Separation pay and retirement pay are mutually exclusive benefits
Dear PAO, I am 62 years old and I worked as a janitor for the same company for almost 35 years. Last week, my employer handed me a notice of dismissal, stating that my employment was immediately terminated because I am already “too old” to work. They did not give me any separation package or […]
Writ of habeas corpus is available to address rightful custody of minor
Dear PAO, Julia and I lived together as husband and wife for three (3) years, and we have a non-marital child. Unfortunately, our relationship ended and now we have a dispute over child custody. During our confrontation, she claimed that custody belongs to her by law. She demanded that I surrender the kid to her […]
Is my boyfriend liable for cancelling his wedding?
Dear PAO, My husband is being sued by his ex. It is a long story, but I will cut it short. Last year, my husband was set to marry my best friend from school. She and her family had already paid for the wedding arrangements and preparations. However, during the lead up to the wedding, […]
Is lying about the death of my spouse considered perjury?
Dear PAO, I had a falling out with my husband years ago. Because of this, I secured the services of a lawyer and had him declared presumptively dead. I wanted to be rid of him so I could eventually marry my new boyfriend, since an annulment case would just take too long. Years later, our […]
Remedy against deceptive sales act or practices
Dear PAO, I ordered a storage cabinet from a local shop through an online shopping platform. The product description indicated that the item was made from engineered wood, and its picture suggested that it was made entirely out of wooden materials. However, when the item arrived, I was surprised to learn that it was mainly […]
Entitlement to midyear bonus and 14th-month pay of a suspended government employee
Dear PAO, I am a government employee who is currently serving a one-year suspension from April 16, 2025, to April 15, 2026, due to grave misconduct. I did not receive my midyear bonus last May 15, 2025, and I was informed that I will also not receive my 14th-month pay this December 2025. My question […]
Prohibited use of government vehicles
Dear PAO, I often see my neighbor and her children being fetched by a government vehicle from her house. I also learned that my neighbor’s partner works for the government and holds a very high position. Is there any violation committed by the public officer? If so, to whom should this be reported? Allegra Dear […]
Difference between holiday pay and holiday premium
Dear PAO, I am working with a BPO company as a voice agent. Last June 12, I saw from my payslip that I received a day less from my salary. When I asked my team leader, he said that the deduction was because I did not report to work on July 12. Was he correct? […]
Liability arising from the use of self-driving cars
Dear PAO, I am just concerned about the growing number of self-driving cars in our country. May I know who will bear the responsibility in case of accident to other persons or damage to property? Thank you. Chik Dear Chik, Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous or driverless cars, are vehicles of navigating and operating […]
Defense of a stranger | The Manila Times
Dear PAO, My boss and I were walking on our way home from a gig. He was abruptly punched in the side of his face and nape by three individuals. He was shocked and did nothing. I saw one of them opening a fan knife. When he was about to stab my boss, I grabbed […]