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.
Ballot Appreciation Rules and Voter Intent in Philippine Election Contests
How Philippine courts read ballots to honor voter intent, from idem sonans to marked ballots, explained through a barangay election dispute.
The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law: Abad v. Co Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood rule in Abad v. Co, ensuring voter intent prevails over technical ballot errors.
Motion for Reconsideration and Election Protests: The CCP Board Case
The Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of filling vacancies in the CCP Board and the limits of the President's appointing power.
Premature Proclamation Annulment Upheld IN Election Dispute
Disqualification and Succession in Local Elections: The Sinsuat Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on disqualification of winning candidates, ballot appreciation, and succession rules in Philippine local elections.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Cases: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal in election cases is allowed and why "good reasons" must be clearly established.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Lost Votes Lost Mandates: Why Proper Comelec Rehearing Procedures Matter in Philippine Elections
A tied Comelec vote on a mayoral proclamation was resolved by "re-consultation" instead of a rehearing. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Protecting THE Vote Understanding Ballot BOX Integrity IN Philippine Election Disputes
Correcting Election Errors: Ensuring the True Will of the Electorate Prevails
When a canvassing mistake changes an election result, the Comelec may correct it even after proclamation. Learn the rule from Suliguin v. Comelec.
Good Faith as a Defense in Philippine Election Offenses: The Garcia Case
When can good faith excuse an election officer's error? The Garcia ruling explains intent in vote canvassing offenses under RA 6646.
Philippine Election Law: When COMELEC Loses Jurisdiction to the HRET After Proclamation
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Planas v. COMELEC on when a candidate's proclamation divests COMELEC of jurisdiction in favor of the HRET.
Strict Liability and the Comelec Gun Ban: Why Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
The Supreme Court explains why carrying a firearm during an election period without a permit is a strict liability offense under COMELEC Resolution No. 2323.
Correcting Election Errors When Canvassers Reconvene After Proclamation
When can a board of canvassers reconvene to fix tally errors after a winner is proclaimed? The Supreme Court explains.
Comelec Jurisdiction Over Plebiscites Ensuring Electoral Integrity Beyond Elections
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec’s exclusive jurisdiction over plebiscite disputes, upholding its authority to revise ballots and declare results.
Domicile Dilemmas: Residency Requirements for Philippine Election Candidates
The Supreme Court explains what "residence" really means for election candidates—and why buying property alone won't establish domicile.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Losses and Fair Selection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: what employers must prove to validly dismiss employees due to business losses.
When Can a Proclamation Be Voided: Integrity of Election Returns and Canvass Rules
The Supreme Court explains when a proclamation may be voided for defective election returns and canvass irregularities under RA 7166.
Senate Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction Ensuring Due Process in Senatorial Election Protests
Barbers v. COMELEC clarifies that the Senate Electoral Tribunal has sole jurisdiction over post-proclamation senatorial election contests.
Correcting Election Errors: Protecting the Integrity of Canvassing Through Timely Petition
A timely petition to correct errors in the certificates of canvass protects the integrity of election results and prevents the proclamation of the wrong candidate.
PET Can Correct Manifest Errors in Election Returns and Certificates of Canvass
Explaining the PET's power to correct manifest errors in election returns and certificates of canvass in Legarda v. De Castro.
Correcting Election Returns: The Presidential Electoral Tribunal's Authority to Rectify Manifest Errors
The PET may correct manifest errors in election returns and certificates of canvass as part of its constitutional mandate to judge election contests.
Death and Election Protests: Can a Widow Substitute for a Deceased Protestant?
The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, ruled on whether a widow could substitute for her deceased husband in a presidential election protest.
Lawyer's Duty to Clients Persists Despite Public Office: Canoy v. Ortiz
SC suspends lawyer for neglecting client's case after election to public office, affirming duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.