Lawyers League vs. Aquino (DIGEST)

 

  Lawyers League For A Better Philippines vs. Pres. Aquino G.R. Nos. 73748, 73972 & 73990, May 22, 1986 FACTS: President Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 1 on February 25, 1986 announcing that she and Vice President Laurel were taking power. On March 25, 1986, proclamation No. 3 was issued providing the basis of the Aquino government ’s assumption of power by stating that the "new government was installed through a direct exercise of the power of the Filipino people assisted by units of the New Armed Forces of the Philippines." Petitioners alleged that the Aquino government is illegal because it was not established pursuant to the 1973 Constitution. ISSUE: Whether or not the government of Corazon Aquino is legitimate. HELD: Yes. The legitimacy of the Aquino government is not a justiciable matter but belongs to the realm of politics where only the people are the judge. The Supreme Court further held that: 1. The people have accepted the Aquino gov government ernment which is in effective control of the entire country, 2. It is not merely a de facto government but in fact and law a de jure government, and 3. The community of nations has recognized the legitimacy of the new government. government.