Rodolfo L. Coronel v. Honorable Intermediate Appellate Court

Summary

Property dispute where petitioner Coronel claimed ownership of entire 12,189 sq.m. Lot 1950-A based on Torrens title, while Merlan brothers and co-defendants claimed 1/3 undivided share as heirs who never sold their portion. Supreme Court applied equitable principles, recognizing that despite petitioner's valid Torrens title, the 1/3 portion belonging to Merlan heirs was mistakenly included due to registration error. Court ordered partition with separate titles - 1/3 to Merlan heirs and 2/3 to petitioner. Decision emphasized that Torrens system cannot perpetrate fraud and that continuous possession by true owners supports reconveyance claims. Case demonstrates limits of indefeasibility of Torrens titles when fundamental ownership rights are at stake.