CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

ART.2 Laws shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of their publication either in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, unless it is otherwise provided. (As amended by E.O 200)

Notes:

General Rule: Laws in the Philippines take effect after fifteen days following the completion of their publication.

Exception: When the law provides otherwise.

For example, the law may provide that it is effective immediately upon publication or will be effective on a given date.

Always take note that even if the law provides a different effectivity date, publication of the law is INDISPENSABLE.

The purpose of the publication is to inform the public of the existince of the law as this is related to Art 3 of the Civil Code which provides that “Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith.”

The publication itself is a proof per se that the people are aware that a certain law is existing and effective.