Doris U. Sunbanun v. Aurora B. Go

Summary

This case involves a breach of lease contract where lessor Doris Sunbanun prematurely ejected lessee Aurora Go's lodgers three months before the one-year lease expired. The lease contract specifically allowed use as a lodging house, making the subletting arrangement valid. The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' decision awarding comprehensive damages totaling P153,000 plus costs. The case established that judgment on pleadings admits all material allegations when moved by defendant without objection. The Court emphasized that lessors must maintain lessees' peaceful enjoyment throughout the contract duration, and breach accompanied by bad faith warrants moral and exemplary damages. The decision reinforced Civil Code provisions on contractual obligations and damages, particularly Articles 1654 (lessor's duty), 2219-2220 (moral damages), and 2232 (exemplary damages).