Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Calapan City District Jail no longer need to travel to court for hearings, as trials are now being held online through the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Tech4ED program.

According to Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, regional information officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)–Mimaropa, the system, called e-Hearings, allows court proceedings to take place inside the jail using computers and internet connection. This setup has made hearings faster, safer, and more efficient.

He added that the process also cuts government expenses and travel time, while keeping PDLs secure inside the facility, reducing the risks of escape and other threats.

E-Hearings were first maximized during the Covid-19 pandemic, when face-to-face hearings were limited. The system allowed cases to continue without exposing PDLs, jail staff, judges, and lawyers to health risks.

Anglo said the initiative supports the bureau’s efforts to modernize its operations.

“Through e-Hearings, we are able to ensure that justice continues without unnecessary delays, while also prioritizing the safety and welfare of PDLs and personnel,” Anglo said.

The Tech4ED program is a DICT initiative that aims to bring technology and information closer to communities, including its use in the justice system.