Cagula & Diaz Law Firm

Cagula & Diaz Law Firm Legal Assistance in Siargao Island and Beyond

The Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) Board has issued ULAS Advisory No. 1, S. 2026, which informs all lawyers of the sch...
12/02/2026

The Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS) Board has issued ULAS Advisory No. 1, S. 2026, which informs all lawyers of the scheduled launch of the ULAS Portal – Phase 1 on March 3, 2026.

The ULAS Portal refers to the centralized online platform that will be used for purposes of reporting and monitoring compliance with the ULAS Rules and the Manual. Upon the launch of Phase 1, registered organizations may already submit their manifestations of intent to aggregate, and applicants may apply for pre-accreditation or post-accreditation of legal outreach programs and legal missions through the Portal.

All lawyers are advised that access to the ULAS Portal requires an active PJP account.

Read the full text of ULAS Advisory No. 1, S. 2026 athttps://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ULAS-Advisory-No.-1-s.-2026.pdf

Originally published by the Supreme Court Public Information Office.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SupremeCourtPhilippines

Site: sc.judiciary.gov.ph

READ | ANTI-EPAL DRIVE: DILG Orders Immediate Removal of Officials’ Names and Images from Government ProjectsThe Departm...
31/01/2026

READ | ANTI-EPAL DRIVE: DILG Orders Immediate Removal of Officials’ Names and Images from Government Projects

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has ordered the strict nationwide enforcement of the Anti-Epal policy, directing all local government units and DILG offices to immediately remove the names, images, and likenesses of public officials from all government funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, all provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials, including DILG central, regional, and field offices and attached agencies, are required to ensure that no public official’s name, photo, logo, initials, color motif, slogan, or any identifying symbol appears on project signages, markers, tarpaulins, and similar materials funded by public money.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stressed that government projects are paid for by the people and must never be used for personal promotion.

Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit grabbing.

The Circular cites the 1987 Constitution’s principle that public office is a public trust, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Commission on Audit rules that classify such personalized displays as unnecessary expenses. It is further reinforced by the 2026 General Appropriations Act which explicitly prohibits attaching officials’ names and images to government funded projects.

All concerned officials and employees are directed to cause the immediate removal and correction of non-compliant materials. Heads of offices are accountable for full and prompt compliance, as well as for cascading the directive to all units under their supervision.

The DILG also reiterated the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to keep government projects free from political self-promotion and personality branding, and encouraged citizens to report violations of the Anti-Epal policy.

Public funds are for public service. Not for personal publicity.

Originally published by DILG Philippines.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/dilg.philippines

📌 2026 Barangay & Sangguniang Kabataan Elections | Calendar of ActivitiesPlease be guided by the official COMELEC calend...
29/01/2026

📌 2026 Barangay & Sangguniang Kabataan Elections | Calendar of Activities

Please be guided by the official COMELEC calendar for the November 2, 2026 Barangay and SK Elections:

🗓 Filing of COC: September 28 – October 5, 2026
🗓 Election Period: October 3 – November 9, 2026
🗓 Campaign Period: October 22 – October 31, 2026
🗓 Eve of Election: November 1, 2026
🗳 Election Day: November 2, 2026 (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
📄 Last day to file SOCE: December 2, 2026

Stay informed. Know the deadlines.
Source: COMELEC Surigao del Norte

Congratulations to the 5,594 newly admitted lawyers!*The practice of law is not a contest of egos or trophies. It is a d...
09/01/2026

Congratulations to the 5,594 newly admitted lawyers!*

The practice of law is not a contest of egos or trophies. It is a discipline grounded in fairness, honesty, and respect for due process.

May you advocate with skill, argue with integrity, and never lose sight of the justice you are sworn to uphold.

Welcome to the profession, Panyeras and Panyeros! ⚖️

*subject to final admission upon oath-taking and signing of the Roll of Attorneys 🙏🏼

The has laid down guideposts for proving who owns or controls a social media account in criminal cases. In a Decision ...
26/12/2025

The has laid down guideposts for proving who owns or controls a social media account in criminal cases.

In a Decision written by Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, the SC’s First Division affirmed the conviction of an individual (###) for committing psychological violence under Section 5 (i) of the 𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘪-𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 (𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘪-𝘝𝘈𝘞𝘊) 𝘈𝘤𝘵 against his ex-girlfriend (AAA) by posting derogatory statements about her on 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.

The SC sentenced ### to up to eight years in prison, imposed a PHP 100,000 fine, and ordered ### to undergo psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment.

The SC stressed that in criminal cases, the prosecution must prove not only the elements of the crime but also the identity of the offender.

It explained that for crimes committed through social media, the basic features of the platform such as 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, must be considered.

Noting that 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 is widely used in the Philippines, the SC held that a 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 account can easily be created by anyone claiming to be at least 13 years old with an email address or mobile number.

Once an account is created, the user can add friends, exchange private messages, and post statements, photos, or videos visible to others depending on the user’s privacy settings. Fake or dummy accounts can easily spread, enabling disinformation, identity theft, or crimes.

Given this, the SC ruled that guideposts are necessary to establish who owns or controls a social media account. It said the following must be shown to prove ownership or access:

1. Admission of ownership or authorship;
2. Being seen accessing the account or composing the post;
3. Containing information known only to the offender or a few people;
4. Language consistent with the offender’s characteristics;
5. Records from the internet service provider, telecommunications company, or social media site, and results from device forensic analysis showing geolocation features, and other attributes linking the account to the offender;
6. Acts consistent with previous posts; or
7. Other instances showing ownership, access, or authorship.

Applying these, the SC found that several factors proved ### wrote the 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 post. The account name bore his full name, and the profile photo showed him with his child from his current live-in partner.

AAA’s sister had also received messages from the same account for years.

Read the full text of the Press Release at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=158535.

Read the full text of the Decision at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=158446.

Originally published by the Supreme Court Public Information Office.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SupremeCourtPhilippines

Site: sc.judiciary.gov.ph

This year reminded us that behind every case, contract, and consultation are real people and real stories. Thank you for...
23/12/2025

This year reminded us that behind every case, contract, and consultation are real people and real stories. Thank you for trusting us, working with us, and allowing us to be part of your journey.

We hope this Christmas brings you rest, joy, and time with the people who matter most. May the coming year be lighter, kinder, and full of new beginnings.

From our team to your family, Merry Christmas and a hopeful New Year. 🎄🎁🎆

We want to share our heartfelt appreciation to Hanah Ruth Quiño for her two years of service with our law firm.Hanah has...
27/11/2025

We want to share our heartfelt appreciation to Hanah Ruth Quiño for her two years of service with our law firm.

Hanah has been a dedicated and reliable member of our team, and her contributions helped strengthen our operations and the quality of service we provide to our clients. We truly appreciate her professionalism, her steady presence in the office, and the support she consistently gave throughout her time with us.

As Hanah moved on from the firm this November, we want to take this moment to publicly acknowledge her work and wish her well. May her future endeavors bring her growth, fulfillment, and success.

Thank you, Hanah, for your service. We will miss you. 🖤

Nagpasya ang maaaring ma-forfeit ang hindi maipaliwanag na kayamanan o ari-arian na nakuha ng isang pampublikong opisy...
21/11/2025

Nagpasya ang maaaring ma-forfeit ang hindi maipaliwanag na kayamanan o ari-arian na nakuha ng isang pampublikong opisyal sa panahon ng kanilang panunungkulan kahit na nakarehistro ang mga ito sa pangalan ng ibang indibidwal.

Sa isang Desisyon na isinulat ni Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao, pinagtibay ng Ikatlong Dibisyon ng Korte Suprema ang forfeiture ng properties, bank deposits, at investment accounts na nakapangalan kay retired Lieutenant General Jacinto C. Ligot (General Ligot) pati na ang mga asset na natunton sa kanya pero nakarehistro sa kanyang asawa, mga anak, at kamag-anak.

Nagsagawa ang Ombudsman ng isang lifestyle check para matukoy kung ang mga ari-arian na nakuha niya sa panahon ng aktibong serbisyo ay lumagpas sa kanyang suweldo at iba pang legal na kita.

Nakita sa pagsisiyasat sa mga idineklarang ari-arian ni General Ligot sa kanyang Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth mula 1982 hanggang 2003 na hindi ito sumasalamin sa mga aktwal na ari-arian sa ilalim ng kanyang pangalan at ng mga malapit niyang miyembro ng pamilya. Kaya naghain ang Ombudsman ng isang petition for forfeiture na inihain laban sa kanya sa Sandiganbayan. Pinangalanan din sa petisyon ang kanyang asawa, kanilang mga anak, at kanyang kapatid na babae at bayaw, na ginamit umano bilang mga front para itago ang kanyang ari-arian.

Napag-alaman ng Sandiganbayan na labag sa batas ang nakuhang ari-arian ni General Ligot at ipinag-utos nito ang forfeiture ng mga ari-arian na nagkakahalaga ng PHP 102 milyon at mga deposito at pondo sa pamumuhunan na nagkakahalaga ng PHP 53 milyon.

Pinagtibay ng Korte ang desisyon ng Sandiganbayan at binigyang-pansin na walang sariling pinagkukunan ng kita ang asawa at mga anak ni General Ligot pero nagmamay-ari pa rin ng mga ari-arian at may hawak silang malalaking bank at investment account sa ilalim ng kanilang mga pangalan.

Binayaran ni General Ligot ang mga condominium ang mga amortization nito kahit na may titulo sa pangalan ng kanyang kapatid. Ang condominium na nakalista sa ilalim ng pangalan ng kanyang bayaw ay unang binili ng asawa ni Heneral Ligot, na walang sariling kita.

Ayon sa Korte, lumalabas na si Heneral Ligot ang tunay na may-ari kahit pa nasa pangalan ng ibang tao ang mga legal na titulo.

Sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 1379, ang mga ari-arian ng mga pampublikong opisyal ay ipinapalagay na iligal na nakuha kapag ang mga ito ay halatang wala sa proporsyon ng kanilang legal na kita.

Nalalapat ang pagpapalagay na ito hindi lamang sa mga ari-arian sa ilalim ng pangalan ng pampublikong opisyal kundi pati na rin sa mga ari-ariang nakatago o inilipat sa iba, hangga't ang tunay na pagmamay-ari ay matututunton sa pampublikong opisyal.

Basahin ang press release sa https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=155660

Basahin ang Desisyon sa https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=155651

Originally published by the Supreme Court Public Information Office.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SupremeCourtPhilippines

Site: sc.judiciary.gov.ph

Nagpahinumdum ang nga angay lang gamiton ang trust fund nga gikuptan sa mga ahensiya sa gobyerno alang sa espisikong k...
03/11/2025

Nagpahinumdum ang nga angay lang gamiton ang trust fund nga gikuptan sa mga ahensiya sa gobyerno alang sa espisikong katuyoan sa pagmugna niini.

Sa Desisyon nga gisuwat ni Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez bag-o siya mi-retiro, gipaluyuhan sa Korte Suprema ang pagbawal sa National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Regional Office sa paggamit para sa ilang operasyon sa pondo nga alang unta sa mga sosyo-ekonomikong programa sa mga Mamanwa Tribe sa Surigao del Norte, sumala sa Presidential Decree No. 1445 o Government Auditing Code of the Philippines.

Nisulod sa usa ka Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) kaniadtong tuig 2009 ang Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation (THPAL), mga Mamanwa Tribe sa Taganito ug Urbiztondo sa Claver, Surigao del Norte (mga Mamanwa Tribe), ug ang NCIP Regional Office No. XIII (NCIP Region XIII). Sakop sa MOA ang pagtukod ug pagpadagan sa usa ka nickel mineral processing plant sa sulod sa yutang kabilin sa mga Mamanwa.

Base sa MOA, mohatag ang THPAL og tabang pinansiyal sa NCIP na gamiton alang sa mga sosyo-ekonomikong proyekto para sa mga lumad kon indigenous (IPs) sa Surigao del Norte. Ideposito ni THPAL ang pondo sa usa ka trust account nga himoon ni NCIP.

Kaniadtong tuig 2012, mipirma ang mga lider sa tribo sa Resolusyon Blg. 14, nga mirekomenda nga gamiton ang tabang pinansiyal sa mga gastos sa operasyon sa NCIP, lakip ang pagkuha og community worker, pagpatawag og mga panagtapok, ug pagpahigayon og pagbansay.

Pero nagpagawas og mga Notice of Disallowance ang Commission on Audit (COA) sa paggamit sa NCIP Region XIII sa pondo gikan sa tabang pinansiyal para sa ilang mga operasyon kaniadtong mga tuig 2013 ug 2014, tungod kay sukwahi kini sa MOA. Miabot sa ₱1,573,227.83 ang kinatibuk-ang Notice of Disallowance.

Sa pagpaluyo sa mga disallowance, miingon ang Korte Suprema nga gikonsiderar nga usa ka trust fund ang tabang pinansiyal, base sa nakasuwat sa MOA. Naggikan ang pondong gigastos sa usa ka trust account nga gimugna alang sa mga sosyo-ekonomikong proyekto para sa kaayohan sa mga lumad sa Surigao del Norte.

Maong paglapas sa balaod ang paggamit sa pondo sa mga gastos sa operasyon sa NCIP Region XIII — sama sa bayad sa abang, pagpalit og mga kahimanan, maintenance, communication, ug mga suplay.

Dugang pa sa Korte Suprema, dili pwedeng gamiton nga basehan ang Resolusyon Blg. 14 isip katarungan sa paggamit sa tabang pinansiyal sa laing katuyoan kay rekomendasyon lang kini sa NCIP En Banc nga angay nilang ikonsiderar.

Basahin ang press release sa https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=154776.

Basahin ang Desisyon sa https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=154770.

Originally published by the Supreme Court Public Information Office.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SupremeCourtPhilippines

Site: sc.judiciary.gov.ph

21/10/2025

Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe said the Office of the Solicitor General no longer automatically appeals annulment and declaration of nullity of marriage cases granted by regional trial courts, and conducts an assessment first to determine whether a ruling should be challenged.

The (SC) has ruled that unauthorized structures on public land, including 𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘰𝘬𝘦 machines, 𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪-𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪 stores, billiard...
15/10/2025

The (SC) has ruled that unauthorized structures on public land, including 𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘰𝘬𝘦 machines, 𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪-𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪 stores, billiard tables, 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘴, and other businesses on beaches, may be demolished for being public nuisances.

In a Decision written by Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, the SC’s Second Division upheld the order to demolish various illegal structures along Matabungkay Beach in Lian, Batangas.

The owners of Villa Alexandra Beach Resort and Restaurant in Matabungkay Beach filed a case for abatement of nuisance, easement, and injunction against Pablo and Patnubay Calimlim (Calimlims), who had operated informal structures along the beach for over 50 years.

The resort owners claimed the structures were built without the necessary permits and disrupted their business and inconvenienced guests, leading to financial losses.

Affirming the Court of Appeals ruling which ordered the demolition of the illegal structures for being public nuisances, the SC found that the structures were built on public foreshore land without the required lease agreement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

According to DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-24, in relation to the 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘤𝘵 or Commonwealth Act No. 141, foreshore lands may be disposed of only through a lease agreement with the DENR. The Calimlims’ lease application was denied by the DENR, making their occupation and use of the land unauthorized.

The DENR acknowledged this illegal occupancy and issued Notices to Vacate, which the Calimlims ignored. The SC ruled that their obstruction of and unauthorized occupation and use of the foreshore land equate to a public nuisance.

Read the full text of the Press Release at https://tinyurl.com/yyp6y4kr.

Read the full text of the Decision at https://tinyurl.com/5axh8jcj.

Originally published by the Supreme Court Public Information Office.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SupremeCourtPhilippines

Site: sc.judiciary.gov.ph

Address

San Vicente Street, Barangay 4-Poblacion, Siargao Island
General Luna
8419

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Wednesday 8am - 5pm
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