The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday announced the approval of amendments to the Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing to strengthen rules on virtual court hearings and remote appearances of parties and witnesses.
In a resolution dated November 4, 2025, the High Tribunal introduced key reforms aimed at expanding access to videoconferencing, particularly for digitally disadvantaged individuals and those residing abroad.
The amendments will take effect on February 16, following their posting on the websites of the SC and the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA).
The guidelines apply to videoconferencing proceedings before first- and second-level courts, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax Appeals.
The SC said videoconferencing remains the preferred mode for cases involving persons deprived of liberty and children in conflict with the law, with courts directed to protect confidentiality and sensitive information in compliance with data privacy laws. Pot Chavez
