Sabino Liwag v. Exequiel Yauco

Summary

This 1917 Supreme Court case involved a property dispute between the heirs of Marcelo Liwag and the defendants who claimed ownership through alleged purchase. The plaintiffs, as Marcelo's children and grandchildren, sought to recover two parcels of land and damages. The defendants argued they inherited the land from Agaton Yauco, who allegedly purchased it from Marcelo. The Court found that after Marcelo's death in 1886, his family employed Agaton as administrator, who paid crop shares to the heirs. This arrangement continued through Agaton's wife until 1906, when defendants took possession. The Supreme Court rejected the prescription defense, finding insufficient time had elapsed under either the Civil Code's 30-year period or Act No. 190's 10-year period. The Court affirmed the lower court's judgment for plaintiffs, establishing their superior right as lawful heirs and owners of the disputed property.