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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Jurisdictional Error: Appealing to the Wrong Court in Anti-Graft Cases
Learn how filing a COA appeal to the wrong court can be fatal, using a recent Supreme Court ruling on quantum meruit.
When Final Judgments Clash: Upholding the Anti-Graft Law and Defining Usurpation of Judicial Functions in the
A provincial adjudicator ignored a final Court of Appeals ruling, leading to a landmark conviction under the Anti-Graft Law and a clarifying ruling on usurpation of judicial functions.
When Courts Defer to Ombudsman Discretion in Anti-Graft Investigations
Sandiganbayan need not order a new preliminary investigation when a re-filed anti-graft information merely changes the mode of committing the same offense.
Re-Filing Graft Case Needs No New Preliminary Investigation When Only the Mode of Commission Changes
A re-filed graft information that changes only the mode of committing the offense, not its nature, does not require a new preliminary investigation.
When Local Officials Break Procurement Rules: Lessons From Sison v. People
A mayor's conviction for skipping public bidding shows how courts review local procurement and graft cases under Philippine law.
Public Officials Held Accountable: Strict Compliance With Procurement Laws
Mayor convicted for violating procurement rules and anti-graft law; personal canvass exceptions demand strict compliance.
Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law for Conspiring With Public Officers
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals who conspire with public officers in graft cases can be held liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
When Public Officials Are Protected From Unfounded Graft Complaints
Explore when public officials are shielded from unfounded graft complaints, and how courts respect the Ombudsman's discretion in dismissing baseless cases.
Good Faith Prevails When Public Officials ACT Without Malice IN Granting Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on good faith as a defense in graft cases under RA 3019, Section 3(e), for public officials relying on agency issuances.
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.
Double Jeopardy Prevails: Acquittal Stands Despite Alleged Procurement Errors
The Supreme Court ruled that a Sandiganbayan acquittal in a graft case can no longer be reviewed on appeal, as doing so would violate the constitutional bar on double jeopardy.
Falsification of Public Documents and Suspension Pendente Lite Under Anti-Graft Law
Explains when public officers may be suspended pendente lite for falsification of public documents involving fraud upon government funds.
Conspiracy and Acquittal: When Can a Private Citizen Be Liable in Graft Cases
Explains when private persons can be charged with graft under Section 3(g) of RA 3019, and what happens when the co-accused public officer is acquitted.
Liability on Roads When Foresight Falls Short
When a bank manager treated a personal check as cash in the vault, the Supreme Court clarified liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Double Jeopardy and Prioritization Defense in Malversation and Graft Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prioritizing payments excuses non-remittance of GSIS funds and when double jeopardy applies in graft cases.
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Graft and Corruption: Ensuring Public Officials Uphold Integrity in Infrastructure Projects
Philippine Supreme Court affirms graft convictions of city and barangay officials for defective infrastructure projects under R.A. 3019.
Sufficiency OF Information Conspiracy AND THE Anti Graft LAW
Dismissal Before Prosecution Rests: Double Jeopardy and Due Process in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a premature dismissal of an anti-graft case bars refiling, and why due process matters more than double jeopardy.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Establishing Undue Injury in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court explains when delay in resolving a complaint constitutes
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.
Dual Roles, Divided Loyalties: Graft Law and the Limits of Hypothetical Guilt
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer can be charged with graft for holding incompatible positions and collecting dual compensation.
Reopening a Preliminary Investigation Does Not Prove Prosecutorial Partiality
Supreme Court clarifies that reopening a preliminary investigation is not proof of bias under the Anti-Graft law, absent evidence of bad faith.
Water Districts Are Government-Owned: Anti-Graft Law Applies to Their Officers
Supreme Court rules local water districts are government-owned corporations, so their managers face Anti-Graft Law prosecution for corrupt practices.