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TodayisFriday,June26,2015

RepublicofthePhilippines
SUPREMECOURT
Manila
ENBANC
G.R.No.78059August31,1987
ALFREDOM.DELEON,ANGELS.SALAMAT,MARIOC.STA.ANA,JOSEC.TOLENTINO,ROGELIOJ.DE
LAROSAandJOSEM.RESURRECCION,petitioners,
vs.
HON.BENJAMINB.ESGUERRA,inhiscapacityasOICGovernoroftheProvinceofRizal,HON.ROMEOC.
DELEON,inhiscapacityasOICMayoroftheMunicipalityofTaytay,Rizal,FLORENTINOG.MAGNO,
REMIGIOM.TIGAS,RICARDOZ.LACANIENTA,TEODOROV.MEDINA,ROSENDOS.PAZ,andTERESITAL.
TOLENTINO,respondents.

MELENCIOHERRERA,J.:
An original action for Prohibition instituted by petitioners seeking to enjoin respondents from replacing them from
their respective positions as Barangay Captain and Barangay Councilmen of Barangay Dolores, Municipality of
Taytay,ProvinceofRizal.
As required by the Court, respondents submitted their Comment on the Petition, and petitioner's their Reply to
respondents'Comment.
IntheBarangayelectionsheldonMay17,1982,petitionerAlfredoM.DeLeonwaselectedBarangayCaptainand
the other petitioners Angel S. Salamat,MarioC.Sta.Ana, Jose C.Tolentino, Rogelio J. de la Rosa andJose M.
Resurreccion, as Barangay Councilmen of Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal under Batas Pambansa Blg. 222,
otherwiseknownastheBarangayElectionActof1982.
On February 9, 1987, petitioner Alfredo M, de Leon received a Memorandum antedated December 1, 1986 but
signedbyrespondentOICGovernorBenjaminEsguerraonFebruary8,1987designatingrespondentFlorentinoG.
MagnoasBarangayCaptainofBarangayDolores,Taytay,Rizal.ThedesignationmadebytheOICGovernorwas
"byauthorityoftheMinisterofLocalGovernment."
Also on February 8, 1987, respondent OIC Governor signed a Memorandum, antedated December 1, 1986
designatingrespondentsRemigioM.Tigas,RicardoZ.LacanientaTeodoroV.Medina,RobertoS.PazandTeresita
L.TolentinoasmembersoftheBarangayCouncilofthesameBarangayandMunicipality.
ThattheMemorandahadbeenantedatedisevidencedbytheAffidavitofrespondentOICGovernor,thepertinent
portionsofwhichread:
xxxxxxxxx
ThatIamtheOICGovernorofRizalhavingbeenappointedassuchonMarch20,1986
That as being OIC Governor of the Province of Rizal and in the performance of my duties thereof, I
amongothers,havesignedasIdidsigntheunnumberedmemorandumorderingthereplacementofall
thebarangayofficialsofallthebarangay(s)intheMunicipalityofTaytay,Rizal
ThattheabovecitedmemorandumdatedDecember1,1986wassignedbymepersonallyonFebruary
8,1987
Thatsaidmemorandumwasfurtherdeciminated(sic)toallconcernedthefollowingday,February9.
1987.
FURTHERAFFIANTSAYETHNONE.
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Pasig,MetroManila,March23,1987.
Beforeusnow,petitionerspraythatthesubjectMemorandaofFebruary8,1987bedeclarednullandvoidandthat
respondents be prohibited from taking over their positions of Barangay Captain and Barangay Councilmen,
respectively. Petitioners maintain that pursuant to Section 3 of the Barangay Election Act of 1982 (BP Blg. 222),
their terms of office "shall be six (6) years which shall commence on June 7, 1982 and shall continue until their
successorsshallhaveelectedandshallhavequalified,"oruptoJune7,1988.Itisalsotheirpositionthatwiththe
ratificationofthe1987Constitution,respondentOICGovernornolongerhastheauthoritytoreplacethemandto
designatetheirsuccessors.
Ontheotherhand,respondentsrelyonSection2,ArticleIIIoftheProvisionalConstitution,promulgatedonMarch
25,1986,whichprovided:
SECTION 2. All elective and appointive officials and employees under the 1973 Constitution shall
continueinofficeuntilotherwiseprovidedbyproclamationorexecutiveorderoruponthedesignation
orappointmentandqualificationoftheirsuccessors,ifsuchappointmentismadewithinaperiodofone
yearfromFebruary25,1986.
Byreasonoftheforegoingprovision,respondentscontendthatthetermsofofficeofelectiveandappointiveofficials
wereabolishedandthatpetitionerscontinuedinofficebyvirtueoftheaforequotedprovisionandnotbecausetheir
termofsixyearshadnotyetexpiredandthattheprovisionintheBarangayElectionActfixingthetermofofficeof
Barangay officials to six (6) years must be deemed to have been repealed for being inconsistent with the
aforequotedprovisionoftheProvisionalConstitution.
Examining the said provision, there should be no question that petitioners, as elective officials under the 1973
Constitution, may continue in office but should vacate their positions upon the occurrence of any of the events
mentioned.1
Since the promulgation of the Provisional Constitution, there has been no proclamation or executive order
terminatingthetermofelectiveBarangayofficials.Thus,theissueforresolutioniswhetherornotthedesignationof
respondentstoreplacepetitionerswasvalidlymadeduringtheoneyearperiodwhichendedonFebruary25,1987.
ConsideringthecandidAffidavitofrespondentOICGovernor,weholdthatFebruary8,1977,shouldbeconsidered
as the effective date of replacement and not December 1,1986 to which it was ante dated, in keeping with the
dictatesofjustice.
But while February 8, 1987 is ostensibly still within the oneyear deadline, the aforequoted provision in the
Provisional Constitution must be deemed to have been overtaken by Section 27, Article XVIII of the 1987
Constitutionreading.
SECTION27. This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by a majority of the
votescastinaplebisciteheldforthepurposeandshallsupersedeallpreviousConstitutions.
The 1987 Constitution was ratified in a plebiscite on February 2, 1987. By that date, therefore, the Provisional
Constitution must be deemed to have been superseded. Having become inoperative, respondent OIC Governor
couldnolongerrelyonSection2,ArticleIII,thereoftodesignaterespondentstotheelectivepositionsoccupiedby
petitioners.
PetitionersmustnowbeheldtohaveacquiredsecurityoftenurespeciallyconsideringthattheBarangayElection
Actof1982declaresit"apolicyoftheStatetoguaranteeandpromotetheautonomyofthebarangaystoensure
their fullest development as selfreliant communities.2Similarly, the 1987 Constitution ensures the autonomy of local
governmentsandofpoliticalsubdivisionsofwhichthebarangaysformapart, 3andlimitsthePresident'spowerto"general
supervision"overlocalgovernments.4Relevantly,Section8,ArticleXofthesame1987Constitutionfurtherprovidesinpart:

Sec.8.Thetermofofficeofelectivelocalofficials,exceptbarangayofficials,whichshallbedetermined
bylaw,shallbethreeyears...
Untilthetermofofficeofbarangayofficialshasbeendeterminedbylaw,therefore,thetermofofficeofsix(6)years
providedforintheBarangayElectionActof19825shouldstillgovern.
Contrary to the stand of respondents, we find nothing inconsistent between the term of six (6) years for elective
Barangay officials and the 1987 Constitution, and the same should, therefore, be considered as still operative,
pursuanttoSection3,ArticleXVIIIofthe1987Constitution,reading:
Sec. 3. All existing laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations letters of instructions, and other
executive issuances not inconsistent, with this Constitution shall remain operative until amended,
repealedorrevoked.
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WHEREFORE, (1) The Memoranda issued by respondent OIC Governor on February 8, 1987 designating
respondentsastheBarangayCaptainandBarangayCouncilmen,respectively,ofBarangayDolores,Taytay,Rizal,
arebothdeclaredtobeofnolegalforceandeffectand(2)theWritofProhibitionisgrantedenjoiningrespondents
perpetuallyfromproceedingwiththeouster/takeoverofpetitioners'positionssubjectofthisPetition.Withoutcosts.
SOORDERED.
Yap,Fernan,Narvasa,Gutierrez,Jr.,Paras,Feliciano,Gancayco,Padilla,BidinandCortes,JJ.,concur.

SeparateOpinions

TEEHANKEE,CJ.,concurring:
Themainissueresolvedinthejudgmentatbariswhetherthe1987ConstitutiontookeffectonFebruary2,1987,
thedatethattheplebisciteforitsratificationwasheldorwhetherittookeffectonFebruary11,1987, the date its
ratificationwasproclaimedperProclamationNo.58ofthePresidentofthePhilippines,CorazonC.Aquino.
TheCourt'sdecision,withthelonedissentofMr.JusticeSarmiento,holdsthatbyvirtueoftheprovisionofArticle
XVIII,Section27ofthe1987Constitutionthatit"shalltakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityof
thevotescastinaplebisciteheldforthepurpose,"the1987ConstitutiontookeffectonFebruary2,1987,thedate
ofitsratificationintheplebisciteheldonthatsamedate.
ThethrustofthedissentisthattheConstitutionshouldbedeemedto"takeeffectonthedateitsratificationshall
havebeenascertainedandnotatthetimethepeoplecasttheirvotestoapproveorrejectit."Thisviewwasactually
proposed at the Constitutional Commission deliberations, but was withdrawn by its proponent in the face of the
"overwhelming"contraryviewthattheConstitution"willbeeffectiveontheverydayoftheplebiscite."
TherecordoftheproceedingsanddebatesoftheConstitutionalCommissionfullysupportstheCourt'sjudgment.It
showsthattheclear,unequivocalandexpressintentoftheConstitutionalConunissioninunanimouslyapproving(by
thirtyfive votes in favor and none against) the aforequoted Section 27 of Transitory Article XVIII of the 1987
Constitutionwasthat"theactofratificationistheactofvotingbythepeople.Sothatisthedateoftheratification"
andthat"thecanvassthereafter[ofthevotes]ismerelythemathematicalconfirmationofwhatwasdoneduringthe
dateoftheplebisciteandtheproclamationofthePresidentismerelytheofficialconfirmatorydeclarationofanact
whichwasactuallydonebytheFilipinopeopleinadoptingtheConstitutionwhentheycasttheirvotesonthedateof
theplebiscite."
Therecordofthedeliberationsandthevotingisreproducedhereinbelow:1
MR. MAAMBONG. Madam President, may we now put to a vote the original formulation of the
committeeasindicatedinSection12,unlessthereareothercommissionerswhowouldliketopresent
amendments.
MR.DAVIDE.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerDavideisrecognized.
MR.DAVIDE.MayIproposethefollowingamendments.
On line 2, delete the words "its ratification" and in lieu thereof insert the following. "THE
PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT THAT IT HAS BEEN RATIFIED." And on the last line, after
"constitutions,"addthefollowing:"ANDTHEIRAMENDMENTS."
MR.MAAMBONG.Justamoment,MadamPresident.IfCommissionerDavideisgoingtoproposean
additional sentence, the committee would suggest that we take up first his amendment to the first
sentenceasoriginallyformulated.Wearenowreadytocommentonthatproposedamendment.
The proposed amendment would be to delete the words "its ratification and in lieu thereof insert the
words"THEPROCLAMATIONBYTHEPRESIDENTTHATITHASBEENRATIFIED."Andthesecond
amendmentwouldbe:Aftertheword"constitutions,"addthewords"ANDTHEIRAMENDMENTS,"
Thecommitteeacceptsthefirstproposedamendment.However,weregretthatwecannotacceptthe
secondproposedamendmentaftertheword"constitutions"becausethecommitteefeelsthatwhenwe
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talkofallpreviousConstitutions,necessarilyitincludes"ANDTHEIRAMENDMENTS."
MR. DAVIDE. With that explanation, l will not insist on the second. But, Madam President, may I
request that I be allowed to read the second amendment so the Commission would be able to
appreciatethechangeinthefirst.
MR.MAAMBONG.Yes,MadamPresident,wecannowdothat.
MR.DAVIDE.Thesecondsentencewillread:"THEPROCLAMATIONSHALLBEMADEWITHINFIVE
DAYSFOLLOWINGTHECOMPLETIONOFTHECANVASSBYTHECOMMISSIONONELECTIONS
OFTHERESULTSOFSUCHPLEBISCITE."
MR.MAAMBONG.MadamPresident,afterconferringwithourchairman,thecommitteefeelsthatthe
secondproposedamendmentintheformofanewsentencewouldnotbeexactlynecessaryandthe
committeefeelsthatitwouldbetoomuchforustoimposeatimeframeonthePresidenttomakethe
proclamation.Aswewouldrecall,MadamPresident,intheapprovedArticleontheExecutive,thereis
aprovisionwhichsaysthatthePresidentshallmakecertainthatalllawsshallbefaithfullycomplied.
Whenweapprovethisfirstsentence,anditsaysthattherewillbeaproclamationbythePresidentthat
theConstitutionhasbeenratified,thePresidentwillnaturallycomplywiththelawinaccordancewith
theprovisionsintheArticleontheExecutivewhichwehavecited.Itwouldbetoomuchtoimposeon
thePresidentatimeframewithinwhichshewillmakethatdeclaration.Itwouldbeassumedthatthe
PresidentwouldimmediatelydothataftertheresultsshallhavebeencanvassedbytheCOMELEC.
Therefore, the committee regrets that it cannot accept the second sentence which the Gentleman is
proposing,MadamPresident.
MR.DAVIDE.Iampreparedtowithdrawthesameontheassumptionthattherewillbeanimmediate
proclamationoftheresultsbythePresident.
MR.MAAMBONG.Withthatunderstanding,MadamPresident.
MR.DAVIDE.Iwillnotinsistonthesecondsentence.
FR.BERNAS.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerBernasisrecognized.
FR.BERNAS.Iwouldaskthecommitteetoreconsideritsacceptanceoftheamendmentwhichmakes
theeffectivityofthenewConstitutiondependentupontheproclamationofthePresident.Theeffectivity
oftheConstitutionshouldcommenceonthedateoftheratification,notonthedateoftheproclamation
ofthePresident.Whatisconfusing,Ithink,iswhathappenedin1976whentheamendmentsof1976
were ratified. In that particular case, the reason the amendments of 1976 were effective upon the
proclamationofthePresidentwasthatthedraftpresentedtothepeoplesaidthattheamendmentwill
be effective upon the proclamation made by the President. I have a suspicion that was put in there
precisely to give the President some kind of leeway on whether to announce the ratification or not.
Therefore, we should not make this dependent on the action of the President since this will be a
manifestationoftheactofthepeopletobedoneunderthesupervisionoftheCOMELECanditshould
be the COMELEC who should make the announcement that, in fact, the votes show that the
Constitutionwasratifiedandthereshouldbenoneedtowaitforanyproclamationonthepartofthe
President.
MR.MAAMBONG.WouldtheGentlemananswerafewclarificatoryquestions?
FR.BERNAS.Willingly,MadamPresident.
MR. MAAMBONG. The Gentleman will agree that a date has to be fixed as to exactly when the
Constitutionissupposedtoberatified.
FR. BERNAS. I would say that the ratification of the Constitution is on the date the votes were
supposedtohavebeencast.
MR.MAAMBONG.Letusgotothemechanicsofthewholething,MadamPresident.Wepresentthe
Constitutiontoaplebiscite,thepeopleexercisetheirrighttovote,thenthevotesarecanvassedbythe
CommissiononElections.Ifwedeletethesuggestedamendmentwhichsays:"THEPROCLAMATION
BYTHEPRESIDENTTHATITHASBEENRATIFIED,"whatwouldbe,inclearterms,thedatewhen
theConstitutionissupposedtoberatifiedornotratified,asthecasemaybe?
FR. BERNAS. The date would be the casting of the ballots. if the President were to say that the
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plebiscitewouldbeheld,forinstance,onJanuary19,1987,thenthedatefortheeffectivityofthenew
ConstitutionwouldbeJanuary19,1987.
MR. MAAMBONG. In other words, it would not depend on the actual issuance of the results by the
CommissiononElectionswhichwillbedoingthecanvass?ThatisimmaterialMadamPresident
FR.BERNAS.Itwouldnot,MadamPresident,because"ratification"istheactofsaying"yes"isdone
whenonecastshisballot.
MR.MAAMBONG.Soitisthedateoftheplebisciteitself,MadamPresident?
FR.BERNAS.Yes,MadamPresident.
MR. MAAMBONG. With that statement of Commissioner Bernas, we would like to know from the
proponent,CommissionerDavide,ifheisinsistingonhisamendment.
MR.DAVIDE.MadamPresident,IaminsistingontheamendmentbecauseIcannotsubscribetothe
viewofCommissionerBernas,thatthedateoftheratificationisreckonedfromthedateofthecasting
oftheballots.Thatcannotbethedateofreckoningbecauseitisaplebiscitealloverthecountry.We
donotsplitthemomentofcastingbyeachofthevoters.Actuallyandtechnicallyspeaking,itwouldbe
all right if it would be upon the announcement of the results of the canvass conducted by the
COMELECortheresultsoftheplebisciteheldalloverthecountry.Butitisnecessarythattherebea
body which will make the formal announcement of the results of the plebiscite. So it is either the
PresidentortheCOMELECitselfuponthecompletionofthecanvassoftheresultsoftheplebiscite,
andIoptedforthePresident.
xxxxxxxxx
MR.NOLLEDO.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerNolledoisrecognized.
MR.NOLLEDO.Thankyou,MadamPresident.IbegtodisagreewithCommissionerDavide.Isupport
thestandofCommissionerBernasbecauseitisreallythedateofthecastingofthe"yes"votesthatis
thedateoftheratificationoftheConstitutionTheannouncementmerelyconfirmstheratificationevenif
theresultsarereleasedtwoorthreedaysafter.Ithinkitisafundamentalprincipleinpoliticallaw,even
incivillaw,becauseanannouncementisamereconfirmationTheactofratificationistheactofvoting
by the people. So that is the date of the ratification. If there should be any need for presidential
proclamation,thatproclamationwillmerelyconfirmtheactofratification.
Thankyou,MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.DoesCommissionerRegaladowanttocontribute?
MR.REGALADO.MadamPresident,IwaspreciselygoingtostatethesamesupportforCommissioner
Bernas, because the canvass thereafter is merely the mathematical confirmation of what was done
duringthedateoftheplebisciteandtheproclamationofthePresidentismerelytheofficialconfirmatory
declarationofanactwhichwasactuallydonebytheFilipinopeopleinadoptingtheConstitutionwhen
theycasttheirvotesonthedateoftheplebiscite.
MR.LERUM.MadamPresident,mayIberecognized.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerLerumisrecognized.
MR.LERUM.IaminfavoroftheDavideamendmentbecausewehavetofixadatefortheeffectivityof
theConstitution.Supposetheannouncementisdelayedby,say,10daysoramonth,whathappensto
theobligationsandrightsthataccrueupontheapprovaloftheConstitution?SoIthinkwemusthavea
definitedate.Iam,therefore,infavoroftheDavideamendment.
MR.MAAMBONG.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerMaambongisrecognized.
MR. MAAMBONG. With the theory of the Commissioner, would there be a necessity for the
CommissiononElectionstodeclaretheresultsofthecanvass?
FR. BERNAS. There would be because it is the Commission on Elections which makes the official
announcementoftheresults.
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MR. MAAMBONG. My next question which is the final one is: After the Commision on Elections has
declaredtheresultsofthecanvass,willtherebeanecessityforthePresidenttomakeaproclamation
oftheresultsofthecanvassassubmittedbytheCommissiononElections?
FR.BERNAS.Iwouldsaytherewouldbenonecessity,MadamPresident.
MR.MAAMBONG.Inotherwords,thePresidentmayormaynotmaketheproclamationwhetherthe
Constitutionhasbeenratifiedornot.
FR.BERNAS.IwouldsaythattheproclamationmadebythePresidentwouldbeimmaterialbecause
underthelaw,theadministrationofallelectionlawsisunderanindependentCommissiononElections.
ItistheCommissiononElectionswhichannouncestheresults.
MR.MAAMBONG.Butnevertheless,thePresidentmaymaketheproclamation.
FR. BERNAS. Yes, the President may. And if what he says contradicts what the Commission on
Electionssays,itwouldhavenoeffect.Iwouldonlyaddthatwhenwesaythatthedateofeffectivityis
on the day of the casting of the votes, what we mean is that the Constitution takes effect on every
singleminuteandeverysinglesecondofthatday,becausetheCivilCodesaysadayhas24hours.So
that even if the votes are cast in the morning, the Constitution is really effective from the previous
midnight.
Sothatwhenweadoptedthenewruleoncitizenship,thechildrenofFilipinomothersoranybodyborn
onthedateofeffectivityofthe1973Constitution,whichisJanuary17,1973,arenaturalborncitizens,
nomatterwhattimeofdayornight.
MR.MAAMBONG.Couldwe,therefore,safelysaythatwhateverdateisthepublicationoftheresultsof
thecanvassbytheCOMELECretroactstothedateoftheplebiscite?
FR.BERNAS.Yes,MadamPresident.
MR.MAAMBONG.IthanktheCommissioner.
MR.GUINGONA.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerGuingonaisrecognized.
MR.GUINGONA.Mentionwasmadeabouttheneedforhavingadefinitedate.Ithinkitispreciselythe
proposalofCommissionerBernaswhichspeaksofthedate(ofratificationthatwouldhaveadefinite
date,becausetherewouldbenodefinitedateifwedependuponthecanvassingbytheCOMELEC.
Thankyou,
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerConcepcionisrecognized.
MR.CONCEPCION.Thankyou,MadamPresident.
Whoever makes the announcement as to the result of the plebiscite, be it the COMELEC or the
President, would announce that a majority of the votes cast on a given date was in favor of the
Constitution. And that is the date when the Constitution takes effect, apart from the fact that the
provision on the drafting or amendment of the Constitution provides that a constitution becomes
effective upon ratification by a majority of the votes cast, although I would not say from the very
beginningofthedateofelectionbecauseasofthattimeitisimpossibletodeterminewhetherthereisa
majority.Attheendofthedayofelectionorplebiscite,thedeterminationismadeasofthattimethe
majorityofthevotescastinaplebisciteheldonsuchandsuchadate.Sothatisthetimewhenthe
newConstitutionwillbeconsideredratifiedand,therefore,effective.
THEPRESIDENT.MaywenowhearVicePresidentPadilla.
MR.PADILLA.MadamPresident,IamagainsttheproposedamendmentofCommissionerDavideand
IsupporttheviewofCommissionerBernasandtheothersbecausetheratificationoftheConstitutionis
onthedatethepeople,byamajorityvote,havecasttheirvotesinfavoroftheConstitution.Evenin
civillaw,ifthereisacontract,say,betweenanagentandathirdpersonandthatcontractisconfirmed
orratifiedbytheprincipal,thevaliditydoesnotbeginonthedateofratificationbutitretroactsfromthe
datethecontractwasexecuted.
Therefore,thedateoftheConstitutionasratifiedshouldretroacttothedatethatthepeoplehavecast
theiraffirmativevotesinfavoroftheConstitution.
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MR.MAAMBONG.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerMaambongisrecognized
MR. MAAMBONG. We will now ask once more Commissioner Davide if he is insisting on his
amendment
MR.DAVIDE.Inviewoftheexplanationandoverwhelmingtyrannyoftheopinionthatitwillbeeffective
ontheverydayoftheplebiscite,Iamwithdrawingmyamendmentontheassumptionthatanyofthe
following bodies the Office of the President or the COMELEC will make the formal announcement of
theresults.
MR. RAMA. Madam President, we are now ready to vote on the original provision as stated by the
committee.
MR. MAAMBONG. The committee will read again the formulation indicated in the original committee
reportasSection12.
ThisConstitutionshalltakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityofthevotescastina
plebiscitecalledforthepurposeandshallsupersedeallpreviousConstitutions.
Weaskforavote,MadamPresident.
VOTING
THE PRESIDENT. As many as are in favor, please raise their hand. (Several Members raised their
hands.)
Asmanyasareagainst,pleaseraisetheirhand.(NoMemberraisedhishand.)
Theresultsshow35votesinfavorandnoneagainstSection12isapproved.2
TheCourtnextholdsasaconsequenceofitsdeclarationatbarthattheConstitutiontookeffectonthedateofits
ratificationintheplebisciteheldonFebruary2,1987,that:(1)theProvisionalConstitutionpromulgatedonMarch
25,1986mustbedeemedtohavebeensupersededbythe1987ConstitutiononthesamedateFebruary2,1987
and(2)byandaftersaiddate,February2,1987,absentanysayingclausetothecontraryintheTransitoryArticleof
the Constitution, respondent OIC Governor could no longer exercise the power to replace petitioners in their
positions as Barangay Captain and Councilmen. Hence, the attempted replacement of petitioners by respondent
OICGovernor'sdesignationonFebruary8,1987oftheirsuccessorscouldnolongerproduceanylegalforceand
effect.WhiletheProvisionalConstitutionprovidedforaoneyearperiodexpiringonMarch25,1987withinwhichthe
powerofreplacementcouldbeexercised,thisperiodwasshortenedbytheratificationandeffectivityonFebruary2,
1987oftheConstitution.HadtheintentionoftheframersoftheConstitutionbeenotherwise,theywouldhaveso
provided for in the Transitory Article, as indeed they provided for multifarious transitory provisions in twenty six
sectionsofArticleXVIII,e.g.extensionofthesixyeartermoftheincumbentPresidentandVicePresidenttonoon
ofJune30,1992forpurposesofsynchronizationofelections,thecontinuedexerciseoflegislativepowersbythe
incumbentPresidentuntiltheconveningofthefirstCongress,etc.
Afinalnoteofclarification,astothestatementinthedissentthat"theappointmentsofsomesevenCourtofAppeals
Justices,71provincialfiscalsand55cityfiscalsreportedextended(by)thePresidentonFebruary2,1987...could
beopentoseriousquestions,"inviewoftheprovisionsofSections8(1)and9,ArticleVIIIoftheConstitutionwhich
requirepriorendorsementthereofbytheJudicialandBarCouncilcreatedundertheConstitution.Itshouldbestated
fortherecordthatthereporteddateoftheappointments,February2,1987,isincorrect.Theofficialrecordsofthe
CourtshowthattheappointmentsofthesevenCourtofAppealsJusticesweretransmittedtothisCourtonFebruary
1, 1987 and they were all appointed on or before January 31, 1987. 3 (Similarly, the records of the Department of
JusticelikewiseshowthattheappointmentpapersofthelastbatchofprovincialandcityfiscalssignedbythePresidentin
completion of the reorganization of the prosecution service were made on January 31, 1987 and transmitted to the
DepartmentonFebruary1,1987.)ItisalsoamatterofrecordthatsinceFebruary2,1987,noappointmentstotheJudiciary
have been extended by the President, pending the constitution of the Judicial and Bar Council, indicating that the Chief
ExecutivehaslikewiseconsideredFebruary2,1987astheeffectivedateoftheConstitution,asnowexpresslydeclaredby
theCourt.

CRUZ,J.,concurring.
Inherquietandrestrainedmanner,JusticeHerreraisabletoproveherpointwithmoretellingeffectthanthetones
ofthunder.Shehaswrittenanotherpersuasiveopinion,andIamdelightedtoconcur.Inotethatitineffectaffirms
mydissentsintheDelaSerna,Zamora,DuquingandBayascases,whereIsubmittedthatthelocalOICsmayno
longerbesummarilyreplaced,havingacquiredsecurityoftenureunderthenewConstitution.Ourdifferenceisthat
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whereas I would make that right commence on February 25, 1987, after the deadline set by the Freedom
Constitution,JusticeHerrerawouldoptforFebruary2,1987,whenthenewConstitutionwasratified.Iyieldtothat
betterviewandagreewithherponenciacompletely.
SARMIENTO,J.,Dissenting.
WithduerespecttothemajorityIregisterthisdissent.
While I agree that the oneyear deadline prescribed by Section 2, Article III of the Provisional Constitution with
respecttothetenureofgovernmentfunctionaries,asfollows:
SECTION 2. All elective and appointive officials and employees under the 1973 Constitution shall
continueinofficeuntilotherwiseprovidedbyproclamationorexecutiveorderoruponthedesignation
orappointmentandqualificationoftheirsuccessors,ifsuchappointmentismadewithinaperiodofone
yearfromFebruary25,1986.
wascutshortbytheratificationofthe1987Constitution,Ientertainseriousdoubtswhetherornotthatcutoffperiod
began on February 2, 1987, the date of the plebiscite held to approve the new Charter. To my mind the 1987
constitutiontookeffectonFebruary11,1987,thedatethesamewasproclaimedratifiedpursuanttoProclamation
No.58ofthePresidentofthePhilippines,andnotFebruary2,1987,plebisciteday.
Irely,firstandforemost,onthelanguageofthe1987Charteritself,thus:
Sec.27.ThisConstitutionshagtakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityofthevotes
castinaplebisciteheldforthepurposeandshallsupersedeallpreviousConstitutions.
It is my reading of this provision that the Constitution takes effect on the date its ratification shall have been
ascertained,andnotatthetimethepeoplecasttheirvotestoapproveorrejectit.Foritcannotbelogicallysaidthat
Constitutionwasratifiedduringsuchaplebiscite,whenthewillofthepeopleasofthattime,hadnot,andcouldnot
havebeen,vetdetermined.
Otherthanthat,pragmaticconsiderationscompelmetotaketheview.
IhavenodoubtthatbetweenFebruary2,andFebruary11,1987thegovernmentperformedactsthatwouldhave
beenvalidundertheProvisionalConstitutionbutwouldotherwisehavebeenvoidunderthe1987Charter.Irecall,in
particular,theappointmentsofsomesevenCourtofAppealsJustices,71provincialfiscals,and55cityfiscalsthe
PresidentreportedlyextendedonFebruary2,1987.1UnderSections8(1)and9,ArticleVIII,ofthel987Constitution,asfollows:
xxxxxxxxx
Sec. 8. (I)A Judicial and Bar Council is hereby created under the supervision of the Supreme Court
composedoftheChiefJusticeasexofficioChairman,theSecretaryofJustice,andarepresentativeof
theCongressasexoficioMembers,arepresentativeoftheIntegratedBar,aprofessoroflaw,aretired
MemberoftheSupremeCourt,andarepresentativeoftheprivatesector.
xxxxxxxxx
Sec. 9. The Members of the Supreme Court and judges of lower courts shall be appointed by the
President from a list of at least three nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for every
vacancy,Suchappointmentsneednoconfirmation.
xxxxxxxxx
suchappointmentscouldbeopentoseriousquestions.
Since1973,moreover,wehaveinvariablyreckonedtheeffectivityoftheConstitutionaswellastheamendments
theretofromthedateitisproclaimedratified.
InMagtotov.Manguera, 2weheldthatthe1973ConstitutionbecameinforceandeffectonJanuary17,1973,thedate
Proclamation No. 1102, "Announcing the Ratification by the Filipino People of the Constitution Proposed by the 1971
ConstitutionalConvention,"wasissued,althoughMr.Justice,nowChiefJustice,Teehankeewouldpushitseffectivitydate
further to April 17, 1973, the date our decision in Javellana v. Executive Secretary, 3 became final. And this was so
notwithstandingSection16,ArticleXVII,ofthe1973Constitution,thus:

SEC.16.ThisConstitutionshalltakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityofthevotes
cast in a plebiscite called for the purpose and, except as herein provided, shall supersede the
Constitutionofnineteenhundredandthirtyfiveandallamendmentsthereto.
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OnOctober27,1976,thenPresidentMarcospromulgatedProclamationno.1595,proclaimingtheratificationofthe
1976amendmentssubmittedintheplebisciteofOctober1617,1976.TheProclamationstates,interalia,that.
Byvirtueofthepowersvestedinmebylaw,Iherebyproclaimalltheamendmentsembodiedinthiscertificateas
duly ratified by the Filipino people in the referendum plebiscite held Oct. 1617, 1976 and are therefore effective
andinfullforceandeffectasofthisdate.
ItshallbenotedthatunderAmendmentNo.9ofthesaid1976amendments.
These amendments shall take effect after the incumbent President shall have proclaimed that they
havebeenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastinthereferendumplebiscite.
On April 1, 1980, the then Chief Executive issued Proclamation no. 1959, "Proclaiming the Ratification by the
Filipino People of the Amendments of Section 7, Article X of the Constitution" (lengthening the terms of office of
judgesandjustices).TheProclamationprovides:
[t]heabovequotedamendmenthasbeendulyratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastintheplebiscite
held, together with the election for local officials, on January 30, 1980, and that said amendment is
herebydeclaredtotakeeffectimmediately.
ItshallbenotedthatunderResolutionNo.21,datedDecember18,1979,theproposedamendmentshalltakeeffect
onthedatetheincumbentPresident/PrimeMinistershallproclaimitsratification.
OnApril7,1981,ProclamationNo.2077wasissued"ProclaimingtheRatificationinthePlebisciteofApril7,1981of
the Amendments to the Constitution Embodied in Batas Pambansa Blg. 122 and Declaring Them Therefore
EffectiveandinFullForceandEffect."TheProclamation,indeclaringthesaidamendmentsdulyapproved,further
declaredthem"[e]ffectiveandinfullforceandineffectasofthedateofthisProclamation,"Itshallbenoted,inthis
connection, that under Resolutions Nos. I and 2 of the Batasang Pambansa, Third Regular Session, Sitting as a
ConstituentAssembly,whichparentedtheseamendments,thesame:
...shallbecomevalidaspartoftheConstitutionwhenapprovedbyamajorityofthevotescastina
plebiscitetobeheldpursuanttoSection2,ArticleXVIoftheConstitution.
Ontheotherhand,BatasPambansaBlg.122,"AnActtoSubmittotheFilipinoPeople,forRatificationorRejection,
the Amendment to the Constitution of the Philippines, Proposed by the Batasang Pambansa, Sitting as a
Constituent Assembly, in its Resolutions Numbered Three, Two, and One, and to Appropriate Funds Therefore,"
provides,asfollows:
SEC. 7. The Commission on Elections, sitting enbanc, shad canvass and proclaim the result of the
plebiscite using the certificates submitted to it, duly authenticated and certified by the Board of
Canvassersofeachprovinceorcity.
Wehave,finally,ProclamationNo.2332,"ProclaimingtheRatificationinthePlebisciteofJanuary27,1984,ofthe
AmendmentstotheConstitutionEmbodiedinBatasangPambansaResolutionsNos.104,105,110,111,112and
113."Itstatesthattheamendments:
....arethereforeeffectiveandinfullforceandeffectasofthedateofthisProclamation.
It carries out Resolution no. 104 itself (as well as Resolutions Nos. 110 and 112 and Section 9, Batas Blg. 643),
whichstates,that:
TheproposedamendmentsshalltakeeffectonthedatethePresidentofthePhilippinesshallproclaim
thattheyhavebeenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastintheplebisciteheldforthepurpose,butnot
laterthanthreemonthsfromtheapprovaloftheamendments.
albeitResolutionsNos.105,111,and113provide,that:
These amendments shall be valid as a part of the Constitution when approved by a majority of the
votescastinanelection/plebisciteatwhichitissubmittedtothepeoplefortheirratificationpursuantto
Section2ofArticleXVIoftheConstitution,asamended.
ThataConstitutionoramendmentstheretotakeeffectuponproclamationoftheirratificationandnotatthetimeof
theplebisciteisaviewthatisnotpeculiartotheMarcosera.
TheResolutionofBothHouses(ofCongress)inJointSessionontheMarch11,1947plebiscitecalledpursuantto
Republic Act No. 73 and the Resolution of Both Houses (of Congress) adopted on September 18, 1946, was
adoptedonApril9,1947.TheApril9,1947Resolutionmakesnomentionofaretroactiveapplication.
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Accordingly, when the incumbent President (Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino) proclaimed on February 11, 1987, at
MalacanangPalace:
...thattheConstitutionoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesadoptedbytheConstitutionalCommissionof
1986, including the Ordinance appended thereto, has been duly ratified by the Filipino people and is
thereforeeffectiveandinfullforceandeffect.4
the1987Constitution,inpointoffact,cameintoforceandeffect,Iholdthatittookeffectatnoothertime.
IsubmitthatourrulinginPonsicav.Ignalaga 5in which we declared, in passing, that the new Charter was ratified on
February2,1987,doesnotinanywayweakenthisdissent.AsIstated,theremarkwassaidinpassingwedidnotresolve
thecaseonaccountofacategoricalholdingthatthe1987ConstitutioncametolifeonFebruary2,1987.Inanyevent,ifwe
did,Inowcallforitsreexamination.

Iamthereforeoftheopinion,consistentwiththeviewsexpressedabove,thatthechallengeddismissalsdoneon
February8,1987werevalid,the1987Constitutionnotbeingthenasyetinforce.

SeparateOpinions
TEEHANKEE,CJ.,concurring:
Themainissueresolvedinthejudgmentatbariswhetherthe1987ConstitutiontookeffectonFebruary2,1987,
thedatethattheplebisciteforitsratificationwasheldorwhetherittookeffectonFebruary11,1987,thedateits
ratificationwasproclaimedperProclamationNo.58ofthePresidentofthePhilippines,CorazonC.Aquino.
TheCourt'sdecision,withthelonedissentofMr.JusticeSarmiento,holdsthatbyvirtueoftheprovisionofArticle
XVIII,Section27ofthe1987Constitutionthatit"shalltakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityof
thevotescastinaplebisciteheldforthepurpose,"the1987ConstitutiontookeffectonFebruary2,1987,thedate
ofitsratificationintheplebisciteheldonthatsamedate.
ThethrustofthedissentisthattheConstitutionshouldbedeemedto"takeeffectonthedateitsratificationshall
havebeenascertainedandnotatthetimethepeoplecasttheirvotestoapproveorrejectit."Thisviewwasactually
proposedattheConstitutionalCommissiondeliberations,butwaswithdrawnbyitsproponentinthefaceofthe
"overwhelming"contraryviewthattheConstitution"willbeeffectiveontheverydayoftheplebiscite."
TherecordoftheproceedingsanddebatesoftheConstitutionalCommissionfullysupportstheCourt'sjudgment.It
showsthattheclear,unequivocalandexpressintentoftheConstitutionalConunissioninunanimouslyapproving(by
thirtyfivevotesinfavorandnoneagainst)theaforequotedSection27ofTransitoryArticleXVIIIofthe1987
Constitutionwasthat"theactofratificationistheactofvotingbythepeople.Sothatisthedateoftheratification"
andthat"thecanvassthereafter[ofthevotes]ismerelythemathematicalconfirmationofwhatwasdoneduringthe
dateoftheplebisciteandtheproclamationofthePresidentismerelytheofficialconfirmatorydeclarationofanact
whichwasactuallydonebytheFilipinopeopleinadoptingtheConstitutionwhentheycasttheirvotesonthedateof
theplebiscite."
Therecordofthedeliberationsandthevotingisreproducedhereinbelow:1
MR.MAAMBONG.MadamPresident,maywenowputtoavotetheoriginalformulationofthe
committeeasindicatedinSection12,unlessthereareothercommissionerswhowouldliketopresent
amendments.
MR.DAVIDE.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerDavideisrecognized.
MR.DAVIDE.MayIproposethefollowingamendments.
Online2,deletethewords"itsratification"andinlieuthereofinsertthefollowing."THE
PROCLAMATIONBYTHEPRESIDENTTHATITHASBEENRATIFIED."Andonthelastline,after
"constitutions,"addthefollowing:"ANDTHEIRAMENDMENTS."
MR.MAAMBONG.Justamoment,MadamPresident.IfCommissionerDavideisgoingtoproposean
additionalsentence,thecommitteewouldsuggestthatwetakeupfirsthisamendmenttothefirst
sentenceasoriginallyformulated.Wearenowreadytocommentonthatproposedamendment.
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Theproposedamendmentwouldbetodeletethewords"itsratificationandinlieuthereofinsertthe
words"THEPROCLAMATIONBYTHEPRESIDENTTHATITHASBEENRATIFIED."Andthesecond
amendmentwouldbe:Aftertheword"constitutions,"addthewords"ANDTHEIRAMENDMENTS,"
Thecommitteeacceptsthefirstproposedamendment.However,weregretthatwecannotacceptthe
secondproposedamendmentaftertheword"constitutions"becausethecommitteefeelsthatwhenwe
talkofallpreviousConstitutions,necessarilyitincludes"ANDTHEIRAMENDMENTS."
MR.DAVIDE.Withthatexplanation,lwillnotinsistonthesecond.But,MadamPresident,mayI
requestthatIbeallowedtoreadthesecondamendmentsotheCommissionwouldbeableto
appreciatethechangeinthefirst.
MR.MAAMBONG.Yes,MadamPresident,wecannowdothat.
MR.DAVIDE.Thesecondsentencewillread:"THEPROCLAMATIONSHALLBEMADEWITHINFIVE
DAYSFOLLOWINGTHECOMPLETIONOFTHECANVASSBYTHECOMMISSIONONELECTIONS
OFTHERESULTSOFSUCHPLEBISCITE."
MR.MAAMBONG.MadamPresident,afterconferringwithourchairman,thecommitteefeelsthatthe
secondproposedamendmentintheformofanewsentencewouldnotbeexactlynecessaryandthe
committeefeelsthatitwouldbetoomuchforustoimposeatimeframeonthePresidenttomakethe
proclamation.Aswewouldrecall,MadamPresident,intheapprovedArticleontheExecutive,thereis
aprovisionwhichsaysthatthePresidentshallmakecertainthatalllawsshallbefaithfullycomplied.
Whenweapprovethisfirstsentence,anditsaysthattherewillbeaproclamationbythePresidentthat
theConstitutionhasbeenratified,thePresidentwillnaturallycomplywiththelawinaccordancewith
theprovisionsintheArticleontheExecutivewhichwehavecited.Itwouldbetoomuchtoimposeon
thePresidentatimeframewithinwhichshewillmakethatdeclaration.Itwouldbeassumedthatthe
PresidentwouldimmediatelydothataftertheresultsshallhavebeencanvassedbytheCOMELEC.
Therefore,thecommitteeregretsthatitcannotacceptthesecondsentencewhichtheGentlemanis
proposing,MadamPresident.
MR.DAVIDE.Iampreparedtowithdrawthesameontheassumptionthattherewillbeanimmediate
proclamationoftheresultsbythePresident.
MR.MAAMBONG.Withthatunderstanding,MadamPresident.
MR.DAVIDE.Iwillnotinsistonthesecondsentence.
FR.BERNAS.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerBernasisrecognized.
FR.BERNAS.Iwouldaskthecommitteetoreconsideritsacceptanceoftheamendmentwhichmakes
theeffectivityofthenewConstitutiondependentupontheproclamationofthePresident.Theeffectivity
oftheConstitutionshouldcommenceonthedateoftheratification,notonthedateoftheproclamation
ofthePresident.Whatisconfusing,Ithink,iswhathappenedin1976whentheamendmentsof1976
wereratified.Inthatparticularcase,thereasontheamendmentsof1976wereeffectiveuponthe
proclamationofthePresidentwasthatthedraftpresentedtothepeoplesaidthattheamendmentwill
beeffectiveupontheproclamationmadebythePresident.Ihaveasuspicionthatwasputinthere
preciselytogivethePresidentsomekindofleewayonwhethertoannouncetheratificationornot.
Therefore,weshouldnotmakethisdependentontheactionofthePresidentsincethiswillbea
manifestationoftheactofthepeopletobedoneunderthesupervisionoftheCOMELECanditshould
betheCOMELECwhoshouldmaketheannouncementthat,infact,thevotesshowthatthe
Constitutionwasratifiedandthereshouldbenoneedtowaitforanyproclamationonthepartofthe
President.
MR.MAAMBONG.WouldtheGentlemananswerafewclarificatoryquestions?
FR.BERNAS.Willingly,MadamPresident.
MR.MAAMBONG.TheGentlemanwillagreethatadatehastobefixedastoexactlywhenthe
Constitutionissupposedtoberatified.
FR.BERNAS.IwouldsaythattheratificationoftheConstitutionisonthedatethevoteswere
supposedtohavebeencast.
MR.MAAMBONG.Letusgotothemechanicsofthewholething,MadamPresident.Wepresentthe
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Constitutiontoaplebiscite,thepeopleexercisetheirrighttovote,thenthevotesarecanvassedbythe
CommissiononElections.Ifwedeletethesuggestedamendmentwhichsays:"THEPROCLAMATION
BYTHEPRESIDENTTHATITHASBEENRATIFIED,"whatwouldbe,inclearterms,thedatewhen
theConstitutionissupposedtoberatifiedornotratified,asthecasemaybe?
FR.BERNAS.Thedatewouldbethecastingoftheballots.ifthePresidentweretosaythatthe
plebiscitewouldbeheld,forinstance,onJanuary19,1987,thenthedatefortheeffectivityofthenew
ConstitutionwouldbeJanuary19,1987.
MR.MAAMBONG.Inotherwords,itwouldnotdependontheactualissuanceoftheresultsbythe
CommissiononElectionswhichwillbedoingthecanvass?ThatisimmaterialMadamPresident
FR.BERNAS.Itwouldnot,MadamPresident,because"ratification"istheactofsaying"yes"isdone
whenonecastshisballot.
MR.MAAMBONG.Soitisthedateoftheplebisciteitself,MadamPresident?
FR.BERNAS.Yes,MadamPresident.
MR.MAAMBONG.WiththatstatementofCommissionerBernas,wewouldliketoknowfromthe
proponent,CommissionerDavide,ifheisinsistingonhisamendment.
MR.DAVIDE.MadamPresident,IaminsistingontheamendmentbecauseIcannotsubscribetothe
viewofCommissionerBernas,thatthedateoftheratificationisreckonedfromthedateofthecasting
oftheballots.Thatcannotbethedateofreckoningbecauseitisaplebiscitealloverthecountry.We
donotsplitthemomentofcastingbyeachofthevoters.Actuallyandtechnicallyspeaking,itwouldbe
allrightifitwouldbeupontheannouncementoftheresultsofthecanvassconductedbythe
COMELECortheresultsoftheplebisciteheldalloverthecountry.Butitisnecessarythattherebea
bodywhichwillmaketheformalannouncementoftheresultsoftheplebiscite.Soitiseitherthe
PresidentortheCOMELECitselfuponthecompletionofthecanvassoftheresultsoftheplebiscite,
andIoptedforthePresident.
xxxxxxxxx
MR.NOLLEDO.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerNolledoisrecognized.
MR.NOLLEDO.Thankyou,MadamPresident.IbegtodisagreewithCommissionerDavide.Isupport
thestandofCommissionerBernasbecauseitisreallythedateofthecastingofthe"yes"votesthatis
thedateoftheratificationoftheConstitutionTheannouncementmerelyconfirmstheratificationevenif
theresultsarereleasedtwoorthreedaysafter.Ithinkitisafundamentalprincipleinpoliticallaw,even
incivillaw,becauseanannouncementisamereconfirmationTheactofratificationistheactofvoting
bythepeople.Sothatisthedateoftheratification.Ifthereshouldbeanyneedforpresidential
proclamation,thatproclamationwillmerelyconfirmtheactofratification.
Thankyou,MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.DoesCommissionerRegaladowanttocontribute?
MR.REGALADO.MadamPresident,IwaspreciselygoingtostatethesamesupportforCommissioner
Bernas,becausethecanvassthereafterismerelythemathematicalconfirmationofwhatwasdone
duringthedateoftheplebisciteandtheproclamationofthePresidentismerelytheofficialconfirmatory
declarationofanactwhichwasactuallydonebytheFilipinopeopleinadoptingtheConstitutionwhen
theycasttheirvotesonthedateoftheplebiscite.
MR.LERUM.MadamPresident,mayIberecognized.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerLerumisrecognized.
MR.LERUM.IaminfavoroftheDavideamendmentbecausewehavetofixadatefortheeffectivityof
theConstitution.Supposetheannouncementisdelayedby,say,10daysoramonth,whathappensto
theobligationsandrightsthataccrueupontheapprovaloftheConstitution?SoIthinkwemusthavea
definitedate.Iam,therefore,infavoroftheDavideamendment.
MR.MAAMBONG.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerMaambongisrecognized.
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MR.MAAMBONG.WiththetheoryoftheCommissioner,wouldtherebeanecessityforthe
CommissiononElectionstodeclaretheresultsofthecanvass?
FR.BERNAS.TherewouldbebecauseitistheCommissiononElectionswhichmakestheofficial
announcementoftheresults.
MR.MAAMBONG.Mynextquestionwhichisthefinaloneis:AftertheCommisiononElectionshas
declaredtheresultsofthecanvass,willtherebeanecessityforthePresidenttomakeaproclamation
oftheresultsofthecanvassassubmittedbytheCommissiononElections?
FR.BERNAS.Iwouldsaytherewouldbenonecessity,MadamPresident.
MR.MAAMBONG.Inotherwords,thePresidentmayormaynotmaketheproclamationwhetherthe
Constitutionhasbeenratifiedornot.
FR.BERNAS.IwouldsaythattheproclamationmadebythePresidentwouldbeimmaterialbecause
underthelaw,theadministrationofallelectionlawsisunderanindependentCommissiononElections.
ItistheCommissiononElectionswhichannouncestheresults.
MR.MAAMBONG.Butnevertheless,thePresidentmaymaketheproclamation.
FR.BERNAS.Yes,thePresidentmay.AndifwhathesayscontradictswhattheCommissionon
Electionssays,itwouldhavenoeffect.Iwouldonlyaddthatwhenwesaythatthedateofeffectivityis
onthedayofthecastingofthevotes,whatwemeanisthattheConstitutiontakeseffectonevery
singleminuteandeverysinglesecondofthatday,becausetheCivilCodesaysadayhas24hours.
Sothatevenifthevotesarecastinthemorning,theConstitutionisreallyeffectivefromtheprevious
midnight.Sothatwhenweadoptedthenewruleoncitizenship,thechildrenofFilipinomothersor
anybodybornonthedateofeffectivityofthe1973Constitution,whichisJanuary17,1973,arenatural
borncitizens,nomatterwhattimeofdayornight.
MR.MAAMBONG.Couldwe,therefore,safelysaythatwhateverdateisthepublicationoftheresultsof
thecanvassbytheCOMELECretroactstothedateoftheplebiscite?
FR.BERNAS.Yes,MadamPresident.
MR.MAAMBONG.IthanktheCommissioner.
MR.GUINGONA.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerGuingonaisrecognized.
MR.GUINGONA.Mentionwasmadeabouttheneedforhavingadefinitedate.Ithinkitispreciselythe
proposalofCommissionerBernaswhichspeaksofthedate(ofratificationthatwouldhaveadefinite
date,becausetherewouldbenodefinitedateifwedependuponthecanvassingbytheCOMELEC.
Thankyou,
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerConcepcionisrecognized.
MR.CONCEPCION.Thankyou,MadamPresident.
Whoevermakestheannouncementastotheresultoftheplebiscite,beittheCOMELECorthe
President,wouldannouncethatamajorityofthevotescastonagivendatewasinfavorofthe
Constitution.AndthatisthedatewhentheConstitutiontakeseffect,apartfromthefactthatthe
provisiononthedraftingoramendmentoftheConstitutionprovidesthataconstitutionbecomes
effectiveuponratificationbyamajorityofthevotescast,althoughIwouldnotsayfromthevery
beginningofthedateofelectionbecauseasofthattimeitisimpossibletodeterminewhetherthereisa
majority.Attheendofthedayofelectionorplebiscite,thedeterminationismadeasofthattimethe
majorityofthevotescastinaplebisciteheldonsuchandsuchadate.Sothatisthetimewhenthe
newConstitutionwillbeconsideredratifiedand,therefore,effective.
THEPRESIDENT.MaywenowhearVicePresidentPadilla.
MR.PADILLA.MadamPresident,IamagainsttheproposedamendmentofCommissionerDavideand
IsupporttheviewofCommissionerBernasandtheothersbecausetheratificationoftheConstitutionis
onthedatethepeople,byamajorityvote,havecasttheirvotesinfavoroftheConstitution.Evenin
civillaw,ifthereisacontract,say,betweenanagentandathirdpersonandthatcontractisconfirmed
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orratifiedbytheprincipal,thevaliditydoesnotbeginonthedateofratificationbutitretroactsfromthe
datethecontractwasexecuted.
Therefore,thedateoftheConstitutionasratifiedshouldretroacttothedatethatthepeoplehavecast
theiraffirmativevotesinfavoroftheConstitution.
MR.MAAMBONG.MadamPresident.
THEPRESIDENT.CommissionerMaambongisrecognized
MR.MAAMBONG.WewillnowaskoncemoreCommissionerDavideifheisinsistingonhis
amendment
MR.DAVIDE.Inviewoftheexplanationandoverwhelmingtyrannyoftheopinionthatitwillbeeffective
ontheverydayoftheplebiscite,Iamwithdrawingmyamendmentontheassumptionthatanyofthe
followingbodiestheOfficeofthePresidentortheCOMELECwillmaketheformalannouncementof
theresults.
MR.RAMA.MadamPresident,wearenowreadytovoteontheoriginalprovisionasstatedbythe
committee.
MR.MAAMBONG.Thecommitteewillreadagaintheformulationindicatedintheoriginalcommittee
reportasSection12.
ThisConstitutionshalltakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityofthevotescastina
plebiscitecalledforthepurposeandshallsupersedeallpreviousConstitutions.
Weaskforavote,MadamPresident.
VOTING
THEPRESIDENT.Asmanyasareinfavor,pleaseraisetheirhand.(SeveralMembersraisedtheir
hands.)
Asmanyasareagainst,pleaseraisetheirhand.(NoMemberraisedhishand.)
Theresultsshow35votesinfavorandnoneagainstSection12isapproved.2
TheCourtnextholdsasaconsequenceofitsdeclarationatbarthattheConstitutiontookeffectonthedateofits
ratificationintheplebisciteheldonFebruary2,1987,that:(1)theProvisionalConstitutionpromulgatedonMarch
25,1986mustbedeemedtohavebeensupersededbythe1987ConstitutiononthesamedateFebruary2,1987
and(2)byandaftersaiddate,February2,1987,absentanysayingclausetothecontraryintheTransitoryArticleof
theConstitution,respondentOICGovernorcouldnolongerexercisethepowertoreplacepetitionersintheir
positionsasBarangayCaptainandCouncilmen.Hence,theattemptedreplacementofpetitionersbyrespondent
OICGovernor'sdesignationonFebruary8,1987oftheirsuccessorscouldnolongerproduceanylegalforceand
effect.WhiletheProvisionalConstitutionprovidedforaoneyearperiodexpiringonMarch25,1987withinwhichthe
powerofreplacementcouldbeexercised,thisperiodwasshortenedbytheratificationandeffectivityonFebruary2,
1987oftheConstitution.HadtheintentionoftheframersoftheConstitutionbeenotherwise,theywouldhaveso
providedforintheTransitoryArticle,asindeedtheyprovidedformultifarioustransitoryprovisionsintwentysix
sectionsofArticleXVIII,e.g.extensionofthesixyeartermoftheincumbentPresidentandVicePresidenttonoon
ofJune30,1992forpurposesofsynchronizationofelections,thecontinuedexerciseoflegislativepowersbythe
incumbentPresidentuntiltheconveningofthefirstCongress,etc.
Afinalnoteofclarification,astothestatementinthedissentthat"theappointmentsofsomesevenCourtofAppeals
Justices,71provincialfiscalsand55cityfiscalsreportedextended(by)thePresidentonFebruary2,1987...could
beopentoseriousquestions,"inviewoftheprovisionsofSections8(1)and9,ArticleVIIIoftheConstitutionwhich
requirepriorendorsementthereofbytheJudicialandBarCouncilcreatedundertheConstitution.Itshouldbestated
fortherecordthatthereporteddateoftheappointments,February2,1987,isincorrect.Theofficialrecordsofthe
CourtshowthattheappointmentsofthesevenCourtofAppealsJusticesweretransmittedtothisCourtonFebruary
1,1987andtheywereallappointedonorbeforeJanuary31,1987.3(Similarly,therecordsoftheDepartmentof
JusticelikewiseshowthattheappointmentpapersofthelastbatchofprovincialandcityfiscalssignedbythePresidentin
completionofthereorganizationoftheprosecutionserviceweremadeonJanuary31,1987andtransmittedtothe
DepartmentonFebruary1,1987.)ItisalsoamatterofrecordthatsinceFebruary2,1987,noappointmentstotheJudiciary
havebeenextendedbythePresident,pendingtheconstitutionoftheJudicialandBarCouncil,indicatingthattheChief
ExecutivehaslikewiseconsideredFebruary2,1987astheeffectivedateoftheConstitution,asnowexpresslydeclaredby
theCourt.

CRUZ,J.,concurring.
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Inherquietandrestrainedmanner,JusticeHerreraisabletoproveherpointwithmoretellingeffectthanthetones
ofthunder.Shehaswrittenanotherpersuasiveopinion,andIamdelightedtoconcur.Inotethatitineffectaffirms
mydissentsintheDelaSerna,Zamora,DuquingandBayascases,whereIsubmittedthatthelocalOICsmayno
longerbesummarilyreplaced,havingacquiredsecurityoftenureunderthenewConstitution.Ourdifferenceisthat
whereasIwouldmakethatrightcommenceonFebruary25,1987,afterthedeadlinesetbytheFreedom
Constitution,JusticeHerrerawouldoptforFebruary2,1987,whenthenewConstitutionwasratified.Iyieldtothat
betterviewandagreewithherponenciacompletely.
SARMIENTO,J.,Dissenting.
WithduerespecttothemajorityIregisterthisdissent.
WhileIagreethattheoneyeardeadlineprescribedbySection2,ArticleIIIoftheProvisionalConstitutionwith
respecttothetenureofgovernmentfunctionaries,asfollows:
SECTION2.Allelectiveandappointiveofficialsandemployeesunderthe1973Constitutionshall
continueinofficeuntilotherwiseprovidedbyproclamationorexecutiveorderoruponthedesignation
orappointmentandqualificationoftheirsuccessors,ifsuchappointmentismadewithinaperiodofone
yearfromFebruary25,1986.
wascutshortbytheratificationofthe1987Constitution,Ientertainseriousdoubtswhetherornotthatcutoffperiod
beganonFebruary2,1987,thedateoftheplebisciteheldtoapprovethenewCharter.Tomymindthe1987
constitutiontookeffectonFebruary11,1987,thedatethesamewasproclaimedratifiedpursuanttoProclamation
No.58ofthePresidentofthePhilippines,andnotFebruary2,1987,plebisciteday.
Irely,firstandforemost,onthelanguageofthe1987Charteritself,thus:
Sec.27.ThisConstitutionshagtakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityofthevotes
castinaplebisciteheldforthepurposeandshallsupersedeallpreviousConstitutions.
ItismyreadingofthisprovisionthattheConstitutiontakeseffectonthedateitsratificationshallhavebeen
ascertained,andnotatthetimethepeoplecasttheirvotestoapproveorrejectit.Foritcannotbelogicallysaidthat
Constitutionwasratifiedduringsuchaplebiscite,whenthewillofthepeopleasofthattime,hadnot,andcouldnot
havebeen,vetdetermined.
Otherthanthat,pragmaticconsiderationscompelmetotaketheview.
IhavenodoubtthatbetweenFebruary2,andFebruary11,1987thegovernmentperformedactsthatwouldhave
beenvalidundertheProvisionalConstitutionbutwouldotherwisehavebeenvoidunderthe1987Charter.Irecall,in
particular,theappointmentsofsomesevenCourtofAppealsJustices,71provincialfiscals,and55cityfiscalsthe
PresidentreportedlyextendedonFebruary2,1987.1UnderSections8(1)and9,ArticleVIII,ofthel987Constitution,asfollows:
xxxxxxxxx
Sec.8.(I)AJudicialandBarCouncilisherebycreatedunderthesupervisionoftheSupremeCourt
composedoftheChiefJusticeasexofficioChairman,theSecretaryofJustice,andarepresentativeof
theCongressasexoficioMembers,arepresentativeoftheIntegratedBar,aprofessoroflaw,aretired
MemberoftheSupremeCourt,andarepresentativeoftheprivatesector.
xxxxxxxxx
2Sec.9.TheMembersoftheSupremeCourtandjudgesoflowercourtsshallbeappointedbythe
PresidentfromalistofatleastthreenomineespreparedbytheJudicialandBarCouncilforevery
vacancy,Suchappointmentsneednoconfirmation.
xxxxxxxxx
suchappointmentscouldbeopentoseriousquestions.
Since1973,moreover,wehaveinvariablyreckonedtheeffectivityoftheConstitutionaswellastheamendments
theretofromthedateitisproclaimedratified.
InMagtotov.Manguera,2weheldthatthe1973ConstitutionbecameinforceandeffectonJanuary17,1973,thedate
ProclamationNo.1102,"AnnouncingtheRatificationbytheFilipinoPeopleoftheConstitutionProposedbythe1971
ConstitutionalConvention,"wasissued,althoughMr.Justice,nowChiefJustice,Teehankeewouldpushitseffectivitydate
furthertoApril17,1973,thedateourdecisioninJavellanav.ExecutiveSecretary,3becamefinal.Andthiswasso
notwithstandingSection16,ArticleXVII,ofthe1973Constitution,thus:
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SEC.16.ThisConstitutionshalltakeeffectimmediatelyuponitsratificationbyamajorityofthevotes
castinaplebiscitecalledforthepurposeand,exceptashereinprovided,shallsupersedethe
Constitutionofnineteenhundredandthirtyfiveandallamendmentsthereto.
OnOctober27,1976,thenPresidentMarcospromulgatedProclamationno.1595,proclaimingtheratificationofthe
1976amendmentssubmittedintheplebisciteofOctober1617,1976.TheProclamationstates,interalia,that.
Byvirtueofthepowersvestedinmebylaw,Iherebyproclaimalltheamendmentsembodiedinthiscertificateas
dulyratifiedbytheFilipinopeopleinthereferendumplebisciteheldOct.1617,1976andarethereforeeffective
andinfullforceandeffectasofthisdate.
ItshallbenotedthatunderAmendmentNo.9ofthesaid1976amendments.
TheseamendmentsshalltakeeffectaftertheincumbentPresidentshallhaveproclaimedthatthey
havebeenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastinthereferendumplebiscite.
OnApril1,1980,thethenChiefExecutiveissuedProclamationno.1959,"ProclaimingtheRatificationbythe
FilipinoPeopleoftheAmendmentsofSection7,ArticleXoftheConstitution"(lengtheningthetermsofofficeof
judgesandjustices).TheProclamationprovides:
[t]heabovequotedamendmenthasbeendulyratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastintheplebiscite
held,togetherwiththeelectionforlocalofficials,onJanuary30,1980,andthatsaidamendmentis
herebydeclaredtotakeeffectimmediately.
ItshallbenotedthatunderResolutionNo.21,datedDecember18,1979,theproposedamendmentshalltakeeffect
onthedatetheincumbentPresident/PrimeMinistershallproclaimitsratification.
OnApril7,1981,ProclamationNo.2077wasissued"ProclaimingtheRatificationinthePlebisciteofApril7,1981of
theAmendmentstotheConstitutionEmbodiedinBatasPambansaBlg.122andDeclaringThemTherefore
EffectiveandinFullForceandEffect."TheProclamation,indeclaringthesaidamendmentsdulyapproved,further
declaredthem"[e]ffectiveandinfullforceandineffectasofthedateofthisProclamation,"Itshallbenoted,inthis
connection,thatunderResolutionsNos.Iand2oftheBatasangPambansa,ThirdRegularSession,Sittingasa
ConstituentAssembly,whichparentedtheseamendments,thesame:
...shallbecomevalidaspartoftheConstitutionwhenapprovedbyamajorityofthevotescastina
plebiscitetobeheldpursuanttoSection2,ArticleXVIoftheConstitution.
Ontheotherhand,BatasPambansaBlg.122,"AnActtoSubmittotheFilipinoPeople,forRatificationorRejection,
theAmendmenttotheConstitutionofthePhilippines,ProposedbytheBatasangPambansa,Sittingasa
ConstituentAssembly,initsResolutionsNumberedThree,Two,andOne,andtoAppropriateFundsTherefore,"
provides,asfollows:
SEC.7.TheCommissiononElections,sittingenbanc,shadcanvassandproclaimtheresultofthe
plebisciteusingthecertificatessubmittedtoit,dulyauthenticatedandcertifiedbytheBoardof
Canvassersofeachprovinceorcity.
Wehave,finally,ProclamationNo.2332,"ProclaimingtheRatificationinthePlebisciteofJanuary27,1984,ofthe
AmendmentstotheConstitutionEmbodiedinBatasangPambansaResolutionsNos.104,105,110,111,112and
113."Itstatesthattheamendments:
....arethereforeeffectiveandinfullforceandeffectasofthedateofthisProclamation.
ItcarriesoutResolutionno.104itself(aswellasResolutionsNos.110and112andSection9,BatasBlg.643),
whichstates,that:
TheproposedamendmentsshalltakeeffectonthedatethePresidentofthePhilippinesshallproclaim
thattheyhavebeenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastintheplebisciteheldforthepurpose,butnot
laterthanthreemonthsfromtheapprovaloftheamendments.
albeitResolutionsNos.105,111,and113provide,that:
TheseamendmentsshallbevalidasapartoftheConstitutionwhenapprovedbyamajorityofthevotescastinan
election/plebisciteatwhichitissubmittedtothepeoplefortheirratificationpursuanttoSection2ofArticleXVIofthe
Constitution,asamended.
ThataConstitutionoramendmentstheretotakeeffectuponproclamationoftheirratificationandnotatthetimeof
theplebisciteisaviewthatisnotpeculiartotheMarcosera.
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TheResolutionofBothHouses(ofCongress)inJointSessionontheMarch11,1947plebiscitecalledpursuantto
RepublicActNo.73andtheResolutionofBothHouses(ofCongress)adoptedonSeptember18,1946,was
adoptedonApril9,1947.TheApril9,1947Resolutionmakesnomentionofaretroactiveapplication.Accordingly,
whentheincumbentPresident(Mrs.CorazonC.Aquino)proclaimedonFebruary11,1987,atMalacanangPalace:
...thattheConstitutionoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesadoptedbytheConstitutionalCommissionof
1986,includingtheOrdinanceappendedthereto,hasbeendulyratifiedbytheFilipinopeopleandis
thereforeeffectiveandinfullforceandeffect.4
the1987Constitution,inpointoffact,cameintoforceandeffect,Iholdthatittookeffectatnoothertime.
IsubmitthatourrulinginPonsicav.Ignalaga5inwhichwedeclared,inpassing,thatthenewCharterwasratifiedon
February2,1987,doesnotinanywayweakenthisdissent.AsIstated,theremarkwassaidinpassingwedidnotresolve
thecaseonaccountofacategoricalholdingthatthe1987ConstitutioncametolifeonFebruary2,1987.Inanyevent,ifwe
did,Inowcallforitsreexamination.

Iamthereforeoftheopinion,consistentwiththeviewsexpressedabove,thatthechallengeddismissalsdoneon
February8,1987werevalid,the1987Constitutionnotbeingthenasyetinforce.
Footnotes
1Topacio,Jr.vs.PimentelG.R.No.73770,April10,1986.
2Section2,BPBlg.222.
3Article11,Section25andArticleX,Sections1,2,14,amongothers.
4ArticleX,Section4.
5Section3,BPBlg.222.
Teehankee,C.J.,concurring:
1VolumeFive,RecordoftheConstitutionalCommissionProceedingsandDebates,pages620623
emphasissupplied.
2TheentiredraftConstitutionwasapprovedonOctober12,1986fortyfortyfivevotesinfavorandtwo
against.
3ThesevenCourtofAppealsJusticesreferredtoareJusticesAlfredoL.Benipayo,MinervaG.Reyes,
MagdangalB.Elma,CecilioPE,JesusElbinias,NicolasLapenaJr.andJustoP.Torres,Jr.,andtheir
appointmentsbearvariousdatesfromJanuary9,1987toJanuary31,1987.
Sarmiento,J.,dissenting:
1ManilaBulletin,Feb.3,1987,p.1,cols.67PhilippineDailyInquirer,Feb.3,1987,p.1,cot1
Malaya,Feb.3,1987,p.1,col.1.
2Nos.3720102March3,1975,63SCRA4(1975).
3Nos.L36142,March31,1973,50SCRA30(1973).
4ProclamationNo.58(1987).
5G.R.No.72301.
TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation

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