Media ethics in interviewing accused in detention By Atty. Farah Decano    A few weeks ago, I discussed the legalities of the media interview of the accused in detention. However, what may be legal may not necessarily be ethical. Knowing that the present ruling of the Supreme Court –that admissions…

Forever is overrated By Atty. Farah Decano   BLAME the fairytales we have read during our childhood days.  We build our dreams of love around the concept of living together “happily ever after.”  But really, should love always be about being forever together? It is sad that most opinion of…

A few great men Atty. Farah G. Decano   “FARAH, when you fight evil, evil fights back. Just fight evil, nevertheless. Larga!” These are the wise words that Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz imparted to me as I went through a nerve-wracking episode in my life. It’s been 18 years since…

Incongruence Atty. Farah G. Decano   INCONGRUENCE happens. When there is a stark difference between expectations and realizations, intentions and actions, and promises and results; the consequences are disheartening, if not infuriating. Nowadays, the incongruence in our incumbent leaders’ promises and actions is glaring.  In fact, some shamelessly flaunt this…

When Love Turns Bitter   Atty. Farah G. Decano   LOVE is sweet. The world around suddenly turns into a dreamland of pastel colors; of chocolates and candies; of butterflies and unicorns; and of roses with shades of red, violet, and blue. So calm. Everything about the subject of love…

Admissions before media By Atty. Farah G. Decano   RECENTLY, Randall Echanis, a militant peasant leader, became part of the growing number of the extrajudicially executed. He was a member of the Anakpawis Partylist. When the victim’s body was “forcibly taken” from the funeral parlor for DNA testing, the police…

Erasing one’s identity  By Farah G. Decano   SHOULD a married woman use her husband’s surname? It is not mandatory for a Filipino woman to adopt her husband’s surname. A married woman has the choice to either retain her surname or embrace her spouse’s family name, in accordance with Article…

The gift of tears By Farah G. Decano   “Nakakaiyak!” This review was posted almost in unison by affected viewers of the latest viral Filipino movie, “Through Night and Day.” Overwhelmed by emotions, they took to various social media platforms to express whatever their tears represent. Watchers with muffled cries…

ATTY. By Farah G. Decano   SINCE three weeks ago, the 2019 bar passers have started taking the final step in becoming full-fledged lawyers by signing the roll of attorneys. To be enlisted in this roll is a remarkable privilege reserved only for the few who were able to successfully…

The indirect approach       By Farah G. Decano   ON July 12, 2016, the Philippines gained a favorable decision from the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) against a superpower, China. The latter’s nine-dash line claim over the West Philippine Sea was declared invalid for two reasons: 1) The United Nations Convention…