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 […]
Robbery is consummated the moment a property is unlawfully taken
Dear PAO, Is the crime of robbery still committed if the alleged robbers were not able to completely take away the property that was the subject of the supposed robbery? R was charged with robbery but, according to him, there is no crime of robbery because he was not able to really take the purse […]
Can bystander who stood and did nothing to help victim be charged for the crime?
Dear PAO, Can a bystander be held liable as a co-conspirator in a crime? I saw on the news that a man, Z, will also be charged for killing X. It appears that W and Y are the ones who attacked X, which caused the latter’s death. Z did not take part in the actual […]
Pets in public transportation | The Manila Times
Dear PAO, I recently purchased a puppy as a birthday present for myself. I am planning to travel to my hometown in the South using bus, and I plan to bring her with me. Am I allowed to bring my puppy on public transportation? Jayson Dear Jayson, Yes, you are allowed to bring your pet […]
Service charge | The Manila Times
Dear PAO, We have a long-standing dispute at the restaurant where I am currently employed regarding the distribution of service charges among employees. Is there any rule on the proper distribution of the collected service charges in an establishment? Can the management legally claim a share of the service charges collected from the customers? Royale […]
Requisites for voluntary surrender to be considered a mitigating circumstance
Dear PAO, X and Y had a long-standing animosity. Their neighbors knew about it; X and Y were seen engaging in fistfights on several occasions. A couple of months ago, an altercation between them led to X stabbing Y multiple times, resulting in Y’s eventual death. X fled from the scene and has not been […]
Proving identity of accused is just as important as proving the crime
Dear PAO, A sought advice at the Hall of Justice regarding the alleged murder of his live-in partner, B, who was killed several months ago. He was severely beaten. Sadly, there appear to be no witnesses. But A believes that the three owners of a certain store are the culprits because it was at that […]