Case Digest (G.R. No. 196251) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
In Olivarez Realty Corporation and Dr. Pablo R. Olivarez v. Benjamin Castillo (G.R. No. 196251, July 9, 2014), respondent Benjamin Castillo was the registered owner of a 346,918-square-meter parcel in Laurel, Batangas (TCT No. T-19972). On April 5, 2000, he entered into a Deed of Conditional Sale with petitioner Olivarez Realty Corporation (ORC), represented by Dr. Pablo R. Olivarez, agreeing on a P19,080,490.00 purchase price. ORC undertook a P5,000,000.00 down payment on a staggered schedule from April to November 2000 and to pay the P14,080,490.00 balance in thirty monthly installments after securing a judicial decision voiding the Philippine Tourism Authority’s adverse title (TCT No. T-18493). Paragraph C obliged ORC to sue the Authority, with Castillo’s assistance; Paragraphs E and F required ORC to pay disturbance compensation to tenants (capped at P1,500,000.00) and Castillo to clear the land within six months, failing which ORC might suspend payments. ORC could occupy im Case Digest (G.R. No. 196251) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Ownership and Title Dispute
- Benjamin Castillo owned a 346,918-sqm parcel in Laurel, Batangas (TCT No. T-19972); the Philippine Tourism Authority claimed the same land under TCT No. T-18493.
- On April 5, 2000, Castillo and Olivarez Realty Corporation (represented by Dr. Pablo R. Olivarez) entered into a deed of conditional sale for ₱19,080,490.00.
- Contractual Terms
- Down payment of ₱5,000,000.00 in scheduled installments between April and November 2000; balance of ₱14,080,490.00 to be paid in 30 equal monthly installments upon voiding of the PTA title.
- Olivarez Realty Corporation to file suit against PTA and pay disturbance compensation to tenants; Castillo to assist and to clear tenants within six months; immediate possession granted to the corporation; improvements forfeited upon cancellation.
- Alleged Defaults and Court Proceedings
- The corporation paid only ₱2,500,000.00, did not file suit against PTA, nor clear tenants or pay disturbance compensation; Castillo filed for rescission under Art. 1191, alleging breach and contract of adhesion, and sought moral, exemplary damages, attorney’s fees, and costs.
- Defendants counterclaimed for litigation expenses; Castillo moved for summary judgment; the RTC granted rescission, forfeited ₱2,500,000.00 in Castillo’s favor, and awarded moral (₱500,000.00), exemplary (₱50,000.00) damages, and costs of suit.
- Appellate and Supreme Court Proceedings
- The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC decision in toto on July 20, 2010; denied reconsideration on March 18, 2011.
- Olivarez Realty Corporation and Dr. Olivarez filed a petition for review on certiorari with the Supreme Court, contesting summary judgment, damages awards, and docket fees.
Issues:
- Whether the trial court erred in rendering summary judgment.
- Whether correct docket fees were paid, thereby conferring jurisdiction on the RTC.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)