Mary Ann Deheza-Inamarga v. Celenia C. Alano

Summary

This case involved a property dispute between family members over two parcels of land. Tomas Alano, needing to redeem mortgaged properties, sought help from his niece Mary Ann Deheza-Inamarga, who agreed to pay the debt. However, petitioner allegedly induced the elderly spouses to sign blank papers, which were later converted into a deed of sale transferring ownership to her. After Tomas died, his family discovered the transfer and filed suit. The Supreme Court affirmed lower courts' findings that the deed of sale was forged and the transaction was actually an equitable mortgage, not a sale. The Court noted the inadequate consideration, the family's continued possession, and their payment of taxes as indicators of equitable mortgage. The decision nullified the fraudulent transfer, ordered reconveyance, and awarded damages, emphasizing protection against fraudulent schemes targeting elderly relatives and upholding the Civil Code provisions on equitable mortgages.