Paz Galvez v. Hon. Court of Appeals

Summary

This case involves a property inheritance dispute between co-heirs Paz Galvez and Porfirio Galvez over land inherited from their common ancestor Timotea F. Galvez. Paz Galvez fraudulently executed a self-adjudication affidavit claiming sole ownership and subsequently sold the property to Carlos Tam, who then sold it to Tycoon Properties, Inc. Porfirio Galvez filed suit for legal redemption and reconveyance. The Supreme Court affirmed lower courts' decisions, ruling that co-ownership principles apply and that prescription does not run against co-owners absent clear repudiation. The Court found no valid repudiation by Paz Galvez and rejected defenses of prescription, laches, and good faith purchaser status. The decision nullified all subsequent transfers and ordered reconveyance to Porfirio Galvez with damages against the defendants. The case establishes important precedents on co-ownership rights, legal redemption, and protection against fraudulent property transfers between co-heirs.