Raymundo Eced v. Eugenio Ocampo

Summary

This case involves a dispute over ownership of 27 carabaos between Raymundo Eced and Eugenio Ocampo. While Ocampo was detained as a political prisoner in Manila in 1897, Eced claimed that Ocampo's general agent sold the carabaos to him. The animals were later seized by revolutionary authorities as Eced's property due to his Spanish nationality, then returned to Ocampo upon his release. All carabaos died while in Ocampo's possession. The Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's ruling in favor of Ocampo, applying Article 457 of the Civil Code. The Court found that Ocampo took possession in good faith without knowledge of the alleged sale, and since the animals died without his fault, he was not liable for their value. This case establishes important precedent regarding good faith possession and the protection afforded under Civil Code Article 457 when property is lost without the possessor's fault.