Short answer. Yes. Article 1054 of the Civil Code expressly provides that where several heirs are called to the inheritance, some may accept and others may repudiate it. Acceptance and repudiation are individual decisions — one heir's choice does not bind the others.
What the law says
Should there be several heirs called to the inheritance, some of them may accept and the others may repudiate it.
Civil Code, Article 1054 — Co-Heirs May Choose Differently. Read the full provision →
Each heir decides for themselves
When a person dies and leaves several heirs — whether under a will or by intestate succession — each heir has their own independent right to decide what to do with their share. Article 1054 makes this plain: some of them may accept and the others may repudiate it. No heir can be compelled to accept an inheritance against their will, and one heir's acceptance does not force the others to follow. This is a fundamental aspect of how succession works under the Civil Code.
Why an heir might repudiate
Repudiating an inheritance is not always irrational. If the estate has more debts than assets, accepting it means stepping into an obligation to pay those debts — at least up to the value of the inheritance received. An heir who is already in financial difficulty might reasonably prefer to repudiate rather than take on a share of a heavily indebted estate. Similarly, an heir who has no practical use for the inherited property and does not want the complications of ownership may choose to repudiate and let the share pass to others.
What happens to the repudiating heir's share
When an heir repudiates their share, that share does not simply disappear. The Civil Code has rules for how a repudiated share is redistributed — typically it goes to the other heirs in proportion to their own shares, or, in certain cases, to substitute or accretion arrangements set up in the will. The exact result depends on how many heirs there are, whether there are compulsory heirs, and what the will provides if any. The important point for the repudiating heir is that once properly made, repudiation is generally irrevocable.
How acceptance and repudiation are made
Acceptance can be express (in a public or private document) or tacit (through acts that imply acceptance, such as selling inherited property). Repudiation, however, must be made in a public or authentic instrument, or in a petition presented to the court if the case is pending there — tacit repudiation is not allowed. If you are considering repudiating your share, or if another heir has repudiated and you want to understand how it affects your share, consult a lawyer before any documents are signed or estate proceedings are finalized.