- Statute
- Civil Code
- Article
- Art. 811
- Topic
- Testamentary Succession
- Status
- In force
- Book
- BOOK III DIFFERENT MODES OF ACQUIRING OWNERSHIP Preliminary Provision
- Title
- TITLE IV SUCCESSION
- Chapter
- CHAPTER 2 Testamentary Succession
- Formerly
- Art. 619a of the old Civil Code
- Year
- 1949
- Cited by
- Multiple Supreme Court decisions
The provision
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. (619a)
Intellegal Wiki · In plain terms
To prove a holographic (entirely handwritten) will in court, at least one witness familiar with the testator's handwriting and signature must testify that both the will and the signature are genuinely the testator's. If the will is contested, at least three such witnesses are required, and the court may turn to handwriting experts when no qualified witness is available.
An editorially maintained plain-language explanation of this provision — not legal advice.
Cases applying this article
- The Director of Lands v. Pedro Aguas G.R. No. 42737
- Antonio Iribar v. Millat G.R. No. 1638
- Valeriana Velayo Bernardo v. Miguel Siojo G.R. No. 36078
- Intestado De La Finada Leoncia Filomena Jardin. Andres Jardin Y Otro, Solicitantes-Apelantes, Contra Severina Villamayor, Opositora-Apelada G.R. No. 47889
- Magin Riosa v. Pablo Rocha G.R. No. 23770
- Pedro Dizon v. Vicente Galang G.R. No. 23144
- Segunda Maria Nieva With Her Husband Angel Alcala v. Manuela Alcala G.R. No. 13386
- Flordeliza Sta. Romana v. Wilhelmina C. Tapalla G.R. No. 129358
Other Supreme Court decisions also apply this article.