SC urged: Amend rules on electronic evidence

MANILA, Philippines — A lawyer is asking the Supreme Court (SC) to amend the guidelines on electronic evidence to allow the admission of videos taken by mobile phones, dashcams and closed-circuit television footage obtained from anonymous sources who fear for their safety if they come forward with the evidence.

In an open letter to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, lawyer Raymond Fortun urged the SC to consider approving new rules of procedure on electronic evidence to ensure the safety of citizens who want to report a crime.

Fortun cited the case of dismissed police officer Wilfredo Gonzales, who was recorded on camera verbally and physically assaulting cyclist Allan Bandiola out of road rage.

Fortun said the person who uploaded the clip of the viral video on social media took it down after receiving threats.

In another instance, Fortun said a netizen sent him a video of a road rage incident showing a motorist cocking a gun at a taxi driver.

He said the netizen recorded the incident through a dash cam, but “gave me specific instructions not to reveal his identity for fear for his life.”

“In the interest of justice and the protection of the citizenry, and in view of the potential for current technology to aid in crime prevention, I am asking the high tribunal to consider the passage of a new Rule of Procedure,” Fortun said.

He expressed hope that the SC would recognize the importance of CCTV footage to establish the commission of crimes and help authorities arrest the perpetrators.

Fortun also cited the Singapore police force’s website, which allows citizens to provide information, including photographs and video recordings, to aid investigation or uncover unreported crimes while remaining anonymous.