The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed its full support to the Supreme Court’s (SC) initiative to transition towards electronic filing of civil cases before the trial courts since the new procedure would make the legal process more accessible for everyone.
SC Spokesperson lawyer Camille Sue Mae L. Ting announced in a press conference: "Starting Sept.1, 2024, trial courts shall only act upon pleadings and other court submissions in civil cases if the filing is accompanied by an electronic transmittal of the same document in PDF format through email. Electronic submissions must be completed within 24 hours of the primary manner of service, which includes personal filing, registered mail, or accredited courier."
In a statement, the CHR said there are potential benefits to digitalization, as this will streamline court proceedings and reduce the physical and financial burdens associated with traditional filing methods.
"Additionally, the shift to electronic filing can democratise access to justice by making legal processes more accessible, especially for individuals and communities in remote or underserved areas," it said.
However, the CHR said the SC needs to be more inclusive as it shifts to digitalization as there might be individuals who face challenges in adapting to electronic filing.
Thus, it said, there must be continuous dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders, so as to ensure that no sector of society will be excluded from advancement.
"Moreover, the Commission underscores the importance of safeguarding the privacy rights of the public. As the judiciary moves towards digital platforms, the protection of personal data and the right to privacy must be paramount," the CHR stressed.
Citing the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the CHR said that all personal information controllers, including judicial bodies, should ensure the security and confidentiality of personal data collected, stored, and processed. This also aligns with Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects individuals from arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy.
"We commend the SC for its assurance that robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and breaches. The Commission believes that these protections and safeguards must remain adaptive and responsive to emerging cyber threats to maintain public trust in the judiciary’s digital systems," it said.