Case Title: Alonso v. Villamor No.

2352 July 26, 1910

Ponente: J. Moreland Facts: Plaintiff, Father Eladio Alonso, brought an action to recover the value of certain articles taken from a Roman Catholic Church in the Municipality of Placer, and the rental value of the church and its appurtenances including the church cemetery. The defendants took possession of the church and its appurtenances including all of the personal property contained therein and despite any protests brought about by the plaintiff, he was summarily removed from possession of the abovementioned items. The defendant raised the issue of proper party in the case alleging that the plaintiff was not the party in interest concerned and also the ownership of funds used to erect subject property belonged to the people. The RTC rendered decision in favor of the plaintiff and decided that the defendants claim was not well founded. The defendants appealed such decision with this Court. Issues: Is the plaintiff a party in interest in the case? Ruling: Yes. It is undoubted that the Roman Apostolic Catholic church is the real party in interest in the cause of action. Despite technicalities The Court also has the power to amend by substituting the name of the real person-in-interest.