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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Airport Security VS Personal Rights Balancing Safety AND Consent IN Drug Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations clarifies when police must follow Section 21 of RA 9165 and how procedural lapses can lead to acquittal.
Hierarchy of Courts: Why Direct Appeals to the Supreme Court on Factual Matters Fail
The Supreme Court dismisses a petition against airport project bundling, reaffirming that factual issues must first be heard by lower courts.
Upholding Government Discretion in Public Bidding: The Mactan Cebu Airport Case
The Supreme Court affirms that courts cannot override the government's discretion in public bidding, absent grave abuse of discretion.
Taxing Times: Government Instrumentalities and Real Property Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like airport authorities are exempt from local real property taxes.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Challenging Drug Busts: The Chain of Custody Rule in Illegal Drug Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when airport searches are valid and how the chain of custody of seized drugs is established in Philippine drug cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity for Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts apply the chain of custody rule in drug cases, using a 2013 Supreme Court ruling on airport searches.
Airport Security vs Personal Rights: Striking the Balance in Drug Possession Cases
How the Supreme Court reconciled airport security searches with constitutional rights in a drug possession case, and what it means for travelers.
Resolutory Conditions and Airport Expansion: Land Ownership Reversion in Philippine Law
When government stops using expropriated land for its stated purpose, ownership may revert to the original owner under a resolutory condition.
MIAA vs Parañaque: When Local Governments Cannot Tax National Assets
The Supreme Court ruled that MIAA's airport lands are exempt from local real estate tax because MIAA is a government instrumentality, not a GOCC.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Customs Search vs Unlawful Seizure: Limits of Airport Security
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warrantless customs searches at airports, balancing constitutional rights against anti-smuggling enforcement.
Airport Fee Hikes Require Notice and Public Hearing: MIAA Rate Increases Void
Supreme Court nullifies MIAA fee increases for lack of notice and public hearing, affirming the DOTC Secretary's authority over rate revisions.
Airport Security vs Individual Rights: The Fine Line in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when airport security searches are valid and when they violate constitutional rights in drug possession cases.
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.
Airport Security Checks and Your Rights: The Johnson Case Explained
Understand your rights during airport security frisks in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Johnson.