Case Summary (G.R. No. 164213)
Antecedent Facts
The lots were originally covered by tax declarations in the name of Arcadio Jaca. In 1951, the heirs of Arcadio executed a notarized document titled "Kasabutan nga Hinigala," which designated Peregrina Jaca Cabrera as the sole heir to the properties. However, a Repartition Project approved in 1956 allocated the lots to Urbana Jaca Ababon, the mother of the respondents, who inherited the lots after Urbana’s death in 1997. The petitioners occupied the properties with the respondents' knowledge, under a purported agreement that they would vacate when requested.
Ejectment and Initial Court Rulings
In 2001, the respondents demanded that the petitioners vacate the premises due to their non-payment of rent, leading to an ejectment suit filed as Civil Case No. R-45280. The Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) initially ruled in favor of the respondents, stating that the "Kasabutan nga Hinigala" was superseded by the Repartition Project. The MTCC ordered the petitioners to vacate the premises, demolish any improvements, and pay litigation fees.
Regional Trial Court Ruling
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) initially reversed the MTCC's decision, declaring that the Project of Partition indicated co-ownership of Lot No. 3635-Y, which protected Cabras from being ejected. However, following a motion for reconsideration, the RTC modified its ruling, dismissing the complaint regarding Lot 3635-Y but ordering the petitioners to vacate Lot No. 3635-CC.
Court of Appeals' Decision
The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC's decision, addressing procedural aspects and confirming the MTCC's jurisdiction to adjudicate the ejectment case. The court explained that the legal basis for ejectment is grounded in unlawful detainer, and concluded that the allegations provided sufficient basis for the MTCC's jurisdiction. The court asserted that the issue was not about ownership but rather about possession, highlighting the provisional nature of any findings related to o
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 164213)
Case Overview
- The case involves a petition for review challenging the Decision and Resolution of the Court of Appeals regarding an ejectment case.
- The petitioners, Valentin Cabrera, Manuel Cabrera, and Rebecca Leslie Cabras, contend against the decision favoring the respondents, heirs of Urbana Jaca Ababon, regarding Lot Nos. 3635-CC and 3635-Y situated in Inayawan, Pardo, Cebu City.
Antecedent Facts
- Lot Nos. 3635-CC and 3635-Y were originally covered by tax declarations under Arcadio Jaca, whose heirs executed a notarized document titled "Kasabutan nga Hinigala" on July 25, 1951, bequeathing the property to Peregrina Jaca Cabrera.
- A Repartition Project approved in 1956 awarded the lots to Urbana Jaca Ababon, the mother of the respondents.
- Upon Urbana’s death in 1997, the respondents inherited the lots and later discovered that the petitioners had occupied the properties without rental payments, although there was an understanding that they would vacate upon the respondents' request.
- In 2001, the respondents demanded the petitioners to vacate, leading to an ejectment action filed by the respondents after unsuccessful attempts at amicable settlement.
Rulings of the MTCC and RTC
- The Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) ruled in favor of the respondents, ordering the petitioners to vacate and d