What is Statutory Construction?

Statutory Construction is the art or process of discovering and expounding the meaning and intention of the authors of the law with respect to its application to a given case, where that intention is rendered doubtful, amongst others, by reason of the fact that the given case is not explicitly provided for in the law (Caltex vs. Palomar)

 

Construction and Interpretation, distinguished

Construction is the drawing of conclusions with respect to subjects that are beyond the direct expression of the text from elements known and given in text. Interpretation is the process of discovering the true meaning of the language used.

 

It is the duty of the court to construe and interpret the law, provided that (1) There must be an actual case or controversy involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable (2) There is ambiguity in the law involved in the controversy

 

The duty of the court is to apply the law. When the law is clear and unequivocal. the court has no other alternative but to apply the law and not to interpret Verba Legis. Corollary, the Court cannot shy away from applying the law when interpretation is not needed even how harsh it may be Dura Lex Sed Lex.