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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Good Faith Defense vs. Falsification and Malversation of Public Funds
Supreme Court clarifies when blind obedience to unlawful orders defeats good faith in falsification and malversation cases.
Behest Loans AND Grave Abuse OF Discretion Safeguarding Public Funds IN Government Transactions
Accountability IN Public Funds Disallowing Unjustified Extension Costs IN Government Contracts
Breach of Trust: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, including the presumption of misappropriation when funds are not forthcoming upon demand.
Breach of Trust When Court Employees Fail to Safeguard Public Funds
Court personnel who mishandle public funds face administrative liability, including dismissal, for breach of trust and conduct prejudicial to service.
Public Officials' Liability for Negligence in Handling Public Funds: The Luspo Doctrine
Supreme Court ruling on public officials' liability for negligence in disbursing public funds, explaining accountable officer duties and bad faith requirements.
Supreme Court Limits Presidential Spending Power in Araullo v. Aquino III
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, reaffirming that public funds require congressional appropriation under the Constitution.
Safeguarding Public Funds: When Officials Can Be Held Liable for Negligence in Disbursement
A Supreme Court disbarment case clarifies how negligence and dishonesty in handling client money and documents can lead to suspension, fines, and worse.
When Public Funds Meet Private Entities: The Boundaries of the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when government financial assistance to private organizations may or may not violate Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Taxpayer Standing in Philippine Law: Protecting Public Funds Through Legal Action
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Remulla v. Maliksi on taxpayer standing to challenge government contracts and protect public funds.
Technical Malversation: Intent Not Required for Illegal Use of Public Funds
Supreme Court clarifies that illegal use of public funds under does not require intent, only the diversion of funds to another public purpose.
Technical Malversation: Good Faith Is No Defense for Misapplying Public Funds
A mayor diverted food for malnourished children to calamity victims. The Supreme Court ruled this is technical malversation—good faith is no defense.
Breach OF Trust Defining Evident BAD Faith IN Public Funds Mismanagement
Coconut Levy Funds Are Public Funds: SC Limits on Spending and Public Purpose
The Supreme Court ruled coco-levy funds are public funds, voiding laws that treated them as private property and allowed spending beyond their special purpose.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Misconduct and Mishandling of Public Funds
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for P3.1M fund shortages, affirms strict accountability for judicial personnel handling public funds.
Who Owns the Shares When Public Funds and Private Interests Collide in San Miguel Corporation
The Supreme Court resolves who owns sequestered SMC shares bought with coconut levy funds—the registered owners or the coconut farmers.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman Discretion: Incomplete Audit Does Not Bar Malversation Charges
The Supreme Court rules that an incomplete COA audit does not prevent the Ombudsman from finding probable cause for malversation of public funds.
Taxpayers Have Standing to Question Government Contracts: Mamba v. Lara
The Supreme Court affirms that taxpayers can challenge government contracts involving public funds, even without being party to them.
Protecting Public Funds Supreme Court Invalidates Compromise Agreement Involving Government Assets
Supreme Court voids PNCC-Radstock compromise that would have transferred P6.185 billion in public assets to a private foreign firm.
Protecting Public Funds Supreme Court Voids Illegal Government Contracts AND Compromises
Learn how the Supreme Court protects public funds by voiding illegal government contracts and compromises, safeguarding taxpayer money.
Government Employee Benefits THE Limits OF Mandamus AND Garnishment Against Public Funds
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Dishonesty in Handling Public Funds
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for failing to account for P256,530.25 in court fund shortages, affirming strict accountability standards.
Election Law: Public Funds Disbursement and the Scope of Prohibited Public Works
The Supreme Court clarifies the election ban on public works and treasury warrants in Guzman v. COMELEC.