ILLEGAL SQUATTING PROBLEM

Hi, me and my husband bought a property in Laguna near caliraya lake. The previous owner used to have a caretaker who lived at the back of the property (in his own barong-barong). When we bought the place, we also acquire his service as temporary caretaker until we find a new one. But then after 3 months, we had some misunderstanding with regards to his duties, so he decided to just tender resignation. We allowed him to, but he refused to let go of his barong-barong and leave the place. He was insisting that since his house is not within our property, we are not in a position to ask him to leave the place. (Even if his house was against our fence).

We were developing the property into a private tourist resort. And his house, even if situated at the back of the property, was such an unsightly view. Add to that is his pig, a bunch of as-kals and chicken scattered in the vicinity. He would intentionally put his pig and other animals on the side of our perimeter which creates a very unpleaseant view aside from the nasty smell.

Kindly advice us what to do and how to handle this issue. Do we have a right to force him to leave the place? Can that be considered illegal squatting? As we are told (by some folks he talked to), he would like to ask for like P50,000 for him to leave. Are we obliged to give in to his demand? He was living there since the property was owned by the previous owner (he was hired as caretaker) probably about 5 years already. We want to do this legally, since with his character, he would not be talked to in a civil way. He's the type who's always drunk and we were even afraid that he'd sabotage the area and prob hurt some of our staff.

Hoping for your legal advice. Thank you very much.

the caretaker lives outside your property and all his livestock, you do not have any right to eject him in the property you do not own. About the 50K amicable settlement for him to leave the place, well that is good but what is the assurance he will not come back to that place? You may seek the advice of bgy regarding this and not just between you and him. Or try to locate the owner of that property and discuss your problem with that guy. Since, you have the plan to convert your property as tourist resort, you will need a group of civilian guards, (civilian guards are just known people living there for many years and respected in the community, mostly have influence in the bgy) hire 1 or 2 for now to guard your property and can control your former caretaker to put his livestock in the proper place. I have seen a lot of developers hiring civilian guards particularly in a place where there are drug users, robbers, etc. and it is very effective. One more thing, you must practice strong PR with the people living in the vicinity. Do not forget to invite the bgy captain in the grand openning of your resort, hehehe! ako rin sama!