B2-ATACADOR, CRISTIAN GREGOR E.

Case Digest 12 (October 1, 2022 Session)

J. LAUREL ON GR 47800, DEC. 2, 1940 I CALALANG VS. WILLIAMS
On definition of social justice
FACTS:
On July 18, 1940, the Chairman of the National Traffic Commission, recommended to the
Director of Public Works the adoption of the measure of the provisions of Commonwealth Act
No. 548 which gives the Director of Public Works an authority, with the approval of the
Secretary of Public Works and Communications, to promulgate rules and regulations to regulate
and control the use of and traffic on national roads. With this, Maximo Calalang, the petitioner, a
private citizen, filed a petition for a writ of prohibition against the respondents, A. D. Williams,
et al., He argues that the said commonwealth act is unconstitutional because it constitutes an
undue delegation of legislative power.
He also argues that the provisions of this act constitute an unlawful interference with legitimate
business or trade and abridge the right to personal liberty and freedom of locomotion which is
also unconstitutional.
ISSUE/S:
Whether the provisions of the Commonwealth Act No. 548 constitute unlawful interference with
legitimate business or trade and abridge the right to personal liberty and freedom of locomotion
RULES & APPLICATION
The promotion of social justice is underscored by Justice Laurel in his opinion in the case at bar
through the principle of salus populi est suprema lex (the welfare of the people is the supreme
law) which means that every law must be for the promotion of the welfare of the people. Hence
on this case, the rules and regulation that was promulgated aims to promote safe transit upon and
avoid obstruction on national roads, in the interest and convenience of the public. With these in
enacting the law, the traffic congestion will be lessened, and economic stability will be
promoted.
CONCLUSION:
The provisions under the Commonwealth Act No. 548 supports business and trade. It also does
not violate the right to personal liberty and freedom of locomotion. The petition for writ of
prohibition is denied, with costs against the petitioner.