Feature of the Month
Navigating the DOJ’s New Evidence Quantum Guidelines
On July 16, 2024, the Department of Justice issued Department Circular No. 15, series of 2024, otherwise known as the “2024 DOJ-NPS Rules on Preliminary Investigations and Inquest Proceedings.” Among its most notable provisions is Section 5 Rule II, which changed the evidentiary standard in criminal cases filed before the prosecutor’s office. It required a…
Read More5 Important points from SC, DOJ for trial lawyers
Here are important updates in the last couple months based on recent decisions and advisories of the Supreme Court (SC) and circular of the Department of Justice (DOJ): The filing of complaint before the DOJ stops the prescriptive period for crimes The SC has clarified that the time limit or prescriptive period for…
Read MorePhilippine Elections 2025 – Important Notes For Voters And Candidates
The Philippines holds a National Election every three years for Congressional elections and every six years for Presidential elections. This second Monday of May this year is election time. Looking back, the first national elections in the Philippines was held on September 16, 1935. The Filipino voters went to the polls to elect the…
Read MoreLent, Internship and Reflections
Our 200-hour internship at Z. Soriano & Associates is nearing its end as the Lenten Season begins, and because of this, we could not help but engage in self-reflections. The Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, is a time for Christians to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, practice repentance, and deepen their faith through…
Read MoreVAWC – IS IT USED AND ABUSED BY WOMEN?
Parang inaabuso naman ng mga babae ang VAWC kasi pabor sa kanila ang batas. Paano naman kami, wala ba kaming proteksyon?” This is the most common issue raised by most men, well, at least in our office, in VAWC cases. But is it true? If we trace back the rationale behind this law, the Supreme…
Read MoreAvoiding Love Scams – A Valentine’s Day Reminder
Image by mina6120 from Pixabay Valentine’s Day is a season of love, roses, and chocolates—but it’s also a prime hunting ground for scammers. Reflecting on my singlehood days, I learned valuable lessons about protecting myself from love traps. Love, like law, requires diligence. Here are some personal tips I followed to avoid becoming a victim of love…
Read More3 Common (Legal) Problems of Small Businesses and their Solutions
Image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pixabay Business clients of our firm say their common problems last year have something to do with 1) rising cost of doing business; 2) lack of capital and cash flow; 3) use of online platforms for their business that often gets them into trouble instead of getting customers and expanding…
Read MoreWhen I applied for a Cenomar, I found out that I already have a registered marriage. What should I do?
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay Aside from the last-minute shopping for gifts, Noche Buena grocery shopping, and the likes, December is also a season of love for many couples who are looking to get married in the “Kasalang Bayan.” Apart from considering the readiness to commit to a lifetime relationship, it is important to ensure…
Read MoreThe Role Of The Government During Calamities
Image by Hans from Pixabay We thought of this topic amidst typhoon Kristine, one of the deadliest typhoons that hit the country last month. During typhoons it is usual to hear government announcements of typhoon signals with calls for evacuation or suspension of classes and work, assignment of evacuation centers and distribution of relief goods.…
Read MorePiercing the veil of corporate fiction
Image by Sangeeth Sangi from Pixabay The Senate and House of Representatives have recently been occupied with the investigations of high-profile personalities with alleged ties to Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs). These POGOs are suspected of being the hotbed for various criminal activities, including money laundering, human trafficking, illegal gambling, graft, and corruption, among others.…
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