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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Enforced Disappearance and the Writ of Amparo: What the Tayo Ruling Means
The Supreme Court reaffirms the Writ of Amparo as a remedy for enforced disappearance, holding police accountable for failing to investigate.
Enforced Disappearance Safeguarding Rights Under THE Writ Of Amparo In The Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope and remedies under the writ of amparo, reinforcing protections against enforced disappearances.
Protecting Human Rights Understanding THE Writs OF Amparo AND Habeas Data IN THE Philippines
Red-Tagging and the Writ of Amparo: Protecting Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when red-tagging can justify a writ of amparo, reversing a trial court's outright dismissal of an activist's petition.
Interest on Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: The Tamparong Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Accountability Beyond the Trigger: Command Responsibility in Amparo Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how command responsibility applies in writ of amparo cases involving extrajudicial killings, extending accountability beyond the actual perpetrators.
Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.
Amparo Writ Upholding Rights Against Enforced Disappearance AND State Accountability
The Lingering Shadow of Disappearance: Navigating the Amparo Writ and the Limits of Investigation
The Supreme Court explains when an amparo case may be archived and the PNP relieved from investigation duties.
The Lingering Shadow: When Incomplete Investigations Fail to Protect Rights
The Supreme Court's 2016 ruling in Balao v. Ermita shows how the writ of amparo keeps investigations alive when rights remain unprotected.
Amparo Writ Scope: Extralegal Killings and Enforced Disappearances Only
Supreme Court clarifies the writ of amparo covers only extralegal killings and enforced disappearances, not ordinary threats from private individuals.
Writ of Amparo Not a Shield for Deportation: Mison v. Gallegos
The Supreme Court clarifies that the writ of amparo covers only extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, not ordinary immigration detention.
Writ of Amparo Not a Substitute for Child Custody Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the writ of amparo cannot be used to resolve child custody disputes, reaffirming its limited scope.
Enforced Disappearance and the Writ of Amparo: Balancing Rights and Remedies
The Burgos case shows how the writ of amparo protects victims of enforced disappearance and holds state agents accountable.
The Writ of Amparo and Enforced Disappearances: Accountability Beyond Criminal Guilt
The Supreme Court clarifies the writ of amparo's preventive and curative roles in enforced disappearance cases, emphasizing the duty to investigate.
The Writ of Amparo: Understanding Procedural Requirements for Protecting Constitutional Rights
A guide to the writ of amparo's procedural rules, based on De Lima v. Gatdula, explaining why strict compliance matters.
Order of Battle and the Writ of Amparo: Proving a Real Threat to Life, Liberty, and Security
The Supreme Court clarifies when inclusion in a military Order of Battle amounts to a real threat warranting amparo protection.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Understanding the Limits of Amparo and Habeas Data Petitions in the Philippine
The Supreme Court clarifies when amparo and habeas data writs may be granted, emphasizing substantial evidence over mere fears.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Substantial Evidence in Amparo and Habeas Data Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for amparo and habeas data petitions, balancing national security concerns with individual liberty.
Enforced Disappearance and State Complicity: The Amparo Writ's Core Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of amparo requires proof of state involvement in enforced disappearances, not just evidence that a person is missing.
When Amparo Fails Balancing Rights AND Evidence IN Disappearance Cases
The writ of amparo protects life, liberty, and security. But what happens when the evidence is weak or the case is moot? This article explains the limits of amparo relief in Philippine courts.
Balancing Security and Privacy: The Supreme Court on Amparo, Habeas Data, and Enforced Disappearance Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of amparo and habeas data writs in Roxas v. Arroyo, balancing security, privacy, and state accountability.
Extraordinary Diligence IN Enforced Disappearances THE Burgos Case AND THE Writ OF Amparo
Command Responsibility and the Writ of Amparo: Clarifying the Scope of Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies that command responsibility has little bearing in amparo proceedings, which determine accountability, not criminal liability.