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.
Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: Due Process in Pre-Proclamation Cases
The Supreme Court nullifies a hasty proclamation in Cambe v. COMELEC, underscoring due process and the proper procedure for excluding election returns.
Navigating Election Disputes: The COMELEC's Authority in Pre-Proclamation Cases
A look at Cambe v. COMELEC on the proper handling of pre-proclamation cases, including the need for division-level review and the rules on excluding election returns.
Abandonment in Election Protests: Legarda v. De Castro and the Effect of Subsequent Candidacy
PET dismisses Legarda's VP protest against De Castro on abandonment and evidentiary grounds, clarifying election protest rules.
Judicial Misconduct: Upholding Impartiality and Integrity in Election Disputes
A judge's vulgar remark to a litigant draws a fine, reminding magistrates that decorum and impartiality are vital to public trust in courts.
Elections Held Despite a TRO Are Not Automatically Void: Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court explains when an election held in defiance of a temporary restraining order may be annulled, and when it may stand.
Campaign Finance Liability: When a Candidate Is Not Liable for Party Mates' Expenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a candidate is personally liable for campaign materials ordered for party mates in election spending disputes.
Estoppel IN Election Protests THE Impact OF Delayed Challenges TO Filing FEE Payments
Election Offenses and Court Jurisdiction: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts have jurisdiction over election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
Ballot Integrity Examining Comelecs Discretion IN Election Result Validation
Untimely Appeal THE Crucial Role OF Procedural Rules IN Election Disputes
Election Protests and the Five-Day Rule: Why Timely Appeals Matter in Barangay Election Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a late motion for reconsideration in a barangay election protest can be fatal, even when the merits seem strong.
Untimely Appeal: The Finality of COMELEC Decisions and the Importance of Timely Filing
The Supreme Court affirms that a motion for reconsideration filed beyond the five-day period before the COMELEC is dismissible, underscoring the strict observance of procedural deadlines in election c
DAR vs DARAB: Who Decides Beneficiary Selection in Agrarian Reform Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between DAR's administrative power to pick agrarian reform beneficiaries and DARAB's adjudicative role.
Losing the Right to Appeal: The Importance of Following Election Rules in Electric Cooperatives
A Supreme Court ruling on election contests shows why strict compliance with procedural rules in electric cooperative elections is non-negotiable.
Union Elections: Due Process and Membership Rights in Internal Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on due process in union elections, BLR jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, and members' rights.
Manifest Error or Falsification: The Scope of Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of pre-proclamation controversies, distinguishing correctible manifest errors from election protests requiring evidence aliunde.
Electoral Misrepresentation: Occupation vs. Qualifications in Philippine Law
When does a false statement in a certificate of candidacy become an election offense? The Supreme Court clarifies in Lluz v. COMELEC.
Three-Term Limit: Contested Elections Don't Break Consecutive Service
Philippine Supreme Court rules that serving a full term despite a voided proclamation still counts toward the three-term limit for local officials.
Election Returns Exclusion Based on Missing Pages and Evident Irregularities
When a missing page in an election return creates a prima facie irregularity, the Supreme Court explains why pre-proclamation remedies still have limits.
Electoral Mandate vs Practical Realities: When the Right to Vote Encounters Logistical Hurdles
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's refusal to hold a third special election, balancing constitutional duty against practical constraints.
COMELEC’s Decisive Power: Ensuring Fair Elections Beyond Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s broad authority to act decisively on election irregularities, prioritizing credible elections over procedural technicalities.
When Can a Certificate of Candidacy Be Questioned: Age and Election Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a certificate of candidacy can be questioned, including age requirements and election protest rules.
Status Quo Ante Orders: COMELEC's Power to Suspend Execution Pending Appeal in Election Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to issue status quo ante orders suspending execution pending appeal in election cases.
Disqualification Before Election Day: Final Judgments in Philippine Electoral Law
When a candidate is disqualified by final judgment before elections, votes cast for them are not counted. Learn the rule from Cayat v. COMELEC.