G.R. No. L-15656; November 15, 1920
JESUS VAÑO, applicant-appellant, vs. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, objector-appellee.

FACTS:
Jesus Vaño applied for judicial confirmation and registration of title over a tract of land in Bohol containing approximately 3,793 hectares. The land encompassed four municipalities and a significant portion of the province. The Director of Lands and the Director of Forestry opposed the application. The Court of First Instance of Bohol denied the registration, prompting Vaño’s appeal. Vaño claimed open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession by himself and his predecessors since 1882, though interrupted by the revolution. Within the claimed area were approximately 685 hectares of forest land and four logging trails used as highways. The government conceded that about 1,060 hectares were under cultivation and other portions were used for pasturage.

ISSUE:
Whether the applicant is entitled to judicial confirmation and registration of title over the entire 3,793-hectare tract of land.

RULING:
No. The Supreme Court affirmed the denial of registration for the entire tract. The portions consisting of forest land (approximately 685 hectares) and public logging trails/highways must be excluded from the claim. The Court held that the doctrine of acquisitive prescription could not be successfully invoked because the applicant was not holding the land under color of title. However, the Court noted that the applicant could secure title to the specific tracts of which he was in actual possession (the cultivated and pasture areas) upon submission of proper plans. The judgment of the lower court was affirmed, with costs against the applicant.