Ramnani v.

CA

FACTS: This case involves the bitter quarrel of two brothers over two (2) parcels of land and its
improvements now worth a fortune.

Ishwar, Choithram and Navalrai, all surnamed Jethmal Ramnani, are brothers of the full blood. Ishwar
and his spouse Sonya had their main business based in New York. Realizing the difficulty of managing
their investments in the Philippines they executed a general power of attorney appointing Navalrai and
Choithram as attorneys-in-fact to invest in a profitable business venture in the and empowering them to
manage and conduct their business concern in the Philippines.

Choithram in turn decided to invest in the real estate business. He bought the two (2) parcels of land in
question from Ortigas as attorney-in-fact of Ishwar- Instead of paying for the lots in cash, he paid in
installments and used the balance of the capital entrusted to him, plus a loan, to build two buildings.
Although the buildings were burned later, Choithram was able to build two other buildings on the property.
He rented them out and collected the rentals.

Sometime in 1970 Ishwar asked Choithram to account for the income and expenses relative to these
properties during the period 1967 to 1970. Choithram failed and refused to render such accounting. As a
consequence, on Febru1ary 4, 1971, Ishwar revoked the general power of attorney.

ISSUE: How should the two brothers share in the profits(and losses?) ?

HELD: We have a situation where two brothers engaged in a business venture. One furnished the capital,
the other contributed his industry and talent. Justice and equity dictate that the two share equally the fruit
of their joint investment and efforts.

Through the industry and genius of Choithram, Ishwar's property was developed and improved into what
it is now—a valuable asset worth millions of pesos. As of the last estimate in 1985, while the case was
pending before the trial court, the market value of the properties is no less than P22,304,000.00.39 It
should be worth much more today.

Perhaps this Solomonic solution may pave the way towards their reconciliation. Both would stand to gain.
No one would end up the loser. After all, blood is thicker than water.