Gregoria de Castro y Perez v. Inocente Echarri y Gonzalez

Summary

This 1911 Supreme Court case involved a property dispute where alleged heirs of Antonio Perez sued Inocente Echarri, a bona fide purchaser, claiming 5/12 of a Manila lot. The plaintiffs claimed to be descendants of Antonio's alleged daughters from a first marriage to Eugenia Garcia. The Supreme Court reversed the lower court's award to plaintiffs, holding that Echarri was protected as a good faith purchaser who acquired clear title from Luisa Perez Echarri, Antonio's recognized sole heir. The Court emphasized that 27 years had passed without any claims being made, during which Luisa had undisturbed possession. The decision established important precedent protecting bona fide purchasers and applying prescription rules under the Civil Code, particularly articles 1940, 1957, 1958, and 1965.