VII.

PURPOSE OF INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION Interpretation and construction have the same
purpose and that is to ascertain and give effect to the legislative intent.

VIII. WHEN IS IT NECESSARY TO INTERPRET AND CONSTRUCT? It is necessary to interpret or construct

when any of the following reasons exists: 1. When the language of the statute is ambiguous, doubtful, or
obscure, when taken in relation to a set of facts; 2. When reasonable minds disagree as to the meaning
of the language used in the statute.

IX. WHEN IS IT NOT NECESSARY TO INTERPRET AND CONSTRUCT? It is not necessary to interpret or
construct when the law speaks in clear and categorical language. The duty of the court, in such a case, is
to APPLY THE LAW, NOT TO INTERPRET IT (Go Ka Toc & Sons v. Rice & Corn Board, G.R. No. L-23607,
May 23,