Case Summary (G.R. No. 5002)
Factual Background
The plaintiffs, both minors, filed an amended complaint on October 4, 1907, seeking to appoint Gerardo Belen as their guardian ad litem. They claimed ownership of two parcels of land planted with coconut trees, asserting that these lands were part of the estate inherited by their deceased mother, Juliana Fanoy. Getulio Belen, their biological father, died intestate in 1888, while Juliana married Gerardo Belen and had the plaintiffs thereafter. Following Juliana's death in 1895, the plaintiffs' claim was based on the assertion that Alejo Belen unlawfully took possession of the lands after Feliciano's death in 1902 without a valid title, and they sought restitution for lost value of the crops along with ownership of the lands.
Legal Claims and Defenses
The plaintiffs sought a judicial declaration affirming their exclusive ownership of the disputed lands, restitution of the properties, and compensation for damages amounting to P4,000. On the other hand, Alejo Belen denied the plaintiffs' allegations and claimed ownership through inheritance from his mother and father. He argued that he did not recognize the plaintiffs' right to the lands in question and moved for dismissal of the case.
Court Proceedings and Judgment
Following the trial on March 10, 1908, the lower court ruled in favor of Alejo Belen, dismissing the plaintiffs' claim. The plaintiffs' counsel contested this decision, arguing that it contradicted the weight of evidence presented. However, the court maintained that the plaintiffs had the burden of proof to establish not just ownership but also the identity of the lands claimed.
Legal Principles Applied
Under established jurisprudence, a plaintiff must substantiate not only ownership but also the specific identity of the property in question. The court noted that the plaintiffs did not sufficiently demonstrate prior possession or a more valid claim than that of the defendant. Conversely, Alejo Belen successfully proved years of possession under a claim of ownership. The court referenced provisions from the Civil Code,
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Case Citation
- G.R. No. 5002
- Date of Decision: March 18, 1909
Parties Involved
- Plaintiffs and Appellants: Martin Belen and Honoria Belen, represented by Segundo Capuno as Honoria's husband.
- Defendant and Appellee: Alejo Belen.
Background of the Case
- On October 4, 1907, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint against the defendant.
- The plaintiffs, both underage, requested the appointment of Gerardo Belen as their guardian ad litem for the trial.
- The complaint detailed the family history, indicating that:
- Getulio Belen and Juliana Fanoy had two children, Marciana and Feliciano, and owned property acquired during their marriage.
- Getulio Belen passed away intestate in 1888.
- Juliana Fanoy remarried Gerardo Belen, giving birth to plaintiffs Honoria and Martin.
- Juliana died intestate in 1895, leaving four children as heirs.
- Marciana Belen and Feliciano Belen died without any debts, leaving the described lands.
Allegations
- The plaintiffs claimed that:
- Alejo Belen took possession of their lands without title or right after Feliciano's death in 1902.
- Alejo failed to return the lands or provide any share of the profits, amounting to P4,000.
- They sou