Article 2263Order of Preference of Credits

Rights to the inheritance of a person who

died, with or without a will, before the effectivity of this

Code, shall be governed by the Civil Code of 1889, by other

previous laws, and by the Rules of Court. The inheritance

of those who, with or without a will, die after the

beginning of the effectivity of this Code, shall be

adjudicated and distributed in accordance with this new

body of laws and by the Rules of Court; but the

testamentary provisions shall be carried out insofar as

they may be permitted by this Code. Therefore, legitimes,

betterments, legacies and bequests shall be respected;

however, their amount shall be reduced if in no other

manner can every compulsory heir be given his full share

according to this Code. (Rule 12a)