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 Requirements for Elective Office: Domicile and Disqualification Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies how domicile is determined for election residency requirements, using a mayoral disqualification case as a guide.
Domicile vs. Residency: Can a Green Card Holder Run for Local Office in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court rules that a green card holder who runs for local office without waiving US permanent residency commits material misrepresentation.
Dual Citizens' Right to Vote: Residency and Absentee Voting Reconciled
The Supreme Court ruled that dual citizens under RA 9225 may vote as absentee voters under RA 9189, reconciling constitutional residency with overseas voting.
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.
Barangay Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Residency of the Real Party in Interest Controls
The Supreme Court clarifies that the real party in interest's residency, not the attorney-in-fact's, determines barangay lupon jurisdiction over disputes.
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.
Citizenship by Blood: Redefining Qualifications for the Philippine Presidency
The Supreme Court's 2004 ruling in Tecson v. COMELEC clarifies how natural-born citizenship is determined for presidential candidates.
Safeguarding Suffrage: Residency and Congressional Oversight in Overseas Voting
The Supreme Court upholds overseas absentee voting law, clarifying residency rules, COMELEC's proclamation powers, and limits on congressional oversight.
Citizenship and Residency: Defining Electoral Eligibility in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how citizenship and residency requirements apply to candidates for local elective office in the Philippines.
Residency Requirements for Elective Office: Domicile and the Electorate's Will
The Supreme Court clarifies residency rules for elective office, emphasizing actual residence and the electorate's will in disqualification cases.
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.
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.
Residency Requirement for Philippine Candidates: The Domino Doctrine on Domicile
Philippine election law equates residency with domicile. The Domino case shows why voter registration and genuine intent matter for candidates.