12. Lawyers league for a better Philippines vs.

Aquino
GR NO. 73748 HELD/RATIO:
May 22, 1986
By: Race Del Rosario Yes. The Government is legitimate.
Topic: Subjects of International Law
Petitioners: Lawyers League for a better Philippines  The Petitioners do not have the personality to sue and there is no cause of action
Respondents: Corazon Aquino considering that the legitimacy of the Aquino government is not a justiciable matter
Ponente: Gloria Paras (Clerk of Court) - There is no "Full-Text" of this case. Only a Minute but belongs to the realm of politics where only the people are the judge.
Resolution made by the SC.
 The Supreme Court further held that:
 The people have accepted the Aquino government which is in effective
RECIT-READY SUMMARY:
control of the entire country;
 It is not merely a de facto government but in fact and law a de jure
The petitioners questioned the legitimacy of the Aquino government because it was not
government; and
established pursuant to the 1973 Constitution. The Supreme Court held that the
 The community of nations has recognized the legitimacy of the new
government is legitimate because the people have accepted it, it is not a mere de facto
government.
government but a de jure government, and the community of nations has recognized its
legitimacy.
 All the eleven members of the Court, as reorganized, have sworn to uphold the
fundamental law of the Republic under her government.
DOCTRINE:

One of the factors to consider if a government is legitimate is whether or not the

international community recognizes its legitimacy.

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 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.