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When The Word or Phrase Is Repeatedly Used in A Statute
When The Word or Phrase Is Repeatedly Used in A Statute
College of Law
Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet
Statutory Construction
First Semester, SY 2019 August -December
A word or phrase used in one part of a statute shall receive the same interpretation
when used in every other part of the statute, unless a different meaning is intended.
Likewise, when a word or phrase is repeatedly used in a statute, it will, as a the
same meaning throughout the statute.rule, bear the same meaning throughout the
statute.
Exception
The word "and" may mean "or" if this is the plain intention of the
legislature which could be gleaned from the context of the statute.
The use of the term "and /or' means that effect shall be given to both the conjunctive
"and" and the disjunctive "or' depending on which one will serve the legislative intent.
3.) The words "SHALL" and "MAY"
The word "all" may be used in its universal sense or in its comprehensive sense. The
phrase "all laws inconsistent with or contrary to this act are hereby repealed," refers
not only to laws that are existing at the time the repealing law is enacted but all rules
and regulations intended to implement them.
7.) Negative words and phrases like "CANNOT," "SHALL NOT" and "NO"
The use of these words in a statute indicates the intention of the legislature to make
the law mandatory and prohibitive.