Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Navigating Subpoenas: Government Employee Obligations in Ombudsman Investigations
Government employees must comply with Ombudsman subpoenas even if a superior orders otherwise. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Ombudsman's Authority and Due Process: Protecting Rights in Preliminary Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that preliminary investigation requires due process, not just procedural compliance.
When Can a Prosecutor Dismiss Cases Without Ombudsman Approval? Soriano v. Marcelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when city prosecutors may dismiss cases against public officers without Ombudsman approval, and what constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences of Misconduct and Abandonment of Duty
The Supreme Court affirms that the Ombudsman can impose penalties directly, and that dishonesty by accountable officers warrants dismissal from service.
The Ombudsman's Control Over Special Prosecutors: Limits on Prosecutorial Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's authority over special prosecutors and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases.
Ombudsman Discretion in Preliminary Investigations: Limits of Judicial Review in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of judicial review over prosecutorial findings in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the standard of grave abuse of discretion.
Ombudsman Authority and Administrative Liability: The Barillo Case on Dishonesty in Public Service
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on administrative liability for dishonesty in public service, citing the Barillo case and its implications.
Dismissal of Action: When Certiorari Is the Proper Remedy in Philippine Courts
Learn when certiorari is the proper remedy in Philippine courts, and why the Ombudsman cannot dismiss a complaint based on a prejudicial question.
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Refuse to Intervene
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges against DBP officials, underscoring the wide discretion given to the Ombudsman in determining probable cause.
Ombudsman's Power to Investigate COA Findings Not a Prerequisite: PAL Officers Case
Supreme Court rules Ombudsman lacks jurisdiction over officers of GOCCs without original charters, like PAL. Learn the limits of Ombudsman power.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Judicial Review: Navigating Anti-Graft Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute anti-graft cases.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
Ombudsman's Power to Impose Administrative Penalties: Not Just a Recommendation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman can directly impose administrative penalties, not merely recommend them, under the Constitution and RA 6770.
Ombudsman's Power to Impose Administrative Penalties: A Defining Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority—whether it can directly impose penalties or only recommend them.
Upholding Integrity: Public Officials Held Accountable for Dishonesty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court reinstates the Ombudsman's ruling against a school principal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and prohibited private practice under R.A. 6713.
Red Flags in Permit Applications: Avoiding Administrative Liability for Public Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Bedruz v. Ombudsman explains how approving permits with glaring defects can make public officials administratively liable.
Ombudsman Investigations in the Philippines: Grave Abuse of Discretion and Your Rights
Understand how Philippine courts review Ombudsman dismissals, the doctrine of conclusiveness of judgment, and appeal rules under Rule 45.
Delayed Budget Undue Injury Ombudsmans Discretion IN Graft Cases
Ombudsmans Discretion Challenging Probable Cause Determinations IN Corruption Cases
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Limits of Ombudsman Discretion When Clarificatory Hearings Are Not Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the Ombudsman may skip clarificatory hearings in preliminary investigations without abusing discretion.
Can the Special Prosecutor Exercise Preventive Suspension Powers? Key SC Ruling
The Supreme Court rules on whether the Ombudsman's Special Prosecutor may validly issue preventive suspension orders in administrative cases.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
Ombudsman's Power to Investigate and Prosecute SAL Violations Under RA 3019
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's authority to investigate and prosecute public officials for failure to file Statements of Assets and Liabilities.