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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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.
One Act One Crime: Continuing Offenses and the Anti-Graft Law in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts treat continuing offenses under the Anti-Graft Law, including key principles and practical implications.
Ombudsmans Discretion Respecting Independence IN Graft Case Findings
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's wide discretion in graft preliminary investigations, respecting prosecutorial independence absent grave abuse.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Official Inaction and Anti-Graft Law: When Delay Becomes Discrimination
Court personnel who leak confidential office documents to embarrass colleagues face administrative liability, even if complainants withdraw their cases.
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.
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 Upheld in Dismissing Graft Charges Absent Concrete Evidence
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of graft charges against Nueva Ecija officials, citing lack of probable cause and procedural finality.
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.
Mayor's Permit vs. Local Ordinance: Court Upholds Ombudsman's Power in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's finding of probable cause against a mayor who issued a firecracker permit despite a local ordinance banning it.
When Can Courts Interfere With Ombudsman Probable Cause Findings
The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial review over Ombudsman probable cause findings in anti-graft cases against public officers.
Accountability in Public Service: The Duty to Ensure Proper Delivery of Government Resources
Supreme Court affirms conviction of a city official for ghost delivery of equipment under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Judicial Ethics: Conviction of Moral Turpitude Leads to Dismissal and Disbarment
A judge's conviction for malversation and graft leads to dismissal from the bench and disbarment, even while criminal appeals are pending.
Ombudsman’s Discretion Limits on Certiorari in Anti-Graft Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the proper remedy for assailing Ombudsman rulings in consolidated anti-graft cases.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for Anti-Graft Act violations begins, using a behest loan case as the backdrop.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Upholding Attorney Duty Truthfulness in Legal Filings and the Scope of Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that bad faith in graft cases requires dishonest purpose, not mere error or negligence.
Good Faith and Public Office: Reassessing Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith and lack of manifest partiality can defeat graft charges under RA 3019.
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.
Demurrer to Evidence Denials and the Limits of Certiorari in Anti-Graft Cases
When can a denied demurrer to evidence be overturned? The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar of grave abuse of discretion.