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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Negligence and Misconduct in PDAF Allocation
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of DSWD official for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in PDAF allocation.
Good Faith Defense: When Public Officials Can Avoid Liability for Disallowed Fund Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith shields public officials from personal liability in COA disallowances involving PDAF fund transfers.
Supreme Court Clarifies Good Faith Defense in PDAF NGO Contract Irregularities
SC ruling clarifies when failure to conduct public bidding in PDAF-funded NGO projects constitutes grave misconduct versus simple misconduct.
Grave Misconduct in PDAF Misuse: SC Affirms Dismissal of TRC Officer
The Supreme Court affirms the dismissal of a TRC officer for grave misconduct in the PDAF scam, stressing accountability for ministerial acts.
PDAF Scam: Hearsay Evidence and Probable Cause in Plunder Cases
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in the PDAF scam cases, clarifying that hearsay evidence can establish probable cause.
Probable Cause and Conspiracy in the PDAF Scam: The Reyes v. Ombudsman Ruling
The Supreme Court's 2016 ruling in Reyes v. Ombudsman explains how probable cause and conspiracy work in plunder cases—and why courts rarely disturb the Ombudsman.
Ending Pork: Supreme Court Defines Limits on Congressional Power Over Budget
The Supreme Court struck down PDAF as unconstitutional, redefining the limits of congressional power over the national budget.
The Limits of Judicial Review: Safeguarding Congressional Authority in Budget Allocations
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling on PDAF shows how courts respect congressional budget power and the limits of taxpayer suits.