Spouses Edgardo M. Aguinaldo v. Artemio T. Torres, Jr.

Summary

This property ownership dispute involved competing claims over three lots in Tanza, Cavite. Petitioner spouses challenged the validity of a 1979 deed of sale transferring their property to respondent, claiming fraud. Respondent countered with a 1991 deed of sale. Through comprehensive handwriting analysis by the NBI and courts, the 1979 deed was found spurious while the 1991 deed was authenticated despite improper notarization. The Supreme Court declared the fraudulent 1979 deed and resulting titles null and void, but upheld the valid 1991 sale, ordering petitioners to execute a proper registrable deed within 30 days. The case demonstrates the courts' reliance on scientific evidence and the principle that improper notarization affects registrability but not the underlying validity of property sales between private parties.