- Petitioner
- National Housing Authority
- Respondent
- Corazon B. Baello
- Citation
- G.R. No. 200858
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Second Division
- Ponente
- Carpio, J.
- Decided
- August 7, 2013
Summary
The National Housing Authority unlawfully seized the Baello family property during the martial law regime in 1976 through armed military personnel, despite the family's valid registered title dating from 1953. The NHA developed the property into residential subdivisions and awarded lots to beneficiaries. After multiple failed attempts to legitimize its actions through eminent domain and nullity cases, all of which were dismissed by various courts, the Baello heirs filed for recovery of possession and damages. The Supreme Court applied the doctrine of res judicata and conclusiveness of judgment, affirming that the NHA acted in bad faith and was liable for damages. The Court ruled that NHA was judicially estopped from challenging the validity of the Baellos' title and had no right to retain possession or seek reimbursement for improvements made in bad faith. This case demonstrates the protection of property rights against arbitrary government seizure and the application of res judicata principles in preventing relitigation of settled issues.