Prohibited fishing | The Manila Times
Dear PAO, I was about to embark on my first solo fishing expedition when I was stopped by local authorities. They cited a violation of fishing regulations, specifically regarding the size of my net mesh. Despite not having launched my boat, my net was confiscated, and I received a formal warning. I had mistakenly believed […]
Understanding the Rent Control Act
Dear PAO, I am a fresh graduate and will do my first work in the City of Caloocan. I am currently residing in San Rafael, Bulacan. Given the distance and worsening traffic scenario in Metro Manila, I plan to rent a residential unit near my work. I would like to ask what the pertinent rules […]
Contract of guaranty | The Manila Times
Dear PAO,At the request of my then-friend, JR, I agreed to act as a guarantor for a loan he sought from our mutual acquaintance. Believing in his integrity, I consented. However, JR subsequently defaulted on the loan, leaving me responsible for the outstanding debt. Can our mutual acquaintance legally pursue me for the debt despite […]
Delay in payment of just compensation
Dear PAO,In 2010, our property was taken by the government, and was used as part of the road widening project back then. A court order directing the government to pay us the just compensation already attained its finality way back in 2012. Unfortunately, until now despite repeated demands, we have yet to receive the just […]
Failure to pay installments of purchase price of lot
Dear PAO, My wife and I bought a parcel of land in a subdivision which was payable in monthly installments. We started paying in January 2023. Unfortunately, we failed to pay the remaining balance because of the steep hospital bills we have incurred when our son was hospitalized due to a car accident. Hence, our […]
Divorce under Shari’a law | The Manila Times
Dear PAO,My husband and I are Muslims, and we got married under Muslim rites. Immediately after our first child was born, his behavior changed, and he increasingly became cruel toward me. Due to the maltreatment I have suffered from him, I no longer intend to stay married to him. Can I file for divorce against […]
Subdivision land designated as an open space
Dear PAO, I have a parcel of land located in a subdivision. The lot adjacent to mine is designated as an open space where the homeowners used to gather in the afternoons for recreational activities. However, since a typhoon destroyed most of the garden in the open space, the homeowners no longer go there. My […]
Treasure hunting without the lot owner’s permission
Dear PAO, I inherited a parcel of land located in Balanga, Bataan. My grandfather used to tell me stories about the World War II artifacts he and his best friend, Fernando, found when they tilled the land that I inherited. After my grandfather’s death, Fernando requested to conduct treasure hunting on the land, which I […]
Alibi, although a weak defense, can be appreciated if substantiated
Dear PAO, Is the defense of alibi really not favored in criminal cases? My friend was informed that there was a complaint against him for beating someone in San Mateo, Rizal. The incident apparently transpired just last Sept. 30, 2024. But it was impossible for my friend to have committed the alleged act because he […]
Premature dismissal entitles employee to backwages
Dear PAO, My mom works in the government. Unfortunately, a few years back, she was subjected to unfounded charges of dishonesty. During the administrative case, she was initially found liable by the CSC Regional Office and was penalized with dismissal. During the pendency of her appeal, her office immediately removed her from her position, allegedly […]