Case Digest (G.R. No. 50422)
Facts:
The case involves petitioners Nicolas Arradaza, Marcelino Arradaza, Oprecilio Arradaza, Catalina Arradaza, Miguel Arradaza, Lilia Arradaza, Melchor Arradaza, and Cerlito Arradaza against respondents Honorable Court of Appeals and Melchor Larrazabal. The events leading to this case began in 1941 when Ignacio Arradaza and Marcelina Quirino purchased a parcel of land in Ormoc, Leyte, measuring approximately 52,956 square meters for P300.00. The deed of sale was lost during World War II, and despite efforts to recover it, the land was adjudicated to the original vendors, Gervacio Villas and Jovita Tabudlong, due to the failure of the Arradazas to claim it. Original Certificate of Title No. 35901 was issued in the names of the vendors, although they acknowledged the Arradazas as the true owners.
In 1944, Ignacio Arradaza mortgaged the land to Estelita Magalona for P250.00. After Marcelina's death in 1947, Ignacio sold the land to Estelita Magalona Bangloy, who took possessi...
Case Digest (G.R. No. 50422)
Facts:
Ownership and Initial Sale
- Petitioners are the legitimate children of spouses Ignacio Arradaza and Marcelina Quirino, except for Lilia Arradaza and Carlito Mopon, who are their grandchildren.
- In 1941, Ignacio Arradaza and Marcelina Quirino purchased a 52,956-square-meter land in Ormoc, Leyte, from spouses Gervacio Villas and Jovita Tabudlong for P300.00. The deed of sale was lost during the war, and the land was adjudicated to the vendor spouses during cadastral hearings due to the vendee spouses' failure to claim it. Original Certificate of Title No. 35901 was issued in the name of the vendor spouses, but they recognized the vendee spouses as the real owners.
Mortgage and Subsequent Sale
- In 1944, Ignacio Arradaza mortgaged the land to Estelita Magalona for P250.00 for five years. After Marcelina Quirino's death in 1944, Ignacio Arradaza sold the land to Estelita Magalona Bangloy on October 21, 1947. Bangloy took possession, declared the land for taxation, and paid taxes.
Transfer to Private Respondent
- On February 13, 1963, private respondent Melchor Larrazabal purchased the land from Bangloy for P800.00. The sale was evidenced by a deed of sale and a quitclaim executed by the registered owners, spouses Villas, renouncing their rights in favor of Ignacio Arradaza. These documents were registered on April 18, 1963, and Transfer Certificate of Title No. 4581 was issued in Larrazabal's name.
Legal Action by Petitioners
- On January 18, 1975, petitioners filed an action to recover their pro-indiviso one-half share of the land as heirs of Ignacio Arradaza and Marcelina Quirino, claiming the right of legal redemption over the portion sold by their father. The trial court dismissed their complaint, and the Court of Appeals affirmed the decision.
Issue:
- Whether the trial court erred in rendering a summary judgment despite the existence of material issues of fact.
- Whether the petitioners' action has prescribed and is barred by the statute of limitations.
- Whether private respondent Melchor Larrazabal was a purchaser in good faith and for value.
- Whether the petitioners are guilty of laches.
- Whether the petitioners have the right to legal redemption, damages, and attorney's fees.
- Whether the Court of Appeals erred in denying the petitioners' motion for reconsideration without justification.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)