Heirs of Maria de La Cruz y Gutierrez v. Court of Appeals

Summary

This case involves a property dispute between heirs over a 1,980 square meter portion of Lot 1488. The petitioners, heirs of Maria de la Cruz y Gutierrez, claimed their predecessor entrusted administration of the land to her niece Maria de la Cruz y Guevarra, but the title was fraudulently registered in the niece's name during cadastral proceedings. The Supreme Court ruled that the action for reconveyance was based on express trust, which does not prescribe unless repudiated by the trustee. The Court emphasized that express trusts can be created orally and no particular words are required, reversing the appellate court's finding of prescription and reinstating the trial court's order for reconveyance.