Modernizing Court Proceedings: Supreme Court Approves Videoconferencing Amendments

The Office of the Court Administrator has issued OCA Circular No. 20-2026 which approves A.M. No. 24-11-02-SC, the proposed amendments to the Guidelines on the Conduct of Videoconferencing. The circular directs all first- and second-level courts to implement A.M. No. 24-11-02-SC effective February 16, 2026. These amendments introduce significant procedural reforms aimed at modernizing the presentation of evidence and participation of parties in judicial proceedings.

The revised guidelines apply to all actions and proceedings in civil and criminal cases, as well as cases before the Sandiganbayan and the Court of Tax Appeals.  The revised guidelines establish videoconferencing as the preferred mode of participation in cases involving Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), as well as for arraignments, bail hearings, and other minor incidents. Motion to participate via videoconferencing may be initiated through a written or oral motion by the parties’ counsels, individually or jointly. Videoconferencing may either be fully remote or partially remote.

Written motions must be electronically filed and served at least seven (7) calendar days before the scheduled hearing date. Such motions must identify the witnesses, evidence to be presented, and the location of all participants, and must demonstrate technical readiness, including a minimum internet bandwidth of 4 Mbps. Adverse parties may file comments within three (3) calendar days from receipt of the motion.

Oral motions, on the other hand, shall be made in open court and the parties shall immediately be given the opportunity to argue their respective positions.

The courts must resolve the written motion within three (3) calendar days before the scheduled videoconferencing, with or without the comment of the adverse party. For the oral motion, a ruling shall be made on the same hearing date. These motions are not subject to a motion for reconsideration or petition for certiorari, except on constitutional grounds, but may instead be raised in an appeal on the merits. Cancellation of scheduled videoconferencing is not allowed except for meritorious grounds.

Participants are required to join the virtual lobby at least 20 minutes before the hearing, and courts may conduct virtual inspections to ensure that witnesses are not being coached. All proceedings are officially recorded as part of the case record, and unauthorized recording constitutes contempt of court. Courts also retain discretion to require in-person proceedings where technological limitations or other compelling considerations arise.In criminal cases, the accused must execute a voluntary waiver of the right to face-to-face confrontation when testimony is presented via videoconferencing. The framework also allows overseas participation through authorized venues such as Philippine embassies or consulates, subject to the laws of the host jurisdiction and at the expense of the movant. Finally, the rules expressly permit the promulgation of judgments via videoconferencing, ensuring that parties retain full access to legal remedies as if physically present in court.