Agripino Villegas v. The Court of Appeals

Summary

This consolidated case involves property rights disputes over a 406.5 square meter lot in Quiapo, Manila leased since 1959 by the Villegas and Sanchez families. When the landlord-heirs decided to sell in 1988, they offered the lessees a right of first refusal. After extensive negotiations, the lessees failed to accept the final offer, leading to the sale of 75% interest to Lita Sy for P3,825,000 and 25% to the Villegas brothers for P1,250,000. The Supreme Court ruled that the sale to Lita Sy was valid as the lessees failed to properly exercise their right of first refusal, but denied Lita Sy's redemption claim over the 25% portion because she failed to tender or consign the redemption price as required by Civil Code Articles 1620 and 1623. The decision clarifies the requirements for exercising right of first refusal and legal redemption rights.