Aglipay v.

Ruiz
GR No. L-45459, March 13, 1937
FACTS:
Petitioner Aglipay, the head of Phil. Independent Church, filed a writ of prohibition against
respondent Ruiz, the Director of Post, enjoining the latter from issuing and selling postage
stamps commemorative of the 33rd Intl Eucharistic Congress organized by the Roman
Catholic. The petitioner invokes that such issuance and selling, as authorized by Act 4052 by
the Phil. Legislature, contemplates religious purpose – for the benefit of a particular sect or
church. Hence, this petition.
ISSUE:
Whether or not the issuing and selling of commemorative stamps is constitutional?
HELD:
The Court said YES, the issuing and selling of commemorative stamps by the respondent
does not contemplate any favor upon a particular sect or church, but the purpose was only ‘to
advertise the Philippines and attract more tourist’ and the government just took advantage of
an event considered of international importance, thus, not violating the Constitution on its
provision on the separation of the Church and State. Moreover, the Court stressed that
‘Religious freedom, as a constitutional mandate is not inhibition of profound reverence for
religion and is not denial of its influence in human affairs’. Emphasizing that, ‘when the
Filipino people ‘implored the aid of Divine Providence’, they thereby manifested reliance
upon Him who guides the destinies of men and nations. The elevating influence of religion in
human society is recognized here as elsewhere. In fact, certain general concessions are
indiscriminately accorded to religious sects and denominations.’