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 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.
Solicitation by Public Officials: When Accepting Gifts Leads to Graft Charges
A DARAB adjudicator's conviction for soliciting P120,000 and a tuna fish clarifies graft law and double prosecution rules.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal of Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Inordinate Delay by Ombudsman Leads to Acquittal in Fertilizer Fund Scam Case
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of graft charges against Surigao officials due to the Ombudsman's unreasonable delay in preliminary investigation.
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.
Understanding Unlawful Detainee Release: Insights From the Marzan Case
A jail officer who releases a detainee without a court order can face graft charges. The Supreme Court explains why in Marzan v. People.
Ethical Limits on Filing Graft Complaints: Lessons from Diaz v. Atty. Mandagan
A lawyer's duty to avoid frivolous cases: Supreme Court suspends counsel for filing unsubstantiated graft charges against a former mayor.
When a Demurrer to Evidence Means Acquittal: Double Jeopardy in Graft Cases
A look at People v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 233437) on double jeopardy, demurrer to evidence, and proof of graft charges.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the right to speedy disposition of cases and prescription rules for graft charges under RA 3019.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Demolition in Philippine Economic Zones
The Supreme Court clarifies when PEZA can summarily demolish structures without permits inside economic zones, and why the Ombudsman's dismissal of graft charges stood.
Emergency Procurement vs Graft: When Urgency Excuses Protocol
The Supreme Court clarifies when negotiated procurement during calamities is justified and how it affects criminal liability for graft charges.
Supreme Court Upholds Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Charges Over Lahar Quarrying
The Court explains when it will not interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings, even where injury to a landowner may exist.
Ombudsman’s Discretion in Probable Cause Determinations Upheld in Anti-Graft Case
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman’s dismissal of graft charges, emphasizing courts only review probable cause findings for grave abuse of discretion.
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.
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.
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.
Defining Public Officer When Private Sector Representatives Face Graft Charges
Supreme Court ruling on when private sector board members are public officers under the Anti-Graft Law and Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Delayed Retirement Benefits: Balancing Public Service and Official Discretion
A retired bookkeeper's unpaid terminal leave leads to graft charges against a mayor, but the Supreme Court dismisses the case on procedural grounds.
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Public Officials From Graft Charges in Discretionary Decisions
Supreme Court clears DOH official of graft for following PADPAO rates over lowest bid, affirming good faith in discretionary public decisions.
Mandatory Suspension for Graft Charges: What Bedruz v. Sandiganbayan Teaches Philippine Public Officers
Charged with graft? Philippine law requires suspension from office while trial is pending. Bedruz v. Sandiganbayan explains when and how that suspension applies.
Good Faith Reliance on Subordinates Can Defeat Anti-Graft Charges Against Public Officials
Supreme Court rules a public official who relies in good faith on subordinates' certifications cannot be prosecuted for graft absent evident bad faith.
Good Faith and Emergency Purchases: When Public Officials Escape Graft Liability
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a public official from graft charges, citing good faith and emergency procurement during a blood shortage crisis.
Ombudsman’s Probable Cause Finding in Anti-Graft Cases: When Courts Will Not Interfere
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman’s broad discretion in determining probable cause for anti-graft charges, limiting judicial review.
Ombudsman's Discretion and Insufficiency of Evidence in Graft Charge Dismissals
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of graft charges for insufficiency of evidence, clarifying limits of certiorari review.