Question

A. Natural Persons: Commencement and End of Civil Personality

Scenario 1:

John, a 25-year-old Filipino citizen, has decided to legally change his name. He filed a petition for change of name before the appropriate court and complied with all the necessary requirements. The court granted his petition and issued an order reflecting his new name. However, John failed to properly publish the order in a newspaper of general circulation as required by law. What is the effect of John's failure to publish the court order, and is his new name legally valid? Explain, citing the applicable provisions of the Civil Code.

Scenario 2:

Maria, a 70-year-old widow, passed away without leaving any surviving relatives. She had accumulated considerable wealth through her successful business ventures. Maria's closest friends claim that she entrusted all her properties to them before her death and that they are the rightful beneficiaries of her estate. However, distant relatives of Maria also surfaced, asserting their claim to the inheritance. As the court-appointed administrator of Maria's estate, how would you determine the rightful heirs of her estate? Discuss the legal framework governing the succession of estates, citing relevant provisions of the Civil Code.