People v Mapa

GR No. L-22301
30 Aug 67

Facts:

On or about August 13, 1962, Mario Mapa was apprehended due to possession of an unlicensed firearm. The
defendant admitted before the trial court that he was carrying the unlicensed firearm and that he does not have a
permit to carry such a weapon. In his defense, he said that he is a secret agent of the Governor of Batangas and that
he is exempt from the requirement of securing a license of firearm. The defendant also showed a certification that he
was appointed as such.

Issue: whether or not an agent of the governor can hold a firearm without a permit issued by the Philippine
Constabulary

Held: In the present case, there is no room for interpretation or construction because the law is clear. The law
provides for the class of people who are not covered in the prohibitive law. No exemption was provided for secret
agents. Construction and interpretation come only after it has been demonstrated that application is impossible or
inadequate without them."