SC chief bans cellphones, other gadgets inside courts having sessions

MANILA, Philippines–Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta has strictly prohibited the use of cellular phones and other electronic communication devices while the court is in session to maintain orderly court proceedings.

‘’In order to maintain orderly proceedings and trial, and in the best interest of service, the use of cellular phones while the court is in session is strictly prohibited. The use of other electronic communication devices not related to the ongoing proceedings or trial is likewise prohibited,” read Peralda’s order which is contained in a memorandum order dated Nov. 4, 2019.

His predecessor, retired chief justice Lucas Bersamin, also issued similar order against the use of gadgets inside courtrooms saying “it is shameful.”

Also included in his memorandum is the directive to observe session hours and hearing dates, including periods to resolve pending cases to speed up the resolution of cases.

Peralta’s directive was contained in a memorandum order dated November 4, 2019.

“All lower courts are strictly enjoined to comply with the rules on session hours and hearing dates, including the reglementary or prescribed periods to resolve pending cases and incidents, as provided for under the Constitution, the laws, rules of procedure, guidelines and other administrative issues,” Peralta said.

He said this is in accordance with the eight item of his 10-Point Agenda that he unveiled after he formally took office last month.

Peralta’s 10-Point Agenda includes addressing the backlog by requiring the clerk of courts to conduct periodic inventories of cases and for courts to comply with the rules on prescribe trial periods, the implementation and continuous revisions of procedural rules and theautomation of court processes and incorporation of new technology.

Peralta, who was appointed as chief justice last Oct. 23, is known for prioritizing the disposition of cases and reducing backlogs.