Question

Scenario:

On January 1, 2022, the Philippine Congress passed a new law criminalizing the act of using mobile phones while driving. The law imposes penalties for violators, including fines and suspension of driver's licenses.

However, the law was not immediately published in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation. It was only published on January 15, 2022. Several citizens have been apprehended and penalized for using mobile phones while driving during the period from January 1 to January 15, 2022.

Question:

In the given scenario, when did the new law criminalizing the act of using mobile phones while driving actually take effect? Discuss the effect and application of laws based on the principle of publication under Article 2 of the Civil Code.