BELLIS VS. BELLIS G. R. No.

L-23678

Facts:
Amos G. Bellis was a citizen and resident of Texas at the time of his death. Before he
died, he made two wills, one disposing his Texas properties, the other disposing his Philippine
properties. In both wills, the recognized illegitimate children were not given any share. Texas
has no conflict rule (Rule of Private International Law) governing successional rights.
Furthermore, under Texas law, there are no compulsory heirs.

Issue:
Whether or not such illegitimate children of Bellis be entitled to successional rights.

Held:
The said illegitimate children are not entitled to their legitimes. Under Texas law, there
are no legitimates. Even if the other will was executed in the Philippines, his national law, still,
will govern the properties for succession even if it is stated in his testate that it shall be
governed by the Philippine law.