PLDT provides broadband linkage to SC, other courts in Metro

The efficiency and productivity of the country’s legal system has received a much-needed boost through broadband Internet access.

Through an agreement signed with the Supreme Court, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) will provide BizDSL (digital subscriber line) Internet to 400 sites all over Metro Manila to connect judges and their respective courts to the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban said they spearheaded this more to take advantage of technology in improving the performance of the country’s legal system.

"This addresses the need for Internet connectivity and the growing demand for access by the judges to the Court’s E-Library and for the court clearance system," Panganiban emphasized.

This will also help in the facilitation and submission of reports to the Office of the Court of Appeals.

Panganiban added that PLDT’s broadband access will definitely enhance the functions of the Supreme Court, which has supervisory power over all trial courts, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan and the Court of Tax Appeals. The Supreme Court also shares supervisory power with the Department of Interior and Local Government over the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

PLDT corporate business group head Eric Alberto said PLDT is committed to help the Supreme Court in tapping technologies that will enhance their services and thereby benefit people who conduct business with the courts.

"The Supreme Court’s E-Library is just one potentially powerful tool in improving productivity. It facilitates the exchange of information like never before. PLDT BizDSL will definitely enhance that tool by providing high speed access to the E-Library as well as to the wealth of information over the Internet," Alberto pointed out.

Meanwhile, PLDT corporate business solutions head Nerissa Ramos also said PLDT broadband Internet is the way to go for government agencies which serve millions of Filipinos.

"With the increasing demand for fast and efficient service from government by a continuously increasing number of Filipinos, technology plays a very important role. PLDT aims to deliver the advantages of technology not only to businesses but also to the government," she explained.