Case Summary (G.R. No. 12790)
Petitioner's Claim
Lacson claims that he rightfully acquired the Island of Sicogon through a purchase from its historical owners. He argues that his prior possession, combined with that of his predecessors, was quiet, continuous, and under a title of owner, allowing him to seek the inscription of the island in the property registry. Initially, the opposition to his claim came from the Director of Lands, the Director of Forestry, the municipality of Balasan, and several residents of the island. However, the municipality later withdrew its opposition under specific conditions for public land use, which Lacson accepted.
Historical Ownership
The petitioner asserts that the island was ceded by the Spanish government to the firm Ynchausti & Co. through a composition title. This firm subsequently sold the island to Ramon Fontanet, who eventually sold it to Lacson as payment for a debt. Notably, the historical account highlights the absence of physical documentation regarding ownership, as key records were destroyed during a period of civil unrest when Fontanet was killed by insurgents.
Evidence and Testimony
Testimonies were presented indicating that the island was in the possession of Ynchausti & Co. for over thirty years and that Fontanet continued that possession until his death. Witness accounts corroborated that Fontanet had previously displayed the ownership title to Lacson at the time of sale. However, the destruction of records during the revolution complicated Lacson's ability to present formal documentation, a point that the court found reasonable based on historical context.
Ownership and Possession
The court examined whether Lacson and his predecessors had maintained possession of the island for the legally required duration under ownership claims. Testimonies were essential in establishing that Ynchausti & Co. and Fontanet had exercised continuous and adverse possession, thus supporting Lacson's claim. Despite the claim against ownership of certain portions designated as forest zones—unavailable for private ownership—the court focused on the agricultural lands' legality under Act No. 926.
Conclusion and Judgme
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Case Overview
- The case is an appeal by Aniceto Lacson against the judgment of the sixteenth judicial district which denied his application for the inscription of the Island of Sicogon in the property registry.
- The decision was rendered on October 12, 1916, and the appeal was subsequently filed, along with a motion for a new trial which was denied.
Parties Involved
- Petitioner/Appellant: Aniceto Lacson
- Objector/Appellee: The Government of the Philippine Islands
- Other notable parties include the Director of Lands, the Director of Forestry, the municipality of Balasan, and several residents of Sicogon who initially opposed the claim but later withdrew their opposition.
Background of the Claim
- Lacson asserts ownership of the Island of Sicogon, claiming it was purchased from its ancient owners and that he has possessed it continuously, peacefully, and adversely for the requisite period.
- The opposition was withdrawn by the municipality of Balasan after negotiations for land for public use were agreed upon.
Legal Questions Presented
- Whether the Island of Sicogon was ceded by the Spanish government to Ynchausti & Co., thereby granting them absolute ownership.
- If the cession is not proven, whether the continuous, peaceful,