Spouses Rodolfo M. Covita v. Florentina Marcelino

Summary

This case involves a dispute over reformation of a deed of sale executed between spouses petitioners and respondent regarding a 269 square meter portion of respondent's property. Petitioners leased a house on the property and later purchased the lot to prevent bank foreclosure, paying the redemption price. However, the deed of sale contained unclear descriptions of the actual property sold and consideration paid. The RTC granted reformation finding the true object was the lot where petitioners' house stood, but the CA reversed this, ruling no meeting of minds existed. The Supreme Court restored the RTC decision, finding that parties did have a meeting of minds as evidenced by their execution of the deed, and that reformation was proper to reflect their true intention. The case establishes important precedents regarding contract reformation requirements and burden of proof in property sale disputes.