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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Graft and Malversation: When Private Funds Become Public Funds Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when private funds become public funds and defines liability for graft and malversation in Arcelo v. People.
Breach of Public Trust: Defining Graft and Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of graft and malversation in Ruiz v. People, affirming a mayor's conviction for misuse of public funds.
Supreme Court Acquits Barangay Official in Graft Case, Clarifies Elements of Section 3(c) RA 3019
The Supreme Court acquits a barangay kagawad of graft, clarifying the elements of Section 3(c) of RA 3019 and the importance of substantial justice over technical rules.
Graft Conviction Overturned: Undue Injury and Burden of Proof Under RA 3019
When does a procurement violation become graft? The Supreme Court clarifies undue injury and the burden of proof under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
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.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Good Faith in Philippine Government Contracts
The Supreme Court acquits engineers of graft for lack of evident bad faith, but orders restitution for a phantom fence project.
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.
When Procurement Violations Don't Equal Corruption: Lessons from People v. Villasin
The Supreme Court clarifies that procurement lapses alone do not prove graft under RA 3019, requiring evidence of corrupt intent.
Ghost Employees and Graft Liability: The Supreme Court’s Standard in People v. Reales
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in ghost employee corruption cases, protecting honest public officials from wrongful conviction.
Graft and Corruption: When Does a Procurement Irregularity Become a Crime in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when procurement irregularities amount to graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019, requiring proof of corrupt intent.
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.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: What You Need to Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman has jurisdiction over officials of GOCCs without original charters, expanding anti-graft oversight.
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.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Individual Rights and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of graft charges due to the Ombudsman's inordinate delay, clarifying the right to speedy disposition.
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.
Reviving Judgments Balancing Timeliness AND Justice IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court acquits a PPA official in an anti-graft case, clarifying the elements of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Public Officer Liability: Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court acquits PPA terminal manager in Section 3(e) case, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for public officers acting in good faith.
Safeguarding Public Officials Acquittal Based on Reasonable Doubt in Anti-Graft Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a PPA terminal manager of graft, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for public officials in anti-graft cases.
Governments Burden Proving Undue Injury in Anti-Graft Cases Involving Expropriation
The Supreme Court acquits public officials in an expropriation graft case, ruling the prosecution failed to prove the warehouse did not exist.
Accountability in Public Office: Non-Remittance of GSIS Contributions and the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for unremitted GSIS contributions, distinguishing violations of RA 8291 from graft under RA 3019.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Local Government Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies direct bribery under the Revised Penal Code in a case involving Ombudsman officials and local executives.
Serving Time, Not Home Care: Graft Convicts Must Stay in Penal Facilities
The Supreme Court affirms that convicted graft offenders must serve prison terms in penal institutions, rejecting house arrest pleas.