Raul Saberon v. Oscar Ventanilla, Jr.

Summary

This complex property dispute involved competing claims over two lots in Quezon City. The Ventanillas held valid 1970 contracts to sell and obtained multiple court judgments confirming their rights, with a notice of levy registered in 1991. The Saberons purchased the same property in 1992 for P2.1 million, claiming to be innocent purchasers relying on clean titles. The Supreme Court held that the notice of levy, though entered only in the primary entry book due to Register of Deeds' error in not carrying it over to subsequent titles, created constructive notice binding all persons. While recognizing the Ventanillas' superior rights based on prior registration of their levy, the Court found the Saberons to be builders in good faith entitled to compensation under Civil Code provisions. The case was remanded to determine either reimbursement for improvements or payment for the land value.