Marcelo Bondoc v. Court of Appeals

Summary

This landlord-tenant dispute involved Marcelo Bondoc's occupancy of a commercial apartment since 1949 and a lot where he built temporary housing. When lessor Lorenzo Quiambao demanded vacation in 1977, Bondoc refused, claiming a lifetime occupancy promise. The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals decision ordering ejectment, ruling that the month-to-month commercial lease was properly terminable under Civil Code Articles 1673 and 1687. The Court rejected Bondoc's arguments, finding no clear proof of the alleged lifetime promise and noting that his lot occupation was merely on tolerance. Batas Pambansa Blg. 25's protection was inapplicable as it covers only residential, not commercial leases. The decision emphasized that Bondoc's procedural maneuvers impeded justice and allowed unlawful continued occupancy.