Lawyers League v.

Aquino

GR 737748

22 May 1986

Facts:

Through the issuance of Proclamation no .1 on February 25, 1986, Corazon Aquino along
with Salvador Laurel announced that they are assuming power in the name and by the will of the
Filipino as President and Vice-President respectively.

To provide basis for this government, Proclamation no. 3 was issued on March 25, 1986
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”

The legitimacy of the Aquino government is being questioned in this petition. It is

claimed that her government is illegal due to the fact that it was not established pursuant to the
1973 Constitution.

Issue:

WoN the government of Corazon Aquino is legitimate.

Held:

Yes. The legitimacy of the Aquino government is not a justiciable matter. It belongs to
the realm of politics where only the people of the Philippines are the judge and the people of the
Philippines have accepted the government of Corazon Aquino. It is also considered a de facto
government because this government is in control of the entire country. Moreover, the
community of nations has recognized the legitimacy of the present government.