THE Supreme Court has directed trial court judges to disallow the presentation of evidence consisting of photographs and recordings of sexual abuse during videoconference hearings.
In a circular addressed to all judges and branch clerks of court of first and second level courts, SC Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez stressed that such evidence should only be shown in in-court proceedings.
Marquez added that the judges and branch clerks of the lower courts are expected to strictly comply with the circular.
“In line with the provisions of existing laws, rules, and regulations, and taking into paramount consideration the welfare of women and children, all judges and branch clerks of court of the first and second level courts are hereby directed to ensure that evidence containing sensitive photographs and recordings, including sexual abuse images and sound recordings involving women and children, shall only be presented through in-court proceedings and not through videoconferencing.
The trial courts have resorted to video conferencing in conducting court proceedings since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country in March 2020.