SC allows courts to hear cases by videoconference

MANILA, Philippines — Case trials in 882 court branches nationwide have been delayed in the last five months since they have been unable to conduct hearings by videoconference.

Acknowledging the delay, the Supreme Court said all 1,025 courts with a single sala or branch may now hear all cases before them by videoconference.

Previously, only 143 trial courts were authorized to conduct hearings by videoconference.

These include all courts in Metro Manila and in key cities. All courts may conduct hearings by videoconference “on all matters pending before them in both criminal and civil cases, regardless of the stage of the trial,” the court said.

—Dona Z. Pazzibugan