G.R. No. 147863 - Ringor vs. Ringor

Petitioners: Prospero Ringor, Saturnino Ringor, Andres Ringor, substituted by Shakuntala Debie, Claro Alejo, Geronima and Sandie Lour, Raymunda Ringor, Luisa R. Rimando, Emiliana R. Tiu, and Heirs of Jose M. Ringor, Inc.
Respondents: Concordia, Felipa, Emeteria, surnamed Ringor; Marcelina Ringor representing her deceased father Agapito Ringor; Avelina, Cresencia, Felimon surnamed Almasen representing deceased mother Espirita Ringor; and Teofilo M. Abalos representing deceased mother Genoveva Ringor.
The petitioners seek review of the Court of Appeals decision affirming the Regional Trial Court’s ruling in favor of respondents for partition and reconveyance of land with damages.

The lands in issue are in San Fabian, Pangasinan, originally owned by the late Jacobo Ringor.
Jacobo had two children by his first wife (Juan and Catalina); Catalina predeceased Jacobo, who died in 1935, leaving Juan as sole heir.
Juan married Gavina Marcella and had seven children: Jose (petitioners’ predecessor), Genoveva, Felipa, Concordia, Agapito, Emeteria, and Espirita.
The lands were subject to three Torrens registration applications (“Expedientes” 241, 244, and 4449), covering different parcels.

Expediente 241: Jacobo applied alone; parcels adjudicated to Jacobo and Juan as co-owners in equal shares in 1921; in 1928, Jacobo allegedly sold entire interest to Jose via registered deeds of sale.
Expediente 244: Jacobo named Jose as applicant; adjudicated as donation from Jacobo to Jose; OCT issued to Jose in 1918.
Expediente 4449: Filed in names of Jacobo and Juan; after Juan’s death in 1922, land adjudicated to Jacobo and Jose; subsequent sales from Jacobo to Jose in 1928.

Despite registrations and deed sales, witnesses testified Jacobo retained possession and administration, sharing produce with all grandchildren.
Jacobo did not partition lands as he “still needed them.”
After Jacobo’s death in 1935, Jose administered the lands and continued sharing produce with his siblings.
Respondents repeatedly asked Jose for partition; Jose delayed, citing difficulties with unequal shares.
Jose died in 1971; respondents then demanded partition and delivery of their shares; petitioners refused.

Respondents filed complaint for partition, reconveyance, damages in 1973; petitioners defended exclusive ownership by Jose and heirs, citing Torrens titles and purchases.
During trial, complaints in intervention by Julio Monsis and Leocadia Ringor, claiming other lineage rights; later joined Heirs of Jose M. Ringor, Inc. as party.
RTC in 1995 ruled in favor of respondents, declaring express trust created by Jacobo in favor of grandchildren, with Jose as trustee; deeds of sale declared simulated and without consideration.
RTC ordered partition among seven children of Juan, accounting of income, payment of attorney’s fees, and dismissal of interventions.
Court of Appeals affirmed RTC decision; petitioners’ motion for reconsideration denied.
Petitioners elevated case to the Supreme Court, raising several issues on express trust, parol evidence, prescription, laches, and validity of Torrens titles.

Whether the factual findings of the lower and appellate courts are supported by evidence on record.
Whether a valid express trust was established by Jacobo Ringor in favor of the respondents with Jose Ringor as trustee.
Whether parol evidence may be used as proof of the establishment of an express trust, despite the statutory prohibition in Art. 1443 of the Civil Code.
Whether the courts erred in effect nullifying or declaring null the Torrens titles registered in the name of Jose Ringor and successors.
Whether respondents’ action is barred by prescription or laches.