Sotera Paulino Marcelo v. Hon. Court of Appeals

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals decision denying petitioners' claim to recover 7,540 square meters of unregistered land in Bulacan. Petitioners, heirs of Jose Marcelo, claimed respondent Flores encroached on their inherited property. The Court found that Flores acquired ownership through ordinary acquisitive prescription, having possessed the disputed land in good faith and with just title for 14 years (1968-1982) before suit was filed. The evidence showed that the original 1960 sale from the Sarmientos to Fernando Cruz included both riceland (palayero) and pasture land (parang), contrary to petitioners' claim that only the riceland was sold. Cruz subsequently sold the entire property to Flores in 1968, who took possession as owner and paid taxes continuously. The Court ruled that all requirements for ordinary prescription under Article 1134 of the Civil Code were satisfied, establishing Flores' ownership rights over the disputed portion.