G.R. No. L-46364 - Jimenez vs. Ferdez

The subject is the eastern 436 sqm portion of a 2,932 sqm residential parcel in Barrio Dulig (now Magsaysay), Labrador, Pangasinan, originally owned by Fermin Jimenez.
Upon his death, the entire parcel was registered under Act No. 496 on February 28, 1933, as Original Certificate of Title No. 50933 in the names of his son Carlos Jimenez and granddaughter Sulpicia Jimenez, each holding an undivided half share.

Carlos Jimenez died on July 9, 1936. His alleged illegitimate daughter, Melecia Cayabyab (also known as Melecia Jimenez), occupied the eastern 436 sqm and, on January 20, 1944, sold it to Edilberto Cagampan, who later exchanged it with defendant Teodora Grado.
On August 29, 1969, Sulpicia executed an affidavit of self-adjudication over her uncle’s undivided half, securing Transfer Certificate of Title No. 82275 on October 1, 1969, in her sole name over the entire parcel. On April 1, 1970, she sued Teodora Grado for recovery of the 436 sqm portion.
The Court of First Instance of Pangasinan dismissed the complaint, holding Grado the absolute owner and awarding damages. On March 1, 1977, the Court of Appeals affirmed; its June 3, 1977 resolution denied reconsideration. Sulpicia petitioned this Court for certiorari review.

Whether Melecia Cayabyab was the daughter of Carlos Jimenez and thus had succession rights.
Whether Melecia’s sale to Cagampan and Cagampan’s exchange to Grado validly conveyed title.

Whether Sulpicia’s Torrens title could be defeated by adverse possession or laches.

Whether the Arcuino v. Aparis precedent permitting laches against unregistered heirs applies.