Tomas Inocencio Vs Miguel Gatpandan, Et Al.

Summary

Tomas Inocencio sought registration of Manila property under the Torrens system, claiming absolute ownership through a chain of sales originating from Isaias de los Santos. Miguel Gatpandan opposed, asserting inheritance rights. The Supreme Court denied registration, ruling that Isaias de los Santos, as one of four heirs to the original owner Jose de los Santos, lacked authority to transfer complete ownership without his coheirs' consent. Under Civil Code inheritance provisions, all four children became coowners upon their father's death. Since Isaias could only convey his proportionate share, subsequent purchasers including Inocencio could not acquire absolute title required for Torrens registration under Act No. 496. The decision established that defective titles arising from incomplete inheritance cannot support land registration applications.