Case Summary (G.R. No. L-50420)
Case Background
The dispute centers around a property covering 2.6486 hectares located in Malasiqui, Pangasinan. Petitioners claim that they inherited this land from their mother, who originally owned 54 hectares. They allege that private respondents have encroached upon their property, claiming that the respondents only purchased a smaller adjacent lot from Damasa Catalan, and not the larger area being claimed.
Petitioners' Claim
Petitioners maintain that private respondents are not in actual possession of the disputed land and only asserted their claim in 1967, at which time the petitioners had continuously and peacefully possessed the property for over sixty years. They contend that a cadastral survey conducted in the mid-1930s established the boundaries of their property, and allege that private respondents intentionally misrepresented these boundaries during the survey to claim ownership.
Private Respondents' Defense
Private respondents argue that their claim to the land is supported by Original Certificate of Title No. 13505, issued in 1957 following a cadastral proceeding. They assert that petitioners misinterpret the boundaries of their respective lands and misstate the actual area owned by each party. They also claim to have originally informed petitioners of their alleged encroachment in 1965 and attempted to resolve the issue through a relocation survey.
Trial Court's Decision
The trial court sided with the private respondents, ruling that petitioners must vacate the disputed portion and pay attorney fees. The basis for this decision included the finding that private respondents had established a legitimate title to Lot 12510, backed by sufficient evidence of ownership and possession, while petitioners' claims lacked merit and supporting documentation.
Court of Appeals' Ruling
Upon appeal, the Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s decision, finding that the evidence presented by petitioners did not demonstrate their ownership of the disputed land nor did it adequately refute the private respondents' claims. The appellate court determined that procedural rules were properly applied, and the issues raised by petitioners lacked the necessary factual support to overturn the lower court's ruling.
Legal Principles Discussed
The primary legal issues pertained to property ownership under the principle of indefeasible title as enshrined in land registration laws. The court und
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-50420)
Case Background
- This case centers on a dispute over a parcel of land in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, specifically Lot 12510, which the private respondents claim through Original Certificate of Title No. 13505.
- The petitioners are heirs of the late Dominga Velasco, who originally owned 54 hectares of land, of which they allege to have inherited 44 hectares after their mother sold 10 hectares.
- The petitioners assert that the private respondents are encroaching upon their inherited land.
Legal Claims and Contentions
- Petitioners seek the reversal of the Court of Appeals' decision, the dismissal of the private respondents' complaint, the reconveyance of the disputed land, and a re-survey based on actual boundaries.
- They argue that the private respondents only purchased a smaller area of land from Damasa Catalan and claim that the private respondents do not possess the disputed land.
- The petitioners contend that the survey conducted in 1935-1936, which determined the boundaries, was flawed due to conflicts of interest involving the father of the private respondent