Title
Ongpin vs. Rivera
Case
G.R. No. 11409
Decision Date
Mar 21, 1917
Roman Ongpin's will bequeathed a legacy to Carmen Rivera. The administrator partially paid and deposited the balance, prompting a dispute over legal interest. The Court ruled the legacy must be delivered but denied interest, as the administrator was not delinquent.

Case Summary (G.R. No. 11409)

Background of the Case

Upon Roman Ongpin's passing, his will stipulated that Carmen Rivera would receive a legacy amounting to five percent of the net estate, equating to P9,867.02. Following the initiation of probate proceedings in the Court of First Instance, on June 28, 1915, the guardian of Carmen Rivera petitioned for the delivery of the legacy along with any accrued fruits or interest since Ongpin's death.

Court Orders and Compliance

In response, on July 12, 1915, the court ordered the administrator to liquidate the legacy and to deliver the proceeds to Carmen Rivera's guardian, contingent upon an increase in the guardian's bond from P1,000 to P10,000. The administrator subsequently deposited P7,737.02 with the court, representing the remaining legacy.

Legal Interest Dispute

On October 20, 1915, the court ordered that the administrator pay Carmen Rivera an additional P1,160.55 as legal interest for the two-and-a-half-year period from Ongpin's death until the payment was directed by the court. The administrator contested this order, leading to the current appeal.

Legal Obligation and Timeliness

A key legal question arose as to whether the administrator had been delinquent in fulfilling his obligations to deliver the legacy and whether the interest demanded was warranted. Based on the evidence, the parties recognized a series of partial distributions made to Carmen Rivera, totaling P2,040 prior to the court's order, and a compliance deposit made shortly thereafter.

Ruling on Legacy Delivery and Interest

The court found that the administrator was not delinquent in his obligation to deliver the legacy. Consequently, the appellate court affirmed the decision requiring

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