The Regional Trial Court, Branch 41, has dismissed LRA Case No. N-51, titled โPetition for Confirmation and Registration of Title,โ marking a major legal victory for the Municipal Government of Cantilan, represented by Mayor Philip A. Pichay, CPA, and the Association of Cantilan Urban Poor, Inc.
The 6.0313-hectare parcel of land, claimed by the heirs of Juan T. Paqueo, was ruled as public domain under Presidential Proclamation No. 1706, s. 1978, which reserves it for government offices and housing projects. The DENR and the Office of the Solicitor General, through Provincial Prosecutor Vito G. Gotostos, in collaboration with Atty. Leodorico Avila, opposed the petition, affirming that the land is inalienable and cannot be privately owned.
As oppositors, the Municipal Government of Cantilan and the Association of Cantilan Urban Poor, Inc. played a key role in ensuring that the land remains for public use. The court found no evidence proving the land was alienable before the proclamation and ruled that the petitionersโ claim was barred by laches, having been filed 39 years after the proclamation.
Atty. Leodorico Avila, Mayor Philip Arreza Pichay, and Municipal Assessor Engr. Marilou C. Cosmiano shared the good news with the association members during the General Assembly of the Cantilan Urban Poor Homeownerโs Association, Inc. on March 23, 2025, at Magosilom Covered Court. Their efforts, together with ABC President Hon. Jimbo A. Luarez, Barangay Councilor Hon. Glenn Leo G. Prado, Association President Leonito A. Gawat, and Association Vice President Telesforo Sumayan were instrumental in securing this victory.
This decision reaffirms the LGUโs commitment to protecting public land and ensuring it serves the best interests of the Cantilan community.