Under the direction of the Chairman and the Executive Director:

1. Plan and coordinate all the activities connected with the administration and enforcement of all laws relative to the conduct of elections, referenda and other forms of consultation;
   
   
2. Prepare pleadings and briefs in cases involving the Commission on Elections;
   
   
3. Represent the Commission in cases before the courts and other tribunals, unless otherwise provided by pertinent laws and decrees;
   
   
4. Provide legal and technical services to the Commission in the quasi-judicial cases;
   
   
5. Review legal opinions and interpretation of election and referendum laws made by the Regional Election Directors;
   
   
6. Investigate and/or direct investigations on complaints relative to the conduct of elections and submit recommendations thereon;
   
   
7. Prosecute on its own or collaborate with government prosecutors in the prosecution of election offenses;
   
   
8. Coordinate the activities of law enforcement agencies deputized by the Commission as well as those agencies performing functions related to the conduct of elections;
   
   
9. Process and recommend final action on applications of political parties for registration and accreditation;
   
   
10. Prepare rulings and opinions on legal questions involving other departments or offices of the Commission;
    
    
11. Study and recommend pardon or parole of prisoners convicted of or violating election laws, rules and regulations;
    
    
12. Draft proposed legislative measures to improve and update Philippine election laws and practices for submission by the Commission to Congress or to the President of the Philippines;
    
    
13. Digest, compile and analyze election and constitutional cases decided by the courts;
    
    
14. Conduct researches on legal queries propounded by the Commission; and
    
    
15. Perform other related functions.

Investigation and Prosecution Division

Under the direction of the Department Director:

1. Investigate and act upon complaints relative to the conduct of elections;
   
   
2. Collaborate with government prosecutors in the prosecution of election offenses;
   
   
3. Represent the Commission in cases before the courts and other tribunals;
   
   
4. Conduct preliminary examination or investigation of election complaints and irregularities or review reports thereon;
   
   
5. Study petitions for the pardon, parole, or suspension of sentence of prisoners convicted of election offenses and recommend appropriate action thereon; and
   
   
6. Perform other related functions.

Legal Opinion and Research Division

Under the direction of the Department Directorr:

1. Conduct researches on legal queries addressed to the Commission;
   
   
2. Conduct researches on election laws and practices, including those of foreign countries to improve and update the Philippine election laws and practices;
   
   
3. Prepare drafts of decrees or letters of instructions pertinent to elections, referendums and other forms of public consultation;
   
   
4. Prepare pleadings and briefs in cases involving the Commission on Elections;
   
   
5. Recommend to the Commission effective measures to minimize election expenses, frauds and malpractices, political opportunism, and other similar acts;
   
   
6. Analyze and evaluate final reports on the conduct of elections and recommend measures to ensure free, orderly and honest holding of the same;
   
   
7. Compile, digest and analyze election and constitutional cases decided by the Courts, the Commission or its Divisions; and
   
   
8. Perform other related functions.