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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Sheriffs and Clerks of Court: When Overstepping Duties Becomes Misconduct Under Anti-Graft Law
A clerk of court issued a commitment order—a judicial act. The Court ruled this was simple misconduct, not graft.
Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Compel Criminal Charges for Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, balancing prosecutorial discretion with judicial oversight.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.
Demurrer to Evidence: Insufficient Proof in Customs and Anti-Graft Cases Leads to Dismissal
When prosecution evidence fails to establish a prima facie case, a demurrer to evidence may lead to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains.
Bribery and Abuse of Authority When Recanted Testimony Fails to Sway the Court
Supreme Court affirms bribery and graft convictions despite recanted testimony, explaining why retractions rarely overturn convictions.
Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases for Withholding Employee Benefits
When does withholding salaries become graft? The Supreme Court explains good faith and undue injury under RA 3019.
Upholding THE Ombudsmans Power Reinvestigation AND Probable Cause IN Anti Graft Cases
Upholding Probable Cause Safeguarding Public Funds AND Preventing Corruption IN Government Projects
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's finding of probable cause against a state college president for malversation and graft, reinforcing accountability in public fund use.
Beyond THE Grave Criminal Liability AND THE Anti Graft LAW
When Private Individuals Cannot Be Charged Under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law
Explaining Go v. Sandiganbayan: why private persons cannot be charged with conspiracy under Section 3(g) of RA 3019.
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.
Safeguarding Public Officers Good Faith AND THE Anti Graft LAW
Explore the PCGG v. Sandiganbayan ruling on res judicata, act of state doctrine, and the duty of public officers to act promptly on requests.
Ombudsman's Supervisory Power Over Special Prosecutor in Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies Ombudsman's authority to reverse Special Prosecutor's dismissal recommendation in public official graft cases.
Prescription IN Anti Graft Cases THE States Right TO Recover ILL Gotten Wealth VS Timely Prosecution
Res Judicata and Anti-Graft Cases: When Prior Dismissals Bar Prosecution
The Supreme Court ruled that a final dismissal of a behest-loan complaint bars a later anti-graft prosecution over the same transaction, even against officials not named in the first case.
Private Parties and Conspiracy Under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals may be charged with Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law when conspiring with public officers.
Conspiracy and Corruption: Private Actors Under the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals may be charged with violating Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law when they conspire with public officers.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Graft Cases: When Courts Step In
Explore how Philippine courts review Ombudsman discretion in graft cases, balancing prosecutorial independence with judicial oversight.
Altering Tax Declarations: The Uriarte Case on Undue Injury Under Anti-Graft Law
A municipal assessor altered tax declaration entries to favor his father's land, leading to a conviction for violation of Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019.
Bank Manager Liability for Negligence and Undue Injury Under the Anti-Graft Law
A bank manager who allowed check encashment without verifying indorsements was held liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019 for causing undue injury.
Graft Conviction Overturned Proving THE Link Between Borrowing AND Official Transactions
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Defining Government-Owned Corporations and Official Authority in Graft Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined government-owned corporations and official authority for Sandiganbayan jurisdiction in graft cases.
Mayor's Personal Deposit of Municipal Checks: Official Misconduct and Probable Cause
Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor's deposit of municipal checks into a personal account constitutes probable cause for graft under RA 3019.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Judicial Review: Navigating Anti-Graft Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute anti-graft cases.