What is Law?

A rule of conduct, just and obligatory, formulated by legitimate

power or competent authority, and of common observance and
benefit. The law is important for a society for it serves as a norm
of conduct for citizens. It acts as a guideline as to what is
accepted in society. The mass of obligatory rules established for
the purpose of governing the relations of persons in society.

Statutory Law
The written law established by enactments expressing the will of
the legislature, as distinguished from the unwritten law or
common law.
Four principal purposes and functions of law
1. Establishing standards
2. Maintaining order
3. Resolving disputes
4. Protecting liberties and rights

Characteristics of Law- obligatory,enacted by legislative

authority, prospective in application, of general observance,
effective until amended or revoked.
1. PROMULGATED BY LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY
We have three branches of government – legislative body
(like Congress, Sanggunian) is the law-making body; the
executive body is the implementing body and the judiciary as
the enforcing body.
2. JUST and OBLIGATORY
Treatment of Law should be equal, regardless of sex, creed,
age and status in life and to follow the law there should be
 equivalent punishment or penalties to enforce them. The
dictum “Justice delayed is Justice denied. Obligatory means
any duty binding parties to perform their agreement.
3. FOR THE COMMON OBSERVANCE and BENEFIT
The application of law should not be titled or favoring an
individual but by the observance of all and the benefits that
may be derived from it.

Sources of Law
1. Congressional legislation or statute - LEGISLATIVE
It consists of legal rights by a competent authority. In the
Philippines, being a democratic form of government, the
Legislative is the law-makingbody. For national
government, Congress comprising the House of
Representatives and the Senate. For provinces, the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan for every province. For a
town, the Sangguniang Pambayan or the local Municipal
council. For a Barangay level, the Sangguniang
Pambarangay.

2. CONSTITUTION
The fundamental law that governs a nation in its relation
to its citizens. All laws must conform and comply with the
provisions of the Constitution, otherwise it becomes
unconstitutional.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS,

REGULATIONS AND RULINGS
The fundamental law that governs a nation in its relation
to its citizens. All laws must conform and comply with the
provisions of the Constitution, otherwise it becomes
unconstitutional.