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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Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Losses and Fair Selection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: what employers must prove to validly dismiss employees due to business losses.
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.
Senate Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction Ensuring Due Process in Senatorial Election Protests
Barbers v. COMELEC clarifies that the Senate Electoral Tribunal has sole jurisdiction over post-proclamation senatorial election contests.
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.
Death and Election Protests: Can a Widow Substitute for a Deceased Protestant?
The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, ruled on whether a widow could substitute for her deceased husband in a presidential election protest.
Lawyer's Duty to Clients Persists Despite Public Office: Canoy v. Ortiz
SC suspends lawyer for neglecting client's case after election to public office, affirming duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Intra-Union Disputes: Jurisdiction Lies With the Bureau of Labor Relations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Labor Relations has exclusive jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, including elections of officers in government employee organizations.
Residency Redefined: Abandonment and Reacquisition in Philippine Election Law
How a mayor who once lived in the US reclaimed Philippine residency for election purposes, and what the ruling means for candidates.
Taxing Electoral Contributions: Clarifying Gift Tax Law in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court ruling that political contributions are taxable gifts under the NIRC, absent an express exemption.
Upholding Union Democracy: Illegal Suspensions, Elections, and Financial Transparency
Supreme Court affirms penalties for union officers who suspended members without due process, held premature elections, and failed to render financial reports.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Strict Compliance Required in Election Protests
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with certification of non-forum shopping requirements in election protest cases.
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.
Nickname Recognition in Philippine Elections: Upholding Voters' Intent Despite Technicalities
Learn how Philippine election law treats nicknames on ballots, the idem sonans rule, and why procedural remedies matter in election contests.
Perfecting Appeals: Timely Payment of Appeal Fees as a Jurisdictional Requirement in Philippine Election Law
Learn how timely payment of appeal fees is a jurisdictional requirement in Philippine election law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Three-Term Limit for Local Officials: When an Election Loss Resets the Clock
Election loss interrupts an official's service and resets the three-term limit, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Adormeo v. COMELEC.
COMELEC's Duty to Hold Special Barangay Elections After a Failed Poll: The Sambarani Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot refuse to hold special barangay elections after a failure of election, and that incumbent officials hold over until successors are elected.
When Election Rules Override Commercial Contracts: The Chavez v. COMELEC Precedent
Can election rules force removal of product endorsements featuring a candidate? The Supreme Court says yes, explaining why.
COMELEC Cannot Motu Proprio Cancel a Candidate’s Certificate of Candidacy: Cipriano v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC cannot cancel a certificate of candidacy motu proprio without notice and hearing, safeguarding due process in election cases.
Union Misrepresentation Can Void Certification Elections: The DHL-URFA Case
When union officers lie about their affiliation before a certification election, workers may get a new vote. The Supreme Court explains why.
Failure of Election: When the Electorate's Will Cannot Be Ascertained
The Supreme Court explains when a failure of election may be declared and why mere allegations of irregularities belong in an election protest, not a COMELEC petition.
When a Suspension Order Against an Elective Official Takes Effect Immediately
The Supreme Court clarifies when suspension orders against elective local officials are immediately executory, even during an election period.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.