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.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in public procurement cases, emphasizing that mere signature on documents does not prove bad faith.
When Can You Challenge an Ombudsman Dismissal? Certiorari Limits Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Dormido v. Ombudsman on why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment in graft case dismissals.
When the Ombudsman Can Dismiss Graft Cases: Ownership Disputes and Certiorari Limits
Explaining when the Ombudsman may dismiss a graft complaint that hinges on a property ownership dispute, and why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment.
Can Private Individuals Be Charged With Corruption Under Philippine Law? The Canlas Case Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals acting in conspiracy with public officers may be indicted for graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Public Disclosure Crosses the Line in Legal Ethics
In-house counsel suspended for media disclosures. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality duties.
Upholding Client Confidentiality Limits On Revealing Information After Termination OF Employment
A lawyer's duty of confidentiality survives termination of employment, but the burden of proving a breach rests on the complainant.
Jurisdictional Errors in Appeals: Barangay Officials and the Sandiganbayan
When appeals from RTC rulings on RA 3019 cases go to the wrong court, the Sandiganbayan holds exclusive appellate jurisdiction.
Encroachment and Good Faith: Resolving Land Disputes Under Article 448 of the Civil Code
Understand how the Supreme Court handles land disputes involving good faith builders, encroachment, and Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Mamasapano Tragedy: Determining Liability in Complex Military Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for determining criminal negligence and probable cause in the Mamasapano tragedy, addressing command responsibility and intervening causes.
Ombudsman's Power to Reopen Cases and Due Process in Preliminary Investigations
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on the Ombudsman's authority to reverse a predecessor's findings and due process limits in preliminary investigations.
Public Bidding and Travel Permits: When Mayors Fall Under Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of two mayors for violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law over irregular medicine purchases and unauthorized travel reimbursements.
When Can Prosecution Amend an Information? Formal vs Substantial Amendment Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution may amend a criminal information after arraignment, distinguishing formal from substantial amendments under Rule 110.
Supreme Court Upholds Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Charges Over Lahar Quarrying
The Court explains when it will not interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings, even where injury to a landowner may exist.
Breach of Public Trust: Negligence in Permitting Construction Without Proper Clearance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of Intramuros Administrator for gross inexcusable negligence under RA 3019 for allowing construction without permits.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights and Due Process in Anti-Graft Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when the speedy disposition clock starts in Ombudsman cases, distinguishing fact-finding from preliminary investigation.
Diversion of Tobacco Funds: Technical Malversation vs. Corruption Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when misusing public funds is technical malversation, not corruption, in Villarosa v. Ombudsman.
Exceeding Authority: Usurpation of Official Functions and Anti-Graft Violations in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on when a public officer's unauthorized acts constitute usurpation of official functions and graft under Philippine law.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Accountability in Government Procurement
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for Ombudsman rulings in criminal vs. administrative cases, and affirms accountability in government procurement.
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.
Probable Cause and Graft Liability When a Governor's Request Shapes Public Bidding
Supreme Court ruling on graft liability of DPWH-ARMM officials for irregularities in infrastructure projects, including premature contractor mobilization.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Evaluating Criminal Complaints: Key Lessons from Espaldon v. Buban
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman's discretionary dismissal under Section 20 of R.A. 6770 applies only to administrative, not criminal, complaints.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upholding Independence in Graft Case Investigations
SC rules on Ombudsman's discretion in graft investigations, affirming independence and expertise in dismissing cases without grave abuse.
SALN Dishonesty and Concealed Assets: De Castro v. Field Investigation Office
Supreme Court ruling on SALN dishonesty, concealed assets in children's names, and why omission amounts to grave administrative offense.