Spouses Primo Inalvez v. Bayang Nool

Summary

This case involved a property dispute between co-heirs over inherited land. Spouses Inalvez claimed exclusive ownership of a 10.2135-hectare property after purchasing it from Tarlac Development Bank following foreclosure. Respondents Nool claimed co-ownership as heirs of original owner. The Supreme Court ruled that co-ownership persisted despite the foreclosure because the original mortgage was executed without the valid consent of all co-owners, with evidence showing forged signatures. The Court applied Civil Code provisions on implied trusts and co-ownership, holding that respondents retained their property rights and were entitled to possession of their portion based on continuous occupation for over 35 years. The decision emphasized that co-owners cannot mortgage the entire property without consent of other co-owners, and that certificates of title cannot shield fraudulent transactions.