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 vs HRET: When Can a Party-List Registration Be Cancelled?
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC can cancel a party-list registration, even if it affects a sitting member of Congress.
HRET Quorum Rules on Justices and Jurisdiction Upheld as Constitutional
The Supreme Court upholds HRET rules requiring a Justice for quorum and clarifies jurisdiction over House members' election contests.
CIBAC Party-List Dispute: Resolving Authority Over Nominees and Electoral Contest Jurisdiction
Supreme Court settles who may validly nominate party-list representatives and clarifies when the HRET, not COMELEC, has jurisdiction over election contests.
Electoral Tribunals and Nuisance Candidates: Jurisdiction After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the HRET cannot declare a candidate a nuisance candidate once the COMELEC's ruling has become final.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Limits of Eligibility
A libel conviction bars a candidate from office for five years. The Supreme Court explains why in Ty-Delgado v. HRET.
Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction: Proclamation Is the Decisive Factor in Election Contests
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a congressional candidate is proclaimed, the HRET, not the COMELEC, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Election Contests and Jurisdiction: When the HRET Takes Over from COMELEC
The Supreme Court explains why election contests involving proclaimed congressional winners belong exclusively to the HRET, not the courts.
Electoral Tribunals Authority Challenging A Legislators Qualifications After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a congressional candidate is proclaimed, only the HRET, not COMELEC, may rule on qualifications.
Electoral Jurisdiction: When COMELEC’s Authority Ends and HRET Begins
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between COMELEC and HRET jurisdiction over election disputes involving proclaimed congressmen.
Party-List Registration and Religious Affiliation: COMELEC's Jurisdiction Explained
When can COMELEC cancel a party-list's registration for being a religious front, and when does the HRET take over? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Party-List Nominee Qualifications and HRET Jurisdiction After Proclamation
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on party-list nominee qualifications, COMELEC jurisdiction, and HRET's sole authority after proclamation.
HRET Jurisdiction Over Party List Nominees Ensuring Constitutional Qualifications for House Membership
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC jurisdiction over party-list nominee qualifications and the continuing residency requirement for elective office.
Finality Prevails Reaffirming HRET Discretion in Electoral Protests
Supreme Court affirms HRET's discretion in ballot revision and upholds finality of judgments in election protests.
Citizenship Threshold Ensuring Elected Officials Meet Constitutional Requirements
The Supreme Court clarifies that citizenship is a continuing qualification for House members, and only the HRET may judge such contests after proclamation.
HRET Discretion vs Due Process: Protecting the Electorate's Will
When can the House Electoral Tribunal compel a candidate to continue a counter-protest? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial review.
Election Tribunal vs Comelec: Who Resolves Disqualification Cases After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a winning candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET—not the Comelec—has sole jurisdiction over qualification disputes.
Philippine Election Law: When COMELEC Loses Jurisdiction to the HRET After Proclamation
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Planas v. COMELEC on when a candidate's proclamation divests COMELEC of jurisdiction in favor of the HRET.
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.
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.
Disqualification After Election: Why the Second Placer Does Not Win and a Special Election Is the Remedy
When a winning candidate is disqualified after the election, the second placer cannot be declared the winner. A special election is the proper remedy, as explained in Ocampo v. HRET.
Proportional Representation in Electoral Tribunals: The Pimentel Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on proportional representation of party-list groups in the HRET and Commission on Appointments.
Valid Service of Summons: Due Process in Electoral Protests Before the HRET
When is substituted service of summons valid in election protests? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules in Sandoval v. HRET.
Safeguarding Suffrage: Due Process and Valid Service of Summons in Election Protests
A look at Sandoval v. HRET, where the Supreme Court nullified defective substituted service of summons, upholding due process in election contests.
Strict Adherence to HRET Rules: Why Overlooking Cash Deposits Can Dismiss Your Election Case
Learn how failing to follow HRET rules on cash deposits and appeal bonds can lead to the dismissal of an election case.