Sereno mulls computerization of court records

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno is eyeing computerization of all court records to shield cases and judicial processes from destruction during calamities.

She told new US Ambassador Philip Goldberg during his courtesy call last Wednesday afternoon that the reconstitution of court records in Central Visayas after the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda last month is a “big problem.”

She had been pondering if it was wise to invest in the digitization of all court records, she added.

The current judicial system requires paper-based filing of petitions and pleadings and issuance of decisions and orders.

A new system for electronic filing of petitions and pleadings is currently being tested at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

Sereno said court hearings are being held in tents in   earthquake-hit Cebu, while court records are being dried under the sun in typhoon-affected areas like Tacloban and Ormoc cities in Leyte.

“The court has to start functioning to bring a sense of normalcy,” she said.

“Almost all records” in the calamity-devastated provinces in Central Visayas have been destroyed, she added.

Goldberg has vowed the US government’s commitment to help in the reform and relief projects.

“We need to work together,” said.

Joining Goldberg were US embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Brian Goldbeck, Political Counselor Eric Kneedler, Justice Attaché Donald Ashley and Resident Legal Advisor Robert Strang.