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.
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Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied: Speedy Disposition and Evidence in Graft Cases
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Lorenzo v. Sandiganbayan on inordinate delay in preliminary investigations and the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Breach of Public Trust When Negligence in Procurement Leads to Graft Conviction
Supreme Court affirms graft conviction of DOH supply officer for gross inexcusable negligence in anomalous drug purchases, clarifying liability under RA 3019.
Accountability in Public Office: Mayor's Liability for Negligent Fund Disbursement
A mayor's approval of an unappropriated price escalation payment led to malversation and graft convictions, underscoring public officers' duty of diligence.
Solicitation by Public Officials: When Accepting Gifts Leads to Graft Charges
A DARAB adjudicator's conviction for soliciting P120,000 and a tuna fish clarifies graft law and double prosecution rules.
Accountability and the Limits of Official Discretion When Granting a Permit Becomes a Crime
A mayor's conviction for issuing a cockpit permit to a prohibited party clarifies how official discretion meets criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion in Public Fund Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause finding against a mayor for unlawful appointments and graft, underscoring judicial restraint.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal of Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Speedy Disposition vs Protracted Process When Delay Deprives Justice in Anti-Graft Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates the right to speedy disposition, distinguishing mere mathematical reckoning from actual prejudice.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Graft and Malversation Case Due to Hearsay Evidence
Supreme Court acquits mayor and barangay captain of graft and malversation, ruling that hearsay evidence and admissions alone cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Good Faith Defense in Graft Cases: When Official Duty Is Not Corruption
The Supreme Court acquits public officers of graft, ruling that honest mistakes in performing official duty are not corruption absent corrupt motive.
Falsification of Public Documents and Anti-Graft Liability: The Maasin River Quarrying Case
A vice mayor's conviction for falsifying Sangguniang Bayan minutes and violating the Anti-Graft Law, explaining the legal principles involved.
Undue Influence and the Anti-Graft Act: Protecting Public Officers From Unsubstantiated Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that violating procurement rules alone does not prove graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Good Faith and the Anti-Graft Law: When an Honest Mistake Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies that violating procurement rules alone does not prove graft—corrupt intent must be shown beyond reasonable doubt.
Acquittal in Anti-Graft Case: Honest Mistake vs Corrupt Intent in Procurement
Supreme Court acquits mayors in anti-graft case, ruling that procurement violations without corrupt intent do not constitute Section 3(e) offenses.
Graft Acquittal: Why Procurement Lapses Alone Do Not Prove Corruption
Supreme Court acquits municipal officials of graft despite procurement lapses, clarifying the strict proof required under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
When Delay Becomes Inordinate: Ombudsman's Slow Probe Nullifies Graft Indictment
The Supreme Court nullified a graft indictment against Southern Leyte officials, ruling the Ombudsman's 1,370-day preliminary investigation violated their right to speedy disposition.
Beyond the Timesheet: Ghost Employee Acquittal Hinges on Good Faith and Actual Service
The Supreme Court acquits a former board member and five job order employees in a ghost employee case, emphasizing that actual service and good faith defeat charges of graft and falsification.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When A Threat Doesnt Meet THE Legal Threshold
The Supreme Court acquits an OMB chairman of graft when conspiracy rests on hearsay, while affirming a subordinate's conviction.
Unwarranted Benefit: Dissecting Graft and Conspiracy in Optical Media Regulation
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and graft liability under RA 3019 in a case involving released pirated DVDs from OMB custody.
Inordinate Delay by Ombudsman Leads to Acquittal in Fertilizer Fund Scam Case
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of graft charges against Surigao officials due to the Ombudsman's unreasonable delay in preliminary investigation.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Government Delay Kills a Graft Case
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a graft case after the Ombudsman's six-year preliminary investigation violated the accused's right to speedy disposition.
Graft and Conspiracy: When Private Individuals Become Publicly Liable
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on splitting government contracts and conspiracy liability in procurement under RA 9184.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Compliance Required IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that Rule 45 petitions must strictly comply with procedural deadlines, and clarifies the elements of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Conspiracy and Graft: Probable Cause Against Private Individuals in Anti-Graft Cases
When can a private person be charged with graft under RA 3019? The Supreme Court clarifies the conspiracy requirement in Arroyo v. Sandiganbayan.