LAWYERS LEAGUE FOR A BETTER PHILIPPINES vs. PRES.

AQUINO

G.R. NO. 73748, May 22, 1986

FACTS:

President Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 1 on February 25, 1986 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."

Petitioners alleged that the Aquino government is illegal because it was not established pursuant to the 1973
Constitution.

ISSUE:

Whether or not the government of Corazon Aquino is legitimate.

HELD:

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 Supreme Court further held that:

The people have accepted the Aquino government which is in effective control of the entire country;

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

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