FACTS:

Lasam sought the registration of over 100 hectares of land. This was opposed by many, one by the Director of Lands, alleging that Lasam had no appropriate title to the land to support claim as well as the land is public land.

HELD:

While possession in the eyes of law doesn’t mean that a man has to have his two feet on every square feet of ground before it can be said that he is in possession but possession is not gained by a mere nominal claim. The mere planting of a sign or symbol of possession cannot justify a Magellan like claim of dominion over an immense tract of territory. Possession as a
means of acquiring ownership is not mere fiction.