1/28/24, 12:51 PM Case Digest: G.R. No. 15972 - Kwong Sing v.

City of Manila

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Title
Kwong Sing v. City of Manila

Case Ponente Decision Date

G.R. No. 15972 MALCOLM, J : 1920-10-11

The Philippine Jurisprudence case involves the validity of an ordinance requiring

laundries in the city of Manila to issue receipts in duplicate in English and
Spanish, with the court ultimately ruling that the ordinance is valid and not
oppressive.

Digest Summary Case Similar

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Facts:
This case involves the validity of Ordinance No. 532 of the city of Manila, which requires
laundries and dyeing and cleaning establishments to issue receipts in duplicate in
English and Spanish showing the kind and number of articles delivered. The plaintiff,
Kwong Sing, filed a complaint seeking a preliminary injunction to prohibit the city of
Manila from enforcing the ordinance and a declaration that the ordinance is null and
void. The preliminary injunction was granted, but the permanent injunction was not
granted after trial. The plaintiff appealed the decision.

Issue:
The main issue in this case is whether Ordinance No. 532 is valid.

Ruling:
The court ruled that Ordinance No. 532 is valid.

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1/28/24, 12:51 PM Case Digest: G.R. No. 15972 - Kwong Sing v. City of Manila

Ratio:
The government of the city of Manila has the power to enact Ordinance No. 532 under the
Administrative Code. The word "regulate" in the code means and includes the power to
control, govern, and restrain, but it should not be construed as synonymous with
"suppress" or "prohibit." The municipal authorities can make proper police regulations as
to the mode in which the laundry business shall be exercised. The purpose of the
ordinance is to promote peace and good order, prevent fraud and deceit, and protect
customers who cannot understand Chinese characters. Reasonable restraints of a lawful
business for such purposes are permissible under the police power. An ordinance must
be reasonable and the means adopted must be reasonably necessary for the
accomplishment of the purpose and

END

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