Question

EFFECT AND APPLICATION OF LAWS

Subject: When Law Takes Effect, Publication (Civil Code, Art. 2)

Scenario 1:

On January 1, 2022, the Philippine Congress passed a new law imposing stricter penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. The law was signed by the President on January 15, 2022. However, the law was only published in the Official Gazette on February 1, 2022, and the newspaper of general circulation on February 5, 2022.

Question:
When does the new law on driving under the influence of alcohol take effect? Explain your answer.

Scenario 2:

In a remote province of the Philippines, there is a long-standing tradition of celebrating a local festival every November 15th. The municipal council passed an ordinance on October 31, 2021, declaring November 15, 2022, as a special non-working holiday to further promote and protect the cultural heritage of the province. The ordinance was published in the local bulletin board on November 1, 2021.

Question:
Does the special non-working holiday on November 15, 2022, take effect? Explain your answer.