G.R. No. L-6598; March 8, 1913
Isidora Dancel and Alejandra Mina, the latter as guardian of the minor Esteban Mina y Dancel, plaintiffs-appellants, vs. Julian Ventura, Miguel Agustin, Teodoro Martin, and Ramon Barruga, defendants-appellees.

FACTS

Plaintiffs Isidora Dancel and the minor Esteban Mina, through his guardian Alejandra Mina, claimed ownership of four parcels of agricultural land in Ilocos Norte. They alleged that defendants Julian Ventura, Miguel Agustin, Teodoro Martin, and Ramon Barruga, as foremen of the farmer-tenants, ceased paying rent in 1903, refused to recognize plaintiffs’ ownership, and appropriated the lands. Plaintiffs filed an action for recovery of possession and damages. The trial court, after an inspection revealed that numerous other persons were in possession of parts of the land, ordered the complaint amended to include over thirty additional defendants. After trial, the court absolved all defendants from the complaint. Plaintiffs appealed.

ISSUE

Whether the plaintiffs have a better right to the possession and ownership of the subject lands, entitling them to recover possession from the defendants.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s judgment. The plaintiffs proved their ownership of the lands through authentic documents and a title issued by the State. The defendants, who were merely in possession, failed to prove any lawful title or right to the property. Their possession, being in the nature of usurpation, created no right against the lawful owners. Payment of land tax by some defendants does not establish ownership, nor does a prior unfavorable judgment against the plaintiffs in a rescission of lease case negate their ownership in this recovery action. Since the plaintiffs established a superior title, they are entitled to recover possession. The Court ordered all thirty-nine defendants to restore the four parcels of land to the plaintiffs. No award was made for fruits or damages due to lack of proof, and no costs were awarded.