Whitelight vs City of Manila

On 3 Dec 1992, then Mayor Lim signed into law Ord 7774 entitled “An Ordinance” prohibiting short time admission in hotels, motels, lodging
houses, pension houses and similar establishments in the City of Manila. White Light Corp is an operator of mini hotels and motels who
sought to have the Ordinance be nullified as the said Ordinance infringes on the private rights of their patrons. The RTC ruled in favor of
WLC. It ruled that the Ordinance strikes at the personal liberty of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution. The City maintains that the
ordinance is valid as it is a valid exercise of police power. Under the LGC, the City is empowered to regulate the establishment, operation
and maintenance of cafes, restaurants, beerhouses, hotels, motels, inns, pension houses, lodging houses and other similar establishments,
including tourist guides and transports. The CA ruled in favor of the City.
ISSUE: Whether or not Ord 7774 is valid.
HELD: The SC ruled that the said ordinance is null and void as it indeed infringes upon individual liberty. It also violates the due process
clause which serves as a guaranty for protection against arbitrary regulation or seizure. The said ordinance invades private rights. Note that
not all who goes into motels and hotels for wash up rate are really there for obscene purposes only. Some are tourists who needed rest or to
“wash up” or to freshen up. Hence, the infidelity sought to be avoided by the said ordinance is more or less subjected only to a limited group
of people. The SC reiterates that individual rights may be adversely affected only to the extent that may fairly be required by the legitimate
demands of public interest or public welfare.