Spouses Feliciana v. Spouses Elisa Montano Brucelas

Summary

This case involves a double sale of a 48,639 square meter lot in Tanza, Cavite. Spouses Cesa claimed they purchased the property in 1985 from the heirs of the original owners and took immediate possession, paying taxes and making improvements. However, in 2002, the same heirs sold the property again to Spouses Del Rosario, who registered it under their names. The RTC ruled in favor of Spouses Cesa, but the CA reversed, finding the 1985 sale unenforceable. The Supreme Court ultimately reinstated the RTC decision, holding that a valid contract existed in 1985 based on the parties' conduct, and that the 2002 buyers were in bad faith for failing to investigate the property's actual condition despite visible occupation. The Court emphasized that succession transferred ownership to the heirs upon Andres' death, making the controversial signature immaterial, and that due diligence required physical inspection of occupied property.