Aglipay v. Ruiz (Case Digest)

Aglipay v. Ruiz, GR No. L-45459, March 13, 1937

Facts:

Petitioner Aglipay, the head of Phil. Independent Church, filed a writ of prohibition against respondent Ruiz, the Director of Post, enjoining the latter from issuing and selling postage stamps commemorative of the 33rd Intl Eucharistic Congress organized by the Roman Catholic. The petitioner invokes that such issuance and selling, as authorized by Act 4052 by the Phil. Legislature, contemplates religious purpose – for the benefit of a particular sect or church. Hence, this petition.

Issue:

Whether or not the issuing and selling of commemorative stamps is constitutional?

Held/Reason:

The Court said YES, the issuing and selling of commemorative stamps by the respondent does not contemplate any favor upon a particular sect or church, but the purpose was only ‘to advertise the Philippines and attract more tourist’ and the government just took advantage of an event considered of international importance, thus, not violating the Constitution on its provision on the separation of the Church and State. Moreover, the Court stressed that ‘Religious freedom, as a constitutional mandate is not inhibition of profound reverence for religion and is not denial of its influence in human affairs’. Emphasizing that, ‘when the Filipino people ‘implored the aid of Divine Providence’, they thereby manifested reliance upon Him who guides the destinies of men and nations. The elevating influence of religion in human society is recognized here as elsewhere. In fact, certain general concessions are indiscriminately accorded to religious sects and denominations.’