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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Material Misrepresentation in a COC: When a False Statement Can Nullify an Election Win
A false statement in a Certificate of Candidacy on a material qualification can cancel a candidacy and nullify an election victory, as Velasco v. COMELEC shows.
Election Law: Distinguishing Disqualification From Certificate Cancellation
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between disqualification and cancellation of a certificate of candidacy in election cases.
Citizenship vs Identity: Name Discrepancies in Certificate of Candidacy Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when name discrepancies in a certificate of candidacy constitute material misrepresentation under election law.
Reinstating Candidacy Disqualification Must Be Specific and Judicially Confirmed
A candidate's past disqualification applies only to that election unless a court imposes the accessory penalty of disqualification from future office.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Proving Residency and Citizenship for Candidacy: Lessons from Valles v. COMELEC
How the Supreme Court clarified citizenship, dual allegiance, and disqualification rules for elective office in the Philippines.
Dual Citizenship and Election in the Philippines: Clarifying Qualifications for Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when dual citizenship disqualifies a candidate and how filing a certificate of candidacy can cure it.
When Family Ties Meet Election Law: Disqualification for Acts of Terrorism
A spouse can be disqualified from office for election terrorism committed by her husband when the acts enhance her candidacy.
Surname Use in Philippine Elections: When It Is Not a Material Misrepresentation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when using a surname in a certificate of candidacy is not a material misrepresentation under election law.
Substitution Rules in Philippine Elections: When a Substitute Candidate Can Validly Replace an Original
Philippine election law on substitution: a disqualified candidate may be replaced only if he had a valid certificate of candidacy. Learn the rule.
Ensuring Valid Candidacy: Why Proper Nomination Is Crucial in Philippine Elections
Learn why a defective party nomination invalidates a certificate of candidacy, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recabo vs. COMELEC.
Ipso Facto Resignation: When Philippine Politicians Lose Their Seats by Running for Another Office
The Supreme Court explains why elective officials are deemed resigned upon filing a certificate of candidacy for a different position.
Dual Citizenship and Election Eligibility in the Philippines: How Declaring Filipino Citizenship in Your Candi
The Supreme Court clarifies that dual citizens can run for local office by electing Philippine citizenship in their certificate of candidacy.