(Eagle News)–The Supreme Court has issued a writ of amparo (protection) and habeas data in favor of Karapatan, Gabriela and the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.
This was after the SC deemed the issuance of the writ “necessary” and “proper” on its face considering the “allegations contained, the issues raised, and the arguments adduced” in the groups’ petition against President Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, military chief Benjamin Madrigal, among others.
“Our filing of the petition for the writs of amparo and habeas data is a response to the worsening attacks, terrorist—tagging by the Philippine military and the ongoing smear campaign against human rights defenders,” the petitioners had told the SC magistrates.
The SC also referred the petition to the presiding justice of the Court of Appeals, who shall “cause the immediate raffle” of the same among the appellate justices.
The High Court also ordered the CA to hear the petition proper on June 18, and resolve the case on its merits within ten days “after it deems the case submitted for decision.”
The respondents were ordered to submit a verified return of the writ before the CA on or before June 13, and to comment on the petition before that date.
The writ of amparo is a legal remedy to any person who feels that his life, liberty and security is being threatened by an unlawful act.
The writ of habeas data on the other hand is a legal remedy for individuals who wish to find out what information is being kept about them by the government, and which allows them to demand their updating, rectification or destruction.
