PEOPLE v. HON. A. PURISIMA, et al., G.R. Nos. 1-420050-66, November 20, 1978
PEOPLE v. HON. A. PURISIMA, et al., G.R. Nos. 1-420050-66,
November 20, 1978
In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that the intent and
spirit of Presidential Decree No. 9 can be found in the preamble or
"whereas" clauses, which enumerate the facts, or events that justify
the promulgation of the decrees and the stiff sanctions stated therein.
FACTS: Information for violation of PD No. 9 was ordered
quashed by Judge Purisima. The latter reasoned out that the information failed
to allege an essential element of the offense; thus: That the carrying outside
of the accused's residence of a bladed, pointed or blunt weapon is in
furtherance or on the occasion of, connected with or related to subversion,
insurrection, rebellion, organized lawlessness or public disorder.
On appeal, the Solicitor General raised the argument that
the prohibited acts need not be related to subversion activities and that the
preamble of the statute or that expressed in the "whereas" clauses is
not an essential part of an act and cannot enlarge or confer powers, or cure
inherent defects in the statute. It was also argued that the explanatory note
merely explains the reasons for issuing the decree and this cannot prevail over
the text itself.
HELD: The Court disagrees with the contention of the
Solicitor General. Because of the problem of determining what acts fall within
the purview of PD No. 9, it becomes necessary to inquire into the intent and
spirit of the decree and this can be found among others in the preamble or
"whereas" clauses which enumerate the facts or events which justify
the promulgation of the decree and the stiff sanction stated therein.
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