Title
Villaroel vs. Estrada
Case
G.R. No. 47362
Decision Date
Dec 19, 1940
Juan F. Villarroel assumed a prescribed debt in 1930; the Supreme Court upheld its enforceability, citing moral obligation and voluntary assumption as valid grounds.

Case Digest (G.R. No. 176625)

Facts:

  • Original Loan Agreement
    • On May 9, 1912, Alejandra F. Callao (mother of respondent Juan F. Villarroel) obtained a loan of ₱1,000 from spouses Mariano Estrada and Severina Estrada, payable after seven years (Exhibit A).
    • The spouses Mariano and Severina Estrada likewise died, leaving their son Bernardino Estrada as sole heir.
  • Succession of Parties
    • Alejandra F. Callao died, and her only heir was her son, the respondent Juan F. Villarroel.
    • Mariano and Severina Estrada died, leaving their only heir, the petitioner Bernardino Estrada.
  • New Obligation Assumed
    • On August 9, 1930, Juan F. Villarroel executed a promissory acknowledgment (Exhibit B), declaring that he owed Bernardino Estrada ₱1,000 with interest at 12% per annum.
    • The present action seeks to collect this sum based on Exhibit B.
  • Procedural Posture
    • The Regional Trial Court of Laguna rendered judgment ordering Villarroel to pay Estrada ₱1,000 with legal interest of 12% per annum from August 9, 1930, until full payment.
    • Villarroel appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.

Issues:

  • Whether the original debt of ₱1,000, now prescribed, can be enforced by Bernardino Estrada against Juan F. Villarroel.
  • Whether the acknowledgment in Exhibit B constitutes a valid new obligation despite the prescription of the original debt.
  • Whether a promise to pay a prescribed debt must be made by the original obligor or by someone legally authorized by him.

Ruling:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Doctrine:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

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