CASE DIGEST

PHILIPPINES VS. WONG CHENG (AKA WONG CHUN)

This is an appeal to revoke the order of COFI of Manila.

FACTS:

• The appellee is accused of illegally smoking opium aboard the merchant vessel, Changsa of
English nationality while anchored in Manila Bay 2 ½ miles away from the shores of Manila
City.

ISSUE:

1. Whether or not the COFI of Manila has the jurisdiction over the case.

HELD:

1. Yes. The applicable fundamental rule in connection to international rule is the English rule since
at the time of the occurrence of crime the Philippines is a territory of the US. Also, citing the
US vs Look Chaw, the mere possession of opium aboard a foreign vessel and without being
used in our territory is not considered a disturbance of the public order, but to smoke opium
within our territorial limits eventhough aboard a merchant ship is certainly a breach of of the
public order here established. It contravenes the Opium law of the Philippines which is a
repressive statue to protect the inhabitants of the Philippines against the disastrous effects of
using opium.