GREGORIO AGLIPAY VS. JUAN RUIZ - G.R NO.

L-45459

March 13, 1937

Facts:

The petitioner is the supreme head of the Philippine independent church, Gregorio Aglipay. Seeks a
court order to prohibit the post director of posts from releasing and selling postage stamps
commemorating the thirty-third International Eucharistic Congress. Concerned about a potential
constitutional breach, the petitioner attempted to address this with the President of the Philippines but
was unsuccessful.

The critical legal contention revolves around the claimed breach of Section 23, subsection 3, Article VI of
the Constitution. This provision explicitly bars the allocation of public resources or properties to endorse
religious organizations, underscoring the fundamental doctrine of maintaining the independence of
religious institutions from the government. Although the Constitution protects religious freedom, it
establishes boundaries between religion and government. It emphasizes the need for a distinct
separation to avoid state endorsement or support for any specific religion.

The case suggests that releasing postage stamps commemorating a religious event by a government
entity could violate this constitutional principle. The Director of Posts justifies this action using Act No.
4052 from the Philippine Legislature. The court's decision will depend on whether it views the postage
stamps as a form of indirect support for a religious event and whether such support goes against the
constitutional prohibition.This case highlights the delicate equilibrium between religious freedom and
the separation of religion and the government, illustrating how legal principles maintain government
impartiality in religious affairs.

Issues:

Whether or not the respondent breached the Constitution by authorizing the release and sale of
postage stamps that mark the Thirty-third International Eucharistic Congress?

Ruling:

No, The petitioner contends that issuing these stamps breaches the constitutional principle of church-
state separation. At the same time, the government argues that the seals were intended to boost
tourism rather than promote religion. The court ultimately dismissed the petition, asserting that there
was no constitutional violation and that the government's discretionary power should not be challenged
solely based on poor judgment.

In essence, the court rejects the plea for a prohibition writ. It emphasizes the significance of upholding
the separation of church and state while acknowledging the government's authority to exercise
discretion. This case underscores the delicate balance between religious freedom and governmental
decision-making.

Act No. 4052 permits the Director of Posts, with the approval of the Secretary of Public Works and
Communications, to use the allocated funds as they deem advantageous for creating new postage
stamps. Importantly, any unspent money must not be returned to the Treasury. This Act provides the
financial means to produce unique postage stamp designs for the government's benefit.