Notes&'Equal'Protection'

• Equal'Protection'of'the'laws'is'embraced'in'the'concept'of'due'process,'as'every'unfair'discrimination'of'
fends'the'requirements'of'justice'and'fair'play.'
• Specific'guaranty'against'undue'favoritism'or'hostility'from'the'government.''
• Couched'in'general'terms'because'it'is'also'dynamic.'

Definition(

• Equal' protection' simply( requires( that( all( persons( or( things( similarly( situated( should( be( treated( alike,(
both(as(to(rights(conferred(and(responsibilities(imposed.'Similar'subjects,'in'other'words,'should'not'be'
treated'differently,'so'as'to'give'undue'favor'to'some'and'unjustly'discriminate'against'others.'
• Substantive'equality'is'not'enough.'It'is'also'required'that'the'law'be'enforced'and'applied'equally.'

Persons(Protected(

• The' equal' protection' clause' is' available' to' all' persons,' natural' as' well' as' juridical.' Artificial' persons,'
however,'are'entitled'to'the'protection'only'insofar'as'their'property'is'concerned.'
• certain'rights'are'enjoyable'only'by'citizens,'such'as'the'rights'to'vote,'hold'public'office,'exploit'natural'
resources,'and'operate'public'utilities,'although'aliens'are'comprehended'in'the'guaranty.''

Classification(

• The'equal'protection'clause(does(not(require(the(universal(application(of(the(laws,(that'is,'that'it'operate'
on'all'the'people'without'distinction.'Such'an'effect'might'in'fact'sometimes'result'in'unequal'protection.'
• The'Constitution'requires'equality(among(equals.'
• The(legislature(is(allowed(to(classify(the(subject(of(legislation.'If'the'classification(is(reasonable,'the'law'
may'operate'only'on'some'and'not'all'of'the'people'without'violating'the'equal'protection'clause.'
• Classification' has' been' defined' as' the' grouping' of' persons' or' things' similar' to' each' other' in' certain'
particular'and'different'from'all'others'in'these'same'particulars.'

Requirements:'

1.) It'must'be'based'upon'substantial(distinctions.''
o Superficial'differences'do'not'make'a'valid'distinction.'
o ''Certain'physical'differences'of'person'can'in'some'instance'be'the'basis'of'a'valid'classification,'
Thus,' women,' being' weaker,' may' be' treated' more' tenderly' by' the' law' than' men' in' specifying'
working' conditions' height' and' weight' are' allowable' criteria' for' purposes' of' certain' public'
employments,'as'in'the'police'force;'health'may'be'considered'int'he'curtailment'of'some'rights,'
as'were'lepers'are'segregated'from'the'rest'of'the'community.'
'
'
2.) It'must'be'germane'to'the'purposes'of'the'law.'
o Accepted'difference'between'men'and'women'in'stamina'will'justify'the'prohibition'of'the'latter'
from'employment'as'miners'or'in'any'heavy'strenuous'work.'
3.) 'It'must'not'be'limited'to'existing(conditions(only.''
o Classification'must'be'enforced'not'only'for'the'present'but'as'long'as'the'problem'sought'to'be'
corrected'continues'to'exist.'
4.) It'must'apply'equally(to(all(the(members(of(the(class.'
o It'is'not'necessary'that'the'classification'be'made'with'absolute'symmetry,'in'the'sense'that'the'
members' of' the' class' should' possess' the' same' characteristics' in' equal' degree.' Substantial'
similarity'will'suffice;'and'as'long'as'this'is'achieved,'all'those'covered'by'the'classification'are'to'
be'treated'equally.'
 o The'mere'fact'that'an'individual'belonging'to'a'class'differs'from'the'other'members,'as'long'as'
that'class'is'substantially'distinguishable'from'all'others,'does'not'justify'the'non&application'of'
the'law'to'him.'

'

Ichong(v(Hernandez(

Main(Point'

Broadly' speaking,' the' power' of' the' legislature' to' make' distinctions' and' classifications' among' persons' is' not'
curtailed' or' denied' by' the' equal' protection' of' the' law’s' clause.' The' legislative' power' admits' of' a' wide' scope' of'
discretion,' and' a' law' can' be' violative' of' the' constitutional' limitation' only' when' the' classification' is' without'
reasonable'basis.'

The' question' as' to' whether' or' not' citizenship' is' a' legal' and' valid' ground' for' classification' has' already' been'
affirmatively'decided'in'this'jurisdiction.'Aliens'do'not'naturally'possess'the'sympathetic'consideration'and'regard'
for'customers'with'whom'they'come'in'daily'contact,'nor'the'patriotic'desire'to'help'bolster'the'nation's'economy,'
except' in' so' far' as' it' enhances' their' profit,' nor' the' loyalty' and' allegiance' which' the' national' owes' to' the' land.'
These'limitations'on'the'qualifications'of'aliens'have'been'shown'on'many'occasions'and'instances,'especially'in'
times'of'crisis'and'emergency.'

'

Facts:'

Republic'Act'No.'1180'is'entitled'"An'Act'to'Regulate'the'Retail'Business.'In(effect(it(nationalizes(the(retail(trade(
business.'The'main'provisions'of'the'Act'are:'

1.) A' prohibition' against' persons,' not' citizens' of' the' Philippines,' and' against' associations,' partnerships,' or'
corporations' the' capital' of' which' are' not' wholly' owned' by' citizens' of' the' Philippines,' from' engaging'
directly'or'indirectly'in'the'retail'trade;''
2.) An'exception'from'the'above'prohibition'in'favor'of'aliens'actually'engaged'in'said'business'on'May'15,'
1954,' who' are' allowed' to' continue' to' engage' therein,' unless' their' licenses' are' forfeited' in' accordance'
with'the'law,'until'their'death'or'voluntary'retirement'in'case'of'natural'persons,'and'for'ten'years'after'
the'approval'of'the'Act'or'until'the'expiration'term'in'case'of'juridical'persons;''
3.) An'exception'therefrom'in'favor'of'citizens'and'juridical'entities'of'the'United'States;''
4.) A' provision' for' the' forfeiture' of' licenses' (to' engage' in' the' retail' business)' for' violation' of' the' laws' on'
nationalization,' economic' control' weights' and' measures' and' labor' and' other' laws' relating' to' trade,'
commerce'and'industry;''
5.) A' prohibition' against' the' establishment' or' opening' by' aliens' actually' engaged' in' the' retail' business' of'
additional'stores'or'branches'of'retail'business,''
6.) A' provision' requiring' aliens' actually' engaged' in' the' retail' business' to' present' for' registration' with' the'
proper' authorities' a' verified' statement' concerning' their' businesses,' giving,' among' other' matters,' the'
nature'of'the'business,'their'assets'and'liabilities'and'their'offices'and'principal'offices'of'juridical'entities;'
and''
7.) A' provision' allowing' the' heirs' of' aliens' now' engaged' in' the' retail' business' who' die,' to' continue' such'
business'for'a'period'of'six'months'for'purposes'of'liquidation.'

Petitioners(grounds:'

1.) It( denies( to( alien( residents( the( equal( protection( of( the( laws' and' deprives' them' of' their' liberty' and'
property'without'due'process'of'law;'

Issue:(

WON'RA'1180'violates'equal'protection'of'laws.'
Ruling:(No!(

The' equal' protection' of' the' law' clause' is' against' undue' favor' and' individual' or' class' privilege,' as' well' as' hostile'
discrimination'or'the'oppression'of'inequality.'It'is'not'intended'to'prohibit'legislation,'which'is'limited'either'in'
the'object'to'which'it'is'directed'or'by'territory'within'which'it'is'to'operate.'It'does'not'demand'absolute'equality'
among' residents;' it( merely( requires( that( all( persons( shall( be( treated( alike( under( like( circumstances( and(
conditions(both(as(to(privileges(conferred(and(liabilities(enforced.'The'equal'protection'clause'is'not'infringed'by'
legislation'which'applies'only'to'those'persons'falling'within'a'specified'class,'if'it'applies'alike'to'all'persons'within'
such' class,' and' reasonable' grounds' exists' for' making' a' distinction' between' those' who' fall' within' such' class' and'
those'who'do'not.'

The(mere(fact(of(alienage(is(the(root(and(cause(of(the(distinction(between(the(alien(and(the(national(as(a(trader.'
The(alien(resident(owes(allegiance(to(the(country(of(his(birth(or(his(adopted(country;(his(stay(here(is(for(personal(
convenience;( he( is( attracted( by( the( lure( of( gain( and( profit.' His' aim' or' purpose' of' stay,' we' admit,' is' neither'
illegitimate'nor'immoral,'but'he'is'naturally'lacking'in'that'spirit'of'loyalty'and'enthusiasm'for'this'country'where'
he'temporarily'stays'and'makes'his'living,'or'of'that'spirit'of'regard,'sympathy'and'consideration'for'his'Filipino'
customers' as' would' prevent' him' from' taking' advantage' of' their' weakness' and' exploiting' them.' The' faster' he'
makes'his'pile,'the'earlier'can'the'alien'go'back'to'his'beloved'country'and'his'beloved'kin'and'countrymen.'The'
experience'of'the'country'is'that'the'alien'retailer'has'shown'such'utter'disregard'for'his'customers'and'the'people'
on'whom'he'makes'his'profit,'that'it'has'been'found'necessary'to'adopt'the'legislation,'radical'as'it'may'seem.'

Another' objection' to' the' alien( retailer( in( this( country( is( that( he( never( really( makes( a( genuine( contribution( to(
national( income( and( wealth.' He' undoubtedly' contributes' to' general' distribution,' but' the' gains' and' profits' he'
makes' are' not' invested' in' industries' that' would' help' the' country's' economy' and' increase' national' wealth.( The(
alien's(interest(in(this(country(being(merely(transient(and(temporary,(it'would'indeed'be'ill&advised'to'continue'
entrusting'the'very'important'function'of'retail'distribution'to'his'hands.'

The( practices( resorted( to( by( aliens( in( the( control( of( distribution,( as( already( pointed( out( above,( their( secret(
manipulations(of(stocks(of(commodities(and(prices,(their(utter(disregard(of(the(welfare(of(their(customers(and(of(
the( ultimate( happiness( of( the( people( of( the( nation( of( which( they( are( mere( guests,( which( practices,(
manipulations(and(disregard(do(not(attend(the(exercise(of(the(trade(by(the(nationals,(show(the(existence(of(real(
and( actual,( positive( and( fundamental( differences( between( an( alien( and( a( national( which( fully( justify( the(
legislative(classification(adopted(in(the(retail(trade(measure.'These'differences'are'certainly'a'valid'reason'for'the'
State'to'prefer'the'national'over'the'alien'in'the'retail'trade.'We'would'be'doing'violence'to'fact'and'reality'were'
we'to'hold'that'no'reason'or'ground'for'a'legitimate'distinction'can'be'found'between'one'and'the'other.'

Since'the'Court'finds'that'the'classification'is'actual,'real'and'reasonable,'and'all'persons'of'one'class'are'treated'
alike,'and'as'it'cannot'be'said'that'the'classification'is'patently'unreasonable'and'unfounded,'it'is'in'duty'bound'to'
declare'that'the'legislature'acted'within'its'legitimate'prerogative'and'it'cannot'declare'that'the'act'transcends'the'
limit'of'equal'protection'established'by'the'Constitution.'

Broadly' speaking,' the' power' of' the' legislature' to' make' distinctions' and' classifications' among' persons' is' not'
curtailed' or' denied' by' the' equal' protection' of' the' law’s' clause.' The' legislative' power' admits' of' a' wide' scope' of'
discretion,' and' a' law' can' be' violative' of' the' constitutional' limitation' only' when' the' classification' is' without'
reasonable'basis.'

The' question' as' to' whether' or' not' citizenship' is' a' legal' and' valid' ground' for' classification' has' already' been'
affirmatively'decided'in'this'jurisdiction.'Aliens'do'not'naturally'possess'the'sympathetic'consideration'and'regard'
for'customers'with'whom'they'come'in'daily'contact,'nor'the'patriotic'desire'to'help'bolster'the'nation's'economy,'
except' in' so' far' as' it' enhances' their' profit,' nor' the' loyalty' and' allegiance' which' the' national' owes' to' the' land.'
These'limitations'on'the'qualifications'of'aliens'have'been'shown'on'many'occasions'and'instances,'especially'in'
times'of'crisis'and'emergency.'

(2)(Ceniza(v.(Commission(on(Elections(
Main(Point(

The(classification(of(cities(into(highly(urbanized(cities(and(component(cities(on(the(basis(of(their(regular(annual(
income(is(based(upon(substantial(distinction.'The'revenue'of'a'city'would'show'whether'or'not'it'is'capable'of'
existence' and' development' as' a' relatively' independent' social,' economic,' and' political' unit.' It' would' also' show'
whether' the' city' has' sufficient' economic' or' industrial' activity' as' to' warrant' its' independence' from' the' province'
where' it' is' geographically' situated.' Cities' with' smaller' income' need' the' continued' support' of' the' provincial'
government'thus'justifying'the'continued'participation'of'the'voters'in'the'election'of'provincial'officials'in'some'
instances.'

Facts:(

Interim'Batasang'Pambansa'enacted'Batas'Blg'51'providing'for'local'elections'on'January'30,1980.'Section'3'of'the'
statute'provides:'

Sec' 3.' Cities' &' ……' Until' cities' are' reclassified' into' highly' urbanized' and' component' cities' in' accordance' with' the'
standards'established'in'the'Local'Government'Code'as'provided'for'in'Article'XI,'Section'4(1)'of'the'Constitution,'
any(city(now(existing(with(an(annual(regular(income(derived(from(infrastructure(and(general(funds(of(not(less(
than( forty( million( pesos( (P40,000,000.00)( at( the( time( of( the( approval( of( this( Act( shall( be( classified( as( a( highly(
urbanized( city.' All' other' cities' shall' be' considered' components' of' the' provinces' where' they' are' geographically'
located.'

The'registered'voters'of'a'component'city'may'be'entitled'to'vote'in'the'election'of'the'officials'of'the'province'of'
which'that'city'is'a'component,'if'its'charter'so'provides.'However,'voters'registered'in'a'highly'urbanized'city,'as'
hereinabove'denied,'shall'not'participate'nor'vote'in'the'election'of'the'officials'of'the'province'in'which'the'highly'
urbanized'city'is'geographically'located."'

COMELEC'then'adopted'Resolution'No.'1421'for'the'implementation.'

Petitioners(argument:(

1.) Section'3'of'Batas'Blg.'885'insofar'as'it'classifies'cities'including'Cebu'City'as'highly'urbanized'as'the'only'
basis' for' not' allowing' its' electorate' to' vote' for' the' provincial' officials' is' inherently' and' palpably'
unconstitutional'in'that'such'classification'is'not'based'on'substantial'distinctions'germane'to'the'purpose'
of'the'law'which'in'effect'provides'for'and'regulates'the'exercise'of'the'right'of'suffrage,'and'therefore'
such'unreasonable'classification'amounts'to'a'denial'of'equal'protection."'
2.) The'petitioners'also'contend'that'the'voters'in'Mandaue'City'are'denied'equal'protection'of'the'law'since'
the'voters'in'other'component'cities'are'allowed'to'vote'for'provincial'officials.'

Issue:(

WON'Section'3'of'Batas'Blg.'885'violates'the'equal'protection'clause.'

Ruling:(No!(

The'thrust'of'the'1973'Constitution'is'towards'the'fullest'autonomy'of'local'government'units.'In'the'Declaration'
of' Principles' and' State' Policies,' it' is' stated' that' "The' State' shall' guarantee' and' promote' the' autonomy' of' local'
government'units,'especially'the'barrio,'to'ensure'their'fullest'development'as'self&reliant'communities.'

The(classification(of(cities(into(highly(urbanized(cities(and(component(cities(on(the(basis(of(their(regular(annual(
income(is(based(upon(substantial(distinction.'The'revenue'of'a'city'would'show'whether'or'not'it'is'capable'of'
existence' and' development' as' a' relatively' independent' social,' economic,' and' political' unit.' It( would( also( show(
whether(the(city(has(sufficient(economic(or(industrial(activity(as(to(warrant(its(independence(from(the(province(
where( it( is( geographically( situated.' Cities' with' smaller' income' need' the' continued' support' of' the' provincial'
government'thus'justifying'the'continued'participation'of'the'voters'in'the'election'of'provincial'officials'in'some'
instances.'
nd
To' the' 2 ' argument' of' the' petitioners,' the( practice( of( allowing( voters( in( one( component( city( to( vote( for(
provincial(officials(and(denying(the(same(privilege(to(voters(in(another(component(city(is(a(matter(of(legislative(
discretion'which'violates'neither'the'Constitution'nor'the'voter's'right'of'suffrage.'

The(equal(protection(of(the(law(contemplates(equality(in(the(enjoyment(of(similar(rights(and(privileges(granted(
by(law.'It'would'have'been'discriminatory'and'a'denial'of'the'equal'protection'of'the'law'if'the'statute'prohibited'
an'individual'or'group'of'voters'in'the'city'from'voting'for'provincial'officials'while'granting'it'to'another'individual'
or'group'of'voters'in'the'same'city.'

Neither'can'it'be'considered'an'infringement'upon'the'petitioners''rights'of'suffrage'since'the'Constitution'confers'
no'right'to'a'voter'in'a'city'to'vote'for'the'provincial'officials'of'the'province'where'the'city'is'located.'Their'right'is'
limited' to' the' right' to' vote' for' elective' city' officials' in' local' elections' which' the' questioned' statutes' neither'
withdraw'nor'restrict.'

(3)(Philippine(Association(of(Service(Exporters,(Inc.(v.(Drilon(

Main(Point(

The( Court( is( satisfied( that( the( classification( madeU( the( preference( for( female( workers' –' rests' on' substantial'
distinctions.'

The( Court( is( well( aware( of( the( unhappy( plight( that( has( befallen( our( female( labor( force( abroad,( especially(
domestic(servants,(amid(exploitative(working(conditions(marked(by,(in(not(a(few(cases,(physical(and(personal(
abuse.' The' sordid' tales' of' maltreatment' suffered' by' migrant' Filipina' workers,' even' rape' and' various' forms' of'
torture,'confirmed'by'testimonies'of'returning'workers,'are'compelling'motives'for'urgent'Government'action.'As'
precisely' the' caretaker' of' Constitutional' rights,' the' Court' is' called' upon' to' protect' victims' of' exploitation.' In'
fulfilling'that'duty,'the'Court'sustains'the'Government's'efforts.'On'the'contrary,'there'is'a'lack'of'evidence'that'
the'same'happens'to'male'workers.'

Facts:'

Petitioner'challenges'the'Constitutional'validity'of'Department'Order'No.'1,'Series'of'1988,'of'the'Department'of'
Labor' and' Employment,' in' the' character' of' "GUIDELINES' GOVERNING' THE' TEMPORARY' SUSPENSION' OF'
DEPLOYMENT'OF'FILIPINO'DOMESTIC'AND'HOUSEHOLD'WORKERS,".'

Specifically,'the'measure(is(assailed(for("discrimination(against(males(or(females;"'that'it'"does'not'apply'to'all'
Filipino'workers'but'only'to'domestic'helpers'and'females'with'similar'skills;".'

Solicitor'General'argues'that'said'order'is'of'the'nature'of'police'power.'

Issue:(

WON'said'order'violates'equal'protection'as'it'only'applies'to'women.'

Ruling:(No!(

There' is' no' question' that' Department' Order' No.' 1' applies' only' to' "female' contract' workers,"' but( it( does( not(
thereby(make(an(undue(discrimination(between(the(sexes.'It'is'well&settled'that'"equality'before'the'law"'under'
the'Constitution'does'not'import'a'perfect'identity'of'rights'among'all'men'and'women.'

It'admits'of'classifications,'provided'that:''

(1)'such'classifications'rest'on'substantial'distinctions;''
 (2)'they'are'germane'to'the'purposes'of'the'law;''

(3)'they'are'not'conned'to'existing'conditions;'and''

(4)'they'apply'equally'to'all'members'of'the'same'class.'

The( Court( is( satisfied( that( the( classification( madeU( the( preference( for( female( workers' –' rests' on' substantial'
distinctions.'

The( Court( is( well( aware( of( the( unhappy( plight( that( has( befallen( our( female( labor( force( abroad,( especially(
domestic(servants,(amid(exploitative(working(conditions(marked(by,(in(not(a(few(cases,(physical(and(personal(
abuse.' The' sordid' tales' of' maltreatment' suffered' by' migrant' Filipina' workers,' even' rape' and' various' forms' of'
torture,'confirmed'by'testimonies'of'returning'workers,'are'compelling'motives'for'urgent'Government'action.'As'
precisely' the' caretaker' of' Constitutional' rights,' the' Court' is' called' upon' to' protect' victims' of' exploitation.' In'
fulfilling'that'duty,'the'Court'sustains'the'Government's'efforts.''

The' same,' however,' cannot' be' said' of' our' male' workers.' In' the' first' place,' there( is( no( evidence( that,( except(
perhaps(for(isolated(instances,(our(men(abroad(have(been(afflicted(with(an(identical(predicament.(The'petitioner'
has'proffered'no'argument'that'the'Government'should'act'similarly'with'respect'to'male'workers.'The'Court,'of'
course,'is'not'impressing'some'male'chauvinistic'notion'that'men'are'superior'to'women.'What'the'Court'is'saying'
is'that'it'was'largely'a'matter'of'evidence'(that'women'domestic'workers'are'being'ill&treated'abroad'in'massive'
instances)'and'not'upon'some'fanciful'or'arbitrary'yardstick'that'the'Government'acted'in'this'case.'

There( is( likewise( no( doubt( that( such( a( classification( is( germane( to' the' purpose' behind' the' measure.'
Unquestionably,' it' is' the' avowed' objective' of' Department' Order' No.' 1' to' "enhance( the( protection( for( Filipino(
female(overseas(workers."(

The(Order(does(not(narrowly(apply(to(existing(conditions.'Rather,'it'is'intended'to'apply'indefinitely'so'long'as'
those' conditions' exist.' This' is' clear' from' the' Order' itself' ("Pending' review' of' the' administrative' and' legal'
measures,'in'the'Philippines'and'in'the'host'countries'.'.'.)'meaning'to'say'that'should'the'authorities'arrive'at'a'
means' impressed' with' a' greater' degree' of' permanency,' the' ban' shall' be' lifted.' As' a' stop&gap' measure,' it' is'
possessed'of'a'necessary'malleability,'depending'on'the'circumstances'of'each'case.(They(can(lift(the(suspension(
of(bans(in(the(countries(where(there(are(bilateral(agreements(and(existing(mechanisms(providing(safeguards(to(
the(welfare(and(protection(of(Filipino(workers.(

The( Court( finds,( finally,( the( impugned( guidelines( to( be( applicable( to( all( female( domestic( overseas( workers.''
What'the'Constitution'prohibits'is'the'singling'out'of'a'select'person'or'group'of'persons'within'an'existing'class,'to'
the'prejudice'of'such'a'person'or'group'or'resulting'in'an'unfair'advantage'to'another'person'or'group'of'persons.'
To'apply'the'ban,'say'exclusively'to'workers'deployed'by'A,'but'not'to'those'recruited'by'B,'would'obviously'clash'
with'the'equal'protection'clause'of'the'Charter.'

'

(4)(Conference(of(Maritime(Manning(Agencies,(Inc.(v.(Philippine(Overseas(Employment(

Main(Point:(

There(can(be(no(dispute(about(the(dissimilarities(between(landUbased(and(seaUbased(Filipino(overseas'workers'in'
terms' of,' among' other' things,' work' environment,' safety,' dangers' and' risks' to' life' and' limb,' and' accessibility' to'
social,'civic,'and'spiritual'activities.''

Facts:(

Petitioner'hires'and'recruits'Filipino'seamen'for'and'in'behalf'of'their'respective'foreign'shipowner&principals,'urge'
us' to' annul' Resolution' No.' 01,' series' of' 1994,' of' the' Governing' Board' of' the' Philippine' Overseas' Employment'
Administration'(POEA)'Memorandum'Circular'No.'05,'series'of'1994,'on'the'grounds'that:'
 3.) The' resolution' and' the' memorandum' circular' are' unconstitutional' because' they' violate( the( equal(
protection'and'non&impairment'of'obligation'of'contracts'clauses'of'the'Constitution.'

The'said'order'is'to'amend'and'increase'compensation'and'other'benefits'for'of'the'POEA'Standard'Employment'
Contract'for'Seafarers.'

Petitioners(claim'discrimination'against'foreign'shipowners'and'principals'employing'Filipino'seamen'and'in'favor'
of'foreign'employers'employing'overseas'Filipinos'who'are'not'seamen.'

Issue:(

WON(equal'protection'clause'is'violated.'

Ruling:(No!(

There(can(be(no(dispute(about(the(dissimilarities(between(landUbased(and(seaUbased(Filipino(overseas'workers'in'
terms' of,' among' other' things,' work' environment,' safety,' dangers' and' risks' to' life' and' limb,' and' accessibility' to'
social,'civic,'and'spiritual'activities.'

The'executive'order'creating'the'POEA'was'enacted'to'further'implement'the'social'justice'provisions'of'the'1973,'
Constitution,'which'have'been'greatly'enhanced'and'expanded'in'the'1987'Constitution'by'placing'them'under'a'
separate'Article.'

(5)(JMM(Promotion(and(Management,(Inc.(v.(Court(of(Appeals(

Main(Point:(

The' equal' protection' clause' is' directed' principally' against' undue' favor' and' individual' or' class' privilege.' It' is' not'
intended'to'prohibit'legislation'which'is'limited'to'the'object'to'which'it'is'directed'or'by'the'territory'in'which'it'is'
to'operate.'It'does'not'require'absolute'equality,'but'merely'that'all'persons'be'treated'alike'under'like'conditions'
both'as'to'privileges'conferred'and'liabilities'imposed.''

We'have'held,'time'and'again,'that'the'equal'protection'clause'of'the'Constitution'does'not'forbid'classification'for'
so' long' as' such' classification' is' based' on' real' and' substantial' differences' having' a' reasonable' relation' to' the'
subject'of'the'particular'legislation.'If'classification'is'germane'to'the'purpose'of'the'law,'concerns'all'members'of'
the' class,' and' applies' equally' to' present' and' future' conditions,' the' classification' does' not' violate' the' equal'
protection'guarantee.'

Facts(

Former'President'Corazon'Aquino'ordered(a(total(ban(against(the(deployment(of(performing(artists(to(Japan(and(
other(foreign(destinations.'The'ban'was,'however,'rescinded'after'leaders'of'the'overseas'employment'industry'
promised'to'extend'full'support'for'a'program'aimed'at'removing'kinks'in'the'system'of'deployment.''

In'its'place,'the'government,'through'the'Secretary'of'Labor'and'Employment,'subsequently'issued'Department(
Order( No.( 28( creating( the( Entertainment( Industry( Advisory( Council( (EIAC)' which' was' tasked' with' issuing'
guidelines'on'the'training,'testing'certification'and'deployment'of'performing'artists'abroad.'

Pursuant'to'the'EIAC's'recommendations,'the'Secretary'of'Labor,'on'January'6,'1994,'issued'Department'Order'No.'
3' establishing' various' procedures' and' requirements' for' screening' performing' artists' under' a' new' system' of'
training,' testing,' certification' and' deployment' of' the' former.' Performing' artists' successfully' hurdling' the' test,'
training'and'certification'requirement'were(to(be(issued(an(Artist's(Record(Book((ARB),(a(necessary(prerequisite(
to( processing( of( any( contract( of( employment( by( the( POEA.' Then' a' series' of' orders' were' then' issued' on'
implementing'the'new'system.'
Federation'of'Entertainment'Talent'Managers'of'the'Philippines'(FETMOP)'filed'a'case'saying'that'said'orders:'

1.) Violated'the'constitutional'right'to'travel;''
2.) Abridged'existing'contracts'for'employment;'and''
3.) Deprived'individual'artists'of'their'licenses'without'due'process'of'law.'
4.) Likewise,'averred'that'the'issuance'of'the'Artist'Record'Book'(ARB)'was(discriminatory(and(illegal'and'"in'
gross'violation'of'the'constitutional'right'.'.'.'to'life'liberty'and'property."(

Petitioners(suggest(that(the(singling(out(of(entertainers(and(performing(artists(under(the(assailed(department(
orders(constitutes(class(legislation(which(violates(the(equal(protection(clause(of(the(Constitution.(

Issue:(

WON'said'orders'are'violative'of'equal'protection'clause.'

Ruling:(No!'

The' equal' protection' clause' is' directed' principally' against' undue' favor' and' individual' or' class' privilege.' It' is' not'
intended'to'prohibit'legislation'which'is'limited'to'the'object'to'which'it'is'directed'or'by'the'territory'in'which'it'is'
to'operate.'It(does(not(require(absolute(equality,'but(merely(requires(that(all(persons(be(treated(alike(under(like(
conditions(both(as(to(privileges(conferred(and(liabilities(imposed.(

We'have'held,'time'and'again,'that'the'equal'protection'clause'of'the'Constitution'does'not'forbid'classification'for'
so'long'as(such(classification(is(based(on:(

1.) Real(and(substantial(differences(having'a'reasonable'relation'to'the'subject'of'the'particular'legislation.''
2.) If'classification(is(germane(to(the(purpose(of(the(law,((
3.) Concerns(all(members(of(the(class,(and((
4.) Applies(equally(to(present(and(future(conditions,(the'classification'does'not'violate'the'equal'protection'
guarantee.'

In( the( case( at( bar,( the( challenged( Department( Order( clearly( applies( to( all( performing( artists( and( entertainers(
destined( for( jobs( abroad.' These' orders,' we' stressed' hereinbefore,' further' the' Constitutional' mandate' requiring'
government'to'protect'our'workforce,'particularly'those'who'may'be'prone'to'abuse'and'exploitation'as'they'are'
beyond'the'physical'reach'of'government'regulatory'agencies.'The'tragic'incidents'must'somehow'stop,'but'short'
of' absolutely' curtailing' the' right' of' these' performers' and' entertainers' to' work' abroad,' the' assailed' measures'
enable'our'government'to'assume'a'measure'of'control.'

Extra'Note:'The'historical'backdrop'at'this'time'was'that'many'women'were'going'abroad'and'were'being'forced'
into'prostitution,'emotional'and'physical'abuse'by'foreigners.'Some'were'even'killed.'The'purpose'of'these'orders'
and'the'establishment'of'EIAC'were'made'for'the'welfare'of'the'Filipinos'going'abroad'most'especially'the'women.'
Short'of'a'total'and'absolute'ban'is'applying'these'strict'measures'and'screenings'to'ensure'their'safety.'It'is'to'
better'monitor'and'to'make'sure'that'the'women'sent'abroad'will'not'succumb'to'the'forceful'exploitations'and'
abuse'of'foreigners.'

'

(6)(Disini,(Jr.(v.(Secretary(of(Justice(

Main(Point:(

Facts:'

ONE-LINER: The right to free speech is not absolute, it can be regulated if it is intended to injure
or incite a breach of peace

FACTS (short facts lang kay Constitutionality of cyber libel as qualifying circumstance ang
question.)
- Petitioner seek to reverse the declaration of unconstitutionality of some provisions of RA 10125 or the
Cyber Prevention Act of 2012 last Feb. 18,2014. The court sees no substantial arguments that warrants
its reversal.

ISSUE

- Constitutionality of RA 10125 or the Cyber Prevention Act of 2012.

RULING – RA 10125 Constitutional

- Section 6. Imposes penalties one degree higher when the crimes defined in the RPC and SPL are
committed with “information and communication technologies” (ICT)

o Petitioners say it is invalid since it would hinder free expression. It is also invalid for the
absence of a definition of the term “information and communication technology”.

o The court is not persuaded as the parameters in the ICT exists in many other laws and
it should not be read in isolation

o Section 6 merely makes the commission of crimes through the internet a qualifying
circumstance.

o In traditional crimes, the perpretrator must go to a place and possibily incriminate himself. Fraud
online crosses borders, and the perpetrator enjoys anonymity.

o The law targets those who choose pervasive media without qualms, tearing down
the reputation of private individuals.

- The Court upheld Section 4 c) (4) which penalizes online libel. Petitioners argue that it tramples on
freedom of expression

o Champlinsky v. New Hampshire. “Free speech is no absolute. There are certain

o Online libel is not a new crime. It is essentially the old crime of libel found in the
1930 RPC.

Separate Opinion of CJ Sereno (dissenting and concurring)

TO SUM

1. Section 6 Unconstitutional as it applies to libel and it curtails freedom of speech

2. Section 4 (c) (4) Unconstitutional

3. Section 4 (c)(3) Not Unconstitutional for being a valid regulation of harmful conduct

- No Law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of
people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances

- Agreed with petitioners Section 6 (imposing higher penalty) may affect free speech. The court only had
one paragraph for the issue. It is their duty to explain the effects of the passage of such law
- GR: “penal statutes cannot be facially invalidated on the ground that they produce a chilling effect
since they are intended to have an in terroram effect (serving or intended to threaten or intimidate) to
deter criminality. However, it may be invalidated if it goes beyond the in terrorem effect

- Section 6 doubles the maximum penalty for online libel. The increase in penalty also results in the
imposition of harsher accessory penalties. It will also neutralize the benfits of probation as the rule
increases the maximum to 8 years. 6 years maximum are needed for those who apply for probation

- Section 6 increases the prescription period for the crime of cyber libel to 15 years. ICT as an
aggravating circumstance, cannot be offset

- The mere use of ICT should not automatically make it aggravating. IT should be purposely sought to
facilitate the crime, maximize damage or ensure impunity. If there is no such intent, there can be no
aggravation.

- ICT should not only refer to stand alone devices but such devices should be connected to the internet

(7)((International(School(Alliance(of(Educators(v.(Quisumbing'

Main(Point(

In'this'case,'we'find'the'point&of&hire'classification'employed'by'respondent'School'to'justify'the'distinction'in'the'
salary' rates' of' foreign&hires' and' local' hires' to' be' an' invalid' classification.' There( is( no( reasonable( distinction(
between( the( services( rendered( by( foreignUhires( and( localUhires.' The( practice( of( the( School( of( according( higher(
salaries(to(foreignUhires(contravenes(public(policy(and,'certainly,'does'not'deserve'the'sympathy'of'this'Court.'
(

There( is( no( evidence( here( that( foreignUhires( perform( 25%( more( efficiently( or( effectively( than( the( localUhires.'
Both(groups(have(similar(functions(and(responsibilities,'which'they'perform'under'similar'working'conditions.'

Facts:(

Private'Respondent'International'School'pursuant'to'Presidential'Decree'732,'is'a'domestic'educational'institution'
established'primarily'for'dependents'of'foreign'diplomatic'personnel'and'other'temporary'residents.'In'the'same'
decree,'Section'2©'authorizes'the'school'to:''

Employ( its( own( teaching( and( management( personnel( selected( by( it( either( locally( or( abroad,' from'
Philippine' or' other' nationalities,' such' personnel' being' exempt' from' otherwise' applicable' laws' and'
regulations'attending'their'employment,'except'laws'that'have'been'or'will'be'enacted'for'the'protection'
of'employees.'

Accordingly,'the'school'has'(1)'foreign&hires'and'(2)'local&hires.'

The' School' grants' foreign&hires' certain' benefits' not' accorded' local&hires.' These' include' housing,( transportation,(
shipping( costs,( taxes,( and( home( leave( travel( allowance.' ForeignUhires( are( also( paid( a( salary( rate( twentyUfive(
percent( (25%)( more( than( localUhires.' The' School' justifies' the' difference' on' two' "significant' economic'
disadvantages"'foreign&hires'have'to'endure,'namely:'(a)'the'"dislocation'factor"'and'(b)'limited'tenure.'

The(schools(reasoning(is(that:((

A( foreignUhire( would( necessarily( have( to( uproot( himself( from( his( home( country,( leave( his( family( and(
friends,(and(take(the(risk(of(deviating(from(a(promising(career(path'—'all'for'the'purpose'of'pursuing'his'
profession' as' an' educator,' but' this' time' in' a' foreign' land.' The' new' foreign' hire' is' faced' with' economic'
realities:'decent'abode'for'oneself'and/or'for'one's'family,'effective'means'of'transportation,'allowance'
 for' the' education' of' one's' children,' adequate' insurance' against' illness' and' death,' and' of' course' the'
primary'benefit'of'a'basic'salary/retirement'compensation.'

Because'of'a'limited'tenure,'the'foreign'hire'is'confronted'again'with'the'same'economic'reality'after'his'
term:'that'he'will'eventually'and'inevitably'return'to'his'home'country'where'he'will'have'to(confront(the(
uncertainty(of(obtaining(suitable(employment'after'a'long'period'in'a'foreign'land.'

The( compensation( scheme( is( simply( the( School's( adaptive( measure( to( remain( competitive' on' an'
international'level'in'terms'of'attracting'competent'professionals'in'the'field'of'international'education.'

Petitioner( claims' that' the' point&of&hire' classification' employed' by' the' School' is' discriminatory( to( Filipinos' and'
that'the'grant'of'higher'salaries'to'foreign&hires'constitutes'racial'discrimination.'

The( School( disputes( these( claims' and' gives' a' breakdown' of' its' faculty' members,' numbering' 38' in' all,' with'
nationalities'other'than'Filipino,'who'have'been'hired'locally'and'classified'as'local'hires.'

The( School( contends( that( petitioner( has( not( adduced( evidence( that( localUhires( perform( work( equal' to' that' of'
foreign&hires'

Issue:(

WON'there'is'a'violation'of'equal'protects.'

Ruling:(Yes!(

That' public' policy' abhors' inequality' and' discrimination' is' beyond' contention.' Moreover,' International' Law'
embodies'the'general'principle'against'discrimination.'

Discrimination,'particularly'in'terms'of'wages,'is'frowned'upon'by'the'Labor'Code.''

Notably,' the' International' Covenant' on' Economic,' Social,' and' Cultural' Rights' provide' Fair( wages( and( equal(
remuneration(for(work(of(equal(value(without(distinction(of(any(kind…(

The' foregoing' provisions' impregnably' institutionalize' in' this' jurisdiction' the' long' honored' legal' truism' of' "equal'
pay'for'equal'work."'This'rule'applies'to'the'School,'its'"international'character"'notwithstanding.'

If' an' employer' accords' his' employees' the' same' position' and' rank,' the( presumption( is( that( these( employees(
perform( equal( work.' This( presumption( is( borne( by( logic( and( human( experience.' If' the' employer' pays' one'
employee'less'than'the'rest,'it'is'not'for'that'employee'to'explain'why'he'receives'less'or'why'the'others'receive'
more.'That'would'be'adding'insult'to'injury.'The'employer'has'discriminated'against'that'employee;'it'is'for'the'
employer'to'explain'why'the'employee'is'treated'unfairly'

The'employer'in'this'case'has'failed'to'discharge'this'burden.'There(is(no(evidence(here(that(foreignUhires(perform(
25%(more(efficiently(or(effectively(than(the(localUhires.'Both(groups(have(similar(functions(and(responsibilities,'
which'they'perform'under'similar'working'conditions.'

While'we'recognize'the'need'of'the'School'to'attract'foreign&hires,'salaries(should(not(be(used(as(an(enticement(
to(the(prejudice(of(localUhires.(The(localUhires(perform(the(same(services(as(foreignUhires(and(they(ought(to(be(
paid(the(same(salaries(as(the(latter.'For'the'same'reason,'the'"dislocation'factor"'and'the'foreign&hires''limited'
tenure'also'cannot'serve'as'valid'bases'for'the'distinction'in'salary'rates.'The'dislocation'factor'and'limited'tenure'
affecting'foreign&hires'are'adequately'compensated'by'certain'benefits'accorded'them'which'are'not'enjoyed'by'
local&hires,'such'as'housing,'transportation,'shipping'costs,'taxes'and'home'leave'travel'allowances.''

In'this'case,'we'find'the'point&of&hire'classification'employed'by'respondent'School'to'justify'the'distinction'in'the'
salary' rates' of' foreign&hires' and' local' hires' to' be' an' invalid' classification.' There( is( no( reasonable( distinction(
between( the( services( rendered( by( foreignUhires( and( localUhires.' The( practice( of( the( School( of( according( higher(
salaries(to(foreignUhires(contravenes(public(policy(and,'certainly,'does'not'deserve'the'sympathy'of'this'Court.'
(
 (8)((Biraogo(v.(Philippine(Truth(Commission(of(2010(

(9)(Garcia(v.(Drilon(

Main(Point:(

The'unequal'power'relationship'between'women'and'men;'the'fact'that'women'are'more'likely'than'men'to'be'
victims' of' violence;' and' the' widespread' gender' bias' and' prejudice' against' women' all( make( for( real( differences(
real(differences(justifying(the(classification(under(the(law.(

The'mere'fact'that'the'legislative'classification'may'result'in'actual'inequality'is'not'violative'of'the'right'to'equal'
protection,'for(every(classification(of(persons(or(things(for(regulation(by(law(produces(inequality(in(some(degree,(
but'the'law'is'not'thereby'rendered'invalid.' ''

Facts:(

A' husband' is' now' before' the' Court' assailing' the' constitutionality' of' R.A.' 9262' (VAWC)' as' being' violative' of' the'
equal'protection'and'due'process'clauses,'and'an'undue'delegation'of'judicial'power'to'barangay'officials.'

Private'respondent'claims'to'have'suffered'physical'abuse;'emotional,'psychological,'and'economic'violence'as'a'
result'of'marital'infidelity'on'the'part'of'petitioner,'with'threats'of'deprivation'of'custody'of'her'children'and'of'
financial'support.'She'even'attempted'suicide.''

Issue:(

WON'RA'9262'(VAWC)'is'unjust,'discriminatory'and'a'violation'to'the'equal'protection'clause.'

Ruling:(No!(

The(guaranty(of(equal(protection(of(the(laws(is(not(a(guaranty(of(equality(in(the(application(of(the(laws(upon(all(
citizens( of( the( state.' It' is' not,' therefore,' a' requirement,' in' order' to' avoid' the' constitutional' prohibition' against'
inequality,'that'every'man,'woman'and'child'should'be'affected'alike'by'a'statute.'Equality'of'operation'of'statutes'
does'not'mean'indiscriminate'operation'on'persons'merely'as'such,'but'on'persons'according'to'the'circumstances'
surrounding' them.' It' guarantees' equality,' not' identity' of' rights.' The' Constitution' does' not' require' that' things'
which'are'different'in'fact'be'treated'in'law'as'though'they'were'the'same.'The'equal'protection'clause'does'not'
forbid'discrimination'as'to'things'that'are'different.'It(does(not(prohibit(legislation(which(is(limited(either(in(the(
object(to(which(it(is(directed(or(by(the(territory(within(which(it(is(to(operate.''

The' equal' protection' of' the' laws' clause' of' the' Constitution' allows' classification.' Classification' in' law,' as' in' the'
other' departments' of' knowledge' or' practice,' is' the' grouping' of' things' in' speculation' or' practice' because' they'
agree' with' one' another' in' certain' particulars.' A' law' is' not' invalid' because' of' simple' inequality.' The' very' idea' of'
classification' is' that' of' inequality,' so' that' it' goes' without' saying' that' the' mere' fact' of' inequality' in' no' manner'
determines' the' matter' of' constitutionality.' All( that( is( required( of( a( valid( classification( is( that( it( be( reasonable,(
which(means(that(the(classification(should(be(based(on(substantial(distinctions(which(make(for(real(differences;(
that( it( must( be( germane( to( germane( to( the( purpose( of( the( law( the( purpose( of( the( law;( that( it( must( not( be(
limited(to(existing(conditions(only(not(be(limited(to(existing(conditions(only;(and(that(it(must(apply(equally(to(
each(member(of(apply(equally(to(each(member(of(the(class(the(class.(This(Court(has(held(that(the(standard(is(
satisfied'if'the'classification'or'distinction'is'based'on'a'reasonable'foundation'or'rational'basis'and'is'not'palpably'
arbitrary.'

The'unequal'power'relationship'between'women'and'men;'the'fact'that'women'are'more'likely'than'men'to'be'
victims'of'violence;'and'the'widespread'gender'bias'and'prejudice'against'women'all'make'for'real'differences'real'
differences'justifying'the'classification'under'the'law.''

I. On'Substantial'Distinction'
a. Unequal(power(relationship(between(men(and(women(
 o Gender' based' violence.' Societal' norms' and' traditions' dictate' people' to' think' men' are'
the'leaders,'pursuers,'providers,'and'take'on'dominant'roles'in'society'while'women'are'
nurturers,'men's'companions'and'supporters,'and'take'on'subordinate'roles'in'society.'
This'perception'leads'to'men'gaining'more'power'over'women.'With'power'comes'the'
need' to' control' to' retain' that' power.' And( VAW( is( a( form( of( men's( expression( of(
controlling(women(to(retain(power.(
o United'Nations'states'that'“'Violence(against(women(is(a(manifestation(of(historically(
unequal( historically( unequal( power( relations( between( men( and( women( power(
relations,'which'have'led'to'domination'over'and'discrimination'against'women'by'men'
and' to' the' prevention' of' the' full' advancement' of' women,' and' that' violence' against'
women' is' one' of' the' crucial' social' mechanisms' by' which' women' are' forced' into'
subordinate'positions,'compared'with'men."(
o History'has'shown'that'Traditions(subordinating(women(have(a(long(history(rooted(in(
patriarchy(—'the'institutional'rule'of'men.'Women'were'seen'in'virtually'all'societies'to'
be' naturally' inferior' both' physically' and' intellectually.' In' ancient' Western' societies,'
women'whether'slave,'concubine'or'wife,'were'under'the'authority'of'men.'In'law,'they'
were'treated'as'property.(
o Studies( on( prevalence( suggest( that( from( oneUfifth( to( oneUthird( of( all( women( will( be(
physically(assaulted(by(a(partner(or(exUpartner(during(their(lifetime.(
o Other'studies'fill'in'the'rest'of'this'troubling'picture.'Physical'violence'is'only'the'most'
visible' form' of' abuse.' Psychological' abuse,' particularly' forced' social' and' economic'
isolation'of'women,'is'also'common.''
o Many' victims' of' domestic' violence' remain' with' their' abusers,' perhaps' because' they'
perceive'no'superior'alternative'.'.'.'Many'abused'women'who'nd'temporary'refuge'in'
shelters' return' to' their' husbands,' in' large' part' because' they' have' no' other' source' of'
income.' .' .' Returning' to' one's' abuser' can' be' dangerous.' Recent' Federal' Bureau' of'
Investigation' statistics' disclose' that' 8.8' percent' of' all' homicide' victims' in' the' United'
States'are'killed'by'their'spouses'.'.'.'Thirty'percent'of'female'homicide'victims'are'killed'
by'their'male'partners.''
'
b. Women(are(the(“usual”(and(“most(likely”(victims(of(violence(
o At' the' time,' the' law' was' still' a' bill,' statistics' were' presented' showing' that' physical'
injuries(had(the(highest(number(of(cases(at(5,058(in(2002(representing(55.63%'of'total'
cases'reported'(9,903).'Numbers'are'huge.'
o On' the' other' hand,' no' reliable' estimates' may' be' obtained' on' domestic' abuse' and'
violence' against( men( in( the( Philippines( because( incidents( thereof( are( relatively( low(
and,(perhaps,(because(many(men(will(not(even(attempt(to(report(the(situation.(
o Men,(who(experience(violence(from(their(spouses(are(much(less(likely(to(live(in(fear(of(
violence( at( the( hands( of( their( spouses,( and( much( less( likely( to( experience( sexual(
assault.(In'fact,'many'cases'of'physical'violence'by'a'woman'against'a'spouse'are'in'self&
defense'or'the'result'of'many'years'of'physical'or'emotional'abuse.(
o "but(their(number(must(be(negligible(and(their(appearance(therein(merely(occasional(
but(their(number(must(be(negligible(and(their(appearance(therein(merely(occasional,”(
o The' mere' fact' that' the' legislative' classification' may' result' in' actual' inequality' is' not'
violative'of'the'right'to'equal'protection,'for(every(classification(of(persons(or(things(for(
regulation( by( law( produces( inequality( in( some( degree,' but' the' law' is' not' thereby'
rendered'invalid.''
'
c. Gender(bias(and(prejudices(
o Double(Victimization'&&'first'at'the'hands'of'the'offender'and'then'of'the'legal'system.(
o Our' own' Senator' Loi' Estrada' lamented' in' her' Sponsorship' Speech' for' Senate' Bill' No.'
2723' that' "(w)henever' violence' occurs' in' the' family,( the( police( treat( it( as( a( private(
matter(and(advise(the(parties(to(settle(the(conflict(themselves.(Once(the(complainant(
 brings( the( case( to( the( prosecutor,( the( latter( is( hesitant( to( file( the( complaint( for( fear(
that(it(might(later(be(withdrawn.'This'lack'of'response'or'reluctance'to'be'involved'by'
the'police'and'prosecution'reinforces'the'escalating,'recurring'and'often'serious'nature'
of'domestic'violence.'
o As'a'state'party'to'CEDAW,'the'Philippines'bound'itself'to'take'all'appropriate'measures(
to(modify(the(social(and(cultural(patterns(of(conduct(of(men(and(women,'with'a'view'
to'achieving'the'elimination'of'prejudices'and'customary'and'all'other'practices'which'
are' based' on' the' idea' of' the' inferiority' or' the' superiority' of' either' sexes' or' on'
stereotyped'roles'for'men'and'women.'
o There'must'be'a'change'of'mindset'in'the'police,'the'prosecution,'and'even'judges.'
'
II. The(classification(is(germane(to(the(purpose(of(the(law(
o Eliminate'discrimination.'
o It'is'hereby'declared'that'the'State'values'the'dignity'of'women'and'children'and'guarantees'
full'respect'for'human'rights.'The'State'also'recognizes'the'need'to'protect'the'family'and'its'
members' particularly' women' and' children,' from' violence' and' threats' to' their' personal'
safety'and'security.'
o Philippines' ratified' CEDAW,' the' Optional' Protocol' and' The' Philippines' likewise' ratified' the'
Convention'on'the'Rights'of'the'Child'and'its'two'protocols.'
'
III. The(classification(is(not(limited(to(existing(conditions(only,(and(apply(equally(to(all(members(
o R.A.'9262'applies(equally(to(all(women(and(children'who'suffer'violence'and'abuse.''
o Physical,'sexual,'psychological,'economic'abuse.'No'vagueness.'
o There'is'likewise'no'merit'to'the'contention'that'R.A.'9262'singles'out'the'husband'or'father'
as'the'culprit.'As'defined'above,'VAWC'may'likewise'be'committed'"against'a'woman'with'
whom'the'person'has'or'had'a'sexual'or'dating'relationship."'Clearly,'the'use'of'the'gender&
neutral' word' "person"' who' has' or' had' a' sexual' or' dating' relationship' with' the' woman'
encompasses'even'lesbian'relationships.'Moreover,'while'the'law'provides'that'the'offender'
be' related' or' connected' to' the' victim' by' marriage,' former' marriage,' or' a' sexual' or' dating'
relationship,'it'does'not'preclude'the'application'of'the'principle'of'conspiracy,'

'

(10)(People(v.(Cayat(

Main(Point(

Act(No.(1639(satisfies(the(requirements(of(equal(protection(clause.(The(classification(rests(on(real(or(substantial,(
not(merely(imaginary(or(whimsical,(distinctions.'It'is'not'based'upon'"accident'of'birth'or'parentage,"'as'counsel'
for'the'appellant'asserts,'but'upon'the'degree'of'civilization'and'culture.'"The'term''non&Christian'tribes''refers,'
not' to' religious' belief,' but,' in' a' way,' to' the' geographical' area,' and,' more' directly,' to' natives' of' the' Philippine'
Islands'of'a'low'grade'of'civilization,'usually'living'in'tribal'relationship'apart'from'settled'communities.'

Facts'

Prosecuted'for'violation'of'Act'No.'1639'(secs.'2'and'3),'the'accused,'Cayat,'a'native'of'Baguio,'Benguet,'Mountain'
Province,' was' sentenced' by' the' justice' of' the' peace' court' of' Baguio' to' pay' a' fine' of' five' pesos' (P5)' or' suffer'
subsidiary'imprisonment'in'case'of'insolvency.'He'had'a'gin'bottle.'

Sections'2'and'3'of'Act'No.'1639'read:'

"SEC.'2.'It(shall(be(unlawful(for(any(native(of(the(Philippine(Islands(who(is(a(member(of(a(nonUChristian(
tribe(within'the'meaning'of'Act'Numbered'Thirteen'hundred'and'ninety&seven,'to(buy,(receive,(have(in(
his(possession,(or(drink(any(ardent(spirits,(ale,(beer,(wine,(or(intoxicating(liquors(of(any(kind,(other(than(
the( soUcalled( native( wines( and( liquors( which( the( members( of( such( tribes( have( been( accustomed(
 themselves(to(make(prior(to(the(passage(of(this(Act,'except'as'provided'in'section'one'hereof;'and'it'shall'
be'the'duty'of'any'police'officer'or'other'duly'authorized'agent'of'the'Insular'or'any'provincial,'municipal'
or' township' government' to' seize' and' forthwith' destroy' any' such' liquors' found' unlawfully' in' the'
possession'of'any'member'of'a'non&Christian'tribe.'

The'accused'challenges'the'constitutionality'of'the'Act'assailing'it'is'discriminatory'and'denies'the'equal'protection'
of'the'laws.'

Issue:(

WON'said'ACT'1639'violates'equal'protection.'

Ruling:(No,(it(satisfies(the(requirements.'

The'classification'rests'on'real'or'substantial,'not'merely'imaginary'or'whimsical,'distinctions.'It'is'not'based'upon'
"accident' of' birth' or' parentage,"' as' counsel' for' the' appellant' asserts,' but' upon' the' degree' of' civilization' and'
culture.'

The'term''non&Christian'tribes''refers,'not'to'religious'belief,'but,'in'a'way,'to(the(geographical(area,(and,(more(
directly,(to(natives(of(the(Philippine(Islands(of(a(low(grade(of(civilization,'usually'living'in'tribal'relationship'apart'
from' settled' communities.' This' distinction' is' unquestionably( reasonable,( for( the( Act( was( intended( to( meet( the(
peculiar(conditions(existing(in(the(nonUChristian(tribes.'The'exceptional'cases'of'certain'members'thereof'who'at'
present'have'reached'a'position'of'cultural'equality'with'their'Christian'brothers,'cannot'affect'the'reasonableness'
of'the'classification'thus'established.'

That'it'is'germane'to'the'purposes'of'law'cannot'be'doubted.'It(is(unquestionably(designed(to(insure(peace(and(
order(in(and(among(the(nonUChristian(tribes.(It'has'been'the'sad'experience'of'the'past,'as'the'observations'of'the'
lower'court'disclose,'that'the'free'use'of'highly'intoxicating'liquors'by'the'non&Christian'tribes'have'often'resulted'
in' lawlessness' and' crimes,' thereby' hampering' the' efforts' of' the' government' to' raise' their' standard' of' life' and'
civilization.'

The'law'is'not'limited'in'its'application'to'conditions'existing'at'the'time'of'its'enactment.'It'is'intended'to'apply'
for'all'times'as'long'as'those'conditions'exist.'The'Act'was'not'predicated,'as'counsel'for'appellant'asserts,'upon'
the' assumption' that' the' non&Christians' are' "impermeable' to' any' civilizing' influence."' On' the' contrary,' the(
Legislature(understood(that(the(civilization(of(a(people(is(a(slow(process(and(that(hand(in(hand(with(it(must(go(
measures(of(protection(and(security.'

Finally,'that'the'Act'applies'equally'to'all'members'of'the'class'is'evident'from'a'perusal'thereof.'That'it'may'be'
unfair' in' its' operation' against' a' certain' number' of' non&Christians' by' reason' of' their' degree' of' culture,' is' not' an'
argument'against'the'equality'of'its'application.'

(11)(Ormoc(Sugar(Co.(Inc.(v.(Treasurer(of(Ormoc(City(

Main(Point:(

A'perusal'of'the'requisites'instantly'shows'that'the'questioned'ordinance'does'not'meet'them,' for(it(taxes(only(
centrifugal(sugar(produced(and(exported(by(the(Ormoc(Sugar(Company,(Inc.(and(none(other.'

Facts:'

The'Municipal'Board'of'Ormoc'City'passed'Ordinance'No.'4,'Series'of'1964,'imposing'"on'any'and'all'productions'
of'centrifugal'sugar'milled'at'the'Ormoc'Sugar'Company'Inc.,'in'Ormoc'City'a'municipal'tax'equivalent'to'one'per'
centum'(1%)'per'export'sale'to'the'United'States'of'America'and'other'foreign'countries."'

Ormoc'Sugar'Co'filed'a'complaint'that'said'ordinance'violates'equal'protection'clause.'
Issue:(

WON'Ordinance'No.'4'Series'of'1964'of'the'export'tax'on'sugar'is'in'violation'of'equal'protection'to'Ormoc'Sugar'
Co.'

Ruling:(Yes!(

A'perusal'of'the'requisites'instantly'shows'that'the'questioned'ordinance'does'not'meet'them,'for(it(taxes(only(
centrifugal(sugar(produced(and(exported(by(the(Ormoc(Sugar(Company,(Inc.(and(none(other.'

At'the'time'of'the'taxing'ordinance's'enactment,'Ormoc'Sugar'Company,'Inc.,'it'is'true,'was'the'only'sugar'central'
in'the'city'of'Ormoc.'Still,'the'classification,'to'be'reasonable,'should(be(in(terms(applicable(to(future(conditions(
as(well.(The(taxing(ordinance(should(not(be(singular(and(exclusive(as(to(exclude(any(subsequently(established(
sugar( central,( of( the( same( class' as' plaintiff,' from' the' coverage' of' the' tax.' As' it' is' now,' even' if' later' a' similar'
company' is' set' up,' it' cannot' be' subject' to' the' tax' because' the' ordinance' expressly' points' only' to' Ormoc' Sugar'
Company,'Inc.'as'the'entity'to'be'levied'upon.'