By Farah G. Decano   ATTY. Lorna Kapunan, awardee of Ten Outstanding Women of the Nation, is defending Atong Ang, a suspected mastermind in the disappearance of several sabungeros, allegedly buried at Taal Lake. This raises questions about why an abogada de campanilla would take on a case that could overshadow…

By Farah G. Decano   THE Dagupan City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has begun its term with remarkable promise. New members quickly immersed themselves in committee hearings, an early sign of diligence. Given each councilor's monthly income of at least P107,208.00 plus allowances, Dagupeños rightfully expect substantial results for every vote…

By Farah G. Decano    THE Philippine judiciary is safeguarded by two dedicated bodies established by the Supreme Court through Administrative Order 185-A-2018: the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) and the Corruption Prevention and Investigation Office (CPIO). The JIB oversees misconduct and integrity issues concerning judges and court personnel, regardless of…

By Farah G. Decano   BEFORE Torrens Title to real properties can be transferred through succession, donation, or sale, the government must first authorize the transfer. This requires the payment of taxes - estate, donor's, or capital gains - to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).  Documentary stamp taxes are…

By Farah G. Decano   SENATOR Chiz Escudero is widely regarded as a staunch Marcos loyalist. Even during his time at the UP College of Law, he made no secret of his admiration for the deposed dictator, Ferdinand E. Marcos. This stance is understandable, considering his father served as the…