The 2019 Amendments to the Revised Rules on Evidence introduced significant changes, particularly on the presentation and appreciation of Electronic Evidence, implementation of the Apostille Convention, re-naming of the “Best Evidence Rule” to the Original Document Rule, and expansion of the definition of Documentary Evidence, and the modification of the Hearsay Rule.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology by society at large, including the courts and court-users. As well, the increased use of technology by the public resulted in the rise of cyber-crimes which necessitates the presentation of electronic evidence in courts. In light of these, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of 2019 Rules and identify areas for further improvement. To this end, the Sub-Committee for the revision of the Rules on Evidence, is conducting a survey to gather insights, experiences, and suggestions from legal professionals, which will guide future revisions and support the judiciary’s goal of a fair, efficient, and modern justice system.
This initiative aligns with the Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 with a focus on enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and fairness in the justice system through the periodic review, enhancement, and modernization of existing rules of procedure.
The purpose of the survey is to gather insights, experiences, and suggestions on the 2019 Amendments to the Revised Rules on Evidence. This feedback will help assess the effectiveness of the current Rules and identify areas for improvement to ensure they remain responsive to technological developments and the evolving needs of the justice system.
The 2019 Amendments were a significant step toward modernizing the Rules on Evidence. Since then, the rapid technological changes and evolving legal challenges such as the rise of cybercrimes and use of remote proceedings, have highlighted areas which may require further refinement. This review is part of the Court’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the Rules on Evidence remain effective and responsive with the current realities of legal practice.
The survey is intended for members of the judiciary and the bar, including Justices, Judges, Lawyers, Law Professors, and other Legal Professionals who have studied and applied the 2019 Rules in practice.
Yes, participation in the survey is entirely voluntary.
The survey will be open from June 2 – 30, 2025 to provide ample time for respondents to complete it at their convenience.
You may complete the survey at your own pace, depending on your availability and the extent of your feedback. It begins with 8 specific questions on the respondents’ views and experiences with electronic evidence, authentication of video evidence, documentary evidence, the hearsay rule and its exceptions, and oral offer. These questions will be followed by a drop-down menu where you can select the rule and provision you wish to comment on. You may provide feedback on up to 10 rules or provisions in the drop-down menu, and share any additional insights or general observations in the “General Feedback” section at the end.
Each respondent may submit only one response. We encourage you to review your answers carefully before final submission. A confirmation prompt will appear on the last page to ensure your answers are final before submission.
The survey may be accessed through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/wTdxNdMXDT.
The feedback gathered will serve as a guide to identify specific rules for amendment or additional rules that may be put in place to ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice, that is responsive to the technological advancements and challenges in these modern times.
The results will not be publicly released, but all responses will be carefully reviewed and considered in the drafting of the revised Rules.
Yes, responses will be anonymous and treated with strict confidentiality. Personal data will be collected such as name and roll number to verify that the respondent is indeed a member of the Bar but will not be linked to the responses. Additional information such as employment details, may be aggregated to analyze feedback trends across specific sectors.
Only authorized members of the Sub-Committee on the Revision of the 2019 Rules and the technical team will have access to the responses.
No. Your feedback will be treated with complete confidentiality and used solely to improve the Rules. There will be no negative consequences for sharing your opinions. However, we encourage that responses remain civil and constructive.
There are no incentives for answering the survey. However, your input will play an important role in guiding possible changes to develop the Rules on Evidence.
If you encounter problems with access, completion, or submission of your answers to the survey, please check first your device settings and internet connection, or you may try to use a different web browser. Please note that questions marked with an asterisk (*) are required. You will not be able to proceed to the next section unless all required fields are completed.
If the problem persists, you may refer your technical concerns to this address: evidencerulescommitee@judiciary.gov.ph.
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