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: Evidence From Illegal Arrests Inadmissible
Supreme Court acquits accused after ruling that evidence seized from invalid warrantless arrests is inadmissible under the exclusionary rule.
Illegal Arrests and the Ombudsman's Role: What the Somira Drug Case Teaches
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies buy-bust arrests, chain of custody, and why the Ombudsman matters in drug cases.
Flaws in Drug Evidence Handling Lead to Acquittal: Strict Chain of Custody Vital
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and illegal arrest, stressing strict Section 21 compliance.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Illegal Arrests and Inadmissible Evidence in Firearms Cases
A buy-bust arrest later found illegal taints all seized evidence, including firearms. The Supreme Court explains the exclusionary rule.
Illegal Search Evidence Inadmissible Even If Illegal Arrest Is Waived
Waiving objection to an illegal arrest does not waive the right against illegal search; seized drugs are inadmissible evidence.
Robbery With Homicide Conviction Upheld Despite Claims of Illegal Arrest and Lack of Counsel
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that illegal arrest claims are waived if not raised before plea, and that police line-ups are not part of custodial investigation.
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.
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.
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 When IS IT Legal IN THE Philippines Understanding Your Rights
Learn when warrantless arrests are legal in the Philippines, the two conditions under Rule 113, and how courts treat illegal arrests.
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy and Constitutional Rights in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court case explains conspiracy in robbery with homicide and the exclusionary rule for evidence from illegal arrests.
Habeas Corpus After Criminal Charges: When Illegal Arrest No Longer Justifies Release
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus becomes moot after criminal charges are filed and bail is posted.