During election season, car checkpoints are common, often confusing and intimidating for drivers. This article explains your rights, including what you should do and not do when approached at a checkpoint, run by different government agencies.
It is election season again, and that means one thing: checkpoints. While these are fixtures of the times, many are confused and intimidated when the ones manning the checkpoints ask you to open your trunk or your glovebox, or even ask you to step out of the car to be frisked.
That being said, let’s say you are driving along with your significant other, and you see a checkpoint ahead manned by government agents. They flag you down, and ask you to roll down your window to check your car. What do you do? Based on our legal knowledge we’ll do our best to guide you through this situation.The first thing you should remember is that you should remain calm. A checkpoint is generally routine, and normally the result of official operations.
This is the basic and general rule. However, as all things in law, general rules are meant to have exceptions, and the case of Lopena v. People discussed the different rulings and exceptions to the above rule, which includes the following exceptions relevant to a checkpoint: Seizure of evidence in ‘plain view,’ search of a moving vehicle, and a warrantless search with consent.For the first exception, it is the easiest, and for some, the most unfortunate.
This means that unless the police officer has a reasonable ground, based on his personal knowledge, to suspect that a crime was committed and you are probably guilty, he may not search your vehicle beyond a mere visual inspection. Basically, be firm but respectful, and if you are pushed or pressured and you are unsure, please call a lawyer. He or she would be in the best position to defend your rights when it comes to what could easily be an unlawful search that can land you in hot water, or worse, make you the victim of planted evidence.Thankfully, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. If you were subjected to an illicit search, these would be inadmissible as evidence against you. The Court held in Lopena v.
ELECTIONS CAR CHECKPOINTS RIGHTS DRIVING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DA wants to establish animal quarantine checkpointsAgriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. asked the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to establish livestock, poultry and meat inspection sites in
Read more »
Davao Del Norte LGU sets curfew, checkpoints after successive shootingsThe local government unit (LGU) of New Corella, Davao Del Norte implemented curfew and checkpoints following back-to-back shooting incidents that killed
Read more »
Celebrities running in the May 2025 national electionsThe upcoming 2025 mid-term elections are set to become increasingly captivating, as a diverse array of celebrities and notable personalities vying for government positions have emerged.
Read more »
Comelec sa Kongreso: Hatol kung iuurong ang BARMM elections, gawin na sa DisyembreHiniling ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) sa Kongreso na gawin na bago matapos ang Disyembre ang pasya kung nais ng mga mambabatas na ipagpaliban na naman ang dapat sanang kauna-unahang Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) na nakatakdang idaos sa Mayo 2025.
Read more »
PH stocks fall on uncertainty of US electionsPhilippine stocks tumbled more than 100 points Thursday as the US equities declined on uncertainty ahead of the Nov. 5 US presidential elections. The
Read more »
Analyst Predicts Success in Aligning BARMM Elections with National ScheduleA political analyst believes the Marcos Administration will successfully synchronize the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary and general elections next year. He emphasizes the importance of a smooth transition due to its impact on national security and stability, particularly as the Philippines addresses external concerns.
Read more »