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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Unlawful Search and Seizure: Protecting Your Rights in Drug Cases
When police act on a mere tip without a warrant, the arrest and seizure are illegal, and the evidence cannot be used in court.
Warrantless Arrests in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless arrests are legal in the Philippines, using a drug case to illustrate the rules.
Buy-Bust Operations: When Warrantless Arrests and Seized Drugs Are Valid in Drug Cases
A look at when buy-bust arrests are lawful, when seized drugs are admissible, and the penalties for illegal sale and possession of shabu.
Probable Cause vs Equipoise Rule: Safeguarding Against Unjust Arrest in Arson Cases
When prosecutors flip-flop on probable cause, courts hold the line. Flores v. Gonzalez clarifies the equipoise rule and judicial independence.
BUY Bust Operations AND Warrantless Arrests Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Arrests
The Supreme Court clarifies a judge's duty in determining probable cause for warrants of arrest and limits on enjoining criminal prosecutions.
Valid Warrantless Arrest Upholding Drug Conviction Based on In Flagrante Delicto
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction, ruling warrantless arrest valid when suspect caught in flagrante delicto exchanging shabu.
Warrantless Arrest and Victim Identification in Robbery with Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a warrantless arrest is deemed waived and how victim identification is weighed in robbery with rape convictions.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Rulings in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies warrantless arrests in buy-bust operations and the chain of custody rule for seized drugs under RA 9165.
Probable Cause Reassessment: When a Judge May Overturn a Prior Ruling on Arrest Warrants
A new presiding judge may reverse an earlier finding of no probable cause and order arrests, the Supreme Court ruled, clarifying the limits of judicial discretion.
Accountability for Group Actions: Establishing Conspiracy in Criminal Law
Understand how Philippine courts determine conspiracy in criminal cases, when group liability attaches, and why mere presence or evasion of arrest does not equate to guilt.
Liberty vs Military Authority: Balancing Rights in the Philippine Armed Forces
Supreme Court ruling on a general's preventive suspension and arrest, clarifying due process and injunctive relief in military discipline cases.
Buy-Bust Operations: Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish entrapment from instigation in buy-bust operations, and why the distinction determines the validity of drug arrests.
Warrantless Arrests When POT Sessions Justify Immediate Police Action IN THE Philippines
When can police act without a warrant? Philippine law and jurisprudence define the limits of warrantless arrests.
Warrantless Arrest When BUY Bust Operations Justify Immediate Apprehension
Warrantless Arrests Balancing Public Safety AND Individual Rights
Warrant of Arrest Stands: Court Power Prevails Over DOJ Review
Supreme Court rules a judge's exclusive power to issue warrants of arrest cannot be suspended by a pending DOJ petition for review.
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: Supreme Court Upholds Drug Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, rejecting frame-up defense and clarifying warrantless arrest rules in buy-bust operations.
Due Process and Arrest Warrants: Notice Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases
When can a court issue an arrest warrant in summary procedure cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirement and due process rules.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Upholding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.
Rehabilitation Stay Orders vs Maritime Liens: What Creditors Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies that rehabilitation stay orders suspend maritime lien enforcement, preserving creditor preference without allowing immediate vessel arrest.
Warrantless Arrest in Marijuana Plantation Raid: People v. Alunday Explained
A look at when police may arrest without a warrant in flagrante delicto, based on People v. Alunday (G.R. No. 181546).
Entrapment vs Illegal Arrest: Warrantless Arrests in Drug Cases
When is a warrantless arrest in a buy-bust operation valid? The Supreme Court explains the difference between entrapment and illegal arrest.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests: Safeguarding Individual Rights in Drug Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court treats buy-bust operations as valid warrantless arrests under Philippine drug law, and what this means for accused persons.