Practice question
A penal rule applies equally to everyone in its designated group. However, the stipulated grouping rests on no substantial distinction and is wholly unrelated to the law's purpose. Its sponsor says equal application within the group is the only constitutional requirement. Which answer is correct?
- The sponsor is correct because one requirement replaces all others.
- The sponsor is correct whenever punishment is a fine.
- Equal protection never examines the class itself.
- The legislature may conclusively declare any distinction substantial without review.
- The sponsor is incorrect; internal uniformity does not replace substantial distinctions and germaneness to the purpose.
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/consti/cons1987.html — 1987 Constitution, ArticleIII Section1, equal protection.
- https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/69106 — Albano v. COMELEC, G.R.257610 and UDK17230, January24 2023, main opinion on reasonable classification.
Answer this question in flashcards to review your response and continue practicing.