Motions to Conduct Videoconferencing with Respect to Remote Appearance from Abroad

May 13, 2022

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 109-2022

 

The conduct of videoconferencing with respect to remote appearance from abroad in cases involving litigants and witnesses who are Overseas Filipino Workers, Filipinos residing abroad or temporarily outside the Philippines, or non-resident foreign nationals, 1 utilizes not only the time, effort, and resources of both the courts and the litigants, but also that of the concerned Philippine embassies and consulates. The preparations needed and the resources required for the conduct of the said mode of hearing, and the time required for the completion of the testimonies to be taken are several of the concerns which must be considered when granting motions to conduct the subject videoconferencing hearing.

Accordingly, for the effective and efficient dispensation of justice, all concerned judges are (a) REMINDED to judiciously act on motions to conduct videoconferencing with respect to remote appearance from abroad; (b) ADVISED to avoid prolonged videoconferencing sessions by witnesses abroad should the conduct of the same be indispensable; and (c) ENCOURAGED to prefer the use of judicial affidavits in place of the direct testimonies of witnesses to conserve on resources and reduce the time needed for completing the testimonies of witnesses.

For strict observance.

(SGD.) RAUL BAUTISTA VILLANUEVACourt Administrator

Footnotes

1. Item IV, A.M. No. 20-12-01-SC (Re: Proposed Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing).