BARLIN VS.

RAMIREZ
G.R. NO. L – 2832
NOVEMBER 24, 1996

FACTS: Since 1839, priests of the Roman Catholic Church administered in pueblo Lagonoy,
province of Ambos Camarines. The church and convent was burnt in 1869. With the direction of
cabeza de barangay, the necessary reconstruction was performed by the people of pueblo and
the materials were paid by the funds of the church and some were donations from certain
individuals of the pueblo. After completion, it was always administered by the Roman Catholic
Church.
Vicente Ramirez, having been appointed by the plaintiff parish priest, took possession of
the church on July 5, 1901 and administered it under the orders of his superior until November
14, 1902. His successor having then appointed, made a demand on this defendant the delivery
to him of the church, convent, and cemetery, and the sacred ornaments, books, jewels, money
and other property of the church which the latter refused to make. Such refusal is made
through written document expressing the church’s intention to separate from the obedience and
control of the Pope at Rome and join the Filipino National Church.
The plaintiff alleged in his complaint that the Roman Catholic Church was the owner of
the church building, the convent, cemetery, the books, money and other property belonging
thereto, and asking it be restored to the possession thereof.
In return, defendant answered that the municipality of Lagonoy and its inhabitants are
the lawful owners of the said property.

ISSUE: Whether or not the said property is owned by the Catholic Church having the capacity
as juridical person.

HELD: The court decided in favor of the plaintiff, hence, the Catholic Church is the owner of
the property, having its capacity, here in the Philippines. The possession of the churches, their
care and custody, and maintenance of religious worship were necessarily, intrusted to that
body.

R.V.Q.