04/02/2020
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(Ibid.). If dominium, not imperium, is the basis of the theory of jura regalia, then
the lands which Spain acquired in the 16th century were limited to non-private
lands, because it could only acquire lands which were not yet privately-owned or
occupied by the Filipinos. Hence, Spain acquired title only over lands which were
unoccupied and unclaimed, i.e., public lands.
[87] PHELAN, THE HISPANIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINES: SPANISH AIMS AND
FILIPINOS RESPONSES, 1565-1700 (1959), pp. 8-9.
[88] Cariño vs. Insular Government, supra note 75, at 943.
[89] Book 4,
Title 12, Law 9, decreed by Philip II, 1 June 1594. We order that
grants of farms and lands to Spaniards be without injury to the Indians and that
those which have been granted to their loss and injury, be returned to the lawful
owners.
Book 4, Title 12, Law 14. We having acquired full sovereignty over the Indies, and
all lands, territories, and possessions not heretofore ceded away by our royal
predecessors, or by us, or in our name, still pertaining the royal crown and
patrimony, it is our will that all lands which are held without proper and true deeds
of grant be restored to us according as they belong to us, in order that x x x after
distributing to the natives what may be necessary for tillage and pasteurage,
confirming them in what they now have and giving them more if necessary, all
the rest of said lands may remain free and unencumbered for us to dispose of as we
wish. [Quoted in Valenton v. Murciano, 3 Phil. 537, 542-543 (1904).] (Emphasis
supplied.)
Book 6, Title 1, Law 15, decreed by King Philip II, at Madrid, 7 November 1574. We
command that in the Philippine Islands the Indians not be removed from one to
another settlement by force and against their will.
Book 6, Title 1, Law 23, otherwise known as Ordinance 10 of 1609 decreed by Philip
III. It is right that time should be allowed the Indians to work their own individual
lands and those of the community.
Book 6, Title 1, Law 32, decreed by Philip II, 16 April 1580. We command the
Viceroys, Presidents, and Audiencias that they see to it that the Indians have
complete liberty in their dispositions.
Royal Cedula of October 15, 1754. Where such possessors shall not be able to
produce title deeds it shall be sufficient if they shall show that ancient possession,
as a valid title by prescription; x x x. [Quoted in Valenton v. Murciano, supra, at
546.] (Emphasis supplied.)
[90] Article 6 of the royal decree of June 25, 1880, quoted in Valenton v. Murciano,
supra note 89 at 549.
[91] Cariño v. Insular Government, supra note 75, at 944.
[92] Memorandum of Petitioners, par. 3.4, Rollo, pp. 845-846.
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/36882
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