Title
Ledesma vs. McLachlin
Case
G.R. No. 44837
Decision Date
Nov 23, 1938
Socorro Ledesma sought to recover P1,500 from Lorenzo Quitco's heirs, claiming his debt and her daughter's inheritance rights. The court ruled the claim prescribed, and heirs inherited from Eusebio Quitco were not liable for Lorenzo's debts.

Case Digest (A.M. No. CA-18-35-P)

Facts:

  • Relationship and Acknowledgments
    • From 1916 to 1921, Socorro Ledesma lived maritally with Lorenzo M. Quitco, resulting in the birth of a daughter, Ana Quitco Ledesma.
    • In 1921, upon the termination of their relationship, Lorenzo executed Exhibit A, acknowledging Ana as his natural daughter, and on January 21, 1922, issued Exhibit C, a promissory note of ₱2,000 payable in three installments (₱250 on March 1, 1922; ₱250 on November 1, 1922; ₱1,500 on January 21, 1924).
  • Subsequent Events and Judicial Proceedings
    • Lorenzo later married Conchita McLachlin and had four children; he died on March 9, 1930. On December 15, 1932, his father Eusebio Quitco died, prompting intestate proceedings (Civil Case No. 6153).
    • On August 26, 1935, Socorro filed the promissory note as a claim before the committee on claims and appraisal in Eusebio’s estate; the committee denied jurisdiction. On November 14, 1933, the court declared heirs, excluding Ana; Socorro’s petition for reconsideration was denied, leading her to file the present complaint on June 26, 1934.

Issues:

  • Whether the action to recover the ₱1,500 installment under Exhibit C has prescribed.
  • Whether properties inherited by the defendants from their grandfather by representation are liable for the debts of their deceased father.
  • Whether the trial court erred in condemning the defendants to pay jointly and severally the ₱1,500 balance.

Ruling:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Doctrine:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

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