Tomas Sison v. Alejandro Balgos

Summary

This case involves the right to redeem property sold at execution sale after the death of the minors' guardian. When guardian Isidro Azarraga died on May 2, 1911, just before the redemption period expired on May 17, 1911, his relative Leodegario Azarraga deposited the redemption amount with the sheriff on the last day. The property purchaser Alejandro Balgos refused the redemption, arguing that Azarraga lacked authority since he wasn't yet officially appointed as guardian or administrator. The Supreme Court reversed the lower court's dismissal, applying the doctrine of negotiorum gestio (voluntary management of another's affairs). The Court held that Azarraga could act on behalf of the minors either as special administrator of the deceased guardian's estate or under voluntary agency principles. The Court emphasized that the law should not abandon orphaned minors to their fate, and established important precedent regarding emergency guardianship actions and property redemption rights.