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The first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections were reset to September 2026 by RA 12317, which repealed RA 12123 and amended the schedule set by RA 11593.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.
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.
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.
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.
Due Process in Elections: COMELEC's Duty to Hear Conflicting Candidacy Claims
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's accreditation of dominant minority parties, clarifying that the Commission's rule-making power over political party accreditation is subject to constitutional limit
Nuisance Candidates: Genuine Intention vs Political Viability in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court clarifies that lack of nationwide support or political machinery is not a ground to declare a candidate a nuisance under Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Employer as Bystander in Certification Elections: Lessons from Coca-Cola FEMSA
Supreme Court affirms the bystander rule, barring employers from opposing certification elections and clarifying reorganization's effect on bargaining units.
Ensuring Election Integrity: The Role of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of the VVPAT requirement, digital signatures, and the prohibition on capturing devices in Philippine elections.
The Condonation Doctrine After Carpio-Morales: Recall Elections and the Cutoff Date
The Supreme Court clarifies when the abandoned condonation doctrine still applies and confirms it covers recall elections.
When a Dismissed Employee Can Vote: Certification Election Rules Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may vote in certification elections and how blank ballots affect majority computation.
One Vote, Unequal Weight: Party-List Seat Allocation and Equal Protection in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the party-list seat allocation formula under RA 7941, rejecting claims of vote double-counting and equal protection violations.
Nuisance Candidates in Multi-Slot Elections: What the Rules Really Say
Nuisance candidates in multi-slot elections: the legal test, the Comelec's discretion, and practical guidance for aspirants.
Legislative Reapportionment: When New Districts Take Effect and Voters' Rights Prevail
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's suspension of South Cotabato's 1st District elections, clarifying when legislative reapportionment takes effect.
How Courts Read Ballots: Voter Intent in Philippine Barangay Elections
A one-vote barangay election dispute shows how Philippine courts apply the idem sonans, neighborhood, and written-by-two rules to honor voter intent.
Election Contests and the 15-Day Rule: Eizmendi v. Fernandez on Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect attacks on corporate elections violate the 15-day reglementary period for election contests under the Interim Rules.
Homeowners Association Elections: Clarifying Final Judgments and Upholding Order
Supreme Court explains when a final judgment may be clarified in homeowners association election disputes, upholding the Office of the President's clarificatory resolution.
Perpetual Disqualification: The Price of Repeated SOCE Non-Compliance in Philippine Elections
Repeated failure to file SOCE triggers perpetual disqualification from public office under RA 7166, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
Residency Requirements vs. Constitutional Rights: The Dano Case on Domicile and Elections
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that temporary absence does not break residency for election purposes, protecting candidates' constitutional rights.