The parents of detained former overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso asked the Supreme Court in Manila to order her immediate release, stating that no Philippine court issued a warrant or commitment order authorizing her detention.
In a petition filed before the high tribunal, Cesar and Celia Veloso requested the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus and sought directives compelling government authorities to free their daughter. They argued that officials continue to hold Veloso without a valid judicial process, which they said makes her confinement unlawful under Philippine law.
The parents named as respondents the government officials and agencies that have custody over Veloso or exercise authority related to her detention. They said they elevated the matter to the Supreme Court after failing to secure relief from other government offices.
According to the petition, the Velosos attached documents that they said show the absence of any court order authorizing the detention. The Supreme Court received the filing through its docket section and assigned it a case number in accordance with procedure.
Court officials will forward the petition to the proper division or to the Court en banc for raffle. The justices may direct the respondents to file a comment within the period set under the Rules of Court.
The Court may schedule oral arguments or issue resolutions based on the pleadings submitted. The Office of the Solicitor General may represent the government respondents and state its position when required.
The petitioners informed the Court that they are prepared to appear in hearings and submit additional documents the justices may request. As of the filing date, the Supreme Court has not issued any order granting or denying the writ, based on records available to the petitioners.