Sanchez v. Manansala

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the ejectment of petitioner spouses who sold their property to respondents but refused to vacate after the agreed period expired. Despite multiple demands, petitioners remained in possession, prompting respondents to file an unlawful detainer case. When petitioners failed to file an answer, the MTC rendered default judgment. On appeal through RTC and CA to the Supreme Court, petitioners argued the case involved contract enforcement rather than mere ejectment, and challenged the validity of the MTC decision due to non-receipt of the default order. The Supreme Court ruled that all elements of unlawful detainer were present, giving MTC proper jurisdiction, and that the Rule on Summary Procedure allows courts to render judgment when defendants fail to answer, regardless of whether they received the default order. The decision emphasizes the summary nature of ejectment cases to maintain social order and prevent undue procedural delays.