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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Separation of Powers: Why Courts Stay Out of Senate Leadership Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why it dismissed a quo warranto petition challenging the Senate minority leader's selection, citing separation of powers.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Uphold Voter Intent in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stray votes, nuisance candidates, and the primacy of voter intent in election canvassing.
Election Ban on Presidential Appointments: Safeguarding Judicial Independence in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the constitutional ban on presidential appointments during election periods applies to judicial vacancies, protecting judicial independence.
Employer Neutrality in Union Certification Elections and Employee Rights to Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer neutrality during certification elections, freedom period CBAs, and employee rights to choose their bargaining representative.
Seniority Matters: Why Fair Retrenchment in the Philippines Requires More Than Just Financial Losses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: financial losses alone don't justify layoffs—seniority must be considered in employee selection.
Dilg VS Comelec Scope OF Authority IN Sangguniang Kabataan SK Elections
Safeguarding Due Process: COMELEC's Jurisdiction in Philippine Election Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc resolution for violating due process and the constitutional rule that election cases be decided by division.
Philippine Election Law: RTC Jurisdiction Over Election Offenses Despite Lower Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: Regional Trial Courts keep exclusive jurisdiction over election offenses even if penalties are six years or less.
Re-Election and Criminal Liability: Why Public Officials Can Still Face Suspension for Past Misdeeds
Re-election does not erase criminal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies preventive suspension still applies to public officials for prior-term offenses.
Upholding Workers' Right to Organize: Certification Elections Free From Employer Interference
Supreme Court ruling protects workers' right to organize and underscores that certification elections must remain free from employer interference.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Protests: When Can a Trial Court Still Act
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court may still order execution pending appeal in election protests, even after an opponent files a notice of appeal.
Philippine Election Law: Voter Intent Prevails Over Technical Ballot Defects
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that minor ballot irregularities, like missing BEI signatures, do not invalidate votes.
Broadcasting Public Service: Understanding the Government's Right to Comelec Time
The Supreme Court upheld Section 92 of the Omnibus Election Code, requiring broadcast stations to give free air time to the COMELEC during elections.
Campaign Ad Ban in the Philippines: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the political ad ban under RA 6646, ruling it a valid regulation ensuring equal opportunity among candidates.
Election Disqualification Cases: COMELEC's Continuing Jurisdiction After Proclamation
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC must continue hearing disqualification cases even after a candidate's proclamation, citing Section 6 of RA 6646.
Fair Certification Elections Ensuring Workers Rights To Self Organization IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how tuition fee increases interact with wage orders and the 70% employee share under RA 6728.
COMELEC's Power to Prosecute Election Offenses: Independent Authority Affirmed
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's exclusive authority to prosecute election offenses, ruling that deputized prosecutors cannot override its decisions.
Election Tampering Safeguarding the Integrity of Philippine Elections
How the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to annul tampered election returns and order recanvassing to protect electoral integrity.
Ballot Authentication: How Missing BEI Signatures Affect Election Validity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unsigned ballots are spurious, and how voter intent prevails over technical omissions.
Election Protests Understanding Timelines AND Grounds FOR Recounts IN THE Philippines
Election Protests Ensuring Fair Canvassing AND Valid Proclamations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election protests, canvassing irregularities, and the validity of proclamations in electoral disputes.
Demurrer to Evidence: When Filing It Means Waiving Your Right to Present a Defense
Filing a motion to dismiss after the plaintiff rests can waive your right to present evidence. Learn the rule from a Philippine election case.
Election Protests Understanding Demurrer to Evidence and Waiver of Rights in Philippine Law
Learn how filing a demurrer to evidence waives the right to present defense evidence, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Legitimacy of Labor Unions: When a Photocopy of Registration Is Enough
A photocopy of a union's certificate of registration may suffice to prove legitimacy in certification election petitions. Learn the rule.