LAWYERS vs.

CORAZON AQUINO
G.R. No. 76180 October 24, 1986
Associate Justice JOSE CATRAL MENDOZA

IN RE: SATURNINO V. BERMUDEZ, petitioner

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."
ISSUES
Whether or not the government of Corazon Aquino is legitimate.

RULING

Yes. 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 Court further held that: 1. The people have accepted the Aquino
government which is in effective control of the entire country;

2. It is not merely a de facto government but in fact and law a de jure government; and

3. The community of nations has recognized the legitimacy of the new government.