- Petitioner
- Jallaludin Abdulrahman Gulam
- Respondent
- Spouses Catalino
- Citation
- G.R. No. 151458
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- First Division
- Ponente
- Austria-Martinez, J.
- Decided
- August 31, 2006
Summary
Petitioner filed specific performance action claiming full payment of P2,050,000.00 under Contract to Sell for Manila property. Respondents countered that only P1,100,000.00 was paid and sought rescission. Trial court found key receipt dated March 9, 1994 for P500,000.00 was forged based on PNP Crime Laboratory analysis, while disregarding contrary NBI finding due to tainted signature specimens. Courts ruled petitioner committed substantial breach through fraudulent means and failed to prove overpayment. Contract rescinded under Civil Code Article 1191. Supreme Court affirmed, emphasizing this was factual dispute inappropriate for Rule 45 review, and that lower courts properly assessed evidence credibility. Case demonstrates importance of authentic documentary evidence in contract disputes and courts' discretion in evaluating conflicting expert testimony.