GR 34336; (December, 1931) (Digest)
G.R. No. 34336 , December 31, 1931
BERNABE B. AQUINO, claimant-appellant, vs. THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYAMBANG, defendant-appellant. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, intervenor-appellee.
FACTS
Bernabe B. Aquino filed a case to recover possession of certain real property from the Municipality of Bayambang. A related land registration case (G.R. No. 34337) was consolidated. Aquino claimed ownership based on a chain of title originating from a possessory information obtained by Juan Fajardo in 1892, with successive transfers to Getulio Pitco, then Agustin V. Gomez, and finally to him. He and his predecessors had allegedly been in possession since 1887. The Municipality of Bayambang claimed the lots were part of its municipal fisheries owned from time immemorial.
ISSUE
Whether Bernabe B. Aquino or the Municipality of Bayambang has a valid claim of ownership over the disputed property.
RULING
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Bernabe B. Aquino. The Municipality of Bayambang failed to prove its ownership, as mere possession and collection of rent do not confer title upon a municipality. Aquino, however, established his claim through a valid chain of title and open, continuous, exclusive possession as owner since 1887, which entitled him to registration under Section 45(b) of Act No. 2874 (Public Land Act). The Court modified the appealed judgment, declaring the land as private property belonging exclusively to Aquino, who is entitled to a certificate of title. The injunction against the municipality was reinstated, and both parties’ claims for damages were denied.
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