SC grants writ of habeas data petition of Leyte ‘narco-solon’
MANILA -- The Supreme Court (SC) handed down a writ of habeas data in favor of Leyte 3rd District Rep. Vicente S. E. Veloso, who was on the narcolist disclosed by President Rodrigo Duterte last March.
In a resolution dated June 17 and released Friday, the SC referred the case of Veloso to the Court of Appeals (CA) for hearing and resolution.
The Leyte lawmaker is seeking the “rectification, suppression or destruction of the database, information or files kept by respondents, which erroneously lists herein petitioner (Veloso) as an alleged ‘narco-politician’ as read to the media by President Rodrigo Duterte from a list (on) the evening of March
14, 2019.”
Veloso was re-elected member of the House of Representatives during the May 13 mid-term elections.
The narco-list was announced by the President during the Joint National Peace and Order Council – Regional Peace Order Council Clusters Meeting and Philippine National Police (PNP) - Armed Forces of the Philippines command conference in Davao City.
In its resolution, the SC directed the CA to conduct a summary hearing within 10 days from receipt of the resolution. It also directed the respondents to file a verified written return of the writ (answer) together with supporting affidavits.
The CA was ordered to decide on the petition within 10 days from the submission of the case for resolution.
In his petition, Veloso also pleaded to the SC to order the PNP to immediately release to him his two security details previously approved by the Commission on Elections.
Also in the list were Cipriano Violago Jr., mayor of San Rafael, Bulacan; Erlon Agustin, mayor of Camiling, Tarlac; Siegfred Betita, mayor of Carles, Iloilo; Jed Patrick Mabilog, former Iloilo City mayor; Roderick Alcala, mayor of Lucena City, Quezon; Mamaulan Abinal Mulok, mayor of Maguing, Lanao del Sur; Mayor Roberto Malijao Luna Jr., mayor of Lingig, Surigao del Sur; Jamal Jamal Abinal Pangandamun, vice mayor of Maguing, Lanao del Sur; and Rep. Jesus Celeste of the 1st District of Pangasinan.