eSubpoena system in trial courts set in 2018

MANILA, Philippines — The electronic subpoena system or eSubpoena in trial courts nationwide is set to go into full swing this year.

In Circular 244-2017, the Supreme Court, through Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, directed all first and second level courts which have undergone training “to strictly implement the eSubpoena system” and for those with connectivity issues to use contingency measures.

“Pending full connectivity of all the courts nationwide, those courts which have no signal or are experiencing intermittent internet signals are directed to use available internet facilities in their respective areas and utilize the monthly Extraordinary and Miscellaneous Expense Allowance provided the judges in sending the eSubpoena,” read the administrative order.

Marquez, who supervises all regional, metropolitan and municipal trial courts as well as other local courts in the country, also reminded the judicature and the Philippine National Police to “strictly accomplish” the feedback section in the system, lamenting that over 52,000 subjects issued with eSubpoena did not have feedback.

The lack of feedback affected the effective monitoring of attendance of summoned police officers in court hearings.

For the implementation of the eSubpoena system, Marquez has also tapped the SC Management Information System Office to handle courts that still do not have accounts or need to reset their password.