Passports cannot be used as loan collateral
Dear PAO, I recently obtained a loan from a lending institution, and they required me to give my passport as collateral. I am planning to work abroad and need my passport to process my documents. When I asked the lending institution to return my passport, they refused, saying I had not fully paid my loan […]
Existence of an employer-employee relationship is determined by law
Dear PAO, May I be enlightened on how the existence of employer-employee relationships is determined or established? As between an alleged contract that says “You are not an employee” and the nature of work being rendered, which carries more weight? Michelle Dear Michelle, For brevity, permit me to jointly discuss the answers to your questions […]
Creditor cannot be compelled to accept partial payments
Dear PAO, My friend asked me if I could lend her some money because she needs it to apply to work abroad. I agreed to lend her a certain amount, and we formalized our agreement in writing. The amount of the loan is P200,000, which should be paid on Oct. 15, 2024. We also agreed […]
Pregnancy outside of marriage not a ground for dismissal
Dear PAO, My sister is an elementary school teacher in a Catholic educational institution. She has been employed by the school on probationary status for 10 months. On her fifth month of employment, she found out that she was seven weeks pregnant. She immediately informed the school of her pregnancy and her plan to marry […]
Lemon Law is not the only remedy for new car owners
Dear PAO, Last month, we purchased a new family vehicle. On our way home, we noticed a grinding noise and jerky movements every time my husband shifted gears. I immediately informed the sales agent, who advised us to return the vehicle for inspection. After a thorough check, the manager offered to replace the transmission assembly […]
Retirement age of mining employee starts at 50
Dear PAO, I have a question regarding the retirement age for my employment. I have been a surface mining employee or “mill plant worker” in our company since 2002, and I plan to retire this year. Currently, I am 52 years old, and I asked our Human Resources Division if I can retire this year. […]
Disinheritance of a compulsory heir
Dear PAO, My mother had been battling cancer since 2018. My other siblings took care of her because I am currently in Manila, while they are in Bicol. I recently found out from one of my siblings that my mother executed a last will and testament wherein she indicated the following: “I am disinheriting my […]
Age to purchase a vape
Dear PAO, My son is a 17-year-old senior high school student. Last night, I found a disposable vape product in his room. I spoke to him and asked where and how he managed to purchase the product. I immediately went and spoke with the owner of the vape shop. The owner claimed that he was […]
Who are considered fugitives from justice?
Dear PAO, I deeply care about my province, so I always make it a point to go home every local election to vote for the right individual, who I think possesses the best qualifications to run the affairs of our local government. However, I am concerned that a person with financial resources, who I believe […]
Procedural due process in termination of employment cases
Dear PAO, Is the requirement of due process in dismissal of employment cases complied with if the same is done through a text message? My nephew presented the text messages he received from his boss informing him that he no longer need to report for work and instructing him to report to the HR Department […]