Question

Scenario:

Mr. Santos purchased a piece of land from Mr. Reyes. They executed a deed of sale and Mr. Santos took possession of the property. Years later, Mr. Santos discovered that there is another person claiming ownership of the same property. This claimant, Mr. Cruz, insists that the property originally belonged to his late father and was wrongfully transferred to Mr. Reyes, who subsequently sold it to Mr. Santos. Mr. Santos decides to file a case for quieting of title in order to establish and confirm his ownership of the property.

Question:

Discuss the essential elements and procedures in filing and obtaining a judgment in a quieting of title action under Articles 476 to 481 of the Civil Code. In your answer, provide the specific legal requirements, remedies, and effects of a successful quieting of title action.