Uy Soo Lim v. Benito Tan Unchuan

Summary

Uy Soo Lim sought to annul a contract selling his inheritance rights in Santiago Pastrano's estate to Francisca Pastrano for P82,500, claiming fraud, undue influence, and minority. The Supreme Court affirmed dismissal of his action, finding no fraud or undue influence as he had competent advisers and full knowledge of facts. Even if he was a minor, he ratified the contract by collecting and spending the entire consideration after reaching majority, then waiting almost eight months before filing suit. Under Civil Code provisions, rescission requires return of consideration, but plaintiff was unable to make restitution having disposed of all proceeds. The Court emphasized that minority protection should not become a weapon for speculation or bad faith, and that reasonable time limits apply to disaffirmance rights.