MANILA – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said it supports the Supreme Court’s (SC) initiative to transition to electronic filing for civil cases in trial courts.
In a statement, the CHR said digitalization streamlines court proceedings and reduces the physical and financial burdens associated with traditional filing methods.
Earlier, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said trial courts 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.
She said electronic submissions must be completed within 24 hours of the primary manner of service, which includes personal filing, registered mail or accredited courier.
“The shift to electronic filing can democratize access to justice by making legal processes more accessible, especially for individuals and communities in remote or underserved areas,” the CHR said.
While digitalization offers significant advantages in filing cases, the CHR said the right to access justice should not be compromised for those who may face challenges in adapting electronic filing.
“As the judiciary moves towards digital platforms, the protection of personal data and the right to privacy must be paramount,” it said.
The Data Privacy Act of 2012 mandates that all personal information controllers, including judicial bodies, 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, which protects individuals from arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy.
The CHR also commended the SC for its assurance that robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and breaches.
“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. (PNA)
