FACTS:
The case involves the estate of Casimiro V. Madarang, Sr. who died intestate in 1995. His wife Dolores and their five children survived him. Dolores was appointed as the administratrix of Casimiro Sr.'s estate by the RTC. However, Jose, one of the children, claimed that the Inventory Report submitted by Dolores omitted six lots, including Lot 829-B-4-B in Cebu City. The RTC ordered Dolores to include the six lots in the inventory, noting that the properties appeared to have been acquired by the spouses during their marriage. Dolores and her children, except for Jose, questioned the inclusion of the six lots and referred to themselves as "oppositors." Corazon was later appointed as co-administratrix of the estate. Vicente, one of the children, claimed that Lot 829-B-4-B was conveyed to him through a Deed of Donation executed by his parents. The petitioners later withdrew their opposition to the inclusion of the six lots, except for Lot 829-B-4-B. The RTC modified its earlier order and excluded Lot 829-B-4-B from the inventory. Jose motioned for reconsideration, but it was denied, prompting him to file a Notice of Appeal. In his appeal, Jose argued that Lot 829-B-4-B should have been included in the inventory. Jose later filed a motion to withdraw his petition, which his co-heirs opposed. The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Jose, resolving the issue.
ISSUES:
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Whether Lot 829-B-4-B should be included in the inventory of the estate.
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Whether the Deed of Donation in favor of Vicente is valid.
RULING:
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Lot 829-B-4-B should not be included in the inventory of the estate.
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The Deed of Donation in favor of Vicente is valid.
PRINCIPLES:
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Under Article 160 of the Civil Code, all properties acquired during the marriage are presumed to belong to the conjugal partnership, even if a property is registered under the wife's name.
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The presumption of conjugal ownership may be rebutted through evidence that the property was acquired exclusively by one spouse or that it was acquired before the marriage.