David G. Dula v. Dr. Restituto Maravilla

Summary

This case involves an ejectment dispute between landlord-spouses Maravilla and tenant David Dula over a month-to-month lease of an apartment unit in Makati City. The respondents sought to eject petitioner based on their personal need for the premises under Section 5(c) of B.P. Blg. 877. The Supreme Court affirmed the unanimous decisions of three lower courts, ruling that all statutory requirements were met: legitimate personal need, absence of other residential property, proper three-month notice, and lease expiration. The Court clarified that Article 1687 of the Civil Code, which governs lease periods, was not suspended by the rent control law, making month-to-month leases definite-period contracts that can expire upon proper notice. The decision was made immediately executory due to the case's prolonged 11-year duration, demonstrating the Court's commitment to substantial justice over procedural technicalities.