G.R. No. L‑3456
Facts: Joseph N. Wolfson applied to the Court of Land Registration to have a parcel of land in Calle Solana (658 m²) registered in his name, claiming purchase from D.A.J. Gies and asserting no encumbrances. The examiner of titles reported an adverse finding, yet Wolfson persisted. Opposing partiesincluding Elias C. Reyes (who claimed the land belonged to the estate of Lorenzo Fernandez), the City of Manila, and the Obras Pías de la Sagrada Mitraobjected, alleging lack of lawful title, intestate succession without heirs, and an existing lien dating from 1821. The trial court denied Wolfson’s registration. Wolfson appealed, asserting that the decision was contrary to law and the weight of evidence.

Issue: Whether the registration of the land in favor of Wolfson should be granted despite the fact that the alleged vendor (Elias C. Reyes) never possessed a valid title, and whether any rights could have been acquired by prescription or other means.

Ruling: The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s decision, holding that Reyes never owned a valid title to convey, that no title could be acquired by prescription absent a true and valid claim, and that consequently Wolfson could not acquire ownership through the purported sale. The registration request was denied and costs were assessed against the appellant.