Heirs of Antero Soliva v. Severino

Summary

This complex family property dispute involved the partition of a 14,609-square meter parcel among the heirs of spouses Ceferino and Juana Soliva. The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' ruling that multiple property transactions were valid, including a 1949 absolute sale, a 1970 pacto de retro sale, and subsequent sales to third parties. The Court rejected arguments that the 1970 sale was an equitable mortgage, finding no evidence of intent to secure debt and no Article 1602 badges present. Key holdings established that each heir received specific calculated shares, Severino was excluded for already receiving his inheritance, and third-party buyers Roleda and SEI acquired valid title in good faith. The decision provides important precedent on distinguishing true sales from equitable mortgages and the application of inheritance accretion principles under Article 1015 of the Civil Code.