SC maximizing technology amid pandemic

Because of the health protocols, Peralta said the court implemented the e-raffle of cases to prevent delay since it will go directly to the judges

The Supreme Court is rising above the pandemic by issuing circulars to maintain court operation and technology in the raffling of cases, subpoena’s and warrant of arrest.

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta disclosed in a virtual press conference that the high bench is making sure that court operations continue despite the implementation of enhanced community quarantine, modified enhanced community quarantine and general community quarantine.

Because of the health protocols, Peralta said the court implemented the e-raffle of cases to prevent delay since it will go directly to the judges.

The innovation proved effective since it is much faster compared to the “tambiolo” raffling of cases.

It was followed by the e-Subpoena in which the summons will go directly to the head of office of the police thus it can be monitored because this will be registered in the system.

An eWarrant, on the other hand, will be transmitted also electronically if there is probable cause and it should be implemented within 10 days.

The said electronic warrant according to Peralta will be transmitted immediately after the judge issued the same to the police station.

Peralta said by the end of the year the said electronic issuance of warrant will be on a nationwide scale and it will be transmitted to the police and the National Bureau of Investigation for immediate arrest of those at large.

The said innovations was part and parcel of the 10-point program of Peralta to further enhance the delivery of justice to all and prevent delays.

Peralta also revealed that dealing with misfits in the judiciary has been ongoing and they have already suspended erring judges, lawyers and personnel. He said the creation of Judiciary Public Assistance Section fast tracked the investigation and help in speeding the job of the Office of the Court Administrator as their work will be unloaded.

The chief justice said JPAS is very effective in cases against judges if the complaint is not signed as long as they give them the evidence.