FIRST DIVISION

G.R. Nos. 162335 & 162605     --       Severino M. Manotok IV, et al., Petitioners, versus Heirs of Homer L. Barque, et al., Respondents.

                                                                   Promulgated:

                                                                   December 12, 2005

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SEPARATE OPINION

QUISUMBING, J.:

          I concur in the result reached by Ynares-Santiago, J., in her opinion and I join Davide, Jr., C.J., and Azcuna, J., in the majority vote to DENY the petitions.

          While at the inception of this controversy, a trial by the Regional Trial Court would have been in order, remand of this case for trial at this late stage would only be a time-consuming and pointless exercise.  Prompt resolution of the controversy is in order to avoid further delay.

                                      LEONARDO A. QUISUMBING

Associate Justice