Maria L. Harold v. Agapito T. Aliba

Summary

This case involves the validity of an amicable settlement reached during barangay conciliation proceedings. Harold sued Aliba after discovering he had fraudulently sold her property. During barangay mediation, parties agreed Aliba would pay additional P75,000. Aliba paid P70,000 on June 8, 1994, with P5,000 balance due the next day. Harold accepted the P70,000 but refused the final P5,000, demanding court litigation while keeping the money already received. The Supreme Court upheld lower courts' dismissal, ruling there was a valid compromise agreement under Civil Code Article 2028. The Court applied estoppel principles, finding Harold could not accept benefits then repudiate the settlement without valid grounds under LGC Section 418. The decision reinforced the Katarungang Pambarangay system's role in promoting amicable dispute resolution.