Lately, I've been seeing a lot of questions about the legal side of weddings—whether it’s about the paperwork, officiants, or just making sure everything’s legit . It's great to see so much support, but sometimes the details can get overlooked. While people are sharing tips and helping couples plan, it’s super important to remember that the legal stuff needs just as much attention. Getting everything in line for a legally recognized marriage is key to making sure your “I do” actually holds up!   Essential and Formal Requisites of Marriage Under Articles 2 and 3 of the Family Code of the Philippines, a valid marriage requires: Legal Capacity : Both parties must be male and female, at least 18 years old, and without any legal impediments to marry. Consent : Mutual consent must be freely given in the presence of the solemnizing officer. Authority of the Solemnizing Officer : The marriage must be officiated by an individual legally authorized to do so. Marriage License : A valid ma...

Hello, dear readers! It’s time for a little detour. Let’s press pause on the usual topics and embark on a whimsical adventure into the realm of storytelling! Today, I bring you something close to my heart—a short story created with my kids. It’s filled with magic, lessons, and a sprinkle of excitement to spark your imagination. So, sit back, relax, and let the tale of Joe and the Forbidden Kingdom whisk you away to a world of wonder. In a quiet forest in Washington, a young man named Joe lived with his frail grandmother, Apo. Orphaned at a young age, Joe grew up listening to Apo's tales about fairies living in an enchanted kingdom deep in the woods. But Joe wasn't like his kind-hearted grandmother—he was ambitious and greedy. He dreamt of meeting a fairy, not for magic or wonder, but to wish for a luxurious life. One day, Apo went hunting and warned Joe to behave while she was away. But hours passed, and Apo hadn’t returned. Hungry and restless, Joe smashed pots and overturned ...

When it comes to tying the knot, civil weddings offer a no-frills, heartfelt alternative to grand ceremonies. As someone privileged to solemnize marriages, I’ve discovered the joy of guiding couples as they embark on this life-changing journey. The experience isn’t just about officiating; it’s about sharing wisdom, laughter, and a deeper understanding of what marriage truly means. So, how does a civil wedding unfold? Let’s dive in! The Legal Foundation of Marriage Before we get into the ceremonial details, let’s talk about the foundation of marriage as defined under Philippine law. According to Article 1 of the Family Code , marriage is: “A special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation.” Marriage isn’t just a romantic prom...

Hosting a staycation in the Philippines can be one of the coolest gigs ever – but let’s be real, it comes with its fair share of challenges. If you’re juggling listings on platforms like Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com (and, let’s face it, maybe a few tabs open), things can get a little wild. Don’t stress, though – we’ve got the tips to help you avoid those major host headaches and make your property the go-to destination for guests. Here’s the ultimate list of challenges and how to handle them like a pro! 1. Too Many Tabs Open (The "Multi-Tasking" Struggle) Managing multiple platforms can feel like you're living in a never-ending browser tab nightmare. Double bookings? We’ve all been there. The secret to staying sane is using a *channel manager* (e.g., Smoobu, Lodgify, or Beds24) . It helps sync your calendars across platforms, so you never miss out on a booking – or accidentally double-book. Easy easy! 2. The DM Floodgate (Everyone's Asking Questions!) It’s 3 a.m., ...

Last weekend, my family decided to take a spontaneous escape to Tagaytay. You know those days when you just need a break after a crazy week of work and school tasks? We were all in need of some relaxation, and what better way to reward the kids for their hard work in school than a chill trip to Tagaytay? 🙌💯 To be honest, we didn’t get much downtime during the holidays (typical, right?), so we thought, why not do something spontaneous? We didn’t have any big plans—just a quick visit to a cozy spot, some good food, and a relaxed vibe. Here’s how it went! The Search for the Perfect Lunch 🍴 We’ve been to a lot of restaurants in Tagaytay, but there was one place I always passed by when I used to work there. It was called Royale Parc Hotel and Restaurant (classic name, right?), but after the pandemic, it got a glow-up and turned into Dekada, serving Filipino cuisine. But guess what? When we arrived, I was totally surprised—it had been turned into  Royale Palace Chinese Restaurant ! ?...

In nearly 13 years of practicing law, one recurring question I’ve encountered is: What should you or a loved one do if arrested without a valid warrant? Many Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) I’ve interviewed share a troubling pattern. When asked about their cases, they often don’t know the specific reasons for their arrest. Some claim the accusations are false, while others allege evidence was planted against them. One critical issue is the lack of awareness about their legal rights. Many PDLs are unaware that they can request a preliminary investigation during an inquest proceeding to present their side before the Inquest Prosecutor. This lack of knowledge often leads to missed opportunities for defense. In this article, I’ll guide you through: What inquest proceedings is? When is warrantless arrest allowed? The purpose of an inquest and the respondent’s rights during the process. Key legal remedies for a respondent or suspect. The significance of requesting a preliminary investiga...

   Looking for the perfect staycation spot where comfort meets serenity? Welcome to Y&L's Crib, your "home away from home" nestled in the lush surroundings of Pine Suites, Tagaytay City. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a long-term retreat, Y&L's Crib offers a harmonious blend of modern amenities and tranquil ambiance. Let us take you on a virtual tour of our cozy, family- and pet-friendly staycation suite, designed to create lasting memories. The Location: Our unit is located in Pine Suites along Bonifacio Drive, Tagaytay City. This serene haven comprises three residential towers surrounded by lush greenery. Amenities include a clubhouse/function hall, gym, swimming pools for adults and kids (with washing and restroom facilities), a playground, jogging path, and underground private parking. Additional parking slots are available in front of each tower (exclusive for unit owners and staff) and at an offsite parking area just two minut...

In life, even the smallest of mistakes can lead to significant challenges—and opportunities. What starts as an error in judgment or action can often evolve into a lesson in trust, perseverance, and the enduring kindness of strangers. My recent experience with a simple banking mistake turned into a heartwarming encounter that renewed my faith in people and highlighted the power of honesty and persistence. This afternoon, I encountered a situation that tested my faith and trust in humanity. While paying utility bills, my mobile wallet funds fell short, so I transferred ₱2000 from my online banking account to my wallet. Confident the funds were available, I attempted the transaction again, but it still failed due to insufficient funds. To my dismay, I realized I had typed the last digit of the account number incorrectly during the transfer. Panicked, I immediately reported the error to my bank’s customer service. They assured me they would file a report but could not guarantee a refund. I...

In the Philippines, it is a well-established principle that no one shall be imprisoned solely by reason of debt. This protection is enshrined in Article III, Section 20 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states, "No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax." However, while non-payment of debt does not directly lead to imprisonment, there are specific instances where a debtor may face criminal charges, particularly when deceit or fraud is involved. Although the non-payment of debt is not a crime, situations such as estafa or swindling under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) may lead to criminal liability. A person may be charged with estafa if they obtain money, property, or services through deceitful means or fraudulent acts. Examples include issuing bouncing checks (violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 22), misrepresenting one’s identity or financial capacity, or failing to deliver on a contractual promise with malicious intent. If the frau...

  Just this morning, I received a phone inquiry from a friend from way back in elementary school seeking legal advice about a loan agreement. She was apprehensive about the legal consequences of non-payment of interest and felt overwhelmed by the mounting penalties. Sickly and eager for peace of mind, she wanted to settle the matter amicably but sought guidance on how to proceed. Her concern led me to revisit the intricacies of the law on interest and penalties in loan agreements, an area often misunderstood by both creditors and debtors. The Requirement of a Written Agreement In the Philippines, the imposition of interest and penalties on loans must be made in writing. Article 1956 of the Civil Code of the Philippines explicitly provides: "No interest shall be due unless it has been expressly stipulated in writing." This means that verbal agreements to impose interest, no matter how strongly claimed by a creditor, cannot be enforced unless reduced to a written document s...