8 to XX Years

How long does it take to kick out informal settlers?

The process can take anywhere from eight years to several decades, depending on how far the case progresses through the judicial system. The initial eight years mentioned here only cover the time it took between the Metropolitan Trial Court and the Regional Trial Court. A significant portion of this time is spent navigating legal hearings.

Even after the courts order the informal settlers to vacate the property, the ordeal is far from over. The actual eviction involves multiple parties, including the Court Sheriff, Barangay Personnel, the Presidential Commission for Urban Poor (PCUP), and the Police. Coordinating these entities can lead to further complications and delays.

Some people might resort to extreme measures, such as burning the property, to force settlers out, but this is far easier said than done and carries its own set of risks and legal consequences.

It's also rumored that certain buyers are interested in these types of properties because they believe they have the "muscle" to remove settlers. However, finding someone willing to take on such a task is rare. And even if you could, do you really want to get involved with people like that?

In any case, the points here are these:

1.⁠ ⁠Protect Idle Properties: If you own idle properties in ungated locations, take steps to secure them, such as fencing the property. While this will incur costs, it's a necessary expense to prevent illegal occupation. Regular visits to the property are also advisable. If you hire caretakers, ensure you have a formal written agreement with them to avoid potential claims against the property.

2.⁠ ⁠Avoid Ownership: If you're not willing to invest in protecting or regularly visiting the property, it may be best to avoid owning such properties altogether. For example, you could stick to properties in gated villages.

3.⁠ ⁠Act Quickly: If you find yourself dealing with informal settlers, it's crucial to initiate the ejection process as soon as possible. Many property owners adopt a "cross the bridge when we get there" attitude, hoping to avoid the legal costs. However, as this situation illustrates, the process is complex and could extend beyond your lifetime.