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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Probable Cause and Search Warrants: Safeguarding Property Rights in Seizures
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants, balancing law enforcement with constitutional property rights.
Search Warrants Beyond Territorial Limits: Executive Judge Authority in Drug Cases
When can a Manila judge issue a search warrant for a house in Pampanga? The Supreme Court explains executive judge authority in drug cases.
Limits of Search Warrants: Illegal Seizure of Unspecified Items During Drug Raids
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seizing items not specified in a search warrant during drug raids violates constitutional rights and may be inadmissible.
Upholding Search Warrants IN Intellectual Property Cases THE Importance OF Probable Cause AND Specificity
Search Warrants for LPG Cylinder Misuse: Probable Cause Standards Under R.A. 623
Supreme Court ruling clarifies probable cause for search warrants involving unauthorized LPG cylinder use under R.A. 623, as amended.
Intellectual Property Rights and the Scope of Search Warrants in Trademark Infringement Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined the proper scope of search warrants in trademark infringement cases involving intellectual property rights.
Upholding Search Warrants in Intellectual Property Cases: The Yao v. People Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms search warrants issued in trademark infringement cases, clarifying probable cause and warrant requirements under Philippine law.
Philippine Search Warrants and Territorial Jurisdiction: When Can a Manila Court Order a Search in Cavite
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when courts can issue search warrants outside their territorial jurisdiction.
Philippine Search Warrants: Why the Two-Witness Rule Is Crucial for Valid Searches
The Supreme Court explains why the two-witness rule under Rule 126 is mandatory, and why violating it makes seized evidence inadmissible.
Mootness and Quashed Search Warrants: When a Case Dismissal Ends the Controversy
A dismissed criminal case can render a quashed search warrant issue moot. Learn the practical legal effect rule from this Supreme Court ruling.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from the Marlboro Counterfeit Case
When is a search warrant valid in IP cases? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in People v. Choi.
Search Warrant Requirements in the Philippines: A Judge's Duty to Examine Witnesses in Writing
The Supreme Court reminds judges that issuing search warrants requires a written, searching examination of witnesses—not just oral interviews.
Upholding Due Process in Search Warrants: The Kho v. Lanzanas Standard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants and due process in intellectual property cases.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: The Judge's Duty Beyond Issuance
A judge's duty in search warrants does not end with signing—probable cause requires probing examination and post-issuance oversight.
Probable Cause and Search Warrants: Ensuring Constitutional Safeguards
A judge who issues a search warrant without a probing examination of witnesses may be administratively liable. Betoy v. Coliflores guides on probable cause.
Hearsay Evidence AND Search Warrants Protecting Against Unlawful Seizures IN Copyright Cases
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from Sony Music v. Judge Espanol
The Supreme Court quashed a search warrant in a copyright case because the applicant and witnesses had no personal knowledge that the discs were pirated, only hearsay.
Challenging Search Warrants: The Judge's Personal Assessment Requirement
Learn how the Supreme Court requires judges to personally examine complainants and witnesses before issuing search warrants, and why this protects citizens' rights.
Copyright Search Warrants: Balancing IP Rights and Constitutional Safeguards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probable cause and specificity in copyright infringement search warrants against software piracy.
Confirming Land Titles: Possession Isnt Always Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on search warrants clarifies that holding a Torrens title does not automatically mean ownership, and explains the limits of seizure.
Challenging Illegal Drug Possession: The Need for Valid Search Warrants and Proof of Ownership
Why a defective search warrant and weak proof of ownership led to an acquittal in a Philippine drug possession case.
Sheriffs Authority and Limits in Carrying Firearms During Writ Enforcement
Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duties, custody of seized goods, and limits of authority in enforcing search warrants.
Valid Search Warrants Despite Name Discrepancies and Scope Limits in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when name errors in search warrants are valid and when warrantless car searches are illegal.
The Particularity Requirement Balancing Privacy and Law Enforcement in Search Warrants
Supreme Court acquits in credit card fraud case, ruling that items not listed in a search warrant and not in plain view cannot be seized or used as evidence.