White Light Corp v. City of Manila, GR No.

122846, January 20, 2009

Facts:
On 3 Dec 1992, then Mayor Lim signed into law Ordinance 7774 entitled “An Ordinance”
prohibiting short time admission in hotels, motels, lodging houses, pension houses and similar
establishments in the City of Manila. White Light Corp is an operator of mini hotels and motels
who sought to have the Ordinance be nullified as the said Ordinance infringes on the private
rights of their patrons. The RTC ruled in favor of WLC.

ISSUE:
Whether or not Ordinance 7774 is valid.

HELD:
The Supreme Court ruled that the said ordinance is null and void as it indeed infringes upon
individual liberty. It also violates the due process clause which serves as a guaranty for
protection against arbitrary regulation or seizure. The said ordinance invades private rights. Note
that not all who goes into motels and hotels for wash up rate are really there for obscene
purposes only. Some are tourists who needed rest or to “wash up” or to freshen up. Hence, the
infidelity sought to be avoided by the said ordinance is more or less subjected only to a limited
group of people. The SC reiterates that individual rights may be adversely affected only to the
extent that may fairly be required by the legitimate demands of public interest or public welfare