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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Comelec Jurisdiction Over Plebiscites Ensuring Electoral Integrity Beyond Elections
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec’s exclusive jurisdiction over plebiscite disputes, upholding its authority to revise ballots and declare results.
Safeguarding Electoral Due Process: HRET Authority to Review COMELEC Actions
The Supreme Court affirms the HRET's power to disregard void COMELEC resolutions that violate a candidate's right to due process.
Senate Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction Ensuring Due Process in Senatorial Election Protests
Barbers v. COMELEC clarifies that the Senate Electoral Tribunal has sole jurisdiction over post-proclamation senatorial election contests.
THE Immutable Nature OF Final Judgments Comelecs Attempt TO Revive A Voided Contract
HRET Jurisdiction Over Election Contests After a Congressman's Proclamation
Once a winning congressional candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET, not the COMELEC or Supreme Court, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Three-Term Limit for Local Officials: When an Election Loss Resets the Clock
Election loss interrupts an official's service and resets the three-term limit, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Adormeo v. COMELEC.
COMELEC's Duty to Hold Special Barangay Elections After a Failed Poll: The Sambarani Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot refuse to hold special barangay elections after a failure of election, and that incumbent officials hold over until successors are elected.
When Election Rules Override Commercial Contracts: The Chavez v. COMELEC Precedent
Can election rules force removal of product endorsements featuring a candidate? The Supreme Court says yes, explaining why.
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.
Failure of Election: When the Electorate's Will Cannot Be Ascertained
The Supreme Court explains when a failure of election may be declared and why mere allegations of irregularities belong in an election protest, not a COMELEC petition.
Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: The Limits of COMELEC's Power in Unofficial Vote Tabulations
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC Resolution 6712 for usurping Congress' sole power to canvass presidential votes.
Majority of All Members: How Comelec En Banc Votes Are Counted Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court abandoned its earlier ruling in Cua and held that the Comelec en banc must decide by a majority vote of all its members, not just those who deliberated.
Disqualification of Votes: Ensuring Electoral Integrity Through Proper Comelec Procedures
When can a disqualified candidate's votes be voided? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on disqualification, stray votes, and succession.
Status Quo Ante Orders and Election Disputes: The Estrella v. COMELEC Ruling
A mayor's battle for his seat shows why COMELEC commissioners cannot partially inhibit and still vote en banc. Learn the rule on quorum.
Correcting Vote Tabulation Errors: The Supreme Court on Voter Intent and Ballot Appreciation
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC must correct manifest tabulation errors and uphold voter intent in ballot appreciation, reversing a ruling that ignored certified evidence.
Election Law: Ensuring Canvass Board Legitimacy and Preventing Electoral Fraud
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to nullify proclamations by illegally constituted boards of canvassers and to order recounts to protect electoral integrity.
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.
Ballots as Primary Evidence in Election Protests: Limits on Testimonial Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's discretion to limit witnesses in election protests, holding that ballots are the best evidence of election results.
Who Decides Plebiscite Disputes? COMELEC's Power to Annul Results
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC has jurisdiction over plebiscite result disputes, not the RTC, in Buac v. COMELEC.
COMELEC Jurisdiction Over Plebiscite Disputes: The Buac v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the COMELEC has jurisdiction to resolve disputes over plebiscite results, including petitions to annul or recount ballots.
Valid Elections Require Informed Voters: Notice and Special Senate Seats
The Supreme Court explains when a special election for a vacant Senate seat is valid despite COMELEC's failure to give separate notice.
Proving Loss of Filipino Citizenship in Election Disputes: The Matugas v. COMELEC Standard
What evidence proves a candidate lost Filipino citizenship? The Supreme Court's ruling in Matugas v. COMELEC sets the standard.
Elections Under Scrutiny Supreme Court Safeguards Integrity In Automated System Procurement
The Supreme Court voids Comelec's award of the 2004 automated election system contract to an ineligible bidder, upholding electoral integrity.
Failure of Election Petitions: COMELEC Discretion and the Evidentiary Bar
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure of election may be declared, and why mere allegations without evidence will not suffice.