Frequently Asked Questions

You need a lawyer when facing legal issues such as contracts, disputes, court cases, or when your rights are threatened. For labor issues like illegal dismissal or unpaid wages, contact us immediately. For criminal cases, it's crucial to have legal representation from the start. Even for preventive legal advice on business matters or personal issues, consulting a lawyer can save you from future complications.

The duration varies depending on the complexity and type of case. Simple cases like notarization take days, while litigation can take months to years. Labor cases typically go through SENA mediation (30 days), then NLRC proceedings (3-6 months), with possible appeals. Civil cases depend on court schedules and can range from 6 months to several years. During your consultation, we'll provide a realistic timeline based on similar cases we've handled.

Bring any documents relevant to your case: contracts, correspondence, court documents, police reports, medical records, employment documents, ID, and any evidence (photos, receipts, etc.). For labor cases: employment contract, payslips, termination letter, company ID. For property cases: land titles, tax declarations, deeds. Don't worry if you don't have everything - we'll guide you on what else is needed.

Initial consultation is ₱2,500. This allows us to understand your case, review documents, and provide legal advice on your options. For qualified pro bono cases (laborers), this fee is waived after assessment. The consultation fee gives you direct access to Atty. Libayan's expertise and a clear understanding of your legal situation.

We accept cash, bank transfer, and GCash for consultation and legal fees. Payment terms for representation depend on the case type. For labor cases with merit, we may offer contingency arrangements. For pro bono cases, there are no legal fees - only minimal costs for printing and photocopying.

Yes, for cases requiring representation, we offer flexible payment arrangements depending on the case. For labor cases, we may work on contingency (payment from settlement/award). For pro bono qualified cases, legal fees are completely waived. Discuss payment options during your consultation.

Pro bono services are available for laborers with legitimate cases involving: illegal dismissal, constructive dismissal, underpayment/non-payment of wages, illegal suspension, or any labor oppression. Schedule an initial consultation (₱2,500), and if you qualify after case assessment, the consultation fee is waived and you receive free legal representation from filing to Supreme Court.

Covered: Acceptance fees, legal representation at all levels (DOLE, NLRC, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court), document preparation, court appearances, legal advice, and case management. Not covered: Printing and photocopying costs (minimal). You pay nothing for professional legal services - only small administrative costs.

Yes, really! With our commitment to social justice, we provide completely free legal representation for qualified laborers. The legal fees that are waived (which normally cost hundreds of thousands of pesos) far outweigh the minimal printing/photocopying costs. This is our way of ensuring justice is accessible to everyone.

We handle cases at all levels: Municipal Trial Courts (MTC), Regional Trial Courts (RTC), Court of Appeals (CA), and Supreme Court (SC). We also appear before administrative bodies like DOLE, NLRC, SEC, COMELEC, and other quasi-judicial agencies. Our expertise spans from initial filing to final Supreme Court resolution.

It depends on the case. For labor cases, personal appearance is often required at hearings. For civil cases, your lawyer can represent you in most proceedings, but your testimony may be needed. For criminal cases, the accused must be present. We'll inform you when your presence is required and prepare you for court appearances.

Yes, most decisions can be appealed within specific periods (usually 15 days for labor cases, 15 days for RTC decisions to CA). Appeals must have valid grounds - errors in law or procedure, or new evidence. We handle appeals at all levels and will advise if an appeal is worthwhile based on the merits.

Divorce is not available in the Philippines except for Muslims under the Code of Muslim Personal Laws. For non-Muslims, options are: Annulment (declaring marriage void from the beginning due to psychological incapacity, fraud, lack of consent, etc.) or Legal Separation (separation without dissolving marriage). We handle annulment cases which typically take 2-3 years. Foreign nationals may get divorced abroad and have it recognized here through court proceedings.

For TCT annulment or quieting of title: file a case in RTC, present evidence of ownership, attend hearings (can take 1-3 years). For land registration: file with LRA, publish notices, attend hearings, get title issued. For boundary disputes: attempt barangay conciliation first, then file civil case if unresolved. We handle all property cases including reconveyance, partition, and cadastral proceedings.

A Notary Public is a lawyer authorized to notarize documents, making them admissible as evidence in court without further proof. Notarization is required for: Deeds of Sale, Special Power of Attorney, Affidavits, Contracts for large amounts, and documents for foreign use (Apostille). Atty. Libayan is a commissioned Notary Public and can notarize your documents.

Join BATASnatin LIVE every day at 8:00 PM Philippine Time on YouTube. Atty. Libayan answers legal questions live during the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel (UCVyNJy0q_Q2XB873gEkmgjQ) and turn on notifications. You can ask questions in the live chat, and Atty. Libayan will provide free legal advice on air. You can also post questions in our online forum.

Yes! During the live show at 8PM, type your legal question in the YouTube chat. Atty. Libayan reads and answers questions from viewers. For privacy, you can ask generally without revealing personal details. For confidential matters requiring detailed consultation, book an appointment instead.