RP vs CA & CARANTES

Facts:
1. Martina Caranted for and in behalf of the heirs of Sayong Paraiso filed with CFI of Baguio Land
Registration of land covering 2 million sqm.
2. The Dir of Land thru the SG opposed:
a. No sufficient title by Spanish Government or by information title under the Royal Decree
of 1988
b. Did not have open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of
the Land for atleast 30 years
c. Portion of the Public Domain, and therefore belong to RP
3. Dir of Forestry, opposed the application:
a. The whole ares is within the Central Cordillera Forest Reserve non registrable land
4. Land Reg Commission ruled in favor of applicant
5. MR of the Government was denied
6. CA affirmed decision of LRC
7. Hence this petition, contending that CA erred in not declaring the land in question is not capable
of registration being part of the public forest
Issue: WON the land in question is part of the public forest within central cordillera
WON respondents have established registrable title over the land in question
Held:
1. CA erred. Forest land or forest reserves are not capable of private ownership or possession
unless reclassified and declared alienable by the Director of Forestry.
2. It has been long been decided that simple act of cultivating the a portion of land is not a
confirmation of an imperfect title.
3. The fact that the respondent has a sketch plan or a survey map prepared for a parcel of land
does not convert such land into alienable land, much less private property.
4. Any approval made erroneously by a public officer is null and void.
5. There must first be a formal Government declaration that the forest land has been re-classified
into alienable and disposable agricultural land which maybe acquired by private persons in
accordance with the various modes of acquiring public agricultural lands.