High Court okays Sandiganbanyan remote hearing
As a result of the present health pandemic brought about by COVID-19, several areas in the country remains under different levels of community quarantine status, and mass land, sea and air transportation are not yet in full operation
The Supreme Court (SC) has approved the interim guidelines for Sandiganbayan's remote hearing amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
The guidelines shall take effect 10 days after publication of its approved version in the SC and Sandiganbayan websites.
In a three-page Resolution the SC said that as a result of the present health pandemic brought about by COVID-19, several areas in the country remains under different levels of community quarantine status, and mass land, sea and air transportation are not yet in full operation.
“Whereas, the national government, to safeguard public health and safety, continues to regulate the movement, within and around the country, of individuals that are prone to immunodeficiency health risks.”
Under Administrative Circular 39-2020 the Sandiganbayan was authorized to conduct regular hearings through videoconference.
The SC said that under Administrative Circular 41-2020 the courts were directed to implement a system of hearings to enable them to implement continuous trials in criminal cases and comply with existing guidelines and rules.
“Whereas, A.M. 19-05-05-SC recognized that the use of videoconference technology has been widely accepted for the remote appearance or testimony of the parties in court proceedings, including persons deprived of liberty; and the SC has been employing modern technology, using live-link television testimony in criminal cases where the witness or the victim is a child and the presentation of testimonial evidence through electronic means in both civil and criminal cases.”