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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Judges Must Know the Law: Gross Ignorance and Its Consequences
When a judge issues warrants and conducts proceedings without knowing basic rules, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn from Oporto v. Monserate.
Robbery With Homicide: How Multiple Killings Affect Sentencing in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether multiple killings in robbery with homicide warrant death penalty or reclusion perpetua.
Judicial Overreach: What Happens When a Judge Exceeds Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases
A judge issued arrest warrants after losing jurisdiction over a case. The Supreme Court ruled it was gross ignorance of the law.
Airport Security Searches and Drug Possession: When Warrantless Arrests Fail
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warrantless arrests, in flagrante delicto, and the exclusionary rule in drug possession cases.
Unlawful Arrest Evidence Obtained From Illegal Search Deemed Inadmissible
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that evidence from a warrantless search is inadmissible when the preceding warrantless arrest was unlawful.
Warrantless Arrests: When a Bulging Waist Justifies a Valid Search
A bulging waistline can justify a warrantless arrest and incidental search. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Search Warrant Specificity: Protecting Businesses From Unreasonable Seizures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on search warrants, particularity of items seized, and protection of businesses from unreasonable seizures.
Warrantless Arrests in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and When Police Can Act Without a Warrant
Learn when Philippine police may arrest without a warrant, what "personal knowledge" means, and how citizens can lawfully object to illegal arrests.
Valid Warrantless Arrests in Drug Cases: Know Your Rights in the Philippines
Learn when warrantless arrests in Philippine drug cases are valid, and the legal limits of police authority under Rule 113.
Ejectment Case Dismissal for Failure to Appear: Due Process in Philippine Summary Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to appear at preliminary conference in ejectment cases warrants judgment and what due process requires.
When Can a Trial Court Resolve a Motion to Quash a Search Warrant Issued by Another Court?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies which court resolves a motion to quash a search warrant when the criminal case is pending in a different court.
Resolving Search Warrant Disputes: Which Court Has Jurisdiction to Quash
Learn which court resolves a motion to quash a search warrant when the issuing court differs from the court trying the criminal case.
Void Search Warrant: Can Seized Illegal Goods Still Be Retained?
When a search warrant is void, illegally possessed goods may still be forfeited—return is not automatic. Here’s the rule.
Search Warrants and Intellectual Property: The Imperative of a Specific Offense
A search warrant must be anchored on a specific existing offense. When the crime is repealed, the warrant falls.
Breach of Express Warranty: Seller Liable for Unpaid Taxes Despite Transfer of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a vehicle seller's assurance that taxes were paid is an express warranty; breach makes seller liable for unpaid duties.
Warrantless Search Limits and Penalty in Drug Cases: People v. Che Chun Ting
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of warrantless searches incident to arrest and the proper penalty for drug offenses in People v. Che Chun Ting.
Probable Cause and Warrants of Arrest: Ensuring Judicial Independence
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for warrants, reinforcing judicial independence in determining probable cause for arrests.
Judicial Accountability: Premature Release of Court Orders and Negligence
A judge's failure to manage court personnel and prevent premature release of orders constitutes negligence warranting reprimand, as shown in this administrative case.
Incestuous Rape: When a Father's Betrayal Warrants the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his 12-year-old daughter, underscoring the gravity of incestuous rape under Philippine law.
Protecting Your Home: Illegal Search and Seizure in Philippine Drug Cases
When police act on a tip without a warrant, evidence may be inadmissible. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on illegal searches.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Caught Red Handed: Understanding Warrantless Arrests in Philippine Drug Cases
A look at People v. Requiz on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and how courts assess drug evidence in the Philippines.
When Can Philippine Police Arrest Without a Warrant? Know Your Rights
Philippine law allows warrantless arrests in specific situations. This article explains those rules using a Supreme Court case.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches in the Philippines: What People v. Chua Ho San Teaches Us
Understand when warrantless arrests and searches are valid in the Philippines, and learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Chua Ho San.