Bar Question

Q: A law was passed dividing the Philippines into 3 regions (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), each constituting
an independent state except on matters of foreign relations, national defense and national taxation, which
are vested in the Central government.

Is the law valid? Explain.

A: The law dividing the Philippines into 3 regions, each constituting an independent state and vesting in a central
government matters of foreign relations, national defense and national taxation, is unconstitutional. First, it violates
Art. I, which guarantees the integrity of the national territory of the Philippines because it divided the Philippines into 3
states. Second, it violates Sec. 1, Art. II of the Constitution, which provides for the establishment of democratic and
republic States by replacing it with 3 States organized as a confederation. Third, it violates Sec. 22, Art. II of the
Constitution, which, while recognizing and promoting the rights of indigenous cultural communities, provides for
autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras within the framework of national sovereignty as well
as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines. Fifth, it violates the sovereignty of the Republic of the
Philippines.

GOVERNMENT

Bar Question

Q: Are government-owned or controlled corporations within the scope and meaning of the “Government of the
Philippines?”

A: Sec. 2 of the Introductory Provision of the Administrative Code of 1987 defines th