PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES VS. JOSE LAVA, ET. AL.

G.R. No. L-4974, May 16, 1969

Facts:
Respondent is the tenant of herein petitioner under a verbal tenancy
contract at 70-30. Ramos informed petitioner of his desire to change their
contract from that of share tenancy to leasehold tenancy, however, latter refuse
to grant the request. Ramos filed a petition praying that he be allowed to change
their tenancy contract in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of RA 1199.

Issue:
Whether the enactment of Section 14 of RA 1199 in virtue of the police
power of the State is limited by the fact that it violates a contractual right.

Ruling:
The right granted to the tenant to change the contract from share tenancy
to that of leasehold tenancy cannot be considered unreasonable or oppressive
such that the tenant becomes more responsible, more competent, and financially
prepared to comply with the landlord’s obligation under the lease, to the ultimate
benefit of the landlord, with the consequent improvement of big segment of the
population and thereby giving full meaning to the social justice directive
contained in the Constitution.