Inah E. Law Office

15/10/2025

⚖️ Forcible Entry vs. Unlawful Detainer: Know the Difference

Disputes over possession of property are common, and many fall under what the law calls ejectment cases — either forcible entry or unlawful detainer. Although they both involve recovering possession, the distinction between them is important:

🏠 Forcible Entry happens when a person takes possession of a property without the owner’s consent—through force, intimidation, threat, strategy, or stealth.
📅 The one-year period to file the case is counted from the time the rightful possessor was unlawfully deprived of the property.

🏡 Unlawful Detainer, on the other hand, arises when the person in possession initially had a lawful right to occupy the property (for example, as a tenant or lessee) but continues to stay after the right has expired or been revoked.
📅 The one-year period to file is counted from the date of the last demand to vacate.

These cases focus on physical possession (possession de facto) — not ownership. The court determines who has the better right to occupy the property, regardless of who holds the title.

Understanding the difference helps parties know the proper remedy and the correct timing for legal action.

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19/08/2025

Inah E. Law Office is now part of the Legal Tree Public Directory. You may view the profile here:

https://legaltree.ph/ask-an-attorney/lawyer/234

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11/08/2025

⚖️ Know Your Rights as a Borrower

Even if you’re behind on your installment payments, you are protected by law. Lenders must respect your rights:

✅ Proper Collection Only – No harassment, threats, bad language, late-night/early-morning calls, or telling others about your debt.
✅ Written Notices – You must get clear written details of what you owe and where to pay.
✅ Statement of Account – You can request a breakdown of your balance, interest, penalties, and payments made.
✅ Delay ≠ No Rights – You can still settle fairly, avoid harassment, and pay only what is justly due.
✅ Keep Payment Proofs – Receipts and transaction confirmations protect you in case of disputes.

💡 Remember: Debt is not a crime. You cannot be jailed for it, but lenders can take legal steps to collect — as long as they follow the rules.

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01/07/2025

✨ A gentle reminder from your lawyer-on-call! ✨

Whether you're planning to consult, notarize documents, or need legal guidance, here’s our regular office schedule:

📌 Office Hours
🕘 Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN
🕑 Tuesday to Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📅 Weekends: By appointment only (subject to availability)
🕓 Outside office hours: Available by appointment

To help us assist you better, kindly message us through this page at least one day in advance to book your consultation. 💬📆

We appreciate your trust and continued support. 🤝⚖️

18/06/2025

⚖️ Can you be jailed for not paying your debts?

Under Article III, Section 20 of the 1987 Constitution, “No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.”

This provision protects individuals from being jailed simply because they failed to pay personal financial obligations or local fixed taxes (like the poll tax). It recognizes that while debts are enforceable through legal means, they should not lead to the loss of one’s liberty.

The goal is to prevent misuse of state power in collecting money, and to ensure that no person is unjustly detained because of poverty or financial hardship.

While you cannot be imprisoned for debt, creditors may still pursue civil remedies such as filing a collection case or having assets garnished.

💡 Know your rights. Understand the limits of the law. Protect your freedom.

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10/06/2025

We at Inah E. Law Office are here to assist you with your legal concerns—whether it’s securing a contract, settling an estate, or simply needing sound legal advice.

🔹 Notarial Services
🔹 Legal Consultations
🔹 Review & Drafting of Contracts
🔹 Estate Settlement (including Extrajudicial Settlement)
🔹 Assistance in Criminal Cases
🔹 Assistance in Labor Cases

📍 Unit 1102 Park Centrale Building, Jose Maria del Mar St., Cebu IT Park, Apas, Cebu City
📞 09081832607
📧 [email protected]

🕘 Send us a message or visit by appointment.

📌 See our full list of services in the image below 👇

05/06/2025

📌 LEGAL TIP OF THE WEEK: Is Your Family’s Extra-Judicial Settlement Complete?

Many families process the Extra-Judicial Settlement of Estate (EJS) after a loved one passes away — but did you know that missing just one heir’s signature or excluding a rightful heir can make the entire document defective?

👉 This can cause delays, prevent property transfers, or worse — lead to legal disputes.

✅ Always ensure:

* ALL rightful heirs are included.

* The settlement is properly notarized.

* The estate taxes are correctly computed and paid.

* Publication requirements are followed.

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16/05/2025

🌱 LEGAL REMINDER FRIDAY 🌱
Support is not just a moral duty — it’s a legal one.

Even if a couple separates without going to court, the parent who leaves the home is still legally obligated to support their children. 💼👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

✅ This includes food, education, medical needs, housing, and more — depending on the family’s means.
✅ You don’t have to wait for a formal separation to ask for support. You can file a petition for support in court if needed.

📌 If you're a parent left raising your kids alone, know your rights.

14/05/2025

📌 Legal Tip of the Week: Know Your Rights in Property Transactions 🏡

Buying property? Don’t skip the due diligence step!
Make sure to:

✅ Verify the title – check for encumbrances or annotations
✅ Confirm the seller’s authority to sell (especially if married)
✅ Ask for tax declarations and updated real property tax payments
✅ Visit the property and know what you're buying

A few extra steps now can save you from years of legal trouble later.

21/04/2025

📌 DID YOU KNOW?

Before buying a property, it’s important to do due diligence — your legal safety net!

Here are a few key things to check:

✅ Title Verification – Is the title clean, authentic, and free from encumbrances?
✅ Tax Declaration & Real Property Tax Clearance – Are taxes up to date?
✅ Zoning & Land Use Compliance – Is the property allowed for your intended use?
✅ Actual Site Inspection & Survey – Does the property match what’s on paper?
✅ Check for Pending Cases – Are there any legal disputes involving the property?

A little extra caution today can save you from big problems tomorrow.

12/04/2025

As we commemorate Holy Week, may we take this time to pause, reflect, and renew our spirit.

In the midst of our daily responsibilities, may we be reminded of the values of compassion, forgiveness, and service—virtues that guide not only our personal lives but also the work we do for others.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and peaceful Holy Week. ✨

24/03/2025

📝 Thinking of Buying Property in the Philippines? Here's a Quick Due Diligence Checklist! 🏡

Before signing any agreement or paying any amount, it's essential to do your homework. Here are some key steps to protect yourself:

✅ Check the Title – Request a Certified True Copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) from the Registry of Deeds to confirm ownership and check for encumbrances.

✅ Inspect the Tax Declaration & Real Property Tax Clearance – Make sure all taxes are paid up to date to avoid hidden liabilities.

✅ Verify Zoning & Land Use Compliance – Confirm with the City or Municipal Planning Office if the property’s use aligns with your intended purpose (residential, commercial, etc.).

✅ Ask for a Lot Plan & Conduct a Survey – Especially if boundaries aren’t clear. This avoids future boundary disputes.

✅ Check for Pending Cases or Claims – Visit the Regional Trial Court or consult legal professionals to check if there are ongoing cases involving the property.

🏠 Remember, buying property is a significant investment—proper due diligence is your protection!

(This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for legal advice.)

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