Atty. Harve B. Abella

13/02/2026

Unsay silot sa Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide?

Tungod kay ang reckless imprudence nga miresulta og homicide silotan under sa ‘grave felony’ bracket sa Article 365, busa ang posibleng pagkabilanggo kasagaran mga 4 ka buwan ug 1 ka adlaw hangtod 4 ka tuig ug 2 ka buwan.

APAN kon naay kalapasan sa motorvehicle law, ang silot kay 2 years, 4 months, 1 day up to 6 years.

Napay APAN pa gyud, kon mu ikyas, wa mutabang (hit and run) musaka pa gyud na 6 years and 1 day up to 10 years ang posibleng silot.

Ug tungod kay ang maong negligent act miresulta pud og damage to property, busa puwede pud ang korte mopataw og multa nga katumbas sa damage hangtod 3× sa damage, dugang pa sa pagbayad sa actual damages nga mapamatud-an (naprove) sa biktima.

Kon ma-convicto, sa instanya nga ubos lang ug 6 years ang silot, pwede pa gani maka apply ug PROBATION Possible nga di gyud mabalhog sa bilangguan. Pero, naa may violation sa motorvehicle law, nya wa tabangi ang biktima, possible mas taas, nya mabilanggo gyud (kon di mu apela sa pagka.convicto).

13/02/2026

Ang pyansa (or bail) dili na adto sa pulis or sa hingtungdan ibayad. Adto na sa corte para sa temporary release sa natanggong tungod sa kalapasan sa balaod. Kon mapawad-an ug sala, ang pyansa (kon cash) i-uli sa acusado.

Naay mga kaso nga ang 1987 Constitution mismo nag sulti pwede ma-pyansahan. Guigarantiya mismo sa Constitution ang pag pyansa sa mga caso nga ang posibleng silot ubos sa Reclusion Perpetua (kinatibuk-ang kinabuhi ma-preso. Maximum ani kay 40 years).

Matod pa sad sa Constitution, kon available ang bail, dili kini dapat unreasonable, apan, kinahanglan nga taas ra sad nga para ma-insure mutunga sa mga hearing. Naay criteria kini, ug naa sab recommendation ang fiscalia kon pila.

Bahala unsa ka-ngila-ad ang salaod nga nabuhat, ang Constitution nag sulti kon unsang kaso ang pwede o di pwede mapyansahan.

Kini ang proceso ilawm sa balaod. Dili ilegal ang pag pyansa. Dili sad ni pagbasura sa kaso nga atubangon sa akusado.

15/01/2026

Kumakasal ba ang Abogado?

Because people see lawyers around weddings, they assume lawyers can “preside.” In practice, lawyers commonly:

draft/prepare affidavits and paperwork (e.g., affidavits of cohabitation when applicable),

advise on marriage impediments,

coordinate with the civil registrar,

and appear as witnesses or counsel in later cases (nullity, property disputes).

But none of those roles equals solemnization authority under Art. 7 of the Family Code.

The myth is also reinforced by headline-grabbing misconduct cases involving judges and marriage irregularities. The public hears “court official signed” or “legal ceremony,” and misattributes that function to “lawyers” as a broad category, even though the law is strict that it must be an authorized solemnizing officer (often a judge) who performs the ceremony and signs as such.

In the meantime, here are the requirements if you plan to get a Civil Wedding.

15/01/2026

Do not assume the divorce you secured overseas is automatically accepted in the Philippines.

Foreign spouse secured a Divorce abroad—What can the Filipino spouse do in the Philippines? 1) Check if your situation falls under Article...

18/12/2025

Legit or bogus Online Lending Apps? Know what App/Platform to trust.

In light of the prevalence of online lending scams, the public is reminded to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of lending applications, platforms, and websites before engaging in any transactions.

To ensure that you are dealing only with authorized and recorded online lending platforms, scan the QR code or visit the link below for the complete list:
🔗 bit.ly/SEC-Recorded-OLPs

Be informed. Be protected. with the SEC.

18/12/2025

Debt collectors telling you they have a warrant of arrest because you failed to pay your ?

Remember, Unpaid debt ≠ automatic warrant of arrest

Many civil debts (loans, credit cards, online lending) are enforceable by civil cases, not by jailing you.

Criminal charges (like BP 22 or estafa) require a formal complaint filed at the prosecutor's office, prosecutor’s investigation, and filing in court.

Real settlements go through proper channels

In criminal cases, legitimate settlements (like restitution) are usually:

Negotiated with the complainant (or their counsel), Documented in writing, and
Often submitted to court if the case is already filed.

Anyone who “fixes” cases for a secret fee is exposing you — and themselves — to more legal problems.

Keep proof of payments and communications

For genuine debts, always demand receipts and keep copies. Look for statements of accounts that are verifiable.

This helps if someone later files a case or lies about what you still owe.

Be an empowered . Know your rights as a debtor.

18/12/2025

Credit Card Collectors Harassing You?

Know what (or what they can't do), and what you can do about it.

If you own a credit card in the Philippines, you’ve probably heard horror stories about collection agents: – Calling late at night – Shout...

28/11/2025

The Regional Trial Court and Municipal Trial Court in Cities of Cebu City are now located at Eastland Hotel and Residences at Villa Aurora, Kasambagan, Cebu City.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

The Regional Trial Court, Cebu City has moved to its new address:

📍Eastland Hotel and Residences, #43 President Roxas Street, Villa Aurora, Kasambagan, Cebu City, 6000

All court transactions will now be conducted at this location. Please be guided accordingly.

22/10/2025

Not sure if the Lawyer/ Notary Public you are dealing with is legit? Verify before handing over your concerns to scammers posing as lawyers.

23/03/2025

Do you know someone who needs help with annulment, child custody, support, or property matters?

Please invite them to join a free webinar brought by Ligala, in partnership with CD Asia and Cebu Lady Lawyers Association (CELLA), Inc.

Speaker: Atty. Joyce Domingo-Dapat
Happening online on March 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM PHT

They can register at

https://forms.office.com/r/vjm27vKRsX

Let’s help those who may need legal guidance and share this with them! Thank you!

03/03/2025

NOTICE

This is to inform the public that ABELLA+ & ABELLA LAW OFFICE / Atty. Harve Abella / ABELLA LAW OFFICE is NOT in any way connected with or affiliated with any collection agency, credit card company, online lending platform, or lending firm.

Our law firm does not engage in debt collection, loan approvals, or any financial transactions related to lending institutions. Any use of our firm’s name in such activities is unauthorized and fraudulent.

For verification or concerns, please contact us directly through this page.