G.R. No. L-3907 - Abaya vs. Zalamero

The will in question was executed by the testator, Juan Zalamero, who, due to his inability to sign, requested a witness to write his name.
The witness complied, writing the name and surname of the testator, who then placed a cross between them, indicating that the document represented his last will.
The details of this execution were documented in a note signed by the witnesses in the presence of the testator and each other.
The court found that these actions satisfied the legal requirements for the will's validity.

The court examined whether the will complied with Section 618 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which outlines the essential requisites for a valid will.
The opposition claimed that the will was executed under undue influence and did not meet the legal signing requirements.
The court determined that the evidence overwhelmingly supported the authenticity of the will, dismissing claims of undue influence as unsubstantiated.
The court noted that the absence of specific wording by the witness did not invalidate the will, as the essential elements were still present.

The court reviewed the evidence presented by both parties, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the will's execution.
It was established that the testator was not mentally incapacitated at the time of execution, nor was there sufficient proof of coercion.
The court emphasized that the will was executed in accordance with the law, with three witnesses present who confirmed the testator's intentions.