Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Petitioner spouses Yu and Ramon and the latter’s wife executed a Kusangloob na More importantly, however, several facts should have put petitioner spouses on inquiry
Pagsasauli ng Lupang Sakahan at Pagpapahayagng Pagtalikod sa Karapatan whereby as to the alleged rights of their vendor, Javier, over the Langcaan Property.
Ramon waived his tenancy rights over the Langcaan Property for P 500,000.
a) the property remains to be registered in the name of respondent despite the
Later, Respondent Pacleb filed a Complaint for annulment of deed of sale and other two (2) Deeds of Absolute SaleBoth deeds were not even annotated in the
documents arising from it. He alleged that the deed of sale between Del Rosario was title of the Langcaan Property.
spurious as their signatures thereon were forgeries. Respondent later dismissed the b) a perusal of the two deeds of absolute sale reveals that they were executed
case without prejudice. only about two (2) months apart and that they contain identical provisions.
c) it is undisputed that the Langcaan Property is in the possession of Ramon, the
Petitioner spouses Yu filed an action for forcible entry against respondent Pacleb with son of the registered owner. This bare fact alone should have made petitioner
the MTC. They alleged that they had prior physical possession of the Langcaan spouses suspicious as to the veracity of the alleged title of their
Property through their trustee, Ramon, until the latter was ousted by respondent. vendor. Moreover, petitioner spouses could have easily verified the true status
of the Langcaan Property from Ramons wife, since the latter is their relative
MTC Decision: In favor of petitioner spouses Yu The case law is well settled, viz.:
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The law protects to a greater degree a purchaser who buys from the REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs. SOCORRO P. JACOB,
registered owner himself. Corollarily, it requires a higher degree of prudence respondent.
from one who buys from a person who is not the registered owner, although G.R. No. 146874, July 20,2006
the land object of the transaction is registered. While one who buys from the
registered owner does not need to look behind the certificate of title, one who buys FACTS: On August 14, 1970, then President Marcos issued Proclamation No. 739,
from one who is not the registered owner is expected to examine not only Establishing as Reservation for the Purpose of the Exploration, Development,
the certificate of title but all factual circumstances necessary for him to Exploitation and Utilization of Geothermal Energy, Natural Gas and Methane Gas a
determine if there are any flaws in the title of the transferor, or in his Parcel of Land in the Province of Albay, Island of Luzon, Philippines. Lot No. 4094 of
capacity to transfer the land. the Malinao Cadastre is covered by the said proclamation.
This Court has consistently applied the stricter rule when it comes to
deciding the issue of good faith of one who buys from one who is not the registered Private respondent, a retired public school teacher, filed an application with the RTC of
owner, but who exhibits a certificate of title. (Emphasis supplied) Albay for the confirmation and registration of her alleged title over Lot No. 4094.
d) Finally, the dismissal of Civil Case No. 1199-95 (*Javier Case*) cannot serve
to validate the sale to petitioner spouses since the dismissal was ordered The Republic of the Philippines, through the OSG, opposed the application for the
because Del Rosario and Javier could no longer be found. Indeed, the following reasons:
dismissal was without prejudice. 3. That the claim of ownership in fee simple on the basis of Spanish
title or grant can no longer be availed of by the applicant/s
Based on the foregoing, therefore, petitioner spouses cannot be considered as 4. That the parcel/s applied for is/are portions of the public domain
innocent purchasers in good faith. belonging to them
2. Petitioner spouses argue that the decision of the RTC in Civil Case No. 741- Private respondent appended to her application the tracing cloth plan of the property
93 as to the rightful owner of the Langcaan Property is conclusive and binding under the name of Sotero Bondal. The blue print,[3] dated February 27, 1991, was
upon respondent even if the latter was not a party thereto since it involved prepared and signed by Geodetic Engineer Bonifacio C. del Valle and approved by
the question of possession and ownership of real property, and is thus not Ernesto L. Llave, Chief, Regional Surveys Division of the Lands Management Service.
merely an action in personam but an action quasi in rem. Per Report[4] of the Land Registration Authority dated September 27, 1994, the
property was the subject of an application for registration (Cadastral Case No. 42, GLRO
In Domagas v. Jensen,[35] we distinguished between actions in personam and Cadastral Record No. 1324), but no decision has been rendered thereon, or if there
actions quasi in rem . had been any, no copy of the same was furnished to the [Land Registration
Authority]. The report also states that the property is covered by Free Patent No. V-
The settled rule is that the aim and object of an action 13062 dated May 21, 1955.[5] Private respondent had also applied for a free patent
determine its character. Whether a proceeding is in rem, or in over the property, but withdrew her application in a Letter[6] dated October 27,
personam, or quasi in rem for that matter, is determined by its 1994 addressed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region
nature and purpose, and by these only. V, Legaspi City.
In an action quasi in rem, an individual is named as
defendant and the purpose of the proceeding is to subject Private respondent adduced the following evidence and factual allegations to support
his interests therein to the obligation or loan burdening the her application before the RTC:
property.
The previous owner of Lot No. 4094, Sotero Bondal, sold the property
Civil Case No. 741-93 is an action for specific performance and damages filed by. The to Macario Monjardin, a brother of private respondents mother (her
obligations of Javier under the contract to sell attach to him alone, and do not burden Uncle). Macario declared the property in his name under a Tax Declaration in 1930 and
the Langcaan Property. again in 1949 Since Macario was residing inManila and was unable to cultivate the
property, he asked his sister, respondent’s mother, to be his encargado. By then,
We have held in an unbroken string of cases that an action for specific performance is private respondent was already a 17-year old substitute teacher who then accompanied
an action in personam. her mother in supervising the planting and harvesting of palayand the improvement of
the lot.
Being a judgment in personam, Civil Case No. 741-93 is binding only upon the parties
properly impleaded therein and duly heard or given an opportunity to be heard. It Sometime in 1946, Macario sold the property and executed a deed of salein favor of
cannot bind respondent since he was not a party therein. Neither can respondent be the respondent’s motherand father but failed to declare the property for taxation
considered as privy thereto since his signature nor that of his late first wife, Angelita purposes under their names. Her parents later died intestate. Private respondent
Chan, were forged in the deed of sale. executed an Affidavit of Extrajudicial Adjudication where she declared that as sole heir
of the spouses Igmedio Patricio, she was the sole owner of the property.
All told, we affirm the ruling of the Court of Appeals finding that, as between
respondent and petitioner spouses, respondent has a better right over the Langcaan However, Lot No. No. 4094 was declared for taxation purposes under the name of
Property as the true owner thereof. Socorro where she paid the realty taxes over the property. When cross-examined,
private respondent admitted that she had no copy of the deed of sale executed
by Sotero Bondalin favor of Macario Monjardin.
TOPIC: Doctrine of Constructive Possession
RTC Decision: In favor of the applicant Jacob. The Republic of the Philippines,
through the Office of the Solicitor General, appealed the decision to the CA alleging
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
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that private respondent failed to prove her claim that the original owner of the In this case, however, private respondent failed to offer in evidence the deed of sale
property, Sotero Bondal, sold the property to her uncle Macario Monjardin. It was purportedly executed by Sotero Bondal in favor of Macario Monjardin as vendee. On
likewise pointed out that private respondent admitted that she had no copy of any such cross-examination, she admitted that the only deed of sale she had was the deed of
deed of sale. absolute sale Macario Monjardin executed in favor of her parents, the
spouses Igmedio Patricio. The documentary evidence adduced by private respondent
CA Decision: Affirrmed RTC decision. It declared that although private respondent even belies her claim that Sotero Bondal sold the property to her uncle. She even failed
failed to adduce in evidence the deed of sale executed by Sotero Bondal in favor to identify B.C. Monjardin, much less explain whether such person was really her
of Macario Monjardin, her testimony that the sale took place was enough. Her claims uncle. She even failed to adduce in evidence any tax declaration over the property
were likewise buttressed by her documentary evidence. under his name and that he paid the realty taxes for the property from 1930 to 1946.
The Republic of the Philippines filed the instant petition Private respondents also promised to submit proof based on the records in the Register
of Deeds and other government agencies showing that Sotero Bondal sold the property
ISSUE: Whether or not Jacob can register the subject land under her name under the to Macario Monjardin; and that if such records had been destroyed during the Second
Public Land Act World War, she would submit proof of said destruction. Private respondent failed to
comply with her undertaking and rested her case without presenting said evidence.
RULING: The petition is meritorious. Applicants for confirmation of imperfect title
must, therefore, prove the following: (a) that the land forms part of the disposable and Significantly, the spouses Igmedio Patricio applied for a free patent over the property
alienable agricultural lands of the public domain; and (b) that they have been in open, after the Second World War, which, according to private respondent, was rejected by
continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation of the same under the Bureau of Lands. Private respondents testimony is further belied by the request to
a bona fide claim of ownership either since time immemorial or since June 12, 1945. withdraw her application for a free patent over Lot No. 4094 which she made
on October 27, 1994.The records also show that the property is the subject of Cadastral
Under the Regalian doctrine, all lands not otherwise appearing to be clearly within Case No. 42, G.L.R.O. No. 1324 and there is no evidence on record that this case has
private ownership are presumed to belong to the State. No public land can be acquired been terminated. There are thus two applications for registration of the same lot: (1)
by private persons without any grant from the government, whether express or the application of private respondent in the court below; and (2) Cadastral Case No.
implied. It is indispensable that there be a showing of a title from the State. 42.
In the case at bar, when private respondent filed her application with the RTC on May Furthermore, the fact that the blue print copy of the tracing cloth plan covering the
6, 1994, Lot No. 4094 was no longer alienable and disposable property of the public subject lot as of 1991 was still in the name of Sotero Bondal is proof that not all the
domain, since as of August 14, 1970, by virtue of Proclamation No. 739, it was records of the Land Management Authority relative to the property had been lost.
segregated from the public domain and declared part of the reservation for the Unless and until respondent offered credible evidence that Monjardin had purchased
development of geothermal energy. Private respondent filed her application for the property from Bondal, it cannot be said that the spouses Igmedio Patricio acquired
confirmation 24 years after the said proclamation was issued. the rights and interests of Bondal over the property through Monjardin; private
respondent cannot even tack her own possession of the property to that of her parents.
It bears stressing that one claiming private rights under the Public Land Act, as In fact, she failed to adduce evidence that her uncle had been in open, continuous and
amended, must prove by clear and convincing evidence that all the substantive adverse possession of the property. While she claimed that her mother was designated
requisites for acquisition of public lands (along with the procedural) had been complied as encargado, private respondent failed to even mention the portion of the property
with. that was cultivated, or at least where and who planted the palay. Such declaration
(that Macario designated her mother as encargado) without more does not constitute
Secondly, private respondent failed to adduce clear and convincing evidence that preponderant evidence to prove adverse, continuous, open, public, and peaceful
by August 14, 1970, she had already acquired ownership over the property by herself possession in the concept of owner. Private respondents testimony that after her
or through her predecessors-in-interest through open, continuous, exclusive and parents purchased the lot, they began receiving the share of the produce of the
notorious possession and occupation of the property since 1945 or earlier. property does not in itself constitute proof of such adverse possession.
Indeed, the law speaks of possession and occupation. Possession is broader than The Regional Trial Court is ordered to DISMISS private respondent’s application for
occupation because it includes constructive possession. Unless, therefore, the confirmation of title over Lot No. 4094.
law adds the word occupation, it seeks to delimit the all-encompassing
effect of constructive possession. Taken together with the words continuous,
exclusive and notorious, the word occupation seems to highlight the facts that for an
applicant to qualify, her possession of the property must not be a mere fiction.
Actual possession of a land consists in the manifestation of acts of dominion of such a
nature as a party would naturally exercise over her own property. A mere casual
cultivation of portions of land by the claimant does not constitute sufficient basis for a
claim of ownership. Such possession is not exclusive and notorious as it gives rise to a
presumptive grant from the State. The applicant is burdened to offer proof of specific
acts of ownership to substantiate the claim over the land. The good faith of the person
consists in the reasonable belief that the person from whom she received the property
was the owner thereof and could transfer ownership.
Facts: Petitioner Maria Carlos, represented by her daughter, Teresita Carlos Victoria, SPOUSES ROY PO LAM and JOSEFA ONG PO LAM, Petitioners. vs. COURT OF
filed an application for registration and confirmation of title over a parcel of land. APPEALS and FELIX LIM now JOSE LEE, Respondents
Petitioner alleged, among others, that she is the owner of said parcel of land which she G.R. No. 116220,December 6, 2000
openly, exclusively and notoriously possessed and occupied since July 12, 1945 or
earlier under a bona fide claim of ownership; that there is no mortgage or encumbrance Facts: Lots No. 1557 and 1558 are prime commercial lots located in the heart of
affecting said property, nor is it part of any military or naval reservation; that the Legaspi City's commercial district. These were sold by Lim KokChiong to the Legaspi
property is being used for industrial purposes; and that there are no tenants or lessees Avenue Hardware Company (hereafter referred to as LAHCO). Felix Lim, Lim
on the property. Petitioner further claimed that she has been in possession of the KokChiong's brother, filed a complaint with the then Court of First Instance of Albay
subject land in the concept of an owner; that her possession has been peaceful, public, against his brother and LAHCO to annul the deeds of sale covering said lots on the
uninterrupted and continuous since 1948 or earlier; and tacking her possession with ground that the sale included the 3/14 pro-indivisoportion of the lots which Felix Lim
that of her predecessors-in-interest, petitioner has been in possession of the land for had inherited from his foster parents. Felix Lim filed with the Register of Deeds of Albay
more than 50 years. a notice of lispendensover the two lots.
The Republic of the Philippines, represented by the Director of Lands, filed an The trial court, on motion of Felix Lim, dropped the case against Lim KokChiong. The
opposition to petitioner’s application. trial court rendered a decision declaring LAHCO to be the absolute owner of the two
above-mentioned lots. The trial court ordered the cancellation of the notice of
Petitioner later presented testimonial evidence consisting of the testimonies of her lispendensinscribed on the titles of the two lots. The notice of lispendensinscribed on
neighbors, Sergio Cruz and Daniel Castillo, and Teresita Carlos Victoria herself. Victoria TCT No. 2580 was cancelled.
admitted that her mother had sold the land to Ususan Development Corporation in
1996 but failed to deliver the title. Hence, the heirs of Maria Carlos made a commitment However, the notice of lispendensannotated on TCT No. 2581 remained uncancelled,
to the corporation to deliver the certificate of title so that they could collect the unpaid allegedly becausethe duplicate owner's copy of said TCT was with the Continental Bank,
balance of the purchase price.Petitioner also presented in court the concerned officers Lot No.1558 having been mortgaged by LAHCO to said bank.
of the DENR to establish that the land in question is alienable and disposable.
Felix Lim appealed to the Court of Appeals. LAHCO sold the two lots to spouses Roy Po
The trial court granted the application. On appeal, the CA reversed and set aside the Lam and Josefa Ong Po Lam. Thereafter, said certificates of title were themselves
decision of the trial court. Hence, this petition. cancelled and replaced by TCT No. 8102 and 13711, respectively, in the name of
petitioners.
Issue: Whether or not the petitioner was in possession of the property at the time of
the application for confirmation of title. CA affirmed the decision of the trial court.
Ruling: No. The applicant at the time she filed her application for registration of title After the Po Lam spouses purchased the two lots from LAHCO, they leased the
was no longer in possession and occupation of the land in question since on October commercial building erected on Lot No. 1557 to private respondent Jose Lee for one
16, 1996, the applicant's mother and predecessor-in-interest sold the subject land to year. Jose Lee refused to pay rentals to the Po Lam spouses, informing them that he
Ususan Development Corporation. Possession and occupation of the land in question would deposit the same in court since Felix Lim had promised to sell the property to
pertains not to the applicant but to Ususan Development Corporation, thus it can be him.
said that the applicant has no registrable title over the land in question.
Issue: Whether or not Spouses Po Lim were purchasers in good faith or transferees
Applicants for confirmation of imperfect title must prove the following: (a) that the land pendente lite
forms part of the disposable and alienable agricultural lands of the public domain; and
(b) that they have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and Ruling: We held that the Po Lam spouses could not be deemed buyers in good faith.
occupation of the same under a bona fide claim of ownership either since time The annotation of lispendenson TCT No. 2581 which covers Lot 1558, served as notice
immemorial or since June 12, 1945. to them that the said lot is involved in a pending litigation.
As found by the Court of Appeals, petitioner has met the first requirement but not the The sole basis for finding petitioners to be purchasers in bad faith was the subsistence
second. Carlos no longer had possession of the property at the time of application for of the notice of lispendensinscribed on TCT No. 2581, which covered Lot No. 1558, at
the issuance of the certificate of title.Actual possession of a land consists in the the time petitioners-spouses purchased the lots in dispute. And since Lot No. 1558 was
manifestation of acts of dominion over it of such a nature as a party would naturally sold simultaneously with Lot No. 1557, even if the notice of lispendenson Lot No. 1557
exercise over his own property. had already been cancelled, petitioners were held to be purchasers in bad faith even
in regard to Lot No. 1557.
Nonetheless, even if it were true that it was petitioner who had actual possession of
the land at that time, such possession was no longer in the concept of an owner. However, it must be pointed out that even if a notice of lispendenson TCT No. 2581
Possession may be had in one of two ways: possession in the concept of an owner and (Lot No. 1558) was still subsisting at the time petitioners bought the property from
possession of a holder. A possessor in the concept of an owner may be the owner
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
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LAHCO, there also was a court order ordering that the annotation be cancelled, as in
fact, it was cancelled. ISSUE: Whether or not Marcelino is a builder in good faith.
In this case, while petitioners bought Lot No. 2581from LAHCO while a notice of
lispendenswas still annotated thereon, there was also existing a court order cancelling DISCUSSION ON GOOD FAITH: It has been said that good faith is always
the same. On this ground alone, petitioners can already be considered buyers in good presumed, and upon him who alleges bad faith on the part of the possessor rests the
faith. burden of proof. Good faith is an intangible and abstract quality with no technical
meaning or statutory definition, and it encompasses, among other things, an honest
Since the doctrine rests on public policy, not notice, upon the cancellation of the notice belief, the absence of malice and the absence of design to defraud or to seek an
of lispendens, the Po Lam spouses cannot then be considered as having constructive unconscionable advantage. An individual's personal good faith is a concept of his own
notice of any defect in the title of LAHCO as to make them transferees pendente lite mind and, therefore, may not conclusively be determined by his protestations alone. It
and purchasers in bad faith of Lots No. 1557 and 1558. Conversely, cancellation of the implies honesty of intention, and freedom from knowledge of circumstances which
notice of pendency terminates the effects of such notice. The effects of such notice ought to put the holder upon inquiry. The essence of good faith lies in an honest belief
were terminated, resulting in the Po Lam spouses not being bound thereby. in the validity of one's right, ignorance of a superior claim, and absence of intention to
overreach another. Applied to possession, one is considered in good faith if he is not
In fine, they cannot be considered transferee’s pendente lite and purchasers in bad aware that there exists in his title or mode of acquisition any flaw which invalidates it.
faith of the property.
RULING: Marcelino's possession of the disputed lot was based on a mistaken belief
Petitioners-spouses are PURCHASERS IN GOOD FAITH and Transfer Certificates of Title that Lot G-1 is the same lot on which he has built his house with the consent of his
No. 8102 and 13711 in their name valid, without prejudice on the part of private father. There is no evidence, other than bare allegation, that Marcelino was aware that
respondent Jose Lee to file a separate action for reimbursement for the value of said he intruded on respondents' property when he continued to occupy and possess the
property from the Legaspi Avenue Hardware Company. disputed lot after partition was effected in 1976.
Moreover, the fact that in 1977 Marcelino mortgaged Lot G-1 subject of TCT No. 22656
TOPIC: POSSESSION; Concept of good faith is not an indication of bad faith since there is no concrete evidence that he was aware
at that time that the property covered by the title and the one he was occupying were
Heirs of MARCELINO CABAL, represented by VICTORIA CABAL, petitioner, not the same. There is also no evidence that he introduced improvements on Lot G-1.
vs. Spouses LORENZO CABAL1 and ROSITA CABAL, respondents.
G.R. No. 153625, July 31, 2006 In fact, the agreement on March 1, 1989 to a resurvey and swapping of lots for the
purpose of reconstructing the land titles is substantial proof of Marcelino's good faith,
FACTS: Marcelo Cabal was the owner of a 4,234-square meter parcel of land situated sincerity of purpose and lack of intention to hold on to two lots.
in Iba, Zambales, described as Lot G. In August 1954, Marcelo died, survived by his
wife Higinia and his children (Marcelino, Lorenzo, Daniel, Cecilio, Natividad, Juan Marcelino is deemed a builder in good faith at least until the time he was informed by
xxx) . Sometime in 1949, five years before he died, Marcelo allowed his son, Marcelino, respondents of his encroachment on their property.
to build his house on a portion on Lot G, now the southernmost portion of Lot 1-E.
Since then, Marcelino resided thereon. Later, Marcelino's son also built his house on
the disputed property. TOPIC: POSSESSION; Concept of good faith
In August 17, 1964, Marcelo's heirs extra-judicially settled among themselves the parcel IGNACIA NEGRETE, plaintiff-appellant, vs. COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE OF
of land owned by Marcelo (Lot G). A consolidated subdivision plan revealed that MARINDUQUE and IGMEDIO MADERAZO, represented by his legal
Marcelino and his son occupied and built their houses on the southernmost portion of representative CATALINO MADERAZO, defendants-appellees.
another lot (Lot 1-E) and not the adjacent lot designated to him (Lot G-1). The owners G.R. No. 31267 November 24, 1972
of the said lot, spouses Lorenzo and Rosita Cabal (respondents), confronted Marcelino
on this matter which resulted to an agreement to a re-survey and swapping of lots for Facts: Claiming that since 1945 she and her late husband had been in continuous and
the purpose of reconstruction of land titles. However, the agreed resurvey and peaceful possession of a parcel of land with an area of nine (9) hectares more or less
swapping of lots did not materialize. in sitio Puting Buhangin, Mogpog, and covered by Tax Declaration No. 8431 in her
name, Ignacia Negrete filed on July 28, 1956 a forcible entry suit against the Igmedio
Lorenzo and Rosita Cabal filed a complaint for Recover of Possession with damages Maderazo in the municipal court of Mogpog alleging among others that on January 7,
against Marcelino before the MTC of Iba, Zambales. They alleged that Marcelino 1956, said defendant, through strategy, force, intimidation, and stealth unlawfully
introduced improvements in bad faith on their land with knowledge that the adjacent entered the northern portion of said parcel of land, said northern portion comprising
lot is titled in his name. Marcelino contends that respondents have no cause of action an area of about four hectares.
against him because he has been in possession in good faith since 1949 with the
respondents’ knowledge and acquiescence. He further avers that acquisitive To expedite the proceedings, the municipal court directed the chief of police of Mogpog
prescription has set in. to conduct an ocular inspection of the disputed land to determine whether the land
area cultivated by the defendant is the same land claimed by the plaintiff-appellant as
MTC rendered a decision in favor of Marcelino. The RTC reversed the decision of the the northern portion of her land under Tax Declaration No. 8431.
MTC saying that Marcelino's possession was in the concept of a co-owner and therefore
prescription does not run in his favor; that his possession, which was tolerated by his MTC found that the defendant has not unlawfully entered the land in dispute on January
co-owners, does not ripen into ownership. Marcelino filed a petition for review with the 7, 1956 as alleged by the plaintiffs, he being in the material and physical possession of
CA but the CA affirmed in toto the decision of the RTC. the said land prior to the date of the incident.
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
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Facts: -In a cadastral proceeding, the trial court rendered decision dated January 23,
Instead of appealing from the aforesaid decision of the municipal court of Mogpog, 1941 awarding Lot No. 8864 to the sps Julio Baltazar and Constancia Valencia as their
plaintiff-appellant filed on January 18, 1967 — after the lapse of ten (10) years — an conjugal property. Said decision became final.
action for recovery of ownership of property (reivindicacion) against defendant.
Julio Baltazar, the registered owner of said Lot died. On December 6, 1961, his
Defendant contends that he bought for P150.00 on August 30, 1954 the northern surviving wife and children, as petitioners, filed a motion, in the cadastral case praying
portion of about 3,5700 square meters which is now covered by a tax declaration in for writ of possession against respondents Silvina Caridad and her daughter, Eduarda
his name from Tito Oriendo, who declared it for taxation in 1949 and interposes as Caridad, who had been in possession of the southern portion of said Lot since 1939,
special defense that the action had been barred by the statute of limitation for plaintiff- while the cadastral case involving said lot was pending before the trial court, and before
appellant filed this present action over ten (10) years after he purchased the property. the decision was rendered and the corresponding decree issued in 1941.
Issue: Whether or not action has prescribed. The trial court granted petitioners' motion. The order having become final, the sheriff
enforced the writ and placed petitioners in possession of the southern portion of the
Ruling: No, the action has not prescribed. Defendant insists that he has acquired lot.
ownership over the disputed parcel by ordinary prescription through adverse
possession of only ten (10) years. But ordinary acquisitive prescription of immovables Petitioners presented a motion to compel respondents Eduarda Caridad and her mother
and other real rights thru adverse possession of ten (10) years, requires possession "in to remove their respective houses which they built in 1958 and 1959, respectively, in
good faith and with just title for the time fixed by law". In the absence of a just title or the southern portion of the disputed lot, and, in the event of their failure to do so, to
good faith, ownership of immovables can be acquired by extraordinary prescription order the sheriff to demolish the same.
thru an uninterrupted adverse possession of thirty (30) years. The law defines a
possessor in good faith as one who is not aware of any flaw in his title or mode of Trial court granted petitioners' motion, ordering respondents to remove their respective
acquisition; and conversely, one who is aware of such a flaw is a possessor in bad faith. houses within 30 days from receipt of said order.
The essence of the bona fides or good faith, therefore, lies in honest belief in the
validity of one's right, ignorance of a superior claim, and absence of intention to Respondents-appellants question the power or jurisdiction of the trial court, sitting as
overreach another. a cadastral court, to order the removal of their respective houses which were built in
the disputed lot long after the issuance of the final decree of registration. They insist
A deed of sale, to constitute a just title and to generate good faith for the ordinary that they are builders in good faith of the houses in question, and, as such,
acquisitive prescription of ten (10) years, should refer to the same parcel of land, which they are accorded rights under Article 448 of the new Civil Code.
is adversely possessed. In the case at bar, the deed of sale in favor of the deceased
Igmedio Maderazo covers a parcel of land patently different from the disputed land Issues: 1.Whether or not Silvina and Eduarda Caridad were builders in good faith.
owned by plaintiff-appellant as to area, location and boundary owners. The disputed (Topic)
parcel contains an area of about nine (9) hectares, and is situated in sitio Puting 2. Whether or not the Court erred in compelling Silvina and Eduarda Caridad to remove
Buhangin, Mogpog, Marinduque. On the other hand, the parcel of land purchased on their respective houses from the disputed lot.
August 30, 1954 by the defendant from Tito Oriendo for P150 is situated in barrio
Puyog, Boac, Marinduque. It was also found that the ocular inspection commissioned Held: 1. Appellants cannot be regarded as builders in good faith because they are
by the lower court in the ejectment case appears to have been signed by only two bound by the 1941 decree of registration that obligated their parents and predecessors-
commissioners, namely, Constancio Marte and Igmedio Maderazo. It was not signed in-interest. Good faith must rest on a colorable right in the builder, beyond a mere
by Teodoro Lagustin, the alleged commissioner of the plaintiff. Defendant admits that stubborn belief in one's title despite judicial adjudication. The fact that in 1959
he is a resident of barrio Puting Buhangin, Mogpog, Marinduque. As the buyer, he knew appellants demolished and replaced their old house with new and bigger ones cannot
what lot was sold to him. And having signed as vendee the deed of sale in his favor, enervate the rights of the registered owners. Otherwise, the rights of the latter to enjoy
he is conclusively presumed to have read the deed of sale, which clearly states that full possession of their registered property could be indefinitely defeated by an
the parcel he acquired is located in barrio Puyog, Boac, Marinduque. unsuccessful opponent through the simple subterfuge of replacing his old house with
a new one from time to time.
Hence, not being a possessor in good faith, defendant can acquire ownership over the
disputed parcel of land of about nine (9) hectares belonging to plaintiff-appellant only 2. Respondents do not dispute that during the pendency of the cadastral proceeding,
by extraordinary acquisitive prescription thru an uninterrupted adverse possession of rendition of the judgment and issuance of the final decree of registration in favor of
thirty (30) years. Since he occupied the same for only about thirteen (13) years from Julio Baltazar, the late Andres Caridad, his surviving spouse, respondent Silvina
1954 until 1967, when his adverse possession was interrupted by the filing of the action Caridad, and their children, one of whom is respondent Eduarda Caridad, were in
for reivindicacion on January 18, 1967. possession of the southern portion of the disputed lot; and that respondent Eduarda
Caridad claims right and title thereto as a mere heir and successor-in-interest of said
Andres Caridad. Neither do respondents dispute the propriety and validity of the order
of the cadastral court, granting the writ of possession in favor of petitioners as well as
its enforcement. Under these circumstances, we hold that the order of the cadastral
Topic: Concept of Good Faith court, granting petitioners' motion to compel respondents to remove their respective
houses from the disputed lot, is valid and enforceable against respondents. In the case
NATY BALTAZAR, ET AL., plaintiffs and appellees, vs. SILVINA CARIDAD, ET of Marcelo vs.Mencias, etc., et al., this Court had already upheld the jurisdiction or
AL., defendants and appellants. authority of the court of first instance, sitting as a land registration court, to order, as
G.R. No. L-23509, June 23,1966 a consequence of the writ of possession issued by it, the demolition of improvements
SPOUSES ANDRES and SOCORRO SUOBIRON, JOSE SULLANO JR. and It appearing that Atty. Felix Evidente was not the oppositors' counsel of record the
IRENEO FERRARIS, petitioners, vs. COURT OF APPEALS, LAND allegation that no notice was served on him may no longer be relevant.
REGISTRATION COMMISSION, REGISTER OF DEEDS of the PROVINCE OF The Adelantar spouses might have failed to submit in the reconstitution proceedings
ILOILO, FORTUNATA PONCE VDA. DE ADELANTAR, REMEDIOS ADELANTAR, an authentic copy of respondent court's resolution.
CARIDAD A. CHANCO, FLORECITA A. MONTILLA, EVANGELINA A.
COSCOLUELA, LYNDE ADELANTAR, DOUGLAS M. ADELANTAR, PROTACIO The decision in Civil Case No. 938 declaring the Adelantar spouses owners of the two
ADELANTAR himself and as Administrator of the INTESTATE ESTATE of the (2) parcels of land claimed by Basilia Lorezo, Isabel Lorezo and Canuto Lucero is
late LUIS ADELANTAR, respondents conclusive upon the parties therein as well as their successors-in-interest, the parties
G.R. No. 109903, November 20, 1995 herein, under the doctrine of res judicata.
FACTS: Petitioner-spouses Andres Suobiron and Socorro Suobiron, Jose Sullano Jr. The trial court held petitioners liable to private respondents for the net produce of the
and Ireneo Ferraris instituted an action to annul the orders of the then Court of First properties in question from the time the former's possession in good faith was legally
Instance (CFI) and the corresponding decrees issued by the Land Registration interrupted when they were served summons in connection with private respondents'
Commission. Petitioners alleged in their complaint that the land registration court acted complaint for recovery of possession with damages. It may be that petitioners acquired
without or in excess of jurisdiction in issuing both orders because the requirements of the disputed properties in good faith and had since then occupied the same but such
the law on reconstitution of court records were not complied with thus rendering void bona fide character of possession ceased when they were served summons.
not only the orders but also the decrees and certificates of title issued thereunder.
Private respondents denied the allegations for the annulment of the orders and TOPIC: Interruption of Good Faith
decrees. They counterclaimed for the delivery to them of the property in litigation. They
could have received had they not been deprived of possession thereof. ADELAIDA S. MANECLANG, in her capacity as Administrator of the Intestate
Estate of the late Margarita Suri Santos, plaintiff-appellee, vs.
The trial court found that the two (2) parcels of land were previously subject of LRC JUAN T. BAUN and AMPARO S. BAUN, ET AL., defendants. CITY OF
Case No. 673, GLRO Record No. 54404, before the CFI of Iloilo and that aside from the DAGUPAN, defendant-appellant
Director of Lands, the other oppositors. After due notice, publication and hearing, the .G,R. No. 27876, April 22, 1992
CFI rendered judgment adjudicating the parcels of land in favor of spouses Luis
Adelantar and Fortunata Ponce. FACTS: Margarita Suri Santos died intestate. She was survived by her husband Severo
Maneclang and nine (9) children. A petition for the settlement of her estate was filed
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
12
by Hector S. Maneclang, one of her legitimate children. Pedro M. Feliciano, the
administrator of the intestate estate of Margarita, filed a petition in SP Proc. No. 3028 3. Even if it is to be assumed that Mayor Fernandez and Councilor Guadiz induced Oscar
asking the court to give him "the authority to dispose of so much of the estate that is Maneclang to sell the property, the fact remains that there was already the order
necessary to meet the debts enumerated" in the petition. While notice thereof was authorizing the sale. He was disputably presumed to have acted in the lawful exercise
given to the surviving spouse, Severo Maneclang, through his counsel, Atty. Teofilo of jurisdiction and that his official duty was regularly performed. The filing of a case
Guadiz, no such notice was sent to the heirs of Margarita. alleging bad faith on the part of a vendee gives cause for cessation of good faith. Its
Answer, however, was filed on 5 November 1965. Accordingly, its possession in good
Despite the absence of notice to the heirs, the intestate court issued an Order faith must be considered to have lasted up to that date. As a possessor in good faith,
"authorizing the administrator to mortgage or sell so much of the properties of the it was entitled to all the fruits of the property and was under no obligation to pay any
estate for the purposes (sic) of paying off the obligations" referred to in the petition. rental to the intestate estate of Margarita for the use thereof.
Pursuant to this Order, Oscar Maneclang, the new administrator of the intestate estate,
executed a deed of sale in favor of the City of Dagupan. However, upon the filing of the Answer, the City of Dagupan already became a
possessor in bad faith.
The new judicial administratrix of the intestate estate, Adelaida S. Maneclang, daughter
of the late Margarita Suri Santos, filed with the Court of First Instance an action for the WHEREFORE, judgment is hereby rendered AFFIRMING the decision in all respects,
annulment of the sales made by the previous administrator pursuant to the Order, except to the extent as above modified. As modified, (a) the sale in favor of the City
cancellation of titles, recovery of possession and damages against the vendees Juan T. of Dagupan, is hereby declared null and void; however, by reason of estoppel and
Baun and Amparo Baun, etc. laches as abovestated, only 5/9 of the subject property representing the presumptive
shares of Adelaida, Linda, Priscila, Natividad and Teresita, all surnamed Maneclang,
The cause of action against the City of Dagupan centers around the deed of sale may be recovered; (b) subject, however, to its right to retain the property until it shall
executed in its favor by former judicial administrator Oscar S. Maneclang. have been refunded, City of Dagupan is hereby ordered to reconvey to the intestate
The evidence adduced by plaintiff discloses that Oscar Maneclang was induced by its estate of Margarita Suri Santos 5/9 of the property in question.
then incumbent Mayor.
Topic: ACQUISITION OF POSESSION; Recourse to Courts
The trial court rendered a partial decision against the City of Dagupan, Annulling (sic)
the Deed of Sale executed by the Administrator being null and void ab initio. It is REYNALDO VILLAFUERTE and PERLITA T. VILLAFUERTE, petitioners, vs.]
essential and mandatory that the interested parties be given notices of the application HON. COURT OF APPEALS, EDILBERTO DE MESA and GONZALO DALEON,
for authority to sell the estate or any portion thereof which is pending settlement in a respondents.
probate court. An order issued by a probate court for the sale of real property belonging GR No. 134239, May 26, 2005
to the estate of a deceased person would be void if no notice for the hearing of the
petition for such sale is given. Facts: Sps. Villafuerte operated a gasoline station on the premises of three adjoining
lots owned by several persons. One of these lots were owned by Edilberto de Mesa
The City of Dagupan is not a purchaser in good faith and for value as the former judicial while another is owned by Gonzalo and Federico Daleon. The remaining lots were
administrator, Oscar Maneclang, testified that he was induced by then incumbent owned by Anicia Yap-Tan, the mother of the wife of Villafuerte. De Mesa and Daleon
Mayor. acquired their lots subject to the lease by Petrophil Corporation which had built the
gasoline station managed by the Villafuertes. When the lease to Petrophil expired, the
ISSUEs: Villafuertes obtained a new lease from de Mesa for a period of one year. However, with
1. Whether or not the sale executed by the judicial administrator to the City of regard to the lot owned by Daleon, the Villafuertes were not able to secure a lease
Dagupan is null and void ab initio renewal, but instead received demand letters for them to vacate which the
2. Whether or not defendant City of Dagupan is not a purchaser in good faith subsequently ignored.
and for value
3. Whether or not defendant City of Dagupan to pay the plaintiff the sum of Due to this, a complaint for ejectment was filed by Daleon against the Villafuertes
accumulated rentals or reasonable value of (sic) the use of the property in wherein no settlement was reached. After the expiration of the lease contract with de
question, plus interest Mesa, the Villafuertes continued to operate the gas station despite the demands to
vacate.
RULING: On an early morning, de Mesa and Daleon, with the aid of several persons and without
1. In this case, however, only the surviving spouse, Severo Maneclang, was notified the knowledge of the Villafuertes, caused the closure of the gasoline station by
through his counsel. Two of the heirs, Hector Maneclang and Oscar Maneclang, who constructing fences around it. Due to this, the Villafuertes countered with a complaint
were then of legal age, were not represented by counsel. The remaining seven (7) for damages with preliminary mandatory injunction against de Mesa and Daleon. The
children were still minors with no guardian ad litem having been appointed to represent Villafuertes amended their complaint to include the computation for damages. De Mesa
them. Obviously then, the requirement of notice was not satisfied. Without them, the and Daleon, in their defense, stated that they did the fencing because of the
authority to sell, the sale itself and the order approving it would be null and void ab Villafuerte’s refusal to vacate. The lower court denied the application for preliminary
initio. mandatory injunction stating that they have no more right to stay on the premises. For
the damages claimed by the Villafuertes, the Court ruled in favor of the spouses and
2. Their failure to do so for thirteen (13) years amounted to such inaction and delay as ordered de Mesa and Daleon to pay damages. The Court ruled that though the spouses
to constitute laches. This conclusion, however, cannot apply to the rest of the children were deemed undersirable lessees, it was improper for de Mesa and Daleon to resort
— Adelaida, Linda, Priscila, Natividad and Teresita — who were then minors and not to fencing their properties to remove them. The CA affirmed the lower court’s decision
represented by any legal representative. They could not have filed an action to protect but with modification of the amount for damages.
their interests.
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
13
Issue: certain portions of the subject property. They admitted their use and possession of
Whether or not the CA erred in substantially reducing the amount of damages awarded these portions of the subject property had been with the knowledge, consent and
by the trial court. tolerance of all the other co-owners. Consequently, after respondent obtained title to
the subject property and withdrew her tolerance later on, Arambulo’s refusal to vacate
Ruling: it rendered their possession thereof unlawful.
Both the trial court and the Court of Appeals concluded that the lease contracts
between the Villafuertes and de Mesa and Daleon over the latters respective lots had Since Arambulo’s occupation of the subject property was by mere tolerance, they are
already expired. There was also a congruence of findings that it was wrong for private not entitled to retain its possession under Article 448 of the Civil Code. They are aware
respondents to fence their properties thereby putting to a halt the operation of the that their tolerated possession may be terminated any time and they cannot be
gasoline station. considered as builders in good faith.
Article 536 of the Civil Code explicitly provides for the proper recourse of one who Moreover, as aptly found by the Court of Appeals, the Arambuloshave not presented
claims to be entitled to the possession of a thing. When private respondents personally evidence to prove that they made improvements on the subject property and defrayed
took it upon themselves to evict petitioners from their properties, which act was in clear the expenses therefor. Moreover, the Courtdid not sustain the Arambulos contention
contravention of the law, they became liable for all the necessary and natural that since they had possession of the subject property, they are entitled to remain
consequences of [their] illegal act. (actually mao rani ang related sa topic. the rest was there. Again, they confuse unlawful detainer with forcible entry. Prior physical
a discussion on the award for damages) possession by the plaintiff is not necessary in an unlawful detainer case. It is enough
that she has a better right of possession. Prior physical possession of a property by a
party is indispensable only in forcible entry cases. In unlawful detainer cases, the
Topic: ACQUISITION OF POSSESSION; Possession by mere tolerance defendant is necessarily in prior lawful possession of the property, but his possession
eventually becomes unlawful upon termination or expiration of his right to possess.
VICTORIA R. ARAMBULO and MIGUEL R. ARAMBULO III, Petitioners, vs.
EMERENCIANA R. GUNGAB, Respondent. Thus, the Arambulos’ prior physical possession of the property does not automatically
G.R. No. 156581, September 30, 2005 entitle them to continue in said possession and does not give them a better right to
the property.
Facts: Emerciana Gungab is the registered owner of the contested parcel of land with
improvements in Quezon City. In separate letters, Gungab made a formal demand to
Victoria and Miguel Arambulo to vacate the subject property which the latter refused. Topic: ACQUISITION OF POSSESSION; Possession by mere tolerance
Because of their falure to amicably settle the issue in the barangay, Gungab filed a
separate ejectment complaint against Arambulo, alleging that she tolerated the SPS. NARCISO BARNACHEA and JULITA BARNACHEA (now heirs of
occupancy of Arambulo without rent and that they refused to vacate upon demand. deceased Julita Barnachea), Petitioners, vs. HON. COURT OF APPEALS,
HON. OSCAR C. HERRERA, JR., Presiding Judge, RTC Branch 20, Malolos,
Arambulo, in defense, asserting that Arambulo is a co-owner of the property.Arambulo Bulacan, HON., HORACIO T. VIOLA, Presiding Judge, MTC Pulilan, Bulacan,
alleged that after Pedro Reyes, the father of Emerciana and Victoria, died, the property and SPS. AVELINO and PRISCILLA IGNACIO, Respondents.
became part of the common properties of the Reyes clan. Through the permission GR No. 150025, July 23, 2008
given by the wife of Pedro (Anastancia), the Arambulos have been occupying the
property for the last 20 years and that the possession of the said portion was with the Facts: Ignacio filed a complaint for ejectment against Barnachea before the MTC. The
knowledge, consent, and tolerance of the co-owners. subject matter were lots titled to the Ignacios which are adjacent to the propert that
Barnachea owns and occupies. The properties were originally part of the land owned
The MeTC dismissed the ejectment case which was upheld by the RTC, citing that the by a certain Luis Santos in which it was inherited by his daughter Purificacion Santos
theArambulos have the right to retain possession of the property pursuant to Article Imperial. The land was then subdivided and transferred to tenant-farmers Santiago
448 of the CC. However, the CA reversed the ruling, citing that Gungab, having a Isidro and Procopio de Guzman. The Ignacios own the land from Usudri while the
genuine TCT, has the preferred right to possess. They deemed that the claim of co- Ignacios own the land from de Guzman. To avert the implementation of the writ of
ownership was unsubstantiated. exection obtained by Ignacio, Barnachea filed a Notice of Appeal. Pending the
resolution on the issue of ejectment, Ignacio’s sister (Leticia) filed a petition for
Issue: Whether or not Gungab can eject the Arambulos Quieting of Title with the RTC. Due to this, Barnachea filed an urgent motion for
suspension of proceedings which was denied by the RTC.
Ruling: The evidence showed that respondent has a Torrens Title over the land.
Issue:
The Court of Appeals correctly ruled that respondent, as registered owner, is preferred Whether or not the pendency of an action involving the issue of ownership is sufficient
to possess it. The age-old rule is that the person who has a Torrens Title over a land basis for the suspension of an ejectment proceeding between the same parties and the
is entitled to possession thereof. Except for petitioners unsubstantiated claim that same subject matter.
Victoria Arambulo is a co-owner of the property, they have not presented other
justification for their continued stay thereon. Ruling: No.
Persons who occupy the land of another at the latter’s tolerance or permission, without The actions for forcible entry and unlawful detainer are similar because they are both
any contract between them is bound by an implied promise that they will vacate the summary actions where the issue is purely physical possession.[8] Other than these
same upon demand, failing which a summary action for ejectment is the proper remedy commonalities, however, they possess dissimilarities that are clear, distinct, and well
against them. Notably, Anastacia Reyes only allowed petitioners to use and occupy established in law.
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
14
representative of Gualberto de Venecia refused to accept their rentals, prompting them
In forcible entry, (1) the plaintiff must prove that he was in prior physical possession to consign the same to Banco San Juan, which bank deposit they continued to maintain
of the property until he was deprived of possession by the defendant; (2) the defendant and update with their monthly rental payments.
secures possession of the disputed property from the plaintiff by means of force,
intimidation, threat, strategy or stealth; hence, his possession is unlawful from the The MTCC ruled in favor of Fernandez and ordered Llobrera to vacate the premises.
beginning; (3) the law does not require a previous demand by the plaintiff for the The RTC and CA affirmed this judgement of the lower court.
defendant to vacate the premises; and (4) the action can be brought only within one-
year from the date the defendant actually and illegally entered the property. Issue: Whether or not Llobrera’s possession of the property is founded on contract or
not.
In marked contrast, unlawful detainer is attended by the following features: (1) prior
possession of the property by the plaintiff is not necessary; (2) possession of the Ruling: No. This factual issue was resolved by the three (3) courts below in favor of
property by the defendant at the start is legal but the possession becomes illegal by Fernandez, citing that there is an absence of any written memorandum of the alleged
reason of the termination of his right to possession based on his or her contract or lease arrangements.From the absence of proof of any contractual basis for
other arrangement with the plaintiff; (3) the plaintiff is required by law to make a Llobrera’spossession of the subject premises, the only legal implication is that their
demand as a jurisdictional requirement; and (4) the one-year period to bring the possession thereof is by mere tolerance.InRoxas vs. Court of Appeals, the Court ruled:
complaint is counted from the date of the plaintiffs last demand on the defendant. A person who occupies the land of another at the latters tolerance or
permission, without any contract between them, is necessarily bound by an
In this case, a plain reading of the complaint shows Ignacio positions that they was in implied promise that he will vacate upon demand, failing which, a summary
prior possession of the disputed property; that Ignacio allowed them to occupy the action for ejectment is the proper remedy against him.
disputed property by tolerance; that Ignacio eventually made a demand that the
Barnachea vacate the property (on August 26, 1998, which demand them received on The judgment favoring the ejectment of petitioners being consistent with law and
August 31, 1998); and that the Barnachea refused to vacate the property in light of jurisprudence can only be affirmed. The alleged consignation of the P20.00 monthly
the defenses they presented. Separately from the complaint, Ignacio characterized the rental to a bank account in respondents name cannot save the day for the petitioners
action they filed against Barnachea in the MTC as an unlawful detainer when they simply because of the absence of any contractual basis for their claim to rightful
stated in their memorandum that as alleged in the complaint, what was filed by Ignacio possession of the subject property. Consignation based on Article 1256 of the Civil Code
was an ejectment suit for unlawful detainer. indispensably requires a creditor-debtor relationship between the parties, in the
absence of which, the legal effects thereof cannot be availed of.
The issue in an unlawful detainer case is limited to physical possession. When a claim
of ownership is used as a basis for de facto possession or to assert a better possessory
right, the court hearing the case may provisionally rule on the issue of ownership. As Topics: EFFECTS OF POSSESSION; Possessor v. Owner
a rule, however, a pending civil action involving ownership of the same property does
not justify the suspension of the ejectment proceedings. SPOUSES ELPIDIO APOSTOL and AMELIA APOSTOL, petitioners, vs. COURT
OF APPEALS and SPOUSES EMMANUEL CHUA and EDNA L. CHUA,
respondents.
G.R No. 125375, June 17, 2004
Facts: On September 3, 1993, the respondents, Spouses Emmanuel and Edna Chua,
filed a complaint for unlawful detainer against the petitioners, Spouses Elpidio and
Amelia Apostol, in the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) of Metro Manila. The
respondents alleged Luz B. Pascua was the owner of the parcel of land located in
Quezon City covered by TCT No. 198936 with an area of 315 square meters. She sold
a portion of the property to the respondents on July 8, 1976 for P45,548. On June 7,
Topic: ACQUISITION OF POSSESSION; Possession by mere tolerance 1993, the Spouses Pascua executed a Deed of Absolute Sale over the property and the
improvements thereon in favor of the respondents. On the basis of the said deed, the
SPS. RICARDO AND LYDIA LLOBRERA, et.al., Petitioners, vs. JOSEFINA V. respondents were issued (TCT) No. 87610 over the property on June 8, 1993.
FERNANDEZ, Respondent
GR No. 142882, May 2, 2006 In the meantime, the petitioners filed a complaint against the respondents, the Spouses
Chua, the Spouses Pascua, and the Register of Deeds in the RTC of Quezon City, for
Facts: Fernandez, as one of the registered co-owners of the subject land, served a annulment of deed of sale and TCT No. 86338, and for reconveyance with
writted demand letters to the Sps. Llobrera. The latter refused to vacate which led to damages. The petitioners alleged that they had been in possession of the property
the filing of a formal complaint in the Barangay. With the failure to amicably settle the since 1973; their adverse claim over the property was annotated on June 20, 1979 as
dispite, Fernandez filed a complaint for ejectment and damages against Llobrera before Entry No. PE 8812; Luz Pascua died on December 2, 1984 but Paulo Pascua did not
the MTCC. Llobrera alleged in their Answer that they had been occupying the property inherit the property from her because the same had already been sold to the
in question beginning the year 1945 onwards, when their predecessors-in-interest, with respondents; Paulo Pascua executed a falsified affidavit for self-adjudication over the
the permission of Gualberto de Venecia, one of the other co-owners of said land, property on the basis of which he was able to secure, on May 20, 1993, TCT No. 86338.
developed and occupied the same on condition that they will pay their monthly rental
of P20.00 each. From then on, they have continuously paid their monthly rentals to Issues: Who is entitled to the lawful possession of the subject property?
Gualberto de Venecia or Rosita de Venecia or their representatives, such payments
being duly acknowledged by receipts. Beginning sometime June 1996, however, the
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
15
Ruling: It is an accepted rule that a person who has a Torrens title over the property, Issues: 1,) Who has jurisdiction over the case; 2.) Who has a better right over the
such as the respondents, is entitled to the possession thereof. As discussed in property
the Pangilinan Case in Javelosa v. Court of Appeals, and declared that the registered
owners are entitled to the possession of the property covered by the said title from the Ruling: The trial brought to light the true nature of the right of possession of
time such title was issued in their favor. Moreover, the fact that the respondents were respondent over the property, and the circumstances surrounding her
never in prior physical possession of the subject land is of no moment, as prior physical dispossession. The facts, as culled from the evidence presented by both parties,
possession is necessary only in forcible entry cases. unequivocally show that the instant case is one for unlawful detainer.
Article 538. Possession as a fact cannot be recognized at the same time in
two different personalities except in cases of co-possession. Should a question Respondent was able to present evidence showing that after the foreclosure of the
arise regarding the fact of possession, the present possessor shall be property, petitioner failed to redeem it within the redemption period. Thus, the latter
preferred, if there are two possessors, the one longer in possession; if the was divested of her ownership and right to retain possession thereof. Respondent
dates of the possession are the same, the one who presents a title; and if all acquired a better right to possess the property after acquiring title to it through a sale
these conditions are equal, the thing shall be placed in judicial deposit pending between her and the mortgagee-bank.
determination of its possession or ownership through proper proceedings. The CA correctly held that Lagrosa v. Court of Appeals was applicable to the
controversy. The continued occupation of the property by petitioner was merely
In this case, defendants were able to establish the fact that they have been in physical tolerated by respondent. Consequently, the former was bound by an implied promise
and material possession of the subject premises from the time they purchased the that she would vacate the premises upon demand. Her failure to do so justified
same from Luz B. Pascua on July 8, 1976. Defendants, therefore, are in possession of respondents action for ejectment filed in the MTC.
the property in the concept of an owner, and under the law, a possessor in the concept
of an owner has in his favor the legal presumption that he possesses with a just title
and he cannot be obliged to show or prove it (Art. 541, NCC). TOPIC: EFFECTS OF POSSESSION; Remedies of Person Deprived of
Possession
Moreover, it is important to note that defendants purchased the subject premises from
Luz B. Pascua on July 8, 1976 while plaintiffs purchased the same from Paulo Pascua DANILO DUMO and SUPREMA DUMO, Petitioners, vs. ERLINDA ESPINAS,
only on June 4, 1993, a much later date. This is shown by the Deed of Absolute Sale JHEAN PACIO, PHOL PACIO, MANNY JUBINAL, CARLITO CAMPOS, and
executed by Luz B. Pascua in favor of defendants on July 8, 1976 which is evidenced SEVERA ESPINAS, Respondents.
by the Deed of Absolute Sale of Unsegregated Portion of Land executed by Luz B. G.R No. 141962, January 25, 2006
Pascua and Paulo Pascua in favor of the defendants on July 14, 1977 and a Deed of
Confirmation of Deed of Absolute Sale of a Parcel of Land with Waiver dated July 14, Facts: Spouses Dumo are the owners-possessors of a parcel of sandy beach resort in
1977 executed by Paulo Pascua .These documents put in doubtful validity the Bauang, La Union. Severa J. Espinas filed a "Quieting of Title and/or Ownership and
subsequent sale of the same land by Paulo Pascua in favor of the plaintiffs. Paulo Possession against spouses Sandy and Presnida Saldana, subject matter of the case
Pascua had no right, therefore, to transfer ownership of the subject land to plaintiffs being the same resort. Although a decision has been rendered against the defendants
because, Luz B. Pascua, the original owner, had already sold the same land to in the case against spouses Saldana, the same was not enforced.
defendants during her lifetime. And upon the death of Luz B. Pascua, Paulo Pascua had
no right to adjudicate the subject lot to himself because he even confirmed such sale Disgruntled with the refusal of the sheriff to put them in possession over the questioned
and waived any rights, interest and participation over the subject residential house and real property, and in open defiance with the official action taken by the sheriff, all
lot in a Deed of Confirmation of Absolute Sale with Waiver dated July 14, 1977. defendants acting for the interest of Espinas took it upon themselves, employing force,
Topics: EFFECTS OF POSSESSION; Possessor v. Owner intimidation, and threat, to enter the property.
Despite protests made by Spouses Dumo, who were there then present and visibly
LOLITA R. AYSON, petitioner, vs. MARINA ENRIQUEZ vda. DE CARPIO, outnumbered by defendants and their agents who were armed with sticks, bolos,
respondent. hammers, and other deadly weapons, successfully drove out plaintiffs, and took over
G.R No. 152438, June 17, 2004 the premises.
Facts: Petitioner was the owner of three (3) parcels of land in Manibang, Porac, Spouses Dumo prayed for the payment of actual, moral and exemplary damages. The
Pampanga and has been in possession of the aforesaid properties being the owner MTC rendered judgment holding that petitioners were able to prove their right of
thereof. On August 29, 1980, petitioner mortgaged said properties to the Philippine possession over the subject property. Respondents appealed the case to the RTC of
National Bank, Angeles City Branch (Bank). These were subsequently foreclosed by the Bauang, La Union. The RTC reversed and set aside the Decision of the MTC. It also
Bank. After failing to redeem within the prescribed period, petitioners TCTs were ruled that as regards damages, the only damage that can be recovered is the fair rental
canceled and new ones were issued in the name of the Bank on May 14, 1985. On April value or the reasonable compensation for the use and occupation of the leased
14, 1999, the Bank sold the property to the respondent herein and is now covered by property.
TCT No. 466519-R in favor of the respondent.
Spouses Dumo filed a petition for review with the CA. The CA held that the MTC
On October 22, 1999, petitioner filed a Complaint before the Regional Trial Court of correctly found that the petitioners were in possession of the subject land and agreed
Angeles City for the annulment of TCT No. [466519-R] and the deed of sale between with the ruling of the RTC that in forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases, the only
the Bank and the respondent as well as for reconveyance and damages. With said Civil damage that can be recovered is the fair rental value or the reasonable compensation
Case No. 9582 still pending, respondent, on January 3, 2000, sent demand letters dated for the use and occupation of the property concerned.
December 29, 1999 demanding petitioner to vacate the premises
Issue: Whether or not the CA erred in holding that the only damage that can be
recovered is the fair rental value for use of the property
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
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As per Dumo v. Espinas, it was settled that the only form of damages that may be
Ruling: No. The CA is correct. There is no basis for the MTC to award actual, moral recovered in an action for forcible entry is the fair rental value or the reasonable
and exemplary damages in view of the settled rule that in ejectment cases, the only compensation for the use and occupation of the property.
damage that can be recovered is the fair rental value or the reasonable compensation
for the use and occupation of the property. This is because the only issue to be resolved in a case for forcible entry is rightful
possession and the only damages one could recover from such action for forcible
The reason for this is that in such cases, the only issue raised in ejectment cases is entry is that which the plaintiff could have had if he was still the possessor of the
that of rightful possession; hence, the damages which could be recovered are those property. The only damages you can get is what you lost when you are deprived of
which the plaintiff could have sustained as a mere possessor, or those caused by the material possession. Everything else should be claimed by ordinary action.
loss of the use and occupation of the property, and not the damages which he may
have suffered but which have no direct relation to his loss of material possession. The respondents assert their claim by citing Progressive Development Corporation v.
CA. However, this case is different from Progressive Development Corporation v. CA in
Although the MTC’s order for the reimbursement to petitioners of their alleged lost which the claim for damages separate from forcible entry with damages was dismissed
earnings over beach resort could have been considered as compensation for their loss on the ground of litis pendentia (identity between two pending actions with respect to
of the use and occupation of the property while it was in the possession of the rights asserted, reliefs prayed for, is such that when judgment is done on one, res
respondents, records do not show any evidence to sustain the same. judicata will result in the remaining action or simply put, two cases are so similar that
judgment of one will render affect the other decision considerably).
TOPIC: EFFECTS OF POSSESSION; Remedies of Person Deprived of In Progressive Development Corporation case, the separate action for damages is
Possession based on the alleged forcible takeover of the leased premises by the petitioner in that
case while the action for forcible entry with damages is an action claiming for damages
CGR CORPORATION herein represented by its President ALBERTO RAMOS, for the loss sustained by the plaintiff. Basically, the damages asked for are from the
III, HERMAN M. BENEDICTO and ALBERTO R. BENEDICTO, Petitioners,vs. same injury in the forcible entry case (they are both for the fair rental value or the
ERNESTO L. TREYES, JR., Respondent reasonable compensation for the use and occupation of the property).
G.R. No. 170916, April 27, 2007
In the present case, the damages asked for in the forcible entry case is based on the
FACTS: CGR Corporation, Herman M. Benedicto and Alberto R. Benedicto (petitioners) dispossession while the action for damages is based on acts done AFTER dispossession
claimed to have occupied 37.3033 hectares of public land such as the carting away of fish and the ransacking of the church.
in Barangay Bulanon, SagayCity, Negros Occidental for 25 years. Hence, order of the RTC is reversed and set aside.
However, Ernesto L. Treyes, Jr., with his men, forcibly entered the leased properties
and barricaded the entrance to the fishponds, set up a barbed wire fence along the
road going to CRG Corporation‘s fishponds, and harvested several tons of milkfish, fry
and fingerlings. It was alleged that the respondents also ransacked the church.
CGR filed with the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) in Sagay City separate complaints for
Forcible Entry with Temporary Restraining Order with Preliminary Injunction and
Damages and reserved a separate civil action. The MTC found Treyes and his men
guilty of forcible entry. TOPIC: EFFECTS OF POSSESSION; Remedies of Person Deprived of
Possession
CGR filed a separate complaint alleging therein that he suffered damages for the
actions of Treyes during and after the forcible entry. A claim for additional damages WILMON AUTO SUPPLY CORPORATION, ILOILO MULTI PARTS SUPPLY
which arose from incidents occurring after the dispossession by Treyes of the premises CORP., VIRGILIO ANG, SOUTHERN SALES CORP. and CHANG LIANG, JR.,
was thereafter prayed for. The MTC awarded the claims of CGR. petitioners, vs. HON. COURT OF APPEALS and STAR GROUP RESOURCES
AND DEVELOPMENT, INC., respondents.
RTC dismissed the complaint for damages on the ground of prematurity saying that G.R. No. 97637, April 10, 1992
“damages may only be maintained after a final determination on the forcible entry
cases has been made.” FACTS: Wilmon Auto Supply Corporation (or Ramon Que), Iloilo, Multi Parts Supply
Corporation (or Ramon Que), Virgilio Ang, Henry Tan, Southern Sales Corporation, and
Issue: Whether or not a complainant in a forcible entry case can file an independent Chang Liang, Jr. were lessees of a commercial building and bodegas standing on
action for damages arising after the act of dispossession had occurred even during registered land in Iloilo City owned in common by Lucy A. Solinap, Fr. Jerry R. Locsin,
the pendency of their separate complaints for forcible entry. Lourdes C. Locsin, Manuel C. Locsin and Ester L. Jarantilla. After the expiration of the
period in the lease agreement, lessor executed an Absolute Deed of Sale in favor of
RULING: YES, Corporation may institute a separate and independent complaint for Star Group Resources and Development.
damages even during pendency of separate complaints for forcible entry, arising after
the act of dispossession had occurred based on the separate acts done after the In the Deed of Sale, it was stated that vendee shall henceforth deal with the lessees
dispossession such as the stealing of fish and ransacking of the church. and occupants of the properties herein sold without any further warranty or obligation
on the part of the Vendors.
FACTS: Petitioner Francisco Alonso, who died pendente lite and substituted by his legal On 14 November 1986, Plaza filed a petition for the registration and confirmation of
heirs, was the only son and sole heir of the late Tomas Alonso and Asuncion Medalle. his title over the property. ON 24 February 1988, the Republic opposed because (1)
Sometime in 1992, petitioner discovered documents and records showing that his Plaza and his predecessors-in-interest have not been in open, continuous, exclusive
father acquired Lot No. 727 of the Banilad Friar Lands Estate from the Government of and notorious possession and occupation of the land in question since 12 June 1945 or
the Philippine Islands in or about the year 1911 in accordance with the Friar Lands Act prior thereto; (2) the muniment of title and tax declarations as well as tax payments
(Act No. 1120). The documents showed that the original vendee of the subject lot relied upon do not constitute sufficient evidence of a bona fide acquisition of the land
assigned his sales certificate to petitioner's father, who completed the required by petitioner-appellee and of his open, continuous possession and occupation thereof
installment payments thereon under Act No. 1120 and was consequently issued a in the concept of owner since 12 June 1945, or prior thereto, and (3) the subject
patent. The Director of Lands executed a final deed of sale in favor of petitioner's property pertains to the public domain and is not subject to private appropriation.
father. However, the deed was not registered with the Register of Deeds because of
lack of technical requirements as required by law. Others who opposed the decision:
Heirs of Santos de la Cruz argue that: (1) their PII, Santos de la Cruz, is the
Upon investigation of the status of the land, petitioner found out that the title of Lot 'primitive owner'; and, (2) he, his heirs, and upon their tolerance, some other
No. 727 had been administratively reconstituted from the owner's duplicate under a persons have been in OCEN possession of the land in question since time
Transfer Certificate of Title in the name of United Service Country Club, Inc., immemorial until the present
predecessor of Cebu Country Club, Inc. Upon order of the court, the name of the
registered owner in the said TCT was changed to Cebu Country Club, Inc. Kadakilaan Estate contends that: (1) by reason of its Titulo de Propiedad de
Terrenos of 1891 Royal Decree with approved plans registered under the
Petitioner filed with the Regional Trial Court, a complaint for declaration of nullity and Torrens System and petitioner-appellee or his predecessors-in-interest have
non-existence of deed/title, cancellation of certificates of title and recovery of property not been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and
against defendant Cebu Country Club, Inc. which the trial court decided in favor of the occupation of the land in question since 12 June 1945 or earlier
defendant. On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the lower court.
Republic contended that the land in question had been withdrawn from the alienable
ISSUE: Who has the better right over the said lot? portion of the public domain pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 679 issued on
January 7, 1991, almost 6 months prior to the issuance of the TC’s decision.
RULING: The Supreme Court ruled that neither Tomas Alonso nor his son petitioner
Francisco Alonso, or the latter's heirs, are the lawful owners of Lot No. 727 in dispute. On 3 January 1991 Proclamation No. 679 was issued by the President withdrawing the
The petitioner was not able to secure a Torrens title, in fact the Secretary of Agriculture subject property from sale or settlement and reserve for slum improvement and sites
and Natural Resources declined their application. and services program
Neither has the respondent Cebu Country Club, Inc. been able to establish a clear title On 31 May 1991 Plaza filed his memorandum. Only the Republic and the Heirs of Santos
over the contested estate. The reconstitution of a title is simply the re-issuance of a de la Cruz offered their evidence.
lost duplicate certificate of title in its original form and condition. It does not determine
or resolve the ownership of the land covered by the lost or destroyed title. A CA Decision: affirmed the decision confirming Plaza's title over Rel. Plan 1059, which
reconstituted title, like the original certificate of title, by itself does not vest ownership is the relocation plan of Psu-97886
of the land or estate covered thereby.
ISSUE: Whether or not Plaza has a registrable title over the property sought to be
titled
TOPIC: INDICIA OF OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION
HELD: Plaza and his PII have acquired and have been in OCEN possession of the
subject property for a period of 30 years under a bona fide claim of ownership
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, petitioner, vs. Proof:
COURT OF APPEALS and HEIRS OF DEMOCRITO O. PLAZA , respondents. 1. tax declarations of his predecessors-in-interest
G.R. No. 146874, July 20, 2006 2. the deed of sale,
3. tax payment receipts and
FACTS: Subject property was first owned by Santos de la Cruz who declared this under 4. own tax declarations.
Tax Declaration for the year 1913; 1917; and 1921. Property was successively bought
by Pedro Cristobal, Regino Gervacio, Diego Calugdan and Gil Alhambra. To evidence
their respective acquisition of the property in question, Tax Declaration 1923; 1927,
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
23
Plaza had introduced some improvements on the subject property from the time he 5. During the cadastral survey of the property on October 15, 1979 there was
purchased it. His witnesses testified that he developed the subject property into a already a dispute between Honorata M. Bolante and Miguel Mendoza, brother
ricefield and planted it with rice, but only for about five years because the return on of [petitioners].
investment was not enough to sustain the continued operation of the riceland. Though 6. [Respondent was] occupying the property in question.
not in the category of permanent structures, the preparation of the land into a ricefield
and planting it with rice are considered 'improvements'. ISSUE: The only issue involved [was] who [was] the lawful owner and possessor of
the land subject of the case.
Although tax declarations or realty tax payments of property are not conclusive
evidence of ownership, nevertheless, they are good indicia of possession in the concept RULING: The Supreme Court found the petition not meritorious. The Court ruled that
of owner for no one in his right mind would be paying taxes for a property that is not the appellate court was correct in not giving credence to the affidavit presented by the
in his actual or at least constructive possession. They constitute at least proof that the petitioner for the reason that it cannot be admitted as an exception to the hearsay rule
holder has a claim of title over the property. The voluntary declaration of a piece of under the dead man's statute. Likewise, the affidavit cannot be considered an ancient
property for taxation purposes manifests not only one's sincere and honest desire to document as the petitioner failed to explain how the purported signature of one of the
obtain title to the property and announces his adverse claim against the State and all respondents could have been affixed as she was an illiterate woman who had never
other interested parties, but also the intention to contribute needed revenues to the had any formal schooling.
Government. Such an act strengthens one's bona fide claim of acquisition of ownership.
Respondent's possession was not disturbed until 1953 when the petitioners' father
The issuance of the proclamation did not have any effect on the subject property as claimed the land. But by then, her possession, which was in the concept of owner —
the proclamation only withdrew it from sale or settlement and reserved the same for public, peaceful, and uninterrupted— had already ripened into ownership. Furthermore
slum improvement and sites and services program, but subject to actual survey and she herself, after her father's demise, declared and paid realty taxes for the disputed
existing private rights. The proclamation did not prohibit the registration of title of one land. Tax receipts and declarations of ownership for taxation, when coupled with proof
who claims, and proves, to be the owner of actual possession of the property, can be the basis of a claim for ownership through
prescription.
Registration does not vest title. It is merely evidence of such title.
In contrast, the petitioners, despite thirty-two years of farming the subject land, did
When the conditions set by law are complied with, the possessor of the land, by not acquire ownership. It is settled that ownership cannot be acquired by mere
operation of law, acquires a right to a grant, a government grant, without the necessity occupation. Unless coupled with the element of hostility toward the true owner,
of a certificate of title being issued. The Torrens system was not established as a means occupation and use, however long, will not confer title by prescription or adverse
for the acquisition of title to private land, as it merely confirms, but does not confer possession. Moreover, the petitioners cannot claim that their possession was public,
ownership. peaceful and uninterrupted. Although their father and brother arguably acquired
ownership through extraordinary prescription because of their adverse possession for
Plaza has proven his claim of ownership over the subject property. As provided in the thirty-two years (1953-1985), this supposed ownership cannot extend to the entire
proclamation itself, his ownership of the subject property must be respected and he disputed lot, but must be limited to the portion that they actually farmed.
cannot be barred from having the land titled in his name. This does not contravene or
negate the intention of the proclamation. Besides, its implementing Letters of Tax declarations and receipts are not conclusive evidence of ownership. At most, they
Instruction recognize that there may be lands declared included in the Slum constitute mere prima facie proof of ownership or possession of the property for which
Improvement Resettlement (SIR) program that are privately owned. taxes had been paid. In the
absence of actual public and adverse possession, the declaration of the land for tax
TOPIC: INDICIA OF OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION purposes does not prove ownership. In sum, the petitioners' claim of ownership of the
whole parcel has no legal basis. Accordingly, the Court denied the petition and the
FERNANDA MENDOZA CEQUEÑA and RUPERTA MENDOZA LIRIO, assailed decision and resolution of the appellate court were affirmed.
petitioners, vs. HONORATA MENDOZA BOLANTE, respondent.
GR 137944 April 6, 2000 TOPIC: INDICIA OF OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION
FACTS: On October 15, 1975, respondent HonorataBolante and Miguel Mendoza, DR. JESUS SERIÑA and ENRIQUETA SERIÑA (deceased), represented by
brother of petitioners, had a dispute on the ownership of the land during the cadastral DR. JESUS SERIÑA, JR., ANTONIO SERIÑA, VIOLETA SERIÑA TAN,
survey. Because of this dispute, herein petitioners filed a civil case against respondent REYNALDO SERIÑA and EMMANUEL SERIÑA, petitioners, vs. VICTOR
claiming ownership and possession of the parcel of land in question. CABALLERO, TEODORO DONELA, OLIVER DONELA, COURT OF APPEALS,
and THE HONORABLE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH 20, MISAMIS
During the pre-trial conference, parties stipulated the following facts: ORIENTAL, respondents.
GR 127382 August 17, 2004
1. The land subject of the case was formerly declared for taxation purposes in
the name of Sinforoso Mendoza prior to 1954 but isnow declared in the name FACTS: On August 11, 1982, Dr . Jesus Seriña and his wife, Enriqueta Seriña
of Margarito Mendoza. filed a Complaint for quieting of title, recovery of possession, and damages with a
2. The parties agree[d] as to the identity of the land subject of instant case. prayer for a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction against respondents Victor
3. [Petitioners] are the daughters of Margarito Mendoza while the [respondent] Caballero and his tenants, Teodoro Donela and Oliver Donela. Seriñas alleged in their
is the only daughter of Sinforoso Mendoza. complaint that they are the absolute owners and have been in actual and constructive
4. Margarito Mendoza and Sinforoso Mendoza [were] brothers, now deceased. possession of the land for 35 years. They averred that sometime in March 1982, they
discovered that respondent Caballero was claiming ownership over the said land and
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
24
offering it for sale or mortgage to third parties. They also discovered that the court succinctly stated, he who claims to have a better right to the
respondents Donela were occupying the land as tenants and caretakers of the land. property must clearly show that the land possessed by the
other party is the very land that belongs to him.
The petitioners claimed that their father, Dr . Seriña, bought the land from Lucia Vda.
de Marbella who inherited it from her father, Ramon Neri. They presented a Deed of On the second issue, the CA ruled that inasmuch as the petitioners failed to
Sale 6 dated August 23, 1947 showing that Dr .Seriña bought 5 hectares of ricefield, establish that the parcel of land in possession of the respondents is the same as the
bounded on the North by RaymundoSeriña, on the East by TeofiloSaburnido, on subject of their complaint, their claim of acquisitive prescription is clearly untenable.
the South by Obdelio Caballero, on the West by Obdullo Caballero from Lucia Vda. We agree with the respondents. Since the property has not been clearly identified by
de Marbella. the petitioners, their claim of acquisitive prescription cannot be considered.
Insufficient identification of the portion of land claimed in absolute ownership
In his answer, respondent Caballero alleged that he was the lawful owner, and had cannot ripen into ownership. Possession as a means of acquiring ownership, while it
been in actual physical possession of the disputed land since time immemorial. He may be constructive, is not a mere fiction. Assuming, however, that the disputed land
averred that the disputed land is part of Cadastral Lot originally owned by his has been clearly identified, acquisitive prescription will still not lie in favor of the
grandfather, Eustaquio Caballero. They averred that Eustaqio Caballero declared the petitioners because they were not able to prove that they have been in possession of
entire parcel of land for tax purposes. This tax declaration indicated that the 119,490 the property for the requisite number of years. Prescription requires public, peaceful,
square-meter parcel of land was located at Pontacon, Iponan, Cagayan de Oro uninterrupted and adverse possession of the property in the concept of an owner for
City, bounded on North by RusticoDablio, on the East by J. Seriña and T. Saburnido, ten years, in case the possession is in good faith and with just title.
on the South by Victor Obsioma, and on the West by Victorino Caballero.
RTC - in favor of Caballero (the boundaries of the land stated in complaint did not The petitioners' argument that the payment of taxes on the property since May 31,
coincide with what was stated in the Deed of Sale and that it was not clearly shown 1948 constitutes proof of their possession of the subject land for thirty-five years is
that the land bought by Dr. Serina was the same land owned by Victor Caballero) untenable. Tax declarations and receipts are not conclusive evidence of ownership. At
CA - affirmed decision of RTC most, they constitute mere prima facie proof of ownership of the property for
which taxes have been paid. In the absence of actual, public and adverse possession,
ISSUE/s: The issues in this petition are, therefore, the following: (1) whether the the declaration of the land for tax purposes does not prove ownership.
petitioners were able to establish the identity of the land being claimed by
them; and (2) whether acquisitive prescription should be appreciated in favor of the
petitioners.
RULING: The CA was correct in concluding that the petitioners failed to establish that TOPIC: Expenses: Right of Possessor with Respect to Useful Expenses
the parcel of land in the possession of the respondents is the same as that subject of
their complaint. The CA noted that the land subject of the complaint has boundaries LAURENCIO C. RAMEL, SOCORRO B. RAMEL and RENE LEMAR B. RAMEL,
different from the land in possession of the respondents. In fact, the land described in petitioners, vs. DANIEL AQUINO and GUADALUPE ABALAHIN, respondents.
the complaint appears to be different from the land described in the Deed of Sale which BENJAMIN AQUINO and VIRGINIA AQUINO, respondents-Intervenors.
the petitioners invoke as the basis of their ownership. G.R. No. 133208 July 31, 2006
The complaint 24 of the petitioners states that the property they are claiming FACTS: Daniel Aquino is a registered owner of a land which he mortgaged to the
has an area of 2.5 hectares. On the other hand, the Deed of Sale provides that Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). As the property was in danger of being
the subject property has an area of 5 hectares. The complaint alleged that the foreclosed, respondents sold to petitioners a portion of the land with the agreement
property is located in "Mantadiao, Opol, Misamis Oriental," while the Deed of Sale that petitioners would assume the remaining mortgage obligation of respondents with
shows that the property purchased is located in "Puntakon, Igpit, Cagayan Or. the DBP and the balance shall be paid to respondents.
Misamis." We agree with the CA that there was no showing that Tax Declaration No.
2442 in the name of Eustaquio Caballero was cancelled. Absent any specific Petitioners were allowed by respondents to take possession of the land. Subsequently,
statement therein to that effect, it cannot be presumed that Tax Declaration No. 4029 petitioners applied for a re-structuring of the mortgage loan win the DBP for a period
in the name of Dr. Seriña cancelled Tax Declaration No. 2442. Moreover, the land of ten years. Petitioners then went to DBP to pay for the amortization but they found
covered by Tax Declaration No. 2442 is different from that covered by Tax out that respondents had paid the bank and the latter told the former that they would
Declaration No. 4029. return whatever the petitioners paid for the land and threatened to withdraw the title
from the bank.
The documentary and testimonial evidence presented by the petitioners did not prove
the identity of the land being claimed. The petitioners did not present evidence to Petitioners filed with the trial court for Specific Performance with Preliminary Injunction
prove that the land registered in the name of Eustaquio Caballero was sold to Lucia and Damages and three days later, respondents withdrew the amount which they had
Vda. de Marbella or her predecessor-in-interest from whom they purchased the land paid to the bank. During the pendency of the case, petitioners were able to fully settle
subject of their complaint. The failure to establish the identity of the land is obviously the loan with the DBP.
fatal to the petitioners' case. In Beo vs. Court of Appeals,
The trial court rendered a decision assailed by herein petitioners on the ground, among
Corollarily, the rule is likewise well-settled that in order that an others, that the offsetting the claim of improvements by petitioners and the claim of
action for recovery of possession may prosper, it is the fruits derived from the land by respondents is erroneous citing Articles 546 and 547
indispensable that he who brings the action fully proves not only his of the Civil Code.
ownership but also the identity of the property claimed, by
describing the location, area and boundaries thereof. As the appellate
Property Digests Pre-Finals |EH 405
25
Petitioners argue that as possessors in good faith and in the concept of an owner, they RULING: No. Article 449 of CC provides that “he who builds, plants or sows in bad
are entitled to the fruits received before possession was legally interrupted and they faith on the land of another, loses what is built, planted or sown without right to
must be reimbursed for their expenses or for the increase in the value the subject indemnity." As a builder in bad faith, NAWASA lost whatever useful improvements it
property may have acquired by reason thereof. had made without right to indemnity
ISSUE: Whether or not there is legal ground to order the offsetting of the claim of Moreover, under Art 546, only a possessor in good faith shall be refunded for useful
improvements by petitioners to the claim of fruits derived from the land by respondents expenses with the right of retention until reimbursed; and under Art 547, only a
possessor in good faith may remove useful improvements if it can be done w/o damage
RULING: YES. The records show that both parties failed to prove their claims through to the principal thing and if the person who recovers the possession does not exercise
any receipt or document. Despite the lack of proof, the trial court ordered that whatever the option of reimbursing the useful expenses.
improvements spent on the land shall be offset from the fruits derived therefrom.
The right given a possessor in bad faith to remove improvements applies only to
The plaintiffs claimed that they were able to improve the land after possession was improvements for pure luxury or mere pleasure, provided the thing suffers no injury
given to them. No receipts were shown to guide the court as to how much were the thereby and lawful possessor does not prefer to retain them by paying the value they
costs of the improvements. Likewise the defendants claimed that the plaintiffs were have at the time he enters into possession.
able to cultivate the land and harvest palay although their testimonies to this effect are
based on their presumptions and calculations not on actual harvest such that the court Mindanao Academy v. Yap does not support stand of MWSS. In that case, Court ruled
also cannot make determination of the real fruits derived from the land. that if the defendant constructed a new building, as he alleges, he cannot recover its
value because the construction was done after the filing of the action for annulment,
This being so, the court shall just offset the claim of improvements to the thus rendering him a builder in bad faith who is denied by law any right of
claim of fruits derived from the land and then place the parties in their reimbursement. What Court allowed Yap to remove were the equipment, books,
previous positions before the agreement. Whatever improvements spent on furniture and fixtures brought in by him, because they were outside the scope of the
the land shall be compensated from the fruits derived therefrom. judgment and may be retained by him.
In Carbonell v CA, both the trial court and CA found that respondents Infantes were
possessors in good faith. On appeal, Court reversed decision and declared Carbonell to
have superior right to the land. On issue of WON the Infantes were possessor in good
Topic: Rights and Liabilities of Possessor in Bad Faith faith, 4 members ruled that they were not, but as a matter of equity, allowed them to
remove the useful improvements. Inasmuch as only four Members concurred in ruling
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) vs. CA and City of that respondents Infantes were possessors in bad faith and two Members ruled that
Dagupan they were possessors in good faith, said decision does not establish a precedent.
GR L-54526 August 25, 1986 Moreover, the equitable consideration present in said case are not present in the case
at bar.
FACTS: The City of Dagupan (City) filed a complaint against NAWASA (now MWSS)
for recovery of ownership and possession of Dagupan Waterworks System. NAWASA (In that case, Justice Teehankee (now Chief Justice) concurred on the same premise
invoked RA 1383 which vested upon it the ownership, possession and control of all as the dissenting opinion of Justice Muñoz Palma that both the conflicting buyers of
waterworks systems throughout Philippines and as one of its counterclaims, asked for the real property in question, namely petitioner Carbonell as the first buyer and
reimbursement of its necessary and useful expenses in making improvements. respondents Infantes as the second buyer, may be deemed purchasers in good faith
Trial court ruled in favor of City and found NAWASA to be possessor in bad faith and at the respective dates of their purchase. Justice Muñoz Palma dissented on the ground
not entitled to reimbursement. that since both purchasers was undoubtedly in good faith, respondents Infantes' prior
NAWASA appealed to CA and argued that City must be liable for amortization of the registration of the sale in good faith entitled them to the ownership of the land.)
balance of the loan NAWASA secured for the improvement of Dagupan Waterworks
System. CA affirmed lower court’s decision and ruled that:
“..expenses were made in utter bad faith for they were made after the complaint was TOPIC: Rights and Liabilities of Possessor in Bad Faith
filed and after numerous SC decisions declaring unconstitutional the taking by NAWASA
of the patrimonial waterworks systems of cities, municipalities and provinces w/o just PELICULA SABIDO and MAXIMO RANCES, petitioners, vs.
compensation. THE HONORABLE INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT and DOMINADOR
Under Art 456 of NCC, it is clear that a builder or possessor in bad faith is not entitled STA. ANA, respondents.
to indemnity for any useful improvement on the premises” GR 73418 September 20, 1988
MWSS, successor-in-interest of NAWASA appealed to SC raising as sole issue of WON
it has the right to remove all the useful improvements introduced by NAWASA to FACTS: Spouses Dasal and Pecunio filed a case for queiting of title against herein
Dagupan Waterworks System, notwithstanding the fact that NAWASA was found to be respondents Spouses Sabido and Rances for the subject Lots B and C.
possessor in bad faith. It argues that Art. 546, 547 and 549 do not definitely settle the
question of whether a possessor in bad faith has the right to remove useful The Lower Court ruled in favor of Spouses Dasal. The sheriff then executed the Writ of
improvements. It invoked cases of Mindanao Academy v. Yap and Carbonell v. CA. Execution as ordered by then Presiding Judge Sunga. During the execution of the writ,
the sheriff learned that a certain Dominador Sta. Ana was occupying a portion of lot B
ISSUE: together with two other persons (tenants of Sta. Ana).
Whether a possessor in bad faith has the right to remove useful improvements?