Case Digest: Lawyers League for a Better Philippines v. Corazon Aquino, G.R. No. 73748, May 22, 1986

 Political Law Review | The 1986 Provisional Constitution

  • After the February 1986 EDSA Revolution ousted President Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon Aquino assumed the presidency.

  • Petitioners challenged the legitimacy of President Aquino’s government, arguing it was not established in accordance with the 1973 Constitution.

  • On March 25, 1986, President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 3, which:

    • Abolished the 1973 Constitution.

    • Promulgated a Provisional (Freedom) Constitution.

    • Retained select provisions of the 1973 Constitution.

    • Added new articles on executive powers, government reorganization, and existing laws.

    • Called for a Constitutional Commission to draft a new charter.


Whether the Aquino government was legally constituted under the 1973 Constitution. YES

  • The Court dismissed all three petitions for lack of merit.

  • Petitioners had no personality to sue and failed to state a valid cause of action.

  • The Court ruled that the legitimacy of a government is a political question, not subject to judicial review.

  • President Aquino’s government was not only de facto (in actual control) but also de jure (legally recognized).

  • The Filipino people had accepted her leadership.

  • The international community had also recognized her government.



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