Facts: Petitioners converged at J.P. Laurel Street to hear Mass at the St. Jude Chapel, which adjoined Malacañang. Respondent barred them for security reasons. Petitioners filed a petition for mandamus.
Issue: Whether or Not there was a violation of the constitutional freedom.
Held: Petitioners' intention was not really to perform an act of religious worship but to conduct an anti- government demonstration since they wore yellow T-shirts, raised their clenched fists and shouted anti- government slogans. While every citizen has the right to religious freedom, the exercise must be done in good faith. Besides, the restriction was reasonable as it was designed to protect the lives of the President and his family, government officials and diplomatic and foreign guests transacting business with Malacanang. The restriction was also intended to secure the executive offices within the Malacanang grounds from possible external attacks and disturbances. (Minority opinion) The sole justification for a prior restraint or limitation on the exercise of the freedom of religion is the existence of a grave and imminent, of a serious evil to public safety, public morals, public health or any other legitimate public interest that the State has a right to prevent. The burden to show the existence of grave and imminent danger lies on the officials who would restrain petitioners. Respondents were in full control and had the capability to stop any untoward move. There was no clear and present danger of any serious evil to public safety or the security of Malacanang.
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