies when the thing is pledged or
mortgaged after the execution of the will.
Any other charge, perpetual or temporary, with which
the thing bequeathed is burdened, passes with it to the
legatee or devisee. (867a)
ARTICLE 932.
The legacy or devise of a thing which at the
time of the execution of the will already belonged to the
legatee or devisee shall be ineffective, even though another
person may have some interest therein.
If the testator expressly orders that the thing be freed
from such interest or encumbrance, the legacy or devise shall
be valid to that extent. (866a)
This article talks of a thing given as a devise or

as a legacy which at the time of the execution of
the will already belongs to the legatee or devisee
The point to remember is THE TIME OF THE
EXECUTION OF THE WILL
In this case, the legacy or devise would be void
because it would be a legal impossibility for the
testator to give to the legatee something that the
legatee already owns
Even if the thing is mortgaged to another
person, the mortgagor still remains to be the owner
of the thing. The legacy or devise will still be void.
But if there is an order from the testator that
the thing be saved from the mortgage, the legacy
will be valid only to such extent. Upon the death of
the testator, the estate has to pay the debt so that
the property may be saved from the mortgage.
ARTICLE 933.
If the thing bequeathed belonged to the
legatee or devisee at the time of the execution of the will, the
legacy or devise shall be without effect, even though it may
have subsequently alienated by him.
If the legatee or devisee acquires it gratuitously after such
time, he can claim nothing by virtue of the legacy or devise;
but if it has been acquired by onerous title he can demand
reimbursement from the heir or the estate. (878a)
1st paragraph: At the time of the execution of

the will, the legatee or devisee is the owner
2nd paragraph: At the time of the execution of
the will, the legatee or devisee is NOT the owner.
He can still get something if he acquires the
property subsequently by virtue of onerous title. If
it was acquired by gratuitous title, he can claim
nothing from the estate of the testator.
This also applies even if at the time of the
execution of the will, the testator was the owner of
the thing.
Here, the property devised or bequeathed is

subject to a pledge or mortgage to secure a
recoverable debt
The estate has the obligation to free the land
from the mortgage
This will apply even if the mortgage was
made after the execution of the will or before
The estate has no obligation to free the
property from the burden imposed by a bond
because this article only applies to a pledge or a
mortgage
or anything
which
secures
a
recoverable debt.
If the property bond is
constituted upon a property, that is not a
recoverable debt.
The same thing if the property is leased. The
estate has no obligation to free the land from the
lease. The lease is not a pledge or a mortgage.
In these cases, the legatee or devisee has the
obligation to respect the lease or have the
obligation to respect the property bond
ARTICLE 935.
The legacy of a credit against a third
person or of the remission or release of a debt of the legatee
shall be effective only as regards that part of the credit or
debt existing at the time of the death of the testator.
In the first case, the estate shall comply with the legacy
by assigning to the legatee all rights of action it may have
against the debtor. In the second case, by giving the legatee
an acquittance, should he request one.
In both cases, the legacy shall comprise all interests on
the credit or debt which may be due the testator at the time
of his death. (870a)
This article refers to LEGACY OF CREDIT

and LEGACY OF REMISSION
In Legacy of Credit, the testator (creditor)
has some receivables from X (debtor). In his will,
the testator provides that if upon his death, the
said obligation is not yet paid, then, A will have
the right to whatever amount is paid by X or A
may proceed against X.
The law says only as regards that part of the
credit or debt existing at the time of the
death of the testator
When property is acquired after the execution
of the will but before the death, those
properties will not pass to the heir (Article
793)
In Legacy of Remission, the testator
provides upon his death that whatever obligation
X has at that time is already condoned or
remitted.
Prepared
This refers to only such part existing at the time

of the death of the testator
This legacy of remission stands in the same
status as donation because when the testator
dies, the value of the debt should be added or
collated to the gross estate
The legacy of remission also carries with it the
duty of the estate of the testator to give the
legatee an acquittal, like a note indicating that
the legatee has no more debt
ARTICLE 936.
The legacy referred to in the preceding
article shall lapse if the testator, after having made it, should
bring an action against the debtor for the payment of his debt,
even if such payment should not have been effected at the
time of his death.
The legacy to the debtor of the thing pledged by him is
understood to discharge only the right of pledge. (871)
This is an example of REVOCATION BY

OPERATION OF LAW
The law presumes that by filing the action for
collection, the testator is no longer interested to
give the legacy
Action means judicial action. Mere demand
letter is not sufficient. For the law to set in or for
us to presume that there is revocation by operation
of law, there has to be a judicial action.
A legacy that belongs to the legatee or devisee
is void. Even if the legatee pledged the car to the
testator, but, that is just a pledge. There is no
grant of ownership to the testator. The legatee
remains to be the owner of the car. So, the status
of the legacy is void.
But, as a consequence of that legacy, the law
presumes that the testator is said to extinguish the
pledge already. The legatee cannot enforce the
legacy but he may enforce, as a legal consequence,
that the pledge is now extinguished.
Under Article 936, although there is a legacy of
remission and legacy of credit, still there is no
warranty on the part of the testator as to the
existence or legality of the credit or as to the
solvency of the debtor.
ARTICLE 937.
A generic legacy of release or remission of
debts comprises those existing at the time of the execution of
the will, but not subsequent ones. (872)
This article specifically talks about legacy of

release or remission of debt
Only those existing at the time of the execution
of the will
The value of the debt remitted should not
exceed the portion which the testator can freely
dispose of. It must not exceed the free disposal.
The foregoing provisions are without prejudice to the

fulfillment of natural obligations. (n)
ARTICLE 940.
In alternative legacies or devises, the
choice is presumed to be left to the heir upon whom the
obligation to give the legacy or devise may be imposed, or
the executor or administrator of the estate if no particular
heir is so obliged.
If the heir, legatee or devisee, who may have been
given the choice, dies before making it, this right shall pass
to the respective heirs.
Once made, the choice is irrevocable.
In the alternative legacies or devises, except as herein
provided, the provisions of this Code regulating obligations
of the same kind shall be observed, save such modifications
as may appear from the intention expressed by the testator.
(874a)
ARTICLE 938.
A legacy or devise made to a creditor shall
not be applied to his credit, unless the testator so expressly
declares.
In the latter case, the creditor shall have the right to
collect the excess, if any, of the credit or of the legacy or
devise. (873a)
In this case, the testator is the debtor

The reason for the legacy is presumed as the
liberality of the testator
But if it is expressly declared by the testator
that the legacy or devise shall be applied to the
debt, then, it may be given effect
But, if it is another kind of property, you cannot
force the creditor to accept something which is not
the obligation
ARTICLE 939.
If the testator orders the payment of what he
believes he owes but does not in fact owe, the disposition shall
be considered as not written. If as regards a specified debt
more than the amount thereof is ordered paid, the excess is
not due, unless a contrary intention appears.
In this case, the testator is allotting a certain

amount of money in payment of his obligation
which he believes to exist, but in fact does not
exist
As such, it is considered as not written
because the giving here is impelled by the wrong
belief by the testator
If it is as payment for an obligation, the
estate shall pay only the exact amount which is
due
If the debt of the testator has already
prescribed but the testator provided for the
payment thereof in his will, it should be given
effect because this is governed by NATURAL
OBLIGATION
Article 940 talks about right of choice in an

alternative legacy or devise
This is just like in alternative obligations
wherein the delivery of one of the prestations is
sufficient to extinguish the entire obligation
It is the heir upon whom the obligation to
give the legacy or devise is imposed or if, for
instance there is no heir charged in particular, the
executor or administrator of the estate, who has
the obligation to deliver
If before making the choice, the heir, the
legatee or devisee dies, the right to make the
choice shall be exercised by the heirs of such
heir, legatee or devisee.
This is not a personal right.
This is a
transmissible right.
Once the heir burdened exercised the right of
choice, then the legacy or devise ceases to
become an alternative one. It becomes pure and
simple legacy.
Moreover, once the choice is exercised, that
choice becomes irrevocable
In alternative legacies or devises, the rule in
obligations and contracts with respect to
alternative obligations, is also applied but only in
a suppletory manner because the supreme law
here is really the will of the testator. If anything
in the rule in obligations and contract conflicts
with the will of the testator, then the will of the
testator shall prevail.
ARTICLE 941.
A legacy of generic personal property shall
be valid even if there be no things of the same kind in the
estate.
A devise of indeterminate real property shall be valid
only if there be immovable property of its kind in the estate.
The right of choice shall belong to the executor or
administrator who shall comply with the legacy by the
delivery of a thing which is neither of inferior nor of superior
quality. (875a)
This article talks about the difference in the

rule on generic/indeterminate personal property
and generic/indeterminate real property
The estate has the obligation to deliver such
personal property which is of middle quality. This
Prepared
depends upon the status of the estate or upon the

situation
But if you are talking of an immovable property,
if there if there is no other immovable property in
the estate, then, the devise is void.
The period to reckon if there is really such king
of thing existing in the estate of the testator is at
the time of the death of the testator
ARTICLE 942.
Whenever the testator expressly leaves the
right of choice to the heir, or to the legatee or devisee, the
former may give or the latter may choose whichever he may
prefer. (876a)
This article also talks about alternative legacy

or devise
the inheritance of that heir or legatee charged

with the legacy for support or education
ARTICLE 945.
If a periodical pension, or a certain annual,
monthly, or weekly amount is bequeathed, the legatee may
petition the court for the first installment upon the death of
the testator, and for the following ones which shall be due at
the beginning of each period; such payment shall not be
returned, even though the legatee should die before the
expiration of the period which has commenced. (880a)
The heir can petition for his allowance or

pension after the death of the testator for the 1 st
installment and for the following ones, which shall
be due at the beginning of each period
GENERAL RULE: The right of choice belongs to the

estate, or the heir or legatee or devisee
EXCEPTION: If the testator will give the right of choice
to the heirs or legatee or devisee favored
When do you petition?

1. The will must be admitted to probate
2. After the will is admitted to probate, the legatee
can
petition the court for the delivery to him of
the allowance provided that the debts and taxes of
the estate have been paid first.
The legatee or devisee can actually choose

things which are of superior quality or inferior
quality or medium quality. There is no obligation on
his part to choose only the one which is of medium
quality.
ARTICLE 946.
If the thing bequeathed should be subject
to a usufruct, the legatee or devisee shall respect such right
until it is legally extinguished. (868a)
ARTICLE 943.
If the heir, legatee or devisee cannot make
the choice, in case it has been granted him, his right shall pass
to his heirs; but a choice once made shall be irrevocable.
(877a)
This is a reiteration of Article 940
Limitations of the right of choice: (in alternative

legacies/devisees
or
in
generic/indeterminate
legacies/devisees)
1. The choice is limited to things alternatively the
object of legacy or devise. If it is a generic
legacy of a car, he can choose only a car. He
cannot choose a house.
2. He cannot choose an illegal or impossible thing
or that which could not have been intended by
the testator.
3. No right of choice when among legacies or
devises only one is practicable.
ARTICLE 944.
A legacy for education lasts until the legatee
is of age, or beyond the age of majority in order that the
legatee may finish some professional, vocational or general
course, provided he pursues his course diligently.
A legacy for support lasts during the lifetime of the
legatee, if the testator has not otherwise provided.
If the testator has not fixed the amount of such legacies, it
shall be fixed in accordance with the social standing and the
circumstances of the legatee and the value of the estate.
If the testator during his lifetime used to give the legatee
a certain sum of money or other things by way of support, the
same amount shall be deemed bequeathed, unless it be
markedly disproportionate to the value of the estate. (879a)
LEGACY OF EDUCATION
GENERAL RULE: The legacy of education lasts up to
the age of majority (18 years old)
EXCEPTION: Beyond the age of majority in order
that the legatee may finish some professional,
vocational or general course, provided he pursues
his course diligently
ARTICLE 947.
The legatee or devisee acquires a right to
the pure and simple legacies or devises from the death of
the testator, and transmits it to his heirs. (881a)
LEGACY OF SUPPORT
GENERAL RULE: As long as the legatee is alive the
legacy for support lasts
EXCEPTION: The testator can provide otherwise
If the legacy is charged against the estate, then
it should not exceed the value of the free disposal
But if the legacy is charged against an heir or
another legatee, then the value should not exceed
If the thing is subject to usufruct, the estate

has no obligation to free the thing from the
usufruct because the legatee or devisee has to
respect the usufruct
This is related to Article 934
As long as the charge or burden is not to
secure a recoverable debt, that shall pass on to
the heirs, legatees or devisees
A pure and simple legacy or devise is one

that is immediately demandable upon the death
of the testator. It is not subject to a condition, a
term or a mode
As long as the testator is already dead, the
right of the legatee or devisee becomes vested
already. If the legatee or the devisee dies prior to
the delivery of the legacy or devise, his heirs may
enforce the legacy or devise.
It is different if the legatee or devisee dies
ahead of the testator. In that case, the heirs of
the legatee or devisee cannot demand from the
estate. When it comes to the free portion, there
is no right of representation.
If the property is specific, then you acquire
the property from the testators death
If the property is generic, then from the time
of the selection. Although you have right to the
legacy or devise from the time of death but as to
the property itself, you have the right over the
property from the time of selection
If it is alternative, from the time of selection
also
If it is to be acquired from a stranger, from
the time of acquisition
If the legacy or devise is subject to a
condition, as long as the condition is fulfilled, it
retroacts to the death of the testator
If the legacy or devise is subject to a term, if
the legatee or devisee dies prior to the arrival of
the term, he acquired the right from the time of
death but the right to the property vests only
upon the arrival of the term
ARTICLE 948.
If the legacy or devise is of a specific and
determinate thing pertaining to the testator, the legatee or
Prepared
devisee acquires the ownership thereof upon the death of the

testator, as well as any growing fruits, or unborn offspring of
animals, or uncollected income; but not the income which was
due and unpaid before the latter's death.
From the moment of the testator's death, the thing
bequeathed shall be at the risk of the legatee or devisee, who
shall, therefore, bear its loss or deterioration, and shall be
benefited by its increase or improvement, without prejudice to
the responsibility of the executor or administrator. (882a)
This talks about specific or determinate thing

If a parcel of land is devised, growing fruits and
crops at the time of the death of the testator shall
be included in the delivery to the devisee. Those
which are already harvested or gathered no longer
form part of the devise or legacy. Only the growing
crops are included, by virtue of accession.
Unborn offsprings are also included
Uncollected
income
are
also
include.
Uncollected income are income that should have
accrued after the death of the testator
Accrued means it is already due and
demandable
After-acquired properties (under Article 793) are
not to be included because they were acquired
after the institution of the will up to the time before
the death of the testator
ARTICLE 781 NEW CIVIL CODE. 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. (n)
ARTICLE 793 NEW CIVIL CODE. 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. (n)
2nd paragraph provides that from the moment

of death, the legatee or devisee becomes the
owner.
We have the principle of res perit
domino, wherein the owner bears the risk of the
loss. But he shall also bear the benefit of the
improvement.
But if the loss is by fault of anyone other than
the legatee/devisee, apply the rule on quasi-delict
or obligations and contracts.
Example: If there is a delay in the delivery of
the thing given as legacy/devise and the
legatee/devisee already demanded for it, and the
thing is lost before the delivery, the estate, the heir
or legatee or devisee burdened shall bear the loss.
The heir of the legatee/devisee in Article 948
need not pay the testator for the expenses with
respect to the production under Article 443. The
testator is not considered as a third person. The
legatee/devisee is merely succeeding to the rights
of the testator
Article 443 NEW CIVIL CODE. He who receives the
fruits has the obligation to pay the expenses made
by a third person in their production, gathering and
preservation.
Applicability of Article 948:

1. Simple and pure legacy/devise
2. Legacies and devises subject to resolutory
condition
3. Legacies and devises subject to suspensive
condition in view of the retroactive effect of the
condition once it is fulfilled
Bar Question: What is a Right of Ademption?
RIGHT OF ADEMPTION is the process of

giving effect inter vivos to a disposition mortis
causa. He wants to give effect to the legacy
intervivos which is disposition mortis causa during
the lifetime of the testator because the testator

says the legacy is to be effective if and only if I
have not done this during my lifetime.
ARTICLE 949.
If the bequest should not be of a specific
and determinate thing, but is generic or of quantity, its fruits
and interests from the time of the death of the testator shall
pertain to the legatee or devisee if the testator has
expressly so ordered. (884a)
In Article 949, the devise or legacy is a

generic thing
Money is generic, unless serial number is
provided
The interest accrues only from the time of
default. There is default when there is already
demand.
GENERAL RULE: The right to the fruit does not pertain

to the legatee/devisee prior to selection and even
after the death of the testator
EXCEPTION: If the testator expressly provides that
the legatee/devisee will still get the fruits prior to
selection
ARTICLE 950.
If the estate should not be sufficient to
cover all the legacies or devises, their payment shall be
made in the following order:
(1) Remuneratory legacies or devises;
(2) Legacies or devises declared by the testator to be
preferential;
(3) Legacies for support;
(4) Legacies for education;
(5) Legacies or devises of a specific, determinate thing
which forms a
part of the estate;
(6) All others pro rata. (887a)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Article 950 talks about the order of payment

if the estate is not sufficient to pay all the
legacies or devises (RPSESA)
R remuneratory legacies or devises
P - preferred
S - support
E - education
S specific things
A all others
Remuneratory legacies or devises
Those which are made by the testator in
consideration of the service made by the legatee
or devisee but that which does not constitute a
recoverable debt
Preferred legacy or devise
Those which are declared by the testator to
be preferred
Support
Under the Family Code, support comprises
everything indispensable food, shelter, clothing,
education.
In succession, if we are talking of support, we
do not include education
Education
Specific Legacy or Devise
Even if it is specific legacy or devise but it is
not yet on the estate and it is to be acquired from
another person or another estate, it is not
included in the legacy or devise of a specific
determinate thing. If the legacy/devise is to be
taken from another person to be given to the
legatee/devisee, that falls under all others prorata
Among all other pro-rata
Order
1.
2.
3.
4.
under Article 911:

Legitime
Donations inter vivos
Preferred legacies/devises
All others pro rata
Article 911
Article 950
Prepared
This article is applied

when
there
is/are
compulsory
heir/s
AND/OR
there
are
donations inter vivos
This article is applied when

there NO compulsory heirs
and their legitimes are in
danger of being impaired
AND/OR there are NO
donations inter vivos. All
you have to do is, among
the legacies/devises which
of them should be given
priority over the other. If
there are compulsory heirs
but their legitimes are not
impaired, you apply Article
950.
If there are no compulsory heirs, there is no
need to collate the donations because the purpose
of collation is only to determine the legitime.
ARTICLE 951.
The thing bequeathed shall be delivered with
all its accessions and accessories and in the condition in which
it may be upon the death of the testator. (883a)
ARTICLE 952.
The heir, charged with a legacy or devise, or
the executor or administrator of the estate, must deliver the
very thing bequeathed if he is able to do so and cannot
discharge this obligation by paying its value.
Legacies of money must be paid in cash, even though the
heir or the estate may not have any.
The expenses necessary for the delivery of the thing
bequeathed shall be for the account of the heir or the estate,
but without prejudice to the legitime. (886a)
The obligation of the heir, legatee, devisee or

estate charged is to deliver the very same thing to
be given
The estate cannot just discharge the legacy or
devise by paying the value of the thing devised or
bequeathed
If the legacy is for cash, even if the estate has
no cash, the estate has to sell property so that it
may generate cash
Even in alternative legacies/devises, you have
to deliver the thing which is contemplated within
the selection
The burdened heir, legatee/devisee or the
estate shall bear the expenses for the delivery of
the thing bequeathed or devised.
If he is a
compulsory heir, the expenses should not such as
to affect the legitime of compulsory heir.
ARTICLE 955.
The legatee or devisee of two legacies or
devises, one of which is onerous, cannot renounce the
onerous one and accept the other. If both are onerous or
gratuitous, he shall be free to accept or renounce both, or to
renounce either. But if the testator intended that the two
legacies or devises should be inseparable from each other,
the legatee or devisee must either accept or renounce both.
Any compulsory heir who is at the same time a legatee
or devisee may waive the inheritance and accept the legacy
or devise, or renounce the latter and accept the former, or
waive or accept both. (890a)
There should be an authority by the court that

the thing shall now be delivered to the legatee or
devisee
A legatee or devisee, from the moment of
death, theoretically, is already entitled to the
legacy or devise.
But he cannot immediately
demand the delivery because there has to be
proceedings conducted.
We are talking of testate proceedings because
this is legacy or devise.
The debts and obligations of the estate must
first be paid and afterwards, if there is excess, we
now have the delivery of the legacy, devise or
inheritance.
ARTICLE 954.
The legatee or devisee cannot accept a part
of the legacy or devise and repudiate the other, if the latter be
onerous.
Should he die before having accepted the legacy or
devise, leaving several heirs, some of the latter may accept
and the others may repudiate the share respectively belonging
to them in the legacy or devise. (889a)
Article 955 refers to two or more legacies or

devises
The same rule - the legatee or devisee cannot
renounce the onerous and accept the gratuitous.
If both are onerous or gratuitous, he can just
accept or renounce both or either, unless the
testator intends that the two legacies or devises
shall be inseparable
A compulsory heir who is a legatee or
devisee, may waive his inheritance and accept
the legacy or either way, accept the inheritance
and renounce the legacy or accept both or
renounce both
ARTICLE 956.
If the legatee or devisee cannot or is
unwilling to accept the legacy or devise, or if the legacy or
devise for any reason should become ineffective, it shall be
merged into the mass of the estate, except in cases of
substitution and of the right of accretion. (888a)
ARTICLE 953.
The legatee or devisee cannot take
possession of the thing bequeathed upon his own authority,
but shall request its delivery and possession of the heir
charged with the legacy or devise, or of the executor or
administrator of the estate should he be authorized by the
court to deliver it. (885a)
This article refers to one legacy or devise,

which partly onerous and partly gratuitous
The devisee cannot just accept the part which
has no burden imposed and repudiate the part
which is onerous
But he can choose to accept the onerous and
reject the gratuitous part
If the legatee or devisee dies, his right may
be exercise by his heirs
If the legatee or devisee does not want to

accept or cannot accept or is disqualified from
accepting, it shall be merged into the mass of the
estate. It shall go by way of legal succession,
subject to the rights of substitution and the rights
of accretion
Remember that we have the rule on ISRAI as
to the order which has to be followed in case
there is vacancy in the portion inherited:
1. INSTITUTION
2. SUBSTITUTION
3. REPRESENTATION
4. ACCRETION
5. INTESTATE SUCCESSION
ARTICLE 957.
The legacy or devise shall be without
effect:
(1) If the testator transforms the thing bequeathed in such
a manner
that it does not retain either the form or
the denomination it had;
(2) If the testator by any title or for any cause alienates the
thing
bequeathed or any part thereof, it being
understood that in the
latter case the legacy or devise
shall be without effect only with
respect to the part thus
alienated. If after the alienation the thing
should
again
belong to the testator, even if it be by reason of
nullity
of the contract, the legacy or devise shall not thereafter be
valid, unless the reacquisition shall have been effected
by virtue of
the exercise of the right of repurchase;
(3) If the thing bequeathed is totally lost during the lifetime
of the
testator, or after his death without the heir's fault.
Nevertheless,
the person obliged to pay the legacy or
devise shall be liable for eviction if the thing bequeathed
should not have been
determinate as to its kind, in
accordance with the provisions of Article 928. (869a)
Article 957 talks of revocation of a legacy or

devise by operation of law. Because of the act
Prepared
performed by the testator, the law presumes that

there is revocation.
1. TRANSFORMS THE THING
The thing here refers to a specific thing
because if it is a generic thing then you do not
know prior to selection which of the thing in
the estate of the testator is being bequeathed
or devised
The
transformation must be IN FORM
(appearance of the thing) or IN DENOMINATION
(name being given to the thing)
When the testator transforms the thing such
that it does not retain the form or the
denomination
it
had,
then,
there
is
REVOCATION of the legacy or devise and the
legacy/devise becomes ineffective
2. ALIENATES THE THING
The alienation made by the testator should be
made with the intent to part with the thing
If the testator alienates PART of the property
then the revocation is only as to the part
alienated. So only partial not entire revocation
If after the alienation the thing should again
belong to the testator, the law says the legacy
or devise shall not thereafter be valid
Even if the alienation was void by reason of
nullity of the contract so that the property
returns to the testator, still the legacy or devise
shall not be valid
If the alienation was annulled because there
was fraud or intimidation or mistake on the part
of the testator, the devise would be valid
because the law presupposes a voluntary
alienation by the testator
If the reacquisition shall have been effected by
virtue of the exercise of the right repurchase,
the devise or legacy would still be valid
The right to repurchase must be included in the
contract of sale itself or in the contract wherein
the testator alienated the thing devised or
bequeathed because if it is an absolute sale
and then, subsequently, he repurchases the
property, the devise should be void or it is
revoked
If subsequently, the legatee or devisee acquires
the thing devised or bequeathed, then, it
depends whether or not his acquisition is by
onerous title or by gratuitous title
3. LOST OF THE THING
A thing is considered LOST when it perishes,
goes out of commerce or disappears in such a
way that its existence is unknown or it cannot
be recovered
The thing is lost WITHOUT the fault of the
testator
If the loss is the fault of the heir charged with
the obligation to deliver, then, the heir has the
obligation to pay the legatee for the value of
the thing lost
When the thing is not specific, it is generic or
determinate, then the choice pertains to the
estate or the legatee/devisee or the heir
charged, in which case they should not deliver
a thing which has defect
ARTICLE 958.
A mistake as to the name of the thing
bequeathed or devised, is of no consequence, if it is possible
to identify the thing which the testator intended to bequeath
or devise. (n)
This article is related to Article 789 and 844

If there is a mistake as to the name of the
thing, it is still possible to determine what is the
thing referred to by the testator as a devise or
legacy. You can use the rules of interpretation,
especially, those rules in latent or patent ambiguity.
So, the devise or legacy remains valid
ARTICLE 959.
A disposition made in general terms in
favor of the testator's relatives shall be understood to be in
favor of those nearest in degree. (751)
Article 959 talks of a COLLECTIVE

INSTITUTION, wherein there is a disposition
made in general terms in favor of the testators
relatives
Under this article, the only rule to be followed
is the RULE OF PROXIMITY, the nearer relatives
exclude the farther.
There is no right of representation here and
we do not follow the rule that those who are in
the descending line are favored over those in the
ascending line and that those who are in the
direct line are favored over those who are in the
collateral line. We just follow one rule.
The law recognizes only those who are within
the 5th degree within the collateral line as the
legal relatives of the testator. If there are no
relatives within that line, then, the estate shall be
given in favor of the State.
If it is a direct line, there is no limit. But if
you are talking of a collateral line, only within the
5th degree of consanguinity.
If the testators words are to all those who
are entitled thereto, he would be referring to the
legal or intestate heirs. We follow the rule on
intestate succession and thus, we are not limited
by only one rule on proximity.
If the testator says I am giving this house
and lot to the relatives of my wife, Article 959
cannot be applied because Article 959 only refers
to the testators relatives.
CHAPTER 3
Legal or Intestate Succession
SECTION 1
General Provisions
ARTICLE 960.
Legal or intestate succession takes
place:
(1) If a person dies without a will, or with a void will, or one
which
has subsequently lost its validity;
(2) When the will does not institute an heir to, or dispose of
all the property belonging to the testator. In such case,
legal succession shall take place only with respect to the
property of which the
testator has not disposed;
(3) If the suspensive condition attached to the institution of
heir does
not happen or is not fulfilled, or if the heir
dies before the testator, or repudiates the inheritance,
there being no
substitution, and no right of accretion
takes place;
(4) When the heir instituted is incapable of succeeding,
except in
cases provided in this Code. (912a)
Article 960 gives you the instances when

there will be legal or intestate succession
In legal or intestate succession it is based on
the presumed will of the testator
1. Without a will, void will or subsequently lost

its validity
If a person dies without a will, his estate will
go by legal succession
The will becomes void when it does not
comply with the formalities required by law
By virtue of the revocation, the will loses
validity. Therefore, you cannot give effect to
the will and the estate will be disposed of by
way of intestacy
2. No institution of heir
An example is when the will only provides for
disinheritance wherein the will is effective as
to the disinheritance and the rest of the
estate shall go by intestate succession
Prepared
The will does not dispose of all the property

belonging to the testator. In this case, there is
mixed succession
3. Suspensive
condition
is
not
fulfilled,
predecease, repudiates
Suspensive condition is one wherein the

institution is subject to the fulfillment of a
condition. If the condition does not happen, the
institution cannot be given effect.
If the heir dies ahead of the testator and

there is no representative to succeed, then,
there is intestate succession
In case of repudiation, there being no

substitution, no representative and no right of
accretion then, there is intestacy.
4. Incapacity
If incapacitated, it shall go by way of legal
succession
Other instances where legal or

succession takes place:
1. Preterition
2. Improper disinheritance
3. Fulfillment of a resolutory condition
4. Arrival of the resolutory period
Forced Succession
Succession
to
the
legitime regardless of
the will of the testator.
Even if it is against the
desire of the testator,
but
the
heirs
are
compulsory heirs then,
the testator has to give
to these compulsory
heirs.
intestate
Legal/intestate
succession
The
dispositions
provided
for
by
because it is based on
presumed will of
testator.
are
law
the
the
ARTICLE 961.
In default of testamentary heirs, the law
vests the inheritance, in accordance with the rules hereinafter
set forth, in the legitimate and illegitimate relatives of the
deceased, in the surviving spouse, and in the State. (913a)
The legal and intestate heirs of the decedent

are
legitimate
children
and
descendants,
illegitimate children or descendants.
In the
absence of the legitimate children, the legitimate
parents or ascendants, we have the surviving
spouse and the state.
This article does not yet talk about the
preference or order but as to who are entitled to
the estate in default of testamentary heirs
Not all legal/intestate heirs are compulsory
heirs. But all compulsory heirs are legal heirs.
Brothers and sisters are legal heirs but they are
not compulsory heirs
There is no disinheritance in legal succession
because disinheritance occurs only when there is a
will and that the will must be a valid will
But there is EXCLUSION where legal heirs who
are NOT compulsory heirs are not given anything in
the will
Even if you can exclude a legal heir who is not a
compulsory heir, you cannot exclude the State
If you do not have heirs within the 5th degree
then, the property has to go to the State
There is representation of the excluded legal
heirs
Kinds of exclusion:
1) Express Exclusion
2) Implied Exclusion
ARTICLE 962.
In every inheritance, the relative nearest
in degree excludes the more distant ones, saving the right
of representation when it properly takes place.
Relatives in the same degree shall inherit in equal
shares, subject to the provisions of article 1006 with respect
to relatives of the full and half blood, and of article 987,
paragraph 2, concerning division between the paternal and
maternal lines. (921a)
RULE ON PROXIMITY
The nearer excludes the farther

RULE OF EQUAL DIVISION
GENERAL RULE: Relatives in the same degree shall
inherit in equal share
EXCEPTIONS:
(1)
Article 1006 with respect to the
relatives of full blood and half blood. In legal
succession, the full blood relatives are entitled to
twice as much as those of the half-blood relatives.
(2)
Article 987 concerning the division
between the maternal and paternal lines
(3)
Right of representation
(4)
In legal succession and the same in
testamentary succession, illegitimate children
only get of the share of one legitimate child.
SUBSECTION 1
Relationship
ARTICLE 963.
Proximity of relationship is determined by
the number of generations. Each generation forms a degree.
(915)
Relationship is blood (consanguinity) or

marriage (affinity) tie uniting a person to another
person
ARTICLE 964.
A series of degrees forms a line, which
may be either direct or collateral.
A direct line is that constituted by the series of degrees
among ascendants and descendants.
A collateral line is that constituted by the series of
degrees among persons who are not ascendants and
descendants, but who come from a common ancestor.
(916a)
ARTICLE 965.
The direct line is either descending or
ascending.
The former unites the head of the family with those who
descend from him.
The latter binds a person with those from whom he
descends. (917)
ARTICLE 966.
In the line, as many degrees are counted
as there are generations or persons, excluding the
progenitor.
In the direct line, ascent is made to the common
ancestor. Thus, the child is one degree removed from the
parent, two from the grandfather, and three from the greatgrandparent.
In the collateral line, ascent is made to the common
ancestor and then descent is made to the person with whom
the computation is to be made. Thus, a person is two
degrees removed from his brother, three from his uncle, who
is the brother of his father, four from his first cousin, and so
forth. (918a)
ARTICLE 967.
Full blood relationship is that existing
between persons who have the same father and the same
mother.
Half blood relationship is that existing between persons
who have the same father, but not the same mother, or the
same mother, but not the same father. (920a)
ARTICLE 968.
If there are several relatives of the same
degree, and one or some of them are unwilling or
incapacitated to succeed, his portion shall accrue to the
others of the same degree, save the right of representation
when it should take place. (922)
Prepared
ARTICLE 969.
If the inheritance should be repudiated by
the nearest relative, should there be one only, or by all the
nearest relatives called by law to succeed, should there be
several, those of the following degree shall inherit in their own
right and cannot represent the person or persons repudiating
the inheritance. (923)
This article talks about what happens when

there is repudiation
The person who repudiates the inheritance
CANNOT be represented
SUBSECTION 2
Right of Representation
ARTICLE 970.
Representation is a right created by fiction
of law, by virtue of which the representative is raised to the
place and the degree of the person represented, and acquires
the rights which the latter would have if he were living or if he
could have inherited. (924a)
Instances where there is right of representation:

1)
Predecease
2)
Incapacity
3)
Disinheritance
The right of representation takes place in both

testate and intestate succession
Disinheritance is only in testate succession
because you have to have a will
In testate succession, representation covers
only the legitime
In legal or intestate succession, the right of
representation, when proper, covers ALL that the
person being represented would have inherited
The right of representation covers not only the
properties but also the transmissible rights and
obligations
In adoption, the relationship that is created is
only between the adopter and the adoptee
If the adopter dies ahead of his parents, the
adoptee cannot represent the adopter
The adoptee can inherit from the adopter
An adopted child cannot represent
Neither may an adopted child be represented
ARTICLE 971.
The representative is called to the
succession by the law and not by the person represented. The
representative does not succeed the person represented but
the one whom the person represented would have succeeded.
(n)
Representative inherits not from the person

represented but from the person to whom the
person represented would have inherited
ARTICLE 972.
The right of representation takes place in the
direct descending line, but never in the ascending.
In the collateral line, it takes place only in favor of the
children of brothers or sisters, whether they be of the full or
half blood. (925)
In the collateral line, the right of representation

takes place only in favor of the children of brothers
or sisters (nephews or nieces)
Right of representation never takes place in the
ascending line
stirpes, in such manner that the representative or

representatives shall not inherit more than what the person
they represent would inherit, if he were living or could
inherit. (926a)
Remember that PER STIRPES means

inheritance by all those within the group
inheriting in equal shares
ARTICLE 975.
When children of one or more brothers or
sisters of the deceased survive, they shall inherit from the
latter by representation, if they survive with their uncles or
aunts. But if they alone survive, they shall inherit in equal
portions. (927)
ARTICLE 976.
A person may represent
inheritance he has renounced. (928a)
him
whose
ARTICLE 977.
Heirs who repudiate their share may not
be represented. (929a)
A renouncer may represent but he may not

be represented
A renouncer, for motives of his own, does so
voluntarily. His act of repudiation takes away his
right to dispose of the property
In cases of incapacity or disinheritance,
however, the loss is involuntary. The children of
the incapacitated or disinherited person should
not be deprived of the right of representation.
They should not suffer for having an unworthy
parent
SECTION 2
Order of Intestate Succession
SUBSECTION 1
Descending Direct Line
ARTICLE 978.
Succession pertains, in the first place, to
the descending direct line. (930)
Descendants are preferred

The nearer excludes the farther
Compulsory heirs, with the legitimate
descendant, are concurrent intestate heirs
ARTICLE 979.
Legitimate children and their descendants
succeed the parents and other ascendants, without
distinction as to sex or age, and even if they should come
from different marriages.
An adopted child succeeds to the property of the
adopting parents in the same manner as a legitimate child.
(931a)
ARTICLE 980.
The children of the deceased shall always
inherit from him in their own right, dividing the inheritance
in equal shares. (932)
This is true even if the children come from

different marriages, for after all, the dead parent
is the common parent
ARTICLE 981.
Should children of the deceased and
descendants of other children who are dead, survive, the
former shall inherit in their own right, and the latter by right
of representation. (934a)
ARTICLE 973.
In order that representation may take place,
it is necessary that the representative himself be capable of
succeeding the decedent. (n)
ARTICLE 982.
The grandchildren and other descendants
shall inherit by right of representation, and if any one of
them should have died, leaving several heirs, the portion
pertaining to him shall be divided among the latter in equal
portions. (933)
The representative must be capacitated to

inherit
ARTICLE 974.
Whenever
there
is
succession
by
representation, the division of the estate shall be made per
When the children are ALL dead, the

grandchildren inherit by right of representation,
provided that representation is proper
When ALL the children repudiate, there is no
right of representation and therefore the
Prepared
grandchildren inherit in heir own right, per capita

and in equal portions
ARTICLE 983.
If illegitimate children survive with legitimate
children, the shares of the former shall be in the proportions
prescribed by article 895. (n)
ARTICLE 991.
If legitimate ascendants are left, the
illegitimate children shall divide the inheritance with them,
taking one-half of the estate, whatever be the number of the
ascendants or of the illegitimate children. (942, 841a)
The shares of the illegitimate children are to be

taken only from the half, which is the free portion
ARTICLE 984.
In case of the death of an adopted child,
leaving no children or descendants, his parents and relatives
by consanguinity and not by adoption, shall be his legal heirs.
(n)
The adopted child shall become the legal heir of

his adoptive parents and shall also remain the legal
heir of his natural parents
In case of the death of the adopted child, his
parents and relatives by nature, and not by
adoption, shall be his legal heirs
SUBSECTION 2
Ascending Direct Line
ARTICLE 985.
In default of legitimate children and
descendants of the deceased, his parents and ascendants
shall inherit from him, to the exclusion of collateral relatives.
(935a)
Parents and ascendants referred to in this

article should be legitimate
ARTICLE 986.
The father and mother, if living, shall inherit
in equal shares.
Should one only of them survive, he or she shall succeed
to the entire estate of the child. (936)
ARTICLE 987.
In default of the father and mother, the
ascendants nearest in degree shall inherit.
Should there be more than one of equal degree belonging
to the same line they shall divide the inheritance per capita;
should they be of different lines but of equal degree, one-half
shall go to the paternal and the other half to the maternal
ascendants. In each line the division shall be made per capita.
(937)
SUBSECTION 3
ARTICLE 988.
In the absence of legitimate descendants or
ascendants, the illegitimate children shall succeed to the
entire estate of the deceased. (939a)
ARTICLE 989.
If, together with illegitimate children, there
should survive descendants of another illegitimate child who is
dead, the former shall succeed in their own right and the latter
by right of representation. (940a)
Descendants in this article refers to legitimate

and illegitimate descendants, since the law does
not distinguish
The
grandchildren
inherit
by
right
of
representation in order not to prejudice the children
left
ARTICLE 990.
The hereditary rights granted by the two
preceding articles to illegitimate children shall be transmitted
upon their death to their descendants, who shall inherit by
right of representation from their deceased grandparent.
(941a)
According to Paras, it is believed that Articles

989 and 990 apply not only to predecease but also
to incapacity and disinheritance
In
repudiation,
there
is
no
right
of
representation
If illegitimate children survive with legitimate

ascendants, the sharing would be one-half
When there are illegitimate children and no
legitimate children, the legitimate ascendants
inherit half in intestate succession
When there are legitimate children, legitimate
ascendants are excluded
Although illegitimate children are placed 3rd in
the order of intestate succession, the presence of
the legitimate descendants and ascendants does
not exclude them. They are concurring intestate
heirs.
GENERAL RULE for all cases of PARTIAL INTESTACY:

Charge the legacies to the intestate shares of
those given by law on intestate succession more than
their respective legitimes, without impairing said
legitimes.
Moreover, the charging must be
proportionate to the amount in the intestate share
over and above that given by law as legitime.
ARTICLE 992.
An illegitimate child has no right to inherit
ab intestato from the legitimate children and relatives of his
father or mother; nor shall such children or relatives inherit
in the same manner from the illegitimate child. (943a)
Article 992 is the Principle of Absolute

Separation with the legitimate family and the
illegitimate
family.
There is Reciprocal
prohibition. This is prohibition is also called the
IRON-CLAD BARRIER.
If the person to be represented is an
ILLEGITIMATE, he can be represented by his
legitimate and illegitimate children
If the person to represented is a LEGITIMATE
child, he can only be represented by his own
legitimate children
Articles 902, 989 &

992
General Rule:
These
speak of the successional
right
of
illegitimate
children which rights are
transmitted
to
their
descendant upon their
death whether legitimate
or illegitimate.
Article 992
Exception:
Even
if
illegitimate children have
the right to succeed from
their parents they cannot
inherit
from
the
RELATIVE
of
their
parents.
Table of Intestate Shares:

Surviving Spouse
Surviving spouse
Legitimate Parents
Illegitimate Children -
Legitimate Parents
Legitimate Parents
Surviving Spouse
Surviving Spouse
Surviving spouse
Brothers
&
nieces,
nephews & nieces
Illegitimate Child alone

ALL
Legitimate Parents Alone
All
Illegitimate Parents Alone
All
Surviving Spouse Alone All
Legitimate Child Alone
All
1 Legitimate Child
Surviving spouse
2 or more legitimate child
)
Surviving spouse )
Co
nsider
spouse
as
1
legitimate
child
and
divide estate by total
Prepared
number
ARTICLE 993.
If an illegitimate child should die without
issue, either legitimate or illegitimate, his father or mother
shall succeed to his entire estate; and if the child's filiation is
duly proved as to both parents, who are both living, they shall
inherit from him share and share alike. (944a)
ARTICLE 994.
In default of the father or mother, an
illegitimate child shall be succeeded by his or her surviving
spouse, who shall be entitled to the entire estate.
If the widow or widower should survive with brothers and
sisters, nephews and nieces, she or he shall inherit one-half of
the estate, and the latter the other half. (945a)
Heirs of the ILLEGITIMATE CHILD:

1. Legitimate children and other legitimate
descendants
2. Illegitimate children and other descendants
3. Illegitimate parents; ( NB: An illegitimate child
has no legitimate ascendants)
4. Surviving spouse
5. Illegitimate brothers and sisters subject to
article 992;
6. Nephews & nieces subject to rule in article 992
(because nephews & nieces who are legitimate
cannot inherit from the illegitimate child.)
7. Other collateral relatives up to the 5 th civil
degree of consanguinity
8. The State
Heirs of the LEGITIMATE CHILD:
1. Legitimate children and heir legitimate
descendants
2. Legitimate parents and other legitimate
ascendants
3. Illegitimate children and their descendants
4. Surviving spouse, without prejudice to the
rights of brothers & sisters, nephews & nieces
should there be any
5. Brothers & sisters subject to Article 992.
(Illegitimate brothers & sisters cannot inherit
from him)
6. Nephews & nieces subject to Article 992;
7. Collateral relatives up to the 5th degree subject
to Article 992
8. The State.
Legitimate children excludes the parents,

brothers & sisters, nephews & nieces and other
collateral relatives
Legitimate children concur with the spouse
Illegitimate children concur with the spouse
Illegitimate excludes brothers & sisters,
nephews & nieces of the deceased
Parents also excludes the brothers & sisters,
nephews & nieces and other collateral relatives
Parents concur with the surviving spouse
Surviving spouse concur with the brothers &
sisters or nephews & nieces of the deceased
SUBSECTION 4
Surviving Spouse
ARTICLE 995.
In the absence of legitimate descendants
and ascendants, and illegitimate children and their
descendants, whether legitimate or illegitimate, the surviving
spouse shall inherit the entire estate, without prejudice to the
rights of brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, should
there be any, under Article 1001. (946a)
ARTICLE 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.
(834a)
Article 996 speaks of children, and does not

expressly provide for a case when there is only
one legitimate child, unlike in the case of the
legitime
If there is only one legitimate child concurring
with the surviving spouse and there are no other
relatives, both will get equal intestate shares, in
accordance with the clear intent of the law to
consider the spouse as a child
ARTICLE 997.
legitimate parents or ascendants, the surviving spouse shall
be entitled to one-half of the estate, and the legitimate
parents or ascendants to the other half. (836a)
ARTICLE 998.
If a widow or widower survives with
illegitimate children, such widow or widower shall be
entitled to one-half of the inheritance, and the illegitimate
children or their descendants, whether legitimate or
illegitimate, to the other half. (n)
ARTICLE 999.
legitimate children or their descendants and illegitimate
children or their descendants, whether legitimate or
illegitimate, such widow or widower shall be entitled to the
same share as that of a legitimate child. (n)
ARTICLE 1000. If legitimate ascendants, the surviving
spouse, and illegitimate children are left, the ascendants
shall be entitled to one-half of the inheritance, and the other
half shall be divided between the surviving spouse and the
illegitimate children so that such widow or widower shall
have one-fourth of the estate, and the illegitimate children
the other fourth. (841a)
ARTICLE 1001. 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. (953, 837a)
Brothers and sisters do not concur with

recognized illegitimate children of the deceased.
In fact, the former are excluded by the latter.
ARTICLE 1002. In case of a legal separation, if the

surviving spouse gave cause for the separation, he or she
shall not have any of the rights granted in the preceding
articles. (n)
Rules for SURVIVING SPOUSE:

The decedent and the surviving spouse must
be legally married.
The surviving spouse must not be the guilty
party when there is legal separation.
There must be a decree of legal separation. If
there is no decree, she is not disqualified but
she can be disinherited.
If there is a reconciliation between the
surviving spouse and the decedent prior to
the death of the decedent, even if there is a
decree of legal separation, the surviving
spouse is now qualified.
In intestate succession there is no similar rule
on death in articulo mortis.
If there is a surviving spouse with 1 legitimate
child and 1 illegitimate child, there is no such
provision in intestate succession applicable in
this case.
The rule is, give to the
legitimate child then the illegitimate child
gets of the share of the legitimate child
(same as testate succession).
The spouse
gets the remainder (which is ) because in
testate succession the spouse gets .
If there is partial intestacy, you charge the
legacy/devise to the share of one gets more
by intestacy than by testacy. In testate, the
share of the spouse concurring with the
parent is , while in intestacy . As long as
Prepared
the legitime of the surviving spouse is not

impaired.
SUBSECTION 5
Collateral Relatives
ARTICLE 1003. If there are no descendants, ascendants,

illegitimate children, or a surviving spouse, the collateral
relatives shall succeed to the entire estate of the deceased in
accordance with the following articles. (946a)
The collaterals referred to in this article are

intestate, but not compulsory heirs
Among said collaterals, the nearer excludes the
farther
Collaterals cannot inherit in the presence of
descendants
ARTICLE 1004. Should the only survivors be brothers and

sisters of the full blood, they shall inherit in equal shares.
(947)
ARTICLE 1005. Should brothers and sisters survive together

with nephews and nieces, who are the children of the
descendant's brothers and sisters of the full blood, the former
shall inherit per capita, and the latter per stirpes. (948)
Although it is a fact that brothers and sisters of

a decedent, and their children, are collateral heirs,
they are not given any share in the inheritance if
there is a will instituting the widow as the sole heir
of the estate
ARTICLE 1006. Should brothers and sisters of the full blood

survive together with brothers and sisters of the half blood,
the former shall be entitled to a share double that of the latter.
(949)
The relative of the full blood does not exclude

the relatives of the half-blood
ARTICLE 1007. In case brothers and sisters of the half blood,

some on the father's and some on the mother's side, are the
only survivors, all shall inherit in equal shares without
distinction as to the origin of the property. (950)
ARTICLE 1008. Children of brothers and sisters of the half
blood shall succeed per capita or per stirpes, in accordance
with the rules laid down for brothers and sisters of the full
blood. (915)
ARTICLE 1009. Should there be neither brothers nor sisters,
nor children of brothers or sisters, the other collateral relatives
shall succeed to the estate.
The latter shall succeed without distinction of lines or
preference among them by reason of relationship by the whole
blood. (954a)
If the deceased is survived by children of a

predeceased full blood sister, and by children of a
predeceased half blood brother, each of the first
group gets twice the share of each of the second
group
The absence of brothers, sisters, nephews, and
nieces of the decedent is a precondition of the
other collaterals
ARTICLE 1010. The right to inherit ab intestato shall not

extend beyond the fifth degree of relationship in the collateral
line. (955a)
The collateral relatives are the brothers,

sisters, nephews and nieces, and the uncles and
aunts and cousins.
Rules for COLLATERAL RELATIVES:
The nearer relative excludes the

farther subject to the right of representation
when proper.
If they are all in the same degree,
those who are in direct line are preferred over
those who are in the collateral line
If both are in the direct line, those
who are in the descending line are favored over
those who are in the ascending line. That is
why the descendants excludes the parents or
ascendants.
If both are in the collateral and the
same degree, those who are in the descending
are favored over those in the ascending. That
is why the nephews & nieces are favored over
the uncles & aunts.
All of the brothers & sisters on the full
blood will inherit in equal shares.
Those who are in the half blood, as
long as married, not illegitimate, entitled to
of the share of the full blood.
With respect to the heirs in the
collateral line, the right of representation
extends only to the nephews & nieces (children
of brothers & sisters).
Grandnephews & nieces and the
great grandnephews & nieces can no longer
represent.
Between uncles & aunts vis--vis the
nephews & nieces, the nephews & nieces are
preferred
SUBSECTION 6
The State
ARTICLE 1011. In default of persons entitled to succeed in
accordance with the provisions of the preceding Sections,
the State shall inherit the whole estate. (956a)
ARTICLE 1012. In order that the State may take
possession of the property mentioned in the preceding
article, the pertinent provisions of the Rules of Court must
be observed. (958a)
Rule 91 (Escheats) of the Rules of Court shall

be observed
ARTICLE 1013. After the payment of debts and charges,

the personal property shall be assigned to the municipality
or city where the deceased last resided in the Philippines,
and the real estate to the municipalities or cities,
respectively, in which the same is situated.
If the deceased never resided in the Philippines, the
whole estate shall be assigned to the respective
municipalities or cities where the same is located.
Such estate shall be for the benefit of public schools,
and public charitable institutions and centers, in such
municipalities or cities. The court shall distribute the estate
as the respective needs of each beneficiary may warrant.
The court, at the instance of an interested party, or on
its own motion, may order the establishment of a permanent
trust, so that only the income from the property shall be
used. (956a)
While the State actually inherits, still

assignment of the properties to the proper
municipalities must be made
The law makes a distinction as to whether or
not the deceased resided in the Philippines
ARTICLE 1014. If a person legally entitled to the estate of

the deceased appears and files a claim thereto with the
court within five years from the date the property was
delivered to the State, such person shall be entitled to the
possession of the same, or if sold, the municipality or city
shall be accountable to him for such part of the proceeds as
may not have been lawfully spent. (n)
Prepared
In the absence of ALL those in the direct line

and ALL those within the 5 th degree in the collateral
line, the State succeeds
CADUCIARY RIGHT is the right of the state to
succeed
A claim must be filed within 5 years from the
date the property was delivered to the State
CHAPTER 4
Provisions Common to Testate and Intestate
Successions
SECTION 1
Right of Accretion
In testamentary succession, accretion is proper

if the vacancy is caused if one of the heirs:
1. Predeceased
2. Incapacitated;
3. Repudiates the inheritance
4. If the suspensive condition is not fulfilled
5. Failure to identify one particular heir
ARTICLE 1018. In legal succession the share of the person
who repudiates the inheritance shall always accrue to his
co-heirs. (981)
This treats of accretion in intestacy

One who renounces cannot represented
ARTICLE 1015. Accretion is a right by virtue of which, when

two or more persons are called to the same inheritance,
devise or legacy, the part assigned to the one who renounces
or cannot receive his share, or who died before the testator, is
added or incorporated to that of his co-heirs, co-devisees, or
co-legatees. (n)
ARTICLE 1019. The heirs to whom the portion goes by the

right of accretion take it in the same proportion that they
inherit. (n)
Accretion is based on the presumed will of the

testator that he prefers to give certain properties to
certain individuals rather than that the property
shall go by way of intestacy
Accretion is proper in both testate and intestate
succession
In testate succession, it is proper only with
respect to the free portion
In intestate succession, it is proper with the
entire portion
Requisites of Accretion:
1. There is only one inheritance, devise or legacy
(unity of object);
2. Plurality of subjects there must be at least 2
or more heirs, devisees of legatees instituted.
3. There is a vacant portion meaning, one of the
heirs, devises, legatees instituted cannot
succeed.
4. Acceptance of the portion accruing by the
person entitled. (If there is no acceptance the
share will go by way of intestacy.)
There is unity of object when two or more

persons are called to the same inheritance. The
property is not divided and the heirs, devisees or
legatees are called to the entire estate pro indiviso
If there is already a specification ( north
portion, south portion), accretion is not proper
With respect to money or fungible goods, as
long as the share of devisee, legatee or heir is not
earmarked, there is still unity of object
ARTICLE 1016. In order that the right of accretion may take

place in a testamentary succession, it shall be necessary:
(1) That two or more persons be called to the same
inheritance, or to the same portion thereof, pro indiviso; and
(2) That one of the persons thus called die before the
testator, or
renounce
the
inheritance,
or
be
incapacitated to receive it. (982a)
ARTICLE 1017. The words "one-half for each" or "in equal
shares" or any others which, though designating an aliquot
part, do not identify it by such description as shall make each
heir the exclusive owner of determinate property, shall not
exclude the right of accretion.
In case of money or fungible goods, if the share of each
heir is not earmarked, there shall be a right of accretion.
(983a)
In intestate succession, accretion is proper if

the vacancy is caused by repudiation or
incapacity (subject to the right of representation)
There is no accretion in intestate succession if
the vacancy is caused by disinheritance
ARTICLE 1020. The heirs to whom the inheritance accrues

shall succeed to all the rights and obligations which the heir
who renounced or could not receive it would have had. (984)
This is the same in substation. The rights and

obligations shall pass to the others to whom the
shares will accrue
EXCEPTIONS:
1. If the testator expressly provide that the
other heirs will not be subject to the same
rights and obligations
2. If the rights and obligations are personal to
the heir whose portion becomes vacant
ARTICLE 1021. Among the compulsory heirs the right of
accretion shall take place only when the free portion is left
to two or more of them, or to any one of them and to a
stranger.
Should the part repudiated be the legitime, the other
co-heirs shall succeed to it in their own right, and not by the
right of accretion. (985)
There can be no accretion insofar as the

legitime is concerned
Accretion, if it takes place, concerns only the
free portion
ARTICLE 1022. In testamentary succession, when the

right of accretion does not take place, the vacant portion of
the instituted heirs, if no substitute has been designated,
shall pass to the legal heirs of the testator, who shall receive
it with the same charges and obligations. (986)
This
(ISRAI)
illustrates
the
order
of
preference
ARTICLE 1023. Accretion shall also take place among

devisees, legatees and usufructuaries under the same
conditions established for heirs. (987a)
SECTION 2
Capacity to Succeed by Will or by Intestacy
ARTICLE 1024. Persons not incapacitated by law may
succeed by will or ab intestato.
The provisions relating to incapacity by will are equally
applicable to intestate succession. (744, 914)
CAPACITY TO SUCCEED is the ability to

inherit and retain property obtained mortis causa
Capacity to succeed is governed by the law of
the nation of the decedent
Prepared
Bar Question: What matters are governed by the

national law of the decedent?
Under Article 15:
1. The order of succession
2. The amount of successional right
3. The intrinsic validity of the testamentary
provision
4. The capacity to succeed.
ARTICLE 1025. In order to be capacitated to inherit, the
heir, devisee or legatee must be living at the moment the
succession opens, except in case of representation, when it is
proper.
A child already conceived at the time of the death of the
decedent is capable of succeeding provided it be born later
under the conditions prescribed in article 41. (n)
Natural persons must be living AT THE TIME

that the succession opens or AT THE TIME OF THE
DEATH
But the word living includes those at least
conceived (Article 41). A conceived child is deemed
to have live from the moment of the complete
separation from mothers womb.
But if the child has an intra-uterine life LESS
THAN 7 MONTHS, he should be considered alive if
the child does not die WITHIN 24 HOURS.
In representation, the representative must also
be living or at least conceived at the moment the
succession opens
ARTICLE 1026. A testamentary disposition may be made to

the State, provinces, municipal corporations, private
corporations, organizations, or associations for religious,
scientific, cultural, educational, or charitable purposes.
All other corporations or entities may succeed under a
will, unless there is a provision to the contrary in their charter
or the laws of their creation, and always subject to the same.
(746a)
Juridical persons inherit only by WILL

Under article 1026, some of these entities are
not juridical persons. Juridical personality is
acquired when it is registered.
Article 1026 grants capacity to succeed even to
non-juridical persons
The STATE inherits by will or by intestacy by
virtue of its caduciary right
ARTICLE 1027. The

following
are
incapable
of
succeeding:
(1) The priest who heard the confession of the testator during
his last illness, or the minister of the gospel who extended
spiritual aid to
him during the same period;
(2) The relatives of such priest or minister of the gospel
within the
fourth degree, the church, order, chapter,
community,
organization, or institution to which such
priest or minister may
belong;
(3) A guardian with respect to testamentary dispositions
given by a
ward in his favor before the final accounts of
the guardianship have been approved, even if the testator
should die after the
approval thereof; nevertheless, any
provision made by the ward in
favor of the guardian when
the latter is his ascendant,
descendant,
brother,
sister, or spouse, shall be valid;
(4) Any attesting witness to the execution of a will, the
spouse, parents, or children, or any one claiming under such
witness, spouse, parents, or children;
(5) Any physician, surgeon, nurse, health officer or druggist
who took
care of the testator during his last illness; a
(6) Individuals, associations and corporations not permitted
by law to
inherit. (745, 752, 753, 754a)
1. Priest or Minister
to safeguard the right of the heirs who may be
defrauded by the sinister and undue influence
which may be exercised by some priest and

minister over a dying man
The will must be made DURING THE LAST
ILLNESS of the testator
LAST ILLNESS means the illness of which the
testator dies or the illness which immediately
preceded the death of the testator
The will must be made AFTER the confession
The priest must hear the confession. If he
merely extends spiritual aid, that is not
considered as confession. BUT with respect
to the minister, the giving of spiritual aid
disqualifies the minister.
It does not matter whether the illness is long,
lingering or short as long as there is great
possibility of death
The disqualification under this paragraph
does not extend to the legitime, intestacy
and dispositions which do not extend to a
testamentary benefit
2. Relatives of such pries or minister within
the 4th degree, the church, organization, etc.
3. Guardians
This refers to both to guardians over the
property and guardians of the person
As long as the final account has not been
approved, the guardian is prohibited from
being an heir, legatee/devisee of the testator
What is important is that at the time of the
making of the will, the final accounts have
not been approved. It does not matter that
he is no longer the guardian at the time of
death.
The prohibition only applies when the
institution is during the subsistence of the
guardianship prior to the approval of the final
account
Unlike the priest, the relatives (spouse,
ascendant, descendant, brother or sister) are
not disqualified, For the priest up to the 4th
degree they are disqualified.
4. Attesting witnesses
If you give a legacy or devise only, the legacy
or devise is void but the witness is still
qualified
But applying Article 823, if there are 3 other
witnesses who are competent, then the
witness to whom the legacy or devise is
given is capacitated to inherit
5. Physicians, surgeons, etc
The will must be made DURING the LAST
ILLNESS and AFTER
THE
CARE had
commenced
The disqualification does not apply if the
physician or nurse is a compulsory heir
6. Individuals, associations and corporations
not
permitted by law to inherit
Article 1027 still applies even if it is proved

that there was no undue influence on the part of
the priest, guardian, or physician
Article 1027 provides for a conclusive
presumption.
Being conclusive, you cannot
present controverting evidence
ARTICLE 1028. The prohibitions mentioned in article 739,

concerning donations inter vivos shall apply to testamentary
provisions. (n)
This is incapacity by reason of public morality
Applying the law on succession, the following

donations shall be void:
1.
When the testator and the recipient
are guilty of adultery or concubinage
Prepared
2.
3.
When the testator and the recipient are

guilty of the same criminal offense in consideration
thereof
Those made by the testator to a public
officer, or his wife, descendant and ascendant by
reason of his office
ARTICLE 1029. Should the testator dispose of the whole or

part of his property for prayers and pious works for the benefit
of his soul, in general terms and without specifying its
application, the executor, with the court's approval shall
deliver one-half thereof or its proceeds to the church or
denomination to which the testator may belong, to be used for
such prayers and pious works, and the other half to the State,
for the purposes mentioned in article 1013. (747a)
Article
1029
is
commonly
called
the
Institution of the Soul. The soul is considered as
an entity which does not have a juridical
personality but may otherwise inherit
Requisites for the institution of the soul:

1. The disposition must be for prayers and pious
works
2. The prayers and pious works must for the
benefit of the testators soul
3. The disposition must be in general term
4. It does not specify the application
5. No particular person is charged with the duty of
giving the money or property
6. No place is specified or date is fixed for the
prayers
ARTICLE 1030. Testamentary provisions in favor of the poor
in general, without designation of particular persons or of any
community, shall be deemed limited to the poor living in the
domicile of the testator at the time of his death, unless it
should clearly appear that his intention was otherwise.
The designation of the persons who are to be considered
as poor and the distribution of the property shall be made by
the person appointed by the testator for the purpose; in
default of such person, by the executor, and should there be
no executor, by the justice of the peace, the mayor, and the
municipal treasurer, who shall decide by a majority of votes all
questions that may arise. In all these cases, the approval of
the Court of First Instance shall be necessary.
The preceding paragraph shall apply when the testator
has disposed of his property in favor of the poor of a definite
locality. (749a)
This is disposition in favor of the poor

This refers only to the poor living in the
domicile of the testator at the time of his death,
unless the testator has provided otherwise
The institution is for the poor in general.
When the testator says a poor of a definite
locality, then the poor in that place.
Insane persons have no testamentary capacity
But with respect to being heirs, insane persons
are capacitated
Incapacity should be construed strictly
Who will designate the persons who

considered poor?
1. The person designated by the testator;
2. The executor;
3. Three people by majority vote
are
Kinds of Incapacity
1. ABSOLUTE INCAPACITY You cannot inherit from
anybody under any circumstance.
2. RELATIVE INCAPACITY You can inherit only from
certain persons or can only inherit certain properties
under certain circumstances.
Classes under Absolute Incapacity
1. Article 1026 last paragraph : All other corporations
or entities may succeed under a will, unless there is a
provision to the contrary in their charter or the

laws of their creation, and always subject to the
same.
2. Article 1027 paragraph 6 : Individuals,
associations and
corporations not permitted by
law to inherit.
3. Those who lacks juridical personality
Classes under Relative Incapacity
1.
Article 1027: Incapacity by reason of possible
undue influence
2.
Article 1027 paragraphs 1-5: Incapacity by
reason of public policy
3.
Article 1028 Incapacity by reason of public
policy and morality
4.
Article 1032: Incapacity by reason of
unworthiness.
ARTICLE 1031. A testamentary provision in favor of a
disqualified person, even though made under the guise of
an onerous contract, or made through an intermediary, shall
be void. (755)
This article applies only to incapacity by

reason of possible influence and Incapacity by
reason of public morality.
With respect to
incapacity by reason of unworthiness, Article
1031 will not apply
ARTICLE 1032. The following are incapable of succeeding

by reason of unworthiness:
(1) Parents who have abandoned their children or induced
their
daughters to lead a corrupt or immoral life, or
attempted against
their virtue;
(2) Any person who has been convicted of an attempt
against the life
of the testator, his or her spouse,
descendants, or ascendants;
(3) Any person who has accused the testator of a crime for
which the
law prescribes imprisonment for six years
or more, if the
accusation has been found groundless;
(4) Any heir of full age who, having knowledge of the
violent death of the testator, should fail to report it to an
officer of the law within a month, unless the authorities
have already taken action; this
prohibition
shall
not
apply to cases wherein, according to law,
there is no
obligation to make an accusation;
(5) Any person convicted of adultery or concubinage with
the spouse
of the testator;
(6) Any person who by fraud, violence, intimidation, or
undue influence should cause the testator to make a will
or to change
one already made;
(7) Any person who by the same means prevents another
from
making a will, or from revoking one already made,
or who supplants, conceals, or alters the latter's will;
(8) Any person who falsifies or forges a supposed will of the
decedent. (756, 673, 674a)
2nd paragraph: Any person who has been convicted

of an attempt against the life of the testator, his or
her spouse, descendants, or ascendants
The incapacity must be measured AT THE
TIME of death of the testator
Such person is not incapacitated if the
attempt against the wife of the testator was
made after the death of the testator
4th paragraph: Any heir of full age who, having
knowledge of the violent death of the testator, should
fail to report it to an officer of the law within a month,
unless the authorities have already taken action; this
prohibition shall not apply to cases wherein,
according to law, there is no obligation to make an
accusation
18 years old is the legal age but 21 is the full
age
Death must be violent. It must be caused by
a crime
Under the last sentence, paragraph 4 applies
only when there is an obligation to make an
accusation but there is no law in the
Philippines which obliges anyone to make an
Prepared
accusation because in criminal cases, it is

People of the Philippines versus the criminal. It
is the State which prosecutes.
As of the
present, paragraph 4 has no application.
5th paragraph: Any persons convicted or adultery or
concubinage with the spouse of the testator
The person convicted is the one incapacitated,
he is the unworthy. The spouse of the testator
is not incapacitated or unworthy.
But the
infidelity of the spouse constitutes a ground for
disinheritance. If there is a decree of legal
separation, by law, the spouse who is guilty is
disqualified from inheriting.
If there is now reconciliation between the guilty
spouse and the innocent spouse after the
decree of legal separation has been granted,
the decree shall be set aside so the spouse will
now be reinstated to succeed to capacity.
8th Paragraph: Any person who falsifies or forges a
supposed will of the decedent.
Article 1032 applies to both testate or intestate
succession
When it is the compulsory heir who becomes
unworthy, the compulsory heir loses the
legitime and all other rights pertaining to the
legitime and as well to the free portion. But the
incapacitated heir can be represented.
ARTICLE 1033. The causes of unworthiness shall be without
effect if the testator had knowledge thereof at the time he
made the will, or if, having known of them subsequently, he
should condone them in writing. (757a)
This
article
CONDONATION
talks
Condonation / Pardon
It is the unilateral of the
testator.
about
PARDON
OR
Reconciliation
It is a bilateral act. There
must be forgiveness and
the heir must accept.
Rules for Condonation:
If the testator already knew the cause of the

unworthiness at the time of making the will but
still he provides something for that unworthy
heir in the will, there is now an IMPLIED
CONDONATION.
The will in which the implied condonation is

made must be valid and it must not be revoked
in order that there is implied condonation
because implied condonation is dependent on
the will.
If knowledge comes only AFTER the execution

of the will, condonation must be in writing. This
is EXPRESS CONDONATION
If the cause for unworthiness is also a ground

for disinheritance, the rule on disinheritance
applies. Thus, reconciliation is enough. There is
no requirement that the testator should
condone it in writing.
But if there is no
disinheritance and there is only act of
unworthiness, if the testator knew of the act
only after the execution of the will, there has to
be condonation in writing.
The only instance wherein an incapacitated heir

is restored to capacity by the mere act of
reconciliation is when there is a decree of legal
separation
the
guilty
spouse
becomes
incapacitated. But when there is subsequent
reconciliation the decree shall be set aside and
the spouse will now be restored to capacity.
ARTICLE 1034. In order to judge the capacity of the heir,
devisee or legatee, his qualification at the time of the death of
the decedent shall be the criterion.
In cases falling under Nos. 2, 3, or 5 of article 1032, it
shall be necessary to wait until final judgment is rendered, and
in the case falling under No. 4, the expiration of the month

allowed for the report.
If the institution, devise or legacy should be conditional,
the time of the compliance with the condition shall also be
considered. (758a)
In case of a suspensive conditional institution,

the heir must be capacitated BOTH:
1. At the time of the testators death
2. At the time the condition is fulfilled
ARTICLE 1035. If the person excluded

from the
inheritance by reason of incapacity should be a child or
descendant of the decedent and should have children or
descendants, the latter shall acquire his right to the
legitime.
The person so excluded shall not enjoy the usufruct and
administration of the property thus inherited by his children.
(761a)
In disinheritance, if a person is disinherited

he can still be represented.
But the disinherited parent shall have no
usufruct and administration of the property
received by the representative (Article 923).
This same rule applies to incapacity. The
incapacitated heir can still be represented but the
incapacitated heir has no right of usufruct or
administration over the property received by the
representative.
ARTICLE 1036. Alienations of hereditary property, and

acts of administration performed by the excluded heir,
before the judicial order of exclusion, are valid as to the
third persons who acted in good faith; but the co-heirs shall
have a right to recover damages from the disqualified heir.
(n)
The unworthiness must be declared by the

court
ARTICLE 1037. The unworthy heir who is excluded from

the succession has a right to demand indemnity for any
expenses incurred in the preservation of the hereditary
property, and to enforce such credits as he may have
against the estate. (n)
ARTICLE 1038. Any person incapable of succession, who,
disregarding the prohibition stated in the preceding articles,
entered into the possession of the hereditary property, shall
be obliged to return it together with its accessions.
He shall be liable for all the fruits and rents he may
have received, or could have received through the exercise
of due diligence. (760a)
Articles 1037 and 1038 speak of the rights

and obligations of the excluded unworthy heir
ARTICLE 1039. Capacity to succeed is governed by the

law of the nation of the decedent. (n)
ARTICLE 1040. The action for a declaration of incapacity
and for the recovery of the inheritance, devise or legacy
shall be brought within five years from the time the
disqualified person took possession thereof. It may be
brought by any one who may have an interest in the
succession. (762a)
The action for declaration of incapacity and

recovery of the inheritance shall be brought
WITHIN 5 YEARS from the time the DISQUALIFIED
heir took possession of the property
Only those who have an interest who will
either stand to gain or lose by the exclusion of
the incapacitated heir can bring the action
SECTION 3
Acceptance and Repudiation of the Inheritance
Prepared
ARTICLE 1041. The acceptance or repudiation of the

inheritance is an act which is purely voluntary and free. (988)
Acceptance and repudiation must be a free and

voluntary act
The presence of vitiated consent gives rise to
their revocability
There can be partial acceptance and partial
repudiation
Even the legitime may be repudiated since no
one can be compelled to accept the generosity of
another
Any inheritance left to minors or incapacitated persons

may be accepted by their parents or guardians. Parents or
guardians may repudiate the inheritance left to their wards
only by judicial authorization.
The right to accept an inheritance left to the poor shall
belong to the persons designated by the testator to
determine the beneficiaries and distribute the property, or in
their default, to those mentioned in article 1030. (992a)
HEIRS
MINORS
ARTICLE 1042. The effects of the acceptance or repudiation

shall always retroact to the moment of the death of the
decedent. (989)
Acceptance is the act by which a person called

to succeed to the inheritance of a decedent either
by will or by law manifests his assent to the receipt
of the property, rights and obligations which are
transmitted to him thru the death of the decedent
Repudiation is the act by which the person
called to succeed to the inheritance manifest his
unwillingness to succeed to the same
Rights may be waived provided that the waiver
is not contrary to law, morals, public policy, good
customs or prejudicial to the right of the person
recognized by law. This is applicable in acceptance
and repudiation.
No person can be forced to accept the
generosity of another
Repudiation and acceptance are subsequent to
the death of the decedent. But their effects retroact
from the moment of death.
If you accept or repudiate before the death of
the decedent, it is void because it involves future
inheritance.
Moreover, a will is essentially
revocable so, the acceptance or repudiation is
premature
GENERAL RULE:
Acceptance and repudiation once
made are irrevocable
EXCEPTION: When it was made through any of the
causes that vitiate consent or when an unknown will
appears.
Acceptance may be EXPRESS, TACIT or

PRESUMED
Repudiation being an act of disposition, it
requires greater capacity and more formalities than
acceptance
Repudiation of hereditary rights partakes the
nature of donations
Acceptance of inheritance does not make the
heir personally liable for the debts and obligations
of the decedent
Acceptance and Repudiation must be absolute,
thus, not subject to condition
ARTICLE 1043. No person may accept or repudiate an

inheritance unless he is certain of the death of the person
from whom he is to inherit, and of his right to the inheritance.
(991)
Requisites:
1.
The heir must be certain of the death
(actual or presumed) of the decedent
2.
The heir must be certain of his rights to
the inheritance
3.
The heir must have free disposal of his
property
ARTICLE 1044. Any person having the free disposal of his
property may accept or repudiate an inheritance.
POOR
CORPORATIONS/
ASSOCIATIONS/
ENTITIES
PUBLIC OFFICIAL/
ESTABLISHMENT
S
MARRIED
WOMAN
DEAF-MUTE
Who can read
and write
DEAF-MUTE
who cannot read
or write
WHO MAY
ACCEPT
Minors can be
represented
by
their
parents
or
guardians
(Minor himself
cannot
accept)
Acceptance
must be made
by the person
designated by
the testator or
in his default,
follow
the
order made in
Article 1030.
(Justice of the
Peace, Mayor,
Municipal
Treasurer)
May be made
by the lawful
representative
.
Must be with
the approval
of
the
government
May accept on
her
own
without
the
consent of her
husband
May
accept
personally or
thru an agent
Must be made
by
the
guardian
(because deaf
mute
who
cannot
read
and write has
no
juridical
capacity)
WHO MAY
REPUDIATE
The repudiation
by
the
parents/guardian
s must be with
judicial approval
for it to be valid.
The
lawful
representative
may
repudiate
with
court
approval.
With
the
approval of the
government
May
repudiate
on
her
own
without
the
consent of her
husband.
May
repudiate
personally
or
thru an agent.
Must be made by
the
guardian
with
court
approval
ARTICLE 1045. The lawful representatives of corporations,

associations, institutions and entities qualified to acquire
property may accept any inheritance left to the latter, but in
order to repudiate it, the approval of the court shall be
necessary. (993a)
ARTICLE 1046. Public official establishments can neither
accept nor repudiate an inheritance without the approval of
the government. (994)
ARTICLE 1047. A married woman of age may repudiate an
inheritance without the consent of her husband. (995a)
ARTICLE 1048. Deaf-mutes who can read and write may
accept or repudiate the inheritance personally or through an
agent. Should they not be able to read and write, the
inheritance shall be accepted by their guardians. These
guardians may repudiate the same with judicial approval.
(996a)
Prepared
ARTICLE 1049. Acceptance may be express or tacit.

An express acceptance must be made in a public or
private document.
A tacit acceptance is one resulting from acts by which
the intention to accept is necessarily implied, or which one
would have no right to do except in the capacity of an heir.
Acts of mere preservation or provisional administration do
not imply an acceptance of the inheritance if, through such
acts, the title or capacity of an heir has not been assumed.
(999a)
The acts of mere preservation or administration

do not constitute acceptance because these acts
are not acts of dominion
ARTICLE 1050. An inheritance is deemed accepted:

(1) If the heirs sells, donates, or assigns his right to a
stranger, or
to his co-heirs, or to any of them;
(2) If the heir renounces the same, even though gratuitously,
for the benefit of one or more of his co-heirs;
(3) If he renounces it for a price in favor of all his co-heirs
indiscriminately; but if this renunciation should be
gratuitous,
and the co-heirs in whose favor it is made
are those upon whom the portion renounced should devolve
by virtue of
accretion, the inheritance shall not be
deemed as accepted.
(1000)
Article 1050 enumerates the instances

wherein there is tacit acceptance
Under the 2nd paragraph, take note that the
renunciation must be in favor of one or some but
not all. When you renounce in favor of one or
some, you are actually choosing who will receive.
You are exercising dominion over your share and it
is an act of ownership.
Thus, there is tacit
acceptance
Under the 3rd paragraph, if you renounce in
favor of your co-heirs of ALL indiscriminately but
you were paid, then there is tacit acceptance
because why would they pay you if you do not own
the share you are giving to them. BUT the portion
renounced should not devolve to the other heirs
who would succeed by virtue of accretion if the
renunciation is gratuitous.
ARTICLE 1051. The repudiation of an inheritance shall be

made in a public or authentic instrument, or by petition
presented to the court having jurisdiction over the
testamentary or intestate proceedings. (1008)
How do you repudiate?

1. Repudiation by public document
2. When repudiation is embodied in an authentic
document
3. By petition presented in court having jurisdiction
over
the testamentary or intestate proceeding
ARTICLE 1052. If the heir repudiates the inheritance to the
prejudice of his own creditors, the latter may petition the court
to authorize them to accept it in the name of the heir.
The acceptance shall benefit the creditors only to an
extent sufficient to cover the amount of their credits. The
excess, should there be any, shall in no case pertain to the
renouncer, but shall be adjudicated to the persons to whom, in
accordance with the rules established in this Code, it may
belong. (1001)
The creditors can accept in behalf of the heirs

only if the heir repudiates and the repudiation
prejudices the creditors
But in that case, creditors cannot accept the
entire inheritance, devise /legacy. Only the amount
sufficient to cover the credit.
ARTICLE 1053. If the heir should die without having

accepted or repudiated the inheritance his right shall be
transmitted to his heirs. (1006)
The death of the heir should be after that of the

decedent in order that Article 1053 may be applied
ARTICLE 1054. Should there be several heirs called to the

inheritance, some of them may accept and the others may
repudiate it. (1007a)
If all the heirs accept, there is co-ownership

If one of them repudiates, there is accretion
or substitution if there is a substitute
ARTICLE 1055. If a person, who is called to the same

inheritance as an heir by will and ab intestato, repudiates
the inheritance in his capacity as a testamentary heir, he is
understood to have repudiated it in both capacities.
Should he repudiate it as an intestate heir, without
knowledge of his being a testamentary heir, he may still
accept it in the latter capacity. (1009)
An heir is both a testamentary heir and an

intestate heir
If you renounced your share in testamentary
succession, it follows that you also renounced
your share in legal succession
If at the time of your being legal or intestate
heir, you already knew that you are instituted as
testamentary heir, you are deemed to have
repudiated both. But if at the time that you are
renouncing your being an intestate or legal heir,
you do not know that you are also instituted heir
in a will, then you are not deemed to have
renounced your institution in the will because the
presumption is that the shares of the heir in legal
succession is just based on the presumed will of
the testator.
ARTICLE 1056. The acceptance or repudiation of

inheritance, once made, is irrevocable, and cannot
impugned, except when it was made through any of
causes that vitiate consent, or when an unknown
appears. (997)
an
be
the
will
ARTICLE 1057. Within thirty days after the court has

issued an order for the distribution of the estate in
accordance with the Rules of Court, the heirs, devisees and
legatees shall signify to the court having jurisdiction
whether they accept or repudiate the inheritance.
If they do not do so within that time, they are deemed
to have accepted the inheritance. (n)
Within 30 days, you must signify your

acceptance or repudiation.
Otherwise, the
presumption
is
you
have
accepted
the
inheritance
Article
1057
refers
to
presumed
acceptance
Article 1050 refers to tacit acceptance
SECTION 4
Executors and Administrators
ARTICLE 1058. All matters relating to the appointment,

powers and duties of executors and administrators and
concerning the administration of estates of deceased
persons shall be governed by the Rules of Court. (n)
ARTICLE 1059. If the assets of the estate of a decedent
which can be applied to the payment of debts are not
sufficient for that purpose, the provisions of articles 2239 to
2251 on Preference of Credits shall be observed, provided
that the expenses referred to in article 2244, No. 8, shall be
those involved in the administration of the decedent's
estate. (n)
ARTICLE 1060. A corporation or association authorized to
conduct the business of a trust company in the Philippines
may be appointed as an executor, administrator, guardian of
an estate, or trustee, in like manner as an individual; but it
shall not be appointed guardian of the person of a ward. (n)
SECTION 5
Prepared
Collation
ARTICLE 1061. Every compulsory heir, who succeeds with
other compulsory heirs, must bring into the mass of the estate
any property or right which he may have received from the
decedent, during the lifetime of the latter, by way of donation,
or any other gratuitous title, in order that it may be computed
in the determination of the legitime of each heir, and in the
account of the partition. (1035a)
COLLATION means computing or adding

certain values to the estate, and charging the same
to the LEGITIME
COLLATION also means computing or adding
certain values to the estate, and charging the same
to the FREE PORTION
ARTICLE 1062. Collation shall not take place among

compulsory heirs if the donor should have so expressly
provided, or if the donee should repudiate the inheritance,
unless the donation should be reduced as inofficious. (1036)
ARTICLE 1063. Property left by will is not deemed subject to
collation, if the testator has not otherwise provided, but the
legitime shall in any case remain unimpaired. (1037)
ARTICLE 1064. When grandchildren, who survive with their
uncles, aunts, or cousins, inherit from their grandparents in
representation of their father or mother, they shall bring to
collation all that their parents, if alive, would have been
obliged to bring, even though such grandchildren have not
inherited the property.
They shall also bring to collation all that they may have
received from the decedent during his lifetime, unless the
testator has provided otherwise, in which case his wishes must
be respected, if the legitime of the co-heirs is not prejudiced.
(1038)
Items which are not subject to collation:

1. If the testator provides that the donation shall
not be collated, but subject to the rule that it
should not impair the legitime of the other
compulsory heirs
2. If the compulsory heir repudiated his share in
the inheritance.
The donation will not be
revoked but if it is inofficious, the heir who
repudiated the inheritance will pay or give back
the value to the other compulsory heirs whose
legitimes are impaired.
3. Those given to voluntary heirs, legatees and
devisees. The donations given to them will be
charged to the free portion. If it will impair the
legitime of the other compulsory heirs, it has to
be reduced. (Article 1063)
4. Expenses incurred by the parents in giving their
children the professional, vocational or other
career (Article 1068)
5. Wedding gifts (Article 1070)
GENERAL RULE: Expenses incurred by the parents in
giving their children the professional, vocational or
other career is not charged to the legitime of the
compulsory heirs but only to the free portion
EXCEPTION: If the parents expressly provide that it shall
be charged to the legitime
ARTICLE 1070. Wedding gifts by parents and ascendants
consisting of jewelry, clothing, and outfit, shall not be reduced
as inofficious except insofar as they may exceed one-tenth of
the sum which is disposable by will. (1044)
These items are charged to the free portion but

subject to the limitation that they should not
exceed 1/10 of the free portion
ARTICLE 1065. Parents are not obliged to bring to collation

in the inheritance of their ascendants any property which may
have been donated by the latter to their children. (1039)
ARTICLE 1066. Neither shall donations to the spouse of

the child be brought to collation; but if they have been given
by the parent to the spouses jointly, the child shall be
obliged to bring to collation one-half of the thing donated.
(1040)
ARTICLE 1067. Expenses for support, education, medical
attendance, even in extraordinary illness, apprenticeship,
ordinary equipment, or customary gifts are not subject to
collation. (1041)
SUPPORT includes education but Article 1067

separates support and education
Education under this article means only up to
HIGH SCHOOL education because there is
separate provision under Article 1068 as to
professional, vocational and other careers
Items which are not collated to the legitime

and to the free portion because they are not
included in the computation in the net
hereditary estate:
1. Properties received from the testator by the
children of the heir (Article 1065)
2. Donations by the testator to the spouse of
the compulsory heir (Article 1066) If the
donation was made to the spouses jointly,
is subject to collation pertaining to the share
of the heir
3. Expenses for support, education, medical
attendance
ARTICLE 1068. Expenses incurred by the parents in giving

their children a professional, vocational or other career shall
not be brought to collation unless the parents so provide, or
unless they impair the legitime; but when their collation is
required, the sum which the child would have spent if he
had lived in the house and company of his parents shall be
deducted therefrom. (1042a)
When you give your child elementary or high

school education , this is not generosity but a
Moral Obligation on you part
ARTICLE 1069. Any sums paid by a parent in satisfaction

of the debts of his children, election expenses, fines, and
similar expenses shall be brought to collation. (1043a)
ARTICLE 1071. The same things donated are not to be
brought to collation and partition, but only their value at the
time of the donation, even though their just value may not
then have been assessed.
Their subsequent increase or deterioration and even
their total loss or destruction, be it accidental or culpable,
shall be for the benefit or account and risk of the donee.
(1045a)
Only the value at the time of the perfection of

the donation should be collated
ARTICLE 1072. In the collation of a donation made by

both parents, one-half shall be brought to the inheritance of
the father, and the other half, to that of the mother. That
given by one alone shall be brought to collation in his or her
inheritance. (1046a)
ARTICLE 1073. The donee's share of the estate shall be
reduced by an amount equal to that already received by
him; and his co-heirs shall receive an equivalent, as much as
possible, in property of the same nature, class and quality.
(1047)
Prepared
ARTICLE 1074. Should the provisions of the preceding

article be impracticable, if the property donated was
immovable, the co-heirs shall be entitled to receive its
equivalent in cash or securities, at the rate of quotation; and
should there be neither cash nor marketable securities in the
estate, so much of the other property as may be necessary
shall be sold at public auction.
If the property donated was movable, the co-heirs shall
only have a right to select an equivalent of other personal
property of the inheritance at its just price. (1048)
2.
3.
If no property of the same nature, cash or

security
Other property as may be necessary shall be
sold at public auction
Rules for movables:

1. Property of the same nature, class or quality
2.
If none, the equivalent value of the property
When the property donated is a MOVABLE

property, there is NO RIGHT to sell at a public
auction
ARTICLE 1075. The fruits and interest of the property

subject to collation shall not pertain to the estate except from
the day on which the succession is opened.
For the purpose of ascertaining their amount, the fruits
and interest of the property of the estate of the same kind and
quality as that subject to collation shall be made the standard
of assessment. (1049)
In donation, there is immediate transfer of

ownership. Thus, the fruits and interest from the
time of the donation up to the death of the testator
shall belong to the donee
The fruits from the time of the death of the
testator shall pertain to the estate
ARTICLE 1076. The co-heirs are bound to reimburse to the

donee the necessary expenses which he has incurred for the
preservation of the property donated to him, though they may
not have augmented its value.
The donee who collates in kind an immovable, which has
been given to him, must be reimbursed by his co-heirs for the
improvements which have increased the value of the property,
and which exist at the time the partition is effected.
As to works made on the estate for the mere pleasure of
the donee, no reimbursement is due him for them; he has,
however, the right to remove them, if he can do so without
injuring the estate. (n)
This article talks the RULES FOR RETURNING

IN KIND
When there is collation in kind (return of the
property or the value), the other heirs should
reimburse the donee for the necessary expenses
You have to reimburse the heir of the value of
the improvements
The donee has the right to remove the
improvements which are for his own pleasure if the
removal will not impair the property donated
ARTICLE 1077. Should any question arise among the coheirs upon the obligation to bring to collation or as to the
things which are subject to collation, the distribution of the
estate shall not be interrupted for this reason, provided
adequate security is given. (1050)
Questions on collation do not interrupt

distribution as long as adequate security is given
Only properties received by gratuitous title

may be the subject of collation
When the estate proceedings have not yet
reached the stage of partitioning and distributing
the property, any question of collation that is
brought up can be regarded as having been
prematurely raised
SECTION 6
Partition and Distribution of the Estate
SUBSECTION 1
Partition
Article 1073 and article 1074 are the RULES

OF EQUALIZATION IN COLLATION
Rules for immovables:

1. Property of the same nature, class and quality
ARTICLE 1078. Where there are two or more heirs, the

whole estate of the decedent is, before its partition, owned
in common by such heirs, subject to the payment of debts of
the deceased. (n)
ARTICLE 1079. Partition, in general, is the separation,
division and assignment of a thing held in common among
those to whom it may belong. The thing itself may be
divided, or its value. (n)
Article 1079 defines PARTITION

Before partition, there is co-heirship. This coheirship is dissolved by partition.
How partition is made?

1. JUDICIAL PARTITION
2. EXTRA-JUDICIAL PARTITION
ARTICLE 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. (1056a)
This is refers to Extra-judicial Partition by

the Decedent
This is subject to the limitation that the
legitimes of the compulsory heirs should not be
impaired
Kinds of extra-judicial partition by decedent:

1. By acts inter vivos
There is no requirement or no formalities
required.
In partition, there is no transfer of
ownership. There is
merely
a
physical
determination of the portion to be
given to the
heir.
2. By will
Formalities are required.
Kinds of extra-judicial partition by heirs:
1. Orally
This is binding only between the heirs
themselves who
are participants
2. By public instrument
This is binding even against the 3rd person.
Limitations of extra-judicial partition:
1. There are no debts;
2. That everyone is of legal age or represented
by guardian.
ARTICLE 1081. A person may, by an act inter vivos or
mortis causa, intrust the mere power to make the partition
after his death to any person who is not one of the co-heirs.
i
The provisions of this and of the preceding article shall
be observed even should there be among the co-heirs a
minor or a person subject to guardianship; but the
mandatory, in such case, shall make an inventory of the
property of the estate, after notifying the co-heirs, the
creditors, and the legatees or devisees. (1057a)
Prepared
This is what you call the appointment of the

MANDATARY
MANDATARY is a person entrusted to make
the partition
The heirs are not bound by the partition made
by the mandatory. The heirs may accept or they
may reject.
In case of conflict, the court may settle the
conflict
Requirements in order that there is valid

partition by the mandatary:
1. The mandatary should not be a co-heir because
if he is one of the co-heirs his partition may be
tainted with impartiality.
2. In case one of the heirs is subject to
guardianship, it is required that there be
notifications to the co-heirs, creditors, legatees
or devisees
3. There has to be inventory of the estate
ARTICLE 1082. Every act which is intended to put an end to
indivision among co-heirs and legatees or devisees is deemed
to be a partition, although it should purport to be a sale, an
exchange, a compromise, or any other transaction. (n)
There is no specific time as to when partition is

to be effected as long as it is intended to put an
end to indivision or to end the co-ownership
ARTICLE 1083. Every co-heir has a right to demand the

division of the estate unless the testator should have
expressly forbidden its partition, in which case the period of
indivision shall not exceed twenty years as provided in article
494. This power of the testator to prohibit division applies to
the legitime.
Even though forbidden by the testator, the co-ownership
terminates when any of the causes for which partnership is
dissolved takes place, or when the court finds for compelling
reasons that division should be ordered, upon petition of one
of the co-heirs. (1051a)
GENERAL RULE:
Heirs, whether compulsory or
voluntary, can demand partition
EXCEPTION:
When the testator has forbidden the
partition of the estate. But this prohibition shall not
exceed 20 years.
Instances when the heirs may partition even if
before 20 years:
1.
When any of the causes for the
termination of the partnership (e.g. death)
2.
If the heirs themselves mutually agree
to partition
3.
Upon order of the court for compelling
reasons and upon petition of the heirs
ARTICLE 1084. Voluntary heirs upon whom some condition
has been imposed cannot demand a partition until the
condition has been fulfilled; but the other co-heirs may
demand it by giving sufficient security for the rights which the
former may have in case the condition should be complied
with; and until it is known that the condition has not been
fulfilled or can never be complied with, the partition shall be
understood to be provisional. (1054a)
A voluntary heir whose institution is subject to

a condition cannot demand partition before the
fulfillment of the condition.
The other heirs
concurring with such voluntary heir may demand
partition provided they given security or cash bond
to safeguard the rights of the conditional heirs
GENERAL RULE: The right to demand partition does not

prescribe
EXCEPTION:
When one of the heirs adversely
possesses the property and he has complied with all
the requirements for acquisitive prescription
ARTICLE 1085. In the partition of the estate, equality shall
be observed as far as possible, dividing the property into
lots, or assigning to each of the co-heirs things of the same
nature, quality and kind. (1061)
ARTICLE 1086. Should a thing be indivisible, or would be
much impaired by its being divided, it may be adjudicated to
one of the heirs, provided he shall pay the others the excess
in cash.
Nevertheless, if any of the heirs should demand that
the thing be sold at public auction and that strangers be
allowed to bid, this must be done. (1062)
Note that if even ONE heir should demand a

public auction, this must be done
ARTICLE 1087. In the partition the co-heirs shall

reimburse one another for the income and fruits which each
one of them may have received from any property of the
estate, for any useful and necessary expenses made upon
such property, and for any damage thereto through malice
or neglect. (1063)
Reimbursement made by co-heirs:

1. Income and fruits
2. Useful and necessary expenses
3. Damages thru malice or neglect
ARTICLE 1088. Should any of the heirs sell his hereditary
rights to a stranger before the partition, any or all of the coheirs may be subrogated to the rights of the purchaser by
reimbursing him for the price of the sale, provided they do
so within the period of one month from the time they were
notified in writing of the sale by the vendor. (1067a)
This article talks about LEGAL REDEMPTION
Requisites for the exercise of legal redemption:

1.
There are two or more heirs
2.
There is a sale of hereditary right
There must be a sale or other

onerous disposition
The sale must be voluntary or

forced as in the case of sales on
execution
3.
The buyer must be a stranger
4.
The sale must be made BEFORE
partition
5.
At least one co-heir must demand
partition
6.
7.
If all of the of the co-heirs

demand partition, they shall be allowed
to redeem the proportionate share
pertaining to them
The demand must be made within
one month from Notification in Writing
The redemptioner must reimburse the
price of the sale
GENERAL RULE: The right of legal redemption is a

PERSONAL RIGHT. They cannot assign or sell this
right.
EXCEPTION: If the heir who wants to exercise the right
of legal redemption dies prior to the exercise, his
right may be transmitted to his own heirs.
ARTICLE 1089. The titles of acquisition or ownership of
each property shall be delivered to the co-heir to whom said
property has been adjudicated. (1065a)
ARTICLE 1090. When the title comprises two or more
pieces of land which have been assigned to two or more coheirs, or when it covers one piece of land which has been
divided between two or more co-heirs, the title shall be
delivered to the one having the largest interest, and
Prepared
authentic copies of the title shall be furnished to the other coheirs at the expense of the estate. If the interest of each coheir should be the same, the oldest shall have the title.
(1066a)
Title here refers to the

document evidencing the right of ownership and
not to the right itself
Order of preference as to whom title shall be

delivered if some properties remain undivided:
1. The one having the largest interest
2. If all of them have the same interest, the oldest heir
ARTICLE 1096. The obligation of warranty among co-heirs

shall cease in the following cases:
(1) When the testator himself has made the partition,
unless it
appears, or it may be reasonably
presumed, that his intention
was otherwise, but the
legitime shall always remain
unimpaired;
(2) When it has been so expressly stipulated in the
agreement of
partition, unless there has been bad faith;
(3) When the eviction is due to a cause subsequent to the
partition,
or has been caused by the fault of the
distributee of the property. (1070a)
SUBSECTION 2
Effects of Partition
SUBSECTION 3
Rescission and Nullity of Partition
ARTICLE 1091. A partition legally made confers upon each

heir the exclusive ownership of the property adjudicated to
him. (1068)
ARTICLE 1092. After the partition has been made, the coheirs shall be reciprocally bound to warrant the title to, and
the quality of, each property adjudicated. (1069a)
For warranty against eviction to

be enforceable, it is enough that there be a burden
or encumbrance that must be respected. It is not
necessary that the heir be deprived full ownership
Eviction here does not have to
be by final judgment before recourse to the
warranty can be sought, as long as no heir objects
Effects of partition:
1. Once there is partition, the heirs will be the
exclusive owners of the thing given to them or
delivered to them (Article 1091)
2. There is a reciprocal and proportionate
warranty (Article 1092)
ARTICLE 1093. The reciprocal obligation of warranty
referred to in the preceding article shall be proportionate to
the respective hereditary shares of the co-heirs, but if any one
of them should be insolvent, the other co-heirs shall be liable
for his part in the same proportion, deducting the part
corresponding to the one who should be indemnified.
Those who pay for the insolvent heir shall have a right of
action against him for reimbursement, should his financial
condition improve. (1071)
ARTICLE 1094. An action to enforce the warranty among coheirs must be brought within ten years from the date the right
of action accrues. (n)
This
is
Warranty
as
to
Insolvency
ARTICLE 1098. A partition, judicial or extra-judicial, may

also be rescinded on account of lesion, when any one of the
co-heirs received things whose value is less, by at least onefourth, than the share to which he is entitled, considering
the value of the things at the time they were adjudicated.
(1074a)
ARTICLE 1099. The partition made by the testator cannot
be impugned on the ground of lesion, except when the
legitime of the compulsory heirs is thereby prejudiced, or
when it appears or may reasonably be presumed, that the
intention of the testator was otherwise. (1075)
GENERAL RULE: In order that that you may be

justified in asking for rescission on the account of
lesion, the deduction must at least be . If it is less
than , you can only ask for a completion.
EXCEPTION: If the partition is made by the TESTATOR,
even if the deduction is less than , you cannot ask
for rescission
EXCEPTION TO THE EXCEPTION:
1. When the legitime of the compulsory heirs
has been impaired.
2. If the intent of the testator is for his partition
to be rescinded should there be lesion
ARTICLE 1100. The action for rescission on account of
lesion shall prescribe after four years from the time the
partition was made. (1076)
The period of exercise of the

warranty is 10 years
ARTICLE 1095. If a credit should be assigned as collectible,

the co-heirs shall not be liable for the subsequent insolvency
of the debtor of the estate, but only for his insolvency at the
time the partition is made.
The warranty of the solvency of the debtor can only be
enforced during the five years following the partition.
Co-heirs do not warrant bad debts, if so known to, and
accepted by, the distributee. But if such debts are not
assigned to a co-heir, and should be collected, in whole or in
part, the amount collected shall be distributed proportionately
among the heirs. (1072a)
ARTICLE 1097. A partition may be rescinded or annulled

for the same causes as contracts. (1073a)
There
is
a
warranty
of
insolvency provided that the debtor was solvent at
the time of the partition, not later
Such warranty is good for 5
years, following the date of partition
There is no warranty for bad
debts. An heir accepts them at his own risk
If brought after more than 4 years,

the action for rescission will fail
The 4-year period begins to run not
from the time of the project of partition but from
the time there is court approval
ARTICLE 1101. The heir who is sued shall have the option
of indemnifying the plaintiff for the loss, or consenting to a
new partition.
Indemnity may be made by payment in cash or by the
delivery of a thing of the same kind and quality as that
awarded to the plaintiff.
If a new partition is made, it shall affect neither those
who have not been prejudiced nor those have not received
more than their just share. (1077a)
The defendant heir, despite a proper

ground for rescission, is given an option:
1.
To indemnify the plaintiff This may
be made by
payment in cash or
delivery of the thing of the same

kind.
2.
New partition
ARTICLE 1102. An heir who has alienated the whole or a

considerable part of the real property adjudicated to him
Prepared
cannot maintain an action for rescission on the ground of

lesion, but he shall have a right to be indemnified in cash.
(1078a)
Rescission
requires
mutual
restitution
ARTICLE 1103. The omission of one or more objects or

securities of the inheritance shall not cause the rescission of
the partition on the ground of lesion, but the partition shall be
completed by the distribution of the objects or securities which
have been omitted. (1079a)
ARTICLE 1104. A partition made with preterition of any of
the compulsory heirs shall not be rescinded, unless it be
proved that there was bad faith or fraud on the part of the
other persons interested; but the latter shall be
proportionately obliged to pay to the person omitted the share
which belongs to him. (1080)
This involves a preterition of

compulsory heirs, not in the institution, but in the
partition of one or more objection
Preterition of an object in a will
gives rise to mixed succession. Preterition of an
object in the partition does not give rise to
rescission.
GENERAL RULE: Such preterition in the partition will

NOT cause rescission.
EXCEPTION: If there was
1.
Fraud
2.
Bad faith
ARTICLE 1105. A partition which includes a person believed
to be an heir, but who is not, shall be void only with respect to
such person. (1081a)
This speaks of an intrusion of

a stranger in the partition
The partition in this case is not
completely void.
Only the part corresponding to
the non-heir is void.
Prepared
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the

key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
- Albert Schweitzer

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SUCCESSION REVIEWER (4th Year : 2008-2009)

WILLS & SUCCESSION

Succession is a derivative mode of acquisition

Foreigners can acquire lands in the Philippines

If a deed is a donation, there are certain

3 distinguishing characteristics of a donation

be deprived of their inheritance regardless of

IV. As to the extent of right and obligations involved:

The decedent is the person who died

Inheritance is different from succession because

SUCCESSION REVIEWER (4th Year : 2008-2009)

a state of insanity. In these cases, the heirs

These are rights which refer to property

Death is a condition for the transmission of a right

ARTICLE 391 (New Civil Code). The following shall

If there are circumstances which point to the

In theory, the heirs can immediately dispose

Conditions for the transmission of a successional

Conditions for Testamentary Succession:

Under ordinary circumstances, 10 years

After the age of 75, 5 years

PRINCIPLES IN TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION

TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION IS PREFERRED

DOUBTS MUST BE RESOLVED IN FAVOR OF

Under extraordinary circumstances, 4

Legal or Intestate Succession

SUCCESSION REVIEWER (4th Year : 2008-2009)

Distinctions between Heirs & Legatees and

When mixed succession occurs:

This article refers to after-acquired properties.

The property, transmissible rights and the

Those properties, or rights or

Those who succeed to the universality of the

They are not given specific portions of the

Compulsory or forced heirs

Legal or intestate heirs are

All compulsory heirs are legal

Legatee succeeds to personal properties

Devisee succeeds to real properties

LEGATEES & DEVISEES

The making of a will is an act by which a

SUCCESSION REVIEWER (4th Year : 2008-2009)

Holographic wills are supposed to be entirely

Testamentary acts which cannot be delegated to

What is entrusted to a third person is the

Requisites of Article 786:

The distribution of specific property or sums of

Distinction between Article 785 and Article 786:

The will must be interpreted liberally in favor

SUCCESSION REVIEWER (4th Year : 2008-2009)

Extrinsic Evidence/Evidence Aliunde

Supposed oral declarations of the

Oral testimonies of other persons can

Dead Mans Statute

In an action where a claim is filed against the

These are used by persons engaged in

2 parts of Article 791:

GENERAL RULE: The invalid dispositions will not affect

Article 793 covers those after-acquired properties

GENERAL RULE: Only those properties owned by the

GENERAL RULE: All of the testators rights in a

Kinds of validity of wills:

Extrinsic Validity can be viewed from 2 points:

SUCCESSION REVIEWER (4th Year : 2008-2009)