SC upholds CA ruling for Matabungkay Beach demolitions

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld a ruling by the Court of Appeals (CA) to demolish unauthorized structures on public land, including videoke machines, sari-sari stores, billiard tables, eateries, and other businesses at Matabungkay Beach in Lian, Batangas.

Villa Alexandra Beach Resort and Restaurant filed a case against Pablo Calimlim and Patnubay Isla Calimlim, who had operated informal structures on the beach for over 50 years without necessary permits, disrupting the resort’s business and inconveniencing guests.

In a 14-page decision promulgated in January 2025 and published in April 2025, the SC Second Division affirmed that these structures were illegal public nuisances under Article 694 of the Civil Code and ordered their demolition with payment of damages to Villa Alexandra.

The CA had previously ruled that the Calimlims' lease application was denied by the DENR and they ignored notices to vacate, leading the SC to rule that their occupation of the land constitutes public nuisance.

Additionally, the SC noted that the structures were found harmful to the resort and its guests due to unclean water from toilets and fire risks posed by kitchens, along with structural integrity concerns.