Exclusive agreements with service providers
Dear PAO, I recently moved into a new condominium in Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, and I am planning to get a Wi-Fi connection because I need it for my job as a virtual assistant. When I asked the condominium administration about it, they informed me that they have an exclusive partnership with only one […]
Organs can be the subject of wills
Dear PAO, My father, who was a doctor, recently passed away. He left a last will and testament where he subjected his kidneys for donation to a hospital upon his death. Can human organs be subject of a donation through a last will? Please help me be clarified. Thank you. EJ Dear EJ, Through a […]
Use of substandard child restraint systems
Dear PAO, As a working single mother, I plan to get a car so that I can bring my five-year-old child with me on my way to work. My plan is to drop off my daughter at my parents’ house which is near my office, and then pick her up after work. However, I was […]
Transfer of employee not necessarily constructive illegal dismissal
Dear PAO, My friend was transferred to another branch of our company due to poor performance and issues he had at his previous branch. He had already received several warnings related to misfeasance at work before his transfer, but he did not improve. However, he is not amenable with the transfer. He feels that it […]
Apprehending a shoplifter without a warrant
Dear PAO, Someone shoplifted from my store the other day. I did not catch him in the act of stealing, and I only learned about it after reviewing my store’s CCTV footage of that day. If this person returns to my store, can I apprehend him? Please advise, as I really want to send this […]
Rationale for requiring prima facie case for paternity before DNA testing may be ordered
Dear PAO, My son was born as a result of my affair with Joshua. His birth was registered, but the local civil registrar refused to indicate the name of the father because my child was not recognized. I have been asking Joshua to recognize my son, but he refused and ignored the document denominated as […]
Application of the right against self-incrimination
Dear PAO, I am connected with a certain company primarily engaged in internet gaming. Unfortunately, anomalies involving this kind of industry recently made headlines, prompting the government to order the stoppage of the operations of these companies. Criminal cases were filed against the owners, officers, and workers. Some received subpoenas as witnesses, while others were […]
Constructive dismissal | The Manila Times
Dear PAO, In our office, I was caught by our security taking home office supplies and reported to my manager. My manager informed me that I had to resign or else I would be subjected to an investigation that could potentially result in my termination and the filing of criminal charges. Given the severity of […]
Pardon of principal penalty does not automatically include accessory penalties
Dear PAO, Tino was a politician in our province, and he committed a crime against my brother, resulting in his imprisonment (reclusion perpetua). Many years have passed since I last heard any information about him. Recently, his father, the incumbent mayor, claimed that he is retiring soon and his son will replace him because he […]
Testimonial evidence allowed to prove loss of earning capacity
Dear PAO,My wife was fatally hit by a fast-moving motorbike rider while she was crossing the street. She passed away in the hospital due to the horrific injuries she sustained. I am seeking damages for the loss of her future earnings because she was our family’s main provider. However, important records that could support my […]