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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Manifestation of Intent to Participate in the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections
How to file a manifestation of intent to participate in the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, including the rules on accreditation and certification.
Bangsamoro Electoral Code: BAA No. 35 and the BAA No. 88 Amendments
The Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BAA No. 35) governs BARMM parliamentary elections. BAA No. 88 amended its party and sectoral rules.
Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Reset: How RA 12317, RA 12123 and RA 11593 Apply
The first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections were reset to September 2026 by RA 12317, which repealed RA 12123 and amended the schedule set by RA 11593.
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.
Chain of Custody Failures and Election Weapon Bans: Acquittal in People v. Ildefonso
How broken drug evidence chains lead to acquittal and why carrying bladed weapons during elections may not be an offense.
Media Practitioners and Election Law: Balancing Free Speech with Fair Elections
The Supreme Court affirms a radio commentator-candidate's conviction for violating election rules on media practitioners during the campaign period.
When Regulatory Approvals Matter: CSP Rules and Power Agreements After Alyansa
Supreme Court clarifies that power supply agreements filed after June 30, 2015 must comply with the Competitive Selection Process, even if executed earlier.
COMELEC Can Disqualify Candidates for Indirect Election Fraud: Noveras Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the COMELEC may disqualify a winning candidate for indirect election offenses under Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code.
Election Law Disqualification for Illegal Use of Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn how a final conviction with perpetual disqualification can cancel a candidacy, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Party List Nominee Substitution Rules: Safeguarding Electoral Integrity
The Supreme Court clarifies post-election party-list nominee substitution rules, emphasizing mandatory deadlines and the electorate's right to choose.
Election Gun Ban: What Counts as a Deadly Weapon in the Philippines
SC clarifies what "other deadly weapons" means under the election gun ban, and why a knife conviction was reversed.
Election Disqualification Petitions: Filing After Proclamation Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when a petition to disqualify a candidate may be filed, ruling that the deadline is the entire day of proclamation.
Freedom of Information in Philippine Elections: What the Supreme Court Said About Citizen Recount Requests
The Supreme Court dismissed a voter petition for a manual recount in Pangasinan, clarifying the limits of the right to information in elections.
Election Gun Ban and Retroactivity: The Bargado Case Explained
Can a postponed election erase a gun ban violation? The Supreme Court's Bargado ruling explains retroactivity in Philippine election law.
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Election Overspending Case Due to COMELEC Delay
SC nullifies COMELEC resolutions in election overspending case, ruling that the poll body's six-year delay violated the right to speedy disposition.
Election Propaganda on Private Property: COMELEC's Power to Regulate Free Speech
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC may regulate privately-owned election materials, balancing free speech with election regulation.
Election Protests: Why Following Court Procedure Is Crucial for Victory
A barangay election protest teaches a hard lesson: procedural lapses, not ballot issues, can cost a candidate the win.
Election Transparency and Citizen Access to the Automated Election System in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of citizen access to the automated election system, including ballot printing, SD cards, and transmission data.
Mandamus Denied: Court Upholds Comelec Authority Over Election Technology Rules
Supreme Court dismisses petition to compel Comelec to issue election automation rules, citing procedural defects and lack of standing.
Election Gun Ban: Can Bladed Weapons Be Prohibited?
The Supreme Court rules on whether the COMELEC election gun ban can cover bladed instruments like knives, and explains how to challenge its constitutionality.
Protecting Voter Intent: Disqualifying Nuisance Candidates in Philippine Elections
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Teves v. COMELEC on nuisance candidates and how votes cast for them are credited to legitimate candidates.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Election Weapon Ban Case
Supreme Court acquits accused in election weapons ban case due to broken chain of custody over seized folding knife.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Valuation in Land Conveyance Agreements
Supreme Court affirms that land valuation in conveyance agreements is fixed at drawdown, not at later selection, upholding contract terms.
Domicile vs Residency: Protecting the Electorate's Choice in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between domicile and residency in election cases, protecting the electorate's choice.