Title
Coronel vs. Ona
Case
G.R. No. 10280
Decision Date
Feb 7, 1916
A written contract for the sale of conjugal property is null and void due to fraud and simulation, as the surviving spouse cannot dispose of the deceased partner's share of the community property.
Font Size

Case Digest (G.R. No. 10280)

Facts:

  • The case involves a dispute over a rural estate in Lagalag, Tiaong, Tayabas, claimed to be conjugal property of Isidra Coronel and her husband, Cenon Ona.
  • Engracio Coronel, the administrator of Isidra's estate, alleged that Cenon Ona conspired with Benigno Nadres and Victoria Villa to fraudulently sell the land after Isidra's death in April 1911.
  • The plaintiffs argued that the sale documents (Exhibits A and B) were void due to Isidra's lack of consent, as she had already passed away.
  • The trial court ruled that the conveyance instruments were void, awarding half of the land to Isidra's heirs and recognizing Cenon Ona's usufructuary rights.
  • Defendants Crispin Castillo and Maria Recto, who claimed to have purchased the land, sought damages, asserting they were innocent purchasers in good faith.
  • The lower court denied their claims for damages, prompting an appeal.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court ruled that the sale instruments (Exhibits A and B) were fraudulent and void, as Isidra Coronel was deceased at the time of the execution of Exhibit A, and thus could not have consented to the sale.
  • The court denied the defendants' claim for damages, affirming ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Supreme Court's decision was based on the principle that a contract requires the consent of all parties, which was absent in this case due to Isidra Coronel's death.
  • The court highlighted the fraudulent nature of the sale, indicating it was simul...continue reading

Jur is an AI-powered legal research platform in the Philippines for case digests, summaries, and jurisprudence. AI-generated content may contain inaccuracies; please verify independently.

© 2024 Jur.ph. All rights reserved.