Spouses Narciso Rongavilla v. Court of Appeals

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the nullity of a deed of sale executed by elderly, uneducated aunts in favor of their niece and her husband. The aunts were deceived into signing what they believed was merely an acknowledgment of a P2,000 debt for roof repairs, not realizing it was actually a deed transferring their property. The Court found the contract void ab initio due to complete absence of genuine consent and adequate consideration, noting the gross inadequacy of the stated P2,000 consideration for property later mortgaged for P40,000. The case exemplifies the Civil Code's protective mandate for disadvantaged parties and establishes that truly void contracts are imprescriptible and subject to attack at any time. The Court ordered reconveyance of the property, emphasizing that logic and common sense militate against the absurd notion that elderly persons would sell their only home for a measly sum to repair its roof, only to become homeless.