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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Social Media Misconduct and Attorney Disbarment: Balancing Free Speech and Professional Ethics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for posting a draft plunder complaint on Facebook, ruling that free expression does not justify violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Defining Probable Cause in Philippine Plunder Cases: Estrada v. Office of the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court explains the standard for probable cause in plunder cases and why courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Plunder, Bail, and Preliminary Attachment: Key Rulings from the Revilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies bail standards, conspiracy liability, and preliminary attachment in plunder cases under RA 7080.
Bail and Plunder: Examining the Strength of Evidence for Provisional Liberty
The Supreme Court upholds denial of bail in plunder case, explaining the standard of "strong evidence" and the limits of certiorari review.
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.
Forfeiture in Plunder Cases: Tracing Ill-Gotten Wealth and Protecting State Interests
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld the forfeiture of assets traceable to plunder, including shares held by third parties, under RA 7080.
Bail and Conspiracy: Delineating Liability in Plunder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy affects bail in plunder cases, ruling that an accused is liable only for predicate acts he allegedly committed.
Consolidation of Bribery and Plunder Cases: Court Discretion in the Sandiganbayan
Explaining why the Supreme Court upheld the Sandiganbayan's discretion to deny consolidation of an indirect bribery case with a plunder case.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining "Combination or Series" in Amassing Ill-Gotten Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes a "combination or series" of acts in plunder cases, and the scope of conspiracy among co-accused.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in plunder cases, and why each accused is liable only for acts they committed.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Plunder Cases Salary Grade Threshold Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over plunder cases involving salary grade thresholds and public officers.