OPPOSITION BY THE GOVERNMENT IN LAND REGISTRATION

> Pursuant to the Regalian doctrine, all lands of the public domain and all other natural resources are owned by the State, hence, it is the burden of the applicant to overthrow the presumption that the land is public land by well nigh inconvertible proof and that he is entitled to registration under the law

ABSENCE OF OPPOSITION BY THE GOVERNMENT DOESN'T JUSTIFY OUTRIGHT REGISTRATION

> The failure of the Director of Lands in representation of the government, to oppose the application for registration for which he was declared in default will not justify the court in adjudicating the land applied for as private property

> The applicant has the burden of proving the imperfect right or title sought to be confirmed

FAILURE TO APPEAR ON THE DAY OF INITIAL HEARING IS NOT A GROUND FOR DEFAULT WHERE OPPOSITION OR ANSWER HAS BEEN FILED

> The provision which allows the court at once upon the motion of the applicant, no reason to the contrary appearing, to order a general default to be recorded, cannot be interpreted to mean that the court can just disregard the answer before it

GOVERNMENT MAY APPEAL DESPITE FAILURE OF AGENCY TO FILE OPPOSITION

> Government is not estopped by the mistake or error of its officials or agents