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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Residency Redefined: Abandonment and Reacquisition in Philippine Election Law
How a mayor who once lived in the US reclaimed Philippine residency for election purposes, and what the ruling means for candidates.
Intra-Union Disputes: Jurisdiction Lies With the Bureau of Labor Relations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Labor Relations has exclusive jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, including elections of officers in government employee organizations.
Taxing Electoral Contributions: Clarifying Gift Tax Law in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court ruling that political contributions are taxable gifts under the NIRC, absent an express exemption.
Upholding Union Democracy: Illegal Suspensions, Elections, and Financial Transparency
Supreme Court affirms penalties for union officers who suspended members without due process, held premature elections, and failed to render financial reports.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Strict Compliance Required in Election Protests
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with certification of non-forum shopping requirements in election protest cases.
HRET Jurisdiction Over Election Contests After a Congressman's Proclamation
Once a winning congressional candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET, not the COMELEC or Supreme Court, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Nickname Recognition in Philippine Elections: Upholding Voters' Intent Despite Technicalities
Learn how Philippine election law treats nicknames on ballots, the idem sonans rule, and why procedural remedies matter in election contests.
Perfecting Appeals: Timely Payment of Appeal Fees as a Jurisdictional Requirement in Philippine Election Law
Learn how timely payment of appeal fees is a jurisdictional requirement in Philippine election law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Three-Term Limit for Local Officials: When an Election Loss Resets the Clock
Election loss interrupts an official's service and resets the three-term limit, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Adormeo v. COMELEC.
COMELEC's Duty to Hold Special Barangay Elections After a Failed Poll: The Sambarani Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot refuse to hold special barangay elections after a failure of election, and that incumbent officials hold over until successors are elected.
When Election Rules Override Commercial Contracts: The Chavez v. COMELEC Precedent
Can election rules force removal of product endorsements featuring a candidate? The Supreme Court says yes, explaining why.
COMELEC Cannot Motu Proprio Cancel a Candidate’s Certificate of Candidacy: Cipriano v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC cannot cancel a certificate of candidacy motu proprio without notice and hearing, safeguarding due process in election cases.
Union Misrepresentation Can Void Certification Elections: The DHL-URFA Case
When union officers lie about their affiliation before a certification election, workers may get a new vote. The Supreme Court explains why.
Failure of Election: When the Electorate's Will Cannot Be Ascertained
The Supreme Court explains when a failure of election may be declared and why mere allegations of irregularities belong in an election protest, not a COMELEC petition.
When a Suspension Order Against an Elective Official Takes Effect Immediately
The Supreme Court clarifies when suspension orders against elective local officials are immediately executory, even during an election period.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Disqualification After Election: Why the Second Placer Does Not Win and a Special Election Is the Remedy
When a winning candidate is disqualified after the election, the second placer cannot be declared the winner. A special election is the proper remedy, as explained in Ocampo v. HRET.
Election Protests and Mootness: When Does a Senatorial Dispute End
The Supreme Court explains when an election protest becomes moot and academic, using the Enrile vs. SET case as a guide.
Status Quo Ante Orders and Election Disputes: The Estrella v. COMELEC Ruling
A mayor's battle for his seat shows why COMELEC commissioners cannot partially inhibit and still vote en banc. Learn the rule on quorum.
Succession and Disqualification: Determining the Lawful Mayor in Philippine Elections
When a winning mayoral candidate is disqualified after the election, the vice mayor succeeds—not the second placer. Here's why.
Upholding Electoral Will: Intervention and Abandonment in Election Protests
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on intervention by non-parties and abandonment of election protests, guided by the will of the people.
Electoral Tribunals Discretion Ensuring Equal Protection IN Election Protests
Supreme Court clarifies when electoral tribunals may grant technical examination in election protests without violating equal protection.
Election Law: Ensuring Canvass Board Legitimacy and Preventing Electoral Fraud
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to nullify proclamations by illegally constituted boards of canvassers and to order recounts to protect electoral integrity.
Election Returns and Missing Seals: Limits of Pre-Proclamation Controversies
Supreme Court rules missing inner paper seals on election returns are formal defects, not grounds for exclusion in pre-proclamation cases.