- Petitioner
- Herminia Estrella
- Respondent
- Gregorio Robles, Jr.
- Citation
- G.R. No. 171029
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Third Division
- Ponente
- Chico-Nazario, J.
- Decided
- November 22, 2007
Summary
This unlawful detainer case involved a dispute between landowner Gregorio Robles, Jr. and occupant Herminia Estrella over a property in Olongapo City. Robles acquired the land through government sale in 1983 and leased it to Estrella's family. After Estrella stopped paying rent in 1996, Robles filed for unlawful detainer. Estrella claimed ownership through 30 years of possession, but the DENR confirmed Robles' rights and found Estrella was merely a tolerated lessee. The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals decision ordering Estrella's eviction and payment of unpaid rent, emphasizing that in unlawful detainer cases, the lessor's right to possession prevails when the lease is terminated for non-payment. The case demonstrates the application of civil law principles regarding property possession and lease relationships in ejectment proceedings.