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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Safeguarding Elections: Upholding Comelec’s Discretion in Automated Election System Implementation
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec’s discretion in awarding the 2010 automated election project, rejecting speculative challenges to the PCOS system.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
Fair Election Practices: Candidates Responsible for Donated Political Ads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on candidate liability for donated political advertisements under the Fair Elections Act and COMELEC rules.
Upholding Electoral Mandates: Respecting Trial Court Decisions in Election Protests
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC gravely abused its discretion in setting aside a trial court's execution pending appeal in an election protest.
Perfecting Appeals in Election Cases: Clarifying Appeal Fee Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies appeal fee rules in barangay election contests, distinguishing the P1,000 court fee from the P3,200 COMELEC fee.
Supreme Court Clarifies Appeal Fee Rules in Barangay Election Cases
The Court rules that paying the P1,000 appeal fee perfects a barangay election appeal; the P3,200 COMELEC fee is not jurisdictional.
Execution Pending Appeal in Barangay Election Contests: The San Miguel v. Comelec Rule
Supreme Court clarifies the timing rules for execution pending appeal in barangay election contests under Section 11, Rule 14.
Execution Pending Appeal: Clarifying the Timeline for Election Contests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue execution pending appeal in election contests, resolving a common procedural misunderstanding.
Prejudicial Question and Three-Term Limit in Barangay Elections: Monreal v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court explains when a constitutional challenge can suspend disqualification cases and how the three-term limit applies.
Residency Requirement Upholding the Electorate's Will in Congressional Elections
Supreme Court ruling on congressional residency requirements, emphasizing that the electorate's choice prevails when evidence of non-residence is weak or inconclusive.
Revocation OF Authority Comelecs Power Over Delegated Election Offense Prosecution
COMELEC Contempt Power Upholds Investigative Authority for Fair Elections
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to punish contempt during fact-finding investigations, reinforcing its constitutional mandate to ensure honest elections.
Contempt of the COMELEC: Scope of Power and Due Process in Election Investigations
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to initiate contempt proceedings motu proprio during fact-finding investigations, clarifying due process requirements.
CBA Renegotiation Preserving Workers Rights TO Union Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how CBA renegotiation affects the 60-day freedom period for certification elections and union representation rights.
Premature Campaigning: The Fine Line Between Aspiring and Declared Candidacy in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes a candidate for election law purposes, and what this means for premature campaigning rules.
Handwriting Analysis and Election Disputes: Protecting the Sanctity of the Ballot
The Supreme Court clarifies when handwriting analysis may invalidate ballots in election protests, stressing that no two persons write alike.
Residency Rules in Election Law: Limbona v. Comelec on Disqualification
A look at Limbona v. Comelec on one-year residency, domicile rules, and finality of disqualification rulings.
Residency Requirements for Philippine Elections: Establishing Domicile for Candidacy
Philippine election law equates residency with domicile. Learn the three rules and what it takes to change domicile for candidacy.
Safeguarding Election Integrity and Due Process in COMELEC's Ballot Appreciation
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC's internal ballot appreciation requires notice and how due process applies in election contests.
Second Chance Appeals: COMELEC's Duty to Allow Correction of Election Fee Payments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for a corporation's unpaid obligations under the Corporation Code.
Minor Defects in Election Returns Do Not Justify Exclusion from Canvass
The Supreme Court rules that minor defects in election returns are not grounds for exclusion in a pre-proclamation controversy.
Election Offenses and Probable Cause: The COMELEC's Role in Safeguarding Electoral Integrity
The Supreme Court clarifies the COMELEC's authority to find probable cause for election offenses and its limits on disqualification cases after proclamation.
Safeguarding the Electorate's Will: Evidence in Election Result Exclusion
The Supreme Court ruled that while procedural lapses may be excused in pre-proclamation cases, the exclusion of election returns must rest on substantial evidence.
Mission Orders and Firearm Permits: Clarifying the Scope of Authority for NBI Agents
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on when security guards and agents may bear firearms during election periods without COMELEC permits.