G.R. No. 195636 - SPOUSES DANTE SJ. MANZANA AND SONIA R. MANZANA, VS. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

Accordingly, Engr. Nilo did not recommend the approval of the application as they were still waiting for the cadastral survey. [21] Subsequently, the DENR issued a Reply [22] dated May 26, 2003 addressed to the LRA stating that the subject land "is not in a doubtful position," as follows: Sir: This pertains to your letter dated March 18, 2003 in connection with the above-noted subject. Please be informed that upon verification at this office, subject lot is not in doubtful position with respect to Lot 5651, 5650, Psc-16, Morong Cadastre. In view hereof, we are furnishing you herewith a reproduction copy of cadastral map showing thereon the relative geographic position. Furnishing you also are certified lot data computation of Lots 5650, 5651 and 5652, Case 4, Psc-16, Morong Cadastre for your information, records are ready reference. [23] However, neither a copy of the cadastral map nor certified lot data computation of Lots 5650, 5651, and Case 4, Psc-16, Morong Cadastre was submitted to the MTC. [24] On May 10, 2006, Engr. Nilo's testimony was again offered to prove that the DENR already furnished the LRA with a certification that the subject land was not in doubtful position with respect to Lots 5651 and 5650 Psc-16. He testified that due to DENR's Letter-Reply dated May 26, 2003, the LRA found that the doubtful position remarks were already corrected. Hence, the property may be registered in the name of spouses Manzana. [25] Upon cross-examination, Engr. Nilo alleged that at the time of his first testimony, based on the submitted plans and due to lack of sufficient references, the first computation showed that the property was in a doubtful position with respect to the adjoining lands. [26] With the DENR Letter-Reply, another reference was added, hence, the LRA concluded that the property was not in a doubtful position. [27] A Report [28] was also submitted to the MTC by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Antipolo City of the DENR certifying that the subject land falls within the Alienable and Disposable zone, under Land Classification Map No. 639 per Project No. 16 certified released on March 11, 1927. On May 21, 2008, the MTC received a Letter [29] dated April 25, 2008 from the LRA requesting the trial court to direct the applicants to submit to the Regional Technical Director, DENR-Region IV, copies of the plan and technical description of the property. Said office needed them for the "verification of status of the subject lots." [30] On May 22, 2008, the MTC, through the Clerk of Court, directed spouses Manzana to submit the requested documents to the DENR. [31] Soon after, the MTC rendered its Decision. The MTC Ruling In a Decision [32] dated June 25, 2008, the MTC ruled in favor of spouses Manzana, granting their application. It ruled as follows: After a judicious evaluation of the records, the applicants has [sic] proven their valid claim of ownership and possession over the property identified as Lot 5653,