Which action
Forcible entry — possession taken by force/intimidation/threat/strategy/stealth; unlawful detainer — possession was lawful then became illegal (e.g. expired lease).
One-year clock
File within 1 year from unlawful deprivation or from last demand (as jurisprudence applies to detainer).
Barangay
Katarungang Pambarangay may be a precondition when parties are in the same city/municipality — check Local Government Code coverage.
Sources
Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Laws, rules and Bar Bulletins change; if a source above has been amended or superseded, the official text controls.