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.
Ballot Interpretation Upholding Voter Intent in Philippine Elections
How the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood, idem sonans, and intent rules to uphold voter intent in a barangay election protest.
Drunkenness and Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Service
A sheriff's habitual drunkenness, AWOL, and illegal firearm possession led to dismissal, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Election Law Violation: Transferring Employees Without Comelec Approval
Supreme Court clarifies that transferring or reassigning government employees during election period without COMELEC approval violates election law.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Territorial Integrity First: Why Boundary Disputes Must Be Resolved Before Barangay Plebiscites
Philippine Supreme Court rules boundary disputes are prejudicial questions that must be settled before barangay creation plebiscites can proceed.
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.
Senate Electoral Tribunal Your Sole Remedy After Senatorial Proclamation
After a senatorial proclamation, election contests belong exclusively to the Senate Electoral Tribunal, not the Comelec or courts.
Second Place Is Not Enough: Why Disqualification of a Winning Candidate Does Not Automatically Elevate the Run
Philippine election law: a disqualified winner's votes are not automatically void, so the second placer does not become the winner.
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.
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.
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.
Lost Your Election Protest? Understanding Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when election protests must be filed, and why pre-proclamation cases end after proclamation.
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.
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.
COMELEC's Power to Prosecute Election Offenses: Independent Authority Affirmed
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's exclusive authority to prosecute election offenses, ruling that deputized prosecutors cannot override its decisions.
Election Protests Ensuring Fair Canvassing AND Valid Proclamations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election protests, canvassing irregularities, and the validity of proclamations in electoral disputes.
Failure of Election Under Philippine Law: Grounds and Remedies Explained
Learn the limited grounds for declaring a failed election under Philippine law and the proper remedies available to candidates and voters.
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.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Protests: When Can a Winner Take Office Immediately
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when execution pending appeal is allowed in election protests, and why COMELEC can stop a premature assumption of office.