Question

Sam, a Filipino national, owns a residential property in Italy. He executes a will in the Philippines, explicitly stating that his Italian property should be governed by Philippine law. Upon his demise, a dispute arises regarding the validity and enforceability of the provisions in his will on his Italian property. The Philippine court is tasked to determine the choice of law in this case.

Discuss the applicability and implications of the doctrine of lex rei sitae in determining the choice of law for Sam's Italian property. Cite relevant laws and jurisprudence to support your answer.