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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Lawyer Suspended for Premature Election Notices: Upholding Legal Processes Under Canon 1
A provincial election supervisor's premature notices of a special election led to a one-year suspension for violating Canon 1 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Legislative Reapportionment: When New Districts Take Effect and Voters' Rights Prevail
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's suspension of South Cotabato's 1st District elections, clarifying when legislative reapportionment takes effect.
Election Offenses: The 45-Day Ban on Releasing Public Funds for Livelihood Programs
Supreme Court clarifies the 45-day election ban on public fund releases covers LGU livelihood programs, not just DSWD projects.
Upholding Transparency Competitive Bidding Mandate IN Power Supply Agreements
Supreme Court voids ERC's postponement of competitive selection for power supply agreements, protecting consumers from opaque electricity costs.
Stop and Frisk During Election Periods: When Police Searches Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless stop and frisk search is valid, using an election gun ban case as an example.
Election Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Prosecutorial Power in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal in an election offense case is final, and why the prosecution cannot appeal it without violating double jeopardy.
Treasury Warrants, Election Ban, and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. Ting
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing treasury warrants violates the election ban and why acquittals stand under double jeopardy.
How Courts Read Ballots: Voter Intent in Philippine Barangay Elections
A one-vote barangay election dispute shows how Philippine courts apply the idem sonans, neighborhood, and written-by-two rules to honor voter intent.
HRET Quorum Rules on Justices and Jurisdiction Upheld as Constitutional
The Supreme Court upholds HRET rules requiring a Justice for quorum and clarifies jurisdiction over House members' election contests.
Election Contests and the 15-Day Rule: Eizmendi v. Fernandez on Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect attacks on corporate elections violate the 15-day reglementary period for election contests under the Interim Rules.
Finality of Election Decisions: Untimely Appeals and Mootness in Barangay Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why an untimely certiorari petition and a moot issue doomed a barangay election protest appeal.
When Doubt Benefits the Accused: Integrity of Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on reasonable doubt, witness credibility, and the prosecution's burden in election-period weapon possession cases.
Election LAW Carrying Deadly Weapons AND Reasonable Doubt
Perpetual Disqualification and Material Misrepresentation in Election Candidacy
The Supreme Court ruled that filing a Certificate of Candidacy while under perpetual disqualification is material misrepresentation, voiding the CoC and making votes stray.
Doctrine of Condonation: When Re-Election Erases Past Misconduct
The Supreme Court explains when re-election can erase past administrative misconduct, and when it cannot.
Redundancy Programs Ensuring Fairness IN Employee Selection
The Supreme Court rules that a redundancy program must use fair criteria in selecting employees to dismiss, not just general business logic.
Election Overspending: When Party Membership Limits Campaign Spending in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies that party membership alone restricts candidates to the P3.00 per voter spending cap under RA 7166.
Homeowners Association Elections: Clarifying Final Judgments and Upholding Order
Supreme Court explains when a final judgment may be clarified in homeowners association election disputes, upholding the Office of the President's clarificatory resolution.
Vicarious Liability: When Employers Are Liable for Employee Torts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are vicariously liable for employee torts under Article 2180, and how due diligence in selection and supervision can defeat liability.
Condonation Doctrine and Election as Forgiveness in Philippine Administrative Law
Explaining the condonation doctrine in Philippine administrative law through Almario-Templonuevo v. Ombudsman, including its limits and the rule on motions for reconsideration.
Perpetual Disqualification: The Price of Repeated SOCE Non-Compliance in Philippine Elections
Repeated failure to file SOCE triggers perpetual disqualification from public office under RA 7166, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
THE Condonation Doctrine RE Election TO A Different Office AND ITS Implications ON Public Accountability
Perfecting Appeals in Election Protests: Payment Deadlines and Damage Awards
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC appeal fee deadlines under Resolution 8486 and limits damages in election protests to actual or compensatory damages.