Grosjean v. American Press Co., Inc., 297 U.S. 233, February 10, 193 SUTHERLAND, J.: I.
THE FACTS
!"e !"e case case o# Grosj Grosjea ean n v. Amer Americ ican an Pres Press s Co., Co., Inc. Inc.,, 297 U.S. U.S. 233, 233, Febr Februa uary ry 1, 1, 193! , invo$ve% a &ouisiana $a' ("a( im)ose% on )ub$is"in* com)anies a $icense (a+ o# 2 o# ("e *ross recei)(s #or ("e )rivi$e*e o# en*a*in* in a%ver(isin* in ne's)a)ers, ma*a-ines or )erio%ica$s i# ("ei ("eirr circ circu$a u$a(i (ion on is more more ("an ("an 20,0 20,000 00 co)i co)ies es )er )er 'ee 'ee.. /ine /ine &oui &ouisi sian ana aba base% se% )ub$i )ub$is" s"er ers s o# ne's)a)ers, ne's)a)ers, 'i(" circu$a(ions circu$a(ions o# more ("an 20,000 co)ies co)ies )er 'ee eac", #i$e% #i$e% a sui( (o enjoin ("e en#orc en#orceme emen( n( a*ains a*ains(( ("em ("em o# ("e sai% )rovis )rovision ion.. !"ey !"ey assai$ assai$e% e% ("e va$i%i( va$i%i(y y o# ("e ac( on ("e *roun%, inter alia, alia, ("a( i( abri%*es ("e #ree%om o# ("e )ress in con(raven(ion o# ("e %ue )rocess c$ause con(aine% in ("e Four(een("Amen%men( o# ("e U.S. Cons(i(u(ion. II.
THE ISSUE
i% ("e assai$e% &ouisiana $a' abri%*e ("e #ree%om o# ("e )ress in con(raven(ion o# ("e %ue )rocess c$ause con(aine% in ("e Four(een(" Amen%men( III. THE RULING
[The Court voted unanimously to AFFIRM the decree of the District Court for the Eastern Dist Distri rict ct of Loui Louisi sian ana a perm perman anen entl tly y eno enoin inin! in! the the enfor enforce ceme ment nt of the the Loui Louisi siana ana stat state e ta" ta" on ne#spapers$% A unanimous U.S. Su)reme Cour( "e$% ("a( ("e ac( im)osin* ("e (a+ in 4ues(ion is uncons(i(u(iona$ un%er ("e %ue )rocess o# $a' c$ause because i( abri%*es ("e #ree%om o# ("e )ress,5 ("us6 !"e (a+ im)ose% is %esi*na(e% a $icense (a+ #or ("e )rivi$e*e o# en*a*in* in suc" business5 ("a( is (o say, ("e business o# se$$in*, or main* any c"ar*e #or, a%ver(isin*. a%ver(isin*. As a))$ie% (o a))e$$ees, i( is a (a+ o# ('o )ercen( on ("e *ross recei)(s %erive% #rom a%ver(isemen(s carrie% in ("eir ne's)a)ers '"en, an% on$y '"en, ("e ne's)a)ers o# eac" enjoy a circu$a(ion o# more ("an 20,000 co)ies )er 'ee. I( ("us o)era(es as a res(rain( in a %oub$e sense. Firs(, i(s e##ec( is (o cur(ai$ ("e amoun( o# revenue rea$i-e% #rom a%ver(isin*, an%, secon%, i(s %irec( (en%ency is (o res(ric( circu$a(ion. !"is is )$ain enou*" '"en 'e consi%er ("a(, i# i( 'ere increase% (o a "i*" %e*ree, as i( cou$% be i# va$i%, i( 'e$$ mi*"( resu$( in %es(royin* bo(" a%ver(isin* an% circu$a(ion. Ci(a(ion omi((e%.8 +++
+++
+++
+++. !"e (a+ "ere invo$ve% is ba% no( because i( (aes money #rom ("e )oce(s o# ("e a))e$$ees. I# ("a( 'ere a$$, a '"o$$y %i##eren( 4ues(ion 'ou$% be )resen(e%. I( is ba% because, in ("e $i*"( o# i(s "is(ory an% o# i(s )resen( se((in*, i( is seen (o be a %e$ibera(e an% ca$cu$a(e% %evice in ("e *uise o# a (a+ (o $imi( ("e circu$a(ion o# in#orma(ion (o '"ic" ("e )ub$ic is en(i($e% in vir(ue o# ("e cons(i(u(iona$ *uaran(ies. A #ree )ress s(an%s as one o# ("e *rea( in(er)re(ers be('een ("e *overnmen( an% ("e )eo)$e. !o a$$o' i( (o be #e((ere% is (o #e((er ourse$ves.
n 2 Se)( 197, :arcos issue% P /o. 991 ca$$in* #or a na(iona$ re#eren%um on 1 c( 197 #or ("e Ci(i-ens Assemb$ies baran*ays58 (o reso$ve, amon* o("er ("in*s, ("e issues o# mar(ia$ $a', ("e in(erim assemb$y, i(s re)$acemen(, ("e )o'ers o# suc" re)$acemen(, ("e )erio% o# i(s e+is(ence, ("e $en*(" o# ("e )erio% #or ("e e+ercise by ("e Presi%en( o# "is )resen( )o'ers. !'en(y %ays a#(er, ("e Presi%en( issue% ano("er re$a(e% %ecree, P /o. 1031, amen%in* ("e )revious P /o. 991, by %ec$arin* ("e )rovisions o# P /o. 229 )rovi%in* #or ("e manner o# vo(in* an% canvass o# vo(es in baran*ays5 a))$icab$e (o ("e na(iona$ re#eren%um)$ebisci(e o# c( 1, 197. ;ui(e re$evan($y, P /o. 1031 re)ea$e% in(er a$ia, Sec <, o# P /o. 991. n ("e same %a(e o# 22 Se)( 197, :arcos issue% P /o. 1033, s(a(in* ("e 4ues(ions (o "e submi((e% (o ("e )eo)$e in ("e re#eren%um)$ebisci(e on c(ober 1, 197. !"e ecree reci(es in i(s '"ereas5 c$auses ("a( ("e )eo)$e=s con(inue% o))osi(ion (o ("e convenin* o# ("e in(erim /a(iona$ Assemb$y evinces ("eir %esire (o "ave suc" bo%y abo$is"e% an% re)$ace% ("ru a cons(i(u(iona$ amen%men(, )rovi%in* #or a ne' in(erim $e*is$a(ive bo%y, '"ic" 'i$$ be submi((e% %irec($y (o ("e )eo)$e in ("e re#eren%um)$ebisci(e o# c(ober 1. n Se)(ember 27, 197, Sani%a% #i$e% a Pro"ibi(ion 'i(" Pre$iminary Injunc(ion seein* (o enjoin ("e Commission on >$ec(ions #rom "o$%in* an% con%uc(in* ("e ?e#eren%um P$ebisci(e on c(ober 1@ (o %ec$are 'i("ou( #orce an% e##ec( Presi%en(ia$ ecree /os. 991 an% 1033, inso#ar as ("ey )ro)ose amen%men(s (o ("e Cons(i(u(ion, as 'e$$ as Presi%en(ia$ ecree /o. 1031, inso#ar as i( %irec(s ("e Commission on >$ec(ions (o su)ervise, con(ro$, "o$%, an% con%uc( ("e ?e#eren%umP$ebisci(e sc"e%u$e% on c(ober 1, 197.Pe(i(ioners con(en% ("a( un%er ("e 193 an% 1973 Cons(i(u(ions ("ere is no *ran( (o ("e incumben( Presi%en( (o e+ercise ("e cons(i(uen( )o'er (o )ro)ose amen%men(s (o ("e ne' Cons(i(u(ion. As a conse4uence, ("e ?e#eren%umP$ebisci(e on c(ober 1 "as no cons(i(u(iona$ or $e*a$ basis. !"e SocGen con(en%e% ("a( ("e 4ues(ion is )o$i(ica$ in na(ure "ence ("e cour( canno( (ae co*ni-ance o# i(. ISSUE: B"e("er or no( :arcos can va$i%$y )ro)ose amen%men(s (o ("e Cons(i(u(ion. HELD: es. !"e amen%in* )rocess bo(" as (o )ro)osa$ an% ra(i#ica(ion raises a ju%icia$
4ues(ion. !"is is es)ecia$$y (rue in cases '"ere ("e )o'er o# ("e Presi%ency (o ini(ia(e ("e amen%in* )rocess by )ro)osa$s o# amen%men(s, a #unc(ion norma$$y e+ercise% by ("e $e*is$a(ure, is serious$y %oub(e%. Un%er ("e (erms o# ("e 1973 Cons(i(u(ion, ("e )o'er (o )ro)ose amen%men(s (o ("e Cons(i(u(ion resi%es in ("e in(erim /a(iona$ Assemb$y %urin* ("e )erio% o# (ransi(ion Sec. 1, !ransi(ory Provisions8. A#(er ("a( )erio%, an% ("e re*u$ar /a(iona$ Assemb$y in i(s ac(ive session, ("e )o'er (o )ro)ose amen%men(s becomes i)so #ac(o ("e )rero*a(ive o# ("e re*u$ar /a(iona$ Assemb$y Sec. 1, )ars. 1 an% 2 o# Ar(. DEI, 1973 Cons(i(u(ion8. !"e norma$ course "as no( been #o$$o'e%. ?a("er ("an ca$$in* ("e in(erim /a(iona$ Assemb$y (o cons(i(u(e i(se$# in(o a cons(i(uen( assemb$y, ("e incumben( Presi%en( un%er(oo ("e )ro)osa$ o# a men%men(s an% submi((e% ("e )ro)ose% amen%men(s ("ru Presi%en(ia$ ecree 1033 (o ("e )eo)$e in a ?e#eren%umP$ebisci(e on c(ober 1.
Unavoi%ab$y, ("e re*u$ari(y o# ("e )roce%ure #or amen%men(s, 'ri((en in $amben( 'or%s in ("e very Cons(i(u(ion sou*"( (o be amen%e%, raises a con(es(ab$e issue. !"e im)$emen(in* Presi%en(ia$ ecree /os. 991, 1031, an% 1033, '"ic" common$y )ur)or( (o "ave ("e #orce an% e##ec( o# $e*is$a(ion are assai$e% as inva$i%, ("us ("e issue o# ("e va$i%i(y o# sai% ecrees is )$ain$y a jus(iciab$e one, 'i("in ("e com)e(ence o# ("is Cour( (o )ass u)on. Sec(ion 2 28 Ar(ic$e D o# ("e ne' Cons(i(u(ion )rovi%es6 A$$ cases invo$vin* ("e cons(i(u(iona$i(y o# a (rea(y, e+ecu(ive a*reemen(, or $a' s"a$$ be "ear% an% %eci%e% by ("e Su)reme Cour( en banc an% no (rea(y, e+ecu(ive a*reemen(, or $a' may be %ec$are% uncons(i(u(iona$ 'i("ou( ("e concurrence o# a( $eas( (en :embers. . . ..5 !"e Su)reme Cour( "as ("e $as( 'or% in ("e cons(ruc(ion no( on$y o# (rea(ies an% s(a(u(es, bu( a$so o# ("e Cons(i(u(ion i(se$#. !"e amen%in*, $ie a$$ o("er )o'ers or*ani-e% in ("e Cons(i(u(ion, is in #orm a %e$e*a(e% an% "ence a $imi(e% )o'er, so ("a( ("e Su)reme Cour( is ves(e% 'i(" ("a( au("ori(y (o %e(ermine '"e("er ("a( )o'er "as been %isc"ar*e% 'i("in i(s $imi(s. !"is )e(i(ion is "o'ever %ismisse%. !"e Presi%en( can )ro)ose amen%men(s (o ("e Cons(i(u(ion an% "e 'as ab$e (o )resen( ("ose )ro)osa$s (o ("e )eo)$e in su##icien( (ime. !"e Presi%en( a( ("a( (ime a$so si(s as ("e $e*is$a(ure. G.?. /o. &32717 /ovember 2, 1970 A:>&I! ?. :U!UC vs. C:>&>C FAC!S6 Pe(i(ioner :u(uc 'as a can%i%a(e #or %e$e*a(e (o ("e Cons(i(u(iona$ Conven(ion. e #i$e% a s)ecia$ civi$ ac(ion a*ains( ("e res)on%en( C:>&>C '"en ("e $a((er in#orme% "im ("rou*" a (e$e*ram ("a( "is cer(i#ica(e o# can%i%acy 'as *iven %ue course bu( "e 'as )ro"ibi(e% #rom usin* jin*$es in "is mobi$e uni(s e4ui))e% 'i(" soun% sys(ems an% $ou% s)eaers. !"e )e(i(ioner accor%e% ("e or%er (o be vio$a(ive o# "is cons(i(u(iona$ ri*"( (o #ree%om o# s)eec". C:>&>C jus(i#ie% i(s )ro"ibi(ion on ("e )remise ("a( ("e Cons(i(u(iona$ Conven(ion ac( )rovi%e% ("a( i( is un$a'#u$ #or ("e can%i%a(es (o )urc"ase, )ro%uce, re4ues( or %is(ribu(e sam)$e ba$$o(s, or e$ec(ora$ )ro)a*an%a *a%*e(s suc" as )ens, $i*"(ers, #ans o# '"a(ever na(ure8, #$as"$i*"(s, a("$e(ic *oo%s or ma(eria$s, 'a$$e(s, ban%anas, s"ir(s, "a(s, ma(c"es, ci*are((es, an% ("e $ie, '"e("er o# %omes(ic or #orei*n ori*in.5 C:>&>C con(en%e% ("a( ("e jin*$e or ("e recor%e% or (a)e% voice o# ("e sin*er use% by )e(i(ioner 'as a (an*ib$e )ro)a*an%a ma(eria$ an% 'as, un%er ("e above s(a(u(e, subjec( (o con#isca(ion. ISSU>6 B"e("er or no( ("e usa*e o# ("e jin*$e by ("e )e(i(ioner #orm )ar( o# ("e )ro"ibi(ion invoe% by ("e C:>&>C. >&6 !"e Cour( "e$% ("a( ("e *enera$ 'or%s #o$$o'in* any enumera(ion bein* a))$icab$e on$y (o ("in*s o# ("e same in% or c$ass as ("ose s)eci#ica$$y re#erre% (o5. !"e C:>&>C=s con(en(ion ("a( a can%i%a(e=s jin*$e #orm )ar( o# ("e )ro"ibi(ion, ca(e*ori-e% un%er ("e )"rase an% ("e $ie5, cou$% no( meri( ("e cour(=s a))rova$ by )rinci)$e o# >jus%em Generis. I( is 4ui(e a))aren( ("a( '"a( 'as con(em)$a(e% in ("e Ac( 'as ("e %is(ribu(ion o# *a%*e(s o# ("e in% re#erre% (o as a means o# in%ucemen( (o ob(ain a #avorab$e vo(e #or ("e can%i%a(e res)onsib$e #or i(s %is(ribu(ion. Fur("ermore, ("e C:>&>C #ai$e% (o observe cons(ruc(ion o# ("e s(a(u(e '"ic" s"ou$% be in consonance (o ("e e+)ress (erms o# ("e cons(i(u(ion. !"e in(en( o# ("e C:>&>C #or ("e )ro"ibi(ion may be $au%ab$e bu( i( s"ou$% no( be sou*"( a( ("e cos( o# ("e can%i%a(e=s cons(i(u(iona$ ri*"(s.
Fac(s6 An ac(ion 'as ins(i(u(e% by ("e )e(i(ioner #or ("e re#usa$ o# ("e res)on%en( (o issue a )ermi( (o ("em (o "o$% a )ub$ic mee(in* in P$a-a :iran%a #or re%ress o# *rievances (o ("e *overnmen(. !"e reason a$$e*e% by ("e res)on%en( in "is %e#ense #or re#usin* ("e )ermi( is, ("a( ("ere is a reasonab$e *roun% (o be$ieve, basin* u)on )revious u((erances an% u)on ("e #ac( ("a( )assions, s)ecia$$y on ("e )ar( o# ("e $osin* *rou)s, remains bi((er an% "i*", ("a( simi$ar s)eec"es 'i$$ be %e$ivere% (en%in* (o un%ermine ("e #ai(" an% con#i%ence o# ("e )eo)$e in ("eir *overnmen(, an% in ("e %u$y cons(i(u(e% au("ori(ies, '"ic" mi*"( ("rea(en breac"es o# ("e )eace an% a %isru)(ion o# )ub$ic or%er. Givin* em)"asis as 'e$$ (o ("e %e$e*a(e% )o$ice )o'er (o $oca$ *overnmen(. S(a(in* as 'e$$ ?evise% r%inances o# 1927 )ro"ibi(in* as an o##ense a*ains( )ub$ic )eace, an% )ena$i-es as a mis%emeanor, any ac(, in any )ub$ic )$ace, mee(in*, or )rocession, (en%in* (o %is(urb ("e )eace or e+ci(e a rio(@ or co$$ec( 'i(" o("er )ersons in a bo%y or cro'% #or any un$a'#u$ )ur)ose@ or %is(urb or %is4uie( any con*re*a(ion en*a*e% in any $a'#u$ assemb$y. Inc$u%e% "erein is Sec. 1119, Free use o# Pub$ic P$ace. Issue6 B"e("er or /o( ("e #ree%om o# s)eec" 'as vio$a(e%. e$%6 es. ea$in* 'i(" ("e or%inance, s)eci#ica$$y, Sec. 1119, sai% sec(ion )rovi%es #or ('o cons(ruc(ions6 18 ("e :ayor o# ("e Ci(y o# :ani$a is ves(e% 'i(" unre*u$a(e% %iscre(ion (o *ran( or re#use, (o *ran( )ermi( #or ("e "o$%in* o# a $a'#u$ assemb$y or mee(in*, )ara%e, or )rocession in ("e s(ree(s an% o("er )ub$ic )$aces o# ("e Ci(y o# :ani$a@ 28 !"e ri*"( o# ("e :ayor is subjec( (o reasonab$e %iscre(ion (o %e(ermine or s)eci#y ("e s(ree(s or )ub$ic )$aces (o be use% 'i(" ("e vie' (o )reven( con#usion by over$a))in*, (o secure convenien( use o# ("e s(ree(s an% )ub$ic )$aces by o("ers, an% (o )rovi%e a%e4ua(e an% )ro)er )o$icin* (o minimi-e ("e ris o# %isor%er. !"e cour( #avore% ("e secon% cons(ruc(ion. Firs( cons(ruc(ion (an(amoun( (o au("ori-in* ("e :ayor (o )ro"ibi( ("e use o# ("e s(ree(s. Un%er our %emocra(ic sys(em o# *overnmen( no suc" un$imi(e% )o'er may be va$i%$y *ran(e% (o any o##icer o# ("e *overnmen(, e+ce)( )er"a)s in cases o# na(iona$ emer*ency. !"e :ayor=s #irs( %e#ense is un(enab$e. Fear o# serious injury canno( a$one jus(i#y su))ression o# #ree s)eec" an% assemb$y. I( is ("e #unc(ion o# s)eec" (o #ree men #rom ("e bon%a*e o# irra(iona$ #ears. !o jus(i#y su))ression o# #ree s)eec" ("ere mus( be reasonab$e *roun% (o #ear ("a( serious evi$ 'i$$ resu$( i# #ree s)eec" is )rac(ice%. !"ere mus( be reasonab$e *roun% (o be$ieve ("a( ("e %an*er a))re"en%e% is imminen(. !"ere mus( be reasonab$e *roun% (o be$ieve ("a( ("e evi$ (o be )reven(e% is a serious one. !"e #ac( ("a( s)eec" is $ie$y (o resu$( in some vio$ence or in %es(ruc(ion o# )ro)er(y is no( enou*" (o jus(i#y i(s su))ression. !"ere mus( be ("e )robabi$i(y o# serious injury (o ("e s(a(e. !ues%ay, :arc" , 2012 Gon-a$es v Ha(i*ba G.?. /o. &900 u$y 22, 19J C Fernan%o Fac(s6 An(onio Gon-a$es, )resi%en( o# :a$aya Fi$ms, c$aime% ("a( "is #i$m Ha)i( sa Pa(a$im, 'as ra(e% #or a%u$(s on$y by a subcommi((ee o# ("e movie revie' boar% (o*e("er 'i(" ("e re4uire% cu(s an% scene %e$e(ions. e jus(i#ie% ("a( ("ese re4uiremen(s 'ere 'i("ou( basis an% 'ere res(rains on ar(is(ic e+)ression. e a%%uce% ("a( ("e #i$m is an in(e*ra$ '"o$e an% a$$ i(s )or(ions, inc$u%in* ("ose (o '"ic" ("e Koar% no' o##ers be$a(e% objec(ion, are essen(ia$ #or ("e in(e*ri(y o# ("e #i$m. Eie'e% as a '"o$e, ("ere is no basis even #or ("e
va*ue s)ecu$a(ions a%vance% by ("e Koar% as basis #or i(s c$assi#ica(ion. e a))ea$e% (o ("e movie revie' boar% bu( ("e same a##irme% ("e %ecion o# ("e sub commi((ee. B"en Gon-a$es a))ea$e% (o ("e su)reme cour(, ("e boar% c$aime% ("a( ("e %e$e(ions 'ere remove% an% ("e re4uiremen( (o submi( ("e mas(er ne*a(ive 'as (aen ou( bu( ("e #i$m 'as s(i$$ ra(e% #or a%u$(s on$y. !"e )e(i(ion 'as amen%e% (o con(es( ("e ra(in* on$y. Issue6 Bas ("e ra(in* ma%e 'i(" *rave avuse o# %iscre(ion /o(e I )u( in ("ose re*ar%in* obsceni(y #or #u(ure )ur)oses8 e$%6 /o. Pe(i(ion %ismisse%. !"ere 'as no *rave abuse o# %iscre(ion U> ! &ACH F E!>S ?a(io6 :o(ion )ic(ures are im)or(an( bo(" as a me%ium #or ("e communica(ion o# I%eas an% ("e e+)ression o# ("e ar(is(ic im)u$se Kurs(ynim)or(ance o# mo(ion )ic(ures as an or*an o# )ub$ic o)inion $essene% by ("e #ac( ("a( ("ey are %esi*ne% (o en(er(ain as 'e$$ as (o in#orm /o c$ear %ivi%in* $ine be('een '"a( a##or%s no'$e%*e an% ("a( o# )$easure or e$se ("ere 'i$$ be a %iminu(ion (o a ri*"( (o se$#e+)ression8 Ka*a(sin* Press #ree%om may be i%en(i#ie% 'i(" ("e $iber(y (o %iscuss )ub$ic$y an% (ru("#u$$y any ma((er o# )ub$ic concern 'i("ou( censors"i) or )unis"men(. !"is is no( (o say ("a( suc" #ree%om, as is ("e #ree%om o# s)eec", abso$u(e. I( can be $imi(e% i# ("ere be a Lc$ear an% )resen( %an*er o# a subs(an(ive evi$ ("a( M("e S(a(eN "as a ri*"( (o )reven(.5 Censors"i) %oesn=( #u$$ cover #ree s)eec" or ("ere mi*"( bean emascu$a(ion o# basic ri*"(s. o'ever, ("ere mus( be in e+ce)(iona$ circums(ances a sine 4ua non #or ("e meanin*#u$ e+ercise o# suc" ri*"( 'i("ou( %enyin* ("e #ree%om #rom $iabi$i(y. Free%om #rom censors"i) is a se(($e% )rinci)$e in our juris%ic(ion. :u(uc boar% o# revie' is $imi(e% (o c$assi#ica(ion o# #i$ms (o sa#e*uar% o("er cons(i(u(iona$ objec(ions, "ence ("e GP, PG, or ?1J ra(in*s. !"a( is (o abi%e by ("e )rinci)$e ("a( #ree%om o# e+)ression is ("e ru$e an% res(ric(ions ("e e+em)(ion. !"e )o'er (o e+ercise )rior res(rain( is no( (o be )resume%, ra("er ("e )resum)(ion is a*ains( i(s va$i%i(y !"e (es(, (o re)ea(, (o %e(ermine '"e("er #ree%om o# e+)ression may be $imi(e% is ("e c$ear an% )resen( %an*er o# an evi$ o# a subs(an(ive c"arac(er ("a( ("e S(a(e "as a ri*"( (o )reven(. Suc" %an*er mus( no( on$y be c$ear bu( a$so )resen(. !"ere s"ou$% be no %oub( ("a( '"a( is #eare% may be (race% (o ("e e+)ression com)$aine% o#. !"e causa$ connec(ion mus( be evi%en(. A$so, ("ere mus( be reasonab$e a))re"ension abou( i(s imminence. !"e (ime e$emen( canno( be i*nore%. /or %oes i( su##ice i# suc" %an*er be on$y )robab$e. B"ere movies are concerne%, censors"i), es)ecia$$y so i# an en(ire )ro%uc(ion is banne%, is a$$o'ab$e on$y un%er ("e c$eares( )roo# o# a c$ear an% )resen( %an*er o# a subs(an(ive evi$ (o )ub$ic )ub$ic mora$s, )ub$ic "ea$(" or any o("er $e*i(ima(e )ub$ic in(eres(. ?o(" A$$ I%eas "avin* even ("e s$i*"(es( re%eemin* socia$ im)or(ance O unor("o%o+ I%eas, con(roversia$ I%eas, even I%eas "a(e#u$ (o ("e )revai$in* c$ima(e o# o)inion O "ave ("e #u$$ )ro(ec(ion o# ("e *uaran(ies, un$ess e+c$u%ab$e because ("ey encroac" u)on ("e $imi(e% area o# ("e Firs( Amen%men( is ("e rejec(ion o# obsceni(y as u((er$y 'i("ou( re%eemin* socia$ im)or(ance.5 Given obsceni(y as ("e nemesis o# censors"i), ("ere is %i##icu$(y in %e(erminin* '"a( is obsecene. ?o(" !"e ear$y $ea%in* s(an%ar% o# obsceni(y a$$o'e% ma(eria$ (o be ju%*e% mere$y by ("e e##ec( o# an iso$a(e% e+cer)( u)on )ar(icu$ar$y susce)(ib$e )ersons !"e (es( 'as '"e("er (o ("e avera*e )erson, a))$yin* con(em)orary communi(y s(an%ar%s, ("e %ominan( ("eme o# ("e ma(eria$ (aen as a '"o$e a))ea$s (o )rurien( in(eres(. Some ma(eria$ can $e*i(ima(e$y %ea$ 'i(" se+ an% i(s e##ec(s on susce)(ib$e )ersons. Suc" a censors"i) can be consi%ere% vio$a(ive o# ("e cons(i(u(ion. n ("e o("er "an%, ("e subs(i(u(e% s(an%ar% )rovi%es sa#e*uar%s a%e4ua(e (o 'i("s(an% ("e c"ar*e o# cons(i(u(iona$ in#irmi(y. ?o(" Se+ an% obsceni(y are no( synonymous. bscene ma(eria$ is ma(eria$ '"ic" %ea$s 'i(" se+ in a manner a))ea$in* (o )rurien( in(eres(. !"e )or(raya$ o# se+, e.*., in ar(, $i(era(ure an%
scien(i#ic 'ors, is no( i(se$# su##icien( reason (o %eny ma(eria$ ("e cons(i(u(iona$ )ro(ec(ion o# #ree%om o# s)eec" an% )ress. Se+, a *rea( an% mys(erious mo(ive #orce in "uman $i#e "as in%is)u(ab$y been a subjec( o# absorbin* in(eres( (o manin% ("rou*" ("e a*es@ i( is one o# ("e vi(a$ )rob$ems o# "uman in(eres( an% )ub$ic concern. In ("e P"i$i))ine con(e+(, >.. J7 a))$ie% con(em)orary Fi$i)ino cu$(ura$ va$ues as a s(an%ar%. :oreover, as #ar as ("e 4ues(ion o# se+ an% obsceni(y are concerne%, i( canno( be s(resse% s(ron*$y ("a( ("e ar(s an% $e((ers s"a$$ be un%er ("e )a(rona*e o# ("e S(a(e. Given ("is cons(i(u(iona$ man%a(e, I( 'i$$ be $ess ("an (rue (o i(s #unc(ion i# any *overnmen( o##ice or a*ency 'ou$% inva%e ("e s)"ere o# au(onomy ("a( an ar(is( enjoys. !"ere is no or("o%o+y in '"a( )asses #or beau(y or #or rea$i(y. I( is #or ("e ar(is( (o %e(ermine '"a( #or "im is a (rue re)resen(a(ion. I( is no( (o be #or*o((en ("a( ar( an% be$$es$e((res %ea$ )rimari$y 'i(" ima*ina(ion, no( so muc" 'i(" i%eas in a s(ric( sense. B"a( is seen or )erceive% by an ar(is( is en(i($e% (o res)ec(, un$ess ("ere is a s"o'in* ("a( ("e )ro%uc( o# "is (a$en( ri*"(#u$$y may be consi%ere% obscene. n ("e 4ues(ion o# obsceni(y, ("ere#ore, suc" s(an%ar% se( #or(" in >+ecu(ive r%er /o. J7J is (o be cons(rue% in suc" a #as"ion (o avoi% any (ain( o# uncons(i(u(iona$i(y. !o re)ea(, '"a( 'as s(a(e% in a recen( %ecision in !rini%a% an e$emen(ary, a #un%amen(a$, an% a universa$ ro$e o# cons(ruc(ion, a))$ie% '"en consi%erin* cons(i(u(iona$ 4ues(ions, ("a( '"en a $a' is susce)(ib$e o# ('o cons(ruc(ionsL one o# '"ic" 'i$$ main(ain an% ("e o("er %es(roy i(, ("e cour(s 'i$$ a$'ays a%o)( ("e #ormer. !"ere can be no va$i% objec(ion (o ("e con(ro$$in* s(an%ar%. !"ere 'as rea$$y a *rave abuse o# %iscre(ion '"en ("e Koar% an% i(s )erce)(ion o# '"a( obsceni(y is is very res(ric(ive. Ku(, sa%$y, !>?> B>?> /! >/UG E!>S ! :AI/!AI/ !A! !>?> BAS G?AE> AKUS> F ISC?>!I/. !"e su))or(in* evi%ence 'as in ("e #ac( ("a( some scenes 'ere no( #or youn* )eo)$e. !"ey mi*"( misun%ers(an% ("e scenes. !"e res)on%en(s o##ere% (o mae i( GP i# ("e )e(i(ioners 'ou$% remove ("e $esbian an% se+ scenes. Ku( ("ey re#use%. !"e ru$in* is (o be $imi(e% (o ("e conce)( o# obsceni(y a))$icab$e (o mo(ion )ic(ures. I( is ("e consensus o# ("is Cour( ("a( '"ere (e$evision is concerne%6 a $ess $ibera$ a))roac" ca$$s #or observance. !"is is so because un$ie mo(ion )ic(ures '"ere ("e )a(rons "ave (o )ay ("eir 'ay, (e$evision reac"es every "ome '"ere ("ere is a se(. I( is "ar%$y ("e concern o# ("e $a' (o %ea$ 'i(" ("e se+ua$ #an(asies o# ("e a%u$( )o)u$a(ion. I( canno( be %enie% ("ou*" ("a( ("e S(a(e as )arens )a(riae is ca$$e% u)on (o mani#es( an a((i(u%e o# carin* #or ("e 'e$#are o# ("e youn*.
AKSCK/ E C:>&>C AC!S6 C:>&>C issue% a ?eso$u(ion a))rovin* ("e issuance o# a res(rainin* or%er (o s(o) AKS CK/ or any o("er *rou)s, i(s a*en(s or re)resen(a(ives #rom con%uc(in* e+i( surveys. !"e ?eso$u(ion 'as issue% by ("e Come$ec a$$e*e%$y u)on in#orma(ion #rom a re$iab$e source ("a( AKSCK/ &o)e- Grou)8 "as )re)are% a )rojec(, 'i(" P? *rou)s, (o con%uc( ra%io!E covera*e o# ("e e$ec(ions an% (o mae an e+i( survey o# ("e vo(e %urin* ("e e$ec(ions #or na(iona$ o##icia$s )ar(icu$ar$y #or Presi%en( an% Eice Presi%en(, resu$(s o# '"ic" s"a$$ be broa%cas(e% imme%ia(e$y.5 !"e e$ec(ora$ bo%y be$ieve% ("a( suc" )rojec( mi*"( con#$ic( 'i(" ("e o##icia$ Come$ec coun(, as 'e$$ as ("e uno##icia$ 4uic coun( o# ("e /a(iona$ :ovemen( #or Free >$ec(ions /am#re$8. I( a$so no(e% ("a( i( "a% no( au("ori-e% or %e)u(i-e% AKSCK/ (o un%er(ae ("e e+i( survey. !'o %ays be#ore ("e e$ec(ions on :ay 11, 199J, ("e
Cour( issue% ("e !em)orary ?es(rainin* r%er )raye% #or by )e(i(ioner AKSCK/. !"e Come$ec 'as %irec(e% (o cease an% %esis(, un(i$ #ur("er or%ers, #rom im)$emen(in* ("e assai$e% ?eso$u(ion or ("e res(rainin* or%er issue% )ursuan( ("ere(o, i# any. In #ac(, ("e e+i( )o$$s 'ere ac(ua$$y con%uc(e% an% re)or(e% by me%ia 'i("ou( any %i##icu$(y or )rob$em. ISSU>6 B/ ("e Come$ec, in ("e e+ercise o# i(s )o'ers, can abso$u(e$y ban e+i( )o$$s AKS CK/6 !"e "o$%in* o# e+i( )o$$s an% ("e na(ion'i%e re)or(in* o# ("eir resu$(s are va$i% e+ercises o# ("e #ree%oms o# s)eec" an% o# ("e )ress C:>&>C6 18!"e issuance ("ereo# 'as )ursuan( (o i(s cons(i(u(iona$ an% s(a(u(ory )o'ers (o )romo(e a c$ean, "ones(, or%er$y an% cre%ib$e :ay 11, 199J e$ec(ions@ an% (o )ro(ec(, )reserve an% main(ain ("e secrecy an% sanc(i(y o# ("e ba$$o(. 28I( con(en%s ("a( ("e con%uc( o# e+i( surveys mi*"( un%u$y con#use an% in#$uence ("e vo(ers, an% ("a( ("e surveys 'ere %esi*ne% (o con%i(ion ("e min%s o# )eo)$e an% cause con#usion as (o '"o are ("e 'inners an% ("e $osers in ("e e$ec(ion, '"ic" in (urn may resu$( in vio$ence an% anarc"y. 38e+i( surveys in%irec($y vio$a(e ("e cons(i(u(iona$ )rinci)$e (o )reserve ("e sanc(i(y o# ("e ba$$o(s, as ("e vo(ers are $ure% (o revea$ ("e con(en(s o# ba$$o(s, in vio$a(ion o# Sec(ion 2, Ar(ic$e E o# ("e Cons(i(u(ion an% re$evan( )rovisions o# ("e mnibus >$ec(ion Co%e. I( submi(s ("a( ("e cons(i(u(iona$$y )ro(ec(e% #ree%oms invoe% by )e(i(ioner are no( immune (o re*u$a(ion by ("e S(a(e in ("e $e*i(ima(e e+ercise o# i(s )o$ice )o'er, suc" as in ("e )resen( case. <8 M)Nress #ree%om may be cur(ai$e% i# ("e e+ercise ("ereo# crea(es a c$ear an% )resen( %an*er (o ("e communi(y or i( "as a %an*erous (en%ency. I( ("en con(en%s ("a( an e+i( )o$$ "as ("e (en%ency (o so' con#usion consi%erin* ("e ran%omness o# se$ec(in* in(ervie'ees, '"ic" #ur("er maeMsN ("e e+i( )o$$ "i*"$y unre$iab$e. !"e )robabi$i(y ("a( ("e resu$(s o# suc" e+i( )o$$ may no( be in "armony 'i(" ("e o##icia$ coun( ma%e by ("e Come$ec + + + is ever )resen(. In o("er 'or%s, ("e e+i( )o$$ "as a c$ear an% )resen( %an*er o# %es(royin* ("e cre%ibi$i(y an% in(e*ri(y o# ("e e$ec(ora$ )rocess. SUP?>:> CU?!6 !"e C:>&>C ?eso$u(ion on e+i( )o$$s ban is nu$$i#ie% an% se( asi%e. 18 C$ear an% )resen( %an*er o# %es(royin* ("e in(e*ri(y o# e$ec(ora$ )rocesses S)ecu$a(ive an% Un(enab$e. Firs(, by ("e very na(ure o# a survey, ("e in(ervie'ees or )ar(ici)an(s are se$ec(e% a( ran%om, so ("a( ("e resu$(s 'i$$ as muc" as )ossib$e be re)resen(a(ive or re#$ec(ive o# ("e *enera$ sen(imen( or vie' o# ("e communi(y or *rou) )o$$e%. Secon%, ("e survey resu$( is no( mean( (o re)$ace or be a( )ar 'i(" ("e o##icia$ Come$ec coun(. I( consis(s mere$y o# ("e o)inion o# ("e )o$$in* *rou) as (o '"o ("e e$ec(ora(e in *enera$ "as )robab$y vo(e% #or, base% on ("e $imi(e% %a(a *a("ere% #rom )o$$e% in%ivi%ua$s. Fina$$y, no( a( s(ae "ere are ("e cre%ibi$i(y an% ("e in(e*ri(y o# ("e e$ec(ions, '"ic" are e+ercises ("a( are se)ara(e an% in%e)en%en( #rom ("e e+i( )o$$s. !"e "o$%in* an% ("e re)or(in* o# ("e resu$(s o# e+i( )o$$s canno( un%ermine ("ose o# ("e e$ec(ions, since ("e #ormer is on$y )ar( o# ("e $a((er. I# a( a$$, ("e ou(come o# one can on$y be in%ica(ive o# ("e o("er. 28 verbroa% !"e Come$ecLs concern 'i(" ("e )ossib$e noncommunica(ive e##ec( o# e+i( )o$$s %isor%er an% con#usion in ("e vo(in* cen(ers %oes no( jus(i#y a (o(a$ ban on ("em. Un%oub(e%$y, ("e assai$e% Come$ec ?eso$u(ion is (oo broa%, since i(s a))$ica(ion is 'i("ou( 4ua$i#ica(ion as (o '"e("er ("e )o$$in* is %isru)(ive or no(.M<$ec(ion Co%e )ro"ibi(s %isru)(ive be"avior aroun% ("e vo(in* cen(ers.M<N !"ere is no s"o'in*, "o'ever, ("a( e+i( )o$$s or ("e means (o in(ervie' vo(ers cause c"aos in vo(in* cen(ers. /ei("er "as any evi%ence been )resen(e% )rovin* ("a( ("e )resence o# e+i( )o$$ re)or(ers near an e$ec(ion )recinc( (en%s (o crea(e %isor%er or con#use ("e vo(ers. :oreover, ("e )ro"ibi(ion inci%en(a$$y )reven(s ("e co$$ec(ion o# e+i( )o$$ %a(a an% ("eir use #or any )ur)ose. !"e va$uab$e in#orma(ion an% i%eas ("a( cou$% be %erive% #rom ("em, base% on ("e
vo(ersL ans'ers (o ("e survey 4ues(ions 'i$$ #orever remain unno'n an% une+)$ore%. Un$ess ("e ban is res(raine%, can%i%a(es, researc"ers, socia$ scien(is(s an% ("e e$ec(ora(e in *enera$ 'ou$% be %e)rive% o# s(u%ies on ("e im)ac( o# curren( even(s an% o# e$ec(ion%ay an% o("er #ac(ors on vo(ersL c"oices. 38 Eio$a(ion o# Kan Secrecy !"e con(en(ion o# )ub$ic res)on%en( ("a( e+i( )o$$s in%irec($y (rans*ress ("e sanc(i(y an% ("e secrecy o# ("e ba$$o( is o##(an*en( (o ("e rea$ issue. Pe(i(ioner %oes no( see access (o ("e ba$$o(s cas( by ("e vo(ers. !"e ba$$o( sys(em o# vo(in* is no( a( issue "ere. !"e reason be"in% ("e )rinci)$e o# ba$$o( secrecy is (o avoi% vo(e buyin* ("rou*" vo(er i%en(i#ica(ion. !"us, vo(ers are )ro"ibi(e% #rom e+"ibi(in* ("e con(en(s o# ("eir o##icia$ ba$$o(s (o o("er )ersons, #rom main* co)ies ("ereo#, or #rom )u((in* %is(in*uis"in* mars ("ereon so as (o be i%en(i#ie%. A$so )roscribe% is #in%in* ou( ("e con(en(s o# ("e ba$$o(s cas( by )ar(icu$ar vo(ers or %isc$osin* ("ose o# %isab$e% or i$$i(era(e vo(ers '"o "ave been assis(e%. C$ear$y, '"a( is #orbi%%en is ("e associa(ion o# vo(ers 'i(" ("eir res)ec(ive vo(es, #or ("e )ur)ose o# assurin* ("a( ("e vo(es "ave been cas( in accor%ance 'i(" ("e ins(ruc(ions o# a ("ir% )ar(y. !"is resu$( canno(, "o'ever, be ac"ieve% mere$y ("rou*" ("e vo(ersL verba$ an% con#i%en(ia$ %isc$osure (o a )o$$s(er o# '"om ("ey "ave vo(e% #or. In e+i( )o$$s, ("e con(en(s o# ("e o##icia$ ba$$o( are no( ac(ua$$y e+)ose%. Fur("ermore, ("e reve$a(ion o# '"om an e$ec(or "as vo(e% #or is no( com)u$sory, bu( vo$un(ary. Eo(ers may a$so c"oose no( (o revea$ ("eir i%en(i(ies. In%ee%, narro'$y (ai$ore% coun(ermeasures may be )rescribe% b y ("e Come$ec, so as (o minimi-e or su))ress inci%en(a$ )rob$ems in ("e con%uc( o# e+i( )o$$s, 'i("ou( (rans*ressin* ("e #un%amen(a$ ri*"(s o# our )eo)$e
SBS vs Come$ec Fac(s6 Pe(i(ioner SBS an% HPC s(a(es ("a( i( 'is"es (o con%uc( an e$ec(ion survey ("rou*"ou( ("e )erio% o# ("e e$ec(ions an% re$ease (o ("e me%ia ("e resu$(s o# suc" survey as 'e$$ as )ub$is" ("em %irec($y. Pe(i(ioners ar*ue ("a( ("e res(ric(ion on ("e )ub$ica(ion o# e$ec(ion survey resu$(s cons(i(u(es a )rior res(rain( on ("e e+ercise o# #ree%om o# s)eec" 'i("ou( any c$ear an% )resen( %an*er (o jus(i#y suc" res(rain(. Issue6 Are ("e Come$ec ?eso$u(ions )ro"ibi(in* ("e "o$%in* o# )re)o$$s an% e+i( )o$$s an% ("e %issemina(ion o# ("eir resu$(s ("rou*" mass me%ia, va$i% an% cons(i(u(iona$ ?u$in*6 /o. !"e Cour( "e$% ("a( Sec(ion 8< is inva$i% because 18 i( im)oses a )rior res(rain( on ("e #ree%om o# e+)ression, 28 i( is a %irec( an% (o(a$ su))ression o# a ca(e*ory o# e+)ression even ("ou*" suc" su))ression is on$y #or a $imi(e% )erio%, an% 38 ("e *overnmen(a$ in(eres( sou*"( (o be )romo(e% can be ac"ieve% by means o("er ("an su))ression o# #ree%om o# e+)ression. I( "as been "e$% ("a( MmereN $e*is$a(ive )re#erences or be$ie#s res)ec(in* ma((ers o# )ub$ic convenience may 'e$$ su))or( re*u$a(ion %irec(e% a( o("er )ersona$ ac(ivi(ies, bu( be insu##icien( (o jus(i#y suc" as %iminis"es ("e e+ercise o# ri*"(s so vi(a$ (o ("e main(enance o# %emocra(ic ins(i(u(ions.5 P"arma vs. u4ue Fac(s6 Ke#ore ("e Cour( is a )e(i(ion #or cer(iorari un%er ?u$e o# ("e ?u$es o# Cour(, seein* (o nu$$i#y A. /o. 200 0012 o("er'ise no'n as ("e :i$ Co%e, ?I??. Pe(i(ioner )osi(s ("a( ("e ?I?? is no( va$i% as i( con(ains )rovisions ("a( are no( cons(i(u(iona$ an% *o beyon% ("e $a' i( is su))ose% (o im)$emen(. Issue6 Is ("e abso$u(e ban on a%ver(isemen(s o# breas( mi$ subs(i(u(es vio$a(ive o# #ree%om o# s)eec" ?u$in*6 /o. I( %oes no( vio$a(e #ree%om o# s)eec" because ("ere is no abso$u(e ban. !"e In(erA*ency Commi((ee IAC8 'i$$ eva$ua(e some a%ver(isin* an% )romo(iona$ ma(eria$s subjec( (o ("e s(an%ar%s )rovi%e% #or by ("e :i$ Co%e. !"e IAC can
a$$o' i# ("e a%ver(isin* an% )romo(ions 'i$$ no( un%ermine breas( mi$ an% breas(#ee%in*. I( is reco*ni-e% ("a( ("e IAC "as ("a( )o'er (o eva$ua(e )romo(iona$ ma(eria$s. a$an%oni vs ri$on Fac(s6 Priva(e res)on%en( &e%esma #i$e% an a%minis(ra(ive com)$ain( #or vio$a(ion o# ("e ?PC an% ("e An(iGra#( an% Corru)( Prac(ices Ac( a*ains( ("e )e(i(ioner 'i(" ("e PCGG. >+ac($y a year ("erea#(er, )e(i(ioner a$an%oni #i$e% a com)$ain( #or ("e crime o# $ibe$ a*ains( o##icia$s%irec(ors o# P:C. erein is a )e(i(ion #or cer(iorari seein* (o nu$$i#y an% se( asi%e ("e or%ers o# ("e onorab$e Secre(ary o# us(ice 'i("%ra'in* ("e in#orma(ion in I.S. /os. 93 22J an% 93<22 an% %enyin* ("e mo(ion #or reconsi%era(ion #i$e% by "erein )e(i(ioner a$an%oni. Issue6 Can ma$ice be )resume% #rom %e#ama(ory 'or%s B"o "as ("e bur%en o# )rovin* ma$ice ?u$in*6 /o. Un%er Ar(ic$e 31 o# ("e ?evise% Pena$ Co%e, in $ibe$ cases a*ains( )ub$ic o##icia$s, #or $iabi$i(y (o arise, ("e a$$e*e% %e#ama(ory s(a(emen( mus( re$a(e (o o##icia$ con%uc(, even i# ("e %e#ama(ory s(a(emen( is #a$se, un$ess ("e )ub$ic o##icia$ concerne% )roves ("a( ("e s(a(emen( 'as ma%e 'i(" ac(ua$ ma$ice, ("a( is, 'i(" no'$e%*e ("a( i( 'as #a$se or no(. !"e subjec( o# ("e %e#ama(ory s(a(emen( "as ("e bur%en o# )rovin* ma$ice on ("e )ar( o# ("e au("or o# suc" s(a(emen(. !"e same 'as no( 'ri((en (o cas( as)ersion on ("e *oo% name o# ("e )e(i(ioner. !"e )ai% a%ver(isemen( mere$y serve% as a ve"ic$e (o in#orm ("e s(oc"o$%ers o# ("e *oin*ons in ("e business 'or$% an% on$y e+)ose% ("e irre*u$ari(ies surroun%in* ("e PCGG an% ?CKC %ea$ an% ("e )ar(ies invo$ve%.
BAGUIO MIDLAND COURIER & CECILLE AFABLE VS. COURT OF APPEALS & RAMON LABO, JR., 444 SCRA 28 [Noveme! 2", 2##4$ F!ee%om o E'(!e))*o+ -e (/0*1 ) -e !*3- -o e *+o!me% o+ -e me+-0, mo!0 +% ()*10 *-+e)) o 1+%*%-e) o! (/0*1 o*1e. FACTS5 1.
In the January 3, 1988 issue of the Baguio Midland Courier (BMC), Cecille Afale, the
!ditor"in"Chief, in her colu#n $In and %ut of Baguio& #ade the follo'ing co##ents $%f all the candidates for Mayor of Baguio City), ao has the #ost i#*onderales aout hi#. +eo*le 'ould as $can he read and 'rite&- hy is he al'ays taling aout his Ja*anese father"in" la'- Is he really a Ja*anes /enator or a arrio 0a*itan- Is it true that he 'ill send +18M aid to Baguio- /o#eody 'anted to *ut an adertise#ent of ao in the Midland Courier ut 'as refused ecause he has not yet *aid his account of the last ti#e he 'as a candidate for Congress. e 'ill acce*t all adertise#ents for hi# if he *ays his old account first.& 2.
In the sa#e colu#n, Cecille Afale 'rote the follo'ing co##ents in her January 1,
1988 colu#n at the Courier $I heard that the 45u#*ty in the !gg6 is ca#*aigning for Cortes. 7ot fair. /o#e real doctors are also usy ca#*aigning against ao ecause he has not also *aid their #edical serices 'ith the#.
/ince he is donating #illions he should also settle his s#all dets lie the re*ortedly insignificant a#ount of +2, only. If he 'ins, seeral teachers 'ere signifying to resign and leae Baguio foreer, and +angasinan 'ill e the franca"liua of Baguio.& 3.
As a result of the aoe articles, :a#on aor, Jr. filed a co#*laint for 5a#ages efore
the regional trial Court of Baguio City as he clai#ed said articles 'ere lielous. ;e lie'ise filed a se*arate cri#inal co#*laint efore the %ffice of the City +rosecutor of Baguio ut 'as dis#issed< =.
ao clai#ed that the said articles 'ere tainted 'ith #alice ecause he 'as allegedly
descried as $5u#*ty in the !gg& or one $'ho is a failure in his usiness& 'hich is false ecause he is a ery successful usiness#an or to #ean $>ero or a ig lie&< that he is a $alasuas& due to his alleged failure to *ay his #edical e?*enses< @he *etitioners, ho'eer, 'ere ale to *roe that ao has an un*aid oligation to the Courier in the a#ount of +2,=1. for the ads *laced y his ca#*aigners for the 198= Batasang +a#ansa elections< @he :egional @rial Court, Branch , Baguio City, in its 5ecision dated June 1=, 199 dis#issed ao6s co#*laint for da#ages on the ground that the article of *etitioner Afale 'as *riileged and constituted fair co##ent on #atters of *ulic interest as it dealt 'ith the integrity, re*utation and honesty of *riate res*ondent ao 'ho 'as a candidate for Mayor of Baguio City< %n January , 1992, the Court of A**eals reersed the :@C 5ecision and ordered the *etitioners to *ay :a#on ao, Jr. da#ages in the total a#ount of +3,. after concluding that the $5u#*ty in the !gg& refers to no one ut ao hi#self. ;ence, the +etition to the /u*re#e Court. ISSUES5 1.
as ao the $5u#*ty in the !gg& descried in the uestioned article
2.
ere the articles suDect of the case lielous or *riileged
6ELD5 1.
@he Court of A**eals is 'rong 'hen it held that ao is the $5u#*ty in the !gg& in the
uestioned article. @his is so ecause the article stated that $@he 5u#*ty in the !gg is ca#*aigning for Cortes&, another candidate for #ayor and o**onent of ao hi#self. It is unelieale that ao ca#*aigned for his o**onent and against hi#self. Although such gracious attitude on the *art of ao 'ould hae een co##endale, it is contrary to co##on hu#an e?*erience. As *ointed out y the *etitioners, had he done that, it is doutful 'hether he could
hae 'on as City Mayor of Baguio in the 1988 elections, 'hich he actually did. In line 'ith the doctrine in B%:JA E/. CA, 31 /C:A 1, that 4it is also not sufficient that the offended *arty recogni>ed hi#self as the *erson attaced or defa#ed, ut it #ust e sho'n that at least a 3rd *erson could identify hi# as the oDect of the lielous *ulication6, the case should e dis#issed since ao utterly failed to dis*ose of this res*onsiility. 2.
ao clai#s that the *etitioners could not inoe $*ulic interest& to Dustify the
*ulication since he 'as not yet a *ulic official at that ti#e. @his argu#ent is 'ithout #erit since he 'as already a candidate for City #ayor of Baguio. As such, the article is still 'ithin the #antle of *rotection guaranteed y the freedo# of e?*ression *roided in the Constitution since it is the *ulic6s right to e infor#ed of the #ental, #oral and *hysical fitness of candidates for *ulic office. @his 'as recogni>ed as early as the case of F/ E/. /!5A7%, 1= +hil. 338 G199H and the case of 7! %:0 @IM!/ E/. /FIEA7, 3 F./. 2= 'here the F/ /u*re#e Court held $it is of the ut#ost conseuence that the *eo*le should discuss the character and ualifications of candidates for their suffrages. @he i#*ortance to the /tate and to society of such discussions is so ast, and the adantages deried so great, that they #ore than counteralance the inconenience of *riate *ersons 'hose conduct #ay e inoled, and occasional inDury to the re*utations of indiiduals #ust yield to the *ulic 'elfare, although at ti#es such inDury #ay e great. @he *ulic enefit fro# *ulicity is so great and the chance of inDury to *riate character so s#all, that such discussion #ust e *riileged. $ Clearly, the uestioned articles constitute fair co##ent on a #atter of *ulic interest as it dealt 'ith the character of the *riate res*ondent 'ho 'as running for the to* electie *ost in Baguio City at that ti#e.
:iriam Co$$e*e Foun%a(ion, Inc. v CA 3CS '"ic" ("ey a$$e*e% (o "ave ("e juris%ic(ion over ("e issue. Pus"in* ("rou*" 'i(" ("e inves(i*a(ion e+ )ar(e ("e Commi((ee #oun% ("e %e#en%an(s *ui$(y an% im)ose% u)on ("em %isci)$inary sanc(ions. e#en%an(s #i$e% be#ore ("e cour( #or )ro"ibi(ion 'i(" )re$iminary injunc(ion on sai% %ecision o# ("e Commi((ee 4ues(ionin* ("e juris%ic(ion o# sai% isci)$ine Koar% over ("e %e#en%an(s. Issue6 B/ ("e isci)$ine Koar% o# :iriam Co$$e*e "as juris%ic(ion over ("e %e#en%an(s. e$%6 !"e cour( reso$ve% ("e issue be#ore i( by $ooin* ("rou*" ("e )o'er o# >CS an% ("e isci)$inary Commi((ee in im)osin* sanc(ions u)on ("e %e#en%an(s. Sec(ion 28, Ar(ic$e DIE o# ("e Cons(i(u(ion *uaran(ees a$$ ins(i(u(ions o# "i*"er $earnin* aca%emic #ree%om. !"is ins(i(u(iona$ aca%emic #ree%om inc$u%es ("e ri*"( o# ("e sc"oo$ or co$$e*e (o %eci%e #or i(se$#,
i(s aims an% objec(ives, an% "o' bes( (o a((ain ("em #ree #rom ou(si%e coercion or in(er#erence save )ossib$y '"en ("e overri%in* )ub$ic 'e$#are ca$$s #or some res(rain(. Suc" %u(y *ives ("e ins(i(u(ion ("e ri*"( (o %isci)$ine i(s s(u%en(s an% incu$ca(e u)on ("em *oo% va$ues, i%ea$s an% a((i(u%e. !"e ri*"( o# s(u%en(s (o #ree s)eec" in sc"oo$ is no( a$'ays abso$u(e. !"e cour( u)"e$% ("e ri*"( o# s(u%en(s #or ("e #ree%om o# e+)ression bu( i( %oes no( ru$e ou( %isci)$inary ac(ions o# ("e sc"oo$ on ("e con%uc( o# ("eir s(u%en(s. Fur("er, Sec. 7 o# ("e o# ("e Cam)us ourna$ism Ac( )rovi%es ("a( ("e sc"oo$ canno( sus)en% or e+)e$ a s(u%en( so$e$y on ("e basis o# ("e ar(ic$es ("ey 'ri(e >DC>P! '"en suc" ar(ic$e ma(eria$$y %isru)(s c$ass 'or o# invo$ve subs(an(ia$ %isor%er or invasion o# ("e ri*"(s o# o("ers. !"ere#ore ("e cour( ru$e% ("a( ("e )o'er o# ("e sc"oo$ (o inves(i*a(e is an a%junc( o# i(s )o'er (o sus)en% or e+)e$. I( is a necessary coro$$ary (o ("e en#orcemen( o# ru$es an% re*u$a(ions an% ("e main(enance o# a sa#e an% or%er$y e%uca(iona$ environmen( con%ucive (o $earnin*. !"a( )o'er, $ie ("e )o'er (o sus)en% or e+)e$, is an in"eren( )ar( o# ("e aca%emic #ree%om o# ins(i(u(ions o# "i*"er $earnin* *uaran(ee% by ("e Cons(i(u(ion. !"e cour( "e$% ("a( :iriam Co$$e*e "as ("e au("ori(y (o "ear an% %eci%e ("e cases #i$e% a*ains( res)on%en( s(u%en(s.
?eyes v Ka*a(sin* 12 SC?A 3 19J38 Fac(s6 Pe(i(ioner sou*"( a )ermi( #rom ("e Ci(y o# :ani$a (o "o$% a )eace#u$ marc" an% ra$$y on c(ober 2, 19J3 #rom 2600 (o 600 in ("e a#(ernoon, s(ar(in* #rom ("e &une(a (o ("e *a(es o# ("e Uni(e% S(a(es >mbassy. nce ("ere, an% in an o)en s)ace o# )ub$ic )ro)er(y, a s"or( )ro*ram 'ou$% be "e$%. !"e marc" 'ou$% be a((en%e% by ("e $oca$ an% #orei*n )ar(ici)an(s o# suc" con#erence. !"a( 'ou$% be #o$$o'e% by ("e "an%in* over o# a )e(i(ion base% on ("e reso$u(ion a%o)(e% a( ("e c$osin* session o# ("e An(iKases Coa$i(ion. !"ere 'as $ie'ise an assurance in ("e )e(i(ion ("a( in ("e e+ercise o# ("e cons(i(u(iona$ ri*"(s (o #ree s)eec" an% assemb$y, a$$ ("e necessary s(e)s 'ou$% be (aen by i( (o ensure a )eace#u$ marc" an% ra$$y. o'ever ("e re4ues( 'as %enie%. ?e#erence 'as ma%e (o )ersis(en( in(e$$i*ence re)or(s a##irmin* ("e )$ans o# subversivecrimina$ e$emen(s (o in#i$(ra(e or %isru)( any assemb$y or con*re*a(ions '"ere a $ar*e number o# )eo)$e is e+)ec(e% (o a((en%. ?es)on%en( su**es(e% ("a( a )ermi( may be issue% i# i( is (o be "e$% a( ("e ?i-a$ Co$iseum or any o("er enc$ose% area '"ere ("e sa#e(y o# ("e )ar(ici)an(s ("emse$ves an% ("e *enera$ )ub$ic may be ensure%. An ora$ ar*umen( 'as "ear% an% ("e man%a(ory injunc(ion 'as *ran(e% on ("e *roun% ("a( ("ere 'as no s"o'in* o# ("e e+is(ence o# a c$ear an% )resen( %an*er o# a subs(an(ive evi$ ("a( cou$% jus(i#y ("e %enia$ o# a )ermi(. o'ever us(ice A4uino %issen(e% ("a( ("e ra$$y is vio$a(ive o# r%inance /o. 729 o# ("e Ci(y o# :ani$a )ro"ibi(in* ("e "o$%in* o# ra$$ies 'i("in a ra%ius o# #ive "un%re% 008 #ee( #rom any #orei*n mission or c"ancery an% #or o("er )ur)oses. ence ("e Cour( reso$ves. Issue6 B"e("er or /o( ("e #ree%om o# e+)ression an% ("e ri*"( (o )eaceab$y assemb$e vio$a(e%. e$%6 es. !"e invoca(ion o# ("e ri*"( (o #ree%om o# )eaceab$e assemb$y carries 'i(" i( ("e im)$ica(ion ("a( ("e ri*"( (o #ree s)eec" "as $ie'ise been %isre*ar%e%. I( is se(($e% $a' ("a( as (o )ub$ic )$aces, es)ecia$$y so as (o )ars an% s(ree(s, ("ere is #ree%om o# access. /or is ("eir use %e)en%en( on '"o is ("e a))$ican( #or ("e )ermi(, '"e("er an in%ivi%ua$ or a *rou). !"ere can be no $e*a$ objec(ion, absen( ("e e+is(ence o# a c$ear an% )resen( %an*er o# a subs(an(ive evi$, on ("e c"oice o# &une(a as ("e )$ace '"ere ("e )eace ra$$y 'ou$% s(ar(. !ime immemoria$ &une(a "as been use% #or
)ur)oses o# assemb$y, communica(in* ("ou*"(s be('een ci(i-ens, an% %iscussin* )ub$ic 4ues(ions. Suc" use o# ("e )ub$ic )$aces "as #rom ancien( (imes, been a )ar( o# ("e )rivi$e*es, immuni(ies, ri*"(s, an% $iber(ies o# ci(i-ens. Bi(" re*ar% (o ("e or%inance, ("ere 'as no s"o'in* ("a( ("ere 'as vio$a(ion an% even i# i( cou$% be s"o'n ("a( suc" a con%i(ion is sa(is#ie% i( %oes no( #o$$o' ("a( res)on%en( cou$% $e*a$$y ac( ("e 'ay "e %i%. !"e va$i%i(y o# "is %enia$ o# ("e )ermi( sou*"( cou$% s(i$$ be c"a$$en*e%. A summary o# ("e a))$ica(ion #or )ermi( #or ra$$y6 !"e a))$ican(s #or a )ermi( (o "o$% an assemb$y s"ou$% in#orm ("e $icensin* au("ori(y o# ("e %a(e, ("e )ub$ic )$ace '"ere an% ("e (ime '"en i( 'i$$ (ae )$ace. I# i( 'ere a )riva(e )$ace, on$y ("e consen( o# ("e o'ner or ("e one en(i($e% (o i(s $e*a$ )ossession is re4uire%. Suc" a))$ica(ion s"ou$% be #i$e% 'e$$ a"ea% in (ime (o enab$e ("e )ub$ic o##icia$ concerne% (o a))raise '"e("er ("ere may be va$i% objec(ions (o ("e *ran( o# ("e )ermi( or (o i(s *ran( bu( a( ano("er )ub$ic )$ace. I( is an in%is)ensab$e con%i(ion (o suc" re#usa$ or mo%i#ica(ion ("a( ("e c$ear an% )resen( %an*er (es( be ("e s(an%ar% #or ("e %ecision reac"e%. /o(ice is *iven (o a))$ican(s #or ("e %enia$. /e$son /avarro, Pe(i(ioner vs. :ayor An(onio Ei$$e*as, res)on%en(.FAC!S6n February 2<, 1970, ("e )e(i(ioner, ac(in* in be"a$# o# ("e :ovemen( o# a emocra(icP"i$i))ines, 'ro(e a $e((er (o ("e res)on%en(, ("e :ayor o# ("e ci(y o# :ani$a, a))$yin* (o"o$% a ra$$y a( P$a-a :iran%a February 2, 1970, #rom <11)m.n ("e same %ay, ("e res)on%en( 'ro(e a re)$y, %enyin* "is re4ues( on ("e *roun%s ("a(,("e "ave (em)orari$y a%o)(e% ("e )o$icy o# no( issuin* any )ermi( #or ("e use% o# P$a-a:iran%a #or ra$$ies or %emons(ra(ion %urin* 'ee%ays %ue (o ("e even(s ("a( "a))ene%#rom ("e )as( 'ee.n ("e same $e((er, ("e res)on%en( *ave ("e )e(i(ioner an o)(ion (o use ("e Sunen Gar%ennear In(amuros #or i(s ra$$y, an% #or i( (o be "e$% ear$ier #or i( (o en% be#ore %ar.!"e )e(i(ioner #i$e% sui( con(es(in* ("e :ayor=s ac(ion on ("e *roun% ("a( i( vio$a(es ("e )e(i(ioner=s ri*"( (o )eaceab$e assemb$e an% )e(i(ion ("e *overnmen( #or re%ress o# *rievances A?!. 3, sec 1J88 an% o# ("e )e(i(ioner=s ri*"( (o ("e e4ua$ )ro(ec(ion o# ("e$a' ar(. 3, sec. 18.ISSU>6B"e("er or no( ("e res)on%en(s ac( on %enyin* ("e re4ues( o# ("e )e(i(ioner vio$a(es ("e )e(i(ioners= ?i*"( (o )eaceab$e assemb$y an% ri*"( (o ("e e4ua$ )ro(ec(ion o# ("e $a'.e$%6!"e ri*"( o# )eaceab$e assemb$e is subjec( (o re*u$a(ion un%er ("e )o$ice )o'er o# ("es(a(e.!"e ri*"( (o #ree%om o# s)eec" an% )eace#u$ assemb$y, ("ou*" *ran(e% by ("eCons(i(u(ion, is no( abso$u(e #or i( may be re*u$a(e% in or%er ("a( i( may no( be injurious(o ("e e4ua$ enjoymen( o# o("ers "avin* an e4ua$ ri*"( o# communi(y an% socie(y, !"is )o'er may be e+ercise% un%er ("e )o$ice )o'er o# ("e s(a(e, '"ic" is ("e )o'er o# ("es(a(e, '"ic" is ("e )o'er (o )rescribe re*u$a(ions (o )romo(e ("e "ea$(", mora$s, )eace,e%uca(ion, an% *oo% or%er, sa#e(y an% *enera$ 'e$#are o# ("e )eo)$e.B"i$e ("e )rivi$e*e o# ("e ci(i-en (o use s(ree(s an% )ars #or communica(ion may bere*u$a(e% in ("e in(eres( o# a$$, sai% )rivi$e*e is no( abso$u(e. I( mus( be e+ercise% insubor%ina(ion (o ("e *enera$ com#or( an% convenience an% in consonance 'i(" )eace an%*oo% or%er, bu( i( mus( no( *uise o# re*u$a(ion be abri%*e % or %enie%.
Kayan, e( a$., Es. >%uar%o >rmi(a, e( a$., G.?. /o. 19J3J A)ri$ 2, 200 Fac(s6 !"e )e(i(ioners, Kayan, e( a$., a$$e*e% ("a( ("ey are ci(i-ens an% (a+)ayers o# ("e P"i$i))ines an% ("a( ("eir ri*"( as or*ani-a(ions an% in%ivi%ua$s 'ere vio$a(e% '"en ("e ra$$y ("ey )ar(ici)a(e% in on c(ober , 200 'as vio$en($y %is)erse% by )o$icemen im)$emen(in*
Ka(as Pambansa /o. JJ0. Pe(i(ioners con(en%e% ("a( Ka(as Pambansa /o. JJ0 is c$ear$y a vio$a(ion o# ("e Cons(i(u(ion an% ("e In(erna(iona$ Covenan( on Civi$ an% Po$i(ica$ ?i*"(s an% o("er "uman ri*"(s (rea(ies o# '"ic" ("e P"i$i))ines is a si*na(ory. !"ey ar*ue ("a( K.P. /o. JJ0 re4uires a )ermi( be#ore one can s(a*e a )ub$ic assemb$y re*ar%$ess o# ("e )resence or absence o# a c$ear an% )resen( %an*er. I( a$so cur(ai$s ("e c"oice o# venue an% is ("us re)u*nan( (o ("e #ree%om o# e+)ression c$ause as ("e (ime an% )$ace o# a )ub$ic assemb$y #orm )ar( o# ("e messa*e '"ic" ("e e+)ression is sou*"(. Fur("ermore, i( is no( con(en( neu(ra$ as i( %oes no( a))$y (o mass ac(ions in su))or( o# ("e *overnmen(. !"e 'or%s $a'#u$ cause,5 o)inion,5 )ro(es(in* or in#$uencin*5 su**es( ("e e+)osi(ion o# some cause no( es)ouse% by ("e *overnmen(. A$so, ("e )"rase ma+imum (o$erance5 s"o's ("a( ("e $a' a))$ies (o assemb$ies a*ains( ("e *overnmen( because ("ey are bein* (o$era(e%. As a con(en(base% $e*is$a(ion, i( canno( )ass ("e s(ric( scru(iny (es(. !"is )e(i(ion an% ('o o("er )e(i(ions 'ere or%ere% (o be conso$i%a(e% on February 1<, 200. urin* ("e course o# ora$ ar*umen(s, ("e )e(i(ioners, in ("e in(eres( o# a s)ee%y reso$u(ion o# ("e )e(i(ions, 'i("%re' ("e )or(ions o# ("eir )e(i(ions raisin* #ac(ua$ issues, )ar(icu$ar$y ("ose raisin* ("e issue o# '"e("er K.P. /o. JJ0 an%or CP? is voi% as a))$ie% (o ("e ra$$ies o# Se)(ember 20, c(ober <, an% , 200. Issue6 B"e("er ("e Ca$ibra(e% Preem)(ive res)onse an% ("e Ka(as Pambansa /o. JJ0, s)eci#ica$$y Sec(ions <, , , 12, 13a8 an% 1<a8 vio$a(es Ar(. III Sec. < o# ("e P"i$i))ine Cons(i(u(ion as i( causes a %is(urbin* e##ec( on ("e e+ercise by ("e )eo)$e o# ("e ri*"( (o )eaceab$y assemb$e. e$%6 Sec(ion < o# Ar(ic$e III o# ("e P"i$i))ine Cons(i(u(ion )rovi%es ("a( no $a' s"a$$ be )asse% abri%*in* ("e #ree%om o# s)eec", o# e+)ression, or o# ("e )ress, or ("e ri*"( o# ("e )eo)$e )eaceab$y (o assemb$e an% )e(i(ion ("e *overnmen( #or re%ress o# *rievances. !"e ri*"( (o )eaceab$y assemb$e an% )e(i(ion #or re%ress o# *rievances, (o*e("er 'i(" #ree%om o# s)eec", o# e+)ression, an% o# ("e )ress, is a ri*"( ("a( enjoys %ominance in ("e s)"ere o# cons(i(u(iona$ )ro(ec(ion. For ("is ri*"(s re)resen( ("e very basis o# a #unc(iona$ %emocra(ic )o$i(y, 'i("ou( '"ic" a$$ ("e o("er ri*"(s 'ou$% be meanin*$ess an% un)ro(ec(e%. o'ever, i( mus( be remembere% ("a( ("e ri*"(, '"i$e sacrosanc(, is no( abso$u(e. I( may be re*u$a(e% ("a( i( s"a$$ no( be injurious (o ("e e4ua$ enjoymen( o# o("ers "avin* e4ua$ ri*"(s, nor injurious (o ("e ri*"(s o# ("e communi(y or socie(y. !"e )o'er (o re*u$a(e ("e e+ercise o# suc" an% o("er cons(i(u(iona$ ri*"(s is (erme% ("e soverei*n )o$ice )o'er,5 '"ic" is ("e )o'er (o )rescribe re* u$a(ions, (o )romo(e ("e "ea$(", mora$s, )eace, e%uca(ion, *oo% or%er or sa#e(y, an% *enera$ 'e$#are o# ("e )eo)$e. K.P. /o JJ0 is no( an abso$u(e ban o# )ub$ic assemb$ies bu( a res(ric(ion ("a( sim)$y re*u$a(es ("e (ime, )$ace an% manner o# ("e assemb$ies. K.P. /o. JJ0 ("us rea%i$y s"o's ("a( i( re#ers (o a$$ in%s o# )ub$ic assemb$ies ("a( 'ou$% use )ub$ic )$aces. !"e re#erence (o $a'#u$ cause5 %oes no( mae i( con(en(base% because assemb$ies rea$$y "ave (o be #or $a'#u$ causes, o("er'ise ("ey 'ou$% no( be )eaceab$e5 an% en(i($e% (o )ro(ec(ion. /ei("er ("e 'or%s o)inion,5 )ro(es(in*,5 an% in#$uencin*5 in o# *rievances come #rom ("e 'or%in* o# ("e Cons(i(u(ion, so i(s use canno( be avoi%e%. Fina$$y, ma+imum (o$erance is #or ("e )ro(ec(ion an% bene#i( o# a$$ ra$$yis( an% is in%e)en%en( o# ("e con(en( o# ("e e+)ression in ("e ra$$y. Fur("ermore, ("e )ermi( can on$y be %enie% on ("e *roun% o# c$ear an% )resen( %an*er (o )ub$ic or%er, )ub$ic sa#e(y, )ub$ic convenience, )ub$ic mora$s or )ub$ic "ea$(". !"is is a reco*ni-e% e+ce)(ion (o ("e e+ercise o# ("e ri*"(s even un%er ("e Universa$ ec$ara(ion o# uman ?i*"(s an% !"e In(erna(iona$ Covenan( on Civi$ an% Po$i(ica$ ?i*"(s. B"ere#ore, ("e )e(i(ions are G?A/!> in )ar(, an% res)on%en(s, more )ar(icu$ar$y ("e Secre(ary o# ("e In(erior an% &oca$ Governmen(s, are I?>C!> (o (ae a$$ necessary s(e)s #or ("e
imme%ia(e com)$iance 'i(" Sec(ion 1 o# Ka(as Pambansa /o. JJ0 ("rou*" ("e es(ab$is"men( or %esi*na(ion o# a( $eas( one sui(ab$e #ree%om )ar or )$a-a in every ci(y an% munici)a$i(y o# ("e coun(ry. A#(er ("ir(y 308 %ays #rom ("e #ina$i(y o# ("is ecision, subjec( (o ("e *ivin* o# a%vance no(ices, no )rior )ermi( s"a$$ be re4uire% (o e+ercise ("e ri*"( (o )eaceab$y assemb$e an% )e(i(ion in ("e )ub$ic )ars or )$a-a in every ci(y or munici)a$i(y ("a( "as no( ye( com)$ie% 'i(" sec(ion 1 o# ("e $a'. Fur("ermore, Ca$ibra(e% )reem)(ive res)onse CP?8, inso#ar as i( 'ou$% )ur)or( (o %i##er #rom or be in $ieu o# ma+imum (o$erance, is /U&& an% EI an% res)on%en(s are >/I/> (o ?>F?AI/ #rom usin* i( an% (o S!?IC!& KS>?E> ("e re4uiremen(s o# ma+imum (o$erance, !"e )e(i(ions are IS:ISS> in a$$ o("er res)ec(s, an% ("e cons(i(u(iona$i(y o# Ka(as Pambansa /o. JJ0 is SUS!AI/> P>P&> E P>?>Q Fac(s6 Seven coun(s o# (reason 'ere #i$e% a*ains( Susano Pere- aa Hi% Pere-, ("e accuse%, #or recrui(in*, a))re"en%in*, an% comman%eerin* 'omen >riber(a ?amo, >%uar%a ao"o*, >u(i4uia &amay, an% F$aviana Kona$os8 a*ains( ("eir 'i$$ (o sa(is#y ("e immora$ )ur)ose an% se+ua$ %esire o# Co$one$ :ini, an% o("er a)anese o# ##icers. n$y coun(s 1,2,<,, 'ere subs(an(ia(e%. In ("e <(" an% (" coun(s, ("e accuse% )ersona$$y assau$(e% an% abuse% ('o o# ("e o##en%e% *ir$s. Susano Pere- 'as convic(e% o# (reason an% sen(ence% (o %ea(" by e$ec(rocu(ion by ("e Peo)$e=s Cour(. Issue6 B"e("er or no( ("e ac(s o# ("e accuse% cons(i(u(e a crime o# (reason e$% 6 /. !"ere is a %i$emma in (ryin* (o %ra' a $ine be('een (reasonab$e an% un(reasonab$e assis(ance, since ("e sco)e o# a%"erence (o ("e enemy is com)re"ensive, an% i(s re4uiremen( in%e(ermina(e, bu( as a *enera$ ru$e ac(s )rovi%in* ai% an% com#or( (o ("e enemies are consi%ere% (reasonab$e '"en ("e ai% an% com#or( ren%ere% are %irec(e% (o ("em as enemies no( as mere in%ivi%ua$s. !o $en% or *ive money (o an enemy as a #rien% so ("a( "e may buy )ersona$ necessi(ies is no( (ec"nica$$y (rai(orous, bu( (o $en% or *ive money (o an enemy (o enab$e "im (o buy arms or ammuni(ion (o use a*ains( ("e *overnmen( o# ("e *iver is (reason. !"e ac( o# ("e accuse% o# )rovi%in* ("e enemies 'i(" 'omen an% en(er(ainmen(, boos(in* ("eir ("e enemies=8 mora$e an% main* ("eir $ives more )$easan(, is no( (reason. Se+ua$ an% socia$ re$a(ions 'i(" ("e a)anese %i% no( %irec($y an% ma(eria$$y (en% (o im)rove ("eir 'ar e##or(s or 'eaen ("e )o'er o# ("e *overnmen(. Any #avourab$e e##ec( (o'ar% ("e a)anese ("a( ("e accuse% mi*"( "ave ma%e 'as (rivia$, im)erce)(ib$e an% unin(en(iona$. In(en( o# %is$oya$(y is a vi(a$ in*re%ien( in ("e crime o# (reason, '"ic" in ("e absence o# a%mission may be *a("ere% #rom ("e na(ure an% circums(ances o# eac" case. In ("is )ar(icu$ar case, i( 'as no( evi%en( ("a( ("e in(en( o# ("e accuse% in )rovi%in* ("e enemies 'i(" 'omen 'as (o "e$) ("em over("ro' ("e *overnmen(.
A:>?ICA/ E US !"e American Communica(ions Associa(ion ACA8 'as #oun%e% in 1931 as ("e American ?a%io !e$e*ra)"is(s Associa(ion A?!A8 by :ervyn ?a("bone.M1NM2N !"e union re)resen(e% (e$e*ra)"is(s an% ra%io o)era(ors on $an% an% a( sea8 in ("e Uni(e% S(a(es. !"e union
"a% )revious$y been invo$ve% in a Su)reme Cour( case re*ar%in* ("e use o# s(riebreaers in s(ries &LR' v$ Mac(ay Radio ) Tele!raph Co$, 30< U.S. 333 193J88, '"ic" i( "a% $os(. In 1937, ("e union c"an*e% i(s name (o ("e American Communica(ions Associa(ion an% a##i$ia(e% 'i(" ("e ne'$y #orme% Con*ress o# In%us(ria$ r*ani-a(ions.M3N A majori(y o# ("e unionLs members 'ere s(ron*$y $e#('in*, an% mos( ("e unionLs $ea%ers 'ere members o# ("e Communis( Par(y USA CPUSA8O'i(" ("e union e##ec(ive$y un%er ("e con(ro$ o# ("e CPUSA. M
>CISI/6 (o1 ru$in* by ("e Uni(e% S(a(es Su)reme Cour( '"ic" "e$% ("a( ("e !a#(R ar($ey Ac(Ls im)osi(ion o# an an(icommunis( oa(" on $abor union $ea%ers %oes no( vio$a(e ("e Firs( Amen%men( (o ("e Uni(e% S(a(es Cons(i(u(ion, is no( an e+ )os( #ac(o $a' or bi$$ o# a((ain%er in vio$a(ion o# Ar(ic$e ne, Sec(ion 10 o# ("e Uni(e% S(a(es Cons(i(u(ion, an% is no( a (es( oa(" in vio$a(ion o# Ar(ic$e Si+ o# ("e Cons(i(u(ion
Qa$%ivar vs. San%i*anbayan MG.?. /os. 7990707 c(ober 7,19JJN 0 AUG MPer CuriamN FAC!S6 Pe(i(ioner #i$e% ?eso$u(ion inc$u%in* :o(ion (o Ci(e in Con(em)( S)ecia$ Prosecu(or #ormer$y !ano%bayan8 ?au$ :. Gon-a$e-. Gon-a$e- in6 18 "avin* cause% ("e #i$in* o# ("e in#orma(ion a*ains( )e(i(ioner in crimina$ case be#ore ("e San%i*anbayan, an% 28 issuin* cer(ain a$$e*e%$y con(em)(uous s(a(emen(s (o ("e me%ia in re$a(ion (o ("e )rocee%in*s in '"ere res)on%en( is c$aimin* ("a( "e is ac(in* as !ano%bayanmbu%sman. A ?eso$u(ion #rom ("e Su)reme Cour( re4uire% res)on%en( (o s"o' cause '"y "e s"ou$% no( be )unis"e% #or con(em)( an%or subjec(e% (o a%minis(ra(ive sanc(ions #or main* cer(ain )ub$ic
s(a(emen(s. Por(ion o# ("e )ub$is"e% ar(ic$e #rom P"i$i))ine ai$y G$obe in "is in(ervie'6 B"a( I am a#rai% o# 'i(" ("e issuance o# ("e or%er8 is ("a( i( a))ears ("a( '"i$e ric" an% in#$uen(ia$ )ersons *e( #avorab$e ac(ions #rom ("e Su)reme Cour(, i( is %i##icu$( #or an or%inary $i(i*an( (o *e( "is )e(i(ion (o be *iven %ue course. ?es)on%en( "as no( %enie% main* ("e above s(a(emen(s@ in%ee%, "e acno'$e%*es ("a( ("e ne's)a)er re)or(s o# ("e s(a(emen(s a((ribu(e% (o "im are subs(an(ia$$y correc(. ISSU>6 B"e("er or no( res)on%en( A((y. Gon-a$es is en(i($e% (o invoe #ree%om o# s)eec" as a %e#ense. >&6 /. ?es)on%en( in%e#ini(e$y sus)en%e% #rom ("e )rac(ice o# $a'. ?A!I6 !"e Cour( conc$u%es ("a( res)on%en( Gon-a$e- is *ui$(y bo(" o# con(em)( o# cour( in #acie curiae an% o# *ross miscon%uc( as an o##icer o# ("e cour( an% member o# ("e Kar.Sec(ion 27, ?u$e 13J, ?u$es o# Cour(8 MFNree%om o# s)eec" an% o# e+)ression, $ie a$$ cons(i(u(iona$ #ree%oms, is no( abso$u(e an% ("a( #ree%om o# e+)ression nee%s on occasion (o be a%jus(e% (o an% accommo%a(e% 'i(" ("e re4uiremen(s o# e4ua$$y im)or(an( )ub$ic in(eres(s.
