Question

Interpretation of Doubtful Statutes (Civil Code, Art. 10)

Mr. Reyes wants to buy a property from Ms. Santos. They enter into a written agreement stipulating that Mr. Reyes will pay the full purchase price of Php 5,000,000 within 30 days. However, due to an error in the drafting of the agreement, it was mistakenly indicated that the purchase price is Php 500,000 instead of Php 5,000,000.

Ms. Santos, upon realizing the mistake, insists that the sale should be governed by the written agreement and that Mr. Reyes should only pay Php 500,000. On the other hand, Mr. Reyes argues that the true intention of both parties was for him to pay Php 5,000,000, as agreed upon verbally prior to the drafting of the agreement.

Discuss the effect and application of Article 10 of the Civil Code in this situation, and determine the proper interpretation of the sale agreement between Mr. Reyes and Ms. Santos.