Case Digest (G.R. No. 136996)
Facts:
- The case involves Edilberto Alcantara, Florencio Villarmia, Policarpio Obregon, Ricardo Roble, Escolastica Ondong, Esteban Rallos, Henry Sesbino, Sergio Sesbino, Manuel Centeno, Renato Cruz, Marcelo Ceneza, Buenaventura Ondong, and Benjamin Halasan (collectively referred to as "petitioners") against Cornelio B. Reta, Jr. ("respondent").
- The petitioners filed a complaint with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Davao City, Branch 14, claiming their right of first refusal under Presidential Decree No. 1517 related to urban land reform.
- They asserted that they were tenants of a parcel of land in Barangay Sasa, Davao City, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-72594, owned by Reta.
- The petitioners alleged that Reta converted the land into a commercial center and threatened to eject them.
- They sought an injunction, attorney's fees, and the nullification of an amicable settlement between Reta and Ricardo Roble, claiming it violated the decree.
- Reta contended that the land was not designated as an Urban Land Reform Zone (ULRZ) and cited the petitioners' failure to pay rent as a basis for his defense.
- The RTC ruled in favor of Reta, dismissing the complaint and ordering the petitioners to pay unpaid rentals.
- The petitioners appealed to the Court of Appeals, which upheld the RTC's decision on December 9, 1998.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court ruled that the petition is without merit, affirming the decisions of the lower courts.
- The Court determined that the area in question had not been proclaimed as an Urban Land Reform Zone,...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Court reasoned that Presidential Decree No. 1517 applies solely to areas designated as Urban Land Reform Zones.
- The petitioners had requested the National Housing Authority to declare the land as an ULRZ, indicating it was not classified as such at the time.
- To qualify for rights under the decree, one must be a legitimate tenant for at least ten years, have built a home on the land by contract, and have resided there continuously for the same...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 136996)
Facts:
The case involves Edilberto Alcantara, Florencio Villarmia, Policarpio Obregon, Ricardo Roble, Escolastica Ondong, Esteban Rallos, Henry Sesbino, Sergio Sesbino, Manuel Centeno, Renato Cruz, Marcelo Ceneza, Buenaventura Ondong, and Benjamin Halasan (collectively referred to as "petitioners") as the plaintiffs against Cornelio B. Reta, Jr. ("respondent") in a petition for review. The events leading to the case began when the petitioners filed a complaint with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Davao City, Branch 14, asserting their right of first refusal under Presidential Decree No. 1517, which pertains to urban land reform. The petitioners claimed to be tenants of a parcel of land located in Barangay Sasa, Davao City, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-72594, owned by Reta. They alleged that Reta had converted the land into a commercial center and was threatening to eject them. The petitioners contended that they had the right of first refusal to purchase the land as legitimate tenants under the aforementioned decree. They also sought an injunction, attorney's fees, and the nullification of an amicable settlement made between Reta and Ricardo Roble, which they claimed was void due to its violation of the decree. In response, Reta argued that the land was not designated as an Urban Land Refo...