Limcoma Multi-Purpose Cooperative v. Republic of the Philippines

Summary

This case involved Limcoma Multi-Purpose Cooperative's application to register title over a 646-square meter lot in Batangas. The cooperative claimed ownership through purchase from the Alcantaras, whose family had possessed the land since 1938. The RTC granted registration, but the Court of Appeals reversed, finding insufficient proof of the required possession since 1945. The Supreme Court ultimately granted the petition, ruling that the cooperative successfully proved the land was alienable through DENR certification and established continuous possession since 1938 through tacking with predecessors-in-interest. The Court applied the doctrine that 30+ years of possession converts public land to private property, allowing acquisition through ordinary prescription. The decision reinforced principles of land registration, tacking of possession, and acquisitive prescription in property law.