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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Elections and Financial Regulations: Analyzing the Limits of Comelec's Authority
The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to Comelec's money ban resolution as moot, leaving key constitutional questions unanswered.
Beyond Deadlines: The COMELEC's Power to Ensure Fair Plebiscites Despite Statutory Timelines
When a plebiscite deadline becomes impossible to meet, can the COMELEC reset the date? The Supreme Court says yes, in a ruling that prioritizes the people's right to vote.
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.
Party List Registration Misrepresentation and the Right to Representation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, not the COMELEC, has jurisdiction over congressional election disputes.
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.
Safeguarding Electoral Independence: Limits of DOJ-Comelec Collaboration in Election Offense Probes
The Supreme Court upholds joint DOJ-Comelec preliminary investigations for election offenses, clarifying constitutional limits on collaboration.
Due Process and Party-List Disqualification: Senior Citizens Case
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot cancel a party-list group's registration without due notice and hearing.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements for Public Office: Reyes v. COMELEC
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Reyes v. COMELEC on citizenship, residency, and disqualification of candidates for public office.
Party Autonomy vs Individual Rights in Party-List Internal Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC’s authority to resolve internal party-list disputes and cancel registrations for nominee disqualification.
Upholding Comelec's Discretion: Balancing Electoral Integrity and Due Process in Special Elections
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec's broad discretion in conducting special elections after failure of elections, balancing integrity against due process concerns.
Upholding Electoral Tribunals Discretion Respecting THE Voters Intent IN Contested Ballots
A 3-3 Comelec en banc vote has no legal effect; the case must be reheard, the Supreme Court rules.
Majority Voting in Comelec En Banc Decisions: Why a 3-3 Tie Has No Legal Effect
A tied Comelec en banc vote cannot produce a valid ruling. The Supreme Court explains why a majority of all members is required.
Party-List Accreditation Is Never Permanent: The LPGMA Doctrine on Continuous Qualification Review
Supreme Court clarifies that COMELEC can cancel party-list registration anytime; accreditation never becomes final and conclusive against the state.
Party List Accreditation: COMELEC's Power to Cancel Registration Explained
Supreme Court clarifies that COMELEC can cancel party-list accreditation even without prior opposition to registration, upholding its authority to ensure marginalized representation.
Fair Election Act's One-Subject Rule: Giron v. COMELEC Explained
The Supreme Court upheld the Fair Election Act's candidate substitution and elective official provisions against a one-subject-one-title constitutional challenge.
Disqualification of Candidates: COMELEC’s Authority and Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC’s disqualification of a candidate, ruling the en banc acted without jurisdiction and violated due process.
When Election Irregularities Meet Mootness: Annulment of Proclamation and the Imperative of an Actual Controve
Explore Quiño v. COMELEC, where the Supreme Court dismissed an election case as moot after a re-canvass, explaining why actual controversies matter.
Timeliness and Sufficiency in Election Protests: Balancing Procedure and Substance
A look at Lloren v. COMELEC on appeal fee deadlines, motion fees, and the mandatory requirements for a valid election protest.
Safeguarding Electoral Independence When Collaboration Challenges Constitutional Boundaries
The Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of the joint DOJ-Comelec investigation of election fraud in the 2004 and 2007 polls.
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.
Automated Elections Public Bidding vs Comelec Discretion in Purchasing the AES for the 2013 Elections
Supreme Court upholds Comelec's exercise of option to purchase PCOS machines for 2013 elections, ruling no new public bidding was required.
Establishing Domicile Intent AND Actions FOR Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies how reinstated Filipino citizens can prove domicile and residency for election candidacy, using Jalosjos v. COMELEC.
League of Cities v. COMELEC: The Finality of the 16 Cityhood Laws
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration, affirming the constitutionality of the 16 Cityhood Laws with finality.