Grave coercion (Article 286, Revised Penal Code) is committed when a person, by means of violence or intimidation, compels another to do something against their will, whether it be right or wrong. In the context of ejectment, a landlord who padlocks the gate, removes the tenant’s belongings physically, cuts off utilities, or uses threats to force a tenant out may be liable for grave coercion.

Ejectment cases in the Philippines are governed by the Rules of Court. There are two types:

Forcible Entry

When the occupant originally had no right to possess the property and used force, strategy, or intimidation to enter.

Unlawful Detainer

When the occupant originally had a valid right to possess (e.g., a lease contract) but that right has expired or been violated (e.g., failure to pay rent).

Both require a court case to be filed in the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) having jurisdiction over the property. The court will issue a summons, hear the case, and eventually issue a decision ordering the occupant to vacate if the evidence supports the ejectment.

Grave coercion arises when a person takes the law into their own hands. Examples include:

• Changing the locks while the tenant is away
• Cutting off water or electricity to force the tenant out
• Physically removing the tenant’s belongings without a writ of execution
• Threatening the tenant with violence if they do not leave

The tenant can file a criminal complaint for grave coercion, and if convicted, the offender may face imprisonment of 6 months to 6 years.