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Alversado Pataueg and Associates Law Office

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Alversado Pataueg and Associates Law Office, Lawyer & Law Firm, The Enterprise Center Tower II, 6766 Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, Legazpi Village, Makati.

A law firm that specializes in a wide variety of legal services, such as but not limited to, corporate and business law; labor and employment law; family and adoption; criminal prosecution and defense; visa and immigration; intellectual property reg.

07/01/2026

Today, the silence broke.

To those who saw their name on that list: Breathe. Just breathe. The weight you have carried for years, the missed birthdays, the anxiety that lived in your chest, the sheer exhaustion, it can finally be set down. That trembling in your hands? That’s victory. You earned every single letter of that title. Welcome to the profession you bled for.

But this post isn’t just for the celebration. It’s also for the silence in the other rooms.

To those whose hearts shattered today because their name was missing: Please, listen closely. This list does not measure your worth. It does not measure your intelligence. And it certainly does not measure your future as a lawyer.

Today feels like an ending, I know. The pain is visceral. But I promise you, this is merely an intermission. The dream has not been extinguished; it is simply taking a deeper breath before the final leap. Your journey is longer, your story is harder, but your eventual victory will be sweeter because of this exact moment of heartbreak.

You are still standing. You are still worthy. The scales will balance in your favor.

We salute the victors, and we wrap our arms around the warriors who must fight another day.

A lawyer is not made in a day; a lawyer is made in the fire.

Again, Congratulations to both the passers and takers! 🫡🫶

25/12/2025

He knows when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. And apparently, he knows how to bypass your home security system..

Let’s look at the “most wonderful time of the year” through the lens of the Revised Penal Code.

When a strange man enters your “private habitable property” in the dead of night without your express permission, whether through the door, window, or chimney, that is a textbook case of Trespass to Dwelling (Article 280, RPC).
The fact that he deliberately waits until nighttime to commit the act? That could technically be considered an aggravating circumstance under Article 14. Further, entering through a chimney? That’s entering through an opening “not intended for entrance,” which is actually an aggravating circumstance or an element of Qualified Trespass to Dwelling (Art. 280).

So, why isn’t Santa serving time in Bilibid?
Lawyers would probably argue the ff defenses:.
He isn’t immune; he just has the perfect legal defense that negates the crime entirely:
1. The “Against the Will” Element: For Trespass to occur, the entry must be against the will of the owner.
2. The Waiver or Implied consent: You put up a tree, hung stockings, and left out food. A good defense lawyer would argue you practically rolled out the red carpet for the trespasser. By decorating your house, hanging stockings with care, and leaving out a plate of milk and cookies, you are legally communicating an invitation. You have effectively waived your right to exclusivity for this specific night and this specific individual.
3. The Quid Pro Quo: The cookies aren’t just a snack; legally, they function as consideration in a contract. You provide the snacks; he provides the entry and the gifts.
4. Lack of Criminal Intent: He’s not there to steal your TV; he’s there to drop off an iPad, iphone etc. It’s hard to prove malice when the “intruder” is reverse-robbing you.

It’s the one night of the year we collectively agree to overlook a worldwide breaking-and-entering spree. Btw, we are referring here a real Santa not the fake one 🙂 Mens rea matters, real Santa walks free.

Merry Christmas!

24/11/2025

Client asks: “Attorney, can you make this problem disappear?” 🎩✨

The honest answer: Is a resounding NO.

There is a common misconception that hiring a lawyer is like hiring a magician, that with the right incantation (or a hefty acceptance fee), we can make evidence vanish, change the past, or bend the law until it snaps.

But here is the reality of the profession: We are not wizards; we are strategists.
✅ We can’t change the facts: If you signed that contract, you signed it. We can’t make the ink disappear.
✅ We can’t predict the future: Litigation is inherently unpredictable. No lawyer can guarantee a win (and ethically, we aren’t allowed to).
✅ We can’t speed up time: The Philippine justice system has its own timeline. We can file motions, but we can’t cast a “Haste” spell on the judge.

What we CAN do is:
✅ Navigate the complex maze of the law so you don’t get lost.
✅ Build the strongest possible defense based on the evidence.
✅ Protect your rights when the deck is stacked against you.
So, please leave the wands and rabbits at home. Bring us the facts, the documents, and the truth. That’s the only “magic” we can work with.

31/10/2025

When she said she was single and independent… the Civil Code said, ‘We’ll see. One beautiful, unmarried woman dies intestate (no will), leaving no husband, no child, but lots of assets.

So who gets the fortune?

Under the Civil Code of the Philippines (Articles 978–1010), succession follows a legal order. Note that it’s not about who cried the loudest at the wake.

So, who’s first in line?
1. Her Parents. The law’s first choice is always to look “up.” If her mother and father are alive, they inherit her entire estate. (Art. 985, PH Civil Code)

2. Her Siblings. Only if her parents are no longer around does the law look “sideways.” Her brothers and sisters (and the children of any deceased siblings) will then inherit everything. (Art. 1003, PH Civil Code)

3. The State. If there’s no one else, the government gets the final inheritance. (Art. 1011, New Civil Code)

Note: Don’t let the law make this decision for you. Your “pamana” should go to exactly who you want. The only way to ensure that is to have a will. (or have kids😉) DM me 🙂

Same rule applies to a single unmarried with no kids male btw ✌️

30/10/2025

A wife passes away with no will including her one illegitimate child. Her surviving heirs are her Husband and their one Common Child. Who gets the “mana”?

Article 996 of the New Civil Code states that when a spouse and legitimate children are left, the spouse gets the same share as each child.

It’s a clean 50/50 split.
➡️ Husband gets 1/2.
➡️ Common Child gets 1/2.

To inherit, you must be alive when the person dies. Since the illegitimate child is deceased, they are not included in the inheritance calculation.

This leaves only two legal heirs: the Husband and the Common Child. In this case: 1 Husband (1 share) + 1 Child (1 share) = 2 equal shares. So the gross estate is divided 50–50:

🧑‍⚖️ Legitimate child — ½ share
💍 Surviving husband — ½ share

Since the illegitimate child predeceased the wife, they inherit nothing because rights to inheritance only exist if you survive the decedent (Art. 777)..

Moral of the (ghost) story:
In inheritance law, it’s not about who’s loved most —
it’s about who’s still alive when the will reading begins.

28/10/2025

Ever Wondered What Happens to Your Loved One’s Assets After They Pass?

It’s not just about grief, there’s Estate Tax to settle first! This “farewell fee” ensures the PH government gets its share before heirs can claim titles to houses, cars, or savings. In simple terms, it’s the “exit fee” the government charges to legally transfer all the properties, bank accounts, and assets from someone who has passed away to their rightful heirs.

Here’s a quick 2025 breakdown to keep your family’s legacy smooth (no drama needed!):
🔹 What It Is: A 6% flat tax on the net estate (total assets minus deductions) of anyone who dies on/after Jan 1, 2018. For older deaths? Graduated rates up to 20%, but amnesty might save you (if availed within the deadline set by law)
🔹 Who Pays? The executor, admin, or heirs (you’re all on the hook until it’s cleared). File even if zero tax due to get that all-important Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) for transfers.
🔹 Gross Estate Scoop: Everything owned at death, cash, properties (zonal value or tax dec, whichever higher), stocks, crypto/NFTs (yep, digital assets count now!), worldwide for PH residents.
🔹 Deductions:
• Auto ₱5M standard cut
• Family home: Up to ₱10M
• Funeral: Max ₱200K
• Valid debts & claims (prove ’em!)
🔹 Deadline Alert: File BIR Form 1801 & pay within 1 year of death (extensions possible). Late? 25% surcharge + 12% annual interest—ouch!

Plan ahead: Update wills, get TINs ready, and chat with a tax pro. Your future self (and heirs) will thank you! Don’t let your family’s grief be compounded by your lack of planning. Proper estate planning is one of the last and best gifts you can leave your loved ones.

Who’s starting their estate checklist today? DM us.

27/10/2025

Special Power of Attorney Ends Upon Death of Principal

Thinking of using a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for someone who has passed on? The Supreme Court just issued a major reminder: you can’t.

In the case of San Miguel Foods, Inc. v. Alova (G.R. No. 260071), the SC confirmed a fundamental rule of agency: an SPA is automatically extinguished the moment the principal (the person who gave the power) dies. The agent’s authority literally dies with them. This means any contract signed, property sold, or transaction made by the agent after the principal’s death is considered VOID and has no legal effect.

Make sure the person you’re representing still has a pulse. It’s a critical detail the law doesn’t overlook. The power to act on someone’s behalf doesn’t extend into the afterlife.

23/10/2025

When the chain of custody breaks, so does your case. The chain of custody isn’t just a checklist, it’s the backbone of every drug case. Break it once, and you might as well hand the defense a win. No Chain, No Gain.

Walter White was a master chemist, but could his 99.1% pure ‘Blue Sky’ stand up in a Philippine court? Not if Hank Schrader fumbled the Chain of Custody.

You’ve seen the meticulous cooking in the RV, but the law is just as meticulous about the “handling” of the evidence after the bust.

In drug cases, it’s not just about what was seized; it’s about proving how it was handled from the moment of seizure to its presentation in court. This is the Chain of Custody, and it’s a non-negotiable rule.

If there’s any gap in that chain... if a seal is broken, a signature is missing, or a required witness isn’t there... the integrity of the evidence is contaminated.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the purest m**h in Albuquerque. A broken chain of custody can get the entire case thrown out. It’s the one legal technicality that could make a kingpin’s empire crumble.

The Supreme Court just gave a strong reminder:
In drug cases, you can’t plant it if you can’t prove it. 🌿 Every handoff must be documented, miss one link, and the whole case goes up in smoke. Just like in G.R. No. 263541, People v. Balangen, En Banc, penned by Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez), the Supreme Court of the Philippines acquitted an accused in a ma*****na cultivation case due to procedural lapses in evidence handling.

Facts: Police seized ma*****na plants from the accused’s property, but the prosecution failed to demonstrate a complete and unbroken chain of custody for the evidence. Held: Acquittal.

Under RA 9165, it requires:
• Seizure and Marking: Immediate identification by the apprehending officer(s) at the crime scene.
• Turnover and Inventory: Prompt handover to the investigating officer, with inventory conducted in the presence of the accused, witnesses, and media (if possible).
• Documentation and Preservation: Continuous logging of handlers, storage, and transport to court, minimizing opportunities for alteration.

22/10/2025

Fighting honorably is still… punishable.

Article 261 of the RPC penalizes the “preparatory act” of challenging or provoking a duel, regardless of whether the fight actually happens. It covers:
• Challenging another person to a duel.
• Inciting or provoking someone to issue or accept a challenge.
• Publicly scoffing at or ridiculing someone for refusing a challenge.

That’s right! not only is it illegal to challenge someone, but it’s also illegal to mock them as a “coward” for turning you down! The law literally protects you from being peer-pressured into a fight to the death.

So, next time you’re tempted to challenge someone over a mukang unggoy comment or the sayang ang tattoo comment or a heated comment, just block them or simply ignore them. It’s less romantic, but it won’t land you in prison for prisión correccional.

In sum, the Revised Penal Code (Art. 260–261) still punishes dueling —
even if it’s about “defending your honor.”

👉 Challenge a duel? Crime.
👉 Accept the duel? Crime.
👉 Be the referee? Still a crime.

The only legal duel is the one fought in court, through words, not wounds.

19/10/2025

Thinking of selling property for commission?
The RESA Law (R.A. 9646) says, you must be a licensed real estate broker or salesperson duly accredited under a broker.

No license = No legitimacy = Possible liability. ⚖️

That friend-of-a-friend selling a “great investment” condo on the side? Or your super-friendly neighbor offering to flip your property for a small commission? It’s a common ‘raket’ in the Philippines, but is it legal?

Let’s talk about the Real Estate Service Act (RESA Law) or R.A. 9646. This law is the bouncer at the exclusive club of real estate transactions. Its job is simple: if you’re engaging in the business of selling, buying, or leasing property for other people, you MUST be a licensed real estate professional (a broker, agent, or salesperson under a broker).

The RESA Law protects buyers, sellers, and the profession itself, allowing only licensed and registered real estate brokers to sell, market, broker, negotiate, or mediate property deals.

Practicing without a license isn’t just a slap on the wrist. We’re talking hefty fines (at least ₱100,000) and potential imprisonment (at least 2 years). It turns a ‘side hustle’ into a serious crime.

Why should you care?
Because this law protects YOU. A licensed broker is accountable to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). They have training, follow a code of ethics, and can be held liable for misconduct. An unlicensed “colorum” agent? They can just disappear, along with your hard-earned money.
So, the next time someone offers you a property deal, ask for two things: the details of the property, and their PRC license number. The first is for your investment; the second is for your protection.

Remember, in real estate, “fake it till you make it” could get you fined or jailed. The Golden Rule is that “You can’t sell what you’re not licensed to tell”

17/10/2025

Argue Like Hell, Serve Like Heaven.”

“The Devil’s Advocate still works for the side of justice. 😈✨”

Lawyering isn’t about choosing saints or sinners, it’s about ensuring justice is served efficiently and effectively, no matter who’s on the stand.

As the Code reminds us:

A lawyer shall at all times ensure the efficient and effective delivery of justice.

So if we play the Devil’s Advocate,
it’s not to defend darkness — it’s to make sure the truth can stand the light. 💡⚖️

16/10/2025

Demand Letter is not just a letter; it’s the legal equivalent of clearing your throat before you drop the mic. It’s the official “I’m not kidding anymore” document that transforms your complaint from a personal grievance into a potential court case. A demand letter shows you gave the other party a fair chance to make things right before heading to court. It is your gentle warning shot. It’s proof that you tried to settle amicably before dropping the big guns in court. It isn’t just a formality, it’s evidence. It establishes your claim, proves good faith, and can even affect the right to collect interest or file a case.

Think of it as saying, “I come in peace… but my lawyer doesn’t have to.” ⚖️ It is the Calm Before the Courtstorm. It gives the other side one last chance to do the right thing before your lawyer does it for them. 😉 It is like by saying ‘Settle this, or see you in the pleadings’ that the pen is mightier than the petition.

So, why is this piece of paper so powerful?
1. It Triggers ‘No Demand, No Delay’. This is a golden rule in Philippine law (Art. 1169, Civil Code). In the eyes of the law, a person isn’t in ‘legal delay’ or default just because a deadline passed. You must make a formal, extrajudicial demand! This letter is that demand. It’s the legal tripwire that officially puts them in default and starts the clock on legal interest and damages.
2. It’s Your Ticket to Court. For many cases, like Small Claims, you can’t even file a lawsuit without first proving you sent a formal demand. It’s a non-negotiable first step.
3. It Shows You Mean Business. A simple text can be ignored. A formal letter, especially from a lawyer’s office, communicates that the time for games is over. It often convinces the other party to settle without the need for court intervention.

So before you go to war, send a clear warning shot. A well-crafted demand letter might just be the most powerful, cost-effective weapon in your legal arsenal. Remember, a well-crafted demand letter can save you time, fees, and unnecessary drama.

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The Enterprise Center Tower II, 6766 Ayala Avenue, Paseo De Roxas, Legazpi Village
Makati
1200

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AP Law (the “Firm”) provides wide array of legal services such as civil litigation, labor and employment, family law, criminal defense and prosecution, taxation, condominium law, land registration, intellectual property registration, contract and commercial management, visa and immigration, special projects, banking, maritime law, insurance, business registration, and other corporate laws. The Firm commits itself to defend the defenseless and help the victims of violence. It provides free legal consultation every Friday.

AP Law aims to be disruptive in reaching out to its clients. The Firm will use social media platforms and various applications to be accessible.

Further, AP Law aims not only to provide adequate consultation and representation, but it also aims to educate its clients and potential clients of their fundamental rights and remedies within the bounds of the law. We believe that a well-informed client is manageable to represent.

In handling client’s cases, AP law will put the client’s interest above any personal agenda. The Firm will proactively communicate to its clients to defend them properly and provide weekly updates of their cases.