Civil actions

Unfortunately, there is an uncomfortable truth that can sometimes work against a foreigner seeking justice within the Philippine legal system. Being a foreigner, regardless of the nature of the legal matter at hand or the validity of your case, you may find yourself at a disadvantage purely because you are not a Philippine citizen. This can be a significant departure from what foreigners may be accustomed to in their home legal systems, where decisions are often made based on a strict interpretation of the legal merits of a case.

It’s not uncommon for foreigners to be taken aback when a judge or jury delivers a verdict that goes against them, seemingly against the legal merits of their case. In these situations, having the right attorney with strong connections is of utmost importance to safeguard your position and ensure that your rights are protected. Veritas Consulting Group (VCG) can assist you in securing the appropriate legal counsel to navigate these complexities and enhance your chances of receiving fair treatment within the Philippine legal system.

Before you dismiss the possibility and assume this would never be relevant to you, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the fact that, although you may have never found yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself in a criminal case, none of us can guarantee that it won’t happen in the future. Even if you are entirely innocent, you would still require a high-quality attorney with strong connections, one who is well-equipped to protect your interests. The last thing you want as you embark on what should be the most rewarding phase of your life is to be unjustly sentenced to serve time in a Philippine jail.

Veritas Consulting Group (VCG) can provide the support and guidance you need to ensure that you have the right legal representation in the event that you face such a situation. Our connections within the legal community can make a substantial difference in safeguarding your rights and ensuring that you receive a fair and just legal outcome.

Wills and trusts

Traditionally in the Philippines, individuals tend to create their wills and trusts only when they are in declining health. It’s challenging to argue against this practice being somewhat irresponsible. However, intriguingly, this level of procrastination is not unique to the Philippines; it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Even the heads of large corporations and wealthy families in the Western world often overlook this crucial aspect of planning, despite the fact that the absence of these legal arrangements can result in irreparable harm to future generations.

If you already have a will and/or trust in place, it’s essential to have them reviewed periodically, ideally every four years, to ensure that your documents align with current legal requirements. Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the potential implications of living in a different country, as this can affect the legal framework under which your estate would be subject to upon your passing. Veritas Consulting Group (VCG) can assist you in addressing these concerns, helping you navigate the complexities of cross-border estate planning to protect your legacy and the interests of your heirs.

Notarization

In the Philippines, it’s important to note that all attorneys also hold the title of notaries. Moreover, they typically have an assistant at their office who is qualified to sign and officially record legal documents. When it comes to preparing legal documents that need to be valid under Philippine law, it is highly advisable to engage an attorney’s services. This ensures that the agreement is drafted with the appropriate legal language that accurately aligns with Philippine law, making the document legally enforceable and providing you with the necessary legal protections. Veritas Consulting Group (VCG) can help you connect with experienced attorneys who can assist in creating legally sound and enforceable agreements.

Due diligence

Due Diligence, in essence, refers to the exercise of sound judgment, meticulous care, prudence, and thorough investigation of all relevant elements associated with a particular situation. In simpler terms, it means taking the necessary steps to understand everything about a situation that could have both positive and negative impacts on your involvement.

An essential example of the need for due diligence is when dealing with land or property transactions. In the Philippines, given the complexities of ownership involving multiple family members and various other factors, it is of utmost importance to have a reputable law firm conduct due diligence on your behalf. Failing to take such action can, and often does, lead to unpleasant and costly consequences for you. Veritas Consulting Group (VCG) can assist you in navigating these intricacies and ensuring that due diligence is carried out effectively to protect your interests and investments.