6. Republic v.

CA

Facts:

The heirs of Santos remained unpaid by the national government after several years
from expropriation of a property, hence, filed a case to adjust the price to its zonal value or
cause the return of the property. The RTC granted the motion of the respondents and the CA
affirmed such.

Issue:

WON the expropriated property can be recovered by the landowner due to non-
payment of just compensation.

Held:

No, the landowner can no longer recover the expropriated property. The landowner
was merely given the relief of recovering compensation for his property computed at its
market value at the time it was taken and appropriated by the State. The right of the owner is
far from that of an unpaid seller in ordinary sales where rescission is possible. After
condemnation, the paramount title is in the public under a new and independent title, a better
title against the world than may be obtained by voluntary conveyance.