General Milling Corporation v. Norberto Constantino

Summary

This case involves a property dispute over two lots in Cagayan de Oro City where General Milling Corporation demolished around 200 houses claiming ownership while 68 residents claimed they possessed the lands since time immemorial. The demolition occurred on April 24, 1991 based on a building official's letter stating the structures lacked building permits. The RTC dismissed the residents' complaint finding GMC established ownership while residents failed to prove their claims. The Court of Appeals reversed, awarding substantial damages ruling the demolition was illegal and GMC lacked rights over one lot. The Supreme Court ultimately reversed the CA, dismissing the residents' complaint for failure to prove by preponderance of evidence their possession, ownership, or that their rights were violated. The Court emphasized that the residents presented only two witnesses with contradictory testimonies and no documentary evidence, failing to establish which specific respondents owned demolished houses versus the 34 structures that remained standing after demolition.