In today’s digital landscape, where screenshots spread faster than facts, one question continues to spark debate: Can a screenshot from a dummy account be used as evidence? This issue took center stage in the “Yes or No” segment of ‘CIA with BA’ (Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda).

Manilyn‘ from the Mariteam shared that someone accused her of pagpapakulam (witchcraft) and of harming the accuser’s dog. She said the only evidence presented against her was a screenshot from a dummy account.

“Ang pinanghahawakan lang po na ebidensya laban sa akin ay isang screenshot ng isang dummy account,” she said. “Ngayon, ang question ko po, pwede po ba ‘yon na maging ebidensya laban sa akin?”

Atty. Marian Cayetano answered the question directly. “Yes,” she said. “‘Yung mga screenshot ng mga text or online messages, pwede kasi siyang maging ebidensya according sa ating rules of electronic evidence na nakasulat sa ating rules of court, admissible siya…”

However, she stressed that admissibility is only the first step. To be valid, she said, the screenshot must be proven authentic and must clearly show where it came from.

Atty. Cayetano added that the evidence must not appear edited, fabricated, or manipulated in any way. Without proof of authenticity, the screenshot carries little weight.

For Manilyn’s case, this means the screenshot must undergo verification before it can be used against her, especially since the accusations are serious.

The segment underscored how digital evidence is treated under Philippine law. While screenshots may be allowed in court, their credibility depends on how well their origin and integrity can be established.

‘CIA with BA’ hosted by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Pia Cayetano, and Boy Abunda, airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. (Robert R. Requintina)