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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When RTCs Overstep Jurisdiction in Barangay Election Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that only the COMELEC, not the RTC, may hear certiorari cases arising from barangay election protests.
Election Law Violation: Transferring Employees Without Comelec Approval
Supreme Court clarifies that transferring or reassigning government employees during election period without COMELEC approval violates election law.
Electoral Integrity Safeguarding Votes Against Tampering And Manipulation
The Supreme Court ruled that glaring vote discrepancies in election returns, certificates of canvass, and statements of votes constitute probable cause for election offenses under RA 6646.
Legislative Immunity vs. Criminal Conviction: The Jalosjos Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that election to Congress does not exempt a convicted legislator from imprisonment while his criminal appeal is pending.
Exit Polls and Free Speech: The ABS-CBN v. Comelec Ruling
The Supreme Court struck down Comelec's total ban on exit polls, affirming that free speech and press freedoms protect election-day surveys.
Disqualification for Terrorism, Direct Participation, and Spousal Liability in Elections
A wife-candidate can be disqualified for election terrorism committed by her husband when evidence shows her direct participation or acquiescence.
When Family Ties Meet Election Law: Disqualification for Acts of Terrorism
A spouse can be disqualified from office for election terrorism committed by her husband when the acts enhance her candidacy.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Disputes: The Limits of COMELEC's Power
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the boundaries of COMELEC's authority in election contests, ensuring due process.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Proclamation Disputes: The Importance of Notice and Hearing
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in election contests, emphasizing notice and hearing before proclamation.
Ensuring Fair Elections: COMELEC's Authority to Suspend Proclamation Amid Voting Irregularities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to suspend a mayor's proclamation when precincts fail to function, protecting voter enfranchisement.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: Judges Must Apply Established Doctrines in Election Cases
When a judge misapplies contempt powers and ignores elementary appeal rules, the Supreme Court steps in to correct the error.
Sheriffs Authority VS Abuse OF Power Defining Limits IN Foreclosure Proceedings
When can courts suspend public officials? Juan v. People clarifies preventive suspension under the Anti-Graft Law for election offenses.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Graft Law Applies to Election Offenses
Unauthorized use of government property is fraud, so preventive suspension under the Anti-Graft Law applies even in election offense cases.
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.
Election Protest Deadlines: Why a Failure of Election Petition Won't Buy You More Time
Filing a failure of election petition does not suspend the 10-day period to file an election protest. Know the deadline rules.
Pre-Proclamation Disputes, Manifest Errors, and COMELEC Rule Suspensions in Philippine Elections
A guide to pre-proclamation disputes, manifest errors, and COMELEC's power to suspend rules, based on Trinidad v. COMELEC.
Why Initial COMELEC Election Cases Must Be Decided by a Division, Not En Banc
Learn why the Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc ruling in an SK election protest, citing the constitutional rule on divisions.
Disqualification Cases Filed After Elections But Before Proclamation: Bagatsing v. COMELEC
Disqualification complaints filed after elections but before proclamation are dismissed and referred for preliminary investigation, per Bagatsing v. COMELEC.
Election Disqualification Cases After the Polls: What Bagatsing v. COMELEC Means
When a disqualification case is filed after elections, COMELEC must dismiss it and refer it for preliminary investigation, not suspend proclamation.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
When Can Election Returns Be Rejected: Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Philippine Elections
Learn when election returns may be excluded from canvassing and why Philippine law limits pre-proclamation controversies to summary proceedings.
Filing Fees in Philippine Election Protests: Jurisdictional Rules and Timelines
Philippine election protest filing fees are jurisdictional. Late payment does not cure defects. Learn the rules and deadlines.
Comelec Jurisdiction in Election Protests: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Election Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC en banc cannot decide election protests at first instance; only divisions have that authority.