Spouses Elpidio Apostol v. Court of Appeals

Summary

Property dispute between two sets of spouses claiming ownership of the same Quezon City parcel. Apostol claimed prior purchase from Luz Pascua in 1976 and continuous possession, while Chua purchased from Paulo Pascua in 1993 and obtained registered title. Supreme Court ruled that registered owner under Torrens system is entitled to possession, and title validity cannot be collaterally attacked in unlawful detainer proceedings. Court emphasized that person with Torrens title has presumptive right to possession, and challenges to title validity must be made through direct action. The decision reinforces the indefeasibility principle of Torrens titles and procedural rules limiting collateral attacks on registered land titles in ejectment cases.