Liu v. Espinosa

Summary

The Supreme Court granted the petition for review on certiorari filed by spouses Liu against respondents occupying their titled land. The case involved an unlawful detainer action where respondents initially occupied the property by tolerance but refused to vacate despite demands. The MTCC and RTC ruled in favor of petitioners, but the Court of Appeals reversed, finding insufficient proof of tolerance. The Supreme Court reinstated the lower courts' decisions, holding that all elements of unlawful detainer were established: tolerance-based possession that became illegal upon demand to vacate, continued occupation despite refusal, and timely filing within one year. The Court emphasized that as registered owners under the Torrens system, petitioners have superior rights to possession, and respondents' claim of ownership in concept could not be resolved in an ejectment case focused solely on physical possession.