Title
Supreme Court
Rodriguez vs. Macapagal-Arroyo
Case
G.R. No. 191805
Decision Date
Nov 15, 2011
A farmer abducted, tortured, and coerced by military personnel filed for writs of amparo and habeas data. The Supreme Court upheld his rights, dismissed claims against former President Arroyo, and affirmed command responsibility in human rights cases.

Case Digest (G.R. No. 191805)
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model

Facts:

  • Parties and Background
    • Petitioner: Noriel H. Rodriguez, member of Alyansa Dagiti Mannalon Iti Cagayan (Kagimungan), affiliated with Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP).
    • Respondents in G.R. No. 191805: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (former President), Gen. Victor S. Ibrado, Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, Maj. Gen. Nestor Z. Ochoa, P/CSupt. Ameto G. Tolentino, P/SSupt. Jude W. Santos, Col. Remigio M. De Vera, Lt. Col. Laurence E. Mina, 1st Lt. Ryan S. Matutina, “Calog,” “Harry” (George Palacpac), Antonio Cruz, Aldwin C. Pasicolan, Vicente A. Callagan.
    • Respondents in G.R. No. 193160 (petitioner–respondent switch): PNP officers and CHR investigators (Versoza, Santos, De Vera, Matutina, Mina, Cruz, Pasicolan, Callagan).
  • Abduction, Detention, Torture and Release (6–17 September 2009)
    • Abduction and first interrogation (6–7 September): Petitioner forcibly taken at Barangay Tapel, Cagayan; blindfolded, bound, punched, driven to 17th Infantry Battalion camp; forced to confess NPA membership.
    • Continuing detention and torture (8–12 September): Repeated beatings, forced marches as guide to alleged NPA camps; blindfolded interrogations; electrocution; coerced signing of false surrender documents.
    • Release and CHR involvement (16–17 September): Brought to Enrile Medical Center (Dr. Ramil certifies multiple hematomas); CHR officers Cruz, Pasicolan, Callagan join family; forced to sign denial of abduction or torture; escorted home under soldier supervision; further medical exam by Dr. Pamugas confirms torture.
  • Procedural History
    • Petition filed (2 December 2009) for writs of amparo and habeas data with prayers for protection, inspection and production orders; SC grants writs (15 December 2009), refers case to CA.
    • Court of Appeals Decision (12 April 2010) grants both writs, orders respondents to furnish military reports, expunge records, restrain further threats; dismisses President Arroyo (immunity), Calog and Harry (lack of merit); denies interim protection and inspection orders.
    • Consolidated Supreme Court Petitions:
      • G.R. No. 191805 (Rodriguez) – Partial Review on Certiorari, challenging CA’s denial of interim reliefs and dropping of Arroyo.
      • G.R. No. 193160 (respondents) – Review on Certiorari, assailing CA’s grant of writs and findings of rights violations.

Issues:

  • Whether interim reliefs (temporary protection, inspection, production orders) may still be granted after issuance of the writs of amparo and habeas data.
  • Whether former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should remain a respondent despite her claim of presidential immunity.
  • Whether the doctrine of command responsibility applies in amparo and habeas data proceedings to attribute accountability or responsibility.
  • Whether petitioner’s rights to life, liberty and security (and privacy) were violated or threatened by Respondents in G.R. No. 191805.

Ruling:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Doctrine:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

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