Jose Rongo v. Sabas M. Abastillas

Summary

Plaintiffs sought rescission of an agricultural lease contract, claiming the parties mistakenly believed the leased land had a sugar quota of 500 piculs when it actually had only 142.23 piculs. The Supreme Court affirmed dismissal based on res judicata, holding that a previous case had conclusively established the land's actual quota and the lessor's entitlement to 10% rental. The Court found the contract contained valid consideration despite the lower quota and that no grounds existed for rescission under Civil Code provisions. The decision emphasized that parties cannot re-litigate issues previously adjudicated and that contracts validly entered into cannot be rescinded except in cases specifically established by law. The Court noted the historical disappearance of sugar export quotas but declined to base its decision on subsequent events not raised by the parties.