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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Malversation and Anti-Graft Laws: Lessons from Sarion v. People on Public Fund Management
A Supreme Court ruling on malversation clarifies the duty of public officials to verify disbursements, with key lessons for government and contractors.
Understanding the Legal Duties of Public Officials in Remitting GSIS Contributions
A mayor's duty to remit GSIS premiums explained through a Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability for non-remittance.
Grave Misconduct and Government Procurement: Upholding Accountability in Public Projects
The Supreme Court affirms that public officials may be held liable for grave misconduct arising from irregularities in government procurement, reinforcing accountability in public projects.
Grave Misconduct and Personal Loans: When Public Officials Cross Legal Lines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's personal loan becomes grave misconduct, and the proper remedy to question Ombudsman dismissals.
Venue Rules for Graft Cases Against Officials: Insights from Non v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for graft cases against public officials under R.A. 10660, requiring trial outside the official's home region.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: Legal Standards for Public Officials and Lawyers in the Philippines
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on administrative liability, the burden of proof, and the presumption of regularity in notarized documents.
The Doctrine of Reasonable Reliance: When Public Officials Are Not Liable for Subordinates' Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that heads of office may rely on subordinates in good faith, reversing a gross neglect finding against a Registrar of Deeds.
Upholding Due Process: Dismissal of Administrative Charges Based on Insufficient Evidence
Explore how the Supreme Court upholds dismissal of administrative charges when evidence is insufficient, protecting public officials' rights.
Unauthorized Notarization by Public Officials: The Limits of Authority in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when notarization by a government lawyer constitutes unauthorized private practice under R.A. 6713.
Accountability IN Governance When Public Officials Oversight Fails
Public Office vs Private Interests: When Loans Become Unlawful Under RA 6713
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials violate RA 6713 by obtaining loans from cooperatives they regulate, and why membership rights do not exempt them.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on public officials who signed resolutions recommending their own appointments, and the consequences of conflict of interest.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Good Faith in Government Procurement: Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability
Learn when good faith shields public officials from refunding disallowed benefits, and when it does not, under Philippine law.
Graft and Conspiracy: Public Officials' Liability in Disadvantageous Contracts
Explains when public officers and private persons may be held liable for graft under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 for disadvantageous government contracts.
Prescription and Probable Cause: Protecting Public Officials From Stale Charges
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges, clarifying prescription periods and probable cause requirements under RA 3019.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Due Diligence in Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may invoke good faith and reliance on subordinates in government contracts, and when they must verify.
Graft and Corruption: Public Officials' Liability and the Limits of Good Faith Reliance
When can public officials be held liable for graft despite claiming good faith reliance on subordinates? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.
Behest Loans and Due Diligence: Protecting Public Funds From Graft
Supreme Court ruling on when government loans become graft, and why due diligence and business judgment protect public officials.
Reliance on Subordinates: When Public Officials Avoid Liability for Disallowed Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official can invoke the Arias doctrine to avoid personal liability for disallowed government funds.
Jurisdiction in Drug Cases: The Limits of Anti-Graft Authority and Protecting Individual Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over drug cases involving public officials, emphasizing procedural rules and the hierarchy of courts.
Protecting Press Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Interest Reporting
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on actual malice, qualified privilege, and libel in reporting on public officials' conduct.
Good Faith AND Government Liability Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability IN Disallowed Payments
SALN Non-Disclosure: Intent Matters in Administrative Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere SALN omissions do not automatically mean dishonesty—intent to deceive must be shown.