Case Summary (G.R. No. L-3788)
Factual Background
On February 19, 1906, Roxas, represented by attorneys Rosado, Sanz & Opisso, applied for the registration of his estate, which he inherited from his late father. The hacienda includes multiple parcels of land totaling approximately 1,761 hectares, assessed at over P415,000. The estate is occupied by 429 tenants, and Roxas requested the summoning of these occupants as part of the application process. Amendments were made to correct the total area and clarify the boundaries of the property.
Oppositions Filed
Multiple parties opposed Roxas's application for registration. Julia Tuason argued that the boundary separating her property and Roxas's had been altered unlawfully. The Municipality of San Pedro Macati claimed ownership of the land occupied by municipal buildings and insisted that public property, including roads and schools, should remain unregistered in favor of Roxas. Alejandro and Consolacion Aguirre opposed the inclusion of their parcels within the boundaries of the hacienda.
Judicial Proceedings
The case went through hearings where evidence, including testimonies and documents from both sides, was presented. On October 17, 1906, the lower court ruled in favor of Roxas, granting the registration of the Hacienda de San Pedro Macati while excluding certain lands occupied by the municipal building to serve the public good.
Appeal and Arguments
Following the decision, the respondents, led by Tuason, excepted to the judgment. Tuason's dispute revolved around the proper boundary line; she asserted it was based on previously established monuments, whereas Roxas contended that the creek served as the legitimate boundary, as evidenced during previous ownership by the Augustinian Friars. The Aguirres appealed against the dismissal of their claim without filing a timely brief.
Court's Findings on Boundaries
The court examined the historical ownership records and testimonies, confirming that the natural boundary between Roxas's estate and Tuason’s land was indeed the creek. No legal claims supported Tuason's assertion of ownership extending to the land beyond the creek. The principle of accession was invoked, indicating that gradual accretions naturally belonged to the landowner adjacent to waterways, thereby bolstering Roxas's claim to the disputed land.
Analysis of Municipal Claims
Regarding the Municipality of San Pedro Macati's claim, the court upheld that Roxas retained ownership of the land, granting only usufruct rights for municipal uses. The government recognized Roxas’s title over the land used for public buildings and confirmed that any claims to prescription by the municipality were i
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-3788)
Case Background
- On February 19, 1906, attorneys Rosado, Sanz & Opisso filed an application for the registration of the estate known as Hacienda de San Pedro Macati on behalf of Pedro P. Roxas.
- The hacienda, inherited from his late father, Jose Bonifacio Roxas y Ubaldo, consists of four parcels of irregularly shaped land totaling 1,761 hectares 51 ares and 5 centares (17,615,105 square meters).
- The property was assessed for taxation at P415,221.34, with specific amounts allocated to portions within the city of Manila and the Province of Rizal.
- A significant building on the property, the "Casa-Quinta" or "Casa de Ingenieros," occupies 8,430 square meters and was assessed at P98,557.34.
- The hacienda was primarily occupied by approximately 429 tenants, all of whom were named in the application.
Oppositions to Registration
- Julia Tuason filed opposition on September 10, 1906, claiming that new boundary monuments had encroached on her property.
- The Municipality of San Pedro Macati contended that land used for public purposes, including the municipal building and roads, belonged to the public domain and should not be registered to Roxas.
- Alejandro and Consolacion Aguirre also opposed the registration, asserting that their own parcels were improperly included within the boundaries of the hacienda.