Entitlement of new employee to 13th-month pay
Dear PAO, This year, I recently got my first work as a finance analyst in a company in Quezon City. As the holiday season approaches, one of the common topics among my workmates is the 13th-month pay. I am wondering if I am already entitled to it even if I only joined the company last […]
Prescription of Cyber Libel cases
Dear PAO, I have a question about an article I found online last Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. The libelous article pertains to the goods I am selling online. To my surprise, I discovered that many people have already seen it because it has more than three hundred likes and more than one hundred shares on […]
Nuisance abatement: Authority and timing
Dear PAO, Without warning, Bon, a barangay tanod, destroyed my pool table with a sledgehammer. He said that it was a nuisance and must be abated immediately because the neighbors were complaining about the noise made by the numerous pool players. Please enlighten me about the concept of “nuisance” and the appropriateness of Bon’s actions. […]
Christmas bonuses are discretionary | The Manila Times
Dear PAO, I have a question about the Christmas bonus. I got a job in July 2024 and believe I am entitled to a Christmas bonus. However, my workmates informed me that our company has never given such a bonus. Aren’t employers legally required to provide a Christmas bonus? Can you enlighten me on this […]
Standards for assessment of value of property subject to negotiated sale with government
Dear PAO, My aunt was informed that her land in our province would be affected by a national infrastructure project. A certain price was offered for the property. However, my aunt thinks the price is too low because it has been their ancestral home for generations. Hence, she intends to negotiate a higher price because […]
Use of illegal drugs is an aggravating circumstance
Dear PAO, Our neighbor admitted to committing murder but argued that he did not know what he was doing because he was under the influence of drugs. Can he argue that he should not be held liable or that his liability should be mitigated because he was under the influence of illegal drugs? Vanessa Dear […]
Minor who acts with discernment can be held criminally liable
Dear PAO,Recently, there has been an increase in news reports about criminal activities committed by minors. It is unfortunate to see that most of these minors appear to escape accountability for their actions, despite the degree of vileness in their acts. Is there an instance where these minors can be held criminally liable for crimes […]
No dual scholarships for ‘Doktor Para Sa Bayan Act’ grantees
Dear PAO, I am a government scholar under the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act.” Recently, a private company offered me a scholarship, promising to cover my tuition and book expenses. My question is, can I avail of another scholarship along with this government program? Bernadette Dear Bernadette, In its goal to create ways and means […]
Coins as legal tender | The Manila Times
Dear PAO, My son has been saving for a pair of shoes he wanted to buy. Every day after school, he would drop several coins from his daily allowance into a small jar in his closet. He also collected spare change from our shopping or dining purchases. After months of saving every coin he could […]
Disinheritance of a son | The Manila Times
Dear PAO, I am thinking of drafting a last will to bequeath all my assets to my three children and wife, excluding one of my children. I am very disappointed with this child because we had a physical altercation during an argument about managing our family business. Can I validly remove one of my children […]