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 […]
Killing of an animal as part of religious rituals
Dear PAO,I recently came across a video shot in the Philippines where an animal was killed as part of a religious ritual. According to the video, it was a religious rite meant to bring good health and stamina to its participants. They claimed that it was legal since it took place during a religious ceremony. […]
A written Special Power of Attorney is needed for sale of land
Dear PAO, I am currently living in Manila, but I own a parcel of land in Bacolod, where my sister resides. I recently visited Bacolod to see if I can develop that parcel of land for additional income. However, I learned that my sister sold my land to a third person. The buyers claimed my […]
Slander can be filed against a gossiper
Dear PAO, I was bullied during my high school years, so it is with great hesitation that I attended our high school reunion. At first I thought things were going well, until I noticed the quiet murmurs of the people behind me. I went to the ladies’ comfort room and while I was inside the […]
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 […]