Imbong v Ochoa Full Case

8/18/2019 Imbong v Ochoa Full Case

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G.R. No. 204819. April 8, 2014.*

JAMES M. IMBONG and LOEL!"ANN #. IMBONG, $or %&'()'l') and in +'&al$ o$ %&'ir(inor &ildr'n, L-#IA #ARLOS IMBONG and BERNAE//E #ARLOS IMBONG and MAGNII#A/#IL EELOMEN/ #EN/ER, IN#., p'%i%ion'r), vs. ON. A3-I/O N. O#OA, JR., E'5%i'S'r'%ar6, ON. LOREN#IO B. ABA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ B5d7'% and Mana7'('n%,

ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ 'al%&, ON. ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6,'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion, #5l%5r' and Spor%) and ON. MAN-EL A. ROAS II, S'r'%ar6,'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and Loal Go'rn('n%, r')pond'n%).

G.R. No. 20494. April 8, 2014.*ALLIAN#E OR /E AMIL! O-NA/ION ILIINES, IN#. :ALI;, r'pr')'n%'d +6 i%)

r')id'n%, Maria #on'pion S. No&', Spo5)') R'6naldo S. L5i)%ro < Ro)i' B. L5i)%ro, Jo)' S.Sand'=a) < El'ni%a S.A. Sand'=a), Ar%5ro M. Gorr'> < Mari'%%a #. Gorr'>, Salador S. Man%',

Jr. < a>'l''n L. Man%', Rolando M. Ba5%i)%a < Maria 'li)a S. Ba5%i)%a, ')id'rio Ra&o < /ra?5ilina Ra&o, 'rnand An%onio A. /an)in7o < #arol Ann' #. /an)in7o $or %&'()'l')

and on +'&al$ o$ %&'ir (inor &ildr'n, /&'r')' An%on'%%' #. /an)in7o, Lor'n>o Jo)' #. /an)in7o, Mi75'l 'rnando #. /an7)in7o, #arlo Jo)'(aria #. /an)in7o < J5an aolo #.

/an)in7o, Spo5)') Mariano . Aran'%a < Eil''n @. Aran'%a $or %&'()'l') and on +'&al$ o$ %&'ir (inor &ildr'n, Ra(on #arlo) @. Aran'%a < Ma6a An7'lia @. Aran'%a, Spo5)') R'na%o

#. #a)%or < Mildr'd #. #a)%or $or %&'()'l') and on +'&al$ o$ %&'ir (inor &ildr'n, R'n> J'r'6 #. #a)%or, Jo)'p& Ra(il #. #a)%or, Jo&n a5l #. #a)%or < Rap&a'l #. #a)%or, Spo5)')

Al'and'r R. Ra&o < @ara @. Ra&o $or %&'()'l') and on +'&al$ o$ %&'ir (inor &ildr'nMar7ari%a Ra&o, Mia'la Ra&o, Mar%in Ra&o, Mari Ra&o < Manolo Ra&o, Spo5)') Al$r'dR. Ra&o < ranin' . Ra&o $or %&'()'l') and on +'&al$ o$ %&'ir (inor &ildr'n Mi&a'l

Ra&o,147

Mariana Ra&o, Ra$a'l Ra&o, Mai Ra&o, #&'))i' Ra&o < La5ra Ra&o, Spo5)') aid R.Ra&o < Ar(il6n A. Ra&o $or %&'()'l') and on +'&al$ o$ %&'ir (inor &ild Ga+ri'l Ra&o,Mind6 M. J5a%a) and on +'&al$ o$ &'r (inor &ildr'n Eli=a& G'rald J5a%a) and Elian Ga+ri'l

J5a%a), Salaion M. Mon%'iro, E(il6 R. LaC), Jo)'p& R. LaC) < Da%rina R. LaC), p'%i%ion'r),vs. ON. A3-I/O N. O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6, ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA, S'r'%ar6,'par%('n% o$ 'al%&, ON. ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion, #5l%5r'and Spor%), ON. #ORA@ON SOLIMAN, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Soial 'l$ar' and''lop('n%, ON. MAN-EL A. ROAS II, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and LoalGo'rn('n%, ON. LOREN#IO B. ABA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ B5d7'% and Mana7'('n%,ON. ARSENIO M. BALISA#AN, Soio"Eono(i lannin7 S'r'%ar6 and NEA ir'%or"G'n'ral, /E ILIINE #OMMISSION ON OMEN, r'pr')'n%'d +6 i%) #&airp'r)on,R'('dio) I7naio"Ri'n, /E ILIINE EAL/ INS-RAN#E #ORORA/ION, r'pr')'n%'d+6 i%) r')id'n% Ed5ardo Ban>on, /E LEAG-E O ROIN#ES O /E ILIINES,r'pr')'n%'d +6 i%) r')id'n% Al$on)o -(ali, /E LEAG-E O #I/IES O /E ILIINES,r'pr')'n%'d +6 i%) r')id'n% O)ar Rodri75'>, and /E LEAG-E O M-NI#IALI/IES O /EILIINES, r'pr')'n%'d +6 i%) r')id'n% ona%o Maro), r')pond'n%).

G.R. No. 2049F. April 8, 2014.* /ASD OR#E OR AMIL! AN LIE ISA!AS, IN#. and ALERIANO S. AILA, p'%i%ion'r),

vs. ON. A3-I/O N. O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6H ON. LOREN#IO B. ABA, S'r'%ar6,'par%('n% o$ B5d7'% and Mana7'('n%H ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ 'al%&, ON. ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ionH and ON. MAN-EL A.

ROAS II, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and Loal Go'rn('n%, r')pond'n%).

148

G.R. No. 204988. April 8, 2014.*SERE LIE #AGA!AN E ORO #I/!, IN#., r'pr')'n%'d +6 r. N')%or B. L5(iao, M.., a)

r')id'n% and in &i) p'r)onal apai%6, ROSEALE O-NA/ION IN#., r'pr')'n%'d +6 r.Rodri7o M. Al'n%on, M.., a) ('(+'r o$ %&' )&ool +oard and in &i) p'r)onal apai%6,

ROSEMARIE R. ALEN/ON, IMELA G. IBARRA, #A, LOENIA . NA#ES, &d., AN/ON! G.


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NAGA#, EARL AN/ON! #. GAMBE and MARLON I. !A, p'%i%ion'r), vs. OI#E O /ERESIEN/, SENA/E O /E ILIINES, O-SE O RERESEN/A/IES, ON. A3-I/O N.

O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6, ON. LOREN#IO B. ABA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ B5d7'% and Mana7'('n%H ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ 'al%&H ON.ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion and ON. MAN-EL A. ROAS II,

S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and Loal Go'rn('n%, r')pond'n%).

G.R. No. 20F00. April 8, 2014.*EEI/O A. B-GARIN, JR., p'%i%ion'r, vs. OI#E O /E RESIEN/ O /E RE-BLI#O /E ILIINES, ON. SENA/E RESIEN/, ON. SEADER O /E O-SE O

RERESEN/A/IES and ON. SOLI#I/OR GENERAL, r')pond'n%).G.R. No. 20F04. April 8, 2014.*

E-ARO B. OLAG-ER and /E #A/OLI# !BRSA#E AOS/OLA/E O /EILIINES, p'%i%ion'r), vs. O SE#RE/AR! ENRI3-E /. ONA, A IRE#/OR S-@E//E .LA@O, BM SE#RE/AR! LOREN#IO B. ABA, ILG SE#RE/AR! MAN-EL A. ROAS II, E#S

SE#RE/AR! ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, r')pond'n%).G.R. No. 20F18. April 8, 2014.*

ILIINE ALLIAN#E O SEMINARIANS, IN#. A, &'r'in r'pr')'n%'d +6 i%) Na%ionalr')id'n%, A%%6. Riardo

149

M. Ri+o, and in &i) oCn +'&al$, A%%6. Lino E.A. 5(a), Ro('o B. Al(on%', O)(5ndo #.Orlan'), Ar)'nio @. M'nor, Sa(5'l J. !ap, Jai(' . Ma%'o, Roll6 Si75an, an%' E. Ma7dan7al,Mi&a'l E57'nio O. lana, Bi'n'nido #. Mi75'l, Jr., Landri%o M. iono and Baldo('roalon', p'%i%ion'r), vs. ON. A3-I/O N. O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6, ON.LOREN#IO B. ABA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ B5d7'% and Mana7'('n%, ON. ENRI3-E /.ONA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ 'al%&, ON. ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion, ON. MAN-EL A. ROAS II, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and LoalGo'rn('n%, ON. #ORA@ON J. SOLIMAN, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Soial 'l$ar' and''lop('n%, ON. ARSENIO BALISA#AN, ir'%or"G'n'ral, Na%ional Eono(i and''lop('n% A5%&ori%6, ON. S-@E//E . LA@O, ir'%or"G'n'ral, ood and r57Ad(ini)%ra%ion, /E BOAR O IRE#/ORS, &ilippin' 'al%& In)5ran' #orpora%ion, and

/E BOAR O #OMMISSIONERS, &ilippin' #o((i))ion on o('n, r')pond'n%).G.R. No. 20F48. April 8, 2014.*

RE!NALO J. E#AE@, M.., JA#3-ELINE . DING, M.., #!N/IA /. OMINGO, M..,AN JOSEINE MILLAO"L-MI/AO, M.., oll'%i'l6 noCn a) o%or) or Li$', and

AN/ON! ERE@, MI#AEL AN/ON! G. MAA, #ARLOS AN/ONIO ALA, ILREO JOSE,#LAIRE NAARRO, ANNA #OSIO, and GABRIEL ! LIA##O oll'%i'l6 noCn a) ilipino) orLi$', p'%i%ion'r), vs. ON. A3-I/O N. O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6H ON. LOREN#IO B.

ABA, S'r'%ar6 o$ %&' 'par%('n% o$ B5d7'% and Mana7'('n%H ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA,S'r'%ar6 o$ %&' 'par%('n% o$ 'al%&H ON. ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6 o$ %&'

'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ionH and ON. MAN-EL A. ROAS II, S'r'%ar6 o$ %&' 'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and Loal Go'rn('n%, r')pond'n%).

150

G.R. No. 20F491. April 8, 2014.*SO-SES RAN#IS#O S. /A/A AN MARIA ENN! #. /A/A < ALA . AG-IA, $or

%&'()'l'), %&'ir o)%'ri%6, and %&' r')% o$ ilipino po)%'ri%6, p'%i%ion'r), vs. OI#E O /ERESIEN/ o$ %&' R'p5+li o$ %&' &ilippin'), r')pond'n%.

G.R. No. 20F20. April 8, 2014.*RO"LIE ILIINES O-NA/ION, In., r'pr')'n%'d +6 Lorna M'l'7ri%o, a) E'5%i'

ir'%or, and in &'r p'r)onal apai%6, JOSEL!N B. BASILIO, ROBER/ @. #OR/ES, ARIEL A.#RISOS/OMO, JEREM! I. GA/-LA, #RIS/INA A. MON/ES, RA-L AN/ONIO A. NIO!,

INS/ON #ONRA B. AOJINOG, R-INO L. OLI#ARIO III, p'%i%ion'r), vs. OI#E O /ERESIEN/, SENA/E O /E ILIINES, O-SE O RERESEN/A/IES, ON. A3-I/O N.

O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6, ON. LOREN#IO B. ABA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ B5d7'% and Mana7'('n%, ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ 'al%&, ON.


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ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion and ON. MAN-EL A. ROAS II,S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and Loal Go'rn('n%, r')pond'n%).

G.R. No. 20KFF. April 8, 2014.*MILLENNI-M SAIN/ O-NA/ION, IN#., A//!. RAMON EROSA, A//!. #I/A BORROMEO""

GAR#IA, S/ELLA A#EERA, A//!. BER/ENI #A/AL-A #A-SING, p'%i%ion'r), vs. OI#E O /E RESIEN/, OI#E O /E EE#-/IE SE#RE/AR!, EAR/MEN/ O EAL/,

EAR/MEN/ O E-#A/ION, r')pond'n%).G.R. No. 20111. April 8, 2014.* JON AL/ER B. J-A/, MAR! M. IMBONG, AN/ON! I#/ORIO B. L-MI#AO, JOSE

MAR/IN 3. EREJO,151

AN/ONIA EMMA R. ROAS and LO/A LA/"G-ERRERO, p'%i%ion'r), vs. ON. A3-I/O N.O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6, ON. LOREN#IO ABA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ B5d7'%and Mana7'('n%, ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ 'al%&, ON. ARMIN A.L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion, #5l%5r' and Spor%) and ON. MAN-EL A.ROAS II, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and Loal Go'rn('n%, r')pond'n%).

G.R. No. 2012. April 8, 2014.*#O-LES OR #RIS/ O-NA/ION, IN#., SO-SES J-AN #ARLOS AR/AI SARMIEN/O

AN RAN#ES#A ISABELLE BESINGA"SARMIEN/O, AN SO-SES L-IS RAN#IS A. RORIGO, JR. and EBORA MARIE ERONI#A N. RORIGO, p'%i%ion'r), vs. ON. A3-I/O N. O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6, ON. LOREN#IO B. ABA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ B5d7'% and

Mana7'('n%, ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ 'al%&, ON. ARMIN A.L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion, #5l%5r' and Spor%) and ON. MAN-EL A.

ROAS II, S'r'%ar6, 'par%('n% o$ In%'rior and Loal Go'rn('n%, r')pond'n%).G.R. No. 20FK. April 8, 2014.*

ALMARIM #EN/I /ILLA and AB-L-SSEIN M. DASIM, p'%i%ion'r), vs. ON. A3-I/ON. O#OA, JR., E'5%i' S'r'%ar6, ON. ENRI3-E /. ONA, S'r'%ar6 o$ %&' 'par%('n% o$

'al%&, and ON. ARMIN A. L-IS/RO, S'r'%ar6 o$ %&' 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion,r')pond'n%).

Constitutional Law; Separation of Powers; The separation of powers is a fundamental principle in our system of government, which obtains not through express provision but by actual division in our Constitution.In (an6 a)') inolin7 %&' d'%'r(ina%ion o$ %&'on)%i%5%ionali%6 o$ %&' a%ion) o$ %&' E'5%i' and %&' L'7i)la%5r', i% i) o$%'n )o57&% %&a%%&' #o5r% %'(p'r i%) ''ri)' o$ =5diial poC'r152

and aord d5' r')p'% %o %&' Ci)do( o$ i%) o"'?5al +ran& on %&' +a)i) o$ %&' prinipl' o$ )'para%ion o$ poC'r). /o +' l'ar, %&' )'para%ion o$ poC'r) i) a $5nda('n%al prinipl' in o5r)6)%'( o$ 7o'rn('n%, C&i& o+%ain) no% %&ro57& 'pr')) proi)ion +5% +6 a%5al dii)ion ino5r #on)%i%5%ion. Ea& d'par%('n% o$ %&' 7o'rn('n% &a) 'l5)i' o7ni>an' o$ (a%%'r)Ci%&in i%) =5ri)di%ion and i) )5pr'(' Ci%&in i%) oCn )p&'r'. /&5), %&' 198 #on)%i%5%ionproid') %&a% a %&' l'7i)la%i' poC'r )&all +' ')%'d in %&' #on7r')) o$ %&' &ilippin')H +%&' ''5%i' poC'r )&all +' ')%'d in %&' r')id'n% o$ %&' &ilippin')H and %&' =5diialpoC'r )&all +' ')%'d in on' S5pr'(' #o5r% and in )5& loC'r o5r%) a) (a6 +' ')%a+li)&'d+6 laC. /&' #on)%i%5%ion &a) %r5l6 +lo'd o5% Ci%& d'$% )%ro') and in +old lin'), %&'allo%('n% o$ poC'r) a(on7 %&' %&r'' +ran&') o$ 7o'rn('n%.

Same; Same; udicial !eview; The Constitution impresses upon the Supreme Court torespect the acts performed by a co"e#ual branch done within its sphere of competence andauthority, but at the same time, allows it to cross the line of separation $ but only at a very limited and speci%c point $ to determine whether the acts of the executive and thelegislative branches are null because they were underta&en with grave abuse of discretion.In %i(') o$ )oial di)?5i'%5d' or poli%ial in)%a+ili%6, %&' 7r'a% land(ar) o$ %&'#on)%i%5%ion ar' ap% %o +' $or7o%%'n or (arr'd, i$ no% 'n%ir'l6 o+li%'ra%'d. In ord'r %o addr'))%&i), %&' #on)%i%5%ion i(pr'))') 5pon %&' #o5r% %o r')p'% %&' a%) p'r$or('d +6 a o"'?5al+ran& don' Ci%&in i%) )p&'r' o$ o(p'%'n' and a5%&ori%6, +5% a% %&' )a(' %i(', alloC) i%%o ro)) %&' lin' o$ )'para%ion +5% onl6 a% a 'r6 li(i%'d and )p'i poin% %o d'%'r(in'


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C&'%&'r %&' a%) o$ %&' ''5%i' and %&' l'7i)la%i' +ran&') ar' n5ll +'a5)' %&'6 C'r'5nd'r%a'n Ci%& 7ra' a+5)' o$ di)r'%ion. /&5), C&il' %&' #o5r% (a6 no% pa)) 5pon?5')%ion) o$ Ci)do(, =5)%i' or 'p'di'n6 o$ %&' R LaC, i% (a6 do )o C&'r' an a%%'ndan%5non)%i%5%ionali%6 or 7ra' a+5)' o$ di)r'%ion r')5l%). /&' #o5r% (5)% d'(on)%ra%' i%)5nPin&in7 o((i%('n% %o pro%'% %&o)' &'ri)&'d ri7&%) and prinipl') '(+odi'd in %&'#on)%i%5%ion.

Same; Same; Same; urisprudence is replete with the rule that the power of 'udicialreview is limited by four exacting re#uisites, vi(.) *a+ there must be an actual case or controversy; *b+ the petitioners must possess locus standi; *c+ the #uestion of constitutional"153

ity must be raised at the earliest opportunity; and *d+ the issue of constitutionality must bethe lis mota of the case.In %&' )&olarl6 ')%i(a%ion o$ $or('r S5pr'(' #o5r% J5)%i'lor'n%ino 'liiano, Q=5diial r'i'C i) '))'n%ial $or %&' (ain%'nan' and 'n$or'('n% o$ %&')'para%ion o$ poC'r) and %&' +alanin7 o$ poC'r) a(on7 %&' %&r'' 7r'a% d'par%('n%) o$ 7o'rn('n% %&ro57& %&' d'ni%ion and (ain%'nan' o$ %&' +o5ndari') o$ a5%&ori%6 andon%rol +'%C''n %&'(. /o &i(, =5diial r'i'C i) %&' &i'$, ind''d %&' onl6, ('di5( o$ par%iipa%ion or in)%r5('n% o$ in%'r'n%ion o$ %&' =5diiar6 in %&a% +alanin7 op'ra%ion.L')% i% +' (i)5nd'r)%ood, i% +'ar) '(p&a)i>in7 %&a% %&' #o5r% do') no% &a' %&' 5n+ridl'da5%&ori%6 %o r5l' on =5)% an6 and ''r6 lai( o$ on)%i%5%ional iola%ion. J5ri)pr5d'n' i)r'pl'%' Ci%& %&' r5l' %&a% %&' poC'r o$ =5diial r'i'C i) li(i%'d +6 $o5r 'a%in7 r'?5i)i%'),vi(. a %&'r' (5)% +' an a%5al a)' or on%ro'r)6H + %&' p'%i%ion'r) (5)% po))')) locusstandiH %&' ?5')%ion o$ on)%i%5%ionali%6 (5)% +' rai)'d a% %&' 'arli')% oppor%5ni%6H andd %&' i))5' o$ on)%i%5%ionali%6 (5)% +' %&' lis mota o$ %&' a)'.

Same; Same; Same; ctual Case or Controversy; -ords and Phrases; n actual case or controversy means an existing case or controversy that is appropriate or ripe for determination, not con'ectural or anticipatory, lest the decision of the court would amount toan advisory opinion.An a%5al a)' or on%ro'r)6 ('an) an 'i)%in7 a)' or on%ro'r)6%&a% i) appropria%' or rip' $or d'%'r(ina%ion, no% on='%5ral or an%iipa%or6, l')% %&' d'i)iono$ %&' o5r% Co5ld a(o5n% %o an adi)or6 opinion. /&' r5l' i) %&a% o5r%) do no% )i% %oad=5dia%' ('r' aad'(i ?5')%ion) %o )a%i)$6 )&olarl6 in%'r')%, &oC''r in%'ll'%5all6&all'n7in7. /&' on%ro'r)6 (5)% +' =5)%iia+l' d'ni%' and onr'%', %o5&in7 on %&'l'7al r'la%ion) o$ par%i') &ain7 ad'r)' l'7al in%'r')%). In o%&'r Cord), %&' pl'adin7) (5)%)&oC an a%i' an%a7oni)%i a))'r%ion o$ a l'7al ri7&%, on %&' on' &and, and a d'nial %&'r'o$,on %&' o%&'rH %&a% i), i% (5)% on'rn a r'al, %an7i+l' and no% ('r'l6 a %&'or'%ial ?5')%ionor i))5'. /&'r' o57&% %o +' an a%5al and )5+)%an%ial on%ro'r)6 ad(i%%in7 o$ )p'i r'li'$ %&ro57& a d'r'' onl5)i' in na%5r', a) di)%in75i)&'d $ro( an opinion adi)in7 C&a% %&'laC Co5ld +' 5pon a &6po%&'%ial )%a%' o$ $a%).

Same; Same; Same; Same; or a case to be considered ripe for ad'udication, it is a prere#uisite that something has then been accomplished or performed by either branchbefore a court may come into the picture, and the petitioner must allege the existence of an154

immediate or threatened in'ury to himself as a result of the challenged action.#orollar6 %o%&' r'?5ir'('n% o$ an a%5al a)' or on%ro'r)6 i) %&' r'?5ir'('n% o$ rip'n')). A ?5')%ioni) rip' $or ad=5dia%ion C&'n %&' a% +'in7 &all'n7'd &a) &ad a dir'% ad'r)' ''% on %&'indiid5al &all'n7in7 i%. or a a)' %o +' on)id'r'd rip' $or ad=5dia%ion, i% i) a pr'r'?5i)i%'%&a% )o('%&in7 &a) %&'n +''n ao(pli)&'d or p'r$or('d by either branch +'$or' a o5r%(a6 o(' in%o %&' pi%5r', and %&' p'%i%ion'r (5)% all'7' %&' 'i)%'n' o$ an i(('dia%' or%&r'a%'n'd in=5r6 %o &i()'l$ a) a r')5l% o$ %&' &all'n7'd a%ion. ' (5)% )&oC %&a% &' &a))5)%ain'd or i) i(('dia%'l6 in dan7'r o$ )5)%ainin7 )o(' dir'% in=5r6 a) a r')5l% o$ %&' a%o(plain'd.

Same; Same; Same; Same; acial Challenges; -hile the Supreme Court has withheldthe application of facial challenges to strictly penal statutes, it has expanded its scope tocover statutes not only regulating free speech, but also those involving religious freedom,and other fundamental rights.In %&i) =5ri)di%ion, %&' applia%ion o$ do%rin') ori7ina%in7$ro( %&' -.S. &a) +''n 7'n'rall6 (ain%ain'd, al+'i% Ci%& )o(' (odia%ion). &il' %&i)


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#o5r% &a) Ci%&&'ld %&' applia%ion o$ $aial &all'n7') %o )%ri%l6 p'nal )%a%5%'), i% &a)'pand'd i%) )op' %o o'r )%a%5%') no% onl6 r'75la%in7 $r'' )p''&, +5% al)o %&o)'inolin7 r'li7io5) $r''do(, and o%&'r $5nda('n%al ri7&%). /&' 5nd'rl6in7 r'a)on $or %&i)(odia%ion i) )i(pl'. or 5nli' i%) o5n%'rpar% in %&' -.S., %&i) #o5r%, 5nd'r i%) 'pand'd

=5ri)di%ion, i) (anda%'d +6 %&' 5nda('n%al LaC no% onl6 %o )'%%l' a%5al on%ro'r)i')inolin7 ri7&%) C&i& ar' l'7all6 d'(anda+l' and 'n$or'a+l', +5% al)o %o d'%'r(in'

C&'%&'r or no% %&'r' &a) +''n a 7ra' a+5)' o$ di)r'%ion a(o5n%in7 %o la or '')) o$ =5ri)di%ion on %&' par% o$ an6 +ran& or in)%r5('n%ali%6 o$ %&' Go'rn('n%. 'ril6, %&'$ra('r) o$ O5r #on)%i%5%ion 'ni)ion'd a proa%i' J5diiar6, ''r i7ilan% Ci%& i%) d5%6 %o(ain%ain %&' )5pr'(a6 o$ %&' #on)%i%5%ion.

Same; Same; Same; Same; Locus Standi; -ords and Phrases; Locus standi or legalstanding is de%ned as a personal and substantial interest in a case such that the party hassustained or will sustain direct in'ury as a result of the challenged governmental act; Therule prohibits one from challenging the constitutionality of the statute grounded on aviolation of the rights of third persons not before the court.Locus standi or l'7al )%andin7 i)d'n'd a) a p'r)onal and155

)5+)%an%ial in%'r')% in a a)' )5& %&a% %&' par%6 &a) )5)%ain'd or Cill )5)%ain dir'% in=5r6 a)a r')5l% o$ %&' &all'n7'd 7o'rn('n%al a%. I% r'?5ir') a p'r)onal )%a' in %&' o5%o(' o$ %&' on%ro'r)6 a) %o a))5r' %&' onr'%' ad'r)'n')) C&i& )&arp'n) %&' pr')'n%a%ion o$ i))5') 5pon C&i& %&' o5r% )o lar7'l6 d'p'nd) $or ill5(ina%ion o$ di5l% on)%i%5%ional?5')%ion). In r'la%ion %o locus standi, %&' Qa) appli'd &all'n7' '(+odi') %&' r5l' %&a% on'an &all'n7' %&' on)%i%5%ionali%6 o$ a )%a%5%' onl6 i$ &' a))'r%) a iola%ion o$ &i) oCn ri7&%).

/&' r5l' pro&i+i%) on' $ro( &all'n7in7 %&' on)%i%5%ionali%6 o$ %&' )%a%5%' 7ro5nd'd on aiola%ion o$ %&' ri7&%) o$ %&ird p'r)on) no% +'$or' %&' o5r%. /&i) r5l' i) al)o noCn a) %&'pro&i+i%ion a7ain)% %&ird"par%6 )%andin7.

Same; Same; Same; Same; !eproductive /ealth Law; The !eproductive /ealth *!/+Law drastically a0ects the constitutional provisions on the right to life and health, thefreedom of religion and expression and other constitutional rights. 1indful of all these andthe fact that the issues of contraception and reproductive health have already caused deepdivision among a broad spectrum of society, the Supreme Court entertains no doubt that the

petitions raise issues of transcendental importance warranting immediate court ad'udication.In i'C o$ %&' )'rio5)n')), no'l%6 and C'i7&% a) pr''d'n%), no% onl6 %o %&'p5+li, +5% al)o %o %&' +'n& and +ar, %&' i))5') rai)'d (5)% +' r')ol'd $or %&' 75idan' o$ all. A$%'r all, %&' R LaC dra)%iall6 a'%) %&' on)%i%5%ional proi)ion) on %&' ri7&% %o li$'and &'al%&, %&' $r''do( o$ r'li7ion and 'pr'))ion and o%&'r on)%i%5%ional ri7&%). Mind$5l o$ all %&')' and %&' $a% %&a% %&' i))5') o$ on%ra'p%ion and r'prod5%i' &'al%& &a' alr'ad6a5)'d d''p dii)ion a(on7 a +road )p'%r5( o$ )oi'%6, %&' #o5r% 'n%'r%ain) no do5+% %&a%%&' p'%i%ion) rai)' i))5') o$ %ran)'nd'n%al i(por%an' Carran%in7 i(('dia%' o5r%ad=5dia%ion. Mor' i(por%an%l6, on)id'rin7 %&a% i% i) %&' ri7&% %o li$' o$ %&' (o%&'r and %&'5n+orn C&i& i) pri(aril6 a% i))5', %&' #o5r% n''d no% Cai% $or a li$' %o +' %a'n aCa6 +'$or'%ain7 a%ion. /&' #o5r% anno%, and )&o5ld no%, ''ri)' =5diial r')%rain% a% %&i) %i(' C&'nri7&%) 'n)&rin'd in %&' #on)%i%5%ion ar' +'in7 i(p'rill'd %o +' iola%'d. /o do )o, C&'n %&'li$' o$ 'i%&'r %&' (o%&'r or &'r &ild i) a% )%a', Co5ld l'ad %o irr'para+l' on)'?5'n').

Same; Statutes; 2ne"Sub'ect"2ne"Title !ule; The one sub'ect3one title rule expressesthe principle that the title of a law must not be 4so uncertain that the average person

reading it would not be156

informed of the purpose of the enactment or put on in#uiry as to its contents, or which ismisleading, either in referring to or indicating one sub'ect where another or di0erent one isreally embraced in the act, or in omitting any expression or indication of the real sub'ect or scope of the act.5 /&' on' )5+='%Ton' %i%l' r5l' 'pr'))') %&' prinipl' %&a% %&' %i%l' o$ alaC (5)% no% +' Q)o 5n'r%ain %&a% %&' a'ra7' p'r)on r'adin7 i% Co5ld no% +' in$or('d o$ %&' p5rpo)' o$ %&' 'na%('n% or p5% on in?5ir6 a) %o i%) on%'n%), or C&i& i) (i)l'adin7,'i%&'r in r'$'rrin7 %o or india%in7 on' )5+='% C&'r' ano%&'r or di'r'n% on' i) r'all6


6/371

'(+ra'd in %&' a%, or in o(i%%in7 an6 'pr'))ion or india%ion o$ %&' r'al )5+='% or )op'o$ %&' a%. #on)id'rin7 %&' lo)' in%i(a6 +'%C''n Qr'prod5%i' &'al%& and Qr')pon)i+l'par'n%&ood C&i& +'ar) %o %&' a%%ain('n% o$ %&' 7oal o$ a&i'in7 Q)5)%aina+l' &5(and''lop('n% a) )%a%'d 5nd'r i%) %'r(), %&' #o5r% nd) no r'a)on %o +'li'' %&a% #on7r'))in%'n%ionall6 )o57&% %o d''i' %&' p5+li a) %o %&' on%'n%) o$ %&' a))ail'd l'7i)la%ion.

!eproductive /ealth Law; The use of contraceptives and family planning methods in

the Philippines is not of recent vintage.A) 'po5nd'd 'arli'r, %&' 5)' o$ on%ra'p%i')and $a(il6 plannin7 ('%&od) in %&' &ilippin') i) no% o$ r''n% in%a7'. ro( %&' 'na%('n%o$ R.A. No. 429, 'n%i%l'd Q n ct To !egulate The Sale, 6ispensation, and3or 6istribution of Contraceptive 6rugs and 6evices on J5n' 18, 19KK, pr')ri+in7 r5l') on on%ra'p%i'dr57) and d'i') C&i& pr''n% $'r%ili>a%ion, %o %&' pro(o%ion o$ (al' a)'%o(6 and %5+alli7a%ion, and %&' ra%ia%ion o$ n5('ro5) in%'rna%ional a7r''('n%), %&' o5n%r6 &a) lon7r'o7ni>'d %&' n''d %o pro(o%' pop5la%ion on%rol %&ro57& %&' 5)' o$ on%ra'p%i') inord'r %o a&i'' lon7"%'r( 'ono(i d''lop('n%. /&ro57& %&' 6'ar), &oC''r, %&' 5)' o$ on%ra'p%i') and o%&'r $a(il6 plannin7 ('%&od) 'ol'd $ro( +'in7 a o(pon'n% o$ d'(o7rap&i (ana7'('n%, %o on' 'n%'r'd on %&' pro(o%ion o$ p5+li &'al%&, par%i5larl6,r'prod5%i' &'al%&.

Same; Life begins at fertili(ation./&' pon'n%', i) o$ %&' )%ron7 i'C %&a% li$' +'7in) a%$'r%ili>a%ion. In an)C'rin7 %&' ?5')%ion o$ C&'n li$' +'7in), $o5) )&o5ld +' (ad' on %&'par%i5lar p&ra)' o$ S'%ion 12 C&i& r'ad) S'%ion 12. /&' S%a%' r'o7ni>') %&' )an%i%6 o$ $a(il6 li$' and )&all pro%'% and )%r'n7%&'n %&' $a(il6 a) a +a)i a5%ono(o5) )oialin)%i%5%ion. I% )&all '?5all6 pro%'% %&' li$' o$ %&' (o%&'r and %&' li$' o$ %&' 5n+orn $ro(on'p%ion. /&' na%5ral and pri(ar6 ri7&% and d5%6 o$ par'n%) in %&' r'arin7 o$ %&'157

6o5%& $or ii 'i'n6 and %&' d''lop('n% o$ (oral &ara%'r )&all r''i' %&' )5ppor%o$ %&' Go'rn('n%. /'%5all6, %&' #on)%i%5%ion aord) pro%'%ion %o %&' 5n+orn $ro(on'p%ion. /&i) i) 5ndi)p5%a+l' +'a5)' +'$or' on'p%ion, %&'r' i) no 5n+orn %o )p'a o$.or )aid r'a)on, i% i) no )5rpri)' %&a% %&' #on)%i%5%ion i) (5%' a) %o an6 pro)rip%ion prior %oon'p%ion or C&'n li$' +'7in). /&' pro+l'( &a) ari)'n +'a5)', a(a>in7l6, %&'r' ar'?5ar%'r) C&o &a' on'ni'n%l6 di)r'7ard'd %&' )i'n%i $a% %&a% on'p%ion i) r'on'd$ro( $'r%ili>a%ion. /&'6 ar' Cain7 %&' i'C %&a% li$' +'7in) a% i(plan%a%ion. 'n', %&' i))5'o$ C&'n li$' +'7in). In a n5%)&'ll, %&o)' oppo)in7 %&' R LaC on%'nd %&a% on'p%ion i))6non6(o5) Ci%& Q$'r%ili>a%ion o$ %&' $'(al' o5( +6 %&' (al' )p'r(. On %&' o%&'r )id' o$ %&' )p'%r5( ar' %&o)' C&o a))'r% %&a% on'p%ion r'$'r) %o %&' Qi(plan%a%ion o$ %&'$'r%ili>'d o5( in %&' 5%'r5).

Same; Constitutional Law; 7#ual Protection of the Laws; 8t is apparent that the ramersof the Constitution emphasi(ed that the State shall provide e#ual protection to both themother and the unborn child from the earliest opportunity of life, that is, upon fertili(ation or upon the union of the male sperm and the female ovum.I% i) appar'n% %&a% %&' ra('r) o$ %&' #on)%i%5%ion '(p&a)i>'d %&a% %&' S%a%' )&all proid' '?5al pro%'%ion %o +o%& %&' (o%&'rand %&' 5n+orn &ild $ro( %&' 'arli')% oppor%5ni%6 o$ li$', %&a% i), 5pon $'r%ili>a%ion or 5pon%&' 5nion o$ %&' (al' )p'r( and %&' $'(al' o5(. I% i) al)o appar'n% i) %&a% %&' ra('r) o$ %&' #on)%i%5%ion in%'nd'd %&a% %o pro&i+i% #on7r')) $ro( 'na%in7 ('a)5r') %&a% Co5ld alloCi% d'%'r(in' C&'n li$' +'7in).

Same; Same; Contraceptives; The ramers of the Constitution did not intend to ban allcontraceptives for being unconstitutional; Contraceptives that &ill or destroy the fertili(ed

ovum should be deemed an abortive and thus prohibited. Conversely, contraceptives that actually prevent the union of the male sperm and the female ovum, and those that similarly ta&e action prior to fertili(ation should be deemed non"abortive, and thus, constitutionally

permissible./&' ra('r) o$ %&' #on)%i%5%ion did no% in%'nd %o +an all on%ra'p%i') $or+'in7 5non)%i%5%ional. In $a%, #o((i))ion'r B'rnardo ill'7a), )p'ar&'adin7 %&' n''d %o&a' a on)%i%5%ional proi)ion on %&' ri7&% %o li$', r'o7ni>'d %&a% %&' d'%'r(ina%ion o$ C&'%&'r a on%ra'p%i' d'i' i) an a+or%i$ai'n% i) a ?5')%ion o$ $a% C&i& )&o5ld +' l'$%%o %&' o5r%) %o d'id' on +a)'d on ')%a+li)&'d 'id'n'. ro( %&' di)5))ion) a+o',on%ra'p%i') %&a% ill


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158

or d')%ro6 %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( )&o5ld +' d''('d an a+or%i' and %&5) pro&i+i%'d.#on'r)'l6, on%ra'p%i') %&a% a%5all6 pr''n% %&' 5nion o$ %&' (al' )p'r( and %&'$'(al' o5(, and %&o)' %&a% )i(ilarl6 %a' a%ion prior to fertili(ation )&o5ld +' d''('dnon"a+or%i', and %&5), on)%i%5%ionall6 p'r(i))i+l'.

Same; Conception; -ords and Phrases; 1osby9s 1edical, :ursing, and llied /ealth

6ictionary de%nes conception as 4the beginning of pregnancy usually ta&en to be theinstant a spermato(oon enters an ovum and forms a viable (ygote5; The Textboo& of 2bstetrics *Physiological Pathological 2bstetrics+, used by medical schools in thePhilippines, also concludes that human life *human person+ begins at the moment of fertili(ation with the union of the egg and the sperm resulting in the formation of a newindividual, with a uni#ue genetic composition that dictates all developmental stages that ensue./&a% on'p%ion +'7in) a% $'r%ili>a%ion i) no% +'r'$% o$ ('dial $o5nda%ion. 1osby9s1edical, :ursing, and llied /ealth 6ictionary d'n') on'p%ion a) Q%&' +'7innin7 o$ pr'7nan6 5)5all6 %a'n %o +' %&' in)%an% a )p'r(a%o>oon 'n%'r) an o5( and $or() aia+l' >67o%'. I% d')ri+') $'r%ili>a%ion a) Q%&' 5nion o$ (al' and $'(al' 7a('%') %o $or( a>67o%' $ro( C&i& %&' '(+r6o d''lop). /&' Textboo& of 2bstetrics *Physiological Pathological 2bstetrics+, 5)'d +6 ('dial )&ool) in %&' &ilippin'), al)o onl5d') %&a%&5(an li$' &5(an p'r)on +'7in) a% %&' (o('n% o$ $'r%ili>a%ion Ci%& %&' 5nion o$ %&' '77and %&' )p'r( r')5l%in7 in %&' $or(a%ion o$ a n'C indiid5al, Ci%& a 5ni?5' 7'n'%io(po)i%ion %&a% di%a%') all d''lop('n%al )%a7') %&a% 'n)5'. Si(ilarl6, r''n% ('dialr')'ar& on %&' (a%%'r al)o r''al) %&a% Q5(an d''lop('n% +'7in) a$%'r %&' 5nion o$ (al' and $'(al' 7a('%') or 7'r( 'll) d5rin7 a pro')) noCn a) $'r%ili>a%ion on'p%ion.'r%ili>a%ion i) a )'?5'n' o$ ''n%) %&a% +'7in) Ci%& %&' on%a% o$ a )p'r( )p'r(a%o>oonCi%& a )'ondar6 oo6%' o5( and 'nd) Ci%& %&' $5)ion o$ %&'ir pron5l'i %&' &aploidn5l'i o$ %&' )p'r( and o5( and %&' (in7lin7 o$ %&'ir &ro(o)o(') %o $or( a n'C 'll.

/&i) $'r%ili>'d o5(, noCn a) a >67o%', i) a lar7' diploid 'll %&a% i) %&' +'7innin7, orpri(ordi5(, o$ a &5(an +'in7.

Same; Same; 8n all, whether it be ta&en from a plain meaning, or understood under medical parlance, and more importantly, following the intention of the ramers of theConstitution, the undeniable conclusion is that a (ygote is a human organism and that thelife of a new human being commences at a scienti%cally well"de%ned moment 159

of conception, that is, upon fertili(ation.In all, C&'%&'r i% +' %a'n $ro( a plain ('anin7, or5nd'r)%ood 5nd'r ('dial parlan', and (or' i(por%an%l6, $olloCin7 %&' in%'n%ion o$ %&'ra('r) o$ %&' #on)%i%5%ion, %&' 5nd'nia+l' onl5)ion i) %&a% a >67o%' i) a &5(an or7ani)(and %&a% %&' li$' o$ a n'C &5(an +'in7 o(('n') a% a )i'n%iall6 C'll"d'n'd (o('n%o$ on'p%ion, %&a% i), 5pon $'r%ili>a%ion.

Same; Same -hile the Supreme Court has opted not to ma&e any determination whenlife begins, it %nds that the !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law itself clearly mandates that

protection be a0orded from the moment of fertili(ation./&' l'ar and 5n'?5ioal in%'n% o$ %&' ra('r) o$ %&' 198 #on)%i%5%ion in pro%'%in7 %&' li$' o$ %&' 5n+orn $ro( on'p%ionCa) %o pr''n% %&' L'7i)la%5r' $ro( 'na%in7 a ('a)5r' l'7ali>in7 a+or%ion. I% Ca) )o l'ar%&a% ''n %&' #o5r% anno% in%'rpr'% i% o%&'rCi)'. /&i) in%'n% o$ %&' ra('r) Ca) ap%5r'd in%&' r'ord o$ %&' pro''din7) o$ %&' 198K #on)%i%5%ional #o((i))ion. A r'adin7 o$ %&'R LaC Co5ld )&oC %&a% i% i) in lin' Ci%& %&i) in%'n% and a%5all6 pro)ri+') a+or%ion. &il'%&' #o5r% &a) op%'d no% %o (a' an6 d'%'r(ina%ion, a% %&i) )%a7', C&'n li$' +'7in), i% nd)%&a% %&' R LaC i%)'l$ l'arl6 (anda%') %&a% pro%'%ion +' aord'd $ro( %&' (o('n% o$ $'r%ili>a%ion. A) poin%'d o5% +6 J5)%i' #arpio, %&' R LaC i) r'pl'%' Ci%& proi)ion) %&a%'(+od6 %&' poli6 o$ %&' laC %o pro%'% %o %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( and %&a% i% )&o5ld +' aord'd)a$' %ra'l %o %&' 5%'r5) $or i(plan%a%ion. Mor'o'r, %&' R LaC r'o7ni>') %&a% a+or%ion i) ari(' 5nd'r Ar%il' 2FK o$ %&' R'i)'d 'nal #od', C&i& p'nali>') %&' d')%r5%ion or'p5l)ion o$ %&' $'r%ili>'d o5(.

Same; bortifacients; 8n carrying out its declared policy, the !eproductive /ealth *!/+Law is consistent in prohibiting abortifacients.In arr6in7 o5% i%) d'lar'd poli6, %&' R


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LaC i) on)i)%'n% in pro&i+i%in7 a+or%i$ai'n%). /o +' l'ar, S'%ion 4a o$ %&' R LaC d'n')an a+or%i$ai'n% a) S'%ion 4. 6e%nition of Terms a bortifacient r'$'r) %o an6dr57 or d'i' %&a% ind5') a+or%ion or %&' d')%r5%ion o$ a $'%5) in)id' %&' (o%&'rU) Co(+or %&' pr''n%ion o$ %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( %o r'a& and +' i(plan%'d in %&' (o%&'rU) Co(+5pon d'%'r(ina%ion o$ %&' A. A) )%a%'d a+o', %&' R LaC (anda%') %&a% pro%'%ion (5)%+' aord'd $ro( %&' (o('n% o$ $'r%ili>a%ion. B6 5)in7 %&' Cord Qor , %&' R LaC pro&i+i%)

no% onl6 dr57) or d'i') %&a% pr''n% i(plan%a%ion, +5% al)o %&o)' %&a% in"160d5' a+or%ion and %&o)' %&a% ind5' %&' d')%r5%ion o$ a $'%5) in)id' %&' (o%&'rU) Co(+.

/&5), an a+or%i$ai'n% i) an6 dr57 or d'i' %&a% 'i%&'r a Ind5') a+or%ionH or + Ind5')%&' d')%r5%ion o$ a $'%5) in)id' %&' (o%&'rU) Co(+H or r''n%) %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( %or'a& and +' i(plan%'d in %&' (o%&'rU) Co(+, 5pon d'%'r(ina%ion o$ %&' A.

Same; Same; -ords and Phrases; s de%ned by the !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law,any drug or device that induces abortion, that is, which &ills or destroys the fertili(ed ovumor prevents the fertili(ed ovum to reach and be implanted in the mother9s womb, is anabortifacient.#on%rar6 %o %&' a))'r%ion) (ad' +6 %&' p'%i%ion'r), %&' #o5r% nd) %&a% %&'R LaC, on)i)%'n% Ci%& %&' #on)%i%5%ion, r'o7ni>') %&a% %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( alr'ad6 &a) li$'and %&a% %&' S%a%' &a) a +o5nd'n d5%6 %o pro%'% i%. /&' onl5)ion +'o(') l'ar +'a5)'%&' R LaC, %rst , pro&i+i%) an6 dr57 or d'i' %&a% ind5') a+or%ion r)% ind, C&i&, a)di)5))'d '&a5)%i'l6 a+o', r'$'r) %o %&a% C&i& ind5') %&' illin7 or %&' d')%r5%ion o$ %&' $'r%ili>'d o5(, and, second, pro&i+i%) an6 dr57 or d'i' %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( %o r'a&and +' i(plan%'d in %&' (o%&'rU) Co(+ %&ird ind. B6 'pr'))l6 d'larin7 %&a% an6 dr57 ord'i' %&a% pr''n%) %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( %o r'a& and +' i(plan%'d in %&' (o%&'rU) Co(+ i)an a+or%i$ai'n% %&ird ind, %&' R LaC do') no% in%'nd %o ('an a% all %&a% li$' onl6 +'7in)onl6 a% i(plan%a%ion, a) on. La7(an )577')%). I% al)o do') no% d'lar' 'i%&'r %&a%pro%'%ion Cill onl6 +' 7i'n 5pon i(plan%a%ion, a) %&' p'%i%ion'r) li'Ci)' )577')%. Ra%&'r,i% r'o7ni>') %&a% one, %&'r' i) a n''d %o pro%'% %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( C&i& alr'ad6 &a) li$',and two, %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( (5)% +' pro%'%'d %&' (o('n% i% +'o(') 'i)%'n% all %&'Ca6 5n%il i% r'a&') and i(plan%) in %&' (o%&'rU) Co(+. A$%'r all, i$ li$' i) onl6 r'o7ni>'dand aord'd pro%'%ion $ro( %&' (o('n% %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( i(plan%) %&'r' i) no%&in7 %opr''n% an6 dr57 or d'i' $ro( illin7 or d')%ro6in7 %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( prior %oi(plan%a%ion. ro( %&' $or'7oin7, %&' #o5r% nd) %&a% ina)(5& a) i% aord) pro%'%ion %o%&' $'r%ili>'d o5(, %&' R LaC do') no% )an%ion a+or%ion. /o r'p'a%, i% i) %&' #o5r%U)po)i%ion %&a% li$' +'7in) a% $'r%ili>a%ion, no% a% i(plan%a%ion. &'n a $'r%ili>'d o5( i)i(plan%'d in %&' 5%'rin' Call, i%) ia+ili%6 i) )5)%ain'd +5% %&a% in)%an' o$ i(plan%a%ion i) no%%&' poin% o$ +'7innin7 o$ li$'. I% )%ar%'d 'arli'r. And a) d'n'd +6 %&' R LaC, an6 dr57 ord'i' %&a% ind5') a+or%ion, %&a% i), C&i& ill) or d'"161

)%ro6) %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( or pr''n%) %&' $'r%ili>'d o5( %o r'a& and +' i(plan%'d in %&'(o%&'rU) Co(+, i) an a+or%i$ai'n%.

Same; Contraceptives; 7vidently, with the addition of the word 4primarily,5 in Section*a+ and *'+ of the 8mplementing !ules and !egulations of the !/ Law *!/"8!!+ is indeedultra vires. 8t contravenes Section ?*a+ of the !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law and should,therefore, be declared invalid. There is danger that the insertion of the #uali%er 4primarily5 will pave the way for the approval of contraceptives which may harm or destroy the life of the unborn from conception3fertili(ation in violation of rticle 88, Section >@ of theConstitution.Eid'n%l6, Ci%& %&' addi%ion o$ %&' Cord Qpri(aril6, in S'%ion .01a and =o$ %&' R"IRR i) ind''d ultra vires. I% on%ra'n') S'%ion 4a o$ %&' R LaC and )&o5ld,%&'r'$or', +' d'lar'd inalid. /&'r' i) dan7'r %&a% %&' in)'r%ion o$ %&' ?5ali'r Qpri(aril6Cill pa' %&' Ca6 $or %&' approal o$ on%ra'p%i') C&i& (a6 &ar( or d')%ro6 %&' li$' o$ %&' 5n+orn $ro( on'p%ionT$'r%ili>a%ion in iola%ion o$ Ar%il' II, S'%ion 12 o$ %&'#on)%i%5%ion. i%& )5& ?5alia%ion in %&' R"IRR, i% app'ar) %o in)in5a%' %&a% aon%ra'p%i' Cill onl6 +' on)id'r'd a) an Qa+or%i$ai'n% i$ i%) )ol' noCn ''% i) a+or%ionor, a) p'r%in'n% &'r', %&' pr''n%ion o$ %&' i(plan%a%ion o$ %&' $'r%ili>'d o5(. or %&' )a('


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r'a)on, %&i) d'ni%ion o$ Qon%ra'p%i' Co5ld p'r(i% %&' approal o$ on%ra'p%i') C&i&ar' a%5all6 a+or%i$ai'n%) +'a5)' o$ %&'ir $air")al' ('&ani)(.

Same; Same; Consistent with the constitutional policy prohibiting abortion, and in linewith the principle that laws should be construed in a manner that its constitutionality issustained, the !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law and its implementing rules must be consistent with each other in prohibiting abortion.Ind''d, on)i)%'n% Ci%& %&' on)%i%5%ional poli6

pro&i+i%in7 a+or%ion, and in lin' Ci%& %&' prinipl' %&a% laC) )&o5ld +' on)%r5'd in a (ann'r%&a% i%) on)%i%5%ionali%6 i) )5)%ain'd, %&' R LaC and i%) i(pl'('n%in7 r5l') (5)% +'on)i)%'n% Ci%& 'a& o%&'r in pro&i+i%in7 a+or%ion. /&5), %&' Cord Qpri(aril6 in S'%ion.01a and = o$ %&' R"IRR )&o5ld +' d'lar'd oid. /o 5p&old %&' alidi%6 o$ S'%ion.01a and = o$ %&' R"IRR and pro&i+i% onl6 %&o)' on%ra'p%i') %&a% &a' %&' pri(ar6''% o$ +'in7 an a+or%i' Co5ld ''%i'l6 Qop'n %&' Pood7a%') %o %&' approal o$ on%ra'p%i') C&i& (a6 &ar( or d')%ro6 %&' li$' o$ %&' 5n+orn $ro(on'p%ionT$'r%ili>a%ion in iola%ion o$ Ar%il' II, S'%ion 12 o$ %&' #on)%i%5%ion.

162

Same; Same; -ith !.. :o. ?A@B in place, there exists ade#uate safeguards to ensurethe public that only contraceptives that are safe are made available to the public./&'l'7i)la%i' in%'n% in %&' 'na%('n% o$ %&' R LaC in %&i) r'7ard i) %o l'a' in%a% %&'proi)ion) o$ R.A. No. 429. /&'r' i) no in%'n%ion a% all %o do aCa6 Ci%& i%. I% i) )%ill a 7ood laCand i%) r'?5ir'('n%) ar' )%ill in %o +' o(pli'd Ci%&. /&5), %&' #o5r% a7r'') Ci%& %&'o+)'ra%ion o$ r')pond'n% La7(an %&a% %&' ''%ii%6 o$ %&' R LaC Cill no% l'ad %o %&'5n(i%i7a%'d proli$'ra%ion o$ on%ra'p%i') )in' %&' )al', di)%ri+5%ion and di)p'n)a%ion o$ on%ra'p%i' dr57) and d'i') Cill )%ill r'?5ir' %&' pr')rip%ion o$ a li'n)'d p&6)iian.i%& R.A. No. 429 in pla', %&'r' 'i)%) ad'?5a%' )a$'75ard) %o 'n)5r' %&' p5+li %&a% onl6on%ra'p%i') %&a% ar' )a$' ar' (ad' aaila+l' %o %&' p5+li.

Same; Same; 8n the distribution by the 6epartment of /ealth of contraceptive drugsand devices, it must consider the provisions of !epublic ct *!..+ :o. ?A@B, which is still ine0ect, and ensure that the contraceptives that it will procure shall be from a duly licenseddrug store or pharmaceutical company and that the actual dispensation of thesecontraceptive drugs and devices will done following a prescription of a #uali%ed medical

practitioner.In %&' di)%ri+5%ion +6 %&' O o$ on%ra'p%i' dr57) and d'i'), i% (5)%on)id'r %&' proi)ion) o$ R.A. No. 429, C&i& i) )%ill in ''%, and 'n)5r' %&a% %&'on%ra'p%i') %&a% i% Cill pro5r' )&all +' $ro( a d5l6 li'n)'d dr57 )%or' or p&ar(a'5%ialo(pan6 and %&a% %&' a%5al di)p'n)a%ion o$ %&')' on%ra'p%i' dr57) and d'i') Cilldon' $olloCin7 a pr')rip%ion o$ a ?5ali'd ('dial pra%i%ion'r. /&' di)%ri+5%ion o$ on%ra'p%i' dr57) and d'i') (5)% no% +' indi)ri(ina%'l6 don'. /&' p5+li &'al%& (5)%+' pro%'%'d +6 all po))i+l' ('an). A) poin%'d o5% +6 J5)%i' ' #a)%ro, a &'a6r')pon)i+ili%6 and +5rd'n ar' a))5('d +6 %&' 7o'rn('n% in )5ppl6in7 on%ra'p%i' dr57)and d'i'), $or i% (a6 +' &'ld ao5n%a+l' $or an6 in=5r6, illn')) or lo)) o$ li$' r')5l%in7 $ro(or inid'n%al %o %&'ir 5)'.

Same; Same; The Supreme Court is of the strong view that Congress cannot legislatethat hormonal contraceptives and intra"uterine devices are safe and non"abortifacient.A%%&i) poin%, %&' #o5r% i) o$ %&' )%ron7 i'C %&a% #on7r')) anno% l'7i)la%' %&a% &or(onalon%ra'p%i') and in%ra5%'rin' d'i') ar' )a$' and non"163

a+or%i$ai'n%. /&' r)% )'n%'n' o$ S'%ion 9 %&a% ordain) %&'ir inl5)ion +6 %&' Na%ional r57or(5lar6 in %&' EL +6 5)in7 %&' (anda%or6 Q)&all i) %o +' on)%r5'd a) op'ra%i' onl6a$%'r %&'6 &a' +''n %')%'d, 'al5a%'d, and appro'd +6 %&' A. /&' A, no% #on7r')),&a) %&' 'p'r%i)' %o d'%'r(in' C&'%&'r a par%i5lar &or(onal on%ra'p%i' or in%ra5%'rin'd'i' i) )a$' and non"a+or%i$ai'n%. /&' proi)ion o$ %&' %&ird )'n%'n' on'rnin7 %&'r'?5ir'('n%) $or %&' inl5)ion or r'(oal o$ a par%i5lar $a(il6 plannin7 )5ppl6 $ro( %&' EL)5ppor%) %&i) on)%r5%ion.

Constitutional Law; Separation of Church and State; enerally, the State cannot meddle in the internal a0airs of the church, much less #uestion its faith and dogmas or dictate upon it. 8t cannot favor one religion and discriminate against another./&' prinipl'


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o$ )'para%ion o$ #&5r& and S%a%' Ca), %&5), 'n)&rin'd in Ar%il' II, S'%ion K o$ %&' 198#on)%i%5%ion, vi(. S'%ion K. /&' )'para%ion o$ #&5r& and S%a%' )&all +' iniola+l'. 'ril6,%&' prinipl' o$ )'para%ion o$ #&5r& and S%a%' i) +a)'d on (5%5al r')p'%. G'n'rall6, %&'S%a%' anno% ('ddl' in %&' in%'rnal aair) o$ %&' &5r&, (5& l')) ?5')%ion i%) $ai%& anddo7(a) or di%a%' 5pon i%. I% anno% $aor on' r'li7ion and di)ri(ina%' a7ain)% ano%&'r. On%&' o%&'r &and, %&' &5r& anno% i(po)' i%) +'li'$) and oni%ion) on %&' S%a%' and %&'

r')% o$ %&' i%i>'nr6. I% anno% d'(and %&a% %&' na%ion $olloC i%) +'li'$), ''n i$ i% )in'r'l6+'li'') %&a% %&'6 ar' 7ood $or %&' o5n%r6. #on)i)%'n% Ci%& %&' prinipl' %&a% no% an6 on'r'li7ion )&o5ld ''r +' pr'$'rr'd o'r ano%&'r, %&' #on)%i%5%ion in %&' a+o'"i%'d proi)ion5%ili>') %&' %'r( Q&5r& in i%) 7'n'ri )'n)', C&i& r'$'r) %o a %'(pl', a (o)?5', aniglesia, or an6 o%&'r &o5)' o$ God C&i& ('%ap&oriall6 )6(+oli>') a r'li7io5) or7ani>a%ion.

/&5), %&' Q#&5r& ('an) %&' r'li7io5) on7r'7a%ion) oll'%i'l6.Same; !eligious reedom; ree 7xercise Clause; 7stablishment Clause; The

constitutional assurance of religious freedom provides two guarantees) the 7stablishment Clause and the ree 7xercise Clause.In )&or%, %&' on)%i%5%ional a))5ran' o$ r'li7io5)$r''do( proid') %Co 75aran%'') %&' 7stablishment Clause and %&'ree 7xercise Clause.

/&' ')%a+li)&('n% la5)' Qprinipall6 pro&i+i%) %&' S%a%' $ro( )pon)orin7 an6 r'li7ion or$aorin7 an6 r'li7ion a) a7ain)% o%&'r r'li7ion). I% (anda%') a )%ri% n'5%rali%6 in aair)a(on7 r'li7io5) 7ro5p). E))'n%iall6, i% pro&i+i%) %&' ')%a+li)&('n% o$ a )%a%' r'li7ion and%&' 5)' o$ p5+li r')o5r') $or %&' )5ppor% or pro&i+i%ion o$ a r'li7ion. On %&' o%&'r &and, %&'+a)i) o$ %&' $r''164

''ri)' la5)' i) %&' r')p'% $or %&' iniola+ili%6 o$ %&' &5(an on)i'n'. -nd'r %&i) par%o$ r'li7io5) $r''do( 75aran%'', %&' S%a%' i) pro&i+i%'d $ro( 5nd5l6 in%'r$'rin7 Ci%& %&'o5%)id' (ani$')%a%ion) o$ on'U) +'li'$ and $ai%&.

Same; Same; Same; 6octrine of Denevolent :eutrality; 8n case of conEict between thefree exercise clause and the State, the Supreme Court adheres to the doctrine of benevolent neutrality.In a)' o$ onPi% +'%C''n %&' $r'' ''ri)' la5)' and %&' S%a%', %&' #o5r%ad&'r') %o %&' do%rin' o$ +'n'ol'n% n'5%rali%6. /&i) &a) +''n l'arl6 d'id'd +6 %&' #o5r%in 7strada v. 7scritor , 492 S#RA 1 200K, 7scritor C&'r' i% Ca) )%a%'d Q%&a% +'n'ol'n%n'5%rali%6"ao((oda%ion, C&'%&'r (anda%or6 or p'r(i))i', i) %&' )piri%, in%'n% and$ra('Cor 5nd'rl6in7 %&' &ilippin' #on)%i%5%ion. In %&' )a(' a)', i% Ca) $5r%&'r'plain'd %&a% /&' +'n'ol'n% n'5%rali%6 %&'or6 +'li'') %&a% Ci%& r')p'% %o %&')'7o'rn('n%al a%ion), ao((oda%ion o$ r'li7ion (a6 +' alloC'd, no% %o pro(o%' %&'7o'rn('n%U) $aor'd $or( o$ r'li7ion, +5% %o alloC indiid5al) and 7ro5p) %o ''ri)' %&'irr'li7ion Ci%&o5% &indran'. Q/&' p5rpo)' o$ ao((oda%ion i) %o r'(o' a +5rd'n on, or$aili%a%' %&' ''ri)' o$, a p'r)onU) or in)%i%5%ionU) r'li7ion. Q&a% i) )o57&% 5nd'r %&'%&'or6 o$ ao((oda%ion i) no% a d'lara%ion o$ 5non)%i%5%ionali%6 o$ a $aiall6 n'5%ral laC,+5% an ''(p%ion $ro( i%) applia%ion or i%) V+5rd'n)o(' ''%,U C&'%&'r +6 %&' l'7i)la%5r'or %&' o5r%). In a)'r%ainin7 %&' li(i%) o$ %&' ''ri)' o$ r'li7io5) $r''do(, %&' o(p'llin7)%a%' in%'r')% %')% i) prop'r. -nd'rl6in7 %&' o(p'llin7 )%a%' in%'r')% %')% i) %&' no%ion %&a%$r'' ''ri)' i) a $5nda('n%al ri7&% and %&a% laC) +5rd'nin7 i% )&o5ld +' )5+='% %o )%ri%)r5%in6.

Same; !eproductive /ealth Law; !eligious reedom; -hile the Supreme Court standswithout authority to rule on ecclesiastical matters, as vanguard of the Constitution, it doeshave authority to determine whether the !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law contravenes the

guarantee of religious freedom.In %&' a)' a% +'n&, i% i) no% Ci%&in %&' proin' o$ %&'#o5r% %o d'%'r(in' C&'%&'r %&' 5)' o$ on%ra'p%i') or on'U) par%iipa%ion in %&' )5ppor% o$ (od'rn r'prod5%i' &'al%& ('a)5r') i) (oral $ro( a r'li7io5) )%andpoin% or C&'%&'r %&')a(' i) ri7&% or Cron7 aordin7 %o on'U) do7(a or +'li'$. or %&' #o5r% &a) d'lar'd %&a%(a%%'r) d'alin7 Ci%& Q$ai%&, pra%i', do%rin', $or( o$ Cor)&ip, 'l')ia)%ial laC, 5)%o(and r5l' o$ a &5r&...ar' 5n?5')%iona+l6 'l')ia)%ial (a%%'r) C&i&165

ar' o5%)id' %&' proin' o$ %&' iil o5r%). /&' =5ri)di%ion o$ %&' #o5r% '%'nd) onl6 %op5+li and )'5lar (orali%6. &a%''r prono5n'('n% %&' #o5r% (a') in %&' a)' a% +'n&


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)&o5ld +' 5nd'r)%ood onl6 in %&i) r'al( C&'r' i% &a) a5%&ori%6. S%a%'d o%&'rCi)', C&il' %&'#o5r% )%and) Ci%&o5% a5%&ori%6 %o r5l' on 'l')ia)%ial (a%%'r), a) an75ard o$ %&'#on)%i%5%ion, i% do') &a' a5%&ori%6 %o d'%'r(in' C&'%&'r %&' R LaC on%ra'n') %&'75aran%'' o$ r'li7io5) $r''do(.

Same; Same; Same; The State is not precluded to pursue its legitimate secular ob'ectives without being dictated upon by the policies of any one religion. In %&' )a('

+r'a%& %&a% %&' ')%a+li)&('n% la5)' r')%ri%) C&a% %&' 7o'rn('n% an do Ci%& r'li7ion, i%al)o li(i%) C&a% r'li7io5) )'%) an or anno% do Ci%& %&' 7o'rn('n%. /&'6 an n'i%&'ra5)' %&' 7o'rn('n% %o adop% %&'ir par%i5lar do%rin') a) poli6 $or ''r6on', nor an%&'6 no% a5)' %&' 7o'rn('n% %o r')%ri% o%&'r 7ro5p). /o do )o, in )i(pl' %'r(), Co5lda5)' %&' S%a%' %o ad&'r' %o a par%i5lar r'li7ion and, %&5), ')%a+li)&in7 a )%a%' r'li7ion.#on)'?5'n%l6, %&' p'%i%ion'r) ar' (i)75id'd in %&'ir )5ppo)i%ion %&a% %&' S%a%' anno%'n&an' i%) pop5la%ion on%rol pro7ra( %&ro57& %&' R LaC )i(pl6 +'a5)' %&' pro(o%iono$ on%ra'p%i' 5)' i) on%rar6 %o %&'ir r'li7io5) +'li'$). Ind''d, %&' S%a%' i) no% pr'l5d'd%o p5r)5' i%) l'7i%i(a%' )'5lar o+='%i') Ci%&o5% +'in7 di%a%'d 5pon +6 %&' polii') o$ an6on' r'li7ion. On' anno% r'$5)' %o pa6 &i) %a') )i(pl6 +'a5)' i% Cill lo5d &i) on)i'n'.

/&' d'(ara%ion lin' +'%C''n #&5r& and S%a%' d'(and) %&a% on' r'nd'r 5n%o #a')ar %&'%&in7) %&a% ar' #a')arU) and 5n%o God %&' %&in7) %&a% ar' GodU).

Same; Same; Same; Compelling 8nterest Test; The conscientious ob'ector9s claim toreligious freedom would warrant an exemption from obligations under the !eproductive/ealth Law, unless the government succeeds in demonstrating a more compelling stateinterest in the accomplishment of an important secular ob'ective.In a )i%5a%ion C&'r' %&'$r'' ''ri)' o$ r'li7ion i) all'7'dl6 +5rd'n'd +6 7o'rn('n% l'7i)la%ion or pra%i', %&'o(p'llin7 )%a%' in%'r')% %')% in lin' Ci%& %&' #o5r%U) ')po5)al o$ %&' o%rin' o$ B'n'ol'n%N'5%rali%6 in E)ri%or, nd) applia%ion. In %&i) a)', %&' on)i'n%io5) o+='%orU) lai( %or'li7io5) $r''do( Co5ld Carran% an ''(p%ion $ro( o+li7a%ion) 5nd'r %&' R LaC, 5nl'))%&' 7o'rn('n% )5''d) in d'(on)%ra%in7 a (or' o(p'llin7 )%a%' in%'r')% in %&'ao(pli)&('n% o$ an i(por%an% )'5lar o+='%i'. N''))aril6 )o,166

%&' pl'a o$ on)i'n%io5) o+='%or) $or ''(p%ion $ro( %&' R LaC d')'r') no l')) %&an)%ri% )r5%in6.

Same; Same; Same; The Court is of the view that the obligation to refer imposed by the !eproductive /ealth Law violates the religious belief and conviction of a conscientiousob'ector./&' #o5r% i) o$ %&' i'C %&a% %&' o+li7a%ion %o r'$'r i(po)'d +6 %&' R LaCiola%') %&' r'li7io5) +'li'$ and oni%ion o$ a on)i'n%io5) o+='%or. On' %&' ('dialpra%i%ion'r, a7ain)% &i) Cill, r'$'r) a pa%i'n% )''in7 in$or(a%ion on (od'rn r'prod5%i'&'al%& prod5%), )'ri'), pro'd5r') and ('%&od), &i) on)i'n' i) i(('dia%'l6 +5rd'n'da) &' &a) +''n o(p'll'd %o p'r$or( an a% a7ain)% &i) +'li'$). A) #o((i))ion'r Joa?5in A.B'rna) Commissioner Dernas &a) Cri%%'n, a% %&' +a)i) o$ %&' $r'' ''ri)' la5)' i) %&'r')p'% $or %&' iniola+ili%6 o$ %&' &5(an on)i'n'. /&o57& i% &a) +''n )aid %&a% %&' a% o$ r'$'rral i) an op%"o5% la5)', i% i), &oC''r, a $al)' o(pro(i)' +'a5)' i% (a') pro"li$'&'al%& proid'r) o(plii% in %&' p'r$or(an' o$ an a% %&a% %&'6 nd (orall6 r'p57nan% oro'n)i'. /&'6 anno%, in on)i'n', do indir'%l6 C&a% %&'6 anno% do dir'%l6. On' (a6no% +' %&' prinipal, +5% &' i) '?5all6 75il%6 i$ &' a+'%) %&' o'n)i' a% +6 indir'%par%iipa%ion.

Same; Same; Same; 8n case of conEict between the religious beliefs and moral

convictions of individuals, on one hand, and the interest of the State, on the other, to provide access and information on reproductive health products, services, procedures andmethods to enable the people to determine the timing, number and spacing of the birth of their children, the Supreme Court is of the strong view that the religious freedom of health

providers, whether public or private, should be accorded primacy.In a)' o$ onPi%+'%C''n %&' r'li7io5) +'li'$) and (oral oni%ion) o$ indiid5al), on on' &and, and %&'in%'r')% o$ %&' S%a%', on %&' o%&'r, %o proid' a')) and in$or(a%ion on r'prod5%i' &'al%&prod5%), )'ri'), pro'd5r') and ('%&od) %o 'na+l' %&' p'opl' %o d'%'r(in' %&' %i(in7,n5(+'r and )pain7 o$ %&' +ir%& o$ %&'ir &ildr'n, %&' #o5r% i) o$ %&' )%ron7 i'C %&a% %&'


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r'li7io5) $r''do( o$ &'al%& proid'r), C&'%&'r p5+li or pria%', )&o5ld +' aord'd pri(a6.Aordin7l6, a conscientious ob'ector )&o5ld +' ''(p% $ro( o(plian' Ci%& %&' (anda%')o$ %&' R LaC. I$ &' Co5ld +' o(p'll'd %o a% on%rar6 %o &i) r'li7io5) +'li'$ and oni%ion,i% Co5ld +' iola%i' o$ Q%&' prinipl' o$ non"o'rion 'n)&rin'd in %&' on)%i%5%ional ri7&% %o$r'' ''ri)' o$ r'li7ion.

167

Same; Same; Same; The punishment of a healthcare service provider, who fails and3or refuses to refer a patient to another, or who declines to perform reproductive health procedure on a patient because incompatible religious beliefs, is a clear inhibition of aconstitutional guarantee which the Supreme Court cannot allow./&' #o5r% i) no% o+liio5)%o %&' i'C %&a% p'nal%i') proid'd +6 laC 'nd'ao5r %o 'n)5r' o(plian'. i%&o5% )'%on)'?5'n') $or 'i%&'r an a%i' iola%ion or ('r' ina%ion, a laC %'nd) %o +' %oo%&l')) andin''%5al. Non'%&'l')), C&'n C&a% i) +ar%'r'd $or an ''%i' i(pl'('n%a%ion o$ a laC i) aon)%i%5%ionall6"pro%'%'d ri7&% %&' #o5r% r(l6 &oo)') %o )%a(p i%) di)approal. /&'p5ni)&('n% o$ a &'al%&ar' )'ri' proid'r, C&o $ail) andTor r'$5)') %o r'$'r a pa%i'n% %oano%&'r, or C&o d'lin') %o p'r$or( r'prod5%i' &'al%& pro'd5r' on a pa%i'n% +'a5)'ino(pa%i+l' r'li7io5) +'li'$), i) a l'ar in&i+i%ion o$ a on)%i%5%ional 75aran%'' C&i& %&'#o5r% anno% alloC.

Same; Same; Same; The protection accorded to other conscientious ob'ectors shoulde#ually apply to all medical practitioners without distinction whether they belong to the

public or private sector./&' on)i'n%io5) o+='%ion la5)' )&o5ld +' '?5all6 pro%'%i' o$ %&' r'li7io5) +'li'$ o$ p5+li &'al%& o'r). /&'r' i) no p'r'p%i+l' di)%in%ion C&6 %&'6)&o5ld no% +' on)id'r'd ''(p% $ro( %&' (anda%') o$ %&' laC. /&' pro%'%ion aord'd %oo%&'r on)i'n%io5) o+='%or) )&o5ld '?5all6 appl6 %o all ('dial pra%i%ion'r) Ci%&o5%di)%in%ion C&'%&'r %&'6 +'lon7 %o %&' p5+li or pria%' )'%or. A$%'r all, %&' $r''do( %o+'li'' i) in%rin)i in ''r6 indiid5al and %&' pro%'%i' ro+' %&a% 75aran%'') i%) $r''''ri)' i) no% %a'n o ''n i$ on' a?5ir') '(plo6('n% in %&' 7o'rn('n%.

Same; Same; Same; The Supreme Court %nds no compelling state interest whichwould limit the free exercise clause of the conscientious ob'ectors, however few in number./&' #o5r% nd) no o(p'llin7 )%a%' in%'r')% C&i& Co5ld li(i% %&' $r'' ''ri)' la5)' o$ %&' on)i'n%io5) o+='%or), &oC''r $'C in n5(+'r. Onl6 %&' pr''n%ion o$ an i(('dia%'and 7ra' dan7'r %o %&' )'5ri%6 and C'l$ar' o$ %&' o((5ni%6 an =5)%i$6 %&' in$rin7'('n%o$ r'li7io5) $r''do(. I$ %&' 7o'rn('n% $ail) %o )&oC %&' )'rio5)n')) and i(('dia6 o$ %&'%&r'a%, S%a%' in%r5)ion i) on)%i%5%ionall6 5na'p%a+l'. r''do( o$ r'li7ion ('an) (or' %&an

=5)% %&' $r''do( %o +'li''. I% al)o ('an) %&' $r''do( %o a% or no% %o a% aordin7 %o C&a%on' +'li''). And %&i) $r''do( i) iola%'d C&'n on' i) o(p'll'd %o a% a7ain)% on'U) +'li'$ or i) pr''n%'d $ro( a%in7 aordin7 %o on'U) +'li'$.

168

Same; Same; 8n a conEict situation between the life of the mother and the life of achild, the doctor is morally obliged always to try to save both lives. 8f, however, it isimpossible, the resulting death to one should not be deliberate.In a onPi% )i%5a%ion+'%C''n %&' li$' o$ %&' (o%&'r and %&' li$' o$ a &ild, %&' do%or i) (orall6 o+li7'd alCa6) %o%r6 %o )a' +o%& li'). I$, &oC''r, i% i) i(po))i+l', %&' r')5l%in7 d'a%& %o on' )&o5ld no% +'d'li+'ra%'. A%%6. No&' 'plain'd rinipl' o$ o5+l'"E'%.Ma6 C' pl'a)' r'(ind %&'prinipal a5%&or o$ %&' R Bill in %&' o5)' o$ R'pr')'n%a%i') o$ %&' prinipl' o$ do5+l'"''% C&'r'in in%'n%ional &ar( on %&' li$' o$ 'i%&'r %&' (o%&'r o$ %&' &ild i) n''r =5)%i'd%o +rin7 a+o5% a Q7ood ''%. In a onPi% )i%5a%ion +'%C''n %&' li$' o$ %&' &ild and %&' li$'o$ %&' (o%&'r, %&' do%or i) (orall6 o+li7'd alCa6) %o %r6 %o )a' +o%& li'). oC''r, &'an a% in $aor o$ on' no% n''))aril6 %&' (o%&'r C&'n i% i) ('diall6 i(po))i+l' %o )a'+o%&, proid'd %&a% no dir'% &ar( i) in%'nd'd %o %&' o%&'r. I$ %&' a+o' prinipl') ar'o+)'r'd, %&' lo)) o$ %&' &ildU) li$' or %&' (o%&'rU) li$' i) no% in%'n%ional and, %&'r'$or',5naoida+l'. 'n', %&' do%or Co5ld no% +' 75il%6 o$ a+or%ion or (5rd'r. /&' (o%&'r i)n''r pi%%'d a7ain)% %&' &ild +'a5)' +o%& %&'ir li') ar' '?5all6 al5a+l'. Aordin7l6, i$ i%i) n''))ar6 %o )a' %&' li$' o$ a (o%&'r, pro'd5r') 'ndan7'rin7 %&' li$' o$ %&' &ild (a6+' r')or%'d %o ''n i$ i) a7ain)% %&' r'li7io5) )'n%i('n%) o$ %&' ('dial pra%i%ion'r. A)


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?5o%'d a+o', C&a%''r +5rd'n i(po)'d 5pon a ('dial pra%i%ion'r in %&i) a)' Co5ld&a' +''n (or' %&an =5)%i'd on)id'rin7 %&' li$' &' Co5ld +' a+l' %o )a'.

Same; Same; Police Power; nent the re#uirement imposed under Section >F as acondition for the issuance of a marriage license, the Supreme Court %nds the same to be areasonable exercise of police power by the government; ll the law re#uires is for would"bespouses to attend a seminar on parenthood, family planning breastfeeding and infant

nutrition.An'n% %&' r'?5ir'('n% i(po)'d 5nd'r S'%ion 1F a) a ondi%ion $or %&' i))5an'o$ a (arria7' li'n)', %&' #o5r% nd) %&' )a(' %o +' a r'a)ona+l' ''ri)' o$ poli' poC'r+6 %&' 7o'rn('n%. A 5r)or6 r'adin7 o$ %&' a))ail'd proi)ion +ar') %&a% %&' r'li7io5)$r''do( o$ %&' p'%i%ion'r) i) no% a% all iola%'d. All %&' laC r'?5ir') i) $or Co5ld"+' )po5)')%o a%%'nd a )'(inar on par'n%&ood, $a(il6 plannin7 +r'a)%$''din7 and in$an% n5%ri%ion. I%do') no% ''n (anda%' %&' %6p' o$ $a(il6 plannin7 ('%&od) %o +' inl5d'd in %&' )'(inar,C&'%&'r %&'6 +' na%5ral or ar%iial. A)169

orr'%l6 no%'d +6 %&' OSG, %&o)' C&o r''i' an6 in$or(a%ion d5rin7 %&'ir a%%'ndan' in%&' r'?5ir'd )'(inar) ar' no% o(p'll'd %o a'p% %&' in$or(a%ion 7i'n %o %&'(, ar'o(pl'%'l6 $r'' %o r'='% %&' in$or(a%ion %&'6 nd 5na'p%a+l', and r'%ain %&' $r''do( %od'id' on (a%%'r) o$ $a(il6 li$' Ci%&o5% %&' in%'r'n%ion o$ %&' S%a%'.

!eproductive /ealth Law; 6ecision"ma&ing involving a reproductive health procedureis a private matter which belongs to the couple, not 'ust one of them.S'%ion , Ar%. o$ %&' #on)%i%5%ion ')po5)') %&a% %&' S%a%' )&all d'$'nd %&' Qri7&% o$ %&' )po5)') %o $o5nd a$a(il6. On' p'r)on anno% $o5nd a $a(il6. /&' ri7&%, %&'r'$or', i) )&ar'd +6 both )po5)'). In%&' )a(' S'%ion , %&'ir ri7&% Qto participate in the planning and implementation of policiesand programs that a0ect them i) '?5all6 r'o7ni>'d. /&' R LaC anno% +' alloC'd %oin$rin7' 5pon %&i) (5%5al d'i)ion"(ain7. B6 7iin7 a+)ol5%' a5%&ori%6 %o %&' )po5)' C&oCo5ld 5nd'r7o a pro'd5r', and +arrin7 %&' o%&'r )po5)' $ro( par%iipa%in7 in %&' d'i)ionCo5ld dri' a C'd7' +'%C''n %&' &5)+and and Ci$', po))i+l6 r')5l% in +i%%'r ani(o)i%6, and'ndan7'r %&' (arria7' and %&' $a(il6, all $or %&' )a' o$ r'd5in7 %&' pop5la%ion. /&i) Co5ld+' a (ar'd d'par%5r' $ro( %&' poli6 o$ %&' S%a%' %o pro%'% (arria7' a) an iniola+l')oial in)%i%5%ion. 'i)ion"(ain7 inolin7 a r'prod5%i' &'al%& pro'd5r' i) a pria%'(a%%'r C&i& +'lon7) %o %&' o5pl', no% =5)% on' o$ %&'(. An6 d'i)ion %&'6 Co5ld r'a&Co5ld a'% %&'ir $5%5r' a) a $a(il6 +'a5)' %&' )i>' o$ %&' $a(il6 or %&' n5(+'r o$ %&'ir&ildr'n )i7nian%l6 (a%%'r). /&' d'i)ion C&'%&'r or no% %o 5nd'r7o %&' pro'd5r' +'lon7)'l5)i'l6 %o, and )&ar'd +6, +o%& )po5)') a) on' o&')i' 5ni% a) %&'6 &ar% %&'ir oCnd')%in6. I% i) a on)%i%5%ionall6 75aran%''d pria%' ri7&%. -nl')) i% pr'=5di') %&' S%a%', C&i&&a) no% )&oCn an6 o(p'llin7 in%'r')%, %&' S%a%' )&o5ld )'' %o i% %&a% %&'6 &ar% %&'ird')%in6 %o7'%&'r a) on' $a(il6.

Same; Parental Consent; 7#ually deplorable is the debarment of parental consent incases where the minor, who will be undergoing a procedure, is already a parent or has had amiscarriage.E?5all6 d'plora+l' i) %&' d'+ar('n% o$ par'n%al on)'n% in a)') C&'r' %&'(inor, C&o Cill +' 5nd'r7oin7 a pro'd5r', i) alr'ad6 a par'n% or &a) &ad a (i)arria7'.S'%ion o$ %&' R laC proid') SE#. . ccess to amily Planning. . No p'r)on )&all+' d'ni'd in$or(a%ion and a')) %o $a(il6 plannin7 )'ri'), C&'%&'r na%5ral or ar%iialProvided, /&a% (inor) Cill no% +' alloC'd a')) %o (od'rn170

('%&od) o$ $a(il6 plannin7 Ci%&o5% Cri%%'n on)'n% $ro( %&'ir par'n%) or 75ardianT) ''p%C&'n %&' (inor i) alr'ad6 a par'n% or &a) &ad a (i)arria7'. /&'r' an +' no o%&'rin%'rpr'%a%ion o$ %&i) proi)ion ''p% %&a% C&'n a (inor i) alr'ad6 a par'n% or &a) &ad a(i)arria7', %&' par'n%) ar' 'l5d'd $ro( %&' d'i)ion"(ain7 pro')) o$ %&' (inor Ci%&r'7ard %o $a(il6 plannin7. E'n i$ )&' i) no% 6'% '(anipa%'d, %&' par'n%al a5%&ori%6 i)alr'ad6 5% o =5)% +'a5)' %&'r' i) a n''d %o %a(' pop5la%ion 7roC%&. I% i) pr'i)'l6 in )5&)i%5a%ion) C&'n a (inor par'n% n''d) %&' o($or%, ar', adi', and 75idan' o$ &'r oCnpar'n%). /&' S%a%' anno% r'pla' &'r na%5ral (o%&'r and $a%&'r C&'n i% o(') %o proidin7&'r n''d) and o($or%. /o )a6 %&a% %&'ir on)'n% i) no lon7'r r'l'an% i) l'arl6 an%i"$a(il6. I%


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do') no% pro(o%' 5ni%6 in %&' $a(il6. I% i) an aron% %o %&' on)%i%5%ional (anda%' %o pro%'%and )%r'n7%&'n %&' $a(il6 a) an iniola+l' )oial in)%i%5%ion.

Same; Same; Compelling State 8nterest; The State cannot, without a compelling stateinterest, ta&e over the role of parents in the care and custody of a minor child, whether or not the latter is already a parent or has had a miscarriage. 2nly a compelling state interest can 'ustify a state substitution of their parental authority./o in)i)% on a r5l' %&a% in%'r$'r')

Ci%& %&' ri7&% o$ par'n%) %o ''ri)' par'n%al on%rol o'r %&'ir (inor"&ild or %&' ri7&% o$ %&')po5)') %o (5%5all6 d'id' on (a%%'r) C&i& 'r6 C'll a'% %&' 'r6 p5rpo)' o$ (arria7',%&a% i), %&' ')%a+li)&('n% o$ on=57al and $a(il6 li$', Co5ld r')5l% in %&' iola%ion o$ on'U)pria6 Ci%& r')p'% %o &i) $a(il6. I% Co5ld +' di)(i))i' o$ %&' 5ni?5' and )%ron7l6"&'ldilipino %radi%ion o$ (ain%ainin7 lo)' $a(il6 %i') and iola%i' o$ %&' r'o7ni%ion %&a% %&'S%a%' aord) o5pl') 'n%'rin7 in%o %&' )p'ial on%ra% o$ (arria7' %o a) on' 5ni% in $or(in7%&' $o5nda%ion o$ %&' $a(il6 and )oi'%6. /&' S%a%' anno%, Ci%&o5% a o(p'llin7 )%a%'in%'r')%, %a' o'r %&' rol' o$ par'n%) in %&' ar' and 5)%od6 o$ a (inor &ild, C&'%&'r orno% %&' la%%'r i) alr'ad6 a par'n% or &a) &ad a (i)arria7'. Onl6 a o(p'llin7 )%a%' in%'r')%an =5)%i$6 a )%a%' )5+)%i%5%ion o$ %&'ir par'n%al a5%&ori%6.

Same; ccess to 8nformation; Principle of 6ouble 70ect; 8nsofar as access toinformation is concerned, the Supreme Court %nds no constitutional ob'ection to theac#uisition of information by the minor referred to under the exception in the second

paragraph of Section A that would enable her to ta&e proper care of her own body and that of her unborn child. fter all, Section >@, rticle 88 of the Constitution171

mandates the State to protect both the life of the mother as that of the unborn child./&'r'(5)% +' a di'r'n%ia%ion +'%C''n a')) %o in$or(a%ion a+o5% $a(il6 plannin7 )'ri'), onon' &and, and a')) %o %&' r'prod5%i' &'al%& pro'd5r') and (od'rn $a(il6 plannin7('%&od) %&'()'l'), on %&' o%&'r. In)o$ar a) a')) %o in$or(a%ion i) on'rn'd, %&' #o5r%nd) no on)%i%5%ional o+='%ion %o %&' a?5i)i%ion o$ in$or(a%ion +6 %&' (inor r'$'rr'd %o5nd'r %&' ''p%ion in %&' )'ond para7rap& o$ S'%ion %&a% Co5ld 'na+l' &'r %o %a'prop'r ar' o$ &'r oCn +od6 and %&a% o$ &'r 5n+orn &ild. A$%'r all, S'%ion 12, Ar%il' II o$ %&' #on)%i%5%ion (anda%') %&' S%a%' %o pro%'% +o%& %&' li$' o$ %&' (o%&'r a) %&a% o$ %&'5n+orn &ild. #on)id'rin7 %&a% in$or(a%ion %o 'na+l' a p'r)on %o (a' in$or('d d'i)ion) i)'))'n%ial in %&' pro%'%ion and (ain%'nan' o$ on')U &'al%&, a')) %o )5& in$or(a%ion Ci%&r')p'% %o r'prod5%i' &'al%& (5)% +' alloC'd. In %&i) )i%5a%ion, %&' $'ar %&a% par'n%) (i7&%+' d'pri'd o$ %&'ir par'n%al on%rol i) 5n$o5nd'd +'a5)' %&'6 ar' no% pro&i+i%'d %o''ri)' par'n%al 75idan' and on%rol o'r %&'ir (inor &ild and a))i)% &'r in d'idin7C&'%&'r %o a'p% or r'='% %&' in$or(a%ion r''i'd.

Same; Same; !ight to Life; :o person should be denied the appropriate medical careurgently needed to preserve the primordial right, that is, the right to life.A) in %&' a)' o$ %&' on)i'n%io5) o+='%or, an ''p%ion (5)% +' (ad' in li$'"%&r'a%'nin7 a)') %&a% r'?5ir'%&' p'r$or(an' o$ '('r7'n6 pro'd5r'). In )5& a)'), %&' li$' o$ %&' (inor C&o &a)alr'ad6 )5'r'd a (i)arria7' and %&a% o$ %&' )po5)' )&o5ld no% +' p5% a% 7ra' ri) )i(pl6$or la o$ on)'n%. I% )&o5ld +' '(p&a)i>'d %&a% no p'r)on )&o5ld +' d'ni'd %&'appropria%' ('dial ar' 5r7'n%l6 n''d'd %o pr')'r' %&' pri(ordial ri7&%, %&a% i), %&' ri7&%%o li$'. In %&i) onn'%ion, %&' )'ond )'n%'n' o$ S'%ion 2a2ii )&o5ld +' )%r5 doCn.B6 ''%i'l6 li(i%in7 %&' r'?5ir'('n% o$ par'n%al on)'n% %o Qonl6 in 'l'%i' )5r7ialpro'd5r'), i% d'ni') %&' par'n%) %&'ir ri7&% o$ par'n%al a5%&ori%6 in a)') C&'r' C&a% i)inol'd ar' Qnon")5r7ial pro'd5r'). Sa' $or %&' %Co ''p%ion) di)5))'d a+o', and in%&' a)' o$ an a+5)'d &ild a) proid'd in %&' r)% )'n%'n' o$ S'%ion 2a2ii, %&'par'n%) )&o5ld no% +' d'pri'd o$ %&'ir on)%i%5%ional ri7&% o$ par'n%al a5%&ori%6. /o d'n6%&'( o$ %&i) ri7&% Co5ld +' an aron% %o %&' on)%i%5%ional (anda%' %o pro%'% and)%r'n7%&'n %&' $a(il6.

Same; ny attac& on the validity of Section >? of the !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law is premature because the 6epartment of 7duca"172


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tion, Culture and Sports *67CS+ has yet to formulate a curriculum on age"appropriatereproductive health education.S5' i% %o )%a%' %&a% an6 a%%a on %&' alidi%6 o$ S'%ion14 o$ %&' R LaC i) premature +'a5)' %&' 'par%('n% o$ Ed5a%ion, #5l%5r' and Spor%)&a) 6'% %o $or(5la%' a 5rri5l5( on a7'"appropria%' r'prod5%i' &'al%& 'd5a%ion. On'an onl6 )p'5la%' on %&' on%'n%, (ann'r and ('di5( o$ in)%r5%ion %&a% Cill +' 5)'d %o'd5a%' %&' adol')'n%) and C&'%&'r %&'6 Cill on%radi% %&' r'li7io5) +'li'$) o$ %&'

p'%i%ion'r) and alida%' %&'ir appr'&'n)ion). /&5), on)id'rin7 %&' pr'(a%5r' na%5r' o$ %&i)par%i5lar i))5', %&' #o5r% d'lin') %o r5l' on i%) on)%i%5%ionali%6 or alidi%6.Statutes; Principle of Goid for Gagueness; statute or act su0ers from the defect of

vagueness when it lac&s comprehensible standards that men of common intelligence must necessarily guess its meaning and di0er as to its application.A )%a%5%' or a% )5'r) $ro(%&' d'$'% o$ a75'n')) C&'n i% la) o(pr'&'n)i+l' )%andard) %&a% ('n o$ o((onin%'lli7'n' (5)% n''))aril6 75')) i%) ('anin7 and di'r a) %o i%) applia%ion. I% i)r'p57nan% %o %&' #on)%i%5%ion in %Co r')p'%) 1 i% iola%') d5' pro')) $or $ail5r' %o aordp'r)on), ')p'iall6 %&' par%i') %ar7'%'d +6 i%, $air no%i' o$ %&' ond5% %o aoidH and 2 i%l'a') laC 'n$or'r) 5n+ridl'd di)r'%ion in arr6in7 o5% i%) proi)ion) and +'o(') anar+i%rar6 P'in7 o$ %&' Go'rn('n% (5)l'. Mor'o'r, in d'%'r(inin7 C&'%&'r %&' Cord)5)'d in a )%a%5%' ar' a75', Cord) (5)% no% onl6 +' %a'n in aordan' Ci%& %&'ir plain('anin7 alon', +5% al)o in r'la%ion %o o%&'r par%) o$ %&' )%a%5%'. I% i) a r5l' %&a% ''r6 par% o$ %&' )%a%5%' (5)% +' in%'rpr'%'d Ci%& r'$'r'n' %o %&' on%'%, %&a% i), ''r6 par% o$ i% (5)%+' on)%r5'd %o7'%&'r Ci%& %&' o%&'r par%) and 'p% )5+)'ri'n% %o %&' 7'n'ral in%'n% o$ %&'C&ol' 'na%('n%.

Constitutional Law; !eproductive /ealth Law; 7#ual Protection of the Law; To providethat the poor are to be given priority in the government9s reproductive health care programis not a violation of the e#ual protection clause; 8t should be noted that Section A of the!eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law prioriti(es poor and marginali(ed couples who are su0eringfrom fertility issues and desire to have children. There is, therefore, no merit to thecontention that the !/ Law only see&s to target the poor to reduce their number./oproid' %&a% %&' poor ar' %o +' 7i'n priori%6 in %&' 7o'rn('n%U) r'prod5%i' &'al%& ar'pro7ra( i) no% a iola%ion o$ %&' '?5al pro%'%ion la5)'. In $a%, i% i) p5r)5an% %o S'%ion 11,Ar%il' III o$ %&' #on)%i"173

%5%ion C&i& r'o7ni>') %&' di)%in% n''))i%6 %o addr')) %&' n''d) o$ %&' 5nd'rpriil'7'd +6proidin7 %&a% %&'6 +' 7i'n priori%6 in addr'))in7 %&' &'al%& d''lop('n% o$ %&' p'opl'.

/&5) S'%ion 11. /&' S%a%' )&all adop% an in%'7ra%'d and o(pr'&'n)i' approa& %o &'al%&d''lop('n% C&i& )&all 'nd'aor %o (a' '))'n%ial 7ood), &'al%& and o%&'r )oial )'ri')aaila+l' %o all %&' p'opl' a% aorda+l' o)%. /&'r' )&all +' priori%6 $or %&' n''d) o$ %&'5nd'rpriil'7'd, )i, 'ld'rl6, di)a+l'd, Co('n, and &ildr'n. /&' S%a%' )&all 'nd'aor %oproid' $r'' ('dial ar' %o pa5p'r). I% )&o5ld +' no%'d %&a% S'%ion o$ %&' R LaCpriori%i>') poor and (ar7inali>'d o5pl') who are su0ering from fertility issues and desire tohave children. /&'r' i), %&'r'$or', no ('ri% %o %&' on%'n%ion %&a% %&' R LaC onl6 )'') %o%ar7'% %&' poor %o r'd5' %&'ir n5(+'r. &il' %&' R LaC ad(i%) %&' 5)' o$ on%ra'p%i'),i% do') no%, a) 'l5ida%'d a+o', )an%ion a+or%ion. A) S'%ion l 'plain), %&' Qpro(o%ionandTor )%a+ili>a%ion o$ %&' pop5la%ion 7roC%& ra%' i) inid'n%al %o %&' adan'('n% o$ r'prod5%i' &'al%&.

Same; Same; 8nvoluntary Servitude; Clearly, no compulsion, force or threat is made

upon reproductive healthcare service providers to render pro bono service against their will.-hile the rendering of such service was made a prere#uisite to accreditation withPhil/ealth, the Supreme Court does not consider the same to be an unreasonable burden,but rather, a necessary incentive imposed by Congress in the furtherance of a perceivedlegitimate state interest./&' OSG o5n%'r) %&a% %&' r'ndi%ion o$ pro bono )'ri')'ni)ion'd in S'%ion 1 an &ardl6 +' on)id'r'd a) $or'd la+or analo7o5) %o )la'r6, a)r'prod5%i' &'al%& ar' )'ri' proid'r) &a' %&' di)r'%ion a) %o %&' (ann'r and %i(' o$ 7iin7 pro bono )'ri'). Mor'o'r, %&' OSG poin%) o5% %&a% %&' i(po)i%ion i) Ci%&in %&'poC'r) o$ %&' 7o'rn('n%, %&' ar'di%a%ion o$ ('dial pra%i%ion'r) Ci%& &il'al%& +'in7 a


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priil'7' and no% a ri7&%. /&' poin% o$ %&' OSG i) C'll"%a'n. I% )&o5ld r)% +' ('n%ion'd %&a%%&' pra%i' o$ ('diin' i) 5nd'nia+l6 i(+5'd Ci%& p5+li in%'r')% %&a% i% i) +o%& a poC'r anda d5%6 o$ %&' S%a%' %o on%rol and r'75la%' i% in ord'r %o pro%'% and pro(o%' %&' p5+liC'l$ar'. Li' %&' l'7al pro$'))ion, %&' pra%i' o$ ('diin' i) no% a ri7&% +5% a priil'7'd+5rd'n'd Ci%& ondi%ion) a) i% dir'%l6 inol') %&' 'r6 li') o$ %&' p'opl'. A fortiori, %&i)poC'r inl5d') %&' poC'r o$ #on7r')) %o pr')ri+' %&' ?5alia%ion) $or %&' pra%i' o$

pro$'))ion) or %rad') C&i& a'% %&' p5+li C'l$ar', %&' p5+li &'al%&, %&' p5+li (oral),and %&' p5+li )a$'%6H and %o r'75"174

la%' or on%rol )5& pro$'))ion) or %rad'), ''n %o %&' poin% o$ r'oin7 )5& ri7&% al%o7'%&'r.Mor'o'r, a) )o(' p'%i%ion'r) p5% i%, %&' no%ion o$ inol5n%ar6 )'ri%5d' onno%') %&'pr')'n' o$ $or', %&r'a%), in%i(ida%ion or o%&'r )i(ilar ('an) o$ o'rion and o(p5l)ion. Ar'adin7 o$ %&' a))ail'd proi)ion, &oC''r, r''al) %&a% i% onl6 encourages pria%' and non"7o'rn('n% r'prod5%i' &'al%&ar' )'ri' proid'r) %o r'nd'r pro bono )'ri'. O%&'r%&an non"ar'di%a%ion Ci%& &il'al%&, no p'nal%6 i) i(po)'d )&o5ld %&'6 &oo)' %o doo%&'rCi)'. ria%' and non"7o'rn('n% r'prod5%i' &'al%&ar' )'ri' proid'r) al)o 'n=o6%&' li+'r%6 %o &oo)' C&i& ind o$ &'al%& )'ri' %&'6 Ci)& %o proid', C&'n, C&'r' and&oC %o proid' i% or C&'%&'r %o proid' i% all. #l'arl6, %&'r'$or', no o(p5l)ion, $or' or%&r'a% i) (ad' 5pon %&'( %o r'nd'r pro bono )'ri' a7ain)% %&'ir Cill. &il' %&' r'nd'rin7o$ )5& )'ri' Ca) (ad' a pr'r'?5i)i%' %o ar'di%a%ion Ci%& &il'al%&, %&' #o5r% do') no%on)id'r %&' )a(' %o +' an 5nr'a)ona+l' +5rd'n, +5% ra%&'r, a n''))ar6 in'n%i' i(po)'d+6 #on7r')) in %&' $5r%&'ran' o$ a p'r'i'd l'7i%i(a%' )%a%' in%'r')%.

Same; Same; rom the declared policy of the !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law, it is clear that Congress intended that the public be given only those medicines that are provenmedically safe, legal, non"abortifacient, and e0ective in accordance with scienti%c andevidence"based medical research standards./&' $5n%ion), poC'r) and d5%i') o$ %&' Aar' )p'i %o 'na+l' %&' a7'n6 %o arr6 o5% %&' (anda%') o$ %&' laC. B'in7 %&' o5n%r6U)pr'(i'r' and )ol' a7'n6 %&a% 'n)5r') %&' )a$'%6 o$ $ood and ('diin') aaila+l' %o %&'p5+li, %&' A Ca) '?5ipp'd Ci%& %&' n''))ar6 poC'r) and $5n%ion) %o (a' i% ''%i'.5r)5an% %o %&' prinipl' o$ n''))ar6 i(plia%ion, %&' (anda%' +6 #on7r')) %o %&' A %o'n)5r' p5+li &'al%& and )a$'%6 +6 p'r(i%%in7 onl6 $ood and ('diin') %&a% ar' )a$' inl5d')Q)'ri' and Q('%&od). ro( %&' d'lar'd poli6 o$ %&' R LaC, i% i) l'ar %&a% #on7r'))in%'nd'd %&a% %&' p5+li +' 7i'n onl6 %&o)' ('diin') %&a% ar' pro'n ('diall6 )a$', l'7al,non"a+or%i$ai'n%, and ''%i' in aordan' Ci%& )i'n%i and 'id'n'"+a)'d ('dialr')'ar& )%andard).

Same; Same; The fact that the !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law does not intrude in theautonomy of local governments can be e#ually applied to the utonomous !egion of 1uslim1indanao *!11+. The !/ Law does not infringe upon its autonomy./&' $a% %&a% %&' RLaC do') no% in%r5d' in %&' a5%ono(6 o$ loal 7o'rn('n%) an175

+' '?5all6 appli'd %o %&' ARMM. /&' R LaC do') no% in$rin7' 5pon i%) a5%ono(6. Mor'o'r,Ar%il' III, S'%ion) K, 10 and 11 o$ R.A. No. 90F4, or %&' or7ani a% o$ %&' ARMM, all5d'd %o+6 p'%i%ion'r Tillah %o =5)%i$6 %&' ''(p%ion o$ %&' op'ra%ion o$ %&' R LaC in %&'a5%ono(o5) r'7ion, r'$'r %o %&' poli6 )%a%'('n%) $or %&' 75idan' o$ %&' r'7ional7o'rn('n%. /&')' proi)ion) r'li'd 5pon +6 %&' p'%i%ion'r) )i(pl6 d'lin'a%' %&' poC'r)%&a% (a6 +' ''ri)'d +6 %&' r'7ional 7o'rn('n%, C&i& an, in no (ann'r, +'&ara%'ri>'d a) an a+dia%ion +6 %&' S%a%' o$ i%) poC'r %o 'na% l'7i)la%ion %&a% Co5ld+'n'% %&' 7'n'ral C'l$ar'. A$%'r all, d')pi%' %&' 'ri%a+l' a5%ono(6 7ran%'d %&' ARMM, %&'#on)%i%5%ion and %&' )5ppor%in7 =5ri)pr5d'n', a) %&'6 noC )%and, r'='% %&' no%ion o$ imperium et imperio in %&' r'la%ion)&ip +'%C''n %&' na%ional and %&' r'7ional 7o'rn('n%).E'p% $or %&' 'pr')) and i(pli'd li(i%a%ion) i(po)'d on i% +6 %&' #on)%i%5%ion, #on7r'))anno% +' r')%ri%'d %o ''ri)' i%) in&'r'n% and pl'nar6 poC'r %o l'7i)la%' on all )5+='%)C&i& '%'nd) %o all (a%%'r) o$ 7'n'ral on'rn or o((on in%'r')%.

Same; Same; bortion; The !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law does not sanction the ta&ingaway of life. 8t does not allow abortion in any shape or form. 8t only see&s to enhance the


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population control program of the government by providing information and ma&ing non"abortifacient contraceptives more readily available to the public, especially to the poor.-nl')), a na%5ral ri7&% &a) +''n %ran)$or('d in%o a Cri%%'n laC, i% anno% )'r' a) a +a)i) %o)%ri' doCn a laC. In !epublic v. Sandiganbayan, 40 S#RA 10 200, %&' 'r6 a)' i%'d +6%&' p'%i%ion'r), i% Ca) 'plain'd %&a% %&' #o5r% i) no% d5%6"+o5nd %o 'a(in' ''r6 laC ora%ion and C&'%&'r i% on$or() Ci%& +o%& %&' #on)%i%5%ion and na%5ral laC. Ra%&'r, na%5ral

laC i) %o +' 5)'d )parin7l6 onl6 in %&' (o)% p'5liar o$ ir5()%an') inolin7 ri7&%)in&'r'n% %o (an C&'r' no laC i) applia+l'. A% an6 ra%', a) 'arli'r 'po5nd'd, %&' R LaCdo') no% )an%ion %&' %ain7 aCa6 o$ li$'. I% do') no% alloC a+or%ion in an6 )&ap' or $or(. I%onl6 )'') %o 'n&an' %&' pop5la%ion on%rol pro7ra( o$ %&' 7o'rn('n% +6 proidin7in$or(a%ion and (ain7 non"a+or%i$ai'n% on%ra'p%i') (or' r'adil6 aaila+l' %o %&'p5+li, ')p'iall6 %o %&' poor.

Same; Same; 8n general, the Supreme Court does not %nd the !eproductive /ealth*!/+ Law as unconstitutional insofar as it see&s to provide access to medically"safe, non"abortifacient, e0ective, legal, a0ordable, and #uality reproductive healthcare services,methods, devices, and supplies.In 7'n'ral, %&' #o5r% do') no% nd %&' R176

LaC a) 5non)%i%5%ional in)o$ar a) i% )'') %o proid' a')) %o ('diall6")a$', non"a+or%i$ai'n%, ''%i', l'7al, aorda+l', and ?5ali%6 r'prod5%i' &'al%&ar' )'ri'),('%&od), d'i'), and )5ppli'). A) 'arli'r poin%'d o5%, &oC''r, %&' r'li7io5) $r''do( o$ )o(' )'%or) o$ )oi'%6 anno% +' %ra(pl'd 5pon in p5r)5i% o$ C&a% %&' laC &op') %oa&i''. A$%'r all, %&' #on)%i%5%ional )a$'75ard %o r'li7io5) $r''do( i) a r'o7ni%ion %&a% (an)%and) ao5n%a+l' %o an a5%&ori%6 &i7&'r %&an %&' S%a%'. In on$or(i%6 Ci%& %&' prinipl' o$ )'para%ion o$ #&5r& and S%a%', on' r'li7io5) 7ro5p anno% +' alloC'd %o i(po)' i%) +'li'$)on %&' r')% o$ %&' )oi'%6. &ilippin' (od'rn )oi'%6 l'a') 'no57& roo( $or di'r)i%6 andpl5rali)(. A) )5&, ''r6on' )&o5ld +' %ol'ran% and op'n"(ind'd )o %&a% p'a' and&ar(on6 (a6 on%in5' %o r'i7n a) C' 'i)% alon7)id' 'a& o%&'r.

Same; Same; Separation of Powers; 8t is not the province of the 'udiciary to loo& intothe wisdom of the law nor to #uestion the policies adopted by the legislative branch. :or isit the business of this Tribunal to remedy every un'ust situation that may arise from theapplication of a particular law. 8t is for the legislature to enact remedial legislation if that would be necessary in the premises.Ind''d, a% %&' pr')'n%, %&' o5n%r6 &a) a pop5la%ionpro+l'(, +5% %&' S%a%' )&o5ld no% 5)' o'ri' ('a)5r') li' %&' p'nal proi)ion) o$ %&' RLaC a7ain)% on)i'n%io5) o+='%or) %o )ol' i%. Non'%&'l')), %&' poli6 o$ %&' #o5r% i) non"in%'r$'r'n' in %&' Ci)do( o$ a laC. . B5% %&i) #o5r% anno% 7o +'6ond C&a% %&'l'7i)la%5r' &a) laid doCn. I%) d5%6 i) %o )a6 C&a% %&' laC i) a) 'na%'d +6 %&' laC(ain7+od6. /&a% i) no% %&' )a(' a) )a6in7 C&a% %&' laC )&o5ld +' or C&a% i) %&' orr'% r5l' in a7i'n )'% o$ ir5()%an'). I% i) no% %&' proin' o$ %&' =5diiar6 %o loo in%o %&' Ci)do( o$ %&' laC nor %o ?5')%ion %&' polii') adop%'d +6 %&' l'7i)la%i' +ran&. Nor i) i% %&' +5)in'))o$ %&i) /ri+5nal %o r'('d6 ''r6 5n=5)% )i%5a%ion %&a% (a6 ari)' $ro( %&' applia%ion o$ apar%i5lar laC. I% i) $or %&' l'7i)la%5r' %o 'na% r'('dial l'7i)la%ion i$ %&a% Co5ld +' n''))ar6in %&' pr'(i)'). B5% a) alCa6), Ci%& ap% =5diial a5%ion and old n'5%rali%6, %&' #o5r% (5)%arr6 o5% %&' d'lia%' $5n%ion o$ in%'rpr'%in7 %&' laC, 75id'd +6 %&' #on)%i%5%ion and'i)%in7 l'7i)la%ion and (ind$5l o$ )'%%l'd =5ri)pr5d'n'. /&' #o5r%U) $5n%ion i) %&'r'$or'li(i%'d, and aordin7l6, (5)% onn' i%)'l$ %o %&' =5diial %a) o$ )a6in7 C&a% %&' laC i), a)'na%'d +6 %&' laC(ain7 +od6. 177

S'r'no, C., 2pinyong Sumasang"ayon at Sumasalungat Constitutional Law; !eproductive /ealth Law; /ierarchy of !ights; Sa a&ing pananaw

sa herar&iya ng mga &arapatang pantao, walang hihigit pa sa &arapatang mabuhay, at nasasalamin ng ating Saligang Datas ang ganitong paniniwala; -ala sa ta&da ng SaligangDatas at !epublic ct :o. >=@+, o !/ Law, ang pag&itil ng buhay.Sa &'rari6a n7 (7a arapa%an7 pan%ao, Calan7&i&i7i% pa )a arapa%an7 (a+5&a6, a% na)a)ala(in n7 a%in7 Sali7an7 Ba%a) an7 7ani%on7


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paniniCala. A6on di%o, pan%a6 na pan7an7ala7aan n7 pa(a&alaan an7 +5&a6 n7 ina a% an7+5&a6 na an6an7 dinadala. Baa) )a ad&iain7 i%o an7 pa7ilala )a (alain7 +a&a7in77ina7a(panan n7 ina )a pa7+i+i7a6 n7 +5&a6. Da6aU% )a)al5n7a%in o an7 +i7a)in n7 ain7(7a apa%id na Ma&i)%rado, na an7 pa7papala6a )a pa)i6a n7 (a6"a%aCan a6 5(ii%il n7+5&a6 n7 apCa"%aon7 i)i)ilan7 pa la(an7. ala )a %ada n7 Sali7an7 Ba%a) a% R'p5+li A%No. 10F4 The !esponsible Parenthood and !eproductive /ealth ct of @=>@, o R LaC,

an7 pa7i%il n7 +5&a6. N75ni% in55naCa rin ni%o an7 arapa%an n7 (a7"a)aCa na (a7palain7 anilan7 pa(il6a n7 (a6 dan7al )a +5&a6. Napaa&ala7a din )a pananaC n7 Sali7an7Ba%a) a% n7 R LaC an7 al5)57an n7 pa(a6anan, lal5n7"lalo na an7 al5)57an n7 (7a inao (a7i7in7 ina n7 pa(a6anan7 i%o. Da6aU% (a&ala7a na an7 +aCa% in%'rpr'%a)6on n7 RLaC a6 a6on )a ia+5+5%i n7 pa(il6an7 ilipino a% al5)57an n7 ina.

Same; Same; Compelling 8nterest Test; !eligious reedom; Sa a&ing pananaw hindia&o sumasang"ayon na nararapat gamitin ang compelling state interest test upang tiya&inang legalidad ng !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law $ parti&ular na ang paggarantiya ng

pamahalaan sa ligtas, mabisa, abot"&aya, de"&alidad, naaayon sa batas at hindiabortifacient na reproductive health care services, methods, devices at supplies para salahat, pati na ang mahalagang &aalaman u&ol dito $ sa &adahilanang buo ang pag&ilala ng!/ Law sa religious freedom, &aya9t hindi na &ailangan ang test na ito.indi ao)5(a)an7"a6on na nararapa% 7a(i%in an7 compelling state interest test 5pan7 %i6ain an7l'7alidad n7 R LaC par%i5lar na an7 pa77aran%i6a n7 pa(a&alaan )a li7%a), (a+i)a,a+o%"a6a, d'"alidad, naaa6on )a +a%a) a% &indi abortifacient nareproductive health careservices, methods, devices a%supplies para )a la&a%, pa%i na an7 (a&ala7an7 aala(an 5oldi%o )a ada&i"178

lanan7 +5o an7 pa7ilala n7 R LaC )a religious freedom, a6aU% &indi na ailan7an an7 test na i%o.

Same; Same; Same; Sa a&ing pananaw ginamit ang compelling state interest test sa7strada v. 7scritor, ?=H SC! > *@==


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179

+a7 )a anilan7 paniniCala. An7 %o%oo, Calan7 pa7la+a7 )a paniniCala na pinapa%aC an7 RLaC.

Same; Same; !eligious reedom; 2pt"2ut Clause; Sa a&ing pananaw sa ilalim ng opt"out clause na na&apaloob sa Section A ng !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law, hindi obligadongmagdulot ng serbisyo &augnay sa modern family planning methods ang mga non"maternity

specialty hospitals at mga ospital na pagmamay"ari at pinatata&bo ng mga religious groups.Naali(5%an n7 petitioners an7 a+55an n7 R LaC. Ba%id n7 Don7r')o na (aaarin7(aa)a7a)a )a paniniCala a% iali7ali7 n7 ilan7 medical professionals an7 a5%5)an7 i%o )aR LaC. a&il (i)(o di%o a6a na7"5i% an7 Don7r')o n7 exemption )a R LaC para )a (7aconscientious ob'ectors )a pa(a(a7i%an n7 Qopt"out clause. Sa ilali( n7 opt"out clause nanaapaloo+ )a Section n7 R LaC, &indi o+li7adon7 (a7d5lo% n7 )'r+i)6o a57na6 )amodern family planning methods an7 (7anon"maternity specialty hospitals a% (7a o)pi%alna pa7(a(a6"ari a% pina%a%a+o n7 (7a religious groups. Sa a+ilan7 +anda,pina&a&ala7a&an )a ilali( n7 Section 2a n7 R LaC an7conscientious ob'ection n7health care service providers +a%a6 )a anilan7 '%&ial oreligious beliefs. A6on di%o,exempted )ila )a apar5)a&an na ipapa%aC )a (7a %a%an77in7 (a7d5lo% n7reproductivehealth care services a% (a7+i7a6 n7 (a&ala7an7 aala(an 5ol di%o.

Same; Same; Same; Sa a&ing pananaw wala dapat pagtutol sa atas ng !eproductive/ealth *!/+ Law na ituro ng mga conscientious ob'ector ang mga pasyente sa pina&amalapit na health facility o health care service provider na ma&atutulong sa &anila.A6on )a'i)ion, Calan7 idin5d5lo% na pa7la+a7 )a religious freedom an7 pa7"55%o) )a (7aiaa)al na d5(alo )a (7a )'(inar 5ol )a responsible parenthood, family planning,breastfeeding a%infant nutrition da&il &indi na(an )ila o+li7adon7 )5(5nod )a (7a i%5%5rodi%o. indi rin (a)a(a an7 pa7+i+i7a6"daan na (a+i76an n7 (a&ala7an7 aala(an %5n7ol)a family planning services an7 (7a ('nor d' 'dad na (a6 ana o na7aroon n7miscarriage para (a%5%5nan nila an7 (7a +a7a6 na (aa%5%5lon7 )a anila 5pan7pan7ala7aan an7 anilan7 a%aCan a% ana o dinadala. D5n7 7a6on, a% a&alin%5lad n7na)a+in7 )i%Ca)6on, Cala rin dapa% pa7%5%ol )a a%a) n7 R LaC na i%5ro n7 (7aconscientious ob'ector an7 (7a pa)6'n%' )a pinaa(alapi% nahealth facility ohealth careservice proid'r na (aa%5%5lon7 )a anila.

180

Same; Same; Same; Sa a&ing pananaw hindi maituturing na dagdag pasanin ngmedical professionals ang duty to refer sa ilalim ng !eproductive /ealth *!/+ Law.Saanilan7 pa7pa)o )a prop')6on, %inan77ap n7 (7a medical professionals an7 (7a (oralal5') a% aai+a% na a%5n75lan )a (7a pa)6'n%'. I)a di%o an7 napapana&on7 duty torefer )a i+an7health facility ohealth care service provider 5n7 +a%id nila na da&il )aanilan7 religious beliefs, &indi nila (aaarin7 i&a%id an7 )'r+i)6on7 &ini&in7i o inaailan7ann7 pa)6'n%'. -pan7 (apana%ili an7 ethical practice, &ini&ia6a% n7 (7a pan%a) an7 (7aonscientious ob'ectors na (a7lin7od alapi% an7 i+an7medical professionals na &indiconscientious ob'ectors 5pan7 (aa6o) na (apana%ili an7 i)an7 referral system para(a)i75rado na (ai+i+i7a6 )a pa)6'n%' an7 (7a pan7an7ailan7an ni%on7 &indi a6an7%575nan n7 on)i'n%io5) o+='%or. Ma&ala7a i%o 5pan7 (a)i75ro na %5lo6"%5lo6 an7)'r+i)6on7 pan7al5)57an para )a (7a %aon7 nan7an7ailan7an ni%o. a&il di%o, &indi(ai%5%5rin7 na da7da7 pa)anin n7 medical professionals an7duty to refer )a ilali( n7 RLaC. Lia) na i%o )a anilan7 prop')6on. Sa a%5na6an, na)a apan76ari&an n7 Don7r')oan7 (a7la%a7 n7 (7a ali%5n%5nin a% da7da7 na pa)anin )a prop')6on n7 ('di)ina a6on )a

police power ni%o 5pan7 i)5lon7 an7 p5+li &'al%&. A%, in55naCa n7 R LaC na da&il )areligious convictions, &indi (aaarin7 i)a7aCa n7 i)an7 medical professional an7 )'r+i)6o5ol )a modern family planning methods a&i% &ini&in7i pa n7 pa)6'n%'. a&il di%o,pinapa6a7an )ila na %5(an77i n7 pa)6'n%' a% pap5n%a&in i%o )a i+an7 medical professionalna (aa%5%5lon7 di%o.

Same; Same; Same; Sa a&ing pananaw &ung tutuusin, maituturing na paglabag sasinumpaang tung&ulin ng mga medical professionals ang pagtangging magturo ng pasyentesa ibang medical professional.D5n7 %5%55)in, (ai%5%5rin7 na pa7la+a7 )a )in5(paan7


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%5n75lin n7 medical professionals an7 pa7%an77in7 (a7%5ro n7 pa)6'n%' )a i+an7 (7amedical professional. Maaari i%on7 (a7in7 +a)'&an n7 disciplinary action la+an )a anila.A6on )a i)an7 la%&alain, da&il an7 (7a medical professionals

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