Police checkpoints are very important as deterrents from crimes. Pero ung report nung 1 gabi about a UNTV broadcaster harassed at a checkpoint refreshes my memory about what had happened to my friend...

Na-checkpoint siya sa panulukan ng Ma. Clara St. corner N. Roxas QC years ago, dimly lit ang area, at brusko yung mga pulis. They checked his glove compartment and allegedly found sticks of marijuana! They bullied him into forcing a confession on the spot which he strongly denied. Anyway, nakuhanan siya ng php10,000 para daw hindi siya ikulong. And I know this is not an isolated case.

So I made sure this will not happen to me. I went to my uncle who's a lawyer to know my rights in such situation. And here's some which I am happy to share:

1. the checkpoint must be in an adequately lit area
2. the police officers must have visible IDs or nameplates
3. the police officers must be courteous at all times and explains the procedure they are about to do
4. being a random inspection, checkpoints will be limited to visual searches only. Wala kasi silang search warrant. You have the right to be the one to sort the things out from your glove & trunk compartments for inspection. The police officers can only watch and may just give further instructions to broaden their inspection
5. lastly, in cases of the absence of nameplates or IDs, the police officers must tell their names when asked

Vigilance is a must! Hindi lang kasi mga pulis ang nagsusuot ng uniporme at nagco-conduct ng checkpoints. There are many lawless elements around.

Be safe...