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.
Double Jeopardy and Speedy Trial Rights in the ASEAN Street Lighting Case
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on double jeopardy, speedy disposition, and amended informations in Braza v. Sandiganbayan.
Admonishing Delay in Executing Final Judgments: A Lesson for Judges
Sandiganbayan justices admonished for delaying execution of a final conviction, highlighting the ministerial duty to implement judgments promptly.
Judicial Immunity: When CAN Judges Be Held Liable for Their Decisions?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial immunity and when judges may face administrative liability for their rulings.
Motion to Quash Denial: Interlocutory Orders and Grave Abuse of Discretion
Learn when a denied motion to quash can be challenged via certiorari, and why interlocutory orders generally require waiting for trial.
Supreme Court Acquits IMC General Manager But Affirms Convictions in P116M Graft Case
SC ruling clarifies evident bad faith in graft cases, acquitting an IMC official who relied on subordinates while affirming convictions of others.
Judicial Ethics: Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Payoffs in Landmark Philippine Ruling
Supreme Court dismisses deputy sheriff for accepting kickbacks from a newspaper publisher in exchange for judicial notice assignments, reaffirming strict ethics for court personnel.
Missed Your Court Date: Understanding Loss of Remedies and Probation in Philippine Law
Learn how missing court deadlines can forfeit legal remedies, and why demurrer grants may not always mean final acquittal.
Conspiracy and Corruption: How Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law in the Philippi
The Supreme Court clarifies how public officers and private individuals can be held liable for graft under RA 3019, using the landmark Respicio case as a guide.
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.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: Why Photocopies and Hearsay Don't Suffice
Learn how Philippine courts treat photocopies and hearsay in administrative cases, and why substantial evidence remains the standard.
SALN Omissions and Simple Negligence in Government Service: The Pleyto Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a public official's failure to disclose a spouse's business interests in the SALN amounts to simple negligence, not dishonesty.
Simulated Bidding and Falsification: Public Officials' Liability Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on public officials liable for falsified bidding documents and graft under R.A. 3019 in simulated procurement.
Right to Present Evidence: Examining Forged Signatures in Graft Cases
Sandiganbayan's denial of a graft accused's request to have questioned documents examined by the NBI was grave abuse of discretion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When Public Officials Are Protected From Unfounded Graft Complaints
Explore when public officials are shielded from unfounded graft complaints, and how courts respect the Ombudsman's discretion in dismissing baseless cases.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Due Process and Unexplained Wealth in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may preventively suspend public officials and what due process requires in unexplained wealth cases.