Teresita S. Lee v. Lui Man Chong

Summary

This case involves a property dispute where Teresita Lee, claiming to be the common-law wife of deceased Conrado Romero, sought to recover half-ownership of properties that Lui Man Chong had adjudicated to himself as Romero's sole heir. Lee filed multiple cases, including a petition for administration and an annulment case, all of which were dismissed with finality. When she filed a third case for recovery of ownership, claiming co-ownership based on cohabitation and joint business efforts, the courts applied the doctrine of res judicata. The Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal, finding that all elements of res judicata were satisfied - there was identity of parties, subject matter, and causes of action between the dismissed annulment case and the recovery case. The Court emphasized that Lee was essentially seeking the same relief in both cases and that the prior final judgment conclusively settled her claims to the properties.