Law

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CASE DIGEST: Randy Michael Knutson, acting on behalf of minor Rhuby Sibal Knutson Vs. Hon. Elisa R. Sarmiento-Flores and Rosalina Sibal Knutson, G.R. No. 239215. July 12, 2022 

FACTS: Randy Michael Knutson, an American citizen, met Rosalina Sibal Knutson in Singapore. They got married and had a daughter named Rhuby. Later, Randy and Rosalina became estranged after he discovered her extra-marital affairs. Despite that, Randy supported Rosalina and Rhuby.  Rosalina got hooked in casinos. She also incurred large debts from casino financiers prompting …

CASE DIGEST: Randy Michael Knutson, acting on behalf of minor Rhuby Sibal Knutson Vs. Hon. Elisa R. Sarmiento-Flores and Rosalina Sibal Knutson, G.R. No. 239215. July 12, 2022  Read More »

CASE DIGEST: Lowella Yap vs. Almeda Yap, Hearty Yap-Dybongco and Diosdado Yap Jr., G.R. No. 222259, October 17, 2022

FACTS: Diosdado Yap Sr. died and left as heirs his wife, Almeda, their marital children Josie, Hearty and Diosdado Jr. and an acknowledged nonmarital child, Lowella. After the death of their father, Lowella and Josie discovered that a portion of the decedent’s estate has been extrajudicially partitioned among Almeda, Hearty and Diosdado Jr. This prompted …

CASE DIGEST: Lowella Yap vs. Almeda Yap, Hearty Yap-Dybongco and Diosdado Yap Jr., G.R. No. 222259, October 17, 2022 Read More »

scrabble tiles

What is the “best” pre-law course in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, you don’t go directly to law school right after high school. You need to finish a college degree before entering law school. Previously, I posted something about how to become a lawyer in Philippines. One of the FAQs in the comments section is about the best pre-law course or college degrees. I mentioned …

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people, women, talking

Women are not compelled to use husband’s surname after marriage

Before you raise your eyebrows, I am not here for a debate. I am just here to lay down the options available for women in accordance with the law. Keeping your surname or changing it to your husband’s surname is a woman’s right and a personal choice. For me, it should not necessarily reflect the …

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Step by step Guide on how to transfer land titles in the Philippines

Congratulations for finally purchasing your dream lot! Now, what? Well I hate to burst your bubble, but there are deadlines you need to beat and taxes you need to pay! Otherwise, the BIR and the city or municipal government will be coming at you with penalties and surcharges. So buckle up, collect all documents, fill …

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5 things you need to consider before buying a land in the Philippines

If you are planning to buy a property, you should know the things you need to consider before closing that deal. This is important because if something wrong happens in the future and you are sued, I tell you, you cannot feign ignorance in the court. A person who is dealing with a registered property …

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Should Benguet Corporation raise its tailings dam?

I wrote about this issue last 2014, when this subject matter was at its peak. Today, I  am surprised to hear about Benguet Corporation’s (BC) raising of its tailings dam again after six years. Last Sunday, they announced after our mass at Saint Charles Borromeo (Itogon, Benguet) that the community will be holding a public meeting …

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How to correct clerical or typographical errors in your birth certificate

I am sharing with you my firsthand experience on how to correct clerical errors in a birth certificate and how it all started. Like you, as much as possible, I don’t like transacting with government offices. I don’t want to deal with the stress  brought about by long lines, red tape, and unfriendly government employees. …

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Pwede po bang maging GSIS/SSS beneficiary yung kinakasama ko ngayon?

A client, who looked hesitant to ask, stood in front of me. I took the initiative to ask if he has any legal inquiries. I motioned him to take his seat but he refused, saying he just wanted to ask one question. He asked, “Kung sakaling mamatay ako anytime soon, pwede po bang maging GSIS …

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