Drafting of the Rules of Procedure for Cybercrime Cases

February 2, 2017

SUPREME COURT MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 11-2017

DRAFTING OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR CYBERCRIME CASES

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act, provides that "[t]here shall be designated special cybercrime courts manned by specially trained judges to handle cybercrime cases;"

WHEREAS, under A.M. No. 03-03-03-SC dated 15 November 2016, regional trial court branches designated as special commercial courts were designated as concurrent "cybercrime courts" to try and decide cybercrime cases covered under Republic Act No. 10175;

WHEREAS, there is a need to create rules of procedure that shall respond to the technical requirements of cybercrime prosecution and aid the cybercrime courts in the exercise of their special jurisdiction;

NOW THEREFORE, the Sub-Committee on Commercial Courts is hereby convened to draft the rules of procedure for cybercrime cases.

The Sub-Committee chairperson, members, secretary and members of the secretariat, including those who have rendered service as part of the Sub-Committee prior to the issuance of this Memorandum Order, shall receive the usual expense allowances.

This Memorandum Order shall take effect upon its issuance this 2nd day of February 2017.

(SGD.) MARIA LOURDES P.A. SERENOChief Justice

(SGD.) ANTONIO T. CARPIOSenior Associate Justice

(SGD.) PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.Associate Justice