FIRST DIVISION
G.R. No. 179990, October 23, 2013
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Petitioners, v. DIOSDADA I. GIELCZYK, Respondent.
D E C I S I O N
REYES, J.:
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS
Lot 2007, Cad. 545-D, identical to lot
3135-A, Csd-072219-004552
(Luisa Ceniza)
A parcel of land (lot 20047, Cad.545-D, identical to lot 3135-A, Csd-072219-004552), being a portion of lot 3135, Cad. 545-D (new), situated in the Barrio of Jugan, Municipality of Consolacion, Province of Cebu, Island of Cebu. Bounded on the NE., along line 1-2 by lot 20048 (identical to lot 3135-B, Csd-072219-004552), on the SE., along line 2-3 by Camino Vicinal Road, on the SW., along line 3-4 by lot 3126, on the NW., along line 4-1 by lot 3136, All [sic] of Cad. 545-D (New). Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan being S. 83 deg. 17’E., 1878.69 m. from BLLM No. 1, Consolacion, Cebu.thence S. 61 deg. 20’E., 40.69 m. to point 2;beginning. Containing an area of TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE (2,285) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follows; points 1 and 2 by P.S. cyl. conc. mons. 15x40 cms. and the rest are old P.S. cyl. conc. mons 15x60 cms. Bearings Grid; date of original survey July 14, 1987-November 11, 1987, and that of the subdivision survey executed by Geodetic Engineer Norvic S. Abella on November 12, 1993 and approved on May 24, 1994.5
thence S. 26 deg. 14’W., 57.80 m. to point 3;
thence N. 61 deg. 26’W., 38.40 m. to point 4;
thence N. 23 deg. 59’E., 58.02 m. to point of theTECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONSA parcel of land (lot 20045, Cad.545-D, identical to lot 3136-A, Csd-072219-004551), being a portion of lot 3136, Cad. 545-D (New), situated in the Barrio of Jugan, Municipality of Consolacion, Province of Cebu, Island of Cebu. Bounded on the SE., along line 1-2 by lot 3135, on the SW., along line 2-3-4 by lot 3126, on the NW., along line 6-1 by lot 20046, All [sic] of Cad. 545-D (New), on the NE., along line 6-1 by lot 20046 (identical to lot 3136-B, Csd-072219-004551). Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan being S. 83 deg. 17’E., 1878.69 m. from B.L.L.M. No. 1, Consolacion, Cebu.
Lot 20045, Cad. 545-D, identical to
Lot 3136-A, Csd-072219-004551
(Constancio Ceniza)thence S. 23 deg. 59’W., 58.02 m. to point 2;beginning. Containing an area of TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED TEN (2,610) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follows; points 1 and 6 by P.S. cyl. conc. mons. 15x40 cms. and the rest are old P.S. cyl. conc. mons 15x60 cms. Bearings Grid; date of original survey July 14, 1987-November 11, 1987, and that of the subdivision survey executed by Geodetic Engineer Norvic S. Abella on November 19, 1993 and approved on May 26, 1994.6
thence N. 65 deg. 10’W., 41.39 m. to point 3;
thence N. 35 deg. 15’W., 2.55 m. to point 4;
thence N. 20 deg. 43’E., 44.05 m. to point 5;
thence N. 20 deg. 44’E., 12.48 m. to point 6:
thence S. 65 deg. 37’E., 46.79 m. to point of the
ADJOINING OWNERS OF LOT 3135-A:
North - Lot 3135-B owned by Mrs. Luisa CenizaJugan, Consolacion, Cebu
East - Municipal Roadc/o Municipal Mayor
Consolacion, Cebu
South - Lot 3126 owned by Mr. Rene PepitoJugan, Consolacion, Cebu
West - Lot 3136-A owned by the applicant.
ADJOINING OWNERS OF LOT 3136-A:
North - Lot 3136-B, owned by Mr. Constancio CenizaJugan, Consolacion, Cebu
East - Lot 3135-A, owned by the applicant;
South - Lot 3126, owned by Mr. Rogelio M. PepitoJugan, Consolacion, Cebu
West - Lot 3138, owned by Mr. Miguel HortiguelaJugan, Consolacion, Cebu8
(a) Approved plans of Lot Nos. 3135-A and 3136-A;9
(b) Approved technical descriptions of the same lots;10
(c) Certification from the Chief, Technical Services Section, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 7, Central Visayas Lands Management Services in lieu of surveyor’s certificates;11
(d) Latest tax declarations of the lots;12
(e) Latest tax clearance of the same lots;13
(f) Deeds of Sale in favor of the respondent;14
(g) Certifications from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO), Cebu City, that the lots are alienable and disposable;15 and
(h) Certification from the Chief, Records Section, DENR, Region 7, Cebu City that the same lots are not subject to public land application.16
(i) That the respondent acquired Lot No. 3136-A (which is identical to Lot 20045, and is situated in Jugan, Consolacion, Cebu, with an area of 2,610 sq m), and Lot No. 3135-A (which is identical to Lot 20047, and is situated in Jugan, Consolacion, Cebu, with an area of 2,285 sq m) through purchase from Constancio Ceniza and Luisa Ceniza respectively;17
(ii) That the respondent was never delinquent in paying the taxes for the said lots. In fact the following tax declarations were issued for Lot No. 3136-A: Tax Dec. No. 01258 for the year 1948; Tax Dec. No. 012459 for the year 1965; Tax Dec. No. 20846 for the year 1980; Tax Dec. No. 29200 for the year 1981; Tax Dec. No. 04210 for the year 1985; and Tax Dec. No. 13275 for the year 1989; while the following tax declarations were issued for Lot No. 3135-A: Tax Dec. No. 01670 for the year 1948; Tax Dec. No. 012931 for the year 1965; Tax Dec. No. 021294 for the year 1968; Tax Dec. No. 25146 for the year 1973; Tax Dec. No. 01411 for the year 1974; Tax Dec. No. 20849 for the year 1980; Tax Dec. No. 04208 for the year 1985; Tax Dec. No. 13274 for the year 1989;18
(iii) That the said parcels of land are alienable and disposable and are not covered by subsisting public land application;19
(iv) That the respondent and her respective predecessors-in-interest had been in possession of Lot No. 3135-A and Lot No. 3136-A for more than 40 years in the concept of an owner, exclusively, completely, continuously, publicly, peacefully, notoriously and adversely, and no other person has claimed ownership over the same land;20 and
(v) That the respondent is a Filipino Citizen and that despite her marriage to an American national, she has retained her Filipino citizenship.21
(1) That neither the respondent nor her predecessors-in-interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation of the land in question since June 12, 1945 or prior thereto;22
(2) That the muniments of title and/or the tax declarations and tax payment receipts of the respondent attached to or alleged in the application do not constitute competent and sufficient evidence of a bona fide acquisition of the land applied for or of their open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation thereof in the concept of an owner since June 12, 1945, or prior thereto; and that said muniments of title do not appear to be genuine and the tax declarations and/or tax payment receipts indicate the pretended possession of the respondent to be of recent vintage;23
(3) That the respondent can no longer avail of the claim of ownership in fee simple on the basis of Spanish title or grant since she has failed to file an appropriate application for registration within the period of six months from February 16, 1976 as required by Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 892. From the records, the petitioner further alleged that the instant application was filed on July 7, 1995;24
(4) That the parcel of land applied for is a portion of the public domain belonging to the petitioner and that the said parcel is not subject to private appropriation.25
WHEREFORE, from all the foregoing undisputed facts supported by oral and documentary evidence, the Court finds and so holds that the applicant has registrable title over subject lots, and the same title is hereby confirmed. Consequently, the Administrator, Land Registration Authority is hereby directed to issue Decree of Registration and Original Certificate of Title to Lots 3135-A and 3136-A [sic], both situated at Jugan, Consolacion, Cebu in the name of the applicant DIOSDADA I. GIELCZYK, 44 years old, Filipino, married to Philip James Gielczyk, American national, resident of No. 4 Noel St., UHV, Paranaque, Metro Manila, as her exclusive paraphernal property.
Upon finality of this judgment, let a corresponding decree of registration and original certificate of title be issued to subject lot in accordance with Sec. 39, PD 1529.
SO ORDERED.27
WHEREFORE, the appeal is hereby DENIED and the assailed Decision AFFIRMED in its entirety.29
Issue
THE COURT OF APPEALS ERRED ON A QUESTION OF LAW IN UPHOLDING THE RULING OF THE TRIAL COURT THAT RESPONDENT WAS ABLE TO PROVE THAT SHE AND HER PREDECESSORS-IN-INTEREST HAVE BEEN IN OPEN, COMPLETE, CONTINUOUS, NOTORIOUS, EXCLUSIVE AND PEACEFUL POSSESSION OVER THE LANDS SUBJECT OF THE APPLICATION FOR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FOR A PERIOD OF OVER 40 YEARS THROUGH MERE TAX DECLARATIONS AND IN THE ABSENCE OF PROOF WHEN THE SUBJECT LOTS WERE DECLARED ALIENABLE AND DISPOSABLE LANDS OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.30
The respondent failed to completely prove that there was an expressed State declaration that the properties in question are no longer intended for public use, public service, the development of the national wealth and have been converted into patrimonial property, and to meet the period of possession and occupation required by law. |
Sec. 14. Who may apply. The following persons may file in the proper Court of First Instance an application for registration of title to land, whether personally or through their duly authorized representatives:
(1) Those who by themselves or through their predecessors-in- interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of alienable and disposable lands of the public domain under a bona fide claim of ownership since June 12, 1945, or earlier.
(2) Those who have acquired ownership of private lands by prescription under the provision of existing laws.
(3) Those who have acquired ownership of private lands or abandoned river beds by right of accession or accretion under the existing laws.
(4) Those who have acquired ownership of land in any other manner provided for by law.
However, a judicious scrutiny of the attendant facts would reveal that the assailed decision of the RTC was based not on PD No. 1529, Section 14(1), but under Section 14(2) of said issuance. The pertinent portion of the decision is quoted as follows:“From the documentary evidence presented and formally offered by the applicant, the Court is convinced that she and her predecessors-in-interest has (sic) been in open, complete, continuous, notorious, exclusive and peaceful possession over the lands herein applied for registration of title, for a period of over 40 years, in the concept of an owner and that applicant has registrable title over same lots in accordance with Sec. 14, PD 1529.”A closer scrutiny will show that the questioned decision was based on PD No. 1529, Section 14(2).
In the case of Republic of the Philippines vs. Court of Appeals and Naguit, it was ruled that:Did the enactment of the Property Registration Decree and the amendatory P.D. No. 1073 preclude the application for registration of alienable lands of the public domain, possession over which commenced only after June 12, 1945? It did not, considering Section 14(2) of the Property Registration Decree, which governs and authorizes the application of “those who have acquired ownership of private lands by prescription under the provisions of existing laws.”In the instant case, applicant-appellee was able to present tax declarations dating back from 1948. Although tax declarations and realty tax payment of property are not conclusive evidence of ownership, nevertheless, they are good indicia of the possession in the concept of owner for no one in his right mind would be paying taxes for a property that is not in his actual, or at the least constructive, possession. They constitute proof that the holder has a claim of title over the property. The voluntary declaration of a piece of property for taxation purposes manifests, not only one’s sincere and honest desire to obtain title to the property, but it also announces his adverse claim against the State and all other interested parties, including his intention to contribute to the needed revenues of the Government. All told, such acts strengthen one’s bona fide claim of acquisition of ownership.33 (Citations omitted)
“Prescription is one of the modes of acquiring ownership under the Civil Code. There is a consistent jurisprudential rule that properties classified as alienable public land may be converted into private property by reason of open, continuous and exclusive possession of at least thirty (30) years. With such conversion, such property may now fall within the contemplation of “private lands” under Section 14(2), and thus susceptible to registration by those who have acquired ownership through prescription. Thus, even if possession of the alienable public land commenced on a date later than June 12, 1945, and such possession being been [sic] open, continuous and exclusive, then the possessor may have the right to register the land by virtue of Section 14(2) of the Property Registration Decree.”
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT AND
NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE
Cebu City23 September 2004
CENRO, Cebu City, Lands Verification
CONSTANCIO CENIZA ET AL (Consolacion, Cebu)C E R T I F I C A T I O N
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This is to certify that per projection conducted by Forester Restituto A. Llegunas a tract of land lots 3135 and 3136, Cad 545-D(New) containing an area of FIFTEEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY SEVEN (15,687) square meters[,] more or less[,] situated at Jugan, Consolacion, Cebu as shown and described in the sketch plan at the back hereof as prepared by Geodetic Engineer Aurelio Q. Caña for CONSTANCIO CENIZA ET AL was found to be within Alienable and Disposable Block I of Land Classification Project No. 28 per L. C. Map No. 2545 of Consolacion, Cebu certified under Forestry Administrative Order No. 4-1063 dated September 1, 1965. (Emphasis Supplied)
This is to certify further that the subject area is outside Kotkot-Lusaran Watershed Reservation per Presidential Proclamation No. 1074 dated Sept. 2, 1997.
This certification is issued upon the request of Mr. Constancio Ceniza for the purpose of ascertaining the land classification status only and does not entitle him preferential/priority rights of possession until determined by competent authorities.FEDENCIO P. CARREON
OIC, Community Environment
& Natural Resources Officer
The respondent failed to present specific acts of ownership to substantiate her claim of open, continuous, exclusive, notorious and adverse possession in the concept of an owner. |
The petitioner submits that even granting arguendo that the entire Lot 138 was not assigned to it during the Spanish regime or it is not the owner thereof pursuant to the Laws of the Indies, its open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of Lot 138 since 1894 and for many decades thereafter vests ipso jure or by operation of law upon the petitioner a government grant, a vested title, to the subject property. It cites Subsection 6 of Section 54 of Act No. 926 and Subsection b of Section 45 of Act No. 2874.
This contention is likewise not persuasive.
One of the important requisites for the application of the pertinent provisions of Act No. 926 and Act No. 2874 is the “open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation” of the land by the applicant. Actual possession of land consists in the manifestation of acts of dominion over it of such a nature as a party would naturally exercise over his own property. The phrase “possession and occupation” was explained as follows:It must be underscored that the law speaks of “possession and occupation.” Since these words are separated by the conjunction and, the clear intention of the law is not to make one synonymous with the order [sic]. Possession is broader than occupation because it includes constructive possession. When, therefore, the law adds the word occupation, it seeks to delimit the all-encompassing effect of constructive possession. Taken together with the words open, continuous, exclusive and notorious, the word occupation serves to highlight the fact that for one to qualify under paragraph (b) of the aforesaid section, his possession of the land must not be mere fiction. As this Court stated, through then Mr. Justice Jose P. Laurel, in Lasam v. The Director of Lands:Indisputably, the petitioner has been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of Lot 138-B since 1894 as evidenced by the church structure built thereon. However, the record is bereft of any evidence that would tend to show that such possession and occupation extended to Lots 138-A and 138-C beginning the same period. No single instance of the exercise by the petitioner of proprietary acts or acts of dominion over these lots was established. Its unsubstantiated claim that the construction of the municipal building as well as the subsequent improvements thereon, e.g., the rural health center, Buruanga community Medicare hospital [sic], basketball court, Rizal monument and grandstand, was [sic] by its tolerance does not constitute proof of possession and occupation on its (the petitioner’s) part.x x x Counsel for the applicant invokes the doctrine laid down by us in Ramos v. Director of Lands. But it should be observed that the application of the doctrine of constructive possession in that case is subject to certain qualifications, and this court was careful to observe that among these qualifications is “one particularly relating to the size of the tract in controversy with reference to the portion actually in possession of the claimant.” While, therefore, “possession in the eyes of the law does not mean that a man has to have his feet on every square meter of ground before it can be said that he is in possession,” possession under paragraph 6 of Section 54 of Act No. 926, as amended by paragraph (b) of Section 45 of Act No. 2874, is not gained by mere nominal claim. The mere planting of a sign or symbol of possession cannot justify a Magellan-like claim of dominion over an immense tract of territory. Possession as a means of acquiring ownership, while it may be constructive, is not a mere fiction. x x x.Possession is open when it is patent, visible, apparent, notorious and not clandestine. It is continuous when uninterrupted, unbroken and not intermittent or occasional; exclusive when the adverse possessor can show exclusive dominion over the land and an appropriation of it to his own use and benefit; and notorious when it is so conspicuous that it is generally known and talked of by the public or the people in the neighborhood.
x x x
Use of land is adverse when it is open and notorious.
Absent the important requisite of open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation thereon since 1894, no government grant or title to Lots 138-A and 138-C had vested upon the petitioner ipso jure or by operation of law. Possession under paragraph 6 of section 54 of Act No. 926, as amended by paragraph (b) of section 45 of Act No. 2874, is not gained by mere nominal claim.47 (Citations omitted and emphasis supplied)
(a) they constructed permanent buildings on the questioned lot;
(b) they collected rentals;
(c) they granted permission to those who sought their consent for the construction of a drugstore and a bakery;
(d) they collected fruits from the fruit-bearing trees planted on the said land;
(e) they were consulted regarding questions of boundaries between adjoining properties; and
(f) they religiously paid taxes on the property.50
Q - Mrs. Gielczyk, are you the same Diosdada Gielzcyk[,] the applicant in this case?`
A - Yes.
Q - Are you familiar with [L]ots No. 3135 and 20045, both of Consolacion, Cebu?
A - Yes.
Court:
Excuse me, You can answer in English? You don’t need an interpreter?
A - Yes[,] Your Honor.
Atty. Germino:Who is the owner of these lots?A - I am the one.
Q - How large is 20047?
A - It has an area of 2,286 square meters.
Q - How much is the assessed value of Lot 20047?
A - I do not think, [P]430.00 per square meters is the assessed value reflected in the document.
Court:
Is that reflected in the tax declaration?
Atty. Germino:
Yes[,] Your Honor.
Court:
Then the tax declaration would be the best evidence.
Atty. Germino:
Q - Do you know if there are other persons who are interested whatsoever over the lots you have mentioned?
A - No sir.
Atty. Germino:
Q - Are there liens and encumbrances affecting the lots?
A - No[,] sir.
Q - Who is in possession of these lots?
A - I am in possession.
Court:
Physically? I thought you are residing in Manila?
A - Because my family is living there in Consolacion and I always come home every month. I have my parents and brothers there.
Court:
The same property?
A - Near my parents’ house[,] Your Honor.
Court:
Proceed.
Atty. Germino:
Q - How long have you been in possession of the lots?
A - Including my predecessors-in-interest, for over a period of 40 years.
Q - What is the nature of your possession?
A - Adverse against the whole world, continous [sic], peaceful[,] open and uninterrupted.
Q - How did you acquire Lot 20047?
A - I purchased it from Luisa Ceniza.
Q - Do you know how did Luisa Ceniza acquire the same?
A - She inherited it from her father Remigio Ceniza.
Q - Do you have a deed of sale in your favor?
A - Yes, I have.52
x x x
Atty. Germino:
Q - You said that includ[i]ng your predecessors-in-interest, your possession including your predecessors-in-interest has been for over forty (40) years. Do you have the tax declaration of Lot 20047 since 1948 until the present?
A - Yes.
Q - Showing to you tax declaration No. 01670 in the name of the heirs of Remigio Ceniza covering land in Consolacion for the year 1948, please examine and tell the court whether that is the tax declaration of Lot 20047 for the year 1948?
A - Yes, this is the one.
x x x
Atty. Germino:
Q - Showing to you tax declaration No. 012931 in the name of heirs of Remigio Ceniza for the year 1965, please examine the same and tell the Honorable court what relation has that to the tax declaration of lot 20047 for the year 1965?
A - This is the same.
x x x
Atty. Germino:
Q - Showing to you tax declaration No. 021294 in the name of Luisa and Constancio Ceniza for the year 1968, please examine and tell the court whether that is the tax declaration of Lot 20047 for the year 1968?
A - Yes, this is the same.
x x x
Atty. Germino:
Q - Showing to you tax declaration No. [no number was indicated in the TSN] in the name of Luisa Ceniza for the year 1963 tell the court whether that is the tax declaration for the year 1973?
A - Yes, this is the one.53
x x x
Atty. Germino:
Q - Mrs. Gielczyk, one of the last lot subject to [sic] your petition is Lot 20045, how large is this lot?
A - 2,610 square meters.
Q - How much i[s] the assess value of this lot?
A - [P]970.00
Q - Who is in possession of this lot?
A - I am the one.
Q - How long have you been in possession?
A - Including my predecessors-in-interest is [sic] over a period of 40 years.
COURT: (to witness)
Q - Personally[,] how long have you been in possession of this property?
A - If I remember right, 1985.
ATTY. GERMINO:
Q - How did you acquire lot 20045?
A - I purchased it from Constancio Ceniza.
Q - Do you have a deed of sale in your favor?
A - Yes.
COURT:
We are talking about 3136-A?
ATTY. GERMINO:
Yes, we are through with Lot 3135?
COURT:
This is 3136-A equivalent to Lot 20045. Proceed.
ATTY. GERMINO:
I am showing to you a deed of absolute sale by Constancio Ceniza over lot 3136-A acknowledged before Notary Public Marino Martillano, as Doc. No. 2637 book 4, series of 1988, please examine this document and tell the Court if that is the deed of sale?
A - Yes.
x x x
Q - Are you not delinquent in the payment of taxes for lot 3136-A?
A - No, sir.
Q - Do you have a tax clearances [sic]?
A - Yes, I have.
Q - I am showing to you tax clearance issued by the municipal treasurer of Consolacion, Cebu, is that the tax clearance you referred to?
A - Yes, sir.
ATTY. GERMINO:
We ask your Honor the tax clearance be marked as double “C”.
COURT:
Mark it.
x x x
COURT: (to witness)
Q - You said that including your predecessor-in-interest[,] your possession of the land applied for is more than 40 years, do you have a Tax Declaration of lot 3136-A from 1948 until the present?
A - Yes.
Q - I am showing to you a bunch of Tax Declaration[,] 6 in all[,] from the (sic) year 1948, 1965, 1980, 1981, 1985 and 1989, please examine this Tax Declaration and tell us whether these are the Tax Declarations of Lot 3136-A from 1948 until the present in your name?
A - These are the ones.
ATTY. GERMINO:
We ask that the Tax Declaration in bunch be marked as Exhibit double “F” and the succeeding Tax Declaration to be marked as double “FF-1” up to double “F-5”.
COURT:
Mark it.54
COURT:
Cross-examination?
FISCAL ALBURO:
May it please the Honorable Court.
COURT:
Proceed.
FISCAL ALBURO:
Q - Mrs. [G]ielczyk, how many lots are involved in this petition?
A - 2 portions.
Q - How did you acquire this lot [sic]?
A - I purchased it [sic] from Constancio Ceniza.
Q - When was that?
A - If I remember right in 1985 or 1986.
Q- In other words, you srarted [sic] possessing the property since 1985, until the present?
A- Yes.
Q- But you are not in actual occupant [sic] of the property because you are residing in Paranaque?
A- But I have a cousin in Consolacion.
Q- But you are not residing in Consolacion?
A- I used to go back and forth Cebu and Manila.
Q- Who is in charge of your property in Consolacion?
A- My brothers.
Q - In other words, your property is being taken cared of by your brothers?
A - Yes.
FISCAL ALBURO:
That is all, your Honor.
ATTY. GERMINO:
No redirect, your Honor.
COURT: (to witness)
By the way, where do you stay often?
A - Usually in Manila.
Q - Who takes care of the property in Mandaue City?
A - My brothers because there are coconut trees and some fruits and he watched it [sic].
Q - Who is using the coconut trees and the fruits?
A - Just for consumption, there are few coconuts.55 (Emphasis supplied)cralawlawlibrary
A final word. The Court is comfortable with the correctness of the legal doctrines established in this decision. Nonetheless, discomfiture over the implications of today’s ruling cannot be discounted. For, every untitled property that is occupied in the country will be affected by this ruling. The social implications cannot be dismissed lightly, and the Court would be abdicating its social responsibility to the Filipino people if we simply levied the law without comment.
The informal settlement of public lands, whether declared alienable or not, is a phenomenon tied to long-standing habit and cultural acquiescence, and is common among the so-called “Third World” countries. This paradigm powerfully evokes the disconnect between a legal system and the reality on the ground. The law so far has been unable to bridge that gap. Alternative means of acquisition of these public domain lands, such as through homestead or free patent, have proven unattractive due to limitations imposed on the grantee in the encumbrance or alienation of said properties. Judicial confirmation of imperfect title has emerged as the most viable, if not the most attractive means to regularize the informal settlement of alienable or disposable lands of the public domain, yet even that system, as revealed in this decision, has considerable limits.
There are millions upon millions of Filipinos who have individually or exclusively held residential lands on which they have lived and raised their families. Many more have tilled and made productive idle lands of the State with their hands. They have been regarded for generation by their families and their communities as common law owners. There is much to be said about the virtues of according them legitimate states. Yet such virtues are not for the Court to translate into positive law, as the law itself considered such lands as property of the public dominion. It could only be up to Congress to set forth a new phase of land reform to sensibly regularize and formalize the settlement of such lands which in legal theory are lands of the public domain before the problem becomes insoluble. This could be accomplished, to cite two examples, by liberalizing the standards for judicial confirmation of imperfect title, or amending the Civil Code itself to ease the requisites for the conversion of public dominion property into patrimonial.
One’s sense of security over land rights infuses into every aspect of well-being not only of that individual, but also to the person’s family. Once that sense of security is deprived, life and livelihood are put on stasis. It is for the political branches to bring welcome closure to the long pestering problem.60 (Citation omitted and emphasis supplied)
Endnotes:
1 Penned by Associate Justice Stephen C. Cruz, with Associate Justices Isaias P. Dicdican and Antonio L. Villamor, concurring; rollo, pp. 28-39.
2 Id. at 61-63.
3 Id. at 16-17.
4 Id. at 41 and 46-47.
5 Id. at 46.
6 Id. at 47.
7 Id. at 41 and 49-53.
8 Id. at 42.
9 Id. at 42 and 44-45.
10 Id. at 42 and 46-47.
11 Id. at 42 and 48.
12 Id. at 42 and 49-50.
13 Id. at 42 and 51.
14 Id. at 42 and 52-53.
15 Id. at 42 and 54-55.
16 Id. at 42 and 56.
17 Id. at 62 and 63.
18 Id.
19 Id.
20 Id.
21 Id. at 63.
22 Id. at 58.
23 Id. at 58-59.
24 Id. at 59.
25 Id.
26 Id. at 61-63.
27 Id. at 63.
28 Id. at 28-39.
29 Id. at 38.
30 Id. at 13.
31 Id. at 123.
32 Id. at 37.
33 Id. at 36-37.
34 489 Phil. 405 (2005).
35Rollo, pp. 36-37.
36 G.R. No. 179987, April 29, 2009, 587 SCRA 172.
37 Id. at 201-205.
Quoted hereunder for easy reference are Articles 1113 and 1137 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, to wit:Art. 1113. All things which are within the commerce of men are susceptible of prescription, unless otherwise provided. Property of the State or any of its subdivisions not patrimonial in character shall not be the object of prescription.38Rollo, pp. 20-21.
Art. 1137. Ownership and other real rights over immovables also prescribe through uninterrupted adverse possession thereof for thirty years, without need of title or of good faith.
39 CA rollo, p. 62.
40Rollo, pp. 54-55.
41 578 Phil. 441 (2008).
42 Supra note 34, at 414.
43 G.R. No. 158630, September 4, 2009, 598 SCRA 247.
44 Id.; see also Heirs of Malabanan v. Republic, G.R. No. 179987, September 3, 2013.
45 520 Phil. 753 (2006).
46 Id. at 794.
47 Id. at 794-796.
48 Id.
49 182 Phil. 184 (1979).
50 Id. at 195.
51Republic v. Manimtim, G.R. No. 169599, March 16, 2011, 645 SCRA 520, 536, citing Republic of the Philippines v. Dela Paz, G.R. No. 171631, November 15, 2010, 634 SCRA 610, 623.
52 Records, LRC Case No. N-452, pp. 83-84.
53 Id. at 88-91.
54 Id. at 93-97.
55 Id. at 97-98.
56 Id. at 12.
57 Id. at 49-56.
58 Id. at 67-69.
59 Supra note 36.
60 Id. at 212-213.