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 Legal Advice Becomes a Crime: The Anti-Graft Law in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's erroneous advice may—or may not—constitute graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Navigating Anti-Graft Law Good Faith Defense in Government Procurement
Explore the good faith defense in anti-graft cases through a recent Supreme Court acquittal in a government procurement dispute.
Behest Loans in the Philippines: Understanding Anti-Graft Law and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts define behest loans, the role of RA 3019, and why loan repayment does not erase potential graft liability.
Government Contracts: When Is a Deal Manifestly Disadvantageous?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government contract is "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law.
When Check Kiting Becomes Graft: Bank Officers and the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court explains when check kiting by bank officers and clients becomes a violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Official Duty vs Corruption: The Limits of Anti-Graft Law in BFP Mutual Aid Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's withholding of funds is official duty, not graft, in BFP mutual aid case.
Accountability in Public Office: Defining Public Officer Under the Anti-Graft Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that MMFF Executive Committee members are public officers under RA 3019, reinforcing accountability for public funds.
Accountability and the Limits of Official Discretion When Granting a Permit Becomes a Crime
A mayor's conviction for issuing a cockpit permit to a prohibited party clarifies how official discretion meets criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Falsification of Public Documents and Anti-Graft Liability: The Maasin River Quarrying Case
A vice mayor's conviction for falsifying Sangguniang Bayan minutes and violating the Anti-Graft Law, explaining the legal principles involved.
Good Faith and the Anti-Graft Law: When an Honest Mistake Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies that violating procurement rules alone does not prove graft—corrupt intent must be shown beyond reasonable doubt.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Compliance Required IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that Rule 45 petitions must strictly comply with procedural deadlines, and clarifies the elements of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: Protecting Private Individuals From Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals may be charged under the Anti-Graft law, emphasizing the need for evidence of conspiracy with public officers.
When Local Governance Meets Lending: Safeguarding Public Funds in Loan Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when LGU loan agreements become "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under the Anti-Graft Law, acquitting local officials.
Conflict of Interest and Public Funds: When Cooperative Membership Does Not Equal Graft
Supreme Court clarifies that mere cooperative membership or past affiliation does not prove graft under the Anti-Graft Law.
Understanding Gross Negligence in Public Office: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of criminal liability for public officers under the Anti-Graft law, emphasizing the right against double jeopardy.
Malversation and Anti-Graft Laws: Lessons from Sarion v. People on Public Fund Management
A Supreme Court ruling on malversation clarifies the duty of public officials to verify disbursements, with key lessons for government and contractors.
Understanding Bad Faith in Government Travel: A Guide to Avoiding Anti-Graft Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies what "evident bad faith" means under the Anti-Graft Law in a case involving unauthorized foreign travel.
Good Faith in Government Procurement: When Brand Specification Is Not Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies that procurement irregularities do not automatically prove graft under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Navigating the Fine Line: Gross Inexcusable Negligence in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's acts amount to gross inexcusable negligence under the Anti-Graft Law, using a sequestered corporation case.
Good Faith and Misinterpretation in Public Office: A Guide to the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's mistaken interpretation of rules negates criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Public Procurement and the Anti-Graft Law: Lessons from Coloma v. People
A police official's conviction for violating Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 shows how flawed procurement and bad faith lead to graft liability.
Family Employment and Public Office: Understanding RA 3019 Violations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when hiring a spouse in a private firm with pending official business violates the Anti-Graft law.
Mistaken Authority Is Not Bad Faith: The Villarosa Ruling on Anti-Graft Liability
The Supreme Court acquitted a municipal mayor charged under the Anti-Graft Law, holding that an honest mistake of authority does not amount to evident bad faith.
Private Individuals in Conspiracy with Public Officers Can Be Liable Under Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals conspiring with public officers may be indicted for violations of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.