Po Sun Tun v. W. S. Price

Summary

Po Sun Tun claimed ownership of land in Tacloban, Leyte based on a chain of title through his father Gabino Barreto P. Po Ejap, who sold the same property to different buyers. The Supreme Court applied Article 1473 of the Civil Code, ruling that when immovable property is sold to different vendees, priority belongs to the purchaser who first properly registers the deed. The Court held that W.S. Price, who properly registered his deed and obtained Torrens title before transferring to the Provincial Government of Leyte, had superior rights over Po Sun Tun, whose chain of title included a deed that was merely acknowledged as received but never legally registered. The decision established that mere presentation and receipt acknowledgment by the Register of Deeds does not constitute proper registration under the law.