Naga Centrum v. Orzales

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the grant of easement of right of way to respondent spouses over petitioner company's property. The case involved a dispute over access to a public highway where respondents had used Rizal Street since 1965 until petitioner closed it in 2003. The Court found all requisites for easement satisfied: property isolation, willingness to pay indemnity, isolation not caused by respondents, and least prejudicial location. Significantly, the Court condemned petitioner's bad faith conduct in deliberately blocking access during litigation by constructing buildings and dumping materials on the disputed right of way. The decision emphasizes that parties cannot manipulate court proceedings through strategic acts on disputed property during case pendency, applying principles of good faith and respect for neighbors under the Civil Code.