Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority [Mciaa] v. Heirs of Gavina Ijordan

Summary

MCIAA sought cancellation of respondents' title over Lot No. 4539, claiming it was validly sold to government in 1957 by Julian Cuison. Respondents, as co-heirs, contended they never consented to the sale. The Supreme Court affirmed lower courts' rulings that the sale was unenforceable against non-consenting co-owners under Article 1317 of the Civil Code, which prohibits contracting in another's name without authority. However, the sale remained valid as to Julian's 1/22 share. The Court rejected MCIAA's defenses of estoppel, ratification, and acquisitive prescription, emphasizing that Torrens titles are indefeasible against adverse possession. This case establishes that co-owners cannot be bound by unauthorized sales of their shares, protecting property rights of non-consenting co-owners while recognizing the seller's right to dispose of his own share.