Meralco v Lim - MERALCO said RTC lacked

GR No. 184769 jurisdiction which lies in the National Labor

Kirstie Marie Saldo
Facts:
- Rosario “Cherry” Lim is an
administrative clerk at Manila Electric
Company (MERALCO)
- June 4, 2008, anonymous letter was
posted at the door of the Metering Office of the
Administration building
- The letter reads:
“Cherry Lim: Matapos mong laminin last ng
biyaya ng MERALCO, ngayon naman ay gusto
mong palamon ang buong kumpanya sa aga
buwaya ng gobyerno. Kapal ng mukha mo,
lumayas ka rito, walang utang na lobo”
- Copies of letter were also inserted in
the lockers of MERALCO linesmen.
Lim reported the matter to Plaridel
Station of PNP on June 5, 2008
- July 4, 2008 Alexander Deyto, head
of MERALCO’s HR Staffing, directed Lim’s
transfer to
Alabang sector effective July 18, 2008
due to the letters that could possibly
compromise
her safety and security
- July 10, 2008, Lim wrote Ruben A
Sapitula, VP and Head of MERALCO’s Human
Resource Admin, appealed her transfer
and requested for a dialogue so she could
voice
her concerns claiming there is a denial
of due process
- Lim also pointed out that the letters
may only be pranks. She filed a petition for the
issuance of writ of habeas data against
MERALCO before the Rtc:
Relations
Commission (NLRC)
- RTC rules in favor of Lim and that
habeas data may extend to ordinary citizens
- MERALCO pointed out that Rule on
the Writ of Habeas Data directs the issuance
of the writ only against public officials or
employees or private individuals or entities
engaged in
the gathering, collecting or storing of
data or information regarding an aggrieved
party’s
person, family or home; and that
MERALCO is clearly not engaged in such
activities
Issue:
W/N RTC erred in its decision.
Ratio/Ruling:
Yes. RTC erred. The decision is reversed and
set aside.
SC finds merit. Writs of Amparo and Data
addresses violations as a response to EJK and
disappearances. It is not issued to protect
property or commercial concerns. Employment
is a property right under the context of due
process clause of the Constitution. NLRC
should have jurisdiction.

a) MERALCO refused to provide with

details regarding letter that were “allegedly”
threatening her right to privacy in life,
liberty and security

b) Habeas Data will correct these

violations

- Lim demands full disclosure,

measures taken by MERALCO to ensure
confidentiality of
info, and the currency and accuracy of
info. She also prayed a TRO to the RTC re:
her
transfer
- RTC granted TRO