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.
Ensuring Fair Elections: COMELEC's Authority to Suspend Proclamation Amid Voting Irregularities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to suspend a mayor's proclamation when precincts fail to function, protecting voter enfranchisement.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: Judges Must Apply Established Doctrines in Election Cases
When a judge misapplies contempt powers and ignores elementary appeal rules, the Supreme Court steps in to correct the error.
Sheriffs Authority VS Abuse OF Power Defining Limits IN Foreclosure Proceedings
When can courts suspend public officials? Juan v. People clarifies preventive suspension under the Anti-Graft Law for election offenses.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Graft Law Applies to Election Offenses
Unauthorized use of government property is fraud, so preventive suspension under the Anti-Graft Law applies even in election offense cases.
Deadline Missed: Understanding Election Protest Filing Periods in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-day period to file an election protest is suspended, and when it is not.
Election Protest Deadlines: Why a Failure of Election Petition Won't Buy You More Time
Filing a failure of election petition does not suspend the 10-day period to file an election protest. Know the deadline rules.
Pre-Proclamation Disputes, Manifest Errors, and COMELEC Rule Suspensions in Philippine Elections
A guide to pre-proclamation disputes, manifest errors, and COMELEC's power to suspend rules, based on Trinidad v. COMELEC.
Why Initial COMELEC Election Cases Must Be Decided by a Division, Not En Banc
Learn why the Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc ruling in an SK election protest, citing the constitutional rule on divisions.
Disqualification Cases Filed After Elections But Before Proclamation: Bagatsing v. COMELEC
Disqualification complaints filed after elections but before proclamation are dismissed and referred for preliminary investigation, per Bagatsing v. COMELEC.
Election Disqualification Cases After the Polls: What Bagatsing v. COMELEC Means
When a disqualification case is filed after elections, COMELEC must dismiss it and refer it for preliminary investigation, not suspend proclamation.
When Can Election Returns Be Rejected: Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Philippine Elections
Learn when election returns may be excluded from canvassing and why Philippine law limits pre-proclamation controversies to summary proceedings.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
Filing Fees in Philippine Election Protests: Jurisdictional Rules and Timelines
Philippine election protest filing fees are jurisdictional. Late payment does not cure defects. Learn the rules and deadlines.
Comelec Jurisdiction in Election Protests: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Election Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC en banc cannot decide election protests at first instance; only divisions have that authority.
Philippine Election Districting: Ensuring Fair Representation in Local Governance
How the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to divide provinces into Sangguniang Panlalawigan districts, and what "equitable apportionment" really means.
Rank-and-File vs Managerial Employees: Key Evidence for Union Certification in the Philippines
Learn what evidence proves managerial or supervisory status in Philippine union certification elections, based on the A.D. Gothong case.
Union Officer Elections Must Follow Union Constitution and Bylaws: USTFU Case
Supreme Court rules union officer elections must follow the union's constitution and bylaws, not general faculty assemblies.
Residency Disputes in Philippine Elections: Respecting the Electorate's Choice and Navigating Jurisdiction
Explaining Perez v. COMELEC on residency requirements, election disqualification jurisdiction, and the rule that the electorate's choice should prevail.
Navigating Philippine Election Disputes Understanding Comelec AND Hret Jurisdiction
A clear guide to the division of authority between the Commission on Elections and the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal in election contests.
Lost Your Election Case? Don't Miss the Appeal Deadline: The 5-Day Rule in Barangay Disputes
In barangay election protests, the appeal period to COMELEC is five days, not ten. Learn the rule from Antonio v. COMELEC.
Reelection as Condonation: When Past Misconduct Is Forgiven Under Philippine Law
Philippine law on reelection as condonation of past misconduct, explained through the 1999 Supreme Court ruling in Garcia v. Mojica.
Election Disqualification: Why Strong Evidence Is Crucial to Unseat a Winner
A dismissed disqualification case shows why clear, credible evidence is vital when challenging an election winner under Philippine law.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies: A Key Principle in Philippine Labor Disputes
Why skipping the appeal to the Labor Secretary doomed a union's election protest before the Supreme Court.