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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Proper Procedure and Due Diligence in Judicial Issuance of Warrants of Arrest
A judge's duty to independently determine probable cause before issuing warrants, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Rebellion Declaration and Warrantless Arrests: The Lacson Case on Presidential Powers
The Supreme Court's ruling on the May 2001 "state of rebellion" and the limits of warrantless arrests under Philippine law.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Due Process in Drug Sale Arrests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies entrapment vs instigation in drug busts, affirming a buy-bust conviction for shabu sale.
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.
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.
Unlawful Arrest and Admissibility of Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Drug Cases
Learn how unlawful arrest affects evidence admissibility in Philippine drug cases and what constitutional rights protect the accused.
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.
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.
Navigating Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: Rights and Repercussions
Learn how Philippine courts view buy-bust operations, the rules on arrest and evidence, and what the Sy Bing Yok case means for drug charges.
When a Warrantless Arrest and Search Fail: Lessons from People v. Chua Ho San
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police searched his bag without probable cause, reaffirming constitutional protections.
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.
Unlawful Arrest and Weak Evidence: How to Fight Illegal Firearm Charges in the Philippines
Learn how unlawful arrest and weak evidence can defeat illegal firearm charges, based on a Supreme Court acquittal.
When Posting Bail Means You Consent to Court Jurisdiction: Key Insights for the Accused
Posting bail can waive objections to a court's jurisdiction, even if the arrest warrant was invalid. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Clerk of Court Negligence: Ensuring Accurate Court Records to Prevent Wrongful Arrests
A clerk of court's failure to verify a recalled arrest warrant led to a wrongful arrest, resulting in a severe reprimand and a reminder of record-keeping duties.
When Can a Judge Issue an Arrest Warrant in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Necessity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges may issue arrest warrants during preliminary investigations, emphasizing the necessity requirement beyond probable cause.
Illegal Arrest Warrants and Due Process Under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure
A judge's premature arrest warrant violated summary procedure rules, resulting in a fine and a reminder of due process.
Warrantless Arrests and Illegal Drug Cases in the Philippines: Know Your Rights
A look at People v. Aruta, a landmark ruling on warrantless arrests and the exclusionary rule in Philippine drug cases.
Warrantless Arrests and Transporting Illegal Drugs: Key Philippine Rulings
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Correa on warrantless arrests, transporting illegal drugs, and the "use of a motor vehicle" aggravating circumstance.