Title
Rivero vs. Rabe
Case
G.R. No. 33320
Decision Date
Oct 4, 1930
A 1919 loan dispute over interest rates (6% vs. 10%) on a P1,000 mortgage; court ruled 10% interest, upheld attorney’s fees, and denied a new trial, interpreting contract ambiguity against the drafter.
A

Case Digest (G.R. No. 33320)

Facts:

On April 9, 1919, Inocente Rabe obtained a P1,000 loan from Salvador Rivero, payable within one year and secured by four parcels of registered land mortgaged under the Mortgage Law in Ilocos Sur. The mortgage deed provided that it would become null and void if Rabe (or his representative/heirs) paid the P1,000, “together with interest at the rate fixed by Act No. 2655,” payable each semester in advance; otherwise, it would remain effective. Rabe offered to pay 10% interest, which Rivero rejected and demanded 12%.

The justice of the peace of Vigan, acting as Judge of First Instance, ordered the estate administrator to pay 10% interest, plus P150 attorney’s fees and costs, with payment or deposit within ninety days or else a sale of the mortgaged property. Rabe appealed, assigning errors on the interest rate, attorney’s fees, and denial of a motion for new trial.

Issues:

  • Whether the mortgage deed required Rabe to pay 6% annual interest or 10% interest.
  • Whether the trial court erred in awarding P150 as attorney’s fees and costs.
  • Whether the trial court erred in denying the motion for a new trial.

Ruling:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Doctrine:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.