DivinaLaw

08/06/2026

A DOSE OF LAW | The quorum debate

Published 8 June 2026, The Daily Tribune

The recent controversy over quorum in the Senate has transformed what many consider a dry procedural issue into a subject of national interest. Lawyers, politicians, constitutionalists, and ordinary citizens alike have weighed in on the matter. At stake is not merely the counting of heads but the exercise of governmental power itself.

Dean Nilo Divina shares his perspective on the quorum debate.

Please check the comments for the link.

05/06/2026

A DOSE OF LAW | Beyond words: When gestures constitute grave threats

Published 5 June 2026, The Daily Tribune

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court clarified that the crime of Grave Threats under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code may be committed not only through spoken or written words, but also through non-verbal gestures.

Dean Nilo Divina writes about the case of Israel vs. People of the Philippines (G.R. No. 265736, 19 November 2025).

Please check the comments for the link.

01/06/2026

A DOSE OF LAW | When a name is too famous to copy

Published 1 June 2026, The Daily Tribune

When consumers hear the word “NIKON,” they immediately think of cameras. That powerful association was at the heart of a recent Supreme Court decision which reinforces the broad protection afforded to well-known trademarks under Philippine law.

Dean Nilo Divina shares about the case of ISCO Holding Corporation v. Nikon Corporation (G.R. No. 256002, 17 November 2025).

Please check the comments for the link.

29/05/2026

A DOSE OF LAW | Bringing justice closer to Muslim Filipinos

Published 29 May 2026, The Daily Tribune

Under Presidential Decree No. 1083, or the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines, Shariʿah Courts exercise jurisdiction over matters involving Muslim personal and family relations, such as marriage, divorce, succession, and guardianship.

Despite their importance, however, these courts remain limited in number and geographical reach. Many Muslim Filipinos living outside Mindanao and other areas with established Shariʿah Courts have long been compelled to travel considerable distances merely to file pleadings or attend proceedings. For ordinary citizens, this often means additional expense, inconvenience, and delay.

On September 18, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure that makes the Philippine justice system more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Muslim Filipinos.

Dean Nilo Divina talks about RA No. 12304 which amends RA No. 9997, otherwise known as the “National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009."

Please check the comments for the link.

28/05/2026

Atty. Layug at the 3rd EJAP Energy Forum

In a forum organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), government officials and industry leaders recently came together to discuss the country’s response to the ongoing energy crisis and the long-term policy direction for Philippine energy.

DivinaLaw Senior Partner Atty. Jay Layug lauded the present administration for making great strides in transitioning the Philippines towards renewable energy. At the same time, Atty. Layug notes there is still much room for improvement particularly in improving permitting processes for building power plants.

“The EVOSS Act was signed in 2019 and until now, not all government agencies are there in EVOSS. We need everybody to be on the same page,” said Atty. Layug. EVOSS stands for Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop, a centralized, digital platform established under Republic Act No. 11234 to streamline the permitting process for energy projects.

Atty. Layug also pushed for more installed capacity in power generation to avoid the recurring outages during summer months. “Right now, if you check, there are 20 power plants that are either derated or shut down.” He stressed the need to build more power plants and encouraged the government to increase its current renewable energy targets.

Atty. Layug took part in a discussion with fellow panelists, Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Director for Market Operations Service Sharon O. Montañer, Prime CoreGen President and CEO Jose Victor Emmanuel A. de Dios, and MGEN Renewables President and CEO Dennis B. Jordan. Philippine Star Business Editor Iris C. Gonzales was the moderator.

Atty. Layug is a former Undersecretary of the Department of Energy. He co-heads DivinaLaw’s Energy practice group and is also the president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement (DREAM), the umbrella organization of renewable energy associations in the Philippines.

28/05/2026

Thank you for the feature, Philippine Star!

Dulog Legal and the DivinaLaw Foundation bring free legal consultations and barangay justice training to Cebu, highlighting the connection between legal access, peace of mind, and community wellness.

26/05/2026

Eid al-Adha Mubarak! May the spirit of sacrifice and service continue to guide and strengthen our communities.

25/05/2026

Dulog Legal mounts legal aid initiative in Cebu

Dulog Legal and the DivinaLaw Foundation, in partnership with the City Government of Cebu and the League of Lupong Tagapamayapa Cebu City Chapter, conducted a community legal aid initiative on May 23 at Cebu City Hall, delivering lupon capacity building for lupon members across the city and free legal consultations for local residents.

The Cebu initiative forms part of a continuing nationwide series of Dulog Legal programs held in celebration of DivinaLaw’s 20th anniversary and dedicated to reaching Filipinos with limited or no access to legal assistance.

The program opened with remarks from League of Lupong Tagapamayapa Cebu City Chapter President Aida D. Tampas, followed by messages of welcome and support from Cebu City Mayor Nestor Dionson Archival Sr. and City Councilor Pancrasio “Francis” I. Esparis.

The morning session featured a Lupon Training on Katarungang Pambarangay Law attended by around 300 lupon members, facilitated by DivinaLaw Partner and Pro Bono Services Lead Mary Jude C. Marvel and Partner Floro C. Balato, Jr. The discussion provided participants with practical guidance on barangay justice and community dispute resolution.

Supporting the initiative were Senior Partner and Cebu Office Resident Counsel Dara C. Acusar, Senior Partner Gregorio Y. Larrazabal, Senior Associates Bianca Isabel D. Soriano and Vaupetroanji J. Peña, and Cebu Office Associates Clemn Lawrence L. Catubag, Mary Mae M. Denila, and Ena Bernadine V. Paderanga.

Representatives of the League of Lupong Tagapamayapa Cebu City Chapter were likewise present during the program, including members of the Board of Directors Mr. Nelson Tantano, Mr. Anastacio Bihag, Mr. Renato Navarette, and Mr. Favian Sasam, along with the organization’s officers: President Aida D. Tampas, Vice President Enrique Tiongko, Secretary Agustin Jimeno, Treasurer Alfredo Arnaiz, Auditor Jose Deresas, and Public Information Officers Camilo Tabasa and Emily Malto.

Dulog Legal is the flagship pro bono initiative of DivinaLaw, first launched in 2022 by Managing Partner Nilo T. Divina. The Cebu leg marked the program’s 16th mission overall, continuing its efforts to expand access to legal education, legal assistance, and community-based legal services for Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad.

25/05/2026

A DOSE OF LAW | Mitigating circumstances in reckless driving

Published 25 May 2026, The Daily Tribune

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court En Banc clarified that modifying circumstances — whether mitigating or aggravating — apply in cases of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide involving a motor vehicle.

Dean Nilo Divina writes about the case of Ilon vs. People of the Philippines (G.R. No. 260538, 11 November 2025).

Please check the comments for the link.

22/05/2026

A DOSE OF LAW | Civil indemnity for wrongful death

Published 22 May 2026, The Daily Tribune

“There is no word for a parent who loses a child,” begins the Supreme Court in its 25 November 2025 Decision. “That’s how awful the loss is.”

This profound statement introduces a landmark ruling that not only resolves a nearly two-decade-old tragedy but also fundamentally reshapes the legal framework for compensating families who lose loved ones due to negligence.

Dean Nilo Divina discusses the case of University of Southeastern Philippines vs. Spouses Sarate (G.R. No. 247617, 25 November 2025).

Please check the comments for the link.