In this jurisdiction, the negligence of the party invoking forgery is recognized as an
exception114 to the general rule that a forged signature is wholly inoperative.115 Contrary to BPIs claim, however, we do not find CASA negligent in handling its financial affairs. CASA, we stress, is not precluded from setting up forgery as a real defense.
II. The Court of Appeals Erred in Finding That There Can Be No Valid Partition Among The Heirs of The Late Efraim Santibañez Until After The Will Has Been Probated