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.
Probable Cause in Graft Cases: SC Upholds Ombudsman's Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in determining probable cause for graft charges under R.A. 3019.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Private vs Public Corporations in the Philippines
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over corporate officers? Learn from the Morales ruling on private vs public corporations.
Judicial Discretion vs Undue Favoritism: When Judges Face Administrative Liability
Explaining when judicial rulings constitute administrative offenses, based on the Supreme Court's dismissal of the complaint against CA Justices Roxas and Enriquez.
Grave Abuse of Discretion Standard in Sandiganbayan Certiorari Petitions
Explore how the Supreme Court defined grave abuse of discretion in certiorari petitions against the Sandiganbayan, citing the Barrera market stall case.
When Final Judgments Clash: Upholding the Anti-Graft Law and Defining Usurpation of Judicial Functions in the
A provincial adjudicator ignored a final Court of Appeals ruling, leading to a landmark conviction under the Anti-Graft Law and a clarifying ruling on usurpation of judicial functions.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: When Prosecution Appeals Are Barred
The Supreme Court explains when the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal and why certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy.
Re-Filing Graft Case Needs No New Preliminary Investigation When Only the Mode of Commission Changes
A re-filed graft information that changes only the mode of committing the offense, not its nature, does not require a new preliminary investigation.
When Local Officials Break Procurement Rules: Lessons From Sison v. People
A mayor's conviction for skipping public bidding shows how courts review local procurement and graft cases under Philippine law.
Public Officials Held Accountable: Strict Compliance With Procurement Laws
Mayor convicted for violating procurement rules and anti-graft law; personal canvass exceptions demand strict compliance.
Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law for Conspiring With Public Officers
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals who conspire with public officers in graft cases can be held liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Defining Public Officer When Private Sector Representatives Face Graft Charges
Supreme Court ruling on when private sector board members are public officers under the Anti-Graft Law and Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Prosecutors Discretion in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
When can courts review a prosecutor's or the Ombudsman's decision? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial intervention.
Delayed Retirement Benefits: Balancing Public Service and Official Discretion
A retired bookkeeper's unpaid terminal leave leads to graft charges against a mayor, but the Supreme Court dismisses the case on procedural grounds.
Reopening a Preliminary Investigation Does Not Prove Prosecutorial Partiality
Supreme Court clarifies that reopening a preliminary investigation is not proof of bias under the Anti-Graft law, absent evidence of bad faith.
Indirect Contempt and Forum Shopping: Safeguarding Judicial Processes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts, and warns against forum shopping and delaying tactics.
Administrative Absolution Does NOT BAR Criminal Prosecution Ensuring Accountability IN Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts against public officials.
Ombudsman's Discretion to Prosecute Public Officials: Galario v. Ombudsman
When can the Ombudsman charge a different offense than what was complained of? The Supreme Court explains in Galario v. Ombudsman.
Private Parties and Conspiracy Under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals may be charged with Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law when conspiring with public officers.
When Can Courts Compel the Ombudsman to Prosecute? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus cannot compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, as prosecutorial discretion remains with that office.
Finality of Judgments: Why Courts Cannot Revisit Decided Cases
Explore the doctrine of finality of judgments in Philippine law, its rationale, exceptions, and practical implications for litigants.
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Refuse to Intervene
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges against DBP officials, underscoring the wide discretion given to the Ombudsman in determining probable cause.
Technical Malversation in the Philippines: When Is Public Fund Misuse Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies technical malversation under of the Revised Penal Code and when public fund diversion becomes a crime.
Expanding Sandiganbayan's Reach: Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over officers of government-owned corporations, regardless of how they were created.
When Local Councils Overstep: Cable TV Franchises and the Limits of LGU Power
A look at Zoomzat v. People, where the Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot grant cable TV franchises—that power belongs to the NTC.