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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Due Process in Election Protests: The Importance of Timely Evidence Presentation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that due process in election protests means a reasonable opportunity to be heard—not unlimited time to present evidence.
Correcting Election Errors: Safeguarding the Electorate's True Will
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's power to correct manifest errors in election documents to protect the true will of voters.
Status Quo Orders in Election Protests: COMELEC’s Power to Enjoin Execution Pending Appeal
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed COMELEC’s authority to maintain status quo and stop execution pending appeal in election protests.
Second Placer Doctrine: Disqualification Must Be Final Before Election Day
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a candidate disqualified only after elections cannot be replaced by the second placer; succession rules apply instead.
COMELEC En Banc Acts Without Jurisdiction in Election Appeal: Eriguel v. COMELEC
Supreme Court nullifies COMELEC en banc ruling in mayoralty protest for lack of jurisdiction and failure to ensure ballot integrity.
Electoral Integrity: COMELEC Division Authority and Ballot Preservation in Election Protests
A 2010 Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC division jurisdiction, ballot integrity, and the proper conduct of election protests.
Employers' Liability for Employee Negligence: Diligence in Selection and Supervision
Philippine Hawk Corp. v. Lee explains when employers are liable for employee negligence and how to prove diligence in selection and supervision.
Integrity of Ballots vs Election Returns: Safeguarding the Electoral Process
Explaining Varias v. COMELEC on when ballots may override election returns in Philippine election contests.
Safeguarding Elections: Upholding Comelec’s Discretion in Automated Election System Implementation
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec’s discretion in awarding the 2010 automated election project, rejecting speculative challenges to the PCOS system.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
Fair Election Practices: Candidates Responsible for Donated Political Ads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on candidate liability for donated political advertisements under the Fair Elections Act and COMELEC rules.
Upholding Electoral Mandates: Respecting Trial Court Decisions in Election Protests
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC gravely abused its discretion in setting aside a trial court's execution pending appeal in an election protest.
Perfecting Appeals in Election Cases: Clarifying Appeal Fee Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies appeal fee rules in barangay election contests, distinguishing the P1,000 court fee from the P3,200 COMELEC fee.
Supreme Court Clarifies Appeal Fee Rules in Barangay Election Cases
The Court rules that paying the P1,000 appeal fee perfects a barangay election appeal; the P3,200 COMELEC fee is not jurisdictional.
Execution Pending Appeal in Barangay Election Contests: The San Miguel v. Comelec Rule
Supreme Court clarifies the timing rules for execution pending appeal in barangay election contests under Section 11, Rule 14.
Execution Pending Appeal: Clarifying the Timeline for Election Contests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue execution pending appeal in election contests, resolving a common procedural misunderstanding.
Prejudicial Question and Three-Term Limit in Barangay Elections: Monreal v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court explains when a constitutional challenge can suspend disqualification cases and how the three-term limit applies.
Residency Requirement Upholding the Electorate's Will in Congressional Elections
Supreme Court ruling on congressional residency requirements, emphasizing that the electorate's choice prevails when evidence of non-residence is weak or inconclusive.
Revocation OF Authority Comelecs Power Over Delegated Election Offense Prosecution
COMELEC Contempt Power Upholds Investigative Authority for Fair Elections
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to punish contempt during fact-finding investigations, reinforcing its constitutional mandate to ensure honest elections.
Contempt of the COMELEC: Scope of Power and Due Process in Election Investigations
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to initiate contempt proceedings motu proprio during fact-finding investigations, clarifying due process requirements.
CBA Renegotiation Preserving Workers Rights TO Union Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how CBA renegotiation affects the 60-day freedom period for certification elections and union representation rights.
Premature Campaigning: The Fine Line Between Aspiring and Declared Candidacy in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes a candidate for election law purposes, and what this means for premature campaigning rules.
Handwriting Analysis and Election Disputes: Protecting the Sanctity of the Ballot
The Supreme Court clarifies when handwriting analysis may invalidate ballots in election protests, stressing that no two persons write alike.