Concepcion Calvo v. Angeles Olives

Summary

Inheritance and contract interpretation dispute between widow with usufruct rights and heirs over division of property proceeds. Francisco Gonzalez de la Fuente's widow Concepcion Calvo claimed entitlement to entire net proceeds from sale of Escolta property under division agreement, while heirs contended she was only entitled to half (deceased's share). Supreme Court applied Civil Code contract interpretation principles, examining parties' intent and surrounding circumstances. Court held 'remainder' in agreement referred only to testator's half-interest in property, not entire proceeds, since parties intended to divide inheritance only. Plaintiff awarded 40,629.23 pesos as usufructuary heiress, establishing important precedent for contract interpretation in inheritance contexts and limiting usufruct rights to actual inherited share.