Mariano A. Velez v. Rev. Francisco Demetrio (Deceased)

Summary

This case involves a partition dispute over a ten-hectare agricultural land originally owned by the Radaza spouses and inherited by their children and grandchildren. The Velez heirs claimed ownership through alleged purchases of shares, while the Radaza heirs sought partition. The trial court favored the Velez heirs, but the Court of Appeals reversed, finding the alleged sales unsubstantiated by admissible evidence. The Supreme Court affirmed, emphasizing that hearsay testimonies cannot prove property transactions. Significantly, the Court ruled that laches and prescription do not apply to registered land under the Torrens system, and co-owners cannot be barred by prescription under Article 494 of the Civil Code. The decision reinforced the security of title under the Torrens system and the protection of co-ownership rights in registered properties.