Asaali vs Commissioner of Customs

26 scra 382

Territoriality of Philippine Laws

On September 10, 1950 a customs patrol intercepted five sailing vessels in question on the high seas. After ordering the vessels to stop, the custom officers boarded and found on board their cargoes which were not covered by the required import license. The five sailing vessels are all of Philippine registry and came to Saudaku British North Borneo.

ISSUE: Whether or not the interception and seizure by custom officials on the high seas is valid on the contention that the seizure was effected outside our territorial waters.

HELD: The SC held that it is a settled doctrine of International Law that a state has the right to protect itself and its revenues, a right not limited to its own territory but extending to the high seas. The Revised Penal Code leaves no doubt as to its application and enforceability not only within the Philippines, its interior waters and maritime zone but also outside of its jurisdiction while on Philippine ship.

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