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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When Can a Former Government Lawyer Represent Private Clients? PCGG v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former government lawyers, defining "matter" and "intervention" in disqualification cases.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over GOCC Subsidiaries: The Alas Doctrine
Explaining People v. Alas: why officers of government-owned corporations incorporated under the Corporation Code fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
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 Can a Philippine Court Reopen a Case? Limits on Trial Court Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case, ruling that trial courts abuse discretion when they flip-flop without cogent reasons.
Acquittal Based on Demurrer to Evidence: Limits and Exceptions in Philippine Law
When is an acquittal final? The Supreme Court explains the double jeopardy rule and its exception in People v. Sandiganbayan.
Sandiganbayans Premature Acquittal DUE Process AND THE Limits OF Judicial Discretion
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over City Councilors: The Inding Doctrine on Salary Grades
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan, not lower courts, has jurisdiction over local officials charged with graft — regardless of salary grade.
Shareholder Rights vs PCGG Authority: Jurisdiction in Corporate Disputes Involving Government Assets
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction limits in corporate disputes involving sequestered assets and stockholder pre-emptive rights.
Balancing Speed and Justice: The Constitutional Right to a Speedy Disposition of Cases
Understand the right to speedy disposition of cases, the balancing test for delay, and what Bernat v. Sandiganbayan means for litigants.
Obstruction OF Justice Defining THE Sandiganbayans Jurisdiction IN Cases Involving Public Officials
Judicial Immunity: When Judges Cannot Be Sued for Official Acts
The Supreme Court dismissed an administrative complaint against three Sandiganbayan justices, reaffirming that judges are shielded from suits over official acts done in good faith.
Jurisdiction Over PNP Officers: Salary Grade Thresholds and Retroactive Application in Criminal Cases
Explaining Escobal v. Garchitorena on Sandiganbayan jurisdiction, salary grade thresholds, and retroactive application of R.A. 7975.
Consolidation of Bribery and Plunder Cases: Court Discretion in the Sandiganbayan
Explaining why the Supreme Court upheld the Sandiganbayan's discretion to deny consolidation of an indirect bribery case with a plunder case.
Public vs Private Funds: Defining AFP-RSBS and the Reach of Anti-Graft Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when military pension funds are public funds, affecting Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over graft cases.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Sandiganbayan Justice Fined for Misconduct and Media Stunt
Supreme Court fines retired Sandiganbayan Justice Badoy for conduct unbecoming a Justice and delay in resolving a motion.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights and Reasonableness in Preliminary Investigations
When does delay in preliminary investigation violate the right to speedy disposition? The Supreme Court explains the balancing test in Guiani v. Sandiganbayan.
Expediting Justice: Holding Judges Accountable for Case Delays
The Supreme Court affirms sanctions against a Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice for gross inefficiency, underscoring that judges must decide cases within 90 days.
Sequestration and Due Process: Prima Facie Basis for Government Action
The Supreme Court upholds Sandiganbayan's lifting of sequestration over HMHMI for lack of prima facie factual basis, reinforcing due process.
Ombudsman’s Authority to Prosecute Cases Beyond the Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman may prosecute graft cases in regular courts, not only before the Sandiganbayan.
Judicial Overreach and the Boundaries of Preliminary Investigations in the Philippines
Sales v. Sandiganbayan clarifies that preliminary investigations are substantive rights, not mere formalities, and sets limits on prosecutorial discretion.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion in Anti-Graft Cases: Odin Security Agency v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court explains when courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause and the limits of certiorari review in graft cases.
The Supreme Court's Supervisory Role: Balancing Judicial Independence and Administrative Oversight
A 2001 ruling clarifies the Supreme Court's administrative supervision over the Sandiganbayan, balancing institutional independence with fiscal accountability.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Obstruction of Justice Cases: The "In Relation to Office" Requirement
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over obstruction of justice cases? The Soller ruling explains the "in relation to office" test.
Preventive Suspension and the Sandiganbayan's Authority Over Public Officials
The Supreme Court upholds the Sandiganbayan's power to order preventive suspension of public officials, including senators, under RA 3019.