ELECTION LAWS SYLLABUS

Atty. Gallant D. Soriano, MNSA

Lt. Col. PN(M)

CHAPTER I - GENERAL PRINCIPLES

A. Definition of Terms

1. Election;
2. Suffrage;
3. Election vs. Suffrage

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE

001. Garchitorena vs. Crescini, G.R. No. L-14514 December 18, 1918

B. Scope of Suffrage

1. Election (Title II, Chap. I, Secs. 42, LGC; Art. VI, Sec. 8,
Constitution ; Art. VII, Sec. 4, Constitution)
2. Plebiscite (Art. XVII, Sec. 4, Constitution)
3. Referendum (Art. VI, Sec. 32, Constitution)
4. Initiative (Art. XVII, Sec. 2, Constitution)
5. Recall (Title II, Chap. V, Secs. 69-75, LGC)

C. Kinds of Election

1. General
2. Special

D. Philippine Election System

E. Theories on Suffrage

1. Universal Theories
2. Philippine Theory

F. Constitutional Provisions on Suffrage (Comparative)

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1. Art. V, Sec. 1, 1987 Constitution
2. Art. VI, Sec. 1, 1973 Constitution
3. Art. V, Sec. 1, 1935 Constitution

G. Requisites for the Exercise of Suffrage

1. Qualified - Art. V, Sec. 1, 1987 Constitution

2. Not Disqualified - Sec. 118, B.P. 881 (O.E.C.)
3. Registered in Voters List - Sec. 10, B.P. 8189 (V.R.A.); Sec.
6(2), B.P. 9189 (O.A.V.A.); Sec. 4, B.P. 881 (O.E.C.)
4. No Further Qualification - (Sec. 1 Art. V, Constitution)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE

002. Maquera vs. Borra, G.R. No. L-24761 September 7, 1965

CHAPTER II - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS

A. Registration

1. Definition - (Sec.3(a), R.A. 8189 -V.R.A.)

2. Rationale -
3. Necessity - (Sec. 115, B.P. 881)
4. Duty to Register -(Sec. 4, B.P. 881)

B. Qualifications of a Voter - (Art. V, Sec. 1, 1987 Constitution)

1. Citizenship
2. Age
3. Residence

C. Criterion for Determining One’s Residence

D. Disqualifications from Voting - (Sec. 118, B.P. 881; Sec. 11, R.A.
8189 V.R.A. of 1996)

1. Conviction of crime
2. Disloyalty to duly constituted government
3. Insane or incompetent persons

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E. Procedure for Registration

1. Sec. 115, B.P. 881 (O.E.C.)

2. Sec. 3, R.A. 8189- V.R.A. of 1996
3. R.A. 10367 (M.B.V.R. of 2013)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

003. Yra vs. Abano, G.R. No. 30187, November 15, 1928
004. Aportadera vs. Sotto, G.R. No. L-16876, November 30, 1961
005. Akbayan Youth vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 147066, March 26, 2001
006. Macalintal vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 157013, July 3, 2003
007. Nicolas-Lewis vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 162759, August 4, 2006

CHAPTER III - CHALLENGE, INCLUSION, EXCLUSION

A. Challenge to Right to Register - (Sec. 136, B.P. 881; (Sec. 18,

R.A. 8189, Continuing Registration)

1. Who may challenge

2. Requirements and procedure
3. Opposition to challenge

B. Petition for Inclusion - (Sec. 139, B.P. 881; Sec. 34 R.A. 8189,
Continuing Registration)

1. Who may file

2. Requirements
3. When to file, where to file, when to decide appeal

C. Petition for Exclusion - (Sec. 142, B.P. 881; Sec. 35, R.A. 8189,
Continuing Registration)
1. Who may file
2. Requirements
3. When to file, where to file, when to decide appeal

D. Annulment of Book of Voters - (Sec. 145, B.P. 881; Sec. 39, R.A.
8189 - Continuing Registration; Sec. 10, R.A. 7166 - S.E.A.)

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1. Who may file
2. Requirements
3. Where to file
4. When to file
5. Grounds
6. Limitation

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

008. Velasco vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 180051, December 24, 2008
009. Asistio vs. Aguirre, G.R. No. 191124, April 27, 2010
010. Ututalum vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 84843-44, January 22, 1990

CHAPTER IV - QUALIFICATIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS

A. Definition of Terms

1. Qualifications
2. Disqualifications
3. Candidate

B. Qualifications of Candidates for National Elective Offices

1. President / Vice-President - Sec. 2, Art. VII, 1987 Constitution

2. Senate - Sec. 3, Art. VI, 1987 Constitution
3. House of Representatives - Sec. 6, Art. VI 1987 Constitution

C. Qualifications of Candidates for Local Elective Offices

1. Governor / Vice-Governor - Sec. 39, R.A. 7160

2. Mayor of (HUC) - Sec. 39, R.A. 7160
3. Mayor / Vice-Mayor (City) - Sec. 39, R.A. 7160
4. SP and SB - Sec. 39, R.A. 7160

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

011. Frivaldo vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 120295, June 28, 1996
012. Labo vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 86564, August 1, 1989
013. Romualdez-Marcos vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 119976, Sept. 18, 1995
014. Aquino vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 120265, September 18, 1995

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015. Loong vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 93986 December 22, 1992
016. Gonzales vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 192856, March 8, 2011
017. Agustin vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 207105, November 10, 2015

D. Disqualifications

1. Under the Omnibus Election Code - (Sec. 12, B.P. 811)

2. Under the Local Government Code - Sec. 40, R.A. 7160)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

018. Villaber vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 148326, Nov. 15, 2001
019. Moreno vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 168550, Aug. 10, 2006
020. Grego vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 125955, June 19, 1997
021. Reyes vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 120905, March 7, 1996
022. Mercado vs. Manzano, G.R. No. 135083, May 26, 1999
023. Lopez vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 182701, July 23, 2008
024. Rodriguez vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 120099, July 24, 1996
025. Caasi vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 88831, November 8, 1990
026. Jalosjos Jr. vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 193237, October 9, 2012

E. Remedies for Questioning the Qualifications of a Candidate

1. Before Election - (Sec. 78, B.P. 811)

2. After Election - (Sec. 253, B.P.

811) F. Effect of a Disqualification

Case ILLUSTRATIVE CASE

027. Cayat vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 163776, April 24, 2007

CHAPTER V - CERTIFICATE OF CANDIDACY

A. Definition of Terms

1. Candidate - (Sec. 79, B.P. 881)

2. Certificate of Candidacy - (Sec. 73, B.P. 881)
3. Requirements - (Sec. 73, B.P. 881)

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4. Contents - (Sec. 74, B.P. 881)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

028. De Guzman vs. Board of Canvassers, G.R. No. L-24721, Nov. 3, 1925
029. Jurilla vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 105435, June 2, 1994

B. Filing of Certificate of Candidacy

1. Person Holding Public Appointive Position - (Sec. 66, B.P. 881)

2. Person Holding Public Elective Position - (Sec. 67, B.P. 881)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

030. PNOC-EDC vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 100947, May 31, 1993
031. Quinto vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 189698, February 22, 2010

C. Filing of Two Certificates of Candidacy

1. General Rule - (Sec. 73, B.P. 881)

2. Exception - (Sec. 73, B.P. 881)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE

032. Loreto-Go vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 147741, May 10, 2001

D. Death, Disqualification, Withdrawal of a Candidate -

1. Events - (Sec. 77, B.P. 881)

2. Who - (Sec. 77, B.P. 881)
3. When - (Sec. 77, B.P. 881)
4. Remedy - (Sec. 77, B.P. 881)
5. Substitute Candidate Defined

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

033. Pontawe vs. Comelec, G.R. No. L-59343 April 24, 1985
034. Luna vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 165983, Apr. 24, 2007
035. Monsale vs. Nico, G.R. No. L-2539, May 28, 1949
036. Cerafica vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 205136, December 2, 2014

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037. Villanueva vs. Comelec, G.R. No. L-54718, December 4, 1985
038. Miranda vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 136351, July 28, 1999
039. Tagolino vs. HRET, G.R. No. 202202, March 19, 2013
040. Papandayan vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 147909, April 16, 2002

E. Duty of the Comelec

1. Officers Mentioned - (Sec. 76, B.P. 881)

2. Nature of Duty - (Sec. 76, B.P. 881)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

041. Cipriano vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 158830, Aug. 10, 2004
042. Abcede vs. Imperial, G.R. No. 147741, May 10, 2001

F. Denial or Cancellation of Certificate of Candidacy

1. Procedure - (Sec. 78, B.P. 881)

2. Ground - (Sec. 78, B.P. 881)
3. Where to file - (Sec. 78, B.P. 881)
4. When to file - (Sec. 78, B.P. 881)
5. Decision - (Sec. 78, B.P. 881)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

043. Garvida vs. Sales, G.R. No. 122872, Sep. 10, 1997
044. Loong vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 133676, April 14, 1999

CHAPTER VI - CAMPAIGAN, ELECTION PROPAGANDA,

CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENSES

A. Campaign

1. Campaign - (Sec. 79, B.P. 881)

2. Included - (Sec. 79, B.P. 881)
3. Not Included - (Sec. 79, B.P. 881)
4. Prohibited Acts - (Secs. 80, 81, 83, 89, B.P. 881)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE

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045. Lanot vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 164858, Nov. 16, 2006
046. Pangkat Laguna vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 148075, February 4, 2002

B. Election Propaganda

1. Lawful Election Propaganda - Sec. 82, B.P. 881; Sec. 3, R.A. 9006 (FEA)
2. Prohibited Election Propaganda - (Sec. 85, B.P. 881)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

047. Adiong vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 103956, March 31, 1992
048. ABS-CBN vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 133486, Jan. 28, 2000
049. SWS vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 147571, May 5, 2001
050. Chavez vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 162777, Aug. 31, 2004

C. Contributions and Expenses

1. Contribution - (Sec. 94(a), B.P. 881)

2. Expenditure - (Sec. 94(b), B.P. 881)
3. Person - (Sec. 94(b), B.P. 881)
4. Limitations on Expenses - (Sec. 13, R.A. 7166 -S.E.A.)
5. Prohibited Contributions - (Secs. 95, 96, 97, B.P. 881)
6. Lawful Expenditures - (Sec. 102, B.P. 881)
4. Statement of Contribution and Expense - (Sec. 14, R.A. 7166, F.E.A.)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE

051. Pilar vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 115245, July 11, 1995

CHAPTER VII - WATCHERS

A. Official Watchers of Candidates - (Sec. 178, B.P.

881) B. Other Watchers - (Sec. 180, B.P. 881)

C. Qualifications of Watchers - (Sec. 178, B.P. 881)

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D. Rights and Duties of Watchers - (Sec. 179, B.P. 881)

CHAPTER VIII - CASTING OF VOTES

A. Ballot

1. Authentication of ballot - (Sec. 24, R.A. 7166 S.E.A.)

2. Failure to authenticate - (Sec. 24, R.A. 7166 S.E.A.)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

052. Libanan vs. HRET, G.R. No. 129783, Dec. 22, 1997
053. Punzalan vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 126669, April 27, 1998

B. Illiterate and Disabled Voter

1. Rule - (Sec. 196, B.P. 881)

2. Requisite - (Sec. 196, B.P. 881)
3. Limitation - (Sec. 196, B.P. 881)

C. Challenge of Illegal Voter

1. Who may challenge - (Sec. 199, B.P. 881)

2. Who may be challenge - (Sec. 199, B.P. 881)
3. Grounds - (Sec. 199, B.P. 881)
4. Other grounds - (Sec. 200, B.P. 881)
5. Procedure - (Sec. 200, B.P. 881)
6. Records of Challenges and Oaths - (Sec. 202, B.P. 881)

CHAPTER IX - BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS

A. Composition B.
Qualifications C.
Disqualification D.
Powers

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CHAPTER X - COUNTING OF VOTES

A. Procedure - (Sec. 206 B.P. 881)

B. Manner of Counting - (Sec. 25, R.A. 7166)

C. Appreciation of Ballots

1. General Rule
2. Other basic rules

D. Election Returns
1. Preparation
2. Result of Election
3. Certificate of Votes

CHAPTER XI - PRE-PROCLAMATION CONTROVERSY

A. Definiton - (Sec. 241, B.P. 881)

B. Purpose

C. Rationale

D. General Rule - (Sec. 16, R.A. 7166; S.E.L.)

E. Exception - (Sec. 15, R.A. 7166)

F. Exception to exception - (Sec. 15, R.A. 7166)

G. Characteristics

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

054. Villamor vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 169865, July 1, 2006

055. Lagumbay vs. Comelec, G.R. No. L-25444, January 31, 1966

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CHAPTER XII - ELECTION CONTEST

A. Jurisdiction of Election Contest

B. Definition of Terms

1. Election Contest
2. Election Protest
3. Quo Warranto

C. Election Protest

1. Grounds
2. Issue
3. Requisites

D. Quo Warranto

1. Definition
2. Requisites
3. Quo Warranto (Elective Office vs. Appointive Office)

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

035.

CHAPTER XIII - ELECTION OFFENSES

A. Aspects of Election Offense

1. Criminal Aspect
2. Electoral Aspect

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE

037. Sunga vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 125629, March 25, 1998

B. Enumeration of Election Offenses

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES

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038. Mappala vs. Judge Nunez, A.M. No. RTJ-94-1208, Jan. 26, 1995
039. People vs. Reyes, G.R. No. 115022, August 14, 1995

040. People vs. Ferrer, G.R. No. L-8957, April 29, 1957

C. Characteristics of Election Offenses

041. De Jesus vs. People, G.R. No. L-61998, February 22, 1983
042. People vs. Bayona, G.R. No. L-42288, February 16, 1935

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