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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Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel: What Philippine Courts Can Do
When can Philippine courts issue hold departure orders? The Supreme Court explains the limits on the right to travel.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Freedom TO Travel Safeguarding Constitutional Rights Against Administrative Overreach
The Supreme Court strikes down DOJ Circular No. 41 for infringing the constitutional right to travel, reaffirming that only law, not administrative fiat, may restrict it.
Right to Travel vs Public Interest: Examining the Scope of the Writ of Amparo
The Supreme Court explains why the writ of amparo cannot question travel restrictions such as hold departure orders issued in pending criminal cases.
Hold Departure Orders: Why Only Regional Trial Courts Can Issue Them
A judge's unauthorized hold-departure order violated the right to travel. Learn the rules under Supreme Court Circular No. 39-97.
Judicial Overreach: The Limits of Hold-Departure Orders and the Right to Travel
A judge who issued a hold-departure order beyond his court's jurisdiction was fined by the Supreme Court for violating Circular 39-97.
Hold Departure Orders: Why Only Regional Trial Courts Can Issue Them
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that only Regional Trial Courts may issue hold-departure orders, protecting the constitutional right to travel.
Why Only Regional Trial Courts Can Issue Hold-Departure Orders in Criminal Cases
A judge's reprimand clarifies that only RTCs may issue hold-departure orders, protecting the constitutional right to travel.
Hold Departure Orders in the Philippines: Court Jurisdiction and Your Travel Rights
Learn which Philippine courts can issue hold departure orders, the rules under Circular 39-97, and how these affect your right to travel.