GR no 73748

May 22, 1986

Lawyers League for Better Philippines vs Aquino

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.

HELD:

Yes.

The legitimacy of the Aquino government is not a justiciable matter but belongs to the
realm of politics where only the people are the judge.

The Supreme Court further held that:

 The people have accepted the Aquino government which is in effective control of
the entire country;
 It is not merely a de facto government but in fact and law a de jure government;
and
 The community of nations has recognized the legitimacy of the new government.