Sec of Denr vs Yap Et Al

8/11/2019 Sec of Denr vs Yap Et Al

1/42

Republic of the PhilippinesSupreme Court

Manila

EN BANC

THE SECRETARY OF THE G.R. No. 167707

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

AND NATURAL RESOURCES, THE

REGIONAL EXECUTIVE Present:

DIRECTOR, DENR-REGION VI,

REGIONAL TECHNICAL PUNO, C.J.,

DIRECTOR FOR LANDS, QUISUMBING,

LANDS MANAGEMENT BUREAU, YNARES-SANTIAGO,REGION VI PROVINCIAL CARPIO,

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ,

RESOURCES OFFICER OF KALIBO, CORONA,*

AKLAN, REGISTER OF DEEDS, CARPIO MORALES,

DIRECTOR OF LAND AZCUNA,

REGISTRATION AUTHORITY, TINGA,

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM CHICO-NAZARIO,

SECRETARY, DIRECTOR OF VELASCO, JR,

PHILIPPINE TOURISM NACHURA,**

AUTHORITY, REYES,Pet!t!"ners, LEONAR#O-#E CASTRO, $n%

BRION,JJ

- versus -

MAYOR OSE S. YAP, LIBERTAD

TALAPIAN, MILA Y. SUMNDAD, !"#

ANICETO YAP, $" %&'$( )'&!*+ !"# Pr"&'()$te%:$" )'&!*+ o+ !** %&o' $$*!(* $%/!%'#,

Res"n%ents O+t"er , .//

0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0

* On ofcial leave per Special Order No. 520 dated September 19, 2008.**No part. Justice Nacura participated in te present case as Solicitor !eneral.


2/42

DR. ORLANDO SACAY !"# G.R. No. 1777

2ILFREDO GELITO, 3o$"'# )

THE LANDO2NERS OF

BORACAY SIMILARLY

SITUATED NAMED IN A LIST,

ANNEX 4A5 OF THIS PETITION,

Pet!t!"ners,

- versus -

THE SECRETARY OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAND NATURAL RESOURCES, THE

REGIONAL TECHNICAL

DIRECTOR FOR LANDS, LANDS

MANAGEMENT BUREAU,

REGION VI, PROVINCIAL

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL

RESOURCES OFFICER, KALIBO,

AKLAN,

Res"n%ents

0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0

D E C I S I O N

REYES, R.T.,J.

AT st$1e !n t2ese +"ns"(!%$te% +$ses !s t2e r!)2t "3 t2e resent "++'$nts "3

B"r$+$4 Is($n% t" se+'re t!t(es "5er t2e!r "++'!e% ($n%s


3/42


4/42

Is($n%,88; 62!+2 !%ent!3!e% se5er$( ("ts $s e!n) "++'!e% "r +($!&e% 4 n$&e%

ers"ns99;

On N"5e&er 7/, 1879, t2en Pres!%ent Der%!n$n% M$r+"s !ss'e%

Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 1901;%e+($r!n) B"r$+$4 Is($n%, $&"n) "t2er !s($n%s, +$5es

$n% en!ns'($s !n t2e P2!(!!nes, $s %o/($% :o"' !"# !($"' (''(;''n%er t2e

$%&!n!str$t!"n "3 t2e P2!(!!ne T"'r!s& A't2"r!t4


5/42


6/42

T2e OSG &$!nt$!ne% t2$t res"n%ents-+($!&$nts re(!$n+e "n P# N" 7/7

$n% PTA C!r+'($r N" ?-. 6$s &!s($+e% T2e!r r!)2t t" '%!+!$( +"n3!r&$t!"n "3

t!t(e 6$s )"5erne% 4 CA N" 77 $n% P# N" 9/@ S!n+e B"r$+$4 Is($n% 2$% n"t

een +($ss!3!e% $s $(!en$(e $n% %!s"s$(e, 62$te5er "ssess!"n t2e4 2$% +$nn"t

r!en !nt" "6ners2!

#'r!n) re-tr!$(, res"n%ents-+($!&$nts $n% t2e OSG st!'($te% "n t2e

3"(("6!n) 3$+ts:


7/42

RTC !"# CA D$=o$%$o"

On J'(4 7, 7, t2e RTC ren%ere% $ %e+!s!"n !n 3$5"r "3 res"n%ents-

+($!&$nts, 6!t2 $fallo re$%!n):

HEREDORE, !n 5!e6 "3 t2e 3"re)"!n), t2e C"'rt %e+($res t2$t

Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/7 $n% PTA C!r+'($r N" ?-. "se n" (e)$( "st$+(e t" t2eet!t!"ners $n% t2"se s!&!($r(4 s!t'$te% t" $+K'!re t!t(e t" t2e!r ($n%s !n B"r$+$4, !n

$++"r%$n+e 6!t2 t2e $(!+$(e ($6s $n% !n t2e &$nner res+r!e% t2ere!n $n% t"

2$5e t2e!r ($n%s s'r5e4e% $n% $r"5e% 4 res"n%ent Re)!"n$( Te+2n!+$(#!re+t"r "3 L$n%s $s t2e $r"5e% s'r5e4 %"es n"t !n !tse(3 +"nst!t'te $ t!t(e t" t2e

($n%

SO OR#ERE#7979;

T2e RTC '2e(% res"n%ents-+($!&$nts r!)2t t" 2$5e t2e!r "++'!e% ($n%s

t!t(e% !n t2e!r n$&e It r'(e% t2$t ne!t2er Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/7 n"r PTA C!r+'($r

N" ?-. &ent!"ne% t2$t ($n%s !n B"r$+$4 6ere !n$(!en$(e "r +"'(% n"t e t2e

s'e+t "3 %!s"s!t!"n77; T2e C!r+'($r !tse(3 re+")n!Fe% r!5$te "6ners2! "3

($n%s77; T2e tr!$( +"'rt +!te% Se+t!"ns 9././;$n% @?.7.7;"3 t2e P'(!+ L$n% A+t

1'"1'#Rollo$!.%. No. 1&''0'(,p. 5+.18"18#3d. at 51.19"19#3d. irst 3nstance, trou/ te Solicitor !eneral or te ofcer actin/ in isstead, a petition a/ainst te older, claimant, possessor, or occupant o? an land4o sall not ave voluntaril come in under te provisions o? tis capter or o? teAand %e/istration -ct, statin/ in substance tat te title o? suc older, claimant,possessor, or occupant is open to discussion or tat te boundaries o? an sucland 4ic as not been brou/t into court as a?oresaid are open to Guestion ortat it is advisable tat te title to suc land be settled and adIudicated, and


8/42

$s $s!s 3"r $+1n"6(e%)!n) r!5$te "6ners2! "3 ($n%s !n B"r$+$4 $n% t2$t "n(4

t2"se 3"reste% $re$s !n '(!+ ($n%s 6ere %e+($re% $s $rt "3 t2e 3"rest reser5e....;

T2e OSG &"5e% 3"r re+"ns!%er$t!"n 't !ts &"t!"n 6$s %en!e%.?.?; T2e

Re'(!+ t2en $e$(e% t" t2e CA

On #e+e&er , .//, t2e $e(($te +"'rt $33!r&e% in toto t2e RTC %e+!s!"n,

%!s"s!n) $s 3"(("6s:

HEREDORE, !n 5!e6 "3 t2e 3"re)"!n) re&!ses, '%)&ent !s 2ere4

ren%ere% 4 's #ENYING t2e $e$( 3!(e% !n t2!s +$se $n% ADDIRMING t2e

%e+!s!"n "3 t2e ("6er +"'rt..;

T2e CA 2e(% t2$t res"n%ents-+($!&$nts +"'(% n"t e re'%!+e% 4 $

%e+($r$t!"n t2$t t2e ($n%s t2e4 "++'!e% s!n+e t!&e !&&e&"r!$( 6ere $rt "3 $

3"rest reser5e

A)$!n, t2e OSG s"')2t re+"ns!%er$t!"n 't !t 6$s s!&!($r(4 %en!e%.@.@;

Hen+e, t2e resent et!t!"n 'n%er R'(e @

G.R. No. 1777

prain/ tat te title to an suc land or te boundaries tereo? or te ri/t tooccupanc tereo? be settled and adIudicated.


9/42

On M$4 .., .//8, %'r!n) t2e en%en+4 "3 GR N" 7899/9, Pres!%ent

G("r!$ M$+$$)$(-Arr"4" !ss'e% Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8.8.8; +($ss!34!n) B"r$+$4

Is($n% !nt" 3"'r 2'n%re%


10/42

7/. $n% A+t N" .8, 1n"6n $s t2e 3!rst P'(!+ L$n% A+t?.?.; T2's, t2e!r

"ssess!"n !n t2e +"n+et "3 "6ner 3"r t2e reK'!re% er!"% ent!t(e% t2e& t" '%!+!$(

+"n3!r&$t!"n "3 !&er3e+t t!t(e

O"s!n) t2e et!t!"n, t2e OSG $r)'e% t2$t et!t!"ners-+($!&$nts %" n"t

2$5e $ 5este% r!)2t "5er t2e!r "++'!e% "rt!"ns !n t2e !s($n% B"r$+$4 !s $n

'n+($ss!3!e% '(!+ 3"rest ($n% 'rs'$nt t" Se+t!"n ?


11/42

G.R. No. 1777

Pet!t!"ners-+($!&$nts 2"!st 3!5e


12/42

In +$s'(e, t2e &$!n !ss'e !s 62et2er r!5$te +($!&$nts


13/42

T2e 7?@ C"nst!t't!"n +($ss!3!e% ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n !nt"

$)r!+'(t'r$(, 3"rest "r t!&er//; Me$n62!(e, t2e 79? C"nst!t't!"n r"5!%e% t2e

3"(("6!n) %!5!s!"ns: $)r!+'(t'r$(, !n%'str!$( "r +"&&er+!$(, res!%ent!$(,

resett(e&ent, &!ner$(, t!&er "r 3"rest $n% )r$F!n) ($n%s, $n% s'+2 "t2er +($sses $s

&$4 e r"5!%e% 4 ($6,77; )!5!n) t2e )"5ern&ent )re$t (ee6$4 3"r

+($ss!3!+$t!"n..;T2en t2e 79 C"nst!t't!"n re5erte% t" t2e 7?@ C"nst!t't!"n

+($ss!3!+$t!"n 6!t2 "ne $%%!t!"n: n$t!"n$( $r1s??; O3 t2ese, o"* $)r!+'(t'r$(

($n%s &$4 e $(!en$te%; Pr!"r t" Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8 "3 M$4 .., .//8,

B"r$+$4 Is($n% 2$% "';'(een e0ress(4 $n% $%&!n!str$t!5e(4 +($ss!3!e% 'n%er $n4

"3 t2ese )r$n% %!5!s!"ns B"r$+$4 6$s $n 'n+($ss!3!e% ($n% "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n

T2e Re)$(!$n #"+tr!ne %!+t$tes t2$t $(( ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n e("n) t"

t2e St$te, t2$t t2e St$te !s t2e s"'r+e "3 $n4 $sserte% r!)2t t" "6ners2! "3 ($n% $n%

+2$r)e% 6!t2 t2e +"nser5$t!"n "3 s'+2 $tr!&"n4@@; T2e %"+tr!ne 2$s een

+"ns!stent(4 $%"te% 'n%er t2e 7?@, 79?, $n% 79 C"nst!t't!"ns88;

A(( ($n%s n"t "t2er6!se $e$r!n) t" e +(e$r(4 6!t2!n r!5$te "6ners2! $re

res'&e% t" e("n) t" t2e St$te99; T2's, $(( ($n%s t2$t 2$5e n"t een $+K'!re%

3r"& t2e )"5ern&ent, e!t2er 4 'r+2$se "r 4 )r$nt, e("n) t" t2e St$te $s $rt "3

+0"+0#ONS


14/42

t2e !n$(!en$(e '(!+ %"&$!n; Ne+ess$r!(4, !t !s ' t" t2e St$te t" %eter&!ne !3

($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n 6!(( e %!s"se% "3 3"r r!5$te "6ners2! T2e

)"5ern&ent, $s t2e $)ent "3 t2e st$te, !s "ssesse% "3 t2e (en$r4 "6er $s t2e

ers"n$ !n ($6 t" %eter&!ne 62" s2$(( e t2e 3$5"re% re+!!ents "3 '(!+ ($n%s, $s

6e(( $s 'n%er 62$t ter&s t2e4 &$4 e )r$nte% s'+2 r!5!(e)e, n"t e0+('%!n) t2e

($+!n) "3 "st$+(es !n t2e 6$4 "3 t2e!r e0er+!se "3 62$t "t2er6!se 6"'(% e

"r%!n$r4 $+ts "3 "6ners2!;

O'r resent ($n% ($6 tr$+es !ts r""ts t" t2e Re)$(!$n #"+tr!ne U"n t2e

S$n!s2 +"nK'est "3 t2e P2!(!!nes, "6ners2! "3 $(( ($n%s, terr!t"r!es $n%

"ssess!"ns !n t2e P2!(!!nes $sse% t" t2e S$n!s2 Cr"6n@/@/; T2e Re)$(!$n

%"+tr!ne 6$s 3!rst !ntr"%'+e% !n t2e P2!(!!nes t2r"')2 t2eLaws of the Indies and

the Royal Cedulas, 62!+2 ($!% t2e 3"'n%$t!"n t2$t $(( ($n%s t2$t 6ere n"t $+K'!re%

3r"& t2e G"5ern&ent, e!t2er 4 'r+2$se "r 4 )r$nt, e("n) t" t2e '(!+

%"&$!n@7@7;

T2e Laws of the Indies 6$s 3"(("6e% 4 t2e Ley Hipotecaria "r t2e

Mortgage Law of 1!" T2e S$n!s2 M"rt)$)e L$6 r"5!%e% 3"r t2e s4ste&$t!+

re)!str$t!"n "3 t!t(es $n% %ee%s $s 6e(( $s "ssess"r4 +($!&s@.@.;

+8"+8# Republic v. Estonilo,!.%. No. 15')0&, November 25, 2005, +'& S%- 2&5Zarate v. Director of Lands,supra.+9"+9# De los Reyes v. Raolete, !.%. No. A+'))1, June 21, 198), 122 S%- &52, citin/!onza"a v. Court of Appeals,!.%. No. A2'+55, June 28, 19'), 51 S%- )81.

50"50# Collado v. Court of Appeals, supra, citin/ Chavez v. Public Estates Authority,supra.51"51#3d., citin/ separate opinion o? ten Justice %enato S. uno in Cruz v. #ecretaryof Environent and $atural Resources,!.%. No. 1)5)85, ecember &, 2000, )+'S%- 128, and Chavez v. Public Estates Authority,supra note +&.52"52#Collado v. Court of Appeals,supra note +'.


15/42

T2e R"4$( #e+ree "3 7 "r t2e M$'r$ L$6@?@?; $rt(4 $&en%e% t2e

S$n!s2 M"rt)$)e L$6 $n% t2e Laws of the Indies It est$(!s2e% "ssess"r4

!n3"r&$t!"n $s t2e &et2"% "3 (e)$(!F!n) "ssess!"n "3 5$+$nt Cr"6n ($n%, 'n%er

+ert$!n +"n%!t!"ns 62!+2 6ere set 3"rt2 !n s$!% %e+ree@@; Un%er Se+t!"n ?? "3

t2e M$'r$ L$6, $n infor#acion posesoria "r "ssess"r4 !n3"r&$t!"n t!t(e,@@@@;62en

%'(4 !ns+r!e% !n t2e Re)!str4 "3 Pr"ert4, !s +"n5erte% !nt" $ t!t(e "3 "6ners2!

"n(4 $3ter t2e ($se "3 t6ent4


16/42

T2e +$(% ($6 )"5ern!n) t2e %!s"s!t!"n "3 '(!+ ($n%s !n t2e P2!(!!nes

'n%er A&er!+$n r'(e 6$s e&"%!e% !n t2e P2!(!!ne B!(( "3 180


17/42


18/42

ne0t ten orti/t o? ommon4ealt -ctNumbered One undred >ortOne, Oter4ise =no4n as te ublic Aand -ct.-pproved on June 22, 195'.


19/42

No. 107,9?9?; 62!+2 n"6 r"5!%es 3"r "ssess!"n $n% "++'$t!"n "3 t2e ($n%

$(!e% 3"r $"' /"' 1ilin/ -pplications ?or -dministrative Ae/islation $>reeatent( and Judicial onHrmation o? 3mper?ect and 3ncomplete or leven $11( Dears ommencin/

Januar 1, 19''. -pproved on Januar 25, 19''.'+"'+#Republic v. Doldol,!.%. No. 1)29&), September 10, 1998, 295 S%- )59.'5"'5#iscontinuance o? te Spanis 6ort/a/e Sstem o? %e/istration and o? te Ese

o? Spanis ebruar1&, 19'&(.'&"'Director of 'orest Adinistration v. 'ernandez,supra note 58, citin/ Director ofLands v. Rivas,!.%. No. A&15)9, >ebruar 1+, 198&, 1+1 S%- )29.''"''#Aands 4ic 4ere not recorded under te 6aura Aa4 and 4ere not et coveredb


20/42

e&2$s!Fe% t2$t t2ere &'st e $ =o$%$;' !% o+ %&' >o;'("'"%, s'+2 $s $n

"33!+!$( r"+($&$t!"n,//;%e+($ss!34!n) !n$(!en$(e '(!+ ($n% !nt" %!s"s$(e ($n%

3"r $)r!+'(t'r$( "r "t2er 'r"ses77; In 3$+t, Se+t!"n "3 CA N" 77 (!&!ts

$(!en$(e "r %!s"s$(e ($n%s "n(4 t" t2"se ($n%s 62!+2 2$5e een "33!+!$((4

%e(!&!te% $n% +($ss!3!e%..;

T2e 'r%en "3 r""3 !n "5er+"&!n) t2e res'&t!"n "3 St$te "6ners2! "3

t2e ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n !s "n t2e ers"n $(4!n) 3"r re)!str$t!"n


21/42

+ert!3!+$t!"n 3r"& t2e )"5ern&ent t2$t t2e ($n% +($!&e% t" 2$5e een "ssesse% 3"r

t2e reK'!re% n'&er "3 4e$rs !s $(!en$(e $n% %!s"s$(e88;

In t2e +$se $t $r, n" s'+2 r"+($&$t!"n, e0e+'t!5e "r%er, $%&!n!str$t!5e

$+t!"n, re"rt, st$t'te, "r +ert!3!+$t!"n 6$s resente% t" t2e C"'rt T2e re+"r%s $re

ere3t "3 e5!%en+e s2"6!n) t2$t, r!"r t" .//8, t2e "rt!"ns "3 B"r$+$4 "++'!e% 4

r!5$te +($!&$nts 6ere s'e+t "3 $ )"5ern&ent r"+($&$t!"n t2$t t2e ($n% !s

$(!en$(e $n% %!s"s$(e Asent s'+2 6e((-n!)2 !n+"ntr"5ert!(e e5!%en+e, t2e

C"'rt +$nn"t $++et t2e s'&!ss!"n t2$t ($n%s "++'!e% 4 r!5$te +($!&$nts 6ere

$(re$%4 "en t" %!s"s!t!"n e3"re .//8 M$tters "3 ($n% +($ss!3!+$t!"n "r

re+($ss!3!+$t!"n +$nn"t e $ss'&e% T2e4 +$(( 3"r r""399;

Ankron and De Aldecoa did not make the whole of Boracay Island or

portions of it agricultural lands Pr!5$te +($!&$nts "s!t t2$t B"r$+$4 6$s $(re$%4

$n $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n% 'rs'$nt t" t2e "(% +$ses &n'ron v. $overn#ent of the

(hilippine Islands )1!1!*;$n%+e &ldecoa v. ,he Insular $overn#ent )1!!*

; T2ese +$ses 6ere %e+!%e% 'n%er t2e r"5!s!"ns "3 t2e P2!(!!ne B!(( "3 7/.

$n% A+t N" .8 T2ere !s $ st$te&ent !n t2ese "(% +$ses t2$t !n t2e $sen+e "3

e5!%en+e t" t2e +"ntr$r4, t2$t !n e$+2 +$se t2e ($n%s $re $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s 'nt!( t2e

+"ntr$r4 !s s2"6n//;

Pr!5$te +($!&$nts re(!$n+e "n&n'ron$n%+e &ldecoa !s &!s($+e% T2ese

+$ses %!% n"t 2$5e t2e e33e+t "3 +"n5ert!n) t2e 62"(e "3 B"r$+$4 Is($n% "r "rt!"ns8&"8*eirs of the Late #pouses Pedro #. Palanca and #oterranea Rafols (da. DePalanca v. Republic,supra !utierrez *eranos v. Court of Appeals,!.%. Nos.5++'2'', September 28, 1989, 1'8 S%- )'.8'"8'#Republic v. $a"uiat,!.%. No. 1)+209, Januar 2+, 200&, +'9 S%- 585.88"88#+0 il. 10 $1919(.89"89#Supra note 5+.90"90#Anron v. !overnent of the Philippine Islands,supra at 1&.


22/42

"3 !t !nt" $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s It s2"'(% e stresse% t2$t t2e P2!(!!ne B!(( "3 7/.

$n% A+t N" .8 &ere(4 r"5!%e% t2e &$nner t2r"')2 62!+2 ($n% re)!str$t!"n

+"'rts 6"'(% +($ss!34 ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n 2et2er t2e ($n% 6"'(% e

+($ss!3!e% $s t!&er, &!ner$(, "r $)r!+'(t'r$( %een%e% "n r""3 resente% !n e$+2

+$se

&n'ron $n%+e &ldecoa6ere %e+!%e% $t $ t!&e 62en t2e Pres!%ent "3 t2e

P2!(!!nes 2$% n" "6er t" +($ss!34 ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n !nt" &!ner$(,

t!&er, $n% $)r!+'(t'r$( At t2$t t!&e, t2e +"'rts 6ere 3ree t" &$1e +"rres"n%!n)

+($ss!3!+$t!"ns !n 'st!+!$(e +$ses, "r 6ere 5este% 6!t2 !&(!+!t "6er t" %" s",

%een%!n) '"n t2e re"n%er$n+e "3 t2e e5!%en+e77; T2!s 6$s t2e C"'rts

r'(!n) !nHeirs of the Late pouses (edro . (alanca and oterranea Rafols /da.

+e (alanca v. Republic,..;!n 62!+2 !t st$te%, t2r"')2 J'st!+e A%"(3" AF+'n$, vi0.:

0 0 0 Pet!t!"ners 3'rt2er&"re !ns!st t2$t $ $rt!+'($r ($n% nee% n"t e3"r&$((4 re(e$se% 4 $n $+t "3 t2e E0e+'t!5e e3"re !t +$n e %ee&e% "en t"

r!5$te "6ners2!, +!t!n) t2e +$ses "3 Ra#os v. +irector of Lands $n%&n'ron v.

$overn#ent of the (hilippine Islands.

0 0 0 0

Pet!t!"ners re(!$n+e '"n Ra#os v. +irector of Lands $n% &n'ron v.$overn#ent !s &!s($+e% T2ese +$ses 6ere %e+!%e% 'n%er t2e P2!(!!ne B!(( "3

7/. $n% t2e 3!rst P'(!+ L$n% A+t N" .8 en$+te% 4 t2e P2!(!!ne C"&&!ss!"n

"n O+t"er 9, 7.8, 'n%er 62!+2 t2ere 6$s n" (e)$( r"5!s!"n 5est!n) !n t2e C2!e3E0e+'t!5e "r Pres!%ent "3 t2e P2!(!!nes t2e "6er t" +($ss!34 ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+

%"&$!n !nt" &!ner$(, t!&er $n% $)r!+'(t'r$( s" t2$t t2e +"'rts t2en 6ere 3ree t"

&$1e +"rres"n%!n) +($ss!3!+$t!"ns !n 'st!+!$(e +$ses, "r 6ere 5este% 6!t2

!&(!+!t "6er t" %" s", %een%!n) '"n t2e re"n%er$n+e "3 t2e e5!%en+e??;

91"91# *eirs of the Late #pouses Pedro #. Palanca and #oterranea Rafols (da. DePalanca v. Republic,supra note 81.92"92#3d. at '&.9)"9)#3d. at 21922).


23/42

T" $!% t2e +"'rts !n res"(5!n) ($n% re)!str$t!"n +$ses 'n%er A+t N" .8, !t

6$s t2en ne+ess$r4 t" %e5!se $ res'&t!"n "n ($n% +($ss!3!+$t!"n T2's e5"(5e%

t2e %!+t'& !n&n'ront2$t t2e +"'rts 2$5e $ r!)2t t" res'&e, !n t2e $sen+e "3

e5!%en+e t" t2e +"ntr$r4, t2$t !n e$+2 +$se t2e ($n%s $re $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s 'nt!( t2e

+"ntr$r4 !s s2"6n;

B't e +$nn"t 'n%'(4 e0$n% t2e res'&t!"n !n &n'ron$n%+e &ldecoat"

$n $r)'&ent t2$t $(( ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n 2$% een $'t"&$t!+$((4 re+($ss!3!e%

$s %!s"s$(e $n% $(!en$(e $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s B4 n" stret+2 "3 !&$)!n$t!"n %!% t2e

res'&t!"n +"n5ert $(( ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n !nt" $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s

I3 e $++et t2e "s!t!"n "3 r!5$te +($!&$nts, t2e P2!(!!ne B!(( "3 7/.

$n% A+t N" .8 6"'(% 2$5e $'t"&$t!+$((4 &$%e $(( ($n%s !n t2e P2!(!!nes,

e0+et t2"se $(re$%4 +($ss!3!e% $s t!&er "r &!ner$( ($n%, $(!en$(e $n% %!s"s$(e

($n%s T2$t 6"'(% t$1e t2ese ($n%s "'t "3 St$te "6ners2! $n% 6"rse, 6"'(% e

'tter(4 !n+"ns!stent 6!t2 $n% t"t$((4 re')n$nt t" t2e ("n)-entren+2e% Re)$(!$n

%"+tr!ne

T2e res'&t!"n !n &n'ron $n% +e &ldecoa $tt$+2es "n(4 t" ($n%

re)!str$t!"n +$ses r"')2t 'n%er t2e r"5!s!"ns "3 A+t N" .8, "r &"re se+!3!+$((4

t2"se +$ses %e$(!n) 6!t2 '%!+!$( $n% $%&!n!str$t!5e +"n3!r&$t!"n "3 !&er3e+t

t!t(es T2e res'&t!"n $(!es t" $n $(!+$nt 3"r '%!+!$( "r $%&!n!str$t!5e

+"n3"r&$t!"n "3 !&er3e+t t!t(e 'n%er A+t N" .8 It +ert$!n(4 +$nn"t $(4 t"

($n%"6ners, s'+2 $s r!5$te +($!&$nts "r t2e!r re%e+ess"rs-!n-!nterest, 62" 3$!(e%

9+"9+#Anron v. !overnent of the Philippine Islands,supra note 88, at 1&.


24/42

t" $5$!( t2e&se(5es "3 t2e ene3!ts "3 A+t N" .8 As t" t2e&, t2e!r ($n% re&$!ne%

'n+($ss!3!e% $n%, 4 5!rt'e "3 t2e Re)$(!$n %"+tr!ne, +"nt!n'e% t" e "6ne% 4 t2e

St$te

In $n4 +$se, t2e $ss'&t!"n !n &n'ron $n%+e &ldecoa6$s n"t $s"('te

L$n% +($ss!3!+$t!"n 6$s, !n t2e en%, %een%ent "n r""3 I3 t2ere 6$s r""3 t2$t t2e

($n% 6$s etter s'!te% 3"r n"n-$)r!+'(t'r$( 'ses, t2e +"'rts +"'(% $%'%)e !t $s $

&!ner$( "r t!&er ($n% %es!te t2e res'&t!"n In&n'ron, t2!s C"'rt st$te%:

In t2e +$se "3 Jocson vs. +irector of orestry !(# +o( $% =(''"%

o( +/%/(' ;!*/' +o( o"' o( %&' o%&'( =/(=o' e e(!e5e, 2"6e5er,

+"ns!%er!n) t2e 3$+t t2$t !t !s $ &$tter "3 '(!+ 1n"6(e%)e t2$t $ &$"r!t4 "3 t2e($n%s !n t2e P2!(!!ne Is($n%s $re $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s t2$t t2e +"'rts 2$5e $ r!)2t t"

res'&e, !n t2e $sen+e "3 e5!%en+e t" t2e +"ntr$r4, t2$t !n e$+2 +$se t2e ($n%s $re

$)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s 'nt!( t2e +"ntr$r4 !s s2"6n 2&!%';'( %&' *!"# $";o*;'# $" !

=!(%$/*!( *!"# ('>$%(!%$o" !' $ +o('%( o( $"'(!* *!"# /%, %&'('+o(',

)' ! !%%'( o+ =(oo+. I% /='($o( ;!*/' +o( o"' =/(=o' o( %&' o%&'( $ !?/'%$o" o+ +!% %o )' '%%*'# ) %&' =(oo+ $" '!& =!(%$/*!( !' T2e 3$+t

t2$t t2e ($n% !s $ &$n)($r &$n)r"5e s6$&; !s n"t s'33!+!ent 3"r t2e +"'rts t"%e+!%e 62et2er !t !s $)r!+'(t'r$(, 3"restr4, "r &!ner$( ($n% It &$4 er+2$n+e

e("n) t" "ne "r t2e "t2er "3 s$!% +($sses "3 ($n% T2e G"5ern&ent, !n t2e 3!rst

!nst$n+e, 'n%er t2e r"5!s!"ns "3 A+t N" 77, &$4, 4 reser5$t!"n, %e+!%e 3"r!tse(3 62$t "rt!"ns "3 '(!+ ($n% s2$(( e +"ns!%ere% 3"restr4 ($n%, 'n(ess r!5$te

!nterests 2$5e !nter5ene% e3"re s'+2 reser5$t!"n !s &$%e In t2e ($tter +$se,


25/42

62et2er t2e ($n% !s $)r!+'(t'r$(, 3"restr4, "r &!ner$(, !s $ K'est!"n "3 r""3 Unt!(

r!5$te !nterests 2$5e !nter5ene%, t2e G"5ern&ent, 4 5!rt'e "3 t2e ter&s "3 s$!%

A+t


26/42

e n"te t2$t t2e RTC %e+!s!"n;!n GR N" 7899/9 &ent!"ne%3riven'o

v. Register of +eeds of Manila,7//7//;62!+2 6$s %e+!%e% !n 79 62en CA N" 77,

5est!n) t2e E0e+'t!5e 6!t2 t2e s"(e "6er t" +($ss!34 ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n

6$s $(re$%4 !n e33e+t 3riven'o +!te% t2e "(% +$sesMapa v. Insular $overn#ent,7/7

7/7;+e &ldecoa v. ,he Insular $overn#ent,7/.7/.;$n%&n'ron v. $overn#ent of the

(hilippine Islands7/?7/?;

3riven'o, 2"6e5er, !s n"t +"ntr"((!n) 2ere e+$'se !t !n5"(5e% $ t"t$((4

%!33erent !ss'e T2e ert!nent !ss'e !n3riven'o6$s 62et2er res!%ent!$( ("ts 6ere

!n+('%e% !n t2e )ener$( +($ss!3!+$t!"n "3 $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s $n% !3 s", 62et2er $n

$(!en +"'(% $+K'!re $ res!%ent!$( ("t T2!s C"'rt r'(e% t2$t $s $n $(!en, >r!5en1"

6$s r"2!!te% 4 t2e 7?@ C"nst!t't!"n7/7/; 3r"& $+K'!r!n) $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%,

62!+2 !n+('%e% res!%ent!$( ("ts Here, t2e !ss'e !s 62et2er 'n+($ss!3!e% ($n%s "3 t2e

'(!+ %"&$!n $re $'t"&$t!+$((4 %ee&e% $)r!+'(t'r$(

N"t$(4, t2e %e3!n!t!"n "3 $)r!+'(t'r$( '(!+ ($n%s &ent!"ne% !n3riven'o

re(!e% "n t2e "(% +$ses %e+!%e% r!"r t" t2e en$+t&ent "3 A+t N" .9, !n+('%!n)

&n'ron $n%+e &ldecoa7/@7/@; As e 2$5e $(re$%4 st$te%, t2"se +$ses +$nn"t $(4

2ere, s!n+e t2e4 6ere %e+!%e% 62en t2e E0e+'t!5e %!% n"t 2$5e t2e $'t2"r!t4 t"

+($ss!34 ($n%s $s $)r!+'(t'r$(, t!&er, "r &!ner$(

99"99# %ecords, p. 1'9.100"100#'9 il. +&1 $19+'(.101"101#Supra note &+.102"102#Supra note 5+.10)"10)#Supra note 88.10+"10+#-rt. M333, Sec. 1.105"105#riveno v. Re"ister of Deeds of &anila, supra note 100, at +&8+&9.


27/42

!rivate claimants" continued possession under Act #o$ %&' does not create

a presumption that the land is alienable Pr!5$te +($!&$nts $(s" +"nten% t2$t t2e!r

+"nt!n'e% "ssess!"n "3 "rt!"ns "3 B"r$+$4 Is($n% 3"r t2e reK'!s!te er!"% "3 ten


28/42

t2e !ss'$n+e "3 $tents t" +ert$!n n$t!5e sett(ers '"n '(!+

($n%s, 3"r t2e est$(!s2&ent "3 t"6n s!tes $n% s$(e "3 ("ts t2ere!n,

3"r t2e +"&(et!"n "3 !&er3e+t t!t(es, $n% 3"r t2e +$n+e(($t!"n "r+"n3!r&$t!"n "3 S$n!s2 +"n+ess!"ns $n% )r$nts !n t2e Is($n%sIn

short2 the (ublic Land &ct operated on the assu#ption that title to

public lands in the (hilippine Islands re#ained in the govern#ent6and that the govern#ent7s title to public land sprung fro# the

,reaty of (aris and other subse8uent treaties between pain and

the 9nited tates T2e ter& '(!+ ($n% re3erre% t" $(( ($n%s "3t2e '(!+ %"&$!n 62"se t!t(e st!(( re&$!ne% !n t2e )"5ern&ent $n%

$re t2r"6n "en t" r!5$te $r"r!$t!"n $n% sett(e&ent, $n%

e0+('%e% t2e $tr!&"n!$( r"ert4 "3 t2e )"5ern&ent $n% t2e 3r!$r

($n%s

T2's, $% $ =*!$" '((o( +o( ='%$%$o"'( %o !(>/' %&!% /"#'( %&' P&$*$==$"' B$** o+

180< !"# P/)*$ L!"# A% No. 8!* =('/=%$o" %&!% %&' *!"# !(' !*$'"!)*' !"#

#$=o!)*'7/7/;


29/42

T2e C"'rt n"tes t2$t t2e +($ss!3!+$t!"n "3 B"r$+$4 $s $ 3"rest ($n% 'n%er P#

N" 9/@ &$4 see& t" e "'t "3 t"'+2 6!t2 t2e resent re$(!t!es !n t2e !s($n%

B"r$+$4, n" %"'t, 2$s een $rt(4 str!e% "3 !ts 3"rest +"5er t" $5e t2e 6$4 3"r

+"&&er+!$( %e5e("&ents As $ re&!er t"'r!st %est!n$t!"n 3"r ("+$( $n% 3"re!)n

t"'r!sts, B"r$+$4 $e$rs &"re "3 $ +"&&er+!$( !s($n% res"rt, r$t2er t2$n $ 3"rest

($n%

Ne5ert2e(ess, t2$t t2e "++'$nts "3 B"r$+$4 2$5e '!(t &'(t!-&!((!"n es"

e$+2 res"rts "n t2e !s($n%777777; t2$t t2e !s($n% 2$s $(re$%4 een str!e% "3 !ts

3"rest +"5er "r t2$t t2e !&(e&ent$t!"n "3 Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8 6!(( %estr"4 t2e

!s($n%s t"'r!s& !n%'str4, %" "o%ne)$te !ts +2$r$+ter $s '(!+ 3"rest

D"rests, !n t2e +"nte0t "3 "t2 t2e P'(!+ L$n% A+t $n% t2e C"nst!t't!"n77.77.;

+($ss!34!n) ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n !nt" agricultural2 forest or ti#ber2 #ineral

lands2 and national par's, %" n"t ne+ess$r!(4 re3er t" ($r)e tr$+ts "3 6""%e% ($n%

"r e0$nses +"5ere% 4 %ense )r"6t2s "3 trees $n% 'n%err's2es77?77?; T2e

%!s+'ss!"n !n Heirs of unategui v. +irector of orestry7777; !s $rt!+'($r(4

!nstr'+t!5e:

A 3"reste% $re$ +($ss!3!e% $s 3"rest ($n% "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n %"es n"t ("se

s'+2 +($ss!3!+$t!"n s!&(4 e+$'se ("))ers "r sett(ers &$4 2$5e str!e% !t "3 !ts3"rest +"5er P$r+e(s "3 ($n% +($ss!3!e% $s 3"rest ($n% &$4 $+t'$((4 e +"5ere%

6!t2 )r$ss "r ($nte% t" +r"s 4 'aingin +'(t!5$t"rs "r "t2er 3$r&ers D"rest

($n%s %" n"t 2$5e t" e "n &"'nt$!ns "r !n "'t "3 t2e 6$4 ($+es S6$&4 $re$s

+"5ere% 4 &$n)r"5e trees, n!$ $(&s, $n% "t2er trees )r"6!n) !n r$+1!s2 "r se$6$ter &$4 $(s" e +($ss!3!e% $s 3"rest ($n% T&' *!$+$!%$o" $ #'($=%$;' o+$% *'>!* "!%/(' o( %!%/ !"# #o' "o% &!;' %o )' #'($=%$;' o+ @&!% %&' *!"#

111"111#Rollo$!.%. No. 1')''5(, p. 5.112"112#ONS


30/42

!%/!** *oo *$' Un(ess $n% 'nt!( t2e ($n% +($ss!3!e% $s 3"rest !s re(e$se% !n

$n "33!+!$( r"+($&$t!"n t" t2$t e33e+t s" t2$t !t &$4 3"r& $rt "3 t2e %!s"s$(e

$)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n, t2e r'(es "n +"n3!r&$t!"n "3 !&er3e+tt!t(e %" n"t $(477@77@;


31/42

. t" r!5$te ($n%s779779;$n% $re$s %e+($re% $s $(!en$(e $n% %!s"s$(e 7777;

%"es n"t 4 !tse(3 +($ss!34 t2e ent!re !s($n% $s $)r!+'(t'r$( N"t$(4, C!r+'($r N" ?-

. &$1es re3eren+e n"t "n(4 t" r!5$te ($n%s $n% $re$s 't $(s" t" '(!+ 3"reste%

($n%s R'(e VIII, Se+t!"n ? r"5!%es:

N" trees !n 3"reste% r!5$te ($n%s &$4 e +'t 6!t2"'t r!"r $'t2"r!t4 3r"&

t2e PTA A(( 3"reste% $re$s !n =/)*$ *!"# !(' #'*!('# +o('% (''(;'

orest evelopment.


32/42

T2e 2ere$s +($'ses "3 Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/7 $(s" e0($!n t2e r$t!"n$(e

e2!n% t2e %e+($r$t!"n "3 B"r$+$4 Is($n%, t")et2er 6!t2 "t2er !s($n%s, +$5es $n%

en!ns'($s !n t2e P2!(!!nes, $s $ t"'r!st F"ne $n% &$r!ne reser5e t" e

$%&!n!stere% 4 t2e PTA t" ens're t2e +"n+entr$te% e33"rts "3 t2e '(!+ $n%

r!5$te se+t"rs !n t2e %e5e("&ent "3 t2e $re$s t"'r!s& "tent!$( 6!t2 %'e re)$r%

3"r e+"(")!+$( $($n+e !n t2e &$r!ne en5!r"n&ent S!&(4 't, t2e r"+($&$t!"n !s

$!&e% $t $%&!n!ster!n) t2e !s($n%s 3"r %o/($ !"# 'o*o>$!* =/(=o' It %"es

n"t $%%ress t2e $re$s $(!en$!(!t47777;

M"re !&"rt$nt(4, Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/7 +"5ers n"t "n(4 B"r$+$4 Is($n%,

't s!0t4-3"'r


33/42

re+"&&en%$t!"n "3 t2e r"er %e$rt&ent 2e$%, 62" 2$s t2e $'t2"r!t4 t" +($ss!34

t2e ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+ %"&$!n !nt" $(!en$(e "r %!s"s$(e, t!&er $n% &!ner$(

($n%s7.77.7;

In !ss'!n) Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8, Pres!%ent G("r!$ M$+$$)$(-Arr"4"

&ere(4 e0er+!se% t2e $'t2"r!t4 )r$nte% t" 2er t" +($ss!34 ($n%s "3 t2e '(!+

%"&$!n, res'&$(4 s'e+t t" e0!st!n) 5este% r!)2ts C($ss!3!+$t!"n "3 '(!+

($n%s !s t2e e0+('s!5e rer")$t!5e "3 t2e E0e+'t!5e #e$rt&ent, t2r"')2 t2e O33!+e

"3 t2e Pres!%ent C"'rts 2$5e n" $'t2"r!t4 t" %" s"7..7..; Asent s'+2

+($ss!3!+$t!"n, t2e ($n% re&$!ns 'n+($ss!3!e% 'nt!( re(e$se% $n% ren%ere% "en t"

%!s"s!t!"n7.?7.?;

Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8 +($ss!3!es B"r$+$4 !nt" // 2e+t$res "3 reser5e%

3"rest ($n% $n% 8.8 2e+t$res "3 $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n% T2e Pr"+($&$t!"n (!1e6!se

r"5!%es 3"r $ 7@-&eter '33er F"ne "n e$+2 s!%e "3 t2e +enter (!ne "3 r"$%s $n%

tr$!(s, 62!+2 $re reser5e% 3"r r!)2t "3 6$4 $n% 62!+2 s2$(( 3"r& $rt "3 t2e $re$

reser5e% 3"r 3"rest ($n% r"te+t!"n 'r"sesC"ntr$r4 t" r!5$te +($!&$nts $r)'&ent, t2ere 6$s n"t2!n) !n5$(!% "r

!rre)'($r, &'+2 (ess 'n+"nst!t't!"n$(, $"'t t2e +($ss!3!+$t!"n "3 B"r$+$4 Is($n%

S. '. >or te purposes o? administration and disposition o? alienable ordisposable public lands, te resident, upon recommendation b te Secretar o?-/riculture and ommerce $no4 te Secretar o? te epartment o? nvironmentand Natural %esources(, sall ?rom time to time declare 4at lands are open to

disposition or concession under tis -ct.121"121#Director of Lands v. Interediate Appellate Court,supra note +' &analo v.Interediate Appellate Court,!.%. No. &+'5), -pril 2&, 1989, 1'2 S%- '95.122"122#Republic v. Re"ister of Deeds of /uezon,!.%. No. ')9'+, 6a )1, 1995, 2++S%- 5)' Director of Lands v. Interediate Appellate Court,supra note +'.12)"12)# Director of Lands v. Interediate Appellate Court, supra note +', citin/0n"son v. #ecretary of A"riculture and $atural Resources,!.%. No. A)&8+', Jul 20,198), 12) S%- ++1 Republic v. Court of Appeals,!.%. No. A+5202, September 11,1980, 99 S%- '+2.


34/42

&$%e 4 t2e Pres!%ent t2r"')2 Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8 It 6$s 6!t2!n 2er $'t2"r!t4

t" &$1e s'+2 +($ss!3!+$t!"n, s'e+t t" e0!st!n) 5este% r!)2ts

!roclamation #o$ )*'+ does not violate the 2omprehensive Agrarian

Reform 3aw Pr!5$te +($!&$nts 3'rt2er $ssert t2$t Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8 5!"($tes

t2e r"5!s!"n "3 t2e C"&re2ens!5e A)r$r!$n Re3"r& L$6


35/42

In Heirs of the Late pouses (edro . (alanca and oterranea Rafols v.

Republic,7.7.;t2e C"'rt st$te% t2$t 'n+($ss!3!e% ($n%s $re '(!+ 3"rests

2&$*' $% $ %(/' %&!% %&' *!"# *!$+$!%$o" != #o' "o% !%'>o($!**

%!%' %&!% %&' $*!"# !(' =/)*$ +o('%, %&' +!% %&!% %&' @'(' /"*!$+$'#

*!"# *'!# %o %&' !' ('/*% In t2e $sen+e "3 t2e +($ss!3!+$t!"n $s &!ner$( "r

t!&er ($n%, t2e ($n% re&$!ns 'n+($ss!3!e% ($n% 'nt!( re(e$se% $n% ren%ere% "en t"

%!s"s!t!"n7.@7.@;


36/42

!rivate claimants are not entitled to apply for 0udicial confirmation of

imperfect title under 2A #o$ )+)$ #either do they have vested rights over the

occupied lands under the said law T2ere $re t6" reK'!s!tes 3"r '%!+!$(

+"n3!r&$t!"n "3 !&er3e+t "r !n+"&(ete t!t(e 'n%er CA N" 77, n$&e(4:


37/42

Ne!t2er &$4 r!5$te +($!&$nts $(4 3"r '%!+!$( +"n3!r&$t!"n "3 !&er3e+t

t!t(e 'n%er Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8, 6!t2 rese+t t" t2"se ($n%s 62!+2 6ere

+($ss!3!e% $s $)r!+'(t'r$( ($n%s Pr!5$te +($!&$nts 3$!(e% t" r"5e t2e 3!rst e(e&ent

"3 "en, +"nt!n'"'s, e0+('s!5e, $n% n"t"r!"'s "ssess!"n "3 t2e!r ($n%s !n B"r$+$4

s!n+e J'ne 7., 7@

e +$nn"t s'st$!n t2e CA $n% RTC +"n+('s!"n !n t2e et!t!"n 3"r %e+($r$t"r4

re(!e3 t2$t r!5$te +($!&$nts +"&(!e% 6!t2 t2e reK'!s!te er!"% "3 "ssess!"n

T2e t$0 %e+($r$t!"ns !n t2e n$&e "3 r!5$te +($!&$nts $re !ns'33!+!ent t"

r"5e t2e 3!rst e(e&ent "3 "ssess!"n e n"te t2$t t2e e$r(!est "3 t2e t$0

%e+($r$t!"ns !n t2e n$&e "3 r!5$te +($!&$nts 6ere !ss'e% !n 7? Be!n) "3 re+ent

%$tes, t2e t$0 %e+($r$t!"ns $re n"t s'33!+!ent t" +"n5!n+e t2!s C"'rt t2$t t2e er!"%

"3 "ssess!"n $n% "++'$t!"n +"&&en+e% "n J'ne 7., 7@

Pr!5$te +($!&$nts !ns!st t2$t t2e4 2$5e $ 5este% r!)2t !n B"r$+$4, 2$5!n) een

!n "ssess!"n "3 t2e !s($n% 3"r $ ("n) t!&e T2e4 2$5e !n5este% &!((!"ns "3 es"s !n

%e5e("!n) t2e !s($n% !nt" $ t"'r!st s"t T2e4 s$4 t2e!r +"nt!n'e% "ssess!"n $n%

!n5est&ents )!5e t2e& $ 5este% r!)2t 62!+2 +$nn"t e 'n!($ter$((4 res+!n%e% 4

Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8

T2e +"nt!n'e% "ssess!"n $n% +"ns!%er$(e !n5est&ent "3 r!5$te +($!&$nts

%" n"t $'t"&$t!+$((4 )!5e t2e& $ 5este% r!)2t !n B"r$+$4 N"r %" t2ese )!5e t2e& $

r!)2t t" $(4 3"r $ t!t(e t" t2e ($n% t2e4 $re resent(4 "++'4!n) T2!s C"'rt !s

+"nst!t't!"n$((4 "'n% t" %e+!%e +$ses $se% "n t2e e5!%en+e resente% $n% t2e

($6s $(!+$(e As t2e ($6 $n% 'r!sr'%en+e st$n%, r!5$te +($!&$nts $re

!ne(!)!(e t" $(4 3"r $ '%!+!$( +"n3!r&$t!"n "3 t!t(e "5er t2e!r "++'!e% "rt!"ns


38/42

!n B"r$+$4 e5en 6!t2 t2e!r +"nt!n'e% "ssess!"n $n% +"ns!%er$(e !n5est&ent !n

t2e !s($n%

O"' L!% No%'

T2e C"'rt !s $6$re t2$t &!((!"ns "3 es"s 2$5e een !n5este% 3"r t2e

%e5e("&ent "3 B"r$+$4 Is($n%, &$1!n) !t $ 4-6"r% !n t2e ("+$( $n% !ntern$t!"n$(

t"'r!s& !n%'str4 T2e C"'rt $(s" n"tes t2$t 3"r $ n'&er "3 4e$rs, t2"'s$n%s "3

e"(e 2$5e +$((e% t2e !s($n% t2e!r 2"&e 2!(e t2e C"'rt +"&&!ser$tes 6!t2

r!5$te +($!&$nts (!)2t, e $re "'n% t" $(4 t2e ($6 str!+t(4 $n% '%!+!"'s(4

T2!s !s t2e ($6 $n% !t s2"'(% re5$!( Ito ang batas at ito ang dapat umiral

A(( !s n"t ("st, 2"6e5er, 3"r r!5$te +($!&$nts 2!(e t2e4 &$4 n"t e

e(!)!(e t" $(4 3"r '%!+!$( +"n3!r&$t!"n "3 !&er3e+t t!t(e 'n%er Se+t!"n


39/42

M"re re$(!st!+$((4, C"n)ress &$4 en$+t $ ($6 t" ent!t(e r!5$te +($!&$nts t"

$+K'!re t!t(e t" t2e!r "++'!e% ("ts "r t" e0e&t t2e& 3r"& +ert$!n reK'!re&ents

'n%er t2e resent ($n% ($6s T2ere !s "ne s'+2 !((7??7??;n"6 en%!n) !n t2e H"'se

"3 Reresent$t!5es 2et2er t2$t !(( "r $ s!&!($r !(( 6!(( e+"&e $ ($6 !s 3"r

C"n)ress t" %e+!%e

In !ss'!n) Pr"+($&$t!"n N" 7/8, t2e )"5ern&ent 2$s t$1en t2e ste

ne+ess$r4 t" "en ' t2e !s($n% t" r!5$te "6ners2! T2!s )est're &$4 n"t e

s'33!+!ent t" $e$se s"&e se+t"rs 62!+2 5!e6 t2e +($ss!3!+$t!"n "3 t2e !s($n%

$rt!$((4 !nt" $ 3"rest reser5e $s $s'r% T2$t t2e !s($n% !s n" ("n)er "5err'n 4

trees, 2"6e5er, %"es n"t e+("'% t2e 5!s!"n t" r"te+t !ts re&$!n!n) 3"rest +"5er

$n% t" str!1e $ 2e$(t24 $($n+e et6een r")ress $n% e+"(")4 E+"(")!+$(

+"nser5$t!"n !s $s !&"rt$nt $s e+"n"&!+ r")ress

T" e s're, 3"rest ($n%s $re 3'n%$&ent$( t" "'r n$t!"ns s'r5!5$( T2e!r

r"&"t!"n $n% r"te+t!"n $re n"t 'st 3$n+4 r2et"r!+ 3"r "(!t!+!$ns $n% $+t!5!sts

T2ese $re nee%s t2$t e+"&e &"re 'r)ent $s %estr'+t!"n "3 "'r en5!r"n&ent )ets

re5$(ent $n% %!33!+'(t t" +"ntr"( As $t(4 "ser5e% 4 J'st!+e C"nr$%" S$n+2eF !n

78 !n+irector of orestry v. Muno0:7?7?;

T2e 5!e6 t2!s C"'rt t$1es "3 t2e +$ses $t $r !s 't !n $%2eren+e t" '(!+"(!+4 t2$t s2"'(% e 3"(("6e% 6!t2 rese+t t" 3"rest ($n%s M$n4 2$5e 6r!tten

&'+2, $n% &$n4 &"re 2$5e s"1en, $n% K'!te "3ten, $"'t t2e ress!n) nee% 3"r

3"rest reser5$t!"n, +"nser5$t!"n, r"te+t!"n, %e5e("&ent $n% re3"rest$t!"n N"t6!t2"'t 'st!3!+$t!"n D"r, 3"rests +"nst!t'te $ 5!t$( se)&ent "3 $n4 +"'ntr4s

n$t'r$( res"'r+es It !s "3 +"&&"n 1n"6(e%)e 4 n"6 t2$t $sen+e "3 t2e

ne+ess$r4 )reen +"5er "n "'r ($n%s r"%'+es $ n'&er "3 $%5erse "r !(( e33e+ts "3

1))"1))#ouse 7ill No. 1109. eclarin/ ertain arcels o? te ublic omain itin7oraca 3sland, 6ala, -@lan as -/ricultural Aand Open to isposition.1)+"1)+#!.%. No. A2+'9&, June 28, 19&8, 2) S%- 118), cited in Lepanto Consolidated &inin"

Copany v. Duyun",!.%. Nos. A)1&&&&8, -pril )0, 19'9, 89 S%- 5)2.


40/42

ser!"'s r""rt!"ns !t2"'t t2e trees, 6$ters2e%s %r4 ' r!5ers $n% ($1es 62!+2

t2e4 s'(4 $re e&t!e% "3 t2e!r +"ntents T2e 3!s2 %!s$e$r #en'%e% $re$s

e+"&e %'st "6(s As 6$ter3$((s +e$se t" 3'n+t!"n, s" 6!(( 24%r"e(e+tr!+ ($nts!t2 t2e r$!ns, t2e 3ert!(e t"s"!( !s 6$s2e% $6$4 )e"(")!+$( er"s!"n res'(ts !t2

er"s!"n +"&e t2e %re$%e% 3(""%s t2$t 6re$1 2$5"+ $n% %estr'+t!"n t" r"ert4

+r"s, (!5est"+1, 2"'ses, $n% 2!)26$4s n"t t" &ent!"n re+!"'s 2'&$n (!5esIn%ee%, t2e 3"re)"!n) "ser5$t!"ns s2"'(% e 6r!tten %"6n !n $ ('&er&$ns

%e+$(")'e7?@7?@;

2HEREFORE, '%)&ent !s ren%ere% $s 3"(("6s:

7 T2e et!t!"n 3"r certiorari !n GR N" 7899/9 !s GRANTED $n% t2e

C"'rt "3 Ae$(s #e+!s!"n !n CA-GR CV N" 9777 REVERSED AND SET

ASIDE

. T2e et!t!"n 3"r certiorari!n GR N" 79?99@ !s DISMISSED3"r ($+1 "3

&er!t

SO ORDERED

RUBEN T. REYES

Ass"+!$te J'st!+e

E CONCUR:

1)5"1)5#Director of 'orestry v. &u-oz,id. at 121+.


41/42

REYNATO S. PUNO

C2!e3 J'st!+e

LEONARDO A. UISUMBING CONSUELOYNARES-SANTIAGO

Ass"+!$te J'st!+e Ass"+!$te J'st!+e

ANTONIO T. CARPIO MA. ALICIA AUSTRIA-MARTINE

Ass"+!$te J'st!+e Ass"+!$te J'st!+e


42/42

ARTURO D. BRION

Ass"+!$te J'st!+e

C E R T I F I C A T I O N

P'rs'$nt t" Se+t!"n 7?, Art!+(e VIII "3 t2e C"nst!t't!"n, I +ert!34 t2$t t2e

+"n+('s!"ns !n t2e $"5e #e+!s!"n 2$% een re$+2e% !n +"ns'(t$t!"n e3"re t2e +$se

6$s $ss!)ne% t" t2e 6r!ter "3 t2e "!n!"n "3 t2e C"'rt

REYNATO S. PUNO

C2!e3 J'st!+e

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