Laws Taking Effect

Laws Taking Effect

Understanding when laws come into force in the Philippines is a crucial aspect for both legal practitioners and the general populace. Various stages and timelines govern the process from the conception of a bill to its becoming a law and eventually taking effect.

Legislative Process

Before discussing when a law takes effect, it's vital to consider the legislative process. Once a bill is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, or otherwise lapses into law, it is assigned an official Republic Act number.

Publication Requirement

According to Article 2 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines, 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. The publication is indispensable for the enforceability of laws.

Exceptions to the Rule

There may be laws that specifically provide a different date of effectivity. Such stipulations must be clear within the text of the law itself and should comply with the minimum period set by the Civil Code.

Ignorance of the Law

"Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith." This legal maxim underscores the importance of knowing when a law takes effect. Once a law becomes effective, the public is deemed to have constructive notice and is expected to comply with it.

Administrative Issuances

It's also essential to differentiate laws from administrative issuances like circulars, memorandums, or executive orders. These may have their own rules for effectivity, often detailed within the issuances themselves.

Conclusion

For any law to be effective and binding, proper procedures must be followed, particularly the requirement of publication. Knowing the general rule and the exceptions is vital for legal compliance and for exercising one's rights under the law.