Barba & Associates Law Office ; Attorneys at Law & Notary Public

07/06/2026

What constitutes a valid Senate quorum, and why does it matter? As part of ongoing discussions on recent Senate proceedings, we share the legal analysis of our Senior Partner, Atty. Erwin Bucio, PhD, on the rules governing presiding officers, quorum requirements, and the continuity of Senate operations:

“Based on the Rules of the Senate of the Philippines, the question of who can preside in the absence of the Senate President and the Senate President Pro Tempore is addressed by specific provisions regarding the continuity of Senate operations.

Who can preside?

According to Rule IV, Section 6 of the Rules of the Senate, in the case of the temporary absence of the Senate President and the Senate President Pro Tempore, the following hierarchy applies for discharging the powers and duties of the Senate President which includes presiding over sessions:

1. The Majority Leader; or in his absence,

2. the Assistant Majority Leader; or

3. Any member designated by the President.

Can the session be opened?

Yes, a session can still be opened provided a quorum is present.

Under the rules, the presiding officer is authorized to call the Senate to order and, if there is a quorum, proceed with the business of the Senate, including reading the Journal and disposing of matters in the Order of Business.

Summary of my contentions:

1. Absence of Top Leaders —Rule IV, Section 6 explicitly provides a mechanism to ensure that the Senate does not come to a standstill due to the absence of its two highest-ranking officers.

2. Quorum Requirement—the authority to preside and open a session is contingent upon the existence of a quorum which, under the Constitution, is a majority of all the Members of the Senate (Section 16 (2), Article VI, 1987 Phil Constitution). The definition of quorum under the Senate Rules which appears to be “less than the majority of all the members” does not prevail due to the Supremacy of the Phil Constitution.

3. Authority to Open—if these conditions are met, the designated presiding officer—Majority Leader, Assistant Majority Leader, or a designated member—acts with the necessary authority to open the session and conduct Senate business.”

Ultimately, questions involving legislative procedure must be examined in light of both the Constitution and the Senate’s own rules, with due regard for the principles that ensure the continuity and legitimacy of legislative proceedings.

Thank you, Atty. Bucio, for sharing your legal analysis with the public.

18/05/2026

A night of laughter turned into an opportunity to give back.

Today, we donated ₱10,000 to St. Joseph’s Golden Home Foundation, Inc., through the proceeds of the comedy show with Atty. Edward Chico organized by Barba & Associates Law Office last April 30, 2026.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped make this possible!

13/05/2026

Today we are grateful for growth, guided by faith and grounded in service as we received the blessing of both our original office and its extension; a reminder that every expansion carries with it a deeper responsibility to serve with integrity, excellence, and compassion.

With Fr. Tex Buntol and the dedicated lawyers and staff behind Barba & Associates Law Office.

05/05/2026

Jurisprudence Highlight:

In marital infidelity, the specific criminal intent to cause mental and emotional suffering is already satisfied at the moment the perpetrator commits the act of marital infidelity.
### v. People, 953 Phil. 462 (2024)

Going through marital infidelity (pangangaliwa/pangabit) is a devastating experience that often leads to intense emotional distress. Please know that you are not alone and help is always available.

Get Psychological Help through the following:

*National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline: 1553 (toll-free), 0917-899-8727
*Hopeline Philippines: 2919 (Globe/TM), (02) 8804-4673, 0917-558-4673
*In Touch Community Services: (02) 8893-7603, 0917-800-1123, 0922-893-8944
*Tawag Paglaum - Centro Bisaya: 0939-937-5433, 0939-936-5433

In need of legal assistance? Message us to book an online or in-person consultation or contact us through our office number (8:30PM to 5:30PM): +63 975 226 4871 to book an appointment.

01/05/2026

Sa bawat pawis, sakripisyo, at tahimik na pagsusumikap, dito tumitindig ang ating bayan.

Ngayong Araw ng Manggagawa, kinikilala at pinapahalagahan namin ang bawat Pilipinong patuloy na lumalaban para sa pamilya at kinabukasan.

Hindi lang kayo manggagawa, kayo ang tunay na haligi ng lipunan.

We stand with every Filipino worker. 🇵🇭

01/05/2026

It’s a wrap! Nahawakan na ang BITS! 🥳

Daghang salamat, pañeros, pañeras, honorable judges, professionals, students, friends, and family for joining us last night for that buhakhak comedy show for a cause with Atty Edward Chico!

Barba & Associates Law Office and Atty. Edward Chico would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to:

* All the Senior Partners, Senior Associate Lawyers, and Associate Lawyers of Barba & Associate Law Office, along with their families, friends, and colleagues in attendance;
* Dean Judge Gil Bollozos of Liceo de Cagayan University College of Law;
* The Law Student Council of Liceo U. College of Law along with FSL, BSL and Portia Sorority of Mindanao;
* LTD-B students of Atty. Adrian L. Barba from XU College of Law;
* Superstar KTV and Club Lounge for being our partner venue;
* Atty. Stevenson Yu for helping with the venue; and
* Everyone who attended and had fun last night!

Round 3 soon?!

30/04/2026

Isa ka oras kapin nalang! Ready na ba mo mangatawa, Kagay-anons?! Hawak mo ang bits, hawak mo ang gabi!

You can buy your tickets for tonight’s Comedy Show for a Cause with Atty. Edward Chico at Superstar KTV & Club Lounge. Doors open at 7PM.

To reserve tickets ahead of time, please feel free to contact any of our lawyers at Barba & Associates Law Office or send a message here.

30/04/2026

Our Senior Partners (from left to right), Atty. Alvin Suazo, Atty. Arnold Barba, Atty. Andrew Barba, and Atty. Erwin Bucio, successfully completed the 4-day Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program—strengthening their commitment to excellence, integrity, and staying at the forefront of legal practice.

From navigating data privacy and cybercrime to understanding the ethical use of AI in legal practice, this year’s MCLE has certainly reinforced the importance of adapting with integrity in an evolving legal landscape. We are equally grateful to the distinguished experts and lecturers who generously shared their knowledge and insights.

Sharper minds. Stronger advocacy.

Barba & Associates Law Office always at the service of the Filipino people.

29/04/2026

Committed to growth, excellence, and staying sharp. ⚖️

Your lawyers at Barba & Associates Law Office are attending MCLE to continually strengthen their knowledge and better serve with integrity and expertise.

In need of reliable legal expertise? Schedule an online or in-person consultation today through message or call +63 975 226 4871 (office hours only).

28/04/2026

Don’t forget to book your tickets for this Thursday Apr 30!

The semester just wrapped up. Take a break, go out, and enjoy a night of laughs and good vibes 🎉

Bring your classmates and friends and let’s turn that post-sem stress into pure laughter, all while supporting a meaningful cause!

Featuring:
🎤 Atty. Edward Chico
📍 Superstar KTV Lounge and Club, Cagayan Town Center
📅 April 30, 2026 | 🕖 7 PM

🎟 ₱700 (Professionals) | ₱600 (Students)
📩 For ticket reservations and inquiries, please contact the LSO.

Don't miss this! See you there. 👀🎉

-This event is produced by Barba & Associates Law Office in partnership with Liceo de Cagayan University Law Student Organization.