[Request for Reconsideration of Claims Against United States]

Reconsideration was requested of a Claims Group's denial of claims for rents, damages, and destruction of property, and a claim was presented which related to the same land. The conflicting claims arose from U.S. occupation of land located in the Philippines between the years 1898 and 1960. Both parties maintain that their claims were initially filed with the Army in 1946; however, they disagree as to who filed them. Based on the evidence submitted, the Claims Group advised the Army that the claim was for determination by a Philippine court and that, absent any right of ownership to the land, no entitlement for rent or damages would exist. GAO affirmed the advice of the Claims Group. GAO does not determine questions of land ownership among conflicting claimants, particularly when the land belongs to another government. Even if a Philippine court were to resolve the question of land ownership, the claims were barred by a 6-year statute of limitations. Accordingly, the claims were disallowed.