Best Lawyers in Philippines
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List of the best lawyers in Philippines

Dagsaan Monterde Castillo Law and Notary Public (DMC LAW)
15 minutes Free ConsultationRefine your search by selecting a practice area.
Accidents & Injuries
Bankruptcy & Debt
Business
Civil & Human Rights
Consumer Rights
Criminal Defense
Elder Law
Employment & Labor
Family
Immigration
Insurance
Intellectual Property
Lawsuits & Disputes
Media, Technology and Telecoms
Real Estate
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Philippines Legal Questions answered by Lawyers
Browse our 233 legal questions in Philippines and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
- can a mother of a 17 year old illegitimate child force the child to live with her?
- To answer this question I need to know which country do you live. Osman Salih TEKİN-Lawyer-Türkiye
- what should i do if i have ongoing case about bp22 and i was about to lodge my student visa?
- Hello:We truly understand your worries, especially with something as important as your future studies abroad. You’ve worked hard to get this far, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. We’re here to help you sort this out with care and urgency.You shared that:-You already secured your NBI clearance, which shows no derogatory record.-You’re about to lodge your student visa application to Australia.-A BP 22 case has just been filed against you, but you’re still waiting for the subpoena.-This stems from a ₱100,000 loan where only ₱70,000 was released due to extremely high interest and agent deductions.First, please take a breath—this situation can still be managed properly.Right now, since there is no warrant of arrest, no conviction, and your NBI record is clean, it’s still possible to lodge your student visa without it being automatically denied.However, once the embassy conducts background checks, they may take notice of any active or unresolved legal cases, especially those involving financial disputes. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly, respond legally, and prepare a proper explanation if needed.Here’s what we suggest to protect your visa application and peace of mind:Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.The moment you receive the subpoena, you’ll need to submit a counter-affidavit. Even before that, we can help you prepare and respond proactively.Negotiate or settle if possible.From what you described, this loan may have had exploitative terms (20% interest + 10% agent fee). You may be able to settle or challenge this arrangement legally—possibly leading to the case being dropped.We can help you prepare a legal explanation letter.This can be used if needed in your visa application to show that:You’re not hiding anything,You’re taking responsible action,And that this is a civil money dispute, not a criminal intent.Move forward with your application.Don’t let this stop your dream. Many students have successfully obtained visas even with a pending case—especially when they have legal guidance and documentation to back them up.We’d love to speak with you to go over your case in more detail. You can contact us directly
- Liberian possibilities to have permanent resident Visa in Philippines
- Dear Sir/Madam,Based on your provided information, the Liberian husband initially entered the Philippines under a 9F visa (student visa) in 1986, later stayed as a refugee, rendered voluntary services, and then worked as a missionary professional. He eventually married a Filipina and now has a son. You also mentioned that he is currently receiving a pension from the Social Security System (SSS), indicating long-term lawful residence and employment in the country.Given these circumstances, it is highly possible for him to secure recognition of legal residency or even permanent residency status in the Philippines, especially under the following grounds:a.) Marriage to a Filipina – Under Philippine immigration laws, a foreign national married to a Filipino may apply for a 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa, allowing permanent residence. His long cohabitation, family ties, and pension status strengthen this case.b.) Length of Stay and Contribution to Society – His history of rendering voluntary services, missionary work, and contributions to SSS demonstrate good moral character and integration into Philippine society. These factors may be favorably considered in immigration and naturalization matters.c.) Possible Naturalization – If the goal is full Philippine citizenship, his decades-long stay, community integration, and lawful record make him a candidate for judicial naturalization under Commonwealth Act No. 473, subject to strict requirements.We recommend scheduling an initial consultation so we can assess all documents and provide you with the best immigration remedy—whether residency, citizenship, or regularization of status.
About Hiring a Lawyer in the Philippines
In the Philippines, hiring a lawyer is not a difficult task. Many individuals and businesses hire lawyers for various legal issues. A person can contact a legal firm directly or get a personal reference from someone they trust. It is important to check with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to confirm the credibility of the lawyer. The cost of hiring a lawyer varies greatly, depending on the complexities of the case, the fame or reputation of the lawyer, and the geographical location within the Philippines.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
In the Philippines, there are numerous situations where people may need legal help. This includes family issues such as divorce, child custody disputes, alimony and others; criminal charges; contractual disputes; property disputes; personal injury claims; immigrations concerns, and more. Furthermore, businesses also require legal help for issues such as drafting or reviewing contracts, settling business disputes, entity formation, and compliance with regulations.
Local Laws Overview
The Philippines operates under a mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic, and customary law. The courts in the Philippines are organized hierarchically with the Supreme Court as the highest judicial body. Criminal cases are prosecuted under the Revised Penal Code, while civil disputes are settled under the Civil Code. Specific laws also govern special subjects like family relations, commercial transactions, corporate law and others. Lawyers in the Philippines need to have a deep understanding and familiarity with these laws to best represent and advise their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I verify if a lawyer is licensed in the Philippines?
You can verify a lawyer's license through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, which maintains a list of all duly licensed and practicing lawyers in the country.
2. What kind of fees do lawyers typically charge?
Lawyers in the Philippines can charge different fees based on the nature and complexity of the case. They can charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a contingency fee (percentage of the winnings). Always discuss the fee structure upfront.
3. Is it possible to get free legal advice?
Yes, several organizations offer free legal advice, including the Public Attorney's Office.
4. Can foreigners hire Filipino lawyers?
Yes, foreigners can hire Filipino lawyers for their local legal matters.
5. How long does a civil case take in the Philippines?
The duration of a civil case varies greatly and may take from several months to several years depending on its complexity.
6. How can I file a complaint against a lawyer?
The complaint may be filed directly with the Office of the Bar Confidant or Supreme Court.
7. Is a lawyer needed for buying property in the Philippines?
Not necessarily, but it is highly advisable due to the various regulations and potential disputes that can arise.
8. How private is my communication with my attorney?
All communication between a client and their attorney is legally considered privileged and confidential in the Philippines.
9. Can the same lawyer represent both parties in a dispute?
It is ethically disapproved for a lawyer to represent opposing parties in the same dispute.
10. What rights do I have if arrested?
If arrested, you have the right to remain silent, be informed of your rights, have access to a lawyer, and be treated humanely.
Additional Resources
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Public Attorney's Office can be very helpful for those seeking legal advice. Several online websites and platforms provide free legal advice and up-to-date legal news.
Next Steps
If you need legal assistance in the Philippines, first identify the nature of your legal issue, then search and contact a local law firm or lawyer who has expertise in that area. It's beneficial to arrange a meeting to discuss your case, their fees, and making sure you are comfortable with them. Always remember to inquire about their credentials to make sure they are qualified and authorized to practice law.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.