Heirs of Quirico Seraspi v. Court of Appeals

Summary

This case involves a property dispute over two parcels of cocal land in Banga, Aklan originally owned by Marcelino Recasa. After his death and estate partition, the lands were eventually sold to the Seraspis in 1950. Following mortgage foreclosure, the lands were sold to Manuel Rata. In 1974, Simeon Recasa, an heir from the third marriage, forcibly took possession. The Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals, ruling that the action was not barred by prescription under Article 1141 (30-year period for real actions) and that Simeon did not acquire ownership through prescription due to lack of just title and good faith. The Court ordered return of possession to the Seraspi heirs, emphasizing that unlawful possession cannot prevail over valid title despite technical ownership issues.