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.
Nepotism in Government: Designation of Relatives Is a Prohibited Appointment
The Supreme Court ruled that designating a relative to government duties—even unpaid or off-plantilla—violates the ban on nepotism.
When Military and Civilian Tribunals Collide: Jurisdiction in AFP Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how concurrent jurisdiction works between the Ombudsman and military courts in administrative cases against AFP personnel.
Perpetual Disqualification and Material Misrepresentation in Election Candidacy
The Supreme Court ruled that filing a Certificate of Candidacy while under perpetual disqualification is material misrepresentation, voiding the CoC and making votes stray.
Concubinage, Condonation, and the Ombudsman's Power: Key Lessons from Busuego v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies when a wife's knowledge of infidelity amounts to condonation of concubinage, and affirms the Ombudsman's broad investigative powers over public officers.
Resignation and Administrative Cases in the Philippines: What Andutan Teaches Us
Can a resigned public official still face administrative cases? The Supreme Court's Andutan ruling clarifies the limits of Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Administrative Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Ombudsman, PAGC, and the CSC Appeal Route
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies concurrent jurisdiction among anti-graft bodies and why appeals must go to the CSC first.
Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Presumption of Regularity of Public Documents: The High Bar for Proving Falsification
Public documents enjoy a presumption of regularity. Learn the high evidentiary standard needed to overcome it in administrative 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.
Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines: When Reimbursement Does Not Erase Liability
Failure to liquidate public funds can lead to malversation conviction even if the amount is later reimbursed. Learn the rules and key lessons from a Supreme Court case.
Defective Verification and Forum Shopping Certification: Why Cases Get Dismissed in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective verification or certification against forum shopping can get a case dismissed in Philippine courts, based on Loquias v. Ombudsman.
Article 125 and the Proper Judicial Authority: Filing Before the MTC Stops the Detention Clock
Filing a complaint with the MTC counts as delivering a detainee to the proper judicial authority under Article 125, even without trial jurisdiction.
Writ of Possession in Expropriation: When Demolition Is Implied | Philippine Law
In expropriation cases, a writ of possession can include the power to demolish structures. Learn the rule from Knecht v. Desierto.
Preliminary Investigation as a Substantive Right: The Duterte v. Sandiganbayan Doctrine
The right to preliminary investigation is substantive, not a mere formality. Duterte v. Sandiganbayan shows how its violation can void criminal charges.