Question

EFFECT AND APPLICATION OF LAWS – Repeal of Laws (Civil Code, Art. 7)

Scenario:

On March 1, 2022, the Philippine Congress passed and enacted Republic Act No. 123, which criminalizes the possession and distribution of a specific type of substance. The law took effect immediately and was widely publicized. However, on June 1, 2022, Congress passed and enacted Republic Act No. 456, repealing Republic Act No. 123 in its entirety, effective immediately.

Question:

What is the effect of the repeal of Republic Act No. 123 on the legal status of individuals who were previously charged under the said law but have not yet been convicted? Discuss the legal implications of the repeal and its retroactive effect, if any, on pending cases and the rights of the accused.