Title
Ocampo-Caniza vs. Martinez
Case
G.R. No. L-13272
Decision Date
Dec 26, 1959
Ejectment case: Velasco failed to file supersedeas bond on time, leading to property repossession by Ocampo-Caniza. Supreme Court ruled bond valid, execution partial.

Case Summary (G.R. No. L-13272)

Factual Background

The petitioner initiated an action for ejectment against Apolinario Velasco in the Municipal Court of Manila, resulting in a judgment requiring Velasco to pay P2,237.30 in arrears and subsequently P750.00 in monthly rentals while vacating the premises. After obtaining a favorable judgment, the petitioner sought immediate execution, which was granted. Following this, Velasco filed an appeal, which included a notice of appeal and an appeal bond. The Municipal Court stayed execution pending the filing of a supersedeas bond, which Velasco failed to submit within the prescribed period. Consequently, a writ of execution was issued, and possession of the property was delivered to the petitioner.

Legal Proceedings and Court Decisions

On July 11, 1952, Velasco belatedly filed a supersedeas bond, seeking restoration of possession based on this bond. The Court of First Instance ordered restoration of possession, which prompted the petitioner to file for certiorari in the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals initially issued a writ of preliminary injunction and eventually ruled in favor of Velasco, asserting that the supersedeas bond did not impede execution of the municipal court's judgment, as it had already been executed by the time the bond was filed.

Key Legal Issues

The primary legal question revolved around the efficacy of the supersedeas bond and the execution of the municipal court's judgment. The Court of Appeals posited that since the bond was posted after execution commenced, it functioned ineffectively. However, this interpretation was contested by the petitioner, who argued that the execution of the judgment was only partial, asserting that the judgment entailed both restoration of possession and payment of the overdue rents.

Judicial Analysis

The Supreme Court found fault with the Court of Appeals' assumption regarding the nature of the execution. It clarified that the execution order, while restoring possession, did not cover the payment of back rentals, which remained due. Under the principles established in the jurisprudence cited, both possession and the payment of rents are essential components of executing a judgment in ejectment case

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