G.R. No. 246997, May 05, 2021

FACTS:

Cecilia was born in 1932 with a physical disability and was known in the locality as a “lumpo.” Corazon passed away when Cecilia was just one (1) year old and the latter was left in the care and custody of her maternal aunt, Mercedes Esguerra Guia (Mercedes). Because of her physical condition, Cecilia spent most of her days in her bedroom. She never attended school nor learned to read or write.  In 1996, when she was sixty-four (64) years old, Cecilia decided to execute her last will and testament. Cecilia asked Atty. Bueser, then a notary public for assistance in preparing the last will. The finished copy of her last will and testament denominated Huling Habilin at Pagpapasiya which consisted of four (4) pages.  Mercedes was left all the properties. 

G.R. No. 229010, November 23, 2020

DOCTRINE:

If an alien-decedent duly executes a will in accordance with the forms and solemnities required by Philippine law, barring any other defect as to the extrinsic validity of the will, the courts may take cognizance of the petition and allow the probate of the will.

FACTS:

Lipson, an American citizen temporarily residing in Iriga City, executed her last will and testament and designated Roel R Gaspi (Gaspi) as executor. In 2015, at 70 years old, Lipson passed away due to lymphoma.Gaspi filed a Petition for the probate of Lipson’s will and the issuance of letters testamentary without bond on his behalf.

G.R. No. 169144. January 26, 2011

FACTS:

Ruperta, a Filipino who became a naturalized United States (U.S.) citizen, died single and childless. In the last will and testament she executed in California, she designated her brother, Sergio C. Palaganas (Sergio), as the executor of her will for she had left properties in the Philippines and in the U.S. In 2003 respondent Ernesto C. Palaganas, another brother of Ruperta, filed with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Malolos, Bulacan, a petition for the probate of Ruperta’s will and for his appointment as special administrator of her estate.

G.R. No. 208912, December 07, 2021.

FACTS:

In 1999, Migued died intestate leaving personal and real properties. In his first marriage with Amadea, he was survived by (1) Abdulah C. Aquino (Abdulah) and Rodolfo C. (Rodolfo) Aquino, his sons with Amadea; (2) the heirs of Wilfredo C. Aquino, his son with Amadea who also died earlier; (3) predeceased son with Amadea, Arturo C. Aquino (Arturo) and (4) Enerie B. Aquino, his second wife;

Angela moved that she be included in the distribution and partition of Miguel’s estate. She alleged that she was Arturo’s only child. According to Angela, Arturo died before she was born. Her parents were planning to marry before Arturo died. (illegitimate grandchild). Angela claimed that her grandfather, Miguel, took care of her mother’s expenses during her pregnancy. Moreover, Angela lived with her mother and the Aquino family at their ancestral home. Since her birth, her father’s relatives had continuously recognized her as Arturo’s natural child. In support of this, Angela presented her baptismal certificate stating that she was Arturo’s daughter. Rodolfo opposed Angela’s Motion, claiming that Arturo never legally recognized Angela as his natural child in his lifetime.