The Supreme Court (SC) has approved updated rules on virtual court hearings to expand access to videoconferencing for litigants, witnesses, and lawyers, including those in digitally disadvantaged areas and those appearing from abroad.
In a Resolution dated November 4, 2025, the SC En Banc adopted amendments to the Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing under A.M. No. 24-11-02-SC, which apply to virtual proceedings at all stages before first- and second-level courts, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax Appeals. The revised rules will take effect on February 16, 2026.
Under the amended guidelines, courts are directed to ensure access to videoconferencing for digitally disadvantaged individuals through measures such as temporary or mobile internet deployment and court-supervised access points.
The amendments also expand authorized overseas venues beyond Philippine embassies and consulates to include other Philippine government offices abroad and treaty-permitted locations, subject to a motion filed before the court, while maintaining that overseas testimony cannot be compelled.
Meanwhile, justices and judges may preside over videoconference hearings from remote locations for justifiable reasons, and videoconferencing may be initiated upon motion by the parties or ordered by the court to ensure the speedy disposition of cases.
The rules also reaffirm that videoconferencing is the preferred mode for cases involving persons deprived of liberty and children in conflict with the law, as well as for arraignments, bail hearings, and minor incidents.
The rules provide that the accused’s right to confront witnesses is satisfied through videoconferencing if cross-examination is effective and an informed waiver is executed, require the use of authorized platforms, mandate the recording of proceedings, and classify disruptions, witness coaching, and falsified digital evidence as contempt of court.
The full resolution can be accessed here: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A.M-No.-24-11-02-SC_FINAL.pdf
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