Street Legal

Back in 2022, Uniteam supporters proudly declared:

“6 years iiyak ang mga pinklawan!" 🤣🫵🏼

Fast forward three years later…

The so-called Uniteam has crumbled—apparently, unity was the only thing holding them together. There was no clear platform, no concrete vision—just slogans, handshakes, and campaign jingles.

Now, former President Duterte faces imprisonment, Vice President Sara is being politically cornered, and corruption scandals are surfacing—complete with ghost flood control projects that seem to exist only in the imagination (and the budget). 👻💰

And imagine this: What if they hadn’t split up?

These corruption exposés wouldn’t have even seen the light of day—because when everyone’s in on it, who’s left to blow the whistle? Unity, indeed—but for all the wrong reasons.

Then comes the latest noise: the appointment of Remulla as Ombudsman. But really, who expected him to appoint a political rival? Even PNoy and PRRD appointed their allies. That’s not new—it’s just the same old weather-weather lang sa pulitika.

So to those who once chanted “Unity!”, how’s the weather treating you now? 🌦️

Maybe in 2028, try a new slogan—something like “Accountability!”—since clearly, unity without integrity just leads to mutual destruction. 😅

'WAG IYAKIN! 🤣🫵🏼

Linya-Linya UPRISING KJah

Sharing this again because I’ve noticed some friends frequently posting about the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). I want to clarify something because I think there’s some confusion.

A common misconception is that the CHR defends criminals—but that’s not what they do.

The CHR's primary role is to safeguard human rights and ensure that the government enforces the law fairly. This includes investigating abuses by authorities, ensuring due process is followed, and protecting individuals from human rights violations.

Defending human rights doesn’t mean shielding criminals—it means making sure law enforcement operates within the law. When authorities violate people’s rights, it can lead to wrongful arrests, police abuse, or even innocent people being punished. A strong justice system upholds fairness for both victims and the accused, ensuring that real criminals are held accountable properly.

Grateful to have joined Mayor Paul Dumlao's People's Day Year 3, bringing free legal services to the people of Barangay Washington alongside the Public Attorney's Office headed by Atty. Vals Lisondra.

Beside me is Atty. Marc Bernal, our future City Councilor, and behind us is Atty. Lex Silvosa, our dedicated City Legal Officer.

Serving the community, one step at a time!

DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN ASKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE

1. Mind your language and your manners.
Respect is valued, not just by lawyers, but by all individuals. So when you address the lawyer, and especially in a situation where you are asking him for a favor, you’ve got to make the effort to express yourself politely. No one wants to be given orders especially if there is no duty to obey, and when you don’t get anything back from obeying. Some people forget their basic courtesy and decorum, expecting the lawyer to help them, and to do it fast. These are the people who end up being rightfully ignored by lawyers when they ask legal questions.

2. Don’t ask questions for the sake of testing the lawyer’s competence, or provoking him into an argument.
Make sure that when you ask legal questions, these, more or less, come from real life situations, if not, from problems that you yourself actually encounter and need to be helped. If you are in the habit of creating scenarios simply for the sake of testing the lawyer’s skills or professional competence, or worse, if you dare to argue with the lawyer on a point of law, you are wasting his time, and depriving the people who deserve to be helped of the assistance they badly need from the lawyer. Don’t ever pretend to know more than the lawyer on matters of law, if you don’t even qualify to get into law school yourself.

3. Ask only questions that require a legal answer.
Even ordinary people have the common sense to know if a subject relates to law or not. If you feel that way about the question you have in mind, you are probably correct, so avoid badgering the lawyer for an answer to that kind of question. No lawyer would enjoy answering questions that you don’t find in the book or in actual practice. For instance, asking when will the company pay your last salary after your resignation, or how long will it take for the court to decide on your complaint are more subjective and depends on factors not strictly confined to law. Expect the answer “it depends”, or, “within reasonable time”. Leave it at that and don’t expect an exact answer because lawyers are just as clueless.

4. Never expect the lawyer to take your side just because you ask him for his advice.
A lot of people unload their frustrations on social media and expect everyone’s sympathy, especially from lawyers who don’t even know them. Lawyers are professionals and they will not betray their oath just to please you and say “you’re right”. Since you took the risk in asking a lawyer for his advice, expect only professional answers and be ready for the hard truths. Don’t ask expecting the lawyer to say the things you want to hear. If you are wrong, the lawyer will tell you so, and sometimes, without sugarcoating his indignation.

5. Be mindful of the lawyer’s time and his boundaries.
Once your legal problem had been answered and the lawyer had given his best to address all your concerns, you must show the courtesy of knowing when it’s time to stop. Never fall into the habit of endless repetition, asking the same questions over and over again, when you should already know that they have already been answered. Another thing to avoid is shifting into another entirely different topic after the lawyer had entertained your requests for clarification and guidance in your original problem. Don’t abuse the lawyer’s generosity and learn to appreciate the kindness in his willingness to share his time and expertise. Save your other questions for another day.

In Surigao City, under the leadership of our first-term Mayor Paul Dumlao, we have been fortunate to witness the implementation of an impactful program known as "People's Day." Through this initiative, all city departments, along with various national line agencies, travel to each of the 54 barangays to personally deliver essential services, including the vital registration of births.

The success of People's Day during its first and second years has been remarkable, and we are optimistic that the third year will bring even more comprehensive service to the community.

It is truly heartening to finally experience leadership that is committed to reaching out and serving every barangayanon, ensuring that no one is left behind.

LATEST JURISPRUDENCE

ADOPTION

The Supreme Court has reiterated that the consent of the adopter’s legitimate children, who are at least 10 years old, is required for a petition for adoption to prosper.

The Court emphasized that Section 9(c) of Republic Act No. (RA) 8552, or the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998, is clear that the written consent of the adopter’s legitimate children aged at least 10 years old is required for the adoption to be valid.

In Castro v. Gregorio, the Court held that the “consent of the adopter’s other children is necessary as it ensures harmony among the prospective siblings. It also sufficiently puts the other children on notice that they will have to share their parent’s love and care, as well as their future legitimes, with another person.”

©️Notes and Jurisprudence

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday announced that it will relax implementing the “No Registration, No Travel” policy this December “in the spirit of the Yuletide season.”

LTO chief Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said that he has ordered all LTO enforcers to just warn the drivers of unregistered motor vehicles.

“Panahon ngayon ng pagdiriwang at ayaw naman natin na ang inyong LTO ay magdudulot pa ng stress sa ating mga kababayan,” Mendoza said in a statement.

LTO relaxing ‘No registration, No travel’ policy this Christmas season MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday announced that it will relax implementing the “No Registration, No Travel” policy this December "in the

September 1, 2023
8:55am

Multiple vehicular collision along Peñaranda Street (in front of DepEd Surigao del Norte Division).

PNP Surigao and CTMO are already addressing the situation.

Thanks Kiat Photography