Socorro Ledesma v. Conchita Mclachlin

Summary

This case involved Socorro Ledesma's attempt to collect an unpaid P1,500 promissory note from Lorenzo M. Quitco's heirs after his death. Lorenzo had issued the note in 1922 following their marital relationship and acknowledgment of their daughter Ana. The Supreme Court reversed the lower court's judgment ordering payment, ruling that the action had prescribed since more than ten years elapsed from the note's maturity date. Additionally, the Court held that heirs who inherit by representation from their grandfather are not liable for their deceased father's debts, as they inherit with benefit of inventory. The case establishes important principles regarding prescription of debt collection actions and limits of heir liability in succession matters.