Case Summary (G.R. No. L-5797)
Allegations and Claims
Marcelo de la Cruz claims ownership over multiple parcels of land, asserting that the defendants have unlawfully occupied half of these properties for nearly two years. He seeks legal recourse to recover possession of said lands and their produce during this period. Conversely, the defendants deny de la Cruz's claims, asserting lawful ownership of half the properties, contending they have title rights due to an understanding with de la Cruz. They request a judgment in their favor and seek to have the costs assessed against the plaintiff.
Intervener's Position
Santos Jarapan intervened, claiming ownership of all lands concerning the dispute since November 15, 1871, based on just title. He asserts that he left the land's administration to a caretaker who abandoned the properties due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving de la Cruz and defendants in illegal possession. Jarapan seeks a ruling favoring his claim of ownership over the contested lands and to hold the plaintiff and defendants accountable for his legal costs.
Initial Judgment
On September 23, 1905, the Court absolved the defendants and the intervener from the complaints filed by de la Cruz, thereby granting their ownership claims. Costs were to be shared equally between the plaintiff and the intervener. Subsequently, both de la Cruz and Jarapan filed motions for annulment of the judgment, which the court later denied, prompting the appellants to file bills of exceptions for their appeal.
Ownership Dispute Resolution
The case's resolution hinges on the determination of ownership rights, primarily substantiated by the public instruments and historical partnership between de la Cruz and Feliciano Vicente — the deceased relative of the defendants. The evidence indicated that despite titles being in de la Cruz’s name, the properties were held in a partnership arrangement. This understanding was reportedly documented in an agreement (Exhibit C), which divides the lands evenly between de la Cruz and Vicente.
Legal Principles Applied
Under Article 1225 of the Civil Code, a legally acknowledged private instrument holds the same validity as a public instrument among those who signed it and their legal representatives. The original partnership agreement, in conjunction with acknowledgments of co-ownership by de la Cruz, establishes the defendants’ legal standing as half-owners of the disputed lands.
Findings on Intervener's Claims
Santos Jarapan's claims as an intervener were found lacking in evidentiary support. He failed to prove ownership through sufficiently specific documentation linking him to the lands in ques
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-5797)
Case Background
- The case revolves around a dispute over ownership and possession of various parcels of land situated in Dingras and Laoag.
- Marcelo de la Cruz, the plaintiff, filed a complaint on March 17, 1905, claiming he was the sole owner of the lands in question and sought to recover possession from the defendants, Nicolas Nino and the Vicente brothers, Eulalio and Nemesio Vicente.
- De la Cruz alleged that the defendants had unlawfully cultivated and utilized the fruits of the land for nearly two years.
Defendants' Response
- The defendants denied de la Cruz’s claims, asserting that they owned half of the twenty-eight parcels under just title and lawful right.
- They contended that the ownership was based on a partnership agreement with de la Cruz for the acquisition of the lands, which they claimed was documented in an instrument recognized by both parties.
Intervention by Santos Jarapan
- Santos Jarapan intervened in the case, claiming to be the rightful owner of all the properties mentioned by both the plaintiff and defendants since November 15, 1871.
- He argued that his absence due to circumstances beyond his control led to the misunderstanding of ownership, and he sought a judgment in his favor to recover the lands.
Lower Court Proceedings
- After a hearing where oral evidence was presented, the Court rendered a judgment on September 23, 1905, absolving the defend