Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 200)
Laws shall take effect after fifteen days following the completion of their publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, unless otherwise provided.
Article 2 of the Civil Code of the Philippines is amended by Executive Order No. 200.
The order addresses the problem that publication only in the Official Gazette is insufficient due to its erratic release and limited readership, which limits effective communication of laws to the public.
Newspapers of general circulation are considered better because they are more easily available, have a wider readership, and are published regularly, thus better communicating laws to the people.
Yes, it repeals or modifies all laws inconsistent with this Executive Order, specifically Article 2 of Republic Act No. 386 (Civil Code of the Philippines).
No, publication in either the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation is sufficient for a law to take effect.
The Supreme Court observed that publication need not be only in the Official Gazette due to its limited distribution, supporting the need to allow newspapers as alternative mediums for better public dissemination.
It requires that laws must be published either in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation for fifteen days before they become effective.