I found this flyer (it's in PDF) while Googling the PNP web site: http://www.pnp.gov.ph/down/content/p...heckpoint2.pdf

Although it pertains to PNP-Comelec checkpoints, I believe the pointers in it are applicable to common police checkpoints as well.

take note of the last paragraph in the flyer: "Persons and motorists passing the checkpoints are presumed innocent of any crime, not to be subjected to unreasonable searches and seizures, and to be respected and immune from all kinds of abuses, misbehavior and misconduct." [SIZE="1"](emphasis mine)[/SIZE]

So, dim your headlights, come to a full stop and roll down your window 2/3 of the way. Turn on your cabin lights and stay calm. But if the police ask you to open any compartments or alight from the vehicle, ask first if you did anything wrong. Kung wala syang masabi na "probable cause" kung bakit ka pinapababa, huwag kang pumayag. Kung mag-insist sya, sabihin mo, "Eh bakit ka nag-i-insist, may search warrant ka ba?"

I know it's very, very difficult to politely decline a cop, especially if one fears that it will only aggravate the situation or make you a target for further abuses, but these are our civil rights we are talking about. Kung di natin ipagtatanggol ang karapatan natin sa mga maliit na bagay, lalo lang magiging laganap ang mga pag-aabuso. Today, if we allow them to conduct illegal searches in our vehicles, what will stop them from doing the same when we are in the safety of our homes in the future?