Case Digest: US vs. Ling Su Fan; 10 Phil 104 (1908)

       Due Process | Constitutional Law


Facts:
Ling Su Fan was accused of attempting to export Philippine silver coins from the Philippine Islands in violation of Act No. 1411 of the Philippine Commission. On December 12, 1906, in Manila, Ling Su Fan, who held multiple positions related to freight handling on the steamship Taming, hid 20,600 pesos worth of Philippine silver coins in his stateroom on the ship. He intended to export these coins from the Philippine Islands to Hongkong.


Issue:
WoN the act under which the defendant is prosecuted here and under which it is sought to deprive him of the money which it is alleged he attempted to illegally export, in accordance with due process of law?


Held:
Act No. 1411, prohibiting the exportation of Philippine silver coins in sums exceeding P25, is not in conflict with the fourteen amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and proceedings had in accordance with its provisions constitute "due process of law."


Principle:
"Due process of law" is process or proceedings according to the law of the land.
"Due process of law" is not that the law shall be according to the wishes of all the inhabitants of the state, but simply—
First. That there shall be a law prescribed in harmony with the general powers of the legislative department of the Government;
Second. That this law shall be reasonable in its operation;
Third. That it shall be enforced according to the regular methods of procedure prescribed; and
Fourth. That it shall be applicable alike to all the citizens of the state or to all of a class.


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