Dear PAO

Philippines

Columnist at The Manila Times

PAO Chief. Doctor of Social Development. Attorney of the People. Defender of the marginalized and oppressed

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Articles

Client’s rights arising from contractor’s failure to complete construction project

4 days ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,I hired a contractor that I found through Facebook Marketplace to construct my house. The contractor requested full payment before completing the project and I agreed to pay the entire amount. After several months, the structure of the house was built but the finishing was not completed. I have repeatedly called and messaged the contractor, but he has not responded to any of my messages. What are my legal rights against the contractor?
Negligence to address bullying

5 days ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,My son lost his mechanical pencil during his music class. The next day, he noticed that one of his classmates had it. He asked his classmate to return his pencil, but the latter refused. When my son insisted that it be returned, his classmate suddenly punched him on the left arm, and another classmate punched him three times on the right arm. My son reported the incident to his teacher, but the latter did nothing. I then went to his school to personally complain, but they also did nothing.
Separation pay in case of redundancy

6 days ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,I am confused about how my separation pay was computed. I was dismissed from my job due to redundancy in our company.
Prescription period of reckless imprudence resulting to slight physical injuries

1 week ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,Three months ago, while I was on my way home to Batangas, I was involved in a vehicular accident along EDSA Monumento. I ran into a pedestrian who was jaywalking, resulting in multiple cuts and bruises on his forearm and legs. I quickly brought him to the nearest hospital for treatment. The doctor said he would recover within a week. I then paid his entire bill, including x-rays and medications, and gave him extra cash of P5,000.00.
The Principle of Promissory Estoppel

1 week ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,I served as vice president of a prominent company that ceased operations during the Covid-19 pandemic due to severe financial losses. As a result, the management opted to cease operation and pay the workers what was due to them. For six (6) months following the cessation of operations, the company president and I continued to oversee the company's liquidation and closure activities, despite no longer receiving our respective salaries.
Repudiation of inheritance

1 week ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,My grandfather, the testator, had two sons: my father and my uncle. On 12 June 2024, my grandfather was involved in a vehicular accident that led to his death. During a drinking session between my father and uncle, my father verbally told my uncle that he was repudiating his share in our grandfather's estate. Subsequently, my father passed away on October 23, 2024 due to cardiac arrest.
Ombudsman also has jurisdiction over misconduct of barangay official

1 week ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,My mom believes that the barangay chairperson abused his power when he forcibly evicted her from a disputed property situated in our barangay. She filed a complaint before the barangay, but nothing happened. They also refused to issue a certification that would allow her to proceed with filing her complaint in the appropriate forum. When I accompanied my mother to the barangay to obtain the necessary certification, an official asked about the purpose of the request.
A co-owner cannot be forced to sell his share in a co-ownership

1 week ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,I am one of the heirs of our late parents, who left behind a parcel of land. Among all the heirs, only one has expressed his refusal to sell the property. As a result of this refusal, no sale has taken place. I would like to inquire: does he have the legal right to prevent the sale of the property, even if the majority of us are in favor of selling it?
Credit card 'pakaskas' scheme's risk and recourse

1 week ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,Six months ago, I started a 'pakaskas' business using my credit cards, where I let other people swipe my cards for their purchases, usually on an installment basis, for a fee. It seemed promising at first because aside from the standard fee that I charge from every transaction, I am also able to maximize cashbacks and rebates from my credit cards. From the get-go, I made it a rule to only lend to those I know personally, i.e., friends and relatives.
Contract of Service worker is not considered a government employee

1 week ago | manilatimes.net | Dear PAO

Dear PAO,I am a Contract of Service worker in the government. My superior informed me that my contract will not be renewed next year. I have been connected with this agency for 10 years now. May I know if my contract can be terminated without any cause? If my services are terminated, will I be entitled to GSIS benefits? Thank you. Vincent Dear Vincent,The answer to your query is found in Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution 021430, dated Nov.