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.
Challenging Residency Claims: The Supreme Court on Election Eligibility
A candidate's one-year residency requirement for local office demands clear proof of domicile, not just property ownership or voter registration.
Dual Citizenship and Elective Office: The Imperative of Sworn Renunciation in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires dual citizens seeking elective office to execute a personal and sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship. The Supreme Court explains why.
Quorum Quandaries: When Does a Presiding Officer Count in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a vice-mayor counts for quorum in local sanggunian sessions under the Local Government Code.
Residency vs. Domicile in Philippine Elections: The Pundaodaya Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that voter registration and property ownership do not prove election residency, which legally means domicile.
Disqualification and Succession in Local Elections: The Sinsuat Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on disqualification of winning candidates, ballot appreciation, and succession rules in Philippine local elections.
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.
Recall Resolutions and Timing: Why Official Capacity Matters Under Philippine Election Law
Learn from Afiado v. COMELEC why recall resolutions must target the right office at the right time under the Local Government Code.
Defective Verification and Forum Shopping Certification: Why Cases Get Dismissed in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective verification or certification against forum shopping can get a case dismissed in Philippine courts, based on Loquias v. Ombudsman.
Failure of Election Petitions in the Philippines: What the Law Requires
Failure of election is a narrow remedy under Philippine law. Learn the grounds, the limits, and how Banaga v. COMELEC clarifies the rules.
Deadline Missed: Understanding Election Protest Filing Periods in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-day period to file an election protest is suspended, and when it is not.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials: The Salary Grade 27 Rule Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a public official's position classification, not actual salary, determines Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Vote Buying and Disqualification: Nolasco vs. COMELEC Explained
What happens when a winning candidate is disqualified for vote buying? The Nolasco case clarifies succession and election law.