Conversion of public land to private property

Alienable public land may be converted to private property through prescription.

Alienable public land held by a possessor - either by himself or through predecessors-in-interest - openly, continuously and exclusively for a period of 30 years (if there is bad faith) may be deemed converted to private property by the mere lapse or completion of the period. The application for confirmation is mere formality, because land had already been converted, giving rise to a registrable title. (Director of Lands v. IAC)