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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Moral Turpitude and Bouncing Checks: Disqualifying Election Candidates in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that conviction for violation of B.P. Blg. 22 (Bouncing Checks Law) involves moral turpitude, disqualifying candidates from public office.
Navigating Election LAW Clarifying THE Authority TO Initiate Complaints Before THE Comelec
Judicial Efficiency Upholding Timely Resolution Mandates IN Election Protests
Court rules judges must decide election protests within 30 days of submission, imposing fines for inexcusable delay.
Missed THE Deadline Understanding Timely Objections IN Philippine Election Canvassing
Learn how the Supreme Court treats untimely objections in election canvassing and why procedural rules matter.
Appeal Denied THE Strict Timeline FOR Perfecting Election Case Appeals
Perfecting Appeals in Election Cases: Strict Compliance with Fee Payment Rules
Learn why paying appeal fees to the wrong office or late can doom an election appeal, based on Villota v. COMELEC.
Certification Election Findings on Employment Not Binding in Dismissal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a certification election finding on employer-employee relationship cannot bar a later illegal dismissal case.
Philippine Election Law: The Crucial Timing for Filing Disqualification Cases
Understand the strict deadlines for filing election disqualification cases in the Philippines and why timing can make or break a case.
Voting Rights and Corporate Disputes: PCGG Authority Over Sequestered SMC Shares
The Supreme Court clarifies when the PCGG may vote sequestered shares and how litis pendentia applies in corporate election disputes.
Timely Filing vs Substantial Compliance: Upholding Candidacy Despite Minor Delays
A 2001 Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance and due process in election candidacy filings, protecting a candidate's right to run.
Safeguarding Free Speech: The Unconstitutionality of Election Survey Publication Bans in the Philippines
Why the Supreme Court struck down the ban on publishing election surveys before elections as an unconstitutional prior restraint on free speech.
Safeguarding Elections When Fraud AND Intimidation Lead TO Failure OF Elections
When fraud and intimidation taint voting and canvassing, the COMELEC may declare a failure of election and call for a special election.
Beyond the Ballot: The Limits of Pre-Proclamation Authority in Philippine Elections
Pre-proclamation controversies have strict limits under Philippine election law. This article explains when COMELEC can act and when courts take over.
Protecting Election Integrity: The 120-Day Voter Registration Ban Under RA 8189
Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's denial of special voter registration within 120 days before elections, affirming the mandatory registration deadline under RA 8189.
Judicial Impartiality: Dismissal of Judge for Gross Ignorance and Partiality in Election Case
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross ignorance and partiality in election protest, applying obsolete laws to favor a litigant.
Waiver in Election Protests: Demurrer to Evidence Implies Loss of Right to Present Own Evidence
Filing a demurrer to evidence in an election protest waives the protestee's right to present evidence, even if the demurrer is denied.
Finality of Comelec Decisions and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Election Cases
When are Comelec rulings on barangay election contests truly final? The Supreme Court explains the narrow exception for grave abuse of discretion.
Midnight Appointments by Local Executives: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court rules on whether local executives can make midnight appointments before presidential elections, explaining the limits of the constitutional ban.
When Disrupted Voting Does Not Nullify an Election: Benito v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court explains when a failure of election may be declared, and why interrupted voting that later resumes does not automatically void the results.
Philippine Election Law: Ballot Appreciation and Voter Intent in Ong v. Comelec
How the Supreme Court protects voter intent in ballot appreciation, using Ong v. Comelec to explain stray votes, markings, and validity rules.
Valid Votes Are King: Why Philippine Election Protests Hinge on Ballots, Not Badges of Fraud
The Supreme Court nullified a trial court ruling that set aside valid vote tallies based on "badges of fraud," reaffirming that plurality of valid votes decides election contests.
Philippine Party List Elections: Proportional Representation and the 2% Threshold
The Supreme Court explains the rules for party-list seats: the 2% threshold, three-seat limit, and proportional representation formula.
Recall Resolutions and Timing: Why Official Capacity Matters Under Philippine Election Law
Learn from Afiado v. COMELEC why recall resolutions must target the right office at the right time under the Local Government Code.
Strict Adherence to HRET Rules: Why Overlooking Cash Deposits Can Dismiss Your Election Case
Learn how failing to follow HRET rules on cash deposits and appeal bonds can lead to the dismissal of an election case.