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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safeguarding Suffrage When CAN Philippine Elections GO Manual
When can Philippine elections shift from automated to manual counting? The Supreme Court explains in Loong v. COMELEC.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Uphold Voter Intent in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stray votes, nuisance candidates, and the primacy of voter intent in election canvassing.
Employer Neutrality in Union Certification Elections and Employee Rights to Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer neutrality during certification elections, freedom period CBAs, and employee rights to choose their bargaining representative.
Dilg VS Comelec Scope OF Authority IN Sangguniang Kabataan SK Elections
Upholding Workers' Right to Organize: Certification Elections Free From Employer Interference
Supreme Court ruling protects workers' right to organize and underscores that certification elections must remain free from employer interference.
Broadcasting Public Service: Understanding the Government's Right to Comelec Time
The Supreme Court upheld Section 92 of the Omnibus Election Code, requiring broadcast stations to give free air time to the COMELEC during elections.
Campaign Ad Ban in the Philippines: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the political ad ban under RA 6646, ruling it a valid regulation ensuring equal opportunity among candidates.
Fair Certification Elections Ensuring Workers Rights To Self Organization IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how tuition fee increases interact with wage orders and the 70% employee share under RA 6728.
Election Tampering Safeguarding the Integrity of Philippine Elections
How the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to annul tampered election returns and order recanvassing to protect electoral integrity.
Retroactivity of Disqualification: When Prior Misconduct Bars Future Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code applies retroactively to disqualify candidates removed from office before 1992.
SK Election Age Requirements: The Supreme Court Ruling Explained
Understand the age qualification rules for Sangguniang Kabataan elections and the key Supreme Court ruling that clarified them.