Ambrosio Ramos v. H. A. Gibbon

Summary

This case involved a breach of contract dispute over the sale of 80 mineral lode claims. Plaintiffs Ambrosio Ramos et al. sold the Cabayo Group mining claims to defendants H.A. Gibbon et al. for P60,000 payable in installments. After paying only P7,400 of the total purchase price, defendants defaulted on remaining payments totaling P52,600. The Supreme Court upheld plaintiffs' right to recover the balance, rejecting defendants' arguments about lack of authority, improper registration, and novation. The Court clarified that possessory rights of mining claim locators constitute transferable property rights even without patent. Significantly, the Court modified the lower court's judgment regarding defendants' liability, holding they were bound jointly rather than jointly and severally under Civil Code provisions, as no express solidary obligation was stipulated in the contract.