Facts:

• The case involves a petition for partition of the estate of Juan (Jose) Siguiong and his wife, Juana Tan-Ayco, who died intestate.
• Alejandra Siguiong claims to be the legitimate daughter of Juan Siguiong and seeks to inherit from the estate.
• Defendants include Manuel Siguiong and Gertrudis Siguiong, siblings of Juan, and Deogracias Reyes, who has an interest through another sibling, Felipe Siguiong.
• Alejandra filed an amended complaint on October 10, 1902, for recognition of her claim and partition of the property.
• Manuel Siguiong contested Alejandra's legitimacy, noting she did not seek legal recognition during her father's lifetime.
• Evidence included baptismal certificates and testimonies from Alejandra's mother and other witnesses.
• The baptismal certificate indicated Alejandra was baptized as Juan's legitimate child, but Juan never formally recognized her.
• The trial court ruled against Alejandra, denying her claim to inheritance.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision, ruling that Alejandra Siguiong was not entitled to the status of a legitimized child and had no right to inherit from the estate.
• The Court held that the bap...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The ruling was based on legal principles regarding the recognition of natural and legitimized children at the time.
• The Court emphasized that mere birth does not confer inheritance rights without express or tacit recognition of paternity.
• Although Alejandra was baptized as Juan's legitimate child, there was no evidence of recognition by Juan during his lifetime or through formal declaration.
• Previous rulings from the Supreme Court of Spain...continue reading