Sensitive photos, recordings only allowed in in-court proceedings — SC

Evidence containing sensitive photographs and recordings of women and children are only allowed to be presented through in-court proceedings, the Supreme Court said Wednesday.

In a circular, the high court said such sensitive media, including sexual abuse images and sound recordings, are not allowed in videoconferencing.

“[A]ll judges and branch clerks of court of the first and second level courts are hereby directed to ensure that evidence containing sensitive photographs and recordings.. shall only be presented through in-court proceedings,” it said.

The SC said this is in line with provisions of existing laws and regulations as well as in consideration of the welfare of women and children.

READ: OCA Circular No. 136-2021
Re: Presentation of Evidence Containing Sexual Abuse Photographs and Recordings pic.twitter.com/ah6woKCP9T

— Philippine Supreme Court Public Information Office (@SCPh_PIO) November 10, 2021

The high court recently announced that all courts under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine, with or without heightened restrictions, will remain physically closed starting November 8.

Meanwhile, all offices and units of the High Court in the National Capital Region (NCR) shall maintain an operational capacity of at least 50% starting November 8. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News