Election protests, disqualification matters, and proceedings before the COMELEC.
What this area covers
Election law governs how public office is contested and how the results of an election may be challenged. Our work covers election protests, questions about a candidate's qualifications, and proceedings before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Election cases are governed by short, firm deadlines, so the time available to act is often the first thing that must be assessed.
Matters we handle
Election protests
Disqualification and quo warranto petitions
Candidacy and certificate-of-candidacy matters
Campaign-finance compliance
Proceedings before the COMELEC
How these matters typically proceed
Election disputes are heard by the COMELEC and, for certain national positions, by the electoral tribunals of the House, the Senate, or the Supreme Court. Two remedies are commonly confused: an election protest contests the count or conduct of the election itself, while a petition for quo warranto challenges the winner's eligibility to hold the office.
These cases are subject to strict reglementary periods — the fixed times within which a protest or petition must be filed. A matter filed even a day late is ordinarily dismissed, regardless of its merits, which is why early assessment is decisive.
Related areas
Election matters frequently involve Administrative Law before the COMELEC and, where damages or related claims arise, our Civil Law practice.