Maybe you have been asked by a friend to sign as a co-maker in a loan transaction. You’re then asked to sign a promissory note or a debt instrument which designates you as a co-maker. There should be no problem with this, as the principal is usually someone the co-maker knows and trusts. However, there are plenty of examples when co-makers are declared liable because the principal debtor was not able to pay. This is a brief discussion on the extent of a co-maker’s liability.
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Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (RA 9208): A Primer
A recent news article warns foreigners from marrying Filipino women in exchange for their kidneys or other organs. Two laws were cited: the law against mail-order brides and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. Since we already have a previous discussion on the prohibition against mail-order brides, let’s have a brief discussion on Republic Act No. 9208, also known as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003“.
Continue readingState of the Nation Address (SONA) 2009
[Full text of the 2009 SONA. The State of the Nation Address or “SONA” is given by the President before a joint session of both houses of Congress, pursuant to Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, which reads: “The President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session. He may also appear before it at any other time.” Here’s the full text of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo‘s 2009 State of the Nation Address [July 27, 2009]; See also ; 2010 SONA]
Continue readingPetitions Assailing House Resolution No. 1109 Dismissed by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court recently dismissed petitions to nullify House Resolution No. 1109, entitled “A Resolution Calling upon the Members of Congress to Convene for the Purpose of Considering Proposals to Amend or Revise the Constitution, Upon a Three-fourths Vote of All the Members of Congress”.
Continue readingJudicial Recognition of a Foreign Divorce Decree
Divorce is not allowed in the Philippines and divorce secured anywhere by a Filipino is not recognized in this jurisdiction.We already have a number of discussions on this. In certain instances, however, a divorce validly secured abroad may be recognized here in the Philippines.
Continue readingHouse Resolution 1109 (re: Constitutional Amendment or Revision)
[The House of Representatives recently issued a resolution asking that members of Congress — which, in a bicameral set-up, is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives — convene to consider amendments or revisions of the Constitution. A stated purpose is to highlight a justiciable controversy, to allow the Supreme Court to decide, whether the Constitutional amendment/revision by Congress should be done by both chambers voting separately. Full text of House Resolution No. 1109 is reproduced below. See also similar discussions: How to Change a Constitution and SC dismisses petition assailing House Resolution 1109.]
Continue readingObstruction of Justice (PD 1829) in the Philippines: A Summary
Obstruction of justice refers to the commission of acts penalized under Presidential Decree No. 1829 (“Penalizing Obstruction of Apprehension and Prosecution of Criminal Offenders”). Any person — whether private or public — who commits the acts enumerated below may be charged with violating PD 1829.
Continue readingPrimer on the Minimum Wage Tax Exemption
It’s that time of the year when we are again required to pay taxes and file our income tax returns. Some, however, are exempt from paying income tax. Minimum wage earners are not required to pay income taxes. Here’s a primer of the new law.
Continue readingIntroduction to the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008
The law which governs cooperatives, prior to the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 9520 (“Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008“), is Republic Act No. 6938 (“Cooperative Code of the Philippines”). Here’s a basic discussion on the new law (a more extensive primer will subsequently be released, initially made available to clients).
Continue readingRight of Reply: Senate Bill 2150 and House Bill 3306
(Another proposed law which is the subject if intense discussion is the Right of Reply Bill. Senate Bill 2150 and House Bill 3306 are currently being discussed, both in the Senate/House of Representatives and the community. Let’s hear your thoughts on this proposed law.)
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