LEGAL EDITORIAL | Martin-Rojo & Associates

The Legal Paradox: Questions Raised by a Public Reward Based on an ICC Warrant

The announcement by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) offering a ₱50-million reward for the arrest of sitting Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has raised significant legal, constitutional, and public-accountability questions. While proponents view the move as an effort to support international accountability, a closer examination of Philippine constitutional law and statutory procedures indicates that the legal basis, implementation, and funding of suc

Atty. Donvic Torio

Oct 274 min read

Before You Sign an Inheritance Waiver: 5 Things Every Heir Should Know

When a family member passes away, the heirs must decide how to divide the properties left behind. Sometimes, an heir agrees to give up their share in favor of a sibling by signing a document called a “Waiver of Rights.” While this may seem like a simple family agreement, the document can have important legal consequences. In some cases, a waiver may even be considered a donation under Civil Code of the Philippines. Here are three important things to know before signing an inh

Succession and Settlement of Estate

Rachelle Anne Maureen Vinluan

Oct 223 min read

A Debt Is Not a License to Harass: What Filipinos Can Do Against Online Lending App Harassment

In these trying times, a growing number of Filipinos have turned to short-term loans from online lending applications (OLAs). The proliferation of these easily downloadable apps has made quick cash more accessible than ever. However, this convenience has come at a cost: many borrowers have been subjected to exorbitant interest charges, incessant harassment, and even death threats directed not only at the borrower but also at individuals listed in the borrower’s contacts. Some

Special Laws

Atty. Dianne Elizabeth Feeney

Oct 223 min read

Who Owns the Song? An Introduction to Music Copyright in the Philippines

Songwriting has always been a mystery; it could have started with one person, a simple hum and fifteen minutes of writing or a whole two-month ordeal with multiple hours of takes and five people working on it. But when it becomes a hit, who owns it and who takes what from it? Is it the person who wrote the lyrics, the one who played the instruments or is it the label or producer? For burgeoning musicians or hobbyists, it doesn’t seem like a concern but you can never be too ca

Intellectual Property

Brian Jerald Paras

Oct 135 min read

Shelf Tags vs. POS: What Are Consumers’ Rights?

Given the economic challenges we face today, it is not uncommon for Filipino families to carefully monitor their spending in order to stay within budget. While grocery shopping, you keep track of your purchases by entering prices into your calculator, choosing only the items you need, and checking shelf tags to ensure they fit within your family’s budget. However, by the time you reach the cashier, the total amount on your calculator differs from the amount reflected in t

Special Laws

Aya M. Balana-Arejola

Oct 123 min read

FDA Certificate of Product Registration for Drugs and BA/BE in the Philippines

A drug or biologic intended for manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, or other regulated activity in the Philippines generally requires prior authorization from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For many drugs and biologics, the relevant authorization is a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR). The CPR confirms that the product has undergone the FDA’s regulatory evaluation under the applicable requirements for quality, safety, and efficacy. The FD

Government Agency

Atty. Ashley Martin-Rojo

Aug 15 min read