- Petitioner
- Dominador M. Apique
- Respondent
- Evangeline Apique Fahnenstich
- Citation
- G.R. No. 205705
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- First Division
- Ponente
- Perlas-Bernabe, J.
- Decided
- August 5, 2015
Summary
This case involves a dispute between siblings over unauthorized withdrawal from a joint bank account. Evangeline Apique Fahnenstich, working in Germany, opened a joint account with her brother Dominador for her business projects. Dominador withdrew P980,000.00 without authorization, claiming it as compensation from Evangeline's partner. The RTC initially ruled for Dominador based on joint account rules, but the Court of Appeals reversed, finding the withdrawal unjustified. The Supreme Court partially affirmed, ordering return of P880,000.00 (recognizing Dominador's P100,000.00 contribution) plus 6% annual interest. The decision clarifies that while joint account holders can withdraw funds vis-à-vis banks, their authority between themselves is limited by the account's agreed purpose. The case establishes important precedent on joint account operations and co-ownership rights under Article 485 of the Civil Code.