Title
Government of the Philippine Islands vs. Serafica
Case
G.R. No. 39641
Decision Date
Dec 22, 1934
In the case of Government of the Philippine Islands v. Serafica, the court ruled that the partition and division of land among heirs can be done without intestate proceedings if it is in accordance with section 112 of Act No. 496, setting aside the previous order and remanding the case for further proceedings.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. 39641)

Facts:

  • The case involves the partition and division of Lot No. 2246 among heirs without intestate proceedings.
  • Originally owned by three siblings: Aniceto, Jose, and Gregoria Abalos.
  • A certificate of title (No. 7154) was issued to them as owners in undivided equal shares.
  • Aniceto Abalos passed away, leaving his widow, Fulgencia Sales, and three children: Paulino, Emiliana, and Veronica.
  • Gregoria Abalos died without issue, and her husband, Cipriano Balila, predeceased her.
  • On January 20, 1928, Jose Abalos sold his share to Florencio Serafica and Laureta Samson.
  • The actual owners decided to subdivide the land, and a subdivision plan was approved by the Director of Lands.
  • They filed a petition in the cadastral case to cancel the original certificate of title and issue new certificates for the subdivided lots.
  • The lower court denied the petition, stating that the relevant laws do not allow for the declaration of heirs and partition of the estate in cadastral or registration cases.
  • The petitioners appealed the decision.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  1. Yes, the partition and division of land among heirs can be done without intestate proceedings under section 112 of Act No. 496.
  2. Yes, section 112 of Act No. 496 is applicable to cadastral cases.
  3. Yes, a petition for the cancellation of the old certificate of title...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Supreme Court ruled that the procedure followed by the petitioners is in accordance with section 112 of Act No. 496.
  • Section 112 allows for the cancellation of an old certificate of title and the issuance of new certificates when registered interests have terminated and new interests have arisen.
  • The provision is broad and clear, covering cases where the rights of the original registered owners have ceased to exist due to death, and new rights have been created for the heirs.
  • Section 112 is applicable to cadastral cases as per section 11 of Act No. 2259, which states that the provisions of Act No. 496 apply to cadastral cases unless otherwise provided.
  • The petition can be filed in the original case where the decree of registration was entered, as stated ...continue reading

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