Lawyers League v.

Aquino

TOPICS: de facto

FACTS: 

On February 25, 1986, President Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 1 announcing that she and
Vice President Laurel were taking power.

On March 25, 1986, proclamation No. 3 was issued providing the basis of the Aquino government
assumption of power by stating that the "new government was installed through a direct exercise of
the power of the Filipino people assisted by units of the New Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

ISSUE:

Whether or not the government of Corazon Aquino is legitimate.

RULING:

Yes, the Aquino government was legitimate.

The legitimacy of the Aquino government is not a justiciable matter but belongs to the realm of
politics where only the people are the judge.

The people have accepted the Aquino government which is in effective control of the entire country
so that it is not merely a  de facto government but is in fact and law a de jure government.
Moreover, the community of nations has recognized the legitimacy of the new government.

Therefore, the Aquino government is a legitimate government and is thus a de jure government.