- Petitioner
- Consunji
- Respondent
- Villareal
- Citation
- G.R. No. 249442
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Decided
- April 12, 2023
Whether DMCI's complaint for unlawful detainer should be dismissed due to invalid cancellation of contracts to sell under R.A. No. 6552 (Maceda Law)
Summary
DMCI sought to eject Spouses Villareal from two condominium units after allegedly cancelling their contracts to sell due to payment defaults. The Supreme Court dismissed the unlawful detainer action, finding that DMCI failed to validly cancel the contracts under R.A. No. 6552 (Maceda Law). The Court held that Spouses Villareal, having paid the equivalent of over 24 monthly installments, were entitled to cash surrender value which DMCI failed to provide. Additionally, proper notice of cancellation was not established. Without valid cancellation, the buyers' possession remained lawful, defeating the unlawful detainer claim. The decision reinforces protection for installment buyers under the Maceda Law, requiring strict compliance with notice and refund requirements before cancellation becomes effective.