10/11/2021
I’m pretty sure that since videoconference hearing is the norm nowadays, the legal profession as well as the litigants are getting quite used to it. But as of writing, I’m still elated as I have witnessed earlier, the Regional Trial Court in Angeles, Pampanga, bringing AM No. 20-12-01-SC, “Videocon. Guidelines” into life. The petitioner testified from Stockholm, Sweden, accompanied by an officer of the Phil. Embassy, her testimony was also concluded today without her travelling back to the Philippines. Flying back would cost precious time and money; and of course, there is the hazard of infections while travelling long distances. I would also like to send BIG THANKS to the Honorable Judge who granted our motion and our last minute prayer to move the time of the hearing further from 1pm to 3pm to cure the time difference problem. I have great respect to people in position of power who respect the time, preparation and effort of a small-fry and small-time practitioners like me bring in our cases. Advocates eka nga. Abukado. Despite the outcome of the annulment case or whether she knew the effort of the petitioner to wait in front of the embassy as early as 5am today, or that she was refused by other embassies and honorary consuls in Finland and neighbouring states, or the fact that she still had to leave work, fly from Finland to Sweden today(a relatively shorter distance compared to going home to PH), I will never forget the leniency she spared us today, thank you very much po. The same is true with the public prosecutor, thank you, too. I was also told that we were only the second case to be allowed videocon hearing. Considering also, that the pilot court of Angeles City is one of the most beatiful courts in the country. At may sort of kaunting historical value ang overseas vidoeconferencing appearances, at sabi ng isang butihing panyera quoting a Justice of the Court that Videoconference Hearing is not going anywhere. Kaya opo, nag amerkana po ang inyong lingkod para dito hehe.