Leon Caballero v. Estefania Abellana

Summary

Leon Caballero sued Estefania Abellana and other defendants for recovery of land possession and enforcement of share tenancy agreement. Caballero possessed land from 1899 and had share tenancy arrangement with defendants who cultivated the land with products divided equally. From 1905, defendants refused to deliver plaintiff's crop share and return land possession. Lower court ordered restoration of land and payment of 120 cavanes of rice or monetary equivalent, plus permanent injunction. Supreme Court affirmed, rejecting defendants' Civil Code Article 460 defense, distinguishing between possession de facto and de jure. The case establishes principles regarding rightful possession and share tenancy obligations in Philippine property law.