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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ARMM Computerized Election System Pilot Under RA 8046: How Automated Elections Began
The ARMM computerized election system pilot under RA 8046 tested automated voting, counting, and canvassing in the March 1996 ARMM elections.
When Election Irregularities Meet Mootness: Annulment of Proclamation and the Imperative of an Actual Controve
Explore Quiño v. COMELEC, where the Supreme Court dismissed an election case as moot after a re-canvass, explaining why actual controversies matter.
Gross Negligence and Disqualification: Defining the Limits of COMELEC's Authority
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to perpetually bar grossly negligent canvassers in Beluso v. COMELEC.
Public Officials Held Accountable: Strict Compliance With Procurement Laws
Mayor convicted for violating procurement rules and anti-graft law; personal canvass exceptions demand strict compliance.
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 LAW Challenging Board OF Canvassers Decisions ON Ballot Integrity
Accountability in Public Office: Canvassers' Duty of Care in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election canvassers' liability for certifying padded votes, and the ethical duties of lawyers in public service.
Correcting Election Errors: Ensuring the True Will of the Electorate Prevails
When a canvassing mistake changes an election result, the Comelec may correct it even after proclamation. Learn the rule from Suliguin v. Comelec.
Good Faith as a Defense in Philippine Election Offenses: The Garcia Case
When can good faith excuse an election officer's error? The Garcia ruling explains intent in vote canvassing offenses under RA 6646.
Correcting Election Errors When Canvassers Reconvene After Proclamation
When can a board of canvassers reconvene to fix tally errors after a winner is proclaimed? The Supreme Court explains.
When Can a Proclamation Be Voided: Integrity of Election Returns and Canvass Rules
The Supreme Court explains when a proclamation may be voided for defective election returns and canvass irregularities under RA 7166.
Correcting Election Errors: Protecting the Integrity of Canvassing Through Timely Petition
A timely petition to correct errors in the certificates of canvass protects the integrity of election results and prevents the proclamation of the wrong candidate.
PET Can Correct Manifest Errors in Election Returns and Certificates of Canvass
Explaining the PET's power to correct manifest errors in election returns and certificates of canvass in Legarda v. De Castro.
Correcting Election Returns: The Presidential Electoral Tribunal's Authority to Rectify Manifest Errors
The PET may correct manifest errors in election returns and certificates of canvass as part of its constitutional mandate to judge election contests.
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.
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.
Upholding the Electorate's Will When Technicalities Give Way to True Representation
When a proclamation rests on an incomplete canvass, it is null and void. The Court explains why.
Correcting Manifest Errors in Election Canvass: Dela Llana v. COMELEC
A clerical error in a statement of votes cost a candidate 37 votes. The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC may correct manifest errors to reflect the true will of the electorate.
Due Process in Election Canvass: The Right to Notice and Fair Hearing
How the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to correct manifest election errors while respecting due process rights.
Integrity of Election Returns: Ensuring Accurate Vote Canvassing in Pre-Proclamation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when election returns with material defects may be excluded and how canvassing boards must verify ballot integrity.
Electoral Protests: COMELEC's Power to Correct Errors and the Essence of Due Process
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COMELEC's authority to correct canvass errors and what due process truly requires in election cases.
Electoral Rights vs Public Order: Balancing Presence and Security During Canvassing
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the balance between a candidate's right to be present during canvassing and police security measures.
Election Canvass Rights: When Police Checkpoints Cross the Line
Supreme Court clarifies which election canvass violations are criminal offenses and when COMELEC findings stand.
Safeguarding the Electoral Will: Scrutinizing Mathematical Errors in Election Canvassing
The Supreme Court annulled a COMELEC order correcting alleged canvassing errors, emphasizing that only manifest errors apparent on the face of certificates may be corrected.