The 1-Touch Rule: Organize Your Life in 2 Minutes

EASY LAW ADVICE NO. 3
(Productivity)

The 1-Touch Rule:
Organize Your Life in 2 Minutes

If you are a law student or a bar candidate, you need to maximize your time, especially if you are a working student. You cannot afford to waste your time because every minute counts.

How to find the "lost" hours in your daily schedule

You hit 8:00 PM, collapse onto the sofa, and think: "I was busy all day, but what did I actually get done?"

If you don't schedule it, it won't happen

 

Let's talk about getting things done. We all have big goals—whether it's surviving your first year of law school, preparing for a major case, or finally tackling that massive writing project you've been dreaming about. But here is the hard truth about productivity: if a task just lives in your head as a floating "to-do," it will always lose out to the urgent fires and daily distractions.

25 essential points about the Clerical Error Law (RA 9048)

The Story of Maria

Imagine waiting in line for hours at the DFA office, passport application documents in hand, only to be turned away at the window because of a single letter. This is exactly what happened to Maria. For thirty-five years, she lived her life, finished school, paid her taxes, and built a career using the name "Maria Santos." But when she pulled her official security-paper birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for her passport application, she was shocked to see she was legally registered as "Marja Santos." A tired clerk on a manual typewriter back in 1991 had hit the "J" key instead of the "I," and just like that, Maria became a legal stranger to her own identity.

Child discipline methods that work

 

Red Tagging and the Writ of Amparo

If a person is a victim of red-tagging, a petition for a writ of Amparo is the proper remedy. I'll discuss this important Supreme Court decision in this blog post.

This is about the case of Siegfred D. Deduro v. Maj. Gen. Eric C. Vinoya (G.R. No. 254753, July 04, 2023).

The Facts:

Siegfred Deduro was an activist, founding member of the Bayan Muna Party-list, and former representative. He filed a petition for a writ of amparo against Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya (Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army). Deduro alleged that military officers under Vinoya’s command explicitly red-tagged him during an Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, labeling him as part of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) hierarchy.

Contempt under Rule 71 (ROC): 100 essential lessons

100 Essential Lessons on Contempt of Court

By: Atty. Chato Olivas

Part I: The Nature of the Power (1–10)

1. Inherent Power: The power to punish for contempt is inherent in all courts; it is a "law of self-preservation."

Depositions: 25 things to remember

1. Concept and purpose

This is the taking of a person's statement, under oath, about facts and circumstances that he witnessed. Note that the statement is not taken during the court proceedings. It is taken outside of the court where the case is pending. It may even be taken even there is no court case yet, as I will explain below. 

The person whose statement is taken is called the DEPONENT (not witness). His statement is known as DEPOSITION (strictly, not testimony).

The purposes are to discover information and preserve the deponent's statement. The deposition can also be used to impeach a person's credibility if and when he takes the witness stand later on during the trial of a case, and his testimony contradicts something he said in his deposition.

A prospective witness is examined to preserve his or her testimony for future use. When the deposition is taken, it does not mean that the deponent has already become the witness of the party taking the deposition. He becomes a witness only when he or his deposition is presented in court.

2. Part of Discovery

They are one of the primary modes of discovery under the Philippine Rules of Court (Rules 23 & 24). Discovery refers to proceedings used by parties to learn or find out facts that are important to their case.

3. Two Main Types:

Depositions Pending Action (Rule 23): Taken during the pendency of a case to gather information.

Depositions Before Action or Pending Appeal (Rule 24): Used to perpetuate testimony when there's a risk of the witness becoming unavailable (e.g., old age, illness).

4. Scope of Examination (Broad)

You can inquire into any matter that is not privileged as long as it is relevant to the subject matter of the pending action, whether or not it will be admissible at trial.

5. Relevance, Not Admissibility

The test for a deposition question is relevance to the subject matter, not immediate admissibility as evidence. A  matter is relevant when it has a relation to the fact in issue as to induce a belief as to its existence or non-existence.

6. Who Can Be Deposed 

Any person (party or non-party) whose testimony is relevant to the case.

7. Notice is Crucial

Proper written notice must be served on all parties, specifying the deponent's name, the time, and the place of the deposition.

8. Officer Authorized

Depositions are taken before a judge, a notary public, or any other officer authorized to administer oaths. In civil cases, depositions can be taken before a judge who is not the one hearing the case. For example, the case is in Manila and the deponent, a sickly elderly man, resides in Camalaniugan, Cagayan. The deposition can be taken before a judge in Camalaniugan, Cagayan.

9. Oral or Written

Depositions can be taken upon oral examination or upon written interrogatories (though the latter is less common for live depositions). Oral examination means that the questions are asked directly by counsel, and the deponent immediately answers. The questions and answers are recorded through transcripts of stenographic notes. Written interrogatories means that the questions are written and given to the deponent before the actual deposition-taking. Answers are also given in writing.

10. Subpoena for Non-Parties

If the deponent is not a party to the case, subpoenas are necessary. There are two kinds of subpoenas: subpoena ad testificandum (to compel the deponent to appear and give a statement); subpoena duces tecum (to compel appearance and bring documents).

11. Party Deponents

If the person to be deposed in a party to the case, meaning either a plaintiff or defendant, a notice is sufficient to compel attendance. Generally, a subpoena is not needed. 

12. Presence of Counsel

All parties have the right to be present in person or by counsel, and cross-examine the deponent.

13. Objections During Deposition

Objections to questions (e.g., leading, privileged, irrelevant) should be stated concisely for the record, but the examination proceeds unless the objection clearly goes to the form of the question that can be cured.

14. Motion to Terminate or Limit

A party can move the court to terminate or limit the deposition if it is being conducted in bad faith or to annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party.

15. Recording Methods

Depositions can be recorded stenographically (most common), by video, or by other means, as long as it is accurate.

16. Transcription

The testimony is transcribed into a written record.

17. Reading and Signing

The deponent has the right to read, correct (for errors in form or substance), and sign the transcript. This right can be waived.

18. Waiver of Errors

Errors and irregularities in the notice, officer, manner of taking, or transcription are generally waived if not promptly objected to.

19. Filing with the Court

Once completed and signed, the deposition is sealed and filed with the court.

20. Deposition can be used to impeach

The deposition can be presented to contradict or impeach the testimony of the deponent as a witness. Let's say that in an action for damages, the deponent was presented as a witness and he stated that he saw the defendant punch the victim. However, in his deposition which was taken earlier, he stated that he did not see who punched the victim. The deposition can be used to contradict his testimony in court. This is done by presenting the deposition to the witness and having him confirm the statement in his deposition.

21. Deposition can be used as substantive evidence

If the deponent is the adverse party, it can be used as substantive evidence for any purpose.

22. Unavailability

If the deponent is dead, outside the 100km radius from the place of trial (unless due to the party's procurement), infirm, or cannot be compelled to attend, his deposition can be presented in court.

23. Exceptional Circumstances

His deposition can be presented for any reason the court deems just and exceptional. For example, he is very sick and lives in a distant place, and is too weak to travel, his deposition can be presented.

24. Deposition-taking is Not Part of the Trial

It's a discovery tool; the deponent is not on trial, and the goal is to gather and preserve information. It is possible that the deposition will not be presented in court. That is the choice of the person who took the deposition.

25. Truthfulness Under Oath

Like trial testimony, deposition testimony is given under oath, and false statements can lead to perjury charges.

Video: Child Discipline (Part 1) - The Legal Aspects

 

Wise Living: Making the Most of Every Moment

There is an old story about a traveler who was given a single golden coin each morning. The catch was simple: the coin could not be saved. If it wasn’t spent by sunset, it would vanish into thin air, and a new one would appear the next day.

Forcible entry and unlawful detainer: 100 essential points to remember

Story 1: The Midnight Fence (Forcible Entry)

The Scenario:

Mang Nestor has owned a small vacant lot in the province for twenty years. He visits it every weekend to garden and check on his fruit trees. One Saturday morning, he arrives to find a shocking sight: a brand-new barbed-wire fence surrounds his property, and a small shanty has been built in the middle of his vegetable patch.

A man named Cardo is sitting there. Cardo claims, "I have an old Spanish title that says this is mine now!" When Mang Nestor tries to open his own gate, Cardo threatens him with a bolo.

Beyond the Bottom Line: Discovering Your Kingdom Purpose in Work

We spend a significant portion of our lives working – whether it's building a business, serving in a profession, or dedicating ourselves to a vocation. For many, the primary drivers are income, security, or even personal achievement. But for the Christian, there's a deeper call, a higher purpose that transcends the immediate returns: a Kingdom purpose.

Healing and Hope: A Guide to Protecting and Supporting Child Abuse Victims

The gift of years: Aging with grace and purpose

 

By Atty. Rosario “Chato” Olivas

Refined with the assistance of Generative AI

4.17.26

The Working Law Student's Guide to Success

A project of Atty. Rosario Olivas
easylawonline@gmail.com
2025. All rights reserved.

Summons: 25 important things to remember

 

The court acquires jurisdiction over the defendant's person by service of summons. Here are 25 important things to remember about service of summons in the Philippines under the 2019 Amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

1. The 5-Day Window: Once a complaint is filed, the Clerk of Court must issue the summons within five (5) calendar days.

2. Indefinite Validity: A summons does not "expire". It remains valid until it is served, unless recalled by the court.

Search and seizure in government-controlled facilities

 In the Philippines, the rules on the search of a government-controlled facility—such as a government office, a public school, or a correctional institution—differ from the strict warrant requirements applied to private residences. Because these are public spaces, the "expectation of privacy" is often considered lower, though not entirely non-existent.

Here is a breakdown of the prevailing legal principles based on jurisprudence and the Rules of Court:

50 essential points about guardianship

 Understanding guardianship in the Philippines requires navigating both the Rules of Court (Rules 92-97) and the A.M. No. 03-02-05-SC (Rule on Guardianship of Minors).

Here are 50 essential points categorized for clarity:

Nature and Jurisdiction

1. Definition: Guardianship is a trust relation in which one person (the guardian) acts for another (the ward) who is regarded as incapable of managing their own affairs.

3 Reasons to choose joy

3 REASONS TO CHOOSE JOY

(RRO/4.16.26/#13)

1. It is Your Strength

Joy isn’t just a feeling; it is a spiritual battery. When your joy is high, your capacity to handle stress and difficult situations increases. It’s the energy that keeps you standing when others quit. "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) When you feel drained, don't just look for more caffeine. Look for more joy. It’s the fuel that powers your endurance.

2. It is Not Dependent on Circumstances

Happiness depends on happenings but joy is more stable. Because it comes from the Holy Spirit, it doesn't fluctuate with the situation. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." (James 1:2) You can be joyful even in a serious situation. Joy is a choice you make, not a result of your environment.

3. It is Good Medicine

Science and Scripture agree: a joyful heart has a healing effect on your physical body. Choosing joy is a form of spiritual self-care that keeps your mind sharp and your body resilient for the work ahead. "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) Think of joy as a prescription for your health. A daily dose of God's goodness keeps discouragement away.

Choose to be joyful today!

3 reasons to speak the truth in love

1. Truth Without Love is Harsh

Speaking the truth harshly is like throwing information at someone's face; it causes injury. Love allows the person to actually hear and receive the truth. "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is at the head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:15) Don't just win the argument and lose the person. Use your words to heal the breach, not to widen the gap.

3 reasons to be patient with others

1. God Has Been Patient with Us

We often want swift judgment against others, but we want God to be patient with us. God has been incredibly merciful toward us for our mistakes; shouldn't we offer that same grace to those around us? "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2) When someone is slow to learn or quick to fail, let’s remember that we are a work in progress, and so are they.

3 reasons why God's timing is always perfect

We often find ourselves in a hurry, checking our watches and wondering why our plans aren't moving faster. However, there is a quiet strength in realizing that our personal deadlines don't always align with a higher purpose.

3 reasons to give your best every single day

1. You are Working for the Lord

When you give your best, you aren't performing for a boss or an audience; you are serving the Lord God, the King of Kings. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23) Treat every email, every eBook page, and every video as if the Supreme Judge is your only reviewer. It changes your standard of excellence.

The Silver Crown: 3 Biblical Truths About Gray Hair

In a world that often prizes youth above all else, it’s easy to view the first signs of gray as something to be "fixed" or hidden. However, the Bible offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on aging. It frames gray hair not as a sign of fading, but as a badge of honor.

3 reasons to be careful about the people you hang around with

1. Character is Contagious

It’s said that you are the average of the five people you hang around with. Your circle of influence acts like a mirror. If you associate with people who have poor ethics, their negative traits will eventually begin to appear in your own life. If you associate with people who have strong work ethics, you will find yourself becoming a person with strong work ethics.

Special Civil Actions eBook - An Easy Law Guide for Law Students

 Click here for the free eBook.

3 Reasons to Give Thanks (Even When It's Hard)

3 Reasons to Guard Your Heart

1. It is the main spring of your life

In life, your heart is the source code for everything you do. If the source is contaminated with bitterness or greed, every action and decision you make will eventually be affected. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23) Don't just manage your external branding. Examine your intentions. Keep the spring clean, and the stream of your career and ministry will stay pure.

3 Reasons Jesus is the Only Way

1. The Unique Claim

Jesus is the only religious figure in history who claimed to be God in human form, not just a teacher or a prophet. "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30) Other leaders point to a "path," but Jesus claimed to be the destination.

Expanded Power of Judicial Review of the Supreme Court in Certiorari (Rule 65) cases

 

By Atty. Rosario Olivas assisted by generative AI

1. The Expanded Power of Judicial Review

Under Section 1, Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution, the judicial power is not just limited to settling actual controversies. it includes the duty: