My aunt has dementia but lives permanently abroad, though she still owns land here in the Philippines — can a Philippine court appoint someone to manage that property even though she's a nonresident?

The nonresident scenario the section covers

The section applies where a person liable to be put under guardianship resides without the Philippines but has estate therein — someone living abroad who still owns Philippine property that may need protection despite the incapacity happening elsewhere. This closes a potential gap: Philippine property could otherwise sit unmanaged, or be exposed to mismanagement or loss, simply because the incapacitated owner never returns to the country where a guardian would normally be appointed.

Who may petition

Standing is broad: any relative or friend of such person, or any one interested in his estate, in expectancy or otherwise may bring the petition, not just an immediate family member physically present in the Philippines. This includes someone who merely expects to inherit or otherwise benefit from the estate someday, meaning the petition does not depend on a close blood relationship or a current legal interest — a genuine concern for how the property is being managed is enough to bring the matter before the court.

Notice before appointment

The court must first give notice to such person and in such manner as the court deems proper, by publication or otherwise, followed by a hearing, before it can act — the nonresident is not simply guardianized without any attempt to reach her. Because the person is abroad and may be difficult to serve personally, the rule gives the court flexibility to choose whatever method, publication in a newspaper for example, is realistically capable of reaching someone who cannot simply be handed a notice at a local address.

A guardian for the estate, not necessarily the person

If satisfied the nonresident is a minor or incompetent, the court may appoint a guardian for such estate. The section's focus is on protecting the Philippine property itself, which fits the practical reality that a Philippine court has limited ability to supervise the day-to-day personal care of someone who lives entirely abroad. The appointed guardian's authority is accordingly limited to managing, preserving, and where appropriate disposing of the Philippine estate under the court's supervision, rather than extending to personal decisions about the nonresident's daily care, which remains a matter for whatever jurisdiction the person actually resides in.

Related provisions

• Rule 93, Section 6 — When and how guardian for nonresident appointed; Notice
• Rule 93, Section 5 — Hearing and order for letters to issue