DivinaLaw

You've poured countless hours into this journey, so stay focused and confident—this is your moment to shine and turn all your hard work into success on the bar exam.

Best of luck, Bar takers!

Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. In this video, they talk about some tips on how to manage the waiting period for the Bar exam results?

Watch the full video of Episode 5:

DivinaLaw's Bar Exams Success Tips | Episode 5: Post Exam Bar Tips Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. In this video, they talk abo...

A DOSE OF LAW | Inbound requests for service of foreign judicial documents

Published 6 September 2024, The Daily Tribune

In continuation of this series on Administrative Order No. 101-2024, Dean Nilo Divina shares the guidelines for inbound requests for service of foreign judicial documents in the Philippines.

Please check the comments for the link.

Topnotch lawyer Nilo Divina’s excellence in law and leadership was further cemented after he won big at this year’s Stevie 2024 International Business Awards — one of the most coveted recognitions worldwide.

Read the full article below.

Divina pulls off major coup at Stevie 2024 Topnotch lawyer Nilo Divina’s excellence in law and leadership was further cemented after he won big at this year’s Stevie 2024 International Business Awards —

: your weekly guide to legal terms, defined! ⚖️📚

Today's word is ‘negligence’.

Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. In this video, they talk about some tips for managing time effectively during the Bar exam.

Watch the full video of Episode 4:

DivinaLaw's Bar Exams Success Tips | Episode 4: Managing Time Effectively Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. In this video, they talk abo...

A DOSE OF LAW | Outbound requests for service of judicial documents

Published 1 September 2024, The Daily Tribune

Service is the act of providing a party with a copy of the pleading or any other court submission. Service, however, is not simply handing a document. There are strict rules to be complied with, which should not be taken lightly.

For instance, service of summons is a vital and indispensable ingredient of a defendant’s constitutional right to due process, such that if a defendant has not been validly summoned, the court acquires no jurisdiction over the person, and a judgment rendered against him shall be deemed void.

To lighten the cumbersome nature of service, the 2020 Rules on Civil Procedure introduced innovations to the different modes of service that are in line with technological advancements and legal developments.

Dean Nilo Divina discusses Administrative Order No. 101-2024 or the Philippine Guidelines on Service of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters under The Hague Service Convention.

Please check the comments for the link.

Tune in to the latest episode of 'A Dose of Law'!

Listen now to "Succession 101 (Part 2)" featuring DivinaLaw Associate Atty. Maria Frances Faye R. Gutierrez.

🎙️: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ajbltPlhSLFYIq20i7zIm?si=02f3d7f3b9af4dc1

A Dose of Law is DivinaLaw’s podcast series based on our Managing Partner Atty. Nilo T. Divina’s widely-read newspaper column of the same title.

A DOSE OF LAW | Service of documents under the Hague Service Convention

Published 30 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

In 2020, the Philippines acceded to the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (HCCH 1965 Service Convention). In October of the same year, HCCH 1965 Service Convention came into force in the country.

The HCCH 1965 Service Convention provides for the different channels by which a judicial or extrajudicial document may be transmitted from one state party to another state party for service in the latter. Thus, the Philippines’ accession to the same is an effort to streamline the procedure for the transmission of judicial and extrajudicial documents across international borders.

Last June 25, 2024, the Supreme Court issued guidelines which now govern the operation and implementation of the Convention, for both judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters.

Dean Nilo Divina discusses Administrative Order No. 101-2024 or the Philippine Guidelines on Service of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters under The Hague Service Convention.

Please check the comments for the link.

Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. In this video, they talk about strategies in answering the Bar exam questionnaires.

Watch the full video of Episode 3: https://youtu.be/-NMYBJ19CS4?si=k68EIdELtLTA1o_2

DivinaLaw's Bar Exams Success Tips | Episode 3: Answering Techniques Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. In this video, they talk abo...

: your weekly guide to legal terms, defined! ⚖️📚

Today's word is ‘bail’.

DivinaLaw Senior Partners Jay Layug and Richie Pilares joined the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Advocacy Group Roundtable held in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 20-21, 2024. Organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, Japan Business Federation and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), AZEC was inaugurated as a platform to promote the formation of tangible projects for decarbonization among AZEC partner countries and provide advice and support for this regional collaboration.

Recognized for its energy expertise in the Philippines and the Asian region, DivinaLaw through Attys. Layug and Pilares were invited to join the AZEC Roundtable together with other Asian energy experts to share their insights on the Philippines’ calibrated approach to energy transition. Noting the dominance of fossil fuels in the energy mix capturing almost 60% of the total electricity generated in the Philippines in 2022 and the depletion of the only gas source in the Malampaya Deep Water Gas Project, Atty. Jay emphasized the need to reduce reliance on imported coal and oil and increase utilization of indigenous renewable energy resources in the Philippines. Atty. Layug also exhorted the richer countries to help the Philippines secure cheaper financing for its transition to cleaner forms of energy. During the session, Atty. Layug highlighted the aggressive push of the Marcos administration towards clean energy: “In two years, the DOE has fast-tracked the renewable energy programs and is in full gear to implement the revised National Renewable Energy Program. But the Philippine government is fully conscious that the transition away from conventional fuel would have to be calibrated.” He added: “With the intermittence and variability of RE and the high cost of battery storage, the DOE must be calculated in its approach to increasing renewables in the diverse energy mix. While the debate continues on the wisdom of continued use of conventional fuels, the Philippines must increase its current 28 GW installed capacity to address the growing population and economic progress.” Atty. Pilares meanwhile graced the launch of AZEC and the signing of the memorandum of agreement among member nations.

DivinaLaw is one of the leading energy firms in the Philippines. Attys. Layug and Pilares act as co-head of its Energy Practice Group.

A DOSE OF LAW | Protection for movie, TV workers

Published 26 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

On June 13, 2024, nearly five years after the death of veteran actor Eddie Garcia from an accident on a film set, RA No. 11996 took effect.

Dean Nilo Divina talks about how the “Eddie Garcia Law” protects movie and television industry workers from hazardous working conditions and economic exploitation.

Please check the comments for the link.

Let us draw inspiration from the bravery and dedication of those who fought for our freedom. May their legacy inspire us to continue striving for a better and stronger country.

Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. In this video, they talk about managing stress and their relaxation techniques during the Bar review period.

Watch the full video of Episode 2: https://youtu.be/bTSA8754-Bo?si=NyoAnkLC9tj2Zahg

DivinaLaw's Bar Exams Success Tips | Episode 2: Managing Stress and Relaxation Techniques Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. In this video, they talk abo...

A DOSE OF LAW | Don’t get scammed

Published 23 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

Last month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law RA No. 12010 which aims to strengthen the integrity of the Philippine financial system and to prevent persons from acting as accessories to financial crimes.

Dean Nilo Divina discusses the important features of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).

Please check the comments for the link.

: your weekly guide to legal terms, defined! ⚖️📚

Today's word is ‘subpoena’.

Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. This week, they share how they managed their time by creating their study schedules.

Watch the full video of Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga9IpJ8eqd4&t=9s

DivinaLaw's Bar Exams Success Tips | Episode 1 Ready to ace the Bar? Tune in to DL's BEST 2.0 as we feature DivinaLaw topnotchers as they share their success tips and stories. This week, they share how th...

Tune in to the latest episode of 'A Dose of Law'!

Listen now to "Succession 101 (Part 1)" featuring DivinaLaw Associate Atty. Maria Frances Faye R. Gutierrez.

🎙️: https://open.spotify.com/episode/33R7mVBWBHHyGkCsxOKBDN?si=kt_8_cATSouhKLfVJWKU3Q

A Dose of Law is DivinaLaw’s podcast series based on our Managing Partner Atty. Nilo T. Divina’s widely-read newspaper column of the same title.

A DOSE OF LAW | Motivating national athletes, coaches

Published 19 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

Following the historic wins of Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo, local and international news highlighted the incentives that he and his coach will receive for bringing pride and honor to our country.

But what is the legal basis of these incentives? What are the benefits that may be given to our national athletes and coaches?

Dean Nilo Divina talks about RA No. 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.”

Please check the comments for the link.

A DOSE OF LAW | Making it easier to travel

Published 16 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

Earlier this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed a new law that will govern the issuance of passports in the country.

Dean Nilo Divina shares the salient points of RA No. 11983 or the “New Philippine Passport Act.”

Please check the comments for the link.

DivinaLaw legal clinic at Makati City Jail

In line with the firm's thrust to advocate and extend legal assistance to underserved communities, DivinaLaw conducted its 5th Dulog Legal clinic at Makati City Jail, offering essential legal aid to detainees. Over 25 lawyers dedicated their time and expertise to provide free consultations to over 40 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), addressing a broad spectrum of legal issues.

This clinic continues DivinaLaw's tradition of extending legal support to those who might otherwise lack adequate representation, reflecting the Firm’s ongoing commitment to justice and accessibility.

: your weekly guide to legal terms, defined! ⚖️📚

Today's word is ‘indictment’.

DivinaLaw on AI integration in the workplace

Speaking before a crowd of human resource executives, DivinaLaw Senior Partner Atty. Ian Jerny E. De Leon discussed the legal and ethical challenges of AI integration in the workplace.

“The most significant and controversial impact of AI on employees is the displacement of jobs and skills,” noted Atty. De Leon. “While some studies say that AI will generate new categories of jobs, in the near future, it is inevitable that AI could lead to significant job losses. To the extent that AI and automation will lead to job losses, it is incumbent upon the employer, through HR, to ensure compliance with due process, both substantive and procedural.”

Atty. De Leon was among the esteemed panel of speakers during this year’s “CHRO Agenda” organized by Viventis Search Asia. Speakers included executives from G-Xchange Inc., Security Bank, Cornerstone OnDemand, and Gokongwei Group.

Atty. De Leon is the deputy head of DivinaLaw’s labor and employment practice group and is also one of the Firm’s data privacy experts.

Viventis Search Asia is a leading human capital solutions provider in the Philippines.

A DOSE OF LAW | Of marathons and accidents

Published 12 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

A marathon runner died after he was bumped by a jeepney traversing a road which was part of the marathon route. The runner was a minor and when his parents filed a case for damages against the marathon sponsor and organizer, both denied liability.

Dean Nilo Divina writes about the case of Abrogar v. Cosmos Bottling Company and Intergames Inc. (G.R. No. 164749, 15 March 2017).

Please check the comments for the link.

A DOSE OF LAW | ‘No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act’

Published 9 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

In the 2004 case of Regino v. Pangasinan Colleges of Sciences and Technology et al., no less than the Supreme Court recognized the “No Permit, No Exam” policy as a practice being imposed by academic institutions. The Supreme Court noted that students’ failure to pay their financial obligations, such as tuition fees, before every preliminary, midterm and final examination was regarded as a valid ground for the school to deny them the opportunity to take the exams.

Earlier this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed a new law banning the said practice.

Dean Nilo Divina talks about RA No. 11984 or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act.”

Please check the comments for the link.

Congratulations to our Partner Atty. Mae Elaine T. Bathan for graduating summa cm laude for her master’s degree in laws from San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila!

Your dedication and excellence are truly inspiring. Your DivinaLaw family is incredibly proud of you!

A DOSE OF LAW | Remedies against environmental harms

Published 5 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

The Philippines, being situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. Based on the news, the recent onslaught of typhoons “Carina” and “Butchoy” in the Philippines alone affected approximately 4.8 million Filipinos.

Netizens across social media platforms aired their sentiments and shared their theories on what must be done to hold accountable those who are liable for the environmental harms brought by the consequences of these disasters.

From a legal perspective, two remedies come to mind.

Dean Nilo Divina discusses the writ of kalikasan and environmental tort.

Please check the comments for the link.

A DOSE OF LAW | Claims for unjust imprisonment (2)

Published 2 August 2024, The Daily Tribune

In part two of this series, Dean Nilo Divina talks about the recent case of Mohammad v. Office of the Secretary, et. al. (G.R. No. 256116, 27 February 2024).

Please check the comments for the link.