(First of two parts) By Farah G. Decano   THIS is the famous line of Narda before she becomes Darna.  She calls on her brother, Ding, to toss the mystical stone to her which, when swallowed, will turn her into the famous flying heroine who wore two-piece crimson garments. What…

By Farah G. Decano   WE call the structure that houses several Philippine courts as the Hall of Justice.  These courts are expected to dispense justice. Anything less is prejudicial to either or both of the contending parties.  It is, therefore, the Court Administrator’s task to ensure that each edifice…

By Farah G. Decano   “KUNG makakalibre, magpapalibre.”  “Kung makakalamang, manlalamang.” Starting from my early years in the profession, I had noticed lumpenproletariat behavior of some Filipinos even amongst the so-called wealthy members of society. Decades ago, I was brought along by my parents, who came with other delegates from…

By Farah G. Decano   WITH eyes flaming in anger, Percy Lapid stared at me.  He likely believed that he could scare me with that conduct when he appeared at a Manila court for his arraignment some ten to twelve years ago.  He had, at that time, several unimplemented warrants…

By Farah G. Decano   THIS is a traditional phrase used by lawyers who appear before the Supreme Court during oral arguments.  It is supposed to be a very respectful expression of reverence and respect for the honorable occupants of the august judicial chambers. Former undersecretary and NT-ELCAC spokesperson, Lorraine…

By Farah G. Decano             THE right to be forgotten is a relatively new concept in the legal arena.  It first arose in 2014 when a man from Spain asked Google to erase his links that pertained to his past records of bankruptcy.  Because of the giant search engine’s refusal,…

By Farah G. Decano   CARDINAL Antonio Tagle once said, “[i]f you are not useful anymore, you are dropped, you don’t exist.  It is not human dignity.  It is not a contemplation of human dignity.  Even people are measured by profitability.” That people must bring value to an organization in…

By Farah G. Decano   I have stared at death in the eye.  He was not there to take me though.  He was after my father.  I remember his last 72 days in our world.  While he was in the hospital, he combatted one infection after another, and other complications. …

By Farah G. Decano   “ARE you sure you want to post that on your FB status?” A concerned friend messaged me. She was uneasy that I might be referring to a wealthy and powerful woman who is known in the legal community.  My friend read my post commenting against…

By Farah G. Decano   NICE advice. It sounds simple, direct and achievable by any standard.  For who would fail at becoming a good lawyer, a good doctor, a good husband, a good parent, a good child, or a good friend? Being good seems to be a non-threatening standard measured…