De Lima ready to challenge SC’s writ of amparo

Department of Justice Sec. Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Wednesday said they are prepared to challenge the propriety of the writ of amparo issued by the Supreme Court to pave the way for the parents of the 16-year-old witness who tagged an incumbent governor and congressman for the death of Infanta Mayor Ruperto Martinez last December.

In its ruling, the high court ordered the Court of Appeals to hear and decide the petition filed by the parents of the 16-year-old witness.

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 a private individual or entity.”

The testimony of the 16-year-old witness prompted the NBI to file murder complaint against incumbent Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. and Pangasinan First District Representative Jesus Celeste.

The petitioner said with his son’s false testimony, he has put his family in danger. He also accused the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of abusing his son.

“Are the petitioners accusing us (DoJ/NBI) of threatening the life, liberty or security of their minor son who, in the first place, voluntarily sought refuge at AKAP Bata Philippines and which in turn sought NBI’s help?…This may very well be another case of misuse of the extraordinary remedy of a writ of amparo. In any case, we are determined to challenge the propriety of such writ and/or prove the utter lack of merit of the petition,” De Lima said in a text message sent to reporters Wednesday.

“More than anything else, DOJ/NBI simply acts as the protectors of the subject minor witness and the investigators of the illegal/criminal acts narrated by the said minor witness. Are these unlawful acts on our part? These are our mandate,” she added.