Ladia and Associates Law Offices

22/05/2026

Founder and Managing Partner of Ladia & Associates Law Offices, Atty. Martsu Ressan Ladia, participated in the 5KM Fun Run. As one of the finishers, Atty. Ladia shared a message of resilience, discipline, and dedication in pursuing one’s goals.

Just like in the song, he views life as a highway — a continuous journey where we must keep moving forward and strive to finish the race.

19/05/2026

In this article, Atty. Martsu Ressan Ladia, Founder and Managing Partner of Ladia & Associates Law Offices, discusses the doctrine of prejudicial question and explores how the same may potentially find application in the 2026 impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

As discussed in the article:

“The doctrine of prejudicial question traces its roots from the Spanish civil law tradition and was eventually adopted into Philippine jurisprudence through Berbari v. Concepcion (1920), where the Court described a prejudicial question as one which must first be resolved before judgment may be rendered in another principal action closely connected to it.”

The article further explains that while the Rules of Court traditionally frame prejudicial question within the context of a civil and criminal case interplay, Philippine jurisprudence has gradually adopted a more flexible and less technical approach. Modern cases have recognized its application across varying procedural combinations — civil and administrative proceedings, criminal and administrative proceedings, two civil actions, and even two criminal proceedings.

The article likewise examines the possibility that, should a motion to suspend on the ground of prejudicial question be denied, the matter itself may evolve into a significant constitutional and procedural issue reviewable before the Supreme Court, especially considering that the Rules of Court apply suppletorily to impeachment proceedings.

Read the full article below.

15/05/2026

Today we learn what “Argumentum Ad Absurdum” in logic means.

Argumentum ad absurdum is a Latin term that means “argument to absurdity.” It is a method of reasoning where a person shows that an opposing argument leads to an absurd, illogical, impossible, or ridiculous conclusion — therefore suggesting that the original argument must be wrong.

In simpler terms, if we follow a particular logic all the way, it results in something absurd. Therefore, that logic is flawed. This concept is closely related to the legal and philosophical method called reductio ad absurdum.

In the Philippines, some notable politicians have used this concept in their arguments. In a previous issue, the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago emphasized that the baseless distribution of additional pork barrel funds is absurd, even if the amount to be received appears relatively small, because, in the spirit of absurdity, such amounts may increase significantly as the years go by.

Recently, the incumbent Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano invoked the same concept in arguing that elected officials should not automatically be surrendered to the ICC without undergoing judicial process. According to him, if the ICC could simply arrest anyone through the mere issuance of a warrant, without the conformity of the Philippine judicial system, then, theoretically, any government official could be arrested at any time, potentially leaving the government without leadership.

Note: Ladia & Associates Law Offices remains apolitical. This post is shared solely for educational purposes in order to explain how logic and reasoning operate within legal and public discourse. Through discussions such as this, we hope to contribute, in our own little way, to the improvement of critical thinking and the level of reasoning among Filipinos.

List of References:
Nordquist, Richard. "Reductio Ad Absurdum in Argument." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/reductio-ad-absurdum-argument-1691903 (accessed May 15, 2026).
ANC 24/7. “Headstart: Santiago on Enrile - He Should Never Have Been President.” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErjkXfgVL7g (accessed May 15, 2026).
Alan Peter Cayetano. “Bilyonaryo Channel Live Interview: Tutukan ang panayam ng Bilyonaryo News Channel kay Senate President Kuya Alan Peter Cayetano ngayong Martes, May 12…” Facebook video. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1479338824206386 (accessed May 15, 2026).

13/05/2026

16/04/2026

Today, we feature the Doctrine of Human Experience as discussed in People v. De Guzman, G.R. No. 192250, July 11, 2012, where the Supreme Court stated:

“The time-honored test in determining the value of the testimony of a witness is its compatibility with human knowledge, observation and common experience of man. Thus, whatever is repugnant to the standards of human knowledge, observation and experience becomes incredible and must lie outside judicial cognizance. Consistently, the Court has ruled that evidence to be believed must proceed not only from the mouth of a credible witness but must be credible in itself as to hurdle the test of conformity with the knowledge and common experience of mankind.”

So, when a testimony runs contrary to the standards of human knowledge and experience—such as searching for a doctor at the barangay hall in the middle of the night, buying groceries in a bank while holding a gun, or feeding a neighbor’s dogs while wearing a helmet—the court cannot rest easy with moral certainty that the witness is telling the truth. With a cloud of doubt continuously hovering, the court, in such cases, cannot be convinced.

15/04/2026

📢 JOIN OUR TEAM
At Ladia & Associates Law Offices, we are building a practice grounded in precision, discipline, and forward-thinking legal service. As we expand, we are looking for individuals who can grow with the firm and take ownership of their roles.

We are currently opening the following positions:
🔹 Paralegal (1) – preferably a law student with CLEP
🔹 Case Managers (2)

What the Roles Demand

Our Case Managers serve as the backbone of operations—ensuring that every document, schedule, and client interaction is handled with order and efficiency. They take charge of coordination, compliance, and communication, keeping the firm’s processes running seamlessly.

Our Paralegal, on the other hand, works closely with counsel—assisting in drafting legal documents, supporting case development, supervising workflow, and helping shape both the legal and public-facing work of the firm.

What We Are Looking For

We are not merely filling positions—we are selecting people who can be relied upon.
• Strong command of written and oral communication
• High level of computer proficiency
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Organizational discipline and attention to detail
• Initiative, accountability, and sound judgment

For the Paralegal position:
• Solid grasp of legal concepts
• Capability to assist in drafting pleadings, contracts, and notarial documents
• Leadership ability in managing workflow and supporting team coordination

Preferred (but not required):
• With driver’s license
• With prior experience in a law office or similar environment

📩 Send your CV and application letter to: [email protected]

09/04/2026

Are you aware? Carrying a bladed weapon outside your residence can be a reason to put you in prison.

When the purpose of carrying such a bladed, blunt, or pointed weapon is to further, abet, or connect with subversion, rebellion, insurrection, lawless violence, criminality, chaos, or public disorder—and not for the necessary use of a tool or implement for one’s livelihood—the mere act of carrying such a weapon already constitutes a criminal offense.

Technically, this criminal act is known as a violation of P.D. No. 9, as amended by B.P. Blg. 6, which was recently discussed by the Supreme Court in People v. Bercadez, G.R. No. 265123, July 29, 2024.

So the next time you go out of the house, leave the knife inside—rather than pretending to be a chef when you do not even know how to peel an onion.

31/03/2026

Ladia & Associates Law Offices expresses its appreciation to the General Santos City SPED Integrated School for the opportunity extended to our Managing Partner, Atty. Martsu Ressan Ladia, who served as the Keynote Speaker during the school’s Graduation Ceremony held on March 30, 2026.

Also present during the occasion was Atty. Babes Aubrey Aquino, who attended the ceremony alongside Atty. Ladia. Both lawyers are proud alumni of the institution, making the event especially meaningful as they returned to the school that once formed part of their own educational journey.

In his keynote message, Atty. Ladia shared reflections on perseverance, responsibility, and the importance of making thoughtful choices in shaping one’s future—encouraging the graduates to move forward with courage and purpose as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Ladia & Associates Law Offices congratulates the graduates, their families, and the entire General Santos City SPED Integrated School community for this important milestone.

29/03/2026

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28/03/2026

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GSCCCI) underscored the resilience of local businesses while warning of mounting challenges during its General Membership Meeting and Induction held March 26 at Greenleaf Hotel.

Chamber President Miguel Rene A. Dominguez said the business community is navigating “significant headwinds” brought about by geopolitical tensions, energy security concerns, and supply chain disruptions.

“The business-as-usual model is being tested like never before,” he noted, adding that the strength of GenSan lies in its collective resilience.

The meeting featured a Fireside Chat titled "Pivot and Protect: Steering GenSan’s Economy Through Energy and Supply Chain Crisis," which gathered leaders from industry, government, finance, and regional development.

The discussion focused on the impact of global conflicts, particularly those involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which have disrupted major oil routes.

Rising fuel prices and tight supply chains are placing pressure on GenSan’s fishing, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing sectors, all heavily dependent on fuel, cold storage, and transport.

Dominguez emphasized that the program was designed to provide members with perspectives to navigate these challenges. He expressed hope that insights shared would help businesses move “from survival to strategic growth” by deepening partnerships.

The Chamber also encouraged members to strengthen connections, noting that collaboration and relationships are vital sources of resilience in uncertain times.

Dominguez closed by thanking both new and long-standing members for their commitment to the Chamber and the local economy.