BGS LAW FIRM

09/07/2026

⚖️ BGS LAW FIRM | SUPREME COURT UPDATE ⚖️

Mutual Desire to End a Marriage ≠ Collusion 🇵🇭
The Supreme Court has issued a significant ruling in family law that every Filipino should understand. 👇

In Republic v. Ramoran-Wong (G.R. No. 276986), the Third Division through the ponencia of Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh held that the mutual desire of spouses to end their marriage is not, by itself, sufficient to prove collusion in a Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 📌
✅ Collusion refers to a secret agreement between spouses to fabricate, fake, or suppress evidence in order to obtain a decree of nullity without valid grounds.
✅ A spouse's non opposition, lack of objection, or failure to file an answer does not automatically amount to collusion.
✅ The State, through the public prosecutor, must still participate to guard against collusion but suspicion alone cannot defeat a meritorious petition.
✅ In this case, the marriage was declared void ab initio on the ground of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code, established through clear and convincing evidence.

WHY IT MATTERS 🏛️

This ruling balances two vital interests: protecting the sanctity of marriage as an institution imbued with public interest, while ensuring that genuine petitioners are not denied relief on unfounded presumptions of collusion.

At Benavides, Go & Suarez (BGS) Law Firm, we provide clear, competent, and compassionate legal counsel on family law matters including annulment, declaration of nullity, psychological incapacity, and related proceedings. 💼

📍 2/F Room 2B, JPR Building, R. Landon St. cor. Jakosalem St., Cebu City

08/07/2026

⚖️ DID YOU KNOW? A PHOTOCOPY CAN NOW STAND AS AN ORIGINAL IN COURT ⚖️

For decades, Filipinos lived by one rule: "No original, no case." Lost the original receipt? Only had a photocopy? Many valid claims died on that technicality alone.

Not anymore. 📄✨

In People v. Lastimosa (G.R. No. 265758, February 3, 2025), our Supreme Court through Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo ruled that a photocopy is admissible in evidence to the same extent as the original, whether in paper or electronic form.

Here's what you need to know 👇

📌 Under Rule 130, Section 4 of the 2019 Revised Rules on Evidence, a "duplicate" (like a photocopy, scan, or electronic reproduction) is treated just like the original.

📌 BUT there are two exceptions a duplicate will NOT be accepted if:

1️⃣ There is a genuine question about the authenticity of the original; or
2️⃣ It would be unjust or inequitable to admit the duplicate.

📌 One important reminder: admissibility is not the same as weight a photocopy still needs to be supported by other credible evidence to carry the day.

💡 Why this matters to YOU: This is a win for ordinary Filipinos. It removes outdated technicalities that often blocked the path to justice, ensuring that form does not trump substance. Truth and merit now take center stage. 🇵🇭
But every case is different. If you're unsure whether your documents will hold up in court, don't guess consult BGS Law Firm.

⚖️ BENAVIDES, GO & SUAREZ (BGS) LAW FIRM ⚓
📍 2/F Room 2B, JPR Building, R. Landon St. cor. Jakosalem St., Cebu City

23/06/2026

⚖️ LEGAL EXPLAINER: Criminal & Civil Liabilities Arising from School Shooting Incidents

The tragic shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City last June 22, 2026, which claimed three young lives and injured several others, has raised a recurring legal question in the public mind: Anong mga liabilities ang maaaring maging resulta ng ganitong insidente?

While we mourn with the families and community, allow us to share a general legal overview not as commentary on this specific case, but as public legal education.

🔴 1. Criminal Liability under the Revised Penal Code (RPC)
The killing of a person may constitute Murder (Art. 248) when attended by qualifying circumstances such as treachery (alevosia) or evident premeditation. Where these are absent, the crime may be Homicide (Art. 249). Those who survive gunshot wounds may give rise to charges of Frustrated or Attempted Homicide/Murder, depending on the nature of the injuries and the offender's intent to kill (animus interficendi).

🔴 2. If the Offender is a Minor (R.A. 9344, as amended by R.A. 10630)
The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act governs offenders below 18:

• A child 15 or below is exempt from criminal liability but undergoes an intervention program.
• A child above 15 but below 18 is liable only if found to have acted with discernment, and is entitled to a suspended sentence and rehabilitation, not ordinary imprisonment.

This reflects the State's policy of restorative not purely punitive justice for children in conflict with the law.

🔴 3. Fi***rm Regulation (R.A. 10591)

The Comprehensive Fi***rms and Am******on Regulation Act penalizes the illegal possession of fi****ms. When an unlicensed fi***rm is used to commit homicide or murder, such use is treated as a special aggravating circumstance.

🔴 4. Parental & Civil Liability (Civil Code & Family Code)

Under Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code, parents may be held civilly liable for damages caused by their minor children living in their company. The Family Code likewise imposes special parental authority and responsibility upon parents and schools. Independent of the criminal action, the heirs of the victims may recover civil indemnity, moral, and exemplary damages.

💬 A Final Word

Beyond the legal framework lies a deeper call: for stronger safeguards, mental health support, and shared accountability among families, schools, and communities. The law responds to tragedy but prevention remains everyone's duty.

This post is for general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice or commentary on any pending case.

📌 Benavides, Go & Suarez (BGS) Law Firm
📍 2/F Room 2B, JPR Building, R. Landon St. cor. Jakosalem St., Cebu City

21/06/2026

Happy Father's Day from all of us at Benavides, Go & Suarez Law Firm. ⚖️
Today we honor the fathers who lead with wisdom, protect with strength, and stand as our children's first example of justice and integrity. To every father guiding the next generation thank you, and may your day be blessed.
From our family to yours, Maligayang Araw ng mga Ama! 🇵🇭

12/06/2026

12/06/2026

The Office of the Chairperson, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, in coordination with the Office of the Bar Confidant, calls on Judiciary employees and lawyers working outside the Judiciary to serve as Local Personnel for this year’s Bar Examinations.

The available positions are: (1) Floor Supervisor, (2) Head Proctor, (3) Proctor, and (4) Runner.

For the full text of the Notice, including qualifications, duties and responsibilities, as well as training requirements, scan the QR code or click the link:https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-BAR-Call-for-LPs.pdf

The deadline for the submission of applications is June 16, 2026 (Tuesday) at 4:30 p.m.

Answer the call. Serve with purpose.

12/06/2026

🇵🇭 Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan! 🇵🇭
Today we honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of every Filipino who fought for our freedom. As we celebrate the 128th Philippine Independence Day, Benavides, Go & Suarez Law Firm stands proud in upholding justice, defending rights, and serving our community with integrity.
Freedom is our heritage. Justice is our commitment.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🎉

28/03/2026

BGS Lawfirm provides free legal consultation and notary today March 28, 2026 in view of the firms celebration of its first year aniversary of operations. All partners are present and accounted ready to provide free legal services today.

Should you have a legal concern feel free to visit our firm.

08/03/2026

Below is our Humble First Year Anniversary Celebration of Operation of Benavides Go and Suarez (BGS) Law Firm.

Attended by the three (3) Founding Partners Atty Benavides, Atty Go and Atty Suarez, this celebration is to give thanks and support that the firm received including the blessings and learnings gained along the way for its first year of operation since opening.

We hope for another fruitfull year as we look forward to our future expansion.

05/03/2026

In celebration of our 1st Year Anniversary, Benavides Go and Suarez Law Firm is giving back to the community with a month-long offering of FREE legal services this March 2026!

⚖️ FREE Legal Consultation
🕘 Every Saturday Morning
Receive professional legal advice at no cost.

📄 FREE Notarial Services
🕑 Every Saturday Afternoon
Get your documents notarized absolutely FREE.

📅 When: Every Saturday of March 2026
📍 Where: Benavides Go and Suarez Law Firm Office

This is our way of expressing our heartfelt gratitude for your trust and support during our first year of service. We look forward to continuing to serve you with integrity, excellence, and dedication.

For inquiries or to schedule your visit, please send us a message through our official page.

See you this March!