A segment on “CIA with BA” raised a recurring question in the digital age: can a screenshot from a dummy account be used as evidence in court?
The issue came up when Manilyn, a viewer from the “Mariteam,” said she was accused of pagpapakulam and harming a dog, with the only evidence against her being a screenshot from an unidentified account.
Atty. Marian Cayetano said screenshots may be admitted under the Rules on Electronic Evidence. But she noted that admissibility does not guarantee weight.
A screenshot must be authenticated and its origin established, she said, adding that any sign of editing or manipulation could undermine its value.
For Manilyn, this means the screenshot would need verification before it can be used against her.
The discussion highlighted how digital evidence is handled in Philippine courts, where credibility depends on proving a file’s integrity.
“CIA with BA,” hosted by Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano with Boy Abunda, airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA 7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
