MANILA: For the first time in its 112-year history, the Supreme Court (SC) has released to the public a recording of its oral argument.
The SC public information office announced the audio recording of Tuesday’s oral argument on the constitutionality of Republic Act 10175 or Cyber Crimes Prevention Act can be downloaded from the court’s website, www.sc.judiciary.gov.ph.
“You can now listen to or download the mp3 of the entire oral argument on the Cyber Crimes Act at the microsite for the act orals at the SC website,” the SC office said in a text message to reporters.
Oral arguments of the high tribunal have been open to the public but recording of the hearings is prohibited under SC rules.
Reporters are not allowed to use audio or video recorders while covering oral arguments. Proceedings of the SC in its session hall are strictly closed door. Not even the clerk of court is allowed inside the chamber when the justices are deliberating on cases during their full-court sessions.
Results of the deliberations are only relayed by the chief justice or acting chair of the SC to the clerk of court after the proceedings.
This is why court observers viewed the move to make public recording of the oral argument as a positive step toward transparency in the high court. Meanwhile, petitioners against RA 10175 yesterday lauded the SC justices for their deep understanding of issues surrounding the questioned law.
Lawyer Jose Jesus Disini Jr believes the justices took time to understand how the Internet works to be able to understand the contentions cited in the petitions.
The Philippine star
