Ma. Estela Maglasang v. The Heirs of Corazon Cabatingan

Summary

This case involves a dispute over the validity of donations made by Conchita Cabatingan to family members. The Supreme Court resolved the sole issue of whether the donations were inter vivos (effective during lifetime) or mortis causa (effective upon death). The Court ruled that the donations were mortis causa based on the clear provision that they would 'become effective upon the death of the DONOR' and would be rescinded if donees predeceased the donor. Since mortis causa donations must comply with the formalities of wills under Articles 805 and 806 of the Civil Code, and these deeds failed to meet those requirements, they were declared null and void. The decision established important precedent on distinguishing between inter vivos and mortis causa donations, emphasizing that the intent to transfer ownership only upon death, regardless of motivations like 'love and affection,' characterizes a mortis causa donation requiring testamentary formalities.