Law Summary
Protection of Constitutional Rights
- The repealed decrees were found to abridge the people's constitutional rights to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances.
- These rights are protected under Article IV of the 1973 Philippine Constitution, as adopted in its entirety by Proclamation No. 3 (March 25, 1986).
- The Executive Order affirms the primacy of constitutional freedoms over the decrees’ restrictive provisions.
Rationale for Repeal
- The decrees conflicted with the guarantees of freedoms provided under the Constitution, rendering them inconsistent and invalid.
- The repeal aims to eliminate any legal doubt or dispute regarding the invalidity of these decrees.
- It reinforces the government’s commitment to uphold civil liberties and constitutional guarantees.
Effectivity and Legal Implications
- This Executive Order took effect immediately upon its signing on December 18, 1986.
- The immediate effect ensures the restoration of the rights to assemble and petition without requiring further legislative or judicial actions.
Official Authorization and Formalities
- The order was issued by then-President Corazon C. Aquino, emphasizing executive authority to repeal inconsistent laws.
- The Executive Secretary, Joker P. Arroyo, countersigned the document, affirming proper procedural compliance.
- The legal measure was promulgated in Manila, further ensuring official national jurisdiction and application.