Heirs of Jose Extremadura v. Manuel Extremadura

Summary

This case involves a property ownership dispute between brothers over a 3.4945 square meter agricultural land in Sorsogon. Jose Extremadura purchased the land from his aunt through a deed of sale in 1984 but entrusted its care to his brother Manuel, who delivered produce until 1995 before claiming ownership. The RTC ruled for Jose based on the deed of sale, but the CA reversed, finding insufficient transfer of possession. The Supreme Court ultimately reinstated the RTC decision, holding that Jose established equitable title through the valid deed of sale and exercised constructive possession through Manuel's caretaking and delivery of produce. The Court emphasized that possession can be exercised through another person who recognizes the owner's rights, and Jose's tax payments further supported his ownership claim.