Writ of Habeas Data

CJ Puno speaks on Writ of Habeas Data. Check this link for a copy.

PLLP Statement on the Estrada Pardon

The Protestant Lawyers League of the Philippines issued the following statement concerning the Estrada pardon.

STATEMENT ON THE ESTRADA PARDON

WE, the members of the Protestant Lawyers League of the Philippines strongly condemn President Gloria Macapagal’s grant of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada, convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan.

While we acknowledge the authority of the President under the Constitution to grant executive clemency, we share the lament of many that the timing was indecently hasty and the grounds plainly deficient.

Mr. Estrada has not even begun serving his sentence which the People of the Philippines obtained after more than six protracted years of prosecution.

At no point during his impeachment, his trial and conviction of plunder, in the plea of his lawyers for pardon, or in his acceptance of it, did Mr. Estrada admit his guilt, express contrition and remorse, or offer full restitution.

He has to this day remained defiant and continues to attack the integrity of the legal processes of the nation.

This utter lack of accountability appears to be a persistent trend in this government. Nobody involved in the fertilizer scam instigated by a ranking government official, in the notorious Hello Garci scandal, in the anomalous ZTE broadband deal, and in the latest and shameless distribution of millions of pesos to political allies right in the heart of Malacanang Palace, has been prosecuted or jailed for their misdeeds.

Instead, all we see are Cabinet officials resigning in protest against illegal acts in high office, military officers who are languishing in detention for demanding for what is right and just, and the people’s plea for rectitude in government stifled time and time again.

We believe in the Biblical injunction that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34. Our continuing prayer and fervent hope is for leaders to make righteousness the keystone to governance.

Erap Pardoned

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo deals justice system another blow by granting pardon to former President Joseph Estrada on Friday, October 26, 2007.
From the fertilizer scam engineered by a ranking government official now on the loose abroad, to the notorious Hello, Garci! scandal, to the anomalous ZTE broadband deal, to the latest-and utterly shameless distribution of millions of unknown origin to political allies right in the heart of Malacanang Palace, the stream of illegal acts in high office flows unrestrained as ever.
The message of the Estrada pardon is crime pays!

SC Issues Rules on DNA Evidence

Finally, the Supreme Court has issued rules on obtaining, using and preserving DNA evidence. It takes effect on October 15, 2007. You can download a copy on this site.

Second Motion for Reconsideration: General Rule, Exception

Sec. 5(b), Rule 37, states: "No party shall be allowed a second motion for reconsideration of a judgment or final order." Thus, a second motion for reconsideration is forbidden except for extraordinarily persuasive reasons, and only upon express leave first obtained. Systra Philippines, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, G.R. No. 176290, September 21, 2007

Writ of Amparo

The notes collate the most recent commentaries on the topic by retired Justice Flerida Ruth P. Romero of the Philippine Supreme Court.

SECTION 1. Petition. – The petition for a writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity.

The writ shall cover extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof.

NOTES

1. Unique to Mexico and later, other Latin-American countries which have experienced political instability and military coups, the writ of amparo is an extraordinary recourse designed to challenge arbitrary and oppressive government actions found in Articles 103 and 107 of the Mexican Constitution. Described as “the most important procedural mechanism in the Mexican legal system,” the writ of amparo (taken from the Spanish term amparar meaning “to protect, favor or aid”) started out as a protective tool against acts or omissions of public authorities in violation of constitutional rights with special application to peasants’ rights arising from the agrarian reform process. Gradually it has evolved as an all-encompassing judicial remedy to review the constitutionality of statutes and decisions of judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative agencies and to remedy violations of both political and socio-economic rights.

2. “Extralegal killings” (the term used in UN instruments) are killings committed without due process of law, i.e. without legal safeguards or judicial proceedings. As such, these will include the illegal taking of life regardless of the motive, summary and arbitrary executions, “salvagings” even of suspected criminals, threats to take the life of, say, media persons who are openly critical of erring government officials and the like.

3. On the other hand, “enforced disappearances,” as defined in the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, are attended by the following characteristics: an arrest, detention or abduction of a person by a government official or organized groups or private individuals acting with the direct or indirect acquiescence of the government; the refusal of the State to disclose the fate or whereabouts of the persons concerned or a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty which places such persons outside the protection of the law. The abduction of suspected Leftists is an example of an enforced disappearance.

4. The writ of amparo is akin to the writ of habeas corpus but much broader in scope, although the two remedies are not mutually exclusive.

SEC. 2. Who May File. – The petition may be filed by the aggrieved party or by any qualified person or entity in the following order:

(a) Any member of the immediate family, namely: the spouse, children and parents of the aggrieved party;

(b) Any ascendant, descendant or collateral relative of the aggrieved party within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, in default of those mentioned in the preceding paragraph; or

(c) Any concerned citizen, organization, association or institution, if there is no known member of the immediate family or relative of the aggrieved party.

The filing of a petition by the aggrieved party suspends the right of all other authorized parties to file similar petitions. Likewise, the filing of the petition by an authorized party on behalf of the aggrieved party suspends the right of all others, observing the order established herein.

NOTES

1. The petition for the writ of amparo may be filed by the aggrieved party, or in case of his inability or refusal to do so, maybe because of fear of reprisal, the members of his immediate family, his close relatives, or in default of these persons, even any concerned citizen or association.

SEC. 3. Where to File. – The petition may be filed on any day and at any time with the Regional Trial Court of the place where the threat, act or omission was committed or any of its elements occurred, or with the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court, or any justice of such courts. The writ shall be enforceable anywhere in the Philippines.

When issued by a Regional Trial Court or any judge thereof, the writ shall be returnable before such court or judge.

When issued by the Sandiganbayan or the Court of Appeals or any of their justices, it may be returnable before such court or any justice thereof, or to any Regional Trial Court of the place where the threat, act or omission was committed or any of its elements occurred.

When issued by the Supreme Court or any of its justices, it may be returnable before such Court or any justice thereof, or before the Sandiganbayan or the Court of Appeals or any of their justices, or to any Regional Trial Court of the place where the threat, act or omission was committed or any of its elements occurred.

SEC. 4. No Docket Fees. – The petitioner shall be exempted from the payment of the docket and other lawful fees when filing the petition. The court, justice or judge shall docket the petition and act upon it immediately.

SEC. 5. Contents of Petition. – The petition shall be signed and verified and shall allege the following:

(a) The personal circumstances of the petitioner;

(b) The name and personal circumstances of the respondent responsible for the threat, act or omission, or, if the name is unknown or uncertain, the respondent may be described by an assumed appellation;

(c) The right to life, liberty and security of the aggrieved party violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of the respondent, and how such threat or violation is committed with the attendant circumstances detailed in supporting affidavits;

(d) The investigation conducted, if any, specifying the names, personal circumstances, and addresses of the investigating authority or individuals, as well as the manner and conduct of the investigation, together with any report;

(e) The actions and recourses taken by the petitioner to determine the fate or whereabouts of the aggrieved party and the identity of the person responsible for the threat, act or omission; and

(f) The relief prayed for.

The petition may include a general prayer for other just and equitable reliefs.

SEC. 6. Issuance of the Writ. – Upon the filing of the petition, the court, justice or judge shall immediately order the issuance of the writ if on its face it ought to issue. The clerk of court shall issue the writ under the seal of the court; or in case of urgent necessity, the justice or the judge may issue the writ under his or her own hand, and may deputize any officer or person to serve it.

The writ shall also set the date and time for summary hearing of the petition which shall not be later than seven (7) days from the date of its issuance.

SEC. 7. Penalty for Refusing to Issue or Serve the Writ. – A clerk of court who refuses to issue the writ after its allowance, or a deputized person who refuses to serve the same, shall be punished by the court, justice or judge for contempt without prejudice to other disciplinary actions.

SEC. 8. How the Writ is Served. – The writ shall be served upon the respondent by a judicial officer or by a person deputized by the court, justice or judge who shall retain a copy on which to make a return of service. In case the writ cannot be served personally on the respondent, the rules on substituted service shall apply.

SEC. 9. Return; Contents. – Within seventy-two (72) hours after service of the writ, the respondent shall file a verified written return together with supporting affidavits which shall, among other things, contain the following:

(a) The lawful defenses to show that the respondent did not violate or threaten with violation the right to life, liberty and security of the aggrieved party, through any act or omission;

(b) The steps or actions taken by the respondent to determine the fate or whereabouts of the aggrieved party and the person or persons responsible for the threat, act or omission;

(c) All relevant information in the possession of the respondent pertaining to the threat, act or omission against the aggrieved party; and

(d) If the respondent is a public official or employee, the return shall further state the actions that have been or will still be taken:

(i) to verify the identity of the aggrieved party;

(ii) to recover and preserve evidence related to the death or disappearance of the person identified in the petition which may aid in the prosecution of the person or persons responsible;

(iii) to identify witnesses and obtain statements from them concerning the death or disappearance;

(iv) to determine the cause, manner, location and time of death or disappearance as well as any pattern or practice that may have brought about the death or disappearance;

(v) to identify and apprehend the person or persons involved in the death or disappearance; and

(vi) to bring the suspected offenders before a competent court.

The return shall also state other matters relevant to the investigation, its resolution and the prosecution of the case.

A general denial of the allegations in the petition shall not be allowed.

SEC. 10. Defenses not Pleaded Deemed Waived. — All defenses shall be raised in the return, otherwise, they shall be deemed waived.

SEC. 11. Prohibited Pleadings and Motions. – The following pleadings and motions are prohibited:

(a) Motion to dismiss;

(b) Motion for extension of time to file return, opposition, affidavit, position paper and other pleadings;

(c) Dilatory motion for postponement;

(d) Motion for a bill of particulars;

(e) Counterclaim or cross-claim;

(f) Third-party complaint;

(g) Reply;

(h) Motion to declare respondent in default;

(i) Intervention;

(j) Memorandum;

(k) Motion for reconsideration of interlocutory orders or interim relief orders; and

(l) Petition for certiorari, mandamus or prohibition against any interlocutory order.

SEC. 12. Effect of Failure to File Return. — In case the respondent fails to file a return, the court, justice or judge shall proceed to hear the petition ex parte.

SEC. 13. Summary Hearing. — The hearing on the petition shall be summary. However, the court, justice or judge may call for a preliminary conference to simplify the issues and determine the possibility of obtaining stipulations and admissions from the parties.

The hearing shall be from day to day until completed and given the same priority as petitions for habeas corpus.

SEC. 14. Interim Reliefs. — Upon filing of the petition or at anytime before final judgment, the court, justice or judge may grant any of the following reliefs:

(a) Temporary Protection Order. – The court, justice or judge, upon motion or motu proprio, may order that the petitioner or the aggrieved party and any member of the immediate family be protected in a government agency or by an accredited person or private institution capable of keeping and securing their safety. If the petitioner is an organization, association or institution referred to in Section 3(c) of this Rule, the protection may be extended to the officers involved.

The Supreme Court shall accredit the persons and private institutions that shall extend temporary protection to the petitioner or the aggrieved party and any member of the immediate family, in accordance with guidelines which it shall issue.

The accredited persons and private institutions shall comply with the rules and conditions that may be imposed by the court, justice or judge.

(b) Inspection Order. — The court, justice or judge, upon verified motion and after due hearing, may order any person in possession or control of a designated land or other property, to permit entry for the purpose of inspecting, measuring, surveying, or photographing the property or any relevant object or operation thereon.

The motion shall state in detail the place or places to be inspected. It shall be supported by affidavits or testimonies of witnesses having personal knowledge of the enforced disappearance or whereabouts of the aggrieved party.

If the motion is opposed on the ground of national security or of the privileged nature of the information, the court, justice or judge may conduct a hearing in chambers to determine the merit of the opposition.

The movant must show that the inspection order is necessary to establish the right of the aggrieved party alleged to be threatened or violated.

The inspection order shall specify the person or persons authorized to make the inspection and the date, time, place and manner of making the inspection and may prescribe other conditions to protect the constitutional rights of all parties. The order shall expire five (5) days after the date of its issuance, unless extended for justifiable reasons.

(c) Production Order. – The court, justice or judge, upon verified motion and after due hearing, may order any person in possession, custody or control of any designated documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or tangible things, or objects in digitized or electronic form, which constitute or contain evidence relevant to the petition or the return, to produce and permit their inspection, copying or photographing by or on behalf of the movant.

The motion may be opposed on the ground of national security or of the privileged nature of the information, in which case the court, justice or judge may conduct a hearing in chambers to determine the merit of the opposition.

The court, justice or judge shall prescribe other conditions to protect the constitutional rights of all the parties.

(d) Witness Protection Order. – The court, justice or judge, upon motion or motu proprio, may refer the witnesses to the Department of Justice for admission to the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program, pursuant to Republic Act No. 6981.

The court, justice or judge may also refer the witnesses to other government agencies, or to accredited persons or private institutions capable of keeping and securing their safety.

NOTES

1. An outstanding feature of this Philippine version of the writ of amparo is the availability of reliefs at anytime before final judgment. These shall include temporary protection orders to safeguard the aggrieved party or his family, in a government agency or in an accredited private institution; inspection orders allowing entry into designated land or property; production orders of designated documents, papers or any tangible things relevant to the petition and witness protection orders under the Witness Protection Program of the Department of Justice.

SEC. 15. Availability of Interim Reliefs to Respondent. – Upon verified motion of the respondent and after due hearing, the court, justice or judge may issue an inspection order or production order under paragraphs (b) and (c) of the preceding section.

A motion for inspection order under this section shall be supported by affidavits or testimonies of witnesses having personal knowledge of the defenses of the respondent.

SEC. 16. Contempt. – The court, justice or judge may order the respondent who refuses to make a return, or who makes a false return, or any person who otherwise disobeys or resists a lawful process or order of the court to be punished for contempt. The contemnor may be imprisoned or imposed a fine.

SEC. 17. Burden of Proof and Standard of Diligence Required. – The parties shall establish their claims by substantial evidence.

The respondent who is a private individual or entity must prove that ordinary diligence as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations was observed in the performance of duty.

The respondent who is a public official or employee must prove that extraordinary diligence as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations was observed in the performance of duty.

The respondent public official or employee cannot invoke the presumption that official duty has been regularly performed to evade responsibility or liability.

SEC. 18. Judgment. — The court shall render judgment within ten (10) days from the time the petition is submitted for decision. If the allegations in the petition are proven by substantial evidence, the court shall grant the privilege of the writ and such reliefs as may be proper and appropriate; otherwise, the privilege shall be denied.

SEC. 19. Appeal. – Any party may appeal from the final judgment or order to the Supreme Court under Rule 45. The appeal may raise questions of fact or law or both.

The period of appeal shall be five (5) working days from the date of notice of the adverse judgment.

The appeal shall be given the same priority as in habeas corpus cases.

SEC. 20. Archiving and Revival of Cases. – The court shall not dismiss the petition, but shall archive it, if upon its determination it cannot proceed for a valid cause such as the failure of petitioner or witnesses to appear due to threats on their lives.

A periodic review of the archived cases shall be made by the amparo court that shall, motu proprio or upon motion by any party, order their revival when ready for further proceedings. The petition shall be dismissed with prejudice upon failure to prosecute the case after the lapse of two (2) years from notice to the petitioner of the order archiving the case.

The clerks of court shall submit to the Office of the Court Administrator a consolidated list of archived cases under this Rule not later than the first week of January of every year.

SEC. 21. Institution of Separate Actions. — This Rule shall not preclude the filing of separate criminal, civil or administrative actions.

SEC. 22. Effect of Filing of a Criminal Action. – When a criminal action has been commenced, no separate petition for the writ shall be filed. The reliefs under the writ shall be available by motion in the criminal case.

The procedure under this Rule shall govern the disposition of the reliefs available under the writ of amparo.

SEC. 23. Consolidation. – When a criminal action is filed subsequent to the filing of a petition for the writ, the latter shall be consolidated with the criminal action.

When a criminal action and a separate civil action are filed subsequent to a petition for a writ of amparo, the latter shall be consolidated with the criminal action.

After consolidation, the procedure under this Rule shall continue to apply to the disposition of the reliefs in the petition.

SEC. 24. Substantive Rights. — This Rule shall not diminish, increase or modify substantive rights recognized and protected by the Constitution.

SEC. 25. Suppletory Application of the Rules of Court. – The Rules of Court shall apply suppletorily insofar as it is not inconsistent with this Rule.

SEC. 26. Applicability to Pending Cases. – This Rule shall govern cases involving extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof pending in the trial and appellate courts.

SEC. 27. Effectivity. – This Rule shall take effect on October 24, 2007, following its publication in three (3) newspapers of general circulation.

Supreme Court Launces Writ of Amparo

Impunity has marked violations of human rights in the Philippines. Addressing this phenomenon, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has issued rules governing the writ of amparo (protection) to enable "any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity."
You can access a copy of the rules in the court's website.

Solemnization of Marriage by Judge

Introducing new guidelines in the solemnization of marriage by judges, the Supreme Court finally put order to a public function that increasingly eats the time of a judge. For one it settles the issue of how much to pay for the ceremony and where the money goes.

Thoughts on Erap's conviction

The only thing unique in the conviction of former President Joseph Estrada for the crime of plunder is that, for the first time, the Sandiganbayan really got the big fish. And what a big fish, indeed.
To pardon Erap so soon does a disservice to many more public servants serving sentence for offenses that pale in comparison with Erap's plunder.

Estrada acquitted of perjury

Read the decision in pdf format.

Estrada convicted of plunder

Justice is done. Read the decision in pdf format.