The Supreme Court has guaranteed that its actions addressing delayed cases in the lower courts are ongoing amidst the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, although courts are physically closed because of the community quarantine, hearings are conducted through video conferencing.
Online hearings are done by judges presiding in court while the lawyers and litigants join hearings via video conferencing.
CA Marquez has pointed out that technology has helped in ensuring the consistent progress of the cases. From the 81,888 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) freed since March 17 to October 16, over 46,000 have been released via video conferencing. More than 100 video conferencing from May have an 88% success rate while 12% have problems in internet connectivity.
Meanwhile, for the safety of the judges, the SC is hoping for Congress to approve the Judiciary Marshall Service Bill to give protection to magistrates.
Report from Kenneth Paciente
